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.

Available on KINDLE - http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Light-ebook/dp/B008C3UM32

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

The Sequence of Editing

 A question was asked on a FB group about how novels are edited. I wrote the following in response and then realized I can share it with you wonderful folks on my blog.

As an editor, the rule of thumb for editing goes from the largest to the smallest. This means you start with the content/substance of the novel: plot, facts, flow, character development, use of language, ensurance that the voice of the author and thus the characters are consistent, etc. I want to note that substance/content editing can be several rounds of rewrites.

Once the rewrites to the substance/content of the novel are complete, then comes the line editing. This is where the structure of the novel is edited, where the sentences and paragraphs, even chapter breaks and scene breaks, are studied and fixed so as to keep a constant flow in the narrative.

Once those re-writes are done, then it goes to copy editing. This is where grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc., get a good going over.

Once those re-writes are done, then the galley is produced and is edited/proofread. This is the LAST chance for the author to make any changes/fixes to the novel before it goes to print/epub. Here is where any last minute copy editing can be done (it's sooooooo easy to miss things), if the author needs to change something such as a last re-write of a scene or paragraph, etc., (so long as it's not more than 20% of the novel lest the author piss off their publisher) it can be done at this point. The galley edits are the point of no return.

Once the galley is signed off, then it goes to print.

What MANY indie publishing houses fail at is the editing. They think ONE round of editing is enough. It is not. As a reader, I won't read novels from certain indie presses because of their horrific lack of editing for their authors. I feel bad for the authors of those houses, but honestly, they should take up the issues of bad editing with their publisher.

When Angel of Death and Changeling were picked up, the owner of DDP at that time had one editor deal with it. I trusted that editor and that person did not do a proper job. In fact, I was lucky, because that same editor mangled another author's book in the extreme. Both that editor and that owner are gone (thank GOD!) so now editing is done by professionals.  I'm also going to say, just because an individual reads a lot of books, does not make that person a publisher OR an editor.

If you are interested in my editing services, please email me at karendales@karendales.com

If you would like to check out my novels (which are now properly edited), please check out the links below.

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Karen-Dales/e/B004TG6U1Y

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/karen-dales

Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/KarenDales

Indy Press Publishing Survival list

My author friend, Violette Malan, posted this and I had to share it. http://mandydegeit.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/when-publishing-goes-wrong-starring-undead-press/

In this day and age, one MUST be very, very careful which small/indy publishing house you sign to. With new technology making it easier for self publishing, so too does it make it easier for would-be publishers with no real experience to start up publishing houses. Many of these people have never taken a course on how to publish, or even how to edit. Many of these people are self published individuals who have decided to take it upon themselves to do 'it' for others.

Some warning signs one MUST be aware of when looking at small/indy publishing houses is:

1) How they present themselves. I'm not saying their websites have to look like any of the 6 Sisters and their imprints, but it should look professional in accordance to their branding. This also means spelling and grammar errors.

2) How they correspond to potential authors and readers. If the publisher can't compose an email with proper grammar and spelling, then how can you be sure your novel/short story will be properly edited?

3) Ask FIRST about the editing process if offered a contract. If they have a professional editor, with credentials, editing your book, then that's a good sign. There are different stages of editing and one round is never enough. I know one author, who had to go back to substantive edits with his Large house publisher TEN times for rewrites.

4) That they aren't signing authors left, right and centre, and putting those books out in a matter of 6 months or less. There are reasons why it takes a year to 18 months (on average) to get a book out, unless you're going with Harlequin. If they are delivering quantity over quality for the number of staff, you know it'll be a poor product.

5) BEFORE you submit to a small/indy house, read something they've already put out. If you find substantive errors in the book, that's a BIG red flag, even if they say the book has been edited numerous times. If you find tense shifts, again, they should not be there at all. If you find consistent and numerous grammar and spelling errors, there's another red flag.

I hope this helped.

Interview with The Angel of Death

About a month ago I set up a question for my fans as to which character from my award winning series, The Chosen Chronicles, they would like to see interviewed. It didn’t take long to see that the Angel was the one most everyone wanted.

I then opened the floor to my fans so that they could ask the interview questions. Out of those posted on my Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/KarenDalesAuthor, and here on my blog, 20 questions were picked. Out of those who posted questions, one lucky person will win a Chibi Chosen of the Angel http://karendales.com/chibichosen.html The name of the winner will be revealed at the end of the interview.

So here we go!

For many of you, The Chosen Chronicles, featuring the main character of The Angel, has given you many answers and many questions about the Angel and the story as a whole. Today, I’m interviewing the Angel.

