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Oct222010
All Hallows Eve: ‘Where Stories Are Made’ with ‘Cursed’ author, David Wellington
by Carolyn • Posted in Where Stories Are Made
‘Where Stories Are Made‘ is a new feature here at Book Chick City. It’s where the author takes us on a tour of their writing place, be it an office, coffee shop or park and tells us about their writing day and rituals.
My guest today is horror writer David Wellington…
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Hello, hello, everyone, and welcome! Welcome to the grand tour of David Wellington’s home. David Wellington yes, that’s me, author of such books as Monster Island, 13 Bullets, and Cursed, to name a few. What’s that? Why am I leaning on this particular non-functioning fireplace? Oh, it was just convenient, but while we’re here perhaps you’ll take in what I like to call my Shelf of Immodesty. Yes, I’m aware that it’s not actually a shelf, but a mantelpiece. It seems to serve the same purpose, though, which is holding things up off the floor.
These are all my books, including foreign editions, anthologies, audiobooks, and my one and only comic book to date. Also a few variant covers, because it looks more impressive that way. That’s an Edward Gorey print over the books, which, now that I see it again, seems to be crooked. Let me just straighten that out.
I live in Brooklyn, where space is at a premium, so I do apologize that you’ll have to come through here in single file—yes, it is much easier if you walk sideways, the place is only about four feet wide at its maximum. No, I don’t find it cramped, here in Brooklyn we prefer the term “cozy”. The place is a fair bit longer than it is wide, conveniently enough, so if you’ll just keep moving in, yes, until you hit the far wall, there—now, you can look back the way you came and you’ll see the whole apartment.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking now. It’s rather minimally decorated, and offers little in the nature of creature comforts. But it serves my purposes. I find it very difficult to write when presented with any distractions, so I’ve sequestered these all to the upper right corner of the main room. That way, while I’m working, as long as I don’t turn my head more than twenty degrees to the side I don’t see them at all. You can just make out—if you squint—the red papier maché devil I brought back from Mexico. Those reading along at home might want to get very close to your monitors to see it better.
Oh, but of course you’re more interested in my bookshelves, so here I’ve provided a better view. These are in fact all of the bookshelves I have, which is starting to become a problem. I have far more books than I have space to put them—I suppose that’s a problem every writer has eventually. I knew a fellow in college, an English major, who had covered every bit of available wall space with books, and one day when I went over to see him I tripped over a pile of books on the threshold. He’d started walling over the door with books, you see. When confronted about the impracticality of this he said that he had no need to go out, because he hadn’t read all of his books yet. Occupational hazard. I try to avoid that by loaning as many books as possible to friends and family members. I can be assured I’ll never get them back, or, if I ever do, by that time I will have moved to larger quarters.
Here we are moving back the way we came, toward what I refer to as the main room. It serves the functions of a dormitory, dining hall, and office, as well as entertainment center, den, chapel, ossuary, examining theater, smokehouse, almonary, sitting parlor and cloakroom. That’s the nicest part about living in such tight space, of course. There’s far less walking from one room to the next. In fact, pretty much everything happens here, or at least, all those things I’m willing to publish pictures of on the internet. Ah, and if you look at the bottom of the screen, just there—well—let me give you another view, I just need to climb over your nice people in the back, no, please, don’t attempt to move, one of us will assuredly be injured if you do—
Yes, there, we come to the highlight of the tour, the place where the miracle occurs. This is my workstation, the forge upon which I hammer out the raw stuff of words so that I can present to you, the reader, the refined gold of my writing, the manifestation on this earthly plane of my own ethereal thoughts. It’s also where I search for pictures of amusing cats. Namely, my computer. I work entirely on the computer—again, it cuts down on distractions. I’ve always used a notebook computer, or at least I have ever since I’ve been published. Why? Well, I found it very difficult to balance a monitor, a CPU, a keyboard and a mousepad on my knees. Oh. You’ve heard that joke before. Well. In that case, I won’t keep you. Yes, you can file back out the way you came, as there’s really no other way to go. I don’t think you’ll get lost. Oh, and indeed, thank you so much for dropping by and fondling my private possessions. And please do keep in mind I counted the silver just before you all came in.
