Holli Anderson's "Out Of The Dark"...A Book Review

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I am so happy I can finally say I have read this book! And I'm happy for several reasons.

Over the past few years I have gotten to know several local authors. A few months back I blogged about each of them. I called them: POLAIK, Profiles Of Local Authors/Artists That I Know. Getting to know authors and artists is amazingly fun. Most are wonderful, creative people. The downside is that you want to read everything they've written or purchase everything they've created.

And I just don't have that kind of cash.

So when I go to conventions and see all those beautiful works of art, I sigh and hope to one day read their stuff. I'm happy to say after all this time I was able to read Holli Anderson's Out of the Dark. 

Holli told me a little about the story. Five teenagers find themselves able to do magical things. They can conjure blue light from their fingertips. This is the first sign they are unusual. Eventually the five teenagers meet and begin living as street kids in the subterranean world beneath the city of Seattle. I've heard how cool it is to see the city below the city. Holli's kids live there.

The kids decide they need use their powers for good so they find a local high school that is in need of help. Posing as students all but one of the group begin taking classes. It's evident from the very beginning that not all is as it seems at the school. As complicated as teen life is, the addition of one of them being bit and becoming a werewolf only adds to their crazy existence. They battle evil teachers who have created a hallucinatory drug they give to the students.

This is the first book of the series and it ends with the group--now with a mentor--traveling across the country as they're hunted by the forces of evil. I don't want to say more because I don't want to spoil the experience. But I should add that if you like romantic elements in your supernatural, demon and teenage story, you'll find it in Out of the Dark. Holli blends well tension, drama, romance, and the creepiness of pure evil, it's all there.

I'm glad I'm done with this one. Now, all I've got to do is read everything else she's written. I'm sure I will.

* Photo used without permission from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/18306322-out-of-the-dark

Margot Hovley...The Teaching POLAIK

It's been several weeks since I last wrote a POLAIK (Profile Of Local Author/Artist I Know) blog post. But today it's appropriate, for today this post is about Margot Hovley and today is her birthday.

I've probably known Margot longer than any of the other artists and authors I've profiled in my POLAIK posts. I did a play back in 2006 and one of the cast members told me about Margot. "You're a writer. You should read my friend Margot's book. It's SO good!" I was also told she had a writer's group that I should try and get in. 

Since 2006 I met and got to know Margot. She is, in a word, remarkable. Yes, she's a published author with novels, short stories and numerous articles to her name. You can access her website: HERE.

She's also a teacher. She teaches writing and gives piano lessons. A few years ago Margot asked if my kids would be interested in joining a writing group for teenagers. My three teenagers were and they joined.

And they loved it!

Margot used part of the writing group's time to teach and help the young writers to learn the nuances of the craft. I attended a couple of times and was totally impressed. Now, I'm fortunate enough to be part of her adult writing group ("Adult" meaning the age of the participants, not the genre in which we write--I felt it was important to make that distinction...).

For those of you lucky enough to know Margot, you understand when I say it's hard to find a nicer person. If she's involved in a project, she makes it better. And on this day I'd like to use this humble little blog to wish her a happy birthday and thank her for everything she's done for me and my family.

POLAIK With An Artistic Flair...Simon Winegar

Part of what's amazing about being involved in a project is the people you meet, be it a volunteer project, community theater, educational opportunities. Whenever you get the chance to leave your house and interact with others, there's a chance you'll get to know those with whom you interact. I've been fortunate enough to be in several plays over the years. During the latest show in which I'm involved, Shrek, I got to know a fellow cast member for the first time, and it's because it's his first show.

Simon Winegar, my next POLAIK (Profile Of Local Authors/Artists I Know...), is an artist--painter to be precise. And he's good! You can check out his art at his website: HERE. My brother's major was art. I remember seeing many a painting done by him going back all the way through jr. high school.

I think being an artist would be a tough gig. Tough, but--I hope--fulfilling. I think many people imagine  what life would be like if they did something else. For example, I would love to try making a living as a full-time writer. Of course, I don't want it enough to quit my job and do it, at least, not right now. That's the difference between Simon (and other artists...) and myself. He's doing art full-time. We look at him and think it would be cool to do what he's doing--if we have the talent, that is.

But in talking to him the other day, the jobs many of us have--sitting in a cubicle all day, steady paycheck, even covered insurance--can be quite appealing at times to people such as Simon. Ever wonder why art can be so expensive? If you consider not many people have the talent to do what they do, or the patience to learn what they do or the confidence (or blind faith...) to do what they do, the cost of high-quality art is very reasonable.

I'm so glad Simon decided to do a show. If he hadn't, I would not have gotten to know him as a person, let alone an artists. When I see his work, I see more than a beautiful rendering. I see his personality in the colors, in the brush strokes. In the art. 

