The Authors Speak: Jason Sizemore

Friday, Friday!  Where did the week go.  Here we are, live for D.C., and we're closing out the week with a conversation with Jason Sizemore.  How the heck is Jason Sizemore, you may find yourself asking.  Well, it's not a big shock to find that there are a lot of people who are not 100% sure who the man is.  Enter the Authors Speak, and our attempt to blow your mind.

The Apex Book Company is tearing it up.  It?  Yes, It.  It, being the publishing industry.  Most notably, the company has released "Dark Faith" (which featured stories from Brian Keene, Kelli Owen, and many others), and "Dark Futures", which focused on the end of days.  Besides the anthologies that they are cranking out, Jason sees to it that the Apex Book Company also releases its magazine (if you're interested in subscribing - and you should be - then follow this link: http://www.apexbookcompany.com/apex-store/subscriptions/).

Whether its a matter of releasing consistently good product, cultivating a talented pool of writers, or reading countless submissions - currently accepting for the Zombie Feed anthology and Apex Magazine - Jason Sizemore is the massive brain behind the beast.  Considering the work load and the devout attention to detail and perfection, The Authors Speak is realtively certain that Jason is one of the hibernating Elder Gods, capable of achieving the massive with no sleep or substance.  For the non-Lovecraftian among us, we're saying we think Jason might very well be a god. 

A few weeks back we discussed "Dark Futures".  I was eager to chat the state of the industry, the upcoming releases, and the sheer brain power of the one of the heroes in the field.

Eric Mays: “Dark Faith”, “Dark Futures”…what is it about the dark? Are we dipping further into the void as a culture?

Jason Sizemore: Ha! I just hate for people to believe in faith and the future of the human race. Because I’m evil.

Or it could be a case of the managing editor not paying close enough attention to the titles and letting a bit too much ‘darkness’ into them (though, to be fair, Dark Futures was published by Dark Quest Books and Dark Faith by Apex Publications).

EM: Your anthologies feature such a strong mix of literary talent. Some anthologies feature some heavy hitters, but also have some valleys that are…shall we say, lacking? Yours seem to be stacked. What superpowers have you garnered that allow you to assemble this potent literary cocktail?

JS: My tongue, it slithers like the serpent’s from the Garden of Eden!
There’s definitely a science to producing an anthology that feels great from start to finish. You arrange the stories in a manner that flows. Group thematically related pieces. You want to open strong and end strong. I think this assists the reader to appreciate the work as a whole, like a good novel you could say. So then, any stories that the reader might not have enjoyed as much as the others gets blended into the whole experience in a positive way.

It also helps to have an eye for talented new and up and coming authors. I’ve been lucky in that regard. Every anthology I put together, I have a core group of amazing writers who send me stuff: Jennifer Pelland, Paul Jessup, Lavie Tidhar, Alethea Kontis, Maurice Broaddus, Kelli Owen, Elaine Blose, Maggie Slater, and on and on. They don’t always make the anthology, but they do help raise the level of submissions I receive.

EM: “Dark Futures: Stories of SF Dystopia” is excellent! I love the Kelli Owen (Dunlap) story incorporating Twitter (which may be a catalyst to a dystopian hellscape). I’m fascinated by depictions of dystopia, as are many others. What is it about this bleak potential outcome that so captivates us?

JS: I LOVE how Alethea (Kontis) and Kelli integrated Twitter into their story (“Black Hole Sun”). What could have been just another social media stunt has turned into something special. The characters are still Tweeting to each other as their fictional world collapses around them. It’s touching.

You can follow the characters’ feed here: http://twitter.com/#!/kelli_owen/black-hole-sun

The appeal for bleak outcomes is twofold. First, it stems from ‘survival belief.’ Everyone wants to believe they’d survive a zombie outbreak, a nuclear holocaust, an asteroid colliding with Earth. The fiction then places them in a potential ‘What if’ scenario. Second, many of us like to thing “Well, yeah, things suck, but it could be worse.” Dystopian fiction helps cement the belief that life could be worse.

Naturally, I believe that I would be a survivor and that, of course, things could be worse!

EM: “Meat World”, “Terra Tango”, “Personal Jesus”...there’s a lot of diversity in this collection, and seemingly it touches every emotion. For fans of dystopian tales, what can they expect from this collection?

JS: As an anthologist, I buy stories and arrange them in a manner to try and touch certain emotions. With DARK FUTURES, I wanted to tap into despair, adrenaline, hope and hopelessness, the sense of loss, survival of the fittest. This is not a book that will leave you feeling good about life, but if I’ve done my job correctly, you will go through an exhilarating roller coaster of emotions!

EM: It’s unfair, but that’s how I roll: Do you have a favorite in this anthology?

JS: Yes, this is an unfair question. For one reason or another, I fell in love with every story in the anthology.

Remember above when I said you put what you feel are your most widely appealing stories first and last? The first story is “Memories of Hope City” by Maggie Slater and the last is “Black Hole Sun” by Kelli Owen and Alethea Kontis.

That’s as much as you’ll get out of me about favorites.

EM: Besides assembling massive talent, you also operate the Apex Book Company, “painting the landscape of dark fiction”. Cheers to you Jason! You have the books; you have the magazine; you have all kinds of drive! How do you manage it all?

JS: Simple. I love the work!

I’m a voracious reader. Running Apex feeds my need to read. It allows me to operate a small business in a field I admire (literature). I get to meet great people. The motivating factors are all there.

Having said that, I’d be getting nowhere without the help of smart editors like Deb Taber, Gill Ainsworth, Jennifer Brozek, MG Ellington, and the whole Apex crew.

EM: I’m sure you see a ton of submissions sent to you. I ask this of all the publishers and editors we talk with: What is one thing that needs to stop with the submissions you receive? A pet peeve, if you will.

JS: I’m sick to death of “I hate my spouse” stories. Nobody wants to read about your marital problems.

EM: As a person with a finger on the pulse of the industry, what is your take on the current state of publishing? I know it’s in flux, but is this good flux or bad?

JS: The paradigm of how the business works is changing. I see printed fiction books existing only in niche markets and certain specialty presses. The influx of eBooks will continue to grab market share.

There is good and bad way beyond what I can explore in a single interview. From a consumer standpoint, it’s good because you’ll have a whole lot more buying options as authors continue to self-publish ebooks. It’s bad because so much of it will be crap.

EM: What’s upcoming for Apex?

JS: We just released a reissue of Lavie Tidhar’s dark fantasy novella AN OCCUPATION OF ANGELS. We’ll be publishing Gary A. Braunbeck’s TO EACH THEIR DARKNESS, a hybrid how to/book of essays compilation (think of King’s ON WRITING). We also have a novella by Brian Keene and a novel by Dru Pagliassotti in the works.

