The Kuykendall Post: 2014

Monday, November 3, 2014

THE KUYKENDALL REVIEW [WILLIAM BRADSHAW, KING OF THE GOBLINS]

THE REVIEW: “From the crisp visuals of the dynamic cover through to the sidesplitting tale within; Daigle’s read was indeed a tour de force.” —A.K. Kuykendall

AUTHOR BIO – ARTHUR DAIGLE

Arthur Daigle was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. He received a degree in biology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which sounded like a good idea at the time. This led to work as a zoo intern at Brookfield Zoo, an assistant fisheries biologist at the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, and a research assistant at Morton Arboretum. Most recently he's been employed grading high school essay tests (yeah, the job market is that bad). In addition to writing, Arthur is an avid artist and gardener.

THE INTERVIEW:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, where I received a BS degree in biology (what can I say, it seemed like a good idea at the time). I've worked as an intern fisheries biologist at the max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, research assistant at the Morton Arboretum and worked in the Brookfield Zoo Butterfly House. Currently I write and grade state mandated achievement tests. My books are a blend of fantasy and comedy intended to be read by young adult and older audiences.

2. At what point in your life, did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

I didn't decide to be a writer so much as I stumbled into it. Writing was one of my hobbies for many years. I joined a writers' group at my local library, where I enjoyed the company and assistance of fellow amateur writers. Friends and family members encouraged me to try publishing my work, but for the longest time I didn't try. The publishing industry isn't easy to get into, and success is hard to reach even if your book gets to market. But regular work was also hard to come by (curse this weak economy!), and I had a lot of free time. Then one day a friend recommended a publisher who liked my work. Things didn't work out too well for us in the end, but at least it got my book in print. Currently I am self-published.

3. What are your most memorable or proudest moments in your writing career?

The proudest moment was when my first publisher accepted my work. I dropped to my knees and thanked God then and there. Since then things have not worked out between us, but it was still the best experience I'd had in years. Another time that stood out in my memory was once when I read to my writers' group. There was an older woman in attendance, and she told me that while she normally avoided my genre, she found what I'd written compelling.

4. Where would you like to see yourself in five years’ time?

I currently have one book out and am preparing a second to publish in time for Christmas. In five years I hope to have an entire series of books available at Amazon, hopefully with a strong following.

5. What advice do you wish you’d been given before starting your career in writing?

I had a lot of training in how to write in school, both at the high school and college level. That helped, but I've found that selling books is half writing and half marketing. My original publisher didn't offer much in the way of marketing advice except to go online. It's been hard letting people know I have a book out and that they'd enjoy it. I wish I'd had lessons in how to successfully market a book.

6. Tell us about the books you’ve written so far, and your plans for any future books?

All of my current writing is a blend of fantasy and comedy. I try to avoid stereotypes common in fantasy, such as noble elves and brutish goblins. There are good people and bad among all the races, with no one having a monopoly on virtue or vice. When reading my book, expect rampant stupidity and poor judgment, just like Congress. While my goblins have a reputation for being dumb, many of my characters also have an IQ in the double digits.

7. Is there any part of your career, you find particularly challenging?

Marketing. I must admit to being something of a recluse. I like peace and quiet, which makes getting the word out on my book that much harder. That plus my lack of experience in marketing makes sales difficult.

8. Who do you feel, has supported you most, in your writing?

My family has been there for me since day one. They offer useful suggestions and spot many mistakes in my writing that need to be fixed. After that I would say my old writers' group was a big help. They folded a few years ago due to declining membership, but when times were good I could count on them for help and encouragement.

9. Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers?

If you like a book, write a review for it on Amazon. Let people know when you've found a keeper.

10. Where can we find out more about you and your books?

@ Facebook

@ Goodreads

@ Linkedin

11. Tell us a little about your book.

William Bradshaw, King of the Goblins is my first novel. Will Bradshaw is tricked by lawyers into becoming the King of the Goblins on the world of Other Place. His goblin followers are short, stupid and slightly crazy. Most people on Other Place view goblins as vermin, and they have chased them to the worst parts of their world. Will accidentally starts a war with a neighboring human king, and now he has to lead his followers to victory. But no one thinks the goblins can win, especially the goblins! It's going to be an uphill fight, and Will is going to need stealth, secrecy and a seemingly infinite supply of exploding outhouses.

12. What inspired you to write your book?

The works of the filmmaker and puppeteer Jim Henson and the artist Brian Froud inspired me. Both men created works of beauty and good humor that greatly impressed me.

13. Are the character profiles based on people you know or are they completely drawn from your imagination?

My characters are wildly dysfunctional on many levels. I decided long ago to never base a character on a real person to avoid hurting anyone's feelings. That could result in losing friends and possible lawsuits.

14. Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Only roughly! My goblins were made to be the people on the bottom, looked down on and mistreated by everyone around them. I had times in my life where that was the case for me, too, but we've all been there.

15. Which part of the book, in your opinion, was the most difficult to write?

You know, I didn't have a hard time writing any of it. I did delete a few paragraphs at one point, but that didn't bother me. I quite like writing and can't think of a time it was unpleasant.

16. What parts of the book do you love, in particular?

Will's interview with the lawyer, Twain, was one of my favorite parts in the book. In real life job interviews I had to answer dozens of dumb questions that had nothing to do with the work I'd be doing. This was my chance to make fun of that stupidity. I've been trying to top that scene ever since and I haven't come close.

17. Tell us about the cover design of your book.

The artist Aaron Williams, who also created the comic book Nodwick, designed the book cover. My old publisher and I discussed scenes from the book that would make for a good cover, and we chose the part when Barbecue the dragon makes her first appearance. Vial, the head of the lab rat goblins, wasn't there in the book, but my publisher wanted him present so I said yes. There was some back and forth with Aaron at that point where we discussed the pros and cons of his character sketches. In less than a month we had a cover we were all happy with. I couldn't be more pleased with the results, and I hope to work with Aaron for the cover on book two.

18. Which ways have you chosen to market your book?

I advertised at a number of local bookstores and gaming stores in the area. I also advertised at Caribou Coffee, a chain that has sadly closed all its stores in the area. I posted my book on many free websites such as AuthorCorner, and I joined author groups on Facebook. I have also done a number of interviews like this one for blogs. I maintain an account on LinkedIn, which has been fairly useful. Friends have suggested I try Twitter, so I may go there next.

19. If you had to do it all over again, is there anything you’d change?

I would have self-published sooner.

20. Where can we find out more or buy the book?

@ Amazon

21. Who are you?

A writer, a gardener, an artist, a biologist, a friend, a Catholic, an American and an optimist. You have to be an optimist if you're an author, since the odds of being successful are a thousand to one.

