tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50292912200768793822024-03-13T20:01:20.960-07:00Faded TrailsI love following faded trails, whether they are on the yellowed pages of an old Western paperback or hardboiled detective novel, old cinematic trails of films long forgotten, or literal trails used by those who once wandered America. This is my corner of the Web to explore all of these things, and anything else that captures my imagination.Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-22339075793640402172021-05-07T14:22:00.021-07:002021-05-07T14:33:59.758-07:00Book Review: The Wrench<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUjQ_ZzB7M52p9G2EiqIXGYC1biu5R5-T56egfsy3bEgYsP1E0UPq62HDS6DoP6CAvtoej7qiytN0KLTtu858djPRqEGciHIU7bc6F7_TggzPsD7NpRYgnuBgWL_luGRBX5_6Dn9QQSo/s1545/The+Wrench+Cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUjQ_ZzB7M52p9G2EiqIXGYC1biu5R5-T56egfsy3bEgYsP1E0UPq62HDS6DoP6CAvtoej7qiytN0KLTtu858djPRqEGciHIU7bc6F7_TggzPsD7NpRYgnuBgWL_luGRBX5_6Dn9QQSo/s320/The+Wrench+Cover.jpg" /></a></div>The world's most infrequent blogger is back.<p></p><p></p><p>And hoping to be a little less infrequent. Or should I just say "hoping to be more frequent?" Hmm. We'll ponder that another time. Today, I have a book to review and I'm eager to talk about this one.</p><p>Every now and then, I get in the mood for a good hardboiled heist novel. It isn't my go-to genre, and I only read a handful every decade. But that might change upon discovering this new series from Wolfpack Publishing.</p><p><i>The Wrench </i>by Jeremy Brown is the first entry in the Bruder series. It's an old school story and I mean that in the best way. Of course, every discussion of heist novels requires the obligatory reference to Parker, the immortal and amoral thief created by Donald Westlake. And there are certainly similarities between <i>The Wrench's </i>main character and Parker. But this tale is quite good taken on its own merits and isn't a simple clone, knock-off, or homage. And while Bruder isn't a good guy by any stretch of the imagination, I found he possessed a few subtle traits that make him a bit more human than Parker.</p><p>The story follows the traditional genre setup: the planning, the implementation, the titular wrench in the plan, and then the scramble to get back on track. (No spoilers here.)</p><p>Usually in heist novels, the planning is my least favorite part. Sometimes these portions can get boring, but thankfully Brown is a good enough writer where it remained interesting and I kept the pages turning. But it's the second half of the novel that really sizzles. Again, I'll keep this spoiler free but the tension continued to build until a very satisfying resolution. </p><p>And while this isn't my favorite genre, this book left me wanting more. The second Bruder book is already out and I intend to read it sometime this year. I also intend to check out more of Jeremy Brown's work. He writes lean and efficient prose that I really enjoy.</p><p>As for the publisher, Wolfpack continues to put out some of the best books in genre fiction today. I'm just getting started with their catalog, but they'll keep me busy for a long time to come. As a bonus, most of their books (including <i>The Wrench</i>) appear to be part of Kindle Unlimited. As a subscriber, I love that!</p><p>If you enjoy well-written, taut, lean crime thrillers, I recommend <i>The Wrench</i>. It's terrific!</p><p><br /></p>Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-82127041626401364052019-03-29T14:03:00.000-07:002019-03-29T14:08:59.573-07:00Book Review: The Other Madden by Brent Towns<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0pquSDURnVUhIO7UvF2k8LGcofBEqz7YEzyKBcpy-aRU241UCiOcWntwhivhQ0Vp5GWF-hAKhwcwpzWtUG5B7aLBCdp21GLgoag-1UAvMsFPjSXawFzuiwfnq5xuUeRZNSBcVEXIYbU/s1600/Madden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="353" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0pquSDURnVUhIO7UvF2k8LGcofBEqz7YEzyKBcpy-aRU241UCiOcWntwhivhQ0Vp5GWF-hAKhwcwpzWtUG5B7aLBCdp21GLgoag-1UAvMsFPjSXawFzuiwfnq5xuUeRZNSBcVEXIYbU/s320/Madden.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
world’s most sporadic blogger is back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
fiction writing has been keeping me busy, and I’m certainly not complaining. But I’ve
decided to fire up the ol’ blog once more as I have a whole crop of reviews I’m
excited to share. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
I’m proud to start with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Other Madden </i>by
Brent Towns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
book centers on outlaw Trace Madden and his attempt to go straight. He’s in
love with a good (and often hilarious) woman, and he wants to do right by her.
Of course, there are complications starting with the murder of his brother.
There’s also an evil land baron trying to claim the Madden Family ranch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
we get is a straight-forward, old-fashioned western with plenty of grit and a
dose of heart and humor. I particularly enjoyed the character of Trace’s
mother. Ma has some hilarious lines and is a hoot throughout.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Brent
Towns is my kind of writer. He doesn’t include a lot of filler. He offers
gun-blazing tales with lots of action, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Other Madden </i>is no exception. There’s no filler here. This is a very lean
story and it’s all the better for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Some
of the story is told in first-person perspective through Trace's narration and
some is told in the third. Brent handles the shifts pretty well and it didn’t
take me long to get accustomed to the format. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Overall,
the story is never dull, and it moves along at a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very </i></b>brisk clip. If you
want lengthy exposition and reflective contemplation, look elsewhere. If you
want a shoot ‘em up with likable characters and plenty of powder burned, give <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Other Madden </i>a shot. Solid 5 out of
5.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">PS…Yes,
the depiction of Trace on the cover is clearly modeled after John Wayne. Hey,
if it’s good enough for the Duke then it’s good enough for me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-23152050392898104532017-10-20T03:00:00.000-07:002017-10-20T03:00:19.894-07:00Book Review: Coyote Creek by Scott HarrisSeveral months ago, Scott Harris was kind enough to send me a copy of his second novel, <i>Coyote Creek. </i>This book tells the further adventures of Brock Clemons, picking up where<i> Coyote Courage </i>left off.<br />
I’m happy to say, Scott’s sophomore effort is every bit as good as his debut was. I hate spoiler filled reviews, so I’ll purposely keep plot details to a minimum. I will tell you that <i>Creek</i> finds Clemons trying to make it home to his wife and adopted son, all while battling renegade Indians, gunslingers, and other perilis obstacles that crop up along his path.<br />
The action starts hot and heavy (where’re into it by the third “chapter”) and never lets up. I use the word “chapter” loosely, because this novel is not actually numbered. The sections are broken up into easily readable, quick selections, but not exactly in the traditional sense. Another unique aspect is that the perspective shifts between characters. While Brock Clemons is certainly the main protagonist, his wife and others take center stage at times. I enjoyed this twist (it is somewhat akin to recent Robert Crais efforts where the main hero, Elvis Cole, narrates his sections in the first person, while other chapters jump to the third tense to show correlating and relevant perspectives).<br />
Harris’ writing has gotten smoother, and the presentation is a bit more polished. This is not a knock against his first novel. Rather, Harris is growing as a novelist, and this time around it is evenident he’s done this all before.<br />
The pacing is spot on, the action plentiful, and the story engaging. Clemons and his crew are extremely likable, and it is easy to root for them. Clemons is no anti-hero. He’s a man’s man cut in the mold of classic L’Amour characters, and is extremely capable to take on the hardships found in Colorado Territory.<br />
I suspect Brock Clemons will saddle up again. I certainly hope he does! I’ve known Scott Harris “digitally” for over a year now, and he’s been nothing but kind and encouraging. I hope one day I can hear him spin some yarns as we traverse the backroads of his native California. Until then, I’ll happily read any story he releases as I want to ride further trails with ol’ Brock and the gang.<br />
Recommended.Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-35809116744851795092017-10-19T18:45:00.000-07:002017-10-19T18:45:05.204-07:00Book Review: Shadow Flats by Brent TownsI picked up <i>Shadow Flats </i>on a whim, not knowing what to expected. It hasn't been on the market long, and I downloaded it to my Kindle only a few days after its release. I'd been in the mood to read a good western, and thankfully Brent Towns delivered. Not only was this a good western, but it was one of the best I've read in a while. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe37A9yEtiA3bdHJ5HyIrkI8MEhDCefDl7mFFM0nVi2ddAuN1DB3b_VQ9cq7bAWocNGCQkzGokXmZGZD4Oe7ilynGnYDHOsNKF-uhCTw77R1Wgbxg7KX5b91zLosIia8GMLzGmfkNpr5o/s1600/Shadow+Flats.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="567" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe37A9yEtiA3bdHJ5HyIrkI8MEhDCefDl7mFFM0nVi2ddAuN1DB3b_VQ9cq7bAWocNGCQkzGokXmZGZD4Oe7ilynGnYDHOsNKF-uhCTw77R1Wgbxg7KX5b91zLosIia8GMLzGmfkNpr5o/s320/Shadow+Flats.png" width="226" /></a></div>
Several things make <i>Shadow Flats </i>unique. First of all, it is technically a movie tie-in novel. The screenplay was written by British author Ben Bridges--one of the famed Piccadilly Cowboys--and is currently (I believe) in the stages of production. Bridges is no stranger to the western genre and can more than hold his own when compared to his American counterparts. <br />
The novel adaptation was written by Australian author Brent Towns. Brent is new to me, but has several westerns available. I'll be picking those up soon. <br />
<i>Shadow Flats </i>has many familiar elements. It includes a bank robbery, a haunted Civil War veteran riding the vengeance trail, shoot-outs, and a harsh, unforgiving desert landscape. Yet all of this is done in a fresh way. The story is anything but stale. This is due in part to the supernatural elements. Yes, <i>Shadow Flats </i>falls within the "Weird Western" genre. The afore mentioned qualities are mixed together to produce a great deal of fun. It is exciting, fresh, and enjoyable from start to finish. <br />
What struck me about <i>Shadow Flats </i>is the fact that it works as both a traditional western and a weird western. No matter which one of those you're craving, you won't be disappointed.<br />
With smooth, seamless prose and lightning fast action, <i>Shadow Flats </i>is a quick, easy read. It takes the reader on an incredible journey, and I for one, want more. A solid 5 out of 5. This one is highly recommended.<br />
On a side note, look at that cover! I'm not sure who did the art, but it is excellent! Y'all do yourselves a favor and grab this book. You'll thank me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-12466344030697424002017-10-01T13:16:00.004-07:002017-10-01T13:18:26.762-07:00Book Review: Upon My Soul by Robert J. Randisi <br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Robert
Randisi delivers another winner with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Upon
My Soul</i>, the first in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hitman With
a Soul </i>trilogy.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUybbOnvaTgzQAzt9CB6pbfqtVmMR4SYGHtm42z6R65_XBSwbHsVyfiP4kswTubJSM_vM9sUHsoskULIKWXzgsWQ2RjbH_HoWQZ_sMfNZA0qkPj9afpOpbPxDL1tCDY4a56PHEwWgAks/s1600/Hitman+Soul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="230" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUybbOnvaTgzQAzt9CB6pbfqtVmMR4SYGHtm42z6R65_XBSwbHsVyfiP4kswTubJSM_vM9sUHsoskULIKWXzgsWQ2RjbH_HoWQZ_sMfNZA0qkPj9afpOpbPxDL1tCDY4a56PHEwWgAks/s320/Hitman+Soul.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I
have interviewed Mr. Randisi on this website, and I encourage you to read the
entry if you have not already. Having experienced his work before, and having
interviewed him for this blog, I was not surprised to find this tale to be a
lean, well-written thriller. The pacing is as good as always. The plot moves
along, never bogged down by filler many authors feel the need to include to pad
the word count. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The
plot involves a hitman, Sangster (or as he is currently known as), who wakes up
one day to find he has a soul. His spiritual awakening leaves him with the inability
to take lives, so he quits his employment and tries to settle in for a life of
peace. Of course, being a thriller, his past comes back to haunt him. I won’t
spoil anything else for you. Just know there are fresh twists and turns in this
highly original tale. While you may think the plot has been done before, just
know that Randisi keeps it fresh, and the book is never stale.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I
also enjoyed the many references to other crime authors and their works. You’ll
find Donald Westlake (and his alias Richard Stark) and Elmore Leonard, among
others. These Easter eggs add to the fun, making this a sort of meta hitman
story.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">It
is also nice to root for the main character. Some hard-hitting crime stories
have “heroes” devoid of any likable attributes. But I found myself liking
Sangster as he tries his hardest to do the right thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The
bottom line is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Upon My Soul </i>is an
easily consumable novel that will leave you wanting more, even though this
story works as a standalone. Thankfully, there are two more books in the
series, both of which I will be reading. Highly recommended. </span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-66376450940504186052017-04-13T04:30:00.000-07:002017-04-13T04:30:15.366-07:00Collected Advice on Writing from Writers<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">One of the things I
love about interviewing great authors is the advice they dispense. For wannabe
writers like myself, it’s a thrill to hear how the pros do it. So, I’ve
collected some tips and tricks that have appeared on this blog. I hope it helps
some of y’all. It sure is beneficial to me!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Peter Brandvold:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“I really don’t have any advice other to write, read, write, read then
write and read some more. Keep at it and, if it’s really what you want to do,
don’t be deterred. If you’re deterred, then you really didn’t want it badly
enough.”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">John Hegenberger:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“Have fun! If it's not
fun, it's not worth doing. If you're writing and it's not fun, maybe you
shouldn't be writing. Maybe you should be outlining. But whatever
the case, don’t let the bastards grind you down.”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Robert Randisi:</span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“The advice I got early in my career was to slow down. That was very bad
advice. My advice is, once you discover what your natural speed is, stick
to it. Don't try to slow down, or speed up. NATURAL makes it all flow.”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Ron Fortier:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“When you write
anything, better make sure you are having fun while you are at it. Because if
you aren't having fun writing it, how do you expect your readers to have fun
reading it? Simple advice and one I learned to take to heart over the
years. Write what you love and what excites you and most likely you'll
entertain lots of other people along the way.”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">C. Courtney Joyner:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“My advice: take your
time. By that, I mean to take the time you need to work on your
manuscript, and know your markets. Publishing has changed so completely
in the last ten years, as we know, and there are so many avenues and chances,
with e-publishing, etc. that didn’t exist before. But don’t just throw
your work out there. If you’re going to self-publish, work with an editor, then
take it out. And, with submission marketing the way it is, at least be
familiar with all of the types of writing that companies are looking for.