If you've not read any of the Apex Book Company's releases, I implore you to do yourself a favor.  In fact, click the link below and snag a copy of Dark Futures.

NEXT WEEK is HUGE.  We have a trifecta of talent on the Authors Speak Live next week - 3 days, 9 authors.  And next week we'll do profiles on each one.

Friday, 11/5, 6pm EST - David Agranoff will join us for Happy Hour to discuss his latest book "Vegan Revolution with Zombies";
Saturday, 11/6, 12pm EST - S.G. Browne, author of the runaway bestseller "Breathers", will join us for the Authors Speak Live!
Sunday, 11/7, 12pm EST - Authors Eric Mays and David Barbee will read from their books AND announce the five new NBAS authors and releases.

Where will you be?

Fun to Say; Fun to Read. Djibouti

Saying that Elmore Leonard is a masterful storyteller is a little like saying Van Gogh was a masterful painter.  Yes, there are those that don't like the artistry, but there's no denying the talent that exists there.  And, after turning 85, Elmore Leonard still has tricks in his sleeves!  "Djibouti" indicates that very fact.

Leonard, obviously, carved his niche into the Western genre.  And, he placed his footprint - which is massive - on the crime genre.  Reinvented, even.  And just when you think he can't do anything better, he goes and switches gears.  Djibouti is the tale of Somali pirates and the documentary crew dead-set on capturing footage of their "plight".  It's not surprising that Leonard is attracted to the pillaging, plundering lifestyle.  Somali pirates are a fascinating study, but they also complement his crime-story ways marvellously.

Different here, too, is the style in which he tells the story.  You remember watching "Cloverfield" or "Diary of the Dead"?  That "mocumentary" style, watching through the camera's eye, sort of filmmaking?  Leonard attempts that here.  Most of the story is told from protags Dara Barr and Xavier LeBo vieiwing their documentary footage.  It's something that is more visual and has no right working in a book, but, as is almost always the case, pulled off with ease.

What's Good: The dialogue is fresh and full of vitality.  Elmore Leonard never once seems to have a weak link in that department.

The characters.  Dara's a unique Leonard creation.  And, I challenge you to not fall in love with Xavier LeBo, the six-six, 72 year old black cameraman.

Djibouti!  The backdrop of Djibouti is vibrant and sleezy all at once.  Leonard also is aware that it's a fun name to say, and tackles that head-on with the characters.

And, the overall feel is the product we've come to cherish from Mr. Leonard's writing.

What's Not So Good:  The concept and style is mostly set to fail in the literary sense, yet he pulls it off.  Somehow.  What's not so good, is that the style relies on visuals - 2 people watching what's happening on a screen - which, in some respects, waters the plot down.  Not to say it's not good, I just think a slight alteration here and there could have improved pacing.

Verdict: Duh?  You should purchase this one, for sure.  Even if you've not liked Elmore Leonard to this point, take a look at Djibouti.  It's different enough that it may just whet your appetite for more.

The Authors Speak Live! Patti Callahan Heny

If you missed this weekend's interview with Patti Callahan Henry, you missed a doozy!  It was, by far, the most fun I've had, thus far, in this series.  Well, one of the top moments I've had, let's say that.  We chatted about the genre of chick-lit, the changing publishing industry, and James Patterson's seemingly mechanized way of cranking out books.  And, there was a twist at the end - she was in the car at the Auburn game!  Podcast it now: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theauthorsspeakcom/2010/10/23/the-authors-speak-patti-callahan-henry.

One of the things we discussed was an amazing promotion.  Patti Callahan Henry wrote the first two lines of a love song and she wants you to complete it.  This promotion runs until the 2nd of January, and there are some remarkable prizes.  Visit http://www.patticallahanhenry.com/ for all the information regarding this.

If you've not picked up a copy of The Perfect Love Song: A Holiday Story follow the links and place it in your shopping cart.  It's a wonderful holiday read that taps every human emotion.

Join us this week as we review Elmore Leonard's latest, "Djibouti" and Jason from Apex Books.  Until then, keep reading.

The Authors Speak Live: Patti Callahan Henry

There is a negative vibe that accompanies the word simple.  I'm not sure why that is, these days.  It seems we need to go bigger, longer, faster, more complex.  But even the most complex story, with the biggest twist, can end up a giant mess (see: Inception).  Meanwhile simple remains simple.  And there's not a thing wrong with that.  Simple storytelling still makes me smile.

Patti Callahan Henry is a simple storyteller.  Mind you, this is not to say that she is a simpleton.  What is meant, she writes without pretention, without mucking the plot up with slight of hand, and maintaining an air that is unnecessary.  In fact, her stories are genuine.

But beneath the simple subjects of love and family (recurring themes in all her tales), there is a much more complex spiderweb, as is the case with most stories of love and family.  Callahan Henry knows this, accepts it, and allows those intricacies to create their own conflicts.

In my college days, I was a member of the SOS - the Southern Order of Storytellers.  There's something about the South and the art of storytelling.  I think this is what adds a level of charm to the works of Pat Conroy, Anne Rivers Siddons, Nora Roberts, and Patricia Gaffney.  Southern storytelling is a style in itself.  And it is seemingly fast fading.

Patti Callahan Henry is a great talent in this (subgenre) category of fiction.  Already author of seven books (including her just released "A Perfect Love Song"), Patti is carving a niche for herself as a NY Times Bestselling author.  And her story is just as compelling as the characters and tales she has told.  The daughter of a minister who learned storytelling at a young age.  The vacations to Cape Cod, which kindled a certain love for the beach and the ocean.  Meeting the Southern Charmer that would later be her husband while at Auburn University.  It's pretty darn near close to to a Taylor Swift song.

I'll stand by and heartily recommend "A Perfect Love Song" and "The Art of Keeping Secrets".  Both are excellent reads and will tug your heartstrings.  To learn more about Patti Callahan Henry, join us on Saturday, 10/23/2010, at 12pm for our live interview at www.blogtalkradio.com/theauthorsspeakcom.

Patti Callahan Henry's body of work:

Losing the Moon - Like most mothers, Amy Reynolds has anticipated the moment when her son brings home his first serious girlfriend. But when he does, she’s shocked to meet the girl’s father. He is none other than Nick Lowry – the college boyfriend who captivated her heart and soul and then, without a word of explanation or warning, disappeared.
 Driftwood Summer - An engaging novel of sisters, from the acclaimed author who “writes movingly about love and family and the voyage we all take to discover what we really value.” (The Island Packet)
Where the River Runs - Meridy Dresden was once a free-spirited, fun-loving girl. All that changed when the boy she loved was killed in a tragic fire. Since then, she alone has carried the burden of a terrible secret.