22. What are the titles of your books?

William Bradshaw, King of the Goblins. And coming soon… William Bradshaw and a Faint Hope

23. Who is your favourite author?

Terry Pratchett. He does great work with fantasy and comedy, and he's had a very long career in the field. I would recommend Going Postal and Making money as his best books.

24. Worst book you have ever read?

Blood Music. I love books and give away the few that disappoint me. That one was so bad it went into the recycling bin so it couldn't hurt anyone else.

25. What book are you reading now?

I just finished The Enemies of Rome, From Hannibal to Attila the Hun by Philip Matyszak. It's a fascinating read about who Rome fought and why.

26. Your favourite quote about writing/authors:

None come to mind. I don't really collect quotes.

27. Your biggest inspiration:

Jim Henson is my biggest inspiration. His work spanned decades and reached hundreds of millions of people. His message was kind and just, seeking to build hope and inspire others.

28. Something you can’t live without:

I need green plants and healthy, growing woods. Going to the forest preserves around me helps when I am stressed. Put me in a city or desert and I'd wither away inside.

29. Your pet-hate:

I hate destruction in all its forms. Arson, vandalism, deforestation, mountaintop leveling, all these things take something of beauty and ruin them. The wondrous places in our world needed decades or even centuries to reach the peak of their beauty, and then some jerk comes along and wrecks it for profit, or worse, for no reason at all.

30. Your favourite place to be:

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. It's a local place built around a research laboratory. I go there often to enjoy the beautiful trees and animals. After that, I'd say my local church, Our Lady of Peace. I've attended there for decades, and going there helps when I am low.

31. Something you like/love about yourself?

I love being able to create. There are many authors more successful than me, and my artwork isn't good enough to make a living off of. But making something makes me feel better, and sharing it better still.

32. Something you’d change about yourself?

I'm not good with people and never have been. So much of what people do doesn't make sense to me. I wish I were better at dealing with my peers.

33. Your ideal life would be:

Long. Seriously, I would like to make it big as a writer. I don't really need a lot of money, but I would like it if I was able to reach a lot of people. I want to make people laugh loud enough and long enough that they feel a little better when they're done. If I can do that and inspire someone else to write his or her own book, then I think that would be a life well spent.

Pragmatic author A.K. Kuykendall has a passion for writing conspiracy, espionage, horror, and suspense literature that blend the concepts of fact and fiction. For more information on his projects, visit http://www.thewriterofbooks.com/list-of-works/ or, to email the author directly for Q&A on this post, write to info@thewriterofbooks.com.

TYRANNY FOR SOME AMERICAN'S IS TYRANNY FOR ALL AMERICAN'S

In Ernest B. Furgurson's book [ Ashes of Glory ] he writes that , 'on May 20 [1861], the Confederate Congress voted to move the government to Richmond...With that, Virginia's capital had become the very symbol of the Confederacy, and the ultimate prize in a bloody war'.

NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE (MY HYPOTHESIS)

Being that big business and political office was the primary reason why the Klu Klux Klan abandoned those asinine marches of theirs; gives relevance to a theory I've surmised as it relates to a Second Civil War to which I only ask of you three things: 1.) to give it some thought, 2.) to contemplate why is it that gun ownership is like literally pulling teeth for "certain" people in our society, and 3.) to prepare as if your life depends on it as the results of the coming election may, in fact, signal a revolution.

Pragmatic author A.K. Kuykendall has a passion for writing conspiracy, espionage, horror, and suspense literature that blend the concepts of fact and fiction. For more information on his projects, visit http://www.thewriterofbooks.com/list-of-works/ or, to email the author directly for Q&A on this post, write to info@thewriterofbooks.com.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

THE WALKING DEAD & REALITY

In his final days as Commander in Chief, Dwight D. Eisenhower chose to covertly warn us about this, but the unusual heaviness of his words at that particular time in history fell upon deaf ears when he spoke of the dangers having to do with—we the people—becoming, “the captives of a scientific-technological elite." If you don’t believe my theory to have legs as tall as the ones Jack encountered once his ass got up that fabled beanstalk, then all that’s left to say is Happy Halloween.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

THE 35 MILLION DOLLAR PUNCH

There is most certainly an issue some men AND women have with touching, grabbing, spitting, scratching, pinching, biting, punching, et alia those whom each claim to love. The story is older than one can fathom!

When women psychologically, sexually, financially, physically, etc. moved into the space men, since the dawn of mankind, have held like a menacing virus upon the female gender; it was the laws giving voice to underrepresented women and their unrecognized plight that ignited the urge in women to do unto men what men did and continue to do unto them in an unrelenting stream of violence no one ever deserves. And though some women have taken on this male persona, others simply cherish the fact that laws (as was the case for countless generations) no longer prevent them from realizing their unalienable right to fight back.

Beyond the NFL and their initial motives, which is steeped wholly in a corporate mind frame that can’t see anything beyond any given profit and loss statement; it is quite disturbing to watch the imagery captured in the TMZ Sports video where an obvious heated argument between Baltimore Ravens running back Raymell Mourice "Ray" Rice and his wife Janay Palmer led to Raymell Mourice "Ray" Rice punching and knocking out in an extraordinary display of unfiltered fury his then fiancée.

Minoring in psychology through my years in college led me to conclude that there are quite a few surface level reasons that may have contributed to this most mine numbing event; to put it mildly. These have to do with Mr. Rice’s upbringing, a questionable sexuality, and/or a probable psychosis (a severe mental disorder in which thought and emotions are so impaired that contact is lost with external reality) brought about by his trek to become an NFL football player.

All quite speculative, I know, but it is my hypothesis, which is a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation that some may want to explore.

IGNORE PEP-TALKS FROM YOUR BOSS

My boss told me to "dress for the job you want, not for the job you have." It was the end to the most powerful motivational speech I had ever heard. Now, and looking like a damn fool, I'm sitting in a disciplinary meeting wearing my Superman costume [...] Bang, zoom! Har har, hardee har har! Hamana-hamana-hamana-hamana...

THE KUYKENDALL REVIEW [SIBERIAN HELLHOLE]

THE REVIEW: “So frightening of a read that I chose to store the book in my attic and under a case of crucifixes rather than place it upon my bookshelf.” —A.K. Kuykendall

AUTHOR BIO – MICHAEL MULVIHILL

Michael Mulvihill was born in Dublin, Ireland. He has published two horror novels, Siberian Hellhole and Diaboli of Dublin. He is working on his third horror novel.

