E.J. Stevens' Boskone Panel and Signing Schedule

My official Boskone 55 schedule is here! Boskone, New England's longest running science fiction convention, runs from Friday, February 16th - Sunday, February 18th at the Westin Boston Waterfront in Boston, MA. I'll be speaking on panels Friday and Saturday and signing books on Saturday.

E.J.'s Official Boskone 2018 Schedule

FRIDAY

Panel: Armchair Detectives (3:00 - 4:00PM)

Crime and fiction have long been a popular pairing. But what have science and technology done to the prospects of pulling off the perfect murder? How much tricksier must authors get to keep their readers guessing, especially in this new age of the armchair detective? (Marina 1)

SATURDAY

Panel: Feminist Fairy Tales (10:00 - 11:00AM)

Women frequently serve as the main characters of fairy tales. (Why, by the way?) It’s hard not to notice they’re often presented as victims, or the subjects of a lesson learned. Do any tales instead offer strong female role models? What can modern feminist perspectives contribute when considering stories from so long ago and/or far away? (Burroughs)

Panel: It's Not Always About Sex (12:00 - 1:00PM)

Speculative fiction is filled with friendships that turn into romantic entanglements. Is that all there is? Can’t our characters just have friends, of whatever gender, without hookups and/or heartbreaks? How about we rescue the world from the odd apocalypse or alien invasion, and forget about the sex for a change? (Harbor III)

Autographing (1:00 - 2:00PM)

I will have FREE Ivy Granger Passports while supplies last! (Galleria - Autographing)

Panel: Ensemble Casts and Continuing Characters (4:00 - 5:00PM)

Some well-written spec fic features ensemble casts where the secondary characters are as interesting as the leads. What are the guidelines for creating great supporting roles? How do these people (or aliens, AIs, disembodied demons, etc.) fascinate despite less face time? Do they get more freedom to be themselves, while main characters must be all things to all audiences? Which secondaries deserve (or have got) their own spin-off stories? (Marina 4)

Panel: The Role of Spiritual Animals in Fiction (5:00 - 6:00PM)

Animals in speculative fiction play more than the simple role of lap dogs and cozy cats. From demons to familiars, from patronuses to spirit animals, and more, these creatures often play subtle but powerful roles in the life of a story’s main character. Why are animals so important? Have their roles changed over time? Our panelists discuss our furry, feathered, and scaled friends in all of their glory. (Marina 3)

Are you attending Boskone?

I hope to see you in Boston!

xx

Looking for E.J.'s 2018 Tour Schedule? Check out this 2018 Book Tour post or visit her official Event Page.

Interview at Deviant Worlds

Stop by Deviant Worlds today to read my interview in which I discuss my favorite speculative fiction authors, books, and sub-genres, and I share what's coming soon from the writing cave.

Click to Read the

Q+A with E.J. Stevens at Deviant Worlds

At Deviant Worlds, I was asked about my favorite speculative fiction genre and sub-genre.

What genre or sub-genre do you read most often?

Horror? Fantasy? Science Fiction?

Splatterpunk? Paranormal? Urban Fantasy? Grimdark? Epic fantasy? Cyberpunk? Space opera?

Let us know in the comments!

2016 Hugo Award Nominations (Best Science Fiction and Fantasy)

Nominations for the 2016 Hugo Awards are now open!

It's time to vote on your favorite 2015 releases in science fiction, fantasy, and horror.

*cough* Birthright is eligible for Best Novel. *cough*

Author: E.J. Stevens
Title: Birthright
Publisher: Sacred Oaks Press
Category: Best Novel (A science fiction or fantasy story of 40,000 words or more, which appeared for the first time in 2015)

Nominate Your Favorite Science Fiction/Fantasy of 2015

During the nomination period ballots may be cast by members of MidAmeriCon II and Worldcon 75 (as of January 31) and members from Sasquan, the 73rd Worldcon. After the nomination period closes, only members of MidAmeriCon II are eligible to vote on the final ballot. Visit the Hugo nominations page for more details.

Up to five nominations can be made in each category.  Did you read any wonderful speculative fiction released in 2015?

