Dame Kaz
Okay people, have I got a treat for you! 
But wait, before we get to that… I completely failed to post the winner of the signed copy of CRUX by Moira Rogers (I choose to blame the Cold From Hell). So, could:
Kim S. (comment #48) drop me a line at the usual Dames address in the sidebar. Congratulations! As soon as I hear from you, I’ll pass your details onto Bree and Donna.
Dame Jackie has also given me the name of Michele Bardsley‘s winner (same drill applies re. emailing us):
# 43. Barbara Elness says: My dream job has always been to work in a library or book store. To be surrounded by books, what could be better?
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Okay, so down to business. Something a bit different today, because we have a… (gasp!) man as our Dame for a Day. And not just any man, but a founding member of The League of Reluctant Adults. He’s actually a great guy – I stalked hung out with him at the Romantic Times Convention last year – and he’s one of the warmest and funniest people I’ve met. (And stick around until the end for a great giveaway!) Yes, here is urban fantasy author Mark Henry to tell you more about himself, his work, and his push-up bra:
Mark Henry (angel or demon?)
When Kaz emailed with the totally outrageous and untested idea to have a male infiltrate the Dame-hood (not sure that’s a word, but it is now), I was intrigued. For one, Dame sounds so official and British. If I’d have been in on this from the start, undoubtedly this place would be called Deadline Bitches, but that’s just me and my aesthetic, which is seriously unladylike. For two, there’s a certain noir quality to the term that makes me want to take up smoking again, so if I do, you can all blame the Deadline Dames. In fact, that’s what it’ll say on my tombstone (or headstone, urn, or cardboard box).
So here I am, my chest flab strapped into a 48B (I’m guessing here, play along), cosmopolitan in hand, and nothing else, because I’ve tucked THAT neatly away for the remainder of this post.
Many of you know (or maybe not, if sales are any indication) that I write an urban fantasy series from a female POV. Correction: a female FIRST PERSON POV, even scarier. And so the question I get asked more than any other–yes, even more than where do you get your ideas–is what is it like to write cross-gendered (so to speak)?
I gotta say, it’s not as difficult to write from a woman’s perspective as it is to get people to drop their preconceived notions and read it. The most frequent complaint I get (and despite what you imagine, I don’t really get anything but the nicest comments from people) is that Amanda reads like a man wrote her (or sometimes a drag queen <---this one makes me laugh until I wet myself). This usually comes from people that don't know a lot of women with questionable morals, or hate really strong driven women.
You see, when I sat down to write my protagonist, it wasn't a matter of writing a woman. I was more interested in writing a character that was real, in a way that I was familiar. I've been influenced by strong women throughout my life. My father was/is a workaholic and was rarely available so the majority of my formative experiences were guided by my mother.
She's a larger than life Southern woman, who never missed an opportunity to sling a quick barb in the direction of anyone deserving (shop clerks, pinochle partners, my dad). It got to the point that I was doing it too. It's where the snark comes from. It's been bred into me. Sure enough, in relationships, I sought out strong people and found a woman who's very similar to my mother, tough and brazen and at times harsh and married her quick as shit.
To other people, they might be bitches. To me, they're normal, they're admirable, they're my loves.
And most of all, they’re so much like Amanda, you’d be shocked (not the amoral part, but the strength, and at times the vulgarity). So, it’s funny the reaction I get from them when I read the kind of comments about the books that complain about that particular thing. They usually just shake their heads.
I think it’s funny. But not particularly interesting.
I’m way more into the reason why Amanda is so amoral (and I’ve never gotten that question).
See, I used to be a psychotherapist, for about 12 years, infiltrating people’s lives, trying to help them make better decisions, understand their actions and take responsibility for their futures. And for the most part I liked each and every one of upwards of 800 clients over the course of my work. Some were very difficult to find the good in, and it was tricky. Imagine the personal work therapists have to do to help pedophiles. It’s tough, to say the least. But it’s totally doable. You just have to know where to find the positives, how to find the sexually abused kid inside the “monster” and get to work on fixing the problems that should have been dealt with in their past, rather than be allowed to fester.
Those kinds of experiences effected me deeply. I learned to connect with just about everyone, even those the majority of folks would run screaming from (and some of them, justifiably). When I decided to write an “evil” heroine it was definitely a response to that. It was natural. And, yeah, it was a challenge.
Mom always taught me to be brazen and irreverent and I think I managed it pretty well with Amanda. She’s shocking and strong, passionate and unsympathetic, funny and cruel. To me, she’s very real. She’s very damaged.
But aren’t we all?
