Monster Attack Author Interviews: Alex Winck

1. Can you please tell me a bit about yourself and your work?

I´m a Brazilian nerd who grew up in the eighties, which means I was a nerd long before it became cool, and with even less opportunities to make money out of it. I´ve loved comic books, science fiction, fantasy and horror since I can remember, and I´ve dreamed for a long time to write that stuff. I studied journalism in college because it was the most viable way to make a career out of writing, and it was an opportunity to learn a lot about a variety of subjects, while still trying to nurture my dream of becoming a fiction writer. By pure dumb luck, I got a spellchecking job at a company that published educational comic books for children, distributed for free at schools. Since I remembered loving cartoons, Disney comics and also Monica´s Gang - a highly popular comic book lineup for kids in Brazil, a pop culture icon here -, I took a shot at writing it, and ended up writing almost 100 issues of ir, with one million copies being distributed monthly. I still write some institutional and educational material, but lately I´ve focused more on my author´s work. I edit and write for the online comic book and short story anthology "Tales From The Absurd", devoted to horror, fantasy and sci-fi, recently had my first printed comic book horror story in the "Sinister Tales" anthology. I also have a script for a sci-fi/action thriller, an animated pilot, and a children´s book that´s close to getting a publishing deal in Brazil.

2. Can you tell me about your story in Monster Attack?

My idea was to write a zombie survival story from a completely different than usual perspective. Instead of a character who loved the person who became a zombie and agonized about shooting their brains out, or a lone survivor seeking to cure the plague, what if that lone survivor were actually a terrible person that hated everyone around him?

.3. How do you think you would fare against the monster in your story?

Well, I´d say the real monster in my story is the human being, but he´s good with a shotgun and sharp objects, so I´d still be in disadvantage.

4. What are you currently working on?

I´m about to finish a new issue of "Tales", also putting together three issues in English for Comxology, which recently approved our content for online selling, We´ll also offer the Portuguese and English versions along with other content as an online subscription system similar to Netflix. I´ll also be recording narrations for Creepypastas I wrote to upload on Youtube, plus writing comic book scripts and short stories to submit to various anthologies. I may also soon work as an actor for an independent horror short film that will be uploaded on YT as well.

 

Unleash the Undead Author Interviews: Rob Shepherd

1. Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your work?

My name is Rob Shepherd. I have been writing seriously for the last 10 years or so, firstly in a self publishing capacity then latterly under publishers Stanhopebooks. So far I have four books available: Life With Boris Karloff!, Sofiah, Stripped Unconsciousness and my latest book The Grays Anatomy. I don't have a cemented genre that I write in, the genre is dictated by whatever direction each story/book takes as I write it. The characters themselves and circumstances drive the direction and thus the genre more than I do. I tend to be the ringmaster sitting on the roller-coaster going along for the ride until the characters need help onto the next one. However my heart is probably more rooted into dark fiction/fantasy and horror. I grew up with books by Clive Barker, Stephen King as well as classic authors such as Dickens, Poe, H.G. Wells and Joules Vergne. As well as watching films and tv based on their works along with old favourites such as Hammer Horror. These have been the biggest influences on my writing than anything or anybody else.

2. Can you tell me about your story in Unleash the Undead?

My story: Don't Cry, is essentially a love story. Albeit in the most inappropriate environment. It is about what we as people are or would be prepared to go through, what we would do, how far we would go, what lengths we would go to, for the the ones we love. Even if those things involve the most unimaginable, heinous, terrible and unbearable choices and options. Don't Cry revolves around a young couple by the name of Jacob and Sandy Merhedoch who find themselves in an apocalyptic environment and yet are defiant in their determination to be loyal and true to the vows they made on their wedding day, no matter what. Even in the face of the impossible that now greets them in the shape of this new terrible age of the undead. I would like to say more but that would give it away. 