October Frights Burning Bright Audiobook Winners

Congratulations Jolie, Meredith, Wicked, and Nancy our October Frights Burning Bright Audiobook Giveaway winners.  Winners will be gifted Burning Bright audiobooks through Audible.com.

Thank you to all who entered!

*Winners randomly selected using Rafflecopter and powered by Random.org*

Full Moon Broad Universe Blog Tour and Giveaway

Today we are hopping along with Broad Universe speculative fiction authors.  We have moon themed posts and incredible giveaways for you, so come hop with us!

Full Moon Broad Universe Giveaway

We are giving away a HUGE prize pack of horror, science fiction, and fantasy ebooks and a $75 Gift Card.

To enter, please use the Broad Universe Giveaway Rafflecopter form.  Giveaway ends November 7, 2015.

From the Shadows BIRTHRIGHT Book Giveaway

Here at From the Shadows we are also giving away an Ebook copy of Birthright, a nominee for the 2015 BTS Red Carpet Book Awards and the newest release in the award-winning Ivy Granger urban fantasy series by E.J. Stevens.  

To enter, comment on this blog post and please include your email address so we may contact you if you win.

Did you see the Super Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse?

I was in Orlando for a book convention the night of the recent Super Moon, Blood Moon, and lunar eclipse.  Sadly, it was a raining night in Florida, and I wasn't able to see the lunar activity.  

BONUS ENTRY:  Leave a comment on this month's poll October Poll: What is your favorite paranormal creature? for one extra giveaway entry.  This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.  Giveaway ends November 7, 2015 midnight EST.

But that's not all!  

Visit the Broad Universe Full Moon Blog Hop page and keep on hopping for more chances to win amazing bookish prizes.

Don't miss these great giveaways at From the Shadows...

World Zombie Day Giveaway
Nightwise Dark Fantasy Book Giveaway
All Hallow's Read Giveaway
Deadlands: Ghostwalkers Giveaway (begins 10/29)
The Left-Hand Way Book Giveaway (begins 11/5)

I will also be giving away books on my E.J. Stevens Facebook Author Page October 31st for PageCurl's Halloween Hop event, and during my one hour takeover of the Halloween Spectacular October 31st from 3-4pm EST.

Thank you for stopping by!

Blood and Mistletoe Paperback Book Launch at Hallowread

BREAKING NEWS: Blood and Mistletoe Paperback Book Launch October 24th at Hallowread in haunted Ellicott City, Maryland!

In response to tremendous reader request, BLOOD AND MISTLETOE will be available in Trade Paperback (first time in print!) for $7.99 and a special book festival price of $5.00 for Hallowreaders!  I will also be signing Blood and Mistletoe postcards and giving away free Dropcards with sample chapters from Blood and Mistletoe as well as other audiobooks in the Ivy Granger urban fantasy series.

But that's not all!

All IVY GRANGER and HUNTERS' GUILD novels retail for $14.99, but these books will be available at a special book festival price of $10.00 each.  PLUS, spend $15 or more at my table during the book signing and book launch party October 24th and receive a free gift.

Get your FREE swag bag at Hallowread

You don't want to miss this book launch at Hallowread in historic haunted Ellicott City, Maryland happening at 4:30pm October 24, 2015.  I'll also be at the Author Breakfast, on the Paranormal Romance Guild panel, Holding Court (faeries) panel, Shifting Gears (shifters) panel, Don't Know How You Do That Voodoo That you Do (magic) panel, ghost tours, haunted house, and more!

Learn more about Hallowread 2015

Paranormal Road Trip: Destination New Harbor with Matthew Quinn Martin

Come on boys and ghouls!  It's time to hop on Route 666 for a spooktacular Paranormal Road Trip.

This week's stop is New Harbor and our special guide is Matthew Quinn Martin, author of the Nightlife urban fantasy, horror series, including the new release NIGHTLIFE: NIGHT TERRORS featuring all three Nightlife tales in one chilling collection.