So…I’m not sure what all I just wrote. A little confession, I’m super high right now on Benadryl–damn allergies. But I do know this, I’d love for y’all to get a chance to meet Amanda, if you haven’t already. Or if you have, take another look. Kensington (my publisher) is giving the series one more shot–just one–and reissuing HAPPY HOUR OF THE DAMNED as a mass market paperback on February 2nd. It turns out trade paperbacks were the kiss of death for urban fantasies during this recession, and the future of the series is hinging on the numbers on this rerelease. If it tanks Amanda’s done. That’s why I’m doing the Save Amanda Feral thing, which you can find out more about on my website. But no more shilling…
Since it’s the Dames (or our, since, well…forget it) Anniversary, and I’ve gotten all pretty for the event, let’s give away some crap!!!
I’m putting up two copies of my books, your choice, HAPPY HOUR OF THE DAMNED, ROAD TRIP OF THE LIVING DEAD, or BATTLE OF THE NETWORK ZOMBIES (a month prior to release, mind you) to two lucky commenters.
Also, I’ll be checking in to answer questions and just goof and stuff, so keep checking back!
–
Thanks, Mark! So, did you get all that? Mark will be around if you have questions to leave in comments (and don’t forget, he was a psychotherapist so… you know… you could ask him some ‘interesting’ stuff. *g*). And there are two signed books up for grabs – you get to choose which two. Closing date will be end of the day Friday 29th January and we’ll announce the two winners soon after.
Get commenting!
Related posts:
- Dame Free For All — No Question too Big or Small!
- Dame for a Day: Jordan Summers
- Holiday Giveaway x2
Tags: Contests, Dame for a Day, Karen Mahoney
Oh my life – a male dame – ok there’s a first time for everything lol. So Mark – how on earth did you move from psychotherapy to writing? And how does your previous job affect your new one?
Hi Mark! Thanks for being a Dame for the day
And I second SarahKay’s question: how on earth did you go from psychotherapy to writing? And did it make writing your character easier or harder?
Amanda sounds completely fascinating, am leaving a quick comment before I go off and investigate further! The transition from psychotherapist to writer sounds logical to me. I guess you would have a good understanding of how people work which must help when creating new characters. I envy you that!
)
Nikki
Broken people are so much more interesting to read about. Or to read their blogs…
Mark..fab post! and yeah..I wanna see you in that bra..hugs…
hey everyone
SAVE AMANDA FERAL!!!#teamferal
You look hot!
I love Happy Hour so much! I want to see Amanda live on! (Maybe exist on would be a better term.)
I love humor in my reading. I hope you take this as a compliment, but I’m more likely to shelve your Amanda books (I want the other two, and I will find a way!) beside Christopher Moore than I would most of the UF that I read. I love the other stuff, but the funny stuff just does it for me.
Excellent blog.
I can’t wait for your new book to come out. What is the coolest/strangest problem you dealt with as a psychotherapist. It has to be a preety cool job.
Hey y’all. I left psychotherapy because it was time. It’s not a job that most people can stick with because it does eat at you. Gone are the days where people plop down money for private sessions so you have to contract with the State and that, my friends, is HORRIBLE, let me tell you.
Caitlin – I had a client that was compelled to swallow sharp objects. For anyone who’s read Road Trip, this is going to sound familiar, because I modeled a character after him. Fishhook. He had what’s called Disorganized Schizophrenia and talked in this odd “word salad.” An amazing heart though. And lucky as hell. Don’t ask me how I know the stuff didn’t lodge itself inside him. I just KNOW.
I read your post and my first thought was, wait, they want to nix Amanda Feral? I haven’t read your books but I remember hearing ALLLLL about Amanda when the first one debuted and thought it had done well enough. . . but my next thought was, wow, I haven’t heard of either of the sequels. I didn’t even realize there was a second one out.
I know a lot of different aspects go into marketing a series, but I can’t help asking, what happened to the second book? Did I manage to miss every single guest blog you did for it? Do people just not plug series books? WHAT DID I MISS?
Sorry if this is a difficult topic, and probably a touchy one. But I’m serious. Was my perception that Happy Hour was all over the blogosphere false to start with? I am really bummed to hear about this. . . . though at least they’re giving it a last shot/head’s up. I’ve heard stories where you just don’t get the new contract and that’s it, you’re done.
Hi Mark, thanks so much for being a Dame and giving us insight into your world! The books sound wonderful and I am looking forward to reading them
I work as a counselor and therapist with teen girls (for the State) so I understand the stress that comes along with the job. I love what I do, but know that eventually I will try to move on. How has writing changed your life in respect of stress levels and do you miss working with clients?
I loved your post, and follow you on Twitter, your wit and your mouth are entertaining and you always seem to post something outrageous when I need a laugh!