1 - Okay, we were all there when you and Tarian met and fell for each other, and we were around while the Good Father took you away, so I guess I’m curious to know: When, why, and how long were you back in that area? Were there any living relatives or villagers who knew or recognized you, as Gwyn or the Angel, while you fell in love with Tarian’s granddaughter? If so, how did that all go down? – Ressa Empbra Author

The Angel:  I did not realize what my feelings were with Tarian until I was told that Notus and I were leaving. It is hard to let go of the people you care about, but I am grateful for the first lesson. Notus and I never returned to that village. When we returned to that region, the village was no more. We never return to a place while there are those who could remember us still there. Questions about our longevity would be detrimental to our existence.

As to Tarian’s granddaughter, that is a very hard question to answer. We met elsewhere than Geraint’s village, in different circumstances. I don’t think either one of us expected to fall in love with each other as she was promised to another man for political reasons. Needless to say, to the victor goes the spoils and history is that which is written by those who are victorious. It is true with her and our brief time together. One only needs to look in mythology to see who she was and what happened, though my perspective of what occurred is very different to what historians wrote down.

2 - If you were given the choice of being chosen would you have said yes? – Stephanie Buzzell

The Angel:  Yes. Most definitely. Being Chosen opened up my life and illuminated the night so that I could live again.

3 - When you think of yourself, what name do you think of? – Shannon Neprily

The Angel: Jeanie asked me something similar the first night we were truly together. As to what name I think myself to be...I don’t. I am who I am. If people need to apply names to me, then they do. I have been called so many things and so many names, that after all these centuries they are all me and I am all them, good and bad.

4 - If you could go back and change one thing about your past, what would it be? – Danielle Williams

The Angel: There are so many things one can regret over such an extensive lifetime. I’m not immune to such things, but for me, I would have forced Jeanie to stay at Bridget’s while Fernando, Bridget and I confronted Katherine. Had I known what would have befallen her—and I should have known better—I would have tied her up so that she would not have come. Because of that, I am solely to blame as to what happened to Jeanie. It is a regret I will never be free from.

5. - If you had one single wish, what would you wish for? Rebeeyah E. Miguel Iglesias

The Angel: To have tied Jeanie to that bed that night so long ago. Had I done so, my life would have been happier because we would be together.

6 - Do you think you are blessed or cursed and why? Rebeeyah E. Miguel Iglesias

The Angel: I believe that everyone goes through times where they believe they are living a blessed or cursed life. Being Chosen has definitely been a blessing, but how that has changed me to become the Angel of Death is something I consider a curse. I do not enjoy taking the lives of others. I do it because it is sometimes a necessity, and at other times it is a requirement. Relieving your friends of their lives is extraordinarily difficult, but being able to save someone from being harmed balances it out. We all have a role to play in this world, mine is that of the Angel.

7 - Angel of Death, do you try to remain neutral in the fight between good and evil? Lenore Wolfe

The Angel: I’m going to tell you a bit of truth. You may not like it. You may revile me because of it. There is no ‘good’ or ‘evil.’ It is all a matter of perspective. What one person calls evil, another calls good, and visa versa. I am not here to judge. I have been in the employ of what some may call an evil person, while to him and his followers, he was great. It is what history writes of those deeds and persons, and we all know that history is written by the victors.

I do not try and take sides, but Notus is always there to guide and be a sounding board so that I do not lose my perspective on what I believe to be right and wrong.

When we were in Palestine, with Richard the Lion Heart, I did things that, to many, were horrific, but to my employer, they were grand. Even Notus was drawn into the righteousness of the cause. It was only after I was wounded that perspective returned to him, but was it because of what happened to me, or was it that he regained a new perspective on the war? You would have to ask him.

8 - What do you like about the night? Rebeeyah E. Miguel Iglesias

The Angel: Everything. It is quiet, even in this day and age in comparison to a city’s daytime bustle. It contains beauty that most mortals fail to see and it holds mysteries that hide in shadows. There is life in the dark. More than most could ever imagine.

If you’ve ever been to a jungle, you notice the sounds, but at night, the place truly comes alive.

9 - What is your religious belief? Rebeeyah E. Miguel Iglesias

The Angel: The woman who raised me taught me one way of living in harmony with the earth and things of the spirit. Notus tried to convince me to follow his religion. I have met individuals of every religion on this planet. One thing that I know is that none of them are more correct than the other. Each is a path leading to the same place, if one is true to their path. I am not a religious person, but I understand and respect things of the spirit.