When Light Breaks - Now, as two women from opposite sides of the same sea meet, a tale unfolds that will draw readers into the heart's remembrances-and the tender awakenings of first love.

Between The Tides - Catherine Leary’s father told her that all of life is a story. Her story began with a childhood tragedy. Now her father’s last request is for her to confront her past, unravel a family secret, rediscover her heart and start a new chapter of her life.

The Art of Keeping Secrets - Since a solo plane crash killed her husband two years ago, Annabelle Murphy has found solace in raising her two children. Just when she thinks the grief is behind her, she receives the news that the wreckage of the plane has been discovered—and that her husband did not die alone.



The Perfect Love Song: A Holiday Story - The story of Jimmy Sullivan, who has been living on the road with his brother, Jack, and their band The Unknown Souls. The road is Jimmy’s only home and music his only savior until he falls in love with a beautiful girl, Charlotte Carrington. Spending time with Charlotte inspires Jimmy to write a love song for her, which becomes an overnight sensation and is dubbed “The Perfect Love Song.”

The Perfect Love Song

Patti Callahan Henry is a name you should make note of in your mental file cabinet.  We'll give you a full author profile as this week moves on (she's our guest this Saturday on the Authors Speak Live).  But today, we'll take a look at her new book, released 2 weeks ago, "The Perfect Love Song".

The first thing that gripped my attention was the cover blurb from Pat Conroy.  Like his stuff or hate his stuff, Conroy is a masterful storyteller, thus, I settled in for what I hoped would be a great "Southern" read. 

Oftentimes, when I use the descriptor "Southern", I follow it with "fried".  Southern-fried is the accurate descriptor when discussing Fred Willard's crime fiction, Joe R. Lansdale's work, or the gonzo crime capers Hiaasen spins (though, Florida, I'm convinced, is it's own world).  This falls into the much more sophisticated Southern-charm category.  Think Pat Conroy.  Think Nora Roberts.  Think Patti Callahan Henry, because her name should be right up there with the "big boys" of fiction.

"The Perfect Love Song" is labelled a holiday story.  Quite frankly, it's a story that resonates year round, and deals with issues we deal with throughout our lives.  The story focuses on Jimmy Sullivan, who with his brother, Jack, and their band, has been living on the road.  As someone familiar with the touring lifestyle (from my theatre days), I'll attest to the toll it takes on the body, and the magical moments you find in your "downtime".  Callahan Henry captures that marvelously, which is the perfect catalyst to introduce Jimmy to Charlotte.

With a sense of restored hope - something to actually inspire him - Jimmy scribes a love song for Charlotte and decides that it will be a holiday gift.  It's perfect, and really all he can afford.  But, when he does a live performance of this song it catapults his celebrity, and Jimmy finds himself making the tough decisions of the world.  On one hand there's the fame and fortune that is oftentimes not attained, though it comes at a price...namely his brother, Jack, and his love Charlotte.  On the other hand, there's a much more simplistic lifestyle, sans any glimpse of fame and fortune.

I need not offer a "spoiler alert".  As a holiday tale, you'll guess what happens in the end.  Tales of redemption often surprise us, but always inspire us.  This one certainly does.

What's good?  There's a subtle nod to Allende's "Like Water for Chocolate" here.  Recipes appear in the book, which supports the story, and adds a little umph to the readers.  It's a sweet touch.

Also, this book, while romantic at its core, is a piece that touches every single emotion.  I was moved in a way that I seldom am when reading books.  Sure, I'm cheering for the protagonists the entire way, but seldom do I feel their fictionalized encouters.  I place this one on par with Nicholas Sparks' "The Notebook".  Very few pieces of fiction capture me in that manner.

What's not so good?  The length!  It's a short read.  You may flip to the back of the book and see a few hundred pages, but the margins on the pages are wide, the text double-spaced, so you're really getting a novella here.  It doesn't change the response to it.  For me, anyway, I was wanting more, and felt that there were areas that the story could have given a little extra mustard.

Final Verdict?  It is a good holiday book.  If you're looking for something that will not offend, this is a great read.  A few years back I bought everyone Kinky Friedman's "The Christmas Pig".  Wouldn't you know it, that one irked a few people.  Not sure why?  This one, though, without a doubt will inspire the creatives in your life, not offend the prudes, and touch every reader in your household.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

The Perfect Love Song was release 10/12/2010 by Vanguard Press

Put the Teddy Bear Down

There are so many unique gift items this season.  In the coming weeks, The Authors Speak will compose our gift giving guide for 2010 (and there are some doozies on this year's list).  But, let's face it, tradition indicates that the teddy bear is one of the most popular gift giving items of all time.

If you're struggling to come up with that perfect gift for that someone in your life, you may be looking in the wrong directions.  No worries, mate, that's why we're here.

You want the cuddly of the teddy bear, but the intellectual stimulation of Dashiell Hammet?  Okay.  But, you're wanting something a little more depraved (think a crossbreed of Cronenberg and Chandler).  Okay.  But, it's gotta be good.  We're running the scales here, but I think we've found the perfect gift for that teddy bear-loving, noir-needing, creeped-out, addled bookworm.  Ta-Da!  I present you with Jimmy Plush: Teddy Bear Detective.

We've chatted with Garrett Cook a time or two (he's a friend of the Authors Speak, who happens to have submitted several articles), and each time we've sort of plugged the upcoming book "Jimmy Plush", released through Eraserhead Press.  Yet, I've not seen hide, nor hair of it.  Now, we catch our first glimpse of the sweet, sweet cover.  This design is really hitting my sweet spot.  It scream noir, with the blinds, the usage of light, and that fedora and trenchcoat wearing teddy bear just all scream! 

I've read the "prequel" story that introduced us to this "world".  Jimmy Plush is a funny man.  Garrett Cook has crafted a world that will simultaneously shock and rock you.  This is one that I'm craving, and I have word from Mr. Cook, himself, that this will be available for the holidays.  So, zip over to his website and guarnatee your loved one a copy by preordering.  I also have it on good authority that you may be entitled to some extra swag if you do!  Visit: http://thegarrettcook.blogspot.com/.  While you're there, check out other titles by Cook (Murderland is the ideal Halloween gift, so...).

So, dust off your Teddy Ruxpins and prep yourself for Jimmy Plush.  Seriously, why not buy three?  One for you, one for that teddy bear lover, and one for the reader.  It's a worthy investment.

Tomorrow, we'll give you our must-read of the week.

5-7-5 Dirigbles Coming Right For You!