Do you find it all that different being a writer then you did psychotherapist? I bet maybe not as different as some might think!
Thank you!
Hi Jess – It just goes to show, that no matter how much promo or word of mouth a book has…or doesn’t. If the book is not out there and in people’s faces, it doesn’t get sold. In this case, it was all about the price point and the sizing. Trade paperback limits a book’s sales to online and chain bookstores (some chains don’t stock books 2 months after release–special order is the kiss of death, it’s the end), for the most part. The problem is, most books are sold in Big Box stores in mass-market paperback editions. So…
I always suspected the push-up bra and the tuck. Heather has some FAB-ulous eye shadow press ons for you.
Just reading this pre-wordwars and schilling the first book to our new contestant… She will either stick around or (as you said above) run screaming.
Hi Elizabeth – Stress is WAY down, that’s for sure. And while I do miss seeing clients, I definitely don’t miss the apathy and backward bureaucracy. I don’t know what State you work for but mine is one of the most dysfunctional, poorly managed, I…I…I…have no words about how awful it was and IS.
If I ever go back to the helping profession, it’ll be as a Life Coach. No question.
Elizabeth – the biggest difference is the isolation. I went from meeting with families all day to not seeing anyone until my wife gets home from work. Otherwise, it’s still problem solving, yeah.
Wow, great answer to the unasked question. I wish I’d asked it earlier. I’ve always been amazed at how much Amanda *doesn’t* feel like she’s written by a male author (to me, anyway), so I’m surprised you get that criticism so much. But Amanda as amoral and why — I find that really, really intriguing. And I can’t help but wonder, since we’ve only seen bits and pieces of her past up through the first two books, whether Amanda was amoral *before* she was a zombie. Given her mommy issues, I suspect a lot of her baggage comes pre-zombie. The eating people thing just reinforces it.
Am I right?
Alana- Yep. In fact, there’s an “appendix’ in Battle of the Network Zombies which is essentially a Teen Amanda story. NOT at all YA, as those who’ve read it can attest. Deviance starts early.
You’re a new author to me, and you’re books sound great…will definitely add it to my ‘to buy list’! Thanks for stopping by, great post.
Mark,
I adore Dame Edna–do you know her?–and now that I know you write about rebellious women, well, I’m crushing on you, too.
OMG Dame Edna is funny. You know what else is funny? Edna is my mother’s name. No shit.
How can I nurture this crush, Melodye?
As requested on twitter, woot.
How many are being printed in mmpb? What sort of sales figures are we looking for?
TM – I have no clue what the print run is. I’m afraid to ask. But we’re looking for tons. TONS!!!!
As someone who’s recently read Happy Hour of the Damned, I LOVED Amanda. I could just picture some of the Queen Bs from high school (way back when *cough*) turning into her. Very irreverent and funny.
I hope the re-release goes well, because I’m really looking forward to more of your particular brand of humor.
Congrats on being the first male Dame (of course, after hearing what a fun drinking buddy you are, consider this your friendly warning that I may stalk you this year at RT
)
Amanda sounds fabulous . . . count me in!
Julie K – We’re going to have an awesome time at RT this year. There are going to be 15 of us from the League of Reluctant Adults. And we have some pretty awesome stuff planned. Mostly bar takeovers.
Well, i’m new to this series but I will definitely be reading these books in the near future!
Mark, was your plan from the beginning to write from a female first person POV or is that just how it came to be when you started writing? I know a lot of authors plan ahead of time and others just write whatever comes to mind. Thanks for the guest post, I really enjoyed it!
Hi Sherry – The initial premise was a mash-up of Sex and the City and Dawn of the Dead. So it was always going to be a comedy and yeah, I guess, the main character was always going to be a woman. A male protag would have done this story a disservice. Though, now that I’m in love with the show Dexter, I can see lots of different things that could have happened.
Since i haven’t read any of your books. What is the most unique things about Amanda that you love so much ?
You wanted a woot? Well have at it! —> Woot!
I haven’t read any of your books before, but will definitely have to check them out. I’m all for people being themselves, whether it’s the irreverent, normal or hard-to-know. There’s nothing like exploring the different kinds of perceptions characters can have as well as people.
I wants!! I so love Amanda. So does this mean that I have to get the other two books again in MM size??
And I refuse to say anything else that might make Mark analyze me in anyway.
Hi Mark! I’ve read the first Amanda book, and it was a real hoot! It seems like zombies have become the Next Big Thing in urban fantasy (although most are not so clever as Amanda). Any theory as to why zombie stories are so popular these days?
