Interview: Mark Alpert

I think that Mark Albert and his novel The Furies was one of the most interesting books that I read last year. You can really see the science background that he has and it is such an asset to plot creation. Please Welcome to Blood Rose Book:

Mark Alpert

If there was one author you could co-write a novel with (they can be alive or dead) who would you choose and why?

I’d love to write a novel with Stephen King. Brainstorming with that guy would be a lot of fun. So many of his books seem intended to answer the question, “What’s the worst thing that could happen?” As a neurotic hypochondriac, I’m often thinking along the same lines. When I walk down the street near our apartment building in Manhattan I automatically catalogue all the things that could kill me – the crazy taxi drivers, sagging tree limbs, open manholes, etc. My wife and kids think I’m crazy, but I bet Stephen King would encourage this kind of thinking. He would say to me, “What about killer dogs? Shouldn’t you worry about them too? Or killer clowns, killer cars? Insane fans of your books? An enormous dome crashing down on your neighborhood? There are lots of dangers out there that you’re totally ignoring! Use your imagination!”
 

Is there a book, author, story or person that inspired you to become a writer?

Yes, The Lord of the Rings inspired me. I read it when I was a very impressionable teenager. I loved the world Tolkien created, all the fictional cultures and languages. Immediately after finishing the book I tried to write my own fantasy novel. It was a disaster – I wrote only a couple of pages before giving up. But the dream stayed with me.
 

From astrophysics to fiction author, can you explain how this transition occurred?

Astrophysics and fiction really aren’t so different. They’re both methods for understanding and exploring the universe. I majored in astrophysics in college and enjoyed learning about the fundamental laws of nature. But I also liked to read and write poetry, which can reveal fundamental truths too. I tried to combine my interests by becoming a science journalist. I was a staff editor at Scientific American for ten years and I’m still a contributing editor for the magazine. And the work there inspired my imagination. While editing an article about Albert Einstein I got the idea for a thriller about his quest to discover the Theory of Everything. That became my first published novel, Final Theory.
 

You began your writing career with poetry and then short stories, why did you change to writing full length novels? Did you have additional challenges of writing a full length novel?

I’ve always loved reading novels but I didn’t make a serious attempt to write one until I was 27. The challenge, then and now, is to keep the book interesting. It’s so easy to get bogged down. If the chapter you’re writing isn’t the most interesting thing in your life – more interesting than any book you’re reading, any TV show you’re watching, any story in the newspaper – then you should think about revising the chapter, shortening it or cutting it completely. 
 

What do you think would be the hardest or most challenging genre to write a novel in and why? 

I think humorous novels are the most challenging to write. That’s why I admire authors like Carl Hiaasen and T.C. Boyle and John Kennedy Toole. You know the saying: Death is easy, comedy is hard.
 

I personally found to story of the Furies very interesting and what they are willing to do to make sure their gene pool and culture survive at all costs. Where did the idea for the story come from?

My son wrote a term paper about the Salem witch trials and discovered that it was just a minor affair compared with the witch hunts that raged across Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Mobs led by secular and religious leaders killed tens of thousands of suspected witches – the great majority of them women – in France, Germany and Switzerland. Historians still argue over what caused the homicidal hysteria, which didn’t start until the 1400s and mostly burned out by the 1700s. I thought it would be interesting to imagine a specific trigger for the killings, a large, extended family of accused witches who were feared and hated by their neighbors because they were genetically different. That was the inspiration for The Furies.
 

In your novel The Furies, you begin the novel during the witch hunts in Europe and then later refer to different times in history for America was it hard to merge fact and fiction together? What type of research did you do in order to get it right?

Yes, I did some research to ensure that the historical references in The Furies were accurate. For example, I’ve become something of an expert on the Battle of Brooklyn, a Revolutionary War battle whose outcome was influenced by one of the witches in my novel. I’ve attended reenactments of the battle at Green-Wood Cemetery, which now occupies one of the sites where the fighting took place.
 

After reading your novel The Furies, I can tell where your science background has come into play with your storyline, how real is the possibility of the science for immortality? Is it important for you to include your scientific background in your novels and have science aspect have a hint of truth to it?