10 - How do you choose your next victim? Linda Rendell-Hayes

The Angel:  I do not kill if it is not required. Those that I feed from are ones who are down on their luck, street people if you will. Prostitutes, mostly, depending on the circumstances and where I am. If I come upon a criminal in the middle of the act, I will feed off of him. In the times of the Black Death, I did not need to feed on such persons. Too many cried out for a painless death. Notus and I gave it to them. I will only kill if it is absolutely necessary.

11 - What is one word that describes you and why? : ] Minahil Jaay

The Angel: Enigma, because to those around me, close and afar, question what I am, even though I have been accepted as Chosen. Also, because I still question who I am, even after all these centuries.

12 - If you could go back and finish living your life alone in your cave after everything you've been through, would you do it? Shannon Neprily

The Angel: No, I would not. I realized that, despite everything I’ve been through, there are good people in the world who do not judge me by my appearance alone, but by my character as an individual. Notus was always one of those, and it is for him and friends like him that keeps me out of that cave, even though there are many times I wish I could still retreat to it.

13 - If you had the power to change/redo one significant moment ... which would it be and why? Moira Hawthorne Copeland

The Angel: I’ve answered a similar question earlier in this interview, but this question is slightly different. For that, I’ll answer this. That one particular moment would be when I was a child in that grove. Instead of staying to watch Eira, her sister and cousins, I would immediately leave. I believe I possibly would be a different person today if I had left. Regardless, I don’t regret what happened that day because I am who I am now because of it and many other experiences.

14 - What would you idea vacation spot be? And why? Stephanie Buzzell

The Angel: I’ve been around the world many times and seen many things. I have my favourites, home being one, but a place to get away from everything would be somewhere north and in the wilderness. In this modern age there is less and less untouched nature, and it is that which I miss and enjoy when I am out in it.

15 - Are you and Fernando Friends? or just someone you get along when needed be? Sarah Kalaitzidis

The Angel: At first it was a relationship of convenience in our mutual effort to find out who was poisoning the Chosen’s food supply and get back what Katherine took from us. I did not go in expecting to be partnered, but Fernando was persuasive. I also knew that it was better to work together than separately. There was never any love lost between us. I knew he had an agenda that went beyond the obvious, but in the end he proved himself honourable.

Are we friends? As much as we can be. I think if it weren’t for Bridget, we wouldn’t be. I know that I can trust Fernando now, and that counts for a lot.

16 - Do you have any bad habits? If yes, what are they? Minahil Jaay

The Angel: You would have to ask Notus about that. I’m sure I do. Everybody does. As to what they are, ask Notus.

17. What constitutes an innocent person, to you? And what is unforgivable? – Shannon Neprily

The Angel: A child is innocent. Innocence is relative and dependent upon one’s sense of right and wrong. But in general terms, most people are innocent about many things.

As to what is unforgiveable, someone who knowingly, and with full intent, does something to someone/something to cause irrevocable harm to that person/thing. Notice I didn’t say hurt, and I wish to point out that harm is a matter of perspective as well.

18. If you were able to, would want to have children? Minahil Jaay

The Angel:  I don’t know. I’ve never thought about it. Having children is an incredible responsibility. I don’t know if I could do it.

19. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Notus? Rebeeyah E. Miguel Iglesias

The Angel: Notus can appear to be very simple, but he isn’t. He cares—a lot. Because of that, he feels things very deeply. Sometimes too deeply and this causes him grief. He is a very compassionate man who has great difficulty in dealing the hurts that this world puts on him, me or others he cares about.

20. What do you love most about Jeanie? Rebeeyah E. Miguel Iglesias

The Angel: Her spirit. She is passionate and will fight for who she cares for. It is this inner fire that draws me to her. She doesn’t back down, even when she should. If there is something she wants, she will fight to get it. I think if it hadn’t been for this we wouldn’t have been together. She instigated our relationship, and I’m happy she did.




If you enjoyed this interview of the Angel, and would like to read more about his life and adventures, please check out my award winning series, The Chosen Chronicles. They are available in both trade paperback and ebook/kindle.

Kindle and epub versions are now only $.99 each and can be found at:
http://amazon.com/author/karendales and https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/KarenDales

I look forward to reading your reviews and comments.

Sarah Kalaitzidis is the winner of the Chibi Chosen of the Angel! Congratulations!

Sirens A-Blazing or Why Some Elderly SHOULDN'T DRIVE RANT!

I'm sorry if my little rant here is going to piss off some folks, but I just have to!

