Hello! Long time no blog. April was a busy month with the release of my first novel,THE REMEDY. I'm very pleased (to say the least) that overall reception from both readers and critics has been positive. A few reviewers have even listed it among theirfavorites of 2015thus far! Needless to say, it's all been every exciting, but has also taken my attention away from this blog.I return today with the second installment of "Cite Your Sources," which is entirely appropriate since I owe any and all of The Remedy's success to my various influences. Next up is the incomparable, JOHN SKIPP!To those in the horror-know, John Skipp needs no introduction. His list of contributions to the horror genre is as long as it is diverse. Ranging from his groundbreaking days as one of the first "Splatterpunks" to his current work in independent film, Skipp has always been on the frontlines of the strange and horrific. In fact, it would be quite easy to play "Seven Degrees of John Skipp." Nightmare on Elm Street? Skipp co-wrote thefifth installment. Fright Night? Skipp co-wrotethe novelization. Zombiemania? Skipp helped usher brain eaters onto the page with theBooks of the Dead serieshe co-edited. Name something horror and Skipp's smiling face is bound to show up.I first met John Skipp atcamp NECONin 2011. I was fresh out of myMFA programin the purest form of "fresh"--I had graduated just two days prior.Nancy Holder, one of the MFA program's instructors and a fantastic mentor, had suggested--no, insisted--I attend NECON, guaranteeing I'd have the time of my life. Oh, how right she had been.NECON is considered very special within the horror community and for good reason. I've attended my fair share of conventions and conferences, and NECON is, to date, the only place where aspiring newbies can chat and hang out with industry legends, all the while chowing down on hotdogs around a campfire. Before I knew it, I found myself relaxing with Jack Ketchum, Brian Keene, and John Skipp.And did Skipp wax poetic about the current state of the industry, or the top five mistakes of new writers, or which awards matter and which don't? No. Instead of regurgitating all those heavily treaded topics one can find on countless blogs and messageboards, Skipp told entertaining anecdotes about his experience writing a pornographic film. And while his tales of writing a porn musical sure made me laugh, it turned out to be one of the most beneficial conversations of my writing career.Skipp shared his experience walking onto the set of a porno, excited as anyone granted an opportunity to sneak-a-peek under the circus tent. However, Skipp told me he was surprised to find almost everyone involved in the production seemed utterly BORED. Even the guy running the boom mic stared absent mindedly out a nearby window instead of watching the sex taking place just inches from where he stood.What's the lesson here, kids? That sex and violence and flesh and blood just aren't enough on their own. You would think a man eternally labeled a "splatterpunk" would be the loudest advocate for all of these things, but even a splatterpunk knows that "shocking" material fails to shock sooner or later. If a reader doesn't care about the characters, or the repercussions of violence, or the MEANING behind it all, he or she will be as bored as a veteran porno sound engineer.Case in point, I would recommend checking out the video below that features Skipp speaking of these same ideas. I actually utilize this interview in the classroom for a novel course I teach atColby-Sawyer College!I find it's very appropriate and helpful when we discuss the impact and meaning of violence in literature.Skipp's energy is contagious. I'm convinced one conversation with Skipp is the perfect antidote for any writer diagnosed with self doubt, cynicism, or even depression. Skipp has as much passion and enthusiasm as any starry-eyed rookie. Even his pyhsicality is highly kinetic--I've never seen him slouch, or lumber, or walk with anything less than a skip in his step. Just check out the photo below. When I asked if he would pose with me for a picture, Skipp told me to raise my fist as if to say, "Bring it on, motherf--kers!"​​​​He carried himself in this exact same fashion when I met up with him at Killercon in Las Vegas, NV. Held in theStratosphere Hotel and Casino, Killercon gave aspiring writers the chance to pitch their works-in-progress to professional editors and publishers. Skipp was in attendance as a representative of Ravenous Shadows, the now defunct horror imprint ofRavenous Romance. Though RS didn't work out, it was still awesome to receive a fresh dose of that Skipp energy. Ten minutes or so of chatting and I couldn't wait to get back to my keyboard.And while busy schedules and tight budgets have cut down on the number of conventions I'm able to attend, thanks to the magic of the internet, Skipp has only been a few clicks away. He now offers a course viaLit Reactorcalled "The Choreography of Violence," which I enrolled in myself. The class was so successful that Lit Reactor offered it a second time to the same rave reviews. I'm willing to bet that if Skipp's time allows, he'll sign up for session number three. So keep your eyes peeled and keep checking Litreactor.com! I guarantee your writing will be kicking some serious ass when Skipp is through.That's it for now, boils and ghouls! Until next time, be sure to check out these recent reviews of THE REMEDY as well as interviews with yours truly! And keep up to date with all news by following me on twitter (@AsherEllis) and my Facebook author page (facebook.com/asherellisauthor)Reviews:Hellnotes.comJust Another Girl and Her BooksHorror After DarkInterviews:BookTrib - "Asher Ellis taps into New Adult, delivers The Remedy"Bookschatter - "Q&A with Asher Ellis"Hellnotes - "The Remedy Q&A"