Hi Mark! I hadn’t heard of these and now look forward to searching them out. Thanks!
Wow, a male dame! You’ve got some guts, Mark.
Thanks for the fab post and now I’m entirely intrigued about Amanda. Many of my protagonists are male so I get the same sort of questions as to how I can write in the mind of the opposite gender…and it’s definitely not so much the sex of the character but the character him (or her) self! And I can totally see how your work as a psychotherapist has given you alot of perspective…I give you alot of credit, that line of work definitely isn’t easy!
I wish the best for your series and I will definitely check it out!
Hi Mark – I’ve read your blog for a while and follow you on Twitter for the funny. Your trip to Forks had me cracking up! The Amanda stories have been on my list to read, so I’d love to try one out!
I haven’t yet read any of your books. Happy Hour of the Damned sounds good. I wonder why it is considered any more odd to have a man write from a woman’s point of view than to have a woman write from a man’s. Must be some sexism there — but it’s Saturday and not a day for deep thoughts.
Congratulations on becoming an honorary dame!
Dear Dame Mark, Great Blog! You’ve answered questions here that I’ve been saving up for some day. I really hope the mmpb print is successful. While I like the look and feel of trade paperbacks, I can see how they can be detrimental to a book’s sales, reducing its chances.
Don’t pick me, except to share a drink in one of the bar takeovers in Columbus. See ya then!
funny post, can’t wait to start reading your series (books are on the TBR shelf, I just need the time…) and would love to be entered for a chance to win book 3
Oh, these sound so interesting! I want to save Amanda. I’ll spread the word.
Woot, a Male Dame
Most excellent.
Yeah, Trade paperback is not my favorite, and if I’m trying a new author, it wouldn’t be in anything but mass market unless I had a strong recommendation.
Your character sounds pretty cool though. I like evil and am interested in giving it a try. I’m adding the pub date of the mass market to my TBR list right now
Good luck! I wish you all the success and more you need to keep going.
Makes an interesting change to have a male Dame for the day! Great post too
)
I’ve not come across your books before but Amanda sounds like a great character so I’m off to check them out on Amazon
I adore Amanda… I love a good UF that I can giggle and be shocked at and Amanda gives me that! Great post Mark
LOL .. Nice blog Mark I feel like I know you so much better now. It all makes sense.
Please don’t enter me .. just here to show Mark Love : )
I actually prefer to read trade paperbacks. I don’t prefer the price, but I do like to read a book without straining my eyes. Man, that made my 22 year old self sound old… Lol.
And I’m always looking for comedy in my UF/PNR.
Hey Mark!
I’ve been hearing some great reviews about the upcoming Amanda Feral book and I’ve been dying to get my hands on book 1. With a reprint, maybe I’ll have better chance now. Great to meet you Mark, I’ve been warned about liquids around you, so I saved my coffee until after I was done reading your post. Good thing too.
Mariska – I love that Amanda is loyal to her friends and too the idea of a zombie. Make no mistake, she eats, she doesn’t second guess it or feel guilty about it. She finds her humanity only after death.
Beatrice – Yes. That’s exactly what it means.
Have not read you yet, but would love too, since I have only read dames so far in this genre
Something clever to ask…oh no nothing clever to ask at all!
Any tips for handling stress?
Mark, entertaining as always. Can’t wait for the reissues to come out. I’m prepared to stock up on Amanda! So, how are you liking the bra? And what color did you go with?
I came here thinking there would be pictures. Totally disappointed.
Happy Sales to you, Mark.
So now I have to buy all three books in MMPB size… that will make a total of 7 of them I (will have) purchased. (Plus I won 2 from you when Road Trip came out.) I’m going to make my sister buy her own MMPB this time, though.
I hope we help save Amanda. She’s fun and snarky & I can hardly wait to read Battle!
Thanks for all the snarking, Mark!
It’s great to see so many people turning out to chat with Mark. Sorry, I mean.. *ahem* Dame Mark.
Keep the comments coming, thanks guys! And don’t forget we have another week of giveaways for our Damiversary next week.
Cheers,
Kaz
I haven’t read your books..yet. I definitely will though because I have read a few interviews you have done and you are hilarious. I can only imagine your books are great. Good luck with sales, hopefully Amanda will be saved!
Kimberly B. – I think the upsurge is a reflection of a feeling of being out of control in the economy, war on terror, poverty, disaster. The world can’t get anymore out of control than when people die and start coming after us.
Lisa B – Not for a coffee enema, I hope.
Blodeuedd – Hmm. Tips to reduce stress. 1. Get organized, not just your shit, but your life. Plan stuff. 2. Take control, rather than letting things happen to you. You make things happen, direct your life’s progress. 3. Ditch the drama queens and emotional vampires. That’s a start!