Today the power went off in my area. Why? A little old man lost control of his car a couple of blocks away and somehow affected the power lines. He flipped his car onto its side after ramming into a whole bunch of parked cars on the side of the road. The ensuing traffic mess made it very dangerous for my son to walk home from school as cars were driving hither and thither on my street trying to get around the mess. So why the F was this little old man driving in the first place?!

My neighbourhood is plauged by old drivers who can barely see over their steeringwheels, let alone their FEET! I'm of a firm believer that once you turn 70 you MUST provide a certificate from an ophthalmologist or optomistrist saying your eyes are good to drive every two years. Here in Ontario, one must have an aquity of 40/20 in at least one eye to drive (that's corrected vision, i.e. glasses, etc). I know this because I used to work in ophthalmology (it's why I know how to spell it, too.:)

I also believe that once over 70 years of age, there should be driving tests for seniors, and licences should be taken away if they can't meet minimum standards, which include correct reaction time.

I'm tired of watching these elderly drivers run into things because of whatever reason. (I once watched dumbfounded as an old woman drove her car into a parked car after having noticed that car while she sat with her left turn blinker on to get down that same parking isle!)

It has been almost four hours since the accident, with its incredible amount of sirens, and still sirens are a-blazing. Why? Because impatient people are getting lost in my area as they try to by-pass the closed major intersection, and are ending up in their own accidents.

All I can say is that thank the Universe I can walk to where I need to go, but even still, I have to becareful not to get run over (like I nearly did when crossing the street when bringing my son home...and yes...it was a residential street.)

I hope that little old man doesn't die, but I do hope his licence gets taken away for good.

Cars are more dangerous than guns, in some cases. The sad thing is that cars are put into the hands of those who SHOULDN'T drive.

Rant Off.

PayPal Reverses Proposed Censorship

Received the following from my publisher from Smashwords. We're very very happy!

March 13, 2012

Smashwords author/publisher update: PayPal Reverses Proposed Censorship

Great news. Yesterday afternoon I met with PayPal at their office in San Jose,
where they informed me of their decision to modify their policies to allow legal
fiction.

Effective last night, we rolled back the Smashwords Terms of Service to its
pre-February 24 state.

It's been a tumultuous, nerve-wracking few weeks as we worked to protect the right
of writers to write and publish legal fiction.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to Smashwords authors, publishers and
customers. You stood up and made your voice known. Thank you to every Smashwords
author and publisher who wrote me to express opinions, even if we disagreed, and
even if you were angry with me. You inspired me to carry your cause forward.

Smashwords authors, publishers and customers mobilized. You made telephone calls,
wrote emails and letters, started and signed petitions, blogged, tweeted, Facebooked
and drove the conversation. You made the difference. Without you, no one would have
paid attention. I would also like to thank the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF),
The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE) and the National
Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC). These three advocacy groups were the first to
stand up for our authors, publishers and customers. Their contribution cannot be
overstated. We collaborated with them to build a coalition of like-minded
organizations to support our mutual cause. Special kudos to Rainey Reitman of EFF
for her energy, enthusiasm and leadership.

I would also like to thank all the bloggers and journalists out there who helped
carry our story forward by lending their platforms to get the story out. Special
thanks to TechCrunch, Slashdot, TechDirt, The Independent (UK), Reuters, Publishers
Weekly, Dow Jones, The Digital Reader, CNET, Forbes, GalleyCat & EbookNewser and
dozens of others too numerous to mention.

I would like to thank our friends at PayPal. They worked with us in good faith as
they promised, engaged us in dialogue, made the effort to understand Smashwords and
our mission, went to bat for our authors with the credit card companies and banks,
and showed the courage to revise their policies.

This is a big, bold move by PayPal. It represents a watershed decision that
protects the rights of writers to write, publish and distribute legal fiction. It
also protects the rights of readers to purchase and enjoy all fiction in the privacy
of their own imagination. It clarifies and rationalizes the role of financial
services providers and pulls them out of the business of censoring legal fiction.

Following implementation of their new policies, PayPal will have the most liberal,
pro-First-Amendment policies of the major payment processors. Will Google Checkout
and Checkout by Amazon be next now that the credit card companies have clarified
their positions, and have essentially given payment providers the permission to
adopt more enlightened policies? Finally, thanks to Selena Kitt of Excessica and
Remittance Girl for helping me to understand and respect all fiction more than I
ever have before.

This is a bright day for indie publishing. In the old world, traditional publishers
were the arbiters of literary merit. Today, thanks to the rise of indie ebooks, the
world is moving toward a broader, more inclusive definition of literary merit.
Smashwords gives writers the power and freedom to publish. Merit is decided by your
readers. Just as it should be.


Thanks,

Mark Coker
Founder
Smashwords