Doodling by Jonathan Gould is by far the most delightful tale I have read in a very long time. Along with the tale I found it to be perfectly edited and easy to read.
Doodling is a modern day fairytale that young and old will find captivating and most unusual. Neville, the main character, goes about his life on Earth feeling he just can’t keep up with the faster and faster pace of life. So he just lets go.
The things he sees and the people he meets are so unbelievable that it b...more
I'm still trying to sum up all the reasons I like this book. It is a satire, which I like. Mr. Gould has interesting things to say about people who think that life is a race you win, about people who think that the right appliance brings happiness, and about those people who need a reason to celebrate everything.
Then there is the world spinning out of control, flinging people off willy nilly and then... well there are spoilers after that.
I got through this book really quickly and giggled out loud quite a few times during it. I loved the social commentary but also the fictional story of the world about to fling itself out of orbit and one determined person willing to step up, rally together all the misfits, and save everything from being destroyed.
Doodling was a fun read with a touch of allegory. The absurd characters made me smile. I highly recommend this book if you like Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut, or anything done by the Monty Python gang.
How long have you been writing? And is writing your full time occupation?
On and off for a bit over 15 years. I wish writing could be my full-time occupation. I work full-time at a university, which explains why there's so much off and so little on for my writing.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
The title is Doodling. It's a humorous fantasy about a man who falls off the world (because it's moving too fast). I describe it as Douglas Adams meets Lewis Carroll.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
I have a bunch of other books in various forms, one of which is a potential sequel.
Would you like to giveaway a copy of your book on this blog?
Happy to do a giveaway.
How did you come up with the title and cover design?
The title is more a reflection on how the book was written, rather than the content. I began with some rough starting ideas but no idea where they were going so I described it as "literary doodling". The cover design aimed to connect both the idea of doodling with the main concept of the story which was about being lost in an asteroid field. The artist, Lliam Amor did a fabulous job with it.
Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?
There was one - Douglas Adams. Unfortunately he's no longer with us. I did meet him (sort of) at a book signing so I feel pretty chuffed about that.
Are you a self published (Indie) Author?
Yes. Although I have also been published by a mainstream publisher in Australia.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Understand what your story is and be true to it. Make sure you're always open to advice from others but ultimately make your own choices. And be brave - it's not an easy thing to do so don't let setbacks drag you back.
Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
No, but sometimes I wear a dressing gown over my day clothes.
Actually he did not so much fall off as let go. The world had been moving so quickly lately and Neville was finding it almost impossible to keep up.
Doodling is an engaging comic fantasy which relates the events that befall Neville after he finds himself abandoned by the world and adrift in the middle of an asteroid field. Douglas Adams meets Lewis Carroll (with just a touch of Gulliver’s Travels) as Neville wanders through his new home, meeting a variety of eccentric characters and experiencing some most unexpected adventures.
I found myself cheering on Neville and his team, and would recommend Doodling to anyone who enjoys a fun read.
- eulana.com
I have to say, it was truly delightful!...Please don't deny yourself a little break from this hectic world with a bit of Doodling.
- journalstone.com
Jonathan Gould is a Melbourne-based writer and doodler.
He calls his stories "dag-lit" because they're the sort of stories that don't easily fit into the standard genres. Some might think of them as comic fantasies, or modern fairytales for the young and the young-at-heart.
Over the years, his writing has been compared to Douglas Adams, Monty Python, A.A. Milne, Lewis Carroll, the Goons and even Enid Blyton (in a good way).
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me and allowing us a glimpse into your writing word. Patti
Hi Kat, What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
My most recent book is Shadowing: A Henchman's Tale. Heroes are overrated. Shadowing has villains, shape-shifters, golden-armored heroes, elves with knives, intellectual barbarians, and sheep. It’s sword and sorcery in the best way, and fantasy without being wordy.
If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?
The poor, beleaguered henchman would probably yell at me for making him brush with death every other chapter, dropping him from heights, and beating him up. But he might not express this in words, he might just howl and attack, if given a chance.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
Shadowing is part of a series called Moonblind. I am working hard on the sequel, Gloaming, which continues the story and introduces new characters. I am also finalizing a book best described as 'chick lit with a side of arson.'
Do you gift books to readers for book reviews?
Yes. At the moment I am proud to offer free ebooks in any format for anyone interested in reviewing it.
How did you come up with the title and cover design?
What books have most influenced your writing most and why?