Many, many scientists are studying the mechanisms of aging and the possibility of developing treatments to slow the process. I put some information about this field in The Furies because I like to weave real science into my thrillers. Slowing the aging process will be a difficult feat because the deterioration of certain types of cells seems to be unavoidable. But if researchers manage to find ways to significantly increase the human lifespan, the effects on society would be enormous. Writing The Furies gave me a chance to explore some of the possible repercussions.
 

Do you have any information on upcoming works or events that you are able to share?

My next book will be a Young Adult novel. We haven’t chosen a title yet, but it’s about a group of terminally ill teenagers whose minds are transferred to robotic bodies. It’s like a mash-up of Harry Potter and the Transformers. It’ll be published in June 2015.
 

What is one book (other than one of your own) that you think should be a must read for everyone? 

Everyone should read The Grapes of Wrath. What an amazing book.

I just want to say Thank You once again for Mark taking the time to answer the questions for his interview. Make sure to check out his books if you are looking for a fantasy or sci-fi book that edges with what could be real.

Interview & Giveaway: Jane Casey

I was fortunate this year to discover Jane Casey, whose first novel, The Burning in her Maeve Kerrigan series, really caught my eye due to the police procedural being so well done. Please Welcome to Blood Rose Books

Jane Casey

If there was one author you could co-write a novel with (they can be alive or dead) who would you choose and why?
I would love to write a book with Agatha Christie because I think we wouldn’t squabble too much. She loved plots and puzzles but wasn’t so interested in character and psychology. I’d love to hand over the plot to someone else and concentrate on the fine subtle details of character development and dialogue! And who better than Agatha Christie – she had a mind like a steel trap and a very inventive approach to evil-doing.

You entered into the literary world, before you became a successful author, as a children book editor. What did you learn about writing while editing those books?
I learned all about being a good author – the boring bits, like checking the manuscript obsessively because it’s not the editor’s job, despite what many people think, to correct spellings and make your work consistent. That’s your job. The editor backs you up! And I learned a huge amount about pacing stories. Children are very unforgiving; they tell you when they’re bored. You can’t let the pace drop. I learned that the best way to see if a passage of writing works is to read it out loud. It’s amazing what trips you up and what stands out as unnecessary when you hear it instead of reading it.

You began your writing career with your D/C Maeve Kerrigan adult mystery series, but last year you released your YA novel How to Fall. Why did you decide to start a YA series? What were some additional challenges that you encountered writing a YA novel?
I’ve always been a huge fan of YA and I loved editing it. I played around with a YA idea when I was supposed to be writing my second book for adults. It didn’t work, but an editor who read it approached me to try a YA crime novel. I love writing the Jess Tennant books and I particularly enjoy working out how to get a teenage girl involved in a serious criminal investigation! There’s a strong romantic element to the plots too, and I will cheerfully admit that’s one of my favourite parts. Because Jess isn’t a police officer, it can be hard to resolve things in a believable way. Peril is a regular feature of her life. If I had Jess as a daughter, I’d never let her leave the house.

What do you think would be the hardest or most challenging genre to write a novel in and why?
For me, probably literary fiction. I read it but I miss the sense of climax you get in a crime novel – justice must be done. In literary novels, that’s not a given. Sometimes the stories fade out and I’m not sure how satisfying that is for readers. In general, I think you should write books you would like to read yourself. I fear I’d lose heart.

What do you think are the essentials to make a great crime mystery novel? How do you think your Maeve Kerrigan series differs from the many other mystery novels out there?
I think great crime novels need all of the elements of a great novel: compelling characters, believable dialogue, pace, a good setting that’s evoked in a vivid way, plus a little something extra – a mystery that must be resolved. The best ones are those that end with a villain who the reader feels is the only person who could have committed the crime, but also the last person they suspected. Then again, I love novels that turn that idea on its head. Donna Tartt’s THE SECRET HISTORY is about how to get away with murder – or not – and it’s just as compelling as a generic whodunit.

The Maeve Kerrigan series is strongly focused on the characters, and really, they are what the readers remember and love. The series characters’ personal lives and relationships are a big part of the books. I also benefit hugely from having a prosecutor husband, so every book is grounded in fact and every aspect of the police investigation is as accurate as I can make it.