THE INTERVIEW:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am an Irish author who has written two horror novels Diabolis of Dublin and Siberian Hellhole. Siberian Hellhole is an example of intelligent, apocalyptic, demon/vampire horror and Diabolis of Dublin is an example of a traditional vampire horror. I am now writing a third novel.

2. At what point in your life, did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

From the age of 15 I had this great desire to write and tell stories. It has not left me since.

3. What are your most memorable or proudest moments in your writing career?

Getting positive reviews from The Blog of Horror, UK Horror Scene, Fifth Dimension Blog, Matt Gunderson of The Boston Globe, Black Petals, and Horror Punks. This was a great honor for me.

4. Where would you like to see yourself in five years’ time?

I would love to see more novels written and to have a broader readership.

5. What advice do you wish you’d been given before starting your career in writing?

To not take personal criticism and to listen.

6. Tell us about the books you’ve written so far, and your plans for any future books?

I wrote a Russian Horror novel “Siberian Hellhole” about the main character, Tobias, who fears he is experiencing the onset of Cabin Fever. Little does he know his hut is situated underneath an underground portal to hell, with demons determined to wreak havoc on the inhabitants of his village. Diabolis of Dublin is my second novel, which is a traditional vampire horror concerning a vampire (Lucis Diabolis) who has fallen sick having exsanguinated the blood of inner city junkies. The next day whilst walking around the cemetery of Dublins Mount Jerome he decides that the cure for his infection lies in the consumption of noble blood. But how is he to get his hands on such blood?

7. Is there any part of your career, you find particularly challenging?

I find the marketing of my novels so tough. I also find getting a traditional publisher difficult. But I should be so optimistic because of the internet and because of publishers like amazon.com

8. Who do you feel, has supported you most, in your writing?

My father! He has been like a rock. Also my mother, wife, and best friend Cormac Daily whose I see as somewhat of a muse.

9. Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers?

If you like traditional vampires, look no further than my novel, Diabolis of Dublin. If you like intelligent literary, apocalyptic, vampire horror then read, Siberian Hellhole.

10. Where can we find out more about you and your books?

Just google Diabolis of Dublin and Siberian Hellhole they will come up.

11. Tell us a little about your book.

Siberian Hellhole is a story based around an audio from Siberian Miners that claimed they heard what they called real sounds from Hell. The audio can be found on YouTube. I found the story inspiring and frightening enough and it inspired my novel, Siberian Hellhole.

12. Why did you choose to change your book cover?

I did not believe the original book cover did my novel true justice but the second cover shows exactly what the book is about. Siberian Hellhole is about demons, vampires, zombies and cannibals attacking a village in Siberia. This is what the second cover shows.

13. What inspired you to write your book?

I wanted to write about psychosis, vampires, demons, the Devil, witches from antiquity, loneliness, isolation, depression, cabin fever, cults, the apocalypse, how people have become so selfish, communism, perestroika, and Glasnost. Siberian Hellhole was a venue for my desires to be realized.

14. Are the character profiles based on people you know or are they completely drawn from your imagination?

No! The work is a piece of fiction

15. Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

No! My work is purely fictional.

16. Which part of the book, in your opinion, was the most difficult to write?

Well the book is somewhat a meditation on isolation and loneliness. This is always hard to write. It can make you also feel lonely.

17. What parts of the book do you love, in particular?

The opening chapter where I describe the desolation of Siberia and I talk about the intense loneliness of the hut that Tobias is living in. I bring, in this chapter, the reader to the brink of psychosis as I describe fear, paranoia, and cabin fever. It really was a great chapter to write.

18. Tell us about the cover design of your book.

Tomi Kerminen of Finland created this stunning cover where you see a demon gaping out of a hole. This captures the meaning of the story behind Siberian Hellhole.

19. Which ways have you chosen to market your book?

Through Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc.

20. If you had to do it all over again, is there anything you’d change?

I would worry less and relax more.

21. Where can we find out more or buy the book?

You can find them on amazon.com

22. Who are you?

I am an author of an apocalyptic horror and a vampire novel from Dublin, Ireland.

23. What are the titles of your books?

“Siberian Hellhole” and “Diabolis of Dublin”

24. Who is your favourite author?

Fyodor Doestoevsky

25. Worst book you have ever read?

Emma by Jane Austen

26. What book are you reading now?

Dead Souls by Gogol

27. Your favourite quote about writing/authors:

“All writing is rewriting” —John Green

28. Your biggest inspiration:

Sigmund Freud

29. Something you can’t live without:

Coffee!

30. Your pet-hate:

Procrastination

31. Your favourite place to be:

Zestafoni, West Republic of Georgia

32. Something you like/love about yourself?

I like the fact that I have this great desire to be a writer and to work at being a writer. This desire to work hard as a writer has been with me since I was 15.

33. Something you’d change about yourself?

I would love to be even harder working than I am at present. I am always looking to develop my writing.

34. Your ideal life would be:

I would be delighted if I could gain a wide readership for my writing because I adore writing fiction. This is my life and I am certain my writing merits a broad readership.

Pragmatic author A.K. Kuykendall has a passion for writing conspiracy, espionage, horror, and suspense literature that blend the concepts of fact and fiction. For more information on his projects, visit http://www.thewriterofbooks.com/list-of-works/ or, to email the author directly for Q&A on this post, write to info@thewriterofbooks.com.

NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE

There is an ongoing agenda to spark another civil war, this time, in the "United States of America" so that those who've heavily invested in arms (primarily confederate sympathizing southerners), that are more ready for a civilian engagement than any other demographic, can use those arms not only on the race of people they're currently targeting only because of their bewilderment that a majority of the U.S. citizenry would see fit to elect (twice) an African American to the office of the President, but on the nation itself.

A pattern is becoming more and more clear and Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Renisha McBride, Jordan Davis, Oscar Grant, Victor Steen, Aaron Campbell, Timothy Stansbury, Jonathan Ferrell, Sean Bell, Amadou Diallo, and Eric Garner's lives may have been used as mere triggers to ignite a revolution.

The core aim is to spark a civil catastrophe (much like the one in Ferguson Missouri) through we the people of African descent in order to strategically coax the Commander in Chief into issuing a militaristic federal response. I believe what's going on here is akin to a poison pill inserted into a contract, which reads:

"Keep us in power or else we will spark a revolution and begin anew . . . "

And though my belief is that both the Democrats and Republicans are essentially a two party dictatorship fighting like hell amongst themselves to man over the masses of American society; it is the Republican's (a party that came to power in 1801) who have never been out of power as they are now. And from the looks of it, they will continue to be powerless for quite some time to come if not forever given the turmoil they continue to fuel within these United States. For many of these confederate sympathizing southerners, a revolution is the only recourse.

