An Interview with John Hundley

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Mr John Hundley, a sublime indie author with vast talent. I've read both of John's books to date, and I can honestly say that I really enjoyed both of them, ploughing through each page with gusto.
Usually indie authors display potential but often fall short with their editing techniques, but it is more than clear that John has taken the time to smother his manuscript with love but cut the 'unnecessary' with brutal efficiency, thus drawing parallels between himself and other quality writers of his genre such as, Richelle Mead and Karen Chance.
Needless to say, adding John Hundley's books to your 'to-be-read pile' is a must - you won't regret it! 
So now let the twenty questions commence, and apologies to John for my warped sense of humour. You were a good sport!

Describe your novel in twenty words or less.

Turned into a werewolf to fulfil a prophecy, Clifford Crane must discover what it is and why. (Damn, that was hard!)

Edgar Rice Burroughs

What were some of the biggest obstacles that you had to overcome while writing?

The Draculata Nest was my first novel. I struggled with verbosity (hence the struggle with your first question) and pace. My editor suggested I cut 100,000 words from the first draft, but I could only bring myself to get rid of half that. I think I did better in the second book, The Dragon of Doughton Park, both with pace and word count.

Are you also a reader, and if so, what’s your preferred genre?

Since I’m writing a paranormal fantasy series, that’s mostly what’s on my kindle at the moment, but it’s a toss-up between that and science fiction.

Isaac Asimov

If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Oh, that’s easy. Edgar Rice Burroughs. No, he might have been too British-y (probably wouldn’t want to eat the same stuff as me, you know?) Isaac Asimov! No, he’d probably be too smart. You know, I’d really like to ask Taylor Swift a few questions. No, wait, forget that – no privacy. Maybe Richelle Mead. Yeah, her. I’d love to pick her brain about some of her writing and characters and she knows so much about different religions and cultures. As long as we didn’t have to talk about music and fashion. Wow, that’s not as easy as it sounds. Maybe Kristy Berridge?

Taylor Swift

Do you have any weird little habits that get you in the writing mood—downing a bottle of wine, eating an entire bar of chocolate, fornicating on a porch swing?

None of those would work. I’d just want more of the same. I dedicated my first book to the baristas at my favourite coffee shop, so that should tell you something. Most of my writing is done in coffee shops. I have too many distractions at home, although pictures of your writing cubby have inspired me to try and set up something similar for myself. I always play a game of FreeCell before I start, but I play a game of FreeCell before I do anything. I have to keep my kindle and a little notebook on the left side of my laptop.

What sets your book apart from others in the same genre?

Good question! All the marketing gurus say I need to promote that aspect of my books. But what is it? There is so much in this genre right now. How can there be anything new and different? But I think the thing that stands out most is the perspective of a character who’s been around the block a few times. I really enjoy exploring the dynamics of relationships between old and young, especially romance-wise. And supernatural characters that live for a thousand years or more get to carry around a lot of emotional baggage. It’s fun to speculate how that works out.

Okay, so I bet you secretly hate one of the characters in your novel. Who is it and why?

Hate is a strong word, Kristy. But the character that’s giving me a lot of grief right now is Cynthia Lamelle, best friend of Heather Felton, Clifford Crane’s current romantic interest. I made her Cajun and although I love the accent and I hear it in my mind so clearly when she speaks, I cannot translate it to the page. I have a Cajun blogger friend, Maghon Thomas (Happy Tails and Tales Blog), who is trying to help me, but... argh! It’s frustrating.

Kristy: Haha! I knew it.

You’re on death row and it’s your last meal. What will you choose to eat?

There’s a little barbecue restaurant in Salisbury, North Carolina, that has the best barbecued chicken... ever! I’d have to order a half chicken plate from Hendrix BBQ, with creamy cole slaw and hushpuppies (not fries). Damn the heartburn. I’m gonna be dead anyway, right?

Tell us three crazy things about yourself that you wish no one else knew (I promise I won’t post this … but I lie).

One of my all-time favourite movies is an old Disney B-grade with Michelle Trachtenberg and Hayden Panettiere called Ice Princess. I have the DVD, and I’ve watched it maybe 50 times. I cry at the end every time. I’m a sucker for that sappy shit.

