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Sunday, March 27, 2011

Author Interview & Contest with Justin Gustainis

March is coming to an end and that means the 'Those Who Fight Monsters'! series of guests is also coming to an end. So who better to bring a end to the line-up other than the editor of the anthology himself!!

Please welcome Justin Gustianis back to Amberkatze's Book Blog!

Enjoy the interview where Justin talks about being an editor and writer in the anthology 'Those Who Fight Monsters'!. Also find out what Justin has been up to lately and when we will see some more of his books on the shelves!

Don't forget to enter the contest at the end of the interview! Justin is very kindly giving away a book to one lucky winner!

-------------------

Amber - Welcome back to Amberkatze's Book Blog! It is great to have you here again as a guest! You have been pretty quiet lately. Where have you been?

Justin - I've been writing two novels, editing an anthology, and saving the world from the Forces of Darkness -- you know, the usual. ;)

The reason why I haven't had a new book out in a while is that Solaris, publisher of the Morris/Chastain novels, was put up for sale by the parent company, Games Workshop. All business was on hold during the six months it took to find a buyer (Rebellion Games), and then I had to negotiate my contract again from scratch. It pushed everything back by over a year.

Amber - It was great to see your name come up as editor and contributer for the anthology 'Those Who Fight Monsters'. Maybe you can tell us a little about the story you wrote for the book?

Justin - It's called "Deal Breaker." A man named Trevor Stone comes to see Quincey Morris in a panic. Ten years ago, his life (professionally and personally) was in ruins. So when a funny-looking little man came along and offered to turn things around, for only the cost of Stone's soul, he signed the contract -- not really believing it was more than a sick joke. But his life did turn around, and the contract comes due at midnight of the day he finally finds Quincey Morris. He begs Morris to somehow get him out of it before the clock strikes twelve and he's dragged to Hell.

Amber - Was it easy to decide which story to add? Was it one you already had ready for such a project or did you write it especially for the anthology?

Justin - I had this one in inventory, as we say in the writing biz. In other words, I'd been sending it out, but nobody had bought it. I had planned to write a brand new story that included Libby Chastain, but I just couldn't make it work in the time I had available, what with editing the rest of the book, and everything. So I dusted off "Deal Breaker," polished it a little more, and put it in.

Amber - What did your job entail as editor of the anthology 'Those Who Fight Mosters'?

Justin - Pretty much everything but running the printing press. I pitched the idea to Brian Hades (yes, that's his real name) of EDGE Publications. When he said yes, we had to negotiate terms. Then I started contacting writers who had ongoing series in the urban fantasy genre. A few of these folks I knew, but many were complete strangers to me, whom I knew only through their work. But everyone (even those who turned me down) was very nice. I told those who said "yes" what I wanted for the stories, edited the stories as they came in (and sent them back for changes, usually minor), wrote the introduction, and assembled the final manuscript.

Amber - So did you get to meet all the authors who contributed stories to the anthology?

Justin - No, I've never met most of them face-to-face (but then, I don't go to a lot of conventions). Everything was carried out digitally -- correspondence, story submission, editing, rewrites, etc. I would like to meet them all one day; I hope I do.

Amber - Who is responsible for the great cover art for 'Those Who Fight Monsters'? Did you have any say in the publishing process?

Justin - The cover is by an artist named Robert Nixon, who was selected by the publisher. I had no input in the cover art whatever -- but I agree, it's really terrific.

Amber - When will we see more of Libby & Quincy?

Justin - Quincey and Libby will be back saving the world this summer, when Sympathy for the Devil is published. It's about a presidential candidate who is secretly possessed by a demon. Any resemblance to any American politician, living or dead, is unintended and purely coincidental. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. ;)

Amber - A new series is coming too? Hard Spell looks good! Can you tell us what it is about?

Justin - Hard Spell is set in one of those "alternate" universes where the supernatural is real, and everybody knows it. The specific setting is Scranton, Pennsylvania. My protagonist, Stan Markowski, is a detective on the Scranton police department's Occult Crimes Unit. When a vampire puts the bite on an unwilling victim, or some witch casts the wrong kind of spell, he's the one they call. It's the first of three books in the series that I have contracted for. Evil Dark will be out in 2012.

Amber - Any other projects or news you would like to share with us?

Justin - I'm working, along with some technical geniuses, on a book trailer for Hard Spell that is going to just Kick Ass. I can't tell you more about it now, but it will be showing up on the Web come July.

Amber - What paranormal creatures are you hoping to fit into a story but you haven't managed to get them in yet?

Justin - I'm still looking for a way to include my eight grade teacher in there -- she was definitely a monster, but I'm not sure what kind, exactly.

Amber - Is there a paranormal creature you just don't like, and would never use in your books?

