"No Guts, No story." is an inspirational quote said by Chris Brady. But might I add that it takes even more guts to write and share the story with the world. And boy do I have an excellent interview from the wonderful, non-fiction author Mr. Michael Finkel.  Make sure you check out the excerpt to his latest novel The Stranger of the Woods: www.michaelfinkel.com/the-stranger-in-the-woods/excerpt-stranger-woods/ 


1.  Could you tell me what The Stranger in the Woods is about?

It's the true story of Christopher Knight, who is one of the most unusual people you will ever encounter -- he lived completely alone, in the woods of central Maine, sleeping in a small camp tent, for 27 years. He never had one conversation, never spent any money, never drove in a car. He never saw the internet. And he never even lit a fire! How did he survive? Why did he leave the world? What did he learn? The book tries to address all these questions, while also examining what types of people have sought solitude throughout history, and why it may be essential for one's health to spend some time alone.

 
2.  What is your purpose in writing The Stranger in the Woods?

I'm always interesting in learning about people who have lived a radically different life than the rest of us. This is just such an intriguing story to me -- there's a survival tale, a true-crime tale, a mystery, a legend. There's the reactions of people in central Maine. And there's the intelligent and fascinating insights of Chris Knight himself.


 
3.  What challenges did you face while writing The Stranger in the Woods?

The subject of my book, not surprisingly, was a man of few words who was very reluctant to share his story. He was a difficult interview subject, to say the least. I learned a lot of patience while working with Chris Knight -- but still, not enough patience to satisfy him!


 
4. How would you compare your experience writing True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea Culpa from The Stranger in the Woods?

Except for the fact that both "True Story" and "The Stranger in the Woods" are both non-fiction accounts of men named Chris, the two books are completely different. 

Chris Longo, the murderer who is featured in "True Story," is extremely outgoing, and, in the end, was clearly a dangerous, psychopathic man. 

Chris Knight, the hermit from "The Stranger in the Woods," is probably the most introverted person you will ever  read about, and, in the end, was seen to be an entirely gentle man. 

I found both stories riveting, but the writing process -- or at least the feeling while writing -- was entirely different. Chris Longo frightened me, to my core, and I felt as if I were writing something of a cautionary tale. Chris Knight was far more inspirational to me, and I felt at times as if I were writing almost a guidebook for how to live in peace and simplicity.
 
 
5.   How has writing and knowing about Christopher Knight affect your life in general?

Spending time with Chris Knight has given me a much different perspective on the passage of time. So many of us seem to be in a constant mad rush for most of the day. Knight passed time like a tree. He showed me that the best thing you can do sometimes is nothing. Just sit there. Center yourself. Allow five minutes to pass without looking at your phone. You don't have to do any sort of formal meditation. Just do nothing. You will likely be amazed at how healthy, how calming this feels. I wish the whole world could just take a five minute "time out" each day -- I feel as if all the crazy arguing that goes on would be greatly diminished if we all did this simple thing. If we all just did nothing for a few moments.

 
6.  If (or when) the book become a movie, who would you like to adapt your book into a screenplay and who would you like to direct the movie adaptation?

I don't have specific names in mind, I'm just hoping that if the book becomes a movie, the director and screenwriter both feel extremely creatively inspired to bring this mind-boggling story to life.

 
7.   What would you want your reader to take away from reading The Stranger in the Woods?

That maybe doing nothing is, at times, one of the most powerful things you can do. "Beware the barrenness of a busy life," said Socrates. I believe he was correct.

 
8.  What does Christopher Knight think about the book? Has he read it yet?

I sent Chris Knight the book as soon as it was finished, but I have not heard back from him. I have written the book with openness and honesty and obsession and care, and I hope — I believe — that Knight will respect my dedication and genuinely accept my efforts as reasonable and fair.