Amanda Leigh – Blue. Satin. Demi-bra.
You are a new author for me and Amanda sounds great. I love humor; it’s obvious your gal is just oozing it. Good luck and congrats on your ground-breaking Dame status…for the day.
Hiya Dame Mark!
A male Dame! Does that make you a Mame?
Interesting post! You’ve been on my Amorphous Never-Ending TBR List of DOOOOOOM for awhile. I can’t wait to read Happy Hour of the Damned. Good luck with the MMPB sales!
Wow, your series sounds very interesting! I’m going to have to take a look at it. I’m always up for something that’s a little different!
I think Mark makes a lovely Dame. *grins*
Thanks for the reminder about Amanda, because I’ve been meaning to give her another shot. I found HAPPY HOUR intriguing – in a shockingly vulgar kind of way. (Not a bad thing.) I think I’m going to need another dose before I decide whether I love her or hate her.
I sure hope Amanda does get saved, and can stick around for awhile. Good luck.
Thanks everyone for the well wishes! Hope y’all spread the word and loud.
And Emily, it’s not just a little different. It’s disturbingly different.
Aw Melissa T – it’s okay to be vulgar every now and then, isn’t it? No one knows what you’re laughing at. Let them think it’s just everyday jokes for “normal” people. LOL
Hi Mark, as usual funny interview. At least this time I remember to pee before I read it.
So Mark, what was your favorite part about being a teenager? Your least favorite? (This outta be good)
Amanda sounds like my kinda gal/Character. She sounds like a very interesting character.
I admit I haven’t read your books yet but I will be doing a search once I get off here to find them.
SAVE AMANDA FERAL
Mark, dahling, you look hot in that bra. And Amanda is the cat’s ass. We’re going to save her, dammit!! I’ve been meaning to email you to see how I can help.
Counting down the days until Battle of the Network Zombies is out!
Hello Dame Mark!
Amada sounds like an awesome kick ass heroine–eg just what I love!
Your titles are classic, yet original. How do you know when you have *the* perfect one?
Mark ~ It’s a case of opposites attracting, at least with regards to our writing projects. LOL, a tent evangelist’s daughter takes a Road Trip with the Living Dead.
Hi Mark. Amanda is quite the character. Thanks for creating her. I hope she is around for a while yet.
Hi Mark!!! I am currently reading Happy Hour of the Damned. I have to say you actually shocked me, and I don’t shock easily. I was reading the beginning with Wendy and Amanda out for a snack. Your description was a bit more graphic and casual than I expected, and I loved it!!!
Plus, I do love Amanda’s attitude. I actually have a very good friend that is very similar. She does chew people up, but a bit less literal. You’ve done a fabulous job of capturing that personality. I cant wait to get into the next couple, and I’m going to pick up another copy as of HHotD for my cousin. I think she’ll get a kick out of it.
Excellent Dame moment for you, don’t for get a martini and a bubble bath to tie it all together.
Wow, hello Mark! Your post just about had me in stitches, and now you’ve made me really curious about your books. That sort of snarky writing is right up my alley, and I can say I will be purchasing Happy Hour Of The Damned ASAP. I only wish I had heard about you sooner! Thanks so much for taking the time to be a Dame for a Day; so glad I got to “meet” you!
I admit, I’m one of the people who was interested in your series, but didn’t pick it up because of the price point. I think I’ve only ever picked up 2 debut author in trade and even then only because I had $200 in amazon.com giftcards and all there was left over after all the books on my autobuy list. I’m from a one income family so I try to do as few trades and hardcovers as possible.
So, as someone who was interested in the series, I have to say, I’m really glad the publisher decided to give them a mmp release. They’re definitely getting picked up this time around.
Best of luck saving Amanda!
I really hope that the save Amanda Feral campaign works. This is a great series and I can’t wait for the new book.
I love the titles of your books, but admit I haven’t read them yet. There are times I feel so overwhelmed by the number of great series out there. There’s just not enough time to get to them all.
Alrighty – the first one’s on my shopping list for next month
Alright Elie N. – Favorite thing: short recovery time between erections! Worst thing: fucking school!
Emily – Titles are tricky and I like the old school horror movie ones so I try to just bastardize those as much as possible. Happy Hour of the Damned was initially The Undead Socialite’s Guide to Nightlife. But Kensington nixed that one.
