I invited author, Tom Benson to give us an insight about his latest anthology, Next Steps: and other stories. Here it is. Welcome to this site, Tom.
I’m a multi-genre author who enjoys various writing disciplines, and I’ve found that ideas for short stories are never far away. Combined with this, of course, is the opportunity to create another collection. I understand how difficult it is for indie authors like me to capture and increase an audience. With this in mind, I created my first ‘invitation’ anthology, and ‘Next Steps’is the third of this type.
What came to mind when you saw the title of this article?
Perhaps like many people, you thought of progression in some form, or was that a fleeting idea cast aside as you considered the graphic and the book title?
‘Next Steps: and other stories’is the full title of…
Hey horror fans, check out the interview and insider info into Halloween Land with Kevin J Kennedy. And for those who aren’t familiar with his name, you really want to stay tuned and see why you need to be. Don’t forget to grab your copy today!
Hi Kevin,can you share with us something about Halloween Land that isn’t in the blurb?
Part of me still lives in the 80s and the 90s. The book will appeal to others who feel the same. Movie buffs and gamers will catch some nods that others wont. It’s an undercurrent that runs through the book and different people will pick up on different things.
Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
The cats and dogs in the book are my three cats in real life and the wee Pomeranian was my wee dog that passed away. He lived to 15.
Can you share a snippet that isn’t in the blurb or excerpt?
They started to move quickly through the now creepy-looking stalls, steeped in shadows, making the carnival appear as if it had been abandoned for years. Suddenly three shapes stepped out in front of them. Wendy let out a gasp, and they both stopped in their tracks. In front of them stood three clowns, Wendy’s worst nightmare. More terrifying for her was that each of these clowns had a carved pumpkin for a face — not make-up to look like a pumpkin — but what actually seemed to be a moving, living, (possibly breathing) pumpkin face. Their mouths were carved exactly as they would be on a pumpkin carved for Halloween, except Wendy and Zak could tell that their teeth were razor sharp. Zak grabbed Wendy’s hand and started running, pulling her with him. They ducked between stalls and rides, moving as fast as they could while trying not to trip on all the electrical cables that were running along the ground. As they moved, they could hear a strained, guttural laughing that sounded like it was coming from the roofs of the stalls above and behind them. As the kids came out between one of the burger bars and a novelty shop, they were both panting hard. Knowing they couldn’t keep running, Wendy looked around for somewhere to hide.
If your book was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?
Difficult one. The main characters are youngsters, and I don’t really know any young actors. I’d have Isla Fisher play the crazy clown lady.
What were the key challenges you faced when writing this book?
I had initially written a short story for one of my early Halloween Anthos. It was about 7000 words. It got mentioned in a lot of reviews and a few people suggested I make it longer. It was even compared to Richard Laymon’s works and he was one of my favourite authors. I started the process of extending it and several times I hit roadblocks. A few times I scraped huge sections but once I got it right in my head it flowed easily.
What was the highlight of writing this book?
Finishing it. Lol. No, I think the highlight was getting to put lots of little personal nods to stuff I love in it. I sometimes put them in short stories, but you can only squeeze one or two in depending on length. I could do more with this without it having a negative effect on the story
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote The Tale of Sawney Bean when I was 35. It was basically a long, short. I don’t think it was long enough to be a bonified novella. It’s no longer in publication. It was badly written, but I learned a lot by doing that book.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I read a lot. I enjoy watching movies or box sets with my wife. I like to chill with my cats and spend time with my mum. I lead a fairly simple life. I know what I enjoy and try to spend as much time as possible doing it.
How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?
1 solo novella, 3 co-written novellas and probably over 100 short stories. Halloween Land is my favourite right now but mainly because it’s my longest solo work and it’s my newest release. Ask me in a few weeks and I’d likely give a different answer.
Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer?
Just keep writing and reading. The more you write, you’ll naturally get better and with reading you start to pay attention to how other writers deal with certain things and can add to your bag of tricks.
If you could tell your younger writing self-anything, what would it be?
Start writing sooner. I was always a reader. Never really thought about writing but I wish I had started at a younger age.
