SNM Horror Magazine

We will conduct 4 SNM author interviews per month

                      Interviews with a Vampire!

Lilith is our hot Author Interviewer at SNM Horror Mag. She is an aspiring writer and poet and has been published in Poetry.com and was also the editor for her high school newspaper. Her passion for journalism and art of literary writing has earned her the position as Author Interviewer. Having a dark passion for vampires and the horror genre, she has added a real distinctiveness to SNM's staff. Lilith, a Native American, lives in the very hot state of Arizona. Lilith is also a dark poet working on a vamp novel series. *You can visit her on her Myspace site for further details.

NOTE: Lilith is NOT accepting author's interviews directly, only those scheduled by the editors' monthly selections, and those by invite only. Thanks for your understanding! 

Thank you, Lilith, SNM Horror Mag darkly embraces you.

         LILITH       

 www.myspace.com/shinigami_vamp_Lilith

Darkest and Sincerest Greetings,

I thought I'd start with a heartfelt thank you to the individuals that have emailed me personally who have given me some cool feedback on the recent interviews. I sincerely appreciate your support, thank you! 

For the month of November, the following interviews below the bottom of this newsletter were conducted. I'm proud to say that we have a returning author, Nate Burleigh! The brains behind "The Trench Coat" and "Quilty as Charged." Now I don't want to spoil the goods on the whole story so I suggest you check it out. Next we want to welcome two new, up and coming authors, Kay Jakabs (Author of "Infestation") which won 2nd in our October issue and Liz Strange, (Author of "The Night of Stolen Dreams" which is our featured SOTM in the November issue. Both their stories were so memorable and well written. Liz's story will also be featured in our next Bonded By Blood anthology, which will be released in January 2010. First though is our original interview with Brett Matthew Graham who is our lead story for November. Since "Dr. Spindle's House" Brett has had two other SNM Publications with "Ring Finger Blues" and his latest here "Letter to Arthur Fisk." He also a featured poem in this issue.

If you are taking your first steps in networking online, feel free to add the staff here at SNM Horror Magazine and of course the writers whom are featured in the interview/issue pages.

Enjoy our November to Remember celebration with your loved ones and don't forget...I'll be awaiting your "invite." Make SNM your home for the best new horror and dark fiction for FREE! We also host monthly interviews and a new dark poetry section. Let's face it, we're more than just an online magazine...we're a way of life -- and everyone needs a little SNM to quench their inner glutton! Please leave your interview comments, as well as story and dark poetry comments, here in our reader guestbook. 

Muah!

Mischievous Smiles,

Mistress Kasandora Lilith

SNM Author Interviews

  Your SNM Author Interviewer Hostess

Brett Matthew Graham

Liz Strange

Kay Jakabs

Nate Burleigh

     Author Pen Name: Brett Matthew Graham

Brett Matthew Graham writes prose, poetry and music. Dr. Spindle's House was his debut story at SNM which won SOTM. All we can say is that was one Hell of a story with unbelievable wicked twists and a multi-layered plot. Indeed, it will also be appearing in Bonded By Blood II. This is what writing good horror and dark fiction is all about!  Brett currently resides in Shadyside, Ohio with his lovely wife and he enjoys playing in a local band with friends. Samples of his published poetry can be found at www.poetry.com. Since then, he has 2 new stories published here: Ring Finger Blues (September) and Letter To Arthur Fisk here in November. Welcome back home to SNM! Trust us when we say you will be seeing his books in the stores!

Lilith: I've heard quite a lot of positive mentionings of you, but first could you please give our new readers a brief insight as to what to expect from your story that won SOTM in our July Issue for our new redaers?

BMG: I wrote it a few years ago, when I was reading a lot of H.P. Lovecraft's work. I loved the idea of having a reasonable man confronted with an unreasonable situation. It's basically about a man who was burned in a fire, waiting in this house for the resident surgeon to fix him. He soon finds out that the surgery is not what he had in mind at all. The narrator's name, Howard Philips (H.P.) is not coincidental.

