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In previous stories, Cowie talked about his writing history, spending two years writing his first manuscript, the type of stories he writes ("I like to tell stories where anytime there is a lull in the story, a fun chase scene breaks out, and then things go haywire"), why he writes ("I have a funny bone that needs to be scratched") and his writing routine ("hanging out at the library or a coffee shop pretending I can't get on the internet"). Recently, Cowie took a few minutes to speak via email with The Herald-News features editor Denise M. Baran-Unland to provide more insights into his writing world.
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Baran-Unland: What types of stories do you find easiest to write and why? Cowie: Well, anything that lets me utilize my humor bone. I wrote three manuscripts without selling them, but when I started letting my natural voice take over, it was as if I was channeling my inner Dave Barry and Douglas Adams. Plus I like cracking myself up.
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Baran-Unland: Where do you need the most improvement? Cowie: Commas. Seriously, I suck at commas. When do you need them? Where should they go? What do they eat? I had an editor once send me my manuscript and instructed me to kill at least one third of them. So I went on a comma-killing rage, deleting them with no mercy. Even today, commas startle at my approach, seeing in me a fearsome predator. Bwah, ha, ha, ha.
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Baran-Unland: Give a one-line summary about your featured short story. Cowie: So when zombies have eaten all of the brains, what then?
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Baran-Unland: Tell us about your current work-in-progress and/or future works. Cowie: Great question. I recently finished a manuscript called "MOONED" about a dog and cat whose owner forgets to lock them up during a full moon, and they witness him turn into a werewolf in the living room. Of course, they have to check it out and they each end up being bitten. After the werewolf runs off to do werewolf things, the dog and cat are transformed into were-humans. They have to deal with loss of fur and Kibbles and Bits while figuring out what to do with opposable thumbs. A fun adventure with were-squirrels, Big Foot and all kinds of fun stuff. While I’m shopping that manuscript, I’m deep into another book about a boy who is disconnected from his shadow during an eclipse.
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Baran-Unland: Where can people find more information about you? Cowie: The best place is to sneak into my house and watch me while I’m scratching our new pit bull rescue. Maybe it’s better if you just go to my website, www.normcowie.com.
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KNOW MORE Each week LocalLit will deliver an original short and family-friendly story by a local author to the newsletter's subscribers. Authors with a connection to our readership area may submit. Submission does not guarantee acceptance. Stories should be edited and between 1,000 words and 7,500 words. In addition, featured authors will be spotlighted in publications before the newsletter runs so readers have time to sign up. To submit and for information, contact Denise M. Baran-Unland at 815-280-4122 or dunland@shawmedia.com. To sign up for the LocalLit newsletter and read Cowie's story, visit www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/#//.