I would be neglect in my duties if I didn’t post this (not to mention the laughing stock of all stalkers). If it’s blue, I’ll be at the panel nodding my head at their advice and twittering. * means moderator

Yoinked with evil intent.

Thurs 1 p.m.:
Title: Creating Conflict
Description: Make war, not peace! Ruffle the feathers of your characters. Stir the pot of emotions. Add a fistfight or two. Craft a clever and entertaining argument among your heroes. Not all conflict has to be bloody or increase the body count, but it does have to keep the reader turning the pages. Our panelists discuss the art of adding a dash of conflict to your pages.
Event Type: Seminar
Start Date: 08/05/10
Location: Hyatt : Vision Creating Conflict
On the Panel: John Helfers*, Anton Strout, Chris Pierson, Brad Beaulieu

Thurs 3 p.m.:
Title: Horrors: The Techniques of Terror
Description: How can you frighten your readers? What writing tools do you need to send shivers down their spines? Our panelists discuss the different styles of horror writing and who are the best authors working in the genre today.
Event Type: Seminar
Date: 08/05/10
Location: Hyatt : Studio 1
On the Panel: Richard Lee Byers*, Anton Strout, Kerrie Hughes, Lawrence Connolly, Wes Nicholson

Thurs 4 p.m.:
Title: Bring Out Your Dead!
Description: Vampires, ghosts, and zombies, oh my! Breathe life–so to speak–into your undead characters. Discover what rules apply and what should be ignored when writing about the undead.
Event Type: Seminar
Date: 08/05/10
Location: Hyatt : Studio 1
On the Panel: Richard Lee Byers*, Anton Strout, Monica Valentinelli, Wes Nicholson

Thurs 6 p.m.:
Title: Read & Critique: Jean Rabe, Kerrie Hughes, Anton Strout
Description: Have your prose critiqued by professionals. Presenters will have up to five minutes to read their material. They will receive verbal critiques based on the “critique sandwich” method. Attendance is strictly limited to those being critiqued. Pre-registration is required.
Event Type: Workshop
Date: 08/05/10
Location: Hyatt : Vision

Fri 11 a.m.:
Title: Taboo Two
Description: This one was sooooo popular last year that we decided to continue the discussion. Sex, death, horror, and revenge … is there a line? And when is it okay to cross it in your manuscript? When is “it” too much? We’ll examine various “touchy subjects,” the marketplace, and provide advice on when to tone things down or amp them up.
Event Type: Seminar
Date: 08/06/2010
Location: Hyatt : Studio 1
On the Panel: Elizabeth Vaughan*, Anton Strout, Marc Tassin, Wes Nicholson

Fri 1 p.m.:
Title: Building Your Online Reputation
Description: When is it appropriate to work for free? How can you cater to the readers who visit your website? What do you need to watch out for so you don’t “spam” your fans with content? Our panelists tackle these topics and more, including how to promote your writing via the internet.
Event Type: Seminar
Date: 08/06/10
Location: Hyatt : Studio 1
On the Panel: Monica Valentinelli*, Anton Strout, Kelly Swails

Fri 2 p.m.:
Title: Staying Sane
Description: It isn’t easy, balancing the challenges of writing with family, day jobs, and the rest of life’s pitfalls and roadblocks. We’ll give you ideas for managing the stress of hitting deadlines, finding time to complete that great American novel, and putting your work out there for the world to judge.
Event Type: Seminar
Date: 08/06/10
On the Panel: Elizabeth Vaughan*, Anton Strout, Kerrie Hughes, Kelly Swails, Bob Farnsworth

Fri 4 p.m.:
Title: 2012: Writing About Prophecies & the End of the World
Description: The Mayan Calendar is said to stop at the year 2012. Let’s hope they got it wrong. Our panelists expect to be selling their books and stories well beyond that date. Still, it is an intriguing topic, and one that makes great fodder for fiction. What is so fascinating about doom-and-gloom prophecies? How can you use them in your own storytelling by giving them a new and exciting slant?
Event Type: Seminar
Date: 08/06/10
On the Panel: Chris Pierson*, Linda Baker, Kerrie Hughes, Anton Strout