3. How do you think you would fare in the zombie apocalypse?

I think I would fair OK in a zombie apocalypse. We tend to have plenty of water in the fridge etc and lots of long life supplies at any given time. I also know where to get zombie destroying weapons from and how to make some up if it came to it. After my training watching many a zombie film from George A. Romero's Night of The Living Dead, through to The Walking Dead and everything in between, I think I would be able to have it covered, in the immediate future any way. As for the long term, well, who knows. But we do have the grumpiest and thus deadliest cat in the world. Given their apparent effect on the ancient Egyptians and The Mummies, after all, they are Gods and Guardians of the Gates of Hell according to ancient mythology. It would be worth a shot. Jinx is terrifying after all. just ask our dog Ethel. But ultimately there is only one way we will find out if we would be any good, right?

4. What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on some more short stories for anthologies, such as one for one of Kevin Hall's new anthologies and as well, of course, one for your own lovely self. I am also about to start work in the new year, on a script for a feature film from my good friend, director Gary Spate at Invicta Films. However that is as much as I can say right now, on pain of zombie death and all that. And finally I am working on new works to go in a future book of short stories but my most pressing concern is continuing work on my debut Novel, tentatively given the working title "Albatross", which I hope to have a first draft manuscript complete within the next 12 months or so. All being well, hopefully a bit earlier if I get a good run with it. I am also open to book & blog tours etc and any signings if people want. Just contact me on any of the above if interested.

5. Where can people find out more about you?

People can find me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialRobShepherd

                                    : Twitter: @rob_shepherd

                                    : Web: www.robshepherdwriter.co.uk (although I am still trying to update the website as and when I can)

You can also find me on :Google+ :via my publisher at www.stanhopebooks.com

and also by email at: robshepherd@blueyonder.co.uk

 

Unleash the Undead Author Interviews: J.L.Drake

1. Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your work?

I'm originally from Nova Scotia, Canada moved to LA roughly eight years ago. I started writing when I heard a friend self published a book on Amazon. Something clicked inside and fourteen months later I was uploading What Lurks in the Dark to amazon and kindle.

I've always been interested in suspenseful reads, I'm a huge fan of James Patterson and I'm huge fan of erotica novels so I decided to combine the two. Mind you What Lurks in the Dark is much tamer than the other ones coming.

Samie asked me to participate in Zombie Anthony, it's not my genre and knew nothing about zombies but it perked my interested. Two weeks later Bunker 219 was finished. It's not the typical blood and gore but it was my version of how I'd like to read a zombie story. 

 
 2. Can you please describe your story in Unleash the Undead?
 
Bunker 219 is about a woman Abby who lives her quiet little life in California. She has a good job and a "loving" fiancé. One day Abby's bother is handed a piece of evidence that gets him into trouble. He goes missing, making his friend Hudson go looking for him. Hudson asks Abby for help which sends them on a suspenseful journey into an under ground bunker where they find themselves in a heap of trouble. They get separated, interrogated and get held in flesh covered rooms. They fight like hell to get out, and when they do things don't go exactly as planned. 
 
3. How do you think you think you would fare in the zombie apocalypse?
 
"Peace out!" I'd off myself, I couldn't deal. 
 
4. What are you currently working on?
 
I just finished my first trilogy called Broken that should be released in January and am currently writing the follow up novel to What Lurks in the Dark. 
 
5. Where can people find out more about you?
 
You can find me at:
Facebook.com/jldrakeauthor
Instagram @jldrake
Twitter @jodildrake_j
jodildrake@outlook.com
Amazon.com What Lurks in the Dark 
Amazon.com Unleash the Undead

 

Unleash the Undead Author Interviews: Matias Andres Bravo Jara

Can you please tell me a little bit about yourself and your work?

My name is Matias Andres Bravo Jara and I'm a 28 year old swedish chilean that loves to travel. This time around I've been on the road for nearly a year and I'm currently residing in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 

Whenever I'm not jumping from city to city, country to country, I take my time to sit down and write and read. I love everything about the creative work of writing and my biggest dream is to be able to reach people all around the world with my words. My favorite topic has always been struggling people in situations that will either make or break them, I think there's a unknown and very powerful element that surface whenever we're pushed to the limit.

Can you please describe your story in Unleash the Undead?