Lilith: What was your main drive for motivation that led you to become a writer?

BMG: It's funny when you look back on things you enjoyed as a child and how they influence you later. When we were kids, my cousins and I always played with G.I. Joes in the backyard. While they were playing and building forts, stuffing firecrackers in Cobra Commander's abdomen, I was actually staging entire dialog sequences between two pieces of plastic. I couldn't play with them unless I had a story to work with. So yeah, I guess the was some early influence, whether I knew it or not.

Lilith: Have you had any work published before?

BMG: In high school, my parents got suckered into paying for one of my poems to get published. It was advertised that I'd be in a book with other poets, which was exciting until I found out that there were like 50 poets on every page. The damned thing looked like a phone book listing. So I don't really count that. I consider you guys my first. 

Lilith: Glad to hear that you consider us your first. I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot about you in the future. I hear that you're quite the poet. Are you a member of any poetry groups online?

BMG: Not really. I've submitted poems to www.poetry.com. That's kind of a funny question, because the poem that I got published in high school was on that website the whole time and I didn't even know until I submitted a new one years later. A quick side note to anyone interested in checking out my poems. Don't read 'Waiting for Murder.' It's the first one on the list and it's terrible. Looking back on it now, I can see why my parents had to pay to get it published.

Lilith: Ah, you also have an interest in music? Tell us.

BMG: I've been playing guitar for about ten years now. I taught myself, which basically means I took guitar lessons from someone that didn't know how to play guitar. My friends and I started a band in Shadyside called Morbid Mind. We play out once in awhile, but mostly we just get together on Sundays, drink, and jam. We have a Myspace page, but for the life of me I can't remember the address. I haven't been there in awhile.

BMG: That's a tough one. I'm into a lot of different things. Lately, I've been listening to old, OLD Blues, the kind with dobros because I've been trying to teach myself slide guitar. But if I had to say a single band overall, it would probably be Tool. Something about Maynard's voice. He is very hypnotic and he writes pretty good lyrics too.

 
Lilith: Name your tool of choice? Laptop, Desktop or a Typewriter?

BMG: Most of my first drafts are actually in longhand. I think people feel an odd pressure when confronted with a computer screen. You feel like you have to go, go, go, which can be a good thing when you're on a roll, but it can also leave you with a bunch of clunky sentences if you're not. From there, I go to the desktop. A long time ago, I bought a typewriter at the Goodwill for five bucks. I guess I kind of romanticized the older way of writing, you know, the slow and methodical clack, clack, clack. But I didn't factor in how often I misspell words. Two hours of writing the same page over and over and I was done with it!

Lilith: Many writers face rejection when going out to get their work noticed. What would be your advice to those who might be going through a tough time after receiving a rejection letter?

BMG: I know it sounds redundant, but you have to stick with it. A rejection letter is a form of criticism. When you let that get to you, or shape your work, you're in trouble. I once had a friend of mine read one of my stories and he focused on this completely minute detail, not a plot hole or anything, just this little detail that didn't really matter. He wouldn't let it go and it started to get on my nerves. Then I just told myself that was his problem. I liked my story and saw nothing wrong with it and even though I'm open to constructive criticism, he had nothing constructive to say. Rejection letters are a lot like that. Just focus on your craft, not on how others perceive it. If you keep that kind of persistence and honesty, you can't go wrong.

Lilith: Do you write just one story at a time, or do you multi-task and start others while completing the first?

BMG: Oh God, I'm all over the place. I'll be writing something and remember that I have notes for it in another notebook. Then, when I'm leafing through that notebook, I'll find some part of another story that I forgot I started and say: "Neat, I'm gonna work on that now," completely forgetting about what I was working on in the first place. It's not really ADD, but it's something close. I'm surprised I get anything done.

Lilith: How did you hear about SNM Horror Mag?

