W. H. Matlack, who has had several novels and short stories published, is the latest author to appear on my blog this summer. He writes in a variety of genres, including a recent venture into writing a series for young children (see the end of this post for more information). He has another book released at the beginning of this month.
What is the title of your latest book?
Latest book title: Grin of the Krocodil. A new synthetic opiate has been discovered that offers a high that is hundreds of times more intense than Heroin. It’s also many times more dangerous than any other drug as it eats away flesh right to the bone.
Now a chemistry PhD candidate has worked out a formula that makes the drug safe and just as effective. As the word of this modification gets out both the US government and a powerful drug cartel become highly interested in obtaining the formula beginning a deadly tug of war.
What are the most challenging aspects of being a writer? And the most rewarding?
Most challenging is plot-line development. Character development is the most rewarding. I can spend all day happily developing characters. It clearly releases endorphins when I’m working on characters. Then turning to what these characters should do, or what should befall them, the endorphins evaporate and the grind of plot development kicks in.
What is your top tip for an aspiring writer?
My top tip for all writers is to read like a writer. Go ahead and enjoy reading your favourite author, but the whole time be aware of how he or she phrases things, handles action sequences, builds characters and manages grammar.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m a third of the way into my sixth novel. It’s a bit too early to tell what it’s about, but it involves a pawn shop and a mystery gun.
What do you like to read?
Raymond Chandler, Michael Connelly, Robert Crais, Carl Barks, Dashiell Hammett
Where can readers find you?
On Facebook at: W.H. Matlack – Author
Amazon: http://goo.gl/jloZ8w
Barnes & Noble: http://goo.gl/ufLCJe
Email: matlackpr@att.net
Acne. The young reviewer hadn’t much liked the book, because she didn’t like books about topics covered by the celebrated author, Jacqueline Wilson. As many readers do though (including me) I was quite chuffed:
collection of tales based on the characters in another’s works, but Mrs. Egrot weaves intriguing story lines utilizing some of Shakespeare lesser known supporting characters, and spin-offs from his heroines. My favorite two? “Time Out of Mind” affected me on an emotional level, and “Ban! Ban! Cacaliban” left me wanting more. Each story stands alone on its own merit. If you’ve never even heard of the bard, and you were born in a cave and raised by wolves, you will find a tale here to fall in love with. Thoroughly enjoyed.
between past and present tenses, and between singular and plural. They repeat themselves, or miss whole bits out. And interruptions rarely come exactly as we plan. Usually we make ourselves understood, but that maybe because our listener has a lot of other non-verbal and contextual clues to go on. And I haven’t even mentioned the ‘umms’ and ‘ers’ that pepper our conversations.
Excerpt: