Disquieting Visions – paranormal and fantasy realms

by Gail Z. Martin

Today’s urban fantasy teems with just about every ghoulie, ghostie and long-leggedy beastie that ever crawled out of the shadows.  But for my money, I’ll back a vampire for being the ultimate urban fighter every time.

Vampires have both speed and stealth.  Werewolves tend to need to make a trade-off between the two.  It’s hard to be furry and stealthy at the same time, but if you’re looking human, you probably can’t muster wolf speed.

Unlike some ghosts, vampires are not tethered to a particular place, and they have no problem interacting with physical objects, which is a problem for most ghosts unless they have poltergeist tendencies.

Vampires also have strength and a long existence in which to perfect their fighting techniques.  Werewolves are certainly strong, but not as long-lived.  Demons are a bit of a wild card since their capabilities vary so widely, but they are often limited in some way because they are from a realm other than our own.  Vampires, being former mortals, are solidly of this world.

A vampire’s ability to pass among mortals unnoticed is one of his greatest strengths as an urban fantasy fighter.  So long as a vampire can adapt to changing social mores, fashions and speech patterns, he’s got a definite advantage in his ability to move through a crowded city without anyone being the wiser.  The limitation of requiring shelter at night is much less of a problem in a large city where the streets are crowded at all hours and many people are nocturnal.

The vampire ability to heal quickly certainly helps, although it’s something that both werewolves and demons tend to have in common.  But vampires benefit from not losing themselves to bloodlust during their time of the month, or having the awkward need to change shape.  A vampire’s “true form” isn’t at risk of being exposed, only his true nature.

For my money, vampires are the ultimate stealth fighter, easily camouflaged in urban settings, able to use that setting to their advantage.

Reign of Ash, book two in the Ascendant Kingdoms Saga launches in April, 2014 from Orbit Books.

by Gail Z. Martin

One of the things I love about writing epic fantasy is that within the genre, there is room for elements of other genres.  Like the old spaghetti sauce ad, “it’s in there.”    Part of it is the scope of epic fantasy, with its large scale, sweeping storylines and large cast of characters.  That creates a lot of opportunity for drawing on a variety of elements, because you’re working on a bigger canvas (and a larger page count) than many other genres permit.

I know that suspense has its own genre, but certainly any dramatic fiction requires more than a dollop of suspense to keep the reader turning pages.  If you want your readers to stick with you over the course of hundreds of pages, there has to be a strong “what’s going to happen next” sense, with tension at the end of every scene and every chapter.  I love when readers tell me that I kept them up late or made them run over their lunch hour because they couldn’t put the book down!

Maybe other genres can get by without a touch of horror, but it fits well inside epic fantasy.  We often write about brutal times and brutal people–warlords, kings, soldiers, mages and monsters.  There’s going to be bloodshed, and often, to illustrate just how bad it is or just how black someone’s heart is, the writing veers into the horrific to make a point.  Unlike a horror novel, an epic fantasy doesn’t stay mired in the horrific, nor does the protagonist remain helpless for long.  But we definitely touch on it, and can often use it to good purpose.

Epic romance also often lends itself to elements of romance.  Dynasties are at stake, and the men and women who produce the next set of rulers are going to have their loves and dalliances, their betrayals and unrequited affections.  It can up the stakes for a hero’s survival if someone is waiting for his or her return.  When people are thrown together under stressful situations for periods of time, romantic relationships are going to happen.  I find that a bit of romance can be a respite from all the battle action and grit, and after having that respite, the hardship seems even more difficult.

The next time you’re stewing up your next epic fantasy, add some spice with horror, suspense and romance.  It makes for a mighty tasty story!

Reign of Ash, book two in the Ascendant Kingdoms Saga launches in April, 2014 from Orbit Books.  My new urban fantasy, Deadly Curiosities, comes out in July, 2014 from Solaris Books. I bring out two series of ebook short stories with a new story every month for just .99 on Kindle, Kobo and Nook—check out the Jonmarc Vahanian Adventures or the Deadly Curiosities Adventures.

by Gail Z. Martin

One of the things I love about world-building is the chance to create entirely new holidays.  I personally believe that you can never have enough holidays, so the chance to invent a few of my own is really too much to resist.

