Author Profile:
name: Kristopher Norris
Books Published: BlackJack (The Chronicles of Vincent Black, Vampire Assassin #1)
Where to find the book: Amazon, bookdepository.com, Indiebound, Barnes&Noble, indigo, abebooks, half.com, alibris, goodreads
Where to find the author: his website, twitter, goodreads
Books Published: BlackJack (The Chronicles of Vincent Black, Vampire Assassin #1)
Where to find the book: Amazon, bookdepository.com, Indiebound, Barnes&Noble, indigo, abebooks, half.com, alibris, goodreads
Where to find the author: his website, twitter, goodreads
Quick bio:
Kristopher Norris currently lives outside of Omaha, NE with his beautiful daughter. The Chronicles of Vincent Black Vampire Assasin are the first of his writings to be published under his own name.
Kristopher Norris currently lives outside of Omaha, NE with his beautiful daughter. The Chronicles of Vincent Black Vampire Assasin are the first of his writings to be published under his own name.
Interview:
Hi Kris! Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions.
Thank you, Morgan, for your interest in my work, taking the time to review Blackjack, and to allow me to be a small part of your blog. I do hope you and your readers enjoy it! I truly have. Thank you!
Q: You said that you used to be a ghost writer, in what ways is that different than the writing and publishing process that you went through with BlackJack?
A: Oh lord, night and day! It’s much more frightening to be out there, doing it on my own. There is no buffer between me and the readers. My name is the one on the cover; daunting, to say the least, but also a wonderful change. I can’t even begin to express how amazing it felt to hold my book. I wasn’t handed a plot and told what to write or how to write it. I don’t have to give up characters I love anymore. I’ll never go back to ghost writing. I feel like I’ve been accepted as an author. I’ve still got a lot to learn about the publishing and publicizing but I’ll get there. Every story will get better; I can feel it.
Q: Nowadays every single author seems to have their own version of vampires. You have sparkly ones, ones that don’t have to drink blood, evil ones, good ones, ones that turn into ash with the sun, and etc. Where did you draw inspiration for your particular vampires from?
A: It’s true. Everyone and their brother have their own vampire. But, the idea isn’t as new as people might think. In nearly every culture around the world there is some type of vampiric lore. Only in relatively modern times have we had “vampires”. Early tales of blood drinking demons and spirits gave way; mixing and matching, developing over the centuries into what we now think of. There are a few traits that have been fairly common; blood drinking, evil, and tragedy. How vampires are made, or born, what drives them, how they look, and magical abilities vary greatly from legend to legend… yet none of them ever sparkled like a disco ball…
Which is part of the beauty of writing vampires… we get to shape them as we want.
Both modern literature and cinema are strongly influenced by European tales. The 18th century was likely the biggest boom for vampiric lore. As it moved from Transylvania into central and northern Europe, the stories began to solidify into the modern vampire. But, even now, as you pointed out we have as many breeds of vampires as we have authors writing about them.
Personally, I feel Stoker’s Dracula, was amazing. Relateable, more than human yet driven by emotions, Dracula was always a fascinating character; also, a perfect example of lore being changed and manipulated by the author. I could talk about Dracula – the character – for hours. He was ruthless and cunning, intelligent, angry, bitter, vengeful, and did it all for love. The man went to war with GOD for the woman he loved! No sappy poetry-reading, teeny angsty malarkey, for that guy!
Anne Rice clearly a huge reason we have the vampires we do today…definitely one of my early influences.
Laurell K. Hamilton took the human interaction out of the limited, “must kill or be killed”. Vampires and humans can co-exist, be friends, comrades, lovers, and maybe even a little slutty with one another…
Like ALL authors of vampire stories, I’ve taken what I like, or need, from all over the place. Traditional, modern, and even making stuff up, it’s the fun of fiction. Suspension of disbelief is a fine line to walk. The laws you set, as a writer, will make or break your world. Too strict and you’ve limited yourself; too loose and you’re world fall apart as unbelievable.
So…. to sum up… a lot of places.
Q: Okay, this next question is one that a friend of mine wanted me to ask you. Do you like Doctor Who, if so, who is your favorite doctor?
A. You know that old saying, “Never discuss politics or religion”… I firmly believe that needs to be modified to include the Doctor(s). I was once crucified for making an apparently offensive comment about the Doctor on FB once. A conversation between friends turned to a bloody mess. But, in the sake of honesty, I haven’t watched Doctor Who since I was a kid living in Alconbury, England. I recall watching when I was nine, maybe ten, years old on BBC… I suppose, by default, my favorite doctor would be the one from the early 90's?
