We were lucky to get the author of "Monster" (May 2009 from Orbit) to do an email interview with us.  According to his website Mr. Martinez enjoys juggling, origami, skulking, and time travel; also video games.  And I’ve got to say, with some of the

stellar games on the market today, we’re very luck that he pries himself away long enough to write his delightful novels for us.  His first novel, “Gil’s All Fright Diner” was published in 2005 and he has written five more published novels since then and had a sixth, “Divine Misfortune” coming out in March from Orbit.  (Yes, we are taking pre-orders and no, you can’t have the first one.  It’s mine.)

 

 

Sara

What is the best dish at Gil's Diner?

A. Lee Martinez

Oh, I know I'm supposed to come up with something funny here, but I gotta say that I'm pretty sure the burger is the go to dish on the menu.  Don't ask me why.  I think it's probably wise to stay away from the meatloaf sandwich.  Not because of any horrific qualities, but it's just a little dry.  So stick with the burger.  And this is from a vegetarian.

 
Sara

What is an Inuit Walrus dog and what does one feed a yeti if one stumbles across it?

A. Lee Martinez
It's part walrus / part dog.  I would think that would be obvious.  Imagine an animal with the ferocity of a wolf and the grace of a walrus.  I know it really doesn't sound that scary, but neither do platypuses.  And they're poisonous.  So chew on that.

If you should stumble upon a yeti, don't feed it.  That's rule number one.  Otherwise, you'll never get rid of it.  And believe me, they're cute when they're little, but they get bigger.  But, if you feel you must feed a yeti, I recommend any high quality brand of of yeti chow.  Sasquatch or wendigo feed can do in a pinch, but it'll tend to make your yeti lethargic.  Which, come to think of it, may not be a bad thing.

 
Sara

Who was your favorite author when you were young?

A. Lee Martinez

I didn't really follow authors when I was a kid.  I guess my favorite would probably be Walt Simonson, who wrote The Mighty Thor for Marvel Comics.  But I didn't actually know that at the time, even though his name was in every issue.

 
Sara

Dog person or cat person?

A. Lee Martinez

I like both.  If pressed, I'd probably go cat just because it's easier to leave town or stay out late with a cat than a dog.  Cats are just as affectionate as dogs but lower maintenance.  But dogs are great, too.  I have both, and I'm glad I do.

 
Sara

What is your ideal vacation?

A. Lee Martinez
I'm not really a traveler.  So my ideal vacation would probably be just staying at home, playing World of Warcraft and reading for a week.  It'd be a lot like what I do now, but without having to stop and write a few pages every so often.

 

Sara

What is your favorite snack food?

A. Lee Martinez

I'm not really a snacker.  But when I do snack, I like crunchy things.  And salty things.  Not a big sweets guy.  If I happen to have a box of Ritz Bitz with peanut butter in my house, they rarely last two days.  Also, I love orange juice.  Love it.  Don't know if it qualifies, but I so do enjoy a tall glass of O.J.