Fri 8 p.m.:
Eye of Argon: It’s baaack! The most insanely hilarious (or hilariously insane) public reading of what is arguably the worst (best?) piece of published fiction—ever! Thrill to the strange noises made by Grignr, the barbarian of very little words, and even less clothes! Cringe at the purple prose, run-on sentences, and detailed description of how time works (trust us, it has to be heard to be believed). Try to keep your sides from splitting with laughter as you watch other hapless victims—er, participants read this story aloud—and attempt to get through it with their sanity intact! All are welcome to join in the fun (?)—if you dare…

Sat 10 a.m.:
Title: Urbanized Fantasy
Description: Readers find demons, vampires, and other urban fantasy denizens scary and compelling and will buy book after book after book filled with them. What can you as a writer do to provide more of those craved-for characters and settings while carving out your own niche on the bookstore shelf?
Event Type: Seminar
Date: 08/07/10
Location: Hyatt : Studio 1
On the Panel: Anton Strout*, Lawrence Connolly, Linda Baker, Kerrie Hughes

Sat 12 p.m.:
Signing with Kerrie Hughes- Author’s Avenue signing area

Sat 1 p.m.:
Title: Pick my Brain … Anton Strout
Description: Dead to Me, Anton’s first novel, propelled him to the top of the urban fantasy charts. His third book was released this spring, and he’s hard at work on another. He manages to write while working full time for Penguin and handling the hectic life of a New Yorker. Bring your questions and prepare to be informed and entertained.
Event Type: Seminar
Date: 08/07/10
Location: Hyatt : Studio 2

Sat 2 p.m.:
Title: Beat the Clock
Description: How long should you spend on a short story? A novel? How can you set schedules, work with a calendar, and attain goals of so many words-per-day? Learn how to cope with unexpected crises, short rewrite deadlines, and heavy criticism. Develop the skills necessary to write no matter what else is going on around you.
Event Type: Seminar
Date: 08/07/10
Location: Hyatt : Studio 1
On the Panel: Gregory Wilson*, Donald Bingle, Anton Strout, Jennifer Brozak

Sunday 10 a.m.
Signing w/ Kelly Swails- Author’s Avenue signing area

Anton Strout, our favorite mid-list urban fantasy author, will be trying to kill himself. No. Wait. Hold on.

Ah, the trees will be trying to kill him. In support of The Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees campaign, Anton will be walking along the Hudson River for 10.5 miles on June 4th. He won’t be alone in his endevours: “Penguin locations around the world are happy to once again walk in support of World Environment Day and to demonstrate Penguin’s ongoing commitment to being “green.”” This campaign raises funds to plant one billion trees in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest by 2015.

Want to help do some good? The sponsor a heavyset author (Anton’s word, not mine) in his efforts to annihilate his competition and save the trees. Each dollar donated, helps to plant a tree. Donate if you can. I’ve even heard a rumor of some signed prizes from Anton.

As we are his Undead Approved army, post this everywhere and let’s help Anton raise enough funds to crush his competition-er, plant thousands of trees. =)

Our favorite mid-list urban fantasy writer is out to Save the Tatas.

If you’re wondering, I’m talking boobs and breast cancer. Click on over to help a boob save the boobs and win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of ‘Dead Matter’ by Anton Strout.

I’m going to do my part because I love my tatas and don’t want to see them go away because of breast cancer!

Get over there and BID NOW!

* Anton started the bit about “boob save the boobs” but I’ve been seeing a lot of ‘Save the Tatas’ in my neighborhood.

This will be quick (RL is trying to eat my soul).

I sent out the last bit of contest goodness. Sorry it’s late, see above sentence.

Those that are waiting for their Simon doll I had to get eyes and once purchased they will be out the door.

For those that don’t know this is what I did with my time*:

Oh, and I’m working on a Jane doll.

How should I make her? From book 1, book 2 or some weird variation of evil intention? Or should I make her a zombie?
—————————————-
* better image coming soon

I love a brave soul that lets me interview them.

Undead Approved: I would like to welcome our special guest, everyone’s favorite mid-list Urban Fantasy Author Anton Strout. Now Mr. Strout, if you don’t mind, we had a lovely chair brought in today just for you. Don’t mind the straps, they’re sole purpose is for your protection. And no, you don’t a get a choice in this.

Anton Strout: Actually that’s America’s favorite LOWER mid-list urban fantasy author (self-proclaimed). Do you mind if I stand?

UA: Sit!

AS: Hey! Ok.. sure, sure. No need to yell….

UA: Let me know if it’s too tight.

AS: Ouchie! Careful, I use that hand to… ummm.. backspace.

