Sapphire Reader Audio Book Reviews by Joan Roman Pavlick: Friday Frenzy: THE BLACK DIARIES - VOLUME ONE By Anthony Crowley (with interview)

Friday Frenzy

THE BLACK DIARIES - VOLUME ONE

By Anthony Crowley (with interview)

Kindle Version

Spectral Press

Amazon's review rating 5 stars

*****My RATING 5 STARS*****

Book blurb from Amazon

Anthony Crowley the Author of 'Tombstones' & 'The Light of Keeps Passage' and numerous works of dark verse & speculative fiction delivers more body bags with 'The Black Diaries' series.
This collection includes short stories, The Conjuring Road and Sleeping Village and dark poetry, Resurrection, and the Edgar Allan Poe-inspired Ghost & the Raven...and much more.

My Review and thoughts on this book!

I really enjoyed the way Anthony combined what will give the readers a great way to experience his writing. From a short story to his short verse writing. It is a great way to introduce the reader to both his styles of writing. That will create a love for all his works.

Starting out with the first short story, "The Conjuring Road". IT takes the readers into the world of voodoo. A young boy thinking that his father was away for his job. Only to find out he has been in prison. Being released, his mother takes him for a visit with him. But, what kind of prison is this. Well, being a short story can't spoil the story. Just that you will not be disappointed at this story and one I feel can be expanded upon into a Novella.

So my favorite verses and quotes:

The Sinister Train

"Strapped into a journey

The darkest of pleasures and dreams"

The Blacken Witch

"I am a shadow of my former self, enriched with words of divination and folklore"

The Ripper

"I drift slowly through the still of the night

Sounds of drunken laughter amidst the echoing of footsteps aloud"

and finally

Shadow of the Wolf

"I await the sudden frosted witching moon to climb the immortalised sky"

Finishing his book up with another short story 'Sleeping Village'. Another story that will draw you into the mind of Anthony. Drawing you into another century in the year of 1348. It was a well written story that you will not want to miss. It can also be expanded into a novella for sure!

This book was provided to me by the author and all views above are solely mine and no other reviews or comments effected such review. I invite you to comment below, love to hear from you. Also let me know if this review was or was not helpful.

Interview with Anthony Crowley

So today's interview will be with Anthony Crowley. I first reviewed one of Anthony's audio books for AudioBookReviewer.com called Tombstones where I feel in love with his writing of short verses. A first for me since I am not a poetry reader. This review was posted to my blog on May 22, 2015. Since then I have reviewed his other audio The Mirrored Room also posted to my blog on June 8th, 2015. Today, I reviewed his book The Black Diaries - Volume One and look forward to Volume Two. So first a little about the author (okay maybe a little bit more lol )as featured on his Amazon author page.

About the Author from Amazon

Anthony Crowley, Author of best-seller 'Tombstones' was born 1979, Birmingham,U.K From a young age of 7, Anthony began to take an interest in English literature and Poetry from an early childhood.Then throughout his teenage years he studied music and achieving song-writing skills,whilst still creating his visions. He also achieved a diploma in creative writing with a college located in,Oxford,England. Anthony has also written short stories for student newsletters, horror monthly's. The present day Anthony Crowley has written many works of literature & poetry,including 'The Fallen Angel' featured in Sanitarium Magazine ,issue 14. The work itself was also mentioned via a live radio podcast on the evening of Halloween 2013. 'The Devils Foot Soldier' was another dark verse which was inspired by the 'Slasher Icon' movie of 2011 'The Orphan Killer' which was positively recognised by the movies creators and the written piece is now featured at American based 'Blood Born Magazine' several more features and frequent media interviews and being ranked as 'one of the best Modern Authors in recent years' Forthcoming Novella 'The Mirrored Room' was ranked in the 'Semi-Finals' at 'authorsdB' Book Awards of 2013,and not forgetting being a trending Author for many consecutive months and a featured Author on numerous literature and Horror themed websites and more. Presently, Anthony Crowley (The Master Of Realities) is always creating new and exciting projects within the subjects of ,horror,supernatural,paranormal,occult and also historic references..Anthony is Currently residing in UK

Now without further ado, let me begin my interview with Anthony with maybe some newly added information for the Anthony Crowley fans!!