 9.   What is your writing habit?  Do you write in the daytime or night?

I have three young children so my house is often quite hectic. I prefer the quiet of the night to work and when I'm on a creative roll, I often drink loads of coffee and stay up until dawn. 

 
10. On True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea Culpa film adaptation, could you express your experience seeing it?

The book "True Story" was so personal to me, and so disturbing, that watching the film adaptation was quite an emotional knot. I think the actors (James Franco and Jonah Hill) did outstanding jobs, as did the director (Rupert Goold), but it was wrenching and uncomfortable to watch.
 
11.    What book are you currently reading?

"Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann. He's an amazing journalist and writer.
 
12.   What’s next for you? What are you working on now?

I'm seeking my next book idea! If anyone has an idea for me, please contact me through my website:www.michaelfinkel.com/ . Thanks!
 
13.   Have you ever considered writing fiction? If so, in what genre?

I love reading fiction and I've published (long, long ago) a few fiction short stories, and perhaps one day I'll take a stab at a novel -- I don't know what genre -- but I really feel that I've reached a nice place, writing-wise, with my non-fiction work, so I will stick to that for now.

 
14.   Last question, who (dead or alive) would you like to sit down and chat with in order to write a book? 

For all of my career, I have avoided interviewing "famous" people, or movie stars, or presidents -- I really prefer meeting extraordinary people who are not widely known. There are all sorts of completely unknown Einstein-level geniuses out there, many of whom have extremely unorthodox ideas about how to live, about society and science and art and life. Those are the people I want to sit down with. 

Thank you for the excellent questions.

Likewise thank you for giving your time to answer them. For anyone out there reading this I hope you add The Stranger in the Woods in your reading list. Also check out his first book True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea Culpa. I hope each and everyone of you have a great day and thanks once again for coming by to read my latest post. Take care and stay amazing. 

      I would first like to thank Mr. Barnett for taking the time to answer these interview questions. 
  
      1.       Could you give a brief summary about When Earthlings Weep is about?

The protagonist is Mickey, who is average in many ways, but suffers from horrible nightmares, where he visits strange worlds with hideous creatures. Mickey has no knowledge of an experiment he volunteered for, years before, while he was in the military. This lost time is the key to discovering some horrible dark secret, which will soon affect Mickey in a profound way. Secret military Black-Ops teams and aliens from other worlds are also in on Mickey’s secrets, and wish to take them at any cost; even if it leads to the destruction of worlds.

 2.       How did you get the idea of When Earthlings Weep?

I have always loved the underdog, and loved the idea of making such a person into a super-human, against his will. What if a person gained such power, but at a terrible cost?

3.       What is your favorite book and author?
This is a toss-up between, “The Stand” by Stephen King, and “Servant of the Bones” by Anne Rice, for different reasons.

4.       What was the first book you ever completed?

The first book I ever read was “Tom Sawyer”, by Mark Twain.

5.       How did you come up with the title When Earthlings Weep?

In the story, there are the major themes of good versus evil, and innocence versus aggression. There is also a hidden theme about greed and obsession, which destroys people and everything, which gets in the way. I based the title on a poem I wrote, which is in the book. The poem describes the aftermath of an apocalypse.

6.       What book are you reading now?

I am re-reading “Black House” by Stephen King and Peter Straub

7.       What is your favorite book adaptation film? And why?

“The Shawshank Redemption”  by Stephen King

8.       On When Earthlings Weep, did you know how it would end, before you started writing the novel or did you go along and eventually figure it out?

When I write, I have real good idea how I will start the book, and a pretty good idea about story and characters for the middle. I usually have no idea at all how my stories will end, until the story whispers it to me.

9.       Do you have any upcoming novel you'd like to talk about and in what genre?

I have another Sci-Fi I am currently writing, which I am about half-finished. Unlike ‘When Earthlings Weep’, full of action and craziness from the start, my next will have just a handful of characters, slower paced…but very intense.

