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This is the thread for the December Group Read where we will be readingOdd Man Out by James Newman. As a very special treat, James has graciously agreed to come along for the ride as a guest author and answer all of our questions, provide insight into how Odd Man Out came to be, and many more tidbits on his work and the world of an author, in general.

You can grab a copy of Odd Man Out on Amazon for $2.99 starting Nov. 21st (you can also pre-order your copy now).

Cant wait for this. I just preordered it!

Thank you, Vicki. I'm looking forward to this!

James, could you tell us how this story came to be?

I've always wanted to write something that affected the reader in the same way that Jack Ketchum's THE GIRL NEXT DOOR affected me the first time I read it. I would never presume for my work to be as great as that of a genre legend like Jack Ketchum, of course, but tone-wise that's what I was going for -- something very bleak, brutal, and uncomfortable. A story that wasn't, to be honest, entirely "enjoyable" (inasmuch as most books are read for entertainment). But at the same time, I wanted such a story to mean something. Not just to disturb the reader, but to make him or her think, to leave him or her changed in some small way. The subject matter of ODD MAN OUT is something that's very important to me, and I thought a horror story would be a good vehicle to show it.

I could go into even more depth by telling you a true story that happened to my wife and me, one that really kicked off ODD MAN OUT. I started writing it not long after this happened. But I can't give too much away at this point . . . it's in the book, so you'll read more about it soon (and we can discuss!). It's in the first 3 pages, in fact. The outcome isn't the same -- especially where the wife is concerned (my wife insisted that I make sure everyone knows this!) -- but it happened almost word-for-word the way it happens to the narrator in ODD MAN OUT.

This will make more sense soon, I promise. :)

I might not be able to wait until the first to read and find out what you mean!

Here's a brief excerpt, read by yours truly (it gives away what I alluded to earlier, but it's only the first 4 or 5 pages . . . still, I'll understand if you guys prefer to wait!):

James, can you give us a little history on how you became an author? Who were your influences? What were the trials and tribulation of getting published and did anyone help you along the way?

This sounds like a great book.

Ken wrote: "James, can you give us a little history on how you became an author? Who were your influences? What were the trials and tribulation of getting published and did anyone help you along the way?"

I've been scribbling little short stories into spiral notebooks ever since I could read/write. I remember filling a whole journal full of them, along with illustrations, when I was in the 5th grade (I have a great story I'll tell you sometime about how that book got me in trouble . . . yet it might be responsible for where I am today). I found that book a year or two ago at my mom's house, and I was nearly brought to tears with the rush of memories it brought!

My main influences back in the day were Stephen King and Dean R. Koontz. These days, I'd say Stephen King, Joe R. Lansdale, Bentley Little, and Ed Gorman (R.I.P, my friend).

I think I got pretty lucky, in regards to the "trials and tribulations" of getting published. When I was starting out I did receive my fair share of rejections where short stories were concerned, of course -- it still happens, in fact, and probably always will -- but my first novel (MIDNIGHT RAIN) was accepted by the first publisher I submitted it to. That's pretty unheard-of, ya know. I did get a lot of great advice along the way, and after I proved myself with that first sale, the aforementioned Ed Gorman graciously provided a Foreword for the limited hardcover edition of MIDNIGHT RAIN. I was afraid it was all some huge joke, that someone was gonna suddenly pull the rug out from under me and tell me that I was a hack and I should give up this writing dream . . . but Mr. Gorman gave me the confidence I needed to carry on, when he did that for me. I'll never forget it.

Kellie wrote: "This sounds like a great book."

Thanks, Kellie! I hope you'll pick up a copy and participate in the Group Read. It's gonna be fun.

James wrote: "Ken wrote: "James, can you give us a little history on how you became an author? Who were your influences? What were the trials and tribulation of getting published and did anyone help you along th..."

I've heard a lot of authors/publishers say a lot of good things about Mr. Gorman.

James has graciously offered to send one lucky member, who participates in the Group Read, a signed copy of Odd Man Out once the read is completed! Talk about the Christmas gifts that keep on coming. We must've been good this year! Thanks, James!

Ken wrote: "James has graciously offered to send one lucky member, who participates in the Group Read, a signed copy of Odd Man Out once the read is completed! Talk about the Christmas gifts that keep on comin..."

My pleasure. Make it two.

That's so generous of you, James. :)


I'm holding off on the excerpt. I just want to devour the story all at once.

James, I know most writers will say that this is like picking which of your children is your favorite, but I'm going to put your feet to the fire. Out of all the stories that you're written, (short story, novella, and novel) which is your favorite?