If you sell a novel, the question might come up if it’s good for a movie sale
or gaming or graphic novel. You don’t have to be a master of all these
forms, but understand them, because writers have to wear more creative and
business hats than ever before, and you’ll have to make decisions based on that
knowledge.”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">James Reasoner:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“I'd say the answer is
persistence. Get the stuff written and out there, whether it's self-publishing
or submitting to traditional and small press publishers. I once read that the
definition of a writer is somebody who sits in a room and types for thirty
years. That's pretty much the truth, although for some of us it's been
considerably longer than thirty years. During my first stint as a full-time
writer, though, I just didn't work hard enough at it. That's why I had to go
into the bookstore business for a while. I didn't really know any better,
didn't have the self-discipline to do the amount of work necessary. Everyone
has their own natural pace, of course, but I think you have to push yourself in
order to find it.”</span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-53250922256868648782017-04-12T18:08:00.000-07:002017-04-12T18:12:31.162-07:00Interview with Peter Brandvold<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjk0dqRq7V5kLT579Z7oh3ahFilHRQ1vBqFSqj8_pT4wU778CZLxn22mO_ZmSmr-PKOC9W3jrORkL_Jkdfpis1txH1ed8y-Rnbm4q8Y6LqjTSTfwzvrQj6ue5OA8qcc7xQYIPVK9ln8Y/s1600/Brandvold+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjk0dqRq7V5kLT579Z7oh3ahFilHRQ1vBqFSqj8_pT4wU778CZLxn22mO_ZmSmr-PKOC9W3jrORkL_Jkdfpis1txH1ed8y-Rnbm4q8Y6LqjTSTfwzvrQj6ue5OA8qcc7xQYIPVK9ln8Y/s320/Brandvold+Pic.jpg" width="226" /></a>He goes by the name Mean Pete, but I have a secret for y'all...<br />
He's not all that mean. In fact, he's a pretty nice guy and he was kind enough to answer some questions here on Faded Trails. Let's get right to it. Here's my interview with acclaimed and prolific author Peter Brandvold.<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">RF: First of all, thank you so much for agreeing to this
interview. What are you currently working on, writing wise?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">PB: I’m working on a series of four westerns featuring my
half-breed hero Yakima Henry. The series is called BLOODY ARIZONA as is the
first book. The second book, which I am just now finishing, is called WILDCAT
OF THE SIERRA ESTRADA. I’m writing them under my Frank Leslie pen name.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">RF: How many books have you written as of now?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">PB: I lost count somewhere around 100. That includes my
Longarms and Trailsmans written under pen names. So...maybe around 120 by now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">RF: What does a typical work day look like for you? Do you
keep certain hours when writing? Do you try to meet a page or word count each
day?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">PB: I try to write 2000 words every day, and I break my day
up into four chunks of 500 words each. Sometimes I write over those 500 but
rarely under. I usually write 500 before 8 am. Which is when I take my wild dog
out for a run. Then I write the next 500 after I get back and have breakfast.
Usually another 500 after lunch, then another 500 after a nap...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">RF: How many days a week do you write?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">PB: Eight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">RF: When did you know you wanted to be a novelist? Also,
when did you know you wanted to write westerns specifically? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">PB: I knew I wanted to be a novelist or some kind of writer
early on, maybe when I heard my first story. I really saw the magic in words. I
probably knew I wanted to write westerns when I was watching the great western
TV series of the 70s, and reading Louis L’Amour, my first favorite western
writer though I’ve gone on to appreciate many more since, because there are far
better ones out there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">RF: What got you interested in the western genre, be it
books, television, or comics?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">PB: Books and television. The first western novel I ever
read was LORD GRIZZLY by Frederick Manfred, then I went on and read biographies
of folks like Davy Crockett and then pulp westerns by Frank Gruber, Gordon D.
Shirreffs, etc. I really fell for the pulp-style tales because they were so
over the top and exciting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">RF: I know you wrote a lot of Longarm entries. How many did
you scribe when it was all said and done?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">PB: I wrote 30.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">RF: Did you write for any other series westerns? If you can
tell which ones, please do!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">PB: Four Trailsman books as by Jon Sharpe. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">RF: I know you’ve self-published some of your recent works.
Do you like self-publishing? What are some of the benefits? What are some of
the challenges?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">PB: I like it because I’m my own boss and I can put up the
books as fast as I can write them. On the other hand, coming from traditional
publishing, I miss the advances. But my ebooks do very well, so I’m not
complaining.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">RF: We often hear about the demise of the western. I know
several big name publishing houses recently canceled long running series. Do
you think the western will ever die? Are there enough up and coming authors and
readers to keep it going?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">PB: The western will never die. It’s an American original
and there will always be some kind of market. But all markets wax and wane. I
love the western enough to ride out the ups and downs. I think there are almost
too many writers out there now, and they’re somewhat muddying the western
water. Too often, ebook original writers just plain do not know how to write
but think they do. Readers really have to learn to discriminate so they don’t
waste their time and money on some of the crap that’s getting published on
Amazon right now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">RF: I know about your work in the western genre, and am a
big fan! I know you’ve done some weird westerns. Are there any other genres
you’ve worked in or plan to work in? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">PB: I wrote a contemporary thriller called PARADOX FALLS. I
thought it was pretty good but it didn’t sell very well. I think readers have
pegged me as a western writer so that’s really all they want to see from me.
And that’s fine with me. There’s really no other genre except possibly horror
that I’d like to dabble in. I wrote a western horror, or “weird” western novel
DUST OF THE DAMNED, and it has vampires and werewolves and even a dragon. Also,
CANYON OF A THOUSAND EYES and its sequel NIGHT OF THE GHOST CAT.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">RF: What authors have inspired you? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">PB: Too many to mention. I’m a voracious reader of all genres.
Well, okay, I’ll mention two wonderful western writers who’ve meant a lot to me
over the years by way of inspiring me by their brilliance—Kit Prate and James
Reasoner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">RF: Along those lines, if you were trying to educate
someone on western fiction, who are some of the authors and what are the books
you’d recommend to them?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">PB: Man, that’s a tough one. Anything by Prate and Reasoner
and possibly THE LONG COLD WIND by Giles Lutz, which Kit Prate recommended to
me and is one of the best westerns I’ve ever read. It would be a good influence
on someone just starting out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">RF: What advice do you have for wannabe writers like
myself? Is there anything you wish someone would have told you when you started
out?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">PB: I really don’t have any advice other to write, read,
write, read then write and read some more. Keep at it and, if it’s really what
you want to do, don’t be deterred. If you’re deterred, then you really didn’t
want it badly enough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">RF: What can we expect from Mean Pete in the future?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">P</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">B: All kinds of stuff including this Yakima Henry Quartet
by my alter ego, Frank Leslie.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">RF: Thank you again for taking the time to answer these
questions. You’re one of the best and your books seem to just get better and
better. Thanks for all the entertainment! </span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-49713512343206191622017-03-18T11:02:00.002-07:002017-03-18T11:07:26.405-07:00Book Review: Coyote Courage by Scott Harris<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The big guy, who has still not introduced himself, starts
to let his hand drift down toward his low-slung pistol. Thinking he will
understand, I say, “You don’t want to do that. I don’t think you’re fast
enough.”</span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">He looks again at each of his friends, who have yet to
speak or move since I walked in. “Do you think you’re fast enough to take all
three of us?"</span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I enjoy a good conversation as much as the next guy,
especially after two weeks on the trail, but I am tiring of this one, so I
simply say, “Yes.”</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></i>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmX0CXsNlc3HtUBuniV-ilSj2GNzS6JL47Gr7WNoiJaWs2dl-P-g9vmiG3mPewJ62hbzZrLbIQQpt-2WvkB1YCSPRSGpzTqc_3up_uMXuoCSDvaz3o5FJ6LqthneHzW97ONIe5fZ21EM/s1600/Coyote+Courage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmX0CXsNlc3HtUBuniV-ilSj2GNzS6JL47Gr7WNoiJaWs2dl-P-g9vmiG3mPewJ62hbzZrLbIQQpt-2WvkB1YCSPRSGpzTqc_3up_uMXuoCSDvaz3o5FJ6LqthneHzW97ONIe5fZ21EM/s320/Coyote+Courage.jpg" width="199" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Scott Harris has
written a fine western with his first novel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Coyote Courage</i>. It’s a straight forward, tried and true western
plot. That’s not a bad thing. His writing is up to the task. It figures, since
Mr. Harris is an avid reader (we run around in the same online circle). The man
knows his way around oaters, men’s adventure, and vintage paperbacks. It shows
in the tale he crafted. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">There are echoes of
Louis L’Amour, particularly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Man Called
Noon</i>. (I also thought I caught a hint of Jack Reacher at one point, but
that may have been my imagination.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Make no mistake, Harris
has not copied anyone. Rather, it is evident he’s been inspired by the masters
and it makes for an enjoyable read. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The pacing is good and
the plot and action move swiftly. That is just fine by me. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I highly recommend <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Coyote Courage </i>and look forward to more
adventures from its hero, Brock Clemons. </span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-1502957497416753522017-03-01T18:02:00.000-08:002017-03-01T18:22:47.895-08:00An Interview With C. Courtney Joyner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3-6z000lAWP-B4G_iuTYB1TH0rZrA-PRVctr0gb2TNOwHPHvxFPIaO1pM74ezMTT3vy30k1KIewbo-ltb-SoImO4PCny4h0aJ5XEE9Y9f9f_k8p_GcGkOhMyQZEfy0ThxzpgX4imD4k/s1600/Shotgun+Novel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3-6z000lAWP-B4G_iuTYB1TH0rZrA-PRVctr0gb2TNOwHPHvxFPIaO1pM74ezMTT3vy30k1KIewbo-ltb-SoImO4PCny4h0aJ5XEE9Y9f9f_k8p_GcGkOhMyQZEfy0ThxzpgX4imD4k/s200/Shotgun+Novel.jpg" width="121" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3-6z000lAWP-B4G_iuTYB1TH0rZrA-PRVctr0gb2TNOwHPHvxFPIaO1pM74ezMTT3vy30k1KIewbo-ltb-SoImO4PCny4h0aJ5XEE9Y9f9f_k8p_GcGkOhMyQZEfy0ThxzpgX4imD4k/s1600/Shotgun+Novel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I've been excited about this interview for a while. Illness has hit my house hard recently, so I'm a bit delayed in positing. I can say this one was worth the wait!<br />
C. Courtney Joyner is a great fiction writer. Beyond that, he's a talented filmmaker, accomplished nonfiction writer, and a whole host of other roles that are too numerous to name here. So, let's get right to the interview. Oh wait... I am happy to say Mr. Joyner has agreed to a second round once his new book, <i>Nemo Rising</i>, is released late this year. There are plenty of questions I did not get to this time around. The man worked with Vincent Price! That right there gives me about fifty to ask.<br />
He was more than gracious with his time and I'm very appreciative. A great guy and a great author. Okay...let's get to it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 16px 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>Ryan Fowler:</b> First of
all, thank you so much for doing this. This has been one of my hardest
interviews in that I’ve had a tough time narrowing down the questions I want to
ask. You have quite a resume and a lot of points I’d like to hit. But, I’ll
scale it down and only touch on a few.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I want to discuss your
two western novels, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shotgun </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shotgun: The Bleeding Ground</i>. I love
these books! You took a traditional plot and gave it a new, unique hook with
your hero John Bishop. Where did the inspiration for Bishop, and the story,
come from?</span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>Courtney
Joyner:</b> “The Edge” books, Franco Nero, DC comics, Elmore Leonard, ROLLING
THUNDER, more comics, and my father – but, certainly, not in that order.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>My father was a prominent cardiologist, and
very interested in the history of medicine, and somehow we ended up with some
field supplies from a Civil War medical kit, including a guide to amputations,
which was the 1863 solution for pretty much every battle injury.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It was rough stuff – and he’d been an Army
doc – so I’d always wanted to write about that world – but I certainly didn’t
think it would be with an Army doctor who ends up with a shotgun for an arm!</span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The
fuse for all this was lit probably 20 some-odd years ago, when I was working on
a movie project with the director, John Flynn.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I loved John; he was such a talent, and a wonderful guy, and it was a
true education to work on a project with him, although, unfortunately, it was
never made.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>But, during one of our many
lunches, I mentioned I’d love to see ROLLING THUNDER done as a western, and he
piped up with, “That’s great!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’d love
to do it that way!”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Nothing ever came of
that, of course, but the idea – the obsessed, one-armed avenger in the West -
hung in the back of my mind for a long time, even after John died, mixed in
with a bunch of my other influences and enthusiasms. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I
love the movies, and comics, and paperbacks. I remember my 7<sup>th</sup> grade
school edition of TREASURE ISLAND was a paperback, with a great, bloody cover.
