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Modern Mythmakers: 35 Interviews with Horror & Science Fiction Writers and Filmmakers
Ever wanted to hang out with legends like Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, and Dean Koontz? This is your chance to hear fun anecdotes and career advice from a wide range of Horror, Science Fiction, and Fantasy authors and filmmakers.
Modern Mythmakers is a collection of 35 interviews from horror and science fiction's most influential writers and filmmakers, including Ray Bradbury, Dean Koontz, Richard Matheson, John Carpenter, John Saul, Joe McKinney, the Night of the Living Dead crew (including John Russo, Kyra Schon and Russ Streiner), Elvira, Whitley Strieber, Christopher Moore, and many more.
Just look at this line-up: Foreword by Alan Dean Foster; Forrest J. Ackerman; C. Dean Andersson; Adrienne Barbeau; Ray Bradbury; Ramsey Campbell; John Carpenter; Dan Curtis; Elvira; Rusty Fischer; Neil Gaiman; Mick Garris; Laurell K. Hamilton; George Clayton Johnson; Jack Ketchum; Dean Koontz; Herschell Gordon Lewis; Thomas Ligotti; Bentley Little; Graham Masterton; Richard Matheson; Joe McKinney; Christopher Moore; Night of the Living Dead Crew: John Russo, Kyra Schon, & Russ Streiner; William F. Nolan; Ingrid Pitt; Linnea Quigley; Fred Olen Ray; John Saul; David Snell; Darce Stoker; Peter Straub; Whitley Strieber; Timothy Zahn; Afterword by The Amazing Kreskin.
Whether you're an author looking for career advice, a fan of classic films and authors, or looking for true stories of inspiration, this is the book for you.
Modern Mythmakers is a collection of 35 interviews from horror and science fiction's most influential writers and filmmakers, including Ray Bradbury, Dean Koontz, Richard Matheson, John Carpenter, John Saul, Joe McKinney, the Night of the Living Dead crew (including John Russo, Kyra Schon and Russ Streiner), Elvira, Whitley Strieber, Christopher Moore, and many more.
Just look at this line-up: Foreword by Alan Dean Foster; Forrest J. Ackerman; C. Dean Andersson; Adrienne Barbeau; Ray Bradbury; Ramsey Campbell; John Carpenter; Dan Curtis; Elvira; Rusty Fischer; Neil Gaiman; Mick Garris; Laurell K. Hamilton; George Clayton Johnson; Jack Ketchum; Dean Koontz; Herschell Gordon Lewis; Thomas Ligotti; Bentley Little; Graham Masterton; Richard Matheson; Joe McKinney; Christopher Moore; Night of the Living Dead Crew: John Russo, Kyra Schon, & Russ Streiner; William F. Nolan; Ingrid Pitt; Linnea Quigley; Fred Olen Ray; John Saul; David Snell; Darce Stoker; Peter Straub; Whitley Strieber; Timothy Zahn; Afterword by The Amazing Kreskin.
Whether you're an author looking for career advice, a fan of classic films and authors, or looking for true stories of inspiration, this is the book for you.
- GenresNonfictionHorrorWriting
395 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
About the author
Michael McCarty
71 books189 followers A former stand-up comedian and musician, Michael McCarty has been a professional writer since 1983. The author of over 40 books (fiction and nonfiction). He has also penned hundred of articles, short stories, poems, etc. He is a David R. Collins’ Literary Achievement Award winner from the Midwest Writing Center and a 5 times Bram Stoker Finalist. He lives in Rock Island, Illinois with his wife Cindy and pet rabbit Latte.
He published his first book in 2003, GIANTS OF THE GENRE. He also the author of such books MODERN MYTHMAKERS, LIQUID DIET & MIDNIGHT SNACK, I KISSED A GHOUL, A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FIENDS, DARK DUETS, LOST GIRL OF THE LAKE (with Joe McKinney), DRACULA TRANSFORMED (with Mark McLaughlin), CONVERSATIONS WITH KRESKIN (with The Amazing Kreskin) MONSTER BEHIND THE WHEEL (with Mark McLaughlin), BLOODLESS and BLOODLUST and BLOODLINE (with Jody LaGreca) and many more.
He can be found on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/michaelmccart...
Blog: https://monstermikeyaauthor.wordpress...
He published his first book in 2003, GIANTS OF THE GENRE. He also the author of such books MODERN MYTHMAKERS, LIQUID DIET & MIDNIGHT SNACK, I KISSED A GHOUL, A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FIENDS, DARK DUETS, LOST GIRL OF THE LAKE (with Joe McKinney), DRACULA TRANSFORMED (with Mark McLaughlin), CONVERSATIONS WITH KRESKIN (with The Amazing Kreskin) MONSTER BEHIND THE WHEEL (with Mark McLaughlin), BLOODLESS and BLOODLUST and BLOODLINE (with Jody LaGreca) and many more.
He can be found on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/michaelmccart...
Blog: https://monstermikeyaauthor.wordpress...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 21, 2015
I was a little underwhelmed by this collection. I think I was hoping for a little more than it offered. I'm not saying it's bad, just... not brilliant.