For those that missed the weekend broadcast (at its normal time), we got to chat with the brilliant Felix Gilman - British steampunk novelist who just wrote one of the best books of the year, "The Half-Made World".  It is truly marvelous storytelling.  If you didn't catch the initial airing, follow the link and podcast it: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theauthorsspeakcom/2010/10/16/the-authors-speak-felix-gilman.

In that broadcast we also announced a pretty awesome contest.  After the success of zombie haiku, in recognition of "Breathers" author S.G. Browne, we launch another round of haiku.  In lieu of zombies, though, we turn our attention to the dirigible air ship, a popular feature amongst steampunk backdrops.  Send your dirigible haikus to us and I've got a nice, new, hardcover of "The Half-Made World" to offer up.  What are you waiting for?  Hurry!

This week, we'll be a little all over the place.  Patti Callahan Henry joins us this weekend on the Authors Speak.  We'll feature an excerpt from past guest Gregory Hall.  We'll announce our end of the year schedule (with holidays, et al, there aren't that many weeks remaining).  And, we'll review another great book.  So, all in all, a very full week ahead.

I would like to ask for your feedback.  What are your thoughts on The Authors Speak?  What do you want more of?  What do not like?  I'm always willing to keep this alive, but want to make sure it is a valuable resource to you.  I know the BTR networked radio show is new (and has some pretty groovy authors upcoming), but do you like it?  This feedback is extremely valuable.  If you get a chance, please send it on over.

Until then, keep reading.

The Authors Speak: Tim Dorsey

In 1999 I picked up a little book called "Florida Roadkill".  I'm a huge fan of Leonard, Hiaasen, Barry, and all the Florida crime writers (with regard to Dave Barry, he did put out two funny crime capers), so adding Tim Dorsey to the mix was a no-brainer.  Of course, the roadkill flamingo, the gonzo synopsis on the back, and the bright colors augmented my decision to palm the book, give the cashier a wad of bills, and find a park bench and enjoy.

Enjoy doesn't even begin to cover it.  I devoured it!  There's a style Dorsey has that separates him from the herd.  He starts the tale in the beginning of the third act, then takes the reader on the hell storm that set that whole thing up!  It's an acquired style, but I think if you adapt to the reading of it, there's no way you cannot love it!

My name is Eric and I'm a Serge A. Storms addict.

Serge A. Storms is the main Dorsey protagonist, and he's like no other hero you'll find.  He's more the antihero, which is a breath of fresh air.  When on his meds, Serge is still a gonzo field guy exploring all the hot spots of the his beloved Florida.  Take him off the SSRIs, though, (or expose him to coffee) and things tend to get...well, wiggy. 

Dorsey has an ear for dialogue and has a way of taking the most obscure, fantastical situations and make them, somehow, believable.  We, as readers, laugh with those crazy situations, but never once doubt the validity of it.  It's Serge afterall.  And after eleven books, one would think Dorsey has run out of ideas.  No such luck yet.  He takes the characters we've loved for more than a decade an keeps the situations fresh and hilarious.

I spoke to Tim Dorsey at the edge of the summer (we're just getting the interview up now).  The Rays were playing the Red Sox, so we made it brief.  Congrats, Mr. Dorsey, to you Rays, who forced a Game 5.

Eric Mays: Let’s just start with Serge. He’s such an amalgam of some of the most unstable qualities you find in sociopaths. Yet, somehow, you manage to make him likeable. He’s a hero to a lot of people; certainly he is for me. How the heck do you walk that line, Tim, of keeping him likeable rather than loathsome?

Tim Dorsey: I don’t know. A lot of people do loathe Serge. I guess I just have fun with him. If I ever stop having fun with Serge, I’ll have to switch gears to a different character.

EM: Actually, the instability of Serge is sort of like my subconscious. He says and addresses matters that I only wish I could – you know, attitudes, absence of common sense, text messaging. Have you received any emails from fans claiming Serge is their personal hero? Any hopes for him to “author” a nonfiction line of “common decency” primers?

TD: My books are common decency! (laughs) But, no plans for any nonfiction. I tie in enough Florida history and pop culture, that you could read the whole series and have it serve as a nonfiction book.

EM: I’m never one to ask where someone gets their ideas. I think it’s just a horrible question. But I will ask how you keep Serge fresh and new? It seems that after a dozen books that there’s a chance he would grow stale.

TD: Again, I just try to have fun with Serge. As I go through the day I think about situations that happen to me and think of what they would be like with Serge in the mix. If it’s a good fit, I keep it. Like I said, I’ll stop when he stops being fun.

EM: And how many of these hair-brained scenarios have you personally played out?

TD: A lot. I get ideas from it. The MREs during the book “Hurricane Season” is an example. After subsequent hurricanes, relatives kind of got me a prank gift. It was a big, heavy box filled with MREs. I took them out and filled to the fill line (and we still had scorch marks). They actually weren’t all that bad. It was a fun experience that I had to include in a book.

EM: You and Hiaasen are two of my personal heroes, and I never fail to pick up your latest book. I hail from Texas and thought of it as a crazy state. Florida, on the other hand, makes Texas look sober and sane. What is it about Florida? How did it get so nuts?

TD: There’s just so much growth. There’s always a movement of people coming into the state to live, and few going out of the state. So many people equals so much rapid change, which in turn equals stranger times.

EM: In the most recent of your novels, Gator A Go-go, you talk about midget tossing. It is, as you say, a victimless crime. I want to know, though, how this was first made a crime in Florida to begin with. I mean, was there a time when there were so many little people that tossing them was an inevitable hate crime?


TD: Off the top of my head, I’ll say there was a time when it was just getting out of control. At one point all these bars had pits with measured throw lines and they’d drink and toss midgets. It just got out of hand and a judge finally had to intercede and pass a law making it illegal.

EM: Okay, shifting gears a little. “Twilight” has the ongoing debate between Team Edward or Team Jacob. I’m starting my own Dorsey line: Team Coleman or Team Lenny (and for those unsure about this, pick up the books). Who do you side with?


TD: I can’t make that call. Not to sound cliché, but they’re like my children.

EM: Of course, Coleman disappeared for a bit. Lenny did serve as a good, hapless, drug addled sidekick. But now we’ve got Coleman back. Did fans demand Coleman’s return?


TD: Yeah. Obviously he was killed in book one, which at the time hadn’t been optioned. I wasn’t even sure it would see the light of day. So I stupidly killed off a character that I didn’t realize would have a following.


I continued the series with Lenny and went from there. But I began hearing from people who wanted Coleman back. At that point I had two books written and almost finished with the first draft of the next one.


So, I went back in time a little. Obviously, that was the way I brought Coleman back into the picture. Sharon too. But, finally, as you know, I’ve figured out a way to drop Coleman back into the storylines. And, of course, there’s still appearances by Lenny.