UA: As an aside, if I find you are trying to escape I will make no hesitate to use The Green Button. Got it?

AS: You know, Simon is the brave one… and he’s fictional. Me? Not so much….

UA: Now for the questions! With three books out in the market, has the stress of ‘release day’ increased or decreased? And why is there little to no stress when Anthologies are released?

AS: It doesn’t get easier, and I think with more exposure as each book comes out, I have more to do as requests come in. I’m always trying to wrap up a new book while promoting the one going on sale and there are just not enough hours in the day for it. So my stress levels rise a little every year. With anthologies, I’m just one name among many in there… I’m not so concerned with the release days of those, but the Simon books have my name and mine alone on the covers, so my desire to succeed with them is all on me, so yeah… I become a stress monkey.

UA: When you are writing up your notes, is there a certain TV show you put on or do you settle for anything currently on?

AS: I’m a gamer geek at heart so I like to have Attack of the Show on in the background to keep current on gadgets, comics, video games and tech news. Really, I can write with a lot of distractions as I’m always looking to pull details from either a song or a show when I need one. For instance, thanks to a movie I had on in the background, I’ve got these awesome new sparkly vampires I’ve created…..

UA: If Simon’s story were to end with book 4 (I hope not) do you have an alternate story in mind and will it be in the Simonverse? Will were-jaguars be involved?

AS: I’d like to think that most of what I write is all set in the same world, even my short stories. Some reference characters or details from the Simonverse, but others don’t at all, but I could totally imagine Simon and Jane walking in through there door at any moment. As for were-jaguars, I don’t know if I’ve ever had one nor do I want one. Granted, I received about twenty cards last year on what some panelists coined for me as National Were-jaguar Day, so maybe my public demand for one will be so strong I’ll be forced into it.

UA: What would you say is the best, um, perk to being a writer?

AS: Working in your pajamas. I’m a big proponent of the No Pants! Movement and only when you do public appearances do most stores require you to wear pants. It’s a pretty sweet deal.

UA: What piece of advice, given to you as an inspiring writer, would you pass on to the current generation of aspiring writers?

AS: Write. A lot. And feel free to suck at it. It’s the only way you learn. Once you have words on the page, even if they do suck, you have something there to work on. You can fix 300 pages of sucky story. It’s hard to fix and refine 300 pages of blank.

UA: What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?

AS: African or European?

UA: Any conventions one can stal- er, see you at this year? Or one you are looking forward to most?

AS: I’m 95% sure I’m going to be at Gencon in Indianapolis this August and maybe 70% sure of going to San Diego Comic-con. Definitely New York Comic-con this October. However, if an invite comes in and I can drive to it from New Jersey, I would go to speak at others.

UA: Taking all of your writings, books and anthologies, is there a particular scene or line that strikes you as being exceptionally brilliant/awesome?

AS: I’m quite fond of the homicidal book case chase that appears in DEAD TO ME. It gets pointed out to me a lot, and I always like scenes I write that make me giggle when I create. I am also a big fan of my story Lupercalia in A GIRL’S GUIDE TO GUNS AND MONSTERS. I believe I was tittering to myself as I drowned demonic cherubs in the world famous frozen hot chocolates at New York’s Serendipity.

UA: In 10 seconds name ten blogs, movies, games, authors, or TV shows you recommend. And saying the same thing ten times will make my trigger finger press The Green Button. GO!

10

AS: Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

9

AS: Warren Ellis’ Planetary graphic novels

8

AS: I Can Haz Cheeseburger!

6

AS: The Shining, both the Kubrick movie and King book

5

AS: Left4Dead- zombies, guns, friends, Xbox360, ‘nuff said!

4

AS: the Lego video games, Indiana Jones, Batman, Star Wars… all of them!

3

AS: Lost, the one show I actually MUST watch live

2

AS: League of Reluctant Adults, filthy writers and a fully stocked bar-stocked with top shelf snark!

1

AS: Peggle! Sweet, time wasting , iPhone app’ed Peggle…

I want to thank you for your time. I’m very happy I didn’t have to press The Green Button, seeing as I’m not 100% sure what it does. Don’t forget to pick up the latest Simon Canderous story “Dead Matter” at your local online or brick and mortar store.

AS: Thanks for having me. Ummm… can you untie me now? I can’t feel my hands. And if I can’t use my hands, I can’t type, and if I can’t type, there will be no more Simon books!