My story in the Unleash the Undead-anthology is my very first story in English and I'm very pleased that it made the book. "The Room" is about a couple taking refuge during a Zombie-outbreak. I played around with the thought of having your loved ones turning dangerous and the dilemma that comes with it, how quickly will one discard the past to survive the present?

How do you think you think you would fare in the zombie apocalypse?

I think I would do pretty good in a Zombie-outbreak. I would quickly find shelter and stay away from big groups of survivors to minimize the human factor. I'm in good shape too but I don't think I'm very good with guns, my aim would definitely get me in some trouble! An axe or sword would probably be my choice of weapon. 

I've also seen a ton of Zombie movies so I got some inside information on how to battle the undead!

What are you currently working on?

I've been studying and working on my craft head-on this year, studying a creative writing course and also freelancing while on the road. I got a couple of good ideas for a novel that I want to focus on during 2015 and I'm very exited to get started on a longer project.

Where can people find out more about you?

I am a ghost in this whole internet-thing right now. My webpage is down and I try to limit the distractions in my daily life. If you want to know more about me I suggest you try to track me down in either Cambodia, Thailand or India. Or South America. Might be heading to Barcelona though. The Caribbean could also be a good place to look after me. Oh, there's just so much to see, love it!

 

Unleash the Undead Author Interviews: B.S. Purwanda

 1. Can you please tell me a little bit about yourself and your work?

In literary world, you can find me with the name "B.S. Purwanda". The history of that name is not short. I had changed my pen names for times. But finally I thought about why don't I be my own self? So I chose to simplify 2-first words of my real name initially. After deciding that pen name, I thought and shouted so loud by myself, hey, that's cool!

 

My works mostly are short stories, novels, and poems. Majority of them are done for fulfilling the requirements of writing competitions. Unfortunately, only a little of them are compiled in books. Only a little of them are succeeded to be published, from short stories list, I worked for "Tutur Mawar" (A Rose Told) in "Karena Kau Lindungiku" (Because of Your Protections), the winners' short stories compilation book. From poems, you can find my work titled "Infected" in "Unleash the Undead" compilation book. And my first-published novel titled "Kanvas" (Canvas) is under publication process, will be published commonly in 2015.  

 

2. Can you please describe your story in Unleash the Undead?

In "Unleash the Undead" compilation book, I wrote a poem titled "Infected". The main inspiration was zombie who usually brings the deathly diseases for human, and I was the infected one. When I wrote that poem, I felt like when the diseases changed my body, my fitness, my thought, my mind, and my desires. Then, voila, "Infected" was done.

 

3. How do you think you think you would fare in the zombie apocalypse?

Ah, I can't imagine that. But I swear, whoever they are, zombies are cool. They still walk although they're dead, and they always be, they always will.

 

4. What are you currently working on?

I am working for novels and participating some writing competitions currently. 

 

5. Where can people find out more about you?

You can visit my own literary blog on bspurwanda.blogspot.com; and follow me on Twitter: @bintangespe. Enjoy that all, and see you there! :)

Unleash the Undead Author Interviews: Kevin Hall

1.Can you please tell me a little bit about yourself and your work?

My name is Kevin Hall and I have several short stories published and a collection of short horror stories called Thirteen out now. I love writing and my favourite genre is horror, although I do like sci-fi and fantasy as well. I am a big Doctor Who fan too and a big Nintendo gamer. I am a Telesales Agent and I am doing a Games Designer course in my spare time and have a radio show called Kevin Hall’s Movie Moments on www.radiosaltire.org every Sunday, so it’s safe to say I am pretty busy! But a good and happy busy!

 2.Can you please describe your story in Unleash the Undead?

It’s called Feast For The Dead and I hope you and others like it! It’s about Adam, who thinks he is the last boy on Earth after a zombie apocalypse wipes almost everyone out. That is, until he finds a message in a bottle from a mysterious person called “E”, who claims to have a cure and a Safe Haven for all of humankind. My zombies are called Rads and vary from the frightfully fast to the slow and shambling, and the first Rad, Carl, is a big menacing threat throughout the story! He’s intelligent and the first of his kind but more are on the way.

