Author Meet & Greet

All are welcome here.

Connect with authors through their social media links (if they choose to share them), learn about their writing process, and purchase their works.

The 4 most current interviews are posted here. Older ones may be found under the Archive: Author Meet & Greet on the main page of this blog by the author’s last name.

**Jack Ketchum’s Interview from December 2017 is PINNED at the bottom of this page**

So, without further ado, let’s get to know

Meet & Greet Author:  #227

David Gritzmacher

Your Name: David Gritzmacher

Pseudonym: DM Gritzmacher (Gritzmonster.com & Gritzmonster on Social Media)

Genre(s) of your work: Horror/Mystery/Thriller (I considered what I wrote as horror. But readers/reviewers consistently say it is equal parts horror/mystery/thriller).

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

The Relict 2022

The Quarry 2023

(Both part of my Skulldiggery series)

Bio:

David M. Gritzmacher spends much of his time unwinding the knots his twisted narratives bind him in. Plotting out his escape (and next dark tale), while cruising along the backroads near his home in Illinois. Married to his high school sweetheart for more than 35 years and with five grown children, he remains baffled by the state of the world around him. Retreating into his own writing where the dark things that slither, creep, haunt, and betray are not merely the folly of man…

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I have loved all things horror for as long as I can remember. Movies/TV/Books/Cartoons/Etc…

Being immersed in the genre for so long, I honestly doubt I could write anything else. LOL!

How has writing changed/altered your life?

You mean other than consuming most of my waking moments? LOL!

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Stephen King-HP Lovecraft-Dan Simmons-Clive Barker The usual suspects! I grew up reading all these guys.

What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?

I was convinced to include trigger warnings in my books by my editor. Although doubtful at first, I now see the benefit. Several reviewers have referenced potential readers should look at them before reading my stuff. I understand the implications.

Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?

My first book the sales were about equal. With my second book, it has been primarily online. (But the book just came out).

Where can people find you and your work?

www.Gritzmonster.com

https://www.facebook.com/GritzMonster

https://www.instagram.com/GritzMonster

https://www.amazon.com/gp/f.html?C=Z9SQXHR9LXA4&K=1IXX2AZE1Z3RE&M=urn:rtn:msg:202209082055016e65419be8484e86b5a4f73b4a10p0na&R=2MQHABY3JMIBP&T=C&U=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fauthor%2Fgritzmonster%3Fref_%3Dpe_1724030_132998060&H=FOVBAJSKANCDGUMV4B9HEWKWCJOA&ref_=pe_1724030_132998060

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Marsha Gordon

Your Name: Marsha Gordon

Genre(s) of your work: Biography, Film Studies, American History

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Becoming the Ex-Wife: The Unconventional Life and Forgotten Writings of Ursula Parrott. Forthcoming with the trade division of  University of California Press, April 25, 2023.

Film is Like a Battleground: Sam Fuller’s War Movies.  Oxford University Press, 2017.

Hollywood Ambitions: Celebrity in the Movie Age.  Wesleyan University Press, 2008. 

Bio:

Marsha Gordon is Professor of Film Studies at North Carolina State University, a recent Fellow at the National Humanities Center, and an NEH Public Scholar. She is the author of numerous books and articles, and co-director of several short documentaries.  Her latest book, Becoming the Ex-Wife: The Unconventional Life and Forgotten Writings of Ursula Parrott, will be published with the trade division of University of California Press in April 2023.  For seven years Marsha contributed to a monthly show, “Movies on the Radio,” with NC Museum of Art film curator Laura Boyes and Frank Stasio, on 91.5/WUNC’s “The State of Things.”  She regularly introduces films, gives lectures, and participates in panels all over the United States and Europe.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I love telling stories about marginalized or forgotten people, films, writing, and cultural artifacts. Researching these stories is always a challenge, and sharing their stories with people who have never heard of the subject at hand is exciting!

