The following is an interview with Cody Langille regarding the launch of Timber Ghost Press and the upcoming release of their first book, 21 Grams. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Langille about what defines a Timber Ghost book, the story behind 21 Grams‘ creative process, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent launch of Timber Ghost Press! What can you tell us about the impetus behind the publishing company’s creation, and what do you feel defines a Timber Ghost book?
Cody Langille: Thank you! I first got the idea to start my own press a couple of years ago, kind of crawled into my ear, laid eggs, and then those eggs hatched. I’m a huge fan of horror. I grew up watching scary movies with my mom, reading scary books, and really searching for anything that would make me feel uncomfortable with the lights off. I started writing to share my own ideas with everyone, but it got to the point that I wanted a home for other authors to land. With Timber Ghost, I hope to offer horror writers a new market for their novels and novellas. I especially want to offer a home for novellas as not many other publishers tend to take those on. I feel novellas need a little more love in this world. As for what defines a Timber Ghost book? A Timber Ghost book is going to be creepy and dread inspiring. I want readers to keep thinking about Timber Ghost books well after they’ve finished reading them.
BD: This July will see the release of the company’s first novella, 21 Grams. For those who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe the book’s premise, and what can you tell us about the creative process in working with writer M. Reagan to bring the story to life?
CL: Where to start with 21 Grams. When I first read 21 Grams by M. Regan, I had already gone through a significant amount of submissions in the slush pile. I’d turned down some quality work that just didn’t nail the feel I was shooting for with regards to the first releases from Timber Ghost. Those were hard emails to send; however, when I started reading 21 Grams, I knew fairly quickly that this was one I wanted. There was just something about it that called to me. Here is the book’s synopsis:
In the bowels of an unassuming, ever-moving funerary parlor, a mortician known as the Operator hides a fearsome machine called the Godwin, rumored to have the ability to resurrect the dead. It runs, like a soul does, on logos: on words. And in exchange for those words—for a client’s life story—the corpse of their choosing might yet walk again. Careful, though. Words bear weight, so one must choose them wisely. Author M. Regan delivers a harrowing and beautiful glimpse into a world filled with desire, darkness, love, and loss.
This book contains three different stories, all connected through the Operator. Regan has an uncanny ability to nail the feel of the different characters that arrive at the Operator’s funeral parlor and it’s a treat to devour those stories. Working with M. Regan has been a delight. She’s fun, witty, and willing to work with me and my team to make this Timber Ghost debut something special.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that 21 Grams will connect with and impact readers?
CL: 21 Grams deals with some themes that readers may be enduring themselves. For example, without giving away too much, one of the stories contained within the book deals with gender dysphoria and the reader begins to see that some of the real horror is the what the character is enduring while working through those issues. My hope is that maybe it will help educate some folks who may not be aware of what’s actually going on with someone who has gender dysphoria.
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
CL: I’m currently in the process of (hopefully) signing on my next author. If everything goes through, I think a lot of people who enjoy stories about monsters in the woods are going to be very excited. I can’t say anymore at this time but keep your eyes open for potential future news.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about 21 Grams and Timber Ghost Press?
CL: The absolute best way of keeping up on all the cool Timber Ghost and 21 Grams news is subscribing to Timber Ghost’s newsletter. Subscribers get all the news before anyone else to include upcoming open calls, cover reveals, etc. You can do that by signing up for the newsletter on our site (www.timberghostpress.com) and if you want to pre-order 21 Grams, you can do so at our website, as well. Thanks again for this wonderful opportunity to share some insight behind the scenes.