EM: Speaking of that, you were writing this series nonlinear at the beginning. I guess that really was the only way to have Coleman make appearances. Lately, though, the series has been moving pretty linear. Any other prequels?


TD: I think it will be linear from this point forward.

EM: No hopes of going back to see Serge as a kid, maybe a YA book? I’d love to see that.


TD: No hopes for that. We may see Serge as a kid in a flashback, but I’m not so sure that it would be Young Adult.

EM: What can we expect from “Electric Barracuda”?

TD: Lots of Serge. You know from time to time Serge has tried to start his own tourism company. This time, Serge overhauls his travel website and has an idea for a theme vacation: Florida as a Fugitive. The idea is that he’ll travel as a fugitive through the state of Florida. Of course, Serge is a method actor, so he’s blogging about his experiences.


Of course there’s a task force out to stop Serge (even I realize that rational thought would indicate that the authorities would need to apprehend him at some point) as he travels the backroads of Florida, playing fugitive and unaware that he actually is. So while the task force pursues him, Serge is actually pretending he’s being pursued. And it all builds up to the Everglades.


I don’t want to give too much away, but there is a bit of true history dealing with Al Capone. He had a winter home down there, so there’s a Capone connection made with Serge and the madness.

EM: I’m sure we can expect a new iTunes soundtrack, yeah?

TD: I just write. That’s all the marketing department. But there are some great tunes in this one.

On the phone, I was giggling like a child at the description of the upcoming Electric Barracuda.  It's going to be another riot, I'm sure.  Electric Barracuda drops into bookstores on 1/25/2011, but it is already available for pre-order.
 
For more information about the esteemed Tim Dorsey, visit him on the Internets at http://www.timdorsey.com/.  If you've not already done so, you can check out the official blog of Serge A. Storms here: http://sergesfloridaexperience.blogspot.com/.
 
If you'd like to pre-order book #13, follow the link below.  I'm hopeful that Mr. Dorsey will join us for our live show on Saturdays at BTR.  Keep your fingers crossed kids.

A Special Book Event (now in spectacular Odorama)

That last part was just a little joke.  I crave a scratch and sniff book!  I want it.  But, Jason Wuchenich's book, Stinky Incubus, is not the one that I want in odorama.  Not that it shouldn't warrant such a treatment.  It's a solid enough read, but with one of the tales within entitled "Stinky Incubus"...well, you get what I'm trying to say.

So, this little book (which we reviewed here: http://www.theauthorsspeak.com/2010/05/in-spotlight-legumeman-books.html) has certainly made the rounds.  One copy is in the hands of John Waters; the Aussies are nuts about it; and, pretty much every person I've spoken to that's read it has agreed it may be the most disgusting book on the market today.  Also in agreement, it's very good, very funny, and leaves the readers wondering..."What's coming next?"

So much so, the Authors Speak issued the first challenge: Mark McLaughlin and Jason Wuchenich should collaborate.  We've heard that the gauntlet was accepted and is in the process of happening.  Can't wait and see that perfect literary storm.

Jason Wuchenich announced last week that he would be offering a limited run of 20 (only 20, so don't dilly dally) signed editions of his book, "Dinner Bell for the Dream Worms".  What's more?  You won't have to pay the ridiculous "limited edition prices".  No sirree, you can score one for just $11.

Here's what you do:
1.) First of all, find Jason Wuchenich on facebook.  We'll make it easy: http://www.facebook.com/#!/jasonwuchenich
2.) Send him a message.  Call him "Wookie", his preferred name, and tell him you demand a signed copy of his book.
3.) Wait for his response and - BOOM - it's that simple.

Now, I'm here to sweeten the pot a bit.  I those of you who have read "Dinner Bell", to email the Authors Speak.  Tell me your honest thoughts, and tell us what you want to see from LegumeMan Press next and Jason Wuchenich.  This is valuable information, kids, and it will be rewarded.  Those that send me their thoughts will be entered into a drawing to win cool stuff.  Two winners will receive a LegumeMan book from our private collection: A Million Versions of Right by Matthew Revert or Jess Gulbranson's 10 A Boot Stomping...

So, go ahead.  Sweetness is at your fingertips! 

Join us tomorrow for our exclusive interview with the always funny Tim Dorsey, author of the Florida crime-spree Serge Storms novels.

Until then, keep reading.

Must-Read of the Week: The Half-Made World

The timing of this is very odd indeed.  So, Felix Gilman will be joining us this weekend for the Authors Speak Live!  His book, "The Half-Made World", comes out today.  And, the only show I watch loyally on television, "Castle", paid homage to steampunk last night.  Fate?  Perhaps.

I've said it before: Felix Gilman reminds me a lot of China Mieville.  Both have the ability to weave a tapestry of words into a gorgeous landscape, vividly describe that world, and still bring pathos to the many, many characters that encompass it.  Unlike China Mieville, however, I find Felix Gilman much more...attainable.  When reading "Kraken", for instance, I found myself consulting a dictionary numerous times only to find that some of these words were made up (as Chris Moore, friend and author, said: "I'm 16 pages in and Mr. Mieville has already made up 8 words).  In many ways this is a fun study, but in decidedly other ways this is polarizing.  Felix Gilman abandons that "pretention" and just tells it like it is. 

His first books - Thunderer and Gears of the City - Gilman bit off a lot.  Both of these were highly ambitious books that solidified his role in the steampunk world.  You had the gaslight technology of Welles' world, the similarities of Verne's Paris, and a fascinating story of a musician seeking a god in a city of gods.  Ambitious, no doubt.  And yet, he pulled the task off without batting an eyelash.

In "The Half-Made World" (released today from Tor), Mr. Gilman has found his footing.  This is a fascinating read, that scrapes the scope that his first two books had and hones in on character.  Never fear, dear readers, there's still much of the signature steampunk genre here.

It's not our world.  It is eerily similar, though, and perhaps on the same timeline.  You see the beginning date, 1878, and think you're reading about remnants of our Civil War.  Quickly you realize this is not our world, however there is a Civil War brewing.  The war has gone on for years between the Gun and Line.  Gun gravitates more towards the supernatural, whereas Line captures innovation and engines.  The intensity is turned up to eleven, though, when it is rumored that the general of the Red Republic may (not only be alive) hold a secret weapon that would signal the end of the war.

What's Good?  That's a loaded question!  As always, Gilman always describes his inventive landscapes like a National Geographic expert.  No doubt, after three books, Felix Gilman has become a master of this.  However, unlike the two previous novels, the landscape, the world, does not usurp the spotlight.  It's a nice element that augments the story, but never once feels like the meat and potatoes of the book.