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Like teaching, writing connects me to all kinds of people.  My favorite part of writing is during my research phase and then after my books are published, when I get to travel to introduce and discuss films related to my subjects. This connects me to people all over the world, and that’s a great pleasure. It’s a great way to see the country and the world, too.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Right now, that’s easy: Ursula Parrott.  I am certainly the only person on the planet who has actually read everything she ever published (that I could lay my hands on). That’s 20 books and over 100 articles, serials (many novel length), short stories, many of which are about ambitious working women, single mothers, and women’s work-life balance—written between the 1929 and 1947.  Her writing is fascinating!  I had to access all of those through databases, Ebay purchases, and archival research. But the best news for anyone interested in reading her work is that McNally Editions is re-publishing her best-selling 1929 novel, Ex-Wife, which was adapted into The Divorcee (1930), for which Norma Shearer earned her only Academy Award.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

I think audiobooks are somewhere in between. I believe that there will always be a place for holding a book in your hands and reading that way—it’s my preferred method. But I love an audiobook on a long drive and think it’s a great way to multi-task in our busy lives.  But I never get as much from an audio book as I do from reading, which focuses my attention more intently.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

Absolutely not.  I firmly believe in freedom of speech in all forms, and that people should be educated to make their own decisions about what they read or don’t read.

Where can people find you and your work?

I put all of my upcoming events and links to my books and articles at my website. I will be on the road a good deal in 2023 and 2024 to support Becoming the Ex-Wife: The Unconventional Life and Forgotten Writings of Ursula Parrott, starting in my hometown of Raleigh, NC, and then moving on to the Washington DC area, NYC, and many other locations, with screening events and book talks/signings.

Website: https://www.marshagordon.org/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarshaGGordon

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Rebecca Gittrich Whitecotton

Your Name: Rebecca Gittrich Whitecotton       

Genre(s) of your work: Spirituality and Mysticism, Personal Transformation, Children’s Spirituality

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Pull Your Self Together: A True Story of Alternate Realities, Spiritual Healing, and Dimensional Wholeness, 2021

Child of Mine, Know This, 2006

Santa’s Greatest Gift: The Truth About Santa’s Identity Wrapped in the Spiritual Meaning of Christmas, 2010

Bio:

Rebecca Whitecotton is a modern-day philosopher—a wanna-be Socrates sitting on the digital steps of the internet Parthenon, throwing out ideas about the nature of reality.

With the publication of Pull Your Self Together: A True Story of Alternate Realities, Spiritual Healing, and Dimensional Wholeness, Rebecca added interdimensional travel agent to her list of job titles, which have included reporter, editor, children’s book author, and graphic designer. She offers workshops and retreats about multidimensional thinking and connecting with alternate versions of yourself in the multiverse.

Rebecca is also the award-winning children’s book author of Child of Mine, Know This, hailed by Neale Donald Walsch as “the single most imaginative children’s book to come along in ages.” Children of the New Earth magazine gave it their Award of Excellence, it was a finalist in the Coalition of Visionary Retailers Awards, and Light of Consciousness magazine called it “A hallmark book in an age of emerging global consciousness.”

Rebecca’s first children’s book, Santa’s Greatest Gift, spilled the beans about Santa Claus and is an Amazon bestseller.

With a bachelor’s in journalism from Northwestern University and a master’s in sociology of religion from the University of New Mexico, Rebecca loves to think and write about spirituality, philosophy, meditation, and quantum physics. She has lived a nomadic life due to her husband Randy’s career, and they recently moved back to Rebecca’s hometown of Peoria, Illinois,.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