I was expecting in-depth interviews with the promised "mythmakers'. What I got, for the most part, were standard press interviews of a quality I would have expected from any junket. Standard questions thrown together from a basic understanding of their career, with no real follow up for desire to dig deep into the minds that work in the industry. As it is, I would say you can pretty much pass over the first third of the book. It's not until then that we start getting something meaty.
Being honest, for all that the Afterward extols Michael McCarty as one of the industry's great interviewers, this impression really doesn't come across throughout the book. He just doesn't seem that interested. Most of his questions are flat, seemingly inspired by nothing but a list of the interviewees achievements culled from Wikipedia. He asks a question, they give an answer, and he moves on. A good interviewer should know where he's going. He should have decided what he wants to know and be able to probe deeper with follow up questions that bring the interviewee out of themselves.
I mean, at one point he asks a writer "What do you think Lovecraft would have thought of the internet?" It has nothing really to do with the writer in question, other than he says he was influenced by Lovecraft. The book it littered with these rather inane questions. Maybe in person they come across as lighthearted, but in print they smack of filler. And a telling point about McCarty's research is that at several points in the earlier interviews the subjects have to outright correct him about their careers. And not small, easily excused mistakes. Details such as asking them about films they weren't even in.
And the casual - purely unintentional I'm sure - misogyny gets really uncomfortable after a while. If he's interviewing a woman, expect questions about nudity and physical appearance. There could have been ways to ask the same questions as a way to discuss how woman have been treated in the horror genre. These questions are not asked this way.
So it's a fine book to read, but don't expect anything groundbreaking. This is a collection of workmanlike press interviews. Maybe five or ten of them go deeper, but these will be the ones where the interviewee is particularly interesting to talk to. Otherwise McCarty just seems to lack the ability to draw anything of interest.
Worth a read if you're a fan of science fiction or horror, but don't expect great things.
I was expecting in-depth interviews with the promised "mythmakers'. What I got, for the most part, were standard press interviews of a quality I would have expected from any junket. Standard questions thrown together from a basic understanding of their career, with no real follow up for desire to dig deep into the minds that work in the industry. As it is, I would say you can pretty much pass over the first third of the book. It's not until then that we start getting something meaty.
Being honest, for all that the Afterward extols Michael McCarty as one of the industry's great interviewers, this impression really doesn't come across throughout the book. He just doesn't seem that interested. Most of his questions are flat, seemingly inspired by nothing but a list of the interviewees achievements culled from Wikipedia. He asks a question, they give an answer, and he moves on. A good interviewer should know where he's going. He should have decided what he wants to know and be able to probe deeper with follow up questions that bring the interviewee out of themselves.
I mean, at one point he asks a writer "What do you think Lovecraft would have thought of the internet?" It has nothing really to do with the writer in question, other than he says he was influenced by Lovecraft. The book it littered with these rather inane questions. Maybe in person they come across as lighthearted, but in print they smack of filler. And a telling point about McCarty's research is that at several points in the earlier interviews the subjects have to outright correct him about their careers. And not small, easily excused mistakes. Details such as asking them about films they weren't even in.
And the casual - purely unintentional I'm sure - misogyny gets really uncomfortable after a while. If he's interviewing a woman, expect questions about nudity and physical appearance. There could have been ways to ask the same questions as a way to discuss how woman have been treated in the horror genre. These questions are not asked this way.
So it's a fine book to read, but don't expect anything groundbreaking. This is a collection of workmanlike press interviews. Maybe five or ten of them go deeper, but these will be the ones where the interviewee is particularly interesting to talk to. Otherwise McCarty just seems to lack the ability to draw anything of interest.
Worth a read if you're a fan of science fiction or horror, but don't expect great things.
February 27, 2015
From the Description:
Modern Mythmakers is a collection of 35 interviews from horror and science fiction's most influential writers and filmmakers, including Ray Bradbury, Dean Koontz, Richard Matheson, John Carpenter, John Saul, Joe McKinney, the Night of the Living Dead crew (including John Russo, Kyra Schon and Russ Streiner), Elvira, Whitley Strieber, Christopher Moore, and many more.
Line-up: Foreword by Alan Dean Foster; Forrest J. Ackerman; C. Dean Andersson; Adrienne Barbeau; Ray Bradbury; Ramsey Campbell; John Carpenter; Dan Curtis; Elvira; Rusty Fischer; Neil Gaiman; Mick Garris; Laurell K. Hamilton; George Clayton Johnson; Jack Ketchum; Dean Koontz; Herschell Gordon Lewis; Thomas Ligotti; Bentley Little; Graham Masterton; Richard Matheson; Joe McKinney; Christopher Moore; Night of the Living Dead Crew: John Russo, Kyra Schon, & Russ Streiner; William F. Nolan; Ingrid Pitt; Linnea Quigley; Fred Olen Ray; John Saul; David Snell; Darce Stoker; Peter Straub; Whitley Strieber; Timothy Zahn; Afterword by The Amazing Kreskin.
The interviews in Modern Mythmakers are fabulous. They are both informative and entertaining. While reading this book I saw a few questions that I want to add to the interviews I do for this blog. Any fan of the horror or sci-fi/fantasy genres will find something to love about these interviews. And the advice from the authors and filmmakers are pure gold for anyone who is trying to get started in these careers. A solid 4 star read.