Justin - Unlike practically everyone else in the world, apparently, I find zombies boring. Now, I admit there were a couple of zombies in Black Magic Woman, but they were of the "voodoo" variety, rather than the "nuclear radiation means I want brains for breakfast" type, and they only lasted a couple of pages.

Amber - A lot of authors are writing now in both adult and YA genres. Have you considered writing a YA book?

Justin - I'm too far removed (translation: too damn old) from that age group to be able to write credibly for the YA audience. I mean, when I was a teenager, we were still saying "thee" and "thou" to each other.... :)

Amber - What have you been reading and watching lately? Do you have any recommendations for us?

Justin - Most of the little TV I watch (apart from news) tends to be on HBO and Showtime. I'm a big fan of True Blood and Dexter. Don't tell me you're surprised. I've also developed a fascination with a cappella choral music. Go figure.

Amber - If you could be any famous person, alive or dead, who would you be? and why?

Justin - I think I'd have to go with Bond, James Bond -- but the Sean Connery or Daniel Craig variety, not that sissy Roger Moore.

Amber - Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you will come back again soon!





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Contest Time

Justin is giving away a copy of the anthology 'Those Who Fight Monsters'!

How To Enter


What are you watching lately?


No answer = No Entry


Earn more entries for each link you place about this contest on the net. You can post on Facebook, Twitter & MySpace but make sure you add links here for me to confirm your entries! However please do not make individual postings for each entry. Please post all your entries in one post.

Advertise Amberkatze's Book Blog on your site and get an extra entry for this and every other contest!


Amberkatze's Book Blog


You can also earn extra entries by emailing your friends about the contest. Just make sure you send a copy of your email or receipt to me at Amberkatzes_book_blog at gmx dot net.

Make sure you post your links here so I can confirm your entries.

Keep the contests going by using the Bookdepository.com and Amazon.com links/Banners below and around the site!


The Book Depository



The contest will stay open until Sunday 3rd of April 2011 4pm CET and the winner will be picked by a randomizer. Entrants should check back to see if they have won. I do not hunt down winners and will pick new winners for any prizes not claimed within 7 days.



*****



Who are Those Who Fight Monsters?


Danny Hendrickson - from Laura Anne Gilman's Cosa Nostradamus series.
Kate Connor - from Julie Kenner’s Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series.
John Taylor - from Simon R. Green’s Nightside series.
Jill Kismet - from Lilith Saintcrow’s Jill Kismet series.
Jessi Hardin - from Carrie Vaughn’s Kitty Norville series.
Quincey Morris - from Justin Gustainis’ Morris/Chastain Investigations series.
Marla Mason - from T. A. Pratt's Marla Mason series.
Tony Foster - from Tanya Huff’s Smoke and Shadows series.
Dawn Madison - from Chris Marie Green’s Vampire Babylon series.
Pete Caldecott - from Caitlin Kittredge’s Black London series.
Tony Giodone - from C. T. Adams and Cathy Clamp’s Tales of the Sazi series.
Jezebel - from Jackie Kessler’s Hell on Earth series.
Piers Knight - from C. J. Henderson’s Brooklyn Knight series.
Cassiel - from Rachel Caine’s Outcast Season series.


****

47 comments:

Magaly Guerrero said...

I've been catching up with "The Walking Dead" and "Dexter".

Barbara E. said...

I've been watching White Collar and Fairly Legal lately and I can't wait for Burn Notice and In Plain Sight to come back.

ArtemisG said...

I've been watching Being human, Dexter, Fringe and Glee.

donnas said...

Im not really watching anything right now. Im waiting for True Blood to come back.

tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/52194636260851713

bacchus76 at myself dot com

Anonymous said...

I've been watching Criminal Minds lately and love it!
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

StyleVamp said...

lately I've been watching the 1st season of six feet under (such a great series), Vampire Diaries, V
the writing is not that great (but I'm still hooked)!

I faithfully watch Real Time with Bill Mahr

Bitten by Books said...

Hey Amber and Justin!

Great to see you out and about Justin. Just wanted to come by and say HI and show my support for your anthology. Excellent work!

Can't wait to read the upcoming Quincy Chastain book and your new series. Glad they are still in play! Love the interview.

Amber, I don't get a lot of time to watch TV. But when I do, it is Criminial Minds, Bones, Old seasons of Desperate Housewives and other syfy shows. Sanctuary, Warehouse 13 etc. I have been watching a lot of Netflix this winter!

Rachel from Bitten by Books

buddyt said...

I have started watching the new sason of Dexter which has just started here.

Thanks for the giveaway.

Carol T

I am a Follower via GFC.

buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

debbie said...

I have been watching modern family, community, fringe and being human.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Andra Lyn said...

Oh I've been watching pretty much everything lately...but my favorites have to be How I Met Your Mother, Raising Hope, Modern Family, and Shameless

hense1kk AT cmich DOT edu

Julie S said...