Kristy: Okay, I've seen this movie a few times, I get where you're coming from, but I laughed myself stupid when I read this. Oh John ...

I have an old hiking stick with a wood-spirit face carved into the handle. I like to twirl it when I’m on the trail by myself, and I keep hitting myself in the head. It really hurts, and I know it’s going to happen every time, but...

Kristy: Still laughing ...

I like to sit around the house naked. No, it’s not a pretty sight, but I live alone, so... Anyway, I enjoy it so much that I have this recurring vision of the future, when senility sets in big-time, and I start wandering around the neighbourhood. Yeah, I’m pretty sure it’s gonna happen eventually. Sigh.

Kristy: Really laughing now, but I suspect this could be me very soon.

Are you a scruncher or a folder? (Yes, this is a toilet paper question)

It depends. There are times when you need to conserve, like when backpacking in the woods, where folding is the best way to achieve a consistent, even ply. But there are other times, like... uh, why are we talking about this again?

If you had to pick one song to be the soundtrack to your novel, what would it be and why?

Oh, I’m determined to write my own theme, and I have a number of local singers and musicians in mind to assemble as the perfect band to perform it. But, if that doesn’t work out, well... naw, I’m drawing a blank here. That’s going to require a lot of research.

Do you have any future projects lined up that you want to tell us about?

I’m writing the third book in the Red Wolf of Prophecy series right now, Red Wolf Rising, which will complete what was originally conceived to be a trilogy. But Clifford’s story, and the overall struggle among the Fae over the fate of humanity goes on for at least another thousand years. I’m outlining something with the working title of Half Human Enterprises that picks up three or four hundred years into the future. I also have a short story in progress with a sword-and-sorcery-type character who’s vying for a novella... or more.

E-book or paperback, what’s your preference?

I vaguely miss poking my nose into print and paper and always being able to flip the book over and look at the cover, but I’m head over heels in love with my Kindle. And if it weren’t for ebooks I couldn’t afford to publish. I feel so fortunate to live in an age when I can hone my craft to a real audience rather than having to write just to please a publisher before I can even get my books in front of a real, honest-to-god reader. E-book power, yeah!

What books or authors have most influenced your writing style?

My greatest writing influence has to be Stephen King, although I doubt you could tell by reading my work. But the books he’s written in the third person, shifting character perspective, are what I’m trying hardest to emulate.

15.          If you were stuck on a deserted Island would you choose:

a)            A total hottie to keep you company over the lonely nights ahead.

b)            A solar powered Kindle with limitless reading potential.

c)            Tom Hanks and Wilson to help get your ass off the Island.

No way I’m leaving the island with Tom and Wilson. Me, I’m staying. Are you sure I can’t have the total hottie and the Kindle? Sigh. In that case, I’d probably be better off with the Kindle. Tom would probably end up with the hottie anyway.

Where can we find you?

Alas, I still don’t have an official website. Soon, I promise. In the meantime, I try to post once or twice a week on my blog, and I include links to all my books at the bottom of each post (you know, for your convenience J). I also have a Red Wolf Novels page on Facebook, feel free to go ‘like’ it or send me a friend request.

Who has been your biggest support on your writing journey, and please, feel free to add my name here …

You know, Kristy? I was really surprised when some of my close friends embraced this unexpected writing path I embarked upon. I can’t thank them enough. But the first author group I joined on Facebook, one of the administrators sent me this lengthy email with all kinds of wonderful advice and immediately hooked me up with other bloggers and writers who were willing to read, review, and network. That led me to connect with you (my favourite, of course) eventually, but I’ve been completely blown away by the helpfulness and camaraderie of this global writing community from the beginning. It’s one of those debts you can’t repay to one individual. You just have to keep passing it on.

Kristy: You know what, John? I couldn't agree more. Supporting others enriches your own life in so many ways.

What is one of your favourite scenes from your novel? Feel free to provide a small excerpt to entice the readers.