There are some very dark themes and aspects within your Kerrigan series, what appeals to you about the dark and disturbing aspects of human nature?
I think readers and authors of crime novels are definitely fascinated by the dark side. It’s a strange thing – every newspaper is full of examples of violence and cruelty yet most of us are lucky enough to encounter it in fiction only. But if you go back to the very beginnings of English literature, the great Anglo-Saxon poem BEOWULF is about good confronting evil. Turning our fears into fiction and vanquishing them is a human tradition. I send Maeve into battle against some very awful individuals and so far she has always triumphed.

Maeve is a very interesting character and at times seems innocent but jaded at the exact same time as she is just starting out her career, what do you think are the defining characteristics of Maeve’s character? As she is starting at the bottom in the unit as a D/C and has a lot ahead of her, do you have a planned number of books for her series?
I see Maeve as someone who wants to fit in but can’t – she’s an outsider in many ways. It’s a male-dominated world and she’s female; she’s young but better at her job than many of the older detectives in the unit. Her background is a traditional Irish one but she’s grown up in London, in a very different world, so she isn’t what her parents expect and she isn’t the same as her contemporaries. Although Ireland and England are close geographically, they are worlds apart culturally.

As for being jaded, she has to prove herself again and again, and that gets exhausting! I think she’d like to believe the best of people but she’s taught herself to expect the worst rather than being disappointed all the time. I love it when other characters underestimate her and she proves them wrong.

I wanted to write about a young woman in a tough world because her life is complicated in a way that a male character’s life might not be. Will she choose family and a gentler career path? Will she become a senior detective and make her work the focus of her life? Will she prove that she’s not there to balance the genders or because she’s attractive, but because she deserves to be there? I like the different perspective she gives on the investigation – she does the leg work and she has to persuade her superiors to trust her. I’d like to keep writing her for another few books, definitely, but although I’ve mapped out the next three or four, I’m not sure where she’ll end up yet.

The police procedural content within your book is really well done and I think accurately shows to be how a Detective would follow the evidence as well as the hierarchy within the police culture. Where did your information and knowledge come from as you do not have a history in this or similar occupation?
As I mentioned briefly earlier, my husband is a prosecutor – a criminal barrister, technically. He wears a wig and gown in court, the full traditional costume, and he has many years’ experience of the legal system. He’s a great source of information on procedure and as he’s worked with many, many police officers, he has access to officers who can answer any questions I may have. He also works as a volunteer police officer in his spare time so he has personal experience of the immediate aftermath of violent crime, arresting people, giving evidence and so on. He is probably the ideal partner for a crime writer.

Do you have any information on upcoming works or events that you are able to share?
The fifth Maeve Kerrigan novel, THE KILL, will be out in the US in the spring next year. The UK is a year ahead at the moment. I’m working on the sixth now. So basically, if you like them, there will be more!

What is one book (other than one of your own) that you think everyone should read?
BRING UP THE BODIES by Hilary Mantel. It’s not an easy read but it’s hugely interesting: a vivid study of how we convince ourselves to do the unthinkable. The novel focuses on the trial and execution of Anne Boleyn but I think it has echoes of the very darkest moments in world history. Cromwell sees himself as a good man doing what is right, when what he is actually orchestrating is a tragedy and an outrage. Very clever!

I Just want to say Thank You once again to Jane for being part of my Blogoversary. I am looking forward to continuing on in her Maeve Kerrigan series, I love it when I am able to start a new series that already has mutiple books released mean I don't have to wait to get my hands on the next book. Jane has very kindly supplied a Giveaway (US) to go along with her interview. Please fill out the Rafflecopter information to participate.

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Interview & Giveaway: Emma Pass

Emma Pass is a YA author that I had the pleasure of reading her debut novel ACID, that has the dystopia theme down pat and she has some very interesting concepts of where the world could be headed. Please welcome to Blood Rose Books Today:

Emma Pass

If there was one author you could co-write a novel with (they can be alive or dead) who would you choose and why?