Stevenson brought me to the world of classical adventure fiction, and growing
up in the era of the Tarzan and Conan re-issues - with the Frank Frazetta and
Neal Adams paintings – and Doc Savage, and The Exterminator, and on they go. Adventure
writers - Stevenson’s distant cousins - were everywhere in paperback. I knew it
was officially summer if I saw a dog-eared Mickey Spillane in my father’s hip
pocket. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>So, my first “adult reading” were
the books I was thumbing at the spinning racks, usually with a FAMOUS MONSTERS
or some Marvel comics tucked under my other arm.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Of
course, in the 60’s and 70’s, westerns were going super-strong on TV and in the
theaters, and Marvel and DC had their catalog of western titles.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>As much as I loved RAWHIDE KID and OUTLAW
KID, to me, the Marvel titles seemed more like old Republic programmers, rather
than being patterned after (then) current movies like THE PROFESSIONALS or RIO
CONCHOS. We all loved Jack Kirby’s living totem pole attacking THE KID, but I
liked the western comics that were tougher – with a more parched feeling -
which is why I was drawn to Joe Kubert’s FIREHAIR and “Weird Westerns” for
JONAH HEX, and the amazing SCALPHUNTER. They hit some pretty serious topics,
all framed in these wonderful action stories. Do you remember Dell’s JUDGE
COLT, with those great painted covers?<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Everything was always exploding at once. Great stuff.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Also,
on the paperback racks were the western movie and TV tie-ins.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’d eventually read THE WILD BUNCH, CAHILL:
U.S. MARSHAL, A TOWN CALLED BASTARD, “The Man with No Name” books by Joe
Millard, and all the KUNG-FU’s, but most important for me, Elmore Leonard’s
VALDEZ IS COMING.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It cost a dollar at a
South Carolina grocery store, and was the first western novel I ever tackled;
the movie edition, with the silhouette of Burt Lancaster on the cover, but the
writing knocked me out.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Of course, this
was the work of a modern master, but it was my introduction to the West
on-the-page, and has stayed with me ever since.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Naturally,
I was always grabbing a book with a movie slant, but started to explore, not
only the titans like A.B. Guthrie, but I found George Gillman’s THE EDGE
series, and loved it. Also, STEELE.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They
were such fast, expert reads, and also completely captured the feeling of The
Spaghetti Western, and not just Leone, but also the SARTANA series, or any of
the knock-offs with Klaus Kinski. They were fun. Of course, I had no idea at
the time that Gillman/Terry Harknet was British, and the icon of the Carnaby
Cowboys, the writers who were churning out these westerns at a furious pace;
that was all history to come. All I knew was that he could make me feel like I
was watching a western while I was reading.</span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Somehow,
that Euro influence was what I wanted to capture with SHOTGUN. That felt right
to me – it was already an outrageous concept that seemed like a Spaghetti
western - and I was carrying around all these enthusiasms from all of these
various sources – maybe not the most elegant inspirations, but unpretentious,
and fun. And, I hope I captured some of those impressions.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>After the first book was published, I had a
very nice correspondence with Terry Harknet, and he was very kind about the
work, and it felt like being given a badge of Paperback Honor.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>RF:</b> I know you’ve done
quite a bit of work in the film industry and with screenwriting. When I read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shotgun</i>, it played very cinematically in
my mind. Was that by design? Did the story start as perhaps a screenplay?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>CJ:</b>
With all my love of the movies, actually SHOTGUN never was a screenplay. I
think that approach just comes from my training of thinking visually for the
movies. I actually tried at one point to get it done as a comic book, and then,
as the first animated Spaghetti western for “Adult Swim,” and failed at
both.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>But, all the prep was there –
treatments, story outlines, including some wonderful graphics – when Pinnacle
editor Gary Goldstein first spoke to me about it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In fact, before SHOTGUN, I’d never written a
novel before, even on spec.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It all came
about because the screenwriting – especially for B films and TV – started
slowing down for me, crawling, and then, stopping.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I just decided to try a new direction –
writing prose, and specializing in westerns.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I told my agent, and they couldn’t drop me fast enough, as this was all
before the remake of TRUE GRIT, or the success of DJANGO UNCHAINED, and TEXAS
RISING.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’d actually made my way into
the Western Writers of America organization, and met some remarkable writers –
including some of the real titans.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I was
amazed at how encouraging and patient they were with me, and put me on the road
to prose, which I’d only fooled with, and never really published anything of
note. Lots of articles about film, etc. but no fiction.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Gary
Goldstein was at the very first convention I attended, and he knew about some
of my old horror movies and my film journalism, and we just clicked right
away.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He was a big editor, so I was
quite flattered when he asked me to work on a book for Citadel, DUKE, WE’RE
GLAD WE KNEW YOU, and that started our relationship, but not in the world of
fiction.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Spur Winning author Matthew P.
Mayo helped me get me first story in print in a great anthology, FISTFUL OF
LEGENDS, and that led to Gary asking me to contribute to a collection Pinnacle
was putting out, called LAW OF THE GUN.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>There were some huge writers in this book – Elmer Kelton, Loren D.
Estleman, John Jakes – and I was thrown in with them!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>That was the deep end of the pool for sure,
but it showed Gary’s amazing faith, and when he was looking for a “different”
western series, that would be a little less Louis L’Amour, and little more
Jonah Hex, I showed him all that I’d done – and failed with – for SHOTGUN, and
he responded with a contract.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just
incredible circumstances, that unfolded over a period of about six years, but,
as they say, we got there.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>RF:</b> So far we’ve only
seen two Bishop books. Can we look forward to more? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>CJ:</b>
The third book, THESE VIOLENT TIMES, will be released in 2017, followed next
year by a fourth, BULLET KISSED (!), and also the re-release of the first two
SHOTGUN books in a single volume. All of these will be coming from Pinnacle in
the U.S. and Random House internationally.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>RF:</b> Beyond the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shotgun </i>series, do you have any other
western novels in the works?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>CJ:</b>
Nothing concrete, although after the wild world of SHOTGUN, I’d love to try my
hand at something completely naturalistic, dealing with the real life of the
frontier, without the shoot-outs and crazy action of my other books. It would
be an enormous challenge, given my background, but the reward would be the
test, and the effort.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>RF:</b> So many traditional
publishers have cut their western novels. I know there are still a few being
published by the “big guys.” Do you think there is a large enough fan base, and
enough up and coming authors, to keep the genre alive for a while?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>CJ:</b>
I really do, yes. We’ve seen the spurt of interest in the last two years, which
has been quite gratifying.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What
happened, when Penguin and some others decided to leave the mass market
westerns behind, was that there was a sudden interest in western movies and TV
mini-series.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The timing to discontinue
some books was off, I think, leaving a few “big boys,” like MacMillan and
Harper Collins, to take over the hardback market, while Pinnacle dominates the
paperback world with the Johnstone series, etc. Of course, I don’t have sales
figures in front of me, but editors say westerns are coming off the shelves –
not the way they did in the paperback heydays – but the genre is on the
upswing, and when shows like WESTWORLD hit, it impacts book sales even more,
all of which is to the good, as readers gravitate towards westerns again,
including folks who’d never sat down and read one before.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The only part of the genre that’s really been
left behind are the Adult Westerns like Longarm, but that market could come
back, also.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>RF:</b> I want to go back
to your writing in a bit, but I’ll shift to films now. Have you ever done a
western?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>CJ:</b>
I have, and they all ended up as “spec doorstops.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I wrote a biography of Belle Starr that I’m
quite proud of, written as a feature that’s now been re-tooled as the pilot for
a cable series called WANTED.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>That piece
has gotten some genuine, and serious, studio attention so it might just see
production, which would be terrific.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>So,
I’m hopeful, as it would be my first western to go in front of the camera.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>RF:</b> Westerns seem to be
popular when they are released. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Magnificent Seven</i> remake was profitable and popular, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">True Grit </i>was hugely successful, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">3:10 to Yuma </i>did pretty well. Why are studios so weary to make more
westerns?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>CJ:</b>
That’s always been the contradiction – that when Westerns do well, there seems
to be some odd reason for it, instead of audiences wanting the films.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Some have bombed, but so have movies of every
stripe, so it’s unfair to brand westerns as movies that don’t make money
because the films listed did great. It’s a tricky maneuver – getting around
that thinking – but it does happen. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Unfortunately, what we are missing is a
“western star,” who can shoulder the box office burden.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We’ve got some terrific actors – like Kurt
Russell and Jeff Bridges – who’ve found a home in the genre, but the sure-fire
star, that guarantees the cash to the studio – those days are gone, so westerns
are often seen as a risk for the big screen, but as more and more perform –
like THE REVENANT, MAG SEVEN - the execs are loosening up in their perceptions
a bit.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>At least, for now, since the
movie of DEADWOOD is in development.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>RF:</b> The above mentioned
films are all remakes or new adaptations of previously adapted works. Are folks
just not writing new westerns or are the studios not interested? (I know we
have the Tarantino films that I won’t go into here.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>CJ:</b>
I think the evidence is on the tube. Westerns have become a staple of cable TV,
thanks to the enormous out-of-the-gate success of Walter Hill’s BROKEN TRAIL on
AMC. That mini-series changed the network’s direction to original programming,
and they haven’t looked back. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>These last
years, with hits like AMC’s HELL ON WHEELS, and now – a cross-over to be sure –
WESTWORLD for HBO, which was DEADWOOD’s original home when cable was
struggling, and a western saved it. JUSTIFIED became an instant classic of a
modern western during its run on FX, and LONGMIRE’s in a new season. Also, the
modern western-comedy of THE RANCH with Sam Elliott, and the adaptation of Joe
Landsdale’s glorious HAP AND LEONARD.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
know those aren’t traditional westerns, but cable networks are still willing to
take the risk with period epics and mini-series these part years: KLONDIKE, TEXAS-RISING,
and now THE SON, starring Pierce Brosnan. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Plus, isn’t Jonah Hex now finding his way back
into the DC universe?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>That’s Warner
Brothers, and network, so you never know where it’s going to come from!</span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">So
the westerns, and westerners, are there – maybe hiding a bit, away from the
theaters – but someone’s giving westerns the green light, and they’re making
money, and that’s what makes the studios pay attention.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>RF:</b> A lot of readers on
this blog are huge western fans. I have to ask, what are some of your favorite
western films? Also, which new westerns have you enjoyed in the last two
decades?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>CJ:</b>
Favorites?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Good Lord, that would be a
long list!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>But some movies I return to
over and over: MY DARLING CLEMENTINE, ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST, THE
SHOOTIST, RIO CONCHOS, THE NAKED SPUR, RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY, HOMBRE, THE MAN
WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE, ULZANA’S RAID, THE OUTLAW-JOSEY WALES, NEVADA SMITH,
7 MEN FROM NOW, RED RIVER.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Those are the
one right off the top of my skull – in another minute, it would be entirely
different list, I’m sure. Think I could narrow it down to my top 100. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">In
the last two decades – that’s a lot of ground - there have been quite a few,
actually.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I loved what the Cohen
Brothers did with TRUE GRIT, and had a hell of a good time with the remake of
3:10. I think I’m in the majority with liking DJANGO better than HATEFUL EIGHT,
and THE REVENANT was pretty amazing; visually, if nothing else. THE HOMESMAN
certainly had moments, but never found its dramatic engine. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>THE ASSASINATION OF JESSE JAMES, JANE GOT A
GUN, FROM DUSK ‘TIL DAWN: HANGMAN’S DAUGHTER, OPEN RANGE, BLACKTHORN, THE
PROPOSITION, THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADAS ESTRADA, SERAPHIM FALLS, APPALOOSA, <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>and for me, the little movie that could: BONE
TOMAHAWK.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Not for every taste, but I
thought, a grand job.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>That’s a long
list, too, and I could make it longer!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>RF:</b> Is there a particular
screenplay of yours that you are most proud of? Do you have a favorite?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>CJ:</b>
I’m really proud of BELLE STARR, and also a piece I wrote about boxing in the
hobo jungles of the 1930’s, THE BOXCAR BOYS.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Maybe someday, we’ll see them made!<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Of the movies I’ve had produced, I like a lot of my old horror films,
like PRISON, and THE OFFSPRING (FROM A WHISPER TO A SCREAM), because I got to
write dialog – over the top, to be sure – for Vincent Price.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>RF:</b> Do you find it
easier to work on screenplays or novels?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>CJ:</b>
Screenplays, just because I’ve had more practice.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>RF:</b> A complete side
note here. I knew I’d chase rabbits on this interview. You did a movie with
Vigo Mortensen. Wasn’t he great as Hitch in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Appaloosa</i>?