Clifford’s vampire friend, Kent, was based on a real friend of my own from days gone by. *Spoiler alert* I can’t believe I killed him off in the first book, because Clifford could really use a friend right now, but I loved some of the scenes between the two in the first book. Here’s a little quickie that shows their interaction, just driving in the car...

No one said anything further until Clifford came to a stop at the intersection of Seventh Street and King’s Drive, signaling for a left turn.

“Where are you going?” Kent challenged.

“I’m going to go up Trade and cut over on whatever-the-f@#$k street so I can park on Third.”

“Why don’t you just continue on Seventh and cut over on Whatever-the-F@#$k Street?”

“Don’t give me any shit. I’m going this way.”

“Seventh would be faster. Well, it would have been. Too late now.” Clifford had made the left turn and was halfway down the block.

“Let me drive,” Clifford said. “We’ll get there this way just fine.”

“Eventually,” Kent retorted. “You got two extra lights this way, and you had the sequence going Seventh. It would have been green all the way.”

“F@#$k you. We’re going this way.”

Clifford turned on Trade, heading uptown. Sure enough, he had to stop for the red light at McDowell. Kent sighed. They caught another red light at the next intersection. Kent sighed again.

“F@#$k you,” Clifford reiterated, chuckling.

“I didn’t say a damn thing,” Kent deadpanned. “Oh look, here it is, Whatever-the-F@#$k Street.”

If you had to cast your characters, who would you reconcile to play their parts?

It’s funny, because every movie I watch these days, I go, “Wow, she’s perfect for Danielle,” or “He should play Kendall.” I’m afraid I’m too wishy washy, so I’d have to leave the casting up to the director. However, I’m definitely holding out for Natalie Portman as Nicole. We have to hurry, though, because like all of us, she’s getting older. No matter, I love her, and she’d have no trouble pulling it off.

Any last words? (feel free to write Kristy Berridge is super awesome right here)

You are super awesome, Kristy! You know I’m a fan of your writing, and I hardly ever miss one of your blog posts. Your reviews of my books have been a big help both in getting the word out and for the constructive criticism. It’s a huge delight to be featured here! Thanks so much. Keep up the great work and, dammit, get The Damned ready for my Kindle, hear? I need to find out what Elena’s up to.

Okay, so that's the illustrious John Hundley who I now can't stop thinking about sitting in the buff, banging his head with a spirit stick LOL!

Anyway, head over to Goodreads and add his fabulous books to your TBR pile, I promise you won't regret it. Or, just go straight to Amazon and buy these fantastic books!

Have a good one,

Kristy :)

The Unexpected Praise

Believe it or not I was going to write a blog about toe jam today. Surprisingly, I had about a million things to say on the topic, especially in light of the fact that I've been hunting down nasty smells wherever I go and have been suspecting random feet to be the culprit - the latest incident being cleared as a "butter" accident in the backseat of my mother's car, but I digress ...
Today I write a blog about unexpected praise instead, much to the delight of those of you screwing up your faces in horror at the initially proposed post. I now wander through the tides of mutual admiration with a fellow author, hand in hand as he compares me to Wonder Woman and comments on my witty repertoire. Oh yes. Since reading this entirely too flattering post I have been like the cat that caught the canary, licking my whiskered chops and fanning my flushed flesh after reading several paragraphs of author love.
Naturally it made me think, "Am I truly this awesome?"
The cheerleader in me was lifting her pom poms screaming Y. E. S - Yes! The pessimist in me was shaking her head and wondering, why the hell this fellow author would give a damn about my review of his book?
*wipes nervous sweat from brow* luckily I rated him well. Orders for super secret ninjas and Mexican hit men have been put on the back burner for now. And although I don't truly believe for a second that a bad review would've earned me a ... wait, I think I hear someone cocking a shotgun outside my window.
Kidding.
But, the sincerity of such a post made me realise how often our sometimes cavalier words can be valued or condemned by others. Of course I still think I talk a lot of sh#$t ninety percent of the time but I always try to ensure that the ten percent you do understand via my writing and Aussie slang is honest, fair and constructive. To have my opinions valued so highly was both an honor and an ever present responsibility I'd like to uphold for future authors and their reviews. Thanks, John Hundley - it's nice to be regarded as a professional in my field with views that inspire and incite compliments like "Berridge is a babe".
So in the true spirit of unexpected praise, I'd like to do a shout out to a few fellow authors that both inspire me with their writing,  their motivation to succeed and naturally, the super dooper nice things they say about me.
Ps - I'm not kidding about that guy outside my window, he now has a shotgun in one hand, a samurai sword in the other and a one eyed-cat staring me down with a switchblade in claw. Where does the agency find these miscreants?
Pps - you can check out the blog in question here