A few weeks ago while the other cast rehearsed on stage, I snapped a picture of Simon sketching. It reminded me of my youth as I watched a blank piece of paper being transformed by my brother's amazing talent. I am in awe of those that can and do.

He's also a good man and a darn good actor, too!

POLAIK, The Teacher...Blake Cassleman

Up next, Blake Casselman--he's my next POLAIK (Profile Of Local Authors/Artists I Know...). I can, with confidence, say that if I have never met and gotten to know Blake, many of my blog posts over the last eighteen months would have been different, very different.

Let me explain.

I first met Blake back in 2012 at a LTUE conference. I decided to attend a class on screenwriting. I had some experience in screenwriting. I had written a short screenplay that was turned into a short film. I had even won some awards. That day I walked into the classroom and met Blake and Michaelbrent Collings, both extremely talented individuals who have had a huge impact on my writing career.

Because I attended that class and had done a little screenwriting, I was invited to attend the Utah Film Writer's Group that met in SLC twice a month. Because I attended (sporadically...) those meetings, I was asked to attended something on a slightly larger scale--Salt Lake Comic Con and I've been asked back each time.

That's how Blake has affected my life. He's allowed me to meet some of the most amazing authors and artists.

And Blake takes a back seat to none of them!

He's written many many full-length movie scripts, many many short stories, and he's even co-written a graphic novel, Devil's Triangle, and it's good!

But take all these talents that are crammed into this one person and for all of that, he's as good or better a person. Because of all the shows I've done I haven't had a chance to spend a lot of time with Blake lately. He's been very busy as well. Thankfully both of us were panelists at this year's LTUE Symposium--we even shared a panel where we discussed the amazing works of Philip K. Dick. It was great just to sit and hear him and the other talents authors and panelist chat about an author we all admire.

Blake is a writer, a screenwriter, a producer and everything else that needs doing when creating a film. He's also an instructor, something I believe suites him well. He knows his stuff and his nature is such that he enjoys seeing others succeed. He teaches at the Salt Lake Screenwriting Seminars. 

I can't say enough good things about Blake. After all, he's given me so many great blog post topics about which to write. Thanks, Blake, for everything!

Paul Genesse...POLAIK Without Guile

Have you ever met someone for the first time and you’re instantly impressed by the way they treat you—like you’re not a stranger, but a friend they haven’t yet met? And when you talk to others about the same person and they had the same experience when they first met him or her?

When that happens you know you’ve met a special individual, someone who can make you feel good about yourself and others. I’ve highlighted a lot of people with these POLAIK posts (Profile Of Local Authors/Artists I Know…), but when it comes to someone who can do what I’ve described above, there’s no one better than Paul Genesse.

Back at the very first Comic Con in Salt Lake (I keep referencing that event, but it’s where I first got to know many of these authors and artists…), I felt I was in over my head—big time! Here I was, two short stories published with a small press publisher and I was on panels with New York Times Best Selling authors. I was overwhelmed. I even researched everyone else on my panels, which made me feel even smaller. But, I decided once I got there that I was going to do everything I could to make those patrons who had paid good money to attend have a good time.

One panel in which I was especially nervous was my panel on steampunk writing. My first published success was a short steampunk story. That’s where I first met Paul. He was fully decked out in steampunk accessories and he made me feel, not just included in the discussion, but a valuable voice the entire room needed to hear. I will always appreciate him for that.

 Paul writes fantasy. He’s an author and editor and even film producer (watch his book trailer: HERE). He works full-time in the healthcare industry and somehow finds time to write. And, he even ran track in high school. That bumps his coolness level to 11!

I've read one of Paul's stories, The Pirate Witch. It was a short story and I loved it! I need to read his Iron Dragon Series because I know I'll find great writing and a kick-butt story. Please take time to visit his blog: HERE. If you ever get a chance to meet Paul in person, introduce yourself. He'll make you feel like you're a friend he has yet to meet—I promise.

The Human Swiss Army Knife Of Talent POLAIK...Craig Nybo

I've written about Craig Nybo before. I've written about Craig the musician, the film festival organizer, and the convention panelist. I've even written about Craig Nybo the author.

I could write so many more blog posts focusing on Craig. It's a little ridiculous. That's why I call him the "Swiss Army Knife of Talent." It's so true. He's my next POLAIK (Profile Of Local Authors/Artists I Know...).

Craig is like a hero to me. There was a time when I thought I would go into advertising as a career. Nope--didn't happen. Back in high school I played bass in a rock band. Well, it wasn't so much a band as it was some good friends using an amusement park's recording studio and making up songs while eating Nabisco cookies and drinking chocolate milk. As I grew up, I thought about being a writer. This last one seems to have stuck.