He really embodied that character and I picture him and Ed Harris now when
reading those novels.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>CJ:</b>
Viggo is terrific, and also a terrific guy.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>When he was cast in PRISON, we could tell – he’d had a small role in
WITNESS – but he just leapt off the screen, and he was wonderful in that film.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He really crawls into the skins of the
characters he plays.</span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>RF:</b> You’ve done a lot
in horror. You seem to shift between horror and westerns, or whatever genre,
effortlessly. Is it hard? Do you prefer one genre over the other?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>CJ:</b>
I always say that horror brought me to westerns in the first place.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>As a kid, I watched HIGH NOON one rainy
afternoon because Lon Chaney was in it, and was hooked.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Lon also pointed me to the A.C. Lyles’
westerns, and SPRINGFIELD RIFLE. At the time, all of the Sergio Leone films
were the big deal on the ABC Sunday Night Movie, so it was a wave I couldn’t
escape – and didn’t want to.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>So
“shifting” is just following a passion. I think each genre has its own rhythms,
of course, and you get into an appropriate mind-set when you’re working on
something – and right now, my focus is westerns and period adventure, but if a
great horror idea suddenly came to me, I’d jump right in, and shift again.
Hopefully, without too much trouble.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>RF:</b> How about roles?
You’ve been an author, script writer, you’ve done non-fiction, and you’ve even
directed. You’ve appeared in a few films too. Is there one role you prefer or
feel the most home in?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>CJ:</b>
Always writing.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>RF:</b> Going back to your
writing, what does a typical day look like? When you’re working, do you have a
word or page threshold you try to cross each day? Do you write five days a
week? Seven?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>CJ:</b>
When I’m working on something – a novel or a script - I write every day – or
try to, or else suffer a great case of the guilts. But I also love down-time,
because that’s when some great ideas can come along.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I wish I was more consistent; some days
you’re just staring ahead, with blood in your tears, trying to come up with
something – and the next day you’re soaring through pages.</span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>RF:</b> Do you have any
advice for new authors? Is there anything you wish someone would have told you
early on in your career?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>CJ:</b>
My advice: take your time.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>By that, I
mean to take the time you need to work on your manuscript, and know your
markets.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Publishing has changed so
completely in the last ten years, as we know, and there are so many avenues and
chances, with e-publishing, etc. that didn’t exist before.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>But don’t just throw your work out there. If
you’re going to self-publish, work with an editor, then take it out.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And, with submission marketing the way it is,
at least be familiar with all of the types of writing that companies are
looking for.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If you sell a novel, the
question might come up if it’s good for a movie sale or gaming or graphic
novel.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You don’t have to be a master of
all these forms, but understand them, because writers have to wear more
creative and business hats than ever before, and you’ll have to make decisions
based on that knowledge. </span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 16px 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">A
writing career is a life-long process, not a lightning strike.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It can take decades to get to a point where
you’re making enough to live on, so love what you do, in all its forms, and
with luck, the other rewards will follow.</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>RF:</b> What are you
working on now? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>CJ:</b>
I’ve done a number of commentaries on blu-rays, that have been great fun, and
recently did THE CULPEPPER CATTLE CO. and Henry Hathaway’s RAWHIDE for the UK
company, Signal One, and also Don Siegel’s EDGE OF ETERNITY for Twilight Time.
I’m finishing up on SHOTGUN III, and have some script – and I hope – some comic
book work coming up.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And this Christmas,
my novel NEMO RISING will be coming out through Tor Books.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It’s my first hardback release, – and it’s a
big, period adventure, so I’m very excited, and hope everyone finds it great,
throw-back fun.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></i><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-65517935898250607052017-01-26T04:00:00.000-08:002017-01-26T04:00:13.914-08:00An Interview With Robert J. Randisi
<br />
<div style="line-height: 12.95pt; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Today I am beyond thrilled to present my interview with
author Robert J. Randisi. It would be a gross understatement to simply say
Randisi is prolific. As you’ll see, he’s a writing machine! He has one heck of
a resume. Besides writing hundreds of novels (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hundreds</i>, people), he is the founder of the Private Eye Writers of
America. The group awards the prestigious Shamus Award each year, honoring
great detective fiction. He’s edited anthologies. He’s created numerous book
series. In short, he’s one of a kind. He is also one of my literary heroes. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 12.95pt; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">And, he was kind enough to answer my pesky questions.
Without farther ado, here’s Robert.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Ryan: Thank you so
much for agreeing to this interview. I know you are busy based upon the sheer
number of books you publish! So, I’ll start with that.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Please take us
through typical month for you. Do you still publish at least one book a month
(I know the Gunsmith used to come out monthly and they still seem to)? How many
books do you work on at one time?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Robert: <span style="margin: 0px;">I
typically work on two books a month, one of which is a Gunsmith, the other
varies, sometimes another Western, sometimes a Mystery. I work from 1-5 PM,
have dinner, take a nap, work from 9-12, take a half hour break then work from
12:30-4 AM.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I go to bed at 5-5:30 AM,
get up at noon, have breakfast and start again. Occasionally the errands of
normal life--bank, post office, grocery shopping, doctor's visits--interfere.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Ryan: How many
works do you have published as of now?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Robert: The nearest I can
figure right now is between 640-650.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Ryan: How long have
you been a full-time writer? Did you always know that is what you wanted to do?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Robert: <span style="margin: 0px;">This
month--January 2017--marks my 35th anniversary as a full-time writer.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I decided when I was 15 that I wanted to
write for a living by the time I was 30, and that's what I did.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Ryan: What kind of
writing schedule do you keep each day? Do you keep set hours or do you have a
word threshold (5,000 words a day, etc.)?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Robert: <span style="margin: 0px;">I went
into this a bit in question 1. I keep to those hours I indicated, but I try to
produce 5-7 pages an hour. In my younger days my normal speed was 10 pages an
hour. I'm getting older.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Ryan: Do you ever think
of one day hanging it up, or will you write as long as you’re able?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Robert: <span style="margin: 0px;">There
will be no retirement. I figure if I write til I'm 90 I'll be close to 1000
books. It's not something I'm aiming for. I never intended to write so many
books, but it's just something I do.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>It's not even a talent, it's a natural ability.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Ryan: I enjoy your
westerns and your mysteries with equal measure. Do you prefer writing in one
genre over the other? You can write across the two seamlessly. Has it always
been that way, or was it harder in the beginning?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Robert: <span style="margin: 0px;">My
preference has always been private eye novels. I've never had a problem moving
back and forth between genres. The lone gunfighter and private eye have a lot
in common, most notably the same kind of code.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Ryan: One thing
that always strikes me about your work is the pacing. I dream of writing that
way! Lean, no filler, always entertaining. How did you learn that style? Did it
come naturally in the beginning? What pointers might you have for other writers
regarding pacing?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Robert: <span style="margin: 0px;">Everything
I do I just do. I never took a course, never practiced--DOING it IS practice.
My advice to writers is always the same--SIT DOWN AND WRITE. Too much thinking
gets in the way.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Ryan: I’d like to
talk about westerns for a minute. I often hear that it’s a dying genre. I know
many traditional publishers have outright ceased production of westerns or have
scaled drastically back. Do you think there are enough new guys to keep the
genre alive? Do you think there are enough readers?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Robert: <span style="margin: 0px;">I believe there's a core readership for every
genre. The number fluctuates, but readers are always there. Right now
traditional publishers don't believe in westerns, but we have enough small
press, ebook companies and individual authors who are publishing westerns to
keep the genre alive and well.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Ryan: Speaking of
the traditional publishers cutting so many westerns, I was happy that you’ve
continued The Gunsmith novels, finding a new home for them. Will Clint Adams
remain with us for a while? Is he headed off into the sunset anytime soon?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Robert: <span style="margin: 0px;">Clint
will be around as long as I am, and I'm taking steps to see that the series
continues even when I'm gone-as long as people want to read about him.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Ryan: Switching to
mysteries, I have to ask about your Rat Pack series. I love it! Will we see
more of Frank, Sammy, and Dino in the future?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Robert: Definitely. For a while
I thought I'd stop after 6, or 10, but now I think I'll keep going. Right now
I'm working on one that guest stars Jackie Gleason. And Jerry Lewis is in the
future.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Ryan: What advice
do you have for writers? Is there anything you wish someone would have told you
earlier in your career?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Robert: <span style="margin: 0px;">The
advice I got early in my career was to slow down. That was very bad
advice.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>My advice is, once you discover
what your natural speed is, stick to it. Don't try to slow down, or speed up.
NATURAL makes it all flow.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><i>Ryan: Finally, what can we expect from you this year? Any
new titles you’d like to tell us about?</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Robert: <span style="margin: 0px;">More
Gunsmiths, a new series called Lady Gunsmith starts in March. My third hit man
with a soul book is due 2/27 from Down & Out Books. I'll be doing a second
Nashville private eye novel for Perfect Crime Books, a new western for Five
Star Books that continues the Sons of Daniel Shaye series. And I have plans for
many other books in both genres.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Ryan: Thank you
again for taking the time to answer these questions. And thank you for all of
the entertainment you’ve provided through the years. I’m not just blowing
smoke, but you’re one of the best and certainly a favorite of mine. I really
appreciate this!</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Robert: It was my pleasure,
Ryan. Thanks for asking.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 12.95pt; margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-46821565620412526722017-01-25T14:08:00.001-08:002017-01-25T14:08:10.550-08:00An Interview with Ron Fortier
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ron Fortier is a busy guy. He has one heck of an impressive resume! Over
the years, he’s worked in comics (Terminator, Green Hornet, the Incredible
Hulk, Popeye, among others), written novels, and edited. Besides all of
this, he is founder of Airship 27, a leading voice in the New Pulp Fiction
movement. Plus, he’s an all-around nice guy and I’m pleased to present
this interview with him. I’ve left my questions identified as “Q” rather than “RF”
since Ron and I have the same initials. Y’all enjoy! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Ron, thank you so much for agreeing to this
interview. I know you’re very busy as you’re a man who wears many hats in the
publishing industry. I’ll keep it brief and we’ll get right down to it.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Q: Airship 27 seems to be the leader in
publishing new pulp fiction. I guess I should start at the beginning and ask,
how do you personally define “pulp fiction?”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">RF: Any fast-paced action-adventure fiction that
has larger than life heroes and totally evil twisted villains. Genre is
unimportant, be it a crime story or pirate yarn, the pacing has to be lightning
fast and never bogged down with introspection or other such boring prose.
