I’m a fan of this author’s books, and he’s created characters that stick with me long after reading the last page (the root monsters, Clovis, and Kevin the vampire to name a few). Clever banter and snark get me every time, and his Lizzie and the hat novels get big check marks in those columns. When I saw the cover of his new release, The Midnight Rambler, it immediately became my favorite of the series. Welcome C.S. Boyack!
I’m excited to be here again for Bad Moon Rising, and appreciate the invite, Teri. This is one of my favorite stops of the year. Mad respect to you for putting this together every October. On with the questions:
Would you rather visit a haunted house or a haunted graveyard?
Fun question, and I suppose I would choose the cemetery. I like the idea of open air and a slightly better chance to escape. If escape isn’t necessary, chatting under the stars with a ghost might be kind of charming.
Which unsolved murder fascinates you the most?
Hands down, the Zodiac killer. This all happened when I was a kid in Northern Nevada. My elders were terrified even though we were hundreds of miles away. Then he performed some of his acts in the Tahoe area and it drove the point home even more. The ciphers, the taunting, and everything that went with his nefarious acts makes it all the more interesting. The fact that it’s real is even better.
If you were stuck as the protagonist in any horror movie, which would you choose?
Kind of liked the Frog brothers from Lost Boys, but I’d have to choose Ash Williams. Come on, Bruce Campbell, a boom-stick, and being groovy would be perfect.
What is your kryptonite as a writer?
There are a few, stress being a big one. However, I need to be free of distractions for a few hours. I used to call it noise, but it’s more than that. Other people, demanding pets, television, etc. kills the process for me. I need to delve into my thoughts without the weight of the world, or the peripheral goings on of others. I bought a pair of noise cancelling headphones and have made good use of them by playing ambient noise. I’m wearing them as I type this with Skyrim ambience in my ears.
Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?
Frankie likes to read over my shoulder, but Otto is more into cuddling.
If you could be mentored by any famous author, who would it be?
Honestly, Teri, I’d take about anyone you could offer. Everyone has something we can learn from. If I got to pick, I think I’d choose Michael Crichton. The guy was so creative and painted such a great picture I’d love to have spent some time with him.
Okay, I’m cheating now, but how could I pass up, “What are you working on now?”
I try to have two manuscripts going at any time, plus notes and storyboards for future stories constantly evolving in my mind. I currently have a revenge story in a post apocalyptic setting I’m calling “Once Upon a Time in the Swamp.” It’s probably at the 3/4 mark and will be a stand alone tale.
I’m also drafting one called “Goodbye Old Paint,” as part of The Hat Series. This is the dark humor series I try to fill with stand-alone volumes. And speaking of The Hat Series, I have a brand new book on the shelves that I’m promoting here today.
Something evil is after the hat. The ageless enemies have battled many times, but this time Lizzie is wearing the hat. She’s also up against a ticking clock, in that if she can’t find the maker of her new friend’s medicine he will die.
The Rambler has kidnapped the only witch capable of making Ray’s medicine in an attempt to make the hat sloppy in his efforts. He’s also flooded the streets with deadly minions to impede any progress our heroes might make.
As if that weren’t enough, Lizzie is facing more of life’s struggles, both financially and mechanically. This all goes down in the middle of a huge flood event that she’s ill equipped to handle.
Join Lizzie and the hat as they battle the elements, the paranormal, and a being of pure evil. Lizzie might be battling some personal demons along the way as she and Ray grow closer.
Purchase Link
https://mybook.to/TheMidnightRambler
Author Bio and Social Media
Books and Such 
Craig is a great guest. I love his answers and his dogs!
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Thank you, Darlene. The kids know I’m working today, so they’re snoring away on the couch.
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I’ve missed seeing Frankie and Otto – glad he brought them along.
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Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
I’m participating in Teri Polen’s Bad Moon Rising today. She puts a ton of work into this every year and I hope you’re all supporting her by visiting, reading, and sharing on social media. In addition, Teri is a great author. I’ve read several of her stories and enjoyed all of them. She’s super supportive of the writing community and generous with her book reviews. Stop over and leave me a comment. I’ll check in when I can and respond to everyone. It’s almost time to commute.
