If you haven't come across Marjie before, I encourage you to read her Blog (The Suddenly Kate Show) for more of her writings, music reviews, and general shenanigans. She churns out stories so easily it's like exhaling for her, and as such, Marjie has written a new ebook. I've read it and I have to say, I'm very pleased that I did. Mainly because the rest of this post would have been really awkward, but also because it's a fantastic read. Here's the official blurb:
This ebook consists of two short stories,
12 DaysA romantic comedy; a man, a woman, a dog, a challenge, romance, laughter, memories, love & hope.
Young 80A horror; a young woman, a foggy night, a race home, trapped, scared, confused, crazy, an old woman, an empty room, a lost love and hope.
Having read both short stories I can safely say they are fantastic. 12 Days (and I say this as someone who doesn't generally enjoy rom-coms) is surprisingly funny with a warm centre. Young 80 is a tense affair, ably written and surprising. I don't want to say much more without giving away key plot points, so I'll let Marjie do the talking. To give you a little more information about the ebook, we did a little Q&A for your information and amusement.
 |
| An artist's rendition of Marjie Myers |
Addman: So, what's the ebook about?
Marjie Myers: The ebook is made up of two stories, I keep referring to it as an ebook pasty, because one of the stories is savoury (horror) and the other sweet (romantic comedy) but unless you know anything about pasties you might just go huh?! But back in the 19th century a pasty was a way a miner could take a complete meal to work, one half savoury, one half sweet and all wrapped in pastry.
The first story (sweet) is called 12 Days. It is a romantic comedy about a man who wants to propose to his long term girlfriend with a big romantic gesture. He is inspired by the Christmas song ‘The twelve days of Christmas’ and decides to surprise her each day for twelve days culminating in a marriage proposal. Ryan stumbles from one day to the next as he tries to romance Sarah. It doesn’t always go to plan but his intentions are good.
The second story (savoury) is called Young 80 is a horror and is about a young woman who’s Halloween night does not go to plan. Her first mistake is to work late and it doesn’t get any better from there.
Addman: What's an ebook? Is it like an ewok?
Marjie Myers: An ebook is an electronic book, so you can read it on mobile devices and any with the ebook reader software, so mobile phones, nooks, kindles, computers etc.
Addman: How did you go about getting your ebook published?
Marjie Myers: I am self-publishing it. So it’s all been down to me. I never attempted the traditional route but I think that is because I am more of a control freak than I’d like to admit.
Addman: Is it true that you once had to perform the Heimlich Manoeuvre on a choking moose? If so, please explain the situation in full detail.
Marjie Myers: What?! How on earth did you find out about that? I would tell you but legally I am not supposed to disclose any details. All I can say is it was an act of kindness that was completely misconstrued, I have always liked moose or is it mooses or meese?
Addman: I think meese are mice. Anyway, What are your inspirations behind your writing?
Marjie Myers: I’m not entirely sure! I just have these stories that I want to write, that are going on inside my head, and that I want to share. Ok, that sounds a little crazy! But I have always been fascinated with people and their motives and what drives them to act in the ways that they do and I think the many facets of humanity and understanding them inspire me.
Addman: I know that you recently took part in the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month, where participants have to write a 50,000 word novel in a month). Did you write the book during this time? Also, would you recommend it as a writing process?
Marjie Myers: I didn’t write these stories as part of NaNoWriMo. I did participate and I succeeded in writing the very rough draft (50,000 words) novel. It is a crime mystery called Act of Love. As a writing process I would definitely recommend it. I am new to writing. I am new to putting all the stories in my head on paper and making them available. I didn’t have any preconceived ideas before Nano and it was very much an attempt by myself to see if I could write a complete story, if I could write daily and find the time and also to meet other writers in the same/similar situation. It is surprising at how you can find those few minutes each day or an hour or two at the weekends and just write. It made me realise what is possible. I think lots of people start stories but never finish and it’s a great way of actually finishing something. I think there is also one in June. The Twitter support from other writers for it was amazing.
Addman: Sounds like great fun, but hard. How did you avoid being distracted by YouTube clips of hilarious cats to concentrate on your writing?
Marjie Myers: I actually refuse to watch YouTube clips of hilarious cats, when I say refuse, I mean I am not allowed. I have a kitten called Muse and she won’t let me. Apparently, she is the most hilarious cat in the mewniverse and I would only be disappointed watching others.
Addman: When is the movie adaptation coming out?
Marjie Myers: I wish!
Funnily enough or not, an earlier version of 12 days was a series on my blog which was posted over 12 days, and at the end I discussed with my readers who we would cast in the role of Ryan and Sarah if it was a movie. We all agreed it would be a great movie but couldn’t decide on Sarah. Ryan however has already been cast and will be played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt…whether he likes it or not! My first choice was James Franco but I was out voted.
The horror version…would require a lot of thought…and a great actress.
Addman: How are you planning to celebrate the 7th Wednesday after Pentecost?
Marjie Myers: Ok, well…probably the way I spend every 7th Wednesday after Pentecost…wondering if it is actually the 7th Wednesday after Pentecost or if that was last week or if its next week and then googling Pentecost.
Addman: Now that you're a published author, are you ever going to stop?
Marjie Myers: I hear cries of ‘Please stop!’ a lot...but I don’t know…this is my first published anything and maybe after this experience I will…but then again…I have a second book in the Rob Mason detective series waiting to be written and I am currently blogging a comedy mystery adventure story called Girls Best Friend which I would actually like to see in print…and then there is the sci-fi tale about a land called Isletunna and the historical saga one about…..
If this hasn't convinced you to buy the book, then Marjie is happy to give every reader a signing of her ebook with every purchase (she'll come to your house and write her name on your monitor/kindle). Although I haven't confirmed that with her, I've now promised it and she is obligated to do so. It's available on Amazon and is dirt cheap, which is no indication on it's quality. Simply click on this link below to buy it.
---------------------------------
On another note, if you've missed having a regular post here today, I have collaborated with Chiz over at Chiz Chat to make fun of some horribly dressed animals. It may satisfy and titillate you in equal measure. Go and read it, if you're into that sort of thing.