Readers want pulp to entertain them, not educate them.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Q: Have you always been interested in pulp
fiction? What started your love of the genre?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">RF: I got my writing start in the comics feel
and over time began to understand how comics, especially in the 30s were
inspired by the hero pulps of that era. Characters like the Shadow and Doc
Savage would later be the molds from which such comic favorites as Batman and
Superman would spring. Curious about this history, I slowly began researching
the history of American pulps until in the end I was a bonefide fan.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Q: Did you know, even in childhood, that pulp
would be your career? How long have you been a full-time writer?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">RF: The above answer deals with some of that in
that I first grew up as a dedicated comic book fan. I sold my first story in
the early 70s but writing was always a part time job while I worked a 40-hour
week at a local GE Factory which provided my family in regards to educating
five kids and keeping them fed and insured. In 2004 I retired and then devoted
my time to writing one hundred percent.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Q: You’ve worked in comics, novels, short
stories, and a variety of other mediums. Do you have a favorite?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">RF: Although I do love all three forms, I have
to confess comic scripting is still my favorite. Prose is a solitary endeavor
and though it does have its own rewards, there is nothing like working with a
talented graphic artist to bring a tale to visual life. I've been blessed with
working with some of the best in the business such as Gary Kato, Jeff Butler,
Rob Davis and of course Alex Ross.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Q: You seem to spend a lot of time editing.
Airship 27 publishes so many other authors’ work, not just your own. Would you
say you spend more time writing, editing, or an equal amount of time on both?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">RF: Oh yes, the Catch-22 of being an editor.
With the success of Airship 27, more and more talented new writers are coming
to us and in the past few years I've found myself doing lots more editing and
having to push aside my own writing goals. I recently finished my fifth Captain
Hazzard novel, which I had started three years ago. That's primarily because
editing just took over my life. I hope to be able to balance it a bit more
evenly in the future. If that is at all possible.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Q: When you’re writing, what is your process
like? Do you keep set hours? Do you have a minimum word count for the day that
you won’t stop until you’ve reached?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">RF: I'm a free-wheeling writer as I've never
been able to conform to any routine. Generally, I spend several hours editing
at the start of the day. Then I'll take a break to do the normal every day
errands, like grocery shopping, going out to a movie or simply sitting down to
read a book. Then by late afternoon I'll get to my own writing. I tend to see
stories in my imagination in scenes, one following the other in the narrative. Thus,
my aim when I do write is to tackle the next scene and get it completed.
Doesn't matter if it is a short or long section and once finished, I'm done for
the day. I'm comfortable with building a story like this, scene by scene until
I reach the end.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Q: What does the future of pulp fiction look
like? Are there enough authors to keep it going?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">RF: I think the future of pulp fiction is better
than ever as more and more writers are discovering it. And by that, I mean
young college age writers. Back in the 40s and 50s there was some kind of
stigma put on populace literature. It seemed academia, for whatever highbrow
reasons, labeled all pulp fiction as junk and not worthy of critical attention.
But the truth was most of the famous big name authors, ala Erle Stanley
Gardner, Bob Silverberg, Isaac Asimov and so many others actually had their
start in the pulps. So pulps evolved into the 60s and 70s paperbacks producing
such renown writers as Clive Cussler, Stephen King etc. Today, with their
successes, the literary community has finally come around to recognizing the
significant contributions to our culture that pulps have made and today writers
don't shun the word, they are actually flattered to be known as
"pulp" writers.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Q: What advice do you have for aspiring pulp
authors? What could you say to them that you wish someone would have told you?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">RF: When you write anything, better make sure
you are having fun while you are at it. Because if you aren't having fun
writing it, how do you expect your readers to have fun reading it?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Simple advice and one I learned to take to
heart over the years. Write what you love and what excites you and most likely
you'll entertain lots of other people along the way.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Q: Finally, what are some of the upcoming titles
from Airship 27 that we can look forward to? </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">RF: Well, it's a new year and we just kicked
things off with a great western, "Comanche Blood" by R.A. Jones.
We'll be following this up with a pirate adventure, "Queen of
Anarchy" by Nancy Hansen and after that, a book I'm really excited about,
"Holmes & Houdini" by I.A. Watson. So, as you can see, as ever,
lots of great books in lots of genres. And all of them pure pulp fiction.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Ron, thank you again! You’ve always been very
kind and gracious with your time. Thank you for all the entertainment you’ve
given readers like me through the years. I can’t wait for Airship’s future
titles!</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px 13px; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">For more information, check out<a href="http://www.airship27.com/" target="_blank"> Airship 27's website</a>!</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-19368037758743825682017-01-24T14:21:00.002-08:002017-01-24T14:21:26.054-08:00A Few Words on WritingI'm no expert when it comes to writing. I'm not pretending to be. I do know what has worked for me.<br />
I’ve started 2017 at a breakneck speed. I've written 56,000 words. I can't keep this pace up long. I don't write full-time. Not yet. I hope one day…<br />
2016 finished really strong for me. Reviews have been good and sales even better. I’m still in the romance game, but at least I'm having fun and making money (don’t judge; a fella does what he has to do to get a foot in the door).<br />
A friend recently asked how I've increased my output. How am I writing at a faster pace? I told him I have no doubt the reason. It's what I believe the key to being a good writer is. I read.<br />
An author I follow on social media recently made a comment that for a writer, all reading is research. He's a wise man.<br />
When I read, I soak up tips and pointers from the masters without even realizing it. It sinks in through osmosis. It's as if these guys mentor me, even though I never speak to many of them.<br />
When I read I learn sentence and paragraph structure, pacing, and story flow. I have no doubt it all shows up in my own work. When I spend time with authors who are great, I find myself getting better than I was.<br />
So if you want to write, my humble advice, and take it for what it's worth, is to read, read, read! Soak it all in. Enjoy the stories for what they are. Be entertained! But I promise, it will improve your own craft.<br />
So here are a few recommendations.<br />
Louis L’Amour was terrific. For sheer imagination, I love the guy. He could take a location and write a fun, exciting tale around it.<br />
For pacing, I read a lot of James Reasoner! Every part of his books propel the action, moving the plot forward. Pacing is something I often struggle with. I wrote a romance following “Reasoner’s Rules” (pacing tips I've learned just by reading his work—but I like the name). It's the best reviewed and highest selling work I've ever done.<br />
Speaking of pacing, Robert Randisi knows a thing or two, or a hundred. He writes the Gunsmith series under a pen, as well as a ton of titles under his own name. Check out his Rat Pack mystery series! Fun and fast.<br />
And while we are talking pace, let's talk Lee Goldberg. King City is a great place to start. It's like watching an action movie.<br />
You want to read a well-crafted action scene? Check out John Hegenberger. The man knows where it's at.<br />
If you want to see a fine example of nonstop excitement, read Brad Thor or the late, great Vince Flynn. Those are darn good thrillers they put out.<br />
And finally, for great first person perspective, Robert Crais’s Elvis Cole books are wonderful.<br />
Let me know your thoughts and the writers that help you!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-40983334876500200212016-12-30T01:00:00.000-08:002016-12-30T01:00:28.540-08:00Western Movie Gunfights
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo37eV1jOh9NVKze0aWjU5_astz436cqaDzCgjaKSju4TGjSqQxAEooIwkAtwjE9DxmVpnU9_TMFtcqzt3hj8XsLS_aGMzho8j8R6fCw021t9mLWw1qTbNzgO_XDu1S_IrLG9wSXiaw1A/s1600/O.K.+Corral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo37eV1jOh9NVKze0aWjU5_astz436cqaDzCgjaKSju4TGjSqQxAEooIwkAtwjE9DxmVpnU9_TMFtcqzt3hj8XsLS_aGMzho8j8R6fCw021t9mLWw1qTbNzgO_XDu1S_IrLG9wSXiaw1A/s1600/O.K.+Corral.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The end of one year and
the start of another usually signals awards season in the film industry. Long
story short, it’s the time of year when the studios roll out their Oscar contenders.
It’s also when most of the movies I don’t care about are released. I’ve never
forgiven the Academy for their <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Smokey and
the Bandit</i> snub back in ’77, so I generally boycott the ceremony. But, that
won’t stop me from handing out a few awards myself. So, let’s talk Western
gunfights. It isn’t an Oscar or Golden Globe category, but it sure should be.</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Best Gunfight In a Classic Western</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">This one, for me, goes
hands down to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gunfight at the O.K. Corral</i>.
This film is one of my all-time favorites. The final battle between the Earp
faction and the Clantons is one of the greatest gunfights ever filmed. True, it
isn’t historically accurate in the least. But, it’s a darn good firefight. The
climactic struggle is wonderfully filmed by my personal favorite director, John
Sturges. It’s tense, action packed, and the perfect pay-off to a wonderful
film. To see how the director’s perspective changed in ten years or so, watch <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hour of the Gun</i>. That version of the
famous O.K. Corral fight is much different, but equally as effective.</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Best Gunfight in a Modern Western</span></b><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Open Range. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Need I say more? Wonderfully choreographed and
superbly filmed, the gunfight in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Open
Range</i> is top notch. There’s only one gunfight in the whole movie, but it’s
well worth the wait! Once the shooting starts, it goes on for about twenty
minutes. That gunfight, and a whole host of other reasons, is why <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Open Range </i>is on my top ten list of best
movies ever made.</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Most Realistic Gunfight</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I’ll have to go with
the final showdown in 2008’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Appaloosa</i>.
It’s quick. In fact, the first time I saw the film I was a bit disappointed.
The shooting was over so fast. The whole movie just didn’t do a lot for me. The
second time I saw it, I enjoyed it. Third time, I loved it. It’s now one of my
favorite films.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>But back to that
gunfight…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I imagine that’s how
Old West gunfights were (when they actually occurred): sudden and quick bursts
of violence. Forget long, drawn-out fights with folks taking cover behind
wagons or on top of buildings and all that. In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Appaloosa</i>, guns are drawn, used, and folks die. Plain and simple.
Effective. One of the best.</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Most Poignant Gunfight</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Can a gunfight be
poignant? I think so. And the award has to go to John Wayne’s final fight in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Shootist</i>. Such a great movie, and
such a great gunfight! It’s a film I enjoy more with each viewing. As far as
the gunfight goes, it’s a bittersweet affair. We get to see some good cowboy
action shooting as we say goodbye to a legend. If you haven’t seen the film, I
highly recommend it. And if you’re one who believes John Wayne couldn’t act,
watch <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Shootist</i>. In my opinion,
his role in it was far more Oscar worthy than <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">True Grit</i>. But, that’s just my take, of course.</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Honorable Mentions</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">My favorite film of all
time, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">El Dorado</i>, has some great
gunfights (the scene where Wayne and company chase assailants into an old
church and then finally into a saloon is probably my favorite sequence ever
captured on film). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Professionals </i>also
contains some great scenes of western gunplay. Finally, the train shoot-out
near the end of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How the West Was Won </i>is
pretty amazing. I enjoy that whole film a great deal.</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Biggest Let Down</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I’m going to take some
heat for this one. Don’t get me wrong, I love this movie. It’s a classic. It’s
amazing. But the final gunfight in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shane </i>was
a bit disappointing to me. We<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>go the
whole movie hearing hints of just how awesome Shane is with a gun. We also know
Jack Palance has it coming. But the gunfight itself isn’t much. A couple of
shots. A few seconds. It’s over pretty quickly. I suppose the film makes up for
it with a great fistfight mid-way through. That being said, I still love <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shane</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Please feel free to
leave comments with your favorite western movie gunfights. I’d enjoy hearing
from y’all! </span><br />
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-56022655345264047012016-12-29T06:28:00.002-08:002016-12-29T18:06:28.163-08:00Book Review: Will Tanner: U.S. Deputy MarshalThe world’s worst blogger is back. I appreciate everyone who reads this. Looking at the stats, there are quite a few of you. My New Year’s Resolution is to be a more mindful blogger! I’ve been writing plenty, but all on the fiction front. The blog fell dormant. That’s good news, in a way, because the fiction is going well.<br />
But, I’m back with more frequency. At least that's the plan.<br />
So let’s get into today’s book review. Per my annual tradition, I received several Amazon gift cards for Christmas. I’ve spent Christmas evening for about the last five or six years loading my Kindle with books for the upcoming year. This holiday was no exception. One of the titles I selected was Will Tanner: U.S. Deputy Marshal. It’s one of the latest series in the William Johnstone line.<br />
It’s pretty darn good. It is a traditional western. Written in an older style. This is not a knock against it. In fact, I enjoyed the book immensely. The author takes his time telling the story. This is not to say that the book is ever boring. It is not! But, fans of the genre may recognize it unfolds a bit differently than the westerns being put out by Rough Edges Press or Piccadilly Publishing and some of the others. It is not as fast paced and not as violent. There’s plenty of action, don’t get me wrong. The book is never dull. Just more in line with the old Louis L’amour titles than say Ben Bridges, Peter Brandvold, or Robert Randisi.<br />
I won’t go into the plot too much. I’ll keep this spoiler free. The book involves Will Tanner (big shock) who becomes a deputy U.S. Marshal (another big shock). He’s based out of Arkansas, but his work takes him into Indian Territory and Texas. A good portion of this book takes place in my home state of Oklahoma, around the Arbuckle Mountains. It’s an area I know well, and I could picture many of the locations described. This added much to the story for me! I liked it.<br />
I suspect I know who the author of this tale is. I’ve gotten fairly good at spotting some of the Johnstone ghost writers. Longtime western readers will probably figure this one out, too.<br />
Overall, this is a solid, traditional western that kept me reading. I have the second one of the series already purchased and waiting on my Kindle. I look forward to the third installment which is due to be released this spring. If you’re wanting an old fashioned shoot ‘em up with well-drawn characters, rich detail, and exciting action, check this one out. Recommended.<br />
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Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-77412841076029171762016-09-25T13:34:00.000-07:002016-09-25T13:34:04.446-07:00Interview with James Reasoner
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Please forgive me if I geek
out here a bit. James Reasoner has been a pretty constant presence in my life
for the past twenty years, even though I do not know the man. I’ve read his
books for about two decades. I’ve spent a lot of time inside the wonderful
adventures he brings to life. Sometimes I’ve read him without even knowing (he’s
published under a variety of pen names and house names). That’s why I was
thrilled to receive the chance to interview James for this latest blog entry. If
there is a more prolific author currently writing, I do not know of them. As you’ll
see below, Mr. Reasoner stays pretty busy. In addition to writing for others,
James started Rough Edges Press a few years back. I hope you enjoy reading this
as much as enjoyed hearing from James and learning a little more about his
process. Without further ado…</span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"> </span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Ryan:
I'll start from the beginning. How long has writing been your full-time job?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">James: Since February of 1987,
so it's coming up on thirty years. There was a stretch before that, 1981-83,
when I was also writing full-time, but then for the intervening four years I
owned a couple of used bookstores and ran them in addition to writing.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Ryan:
Does it come in waves? I mean, are there months where you think, "I better
polish up the ol' resume because it's slowing down"?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">James: In recent years I've
had contracts lined up for quite a while in advance (the last due date on my
current contract is February 2018), but there were many times in the past when
we were living from contract to contract. One year I had what I called my
"Longarm summer" because I wrote three Longarm novels back to back,
getting a new contract for the next one as I turned them in because I didn't
have anything else lined up. Then some other jobs came through and I went back
to having three or four—or more—books under contract. I think it's been that
way ever since.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Ryan:
At this point, do you even know how many books you've authored?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">James: The current work in
progress is novel #340. I've also written one non-fiction book (DRAW: THE
GREATEST GUNFIGHTS OF THE AMERICAN WEST). </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Ryan:
What is your daily routine? Do you work five days, six or seven days a week?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">James: I've never been a
write-every-day sort of author. I'm pretty consistent, though, about doing
fifteen to twenty pages a day, five or six days a week. Sometimes, depending on
where I am in a book or what my deadlines are, I can do more. For example,
earlier this week I wrote 32 pages one day and 37 the next. But I was at the
end of a book and trying to finish it, so that always speeds me up a little.