Ken wrote: "James, I know most writers will say that this is like picking which of your children is your favorite, but I'm going to put your feet to the fire. Out of all the stories that you're written, (short..."

Ooooh . . . that's tough. Why would you do this to me, Ken? :)

OK, if I had to -- I mean, if someone were to hold a gun to my head and make me choose -- I would probably reply have to say:

- favorite short story: "The Lost Memories of Freddy Frehling" (written a couple months ago, currently unpublished . . . this one's not a horror story but a tale of an elderly superhero and his adult son and daughter who are dealing with the fact that he's no longer what he used to be, physically or mentally)

- novella: ODD MAN OUT (so very proud of this one, I think it might be the best thing I've ever done, and I've had others tell me they think so too)

- novel: UGLY AS SIN (if nothing else, this one was the most fun I've ever had writing anything, and I like to think this shows in the finished product)

My book just showed up on my kindle. I love the cover!!

Ugly As Sin was SO good!
I haven't opened my Kindle yet today, but I got the email that my book has arrived! I will try hard to wait until December to start. :)

I got mine today!

Looking forward to this! Got my copy today! Come on December!

Anybody on the fence? I've got one e-copy to give away, as long you'll promise to participate in the discussion next month.

First person to send me a PM gets it. :)


JN

Just looked on my Kindle and got a nice surprise. Odd Man Out! Looking forward to December....

I just bought Odd Man Out, but I have to finish Midnight Rain first. I'm loving it by the way.

Thanks for the kind words, Anna. Admittedly, I cringe a little bit these days when I re-read certain passages of MIDNIGHT RAIN. But it was my first, so hopefully I've improved since then. 'RAIN still holds a very special place in my heart.

James wrote: "Thanks for the kind words, Anna. Admittedly, I cringe a little bit these days when I re-read certain passages of MIDNIGHT RAIN. But it was my first, so hopefully I've improved since then. 'RAIN sti..."

I really enjoyed Midnight Rain. I'm sure it's in your DNA to dissect your own work and look for the flaws. For me, I think it has shades of McCammon's Boy's Life, which happens to be my all-time favorite tome. So, dont listen to James be ultra-critical of his work. Do yourself a favor and pick up Midnight Rain. Lol.

James, a few people have mentioned the cover of Odd Man Out and it is indeed a memorable and stand out cover in a sea of forgettable ones on my shelf. What can you tell us about it? How did it come about? Did you have any input on it's design?

No wonder we get along so well, Ken. BOY'S LIFE is my all-time favorite novel too! Sheer perfection.

And thank you so very much. :)

Ken wrote: "James, a few people have mentioned the cover of Odd Man Out and it is indeed a memorable and stand out cover in a sea of forgettable ones on my shelf. What can you tell us about it? How did it come..."

I'm really pleased with both of the covers (that of the limited edition released this past summer as well as the trade-paperback/digital edition that was just released). I did have input in both of them, and even got to pick the artist for the limited edition (an incredibly talented guy from the U.K. named Luke Spooner). With that one I was looking for something very subtle, and came up with the idea of a somber scene in which one camper is staring out across the lake while the "odd man out" sits on a raft in the middle of the lake, looking forlorn. Cut to a couple months ago, when I signed the contract for this new edition. I thought it would be cool to go in a more flat-out HORROR direction. I still wanted it to be somewhat subtle, and asked the publisher to relay to the artist that I would prefer not to go too crazy with blood splashed everywhere, and I'm very pleased with the way it turned out. Ben Baldwin is a phenomenal artist, and I'm pleased that I finally got to work with him after seeing all my friends and peers beat me to it. :)

I'm in! Need to finish my current read and then I can start Odd Man Out. The cover is great!

Anna wrote: "I just bought Odd Man Out, but I have to finish Midnight Rain first. I'm loving it by the way."

I just started Midnight Rain and so far its a page-turner!

The limited edition of Odd Man Out is a beauty and looks great on my James Newman shrine with all my other limited editions plus all the Still waters memorabilia. Will have to post a picture James once I get all the posters framed. Can't wait for the reading, will be fun but I think you need to do a short standup comic routine to lure us all into a safe and happy place just before you yank the carpet out from under our feet.

Hahaha . . . funny you should mention comedy, Steve. Rick approached me the other day with an idea for a feature-length COMEDY, asked me to write it. While a lot of my stuff does have a streak of twisted humor to it, I'm not sure I'm the guy for that.

Might be fun to try, though . . . who knows . . . .

nothing ventured nothing gained..think that would be fun too..true test there cause comedy can be very hard to write

T-minus three hours and counting as we gear up to take on James new novella, Odd Man Out. I feel like a kid staring at my present under the tree on Christmas Eve!