As with any world-building, holidays need to fit into the belief structure of the place and people you’ve created.  I’ve found that it helps a lot to read about holidays, feasts, and celebrations world-wide and throughout history in order to get a feel for the kinds of things that people commemorate with a special time set apart.

If you’re writing a militaristic culture, it’s likely that they will commemorate great battles, both wins and losses.  The losses are likely to be solemn occasions, while the victory remembrances may include feasting, storytelling, gift-giving, dances and music.  It may be a time when mayhem is permitted and even tacitly encouraged.  Or it could be the time when young warriors are presented for initiation.

In an agricultural culture, holidays are likely to follow the seasonal cycle of planting and harvest.  There will be times when people are too busy to celebrate, and other times when it’s possible to take a day to enjoy the harvest.  Foods will be what are seasonally available.  Spring will focus on new life, and may be the time for handfastings.  Fall is a time for counting stock and preparing for the cold dark winter.

Holidays play a big role in my Chronicles of the Necromancer series.  Not only do they provide a window into the cultures of the different kingdoms in how they are celebrated, but the characters’ attitudes toward the holidays also provide an insight into who they are and what they have experienced.  In my most recent novel, Ice Forged, even exiles in a harsh arctic colony find a way to make a celebration out of the beginning and end of the “white nights”.

Holidays are also a great way to provide a view of the economy of your fictional world.  Are special goods required for a celebration?  How far in debt will people go to acquire them?  What trade is necessary to supply them? Can they be obtained illegally?  How do celebrations differ between the rich and the poor?  Slave and free? People of different races or kingdoms?

Make sure to study folklore and world customs to avoid just copying the holidays you might be most familiar with.  Throughout history, people have found a rich variety of ways to honor their deities, so you’ve got a lot of inspiration to pull from beyond our modern culture.

Holidays are a lot of fun to write.  Invent a good one, and you may be able to make it an annual celebration with your readers.  Adding holidays to your writing creates a whole new layer of believability and texture to your world.  Try it and see!

Reign of Ash, book two in the Ascendant Kingdoms Saga launches in April, 2014 from Orbit Books.  My new urban fantasy, Deadly Curiosities, comes out in July, 2014 from Solaris Books. I bring out two series of ebook short stories with a new story every month for just .99 on Kindle, Kobo and Nook—check out the Jonmarc Vahanian Adventures or the Deadly Curiosities Adventures.

by Gail Z. Martin

I read a lot of urban fantasy, and I’ll have my own urban fantasy series coming out from Solaris Books in 2014, and I’ve been wondering: Where’s the line between horror and urban fantasy?

I suspect it’s been shifting around.  (And I’d love to hear your opinions, so please comment!)  After all, Laurell K. Hamilton started out shelved in horror, then became her own brand of urban fantasy, took a detour into erotica, and seems to have come back to something in between urban fantasy and suspense.  And yet, most of the usual tropes in urban fantasy were standard horror themes not too very long ago.

Remember when vampires were the bad guys?  They’ve made such a thorough transition to becoming the sexy love interest that I suspect they hired a Madison Avenue PR firm to do some reputation management.  Ditto werewolves and demons.  We’ve even seen the softer side of zombies and the soulful side (pun intended) of ghosts.

I’m only partly kidding when I say that horror now seems to be focused on people as monsters, and urban fantasy seems to be focused on monsters as people.  I suspect there’s some deep commentary on society today hidden in there, but I don’t know what it is.

Here’s where I see the divide between horror and urban fantasy–feel free to disagree.  In horror, whether the “monster” is human or some kind of creature, the monster has the upper hand for nearly the entire story.  There’s a sense of helplessness that seems to be essential to horror, a creeping sense of inevitable death. Even though the main character in horror might find a way to survive and vanquish the big bad at the very end, he or she is less a hero than a survivor.