New Harbor's Top 5 Spooky Places

Standing in the tradition of H.P. Lovecraft’s Innsmouth, and Stephen King’s Derry…New Harbor is the fictionalized version of an actual city (with a very similar name) in costal Connecticut that is home to more than its share of creepy places.

New Harbor serves as the setting for my novel Nightlife, and is one of main locations of the sequel As The Worm Turns––both of which are available in the newly released omnibus edition Nightlife: Night Terrors (Pocket Star/Simon & Schuster).

Here are five stops you might want to avoid if you find yourself stuck in New Harbor after the last train has left the station, and end up wandering the streets after dark.

Drakewell Tower is a faux-gothic masonry tower built between 1917 and 1921 located at the center of The University campus. It was donated by Ana Drakewell and dedicated to the memory of her son William H. Drakwell Jr. (a graduate of The University, and member of The Order of Sorman, killed in action during WWI).

Standing a full 216 feet, Drakewell Tower is The University’s most recognizable architectural feature, and its image is often used as a symbol for The University itself. The tower boasts four open copper clock faces located at the top of the structure, as well as three distinct and separately controlled carillons. To this day, many University tour guides still repeat the legend that Drakewell tower was the tallest free-standing stone structure in America until the installation of the third carillon necessitated steel reinforcements. In reality, the Washington Monument was the country’s tallest such building long before Drakewell was constructed.

In summer of 2014, Drakewell tower was deemed unsafe and unexpectedly closed to the public. The University sited safety concerns over newly discovered structural damage, but has plans to rededicate and reopen the landmark in time to celebrate the tower’s centennial in 2021.

Fun Fact: According to an apocryphal account, when scientist Emile Lascarre (often referred to by contemporaries as Nikola Tesla’s evil twin) was offered a research position at The University in the 1920s, he accepted only on the condition that his lab be situated in Drakewell Tower, stating: “It’s the only place on campus that I’ll be able to look out a window and not see that hideous thing.” According to University spokespeople, Lascarre’s appointment was never finalized and he, in fact, never conducted research there.

Lasarre was later recruited by the US government at the outbreak of WWII––allegedly to develop biological weapons. He was later accused of conducting human trials on unwilling participants, but disappeared before any formal charges could be brought against him. His subsequent whereabouts have been the subject of speculation and conspiracy theories for the past seven decades.

Fort Red Rock is a park situated on the remains of a Revolutionary War-era fort in the “Docklands” area of New Harbor. The original fort was destroyed by British forces 1779, but rebuilt to protect the port of New Harbor during the War of 1812. It was again refurbished during the Civil War. During this period, the fort was fitted with several deep, earthen, bomb-proof bunkers. However, rebel forces never advanced as far north as Connecticut and the fort was abandoned as a military outpost in the early 20th century.

In 1968, the Fort Red Rock Restoration Project was founded by concerned citizens of New Harbor who oversaw the fort’s restoration, as well as the its rededication in time for the celebration of America’s bicentennial in 1976. Since the mid-1980s the park has seen a steady decline, and is now best know to residents of the area as a haven for the homeless, as well as a hotbed of gang-related and drug-related activity.

Fun Fact: In the summer of 1863 a group of eleven Union soldiers, primarily Irish-American, stationed at Fort Red Rock surreptitiously left the outpost and traveled to the University campus where they approached and brutally beat no less than twenty students, five of which later died. The motive behind the attack was attributed to a combination of factors including unhappiness with anti-Irish and nativist cartoons published in the New Harbor Register, as well as solidarity with the draft riots happening concurrently in neighboring New York City. Ten of the eleven men were apprehended, found guilty of wartime desertion, and executed by firing squad at Fort Red Rock. It is said that their ghosts haunt the grounds to this day.

The Copperwaite Memorial Library is the main library of The University. The current building is the third such structure to bear the name and was erected just prior to the United State’s involvement in WWII. The library houses countless irreplaceable book collections and is the world’s single largest repository of manuscripts written in the English language. It is estimated that at least two-thirds of the library’s inventory is housed below ground in an extensive warren of interconnected chambers known as “the stacks.” The majority of the facility is open to University students and faculty, but the general public is only allowed inside during special events or by invitation. Access to “the stacks” is restricted to graduate students and researchers who have received prior authorization.