If I’m allowed to write Amanda books 4 and 5, they’d be called SHIP OF GHOULS and DAWN OF THE DEADUTANTES.
okay I finally got that image of you out of my head. Thanks a lot lol. Just wanted to say lvoe your snark. Every interview by that I read has me laughing out loud. Your description of your mom reminds me of me. I am going to check my tbr shelf and see if I have your first book. If not i will have to remedy that.
hi mark, so glad your here that’s funny that some people think of amanda as a drag queen! I disagree, i think of the series as sex and the city with vamps, zombies an all other kinds of things that go bump in the night
enjoying the series kai.
Don’t enter me in the contest. I have all the books. Multiple copies even, lol.
Let me tell you people, BUY. THESE. BOOKS. Freaking hilarious, well-written, addictive, etc etc etc. Just buy them, okay? Trust me. Would I steer you wrong??
No, Mark didn’t bribe me to say this. It was whatever he put in the blue drank. hehehe
Am currently reading ROAD TRIP, and clearly Amanda is the most fun, most engaging, most KICK-ARSE heroine I’ve ever come across. No lie. And I read a lot of books in a genre supposedly dripping with kick-arse heroines. I say supposedly because none of them can compare to Amanda’s sheer awesomeness
Thanks for creating her, and sharing her with us, Mark – you’re an absolute gem!
Mark;
I haven’t read your work yet, but, I will now. I plan on picking up the first Amanda book on the 2nd.
[...] Dame for a Day: Mark Henry « Deadline Dames [...]
Hi Mark
Thank you for the great post! And the comments and answers are just as good as the post. I love your humor & I hope everyone saves Amanda!
All the best,
RKCharron
Really, you, your bra and cosmopolitan, that’s an image I’d rather not have stuck in my head
)
Since I prefer paperbacks to trade size, I’m happy your first book is being released in paperback. I hope the sales are phenomenal, so the rest can be released that way as well. If not I just may have to suck it up and pick up the trade size, since it seems that your books are not to be missed.
Nice bra Mark. lol.
Amanda sounds interesting. I hope she does get saved.
So you were a psychotherapist. Wow, so what was your fav and least fav part of that job??
I keep meaning to start this series, but haven’t gotten around to it. This would be the perfect chance to start it! Might try getting a hold of book 1 at least either way though.
Sam – My favorite part was helping people. Least: working with the State and insurance companies that would rather see providers fail than pay.
Okay first off thanks for coming to be a Dame for A Day you brave man you. I follow sporadically the League of Reluctant Adults and since I am one find all of you particularly fun to read. Mark am sad to say have not read anything you have out there, sadly this is not due to finances but do to so many authors already reading have not gotten around to your books yet, my bad!
Thanks for the fun post today and “disturbingly different” indeed but since my favorite Kenyon character is the Demon character “Simi” your work is right up my reading alley, count me in as a new fan who put your books on my To Buy List.
jackie b central texas
Mark: your books have been on my wishlist, but I’m ashamed to say I hadn’t gotten to them yet–looks like I’d better move them up the list!
Melissa – yep…and quick.
Wow not only are you a male Dame, but you write in the female POV. I love it.
While I have never read any of your books, after this interview, I now have you on my TBR list.
I have heard soooo many gr8 things about Mr. Henry! Thank you do much for sharing? There is one question I like to ask all authors I encounter. And that question is this. What made you decide to become an author? Is there one defining event or moment that you would care to share with us?
Thanks!
hi there I have not read any of your books yet but would really love too. if i don’t win im definitely going to go pick them up. it is also so cool you are dame for a day.
It’s great to have a male dame!
Hey, Mark! I saw this on your Facebook, but I originally found you at BBB. I also watch Dexter. Victoria’s Secret will size for free. I write male or female, too (and am female). My RPG buddy likes my Spike from Buffy. I haven’t read the books yet, but I’d love to win them.
Haven’t had lots of reading time. But I would recommend you. 
I hope they keep your series. Gotta support the campaign!
Looking forward to reading your books!
Wow! several firsts for me today — first visit to Deadline Dames and first time hearing about Amanda Feral.
I’m so excited to add Mark to my TBR list and hopefully will get to know more of you here on DD.
Hoping they keep your series!! Good luck!
I haven’t gotten my Mark Henry’s books, but I cannot wait! I go and check the date they are supposed to be arriving! But I am so excited! He is just so funny!
Are your characters modeled from someone you know?
I am thankful for 2 good used bookstores and a GREAT library in my area so I can get the trade size books that I normally wouldn’t spend my limited book budget on. I look forward to reading your series. Sounds like it is right up my alley ;D
I know, I’m late. I suck. I just wanted to say that I get you even more now. My husband works in an innercity ER– it’s the hospital that all the other hospitals send people to they don’t want. He’s been a floor RN, a charge nurse and now he’s a clinical something or other. The humor in the ER is a lot like yours- you either laugh or go nuts with the stress of the job. I listen to his stories, as long as they don’t include bugs. You heard me right BUGS…on bodies. Shudder.