I’ll let you boys and girls decide: Should I let Anton go or should I press The Green Button?

Amber Benson and Anton Strout will be at Midtown Comics in NYC TODAY from 3-5 pm!

I’ll be there taking pictures and enjoying the sites!

Don’t forget! Anton Strout is over at Bitten by Books TODAY!

Guest Blog, Chat and Contest With Author Anton Strout

What are you waiting for? Get going!

Have you guys heard about the Simon Canderous Series by Anton Strout?

Of course you have heard of it! Well, guess what? Today we have a guest, well: more than one actually. Wait for it… Anton Strout is here with us! Thanks to @SimonCanderous on Twitter. Naturally, Simon is helping me co-host this… should I call it interview?

(Ale) Pick a color, Simon
(Simon) Blue
-
(Simon sez) then why don’t we get on with it?
(Ale) That is what she said *giggles*
(Simon sez) really, Alejandra?
(Ale) *Sobers up* yeah, yer right… So, give it up for Anton Strout *Applause*

-Anton enters the stage-

(Ale) Hi Mr. Strout, thanks for joining us today. Well, what are you waiting for? Come and sit on THE chair.
(Simon sez) Why does he have a special chair? I deserve one more than he does.
(Ale) *glares at Simon* So, Anton, how are you feeling today?
(Anton Stout) Good. A little freaked out to have Simon talking to me, but good nonetheless.
(Ale) Good, good… Lets start with the most important question, the one that everyone is expecting: How many hairs do you have on your head?
(Simon sez) ::face/palm:: Don’t even bother to answer than, man!
(Ale) Geez Simon, talk about party pooper… But okie then…

Ale: When did you start writing? Why?

AS: I’ve always dabbled, but I don’t think I took it seriously until 1999 or so. I’ve always wanted to entertain, be it music, acting or writing. I’ve had some moderate success with the first two, but the siren song of writing kept calling to me. I had stories to tell and they had to get down. So my friends and I formed the Dorks of the Round Table, a writing group that I’m proud to say consists of me, Carolyn Turgeon, and Jeanine Cummins. All of us are published now. I’m the only genre writer, technically, but Carolyn is fast becoming one, writing about fairy godmothers and a new take on The Little Mermaid…

Ale: Godmother was a cool book… What inspired you to write your first book?

AS: Technically speaking my first book was written in 1987 and I wrote it because I was in love with Frank Miller’s run on Marvel Comics Daredevil. It was unabashed fan fiction with ninjas and New York City. I reread it a little while back and I’m still shuddering at what my 17-year old mind created.

Ale: *looks at Simon- whispers* What do you think? I entertain him and you go and borrow it?
(Simon sez) ::looks both ways making sure no one’s hearing:: Sounds like a plan.

Ale: So… How do you usually come up with the titles?

AS: There is a store in 15th Street that sells them. Titles are another thing I don’t consciously think about. They’re hard to do. How do you take 100,000 words and come up with 1-5 words that captures it all? Yet somehow in the process of writing all those words, themes start to stick out. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle. As the pieces fit together, you see the whole of it and that’s about the time I have an “AHA!” moment with regards to title selection.

Ale: Wait, 15th Street you said? I have to go and visit that one. Are your characters inspired on people you know?

AS: I think everything I’ve watched and everyone I met have influenced the characters I create. How could they not? The world is an interesting place. People are what make it so. I’m fascinated with makes us smart monkeys tick. Once you commit to becoming a writer, I think you’re always recording the world like you have a built in video camera looking over your shoulder. All your experiences and meetings go into your memory banks, all fodder for later use when you’re plucking character traits out for someone.

Ale: How much of your writing is based on personal experiences?

AS: I’ve never had a paranormal encounter myself, but I know people who swear by them. I do love a good ghost story though. I think my personal experiences factor into little things throughout my work. I interpret the old axiom “Write what you know” to mean that I litter bits of what I know as a person into my books so that they become touch points for the reader. My example is about Simon’s power of psychometry. His blood sugar drops from using it, mimicking the effects of hypoglycemia. I’m a diabetic. I know a thing or two about low blood sugar at times. I can use that. It’s what adds flavor to the soup of my books.