“Q” AND WHAT I DIDN’T S“A”Y

I would contest that the second challenging part of creating an online persona is simply getting started; creating an image that is not only professional, but that seamlessly correlates to the particular brand you’re attempting market. However, the most challenging part of creating an online persona, by far, is doing it yourself without the skill and expertise of a trained and qualified managing agent and/or publicity firm to back your untested efforts as we, more often than not, are incapable of realizing that this persona is a key part of a business model.

In contemplating the aforementioned and given the many author interviews I've been asked to take part in, I often reflect on the many incidences where I've wanted to honestly answer an interviewers question. So, without further delay, here is part two of a series I call "Q" and what I didn't s"A"y:

Q: So Mr. Kuykendall, your career is in full swing. In 2013 you signed with the Donald Maass Literary Agency and by February 2014 you had a lucrative 4-book deal for the publication of four more books in the Conspirator’s Odyssey series. My audience and I are extremely curious of how you’ve managed to get to this unbelievable point, given how hard it is for writer’s to go beyond the strategically cloaked glass ceiling of the literary industry?

A: Well, dearie, I made a deal with Rumpelstiltskin, you see, and in a snap he made my day. Now I write, write, write away. Unfortunately for him the deal can’t be because my doctor performed a snip, snip on me before the deal came to be. He simply can’t have my next baby.

THE KUYKENDALL REVIEW [BOUND BY BLOOD]

THE REVIEW: “Bound by Blood is an amazingly clever novel with depth, drama, warmth, and one helluva bite.” —A.K. Kuykendall

AUTHOR BIO – SHANE KP O’NEILL

Shane KP O’Neill is the writer of The Dracula Chronicles, a new and exciting series adding a fresh dimension to the Dracula legend, which combines the real historical Vlad Dracula with a new and different version of Dracula the vampire. He has released the series in two arcs, one that follows Dracula the man and the other following Dracula the vampire.

The author developed a fascination with Dracula from an early age. Like many others he was enthralled by Christopher Lee's portrayal of him on the big screen. It was in his late teens that he discovered Dracula the man and the love affair began from there. An avid lover of history, he studied the period in which the real historical Vlad Dracula lived, 15th Century Balkan, for many years. It followed from there then that with his love of writing he would always choose Dracula as his subject. He built a concept and premise where he could accommodate both Dracula the vampire and Dracula the man.

Away from writing, the author has a wide range of interests. He reads a lot of books from a wide variety of authors, though his main interest lies in the horror genre. His love of books is matched only by his love of the countryside and of course, his family. As an added note, he has lived and travelled all over the world. He has a love for all things historical, with a particular fascination for medieval Europe. Anywhere he travels, he likes to search out locations with an historical interest and will always hunt for the ruins of an old castle before heading to the beach.

THE INTERVIEW:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Shane O’Neill. I’m an Irishman living in Norway, where I have been now for the last five years. My great passion for over twenty years has been my project, The Dracula Chronicles. I devote the majority of my time to that, and to my family.

2. What led you to seek the endorsement of author A.K. Kuykendall and what did you think of the foreword he wrote on your behalf?

Mr Kuykendall wrote me a glowing review for the original editions of my two Bound By Blood books. At the end of his appraisal, he promised me a foreword should I ever want one. Once I had completed the new edition of the first Bound By Blood volume, I approached him about it.

3. At what point in your life, did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

All writers are born writers, I believe. It is a question that we all seem to answer the same way, i.e. “For as long as I can remember.” I think the passion, and flair, for writing is either in you or it isn’t.

4. What are your most memorable or proudest moments in your writing career?

I would probably say the first time I held one of my own paperbacks in my hand. It was a very satisfying feeling.

5. Where would you like to see yourself in five years’ time?

Sat beside David Benioff at the premier of HBO’s blockbuster production of Shane KP O’Neill’s The Dracula Chronicles.

6. What advice do you wish you’d been given before starting your career in writing?

I was given it by Tim Holman, the Editorial Director of Publishing at Orbit, all the way back in 2006. He told me to ensure my work was as good as it could possibly be before submitting it to him. Needless to say, it wasn’t, and I never heard from him again.

7. Tell us about the books you’ve written so far, and your plans for any future books?

My series is The Dracula Chronicles. It is a huge concept centred on the story of Creation and the first great divide in Heaven. I set my premise in the 15th Century Balkans around the life of the real historical Vlad Dracula. My focus, at the moment, is on the first ten books of the series, which I am releasing in two arcs. The first arc of five books involves the real historical Dracula and Lucifer’s manipulation of him. In it, I re-create his world in its entirety. The second arc of five books follows Dracula as a vampire, as created by Lucifer, and his journey through the 16th and 17th Centuries to destroy the institution of the Catholic Church.

More arcs will follow on from these ten volumes, moving through history and bringing us to the present day.

I also have a series of horror shorts entitled Tales Of The Black Sabbath. So far, I have only released one of these.

8. Is there any part of your career, you find particularly challenging?

As a writer, you face different challenges at different times. In the beginning, it is to put the story that exists in your mind, to paper. And then you must re-write and polish it over and over until it is of an acceptable standard. That wasn’t so much a problem for me, nor the thousands of hours of research to make my creation totally plausible and beyond reproach. My main hurdle back then was affording the professionals needed to bring my work to the standard of professionalism I require. Now my challenges are not so defined. The worst headache I have presently is breaking the volumes down into books of 100k-115k words.

9. Who do you feel, has supported you most, in your writing?

I have a great number of friends within the writing community who have helped me no end, and I’m eternally thankful to them and for them. I have my own team of people around me: editors, proof readers, book designers, book trailer designer etc who have made a major contribution to my project.

Of course, the many emails I have received from readers who share their experiences and feelings from reading my books, inspire me to continue on.

10. Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers?

I wish to thank them for all their kind mails, and reviews, over the last eighteen months. My greatest desire is to entertain them. Knowing how well my readers have received my work thus far, I can promise they have seen nothing yet. The first four books are just the tip of the iceberg with this concept.

11. Where can we find out more about you and your books?

The best place to go is my website:

www.draculachronicles.co.uk

12. Tell us a little about your book.

The new release is a revised edition of Bound By Blood. This is Book #6 in the series and the first from the Bound By Blood, or vampire, arc. Lucifer has searched for more than a millennium to find the one he can use to bring down the Catholic Church, and help him win the battle for souls. He identifies Vlad Dracula at the time of Dracula’s birth, as his chosen candidate. This book follows his creation of Dracula as a vampire, and Dracula’s subsequent journey through the 15th and early 16th Century to bring down God’s great icon.