Awww. You're too good to me, Ken. :)

I'm on pins n' needles, hoping the book doesn't disappoint!

James wrote: "Awww. You're too good to me, Ken. :)

I'm on pins n' needles, hoping the book doesn't disappoint!"

If it's anything like Midnight Rain, It won't disappoint. It looks like I'll finish Midnight Rain just in time to start Odd Man Out.
You have a character named Laymon in the above mentioned, Is that a nod to Richard Laymon?

But of course, Anna! :)

Very nice. Another favourite of mine.

I started the book and am at about 25 % which is Day 2.

James, I like how you are describing all the characters. Do you tend to base your characters on people you have come across?

I also like how you are setting a mood of unease. When I read (view spoiler)[I never got to know much about David because of what happened a couple days later. (hide spoiler)] It made me both eager and afraid to know what he was referring to?

Going to read on tonight.

Thanks so much for the kind words, Vicki, and for your question. Good one!

The easy answer to your question is probably: "Sort of, sometimes." LOL

I try to stay away from basing my characters on real people. I will use a trait here, a trait there, maybe, but I've never written a character that would make someone I know say, "Hey, that's me!" That's a good way to end friendships . . . especially considering the terrible things my characters do to one another. ;)

One thing I do have fun with is naming my characters, mixing up the first/last names of real people. It might be the first name of a friend/relative who is nothing like the character in question (again: dangerous) paired with the last name of a minor celebrity/co-worker/etc . . . or vice versa. A few examples: Ginyard is the surname of a guy who played basketball for the University of North Carolina a few years ago (I'm a huge 'Heels fan) . . . I knew more than one bully named Sean back in the day . . . Treadway is the last name of a Theater professor at our local community college (I was her Assistant Director on a stage production of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD last Halloween, which was obviously right up my alley) . . . Sellars is the maiden name of a lady I work with . . . Patwin was a guy I despised in elementary school . . . Groh was my orthopedic surgeon following a serious accident I had in 2014 . . .

I could go on and on, and I would undoubtedly bore you to death. But you get what I'm saying. I'm not sure that I even consciously do this, but these people have passed in and out of my life through the years -- on good terms and bad -- so I guess it's inevitable that a writer's subconscious brain pays tribute to them in some small way when searching for character names that sound real.

Glad to know the sense of unease is working for you, BTW. Mission accomplished!

I will say that David's fate is probably the last thing you'd expect, though. Poor David and his . . . well, you'll see. LOL

Enjoy!

I'm on Day 2. I already feel sorry for poor Wesley!

Getting ready to bust into this one tonight. I can't wait!

Finished Day One and I already feel transported back in time to my childhood. This is exactly how everyone was when we were kids. I can almost taste the lake water.

Glad to hear you're enjoying it, guys!

Well, I didn't do a good job pacing myself with this book. The pages flew by and I couldn't stop reading. I finished it.

David (view spoiler)[ turned out to be the lucky one. But also a "what if" butterfly effect in the story. (hide spoiler)]

Todd (view spoiler)[ though his infatuation with Josie added to his delinquency in watching over the boys, he didn't seem to have to right skills to be a camp counselor in the first place. BUT... if you grew up in the 80's (and 70's) like I did you know that kids weren't watched like they are today. You would leave in the morning and be home with the streetlights. You would be at the pool or the beach with no supervision. That kind of thing. It is amazing we all survived childhood. And, like in this story, some did not. (hide spoiler)]

James, I did like how you showed (view spoiler)[ that even though things have changed, (Tolerance and respect for LBGT people and their familes. Especially with my kids' generation. Their high school looks very different socially and what looks like progress to me is just their normal.) Some things have not changed (the whole church having a discussion and vote about the boy scout issue). Lots to think about. (hide spoiler)]

I'm in the same boat. I chewed through 40% of the story, last night, and I had to force myself to put on the brakes. I don't see that kind of restraint today.

One thing I'm curious about, James. Did you ever go to summer camp as a kid?

I did. And I remember a bully set his sights on me while I was there. It wasn't anything I couldn't handle, really, although it made an experience that I otherwise enjoyed a little less enjoyable. I'll be talking a little more about this in an interview I'm doing this weekend with UNNNERVING magazine.

Glad to hear everyone's digging it. Thanks again for the kind words.

I couldn't put this book down and finished the book about an hour ago!

No comments yet as I don't want to spoil anything for those getting ready to or still reading this story.

But, I will say - James, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will be looking forward to reading more of your work.

Wow. All I can say is wow! I could see this actually happening not only when I was a kid, but also spiraling out of control with today's generation.