Ale: What author(s) and/or book have influenced your writing the most? Who would you consider your all time personal favorite and why?
(Simon sez) Ours, of course.
Ale: Let me rephrase, what book (not including yours) is your favorite?
(Simon sez) Is this a serious question? After writing about me, there is no one who can follow… Ow! Why are you hitting me?
Ale: *SMH*

AS: If I go high brow, I’ll go with the Lord of the Rings for my favorite book (and yes, I count it ALL as one book). If I go with a more mass market answer, I’d say The Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy. I love epic fantasy, but I also adore quirky humor in the scifi/fantasy genre. I’m all over the place. Also a big fan of Stephen King, because whether he’s writing fantasy, horror or straight ole fiction, he taps into a universality in writing that most of his readers totally get. I’m trying desperately to get there as a writer. I bow to his mastery.

Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Joss Whedon. He’s my master. I worry that one day when I meet him, security will have to pry me out of his lap.

Ale: *High 5* Lord of the Rings rules! And sweetness, I think I need to bleach my brain after that *ahem* picture you gave us. Besides book four, are there any other projects/anthologies we should look forward to?

AS: I have a few things I can’t discuss yet. I have about four short stories on submission from a variety of invites, but until the contracts are signed I can’t go into it. I also have several projects I need to flesh out for pitching to my editor, but first I have to finish book four and promoting book three. If Dead Matter does well, I think that will determine if there if a book five and six for Simon.

Ale: Simon, I think you should go and dance the hula so everyone will be interested in buying your book.
(Simon sez) ::Shakes his head:: Just ignore her.

Ale: Bleh… You are so boring, Simon… Anton, what have you learned from writing your books?

AS: I’ve learned that I’m always learning. Even after a book goes to press, I still want to tweak it some more as I get better at writing, but you have to let go. There is no such thing as thinking your work is perfect. There’s only thinking that when it publishes, it’s less wrong than it was before.

Ale: What person(s) has/have helped you the most in your career?

AS: I credit that to Jean Rabe, a fine writer and editor herself. We met at the big gaming convention GenCon several years ago. She was a published writer on a panel and after talking to her, she offered me a shot in an anthology. That first published story was a foot in the door, one that gave me credibility when shopping my series around as well as the confidence to know I was publishable. We’re still friends today and now I proudly sit by her side on many of those panels I used to attend.

Ale: What encourages you to keep writing?
(Simon sez) the fact that he knows what a marvelous character he has created.

AS: First of all, I love being able to share my stories with others. I spend a year writing and editing something, then later someone reads it and there is the snap of finally connecting, of finally sharing it. That’s very encouraging. As far as a motivation to write, I think it’s the looming contractual deadlines I’ve signed off on that keeps me going. I have a responsibility to more than just my readers. I have it to my publisher, who has an aggressive schedule that they adhere to as a business.

Ale: What turns off your creative flow?
(Simon sez) Yeah, what’s the biggest downer, amigo?

AS: Insecurity and neurosis, which by the way are part of every writer’s burden, I think. Can I do it? Should I do it? Will it suck? Ooh, an Alf marathon is on! It’s no secret that as a writer, your brain is sometimes your own worst enemy. It’s easily distracted, and when it lets you write, it constantly is throwing self-doubt at you. Sometimes I want to shove a letter opener up my nose and give it a good poke.

Ale: Why do you not go for a hot poker instead? They work nicely, trust me *grin.* How do you manage to not get distracted?
(Simon sez) I capture all his attention, babe.

AS: Oh, as a gamer and comic book fan, I have plenty of distractions. Also, I have Lost to watch. The secret to me was learning my triggers, things that put me in optimal shape for getting words down. The Matrix soundtrack does it, as does Philip Glass. The thing is you have to pay attention to yourself and what makes you tick. Setting the right writing mood for yourself is essential.

Ale: Do you have a special place where to write? A schedule to avoid any issues?

AS: I write well in several locations depending on what I’m trying to accomplish. I have two hours a day when I’m commuting in and out of NYC, so I tend to write out dialogue by hand in a notebook. Then I get home and while watching TV, I put that into the computer, giving it a first edit as I enter it. Every so often when I’m in the thick of the story and must concentrate on continuity and such, I barricade myself up in my office, shutting the world out.