13. What inspired you to write your book?

I have had a deep affection for Dracula the man for most of my life, and I had a fascination with Dracula the vampire. I long dreamed of creating a premise where I could successfully combine the two. No book I have read or movie I have seen has ever captured the true essence of the man, as I see him. Some sources are attempting this now, but still fall well short. Once you have read my series, you will understand fully what I mean by that.

14. Are the character profiles based on people you know or are they completely drawn from your imagination?

The majority of my characters are real people from history, so it was great to have an opportunity to have the chance to convey them to my audience the way I envisaged them. Of course, I do have fictional characters, too. For these, I often draw on people I have met. I also write in a very cinematic style, and visualize my story as such, so I occasionally build characters around famous actors I admire, even for the real historical characters.

15. Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

You have to write about what you know and have experienced yourself, unless you’re writing science fiction. Even writing in a historical context, you have to draw on your own emotions and life experiences to be able to bring your characters to life and make your readers love them.

16. Which part of the book, in your opinion, was the most difficult to write?

I give a thoroughly accurate depiction of the age in which my books are set, so there is violence and brutality in the story. There is occasional violence against women, too. Being that this in no way reflects on the kind of person I am, and that I live these scenes in my mind, it’s not always so easy to write them.

17. What parts of the book do you love, in particular?

I love getting to scenes I have imagined, sometimes for years, and finally putting them to paper. I especially enjoy the epic battle scenes I write and the challenge of bringing those events to life. Most of the great battles I write about are not so well-known in the modern day, so it is satisfying to introduce readers to them and enable them to live through them, as I do. I like writing scenes of deep intimacy between my characters as this is one area of my persona I do draw on.

18. Tell us about the cover design of your book.

I originally had an old cover that had a very 90’s feel to it, so it was dated. Also, people mistook the White House for the Vatican, so I had to change it. For this new cover, I wanted something symbolic of Lucifer taking control of Dracula’s soul in a way that binds them together. Therefore, I opted for a clawed hand holding a beating heart.

19. Which ways have you chosen to market your book?

I generally use social media, the main site being Twitter.

20. If you had to do it all over again, is there anything you’d change?

Yes, I probably would have accepted one of the offers from big publishing houses I received historically.

21. Where can we find out more or buy the book?

The book is available on Amazon.

22. Who are you?

If I tell you, I’ll probably have to kill you.

23. What are the titles of your books?

The series is The Dracula Chronicles. The titles I have released so far are: The Lamb Of God; For Whom The Bell Tolls; The Path To Decay; Birth Of The Monster; and Bound By Blood.

The Gates Of Babylon and The Headless Cross are coming soon.

24. Who is your favourite author?

Conn Iggulden.

25. Worst book you have ever read?

I have read some awful ones, whose names I won’t mention. The book I least enjoyed by a famous writer is Last Night In Twisted River by John Irving. I just couldn’t get into it, no matter how hard I tried.

26. What book are you reading now?

I have just started Innocent Blood by James Rollins & Rebecca Cantrell.

27. Your favourite quote about writing/authors:

It would probably be something Stephen King said. "Description begins in the writer's imagination, but should finish in the reader's. The important part isn't writing enough, but limiting how much you say. Visualize what you want your reader to experience, and then translate what you see in your mind into words on the page. You need to describe things in a way that will cause your reader to prickle with recognition.”

28. Your biggest inspiration:

My children and the desire to give them a better future.

29. Something you can’t live without:

Coffee!

30. Your pet-hate:

Either leaving food open, or not stacking the dishwasher properly.

31. Your favourite place to be:

With the people I love.

32. Something you like/love about yourself?

My dedication to my craft.

33. Something you’d change about yourself?

The amount of time I allow it to take away from time spent with my loved ones.

34. Your ideal life would be:

Writing full-time, and not having an employer monopolising my time. Giving the world my books, one at a time, with the woman I love, and my children, close by. That would be perfect for me.

Pragmatic author A.K. Kuykendall has a passion for writing conspiracy, espionage, horror, and suspense literature that blend the concepts of fact and fiction. For more information on his projects, visit http://www.thewriterofbooks.com/list-of-works/ or, to email the author directly for Q&A on this post, write to info@thewriterofbooks.com.

THE KUYKENDALL REVIEW

I will, frequently, post book reviews and interviews of literary works I believe to have considerable merit. The manuscripts I choose to read will receive a one sentence book review to go along with a rather detailed author interview. Be advised, however, that I will not provide a book review for those manuscripts I find to be horrible, tasteless, and downright bad as to not throw salt on any writer's career trajectory because of my opinion of the work. The review and interview will be posted on my MINIBLOG entitled, The Kuykendall Post under the heading: THE KUYKENDALL REVIEW [TITLE HERE]

If I contacted you about your book, that means I liked it and will then provide you with an interview template. I would advise you to take great care and concern when answering the interview questions. I have an ever broadening audience and first impressions are paramount.

I take considerable pride in my ever expanding home library. I'm much different than other book reviewers out there who simply hoard free copies of any and everything they can get their hands on, which I consider no different from illegally downloading music. If you've recieved this notice, I've purchased your book and/or series, read it, and liked it. Now to figure out the best way to use 'what my platform is today,' to your benefit.

MY ENDORSEMENT OF AUTHOR SHANE KP O'NEILL

I've been asked by Shane KP O'Neill, author of the widely successful Dracula Chronicles to endorse his latest project entitled, Bound by Blood by writing the foreword to his 6th installment. I'm proud to endorse this distinctive and entertaining manuscript with a tightly managed supernatural thread.

The Dracula Chronicles is a new and exciting series adding a fresh dimension to the Dracula legend, which combines the real historical Vlad Dracula with a new and different version of Dracula the vampire. The series has been released in two arcs, one that follows Dracula the man and the other following Dracula the vampire. It is written in a style that is both literary and cinematic, that places you there in the thick of the action always.

The books are historical novels of Gothic horror; religious corruption; political intrigue; tragedy; war; dark paranormal fantasy; and deep romance. The premise is built around Creation and the divide in Heaven that results from Lucifer’s jealousy of the creation of man. This leads to the First Great War of the Angels and Lucifer’s eventual expulsion from Heaven with all those who sided with him. The annihilation of the angels continues, but rather than destroy Lucifer, God agrees to a truce. By its terms, Lucifer can contest the soul of every living being as long as he does not interfere with their free will. Should he control more souls than God at any time, he can ascend again to Heaven and cast God and the angels out. He would then have a free hand to destroy all mankind.