BMG: It was through a horror directory, I can't remember. Funny story, though. I got it in my head that this was it, that I was just going to send out everything I'd ever written and see what happens. I went out and bought printer ink, printer paper, manilla envelopes and stamps. Then I found out that ninety nine percent of submissions have to be done by email these days. Who knew?

Lilith: I have to throw in the odd question. *smiles* You’re sound asleep only to awaken to the sound of a chainsaw coming at you. What do you do?

BMG: Hide the morning wood...ugh...sorry...that was pretty juvenile. If that were to happen, I think I would lose it anyway!

Lilith: (Laughing) Very funny. Aside from myself, I'm sure many people are asking: Will you be submitting other works to SNM Horror Magazine in the future?

BMG: I would certainly like to as SNM Mag has been a very positive experience for me. The only problem that I have with submitting my stuff anywhere is that it's usually too long for the short story requirements. I have a lot of stuff that I'd love to send you guys, but they're all way too long. They're shorter than novellas, though, so I don't even know what to call them. Medium-sized stories? I can remember submitting to this one horror site that shall remain nameless and they e-mailed me back saying that their desired word count was 1,200 words. 1,200 words? I make grocery lists that are longer than that. So now I'm writing a short story where a carton of eggs and a gallon of milk conspire to kill a loaf of bread and bury him on the bottom rack of a shopping cart. It's going to be entitled "The Tell Tale Cart"...That's probably the worst joke I've ever written.

BMG: Sorry, nothing yet. I'm looking to start my own Myspace page once my novel is published, but that's a little ways off. I'll be sure to keep you guys updated.

Lilith: It has been my pleasure interviewing you Mr. Graham, my best wishes to you and your family. I hope to one day interview you again. And congrats for making into the SNM Bonded By Blood II anthology.

BMG: Thanks and thank you for having me. I think it's just a matter of time before SNM is the #1 horror story site on the web. You guys are doing something really special here.

Reader's can e-mail Brett or write comments in our guestbook.

Huntersmonkey@localnet.com

Pen Name: Liz Strange

Liz Strange resides with her family and a menagerie of pets in beautiful Kingston, Ontario. She has a variety of interests: She enjoys keeping herself entertained, spicy food, soccer, and has a fascination with ancient Greece and Easter Island. Her debut novel, "My Love Eternal," will be published in the year 2010 by Lyrical Press. Her first published SNM story received SOTM! 

LILITH: Hi Liz. I like your name!

Let's start off with telling us a little about the story you submitted and where you came up with the idea.

LS: Thanks. Yes, this is my real name and perfect for the type of stuff that I write about. The Stranges have been long-time residents of Kingston back to the original settling of the city.

My story, Night of Stolen Dreams, is about possibly the worst thing that could happen to a young girl trying to make some extra money to support herself while in college. It involves an isolated house, a creepy family, and strange things that occur every time she’s there to babysit. Honestly, the story appeared in my mind like a movie clip and I had to rush to the computer to write it down. It’s one of my favorite stories I’ve written.

LILITH: What was it like being raised in Ontario?

LS: Kingston is a nice, medium-sized, urban town. I grew up the youngest of three, to parents who were both public school teachers. I had all the normal childhood experiences, and am happy to be raising my own family here. I have always been a non-conformist, I move to the beat of my own drum, and that certainly gave me some angst during my childhood/adolescent years, but I’m happy with the place I’m at in my life.

LILITH: Tell SNM readers more about this fascination with Ancient Greece and Easter Island.

LS: Oh, where to start? I'm not sure where the interest with Ancient Greece started, but it’s been there for as long as I can remember. I love reading stories about the Greek gods and the other assorted characters that pepper the mythology. I get a charge out of the idea of these powerful, omnipotent beings meddling in human lives for control, revenge or simply for fun. Plus I’m the amazed at all medical/scientific, artistic, and social achievements this culture made, light years ahead of others around them.