Ale: Of all the characters you have created, tell me which one is your favorite and which one is your least favorite and why.
(Simon sez) ::Stares expectantly::

AS: I’m going outside the series for this one. I have a short story, Lupercalia, in A Girl’s Guide to Guns & Monster. The lead character is this stone cold bitch named Leis Colchis. She’s not nice at all, sees cherubs as demons and Cupid as a dick who needs punishing. BUT… I understand her. She’s had a bad dating life, and who hasn’t had that at one point or another? Her complexity really makes me get behind her. I don’t like her or her actions, but I get why she does what she does, and that makes her damn interesting to me.
As for a least favorite character…? I don’t know if I have one. It’s like asking a parent which of their children they like least.

Ale: Oh, I really liked Leis; she should be here instead of Simon. *LOL*
(Simon sez) Hey!!
Ale: Oh, I am just joking, do not get yer panties on a bunch now!

Ale: Now tell me, which one is the easiest to write and which one is the hardest. Why?

AS: Connor Christos, Simon’s partner in Other Division, is probably the easiest. He’s a seasoned vet of the Department of Extraordinary Affairs. He’s not tooooo jaded, but he is a bit one track. He’s confident, knows what he’s doing (most of the time) and generally is a guide for Simon. He’s easy to write because I know where he’s coming from. Simon is the hardest to write, because he has to have a lot of various emotions and problems to work through to keep him interesting. It’s hard to do without being repetitive.

Ale: Well, after meeting Simon it is hard for me to think that he might be the hardest… How do you come up with names?

AS: Sometimes they just come to me. In my head, from day one, the Inspectre was always going to be named Argyle for a first name. It just seemed to fit. Sometimes, though, I steal from video games or make a nod towards them. For instance, Canderous comes from the video game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. If I remember correctly, he is an old school Mandellorian mercenary from 4,000 years before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope.

Ale: Is there a message that you want your readers to grasp?
(Simon sez) Hell yeah! How magnificent The Man Canderous is, isn’t that message enough for you?
Ale: *smacks him on the back of his head* is he always this cocky?

AS: He’s not that cocky when I write him, no. And that’s the point. Each person brings their own filter to what they read. They’re going to see Simon in their own special way, imprinting their own life and experiences over him as they read him. I portray him as best I can as a guy who ultimately regrets his criminal past and wants to be good, to do good. I think he’d be good husband material, which I think appeals to woman who might be a little sick of the bad boys you always see as a cliché in urban fantasy/paranormal romance. I think trying to be good is a much more difficult struggle than giving in to being bad. Just ask Angel from the Whedonverse, one of Simon’s heroes.

(Simon sez) ::Proud smile::
Ale: Now, now… Yer no Angel *googly eyes.*
(Simon sez) ::Pinches her arm::

Ale: OW… As an aspiring writer I know how time consuming writing can be (in a good way, of course) and it annoys my family, how does your family cope with it? How do they feel about your writing career?
(Simon sez) Yeah, Doesn’t your lovely wife feel third wheel-like when you are spending time with your man (AKA –Me)?
Ale: I do wonder, does she feel the need to rip a page just to torture you, Simon, and bring you lots of pain… hmm… *mwahaha*

AS: My wife used to be an editor at Random House, so she understands the crazy that being married to a writer entails. She knew what she was getting into when she signed on. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: If a man has a genius for painting, poetry, music, architecture, or philosophy, he makes a bad husband, and an ill provider. I think that applies to writers, too. Writing is a solitary and lonely job. It takes a special person to love us, to put up with long hours of being ignored. Luckily, I am mindful of this.

(Simon sez) And speaking of dealing with stuff, how come I don’t ever have a sexy scene with Jane?
Ale: I second that question…
(Simon sez) Of course you do; kinky, aren’t we?

AS: Yeah, I tend to fade to black whenever the sexay is about to go down. I guess I consider that a private part of my characters lives. Sorry! John Grisham said something once in an interview of his I was reading after The Firm came out. He said he wrote the type of books that he imagined his family could read. The idea of writing sex scenes and having my coworkers or my Grammie reading it is a bit beyond me.

Ale: If the books were turned into a movie, who would you like to play Simon?

AS: If I go with who appeared on the covers, it would have to be Nathan Fillion, but that might be me just being a Firefly fanboy. The cover for Dead Matter looks more like a man-orexic Rob Low to me though.

Ale: Hmm… If you looked like him, Simon, I might consider you hot *wink*
(Simon sez) Oh, I am already, and you know it.

Ale: Yeaah, riiight… If there was a movie made about your life, who would do like to play your part?

AS: I think they could easily cast Anthony Rapp, who originated the role of Mark from Rent. I used to look a lot like him mid 90s. Although now I think they could get away with using Alton Brown from The Food Network.