Q: If you could ask any author ever one question who would it be and what would you ask them? Choose wisely.
A: Oh… oh my… what a question. Hummmm…
Edger Allen Poe
“Edger,” I’d call him Edger because we’d be tight like that, “did you ever think you and your works would become such an iconic cornerstone in all that is creepy and macabre?”
Q: Are you currently working on anything, because I would really like to see another book about Vincent.
A: I can happily say Vincent and his fanged friends are going to be back! I geared up Blackjack to be the opening of a series. I love those guys. My characters truly live in my head… I don’t see them going away for a long while.
Hoping to have DoubleDown ready to hit the shelves next July. In the meantime, I’m going to put together a short story for Vincent. It’ll lead everyone right into the next book. I plan to have that done and released around the New Year.
I’m also working on an unrelated series. It’s a half-blood demon thing… pretty cool stuff. Still in the raw stages but I love its direction already.
Q: Any advice for aspiring authors?
A: I don’t know about advice; after all I’m still learning my way around this world. But, I do want to say they aren’t alone. People are out there and willing to help! Twitter is a wonderful resource, not only for promoting but also for connecting with other writers. I’m @V_BlackBooks, follow me. I’ll follow back!
Showcase question:
Q: The earth has been overwhelmed by zombies, how do you survive?
A: My daughter’s safety would be my ultimate goal. I’d build that girl a fortress! My brother has a farm; it’s not too far from where we live. Nice and open lines of sight, lots of steal to barricade with, diesel tanks, self-feeding water-well, food… good place to make a stand. OH and guns! We’d have lots of those. There’d also be none of that end of season two Walking Dead malarkey happening; we’d be prepared.
Do you have a teaser from one of your current works that you are willing to share?
Here is a little snippet from DoubleDown, Vincent’s second adventure. It’s still raw, no hard editing but I hope you and your readers will enjoy it!
He leaned over to pull the gun. It was a little closer than personal comfort would normally allow but what the hell. Who says a federal agent and a hitman can’t be close? “Don’t get any funny ideas.” He joked before returning to his seat.
He checked the clip and the action in a practiced set of movements. “What’s the plan?!” He asked after he’d found my gun satisfying.
“I stop in front of them. You shoot,” I figured the plan was obvious.
“I’m on the wrong side?” he pointed out. And was correct, the wolves had kept to the left hand side of the roadway.
“Well hold on!” I was past the wolves and had the clearance I needed. I yanked up on the e-brake, shoved down the throttle and sent her into a drifting stop. I couldn’t help but laugh. I loved to drive.
We’d spun near three quarters the way round before slamming to a halt. The car was across both lanes, blocking the wolves’ path. The passenger’s window was already down and facing the oncoming beasts.
POP! POP! POP! Aditsan released three very well aimed shots. The lead wolf went down in a summersault of fur and blood. His partner wolf jumped a high brick fence and was out of sight. Johnny took the jump as effortlessly as his adversary had. There was no way we could fallow in the car. On foot, we’d just be useless.
And.. Here is from my, yet unnamed, new series… again raw, don’t judge too harshly…
“Forgive me Father,”
“Forgive me Father for I have sinned. I have killed. I have stolen. I've coveted my neighbor's wife, a few times.” I stopped to catch my breath and collect my thoughts. “I commit blasphemy… daily.”
The priest’s face hidden in shadows sighed, “anything else?”
I couldn't help but to smile. “No need to sound so frustrated, Father. But, yes, I have enjoyed it and I'll do it all again.” The preacher made no response. “Aren't you going to save my soul, Father?”
“I am simply a tool of God. Just as you are. I cannot save your soul any more than you could save mine. God knows your deeds and will judge them accordingly.” The voice was old and raspy still thick with an Italian accent. “Conner, you make a mockery of Christianity yet you fight its enemies. You risk your life but hate us, why?”
I pulled a cigarette out of my jacket and lit it.
“You can't smoke in the church.”
“Add it to my confession.” Dragging deeply. I knew why he was confused, hell didn't always understand it myself. Father Thomas was more than just a priest, he was a friend. “You know I don't hate you Padre. I hate God and I hate my father. Humanity is too weak to defend itself. So, I fight while you pray. My assignment?”
Another sigh of frustration and sorrow came from the shadow. “You have every right to hate your father, but it is not God who's to blame. You cannot blame our Holy Father for the sins of the demon who raped your mother.”