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Make sure you stop by later today when I will be giving away TWO sets of ‘Cursed’ & ‘Ravaged’ (UK & INT’L)
Ravaged: Out Now
You can find out more about this feature HERE
**Next time on ‘Where Stories Are Made’: Shaun Jeffrey**
77 Comments
I've never read any of David Wellington's books before, but I liked this post so much I'm going to start picking them up.
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Cozy is good.
Though, in all truth, I couldn't live in such closed quarters. I love big compartments (not necessarily big houses).
But it was a lot of fun to do this tour and your "Shelf of Immodesty".
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I love your booksShelves
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I haven't yet read David's book either, but the fantastic covers caught my eye
Love your bookshelves David and that fireplace mm.. There's nothing like reading on a comfortable cozy sofa/armchair and having a fire nearby
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I have a lack of space too! Thank you for giving us a tour of your space. It was fun. I like this feature.
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Bookcases all over the place and laptops?!? Looks like my kind of house, for REAL.
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I think the author is going to need more shelving space pretty soon
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please enter me in your contest
many thanks
stephen
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I love all these bookcases!!!!
I think that Cursed has just been translated to greek so it's much easier for me to read it in my country's edition but I think I 'll prefer the original one!!!
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Great post! I really like the book shelves, all those pretty book!
And, such an awesome computer.
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Seems like a comfy place to live. Books, couch, laptop – all you need is pepsi and chocolate and your good to go.
I didn't realize how small city apartments are. Makes moving easy and chores quick.
kjovus(at)gmail(dot)com
kjovus.blogspot.com
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This made me lol, what a great article, lots of humour. I love the mantel piece of immodesty!
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Love this post!! So interesting and fun. Will have read something by David W.
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Great post!! I love to see how the others bookshelves look like. David's books seem to be interesting too… would love to read them!! You can count me in your contest =D
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comfy sofa computer and overflowing bookshelves. What's not to like
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This was great! I'm a big fan of Wellington's book, especially Monster Island, Nation and Planet. Thank you for sharing your cozy abode with us fans.
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Very cool – I always enjoy seeing how different people live and work.
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Do you find it hard to lend out your books knowing beforehand, that you may never get them back. I hate to do it, but it sounds like you cant say no either. I cant tell someone "No, I'm not going to share this awesome story with you becasue I know I will never get my book back", but I must say it is hard to give them over. And Its sad to see my book collect dwindle over time lol. But, like you I have limited shelf space as well!! Happy Collecting
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Fab feature! I love the Shelf of Immodesty.
xx,
E.J.
From the Shadows
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Who cares about the furnishings when the idea is to make space for more books. LOL.
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Ahhh but at least you have a good amount of book space, by the looks of things! It can be a bit awkward when you get to the point of, say, clearing out the top shelf of your wardrobe to start layering books up. Clothes? Who needs those!
Also, the Cursed cover is beautiful!
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Loved the bookshelves!
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By reading your post, I can tell your pretty funny.
Indeed, funny! Looking forward reading one of your books!
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Books everywhere. Small but creative flat, you always have to remember that;)
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How very cool, a shelf of "Immodesty" and no shame in the showing of it! Love the "cozy" feel but with 2 cats, one dog and 3 adult humans as well as my many books no way could we do "cozy" and survive! LOL
Thanks for the wonderful tour and as have not read either book the reminder to go look for them ASAP to get a copy and read!
jackie >_<
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Hello and thank you everyone! I was a bit tentative about showing the world my tiny little space but it looks like everyone enjoyed the tour, so, wonderful.
I give books away with the express intention of never seeing them again. I see myself as a one man lending library with a very liberal circulation policy. I used to get upset, but now I just figure at least my friends are reading great books.
–David Wellington
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Lmao! Great post! Thanks for the tour and the giggles! Love the sense of humour!19
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The apartment doesn't look much bigger than my house. I have learned to put books everywhere, don't look under my sofa.
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How many books!!! Wellington's books seem great and he seems great too!
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i like this kind of entries… its great to meet the autors houses xD
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Another great article, I love this feature
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Love the covers!
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This was a wonderful post and I must say that I love your bookshelves. Your own personal books on the table look so sleek and elegant! Great shots of home
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This was probably one of the best Where Stories are Made". Very funny.