The reason Craig is my hero is because unlike me, he went into advertising and has remained in advertising. He's very good at it, too. Unlike me, he continued his musical interests and has recorded several CD's as well as forming massively awesome bands that do actual gigs. And, he's confident enough in his writing to have produced several works of fiction. To me he's fearless. You can access his website: HERE.

Because I'm cheap, I've used public transportation to get to and from the Salt Lake Comic Cons. It makes sense especially since I have a bus pass supplied by my work and parking near the Salt Palace Convention Center costs more than what I charge for one of my books (and if I don't sell a book that day, I'm operating in the red...). Mr. Nybo has been gracious enough to give me a ride to the Park and Ride after many a Comic Con evening. I've had a great time getting to know Craig better and shooting the bull. 

Right now I'm in the middle of Craig's Small Town Monsters and I'm loving it! I'll have a review probably next week. Among the local authors and artists I've had the privilege of getting to know at these conventions and other events, there are so many good people, good-hearted, considerate, funny and authentic people. Craig is one of the best and someone I'm honored to call my friend.

POLAIK, The Gamer...Jay Barnson

My next POLAIK (Profile Of Local Authors/Artists I Know...) is Jay Barnson. Jay is a fellow Xchyler author that I met at my very first convention--the 2013 Salt City Steamfest Convention held in Layton, Utah.

And, he may not agree with this, but I feel like I had a little something to do with Jay's literary success. 

That convention was very eye-opening, and not just because of all the steampunk costumes (with the top hats, goggles and corsets...). It was the first time I had a book for sale on a table that had my name on it. Granted, there were seven other names on that same book, but I didn't care. My name was one of the eight. Still, as far as convention protocol, I really didn't know what I was doing.

I learned, at that convention, that fellow authors like to support each other. I learned that fellow authors are interested in what other authors write. I learned that people who attend these conventions really like to get to know the other attendees. So when I met Jay and his lovely family at that convention and I asked him if he liked to read or if he was a writer, he said "yes" to both. Turns out not only was Jay a writer, but he had a project he'd love to see published. I told him about Xchyler and my brief but favorable experience with the small-press publisher and he was very interested in learning more.

Fast forward a few months and Jay's name appeared on the cover of a book that found itself for sale on tables at conventions all over the world. Fast forward a few years and both Jay's name and my name appeared on the cover of the same book.

In addition to being a writer, Jay's also a video game maker, and a talented one at that. I am not a big gamer but since Jay's local and we've attended many of the conventions together, there's a lot of time to chat in between sales. The more he's told me about the video game industry, the more respect I have for anyone willing to jump in and give it a go.

So, if you're at a convention and Jay's in attendance, he'd love to talk to you about writing or gaming. He's good either way.

The Wise POLAIK...Scott Tarbet

 "So, you're Scott?" people would ask me when they see our Xchyler Publisher signs. "Yes," I would answer, but then I usually need to add. "But, I'm not Scott Tarbet. I'm Scott Taylor."

You see, during Xchyler's relatively short history, there's been two Scotts, Scott Tarbet and myself. Of course, I don't mind being mistaken for the other Scott. The man can write.

I met Scott at the first themed convention I attended, the 2013 Salt City Steamfest. Scott and I were Facebook friends before we met. My short story, The Little Boiler Girl had been released in Xcyler's Mechanized Masterpieces, A Steampunk Anthology only a few weeks before, and Scott had his first published short coming out in a Xchyler anthology a few weeks later.

Since then Scott and I have attended have attended a lot of conventions together. He's had many many shorts published with Xchyler and has even written a novel, A Midsummer Night's Steampunk, which I have not yet read.

Like many of the Profile Of Local Authors/Artists I Know (POLAIK), Scott is not a full-time writer, unfortunately. If you want a definition of a man of many talents, he's your guy! He's an award-winning barbecue chef, and he is a regular with the Utah Opera Company. Plus, the man's got many college degrees, which tells me that he never stops learning, never stops expanding that knowledge base.

Once again, as I'm prone to do with my POLAIK posts, I recommend you seek out Scott and get to know him better if you find yourself at one of these conventions. If you do, Scott will be as engaging and entertaining as his stories. No, I don't mind people thinking--albeit temporarily--that I'm Scott Tarbet. It's quite a compliment.

Holli Anderson...Author, My Next POLAIK

There's a theme that's I've noticed as a relatively new author venturing forth into the sometimes scary world of "putting yourself out there as a writer."