As for Easter Island, I remember catching a documentary on the culture during high school and just being astounded. This is the most remote place on earth and a very harsh environment to live in. But even more fascinating to me is not only how they got there from their geographical origins, but why they set out on this voyage in the first place? What were they looking for? How could they have known they would eventually find land after miles and miles of open sea? Plus what is the basis for the Moai? Who do they represent? I have to get there before I die!

LILITH: What is your favorite food?

LS: Well, let me preface this by saying I LOVE food. I’ll try just about anything once. I love anything spicy (Indian, Mexican,) seafood, pasta, and Mediterranean food.

LILITH: Where would be the ideal vacation for you and your loved ones?

LS: If it were just me and a friend/partner my top picks would be; Greece, Mexico, Peru, Romania, anywhere that I could go visit ruins, castles, shrines, anything with historical value. I’d love to take my kids to Disney World or a Caribbean resort.

LILITH: What do you feel would add more horror to the films being made these days?

LS: I think that most horror films these days are lacking in psychological terror and suspense and a solid story. Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good slasher flick as much as the next, but I love being creeped out even more. I liked to be SCARED as mush as grossed out! Hostel comes to mind, because that subject matter is so disturbing and really makes me think that some horrible place like that exists out there somewhere. The Exorcist had that element and it disturbs me to this day!

LILITH: Have you been involved in plays in school or wanted to direct one?

LS: Not really. I did the usual Christmas plays and stuff as a kid and I took dance where we put on a year-end recital every year but I really don’t like being the center of attention. Director might be fun, cause I’m more of a “behind the scenes” kinda girl. Now I think it would be fun to write screenplays, and help with selecting sets, film locations, wardrobe, that kind of stuff. I only dream that one day my stories will be made into movies!

LILITH: What are your favorite books?

LS: Well I have about 150 different Vampire novels, which I continuously add to. Some of my favs are Anne Rice, Laurel K. Hamilton, P.N. Elrod, Raven Hart, Tanya Huff. Of course there are many more!

I’m also a very big fan of Michael Slade, H.P. Lovecraft, Dean Koontz, Sue Grafton, Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs and Karen Slaughter. I love The Picture of Dorian Grey, The Island of the Blue Dolphins (my favourite childhood book), The Story of O, The Handmaid’s Tale, I am Legend, and It. I’ve reread all of those books many times over.

LILITH: Tell us about your proudest moment.

LS: Well I am very proud of the way I’m raising my children and living my life in general. I’ve had some tough knocks over the years, but I always pick myself back up and push to make things better.

But the day I came home and found the email from Lyrical Press offering me a contract for my first book was awesome!

LILITH: What historical event do you hope to witness?

LS: I hope to see the acceptance of gay marriage throughout the world! I still can’t believe that we as a collective society are still hung up on this! Why can’t we all just be who we are and love who we want to love? I think that’s a reasonable, attainable goal.  I am a big believer in open-mindedness, acceptance and tolerance. We should all be able to be who we are and be proud.

LILITH: If you were asked to pick any team mate from SNM Horror Magazine for a treasure hunt game, who would you pick and why?

LS: I’m going to say Steve, and no I’m not just sucking up! He is wonderful to work with and seems to be a very smart and creative guy. That’s the kind of person I want on my team.

LILITH: Are you working on any writing projects that you'd like to mention?

LS: Well, the first two books of my Dark Kiss Trilogy (My Love Eternal, A Second Chance at Forever) have been contracted by Lyrical Press and will be out sometime next year. I am currently working on Book 3 and hope to have that finished in the next couple of months. I hope your readers will take the chance on a new author!

LILITH: Where can SNM Mag readers find you?

LS: You can find out information about me and any upcoming projects and events on my website: www.lizstrange.com 

I love to hear from readers and invite any story comments or questions you might have.

I am also on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LizStrangeVamp .

LILITH: Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with me and for sharing your story with our readers! Congrats on winning SOTM, it's no easy feat!

LS: Thanks for the opportunity. I appreciate the interest and support of my writing. I still can't believe that I won SOTM!