Right now all the good shows are taking a break or the seasons have ended. But I can't wait for Supernatural to come back.

juliecookies(at)gmail.com

Unknown said...

I have been watching Fringe, Bones, Law and Order SVU and the new Law Order. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com

Becky said...

I've been watching Criminal Minds, Bones and the three different CSI shows.

BrigidsBlest said...

I've got the entirety of both the UK and US versions of Being Human, as well as the entire first season of Walking Dead, to go through while waiting for Dexter and True Blood to return.

Anonymous said...

On TV all I really watch is Golden Girls but I've been flying through my seasons of Charmed lately
Thanks for the giveaway ^_^
Tweeted here: http://twitter.com/Parakiss25

faefever25@hotmail.com

Alicia said...

I'm watching Dexter. Looks like it's a popular show.

I tweeted about the contest here http://twitter.com/#!/aliciacald

aliciacald(at)gmail(dot)com

Dovile said...

Today I'm watching Fringe, Vampire diaries and Supernatural. I'm also currently watching Big Bang Theory, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, House, White Collar and SGU. I also consider watching Ghost Whisperer if I make it, as it's running at inconvenient time.

spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

Vivien said...

I'm currently watching Celebrity Apprentice. It's a guilty pleasure. I can't wait for Dexter to come back!! I also watch Fringe, but I'm behind right now.

Vivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Scrubs!

-wookieecookie7 at sbcglobal dot net

Stephanie said...

I've been watching Castle.

Skk25@aol.com

elaing8 said...

I've been watching Bones,Supernatural,Being Human,NCIS,Off The Map.

tweeted
http://twitter.com/elaing8/status/52440182196142081

slb3334 said...

Not much of anything.

slb3334@gmail.com

Sharon S. said...

Being Human and Supernatural!

Pamk said...

ncis both of them. Harry's Law, bones,survivor, and law and order.
scrtsbpal at yahoo dot com

Pam S said...

I can't wait to read this book - ty for the chance to win it.

Supernatural, Dog the Bounty Hunter, Storage Wars, Vampire Diaries on 4 shows I watch pretty regularly. Can't wait for June and True Blood to come back on :)!

Pam S
pams00 @ aol.com

A'lina said...

I've been watching Fringe, Supernatural and Vampire Diaries. Thanks for the great interview and giveaway!

crystletellerday said...

American idol and days of our lives and law and order svu crystletellerday@yahoo.com

Audra said...

love BEING HUMAN and CASTLE- waiting for WAREHOUSE 13 and HAVEN to start Back up
audie@wickerness.com

Desmond said...

Mainly just Community and the rest of the fine NBC family of Thursday night comedies ;-)

Nickolay said...

I have been watching a ton of re runs of Supernatural until the new episodes return

jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I often don't have the opportunity to watch series. But if I do, I like to follow "Lie to me" and "Navy CIS".

nhmoose99 said...

Been watching Weeds and Californication

nhmoose99 at yahoo dot com

Vickie said...

I am catching up on Supernatural. I DVR the episodes that come on TNT in the morning and watch a whole string of them before the episode of this season on Friday night.
Bones, Supernatural, NCIS, Being Human, Big Bang Theory are in the top lineup.

Karen W. said...

I always watch my two favorites, "Supernatural" and "Fringe" and am also enjoying "Being Human."

I'm a fan of your books, Justin, and I have the new anthology on my "wish list." :)

wwe11 said...

I've been watching Ghost Hunters.
ermahurtt0071@sbcglobal.net

saturdaynightfever said...

I like "Raising Hope"!

edgenemmers@gmail.com

Kim (Randominities) said...

Supernatural and Top Chef are my favorite shows that I make time for.

I also love Dexter, but I watch that series when it comes out on DVD.

Dawn M. said...

Castle, NCIS, Supernatural, Glee, Bones, DWTS & American Idol. Also looking forward to the return of The Walking Dead, Doctor Who & Eureka. :0)

librarygrinch at gmail dot com

AEKZ2 said...

Fringe is my favorite show.

annettekz2@yahoo.com

Breanne said...

Bones

bmweida at yahoo dot com

susansmoaks said...

big love season 4
susansmoaks at gmail dot com

Deirdre said...

CSI:NY; Criminal Minds; Murdock Mysteries (which I really love) and Castle are TV series I look forward to.

wyvernfriend at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I'm watching CSI:NY, NCIS:Los Angeles and Law & Order:Uk. garrettsambo@aol.com

dvice12 said...

I've been watching Big Bang Theory

cpage2323 said...

I have been watching Kyle XY with my kids...
trixie420247 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

i've been watching the office

jim.coyne2@verizon.net

Unknown said...

being human,, both syfy channel and the bbc one.
the killing on amc
vampire diaries
nikita
CRIMINAL MINDS ! NEW AND REPEATS