Well, Anthony I would like to start off by thanking you for taking time out of your extremely busy writing schedule. Following you on Facebook I really don't think you sleep (LOL). So let's get started. So Anthony...

How many years have you been writing? At what age did you get started?

I initially began taking an interest in writing thirty years ago now. My junior school teacher would get annoyed sometimes, because I would always write something down. I never liked having a break from my thoughts even back then. Professionally I got involved in writing back in 2010, but I continued to write more since 2012/13 until the present day.

What got you started with the writing bug?

I felt more drawn into writing from witnessing my teacher during the class of 85’. He would describe a variety of pens and showed demonstrations, including calligraphy. I was hooked even more.

Was there ever a different genre of writing that you were thinking of prior to writing horror drama and poetry?

Basically I enjoy the many forms of literature. I think as any artist it is a joy to explore different directions and styles. I’ve wrote other genres such as history, psychology and romance.

Do you plan on trying your writing in a different genre?

Of course. It’s always refreshing to have an healthy challenge.

What was your first published book?

The Light of Keeps Passage

What was your first highest rated book?

My dark poetry collection Tombstones.

Where would you like to be in your career or life in 1 year? 5 years? 10 years?

I always project myself forward. I look back on previous releases and think how enjoyable it was. As long as I have my good health I will still be doing the same as what I’m doing now and to continue entertaining my readers and taking them on their escapes from everyday life. To observe that I make people happy, makes me very happy. Whether an author has one reader or ten-thousand readers, you’re fan base is there and becomes your extended family.

Is there a project that you really want to achieve?

There’s a few other projects, but my lips are sealed at the moment. You’ll have to wait and see.

Joan: Well, Anthony I can't wait to read these new projects! So...

Which book was your first audio? Is there a favorite narrator that you have use or want to use in the future?

That is like saying who is your favourite music artist or favourite movie. I believe each narrator has their own qualities. When I auditioned Alan Weyman for the Tombstones audiobook, I thought to myself that this Is the exact voice suited for the recording. I can sense and feel the dramatized strengths in his tone. I needed someone who could be very expressive and on time with this verses. I then wanted to have another distinctive voice for my Mirrored Room story. I must have auditioned at least twelve other narrators that were good in their own strengths, but then the next audition came. When I heard the first sample recording from Cory Mikhals I was awestruck and I was so drawn into his adaptive voice in how he delivered the story. I thought to myself if I were the listener what would I like to hear and what would entertain me. I later found out that Cory is also a popular radio host for a radio station in Idaho. He is a man who excelled perfectly and professionally. I will be working with Cory Mikhals again at some point.

I really enjoyed his voice as well in this audio presentation as you have seen by my review on the Mirrored Room. Moving on...

Who is your favorite author(s)? Was that how you were inspired to how you write today? Do you have a favorite series by this author(s)?

I have many favourite authors such as Clive Barker, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and Edgar Allan Poe, Jack Ketchum to name a few. When I was a child I was instantly addicted to the classic horror (fantasy) films. Universal Pictures, Hammer, Amicus, etc… I first became magnetised the literary works of Edgar Allan Poe, Dennis Wheatley and Bram Stoker. There were the key figures I suppose to my early introduction.

Finally, what other thoughts would you like to share with my bloggers today?

I currently have a contributed story titled “Saturnalia” in a forthcoming anthology “Demonology”. The collection is inspired by King James VI’s legendary opus of the same name. It features contributions by some of today’s most talented authors such as Tim Dry, Paul Flewitt, Juan J. Gutierrez, Christopher L.Beck. Demonology is published by Lycopolis Press and edited by Dean M.Drinkel. Later this year I have a fifteen story collection titled “Doomsday After Midnight” due for release. Currently I’m working on more short stories and a new dark poetry collection “Winter Chills” and two novels.

Well, Anthony it certainly was a pleasure for you to take time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions and get your readers more familiar with the real Anthony Crowley! I surely enjoy the friendship we have developed since reviewing your first audio book Tombstones. I look forward to reading, listening and reviewing more of your works.

So that is it for this week's Author's Interview my readers. Next Friday I will be interviewing a wonderful Narrator out there in Audio Book Land, Andrea Emmes. Want to know more about Anthony or ask him direct questions click on the links below. Until next week!

Where you can find Anthony Crowley