Modern Mythmakers is a collection of 35 interviews from horror and science fiction's most influential writers and filmmakers, including Ray Bradbury, Dean Koontz, Richard Matheson, John Carpenter, John Saul, Joe McKinney, the Night of the Living Dead crew (including John Russo, Kyra Schon and Russ Streiner), Elvira, Whitley Strieber, Christopher Moore, and many more.
Line-up: Foreword by Alan Dean Foster; Forrest J. Ackerman; C. Dean Andersson; Adrienne Barbeau; Ray Bradbury; Ramsey Campbell; John Carpenter; Dan Curtis; Elvira; Rusty Fischer; Neil Gaiman; Mick Garris; Laurell K. Hamilton; George Clayton Johnson; Jack Ketchum; Dean Koontz; Herschell Gordon Lewis; Thomas Ligotti; Bentley Little; Graham Masterton; Richard Matheson; Joe McKinney; Christopher Moore; Night of the Living Dead Crew: John Russo, Kyra Schon, & Russ Streiner; William F. Nolan; Ingrid Pitt; Linnea Quigley; Fred Olen Ray; John Saul; David Snell; Darce Stoker; Peter Straub; Whitley Strieber; Timothy Zahn; Afterword by The Amazing Kreskin.
The interviews in Modern Mythmakers are fabulous. They are both informative and entertaining. While reading this book I saw a few questions that I want to add to the interviews I do for this blog. Any fan of the horror or sci-fi/fantasy genres will find something to love about these interviews. And the advice from the authors and filmmakers are pure gold for anyone who is trying to get started in these careers. A solid 4 star read.
April 10, 2015
Interesting, but the interviews were mostly very brief and not much new information.
May 20, 2016
Not bad for a grab bag of interviews. You're not really getting any ground-breaking information you couldn't find online, I admit. Still, if you're stuck somewhere waiting with your e-reader, it's not a bad file to whip out and read for awhile.
August 9, 2015
We don't often review nonfiction at The Bookie Monster, but when we do, we make sure it's something that Science Fiction and Horror fans will enjoy. Modern Mythmakers is a glimpse into the minds and careers of some of the most iconic names in film, TV, and literature. Just take a look at the list of people that Michael McCarty interviews: masters of film, literature, beloved characters, actors, and even production crews. You'll find your own favorites inside.
It's clear that some of these interviews are several years old, and the author includes an introduction at the beginning each interview that summarizes that person's career and achievements. Tthe author is careful to note if the interviewee has since passed away. After reading the book, it's my opinion that these interviews are timeless, with insights into the "greats" that fans will appreciate.
I was fascinated by the details and inside information that McCarty documented in his interviews. He is clearly a great fan of the genre and asks questions that delve deeper into the craft of filmmaking, writing, acting and creating. It's obvious that these mythmakers do it for the love of their art; it's something that many feel privileged to be able to share with others. If there's one takeaway quote for me, it's this:
"It all has to do with love. [...] The best advice I would give new writers is write what you love. It doesn't matter what other people love, it doesn't matter what your editors love or your friends love, it's what you love." -Ray Bradbury
Highly recommended. Check it out.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It's clear that some of these interviews are several years old, and the author includes an introduction at the beginning each interview that summarizes that person's career and achievements. Tthe author is careful to note if the interviewee has since passed away. After reading the book, it's my opinion that these interviews are timeless, with insights into the "greats" that fans will appreciate.
I was fascinated by the details and inside information that McCarty documented in his interviews. He is clearly a great fan of the genre and asks questions that delve deeper into the craft of filmmaking, writing, acting and creating. It's obvious that these mythmakers do it for the love of their art; it's something that many feel privileged to be able to share with others. If there's one takeaway quote for me, it's this:
"It all has to do with love. [...] The best advice I would give new writers is write what you love. It doesn't matter what other people love, it doesn't matter what your editors love or your friends love, it's what you love." -Ray Bradbury
Highly recommended. Check it out.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
February 27, 2015
Modern Mythmakers: 35 Interviews with Horror & Science Fiction Writers and Filmmaker, is a brilliant read, so informative, so entertaining!! Michael McCarty is a stellar interviewer, knowing all the right questions to ask and eliciting some real gems of information.
Within these pages you’ll find film stars, authors, TV personalities and even film crew members all with anecdotes regarding their field. Advice is given, secrets are spilled, it doesn’t get any better than this. A few of the “Mythmakers” are no longer with us but their words will live on forever. There’s both an entertaining Forward written by Alan Dean Foster and Afterword written by The Amazing Kreskin, they should not be ignored.
Included in the table of contents are Ray Bradbury, Adrienne Barbeau, John Carpenter, Elvira, Joe McKinney, Night of the Living Dead crew members, Graham Masterton and oh so many more. As an added bonus ebook readers will be treated to additional interviews by Jeffrey Thomas, Frederik Pohl, Kim Newman, Kathryn Leigh Scott and Lara Parker from Dark Shadows, and lastly Surprise, Surprise, Charlee Jacob interviews Michael McCarty, how cool is that?!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.