Because I started writing back in the Seventies, long before computers, I still
keep track of my output in terms of pages rather than words, although I do know
that I've written more than a million words a year for eleven consecutive years
now and approximately 25 million words in my career.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Ryan:
Do you like the changes e-readers like Kindle have brought to the industry?
Does it excite you or do you miss the old days?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">James: I love the rise of
e-books as both a reader and a writer. I like the adjustable fonts on my
Kindle. I like being able to make notes and do some editing on the Kindle. I
like being able to write whatever I want and get it out there to the readers.
However, I'm what they call a hybrid writer. Most of my work still goes through
traditional publishers. I have some nostalgia for the old days, but that's all
it is. I wouldn't want to go back to writing on a manual typewriter (although
sometimes I do miss it).</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Ryan:
Is there any genre you haven't written in? That might be easier than asking all
the ones you have!</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">James: I've never written an
actual science fiction novel or a literary, mainstream novel. I have parts of a
few SF novels done, though, and expect to finish them eventually. Literary
fiction (which I consider a genre, too) is probably not in my future.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Ryan:
I love your westerns! Do you think there's enough up and coming authors to keep
the genre going?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">James: Oh, sure! A lot of
people love to write Westerns. I don't believe they'll ever be as popular as
they once were, but Westerns aren't going away, at least in my lifetime.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Ryan:
Speaking of keeping going...will you ever pack it in or will you write as long
as you're able?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">James: I plan to keep writing
as long as I can. In recent years I've started to think about slowing down a
little and writing, say, half a million words a year instead of a million. I'd
almost feel retired if I did that, I think.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Ryan:
Any regrets about starting Rough Edges Press?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">James: It's been more
time-consuming than I thought it would be, but I wouldn't call that a regret.
I've really enjoyed being able to publish some excellent books that might not
have found a home otherwise.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Ryan:
Do you prefer your own publishing to working for others?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">James: As I said above, I'm a
hybrid author. I've been part of the traditional publishing world for four
decades and feel comfortable there. That said, I really do like the freedom of
self-publishing and wouldn't want to give that up, either. If my traditional
contracts went away (I hope they don't!), I'd just keep writing. At this point,
what else am I going to do?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Ryan:
What advice do you have for the wannabes and aspiring authors like me out
there? What's one thing you know now about writing or publishing that you wish
you would have known in the beginning?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">James: I'd say the answer is
persistence. Get the stuff written and out there, whether it's self-publishing
or submitting to traditional and small press publishers. I once read that the
definition of a writer is somebody who sits in a room and types for thirty
years. That's pretty much the truth, although for some of us it's been
considerably longer than thirty years. During my first stint as a full-time
writer, though, I just didn't work hard enough at it. That's why I had to go
into the bookstore business for a while. I didn't really know any better,
didn't have the self-discipline to do the amount of work necessary. Everyone
has their own natural pace, of course, but I think you have to push yourself in
order to find it.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Ryan:
Were there any authors who mentored you? How did you break into the business?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">I started writing stories for
my own enjoyment while I was in elementary school and continued on through
college. That was when I started submitting short stories to various magazines.
I never sold any and had almost given up on writing when I got married. My wife
told me that if I really wanted to be a writer, I needed to work at it (see the
above answer!) and so I started sending out short stories again. One of the
magazines I submitted to was MIKE SHAYNE MYSTERY MAGAZINE, which was edited by
an old writer/editor from the pulp era, Sam Merwin Jr. Sam never used
traditional rejection slips, at least with me. When he sent back a story, I
always got a personal note with it, scrawled on whatever scrap of paper was
handy. He explained why he was rejecting the story and suggested ways to
improve my writing. This went on for a while, and then I got a rejection from
him saying that if I revised that particular story in line with his
suggestions, he would buy it. I did, of course, and he wound up buying that
story, but in the meantime he accepted another one without any revisions. I had
sold one story before that, to one of the true confession magazines, but I
consider my sales to MSMM to be the real start of my writing career and have
always been grateful to Sam Merwin Jr. for all the advice he gave me. A couple
of years after that he asked me to write some of the Mike Shayne stories in the
magazine under the house-name Brett Halliday, and that was a big step in my
career too. Not to mention, I love the connection with the pulp era! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">I want to thank James Reasoner
again for taking the time for this interview! Check out <a href="http://roughedgespress.com/" target="_blank">Rough Edges</a> and Mr.
Reasoner’s <a href="http://jamesreasoner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">excellent blog</a>! As for me, I’m going to take the above advice and
get busy writing!</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-39237420611312058562016-09-05T19:00:00.000-07:002016-09-05T19:00:33.757-07:00Thank God for Amos Walker<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OvT4aATKSIZuRXaIgJk7lJc-bX9zvGT8TFexdikcMA8TSgS0XGIrWrxoYS4QXFbyTrFMrQcWjK3pMagUyPD3fQ0GQSK_upsew1dSV0SibI2HO_0AWWLIFqv0t4yDDCVPpc1zlRqR8Vw/s1600/American+Detective.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OvT4aATKSIZuRXaIgJk7lJc-bX9zvGT8TFexdikcMA8TSgS0XGIrWrxoYS4QXFbyTrFMrQcWjK3pMagUyPD3fQ0GQSK_upsew1dSV0SibI2HO_0AWWLIFqv0t4yDDCVPpc1zlRqR8Vw/s320/American+Detective.jpg" width="197" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank God for Amos
Walker. If you’re not familiar with Amos, he’s a P.I. who works Detroit. More
than a P.I., the character embodies the term “shamus.” He’s tough as nails,
dedicated, witty, and extremely capable. To say that he’s a bit cynical would
be a gross understatement. In short, when it comes to private eyes in the
classic vein, Loren Estleman’s creation is the real deal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Walker first appeared
in <i>Angle Eyes</i>, published in 1981.
Since then, he’s been back in 24 other novels, and well over two dozen short
stories (if my math serves me right on both counts). I just want to take a few
seconds to praise Estleman and his creation. Don’t get me wrong, there are
other P.I.’s I’m close to. Elvis Cole is my boy. Spenser and I are on very good
terms. But, for lack of a better phrase, Loren Estleman has “kept it real” with
the Walker novels. Crais and the late, great Robert Parker are two of the best.
But, their heroes have gotten a bit self-reflective. Call me crazy, but I like
the earlier Cole novels like <i>The Monkey’s
Raincoat</i> and <i>Free Fall</i>. The
multiple viewpoints of his recent efforts can serve as a distraction, at least
for me. And Parker was great, but Spenser spent a lot of time discussing life
and love with Susan. A bit much, for my tastes (I’ve read the first two Ace
Atkins Spenser outings and they are amazing, in my opinion). Perhaps I’m just
not a deep thinker. Maybe I’m just not smart enough. For whatever reason, the
pulpier my detective stories are, the better! That’s where ol’ Amos comes in.