 3.How do you think you think you would fare in the zombie apocalypse?

Not too badly I think. I’ve seen that many films and read stories that could prepare myself for one. If I stocked up on food and weapons I would be fine. A large sword and armoured car would be all I need! Oh, and companions of course, if I could trust them!

4.What are you currently working on?

Thirteen 2 should be out for Christmas all going well, and I am beavering away on my first full horror novel Ravens Edge, about a small Scottish town full of vampires and demons. Oh, and other short stories in the pipeline including one for your awesome Monster Anthology.

5.Where can people find out more about you?

You can find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.hall.33886

And amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thirteen-Special-Kevin-S-Hall/dp/1497412242/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415567926&sr=1-1&keywords=thirteen+special+edition

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Holiday-Horror-TJ-Weeks/dp/149448837X/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415567986&sr=1-3&keywords=holiday+horror

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unleash-Undead-Samie-Sands-ebook/dp/B00NT0CQ7S/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415568033&sr=1-1&keywords=unleash+the+undead

  

Penelope Douglas

BULLY:

My name is Tate.

He doesn't call me that, though. He would never refer to me by a friendly nickname. No, he'll barely even speak to me. But he still won't leave me alone.

We were best friends once. Then he turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I've been humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got worse as time wore on, and I made myself sick trying to stay out of his way. I even went to France for a year, just to avoid him.

But I'm done hiding from him now, and there's no way in hell I'll allow him to ruin another year. He might not have changed, but I have. It's time to fight back.

UNTIL YOU:

Have you ever been so angry that hitting things felt good? Or so numb that you actually felt high? The past few years have been like that for me. Traveling between fury and indifference with no stops in between. Some people hate me for it, while others are scared of me. But none of them can hurt me, because I don't care about anything or anyone.

Except Tatum. I love her so much that I hate her. I hate that I can't let her go. We used to be friends, but I found out that I couldn't trust her or anyone else. So I hurt her. I pushed her away. But I still need her. She centers me, and I can pool all of my anger into her. Engaging, challenging, bullying her--call it what you will--but it's my food, my air, and the last part of me that feels anything human. But then she went and screwed everything up. She left. She went to France for a year and came back a different girl. Now, when I push, she pushes back.

RIVAL:

Madoc and Fallon. Two estranged teenagers playing games that push the boundaries between love and war…

She’s back.
For the two years she’s been away at boarding school, there was no word from her. Back when we lived in the same house, she used to cut me down during the day and then leave her door open for me at night.
I was stupid then, but now I’m ready to beat her at her own game…

I’m back.
Two years and I can tell he still wants me, even if he acts like he’s better than me.
But I won’t be scared away. Or pushed down. I’ll call his bluff and fight back. That’s what he wants, right? As long as I keep my guard up, he’ll never know how much he affects me….

Penelope Douglas Books on Amazon

Penelope Douglas is a writer living in Las Vegas. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, she is the oldest of five children. Penelope attended the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, because her father told her to "just get the damn degree!" She then earned a Masters of Science in Education at Loyola University in New Orleans, because she HATED public administration. One night, she got tipsy and told the bouncer at the bar where she worked that his son was hot, and three years later she was married. To the son, not the bouncer. They have spawn, but just one. A daughter named Aydan. Penelope loves sweets, The Originals, and she shops at Target almost daily.

Website - Facebook - Twitter

Review: All of the current books in the Fall Away series (with more coming soon) are based on the complex love lives of teenagers struggling to find their places in the world. Despite this, they are definitely aimed at a much more adult audience (being pinned at 18+) and Penelope Douglas does a great job of making the plots of her stories appeal to an older audience, even if they can't always relate. It's a difficult thing to write a romantic story between a bully and his victim, but by the end of the books a better understanding of these characters means that the reader eventually falls in love with all of them. I have read Bully, Until You and Rival and I cannot wait for K.C's story in Falling Away...I am already excited to learn where her journey will take her. 

I would recommend these books to anyone who loves romantic books, but is looking for something a little edgier with twists and turns that you won't expect.