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
Covers and editors. I do believe covers sell books and editing matters. If a book is a mess, I will never finish it.
What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
Savage by Richard Laymon & Blood Crazy by Simon Clark. They are both superb but I hardly ever see them pop up in reader groups on Facebook. I could list a load but those are two of my faves.
What does literary success look like to you?
Going full time as a writer, publisher. Basically, working in the book world full time. I don’t care if it’s in a mixture of rolls.
What is the most difficult part about writing for you?
Fitting it in. I tend to do so many Anthos that I struggle for time and having a day job means you are tired at night. I do what I can but I’d love to have time on my side.
What was your favourite part, and your least favourite part, of the publishing journey?
The first antho I put together was done at almost no cost. I started paying from book 2 but I didn’t have any money. I just felt I could put a better book together than a lot of the stuff that was coming out. That was Collected Christmas Horror Shorts. The book done better than I could have ever expected. It took the number 1 spot on the charts for months and even managed to hit first place on it’s second year-round at Christmas time.
What got you into creating anthologies? And what do you enjoy most about that process?
I like that I get to read stories by my favourite authors before anyone else does. A few years ago, I was just another reader and now people drop me a message saying they have a new story available and what do I have going. It’s mental. I’ve built up a good relationship with a lot of authors over the years and now it’s more like giving one of my friends a shout and running an idea by them. More often than not, they are in.
Do you have another one in the works?
I have The Horror Collection Ruby Edition almost finished and The Horror Collection Extreme Edition underway. I am in the middle of co-writing 2 novellas and a 4th solo collection called the A to Z of Horror. I also have a few shorts to write for other publisher’s anthologies. Never a dull moment.
What are you planning next?
Apart from all the stuff that is in the works already, I will likely write a linked novella to Halloween Land soonish.
Thank you for sharing with us today Kevin.
Fans, grab your copy of Halloween Land today! New readers, don’t stop there, check out his vast collection of books. And writers be sure to get your pencil’s sharpened for the next creepy call from Kevin.
Being an independent author gives us the freedom to do as we please. Of course the ultimate goal is to gain readers, reviews, and respect among our peers (and make money).
However it is also allowing me to showcase the artwork of an extremely talented local youth. Had my new book gone to a publisher, this would not be accepted. It also happened by chance.
How did it all come about?
My draft for Unfamiliar Territory, a kids chapter book, was handed off to a co-worker’s niece just for fun. He’s bragged about her drawings in the past. After she received the book he asked if she could make some art for the book. I said yes, that would be great. It’s a good feeling to know that my words inspired her imagination. And then he showed me images of what she was creating and I was blown away. This girl’s talent is stunning.
I don’t want to give away all the pictures in the book, so here is one teaser.
And all this makes holding the paperback even more enjoyable. Check out, Unfamiliar Territory on Amazon today.
About the artist: Victoria is 14, she enjoys art and anything to do with literature. She likes coffee way too much to be healthy and is a night owl who hates mornings. She’s passionate about music, it’s her main source of inspiration and would rather live in a fictional world where she can own a sword.
Be open to looking for youth to support and inspire and be proud to be indie.
Clean, exciting Romantic Suspense from a Multi-Award-Winning Author.
Readers’ Favorite Award-Winner – a love story that gets hotter… and hotter.
What happens when your boss finds your naughty letter to Santa?
https://amzn.to/2NeYDzQ What happens when you find the man who checks all the boxes on your Cupid’s List?
Set in the 60’s in a small town in Wales where everybody knows everybody and everyone loves a scandal.
Past, present & future come together in this explosive modern tale of love and revenge.
He can’t leave his world; she won’t be tied to a planet again. The Shaman-king and the mercenary.
A Romantic Suspense Novel
Three mysteries in one! Missing in Egypt, Missing at Sea and Missing in London. Three stand-alone books set on far-flung continents, the only link being Anna herself.