AUTHOR LOVE

John Hundley - The Draculata Nest & The Dragon of Doughton Park

Madison Daniel - Ember & Downpour

Donna Usher - The Seven Steps to Closure
TG Ayer - Dead Radiance & Dead Embers
James Garcia Jnr - Dance on Fire & Flashpoint

Book Review: The Dragron of Doughton Park by John Hundley

I was fortunate enough to be asked to review this book - the second in the Red Wolf series. The Dragon of Doughton Park is everything you expect in a follow up novel and just a little bit more. It's full of action, romance, angst and a bloody big twist at the end that just about made me throw my kindle at the wall.
That's the sign of a great novelist and good plot - the ability to create total immersion with characters and their antics.
The Dragon of Doughton Park pretty much picks up where the Draculata Nest left off (see review here). Following the protagonist Clifford Crane, a sixty year old werewolf with the body of a rock star and the courage of the cowardly lion - he is decent, kind and always serving the best interests of others, even if that means involving himself with undead girlfriends and a brewing Lycan war.
Clifford is once again forced to step up to the plate and fulfill a prophecy dictated by a dragon centuries previous while also uncovering his own path and purpose. Surprised by the respect and the admiration of his werewolf peers, Clifford soon begins to understand that destiny isn't the Chinese whispers of the past - it's the actions of the present and the faith he restores within his own abilities.
The Dragon of Doughton Park is riddled with action and enough romantic interludes to make your skin itch. The dialogue, as always, is carefully constructed and purposeful. Characterization is consistent as is the unfolding plot and various relationship turbulence. I especially enjoyed reading a novel from a man's perspective, and not necessarily the ridiculously dreamy variety found in other run-of-the-mill paranormal romances. Clifford is sixty years old, down to earth, realistically challenged by the preconceptions of others and damn sexy in his continuing reluctance to embrace his finer qualities.
Needless to say that once again the talented John Hundley has brought us a novel filled with danger, intrigue and enough plot thickeners to keep you guessing right to the very end. Teamed with the multiple character perspective and eloquent descriptive content - there is never a dull moment. I happily rate this novel four and a half fangs out five.

Synopsis:

Clifford Crane has led a tough life – failed marriages, bankruptcy, drug addiction, and a mind-numbing dead-end job. But he’s made it through, and now he’s a few short years from retirement. He’s looking forward to his golden years, until he meets an ancient Uwharrie Indian shaman, who turns him into a werewolf. She believes Clifford is the red wolf foretold in prophecy, the one who will unite the wolf packs and lead them to victory over the vampires for once and all time. Too bad she doesn’t tell him that before she dies. Now, rescuing beautiful young women from the clutches of the undead has its rewards, but will it pay the rent for the next thousand years?
Everyone has accepted the Prophecy of the Red Wolf except the Red Wolf himself. Clifford would like to reclaim some semblance of a normal life, but there are three beautiful reasons he cannot cut his ties to the pack of werewolves of which he has become a part. There’s Heather, the sister of the Uwharrie Pack alpha, whom the pack has chosen as Clifford’s mate. There’s Nicole, the talented young Omega wolf, a seeming reincarnation of Clifford’s once and greatest love, who shares a strange and disturbing bond with him. And there’s Danielle, the gorgeous young vampire who currently shares his bed in a forbidden affair.
Clifford faces a difficult choice indeed, but it may not be his to make. Powerful forces are afoot in the world, and to protect the ones he loves, Clifford must seek the help of the powerful Fae who foretold the prophecy in the first place, the one who might do anything to make sure the prophecy comes true, the mysterious Dragon of Doughton Park. 
The Dragon of Doughton Park is the second in a series of Red Wolf novels, depicting a world where vampires are mere generations away from realizing mankind’s destruction, the ultimate goal of the undead and the mysterious beings that created them.

