Title: Sheep's Clothing
Author: Elizabeth Einspanier
Genre: Weird Western
Publisher: Self-published, distributed through CreateSpace
Format: Paperback, Kindle e-book
Pages: 127
Summary: When Doc Meadows takes in gravely-inured gunslinger Wolf Cowrie one night, he finds his cozy world turned upside-down by some terrifying news: three vampires have moved into the small town where he lives and works with the intent to take it over. While Wolf has his own personal reasons for hunting this trio, Doc must overcome his own doubts and fears in order to face down the most terrifying threat he has ever encountered, before Salvation becomes just another ghost town in the territories.
I am an enthusiastic reader and writer of all shades of speculative fiction, from horror to science fiction to fantasy and everything in between. My latest project is an urban fantasy spy thriller called The Cinderella Gambit, currently in progress. My short stories and poetry have been published in a number of online magazines, and I eagerly await my first sale.
I want my stories to blur the boundaries of genre fiction, so that I can freely play with the tropes and themes that come with storytelling. I hope that in the end you’ll find something you’ll enjoy reading.
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Interview:
Where are you from?
St. Louis, MO
Tell us your latest news?
I have my second book and first novel-length work coming out in February of 2015, a science fiction romance entitled Heart of Steel, about a reclusive cyborg who drops his plans for world conquest to woo a beautiful ER doctor he has taken prisoner--and who happens to be the first meaningful human contact he's had in ten years.
When and why did you begin writing?
I've been writing stories for as long as I can remember, starting with adding my own continuations to the end of the books I read because they just didn't feel done at "happily ever after".
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
In high school, when I got my first short story published in an online magazine.
What inspired you to write your first book?
Sheep's Clothing happened due to a combination of factors. One, I read Twilight and figured that I could write a better vampire story than that, so I set out to do exactly that.
Do you have a specific writing style?
My writing style varies depending on the story, but quite often it tends to be a bit dry-witted thanks to my love ot Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.
How did you come up with the title?
The title refers to the three main characters in the book, none of whom are what they first appear to be. Russeau appears to most to be a godsend, but in reality he and his companions want to drain the town dry. Wolf Cowrie appears to be a rough-edged wanderer, but his motives are noble. Additionally, he's not entirely human. Finally, Doc appears to be a nice guy and a coward in the face of the supernatural threat, but soon enough he mans up and proves himself to be a hero.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Heroes and villains can often be found in the most unexpected places. Appearances can be deceiving.
How much of the book is realistic?
I researched the heck out of the historical setting. I wanted to make sure that I provided a genuine backdrop for the supernatural elements in the story, because someone would be able to tell where I got something wrong.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
I am happy to say that I've never faced down blood-drinking monsters in my life, though I do wish I'd had the opportunity to meet someone as awesome as Wolf.
What books have most influenced your life most?
Oh, lots, ranging from the classics like Dracula and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to more moderns works like the Discworld series and Harry Potter.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Neil Gaiman.
What book are you reading now?
I've been reading Feed.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Nobody new, exactly, though I've recently been snagged by the Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz.
What are your current projects?
I'm currently rewriting a mystery/fantasy short story entitled "One Spooky Case", and working on the rough draft of a novel entitled Heart of Ice (unrelated to Heart of Steel)
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My roommate, Mike Miller, who has also served as a beta reader, historical consultant, and recipient of bounced ideas
Do you see writing as a career?
I do. Writing can support someone just as easily as anything else, but it takes a lot more skill and luck to be successful.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I might go into Doc's backstory a bit more, and do more front-end marketing before release.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I always wanted to know what happened after the "happily ever after", and decided to write my own "what next" stories.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Here's the opening sentence of Heart of Ice:
"Princess Irina Zimaburya was twelve years old when she killed her mother."
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Sometimes writing a rough draft without getting distracted by Yet Another Idea can be the hardest thing in the world. I have so many stories in my head and I want to write them all, but I only have so many hours in the day.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Terry Pratchett. His work has really evolved since The Colour of Magic, and he's able to tackle some really dark and serious topics with a wink and a nod, so that we think in between our knowing laughter.
Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Not currently. I've been mainly hitting local venues for publicity, but when my budget allows I do look forward to reaching a wider selection of locales.
Who designed the covers?
The Sheep's Clothing cover was designed by Laura Lamorette, a graphic designer I met through the St. Louis Writer's Guild.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Deciding I was done editing and ready to publish. That part scared the hell out of me, because it was something I made and I didn't know what others would think of it. I would probably still be typo hunting to this day if I didn't decide to just bite the bullet and publish the thing.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned tons, from Native American mythology to the historical details of the American frontier to a scattering of Lakota just so I could have Wolf call Doc an idiot in his native language.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Writing is hard, editing is harder, and publishing is scary. Once you get past all that, everything gets easier.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
What would you like my readers to know?
My Review:
I really liked reading this book. It was scary, and interesting at the same time. I liked Doc and how easily he changed his mind about the paranormal. Wolf was my favorite, he was a drifter, a loner and a hunter. At the end of the book we got to see an almost human side of him. The lairs were all over town and I enjoyed how Wolf and Doc took care of the lairs. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review from the author, however all opinions are my own.
The author also gave me a print copy to giveaway to a lucky reader. Please enter here:
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The author also gave me a print copy to giveaway to a lucky reader. Please enter here:
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