The Moonblind series was strongly influenced by a fantasy kick I had in high school. I read so much that I became really frustrated by the preponderance of prophecies and chosen heroes. Then I broadened my search a little, and fell in love with the slightly subversive fantasy novels: Villains by Necessity, by Eve Forward, The Anvil of the World by Kage Baker, and much of the Vlad Taltos series by Steven Brust.
Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?
I would love to give Amanda Hocking a high-five.
Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
I have a growing love of ebooks, which is perhaps mostly due to the large and overflowing bookshelf in my room. Ebooks are much more spatially efficient.
Are you a self published (Indie) Author?
Yes - I wanted to experience every aspect of the book creation path. And I like designing covers.
Have you ever read a book more than once?
Dune I have read three times. If you've read it, you know that's a lot of pages. But you also know that the book does not allow itself to be closed once it is opened. Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?
Definitely Fight Club - except that everyone started telling me I looked like Marla Singer.
Who designed the cover of your book?
I do my own covers. And the artwork for my blog, too. But that's a different standard of quality at times, if you see my post about henchmuffins.
What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing?
From Richard Rhodes, The Knickerbocker rule is definitely the best advice for anyone who wants success writing: "the best remedy for fear of writing ... is ... ass to chair." It has held me in good stead. That's the only way anything gets written, except for those writers who like to write while standing.
Do you write under a pen name?
Funny story - I began writing under the pen name Evelyn Zant. A few weeks later I discovered the prolific romance writer Kimberly Zant. Not trusting my readers to scroll through three pages of naked people to get to my book, I dropped the pen name and went back to my real name, which is pretty much a blank slate on Amazon. Fully story on my bog: http://katzantow.blogspot.com/2011/06/kat-is-not-zant.html
Is your book in Print, ebook or both? Currently only offered in ebook, a physical omnibus is planned for later development.
About the book:
The moon has not changed in the fifty years of the dark lord Magna’s rule—but everything else has.
All too often, the servants of Dark Overlords are dispatched with a lazy flick of the hero's sword. But in Shadowing, the job benefits of fire, mayhem, and shapeshifting almost make up for it. In between burning down villages, the minion's primary directive is taking out heroes. When a man in golden armor and his faithful companions sneak across the border on a quest to assassinate the Dark Lord Magna, long live the Magna, it's up to the Shadows to cut his quest short. As always, things do not go quite according to plan, and one henchman ends up lone-wolfing it across the permafrost lands, following the stench of valor.
A story of sword and sorcery, tooth and claw, and wyvern wing.
Book One of Moonblind.
Kat Zantow is a twentysomething alumna of Jon Stewart's alma mater, a coffee/Twitter addict, psychology enthusiast, and has a soft spot for dark fiction and humor. She overdosed on bleak and postmodern literature in college, and now writes everything from sword and sorcery to psychological thrillers to the occasional literati conspiracy. She is in love with the spatial efficiency of eBooks. She currently resides in Virginia.
Please leave a comment if you would like a free book from Kat to review.
Where were you born and where do you call home? I was born and raised in Pennsylvania. Despite the hot summers and cold winters, I still live here. Right between NYC and Philadelphia.
How long have you been writing? And is writing your full time occupation? Theoretically, I have been writing since I have been able to put my thoughts to paper. Mostly, it was either for fun or to turn my nightmares into something creative. I didn't start in earnest until a couple of years ago. But my full-time occupation is in law enforcement.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say? The most recent would be my work in progress, The Cold of Night. It is a continuation of Darkest Before Dawn and is told in part from Detective Winters' perspective. Taking place once again in Philadelphia, more of the mystery will unravel as others begin.
If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say? Elissa Greyfield would more than likely call me a heartless bitch for doing so many awful things to her and would follow through with a good ass kicking. Sean Winters would read me my Miranda Rights as he was slapping the cuffs on me and pushing me into the back of his Crown Vic. Michael Sheridan would watch silently from the shadows. And Sage? She would probably laugh.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series? Not only am I writing The Cold of Night which is the second book in the Throughout the Night series, but I am also planning for two more after that. Who knows where the characters will take me after the fourth? Or they may just call it quits. I also have other ideas for books that are unrelated.
What or who inspired you to write? During the past six years, I have been going to school full-time for psychology with a concentration in forensics (which I am proud to say, I have a Bachelor's Degree in now). About two years ago, one of my psych professors talked me into publishing my work. I finished Darkest Before Dawn, self-published it earlier this year and dedicated it to him.