Book Review: The Draculata Nest by John Hundley

The Draculata Nest is a recent addition to my Kindle library. I'd been 'umming' and 'ahhing' for a while about picking up this supernatural fiction, as the title didn't grab me and the cover design was not overly enticing. But, I am a firm believer of not judging a book by its cover, and I am honestly relieved that I didn't in this instance.
The Draculata nest by John Hundley, is a fantastic addition to this much loved and well-read vampire/werewolf genre. Bound by a carefully constructed plot and met with consistent and interesting characters, I found myself enthralled in this hidden world of darkness. But the most surprising and yet enjoyable aspect of the novel was that it essentially follows the inner turmoil of an older protagonist - an interesting twist on what is otherwise usually dominated by young, irresistible, headstrong characters driven by teenage notions of love, revenge and need.
At 65 years of age, Clifford Crane is the unexpected hero of this story. Born into an ordinary life, he become  a werewolf quite late in the game. Though he maintains his 35 year old body, his mind and his experiences have aged with him, setting him up to be a protagonist that is both wise and alluring.
Yes, Clifford is a werewolf, but his expectations of that role are confused and unexplained. His best friend is a vampire, and the only wolf he's ever known died before uniting him with a pack. 
Soon he is thrust into a situation where natural instinct overwhelms common sense. A vampire from a visiting nest is killed by his hand in order to protect the young college student he secretly lusts after. As events spiral out of control, Clifford is forced to reconcile his origins, open his heart to a pack of wolves that could help him out of trouble, and question his desires for natural attraction and dangerous liaisons.
For me, the writing was free-flowing and well interspersed with necessary dialogue and only short references of important information. The characters were consistent and well written into their corresponding parts. I liked that the author moved the focus from character to character depending on the importance of their role at the time, and I enjoyed how enmeshed their plans became as the story wove its final scenes. 
My only moment of discontent came from the lesbian scene. I wasn't sure of its relevance as it added no real depth to the story and only hastened to confuse two of the characters roles for me. Perhaps this was to draw a tighter bond between the two characters that I had already come to believe were firm friends, or perhaps it was to add an element of sexual excitement for the reader - it didn't do this for me. Despite this aspect, I found  John Hundley's writing intriguing, descriptive and thoroughly enjoyable. You will see me picking up more of this author's books in the future. 
I rate this book four out five fangs.

Synopsis:
Clifford Crane has led a tough life - failed marriages, bankruptcy, drug addiction, and a mind-numbing dead-end job. But he's made it through,  and now he's nearing retirement. He's looking forward to his golden years, until he meets an ancient Uwharrie Indian shaman, who turns him into a were wolf. She believes Clifford is the red wolf foretold in prophecy, the one who will unite the wolf packs and lead them to victory over the vampires for once and all time. Too bad she doesn't tell him that before she dies.Now, rescuing beautiful young women from the clutches of the undead has its rewards, but will it pay the rent for the next thousand years? The Draculata Nest is the first in a series of Red Wolf novels, depicting a world where vampires are mere generations away from realizing mankind’s destruction, the ultimate goal of the undead and the mysterious beings that created them. In book one, Clifford finds himself a lone wolf, still grieving the loss of Claire Deerfoot, the one who brought out the beast that lay dormant inside him most of his life. Without the pack bond that keeps a wolf sane, he struggles with his dual nature and the strange compulsions that urge him to prowl the night. When he rescues a beautiful young coed from a visiting vampire, one hunting illegally in the territory of the local nest, he suddenly finds himself a target of revenge. The visiting Draculata Nest still thirsts for the blood of young Danielle, and now they want to spill Clifford’s blood as well. But an unlikely ally surfaces in Roland Trudeau, a high-ranking vampire in the local nest, whose welcome aid seems too good to be true. Soon Clifford finds himself in the middle of a vicious game of vampire politics, a game where the losers die.