“No? Funny, don't you think, my soul carries the curse of having a demon father yet God is not to blame for having created the monster?”
Father Thomas passed me a heavy manila envelope and I left the cathedral, with only the echo of my foot steps on the marble floor behind me.
Thanks again for taking some time to do this Kris!
Thank you so much, Morgan! It really has been a thrill; being featured on your blog. I hope you and your readers enjoyed it as much as I have. I look forward to working together again on future projects! Thank you!
Thank you, Morgan, for your interest in my work, taking the time to review Blackjack, and to allow me to be a small part of your blog. I do hope you and your readers enjoy it! I truly have. Thank you!
Q: You said that you used to be a ghost writer, in what ways is that different than the writing and publishing process that you went through with BlackJack?
A: Oh lord, night and day! It’s much more frightening to be out there, doing it on my own. There is no buffer between me and the readers. My name is the one on the cover; daunting, to say the least, but also a wonderful change. I can’t even begin to express how amazing it felt to hold my book. I wasn’t handed a plot and told what to write or how to write it. I don’t have to give up characters I love anymore. I’ll never go back to ghost writing. I feel like I’ve been accepted as an author. I’ve still got a lot to learn about the publishing and publicizing but I’ll get there. Every story will get better; I can feel it.
Q: Nowadays every single author seems to have their own version of vampires. You have sparkly ones, ones that don’t have to drink blood, evil ones, good ones, ones that turn into ash with the sun, and etc. Where did you draw inspiration for your particular vampires from?
A: It’s true. Everyone and their brother have their own vampire. But, the idea isn’t as new as people might think. In nearly every culture around the world there is some type of vampiric lore. Only in relatively modern times have we had “vampires”. Early tales of blood drinking demons and spirits gave way; mixing and matching, developing over the centuries into what we now think of. There are a few traits that have been fairly common; blood drinking, evil, and tragedy. How vampires are made, or born, what drives them, how they look, and magical abilities vary greatly from legend to legend… yet none of them ever sparkled like a disco ball…
Which is part of the beauty of writing vampires… we get to shape them as we want.
Both modern literature and cinema are strongly influenced by European tales. The 18th century was likely the biggest boom for vampiric lore. As it moved from Transylvania into central and northern Europe, the stories began to solidify into the modern vampire. But, even now, as you pointed out we have as many breeds of vampires as we have authors writing about them.
Personally, I feel Stoker’s Dracula, was amazing. Relateable, more than human yet driven by emotions, Dracula was always a fascinating character; also, a perfect example of lore being changed and manipulated by the author. I could talk about Dracula – the character – for hours. He was ruthless and cunning, intelligent, angry, bitter, vengeful, and did it all for love. The man went to war with GOD for the woman he loved! No sappy poetry-reading, teeny angsty malarkey, for that guy!
Anne Rice clearly a huge reason we have the vampires we do today…definitely one of my early influences.
Laurell K. Hamilton took the human interaction out of the limited, “must kill or be killed”. Vampires and humans can co-exist, be friends, comrades, lovers, and maybe even a little slutty with one another…
Like ALL authors of vampire stories, I’ve taken what I like, or need, from all over the place. Traditional, modern, and even making stuff up, it’s the fun of fiction. Suspension of disbelief is a fine line to walk. The laws you set, as a writer, will make or break your world. Too strict and you’ve limited yourself; too loose and you’re world fall apart as unbelievable.
So…. to sum up… a lot of places.
Q: Okay, this next question is one that a friend of mine wanted me to ask you. Do you like Doctor Who, if so, who is your favorite doctor?
A. You know that old saying, “Never discuss politics or religion”… I firmly believe that needs to be modified to include the Doctor(s). I was once crucified for making an apparently offensive comment about the Doctor on FB once. A conversation between friends turned to a bloody mess. But, in the sake of honesty, I haven’t watched Doctor Who since I was a kid living in Alconbury, England. I recall watching when I was nine, maybe ten, years old on BBC… I suppose, by default, my favorite doctor would be the one from the early 90's?
Q: If you could ask any author ever one question who would it be and what would you ask them? Choose wisely.
A: Oh… oh my… what a question. Hummmm…
Edger Allen Poe
“Edger,” I’d call him Edger because we’d be tight like that, “did you ever think you and your works would become such an iconic cornerstone in all that is creepy and macabre?”
Q: Are you currently working on anything, because I would really like to see another book about Vincent.