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Thanks for inviting me to participate again this year, Teri. This is a premier event for authors and I hope your blog is super busy all month. Glad you like my cover, and hope what’s inside measures up, too.
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You’re always welcome here, Craig. If the past few days are any indication, stats will reach a record high this year – woohoo!
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Ah, those “helping” pets. I’m with you on the cemetery, Craig. I’d choose that over a haunted house.
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Seems like several of us have writing “helpers”, Joan. But they’re so cute 🥰
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It would be a nice evening out if nothing terrifying showed up. An old house might make me sneeze.
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I love the Root Monsters! I-I-I-I 😁 The two works in progress sound fantastic, and your writing ‘helpers’ are adorable, Craig. Good luck with everything. Teri, thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful day 💕🙂
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Still hoping for root monster merch, Harmony!
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Thank you, Harmony. Glad you also remember the root monsters.
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OMGosh, Frankie and Otto are SO cute! I need a quiet/distraction-free atmosphere to write, too. Congrats to Craig on the recent release of The Midnight Rambler!
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Thank you, Priscilla.
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Love the doggy companions. I joke that my dog (who insists on appearing in my novels) is my supervisor. Cheers and take care.
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They just want to do whatever we’re doing.
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I have one of those also, Ashley – only in feline form.
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Great to see Craig here, Teri. What fun answers. I like his idea of a “charming” chat with a ghost. Lol. And I find it impossible to write with distractions either, though thouse dogs can help me anytime. 😀 Congrats to Craig on his growing list of books. Wow!
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You never know when the ghost will give me my next plot. As in story, not the gravesite kind.
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LOL
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Hi Teri, this post is so Craig, I just love it. I particularly enjoyed his comments about his kryptonite. I am the same and it is hard to find that quiet time. All the best to Craig with this new book. I have one more book to read and then this one.
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Honored to be on your reading list, Robbie.
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I think we’re at the same place in this series, Robbie. I’m listening to the one before this with Alexa right now.
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Like the others here, I share your Kryptonite issues – though I have to say that having Frankie looking over my shoulder could only be a welcome distraction! Love the cover of The Midnight Rambler! 😀
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Frankie is pretty animated. She’s also heavy, like a cinder block. That cover is getting a lot of attention. Thanks.
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Doggos! I’ve got three surrounding me right now. They like to “help” a lot.
Thanks for hosting, Teri. I also love root monsters, Clovis, and Kevin. Excellent choices, IMHO.
Craig, I really enjoyed this post and this novella. Wishing you much success. Can’t wait to see what’s next.
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Thanks for that testimonial, Staci. There’s more on the horizon.
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We already have the fan club for the root monsters. Should we organize something for Clovis and Kevin?
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Sssh-sure. I think Kevin would do a happy danssshe if he knew he had fansssh. And I’m happy to have a fan club for Clovis, too, but I wouldn’t want him to find out. He strikes me as preferring to stay under the radar. 🙂
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Excellent points, lol.
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Good to see Otto and Frankie again. Enjoyed your answers, Craig. Best wishes on The Midnight Rambler. Thanks, Teri, for hosting Craig today.
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Thank you, John. Rumor is that you spiked the stats here yesterday. Dang! I knew I should have sent Lisa instead.
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Loved seeing the pups. Don’t know about the stats but know I’m seeing Lisa tomorrow.
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Always a pleasure, John.
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😁
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Terrific post, Craig, and thanks for having him here today, Teri!
Love the dog pics, of course, and your answers made me laugh. I want to start over from the beginning of The Hat series, and read straight through, and can’t wait to get to Midnight Rambler! I know I’m going to enjoy the ride, and I’m wishing you huge success with this one! 😀
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Thank you, Marcia. That’s an aggressive approach and I hope you enjoy the series again.
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Pingback: #BadMoonRising – #TeriPolen Featuring #C.S.Boyack – #MidnightRambler – #HappyHalloween | The Write Stuff
Frankie and Otto made good cheerleaders (even when lying down on the job, LOL).
This was such a fun interview, but given who the subject was, I expected as much. 😁
Hats off (erm, pun intended) to Craig for another great Lizzie and the Hat release with Midnight Rambler. Every story in the series is entertaining, and the Rambler is no exception. A perfect read for this time of year and perfect for Bad Moon Rising.