Pen Name: Kay Jakabs

Ladies and Gentlemen, SNM introduces Kay Jakabs. Creator of "Infestation" and holder of the 2nd place spot for the October Halloween issue. Not only is she as mysterious and interesting as what she writes, she is also proudly shopping around her newly completed contemporary novel. For more informatio please visit her newly launched Myspace page and contact her.

LILITH: Hi Kay, it's very nice to meet you.

KJ: It's nice to meet you too, Kassandora and thanks for coming up with such inspiring questions.

LILITH: "Infestation" was a very interesting read. Where did you come up with the idea to write about gossworms?

KJ: I came up with the idea of gossworms when I tried to creep myself out and succeeded. During my research into worms, I found that hookworms get into a person much the same way as my fictional gossworms do, but they don't kill people. Still, finding out that something like gossworms exists for real gets me to scratching phantom itches.

LILITH: …and if you were in a town overridden with gossworms, what would you do?

KJ: If I were in a town overridden with gossworms, I'd wrap myself up in trash bags and then try to reach safety before I ran out of air. It's too bad that I'm not a deep sea diver with air tanks and neoprene body suits laying around.

LILITH: Being able to introduce horror mixed with a few shots of other writing styles (including sci-fi and forensics) really takes some skill. Have you done this with any of your other stories?

KJ: I'm a very eclectic person. I think that's why all my writing comes out as a smash up of genres.

LILITH: Do you have interest in seeing one of your writings make it to either the theater or television?

KJ: I would be thrilled if one of my stories were made into a production. I hope to some day try my hand at scriptwriting.

LILITH: What are your favorite books?

KJ: Robert Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land, Stephen King's Cell, Sheri Tepper's Beauty, Richard Bach's Illusions, Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth Series, Marion Zimmer Bradely's Darkover Series, Michael Crichton's Timeline.. oh, the list goes on and on.

LILITH: How much has your idol made an impact on your writings?

KJ: Books have shaped me and thus my writing.

LILITH: Has 2009 been good to you?

KJ: Any year above ground is a good year. It's been a tough year, but I hope, for all our sakes, 2010 turns out brighter.

LILITH: Are you a collector of anything?

KJ: I try not to be, but I'm fighting my genetics.

LILITH: Where did you first begin your networking and where else have you branched out since?

KJ: Kay Jakab's MySpace account was first. Since joining, I've been concentrating on gathering interesting MySpace friends.

LILITH: What was your favorite subject while going to school?

KJ: I think my college Anthropology class had the most impact on me because it helped me to understand cultures and the people that make them, but I love learning History.

LILITH: Do you still have something from your past that you hold onto?

KJ: Lol, I have a hard time letting go of anything. I still have my wedding dress, complete with the dirt from our outdoor wedding many years ago.

LILITH: What do you like to do for fun?

KJ: I like to write, read, watch movies, play pool, drive around the countryside, and freak people out.

LILITH: Would you like to tell us about what you're working on now?

KJ: When I'm not working on my latest short story idea, or trying to find an agent for my novel Unwelcome in America, I've been working on rewriting the novel that I wrote before Unwelcome. It's a scientific thriller.

LILITH: Where can SNM Horror readers find you?

KJ: http://www.myspace.com/kayjakabs

LILITH: It was a pleasure being introduced to you and enjoying "Infestation," I hope to have the honor of reading more of your work here in the future!

KJ: Thanks. I had a great time writing it. I still get phantom itches when I think about gossworms. I'd also like to thank the SNM's editors. They were inspirational throughout the editing process. It's been a great thrill having "Infestation" featured in SNM Horror Magazine and I hope to have another story in its pages again soon!

LILITH: It's been a pleasure having you -- stop back and don't be a stranger!

KJ: Thanks, glad I found you guys!