Since I was in high school I have been drawn to books about spirituality, philosophy, and metaphysics. It’s fascinating to me to read about the different ways people experience the divine and otherworldly in everyday life. Writing is part of the soul journey for me. All the books I have published started as a personal journey, and then found a wider audience. I wrote Child of Mine, Know This because I wanted my kids to know that I recognized that they were ancient, eternal souls who were squished into small bodies. I wrote Santa’s Greatest Gift to reframe Santa’s relation to Christmas in my mind so I wouldn’t feel like I was lying to my kids. Pull Your Self Together is a memoir of spiritual transformation, and I wrote it to heal myself. I was reluctant to publish it because it’s so personal and sounds a little crazy to some people. Now that it’s out there, I’m thankful I had the courage to release it because readers have let me know that my story has helped them.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Writing has transformed me many times over. Putting pen to paper is how I discover what’s going on inside my mind and my soul, and I’m sometimes surprised by what pops onto the page.  I am a journaler and personal writer first, and some of that writing nagged at me to find a wider audience. Pull Your Self Together is essentially the story of how writing changed my life.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I have favorite genres more than favorite authors. I like books that make me think deeply or differently about the reality I see around me. I read a lot of nonfiction in the genres of spirituality (Neale Donald Walsch, Pema Chodron), science and spirituality (Quantum Revelation by Paul Levy, and Becoming Supernatural by Joe Dispensa), quantum physics (Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of Spacetime by Sean Carroll), and creative inspiration (The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert).  I do love a good novel, and my favorites lately are ones with alternate realities that are very similar to my own book (A Day Like This by Kelley McNeil and The Midnight Library by Matt Haig).

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

I enjoy audiobooks myself and know there are many people (my daughter included) who will only read a book if it’s on audio. And for the record, I don’t think it’s cheating to read by audio! We live in a multitasking world, and any format that can deliver good writing and an important message while I’m driving or doing laundry is a win in my book. I’m currently producing my first audiobook for Pull Your Self Together, and look forward to expanding my audience.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

I have had great success with Amazon advertising because it allows you to really hone in on your niche and target the ideal reader.

Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?

My books are in a very distinct niche, so it’s much easier for me to sell when I can target my message to specific readers. I love going to in-person events and talking to people, but for actual sales it has to be a targeted event, like a body-mind-spirit expo.

Where can people find you and your work?

Website: https://rebeccawhitecotton.com

Amazon: Pull Your Self Together http://www.amzn.com/0996827188

Facebook: Rebecca Whitecotton https://www.facebook.com/rebeccawhitecotton

Facebook: Dimensional Wholeness https://www.facebook.com/dimensionalwholeness

 

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Matthew Bennett Young

Your Name: Matthew Bennett Young

Genre(s) of your work: Picture books/Poetry

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Maybe Colours – 2021

Snowman – 2021

Spaceball – 2022

Bio:

Matthew Bennett Young is a British author and has published in many forms (picture books, flash fiction, short stories and poetry) although his big passion is for picture books. Not only does he write but sometimes he illustrates as well. He is also an artist-educator and has been teaching his inspiring workshops all over the world. He currently resides in Montreal and is a member of ArtistInspire and Culture a L’Ecole. He believes all creativity is a form of expression and is essential for well-being, especially now, and it takes practice!

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I love art and I love literature. Picture books combine both perfectly for me. I also enjoy creating a work that can have real meaning and significance for the reader in relatively little time. I’m also very interested in the way a picture book offers an opportunity for discussion/comment between adults and children.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Made me more aware of my everyday life I think. Made me more open to reflection.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

All of those listed below produce(d) with a great sense of humour:

David McKee – fantastic wry humour often combined with social commentary. Brilliant story teller. Books I’m referring to in particular – Not Now Bernard & The Hill & the Rock

Robert Munsch – As above. Books – Paperbag Princess & The Mud Puddle & Murmel Murmel Murmel

Anthony Browne – again as above but his illustration is really powerful aswell. Books of his I particularly like – Look What I’ve Got & Piggybook

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

I listen to the radio a lot. I love to focus on the voice as often as I can so I think there should always be a place for audiobooks. Sometimes I just want to listen. I think it makes the book come alive in a different way. I have answered this from my own perspective. There are also many reasons why audiobooks might be preferable…. for people who have reading difficulties for example. Audiobooks may support learning to read and contribute to fluency.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I think any bookstore is a good thing. I like to see bookstores in the community. Not sure what the purpose of this question is but I do like to see bookstores that feature local (Indie) authors so in that sense mainstream stores are a disappointment.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

