Award Winning Author

My photo
Karen Dales is the Award Winning Author of "The Chosen Chronicles" which include "Changeling: Prelude to the Chosen Chronicles," "Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen Chronicles," and "Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles." She is currently at work on "Thanatos: Book Three of the Chosen Chronicles" and a Historical Romance set in Edo Japan.
Karen loves receiving emails from fans. If you'd like to email her:

karendales@karendales.com

www.karendales.com

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Dark Light: An anthology of Horror fiction to support those in need.

I don't usually do this. In fact, I've never done this before on my blog, but the reasoning to do so was the right reasons.

Dark Light is an anthology of Horror fiction edited by Carl Hose where ALL the proceeds go to charity. It releases today in both ebook and trade paperback. In celebration of this wonderful anthology I have the honour of interviewing Mr. Hose about the project and hosting a giveaway of a signed (by Mr. Hose) copy of Dark Light to one lucky person.


Karen: Hi, Carl, thanks for coming onto my blog to discuss your newly released anthology, "Dark Light." Can you tell us what inspired you to create this anthology?

Carl: Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to help out, Karen. It means a lot.
My daughter Ireland was born six weeks premature and had to spend three weeks in NICU. To be with her, my wife, Marcee, and I would have had to travel. We were fully prepared to sleep in the NICU, but one of the nurses insisted we check into one of the three Ronald McDonald Houses on the premises. That in itself was an interesting experience, which I detailed in the introduction to "Dark Light." Anyway, RMH provided us with what amounted to a pretty nice hotel room, three meals a day, all prepared by volunteers, and access to the kitchen any time we wanted. They also had a playground and welcomed visits from our family and friends whenever we wanted. It's just amazing what the organization does year round.

 One night, while catching a breather in the room at RMH before our daughter's next feeding, I told my wife I wanted to do something to pay back RMH for all they were doing for us and what they do for other families all the time. The idea for the anthology seemed obvious. I knew I couldn't do it on my own, however, so that night I began contacting all the writers on my Facebook page – some of the biggest names in the horror genre – and I asked for a story. Almost none of them said no. There was no time between asking for a story and receiving it. I also got a few stories from writers who saw the call for submissions on Darkest Markets.

 The title "Dark Light" seemed fitting for horror writers writing for a good cause. I started asking for submissions in early February and the book will be out June 20th. There are 42 writers and 44 stories. It's huge and there is such a range of horror themes included. I think readers are going to dig it.

Karen: Why, specifically, did you choose to have the anthology in the horror genre? One would think, from your experiences, a more uplifting genre would have been preferable.

Carl: That's a good question, and a lot of the writers actually submitted stories with horror themes they felt were more acceptable to the cause, but I write horror, as do the writers I contacted. I didn't believe we needed to write sunshine and happy endings just because we were writing for a great charity. The truth is, I think it says a lot that writers who are traditionally known for dark thoughts came together
so quickly and gave so much of their time to answer a call to support RMH. Many of these writers didn't even know me, but they came on board without hesitation. That's positive regardless of the content of the anthology. Horror writers have kids and families as well, and they can care as deeply as anyone. Besides, when a rock band supports a charity, they don't play classical because it's proper – they play loud rock 'n' roll.

Karen: So true! The Horror genre is very broad in its definition, or what one can find in it, what types of horror stories can be found in “Dark Light” that will titillate readers?

Carl: There is a broad range of stories in the horror genre, you're right about that. And that just about tells you what you will find in "Dark Light." With the number of writers, both established and fairly new, and their varying styles, there will definitely be something for just about everyone. The stories range from traditional horror themes to serial killers, from ghosts to demons, with some humor and experimental stuff thrown on. The range is huge, but the book has a really even feel to it. Readers should not only enjoy reading some of their favorite authors, but will hopefully find others they will enjoy in the process.

Karen: That’s really great information. Thanks! I know that you mentioned earlier that you are a writer, is “Dark Light” your first foray into editing, especially that of an anthology?

Carl: I've edited a lot of novels and anthologies, both professionally and as favors to friends. This is my first time acting in the capacity of publisher and editor. Editing is simple and straightforward, but
giving birth to an anthology is a different animal altogether. Getting submissions, reading them, rejecting some, editing what remains, getting proofs out to the authors, coordinating the contractual stuff, formatting the book, making sure I didn't forget anybody and that I spelled all the names correctly -- that stuff can get overwhelming. Writing is much easier for me.

Karen: What, in the whole process of creating “Dark Light,” have you found to be the most rewarding aspect of the endeavour?