Thanks for the cool post and contest.
Oooh, I’d love the first two!
Kate -I felt like I had some stories to sell and I got frickin’ tired of the my job. I wish I could say it’s something I’ve wanted to do all my life, but being an author was pretty low on the list, after architect and being the host of my own fabulous TV talk show.
AleBB – Hmm, did I just dirtify two books for you at University Books? I’m thinking I did. And yeah, the tone of the character’s dialogue is very much the same kind of thing you’d hear from me and my friends. As for the rest of their make-up (and I don’t mean that in a cosmetic sense) they are totally fictional.
Kate – I meant “tell” not “sell” though now that I think about it, that too. Definitely.
Hey! I was a Dame last year… Mark is following in my high heel steps!
Speaking of which, I need to find them because I’m Dame-ing again soon…
Funny… How did you even know it was me? -LOL- but yes, I think you did
Is there a limit as to how many q’s we can ask?
-How do you approach writing a book? Do you outline everything first? Do you name your characters before you start writing about them?
Any idea who you would want cast as Amanda and Wendy if they ever did Happy Hour as a movie?
Or a series on Showtime?
Or a cartoon on Adult Swim?
Or a even a softcore porn anthology series on Skinemax hosted by some retired adult film star who looks sixty even though she’s only 38, because it’s been a really rough 38 (if you know what I mean)?
Whichever. I’m just wondering if you ever had a particular actress in mind.
Do you have anything written on SHIP OF GHOULS yet, or are you working on your other stuff until you hear the publisher’s decision on Amanda?
AleBB – Not sure what triggered the thought that it was you. Hmm. I do outline. But that’s not the first thing I do. The first thing is usually the premise and inspiration cues. For the Amanda series, the premise was: What if Samantha from Sex and the City died and got up to eat people? But then my inspiration was more along the lines of John Waters’ films and Absolutely Fabulous, than strictly Sex and the City. Sometimes I write an entire piece with a specific name in mind and the find/replace before I send it in. I’m a fickle bitch, that way.
Thom – When I was writing Amanda, she looked a hell of a lot like Jennifer Connelly, but now that I look back on the series I think she needs a bigger mouth. My pick is… Vanessa Ferlito from Death Proof. Elizabeth Banks from Zach and Miri Make a Porno would be perfect for Wendy. Jay Hernandez from Quarantine would be an awesome Gil and I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Gabriel Macht didn’t completely fuck his career in The Spirit (he’d do in a pinch for Scott, I think).
As you guys might know Showtime at one time had the option on the series, but it’s since been dropped. Booooooo!
Ship of Ghouls is totally outlined and that was presented to my pub months ago, beyond that I’ve moved on and completed a YA novel under a pseudonym and am about to start work on another filthy epic of comedic urban fantasy called FLAMING CREATURES.
Yay! I just got Happy Hour of the Damned from my mom and I’m so excited to read it! Amanda sounds awesome.
What inspires you to write?
What do you do when you are blocked?
I have just read excerpts of the book… I hope they do a series or a cartoon like Tom said =)
Rachel – Awesomely evil. Muhahaha!
AleBB – Inspirations: independent film, really fucked-up accidents, people doing stupid crap, the news, horror movies, Vh1 Celebreality.
When I’m blocked I write a really trashy sex scene and then challenge myself to keep it in the book. That’s how the character Scott came to be in Road Trip.
Hi again ^.^ Thanks for answering all my q’s, and they still come at random moments.
-How and when did you start to write?
-By any chance, do you like Alan Moore’s “Watchmen”? Is so, who’s your favorite character? [I know, random]
-What book, or author is the one that has influenced your writing?
-What advice would you give to someone who wants to get published?
Mark,
Your books sound awesome. And I’ll admit that I had to curb the book buying and that yours was always on my list, but I haven’t read any of them yet but I look forward to reading them all.
AleBB – You’re just full of questions, huh? Well, I started to write in April of 2006, by tinkering with short stories and reading well.
I liked the movie Watchmen (Rorshach was my fave), haven’t read the graphic novel.
I’d say Stephen King has had a lot of influence on my writing as has David Sedaris.
Advice: take criticism and work with it. The minute you think you’ve got something awesome hit yourself with a sockfull of pennies, cuz it can always be better. ALWAYS.
Fantastic!
I look forward to reading these!
I guess I am, full of questions I mean =)
-Who’s your favorite author? Why?
-What’s your favorite book? Why?
-What book has changed your life?