In 1963 a rare book and manuscript wing was added and has since become a major focal point of the University campus. The wing is made up of a six-story glass tower situated inside a shell of translucent marble panels supported on four piers which descent deep into the bedrock. Controversy still lingers over the construction of the rare book wing, as it necessitated the acquisition of property adjacent to The University. The owners of fifteen private houses––the majority of them African-American––were displaced by the University, allegedly by coercion and threats. Surviving records show that none were adequately compensated for the loss of their homes.

Fun Fact: Security measures at the library increased dramatically in 2002 after University legacy student Willis “Trip” Carling III was caught cutting maps and other documents from rare books with a razor blade. Carling (a scion of one of the families who founded the University and heir to a vast fortune) has offered no explanation for his actions and the documents themselves––which have a combined estimated value in the millions––have never been recovered. Carling initially faced expulsion and criminal prosecution. But his fate was averted, thanks, in part, to a sizeable donation made by his family.

The Old New Harbor Aqueduct was a complex water distribution system built between 1841 and 1850. It brought drinking water into New Harbor from springs and rivers located north of the city via an intricate system of sluices and reservoirs. The aqueduct was in constant service until the 1930s when population growth and increasing concerns over sanitation necessitated the construction of a more modern water delivery system.

The original structure was deemed too expensive to remove or fill, and as a result was simply bricked up and abandoned. In the fall of 2013 a large section of the aqueduct collapsed due to an explosion reportedly caused by over-pressurized sewer gas. The majority of the damage was limited to the subterranean structure itself. However a popular nightclub (Axis), which sat on the epicenter of the explosion, was completely destroyed when its foundations caved in as a result.

Fun Fact: Shortly after its construction, the city of New Harbor suffered an outbreak of Leptospirosis that claimed the lives of 5-10% of the population, most of them children. At the time, many citizens believed the epidemic was the result of an influx of rats they erroneously believed entered the city through the aqueduct. In reality, the disease was likely spread by the water system itself.

That same year, Silas Van Doorne––charismatic leader of breakaway Christian sect the Wetenists––called the plague “ God’s punishment for allowing the sons of the serpent of Eden to build their nest in New Harbor” during a tent sermon delivered on the New Harbor green. Later that night, every member of the Wetenist church (estimated to be over five hundred) took their own lives at the direction of Van Doorne. It is thought to be the first religiously motivated mass suicide in American history.

The Order of Sormen Hall is the headquarters of the Order of Sormen, the oldest and most secretive of the University’s “tomb” societies. Although no official membership roster has ever been made public, it is reported that Order members have included numerous US presidents as well as countless other powerful figures in politics, finance, medicine, science and nearly every other aspect of American life.

The building itself, built in an Egypto-Doric style, was designed to resemble a mausoleum. To date, no photographs purported to be of the interior have been authenticated, and the hall is strictly off limits to anyone but members of the Order––this includes law enforcement officers, thanks to a covenant first enacted by the city of New Harbor and later adopted by the federal government¬¬. This exemption has since became the subject of heated debate as accounts of sexual assault perpetrated by Order members has grown steadily over the past two decades.

Fun Fact: The symbol of the Order is a snake entwined, double-bladed battle axe. Two massive sculptures, both depicting this image, flank the wrought iron gate of the hall. The symbol was officially adopted shortly after the Order of Sormen’s supposed founding in 1832. It is widely believed that the symbol is an amalgam of the Rod of Asclepius (the ancient sign for medicine and healing) and the Faces (long associated with the dominance of state over individual and root of the word “fascism”).

However, some fringe scholars have speculated that the Order’s sigil not only predates the others, but was, in fact, the inspiration for them. According to this theory, the symbol, as well as the roots of the Order of Sormen itself, can be traced back to the earliest days of civilization––and a few researchers go so far as to suggest that both of them are of non-human origin.

Thank you Matthew for giving us such a haunting tour of New Harbor! 

