Friday, October 9, 2015

A Salute to Snark

Thought for the day:  I like to tell people I have the heart of a small boy. Then I say it's in a jar on my desk.  [Stephen King]




Today, as our featured guest, Stephen Tremp is treating us to a fun post about his latest book Salem's Daughters, which just launched on the first of October. I don't host guest bloggers here very often, so this is a real treat for me, and I think it will be for you, too. Enjoy!

But, um, why do you think he chose MY blog to write about snarky humor? I mean, really. Think there's any connection...? Nah. Couldn't be.

You know that little thing inside your head that keep you from saying things you shouldn't say? I think mine is missing...





                                Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.
                                *****************************************

Salem’s Daughters Tour Stop: Dark Snarky Humor 

Snarky Grumpy Cat
Thank you Susan for hosting me on my Salem’s Daughters Blog Tour! We all have a sense of humor and, when appropriate, it should show in our writing, even in a serious story. Readers appreciate humor that often goes beyond the norm and crosses the border into dark and snarky. Snarky can be sarcastic, rude, witty, snide, ironic, annoying, and cynical. 

This humor introduces conflict between the protagonist Bob Stevens and his wife’s (Debbie Stevens) Irish whiskey drinking, dark witted, sharp tongue spitfire grandmother Erma Dempsey. 

The ever-meddling Erma and her husband Ross co-sign a three-and-a-half million dollar loan to fund the bed and breakfast called Murcat Manor. Erma, who began as a minor character, developed into a major supporting role and never passes on an opportunity to take verbal and non-verbal shots at Bob, the butt of her jokes and the only non-Irish family member of her clan. 

More Snarky Grumpy Cat
Sample 1: The extended family Christmas Eve party at Erma’s where snarky comments flowed as smooth as Bushmills twenty-one year old single malt whiskey. 

“It’s weird,” Bob said. “These kittens are strange. They don’t act like normal cats. It seems like they're always plotting something, even while we’re sleeping.” 

“Plotting?” Erma said. “Cats? I can see if Debbie’s plotting something against you while you sleep. But … cats?” 

Another peal of laughter bordered on a noisy ruckus, most in the room almost falling out of their seats. 

Sample 2: “I couldn’t imagine,” Bob said, glancing back. “That’s mind boggling. How did you manage childbirth without an epidural?” 

“Whiskey, Bob. We were both drunk. Both the doctor and me. Epidurals? Pfhhht.” Erma leaned back in her seat. “Good old fashioned Irish whiskey is what got me through four child births.” 

Although Bob wasn’t much of a drinker outside the occasional glass or two of wine, he thought he might need a bottle of good old fashioned Irish whiskey to survive much more of Erma. 

Sample 3: “Debbie dear, don’t you fret one bit. The good news is your grandfather and I have decided we’ll co-sign the loan docs.” 

Erma smiled warm and wide. “That’s right, honey. We’re retired now and getting up in years, you see. And we want to do something to help you. So we’ve decided to co-sign the loan. You know, since Bob’s not able to get a job.” 

Erma Dempsey aka the late Helen Hayes
Erma Dempsey may be an AARP gray-haired, sharp-witted, smart-ass lush. But she’s also very smart. Although Erma originally thinks Bob may be responsible for the deaths of the guests at Murcat Manor, she’s the first to make a connection there’s more to the cats, who are actually thirteen disembodied witches from Colonial America, than meets the eye. And as the story progresses, with plenty of snarky dialogue Erma has for the thirteen lazy no-good flea-ridden regurgitated fur balls, there’s an epic showdown between the two parties. But that’s a post for another day. 

Ensenada and Really Cheap Coronas
Stephen Tremp writes Speculative Fiction and embraces science and the supernatural to help explain the universe, our place in it, and write one of a kind thrillers. 

Quick Blurb: A four hundred year old evil is unleashed when the daughters of those killed during the Salem Witch Trials find a new generation of people to murder at a popular modern-day bed and breakfast. 

You can read a full synopsis and download Salem’s Daughters by Clicking Here.
Stephen Tremp posts weekly blogs at his website
Breakthrough Blogs

Next Stop: Monday October 12 Susan Gourley website Susan Says. Join me there as the topic is Supernatural Powers Enhanced by Technology.

87 comments:

  1. Snark is good. Snark makes tough times easier. Or it does for me.
    And the more I see of Stephen's book, the more I lust after it. Succumbing to temptation is becoming inevitable.
    Speaking of snark - I saw a wonderful cartoon about a cat the other day. Resigned owner, looking down at litter tray 'I really wish you wouldn't think outside the box...' (or words to that effect). One of my cats does. To punish me.