Estleman doesn’t worry about all that introspective mumbo jumbo. Walker <i>does</i> have a philosophy and a code that
comes through. But, the focus is always on the case and moving the story
forward. Plain and simple, just like I like it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I recently read 2015’s <i>The Sundown Speech</i> and I’m happy to
report that in Walker’s 25<sup>th</sup> full-length case, he’s still going
strong. Taut and lean are the order of the day. Not a lot of filler. Classic
hardboiled prose and attitude. Pretty dang near flawless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Loren Estleman has
created a lot of endearing characters through the years. The Michigan native is
a wonderful western author, and he has plenty of other crime novels under his
belt. But, Amos is my favorite. One of the walker tales is entitled <i>American Detective</i>. I can’t think of a
more fitting description of the character than that. I get the feeling that
when Estleman gives us a Walker story, he’s not trying to break new ground or
make philosophical statements regarding life and human nature. I get the
impression he’s just trying to tell a darn good detective story, and he does
that in spades. If you haven’t met Walker, I highly recommend you get
acquainted at your earliest convenience. You’ll thank me for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-62019171916473717532016-08-10T19:39:00.001-07:002016-08-10T19:45:08.928-07:00Book Review: Mustang Man by Louis L'amour There's something comforting about a Louis L'amour novel. Perhaps it is the fact that they remind me of my childhood; memories of my grandfather instantly flood my mind whenever I hear the author's name. Grandpa had the entire collection, or darn near close to it. Because they were readily available, L'amour's works were my first sampling of the western genre. It had been a while since I had read one, until last week when I picked up <i>Mustang Man</i>. I felt an instant connection to the novel, as it takes place in the Texas Panhandle and around the Rabbit Ears Mountain of northeast New Mexcio. Those areas too hold fond memories for me, and I'm familiar with that country. So, the novel resonated with me from the first page.<br />
The action moves along at a brisk pace, which is just the way I like my books. L'amour novels do not have as much shooting as some of the modern western authors pack in, but the tale was never dull to me. And make no mistake, there's plenty of gunplay. Just not as much as series like the Johnstone books or the more recent Outlaw Ranger stories have. But, when the action does roll around, L'amour handled it just like you would expect an old pro to. Again, it was not a boring read by any means.<br />
I almost hate including any criticism. Louie L'amour probably forgot more about writing in his lifetime than I'll ever know. But, there seemed to be a few minor unresolved elements by the time the end came. One in particular bugged me (warning: minor spoiler ahead). One central character is witnessed by another conversing with a gang of outlaws, casting doubt upon this character's true motives. This point is never really explained, and it left me a bit baffled. Other than that, <i>Mustang</i> <i>Man</i> is a solid read that I recommend for fans of the genre. It is the tenth book in the famed Sackett series, but one certainly does not have to read any of the others before enjoying this title. It is a stand-alone story that briefly alludes to the rest of the series, but always providing context. I give this one a 4 out of 5 rating and enjoyed it immensely.Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-51502260830426609852016-06-12T07:43:00.001-07:002016-06-12T07:46:26.142-07:00It's a Great Time to Be a Reader: The State of Modern Pulp, as I See It<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When it comes to pulp
fiction, it’s a great time to be a reader. I use the term “pulp” because I’m
not sure how else to classify the type of works I’m referring to. For me, pulp
is sort of an all-encompassing term that may include </span>hard boiled<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> P.I. tales, men’s
adventure, and westerns. Perhaps “genre fiction” is more accurate. No matter
what you call it, it’s a great time to be a fan and connoisseur. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A couple of years ago,
I thought just the opposite. When I was a kid in the ‘80s and into the ‘90s,
one could still easily find pulp on the paperback racks. True, it was thinning
out, and wasn’t anywhere near the levels it had been during its zenith. As a
teen in the ‘90s, I could easily find such western series as Longarm, The
Trailsman, Slocum, and The Gunsmith. Beyond these series, there were a whole
host of other “adult westerns” that flooded the market, but never seemed to
last long. Westerns as a whole regained popularity in the 1990s, in film and in
paperback form, it seems, and there was a plethora of titles.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When it came to action
and adventure, series such as The Executioner and The Destroyer were going
strong, along with others that came and went. But, the herd started thinning as
time went on. I could still scour used book stores, and the occasional antique store
I went to with my grandparents, to find real treasures. The big publishers in
New York decided to shave a few off here and there, and pretty soon only a few
series held on. Recently, we saw Longarm, Slocum, Fargo, and even The Gunsmith
go the way of the buffalo. A few western series are still out there
(Johnstone), but it’s looking bleaker and bleaker every day—as far as the New
York publishers, anyway.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thankfully, it’s
looking better and better with the small houses and independent guys. Today,
even though the Big Guys aren’t publishing hardly any pulp or genre fiction, it’s
a great time to be a pulp reader! Thanks to the Kindle, and other e-reading
devices, I now have virtually more material at my fingertips than I have time
to read! And it’s not poorly written, throw-away junk either. We are talking
the masters here, people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Prolific author James
Reasoner is still putting out just as much as he used to, publishing under his
own imprint, <a href="http://www.roughedgespress.com/" target="_blank">Rough Edges Press</a>. He’s not alone, either. He has the likes of Ed
Gorman and others joining him. Some stories are new, and some are reprints of
long out of print gems. Either way, if you want some great action packed reads,
Rough Edges is a good place to start.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">James is one of my
literary heroes. As a wannabe author, I admire the sheer amount the man writes
(with no drop-off in quality), and the fact that he struck out on his own and
is making it happen. I’ve read much of his work, even being able to spot the
titles he wrote for various series such as Longarm (turns out, <a href="http://www.jamesreasoner.net/biblography.htm" target="_blank">I was correct ina lot of my guesses</a>. I believe I’ve spotted him writing for another
still-running and aforementioned western series, but I will say no more). <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Speaking of westerns,
The Gunsmith can still be found, but not on the local drugstore paperback rack
as in the old days. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/J.R.-Roberts/e/B001HMPF1O/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1" target="_blank">Robert Randisi</a> (who writes wonderful mysteries, as well)
has brought his creation Clint Adams (The Gunsmith) to the wonderful world of
e-reading with new Gunsmith titles. The old ones are being reissued, as well, thanks
to the guys over at <a href="http://www.piccadillypublishing.org/" target="_blank">Piccadilly Press</a>. Piccadilly is publishing tons of works,
many of them classic pulp western reprints, at affordable prices. Good stuff!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/John-Hegenberger/e/B001KINKK8" target="_blank">John Hegenberger</a> is a “new
to me” author who has quickly become one of my favorites. He’s been writing for
a while, but only recently has introduced his detective fiction to the world. I’m
sure glad he did! Stan Wade, a late ‘50s and early ‘60s P.I., is a great
character who interacts with all sorts of classic Hollywood types. His adventures
are quick and fun, and I highly recommend them. Beyond that, John has some
other great titles including some sci-fi. I interviewed John, and if you haven’t
read it, click <a href="http://oldfadedtrails.blogspot.com/2015/12/my-interview-with-john-hegenberger.html" target="_blank">here</a> to enjoy. He’s an author you should be familiar with.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Long-time comic book
and pulp author Ron Fortier is going strong over at <a href="http://www.airship27.com/" target="_blank">Airship 27</a>. Not only is Ron’s
own work published under that press, but he’s got some great pulp authors with
him, putting out some awesome stuff! Mr. Fortier recently announced that his
Brother Bones character, the Undead Avenger, is going to be appearing in a
movie! I’ve been reading Brother Bones, and I can tell you it’s great pulpy
fun. Much like The Shadow and the great pulp heroes of old, he’s sure to please
fans of the genre. Also, a good place to start when taking flight with the
Airship is their anthology <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Legends-New-Pulp-Fiction-Fortier/dp/0692601139/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465742523&sr=8-1&keywords=new+legends+of+pulp+fiction" target="_blank">The Legends of New Pulp Fiction</a></i>. Lots of good short stories in that collection, and
it raises money for a great cause. It’s a good introduction and jumping off
point to dozens of great modern pulp writers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I could go on and on. I’m
sure I’ll be back with another modern pulp round-up, but the authors mentioned
above are a great place to get going, if you’re looking for such titles. For
fans of the genre like me, we live in exciting times! It’s also a great time to
be a pulp writer, but more on that in my next post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-28592394721885403612016-04-02T09:42:00.002-07:002016-04-07T05:21:34.915-07:00Film Review: Bone Tomahawk<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">Y’all, I don’t even
know where to start with this movie. First of all, let me say that I think it
is a very well-made film. The dialogue is excellent, the pacing spot on, and
visuals are stunning. S. Craig Zahler may be a first time filmmaker, but nothing
about this picture says “amateur.” In fact, it is expertly crafted! The man
should probably win an Academy Award (if not for directing, certainly for the
writing—I can’t remember a recent movie that has such wonderful dialogue).</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">Like many good
westerns, this is a slow burning film. The last thirty minutes or so are action
packed. We’re talking edge of your seat type stuff. But until then we have time
to really get to know the characters. That’s a good thing, because they’re aptly
crafted. I particularly loved Deputy Chicory. I have no doubt Richard Jenkins
should have won an Oscar for that role. Beyond Jenkins, the whole cast was
stellar. Hey, it’s Kurt Russel in a western…you can’t beat that.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">The action is adequately
staged. Rather than large set pieces of major battles, we get tense, taut burst
of violence. So, what’s my gripe with Bone Tomahawk? It’s savagely brutal. It’s
not a huge spoiler to say the villains in this film are far from traditional.
They’re cave dwelling cannibals (we find this out very early on, long before we
actually see them). </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">Minor Spoilers Below…</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">We see a man split in
two (this is after he’s scalped), and then consumed. Yep, that’s the level of
violence we’re dealing with here. In perhaps the most disturbing part, viewers
briefly see the women of the inbred cannibalistic tribe, pregnant, but
amputated and blinded so they cannot escape. That didn’t sit well with me. It
was effective, as I’m sure Zahler intended such a reaction. But it’s certainly
not my cup of tea.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">End Spoilers…</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">It has been described
as a western-horror hybrid. However, I think it can be better described as traditional
frontier tale that has a few horror elements. There is nothing supernatural in
this film, and it does not fit into the “weird western” genre like </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: white;">Cowboys & </span></i><span style="color: white;">Aliens. Some of the lines
are outright funny, and there’s even some sentimental sweetness to it. A conversation regarding a flea circus is so well written, beautifully acted, and touching that one can't help but smile in the midst of all the carnage. Beyond this, the
heroes are truly likable, and you’re rooting for them all the way.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">Bone Tomahawk comes so
close to being a perfect western! I almost added it to my cannon of classic
oaters. In the end, the violence was just too off-putting for me. It’s too bad,
though, as there’s a lot to love in this movie. James Reasoner <a href="http://jamesreasoner.blogspot.com/2016/03/tuesdays-overlooked-movie-bone-tomahawk.html" target="_blank">recently reviewed the film</a>, and he commented that he hopes S. Craig Zahler will try his
hand at a more traditional western. I share those same sentiments. He darn near
created a modern classic. </span></span></span><br />
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Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-88767713293456944862015-12-18T15:15:00.001-08:002015-12-18T16:58:45.853-08:00My Interview with John Hegenberger<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">With
my graduate work dominating most of the past two years, my blogging has been
nonexistent. Thankfully, all of that is behind me. I’m excited about some
upcoming projects which I will be revealing shortly. But today I’m excited
about a recent “conversation” with author John Hegenberger. John is the author
of the newly released <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spyfall</i>. I can
say that this book delivers on all fronts! The pop culture references fly fast
and furious, and the story is rich with crackling dialogue. The protagonist is
a P.I. named Stan Wade, and the setting is Los Angeles in the late 1950s. In
fact, Stan offices out of the famous Brown Derby, and just that premise alone
had me hooked! Throw in my love of all things Eisenhower Era and Kennedy Era,
Cold War intrigue, and it’s as if John wrote the perfect book for me! I have a
more detailed review coming soon, but for now I’m pleased to present John’s
thoughts on writing, the state of publishing, and advice he has for others
entering the field.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Ryan:
First of all, I have to ask, where did your inspiration for Stan Wade come from?
He’s such a great character and you manage to weave so many pop culture
references and icons into his stories. Have you always been a fan of classic
Hollywood? Is he modeled on anyone? In other words, if you had to pick an actor
from Tinsel Town’s golden era to play him, or any era, is there anyone you
picture in your mind?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">John:
Okay, let’s have some fun! I came to the idea by thinking about all the
great television shows I used to watch as a kid and wondered what might happen
if the characters were to team up. In other words, what if Mike Hammer
visited 77 Sunset Strip in order to work with Sky King to help stop something
from happening to Joe Friday. When I think of Stan Wade, I picture
Anthony Perkins. Young, hip, but maybe troubled.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Ryan:
It seems as if your work is appearing regularly now, but until earlier this
year, I was unfamiliar with it. Is publishing something new for you? Have you
written for years and just recently put it out there or is writing new to you
entirely?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">John:
I wrote some science fiction starting in the ‘70s. I had a couple of nonfiction
books published in the late ‘80s and lots of articles and a newspaper column.
SPYFALL is published by Black Opel Books and, as with most authors, it was
simply a case of travelling each day to the marketplace where dreams are bought
and sold, hopefully taking my place among the sellers.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Quite
a number of years back, it occurred to me that if you were a writer, you could
work anywhere. That's all I needed.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Ryan:
I have to ask about rejection, as I think every writer has faced it. Did you
face much of it? If so, how did you handle it and what advice do you have for
other writers when facing it?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">John:
Rejection never goes away, especially if you set your aim high. You just have
to expect that, like a salesman knocking on doors, you have to play the numbers
game and keep going until you get a sale. Rejection is not your fault. Usually
the buyer has all sorts of problems of their own that you know nothing about.
That means it's their problem, so just keep on keeping on.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Ryan:
Digital publishing has certainly changed the game. Do you think this is a good
thing? What are your thoughts on the era of Kindles and Nooks and more freedom
as an author?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">John:
I think digital publishing will continue to expand. Eventually the large houses
will incorporate it to a point where there's a clear dividing line between
self-publishing and traditional publishing. We may be there already, but it is still
possible for a small press publisher to have a big hit. And that's the beauty
of electronic digital publishing.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Ryan:
Do you have a goal of “words per day” that you try to meet? Do you keep a
regular writing schedule? </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">John:
No real goal, except perhaps to have four pages per day, on the days that I'm writing.
And I'm writing about four days per week. Usually in the afternoons. Reading
time is considered a part of the process and that happens every day</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Ryan:
Do you work from an outline or just wing it as you go? Do you usually have the
whole story mapped out, or do you just sort of see where the characters take
you, working from a general idea?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">John:
I have to outline, mostly because I want to know who done it and I want to know
where I can stick in some clever or exciting twist or setting and have it makes
sense. However, during the writing process, I probably re-re-outline three
times at least.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Nothing
pleases me more than to have an entire story figured out and then at the last
moment recognize that there's another whole aspect of the story which I haven't
spent any time on at all. It's an opportunity to jump in with a nifty new
twist.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Ryan:
Who are some of the other authors you enjoy? </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">John:
I like to read stories that surprise me and gave me a chuckle. Favorite authors
right now include: Craig Johnson, Dick Lochte, Mark Coggins, and Paul Kemprecos.
And, I keep coming back to most of that works by Stuart Kaminsky.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Ryan:
Do you have any advice for “wannabe” authors like myself who dream of one day
being published?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">John:
Have fun! If it's not fun, it's not worth doing. If you're writing and it's not
fun, maybe you shouldn't be writing. Maybe you should be outlining.