Within these pages you’ll find film stars, authors, TV personalities and even film crew members all with anecdotes regarding their field. Advice is given, secrets are spilled, it doesn’t get any better than this. A few of the “Mythmakers” are no longer with us but their words will live on forever. There’s both an entertaining Forward written by Alan Dean Foster and Afterword written by The Amazing Kreskin, they should not be ignored.
Included in the table of contents are Ray Bradbury, Adrienne Barbeau, John Carpenter, Elvira, Joe McKinney, Night of the Living Dead crew members, Graham Masterton and oh so many more. As an added bonus ebook readers will be treated to additional interviews by Jeffrey Thomas, Frederik Pohl, Kim Newman, Kathryn Leigh Scott and Lara Parker from Dark Shadows, and lastly Surprise, Surprise, Charlee Jacob interviews Michael McCarty, how cool is that?!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.
August 18, 2015
This was pretty interesting. I found the sections written about people I did know very interesting and was pleased to be introduced to a few people I had not heard of. There were some interesting behind the scenes looks at some movies that I have not seen for a long time. Anyone who grew up with the "B" movies on Friday night Frights would enjoy this book.
August 27, 2015
Glimpse into Some of the Darkest & Most Brilliant Minds of Sci-Fi & Horror
If you've wondered what it'd be like to sit down with the likes of Ray Bradbury, John Carpenter or Richard Matheson, this is it. Not only do get to hear what these greats have to share, but you benefit from the author's ability and experience at putting these master storytellers at ease.
If you've wondered what it'd be like to sit down with the likes of Ray Bradbury, John Carpenter or Richard Matheson, this is it. Not only do get to hear what these greats have to share, but you benefit from the author's ability and experience at putting these master storytellers at ease.
March 13, 2016
I only read a little
I only read a little, so I can not say much. I liked what I did read, but it wasn't for me.
Anyone wanting to know more about the authors they read should read this.
Enjoy!
I only read a little, so I can not say much. I liked what I did read, but it wasn't for me.
Anyone wanting to know more about the authors they read should read this.
Enjoy!
Read
July 18, 2015Did not read
February 2, 2018
Modern Mythmakers: 35 Interviews with Horror & Science Fiction Writers and Filmmakers by Michael McCarty is a must have for genre fans. It’s a peak inside the brain of several great minds in the world of horror and science fiction. The best part about it is it has conversations with people who are no longer with us, such as Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, Dan Curtis, Forrest Ackerman and others. It’s an opportunity to find out what the greats have to say about their profession.
One of my favorite moments in this book was the introduction by Alan Dean Foster. He says if life is getting you down society says to gulp down a handful of pills. Instead you will find it better if you listen to the words of the people interviewed in this book. You will feel better, stimulate your brain and become addicted to their work without the use of a narcotic. Mr. Foster is right because what’s in this book are the words of people who are passionate about what they do and you can learn from them, you just have to keep your mind open.
One interview I enjoyed was with Dark Shadow’s creator Dan Curtis. Dan gets into how he made the Zuni Fetish Doll chase Karen Black in the made for TV classic Trilogy of Terror. I found it fascinating how much work went into pulling that off, but what I liked even more is when he mentions why so many horror films stink. He talks about how people making horror films think they can do anything but they can’t because if an idea is too illogical the audience won’t be scared, they have to believe it’s possible. Dan Curtis knew how to make a good horror story and I liked reading his opinions here.
Another interview that stuck out for me was with Science Fiction author Frederik Pohl. At the time of this interview I imagine he must have been in his eighties. He has seen a lot of changes in the world of literature and he never stopped doing what he loved even when he having health issues. I love that he mentions at his age he is still trying to figure out the cosmos and how society works and changes. He even gets into all of the scientific breakthroughs that were predicted in Science Fiction. Pohl is only one of the great minds you hear from in this book and one idea he gives on writing is that the hardest part of it is sitting down and making yourself say on paper what needs to be said.
While you may not like every interview in this book it’s still a good read if you love hearing from creative people. For instance there is a wealth of information for anyone who wants to be a writer. I love reading interviews with writers along with finding out what makes them tick. I also loved that Michael asks each one: What advice would you give to a new writer? All of their responses were a little different but they all seem to agree that you always have to keep writing and write what’s in your heart, not what will make others happy. As Ray Bradbury puts it: “Write what you love, it doesn’t matter what others love.” Good advice from the masters, do what you love.
One of my favorite moments in this book was the introduction by Alan Dean Foster. He says if life is getting you down society says to gulp down a handful of pills. Instead you will find it better if you listen to the words of the people interviewed in this book. You will feel better, stimulate your brain and become addicted to their work without the use of a narcotic. Mr. Foster is right because what’s in this book are the words of people who are passionate about what they do and you can learn from them, you just have to keep your mind open.
One interview I enjoyed was with Dark Shadow’s creator Dan Curtis. Dan gets into how he made the Zuni Fetish Doll chase Karen Black in the made for TV classic Trilogy of Terror. I found it fascinating how much work went into pulling that off, but what I liked even more is when he mentions why so many horror films stink. He talks about how people making horror films think they can do anything but they can’t because if an idea is too illogical the audience won’t be scared, they have to believe it’s possible. Dan Curtis knew how to make a good horror story and I liked reading his opinions here.
