D.G. Sutter

Welcome to JBR.  Today we are visiting with D G Sutter. 
We are having a give away going on for March. What item are you giving away? (Anyone can win the item by going to the rafflecopter on the right hand side of the pg.)

One copy of my collection Oddly Chilling.

First why don't you tell us a little about yourself?

I started out writing poetry when I was a kid, then writing music & lyrics. After rediscovering my love for reading in my teens, it wasn’t a huge step to move into fiction. I like to think of myself as a renaissance man—writer, artist, musician. I take interest in far too many activities, more than I can actually handle.

Newest release?

  My newest, and first collection, is a book of stories called Oddly Chilling. These are a varied selection of my writings, running the gamut from strange to horrific, and erring on the side of humorous. Some have been previously published in small press anthologies, while others were handpicked from my good old writing trunk.

What can we expect from your stories, action, drama, romance,sex, blood and guts?

 Don’t expect any of this, I only write stories involving Liberace and Prosciutto. On a serious note, I try to write stories with an intensity, ones that either show a terrifying side of humanity, and what we’ve done to this world, or tales of mystery that are simply absurd. However, all of these elements make an appearance somewhere in Oddly Chilling.

Do you have a favorite character in your stories? Who? and Why?

The Gent, hands down. I would tell you why, but it’s much better to find out for yourself. Penny for a Poppin’, lass?

How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?

All of the characters I’ve killed off. I don’t like them any less, in honesty. I just feel bad about having to do the deed.

Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

The opening story “Shallow”, which originally appeared in Norgus Press’s Look What I Found! anthology, is being expanded upon in my next novel, In Dormancy, They Sleep.

Has there been any other authors who have inspired your work or helped you out with your stories?

There are so many authors who influence my writing. I have to give credit, first and foremost, to the master Poe. He was the first author that captured me as a kid and made me remember his name and love his body of work. My writings would also not be the same without the help of Chuck Palahniuk, Ray Bradbury, and Richard Matheson.

What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

Reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes and Noble are great, but moreover the power of the word takes precedent over all. You know other voracious readers. Spread the word about this hot new book on the market. It’s how success stories in the small press happen.

Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

Learn the market, know what sells, network with other writers, and for Pete’s sake read writers’ guidelines and Shunn’s formatting. Above all, be professional in your interactions. If you’re not, readers and writers alike will take note.

Do you have a favorite author? If yes, what draws you to that person’s work?

I can’t pick a favorite. There are so many great books and voices. I’m drawn to works that are different, that stray from the path of normalcy in some way. It doesn’t have to be in a fantastical sense, but must make me say ‘hey, never saw that 
before’.

Can you remember one of the first things you wrote? What makes it memorable?

The first short story I wrote. It’s in Oddly Chilling, called “The Church amidst the Hills”. How could I forget? It opened my mind.

Where do you gather most of the inspiration for your work

I’m a constant observer. Everyone always says I’m quiet, which I can be, yet in such an instance—more likely than not—I’m taking everything in and scribbling mental notes. I’d say dreams, but isn’t that so cliché? I have a very odd imagination and put myself into situations and think what if this happened? Wouldn’t THAT be odd?

Do you have any other interesting hobbies, pets or stories you would like to share?

I once had a hedgehog that was named Frodo. For some reason, we renamed him Rockefeller.

Favorite places to travel or visit?

I love to visit new places. Wherever I go, I have to stop for a moment and Google local breweries. I love craft beer and missing out on a brewery tour would be a great tragedy

And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:( Include links to were we can find your work

From one of my favorite stories, “Turners Parade”, that takes place in my fictional city of Duluth, Massachusetts:

“The day turned to night in spots about where translucent specters flew. They swam slowly across the fading blueness. I would have figured souls to be more human, but the forms were fluid tentacles, rapidly stretching and swarming like the ocean, waves of the past overwhelming the atmosphere, with faces attached to the tips.”

Thank you for visiting with us today.  We wish you continued success.

Julie Ramsey
ADM, JBR