I've notice how incredibly nice many of the authors are, especially to us newbies. Since I was so new, I had not attended a lot of conventions so when I met someone and I saw them again a few months later at another function, it surprised me that they remembered me, and some even remembered my name (perhaps the name tag had something to do with that...). But you can tell when someone remembers you. And they do. And it feels great.

I'd like to think that maybe this was because of my magnetic personality, but I don't think it's that. I think it's because when you write something for others to not only read, but fork out their hard-earned cash to acquire, you are extremely vulnerable and that trust between yourself and your readers is real. It's something we share--just as all actors understand the pressure of an audition or all cops feel about fellow cops. It's a brotherhood and sisterhood that binds us.

So, what does all this have to do with Holli Anderson, my next POLAIK (Profile Of Local Authors/Artists I Know)? That's a fair question. The first time I met Holli she sat with others at her publisher's table (Curiosity Quills) at the first ever Salt Lake Comic Con (I apologize if it was the second Salt Lake Comic Con where I met her...). What I do remember was when we met again, it was like talking to someone I had known for a while. She's always made me feel like that, like she's someone I can easily talk to.

The funny thing about Holli is she is many times surrounded by very strong and colorful personalities when she attends these conventions. I've written about some of them in previous POLAIK blog posts. She's also the only female member of the Space Balrogs performing group, and I think she's an excellent choice to join these guys. There's a calming presence about her--something that is many times much-needed in both the Space Balrogs and at convention tables in general.

I cannot wait to read her books! The reviews for both books in her series are strong. You can access her website: HERE for more information about the books and her appearances. One of the things I've most enjoyed about getting to know these local authors (and, to some degree, artists...) is reading their words and contrasting that from what I know of their personalities. It can be very enlightening. Will Holli's books be calming or will she surprise me? I'll let you know!

Sean Ricks...POLAIK With Attitude!

What can I say about Sean Ricks? I'm sort of at a loss because...well, over the past year I've gotten to know Sean. He's been a mainstay at the local conventions I've attended and, like many of the POLAIK (Profiles Of Local Authors/Artists I Know...) I've written about over the past several weeks, Sean has a big personality. And when I say "big," I mean HUGE!

Sean is an artist, the first I've profiled. His website has examples of his art and if you're in the market for some of his art, you can purchase it. His website is: HERE.

The last time I saw Sean was at the Salt Lake Comic Con FanX 2015 Edition. He didn't have a booth, but the man was in marketing beast mode. Within a matter of only a few minutes he had secured several contracts to personalize Kendama cup and ball sets. He's also customizing skateboards and snowboards. He was so excited about it, and for good reason. He does fantastic work--something any shredder would love to have on their board.

Sean is a born salesman. He's even gone out of his way to try and sell our own books. He's also a budding author--maybe it's because he's spent so much time around us. It wouldn't surprise me if his novel reaches the NY Times Bestseller List before any of ours.

With many of these POLAIK blog posts, I recommend people find my friends--seek them out, if you will--and introduce yourself. With Sean, however, there's more than a good chance, he'll find you!

POLAIK, The Next...Nathan Shumate

When you attend a local literary symposium or convention, you're bound to meet people with many varied skills. Sometimes, you may run into someone who has several of those varied skills themselves. My next POLAIK (Profile Of Local Author/Artists I Know...) is Nathan Shumate. He's one of those people.

Like many of these POLAIKs, I first met Nathan at a convention. I believe it was at either the first Salt Lake Comic Con or the second. But during the past few years, Nathan and I have shared many a crowded table, trying to sell books and snacking on whatever tasty treats someone else (usually one of the Butler clan...) brought to the party.

Nathan is an author, but he's also an editor. Because he's such a people person, many of the works he's edited contain stories from some of the biggest and most successful local authors in the area. Some may argue that many of these authors wrote stories for Nathan's anthologies before they got big, but I believe they'd write for him no matter how successful they become. He's always willing to help someone out, no matter where they are in their literary or artistic career.

Besides being an author and editor (and book publisher...), he's also a gifted artist. You can check out several of his sketches on his website: HERE. And, if that's not enough, he also builds works of art. At one conference he asked if I wanted to attend a panel where the topic was creative physical art out of garbage. Okay, I'm sure that wasn't the name of the panel, and that it wasn't garbage from which they made art. But, Nathan sat with several artists and showed off his creations. I do remember him saying that he was excited when he found a dead bird in his yard because he wanted to use various parts of the bird--specifically the skeleton--in the pursuit of his next project. I think I asked about that particular project at another con. Turns out bird skeleton and certain chemicals don't mix--or they mix all too well.

Yes, Nathan will "Novel For Food," and apparently, will do other things as well. If you're at a convention or symposium and you happen to run into Mr. Shumate, let him tell you a little about what he does. You might be there a while.