Another interview that stuck out for me was with Science Fiction author Frederik Pohl. At the time of this interview I imagine he must have been in his eighties. He has seen a lot of changes in the world of literature and he never stopped doing what he loved even when he having health issues. I love that he mentions at his age he is still trying to figure out the cosmos and how society works and changes. He even gets into all of the scientific breakthroughs that were predicted in Science Fiction. Pohl is only one of the great minds you hear from in this book and one idea he gives on writing is that the hardest part of it is sitting down and making yourself say on paper what needs to be said.
While you may not like every interview in this book it’s still a good read if you love hearing from creative people. For instance there is a wealth of information for anyone who wants to be a writer. I love reading interviews with writers along with finding out what makes them tick. I also loved that Michael asks each one: What advice would you give to a new writer? All of their responses were a little different but they all seem to agree that you always have to keep writing and write what’s in your heart, not what will make others happy. As Ray Bradbury puts it: “Write what you love, it doesn’t matter what others love.” Good advice from the masters, do what you love.
August 27, 2020
A great collection of interviews with masters of the horror genre
Highly recommend this book. I enjoyed reading the advice and learning more about some of my favorite authors and directors. I especially liked that advice for beginning writers was also included. Mr. McCarty has a real talent for interviewing. Thank you, sir, for publishing this invaluable book.
Highly recommend this book. I enjoyed reading the advice and learning more about some of my favorite authors and directors. I especially liked that advice for beginning writers was also included. Mr. McCarty has a real talent for interviewing. Thank you, sir, for publishing this invaluable book.
February 8, 2024
A mixed bag.
Some interviews come across rather bland, while others offer some good entertainment and/or interesting insights. Mind, these are all short interviews of only a couple pages so the space for indepth answers is always limited.
Some interviews come across rather bland, while others offer some good entertainment and/or interesting insights. Mind, these are all short interviews of only a couple pages so the space for indepth answers is always limited.
June 18, 2015
Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Michael McCarty has crafted an absolute must-read in Modern Mythmakers. Collecting 35 interviews in the horror and science fiction fields, McCarty has given fans an inside look behind the scenes of the creative process of writers and filmmakers with interesting tidbits about some of the most memorable works in both genres.
The preface of this book, written by McCarty himself, explains why this book is such a vital read for horror fans. McCarty may have been able to sit down and meet some of the biggest names in horror, but the reason he set out to embark on this project was a simple one that I am sure all of us can relate to - he simply loved the works in the genre and wanted to share that passion with others. He recalls interesting tales of meeting with First Blood author David Morrell and Kurt Vonnegut. He lays out his experience and the art of what he tries to achieve with his own interviews. It's inspiring and shows what is possible with meticulous research, determination and hard work.
Some of the interviews contained in the book are a bit older, pulled from McCarty's archives, but there is also new material that has been added to this addition, particularly in the sections focusing on Ray Bradbury, Joe McKinney, Christopher Moore, William Nolan, and David Snell to name a few.
I enjoyed this book because it not only offered me insight into some writers and filmmakers I already knew and loved, but introduced me to some new authors as well. Also, I have always been interested in reading interviews with my favorite musicians, authors and other types of artists. Sure, I liked uncovering details behind some of the works I loved, but I always found the most intriguing information comes from the candid moments where the subject of the interview opens up.
McCarty's interview questions are fairly straightforward, but he has a talent at getting the interviewees to open up and share interesting tidbits of information. The book opens with an interview of Forrest J. Ackermen, who was the editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland for 20 years and racked up numerous prestigious awards for his work. I thought it was interesting to learn that he is the one credited with coining the term "sci-fi". It is one of those words that was seemingly ingrained in my mind for an early age and I never really questioned the origins of the term. It also loved hearing his thoughts on the evolution of science fiction since he first became a fan in the 1920's and his humorous personal stories about Ray Bradbury.
Speaking of Bradbury, in his interview, readers are treated to information about the process behind one of his most memorable works and arguably one of the most memorable works of fiction ever written Fahrenheit 451 written in the basement library of UCLA on a rented typewriter and wrote the book in 9 days.
Ramsey Campbell offers personal anecdotes about unexplained events in his home that led him to question his stance on the existence of ghosts. John Carpenter offers up insight into the creation of Halloween from the story itself to one of horror's most enduring icons Michael Myers aka "The Shape".
There are also some interesting little known facts presented throughout such as Neil Gaiman's interview where he offers up a humorous story about Douglas Adams and how Bentley Little is connected to Spongebob Squarepants creator Stephen Hillenburg. Probably one of my favorite things that I read was reading Peter Straub's thoughts about the writing process behind The Talisman and Black House. It is easy to take for granted how easy it is to collaborate with super fast internet and near instantaneous access to information, so it was interesting to read about the creative efforts that went into writing those books and the practical hurdles they had to overcome.
I highly recommend Modern Mythmakers to fans of science fiction and horror looking for the behind-the-scenes information and possibly a jolt of inspiration. Sometimes as a blogger it can be hard to sit down and write, but reading these interviews and hearing these artists talk passionately about their work and what drives them, I couldn't help but feel inspired. Highly recommended!
