*Edging around the Zombies to sit in the chair* Today I welcome Armand Rosamilia to my blog. Seems he has brought some friends along. *removes the creepy hand resting on my shoulder* Armand is sharing his new release Dying Days 2 with us and features daily contests from his site; providing the details below.
Let's welcome Armand if you dare to stay long enough! *removes my coffee cup from the horribly looking, gloved hand, fearing the dreadful empty eye sockets staring back at me* Umm, I'll get you some of your own.
Louise: Armand, welcome to my blog! I’m so excited you could
join me for a chat. When did you first decide to submit your work to be
published? Tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.
Armand: I've always been a big reader of horror books and knew at an early age (11 or 12) that I wanted to write. You know those kids who want to be police officers, firemen or star quarterbacks? I wanted to be a writer.
Louise: Please tell us a little about your new release Dying Days 2 without giving too much of
a spoiler away.
Armand: It's the direct sequel to my successful Dying Days zombie novella, and set right after events from the first book. This time the story is centered on St. Augustine and the zombies attacking there, featuring Darlene Bobich and some new characters.
On Amazon
St. Augustine, the oldest city in what used to be America… now an apocalyptic wasteland, where undead fight over the scraps…
For Darlene Bobich and the remaining survivors it will be the ultimate test… zombies surrounding them, zombies coming from the ocean, across the Bridge of Lions… undead searching in eternal hunger…
Continuing the adventure of Darlene Bobich, started in “Darlene Bobich: Zombie Killer”… “Dying Days”… and now “Dying Days 2″…
For Darlene Bobich and the remaining survivors it will be the ultimate test… zombies surrounding them, zombies coming from the ocean, across the Bridge of Lions… undead searching in eternal hunger…
Continuing the adventure of Darlene Bobich, started in “Darlene Bobich: Zombie Killer”… “Dying Days”… and now “Dying Days 2″…
Louise: Umm, the cover is scarey. I was going to frequent the beach a lot this summer; not now! LOL Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?
Armand: The good characters tell me what to write. I usually start with a general physical idea for them in my head and one or two unique quirks for them, but the really special ones begin to tell me their story as I write. I have so many stories in my head about Darlene Bobich, back stories, that won't get written but I know them from the character's past, and that's what makes her such a rich character.
Louise: How much research do you do for your books? Have you
found any cool tidbits in your research?
Armand: I am always researching and always watching History or Discovery Channel because you never know when your next story might need some info about Fort Knox or aliens and the Mayans or how the New York hot dog is different from a Chicago dog. I wish I'd spent more time in school learning history instead of fighting it.
Louise: What is your writing process? Do you outline, write
by the seat of your pants (Pantser) or a combination of both?
Armand: The most I will outline is to have a sentence or two for the next couple of chapters written so I know roughly where it's going… "Chapter Thirteen: Satan buys a new bicycle" or something like that… so I know where it's going, but that changes as I write as well. I stopped outlining years ago and just have the general idea in my head where it's going.
Louise: Do you write full time? What did you do before you
became a writer or still do?
Armand: I became a full-time writer last September when I was released from my job as a retail store manager. At the time I was fuming but in the six months since I've had a great time as a full-time writer and have given myself another six months before I make another decision: either find a real job or be making enough doing this to continue. So far it is close.
Louise: Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing?
Example….get coffee, blanket, paper, pen, laptop and a comfy place.
Armand: Of course. While the coffee is brewing I check Twitter and Facebook and answer any messages or posts, then with my first cup I hit e-mails. By cup two writing out my daily goals on an index card and beginning to write. My usual goal is 2,000 words. Some days I write more and some I get bogged down with other stuff, since I'm also a publisher (Rymfire Books).
Louise: Describe a typical writing day for you.
Armand: Like I said, I get into the ritualistic groove early but then it goes anywhere. I always have 3 or 4 stories open to complete and bounce from one to the next. I also set aside time to read submissions for Rymfire Books and time to format/edit upcoming books, as well as answer e-mails so I don't get behind. I've also been lucky this past month to have people asking me to blurb their horror books, and the ones I like I do.
Louise: Please give us a sneak peek at your future books.
What’s on the horizon?
Armand: A ton of things. I'm working on Still Dying: Select Scenes From Dying Days, which is 13 short stories featuring characters from Dying Days 2 and new ones, then Dying Days: Origins featuring some prequel tales, as well as an uber-violent bizarre tale about cannibalism, four novellas to finish so I can submit them to publishers, and Rymfire Books releases like the upcoming horror novella Slash of Crimson from Carl R. Moore. And I also sleep sometimes.
Louise: This baby zombie creeps me out. *shivers* What is your favorite genre to read and who is your
favorite author?
Armand: I've always loved horror first and foremost. Dean Koontz started it for me at a young age, and now I'm a huge fan of indie authors writing horror. I find new writers all the time, and if I really like their work I read everything I can find. I also review, since I think the best thing anyone can do for an author is to take the time to post a review of their work.
Louise: Is there anything else you would like to tell the
readers we have not touched on?
Armand: Thanks for the interview! My Dying Days Guest Blog Tour 2012 is coming to a close and I've had such a great time meeting new readers, meeting great bloggers (like yourself!) and will hopefully be around for awhile. Building a community is a great thing, and I hope I can keep meeting positive people with a genuine need to help others and we can help one another to succeed.
Louise: Where can the readers learn more about you and find
your books on the web?
Armand: My website is the best place for updates on new books and tour dates and my rambling.
Lulu Books
Louise: Armand, thank you again for visiting with me this weekend.
Reader's Armand is featuring a contest! Details below.
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Want to know more about the "Dying Days" series? Want to win free eBooks and maybe print books of them? My contest is simple: e-mail me at armandrosamilia@gmail.com with DYING DAYS in the subject line and I'll enter you into the daily giveaway… also, post a comment here and you get another chance… follow my blog at http://armandrosamilia.com for yet another chance, and friend me on Twitter (@ArmandAuthor) and simply post DYING DAYS to me, and you'll get another shot… nice and easy, right? If I get enough people joining in the giveaway there will be a print book given away that day!"Dying Days" series information can be found here: http://armandrosamilia.com/dying-days-series/
Armand, Thanks for visiting with me this weekend. My son is very interested in your books!
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I hope he's old enough to enjoy them, lol
ReplyDeleteArmand