What's better here, is the emotional connection we, the reader, have with all the characters.  (That is not to say we didn't feel certain things for Arajun in Thunderer.  We did.  It's just the city...phew!  That was our main focal point)  In "The Half-Made World" the characters are rich and vibrant and, as mentioned above, have a pathos that hooks us.

The cover.  I know, I know...there's that whole never judging a book by it's cover.  But this is a simplistic approach that harkens to an era that we seldom discuss.  Most books today had a planning committee who suggested angles, colors, flashy and gaudy.  The Half-Made World, as you can see above, takes a simpler approach (kudos, Tor).

What's not so good?  The length.  As engrosse as I was with the story, there are some lapses and lags in the pacing.  I do believe that the book could have easily run fifty pages lighter.  It's not a deal breaker, mind you, and shouldn't distract from the story at hand.  The enjoyment never wanes.

Final Verdict?  A worthy investment of your book allowance.  Imagine a book that reads like a season of the Wild, Wild West as if the writing panel had been Victor Hugo, Charles Dickens, and H.G. Welles, and you can get an idea of what you're in store for.  A nice union of bizarro and steampunk, and perhaps one of the best books I've read all year.

The Half-Made World released 10/12/2010 and can be purchased by following the link below.  For more on Felix Gilman, visit him on the web: http://felixgilman.com/

Tomorrow, Jason Wuchenich has an offer for you.  For a meager $11, you can snag a signed copy of his latest LegumeMan release.  More on that tomorrow, dear readers. 

Until then, keep reading.

The Forces of Evil versus the Amazing Greg Hall

That's not entirely true, but sort of in the realm of things that could be.  Y'see, if you're a follower of the Authors Speak Live, our Saturday afternoon chat, then you noticed something - dead air.  That's right.  The forces of evil tried to keep the amazing Gregory Hall away from the Authors Speak.  Perhaps there was a thought/fear that the clash of these two mega titans would set the world off its axle.  Or maybe it was just a renegade car running a red light.  Unsure.  Either way, we were not stopped.

If you missed it, we went live two hours later at 2pm.  The entire thing is available as a podcast at our BTR website: www.blogtalkradio.com/theauthorsspeak

During that show, we discussed Gregory Hall's book - At the End of Church Street - and promised to send you to get it.  Here ya go: http://belfirepress.com/main/our-titles/at-the-end-of-church-street/

Please keep your eyes open for the mega Greg Hall/Eric Mays limited edition collectors run.  I think the final cost was $500, but I could be wrong on that front.  Also, we tossed the gauntlet down this Saturday.  Gregory and I will be doing something that will be focused on promoting literacy and, perhaps, be some sort of performance.  We'll donate the dough.  But, if you're an author interested in any of this, please let us know.

Seems to be a lot of announcements here...

We also referenced Jason Wuchenich's offer - 20 signed copies of "Dinner Bell for the Dream Worms"...FOR $11 APIECE!  As mentioned, email us for the details and we'll put you in touch with Jason directly.  These are limited, so act now.

And finally, our show was graced with the presence of R. Scott McCoy, overseer of Necrotic Tissue (necrotictissue.com).  D. Harlan Wilson, Andersen Prunty, and other big names in horror have appeared in this magazine.  Check it out if you're interested in submitting or procuring a copy.  You can also find Scott and Necrotic Tissue on facebook by searching "Stygian Publishing".

Phew!

This week on the Authors Speak:
We'll have a quick glance at Elmore Leonard's newest book (released on 10/12);
We'll chat with steampunk bestseller Felix Gilman, author of the The Half-Made World" joins us live;
And, we'll giveaway a little LegumeMan Halloween teaser treat. 

Stay tuned, and keep reading.

The Authors Speak: Greg Hall

You've heard of werewolves, and wereleopards, and weresharks, and wererats, and on, and on.  But, have you ever heard of a werepig?  Of course you haven't!  Unless you tune in blog talk radio every Friday night.  Over the past two years, Greg Hall has assumed the role of the Funky Werepig and he'll be joining us this weekend (10/9 at 12pm) for The Authors Speak Live!

But who is Gregory Hall?

Making the convention rounds (whether you're there as an author or a fan) you'll probably find the formidable force that is Greg Hall.  He's Johnny-on-the-Spot, it seems, and always working.  This is why he's good at his job.  At our recent trip to the historic Gettysburg for Horrorfind, seemingly around every corner was a bearded man in a Hawaiian shirt that was in perpetual demand.  If you examined his name badge, you saw the name: Greg Hall.

The Funky Werepig is THE show to listen to if you're interested in horror fiction and the writers who peddle it.  Having talked to a bunch of these authors, I'll say this: one of the heights you reach is an appearance on the Funky Werepig show.  It's that good and, thankfully, it's not going anywhere anytime soon.

Besides this, I'll admit that Greg did a little pushing (in the nicest possible way) and is the catalyst that brought the Authors Speak to the BTR network.  For that, I'm eternally thankful.

When he's not on the BTR network, or consuming massive amounts of razor clams (a personal delicacy of Hall's), or waiting to be served at Gibraldi's, Greg's also an accomplished writer.  I recently had the distinct pleasure of hearing him read from his manuscript, "Dracula's Winkie".  The story that spawned this particular writing project is grand and I hope that it is one he'll share with us this weekend.

So, in short, Greg Hall is exactly the way we want him.

This weekend we go host-to-host and find the answers we've all been dying to get:

• What is it about razor clams that make them so good?
• Hall's stint on and off the watch lists of our nation.
• Are werepigs just chupacabras, and has Hall ever been mistaken for one?
• Why cupacabras don't show up as mascots more often in professional sports?

We'll also get the skinny on all things Funky Werepig, the oversaturation of pop-culture vampires, the favorites on the convention circuit, and the state of horror (good, bad, eh-eh).

Tune in http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theauthorsspeakcom/2010/10/09/the-authors-speak-greg-hall this Saturday at 12pm.  I hope to see you all there.

Until then, keep reading.

The Authors Speak: Chris Fabry

Are you ready for some football?  Well, ready or not, football season is upon us, and the reigning champion New Orleans Saints are starting the season at a 3-1 record.  Perhaps they're not as strong as they were last season, nevertheless they are the reigning champs until dethroned. 

There's much to be loved about the New Orleans Saints story.  It has all the elements of a Hollywood sports flick.  Devastation of the city due to the epic proportions of Hurricane Katrina; A team that had to play all home games on the road the year after; the threat of moving the team to Los Angeles.  Seemed like the notorious 'Aints really couldn't catch a break.