K, so just made a superquick visit to your website, and I feel a little dirty! Cool. I checked out Amanda’s page and I love her ‘voice’. She sounds kind of like I do in my head, when I’m PMS’ing, and about one week into quitting smoking, and out of chocolate. Gotta like a chick like that.
Thanks for dropping by!
AleBB – Author: Christopher Moore
Book – The Stand
Book that changed my life: Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
I’d love to enter this, if it’s open worldwide
I very much enjoyed the first two Amanda Feral books, and I’m looking forward to #3.
Dovile – I don’t see a problem with that.
Love Amanda! When I found out I was heading to Seattle (well, Victoria for a funeral – no zombies were involved – but with a side trip to Seattle), I looked through my pile of TBR books for a good ‘Seattle area’ book. People on the ferry were looking at me because I was snickering so loudly at Amanda’s hijinks. She introduced me to the Mark’s weird Seattle while I enjoyed the ‘real’ Seattle.
Woot woot! First male Dame…and what a Dame!
I’ve never had the chance to read your books but i already know i would love them, i’m a big fan of the league of reluctant adults and i love your humour. You never fail to make me laugh .
I have to ask, is this series translated in French? Hehe i have friends’ birthdays coming up and i’m sure they’d love to meet Amanda too
Sadly, no. Caroline. Though if you’d like to put the screws to a French publisher for me. I’m sure Kensington wouldn’t mind!
It will be published in Italian, though.
It’s always great to be exposed to new great authors. I’d love to pick up one of your books!
Great post! For some reason I’m picturing you dressed as a southern belle sipping ice tea with a five o’clock shadow
Your books are definitely on my tbr pile and I signed up for the Literary Escapism mini-challenge with the League writers so I’ll definitely be reading your books soon.
Not only are trade paperbacks more expensive, they just don’t fit into my purse so well.
I gotta wonder about the marketing and pea brains at the chains, too. The way I met Amanda Feral is that while shopping at my local B&N in the City of F**k Wits (you know, the crappy little burg to north of you off 320th, where zombies pick up late night snacks)I cruised through the romance section on the way to SF/Fantasy (next to each other in this store) and my eye was drawn to the new release of Road Trip of the Living Dead. It didn’t have that typical romance look or title, but “living dead” beats romance any day. A quick perusal told me this book was right up my alley and I went and found Happy Hour of the Damned (I have to read the first book in the series before the second). If anybody thinks Amanda Feral is your typical romance heroine I have some questions about your love life! But humor is something I can definitely go for in my urban fantasy – and it’s something I’d like to see more of.
As for Amanda sounding “manly”, I don’t get that. There are far more books out there written by men with a female protaganist that sound false than yours. I’d even be happy to name names if it wouldn’t take away from you. I don’t subscribe to the notion that one can only write about one’s own gender, race, nationality, what have you (although I can think of a very popular internationally series written by a man of a different race and nationality that rings so false to me I can’t bear to read the books).
I take comfort in the knowledge that even if Amanda dies your snark will live on.
There’s nothing wrong with a strong and confidant female. I’ve notread andof the books aboutAmanda but I will be looking for them when the are released again.
I’m very interested in reading a female point of view from a male…LOL.
Ooh, just in time.
Mark, that was a very entertaining post to read.
I’ve seen the first book on the shelves several times, and picked it up, but never got around to reading it. Now I will definitely be picking it up next time.
Nice to see you branching out and being a dame for a day!
Hope to see you in evening wear whennext we meet!
HI!
You are the best dame for a day EVER!
I’m surprised people think Amanda sounds like a guy wrote her…my reaction was the exact opposite. My first thought was that you wrote a woman better than a lot of women writers and Amanda is funny as hell!
Much love!
Mark ur an aweosme funny guy whos books have touched my heart in away i never really knew untill one day i was requesting them from my local libarary i got that funny look libaraians give.So i Said shouldnt look down upon those of us who have taste.Now of course when the second rolls around cnat rush out and buy it tilla fter the 3rd cause well the weathers nasty but i just wanted to drop in say hello and tell you ur work rocks
Hi Mark, thanks for Being a Dame for a day.
I meet you at my one and only RT08 and you signed my bag along with some of the other awesome League of Reluctant Adults.
Absolutely Fabulous,was one of my favorite shows!
Eddy and Patsy just crack me up. one of my Fav. quotes…I feel like I had slipped on a oilpatch at 35 and now I’m skiing towards the grave!
Mark I cant wait for Christopher Moore’s bite me.
I now want to read Happy Hour of the Dammed more than ever… rambling
here’s my question
If you could live a day as a character form a favorite book who would it be, and why?