How did you come up with the title and cover design? Many people are familiar with the phrase "It's always darkest just before the dawn." This phrase carried a lot of meaning and double meaning when it came to the content of the book. The cover design is from Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia which plays a huge role in story. I frequently go there for their night tours and take photographs. The cover is one of those.
Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life? Some of the characters are based on real people and others are purely from my imagination. I make it a habit to study human behavior and I integrate that into my work. I will admit that while Elissa has certain aspects of me, most of her characteristics are not mine. Sage is more like me when I'm not working my mundane job. She has a morbid sense of humor and I get a lot of pleasure placing myself in her mind. But she is also a bit of a control freak. As far as events, there are elements in Darkest Before Dawn, such as the club scene, which I have been a part of and still do when I get the chance. I am very much a Goth girl myself and tried to place the subculture in a more positive light. I have read too many books where the author writes Goth scenes and makes it sound freakish and evil. In reality, we are like everyone else with the same concerns and problems. We just dress differently and have an appreciation for darker things. It's basic psychology. People fear what they don't understand and they fear death even more. When encountered by both things simultaneously, they go into synaptic overload and run the other way.
What books have most influenced your writing most and why? I try not to let other books influence my writing. I read a lot. Sometimes a book a day. As I read and see recurring elements in different books, I steer very far away. I want my writing to be different from what I've read.
Is there an Author that you would really like to meet? Gosh, there are so many. I would love to meet each author that I have spoken to online. We give each other support in our endeavors and it's great to hear when they've had success. I would also love to meet Lara Adrian and give her a big hug. I'm kind of a sucker for vampire romance and I am absolutely addicted to her novels.
Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover? It all depends. I prefer hardcover for the classics, especially when they are printed in leather-bound editions. One day, I'd like to have a classy looking library with those editions on the shelves. Paperbacks are great when you are reading a long series and don't want to spend a fortune on hardcover, but still want the feel of turning a page while sipping your favorite drink and relaxing. Ebooks are great when you want to read while you are traveling. You can literally carry a hundred different books with you and not be weighed down.
Where do you prefer to buy your books? If I'm browsing and want a real book in hand, I'll go to a bookstore like B & N. But if I'm buying ebooks, I download onto my Kindle.
Are you a self published (Indie) Author? Yes. I attempted the find-an-agent route, but after a few rejections, realized that I wasn't going to get anywhere unless I took things into my own hands. They look for specific things and I tend to mix genres. I don't think they like that very much.
Have you ever read a book more than once? Yes. Especially if I'm reading a long series and need to remember certain details that occurred several books back.
Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version? C. S. Splitter mentioned "Dune" and I have to agree. So if he's reading this, no you're not the only person alive who thinks that. There's at least two of us. Usually though, I like the book better than the movie. I get certain imagery in my head and I'm usually disappointed when it doesn't match up. I don't understand the butchery involved in filmmaking. Having gone to school for film myself, if I ever had the opportunity to create a movie from a book, I would make every effort to consult with the author and make it as true as possible. I truly hope I'm not let down when Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter comes out.
What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)? Eternal Kiss: Mark of the Vampire by Laura Wright on Kindle. Like I said, I'm a sucker for vampire romance.
What book do you know that you will never read? I can't name a particular book, but I will never read books that are nothing but happy sunshine and fluffy clouds. Give me real people with real problems (or supernatural creatures with even worse problems) any day of the week. I don't like anything that is so happy that it makes me feel like my life is horrible when I'm done.
Are there any new Authors that have grasped your interest and why? Patti Roberts. Yes, I know it sounds like I'm being biased. But Paradox is truly a work of art and I can't wait to read more.
Patti says: Oh my gosh, I'm gobsmacked. Thank you SO much for saying that!
Is there anything you would change in your last book and why? Probably. I am a stickler for detail and I have found that I have to rework my thoughts for this next book in order for it to work perfectly with what I've already written. It's the curse of writing a series, I suppose. It would be easier if I could just go back and change a couple of things here and there instead of puzzling it all out. But then, how much fun would that be?
Do you have a book trailer? I actually have two. One for each of my published works. They can be found on YouTube.
What are your thoughts on book trailers? I like to think of them as mini movie trailers. If you can hook the viewer, they'll come back for more. I have no idea how well they work though.
Do you have any advice for other writers? Just write. Get all those thoughts down even if they're out of order. You can go back later and tie everything together. Don't worry about editing until you have the whole story out. Always carry a notepad with you. Even if you normally type everything, you never know when inspiration will strike and you may not be anywhere near a keyboard.