To learn more about Matthew Quinn Martin and his books, please visit his website.  You can add the Nightlife: Night Terrors here on Goodreads.

What did you think of Matthew's picks for spooky places?

On our last Paranormal Road Trip we visited New York City with Victoria Davies.  Next week we'll be traveling to Whispering Bluff with Selene Charles.

Join us for another spine-tingling Paranormal Road Trip...
if you dare!

Birthright Release Day Party + Giveaway

Today we are celebrating the release of BIRTHRIGHT, the fourth full-length novel in the award-winning Ivy Granger urban fantasy series by E.J. Stevens.  We have a special book excerpt, commenter prizes, and a HUGE swag giveaway.  So grab a cupcake and some punch.  It's time to party!

Birthright (Ivy Granger #4) by E.J. Stevens

Being a faerie princess isn't all it's cracked up to be...

Ivy must go to Faerie, but the gateway to the Wisp Court is through Tech Duinn, the house of Donn—Celtic god of the dead. Just her luck.

Unable to share her secret with Jinx, and with Jenna called away on Hunters' Guild business, Ivy must rely on Ceff and Torn to lead her to Death's door, literally, and back again. As if that wasn't dangerous enough, there's no saying what horrors lay in store within the Faerie realm. Too bad the Wisp Court is the one lead Ivy has in the search for her father—and possible salvation.

Maybe hiding away and dodging sidhe assassins isn't so bad after all...

Release Date:  July 14, 2015
Genre:  Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Now available (ebook and trade paperback) at

Amazon, Amazon.uk, Kobo, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, and other fine retailers.

Add Birthright to your TBR list:

Goodreads | Booklikes | Shelfari | LibraryThing

Birthright Book Excerpt

     Wisps buzzed through the air, their musical humming rising in pitch as they darted in for a closer look.  I sat on the mossy embankment and smiled, watching the playful wisps.
     With my father’s key helping to guide us, we’d left the deadly bog and its poisonous gas behind.  I breathed deeply, and let out a happy sigh.
     “I don’t know what you’re so happy about,” Torn said, shaking water from his hair.  “We’re covered in mud and smell like troll farts.”
     It was true.  The sulfurous swamp gasses did smell an awful lot like something that would come out of Marvin after he ate an entire cauldron of Kaye’s chili, but I didn’t care.  We were alive.  And so far, my wisp brethren weren’t trying to kill me.
     I’m not sure what it said about my life that the lack of fratricide upon my homecoming made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  Probably best not to think too much about it, and just enjoy the moment.
     I shrugged, and kept on smiling.
     “Well don’t get too comfortable, Fish Breath is on his way over with his pensive face,” Torn said.
     He stalked off to sit on a rock a few paces away, but I shrugged again and closed my eyes, turning my face to the moon and stars above us.  I wasn’t going to let Torn ruin this moment.
     “Are you feeling well?” Ceff asked, settling on the mossy ground beside me.
     I cracked an eye open, grinning from ear to ear.
     “I feel great, never better,” I said.  In fact, I felt a bit dizzy and my lips tingled, like I’d had too much to drink.  Only I would get buzzed off the buzzing of wisps.  “Just buzzed off the buzzing.”
     I hiccupped, and giggled, the laugh coming out in an undignified snort that startled the nearest wisps.
     “Are you sure that you are not angry, or afraid?” he asked.
     I forced myself to look up into Ceff’s face.  His head was titled to the side, as if listening for something, but his attention was focused solely on me.
     “I’m fiiine, really,” I said, waving a hand.  My eyes widened, and I let out another giggle.  “I’m glowing.”
     “Which is probably what has his highness’ panties in a bunch,” Torn said, coming over to tower above me, arms crossed.  “There is something weird about seeing you smile like that, especially when you’re glowing.”
     “What?” I asked.  “I smile.”
     “Almost never, and when you do, it’s usually because you’re killing something,” he said.  “Not that I’m judging.  I’m just saying Fish Breath has a point.  You’re different.”
     “She is high on power,” Ceff said, eyes going tight.  “I should have recognized the signs sooner, but I was focused on our flight through the bog, and then with releasing the water magic that held our masks together.”
     “You think it’s the wisps?” Torn asked.
     “That would be my guess,” Ceff said, rubbing his jaw.
     “This didn’t happen after our run in with those wisps in Ocean Overlook cemetery, did it?” Torn asked.
     “No,” Ceff said.  “Not that we noticed.  But Ivy was badly wounded that night, and took days to recover consciousness.  And…I…I was not at my most attentive.”
     That was the night that I’d killed his ex-wife.  Melusine may have been the raging psychotic bitch who’d murdered his children, and tried to kill us as well, but that didn’t mean her death had been easy on Ceff.
     The memory of Ceff’s grief flooded me, pushing the giddiness away.
     “I think…I think I’m back to normal now,” I said.  I yawned, covering my mouth with the back of my gloved hand.  Ignoring the encroaching bone deep fatigue, I tried to pull myself to my feet, but sank back down when a wave of dizziness nearly toppled me over.  “I just need a minute.”
     “You are exhausted,” Ceff said, brow wrinkling.  “Rest here.  I will keep first watch.”
     “But my father’s court…” I said, but my words were cut short by another yawn.
     “Will still be there tomorrow,” Torn said.
     “Plus, I can scout ahead while you sleep,” Ceff said.  “We will make better progress if we are rested and certain of the path ahead.”
     “Fine,” I said, eyes fluttering closed.  “But just a quick nap.”
     The last thing I saw, before losing myself to the darkness of sleep, was a cloud of wisps hovering over me, lending me their warmth…and their power.