Enter Sean Peyton and Drew Brees.  I remember when Drew Brees got the boot from San Diego and thought it to be a shame.  Drew was a tremendous player for the Chargers and the threat of a "broken wing" was all it took to put Phil Rivers in the spotlight.  I remember, too, when Brees landed in New Orleans.  The second day I procured a Drew Brees jersey in support.  The day after he and his wife arrived in the city, Brees took out a full page advertisment in the paper, just to tell the city how much he appreciated them giving him a second chance.

A little later, I'd purchased "FAITH" black tee-shirts for the members of the band Cowboy Mouth (from New Orleans), who were playing a private show for my friend Rebecca and I.  Paul Sanchez, one of the band's front men, and I discussed the trade.  Paul said it best: "He's got a broken wing, but he done give the city hope."  Amen, brother.

History is history.  You know, by now, that the Saints won last year's Super Bowl.  And, it was a game that was a Hollywood ending.  The onside kick to start the 2nd half; the late interception; the opposing team's quarterback being the son of one of the greatest Saints players of all time.  WOW!

As one would expect, the onslaught of NOLA Saints books began thereafter.  They range from the great to the not-so-good-just-riding-the-bandwagon.  But one, in particular, stands out...and should.

Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity by Drew Brees and Chris Fabry is an an amazing read, filled with inspiration.  Whether it is Drew's challenge to overcome the chip on his shoulder, or the adversity of the Saints needing to salvage the city they loved - the book tells an eloquent tale that reads like a dream.

I had the chance to ask a few questions to Chris Fabry (who is a phenomenal writer, himself).  Chris has written over 60 books in the last 15 years.  You do the math and you see that that's near 4 books a year.  Besides this release, which you should snag, Chris Fabry's latest book was released this past Friday.

Eric Mays: You’re the co-author of “Coming Back Stronger”, Drew Brees’ memoir. You’ve stated that you think this book is going to help anyone who is floundering in life, correct?

Chris Fabry: Yes, anyone who’s struggling to come back from some setback or disappointment.


EM: In fact, you felt a unique calling to aide this project. Would you mind explaining this?

CF: My family and I have gone through some difficult times with toxic mold. We lost our home, our pets, and our health. When this project came up, I felt like I was uniquely qualified to help tell story because all of that was so fresh for me. Everything that Drew talked about from his rehab to the way God worked through the adversity rang true to me.

EM: Drew’s one of the good guys in the NFL (which is great that they still exist; they seem to be a dying breed), so thank you for telling the story. I remember that ad they took out in the paper upon moving to New Orleans, thanking the city. Isn’t this what fans should want from the athletes they look up to?

CF: I think this goes back to the ethic Drew learned early on from his parents/family. An athlete has a responsibility to himself, his family, the team, the city, and in his case, to God to live an exemplary life. No one is perfect and Drew will tell you he’s not. But when you strive to honor others above yourself, you win at life.

EM: Moment of truth, Chris: Are you a Saints fan?

CF: I am now. I grew up rooting for the Bengals, moved to Chicago and became a Bears fan, moved to Colorado and followed the Broncos, and now I’m in Arizona rooting for the Saints.

EM: How did you find Drew Brees, or vice versa, for this project?

CF: I’ve worked with Tyndale for many projects and they can’t get rid of me. I tend to write quickly and they needed this one turned around fast. Brees talked with Tyndale and with Jim Tressel of Ohio State and I guess they felt okay about me. (An Ohio State and a Purdue guy agreeing. Amazing.)

EM: Drew Brees is an inspiration for so many. How does he remain so levelheaded, unlike others in the profession?

CF: My observation is that Drew would be this same kind of person if he were an engineer or a cook for a restaurant. He’s giving. He knows that there’s a responsibility with talent and opportunity. And frankly, he’s been on the sidelines and has seen his share of low times. I think that makes you better able to face the successes that come your way.

EM: Besides “Coming Back Stronger” you’ve got plenty of titles to your name. I’d like to chat about your collaboration with Jenkins and LaHaye on the “Left Behind: The Kids”. “Left Behind” is one of the bestselling series of all time. And, now you’ve told the story through the eyes of the kids. How did this idea to re-work from a child’s perspective come about?

CF: Jerry and Dr. LaHaye wrote the first five books, then the adult books accelerated and I was brought it. What a thrill. And here’s the kicker. My 10-year old son came to me last week. He’d been reading the first few books in the series. He said, “I prayed with Judd when asked Jesus into his life.” What a moment. Each book in the 40 titles has a believable conversion so that kids will know how to ask God into their lives.

EM: And you’ve got “Almost Heaven", (which just hit bookstands this past Friday) which deals with (as you describe) a “hillbilly genius”. What can we expect from “Almost Heaven”?

CF: Almost Heaven is my ode to Christian radio and really anyone with a small dream who keeps getting kicked in the teeth. It’s a love story. It has bluegrass music running through it. And it’s about the little town where I grew up in the hills of West Virginia.

EM: You’re a bit on an inspiration – 60 books within the last 15 years. With your large family, active radio, and your commitment to helping others learn about the dangers of mold, that feat is even more impressive. Any inspirational thoughts you’d care to share with those writers we have out there?

CF: If I’m active in radio, does that make me radioactive? I say that with 9 kids, I don’t have time for writer’s block. I think if you enjoy what you do, you will do it whether you’re paid for it or not. I’m blessed to be able to write and do radio and have a loving wife who has stuck by me. If you dream of writing, the question is, “What are you doing about it?” Are you journaling? Are you reading a lot? Writing is active, though it’s seen as a passive profession. Sit down and do it and don’t take failure as a sign to give up. Struggle well and keep writing.

EM: And, the obligatory: what’s next for you?

CF: My next story is called, Not In The Heart, a novel about a man whose son needs a transplant. A man on death row wants to donate his heart after his execution, but there are legal hurdles. And what if the man on death row is innocent? Will his son die? I think this is going to be a good one.

You can follow the links below to grab your copy of either "Almost Heaven" or "Coming Back Stronger".  I encourage you to take a look at "Coming Back Stronger", even if you have an aversion to football.  The story is very motivational and, I think, you may come away taking a little step towards some goal you've always had.
 















Tomorrow we'll profile Gregory Hall, our Authors Speak Live guest this weekend.  He's the creator of the Funky Werepig, and he'll be with us this Saturday (10/9) at noon at www.blogtalkradio.com/theauthorsspeakcom
 
Until tomorrow, keep reading.