But whatever the case, don’t let the bastards grind you down.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Also,
never throw anything away. Everything has a place; you just have to figure out
where it goes in the overall process. Beyond that, just sit down and see what
you’ve typed and how you can make it better.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Ryan:
What should we look for coming up from you? Will Stan be back often? What genres
are you currently working in?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">John:
Yes, Stan will be back! His next book, STARFALL, will be out in February. I
expect to have maybe two additional novels in the series out later in 2016. I
have another series about a private eye in 1988 and the next book is called
CROSSFIRE, scheduled for publication in January. Finally, there are a few
science fiction books that will be published in 2016. One is part of a trilogy
called, interestingly enough, TRIPLEYE and it involves the first private I
agency… on Mars.</span></div>
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If
you want to know more about John, click <a href="http://johnhegenberger.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. If you want to purchase one of
his fine novels (and I highly suggest you do), click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/John-Hegenberger/e/B001KINKK8/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1450480465&sr=1-2-ent" target="_blank">here. </a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A big thank you to John Hegenberger
for taking the time to answer these questions!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-922177020751651252015-08-02T07:18:00.000-07:002015-08-02T07:18:43.236-07:00Film Review: Vacation<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t think it is
hyperbole to call <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">National Lampoon’s
Vacation </i>a classic. Nor do I feel it is an exaggeration to bestow such
status upon <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">National Lampoon’s Christmas
Vacation</i>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">European </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Vegas </i>were passable, if not slightly
forgettable, comedies. But if I had to sum up the new <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Vacation </i>film with one word, it would be “disappointing.” Don’t get
me wrong, the film isn’t horrible and perhaps the problem is with me; maybe I
built the movie up too much and there was no way it could live up to my
expectations. I’m a huge fan of the franchise and in my mind I figured it would
be just like old times. There are some very funny parts! The two leads, played
by Ed Helms and Christina Applegate, are likable and sympathetic. Some of the predicaments
they find themselves in are hilarious. But then we come to their children: the
oldest one is fine, but the youngest Griswold son is the epitome of obnoxious and
almost ruined the movie for me in certain parts (the kid who plays him is a
fine actor, but the character itself, as written, is the problem). He curses
like a sailor and it got old for me in a hurry! There are some rare movies
where excessive profanity adds to the humor. For example, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Heat</i> uses its frequent foul language to set up several very
funny gags (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Smokey and the Bandit </i>is
an example of an older movie that does this effectively, too). But in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Vacation</i> I just didn’t find the cursing
very funny. Perhaps it was supposed to be the gag, “Hey, this kid has a mouth
that would make truckers blush,” but the gag completely misfired for me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There were also
several out-of-place references to one character’s political beliefs that had
nothing to do with the plot. I don’t care if the filmmakers are liberal,
conservative, or somewhere in the middle; just leave politics out of your
pictures and dispense with the agenda. Maybe if the story had anything to do
with politics it would have been different. But, as it is, it came across as completely
needless.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another issue I had
was the film seemed to outstay its welcome. It is not a good sign when I’m
fighting the urge to check the clock twenty minutes before the movie wraps up. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Vacation </i>clocks in right under two
hours, and truth be told, about thirty minutes could have been shaved off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There came a point where I found myself
thinking, “Okay, let’s just get to whatever the next bad thing is that’s going
to happen and get it over with.” The plot pretty runs as follows: family gets
in tricky situation, end scene with gross-out gag, repeat ad nauseam, etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I know I’ve had
little positive to say about this picture, but it really isn’t all bad. There
are more than a few laugh-out-loud moments, but a shorter run time, and leaving
one character on the side of the road, would have benefited this film a great
deal. Overall, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Vacation </i>is a decent
film but a missed opportunity. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Final verdict: 2.5 out of 5. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-3800905528093138882015-07-13T16:50:00.001-07:002015-07-13T16:59:59.773-07:00Review: Outlaw Ranger<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve been away for a
while, but it is time to blog again! So, let’s jump right into my latest review…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Outlaw
Ranger </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">by James Reasoner is one of the best western novels I’ve
read in a long time. I won’t give away any plot details (there will be no
spoilers here), but I will tell you that this book is just a ton of fun! The
plot isn’t overly complex, and that’s okay with me. The characters are still
fully developed, and by the end of the book I felt like I knew G.W. Braddock,
the Outlaw Ranger himself, pretty good. And speaking of characters, this story
features one of the meanest villains I’ve come across in a long time! In fact,
he’s so downright evil you’re rooting for him to get every bit of what’s coming to him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The novel is short
and that is not a knock. In fact, I think the briskness works in the book’s favor.
It comes out of the gate strong and never lets up, and there’s not a dull
moment to be found. Elmore Leonard once made a statement that a writer should
leave out the parts readers tend to skip. In other words, dispense with the “filler.”
Mr. Reasoner understands this as there’s not a lot of padding. Instead, we get
a taut, lean thrill ride with more than enough action.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately, the
big publishing houses have canceled many of their Western titles. The news might
sound bad, but I’m actually not worried. I feel like we’re living in a great
time for Western readers and writers as the ebook era is opening up even more
avenues of possibility. While we may not be able to pick up paperbacks at the
local drugstore anymore, we can sign onto our Kindle and download hundreds of
good titles in an instant. I’m grateful for authors like James Reasoner who are
making their older titles available when possible, and releasing new works often.
In fact, Reasoner launched his own publishing arm sometime back called Rough
Edges Press. Not only can you find many of his works at reasonable prices, but
also other talented authors to boot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you’re in the mood
for a good, fast paced Western, check out <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Outlaw
Ranger</i>. Thankfully this is a series, and I’ll be reading the second and
third installments soon! For more information about this book, click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Outlaw-Ranger-1-James-Reasoner/dp/1506119549/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436831361&sr=8-1&keywords=outlaw+ranger" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">PS…If you’re a member
of Kindle Unlimited, which I highly recommend, you can read it for free!</span></div>
Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-48617347660250847722013-07-01T13:16:00.001-07:002013-07-01T13:16:27.994-07:00Flop Watch: The Lone Ranger
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Heading into the
Independence Day (long) weekend, which will actually start Wednesday for many
folks, the big question at the box office is will <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Lone Ranger</i> flop? Here are my thoughts…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As has been documented
extensively, the film has an extremely high budget! It has a far higher budget
than any Western should have. But, then again, this is no ordinary Western.
This is a “Disney tent pole summer potentially franchise starting Western produced
by Jerry Bruckheimer”. Since the budget has ballooned into the $250+ range, the
film would have to come out like gangbusters to recoup that kind of investment.
Going up against <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Despicable Me 2</i>, I
would be shocked if <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ranger </i>opened at
Number 1 and owned the weekend. In fact, I’ll go on a limb now to say it won’t
happen. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Despicable Me 2 </i>will most
surely earn the top spot as families flock to animated features that appeal to
children as well as adults (look at <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Monsters
University</i>, which stayed in the lead this weekend in its second week of
release). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So, look for critics and
industry watchers to jump on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Lone
Ranger </i>bashing bandwagon. With a troubled start (Disney scrapping the
project over budget fears, then green lighting it again), and a long production
history, I promise you there are those who want this movie to fail! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, look for critics to point to the picture
as evidence of the “death of the Western,” and how the genre is no longer relevant.
For those who care what critics say, this sort of word-of-mouth will hurt the
film.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I expect <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Lone Ranger</i> to be a moderate
success. However, with its high production cost, the odds of being a
blockbuster are already stacked against this film. My hope is that a sequel is
still green lit, as I long for more big-budget Westerns on the silver screen.
My final prediction: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Lone Ranger </i>will
not be a flop the epic proportion of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heaven’s
Gate</i>, but it will not exactly set the box office on fire, either. I hope I
am wrong, but we’ll know this weekend. Have you seen the film? Let me know in
the comments section what you think of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-40840698302936426562013-06-24T08:07:00.000-07:002013-06-24T08:07:29.703-07:00Forgotten Gem: Backlash
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">One of my favorite directors…in
fact maybe my absolute favorite director…is John Sturges. I will not take the
time to list all of the Sturges movies I like, but I am particularly fond of
his westerns. Recently, I had the chance to catch one of his oaters that I
haven’t seen before. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Backlash</i>, from
1956, is excellent! I had not heard of the film until I came across it on
Encore Westerns, but I am glad I found it! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The movie stars (the
underrated, in my opinion) Richard Widmark, joined by Donna Reed. I will not
give too much away regarding the plot (no spoilers here), and will only say that
the story revolves around Widmark searching for the man who left a group of men
stranded. This man ran off with quite a sum of gold, leaving others behind to
be slaughtered by Apaches. The search for this man, and the quest to learn his
identity, is well handled and very suspenseful. In fact, the premise, and
suspense that stems from it, has caused some reviewers to classify this film as
a “psychological western.” This subgenre is known for building slow burning
suspense, relying more on tension rather than scenes of action (the original <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">3:10 to Yuma</i> is a good example). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Backlash </i>certainly has elements of this,
but make no mistake, there is a ton of action in this picture! In fact, I was
amazed at just how many gunfights there were. The film practically opens up
with one, and never slows down. Widmark battles a band of gunfighting brothers,
Apaches, hired gunhands, and a ruthless cattle rancher. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The film is only 90 minutes,
and the story moves along at a brisk pace with little to no filler. It’s a
lean, action-packed gem of a western with excellent pacing, an exciting story,
and great acting. I am not sure why this movie is not more well-known, or why
it has not received a wide DVD release. It is a forgotten treasure that every
western fan should see. It’s just the type of movie I love, and while not a
masterpiece of epic filmmaking or groundbreaking, I give it a perfect 5 stars
out of five. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029291220076879382.post-35182864944269200892013-02-15T07:31:00.001-08:002013-02-15T07:35:18.587-08:00Film Review: Night of the Creeps<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1z0M_3263j9AzBH2w5QQTjM9CHXoP39R3RMrRYC55eeOcE3h2ZUGq-WOyx7O7Lfj_p9jLZ9eodnag51NmeNaIPnfEZHJLBvNoqzJGOEJa-8rjXvcaRHXGtqhY04TZe5Qf8NGfu6gpdg/s1600/Creeps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1z0M_3263j9AzBH2w5QQTjM9CHXoP39R3RMrRYC55eeOcE3h2ZUGq-WOyx7O7Lfj_p9jLZ9eodnag51NmeNaIPnfEZHJLBvNoqzJGOEJa-8rjXvcaRHXGtqhY04TZe5Qf8NGfu6gpdg/s320/Creeps.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Save for the Universal and
Hammer classics, I’m not a huge fan of the horror genre. But, for whatever
reason, several weeks ago I found myself watching <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091630/" target="_blank">Night of the Creeps</a></i> from 1986. And, while I almost always avoid
modern horror like the plague, sometimes a good cheesy scary flick from the ‘80s
can be fun, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Creeps </i>did not
disappoint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">First of all, there seemed
to be a trend in the ‘80s to mix horror with comedy, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Night of the Creeps </i>does this effectively. In fact, this may be
more of a comedy than an outright horror film, with some elements of sci-fi
thrown in for good measure. Without giving too much away, the opening scene,
taking place on an alien spacecraft, is very funny! This scene is short, and is
about as “sci-fi” as the film gets. The movie then shifts to 1959 (presented effectively
in black and white), before moving to the main story set in the mid-1980s
(returning to color). The plot involves “creeps” (little slug like space
creatures) that attach themselves to a host body and turn their victims into
zombie like creatures who then try to kill other people. Yes, you read that
plot description right. Oh, there’s also an escaped asylum patient with an ax,
who makes an appearance during the 50s sequence, as well as in zombie form in
the 80s portion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Basically, this is just your
standard horror comedy with elements of science fiction featuring aliens,
mutant slugs, zombies and college students fare. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And because this is a ‘80s
movie featuring college kids, there is a fair share of partying and a bit of
nudity (I think it was a requirement for most “teen” films in the ‘80s…I envision
some studio executive reading the scripts and then exclaiming, “I know what
this picture needs: more boobs!”). The nudity is pointless and brief, and
very typical of the era. In addition to this, there’s some random cursing, so
better not watch this one with the kids around. There is also some over-the-top
gore, but it’s so cheesy and all done in good fun, which made it hard to get
offended. Let’s just say special effects have come a long way since
1986, but that adds to the charm and fun of the movie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are clichéd characters
in this one; the college kids featuring nerds and mindless jocks, the washed up
cop with a lot of emotional baggage (played very well by Tom Atkins), and of
course, the pretty girl all the boys like. It’s hokey in parts, but to be fair,
it was the point. And, unlike many modern horror movies, this film is not mean
spirited and is certainly not taking itself too seriously. The bottom line is,
I like this film probably more than I should, and give it a rating of 3.5 out
5. If you’re in the mood to revisit the ‘80s, then give <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Night of the Creeps </i>a try.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Two side notes: There’s a
reference to Christian glam rock band Stryper that I thought was very funny and
really dated this picture! Also, the music during the 50s portion of the movie
was great!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ryan Fowlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216559076055490518noreply@blogger.com0