Ale: If you could change something about your life or the world in general, what would that be? Why?
(Simon sez) I better not be on that list, that’s if you don’t want writers block…

AS: Outside of solving world hunger and ending war? Let’s see… What I’d love to change about myself, and would love the world to embrace too actually, was best said by Conan O’Brien on his final show back in January. It’s something I’m striving to do and I think I’ll be a better person for it. He said:”All I ask is one thing, and I’m asking this particularly of young people that watch: Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism. For the record, it’s my least favorite quality — it doesn’t lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.”

I grew up cynical and all it got me was a bitter chip on my shoulder. I fight everyday to be better than that. I like who I am a lot more because of it.

Ale: Thanks for the advice, I think there are lots of people that can benefit from hearing that. Now, how do you feel now that Simon is following you on twitter?
(Simon sez) He loves it, but he tries to hide it by ignoring me.

AS: It is… interesting.

Ale: What is a question that no one has ever asked you that you wish they would?
(Simon sez) Good question; please provide the answer to that question as well.

AS: Would you like half a million dollars for the film and television option rights for your series? I really would like to hear that question asked of me.

Ale: Anton, I know you are a busy man, so one last question: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a published writer?

AS: Write. Like all the time. And most importantly, allow yourself to suck. The only way you get better is by writing a lot and learning how to refine and edit. That takes a lot of words going down on the page. I know a lot of “writers” who don’t actually write. They get so hung up on getting it right the first time that they never get words down at all. People, it’s called a first draft for a reason. It implies many more to come after. It’s easier to correct and edit words that are on the page than it is to correct a blank page. Allow yourself to suck and learn to edit from it.

(Simon sez) Do we really have to end this?
Ale: Yes, we do.
(Simon sez) I didn’t get to ask anything, can I just get one? Or two?
Ale: Go on… Do it fast

(Simon sez) When’s my birthday? And don’t dare to say I should know.

AS: It does strike me odd that you don’t know your own birthday, but who am I to judge? I would say it’s probably it’s 10/13 (in a nod to The X-Files) or possibly January 24th.

(Simon sez) You see, that was not that hard… I’ll take 10/13 though. Aaaand… What do I wear? Boxers or briefs?

AS: You strike me as a boxers kind of guy, Simon. I don’t think you want to be constricted when running from the zombie hordes. And you will be running, oh yes, you will be running…

(Simon sez) That’s what you do on your spare time; imagine me wearing boxers for you? Oh you are a twisted man, Strout.

Well Anton, thank you very much for sharing with us today.

And for you dear readers, you can find his newest book Dead Matter [which came out yesterday] in stores! Now, why do you not guy and get it?
Thank you all for reading.

*This interview is also posted @ http://alebodden11.livejournal.com/39179.html

Those that have found their way to this little site may be wondering how much of an uber fan I really am. Well, I shall admit that I currently own at least 2 copies of each book from the Simon Canderous series. The only except being “Dead Matter”. This would make me an uber fan if it was on purpose. It, sadly, isn’t. For some weird reason, Anton’s books and I have a love/hate relationship.

Let me sum up. No. There is too much. Let me ‘splain.

It all started with “Dead to Me”. I was in a brick and mortar store looking for something new to read. Romances were blending into one another and I needed a new spice. I find “Dead to Me”. It’s not my normal cup but hey, what’s wrong with some variety. My friend, who also works at brick and mortar store tells me it’s a great read. She’s never steered me wrong so I threw money at her and left with the book. At this point I hadn’t read a lot of urban fantasy novels; I was a romance whore (still am damnit!). I devoured the book in two days (work got in the way of being done in one). Love the voice, the background and the humor.

Fast forward a few months.

My friend and I are plotting our trip to Gencon (I’m a gamer-geek girl) and I’m looking over the authors’ list, because one day I will have R.A. Salvatore sign my edition of “Demon Stone”, when I spot a familiar name and I do a little bounce. Anton is doing a signing. I get all giddy like the foolish child I am and also figure out what seminars I want to go to.

Fast forward to about a week before Gencon. I’m getting things together; including books, video game (see above mention), clothes, costumes and other geeky/nerdy things. But guess what I can’t seem to find. My freaking edition of “Dead to Me”. I tear the apartment apart during the course of the week and so does my boy and neither of us find it. A day before we’re to leave I give up and buy another copy. I keep telling myself this is a good thing because I’m helping the author out.