Michael McCarty has crafted an absolute must-read in Modern Mythmakers. Collecting 35 interviews in the horror and science fiction fields, McCarty has given fans an inside look behind the scenes of the creative process of writers and filmmakers with interesting tidbits about some of the most memorable works in both genres.
The preface of this book, written by McCarty himself, explains why this book is such a vital read for horror fans. McCarty may have been able to sit down and meet some of the biggest names in horror, but the reason he set out to embark on this project was a simple one that I am sure all of us can relate to - he simply loved the works in the genre and wanted to share that passion with others. He recalls interesting tales of meeting with First Blood author David Morrell and Kurt Vonnegut. He lays out his experience and the art of what he tries to achieve with his own interviews. It's inspiring and shows what is possible with meticulous research, determination and hard work.
Some of the interviews contained in the book are a bit older, pulled from McCarty's archives, but there is also new material that has been added to this addition, particularly in the sections focusing on Ray Bradbury, Joe McKinney, Christopher Moore, William Nolan, and David Snell to name a few.
I enjoyed this book because it not only offered me insight into some writers and filmmakers I already knew and loved, but introduced me to some new authors as well. Also, I have always been interested in reading interviews with my favorite musicians, authors and other types of artists. Sure, I liked uncovering details behind some of the works I loved, but I always found the most intriguing information comes from the candid moments where the subject of the interview opens up.
McCarty's interview questions are fairly straightforward, but he has a talent at getting the interviewees to open up and share interesting tidbits of information. The book opens with an interview of Forrest J. Ackermen, who was the editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland for 20 years and racked up numerous prestigious awards for his work. I thought it was interesting to learn that he is the one credited with coining the term "sci-fi". It is one of those words that was seemingly ingrained in my mind for an early age and I never really questioned the origins of the term. It also loved hearing his thoughts on the evolution of science fiction since he first became a fan in the 1920's and his humorous personal stories about Ray Bradbury.
Speaking of Bradbury, in his interview, readers are treated to information about the process behind one of his most memorable works and arguably one of the most memorable works of fiction ever written Fahrenheit 451 written in the basement library of UCLA on a rented typewriter and wrote the book in 9 days.
Ramsey Campbell offers personal anecdotes about unexplained events in his home that led him to question his stance on the existence of ghosts. John Carpenter offers up insight into the creation of Halloween from the story itself to one of horror's most enduring icons Michael Myers aka "The Shape".
There are also some interesting little known facts presented throughout such as Neil Gaiman's interview where he offers up a humorous story about Douglas Adams and how Bentley Little is connected to Spongebob Squarepants creator Stephen Hillenburg. Probably one of my favorite things that I read was reading Peter Straub's thoughts about the writing process behind The Talisman and Black House. It is easy to take for granted how easy it is to collaborate with super fast internet and near instantaneous access to information, so it was interesting to read about the creative efforts that went into writing those books and the practical hurdles they had to overcome.
I highly recommend Modern Mythmakers to fans of science fiction and horror looking for the behind-the-scenes information and possibly a jolt of inspiration. Sometimes as a blogger it can be hard to sit down and write, but reading these interviews and hearing these artists talk passionately about their work and what drives them, I couldn't help but feel inspired. Highly recommended!
October 18, 2015
A simple premise, executed well, journalist and multiple Bram Stoker Award nominee McCarty interviews thirty-five writers and assorted other directors, producers and creators of horror and science fiction. McCarty's collection of chats with some of both genre's biggest and most imaginative names was amassed over several years and includes discussions with legends like Ray Bradbury, John Carpenter, Richard Matheson, Dan Curtis, Ramsay Campbell and Neil Gaiman.
While a few of the interviews (particularly those with Bradbury, Carpenter and the man who mangled the official sequel to Dracula, Bram's descendant Dacre) feel a little rushed or just too superficial, everyone McCarty spoke to has something interesting to say. Although, as an interviewer, McCarty sometimes asks disjointed questions that lack any follow-up and references book and film titles his subjects created without providing much context. This makes things more difficult to follow than they should be as his interviewees rattle on about characters in a book few people reading these interviews will have heard of.
His interviews with filmmakers like Herschel Gordon Lewis, Fred Olen Ray and some of the producers and crew who worked on Night of the Living Dead make a nice change of pace from the succession of writers and they share some fun anecdotes. His discussions with George Clayton Johnson and William F. Nolan, co-author's of Logan's Run (the novel) are particularly good, as are his talks with veteran horror writers Dean Koontz and Peter Straub.
Many of his subjects give their advice on writing to those who dream of following in their footsteps. Their comments range from the inspirational to the insightful to the downright depressing but also feel genuine and, like the vast majority of this (very reasonably priced) collection, well worth a read.
While a few of the interviews (particularly those with Bradbury, Carpenter and the man who mangled the official sequel to Dracula, Bram's descendant Dacre) feel a little rushed or just too superficial, everyone McCarty spoke to has something interesting to say. Although, as an interviewer, McCarty sometimes asks disjointed questions that lack any follow-up and references book and film titles his subjects created without providing much context. This makes things more difficult to follow than they should be as his interviewees rattle on about characters in a book few people reading these interviews will have heard of.