Hmm. Well, we're talking total fantasy here, but if it could be anyone it would be Stephen King. Why? Well, he's Stephen King! 'Nuff said. :)

 

With the release of The Fearless, you are on book two of your published book career. What have you learned about yourself and your writing process from book one to book two?

I've learned that I can write a book under deadline, which is something I wasn't sure I could do when I started – I wrote ACID over a number of years, and had roughly a third of that time to write The Fearless. It was stressful and scary at times, but I'm really proud of that book now. I've also learned to conquer my fear of the first draft, which is something I've always struggled with. I'm one of those weirdos who hates first drafts but loves editing!

The Dystopia / post-apocalyptic genres appear to be the genres that everyone is writing in these days (even authors that are well established in other genres) what do you think the draw to these genre are?
How do you believe your novels and series stand out from the rest of the crowd?

They're set in the UK, while a lot of other dystopians are set in the US, and they have strong, kick-ass female protagonists who don't need boys to save them.
 

Many adults have taken to reading novels that have been classified with the YA designation. Why do you think YA novels are now appealing to adults more? Do you think that this may change some of the overall content of the YA genre?

I think because YA novels have strong stories and tackle such a huge range of issues – there are no limits in YA and it isn't afraid to peer into the darkest corners of life, yet leave you with a sense of hope, which is why it appeals to me as a writer. I don't think the fact that more adults are reading it now will change the content. If anything, I think it's helping YA to expand.
 

What do you think would be the hardest or most challenging genre to write a novel in and why?

I've tried writing in a lot of different genres on my journey to becoming a published author, and

the hardest one for me wasn't actually novels of any kind, but picture books. To create a strong story with so few words… it's a huge challenge, and one I just couldn't get to grips with! Maybe one day...

Jenna Strong really has to live up to her namesake for the events that she is put through in her short life but at the same time she became so many different people, was it difficult to write a character that had an ever changing mind and personality?

No – I had the story laid out in my head very clearly as I wrote, and Jenna's personality switches actually made it more fun to write, as I got to 'reboot' the story and her character every so often. This is still one of my favourite aspects of the novel, and it was a really good way to show just what lengths ACID will go to to control people.

Do you think that the main female characters in your books Acid and Fearless have good role model qualities that you want to portray to young girls reading you books? What qualities do you think that Jenna and Cass represent?

I do. I wanted to write female characters who were strong, independent, brave and sometimes ruthless, but also had consciences and cared for the people close to them – in short, female characters who were real, and human. They didn't have to act in certain ways just because they were girls.

You have some very bleak ideas for the future UK, where do these ideas stem from? Do you think in the future there could be special police/army forces controlling everything?

You only have to look at places like North Korea (which I based society in ACID on) to see that this has already come true! Also, in 2009, the Shetland Islands (a tiny group of islands off the coast of Scotland with a population of less than 23,000 people) had more CCTV cameras than the San Francisco police department. Now, that's scary.

Do you have any information on upcoming works or events that you are able to share?

I am quite superstitious about talking about new work, so I will just say I'm playing around with some new ideas and having fun! And there's also a couple of other exciting things in the works that I hope I'll be able to share soon.

 

What is one book (other than one of your own) that you think should be a must read for everyone?
Just one book? Argh. I suppose it would have to be The Passage by Justin Cronin – one of my all time favourites because of its ambitious scope and because it's just so beautifully written. It's one of those books that shows you there really is no limits, and I love it!

I just want to say thank you once again to Emma for taking the time to be part of my blogoversary event. I know I will be picking up The Fearless when it is released as she does some amazing world building for our bleak future and as you can see some of her ideas do come from the present which is scary. Emma has very nicely provided two giveaways so everyone could have a chance to win. See the rafflecopter apps below to enter.

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Interview & Giveaway: Maegan Beaumont

I read Maegan Beaumont's debut Carved in Darkness and lets just say it was amazing. I couldn't wait to get my hands on the her second book Sacrificial Muse that came out earlier this year and it does not disappoint. Please welcome to Blood Rose Books:

Maegan Beaumont

You now have two books in your Sabrina Vaughn series, how has your writing process changed from Craved in Darkness to Sacrificial Muse?

