Short story writer Kathy Bryson is here today and we’re
talking about her funny new collection of fantasy-horror-zombie shorts called Giovanni Goes to Med School (The Med
School Series Book 1).
Bio:
Kathy Bryson knew she
wanted to be a writer when she finished reading through her school and local
children's libraries. She honed her writing skills on marketing brochures,
websites, and several unfinished manuscripts before going into teaching and
finishing award-winning books where she happily skews convention. Kathy lives
in Florida where she caters to the whims of spoiled cats and wonders what
possessed her to put in 75 feet of flower beds.
Welcome, Kathy. Please tell us a bit about your new
collection.
You don’t have to be a medical
student to know the dead do not get up and walk around. Anyone who’s buried a
pet in the backyard knows the dead don’t walk. They don’t even lurch.
The night-shift in the morgue was
supposed to be a chance to study in quiet and off-set ridiculous student loans.
Giovanni is stunned when his patient sits up and starts scolding. Now he’s got
to convince an unbelieving medical community to take action, so he can get back
to learning about the dead – not the undead!
What do you enjoy most about writing short stories?
At first, I wasn’t crazy
about short stories or novellas. I like to curl up and read the afternoon away.
But life gets crazy, so reading and writing short lets me still enjoy stories
while keeping up with work and school and the house and, and, and! Writing
short stories really lets you play with the suspense as well!
Can you give us a little insight into a few of your
short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?
I’ve read a few, but the
one series that stands out in my mind is Cynthia St. Aubin’s Disordered: The
Complete Case Files of Dr. Matilda Schmidt, Paranormal Psychologist. Each
stands alone but they add up to a hysterically funny look at Greek mythology.
What genre are you inspired to write in the most?
Why?
I like to read mysteries
and romances, but I write fantasy. This may be because I grew up on Piers
Anthony and Robert Asprin, but it could also just be that I have a twisted
sense of humor. I love being able to poke fun at and explore life by throwing
in those unexpected contrasts – like zombie invasions!
What exciting story are you working on next?
I’m well into the next
installment of the further adventures of Giovanni and The Med School series.
Not only does he still have 7 semesters to go, I’ve only just started exploring
the world of B-movie monsters. Zombies and vampires and werewolves are only the
beginning!
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve loved stories since I
learned to read. I didn’t even consider another major besides English when I
went to college. Somewhere along the way, I realized I was writing a lot more
advertising copy than story, so I made the conscious effort to finish a book.
Then I concentrated on not being a one-hit wonder, and the whole thing
snowballed from there. Now I can’t go more than a day or two without writing at
least a paragraph or I get really twitchy.
How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as
some advice for writers?
I am very fortunate to
work with some lovely, creative people who are at least as twisted and snarky
as I am. I just take requests. Yes, Giovanni
Goes to Med School is based on a true story with some fact-checking on the
decomposition process thrown in.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
The part I find most
quirky about writing is that it’s regarded almost with awe, but really it’s a
slogfest. Writing is hours and hours of typing and retyping and staring into
space trying to think of another word besides ‘looked.’ I end up migrating
around the house from sofa to chair to bed to floor, hunting for a comfortable
position for just one more hour of typing.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A jockey. I was the little
girl who loves horses, only I wanted to win the Derby. The problem was I can’t
ride and I didn’t stay small. Oh well!
Anything additional you want to share with the
readers?
Just that I hope you enjoy
the story and would really like to know what you think! Leave me feedback. Like
all writers, I’m better with feedback!
Links:
Thanks so much for being here today, Kathy.
1 comment:
Thanks for having me Lisa. Always fun to talk, read, and write about zombies and other monsters!
Post a Comment