My Naked Birthday

It was a year ago that my book "Naked Metamorphosis" hit the bookstores.  This was an exciting time for publishing (and no, I'm not that arrogant).  Eraserhead Press, based in Portland, Oregon, was killing the small press industry.  One of the most successful independent publishing houses, Eraserhead was beginning to launch new imprints.  At this time last year, the press had already successfully launched Spunk Goblin, a young adult line of books, and now there's a whirlwind of excitement about the new imprint - New Bizarro Authors Series.  Needless to say, "Naked Metamorphosis" was one of four books (from quite a few, I understand) that made it to publication.

The story of "Naked Metamorphosis" is a riot, which is a biased thing for me to say.  But stroll over to amazon.com and see a few reviews.  It's been positively reviewed and received and I'm extremely proud of my brain baby.

The story of the journey "Naked Metamorphosis" took is a more tumultuous one.  Initially the book was entitled "Rotten", playing off the "something's rotten in the state of Denmark" theme of Shakespeare's Hamlet.  It began as a play, surmising what would have happened if Hamlet hadn't died at the end of "Hamlet" and the whole thing was really just a comedy of errors.  That, entertaining as it may have been, was not anything too new. 

Enter some other literary influences.


Sticking with that theme, I decided to pursue the idea of another well known name in literature rewriting "Hamlet".  I opted for a contrasting style - Franz Kafka.  But, it didn't stop there.  I figured if Kafka retold Hamlet, then surely others would want to retell it as well, casting their creative flair on the work.  What you have, the end product, is an overlapping genres retelling of the Bard's classic.

It is an overwhelming task trying to outdo the masters.  And, I'm not pompous enough to think that I exist in their ranks, but I do think I produced something that they'd be proud of.

In the course of the year, "Naked Metamorphosis" has travelled hither to thither to yon: from Portland to Buffalo; from Richmond to Horrorfind; into the hands of Gina Farago, Joe Lansdale, Brian A. Hopkins, Mark McLaughlin, and the masterminds behind "Kill Shakespeare; it even made a special trip to Stratford Upon Avon.  It's true.

Now, the little book that could turns one-year old.  And there's only one birthday wish for one of my brain babies: buy it.  The holiday season (like it or not) is upon us.  This is a book that's worth giving to the Shakespeare fan, the bizarro fan, the Gregory Maguire fan, the theatre fan, the fan of classic literature.  It's one of the most versatile gifts that you can potentially give.  I'm hopeful that you will discover this book if you've not already (like us people, books just want a little love).  If you've discovered it, I hope you will aide in prolonging its life (another common bond between books and us people).  Follow the links below and drop this into your Amazon shopping cart.  You won't be mistaken, and if you are, if you hate it, send me your personal hate mail (my email is in the rear of the book).  Plus, the Seth Chenard artwork on the cover looks really awesome.

Slap on the party hat, grind the grinders, and blow out the candles.  The New Bizarro Authors Series has just turned 1!  The first four books in the series belonged to myself, David W. Barbee, Kevin Shamel, and Patrick Wensink.














Tomorrow we visit with author Chris Fabry, co-author of "Coming Back Stronger" with Drew Brees.  Football season is here, as is the change in weather.  Good books await a warm set of hands.

October is Finally Here

It's a big week for the Authors Speak - so big, in fact, we needed a day just to lay it all out.  Seriously, is Ocotober the best month of the year?  Sure looks that way. 

First, if you missed this Saturday's edition of "The Authors Speak Live", you can catch it here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theauthorsspeakcom/2010/10/02/the-authors-speak-daniel-wallace.  This was a ton of fun.  I mean, how many of you could imagine talking Star Wars with a Lucasfilms insider?  Really great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.  Daniel Wallace is the author of "The Jedi Path", just released this past week, as well as countless compendiums and encyclopedic resource books for the Star Wars, DC, and Marvel universes.  Plus, the story on how he "fell" into this craft is pretty impressive.  Go ahead, listen to it now.

This month will be an exciting month.  In the mix are Felix Gilman, Patti Henry Callahan, Douglas Preston, Elmore Leonard...oh, sweetness there's a lot.  Let's take it one week at a time, though, shall we?

THIS WEEK:

Tomorrow (10/4) we celebrate a special birthday.  The book "Naked Metamorphosis" turns 1 year old (as does the new imprint from Eraserhead Press).

Wednesday (10/5) we will ask you if you're ready for some football?  Chris Fabry joins us to discuss Drew Brees and the Champion New Orleans Saints.  Fabry co-wrote the book "Coming Back Stronger" with Drew Brees.  Since we're headed to week 5 of the NFL season, and the Saints hold a 3-1 record, the timing couldn't be better.

Thursday (10/6) we'll profile our weekend author, Greg Hall.  Greg is the creator and host of the Funky Werepig and this Saturday we'll get to turn the tables on the man and challenge him to a little Q&A about sparkly, glittery vampires.

Keep your eye on us this week...and until we meet again, keep reading.

The Authors Speak: Daniel Wallace

No doubt, you're a fan of Star Wars (I mean, who isn't?) and probably agree with us when we stick by the fact that Greedo did not shoot first and the spooky ectoplasmic Anakin at the end of Return of the Jedi is not Hayden Christensen.  But, that's the thing about the Lucas universe - even when it's bad it's good (case and point: "Howard the Duck").

Star Wars fans got word this week of two wonderous things: 1.) The films will be released in 3-D beginning in early 2012, and 2.) The Blu Ray release of all 6 will happen in 2011.  I'll add one more to the list: The Jedi Path.  I've already declared this book to be THE gift to give this year.  And, the brain behind it is probably the leading authority on all things Lucas - Daniel Wallace.

What is so unique about this book?  Well, it is the first time that a book has been commissioned from within the Lucas Universe.  What does that mean?  Well, it's simple.  The Jedi Path is an artifact, a guidebook that has been passed along from Jedis to Padawans for years.  Not enough to inspire you?  Okay, this thing was a hit at Celebration V, probably because it includes notes from Palpatine, Yoda, Anakin.  No?  Take a look at this video of the book in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuOrNhR9e6M.

The best person to write this is, of course, Daniel Wallace, who fanboys will recognize for his onrunning (and neverending) guides, encyclopedias, and atlases. Whether it's the guides to Droids, Characters, or Planets, or just this "artifact", Daniel is showing no signs of stopping anytime soon.  Let's say a little prayer that he doesn't.  It's the stuff like this that keeps all fanboys happy as minochs on a power converter.

Tomorrow we'll chat live, one-on-one, with this Star Wars virtuoso.  We'll enter a fandom nirvana when we'll chat Star Wars, Marvel, and DC - the trifecta of geek. I encourage all of our fans to chime in tomorrow at 12pm - www.blogtalkradio.com/theauthorsspeakcom - as we lock our S-Foils into attack position and head straight to the trenches.

See you then, kids.  Keep reading and may the force be with you (yes, I think we now owe Lucas fifty cents).