In urban fantasy, whether you’re human, non-human, mortal or undead, it’s the thought that counts.  In other words, do you intend to be the hero or the villain?  Urban fantasy looks beyond the stereotypes to create characters that retain their volition and morality regardless of whether they’re alive, dead or something in between.  As I’m fond of saying, being dead doesn’t automatically make you a bad person.  Urban fantasy also has a clear hero who emerges, and while things may get grim, the lack of control and helplessness that helps to create the atmosphere of a horror story is either absent or brief.  The main character is a hero, not just a survivor.

Everything’s gotten grittier, but I’d also say that while urban fantasy can certainly have its share of blood and gore, it’s less over-the-top than horror and exists to make a point instead of being its own point.  And finally, in urban fantasy, when the book ends there’s the feeling of “we won!” as opposed to “we made it out alive.”

That’s my 2-cents, and I’d love to know your thoughts.  Thanks for reading.

Reign of Ash, book two in the Ascendant Kingdoms Saga launches in April, 2014 from Orbit Books.  My new urban fantasy, Deadly Curiosities, comes out in July, 2014 from Solaris Books. I bring out two series of ebook short stories with a new story every month for just .99 on Kindle, Kobo and Nook—check out the Jonmarc Vahanian Adventures or the Deadly Curiosities Adventures.

by Gail Z. Martin

I’ve been writing epic fantasy all my life, and had seven epic fantasy novels published, with more in the pipeline.  I write big, fat fantasy books with plenty of sword and sorcery, with sweeping plotlines (that’s the epic part) that consume kingdoms and dynasties.

I also write urban fantasy, both in short stories and with a new novel coming out in 2014.  Magic, modern times, supernatural creatures and a first-person narrative.

So why, when Joshua asked me to be part of a Steampunk anthology, did I jump up and down and squeal like a little girl? (Ok, I exaggerate on the squeal but I think I did hop a bit.)

As a writer, I’ve found that while a certain amount of familiarity with a topic breeds proficiency, staying only with that topic starts to make fresh ideas flow more slowly.  I was a little concerned initially when I started to write a monthly ebook short story, whether or not I would get “tired” of writing so much, on top of my book commitments.  The answer turned out to be, I had a bigger flow of new ideas because I was doing new things.

Writing something in a different genre makes you look at the world a different way.  Writing in a different style, like moving from third-person narrative to first-person, stretches different creative muscles.  It’s like switching exercise routines or weight machines at the gym.  All of a sudden, you realize that you’ve got a whole new goal to strive for.  It makes it fun and puts a little mystery back in the process.

Besides, I’ve loved Steampunk since before it had a name.  As a kid, I watched Wild Wild West, full of James Bond gadgets during the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant.  I loved Jules Verne and any movie based on his books.  The idea of gears and gadgets instead of rockets and ray guns made sense to me.  So when Joshua asked if I’d be interested, the answer was a fan-girl squee.

What Joshua didn’t know was that I’d already begun working on a concept for a Steampunk novel.  That project is still in development, but the short story for Steampunk vs. Aliens will be a little sneak peek.  And it’s fun working on the short story because it helps me develop some of the ideas better that might find their way into the novel.  Creativity works on a winding, circuitous route.  I’m having fun.

See you in the Clockwork Universe!

Reign of Ash, book two in the Ascendant Kingdoms Saga launches in April, 2014 from Orbit Books.  My new urban fantasy, Deadly Curiosities, comes out in July, 2014 from Solaris Books. I bring out two series of ebook short stories with a new story every month for just .99 on Kindle, Kobo and Nook—check out the Jonmarc Vahanian Adventures or the Deadly Curiosities Adventures.

By Gail Z. Martin

I’ve been posting a lot on social media about the Dance Like a Monkey anthology on Indiegogo. We’re coming down to the last 8 days of the funding campaign, so I wanted to explain why this is so important.