Lucifer turns man against God with ease. God responds by sending his prophets one after another to bring man back to the path of righteousness. It seems to be merely delaying the inevitable and in one last effort to thwart Lucifer, God sends his son made man. In giving his life on the Cross, Jesus wipes away man’s sins. This leaves Lucifer back to where he was at the beginning and means he has to start again. The Catholic Church is born on that fateful day in Jerusalem as Christ’s church on the earth. Lucifer then believes if he can destroy this great icon of God, he can turn man against God once more. He searches for over a millennium for the one who can lead his assault on God. The Crusades give him renewed hope, and he is sure the conflict between Christian and Moslem will provide the one he seeks. When this does not materialise, he turns his attention to the Balkan region where this conflict is renewed with Ottoman expansion into eastern Europe. He finally identifies the second son of Vlad Dracul as the one he can manipulate into achieving his ends. God has prepared for this event, and in the very moment that Vlad Dracula draws his first breath, so does another child sired by Dracul, though born to a gypsy woman. This child, Andrei, is blessed by the angels and bestowed with great powers as a balance to the evil about to be unleashed upon the world.

I'm quite honored to have this opportunity as I am a fan of his work. I remember that in January of 2013 I reviewed some of his work; Birth Of The Monster and Bound By Blood volumes 1 & 2, which I recall writing:

"If you ever need a fellow author to write a foreword to your next book or chronicles—give me a ring. I'd be honored!"

It would seem that a year or so later, the author has come to claim the endorsement to which I'm ecstatic because both he and his literature are hardly forgettable.

Pragmatic author A.K. Kuykendall has a passion for writing conspiracy, espionage, horror, and suspense literature that blend the concepts of fact and fiction. For more information on his projects, visit http://www.thewriterofbooks.com/list-of-works/ or, to email the author directly for Q&A on this post, write to info@thewriterofbooks.com.

Friday, September 12, 2014

IMPORTANT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Get yourself a qualified literary agent and direct (without reservation) any and all inquiries their way. I failed to do so with the following encounter and cast upon myself an unnecessary amount of undo malaise by deviating from what I knew to be the correct course of action.

Just days ago I filed state and federal charges against Mr. Clinton ‘James’ Haness, Creative Producer - NextLevel Productions @ http://nextlevelstudios.wix.com/arts for threatening my life on Thursday July 3, 2014.

In this “Extremely Important Public Service Announcement,” I wanted to provide the All Points Bulletin (APB) put out for his arrest, but my attorney’s instructed that I refrain from doing so as to not disrupt jurisprudence. I was, however, given permission to widely distribute this public service announcement in order to make aware all those who have yet to come in contact with this man, those who are inclined to do business with this man, and give voice to those of you who have come in contact with this man and have experienced his unprofessional business tactics, intimidating disposition, raw verbiage, and his propensity to fling idol threats to those unwilling to bend to his incomprehensible will.

Having minored in psychology throughout my years in college allowed me to surmise what this man may be suffering from, and that is Schizophrenia—a long-term mental disorder of a type involving a breakdown in the relation between thought, emotion, and behavior, leading to faulty perception, inappropriate actions and feelings, withdrawal from reality and personal relationships into fantasy and delusion, and a sense of mental fragmentation.

I will, however, let you be the judge! Below, I’ve attached the transcript of our correspondence (in its entirety) that led to my filing charges against this man, which is currently in the hands of state and federal jurisdictions throughout the fifty states:

A.K. KUYKENDALL—Are you looking for original story ideas? I have two novels I'm currently shopping around for film adaptation and was just wondering. Conspiracy, espionage, horror, and suspense are my genres of particular interest.

The Possession, book #1 in the Writer's Block trilogy is quite an interesting story and one I strongly believe would make a formidable feature film that, if directed adequately, could have audiences harkening back to the time when William Peter Blatty's Academy Award winning project The Exorcist graced the big screen. The Evolution of the Patron Saint, book #1 in the Conspirator’s Odyssey series would also prove to be a compelling, thought provoking film. With the project being the first in a series, I believe it has film franchise potential in the vein of Robert Ludlum’s Bourne series and film franchise, but Conspirator’s Odyssey would be the first major film franchise that would feature a strong female protagonist.

I strongly believe that my original work, if adapted to a feature film and/or a television series, would be an outstanding achievement, profitable, and a worthwhile venture. Being an avid movie buff, I see that the film industry is a very hungry field—even hungrier for original stories given the amount of recycled material produced these days; not to mention Hollywood’s reliance on remakes because they lack original ideas.

There are interested parties/contacts in the film industry that are currently considering these works, but given that I have yet to be asked for exclusive consideration nor have I received a letter of intent from anyone concerning either one of my projects, both are currently wide open for negotiations. I’m an author willing to be involved in a studio project beyond selling the film/television rights to my original stories, i.e. as an on set adviser or creative consultant for example. I would more than welcome it! Stephen King has always been a creative consultant on the many films that were made from his books. I believe it’s only appropriate for continuity, flow, character development, etc.

Should you want to, immediately, enter into negotiations to acquire film/television rights to my original stories, please contact my agent Donald Maass of DMLA out of New York @ http://www.thewriterofbooks.com/contact-us/meet-my-agent-dmla/.

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—I’m interested in speaking with you casually first!

A.K. KUYKENDALL—Very well! How would you like to make contact?

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—Are you a chef too? Best way if you want to move forward and do biz is thru SMS or email. This account is about to be transformed so if we click then try these direct means: 619-720-2821 or xchange808@gmail.com. Be advised, I do not waste my time or yours, so if you are just fishing or aren’t serious, please do not engage further, I only work with professionals and authentic Kats.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—My apologies for the delay in responding, Mr. Haness! Yes, I am a licensed and trained chef. However, and as my biography reads, I'm a traditionally published author who is represented by top agent Donald Maass of DMLA out of New York. I wouldn't play with you or anyone else when it comes to possibly seeing my original stories adapted for the big screen. I don't mind our contacting each other for casual talks, but if you want to enter into negotiations to acquire film/television rights to my original stories while they're still available; you would do well to contact my agent post haste. For our talks, however, you can email me at info@thewriterofbooks.com.

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—Certainly I got it...samples on your website?

A.K. KUYKENDALL—Indeed, sir! You'll find a detailed synopsis for all my work @ http://www.thewriterofbooks.com/list-of-works/.

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—I’m based mostly in Maui...but I’m in Southern California (SF) now which is my roots...Send me a sample sometime...do you do character development and script writing for film including dialogue?