No stranger to SNM Horror Magazine, Nate Burleigh makes his return with some happy news to report. His story "Lexie and the Star Princess" just got published at www.bedtime.com and his book, "Sustenance," has entered the final stages of editing. This husband of 14 years and blessed father of 3 great children still loves horror! He has won several online community writing contests and has a new story in Horrorbound. Check out his work and leave him some guestbook comments

LILITH: Welcome back to SNM Horror Magazine Nate Care to give us a preview of what to expect from your latest  submission?

NB: With “The Trench Coat”, I wanted to take a character that everyone could love and put him in the worst position possible then torture him some more.  

LILITH: Your wife is your biggest fan. Does she have a favorite amongst the many stories that you've written?

NB: She’s partial to a children’s story I wrote called, “Lexie and the Star Princess”. She and our youngest daughter are the main characters. It’s a fun little wishing star story.

LILITH: What is your secret in maintaining a 14 year marriage?

NB: I don’t really have any secrets. My wife is the best friend I could ever have and there’s no one I’d rather be with.   

LILITH: Have you been shopping Sustenance around and how is that working for you?

NB: I have shopped Sustenance around and recently received feedback from a publisher. They liked the story and would like me to increase the length.

LILITH: What type of writing contests attract you?

NB: Of course horror contests are at the top of the list. I’m also learning how to write Flash Fiction. It’s definitely a challenge to get to the bare-bones of a story.

LILITH: What would surprise people about you?

NB: Probably some of the things I have done in my life. I’ve been a Paramedic, Rescue Scuba Diver, professional Trumpet Player and worked on a violent crime scene cleanup crew. The last one I did because, as a Paramedic student, I was a bit squeamish around blood. Once you start looking at blood, guts and brain matter as dirt, it doesn’t seem that bad anymore!  

LILITH: If you could be any character in a movie film, who would you be?

NB: The ‘bad boy’ in me would pick James Bond for obvious reasons. But the father in me leans toward, Cliff Huxtable, from The Cosby Show. He’s the epitome of the perfect father. 

LILITH: What type of art work do you like?

NB: I don’t think there is a style of art out there that I dislike. My wife and I love to go to art shows and enjoy introducing our children to different styles of art. I’m fascinated by anything I can’t create, so all art is very impressive to me. But if I had to pick, it would be anything from the post impressionism Period. I especially like the work of Cézanne.

LILITH: What would you like to see happen in 2010?

NB: I’d love to write something worthy of being published in one of the SNM Horror Magazine Anthologies. But my main goal of 2010 is to complete “Sustenance” and two other novels I’ve started. You might like them; they’re my own take on the vampire genre. One is entitled “Gift Giver” and the other is “Origin.” That would make a great 2010.

LILITH: In school, were you involved with classes that pertained to becoming a writer?

NB: I haven’t had any classes or training on how to write. The classes that I took in college helped me to become more well rounded and I think that bleeds into my work a little. I’ve taken a lot of anatomy and physiology, was a trumpet performance major and have a degree in Business Information Technology. I’ve also picked up a lot from reading books and learning from friends. A nurse I work with has a Masters Degree in Creative writing and has taught me a lot. Probably the best education I’ve gotten is from members of the online writing community, FanStory.com. It’s a great place to post your work and get some feedback with good constructive criticism.

LILITH: What is a "must" in your daily life?

NB: That’s an easy one. I must spend some quality time with my wife. Even if it’s only for a few hours watching reality shows together after getting the kids to bed. If I don’t get time with her, then I get cranky. 

LILITH: Can you cook a mean dish at home or do you prefer to dine out?

NB: One thing I can’t do well is cook. My little brother is an Executive Chef and I can barely make decent Mac-n-Cheese. There are five of us and dining out gets expensive. I leave the cooking up to my wife. She’s much better than I am.

LILITH: Where can SNM Horror Readers find you?

NB: Any friends or fans can always contact me by email at medicnate@comcast.net. You can also find my complete body of work at www.fanstory.com under the name, medicnate.

LILITH: From what I've read about you, it sounds like you’re well on your way to getting everything rolling. Cheers to seeing that happen!

NB: My pleasure. Thank you and  SNM for this opportunity.