What To Expect When You're Expecting Breed...

I'm going to attempt to give a little insight into the world of The Breed, today.

This world was designed and created by two friends, Charles and Ray, about 20 years ago. We all know how life can move fast, things get put on the back burner and then, all of a sudden, BOOM!!! You're going, "Hey, whatever happened to all that?"

But what happens when you're not exactly a writer?

That's where I came in. I've known Ray for some time. We were old gaming buddies back when gaming was a MuD. (Legends of Cosrin). Ray and I reconnected on Facebook and I got to talking about my writing. At the time, I was working on Adversarius and had just released Veritas.

I'm going to be honest.  I really felt as if I failed as a writer. Of course I self published after being burned a couple times. But honestly, that was my fault for not researching and taking the time to go through proper channels. Oh, the things I learned. I will be finishing the trilogy soon, but in the meantime, I have found a love for supernatural, paranormal, horror stories. And you know what? I'm pretty dang good at scaring the beejeesus out of people.

I know. Vain!

Anyway, Ray and I got to talking about his idea and he directed me to Charles. That was five years ago. I have taken the ideas Charles had and I've worked them into decent stories. I began inviting other authors into this world, getting their take on things. We have a pretty solid core group. All in all, about 6 other authors, not including myself.

*Artwork by Ramses Melendez on ArtStation. NOT associated with Midian Entertainment

At the moment, we're sitting on four full length novels, a short story trilogy and at least two screenplays, with three other stories waiting in the wings. Plus, a super special series that will only be available to members who sign up for the newsletter. We have a myriad of artists who will be doing original artwork for covers and work on graphic novels.

Huzzah!

I hope this has piqued your interest. I'm on pins and needles, myself.

Questions? Comments? You know I love to hear from you! I also have a board on Pinterest dedicated to BREED. If you'd like to check it out, let me know!

Ladies and Gentlemen of Horror: Artist Interview

Hey everyone! Today is going to be a different sort of interview, but not the final one, I can promise you that!

I'd like to introduce you to John Sowder, the artist behind the cover art for the Ladies and Gentlemen of Horror 2017 anthology.

His answers will be in purple:

How long have you been doing art?

When I was young my mother put a pencil in my hand and challenged me to draw anything I see. So it's been a pretty long time! 

Do you have a preferred media?

I like traditional Western comic books, so I like to work with pen and ink. 

What drew you to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Horror?

Jennifer Miller contacted me, No doubt through my work with writer Rick Powell. I don't recall off hand but I'm certain that was our connection. 

What inspires your art? 

A lot of the same things that inspired me when I was a kid: Universal and Hammer horror films, Japanese monsters, Corman Poe movies, DC and Marvel comics from the 70s. But mainly other artist or other creative folks who share an enthusiasm with the things that are close to my heart. 

Can you describe a time when you first realized that creating was something that you absolutely had to do? 

Yes, taking it back to my childhood once again … in grade school I couldn't help but draw during class. It's something I did so often that my teachers just decided to leave me alone and let me doodle. . 

What's your favorite thing you've ever created?

I'm usually not happy with my work in general. Basically the stuff I've done for the LOVECRAFT E-ZINE looks good and my cover art for Rick Powell's story TRUE NATURE actually reflected what I was going for: part Jack Davis/ classic E.C. horror comic and part Charles Burn. And I like the covers I created for Divine Authority Comic's MIDNIGHT WARRIORS annual 1 and Drew Edward's HALLOWEEN MAN: AMERICAN NIGHTMARE. I like to think my best work is before me still. I hope it is anyway. 

Which creative medium would you love to pursue but haven't yet? 

Film making, which I have dabbled with in the past. But also writing for audio dramas. I'm a fan of old time radio shows like NIGHTFALL and QUIET PLEASE and this type of format has made a comeback with podcasts like WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE and PSEUDOPOD.

I've asked authors, so I'll ask you too. Do you Google yourself? 

I haven't done that in maybe ten years or so! I used to dominate the google search. Not anymore though.

What's the hardest thing about being an artist? 

Lots of things actually! Not having the time to do everything you want to do. Wanting to make comics or draw full time, but realizing whatever money I make doesn't equal my bi-monthly check from my real job. Not being able to keep up with digital technology as it relates to art. Like I said, lots of things! 

Please tell us where we can find more of your work? 

You can check out Drew Edward's comic HALLOWEEN MAN on comixology, and Midnight Warriors or Divine Authority Presents though Indy Planet. You can find various Rick Powell stories I did cover art for on either Amazon or lulu. And, of course, there is the LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF HORROR 2017 edition, which I'm looking forward to checking out simply for the pleasure of reading it.

*~*~*

Thank you so much for your time, John! I look forward to this year's anthology. Have a Happy Halloween, everyone! Stay safe and have a great rest of your week!