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    1. Yeah, snark is good. It was a way of life for my friends and me when we were teenagers.

      HA! Our cats sometimes "think (just) outside their boxes," too, if we go away for more than four or five days. I think it's their way of telling me they're displeased. Like they KNOW where their boxes are, but they choose not to use them, just to show me...

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    2. Ha! I have to laugh as, yes, there is a cat poo reference in the book. Bob is the butt of many the cats jokes such as this one ... Chloe spoke. “And I left him a special um … care package in his shoe last week.”

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    1. HA! Seemed kinda appropriate to go with this post about scary cats. (But Dot isn't at all scary in real life. )

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    2. You never know (cue Twilight Zone music)

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  3. That Erma sounds like a real hoot!

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    1. River, she's a real spitfire for sure who started out with a small role, but that feisty lady scratched and clawed her way into a major character.

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  4. I didn't have an epidural. Why didn't I get some whiskey? That's not fair.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. HA! Yeah, in "our day" they made us bite down on a dirty piece of wood, huh? At least they could have splashed some booze on it. Purely for sanitary purposes, of course.

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    2. Janie, that's how they did it back in the day. Wifey had epidurals and whisky for our kids.

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  5. Hi Susan - great to see Stephen here .. and his humour he's written into these books ... looks very snarky - they obviously are going to have a great time as their book is read. I hate to think what's going to happen ... interesting ...

    Cat to Mission Kontrol .. is a little disconcerting ... cheers to you both - Hilary

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    1. HI, Hilary.

      I understand Stephen will be visiting your blog soon, too. (That guy gets around!)

      Cheers back atcha.

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    2. Hilary's hosted me on on my Blog Tours. Thanks Hilary!

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  6. Humor is always good, it is the common denominator for us all. Steven's book sounds like it will entertain and be a fun read.

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    1. Yeah, humor is my default mode. I don't quite know how to react to stony-faced people who have no sense of humor.

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    2. I often have no filters when it comes to dark and snarky humor. It''s spontaneous and out it comes. Often, I'm the only one laughing.

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  7. haha snarky human the cat sure can get behind indeed

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    1. Safer to get behind a snarky human than a snarky cat.

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    2. I like my humor snarky
      Better still when it's darky
      No time for malarky
      The result will be anarchy

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  8. Great photo, Stephen.
    I'm all about the snark, so bring it on.

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    1. That is a cool picture. The hat is particularly flattering. :)

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    2. Ha! It's one of my favorites too!

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  9. Snark never fails to be heaps of fun to read. Nice to know plenty of that can be found in Salem's Daughters!

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    1. Agreed. No matter what the genre of a book may be, I think the addition of humor makes it more enjoyable to read.

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    2. I love dark comedies. I'm thinking of watching Fargo tonight. Been a long time since I watched that dark humor show.

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  10. snark done right is sublime. Glad you hosted Stephen, Susan - you are an awesome hostess. Happy weekend to everyone, and good luck with book sales, Stephen.

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    1. Sublime Snark... sounds like a cool book title.

      Thank you for the awesome hostess comment. Have some crab dip...?

      Happy weekend to you, too.

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    2. Thanks Joanne and have a dark snarky albeit safe weekend!

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  11. thanks Susan for hosting me today. And thank you everybody for stopping by and saying hello. I'll be checking in throughout the day the crazy day that it is

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  12. thanks Susan for hosting me today. And thank you everybody for stopping by and saying hello. I'll be checking in throughout the day the crazy day that it is

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    1. Yeeeeep... you're still welcome!

      (I don't know why so many of your comments show up on my blog in duplicate...)

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  13. I adore the header photo. I just want to smooch the little face. What a cutie !
    What a great read and I want to hang out with Emma !
    Terrific post today.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Erma's someone you want to sit down with and polish off a bottle of good old fashioned Irish whiskey.

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    2. I can not drink so I can just sniff the bottle and Erma will have more and we can have a great time !

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    3. Thanks. I'm glad you like Dot's picture. She's a sweetie.

      Smart lady. Sniffing that stuff is much safer than drinking it. But I don't mind a wee drop every now and then...

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  14. Love your guests. Can I invite them round for dinner? I make a mean lamb stew. :-)

    Brilliant and witty. You both made me laugh. Thanks.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. Life's too short. Having a good laugh every day is what it's all about.

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    2. If you make a mean lamb stew, you can invite ME round for dinner... :)

      Greetings back atcha.

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  15. Snark is good Susan... it's one of my favorite things about... I always get a smile and laugh when I drop by... xox ♡

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    1. I'm glad Susan posts on Fridays as this is a great way to begin the weekend with a good laugh.