10.   Where can those interested in When Earthlings Weep get it at?

Amazon: http://amzn.to/11G6RN7

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/Tx1ocu

Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/WKXt8B

KoboBooks: http://bit.ly/Xi4gpC

Sony: http://bit.ly/VDZGrH

 Thanks again to Mr. Barnett for taking the time to do this and I hope everyone of you would check out his novel soon because it sounds really interesting. Take care and I hope you have a great day and a happy read of course.

A blog called "A Journey with Books" recently post a review of House Trap.  Besides reading the actual review at that site you should also check it out in general: http://debasishray19.blogspot.in/ .  Thanks again Debasish Ray Mohapatra for the post. 

WARNING:- This review has a major spoiler and reveal the twist of House Trap.



About story:                       
      The story started with a cool and chill night. Everyone was preparing themselves for the upcoming Christmas. A little boy, just 10 years old, named Nicolas was staring at the sky and imagining about those gifts he’d be going to get for this Christmas. But all of a sudden mishap happened in his house that night. Nicolas found both of his parents murdered inside the house.                       
        After 30 years, the same scenario happened again. But this time it was about Rachel who went to Alicia’s house as a tutor and had to spend a night there which was against her decision. Alicia’s father was the inventor of house trap and a well renowned person for his invention. But that night unfortunately, Alicia’s parents were absent inside the house. Two intruders, one of them was Jay Alicia’s friend and another one was Scott entered to house for some money. They both killed Alicia and tried to kill Rachel and Alicia’s brother Nathan and little sister Amy.                      

 But the story looked most interesting, when you will get to know that Alicia’s father was no other than Nicolas, a person who went through these incidents at his tender age and invented house trap for the safety purpose. Now his invention worked as curse for his family. As the house trap was activated no one was able to come outside of that house including murderers and innocent kids. And after finishing the story I am sure that the whole drama was with full of suspense and actions and also thrilled you.
For me:     What I liked about this story was finally Rachel learnt a lesson about life, freedom and realized that family & friends are much more important than just a good college and a degree.
                The story was well plotted just like sequences of picture frames and it was smooth and a well thrilled story.   I enjoyed it. 
 

Don't forget to keep checking this blog for any further news on the sequel to House Trap titled Fiery Trap. Take care and I hope you come here again soon:)

    I just wanted to say that I really love his book: Bud, not Buddy. Why isn't it been made into a movie???????????  it's in the league with Holes by Louis Sachar (if not better)  and I know it would do much better in the theater than Hoot by Carl Hiassen.  If by some chance someone in Hollywood ( a producer or someone connected to hollywood) is reading my blog ( finger cross, pleading to the man upstairs), i just want to say that you should definitely check out this book, read it and see why I think it would be an excellent movie.  I really hope this would happen, i hope to hear the news that the movie has been optioned. But in the meanwhile I guess we can only visualize it in our head with the book. Great advice by Mr. Christopher Curis and as always thanks for reading my blog. 

P.S.  I hope you all are having a great time watching the olympic. There have been some drama and upsets( as always) but surprises as well when it comes to  this year's Olympic. so watch on, and take care:)

  Just saw the trailer and i thought it was a very interesting movie to share on my blog. The main character is an author and it seems, by the trailer, he's dealing with the struggles that comes with being a writer ( which I could relate  as well as other writers out there). I don't know what the full plot of the movie is about but it got my attention when Bradley Cooper's character (from the trailer) seemed to be struggling to make it as a popular author. It just seems like a movie i would like to see and i hope it will be as good as Limitless( which also starred Bradley Cooper, i guess this guy likes acting as a writer). By the way Limitless is based on a book "The Dark fields" by Alan Glynn.  So here is the Youtube Trailer.