Now we are at Gencon. Outside of one horrible bad moment (forgot to buy my badge, friend stayed in line for over 3 hours, insanity ensues) I make my way to the dealer’s floor to check up signing times and browse the goodies. Anton’s signing books another day. That works. Fast forward to that day. I’m in the hotel room sorting out various things, by then much money has been given to the Gencon Dealers, and getting ready for the day. As I’m sorting out my books (lots of cool authors go to this and I have many books desiring signatures) I find three books by Anton Strout: Dimension Next Door and two copies of “Dead to Me”. *headdesk* I don’t know what vortex realigned itself and opened into my bag but the missing copy was next to the new copy looking like an evil doppleganger. Whatever. Met Anton for the first time, kept my shakes in check as best I could and have him sign all three books. I don’t recall if he blink an eyelash at the fact I had two “Dead to Me”. I was too busy trying to be calm and not spazzy. He signs them, I thank him, he mentions another author in the “Dimension Next Door” is right next to him, I ask him to sign it too and then we all proceed to our various Gencon paths.

Now it’s the release of “Deader Still”. I picked it up in February, moved it March. It survives the move pretty well across state lines. Bring on the bus (as well as another one) for my commute and it’s still surviving until ‘the incident’. The boy and I use to have fish (they died a while after this incident) and we had a 10 gallon tank they called home. If you can’t guess where this is going, let me help you. Watch the boy and I carrying their fish tank into the kitchen. Watch as we set it down (all 10 gallons, in hindsight we knew this was a bad idea but live and learn) and watch as the bottom cracks and breaks open. Watch us stand there, bugged eyed and a jaws agape, as 10 gallons of water splash onto the kitchen floor and my backpack. After dropping every towel we own on the floor and mapping like there was no tomorrow, we assess the damages. I went for my backpack. Two books inside; one very little damage and the other a lot more and smells like fish feces. Let you guess which was the more trashed one? Mind you, the book wasn’t completely soak. After it all dries I hang my head. The cover is half soaked (don’t ask how, I’m gifted) and not as stiff as the rest of the cover be it the remaining front or back. A quarter of the book is started to curl and make soft waves with it’s pages and there is a sudden color change. It also has a slight smell to it.

No. I don’t run out and get another one because I think it will be okay and it is still readable. Fast forward a few months (I think . . .) and I’m at another signing where Anton signs this book, still have to calm my nerves, and I see him working hard on “Dead Matter”. I really wanted to read over his shoulder but with Security a phone call away, I didn’t something else. =) For those wondering, it’s the “Seven Authors Invade Oakdale Mall” video.

Fast forward to October 2009. I’m going to Florida and decide to take “Deader Still” with me for nefarious reasons. To make sure it does get torn apart on the plane ride, I stuffed it between other books I was reading. It makes it down. Now it’s time to implement nefarious plot. I love Universal Studios and on this day we went to the Islands of Adventure part. I snapped the book in various locations (Spider Man, T-Rex, and the main sign). Good lord, this is the last time I do this unless my bag is filled with those foam peanuts and bubble wrap. The assessment: back cover is torn half way down the spine and looks like the t-rex mauled it during the picture. Final verdict: need a new copy as this one is on life support.

This brings me to “Dead Matter”. I picked up my copy, after playing scavenger hunt for it in the brick and mortar store. I’m contemplating some version of ‘ring of protection’ for it and maybe a ward to prevent the doppelganger affect.

I honestly don’t know what it is but it seems to center on the Simon Canderous series and not the anthologies.

Weird attracts weird??

Things have been shuffled around. Sorry to anyone who has to update RSS feeds, but this will be the blog’s permanent home. The main site has also undergone a wonderful facelift and is now full of awesome things to marvel at.

And since it is release week for our favorite mid-list urban fantasy author, here’s a few places he will be this week:

2/23: Interview & Giveaway With Anton Strout at Wicked Lil Pixie
2/23: Interview & Giveaway with Anton Strout at Fantasy Literature
2/25: ‘Where Stories Are Made’ features Anton Strout at Book Chick City
2/25: Guest Blog, Chat and Contest With Author Anton Strout at Bitten By Books
2/27: Signing with Amber Benson at Midtown Comics in NYC:

I’ll update as more come in.

I know. I dropped the ball on getting Anton over here for a day. My bad!