It’s much more focused. When I wrote Carved, I was writing whenever I felt like it. Now that I’m under contract, I’m writing like it’s my job. Because it is. I don’t have the luxury of writers’ block or I don’t feel like it today… which is a good thing.
 

What have you learned about yourself from book one to book two?

That I can actually do this. My first books wasn’t a fluke—I am a real writer.
 

As a reader I became very attached to your characters, I cannot think of how attached you would have become to all your characters. Is it hard to put them through all the pain and emotional turmoil they go through, especially Sabrina and Michael’s relationship?

Sometimes I sit back, after writing a scene and think to myself, wow, what am I doing to these poor people? It makes it easier to know that it’s all a part of their growing process and that they’ll be better and stronger in the end but yeah—sometimes I feel bad.
 

What do you think is the most defining characteristic of Sabrina and Michael?

They’re both loyal to a fault and they both carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.
 

I know that your second book, Sacrificial Muse, was just released in July, but can you share any information about book number three?

Book three, Promises to Keep, is Michael’s story and it’ll be told in two parts. We’ll see him in in the past—in the months leading up to his sister’s disappearance—and in the present during his search for a missing child. The past and present come together and we get a look at what Michael’s decisions have cost him and how he goes about making it right.
 

Can you share how many books you believe there will be in your Sabrina Vaughn series? What do you think are the main components of writing a successful series?

I’ve got plans for 4 or 5. Book 4 will take Sabrina back to Yuma, where she was held captive as a young woman. She’ll be hunting a serial killer who preys on migrant farm workers. Book 5 will be Ben’s book.

I think the most important part of writing a successful series is your characters. Your audience has to love them or they won’t feel compelled to follow them.

If there was one author you could co-write a novel with (they can be alive or dead) who would you choose and why?

Hmmm… I’d have to say it’s a toss-up between Lee Child and Chelsea Cain. I love their main protags—Jack Reacher and Archie Sheridan. Reacher is just as tough as Sabrina and Sheridan is just as messed-up emotionally. I think they’d be interesting together.

What is one book (other than one of your own) that you think should be a must read for everyone?

The Stand by Stephen King. So many rich, diverse characters and a fully developed universe. He gives us hope and at the same time, a feeling of inevitability. Not a lot of writers can do that.

Thank you Maegan for once again being part of my Blogoversary (you can check out Maegan answers from last years questions here). I personally cannot wait to read the third book and the hear Michael's story as his past has intrigued me from the beginning. Maegan has very nicely offered a Giveaway (US) to go along with her interview. One lucky person will recieve a Copy of Carved in Darkness and Sacrificial Muse, so enter the rafflecopter information below :)

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Interview & Giveaway: Rebekah Turner

Each year to kick off my Blogoversary event, I always like to pick an up and coming author who I have had the pleasure to read in the past year. This year it is Rebekah Turner whose Chronicles of Applecross series, Chaos Born and Chaos Bound, has something for everyone and couple that with great characters and amazing world building you have yourself a Winner on all fronts. Please Welcome to Blood Rose Books Today:

Rebekah Turner

If there was one author you could co-write a novel with (they can be alive or dead) who would you choose and why?

Well, I wouldn't ask anyone famous or well-known. Hells, no, thank you. Could you imagine if you teamed up with Laurell K. Hamilton and stuffed your side of things up? Sheesh. She'd slice off your ears off and wear them around her neck just for a laugh. Talk about freaking pressure. No, thanks. I think I'd pick my cool writer buddy Charlotte Nash (http://charlottenash.net/), who loves B-grade movies and awesome trashy novels as much as I do. And then we'd write something like a series called: Lesbian Zombie Nazi Hunters. I mean, that story just writes itself!!

 

Is there a book, author, story or person that inspired you to become a writer?

I recall being very inspired to gravitate back to writing after reading One for the Money, by Janet Evanovich. Then I discovered urban fantasy through Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Holly Black and Kelley Armstrong and I knew I just had to write something.

The Urban Fantasy / Paranormal genres appear to be the genre that everyone is writing in these days (even authors that are well established in other genres), what do you think draws authors to these genres? Why did you decided to release your debut in this genres?  How do you believe your novels stand out from the rest of the crowd?