What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing? Write what you know. And if you don't know it, either do a ton of research or don't write about it. There's always someone out there who will call you on your lack of knowledge. Because of this, I took up Egyptian belly dancing and a specialty class in Saidi. It started off as research, but I do it as a form of exercise now.
Do you write under a pen name? Absolutely. Because of the nature of my full-time job, I had to choose a different name for my alternative modeling. That name became my pen name as well.
Do you ever write in your PJ’s? All the time. Well, unless I'm writing in a public place.
Patti Says: Do you write in public very often? I have heard of a few writers writing in coffee shops and I wonder what that would be like.
Cats or dogs? Four cats and a dog. Each one with their own distinct personality and psychosis.
Patti Says: Oh I have a cat called Little Miss - now that is one cat with a huge psychological problems. Nice Kitty, you can remove the teeth now!
White wine or red? Red. Definitely red. Sangria is my favorite.
Coffee or tea? Coffee. Total addict to caffeine.
Favorite food? Filet Mignon
Vanilla or chocolate icecream? I don't eat ice cream.
Patti Says: Can I have yours? I shouldn't but I do.....
What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed? True Blood. I'm an Eric fan.
Cypher Lx leads a very busy life working full-time in law enforcement, part-time as an alternative model, and has a B.A. degree in Forensic Psychology. When she is not busy with those things, she participates in cowboy action shooting, makes Victorian gowns by hand, crochets, draws, reads and writes. She whole-heartedly believes in rescuing homeless animals and has five of her own adoptees. Most recently, she has taken up Egyptian bellydancing. While she enjoys reading vampire romance, her writing...Read more at Amazon's Cypher Lx Page
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me and allowing us a glimpse into your writing word.
There will be over 50 ebooks and printed books you can win!!
Our bloggers are sponsoring great authors you won't want to miss!
They're going to try to blog their way into your good graces!!
AND WIN YOUR VOTES!!
Don't miss the BLOG HOP that rocks the Summer!!!
You'll get to hop their blogs!!
You'll get to hop the authors blogs too!!
Come join the fun!!
Blog to Watch, hosting this event:
See It or Read It This is where you'll want to enter for all the Giveaways!!
Over 50GIVEAWAYS+7AWESOMEAuthor's+ ChallengingCONTESTS+The Title ofBEST BOOK at STAKE=THE BEST SUMMER EVER!
Hello Bloggers. There has been a lot of BUZZ around SeeitORreadit about:
August's Blowout Summer Blog Hop
But what is that? And why is it such a big deal?
The August Blow out Summer Blog Hop is when we are going to be voting for the BEST BOOK. Our nominees are:
Now here is how the event works. These books will be competing against each other. The book that wins the most rounds wins the title of BEST BOOK! So you guys need to vote for your book so it wins.
Along the way there will be lot's of contests, guest posts, and giveaways! So stay tuned all month long.
Here is the schedule for the whole month.Check back here for weekly and daily updates because SeeitORreadit is where the voting is taking place!
Week 1: (Aug 1st-7th)
Mon-Thurs
-we will keep it REALLY easy because it's the very first week of the event and we'll still be gathering voters so we will give the reps time to gather voters.
FROM MONDAY- THURSDAY ENTER OUR FIRST GIVEAWAY!
- Create a review for one of the nominated books and post it on as many sites as you can (goodreads, B&N,etc) and enter to win (come back to SeeitORreadit on Monday to learn how to submit your review):
- One of 2 copies of Shadow Cat
- Moonspell
-one of 2 copies of Blood Will Tell
Fri -TEASER GIVEAWAY! -post teaser in the comments of ANY book to get a chance to win (come back to SeeitORreadit on Monday and Friday to learn more):
- one of 3 copies of Slumber
- one of 4 copies of Drip Drop
Sat DROP BY TO SEE IF YOU WON ANY GIVEAWAYS!
VOTING DAY(7th);
ROUND 1:
THE ANGEL'S ARE HERE vs CROSSROAD
ROUND 2:
DOORWAY OF THE TRIQUETRA vs MOONSPELL
ROUND 3:
THE SUPERIORS vs IMMORTAL EMBRACE
-all day -unlimited votes - VOTING TAKES PLACE ONLY ON SEEITORREADIT
- IF YOU VOTE YOU ARE ENTERED TO WIN:
- one of 2 copies of Slumber
-To Tame a Wild Hawk
WEEK 2 (aug 8th- 14th) Mon Author's talk about release dates (to learn more drop by at SeeitORreadit on Monday)
-Giveaway WHICH BOOK CAN YOU NOT WAIT TO READ?