His interviews with filmmakers like Herschel Gordon Lewis, Fred Olen Ray and some of the producers and crew who worked on Night of the Living Dead make a nice change of pace from the succession of writers and they share some fun anecdotes. His discussions with George Clayton Johnson and William F. Nolan, co-author's of Logan's Run (the novel) are particularly good, as are his talks with veteran horror writers Dean Koontz and Peter Straub.
Many of his subjects give their advice on writing to those who dream of following in their footsteps. Their comments range from the inspirational to the insightful to the downright depressing but also feel genuine and, like the vast majority of this (very reasonably priced) collection, well worth a read.
December 8, 2015
Modern Mythmakers: 35 Interviews with Horror & Science Fiction Writers and Filmmakers by Michael McCarty is a gem. A collection of 35 interviews with some of the biggest names in sci-fi and horror fiction and film, this book is chock full of sage advice for those who want to write in these genres, or fans. It gives a down and dirty look at what drives or drove such greats as the late Ray Bradbury, Dean Koontz, and others who have given us books and films that have become classics.
This is a book that you’ll want to read again and again.
This is a book that you’ll want to read again and again.
April 8, 2015
Particularly enjoyed Bradbury, Hamilton, and Matheson. Others of note for me were Koontz, McKinney, and Jack Ketchum.
At times, I wish McCarty would have followed up on some things and at other times, I wish the interviewees would have been more forthcoming, but over all, very worthwhile. Excellent collection of interviews for anyone interested in horror and sci-fi.
At times, I wish McCarty would have followed up on some things and at other times, I wish the interviewees would have been more forthcoming, but over all, very worthwhile. Excellent collection of interviews for anyone interested in horror and sci-fi.
June 10, 2015
If you love fantasy, horror & science fiction - both books and movies, this is a must for your bookshelf. The interviews McCarty writes reminded me of radio interviews. What's great about the book is the diversity, not just of the iconic novelists like Bradbury and King but also actors such as Linnea Quigley, Hollywood's original Scream Queen.
July 15, 2015
Some awesome people were interviewed in this book. It was way more entertaining than I was anticipating so way to go! I'd recommend this to anyone that is into horror and SF genre whether you're a reader or a film junkie.
September 25, 2015
Interesting reading. Highly enjoyable.
Want to read
July 8, 2015kindle
November 30, 2020
Michael McCarty is not just the interviewer, he is a fan and someone who worked as both a freelance writer and a staff writer at SciFi, now SyFy, Channel's official website. His love for horror and science fiction shines through many of the questions submitted to the people in the genres.
Some of the people interviewed include Ray Bradbury, Ramsey Campbell, Neil Gaiman, Laurell K. Hamilton, Dean Koontz, Frederik Pohl, Richard Matheson, Whitley Strieber, Timothy Zahn, John Saul, Christopher Moore, George Clayton Johnson, John Carpenter, Cassandra Peterson, Dan Curtis, and so many more.
Don't expect an in-depth series of interviews as you won't get them. Depending on the interviewee, the questions range from the casual to more specific, but none went as far as I wish they had. However, there are still gems to be found here. Ray Bradbury realizing how he had been leading up to FAHRENHEIT 451 in many of his earlier short stories. Neil Gaiman discussing the unexpected commercial success of SANDMAN. You get the point.
Was this collection of interviews interesting? Yes, mostly. Do I wish we had more depth to the questions? Definitely. Based on the flow of many of the questions and answers, it appears that most of these interviews were written, eliminating any follow-ups. That was, to me, the weakest part of the book. A good example of that is the interview with Forrest J. Ackerman versus that with Ramsey Campbell. Or pretty much the majority of the interviews. 3 out of 5.
Some of the people interviewed include Ray Bradbury, Ramsey Campbell, Neil Gaiman, Laurell K. Hamilton, Dean Koontz, Frederik Pohl, Richard Matheson, Whitley Strieber, Timothy Zahn, John Saul, Christopher Moore, George Clayton Johnson, John Carpenter, Cassandra Peterson, Dan Curtis, and so many more.
Don't expect an in-depth series of interviews as you won't get them. Depending on the interviewee, the questions range from the casual to more specific, but none went as far as I wish they had. However, there are still gems to be found here. Ray Bradbury realizing how he had been leading up to FAHRENHEIT 451 in many of his earlier short stories. Neil Gaiman discussing the unexpected commercial success of SANDMAN. You get the point.
Was this collection of interviews interesting? Yes, mostly. Do I wish we had more depth to the questions? Definitely. Based on the flow of many of the questions and answers, it appears that most of these interviews were written, eliminating any follow-ups. That was, to me, the weakest part of the book. A good example of that is the interview with Forrest J. Ackerman versus that with Ramsey Campbell. Or pretty much the majority of the interviews. 3 out of 5.
July 11, 2022
I appreciate the art of conducting interviews; it is not easy to do. Finding well known horror and science fiction creators who will make the time to talk to you and let you publish a review would be a challenge for anyone. Michael McCarty has made a career of doing so. In this collection we see that while he asks some obvious questions, most of the time his questions dive into new areas and reveal the fanboy in himself. We get a feeling that those he interviewed agreed because he is both a true fan and a journalist.