I read 99 Coffins. It was good.
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Hmm, I love fireplaces. They're just awesome. I don't have one, though. My mom has one, and she uses it a lot. I love the smell of fireplaces.
The books look awesome! The covers are beautiful too. I'll be sure to pick them up soon.
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I love the bookshelf. They always gets my attention first before I read anything ;p
Yeah, it seems I have the same problems. More books but little space i just keep them in boxes. *sigh*
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So great to see into your life. So many wonderful bookshelves! I have always wanted to read David Wellington's books. Love the paranormal genre.
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Love the shelves! I've seen much smaller places so your place looks pretty nice.
Great fireplace.
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Great post! I think I'm going to be looking for some of his books at my local library!
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hahaha. interesting. neat post. I love the bookshelves!
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Thanks for sharing your space. Always fun to see how people work out their spaces.
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I love the crib — my kind of hideout. Who needs all that extra space to clean?
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Love that there are books everywhere! I say you need more. As Cicero said, "A room without books is like a body without a soul."
Haven't read any of your books yet, but I'm looking forward to reading Cursed.
Ringingbell02@aol.com
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This series sounds brilliant, and I wuvs a good werewolf story! Thanks for hosting the contest!
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Thanks for the great look at where the writing takes place. I just wonder what will happen one day when that shelf of immodesty isn't big enough to hold all of the books you have written.
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Hi David great post! I loved monster Island Im going to be reviewing it soon and reading monster nation cant wait to read cursed
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Love the bookshelves! Those covers are pretty racy cool!
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Thanks for bringing these books to our attention BCC. The covers are great and although the books are not my usual read I'd love to give them a go.
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Wow these shelves…
I love David's appartment, I'm scared of a big and spacious places, so cozy definitely works for me. I wouldn't mind having only bookshelves and bed in my appartement.Maybe I wouldn't even miss the kitchen…
Thanks for this article!
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I love your bookshelves!!! I have to say I very impressed with how tidy your shelves are! Great post!
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I agree, David, too much stuff will only distract you. At least you have your books to keep you company.
~Chrizette
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I have never read any of your books either David but I am interested in reading them. I love reading horror books. Tore923@aol.com
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I haven't read any of Mr. Wellington's book, but love the concept…will be looking into the series.
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The covers of this series look great.
spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com
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I haven´t read your book, but I want to do it soon. And put it on my wish list if I have no chance of winning.
That nice GP! I really enjoyed your space, especially those beautiful bookshelves.
Cheers!
~Yelania
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Great bookshelves and you have a really nice place!
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This is the first time I hear about David's books but I'm adding them to my wish list. They sound like my kind of read
Loved your bookshelves!
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lots of book shelves are key to good decorating to me..lol
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Fun interview.
David, don't invite any football players to your place. They won't fit through your door (4 foot wide), not even sideways !
Carol T
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I've never heard about David before
and you have lots of books ! wow
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I'm sad to admit that I haven;t read any of David's books yet.
But the covers are gorgeous and I just love his bookcases and the general look of his house!!
Looks pretty comfortable and cozy enough to write all the time! lol
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Man, you are definitely going to need more shelving space LOL!
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Oh, so neat and clean. I love it.
And as for the distractions of other additional decorations, well, that just makes more room for book stuff (hint books:) )
Thanks for another great Where stories are made.
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i havent read any of his books, but the covers are really cool looking and i would love to read them based on the cover alone
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Oh I've been wanting to read David Wellington's books! There on my wishlist! They sound awesome!
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I love a home crammed full of books – it makes me feel relxed and at home.
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Great post. I love the insight into an author's home life. Thanks for the tour!
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Great bookshelves! I haven't read David's book yet either but the covers definitely caught my eye.
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I haven't read any of David's books, but that is going to change very quickly!
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Looking forward to trying out a new (to me) author
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Looking forward to trying a new (to me) author
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You have a very "cozy" house xD But that's ok, because I kind of live in a cozy house too.
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I haven't read any of his books but they sound really interesting.
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Very funny article! My house used to feel so spacious but my books are slowly but surely taking over my house!
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Wow, your books are organized well! I need to get more bookshelves and organize my books better.
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I LOVE THE BOOK CASES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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