(to enter readers include title of bk, reason why (about a sentence or two), name, and email in comments to be entered in draw to win)
-Drip Drop
- one of 3 copies of Paradox's The Angel's are Here
To Tame a Wild Hawk-
-(to learn more drop by at SeeitORreadit on Monday)
Tues - guest post - post comment on vote entered to win
- one of 3 copies of Blood Will Tell
- (to learn more drop by at SeeitORreadit on Tuesday)
weds-fri -trivia about competing books - if get at least 3 questions right entered in draw to win
- Crossroads
-one of 2 copies of Paradox's The Angel's are Here
- one of 2 copies of the Superiors
-one of 2 copies of River Cast
Sat DROP BY TO SEE IF YOU WON ANY GIVEAWAYS!
VOTING DAY:(14th)
ROUND 4: CROSSROADS vs MOONSPELL
ROUND 5:
DOORWAY OF THE TRIQUETRA vs IMMORTAL EMBRACE
ROUND 6:
THE SUPERIORS vs MOONSPELL
ROUND 7:
IMMORTAL EMBRACE vs THE ANGEL'S ARE HERE
-all day -unlimited votes - VOTING TAKES PLACE ONLY ON SEEITORREADIT
- IF YOU VOTE YOU ARE ENTERED TO WIN:
-Moonspell
-one of 2 copies of River Cast
Week 3 aug 15-21 mon -massive giveaway - fill out form to win
-one of 3 copies ofBlood Solstice
- Crossroads
-Paradox's The Angel's are Here
Dark Warrior-
- River Cast
- one of 3 copies of the Superiors
- GET POINTS FOR FOLLOWING AUTHOR'S AND BLOGGERS (tune in to SeeitORreadit on Monday to learn more)
tues-thurs - CONTEST: readers send us 2-3 pgraphs of a story you are writing (choose their fav scene to enter)(tune in to SeeitORreadit on Monday and Tuesday to learn more) - winner wins:
-Blood Solstice - Immortal Embrace
- one of 2 copies of I loved you First
-Dark Warrior
sat DROP BY TO SEE IF YOU WON ANY GIVEAWAYS!
VOTING DAY:(21st) THE ANGEL'S ARE HERE vs MOONSPELL THE ANGEL'S ARE HERE vs THE SUPERIORS
DOORWAY OF THE TRIQUETRA vs THE SUPERIORS CROSSROADS vs DOORWAY OF THE TRIQUETRA
-all day -unlimited votes - VOTING TAKES PLACE ONLY ON SEEITORREADIT
- IF YOU VOTE YOU ARE ENTERED TO WIN:
Moonspell
Doorway of the Triquetra
Week 4 AUG 22-28
mon -blogger spotlight - provide advice for new YA bloggers (tune in to SeeitORreadit on Monday to learn more) - entered to win
tues-thurs - trivia about authors themselves if get at least 3 questions right entered in draw (tune in to SeeitORreadit on Monday to learn more) to win
-Immortal Embrace
-one of 3 copies of Shadow Cat
-Moonspell
Doorway of the Triquetra
weds
- GUEST POST (tune in to SeeitORreadit on weds to learn more)
sat
DROP BY TO SEE IF YOU WON ANY GIVEAWAYS!
VOTING DAY (last before finals): (28th)
THE ANGEL'S ARE HERE vs DOORWAY OF THE TRIQUETRA CROSSROADS vs IMMORTAL EMBRACE CROSSROADS vs THE SUPERIORS MOONSPELL vs IMMORTAL EMBRACE
-all day -unlimited votes - VOTING TAKES PLACE ONLY ON SEEITORREADIT
- IF YOU VOTE YOU ARE ENTERED TO WIN:
-Crossroads
-one of 3 copies of I loved you First
-Moonspell
FINAL VOTE (30TH);
-all day -unlimited votes - VOTING TAKES PLACE ONLY ON SEEITORREADIT
If you are interested in participating in this blog hop and promoting Authors and hosting giveaways etc, please contact jazzysahi@gmail.com or lenorewolfe@gmail.com - both ladies are on goodreads and have some great Ideas planed to get promotion and extra followers for authors and bloggers :) Patti