Carl: Seeing the generosity of the writers is the most rewarding aspect. I can remember where I was when each of these writers got in touch to say they would do the anthology. I heard back from almost every one of them before my daughter was even out of the hospital. Walking around in a daze between RMH and the hospital, I'd check my Facebook on my phone and find a "Yes, I'd be happy to help out, here's a story."

Other than that, the most rewarding aspect has been pulling it together so quickly. This is a huge book -- nearly six hundred pages -- and to have it conceived and ready to release in just four months is an awesome feeling. All of the writers in this book should be commended for having acted on everything quickly to allow me to move at this pace. I didn't want this to be one of those anthologies it takes a year to get out. There's no need for that, and because everyone cooperated so well, the pieces fell together.

Karen: “Dark Light” sounds like it’s packed with many amazing and wonderful stories, and since the proceeds are going to a great cause, where can a reader pick up a copy? Will “Dark Light” be available in both print and ebook formats?

Carl: The book will be available in all digital formats, available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Sony Reader Store, and Kobo. It will also be available in print at Amazon, some online stores, and a few brick and mortar stores. I tried for the widest possible distribution. My website, http://carlhose.net  will have complete information, or people can find me on Facebook and add me as a friend. From there, you can check out the Dark Light Facebook page. The book will roll out on or before June 20th. I'm excited about it. I love the stories and hope readers will too.




For other formats soon to be available, check out http://carlhose.net 

For a chance to win a signed copy! Good luck!
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

28 comments:

  1. Dark Light sounds great. I am looking forward to read it. Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. looking foward to reading this bok i put it onmy to read list

    ReplyDelete
  3. This book sounds really good. I must admit the cover pulled me in right away.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I cant wait to read this! thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sounds like a cool collection of stories! Thanks for hosting a giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love the cover & really looking forward to reading this book.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This looks amazing; going to grab it for my kindle now!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sara "Friday" BellemareJune 22, 2012 at 5:18 AM

    Can't wait to run and get my copy of this amazing book ! Love Karen Dales !

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you for the awesome giveaway I would love to read this!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you for the giveaway - always looking for new horror authors!
    Erin
    loveeria@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. So glad to see the interest in the book. I appreciate the support from all of you. Karen, thank you so much for taking the time to help out. It means the world to me and is so important to so many. You're awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank you so much for all of your help, Karen! This book and what it stands for means so much to me. Being able to recover right next door to my daughter was a blessing not only for her, but for me as well. She needed us to heal quickly just as much as I needed her to help me heal. Being able to give back to such a wonderful charity because of the generosity of all these amazing authors and others who help us promote will do my heart good!

    ReplyDelete
  13. To Carl and Marcee Hose,
    You are MOST welcome. I will continue to do what I can to spread the word. I really believe in what you are doing with Dark Light and wish you all the success in the world for it!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am a NICU nurse and understand how important a RMH is to families. We had one at University of Chicago and there is also one in Indianapolis for Riley Children's hospital. THey are a wonderful charity and it is awesome that your are supporting them with this cool anthology. Much appreciated by both families and staff.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We owe a lot to the NICU nurses at All Children's in St. Pete, FL. The job the NICU nurses do there (and everywhere) is so important. Ireland was lucky enough to have us there. Unfortunately, I saw too many babies in NICU with no one around. That was very sad to me. Thank you, T, for the job you do. Having slept in the NICU many nights, I know what you ladies (and men) do.

      Delete
  15. Thank You for an amazing giveaway!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sounds like a great book and the proceeds are going to such a great cause. My father died of colon cancer and it would have been wonderful if there had been some place to stay in between hospital visits like the RMH.

    Even though it was my dad and not my child, I still sympathize when you talk about stumbling around in a fog.

    I hope your daughter is doing well now and good luck with the release.

    Janice~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Janice. And daughter, father, brother, sister, mother . . . it really doesn't matter. Losing a loved one, or having a loved one ill, is a tragic thing. Ronald McDonald House was a godsend for us. I truly believe being so close is what helped Ireland thrive, and yes, she's doing great. Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  17. Glad to be part of this RMH is the best thing McDonald's ever did ;) Good on you Carl for getting this off the ground and nice one Karen for posting this. All the best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, William, for contributing a story to the book as well. Your support, and the support of all the authors involved, made it possible.

      Delete
  18. An amazing cause, one that's also very close to my heart. I love horror and will be picking up a copy for sure :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great giveaway; I love horror and horror anthologies, and it's great that the author is doing this for a terrific cause!! had a little trouble with rafflecopter but eventually got it to work...

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great interview and giveaway. What a fab cause. Good luck xxx

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a great story behind the story. I loved reading this and thank you for sharing it. kissa_starling @ yahoo

    ReplyDelete