Author Michael Bradley and the Supernatural Thriller

Today we interview Michael Bradley, author of a new work of supernatural thriller titled Sirens in the Night.  We are both members of the Wilmington Writers Group (that's the Wilmington in Delaware, not North Carolina).

Congratulations on your new book, Michael! Tell us about Sirens in the Night.

Sirens in the Night is a supernatural thriller that asks the question, what would happen if myths were real? The novel focuses on the efforts of police detective Samantha Ballard as she investigates a series of unusual deaths in the city of Philadelphia. As she embarks on her investigation, she is forced to face a reality that tears down the very framework of what she believes is possible. Jack Allyn, a radio DJ in Philadelphia, just wants to reignite his floundering career, but he is drawn unwillingly into Samantha’s investigation when his friend becomes the next victim. The two must team up together to take on a force that is as malevolent as it is beautiful.     


Sirens in the Night was published by Amberjack Publishing. How did you come to work with them? 

I had been in the midst of sending out submissions to agents and publishers when I came across an article in Writer’s Digest about Amberjack Publishing, announcing that they were now accepting submissions. I decided to give it a shot, and the rest, as they say, is history. They liked what I had to offer, and wanted to negotiate a contract for the publishing rights. With this being my first publication offer, I have to admit that I was a little cautious because I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t signing up for something I would regret. The last thing I wanted was to allow the excitement of getting a book deal to blind me to reality. But, in the end, everything worked out for the best, and the book was released last year in November.

 
I believe that Amberjack Publishing wanted you to change the title for your book, correct? 

The book’s working title had been Beware of Greeks, a take on the old saying “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts”. It had been one of those titles that, when it came to me, I instantly fell in love with it. So, I was a bit heartbroken when my publisher asked me to change it. There was a great deal of “weeping and gnashing of teeth” before I succumb to my publisher’s wishes. But, in the end, the new title has grown on me, and I’m happy with it.

You previously self-published a book.  How does self-publishing compare with your experience with Amberjack Publishing?

The big difference is that you’re not alone. A publisher brings resources to the table that I might not otherwise have had access to with self-publishing. I had an editor who was fabulous to work with, and a graphic designer to take care of cover artwork and book formatting. It gave me, the writer, the opportunity to do what I do best, which is write. When you self-publish, you often have to play all of those roles, and it can take you away from moving on with writing the next book. On the flip side, my royalty percentages are lower than if I had gone the self-publishing route. But, I think the sacrifice was worth it.

Very good.  What's next -- a sequel to Sirens in the Night?

Not at the moment. I have an idea for an indirect sequel for Sirens in the Night, but I haven’t developed it enough yet. I’m currently working on a new thriller with a more psychological angle this time. I just finished the first draft. The working title is Follow You Down. I don’t want to give too much else away about it yet.

Let’s finish up with a process question: how to you write?  Do you do it in the same time and place every day?

I usually write at a small desk I’ve got down in my basement. It’s small, leaving little room for distracting adornments. As for time, my intent is to write every night for a few hours, but you can pave a lot of road with good intentions.


We’ll look forward to your next book.  Thank you for your time, Michael.

Michael Bradley's books can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-a-Million. 

You can follow Michael Bradley at:

Twitter - @mjbradley88

Facebook - www.facebook.com/mjbradley88

Web - www.mbradleyonline.net

The Jason Pollock Interview: Could Emily Brontë Beat Up Jane Austen?

Today we interview Jason Pollock: writer, stand-up comic, actor, raconteur, magician, and man-about-town. He's just released You're Really Reading This Book? My Ramblings on Social Media. 

Tell us about your new book, Jason. How did it come about?

I’ve seen people doing Gofundme and Kickstarter to get out of debt and save their mortgage. I think that’s kind of tacky. This is a way to have accomplished something and sell something at the same time.

At a horror con back in October, I met a horror writer named Joe Knetter. He said he wrote a book called Thoughts and took them from his Facebook. I said that’s a great idea! People have found my Facebook funnier than my actual stand-up. Why not compile that into a book with chapters? He said to do it. I said, “Isn’t that stealing a similar idea?” He said, “I don’t give a shit.” Thus, the rest is history.

How does your book compare with great works of American literature, such as Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick or Pimp by Iceberg Slim?

This is a great question. As far as Moby-Dick goes, probably more laughs per page. Pimp? Unfortunately, not as much sex and violence.

Jason, how would your book be different if it had been written by, say, Jane Austen?

I don’t think it would be different. I, honestly, believe that Jane would’ve written it the exact same way. Not even a question.

While we’re on the subject: if Jane Austen fought Emily Brontë in a steel-cage death match, who would win?

I think we both know they don’t call her “Bruiser Brontë” for nothing.

Fox News has proven that writers (such as Jason) who use the Oxford comma are terrorists. Why do you hate America, Jason?

We all know Fox News is not necessarily accurate. I don’t hate America. It’s quite the contrary. It’s because of my love of the American people that I’m really trying to correct, educate, and get America to use the proper punctuation.

We’re almost out of room. Any last requests, Jason?

Yes. Please extend the interview. HAHA!! I jest. It’s, seriously, an honor that people are reading and liking the book. Thanks for taking the time to interview me to help me publicize it. The more books sold the more I can pay off the vet bill and catch up on the mortgage. It’s all for a good cause!

Thanks Tony and fellow readers.

You can follow Jason on Facebook here.

Jason Pollock's new book is currently available here or here or even here.

What I've Learned About Freelance Writing

Last night I was on a panel about freelance writing for the Main Line Writers Group of King of Prussia, PA. The event drew 20 attendees - about twice the usual number. It seems that there was some interest in the topic, so I thought I'd write down the main points I covered.

1) Editors change jobs often: try to keep in touch with them. My co-author and I sold three books to three different publishers - all through the same editor, as he switched from one job to the next.

2) It is vitally important to deliver your work on time. Harlan Ellison used to complain about editors who complained "I don't care if it's good, I want it Tuesday!" Not all editors feel the same...most want your work good and on time. If you must deliver your work late, don't wait until the due date; let your editor know at least a week in advance.

3) You need a marketing plan to sell a book today. And social media is a big part of marketing. That's why I have 3,000 + friends on Facebook.

4) Finally, it's tough to make a living as a freelance writer. You can go months without collecting a check. It's good to have an additional source of income. Get married, get a part-time job, get an investment portfolio. Or move to a country where the cost of living is cheaper. Me, I'm considering doing all four.