A: I can happily say Vincent and his fanged friends are going to be back! I geared up Blackjack to be the opening of a series. I love those guys. My characters truly live in my head… I don’t see them going away for a long while.
Hoping to have DoubleDown ready to hit the shelves next July. In the meantime, I’m going to put together a short story for Vincent. It’ll lead everyone right into the next book. I plan to have that done and released around the New Year.
I’m also working on an unrelated series. It’s a half-blood demon thing… pretty cool stuff. Still in the raw stages but I love its direction already.
Q: Any advice for aspiring authors?
A: I don’t know about advice; after all I’m still learning my way around this world. But, I do want to say they aren’t alone. People are out there and willing to help! Twitter is a wonderful resource, not only for promoting but also for connecting with other writers. I’m @V_BlackBooks, follow me. I’ll follow back!
Showcase question:
Q: The earth has been overwhelmed by zombies, how do you survive?
A: My daughter’s safety would be my ultimate goal. I’d build that girl a fortress! My brother has a farm; it’s not too far from where we live. Nice and open lines of sight, lots of steal to barricade with, diesel tanks, self-feeding water-well, food… good place to make a stand. OH and guns! We’d have lots of those. There’d also be none of that end of season two Walking Dead malarkey happening; we’d be prepared.
Do you have a teaser from one of your current works that you are willing to share?
Here is a little snippet from DoubleDown, Vincent’s second adventure. It’s still raw, no hard editing but I hope you and your readers will enjoy it!
He leaned over to pull the gun. It was a little closer than personal comfort would normally allow but what the hell. Who says a federal agent and a hitman can’t be close? “Don’t get any funny ideas.” He joked before returning to his seat.
He checked the clip and the action in a practiced set of movements. “What’s the plan?!” He asked after he’d found my gun satisfying.
“I stop in front of them. You shoot,” I figured the plan was obvious.
“I’m on the wrong side?” he pointed out. And was correct, the wolves had kept to the left hand side of the roadway.
“Well hold on!” I was past the wolves and had the clearance I needed. I yanked up on the e-brake, shoved down the throttle and sent her into a drifting stop. I couldn’t help but laugh. I loved to drive.
We’d spun near three quarters the way round before slamming to a halt. The car was across both lanes, blocking the wolves’ path. The passenger’s window was already down and facing the oncoming beasts.
POP! POP! POP! Aditsan released three very well aimed shots. The lead wolf went down in a summersault of fur and blood. His partner wolf jumped a high brick fence and was out of sight. Johnny took the jump as effortlessly as his adversary had. There was no way we could fallow in the car. On foot, we’d just be useless.
And.. Here is from my, yet unnamed, new series… again raw, don’t judge too harshly…
“Forgive me Father,”
“Forgive me Father for I have sinned. I have killed. I have stolen. I've coveted my neighbor's wife, a few times.” I stopped to catch my breath and collect my thoughts. “I commit blasphemy… daily.”
The priest’s face hidden in shadows sighed, “anything else?”
I couldn't help but to smile. “No need to sound so frustrated, Father. But, yes, I have enjoyed it and I'll do it all again.” The preacher made no response. “Aren't you going to save my soul, Father?”
“I am simply a tool of God. Just as you are. I cannot save your soul any more than you could save mine. God knows your deeds and will judge them accordingly.” The voice was old and raspy still thick with an Italian accent. “Conner, you make a mockery of Christianity yet you fight its enemies. You risk your life but hate us, why?”
I pulled a cigarette out of my jacket and lit it.
“You can't smoke in the church.”
“Add it to my confession.” Dragging deeply. I knew why he was confused, hell didn't always understand it myself. Father Thomas was more than just a priest, he was a friend. “You know I don't hate you Padre. I hate God and I hate my father. Humanity is too weak to defend itself. So, I fight while you pray. My assignment?”
Another sigh of frustration and sorrow came from the shadow. “You have every right to hate your father, but it is not God who's to blame. You cannot blame our Holy Father for the sins of the demon who raped your mother.”
“No? Funny, don't you think, my soul carries the curse of having a demon father yet God is not to blame for having created the monster?”
Father Thomas passed me a heavy manila envelope and I left the cathedral, with only the echo of my foot steps on the marble floor behind me.
Thanks again for taking some time to do this Kris!
Thank you so much, Morgan! It really has been a thrill; being featured on your blog. I hope you and your readers enjoyed it as much as I have. I look forward to working together again on future projects! Thank you!