A Contemporary Small Town Romantic Suspense
A Celebrity Romantic Suspense Novel
A Second Chance Romance (Forever Young Series)
A “howcatchem” rather than a “whodunit,” Poison Pen is a stand-alone novel and part of the About Three Authors series
Filipino-Canadian Lucy Lombos shares her joy of life and goal for children’s literacy through her many books. Each of which hold the highest values and moral teaching for children. Lucy and her husband Umberto “Jun” Lombos, founded Lombosco Academy (LA) in Katarungan Village, Muntinlupa City, Philippines. She sits as LA’s Directress while Jun serves as its Founding President. You can read her full story below in an article from Philippine Canadian Inquirer. But before you do, don’t forget to pick up a book or two.
A young boy experiences an unexpected adventure and discovers who the real gem is. The journey leads him to reach his goal.
Modern fables
Life is like a boat ride which is not always smooth sailing. This is a compelling story of a young girl who goes through an unforgettable adventure in Puerto Galera, Philippines. Her summer vacation is a realistic comparison of life to the waves of the sea.
This is the story of a child who loves to play at home and outdoors. It values the traditional play other than the new tech gadgets nowadays. It highlights family bonding, learning to do household chores, the love of reading. It introduces the concept of days of the week and remembering names.
This book tells the readers about a delightful tale of a turtle and an eagle who unexpectedly met. They eventually became friends while chasing their dreams.
A mother’s love will always be unquestionable and will prioritize whatever is best for her child.
A story about two sisters who support each other. The curiosity of an eight-year-old girl leads to the fulfillment of her dream. The book also portrays the value of orderliness, readiness and finding meaning in the necessities of life.
Two lovely dogs enjoy caring for their disabled lady master who has great affection and treats them as a family.
A story about the value of patience while waiting for abundant blessings in our lives. Everything has its own perfect timing.
Do you hate a housefly?…not anymore! Fly along and enjoy the adventure with “Noshi”, the housefly as it discovers the sweetness of life and family.
This is a heart-warming story about Bill, the butterfly fish who learned many valuable lessons about life and his watery world. The book will serve to inspire the young as well as the young at heart to become stewards of the marine environment and of the delicate world we live in. This piece of work is overflowing with both imagination and science, and is an exemplary contribution towards empowering the citizens of tomorrow.
Great life lessons for young people with the use of unconventional characters. These are modern fables narrated in a creative and fun way to know one’s purpose in life.
When I hear authors saying, “Stick to one genre, you’ll be more popular”, I get IRKED. I am more than one thing; you are too.
At my day job, I work in multiple departments to keep busy. If I’m having a slow day in administration, I can hop on the phones and take sales, or join the retail team to cash out customers. Heck I’ve even gone to the warehouse to pick product.
At home I’m a wife, a dog mom/walker, a chief, a cleaner, gardener, furniture assembler, financer, and the occasional handy-assistant. (Husband is all that too — that’s the point)
So why when I write must I work with one tool? Well, guess what, it’s not going to happen anytime soon. I enjoy testing the waters of new ideas. The characters for each genre are so vastly different, too. This helps me stay fresh, innovative and bring more to my fans than same ole’ same ole’.
What are your roles in life, do you stay with what you know, or enjoy dabbling in everything? Share your thoughts with our fellow readers. OR make the case against me as to why staying true is the ultimate.
Need an editor, mentor, sounding board, or have questions about your work? Check out https://camaplot.com/
Every writer needs help of one kind or another. Whether it’s someone to bounce ideas off, reading a page or two for flow, and of course editing. We always have our peers on social media, but who do you turn to for trusted professional help? I’d like to introduce you to my first editor and mentor, Zane Dowling.
When I first decided to self-publish, I knew absolutely nothing about writing, editing, or publishing. I was as green as they come. I actually got lucky and met Zane through Google Plus in 2014. I gave him my already published book to read, and he was the only person to tell me the truth—it sucked! BUT it had potential. He worked closely with me for a year. I learned how to write better, and every book since then has been an improvement.
Check out his site with offers as low as $5.00 you can get started on the right foot. Not sure what you need? Begin with a free chat. Get page reads, minor edits, or a complete yearly package. With lots to choose from, you can’t go wrong.