I’ve not been great at promoting myself. Something I really have to devote more time to. I have a website that needs updating! I think getting a publicist was a big step in the right direction. Need to do more! Should at least have an Instagram account and TikTok I think.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

Yeah this is a challenging question (but it also feels like two separate questions). I think material should be sensitive to age certainly. I always think of comedy and how often there is such a fine line between humour and causing offense. I think ultimately I don’t agree with censorship (for an adult/academic audience) because you would remove the material that can be used for constructive discussion and possibly drive it underground etc. The question of whether something should be censored is an opportunity for review/critique and in that sense we can learn and consider more about why someone would want/choose to express themselves in that way or what they may be trying to achieve. What their context is I guess.

Where can people find you and your work?

If you google my full name Matthew Bennett Young or my website www.onewildword.org

All my books are available online (Amazon)

 

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Jack Ketchum

(PINNED – Interviewed in December 2017)

Name: Dallas Mayr

Pseudonym (if you use one): Jack Ketchum

Genre(s) of your work: Horror and Suspense (and the occasional Black Comedy.)

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):  Writing professionally since 1970, first fiction 1976, first novel, OFF SEASON, 1981.

Bio: see my website http://www.jackketchum.net/and add to that, Most Recent Novel, THE SECRET LIFE OF SOULS, written with Lucky McKee and Most Recent Collection, GORILLA IN MY ROOM.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?  

I grew up loving fantasy, and horror is the dark side of fantasy.

How has writing changed/altered your life? The usual perks of self-employment — no punching the time clock, no damn bosses hovering over your desk.  But in addition to that, writing mandates continual periods of self-examination.  You don’t easily get away with lying to yourself on the page.  It requires you to scour your history and your present for your deepest faults and pleasures, to reveal and revel in them, to find the strengths in your life and work from there, reaching outward.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Far too many to list here.  I read all over the place and consequently my favorite writers come from all genres and backgrounds, from Henry Miller to Gabriel Garcia Marquez, from Raymond Chandler, Elmore Leonard and John D. MacDonald to Thomas Hardy, Philip Roth, Michael Chabon, Joyce Carol Oates, Peter Straub and Stephen King.  Why?  Because they’re smart, empathic, courageous.  Because they’re good!

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I wish we had a lot more mom-and-pop, brick-and-mortar bookstores.  I seriously miss browsing.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

The need for empathy and tenderness in the world, that the souls of beasts and humans matter.  And a few hours of just plain fun.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

Depends on the piece.  Some, like THE GIRL NEXT DOOR and RED, are highly personal, others…?  I don’t know where the hell they came from!

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?  

Finishing a piece is almost always easy.  It’s getting started that’s hard.  Getting all your ducks in a row and then having the balls and suspension of disbelief  to say to yourself, this is really going to work.

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

I give books a first paragraph test.  If it passes, then a first chapter test.  If it passes that, I’ll almost always finish the book — I can tell from there that I’m going to want to.   If it fails I scuttle it immediately.  Very occasionally, too much repetition will make me dump it.  I don’t want to waste reading-time.  Too much good stuff out there.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

Nothing should ever be censored.  Everything is worth discussing.  How long a discussion is another matter entirely.

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

 Life’s short.  I don’t bother with peeves.  If I’m bored, I just close the book.

Where can people find you and your work?

Website, see above. I have a list of published works there.   Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/jackketchumofficial/ Twitter, https://twitter.com/jackketchum Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Ketchum

What can I say?

I am honored to have snagged a bit of Jack Ketchum’s time, for him to share his thoughts and words with me (and my readers), and for his participation in a blog such as this one. Thank you so much – for the interview as well as your writing. It has and continues to be an inspiration.

Readers, I implore you to look into Jack Ketchum’s work, especially if you are a horror/suspense fan. From the mouth of Stephen King – “Who’s the scariest guy in America? Probably Jack Ketchum.”