A.K. KUYKENDALL—I was born in Albany, Georgia, but grew up as a military brat on both the Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and later at the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. I'm currently residing in Miami, Florida with my wife and three sons. The only samples I have or can provide are located @ http://www.thewriterofbooks.com/list-of-works/. I'm an author of novels, sir! I haven't any clue, experience, and/or interest in script writing for film. Our recently flag-shipped campaign means to gain the interest of Hollywood insiders, filmmakers/directors, producers, et alia to adapt my original projects for the big screen. What are your intentions, Mr. Haness?

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—My intentions are always to coolab, make films, art, inform, inspire, enable other talent and create attainable economies for creatives and local businesses. I’m currently working on three films. I am also a writer, fine artist, a musician, designer, and community builder and proud father of a talented young girl.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—I’m writing poolside while my boys swim. I receive emails, but can’t send any from here. I did, however, check you out and am impressed, sir. I was wondering though what interests you about my projects.

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—First your African, second you are respectful and professional, you have lived in Hawaii and I’m certain your work may be par to intriguing my standards. And as I see on your website u have some interesting focuses. So I was right! Right on! Go on w yo bad self and u from the south? My man! So there’s of variable of things I can do for you…. And I’m interested to see what you can come up w for me…. Ultimately used to create a success that has a profound impact and informs people towards your own personal evolution and changing thangs.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—Details please?

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—Excuse our own personal evolution as spiritual beings on this planet. To be created! You tell me what’s missing or needed or desired and I should be able to resolve it. I’m a CREATIVE PRODUCER…its self-defined and possibilities are limitless.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—I’m sure you know that my work, primarily my conspiratorial work is steeped in historical truth?

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—As is all decent fiction ironically.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—I’m looking for someone who has an interest in bringing my work to life.

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—Do you need to develop a new marketing strategy. My skill set is pretty diverse as you can see on my website but it also extends beyond that so what can I do for you? How so?

A.K. KUYKENDALL—My team, agency, publishers, etc. handles this for me. I just write!

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—It’s living pretty well already published don’t you think? Is sales an issue and could use help? So what do you need that my man gets to the point! You want to go on into film is that what you are saying? If that’s the case then let’s put together a budget and put together a pilot and make this thing happen…. I can integrate you in.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—That is the reason for the pitch, which you were interested in, sir.

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—As the co-producer being that you would be the primary and Esther and it is your concept and creation. The best way to populate and get people interested on larger scale is through the Independent Film Festival media. Sure man … but you don’t need to call me sir and I don’t need you to utilize such stanch military pleasantries to speak relax I’m with you. Do you have a budget? Are you prepared to be a part of this process or do you want to just hand it off? I can tell you right off the bat that if someone hasn’t come to your door already, they’re not going to be doing any time soon. Do you realize how many people pitch quality ideas to California (CA) and to all the major producers in Hollywood and independent media producers? In reality it’s like anything else it’s like a field of dreams you got to build it and they will come. Even people who are full major actors and producers in Hollywood have a hard time getting money and getting their visions realized or see the public so the best way to do this is to start with the public and forget about the industry for now.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—I’m not a producer nor do I have any interest in that side of the business. I’m only seeking to sell rights-film rights to my original work. However, if a sound deal could be worked out with my agent; I’d be willing to partner.

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—They aren’t concerned with vision they’re concerned with financial that’s it. Are we having a conversation or am I just going to talk to myself? Ok…So your pictures just about making money then? If that you’re interested you need to go directly to the source if you want a film made then you need to talk to me in that manner otherwise you’re wasting my time. Ok…I’m about to drop this conversation pretend like I haven’t ever met you if you can’t continue to have normal conversation.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—I’m not as fast by way of text and you are and can’t keep up. Still reading, but you keep texting, which backs me up.

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—I’m not an investor or middleman…I’m a creator…so I’m going to ask you this one last time. What can I do for you? I’m going to devise you that no one’s going to by the rights to your book if they haven’t made an offer already. It doesn’t work that way anymore my friend and never really did. You have to step forward with something.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—If you’re interested in acquiring my work, it’s available. The details of which must be discussed with my agent.

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—Ok now you have pissed me off…you don’t have an agent dumbshit…otw id be talking to her now instead of u.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—Thank you for the advice, but my agent handles this side of things for me, sir.

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—Good day…u hypocritical hustler…U and your imaginary agent can go FUCK YOURSELVES…seriously I have before people like you, you are the scum of the fucking earth. You are an insult to literature you’re insulting you madly and you’re an insult to the black people I can’t believe I’m hearing this. You absolutely disgust me. Now yer gona feel my wrath for attempting to deceive and hustle.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—Sir, you asked to speak with me. I then informed you that I would speak with you, but any business would have to be discussed with him (my agent) not with me. Remember?

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—I recommend you shut the fuck up and pretend like you never met me mother fucker because I’m coming after you now. You solicited me I responded and you lied to me and I don’t take to motherfuckers to lie to me and waste my time.. Now I’m going to pleasure myself with watching you fade into the dust. ..You are the conspiracy you should write about.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—Don’t let my kind words fool you into believing I’m unwilling nor unable to protect myself and my family, sir. Florida is a Stand Your Ground state and I am legally armed. Be advised, that I’m aware of your ongoing criminal offenses - http://thegardenisland.com/news/haness-rejects-public-defender/article_7a3283b9-38ff-5537-8500-2c6532bd5caa.html - And I don’t hustle! I’m a real artist with a sound and protected future. My team protects me from those of your pedigree, Mr. Haness.

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—My pedigree eats you for lunch…You can talk talk talk talk all you want you can’t hide from the eyes of creation…or karma…you sir are already fucked. And it is self-evident in your desperation…that it needs to continue on with your, arguing with me over nothing. So kindly go evolve somewhere or go fuck off cause you’re taking up space on the planet.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—Our correspondence will be going to both state and federal jurisdictions in Florida, Hawaii, but also will be dispersed over the fifty states. Pretty much a wide net. I will be filling charges based on your threat. Be advised, Mr. Haness. And about my pitch; you really should read it again. This time with your eyes open, yeah.

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—I’m gona ask you once and that’s all I need legally – please stop contacting me you are harassing me with an illegal proposition.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—This conversation will also be syndicated and published in its entirety, once it has been filed with the proper authorities, on my blog and widely distributed as a public service announcement. And if my attorney deems it appropriate, the APB for your arrest will also be published. Be advised, Mr. Haness.

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—Awesome then u will owe me cuz itd all m!!

A.K. KUYKENDALL—English, please!

CLINTON ‘JAMES’ HANESS—Yer mentally off dude! And be advised if you ever come back to Hawaii don’t bother…cuz I will gladly put my timbo up yer ass as I kick it rite back off the island.