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    2. A smile and a laugh is a good way to end the week... and to start the week... and to live the week... :)

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  16. Hi Susan,

    Ah yes, delighted to note the illustrious Stephen as a guest on your must-read site. Of course, I haven't been reading much of any blog as of late. Must be some sort of reason to celebrate me actually getting here :)

    All the beast, um best, with your book, Stephen.

    Speaking of snark and beast, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar has informed me that snark is actually a combination of snore and bark. She should know!

    I'm outta' here.....

    Gary

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    1. Gary, thanks for stopping by and clarifying snarky. Now I know my dog a little better.

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    2. HI-ya, Gary! It's good to hear from you again. Definitely cause for celebration! I even have some dog biscuits for Penny. :) (She deserves a treat for clearing up that whole "snark" thing. )

      Cheers!

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  17. Anyone can be funny or witty....however, snark requires intelligence!

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    1. Pixel, snarky does take a certain level of developed talent. One does not simply "snark" with no effort.

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    2. Takes intelligence to understand it, too!

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  18. I love this kind of humor in books and movies. It just jumps out and elicits a chuckle.

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    1. Yeah, me, too. Anything that makes me laugh gets a vote from me. (Except for only-funny-because-they're-so-darned-ridiculous politicians... )

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    2. Medeia, even serious books like The Martian had a lot of snarky humor.

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  19. If we can judge a book by its cover, this one will be fantastic. I LOVE the cover!

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    1. Thanks Jon! My nephew did the cover art.

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    2. Hey,Jon! I was wondering where you were...

      And you know,whether we're supposed to or not, we almost always judge a book by its cover. Or pre-judge it, anyway,

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  20. I'm uncertain of snark. Also can't decide whether I'd rather perish at the hands of Salem's Daughters full of 400-year-old evil or, like Woody Allen, be kicked to death by the Rockettes. Susan, am I snarky yet?

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    1. Geo, how about Woody Allen being put in a sweat box with an insurance salesmen. Not sure if this link will come through ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-mg_NmKKRc

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    2. Dude, you're smart enough to be a king of snark, if that's what you want to do.

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  21. Snark is one of my favorite things. Stephen's book sounds great! Have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. The weekend is quickly drawing to an end, but I hope you had a terrific one, Daisy. (And I'm saying that with absolutely no snark at all.)

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  22. We're big fans of snark. And of cats. And snarky cats. We're also big believers that there's just not enough humor in books, and that humor won't ruin a serious book (as mentioned above, look at The Martian). Stephen's got the right idea.

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    1. No, humor won't ruin a serious book. I'm sure there are certain circumstances that don't call for humor, but I haven't found many of them. (Why, yes, yes, my sense of humor HAS been called a tad inappropriate at times...)

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    2. I still have yet to take the fam to see The Martian. We'll go for sure this weekend.

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  23. Loving the sound of the snarky humor!

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    1. Nas, snarky humor is so easy to right. You just need someone to be the butt of the jokes and Bob Stevens is just the right Mr. nice Guy for the job.

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  24. Snark is a good thing. I've often wondered if my cat watches me sleep all night. It's kinda creepy.

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    1. HA! I KNOW our cats spend some time watching me sleep at night, because they do it while lying on top of me. :)

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    2. TBM, I'm sure of it. Watching. Scheming. Plotting.

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  25. Salem's Daughter sounds intriguing. Congrats Stephen.

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    1. Thanks! And it's just the right season for Salem's Daughters.

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  26. I love snark so this makes me even more eager to read Salem's Daughters. You can't go wrong with snarky humor. :D
    Love the Stephen King quote at the beginning of the post, Susan. LOL.

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    1. That King quote is a hoot, isn't it? Guess you could say King is the king of snark...

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  27. I'm all for snarky, even dark humor. Some people don't get it, but it's awesome when they do.

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    1. Isn't it the BEST when friends share a similar sense of humor? "Not getting it" isn't an option. :)

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    2. Julie, I get it. Snark is not for everyone. But for me, I need snark to get through the day. Life's too short not to laugh at stupid stuff.

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  28. Ohhh, scary! Salem's Daughter sounds intriguing!

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  29. Speaking of sharks, we're watching the dolphins in Ocean City, MD, and having a great time. The weather is perfect! We leave Friday, after a cold front moves in and takes the temps down to 30 degrees - did we pick the best week or what! Talk about luck! Sorry, talking about me again. :)
    Steven's book sounds fantastic, can't wait to get to reading, after all I am on vacation! LOL

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    1. Oh wow, you're in one of my favorite places in the whole world! :) I'm glad you hit it during good weather. Not that it matters... I love being at the ocean, no matter what the weather is like. Except for possibly high-category hurricanes.

      Have fun!!!

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