The anthology is a charity benefit to help out fellow author CJ Henderson. He’s battling cancer for the second time and the fight to stay alive has racked up major medical bills as well as taking him offline for writing and for selling his books at conventions, which is his source of income. So a bunch of CJ’s friends rallied together to put out an anthology where all the proceeds (except for shipping/printing and Indiegogo’s fee) go to help CJ with his medical expenses. None of the participating authors are getting paid, and neither is publisher Silence in the Library.

CJ was one of the first people I met when I began doing conventions as a pro after The Summoner came out. He is a loveable curmudgeon, and he is also a fantastic encourager, good friend and a mentor to many beginning authors (although he hides it well beneath a crusty manner). I always knew that whenever I was at a convention with CJ, I had a friend close at hand. He’s been a positive influence on a lot of people, which is why his friends are doing this book to help him out.

Everyone who funds at $10 or more gets an AWESOME collection of stories by 31 authors including Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta, Maggie Allen, Jack Dann, Ed Greenwood, Joe Haldeman, Nancy and Belle Holder, Tanya Huff, Gail Z. Martin, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Jean Rabe, Mike Resnik, Hildy Silverman, Janine Spendlove, Michael A. Stackpole, Anton Strout, Kelly Swails, Robert E. Vardeman, Elizabeth A. Vaughan, Bryan Young, Jean Marie Ward, Gene Wolfe, Tera Fulbright and Timothy Zahn. And, of course, CJ Henderson.

Every stretch goal we reach adds more goodies—either additional authors to the anthology or free ebooks, e-short stories and other loot.

So please, check out the Indiegogo campaign before May 1. Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/1l0t4nk.   If you like it, please toss in your ten-spot for an awesome antho. And please, help us add funding and extras to the anthology by passing the link along to your friends on social media.

Because in the end, we’re just Monkeying Around for a Good Cause!

by Gail Z. Martin

Sci-fi conventions are part of the fun of being a fan or a writer, and every con I go to offers the opportunity to learn something new, meet fantastic people, hang out with other authors, and see new places.  That’s why I’m a con-going writer.

Writing is a fairly solitary affair.  Once in a while you come up for air to connect with beta readers, agents and publishers, but most of them time is spent inside your own head.  My dogs make sure I get exercise, having an uncanny ability to smell the exact moment when I have gotten a great idea, at which point they need to go out to the back yard.  But on the whole, writing isn’t a social activity.

Genre conventions are a way for me to include that social piece into my writing life and not get thrown wholly off track.  I’ve attended many panel discussions on historical or scientific topics and come away with new ideas for plots, characters or story twists.  I’ve learned a lot about the industry by sitting down for coffee or a drink with other authors and listening to what they’re working on, how their relationship with a publisher or agent is going, or what new project they’re developing.  In the new world of hybrid careers and professional self-publishing, I’ve learned a lot about how other folks are successfully creating their own ebooks or print runs, sourcing artwork, and finding the best software.

Talking with readers is just as instructional.  It’s good to hear from the other side of the desk, to find out what people are reading and why, what they’re tired of, what they want more of.  Yes, it’s anecdotal, but it’s still outside input, and if you go to enough cons in a year (and I do), all that anecdotal information sifts together to form trends.

Cons are also places to get contracts.  I’ve come home from many a convention with a contract or an invitation for a short story in an anthology, and I enjoy talking with editors and publishers of all sizes of publishing houses because I learn something from every conversation.  Good relationships eventually open doors.  Besides, it’s nice to talk shop with other people in the business who actually understand the highs and lows–writing is a strange occupation.

Going to cons also gives me plenty of grist for the social media mill, with photos to post on Facebook, bon mots to tweet on Twitter, and new ideas for blog posts.  Sometimes, I end up tagged in someone else’s post, which is cool too.  And on many occasion, I’ve landed a magazine, blog or podcast invitation just by showing up.

Most of all, cons are an opportunity to reconnect with friends and meet new ones, talk about the fan stuff other people don’t understand, shop the dealer room, and stretch your creative muscles.  All the more reason to be a con-going writer!