There are only two issues I had with the interviews and I'm unclear on whether or not the interviewer (McCarty) or the publisher (Crystal Lake) is the cause for these things which annoyed me. The first is the complete lack of when the interviews were conducted -- what year at least but better what date(s). I know this may be the historian in me, but it is also important to know when in a career anyone is interviewed because we change over time and our work changes as well. Secondly, some of the reviews feel quite full, you get a sense that maybe the conversation lasted 30 or 60 minutes, we're just seeing some highlights, but others are short, taking up only a couple of pages and they stop suddenly, no final words or concluding thoughts.
There are only two issues I had with the interviews and I'm unclear on whether or not the interviewer (McCarty) or the publisher (Crystal Lake) is the cause for these things which annoyed me. The first is the complete lack of when the interviews were conducted -- what year at least but better what date(s). I know this may be the historian in me, but it is also important to know when in a career anyone is interviewed because we change over time and our work changes as well. Secondly, some of the reviews feel quite full, you get a sense that maybe the conversation lasted 30 or 60 minutes, we're just seeing some highlights, but others are short, taking up only a couple of pages and they stop suddenly, no final words or concluding thoughts.
October 3, 2020
Entertaining, informative, and inspiring interviews of Horror writers, actors, and filmmakers over the years. Sadly, many of the subjects have passed away, so it is great that Michael McCarty has put this collection of his interviews with these Masters together for our perusal. This is a must-read for fans of the genre, who will certainly not be disappointed.
December 22, 2017
Excellent interviews with an impressively wide breadth of subjects. I'm a big fan of guys like Thomas Ligotti and Christopher Moore that you don't see featured in a lot of places so it was nice to see them get a spotlight.
September 10, 2018
Interesting interviews Interesting conversations
Most of the interviews are interesting. Makes the readers involved in the conversations. However, there are some interviews were a bit too short that one wishes there's more. Still, overall, a pretty good book.
Most of the interviews are interesting. Makes the readers involved in the conversations. However, there are some interviews were a bit too short that one wishes there's more. Still, overall, a pretty good book.
May 14, 2020
Some interesting interviews, covering several areas of media!
November 25, 2016
Won in the First Reads giveaway.
Sort of a mixed bag. There were some interviews that were really good, Ray Bradbury seemed delightful. I didn't really like the John Saul novel I read, but he was funny. The Dan Curtis one came at the right time, because I've been watching Dark Shadows. I've only read one Whitley Strieber novel, obviously not enough. He's something else.
I didn't really like the interviews of some of the actresses. I guess Cassandra Petersen is used to talking about her boobs, but the others could have used something else. The only woman interviewed that wasn't an actress was Laurel K Hamilton, but there are a ton of horror/sci-fi/fantasy writers that are women.
I know that John Carpenter was one of the more famous interviewees, but maybe that one should have been left out. He just doesn't seem to like being interviewed at all. I guess I wouldn't either.
Anyway, found a bunch more books to add to my to-read shelf.
Sort of a mixed bag. There were some interviews that were really good, Ray Bradbury seemed delightful. I didn't really like the John Saul novel I read, but he was funny. The Dan Curtis one came at the right time, because I've been watching Dark Shadows. I've only read one Whitley Strieber novel, obviously not enough. He's something else.
I didn't really like the interviews of some of the actresses. I guess Cassandra Petersen is used to talking about her boobs, but the others could have used something else. The only woman interviewed that wasn't an actress was Laurel K Hamilton, but there are a ton of horror/sci-fi/fantasy writers that are women.
I know that John Carpenter was one of the more famous interviewees, but maybe that one should have been left out. He just doesn't seem to like being interviewed at all. I guess I wouldn't either.
Anyway, found a bunch more books to add to my to-read shelf.
May 1, 2017
Short but Sweet
This book contained short interviews of people involved in horror and science fiction. They worked in various fields: author, editor, tv\movie directors or actors, but the majority of those interviewed were authors. The author of this book was able to establish a comfortable relationship in his interviews and was therefore able to get reactions and responses from the person interviewed that were genuine and reflective. I have to admit that I haven't read all of the authors interviewed, but after reading their interview, I want to read their books now! I enjoyed reading the various authors reply to a common question-my favorite one being what monster they would imagine being. The only thing I felt missing in this book would be a bibliography of the authors. Even though their works are mentioned in the interview, it would be nice to have this resource.
This book contained short interviews of people involved in horror and science fiction. They worked in various fields: author, editor, tv\movie directors or actors, but the majority of those interviewed were authors. The author of this book was able to establish a comfortable relationship in his interviews and was therefore able to get reactions and responses from the person interviewed that were genuine and reflective. I have to admit that I haven't read all of the authors interviewed, but after reading their interview, I want to read their books now! I enjoyed reading the various authors reply to a common question-my favorite one being what monster they would imagine being. The only thing I felt missing in this book would be a bibliography of the authors. Even though their works are mentioned in the interview, it would be nice to have this resource.
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