I think authors are drawn to the urban fantasy/paranormal genres because the only limits are your imagination - anything can happen! And alpha males can also be totally alpha-holes, because they're werewolves, baby. And you still love them, because, you know, hormones and sexy man titties. Not to mention the She-Ra heroines, kicking ass and taking names. What could be cooler than that?

I decided to release my debut in this genre, because I felt I had a good story and strong voice. Growing up, I cut my teeth on CS Lewis, so I always loved the whole portal into secret worlds thing. And how my books stand out? Why, it's got everything. Fights! Romance! Heroic action! A she-ro with attitude!

What do you think would be the hardest or most challenging genre to write a novel in and why?

Crime is pretty hard, I think. Or mystery. Because you have to know what the hell everyone is up to and what their secret motivation is. I try to combine a crime element in the Applecross books and it's tricky, making sure everything lines up.

Another one would be horror. I've written a few short horrors and I found it difficult to bring together elements to freak your reader out that doesn't feel contrived or done before.

A lot of work went into the creation of The Weald, how would you describe Lora’s world to would be readers?

This is what I wrote for a synopsis, introducing the world:

Beyond our world and through the candy-striped tollbooths of the bear-men, lies The Weald: a hidden land entrenched in a medieval-like existence and a refuge for the mystical races. Within the sprawling walled city of Harken, lies a quarter named Applecross. Its shadowed streets are home to those considered unsavoury by polite society — the witch, the warlock and others not quite human. Adopted by a witch-elf as a babe, Lora Blackgoat now works these twisted streets as a blade for hire for a satyr with no regard for social niceties.

One of my favorite things about Lora is that she has some aspects to her that are not typical of a heroine, for example she has lame leg. Why did you decide to give her a flaw that could greatly hinder her especially as a smuggler and mercenary?

I love Lora to bits. She's full of piss and vinegar and she'd be my favorite fantasy drinking buddy. She's the type of character that will go down swinging and then bite your ankle bloody, still trying to win the fight. By giving her a disadvantage, I knew she'd just work harder to succeed at independence.   

When you decided to write your Applecross series did you intend to not use the typical creatures associated with UF / Paranormal genres (for example Vampires, Zombies, Werewolves)? What went into the creation of some of your creatures?

I wasn't drawn to writing vampires. After reading JR Ward, I didn't think I could do anything as awesome as the Brotherhood. I was raised in a very religious home, so I was very familiar with the mythology of angels and demons, who felt like a natural fit for this story. For the other characters, I just shook up a bunch of mythical tropes and wrote what fell out of my imagination, while others I just plain made up. 

It appears that in most UF and paranormal novels, yours included, that have come out in recent year that there is a romance aspect to the stories. Do you think that romance is needed within novels of any genre to make the plot and story more well-rounded? And I guess we as readers need to know whose side are you on, Seth or Roman?

Romance isn't necessary needed, I think it depends on what kind of reader you are. I always love a good romance tangled around a plot. But other readers might be turned off by it. My husband included. He reads my early proofs and makes suggestions, but whenever he hits a romantic thread, he can't stand it and makes all sorts of lame jokes on the page. Different folks, different strokes. 
And as for which character's side am I on? Well …. Roman's the classic, old school hero, and Seth is the antidote, being the wicked, dark anti-hero. I think I'd have to say I love both men equally. Don't tell my husband I said that.

Do you have any information on upcoming works or events that you are able to share?

Chaos Broken is with my editor and will hopefully be out late in 2014. I'm also working on a novella, a paranormal fantasy called Carnal Crimes. I just have to finish a naughty sex scene before I can send off. When I say finish, I mean write something better than... 'and then they shagged in the dark alleyway'. Erotic. Fail.

What is one book (other than one of your own) that you think should be a must read for everyone?

One?! Impossible, I tell you! Okay. I think The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, because...you know...a classic and all that. 

I just want to say thank you to Rebekah for being part of my Blogoversary and I know I am looking forward to the next book in her Applecross series. Rebekah has very kindly offered to have a Giveaway (INT) to go along with her interview so follow the Rafflecopter instructions below. 

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