Wednesday, November 24, 2010

TALES OF THE DIM KNIGHT - Adam and Andrea Graham - Free Book

Welcome, Adam aned Andrea. Andrea indicated she wanted Adam to answer the questions, because he did more of the writing. Now, Adam, tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Adam: I tend to, when I’m writing a character like Dave, I take a part of myself and exaggerate and augment it for the appropriate effect, often comedic. Examples: I like baseball and have an appreciation for golden age comics, and can be a bit of a goofball.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Adam: When I was at a small, independent church in Kalispell, I got on a kick that we didn’t really know when Christmas was, and insisted on singing Christmas carols in July.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Adam: When I was almost nine and I started writing Batman meets Superman fan fiction in a spiral notebook, right before the San Francisco earthquake.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Adam: Mysteries, good adventure science fiction, satire and spoofs. I have a strong appreciation for the classics.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

Adam: In terms of unpublished work, my wife, Andrea, and I have a series of futuristic dystopia/apocalyptic novels written. I’ve also penned men’s fiction reminiscent of Tuesdays with Morrie. I also drafted most of the second book of Andrea’s contemporary alternate earth series, which crosses over into the fantasy market since Earth’s twin has never progressed past monarchy and still is undergoing the industrial revolution.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Adam: Sanity? What is this sanity? Seriously, I listen to a lot of classic radio. "Lum and Abne"r are great medicine for what ails me, usually.

I used to listen to "Lum and Abner." How do you choose your characters’ names?

Adam: I go with the first name to come in my head and plan on Andrea changing it later.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Adam: Getting paid to write for Pajamas Media. I spent so many years putting my political columns out there for free, it feels great to be recognized and compensated for my work.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Adam: a whale. Then I could take a cruise and not have to pay through the nose for it.

What is your favorite food?

Adam: Sirloin steak with mashed potatoes.

Sounds just like a man--meat and potatoes. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Adam: When I run into writing problems, it usually is because I’ve taken a wrong turn in my narrative and need to make a U turn and change directions.

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Adam: Focus on learning to write. A lot of well-meaning advice pushes people to do marketing stuff before they’ve even figured out what they’re doing with their writing. Unless you’re famous, no platform can replace good craft.

Tell us about the featured book.

Mild-mannered janitor and superhero fanboy Dave Johnson gets all his wishes at once when a symbiotic alien gives him supernatural powers. But what's he to do with them? Follow his zany adventures as he fights crime and corruption while trying to keep his family together and avoid being sued for copyright infringement.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter 1

Origin

Superman fell from the sky, collided with a skyscraper, and bounced off as it toppled. The action figure crashed into a green stegosaurus grazing at the foot of the sky blue leather sofa.

Mild-mannered janitor Dave Johnson set the cardboard skyscraper upright again in the model city erected on his steel gray living room carpet.

He tugged down his Spider-Man pajama top and sent a scolding glance at his dimpled nine-year-old. “Derrick, you shouldn’t have dropped him like that.”

Derrick scratched his head. “But, Dad, you said Superman got hit with a missile.”

When would his son ever learn?

At least Derrick still cared, unlike Dave’s eldest. “A missile isn’t going to knock Superman out of the sky, son. He’s invulnerable. He might be fazed, but he’d pop right back up.”

Derrick nodded. “That makes sense.”

“All right, so get him back in the sky.”

Derrick lifted Superman back above the cardboard model of Metropolis.

Naomi called from the kitchen, “Dinner!”

Derrick wrinkled his nose. “Aw, Mom—”

“—now, son.” Dave wagged a finger. “We’ve talked about this. You need to eat.”

“But what’s going to happen to Lois Lane?”

Dave mussed Derrick’s bushy hair, black like his own. “We’ll find out tomorrow, Champ.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Visit me at http://www.dimknight.com/

Thank you, Adam and Andrea, for this fun time together.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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14 comments:

Coolestmommy said...

This sounds hillarious! What a great premise. Thank you for sharing!

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
I livein the midwest

Ann Lee Miller said...

Loved page one!
Ann Lee Miller
AnnLeeMiller.com

Charlotte Kay said...

Please enter me in this giveaway!!!!
I hail from OHIO:)
Blessings,
chakasa58 at gmail dot com

fredamans said...

What a fun interview! Thanks for offering a book!

From ON, Canada.

Andrea Graham said...

Adam and I thank you all so much for the kind comments. "Hilarious" is exactly what we hope to soon see in reviews on Amazon, etc. :)

Anne Payne said...

I think my teenage son would really like this book. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy!

Anne, NC

Katie Marie said...

Sounds like a neat read!

- Katie

legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

Im from Florida!

wmmahaney said...

Page one sounds great. In fact it could be my five year old. Would love to read this

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

Please enter me! This sounds like great fun!


dancealert at aol dot com

Ticia said...

I would love this book! I'm such a superhero fan.

Texas

apple blossom said...

would love to win this book. thanks
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Kristen said...

Sounds fun!! Please enter me:)
Thanks
Kristen from Washington State

Bakersdozen said...

This book sounds fun. I would love to win this for my teens and my preteen (I have a large family!). Southern CA

Ashley E said...

Great interview and a great sounding book! Love the beginning...