Before i discuss about the new J.K. Rowling book,  I just wanted to say that i saw The Hunger Game last week and thought it was great (although the ending wasn't as powerful as the book). I know i was late in watching it but i'm glad i caught it in theater.  The movie is doing great at the box office and i'm so glad for this because i love to see movies based on books succeed. It makes the audience to read the books while the readers experience another medium of what they read. So i'm all for The Hunger Games beating the newcomers:) Okay enough about that l'm here to speak--or rather type what i thought about the new title of J.K. Rowling's first adult book but first here is the synosis:

When Barry Fairweather dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock.

Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.

Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…Pagford is not what it first seems.

And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

Blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising, The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults.

Okay the first time i saw this online i was like YES we finally have a title and then i read the title  and thought.......okay? that is a very unusual title for a book. I guess it reminded me of when she titled the seventh book: Deathly Hallow. No one had a clue about how this title linked up with the story. It was a strange title to end the series until i read it. The casual vacancy, i guess, is the same here. I think I have to read the book first before i would warm up to it. I'm not saying the title is terrible, rather it's okay but honestly it isn't something that would get my attention if i saw it in a library but with a name like J.K. Rowling even if she titled the book  The Right Right Mr. Right, people will be still interested and be excited about it.  So all in all the title wasn't an attention grabber but it wasn't out of left field like the deathly hallow was(well to me in my opinion).

I couldn't believe (again when i read the news online) that the title announcement came with a synosis so i quickly read it. And i read it again making sure i read it right the first time. My thought on this was...... it sounds good and  not a potterish  in any sense. I like that she isn't really giving much on the synosis and that there is drama in this little town. I have all the confident that this would be an entertaining story however i have a good feeling that it wouldn't be as captivating as book one of harry potter. And the other feeling is that the book might have a hint of personality from the Harry Potter Series seep into it. It wouldn't be a surprise if i read the book and a certain character almost sounded or behaved like Luna Lovegood or another character sounded or behaved like Bellatrix or this character is the dumbledore of the town.  This wouldn't shock me in the least bit but overall i think the  plot would be fresh and entertaining. I trust J.K. Rowling wouldn't disappoint( and she probably have great editiors to aid her.)

To my surprise, yet again, the release date was announced too. I was stunned they did this all in one news. When i read that it would come  out this year i was more than happy about this. It has been too long since J.K. Rowling wrote another book. I think waiting a year or so wouldn't be that surprising of a news but at the same time i wouldn't be that excited about her new venture into Adult Literature. It was an excellent decision to release it this year.  Now everyone is hyped about it because they don't have to wait too long to read it. So great decision to release it this year:)

Now the world is waiting for the book cover and i hope that comes out real soon too. I hope it wouldn't be lame(e.g. like showing a picture of a town with dots as people within it  or something along those line). It should really grab the reader attention.  So, like any other reader out there, is  curious to how the book would turn out. I wonder if this book would require her to write a sequel or it's a stand alone. It just another excitment that has come across the literature world in a while (well except  The Hunger Games doing well in the box office and book sells).

As alway thanks for reading my thoughts/opinions. I know you all are curious about the book (even if you might not be a book reader). I wonder if a movie version is already been planned at this moment. I bet a movie would be made( i mean The Host by Stephenie Meyer is being made despite the fact she is a popular YA author more so than an adult writer). So I wouldn't be surprise if they announced that Warner Brother has optioned or greenlight it. Okay take care and keep dropping by here when you can. Peace.

Just discovered these clips from youtube and i just wanted to share it with you guys. These are authors that their works were turned into films. Like i stated in my early postings i love to watch films based on books. I like to either read the book first and then watch the movie or watch the movie then check out the book. So i hope you enjoy it and perhaps check out the movie to these books by authors you might already known of.  Have a great weekend and give love to the love ones in your life because you never know what tomorrow brings(  Today was Whitney Houston's funeral at the church she attended as a child. It was such a beautiful ceremony and a remembrance that we should all love one another and don't take things for granted especially your life. She will be missed.)  i just thought i needed to add that message to this post. Take care and i hope you come again to read more of my posting:)