Birthright Release Day Giveaway

We are giving away a BIRTHRIGHT t-shirt, button, signed postcard, and mini poster to one lucky winner!

To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL. Giveaway ends August 4, 2015.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you all for partying with us!

In addition to the huge swag pack giveaway, we are also giving away Ivy Granger series stickers, buttons, and signed postcards.  Each tweet, FB post, and blog comment using the hashtag #BirthrightParty will count as an entry.  Winners will be randomly selected throughout the day.  So party with us and spread the word all day July 14th for a second chance to win!

Also, don't miss the Birthright Release Party Chat and Giveaway happening today at Bitten by Books.  We are giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card.  I hope to see you there!

Speculative Fiction Southeast Convention 2015

I am excited to announce that I will be attending the Speculative Fiction: Southeast convention in Orlando, Florida.

Speculative Fiction: Southeast

Here's what the official SF:SE website has to say about the event:

SF:SE—Speculative Fiction: Southeast—is an event for all lovers and artists of Speculative Fiction, a term encompassing Horror, SciFi, Fantasy, Paranormal and Weird.

E.J. Stevens at SF:SE 2015

I will be at Speculative Fiction: Southeast convention September 25 - 27, 2015.  I'll be doing panels and I'll have a table on Author Avenue.  Stop by my SF:SE table for:

• Autographed Books
• T-shirts
• Tote Bags
• Mini Posters
• FREE Pens
• FREE Signed Postcards
• FREE Audiobook Samples
• FREE Shadow Sight Ebooks

More details about the book signing and my panels coming soon.

SF:SE Banshee Promo

The staff at SF:SE 2015 are offering up a special one day convention ticket promo on March 17th, St. Patrick's Day. 

Details below (copied from the official SF:SE website).

For one day only, take advantage of this AMAZING discount we’re calling the BANSHEE PROMO. On 12AM St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th), we open the portal, through which pale-haired girl ghosts will deliver VIP registration for the price of GENERAL ADMISSION registration.

That’s a WHOLE WEEKEND of SF:SE magic.  That’s a WHOLE WEEKEND of early admittance to all programming. (and other stuff, like LARPquesting and masquerade ball-ing. Check out TICKETS for VIP info.)  That’s a $119 DISCOUNT. Yeah, we know, it’s insane.

Go get it, Leprechauns! One day only, 12AM to 11:59. March 17th.

Visit the SF:SE 2015 website to take advantage of this limited time deal.

I hope to see you there!

