WHO ARE THE KINDLE ALL-STARS?
Short conversations throughout November with the stellar talent behind the revolutionary short-story anthology THE KINDLE ALL-STARS PRESENT: RESISTANCE FRONT
Today I have the pleasure of talking to Frank Zubek, who’s story ‘The Gift’ features in Resistance Front.
Frank has written a really good short story for everydayfiction.com called ‘Just A Theory’ that I recommend you check out.
He’s also written a ‘call-to-arms’ regarding literacy, which you can find on his blog and other places.
FS: How did you come to hear about the Kindle All-Stars project?
Frank: Bernard contacted me and I thought it was a great idea!
FS: What’s your contribution called?
Frank: The Gift.
FS: And without giving too much away, what’s it about?
Frank: A woman encounters a mysterious librarian.
FS: What was the main inspiration behind it?
Frank: I was wondering about a friend of mine who I hadn’t heard from in a while and one thought led to another and the story developed from there.
FS: Did you write it specifically for the Kindle All-Stars, or was it written prior?
Frank: It was part of handful of flash fiction pieces that I was working on for submission to multiple places. This piece seemed like a good fit for All Stars.
FS: Obviously the primary goal behind this anthology is to make some money for disadvantaged and abused children. But secondary to that, it is to promote fresh, new writing talent – the punk rock of literature – and show that Indie writers are out there, dedicated and working hard to produce Class-A work.
If people take notice of what you’ve written for this anthology, what do you hope the outcome is of that attention?
Frank: That they will like The Gift enough to contact me and ask about my other works. (This goes for all my fellow All Stars. I certainly hope this event gives them a boost).
FS: How do you write? Are you a plotter? Do you fly by the seat of your pants? When do you write, and where? I write at night, at the dining table, when the kids are in bed and the place is finally peaceful and quiet. And I work everything out on paper before I sit down to write. What have you found works best for you?
Frank: While I do scribble notes on paper, I am most comfortable at the laptop typing away. Sometimes I can get off a few pages of quality first draft stuff and other times it takes a few swipes at the words to get what I want. I’m still learning and challenging myself. I must be doing something right since I have several short stories out there- published!
FS: How did you find the editing process with Bernard? I found it to be like a smack in the mouth and a pat on the head at the same time, saying “I like this” at one point, to a specific sentence, and then “You need to stay in Active Voice!” the next. I learned a lot, and I think I have a much stronger piece of writing now than I did when I submitted it. What was your personal experience?
Frank: He is truly a merciless editor. But that’s a good thing since good writing NEEDS an eye for what should be taken out of the work. The bottom line at all times should be what is best for the reader so that they have the best possible reading experience. Sometimes the writer isn’t always the best person to make those choices since the writer is so close to the work. Top marks to Bernard if he should ever wish to edit full time.
FS: Is there anyone in particular who’s contributed to the anthology that you’re excited to be included alongside?
Frank: Mr. Ellison of course. He is a legend and I dare say that there are several of his pieces out there that will still be read a hundred years from now. Which is what all writers aspire to.
FS: We know that there will be a KAS 2 at some point. Plans are already afoot. Is there a dream name you’d like to see involved in it the next time around? Me personally, getting published in a book that includes a story by Alan Dean Foster is one of those “Wouldn’t it be great if one day…” things that I can now tick off of the list.
Frank: My wish list is: Dan Simmons, Stephen King, Joe Hill, as well as some first timer talent out there who is even now reading these interviews hoping to be a part of the next book.
FS: So when you’re not helping to fight evil, what do you get up to in real life?
Frank: Humble grocery clerk happy to have a job.
FS: Are you working on anything now? Anything you’d like everyone to know about?
Frank: A Nick Crowel novel. He is a cop who encounters people with really strange problems. There is nothing out there like Crowell and I hope to make a series of novels for the character. The first book is due out early 2012.
FS: And to your readers – both potential and existing – is there anything you would like to say? They might be reading this months after Resistance Front has landed, wanting to know more about you. What would you like to say to them?
Frank: Just one thing. Please do not stop reading. Please pass the word ABOUT reading. Actively stop by a bookstore at least a few times each year and get your friends to do the same thing. Buy an e-book or buy a paper version -but BUY books! And read them. Pass them around. Support your library and local comic book stores as well. Reading is the foundation of society. And buying books keeps the flow of literature going. Turn off the television and take a break from all the games. Sit down with a mug of coffee (Or a beer- doesn’t matter) and read for a half an hour a day. All of us writers will thank you with the best work we can think up.
FS: Thats it! Time’s up! Hopefully we’ll the chance for a much more in-depth chat at some point in the near future when KAS is out on sale!
You can find Frank Zubek at the following destinations along the Information Super-Highway!
Tony Healey 
Thanks, Frank, for all you do to encourage people to keep reading!
Thanks Keri I do what I can