Reign of Ash, book two in the Ascendant Kingdoms Saga launches in April, 2014 from Orbit Books.  My new urban fantasy, Deadly Curiosities, comes out in July, 2014 from Solaris Books. I bring out two series of ebook short stories with a new story every month for just .99 on Kindle, Kobo and Nook—check out the Jonmarc Vahanian Adventures or the Deadly Curiosities Adventures.

by Danielle Ackley-McPhail

I have a secret for you. I…am the Queen of the Outcasts.

No…really. With a few, rare exceptions I fit nowhere in society. Not at work, not at church, not among my family. Always I have been that awkward figure on the fringes wanting to be embraced and brought in to the crowd. Always. This doesn’t mean I wasn’t welcome or loved, just that in general the world—yes, even my family—doesn’t get me and can’t relate.

Halfway through my life I found my exception to this rule.

Fandom. From the moment I entered my first convention I was greeted with open arms, with smiles, with understanding. A heady experience, I can tell you! I think this, more than anything else, keeps me doing what I do, no matter that it often feels more work than reward. When I walk among the community I am at peace and I am comfortable. When things go wrong, I find support without even asking.

What does this have to do with Tell Me? Well…let me tell you…

Things have gone wrong. Very wrong. Not for me, but for an icon of the community, CJ Henderson. He has cancer. Again. Twice in less than six months’ time he is fighting for his life and losing his livelihood. With the first course of treatments unsuccessful CJ is now subjected to 96 hours of continues chemotherapy every two weeks. He can’t write. He can’t go to conventions. In short, he can’t make the money vital to his family’s continued well-being.

Here is where the community comes in. Within two days of learning of the reoccurrence of CJ’s lymphoma plans were already in place for a charity anthology, Dance Like a Monkey. From stories to artwork, to publisher and administrative and marketing staff not only was everyone on board, but everything was in place and ready to go. Jean Rabe got on board as editor. Gail Z. Martin stepped in as Promoter. Silence in the Library Press agreed to not only fund this anthology, but also run the crowdfunding campaign that would make it possible. Authors Timothy Zahn, Joe Haldeman, Gene Wolfe, Kevin J. Anderson, Rebecca Moesta, Jack Dann, Jonathan Maberry…I could keep going, but soon I’ll be running out of words. But in short, over sixty authors have pledged short stories, artwork, and music with absolutely no compensation to them. Before word even got out, fandom was lifting CJ up and helping to bear his burden.

Since then we have gone live with our campaign, Monkeying Around for a Good Cause. Unfortunately, due to Kickstarter’s policy against charity projects we have had to take this to another platform, Indiegogo, which is equally as able, but not nearly as frequented. Support has been heartening with over 220 donors getting behind the project, and whole legions of people helping us to spread the word via social media and news websites, professional organizations and fan bases. The love being shown to CJ heartens me every day. But sadly, it still is not enough. You would think something as inconsequential as a platform would not make a difference to such a worthy cause. Nearly ten days in and we still have not funded, let alone started to work our way through the many fabulous stretch goals that have been donated. But we have time and we have the support, so now it is up to us to spread the word. And that word is…

Help!

We aren’t asking for a handout. Really. Despite our purpose we are not asking you to GIVE us anything. No. We are offering you an amazing collection of fiction in either DRM-Free ebook or in print (depending on your donation choice), plus plenty of awesome pledge rewards and potential stretch goals—ALL donated—we offer you value that well exceeds any contribution we are requesting, and all the money save the platform fees, print costs, and shipping, go directly to CJ Henderson so he can stop worrying about bills and focus on kicking cancer’s ass.

Between his years of fiction writing, mentorship, advice, and general jocularity, CJ has given so much to fandom. Let’s give him something back. And not just something, but the very best we can manage. I have seen what that looks like and we aren’t even close yet. If you can’t participate in the crowdfunding please help us spread the word to those who might be in a better position to.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/monkeying-around-for-a-good-cause/x/6753223