Guest Author Interview: Martin Treanor

Please welcome today's guest author Martin Treanor!  Martin is the author of The Silver Mist, Who's Charlie featured in the Spinetingler Anthology of Short Stories, and contributed to They Bite.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Martin:  Do you know, I can’t really give an answer to that? I suppose I’ve always tinkered in some way or another. I then began setting something permanent down in 1998, with the groundwork for a short story called, ‘Who’s Charlie?’

It was a supernatural piece, based on the idea of invisible friends in childhood. It took many years, and much editing, before it found its readership. I had sold quite a number of other stories before I thought to resurrect the story, and was lucky enough to secure publication in ‘Spinetingler’, along with a place in that years’ anthology - and also a flattering review by multi Bram Stoker Award winner, Jonathan Mayberry.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Martin:  That would be my compulsive desire to discover new things. I am one of those who are curious, to the point of obsession, about anything and everything - the more obscure the better - and what could be more obscure than the mysterious world of our dark and hidden selves.

For me, the realm of the psyche is a universe in itself, a place of creation and death. What lies inside, we project into the outside world, and perhaps our perceptions are such that they manifest as matter and reality. These are the paradigms that I explore in my books and stories, and which feature strongly in my forthcoming novel, ‘The Silver Mist’.

Most people prefer to sever the connection with the otherworld of their souls, viewing it as a place too dark and veiled to consider. For me, it’s a compulsion - the need to ask, ‘What if?’ I’m compelled to take that journey inward, to examine what comes into existence - and, if it arrives with sinister undertones, then all the better.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Martin:  Ah! Good one. I think that, if I could have any single supernatural talent, it would be telekinesis. This is something that has always fascinated me since I was a kid, my childhood brain twisted and swelled with movie images of people who could move and do external things with their mind - especially ‘Carrie’, and following that, ‘Firestarter’ and ‘Scanners’.

It is something that crops up to a small degree in some of my work and, if I had such ability, would use it hang the blasted washing on the clothesline, something that peeves me no end.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Martin:  Normally, I theme my stories on the traditional patterns of the supernatural - albeit through a speculative approach. With ‘The Silver Mist’ though, I wanted to go further than the classic archetype, and consider the deeper essence of the psyche, the foundations of mind and matter, and open for an alternative explanation to the established definitions of existence.

I chose to address this through the eyes of someone who would be seen as being at the fringes of society. In many ways a hidden person who, in turn, views the world from an alternative perspective, allowing for the story to develop through her understanding of the reality in which she exists, bringing forth all the dark implications that such understanding might invoke.

The reader is taken on a journey - well a series of journeys - down to the secret recesses of the soul and, just as the main character comes face to face with the unseen aspects of her own inner fears, so the reader is exposed to the murky world within us all - or perhaps outside … or maybe both?

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Martin:  With regards ’The Silver Mist’, for the leading role, I would cast Irish actress, Elaine Cassidy - it would probably involve an good degree of facial effects, however she has a style and finesse that would fit the part perfectly - as ‘Runt’ in ‘Disco Pigs’, with Cillian Murphy, she was excellent. If I remember right, she won an award for that role.
As the supporting character, I would cast another Irish actress, Laura Pyper, whose eyes are so alive, and she performed a fabulous Jane Fairfax in the BBC’s 2009 adaptation of ‘Emma’.

As to another of my novels - as yet unpublished - working title: ‘Drawn to the Dark’ - I would cast Ellen Page in the lead role - she was brilliant in ‘Inception’ - and, for the three main supporting roles, I’d cast English actor John Simm (so nefarious as ‘The Master’ in ‘Doctor Who’), English actress Naomi Harris (Tia Dalma in ‘The Pirates of the Caribbean’), and iconic Irish actress, Brenda Fricker - who I would also cast in ‘The Silver Mist’.

I just wouldn’t like to be picking up the pay-bill.

*****

The Bite Before Christmas special treat!  Martin has graciously offered us a chance to read his holiday short story 'Not A Scratch' here.

Thank you Martin for joining us here at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Martin Treanor and his books, please visit his website.