Congrats, Craig, and thanks for another great BMR spotlight, Teri!
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Thanks for those kind words, Mae. Extra treats for my two pitchmen, er dogs tonight.
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Midnight Rambler – great song title and great book title. I’m a fan of naming my stories after influential songs even if the story is different than the song lyrics. Music is a great inspiration for creativity. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks, Chuck. Music is a big part of this series and I have an extensive playlist for it.
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I agree with you about the Zodiac Killer, Craig. I grew up in the Bay Area and it was definitely terrifying! I scared myself even more reading about it later.
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That’s the one that gets me. I was a loooong way from it, but my elders were still terrified.
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This was such a fun post! I just finished reading Midnight Rambler, and it’s my favorite Hat book so far. Frankie and Otto must have inspired Craig more than usual:) Teri’s questions were great, but I’m such a wienie, someone would have to shove me to get me into either a haunted house or a graveyard at night.
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Glad you enjoyed it, Judi! I’d love to give both of them a try, but no guarantees on how long I’d stay at either one.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the story. You can come with me to the cemetery. If things get hairy, I’m pretty sure you can outrun me.
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Ha! I’d love to meet you, but not in a cemetery:)
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Great Craig.. love your two muses and with you on the cemetary with a fast get away vehicle.. thanks for another terrific post Teri..x
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Thanks for checking it out, Sally.
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Thanks for dropping by, Sally!
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What a fun post and super fun responses. Congratulations to Craig on his latest and a big thank you to you, Teri, for sharing him and his work with all of us. 🎉
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Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Gwen.
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So fun, how your dog reads over your shoulder. Just tonight, one of my cats bounced up on the back of my chair while I was working. Wanted to be fed, or something selfish like that.
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They can be sooo helpful.
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I have a cat who does the same thing, Deby. Only thinking about himself, lol.
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I just love Frankie and Otto! I wouldn’t be able to get any work done with them around.
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They make it hard some days. Thanks for the comment.
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Pingback: #BadMoonRising The Midnight Rambler by C.S. Boyack #paranormal #supernatural #TuesdayBookBlog - Jonathan Pongratz
The Frog Brothers!!! I love the Lost Boys. I’ve watched it so many times that I’ve memorized parts of the dialogue.
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A kindred spirit. Thanks, Tessa.
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I just watched most of The Lost Boys last week, Tessa. I’ve always been a fan of that movie. Corey Feldman was in town just a few weeks ago touring with his band.
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Oh, that’s so cool! My husband told me I should take a break today and watch How to Lose A Guy in Ten Days, but I was thinking The Lost Boys might be a better choice!
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I love this Q&A from Craig! I had to go look up the Zodiac Killer. Wow! Never solved. Interesting. I enjoyed “The Midnight Rambler.” I highly recommend it for this spooky Halloween season, but wear your galoshes when you read it. You might need them. 🙂
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Wear your galoshes – now you have me curious, Jan. I’m listening to Good Liniment right now, so I’ll be ready for The Midnight Rambler before long. Thanks for visiting!
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Hope you’re enjoying Good Liniment. That’s the one where I put a new spin on witchcraft.
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What a great comment. There is a pretty good Zodiac movie if you’re into that. Thanks for the testimonial, and folks might want an umbrella… or a snorkel.
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Exactly!
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Great to see Craig here. I’m behind on reading his books (though I do have copies of them all) but all of them have so far been excellent reads, which I’m sure will be the case for those I have yet to get to reading too.
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I’m listening to Good Liniment, so I’m almost caught up with Lizzie. Sure would help if I could get more hours in a day, Tori.
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Hope you’re enjoying the witches coven. Those characters can now appear in subsequent tales like Midnight Rambler.
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I appreciate your faith. Hope they hold up when you get to them.
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Love the interview! And those faces!!! Thanks so much for sharing the pupper pictures. I imagine you’ve seen the movie “Zodiac”?
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I assume you meant my face, right, Sue? The Zodiac movie was a good one.
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LOL. Well, unless you have another face that I wasn’t aware of, I guess I meant the puppies. LOL!
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