Again, get yourself a qualified literary agent and direct (without reservation) any and all inquiries their way. I failed to do so with the aforementioned encounter and cast upon myself an unnecessary amount of undo malaise by deviating from what I knew to be the correct course of action. I’ve learned so much from this recent encounter (as I hope you have as well) and can guarantee that it’ll never happen again.

THE AUTHOR AND THE IDIOT

I’ve endured countless debates with people through a number of social media outlets to which they seem to always end the same goddamn way—with these idiots leaning on the mundane and the trivial, which leads me to believe that their differing views had no merit to begin with. Below is an example of one of these encounters:

THE IDIOT—Conspiracy theorists lie!

A.K. KUYKENDALL—Indeed!

THE IDIOT—Indeed what? It seems that you believe in very wild conspiracies that are not in line with reality.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—My response of "indeed" was meant to concur with your statement that "Conspiracy Theorists Lie". From my perspective, it was a general statement and not one targeted towards me. However, now that I have an unfiltered understanding that your statement was targeted towards me; we can discuss.

I'm sure you know that opinions are like the nose on our faces, we all have one, yeah? You have referred to me as a conspiracy theorist where I have never. That, too, is a matter of opinion.

The word theory by definition is a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be, i.e. the convoluted conundrum of the John F. Kennedy assassination. So if you read anything on the JFK assassination, you’re reading what you refer to as theory because every author approaches the assassination of President John F. Kennedy from a theoretical prospective.

Its endless these theories wouldn't you say, Mr. Idiot. Your reality doesn't trump that of mine or anyone else. The iconic program The Twilight Zone taught us this. My research is sound! What I believe you to be referring to is my approach to telling the tale.

The debate over what’s true and what’s false in literature is never ending, primarily due to the fact that all written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit is based on some truth. Like that of a surreptitious military operation, the goal of argumentative writing is to tactically persuade your audience that your ideas are valid beyond the method by which you’ve chosen to relay your story.

The Greek philosopher Aristotle divided the means of persuasion, appeals, into three distinct categories—Ethos, Pathos, Logos; to which we’ve all experienced throughout our lives albeit we may not have had a clue as to this strategic tactic playing out before us.

Examples of this are infinite—Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus, George Orwell’s 1984, Milton William Cooper’s Behold A Pale Horse, Jack Finney’s The Body Snatchers, David Seltzer’s The Omen, H.G. Wells The War of the Worlds, Thomas Michael Keneally’s Schindler’s Ark, William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist, Richard Condon's The Manchurian Candidate, Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson’s The Illuminatus! Trilogy, Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Identity, Robert A. Heinlein's The Puppet Masters, Jules Gabriel Verne’s A Journey to the Center of the Earth, Erich von Däniken’s Chariots of the Gods, not to mention the Conspirator’s Odyssey series to which I’m taking the liberty of weighing in. However unquestionably interminable these examples may be, all remain but the tiniest of pebbles dropped haphazardly into a massive basin of still water.

All of the aforementioned I make crystal clear within the AUTHOR'S NOTE of each manuscript I produce before the story gets underway for it is vital my audience see the connections in history that brought about such a bold hypothesis. With that out of the way, my friend, let us discuss specific examples of where 'it seems that I believe in very wild conspiracies that are not in line with reality.' I'm a very busy man, but if the discussion is that which warrants my undivided attention; I'll be here to give clarity.

Shall we begin?

THE IDIOT—I think you mean eg, not ie. As for your view that, "Your reality doesn't trump that of mine or anyone else’s," it's complete nonsense. President Kennedy was murdered by Oswald, NASA landed men on the Moon, the Holocaust happened, 9/11 was not carried out by "The Government," etc. These are facts, not theories or opinions, and you need to realize the difference.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—I'm aware that i.e. and e.g. are both abbreviations for Latin terms. I.e. stands for id est and means roughly "that is." E.g. stands for exempli gratia, which means “for example.” And I'm wholly thankful that you pointed out this editorial opportunity on my behalf. However, Mr. Idiot, as I have never said that I was a conspiracy theorist; it is also the case that I've never claimed to be an editor. Your going there leads me to believe you'd rather focus on superfluous details rather than replying to me based on what I've asked:

"Let us discuss specific examples of where 'it seems that I believe in very wild conspiracies that are not in line with reality.'"

Furthermore, what I believe to be complete nonsense, Mr. Idiot, is your belief that your reality trumps that of anyone else. President Kennedy being murdered by Mr. Oswald is not a fact, it's a theory that has been contemplated for over 50 year with no end in sight given the, I believe, purposeful approach of our government as it relates to facts they have seen fit to conceal. NASA landing men on the moon is a theory because it cannot be proven by you or I, but only speculated about based on information our government deems acceptable for our knowledge. Indeed the Holocaust was a real occurrence, but not in the way we the people have heard. What we have heard and have been allowed to become accustomed to the world over is nothing but an ingeniously forged marketing campaign designed by top military brass. And 9/11 not being carried out by the government, as well, cannot be proven by you or I, but only speculated about based on information our government deems acceptable for our knowledge, which places the happening firmly in the realm of theory not fact as you clearly proclaim.

Again, let us discuss specific examples of where 'it seems that I believe in very wild conspiracies that are not in line with reality.' I'm a very busy man, but if the discussion is that which warrants my undivided attention; I'll be here to give clarity. I do hope that your follow up response falls in line with these parameters, sir.

THE IDIOT—I "went there" because I thought it was funny and it's not "my reality" that trumps everyone else's, its actual reality, which you deny. Why bother saying anything else when you are unwilling to accept that there is a factual reality outside our own feelings/ideas. If you don't believe that simple fact every other conversation is pointless.

A.K. KUYKENDALL—Mr. Idiot, you came to my page proclaiming that I'm a conspiracy theorist, which I believe you haven't read a word of what I've written in book form or above; only assumed as much from my posts. I in-turn have open the door for a discussion on my theories to which you have yet to provide specifics by which to debate. "Pointless”, is the act of reaching out to someone you are in disagreement with only to walk away without the person having an opportunity of expression. Also, I've never denied the points of reality. Give me an example, at least, of where I've denied reality? It's rare to correspond with an author on the points within his or her work. Imposing your reality, feelings, and ideals upon an artist is counterproductive to igniting a great discussion.

THE IDIOT—Conspiracy theorists lie, that's a fact, so get over it! As I've explained from the use of your own "logic," you totally agree with me because my opinion of reality says you do and you can't impose anything on me, right? LOL!

A.K. KUYKENDALL—Wow!

Again, I’ve endured countless debates with people through a number of social media outlets to which they seem to always end the same goddamn way—with these idiots leaning on the mundane and the trivial, which leads me to believe that their differing views had no merit to begin with.