1). Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a fan of science fiction, fantasy and horror and have read genre books and watched genre films all my life. I am a mom of adult children, I practice law and enjoy improving my skills in 3D art and animation. My writing is adult-themed horror, fantasy, and science fiction with paranormal and erotic romance. I co-host the podcast Discussions from the Otherhood Saturday evenings at 9pm EST https://www.talkshoe.com/conf/show/discussions-from-the-otherhood where we discuss all things related to diversity and entertainment media.
2). Who is your favorite vampire author?
For pure fear factor Stephen King's Salem's Lot takes the prize. Recently however after being exposed to the television show I read the graphic novel The Strain by Guillermo Del Toro and was really taken with how well the horror was depicted in phantasmagorical sequential static images. I see now how it translated so smoothly onto the small screen. In addition, if one was to count screenplays I would also have to mention David Goyer giving kudos to his original Blade screenplay and recently I have started reading the works of Roxanne Bland who weaves a delicious blend of sci-fi, horror and romantica.
3). If you had the choice, would you be a vampire?
If we consider the vampire as this solitary creature that treats the world as a twenty-four hour buffet then no. I have no interest in that. If the vampire trope is extended to include societies of vampires who are able to interact and commune with each other and the world civilly, then why not?
4). Who is your favorite vampire?
Mitchell (John Mitchell) from Being Human is the most endearing, frightening, engaging vampire ever to hit any screen. Being Human is on my list of the top television shows, ever; due in large part to the fantastic acting of the ensemble cast headed by Aidan Turner who plays Mitchell, a vampire whose blood-thirst is an addiction which he tries desperately and unsuccessfully to kick while trying to live life as a human alongside his werewolf and ghost roommates. I re-watched the show again recently and it still holds up.
5). What do you like the most about Slay?
In the Slay anthology there are so many writers with their own voices and techniques for storytelling. I really enjoy when writers are provided a theme then in adherence to the theme they all come back with stories that are unique. Nicole Givens-Kurtz has aggregated a motley crew of talent so it is my expectation that Slay will be a fantastic read.
6). What inspired you to write “Unfleamed”?
I had conceived of this story a long time ago. The purpose was to explain how my characters connect to the characters in Bram Stoker's Dracula. The idea of this anthology where we get to express the vampire lore and mythos from the points of view of over two dozen authors each touching on the diaspora really encouraged me to complete it.
7). Tell us a bit about your story.
“Unfleamed” begins in a Whitechapel alley, 1890. Our heroine, Yannara is the head of a vampire/human hybrid clan who wakes up paralyzed from a blood engorged stupor beside the corpse of a blood drained and mutilated streetwalker. How did she get there? How will she get out of there? And why is someone hiding in the shadows watching her? The story answers these questions and introduces the reader to backstory surrounding Dracula's trip to England.
8). What do you hope to accomplish with “Unfleamed”?
I am hoping that this introduction to my characters will spark interest in my other works, and I am hoping specifically that African Americans will read and decode the allegory behind the works to ask questions about the use of speculative fiction to tell our tales.
9.) Will there be more stories like Unfleamed?
There is a novel already in circulation, Regarding Koescu, Revenant Lineage Book I; and the second book in the series, The First Book of Ramona is scheduled for release October 30, 2020.
10). How do we keep up with all things Penelope Flynn?
If you want to know what I'm doing and where I am you can join my FB page https://www.facebook.com/PenelopeFlynnMedia/, and/or check out my website https://www.PenelopeFlynn.com, and if you want to show your support for my projects join me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/Penelope_Flynn
11). What advice would you give to Slay readers about this anthology?
I would urge readers to consume the tome with the understanding that there are many diverse voices telling these stories. The point of view that they have normally been accustomed to in vampire lore may be changed or nonexistent based upon the filter through which these tales are told. So I would admonish them to reserve judgment, keep an open mind. They should sit back, relax and let the plots and characters reveal themselves. Even if the reader runs into a few stories that may not be their cup of tea, I am certain that with all the talented voices involved in this project there will be something for everyone.
To read Unfleamed by Penelope Flynn and the other amazing stories in this fantastic anthology, preorder your e-book today!
For more exciting speculative fiction titles,
visit Mocha Memoirs Press
Comments