JAN, 2011 – Lerner Publishing Group’s imprint Graphic Universe presents the new MY BOYFRIEND IS A MONSTER series. Volume 2 is written by PAUL STORRIE and illustrated by ELDON COWGUR. After badgering him quite a bit, Paul took the time to answer some questions about MADE FOR EACH OTHER. He’s also a fan of CASTLE, my favorite show on television so you know Paul is a pretty great guy.

Give us the elevator pitch of MY BOYFRIEND IS A MONSTER.

I’ve never been much good at elevator pitches, but here goes. Beyond the series title (I mean, MY BOYFRIEND IS A MONSTER is pretty evocative on its own), I’d say the series is the paranormal romance of TWILIGHT filtered through the snarky, but still affectionate lens of SHAUN OF THE DEAD. Love can be both scary and funny. Here its both, with a little mayhem thrown in.

What new challenges did you face on the MY BOYFRIEND IS A MONSTER project?

The biggest challenge was approaching MADE FOR EACH OTHER as a whole, rather than individual issues. I’m used to thinking in 22-to-24-page chunks, rather than a 124-page book. Still, the chapter breaks helped in that regard (being able to tackle manageable chunks). Probably the second biggest challenge was getting in touch with my inner tween. That’s an intense emotional period, but a fair while back for me. Spent a lot of time reflecting on my junior high & early high school days. To help me get into that mindset, I even based the high school in the book on the floorplan for the school I attended.

Let’s cover some basics: When can readers get it and where?

For those who have themselves a local comics retailers, readers can order a copy using Preview order Code FEB11 1078. It will also be available from bookstores and online retailers. I believe it ships in April, though I don’t have an exact date. A couple readers have indicated that they’ve been able to order it already off of Amazon.

How do you define “monster?” Is it just looks? Attitude? Pheromones and Lunar cycles?

A true monster has overwhelming desires or urges that cause him (or her) to inflict pointless cruelty and harm on another person (or living thing). However, there is a tendency to think of anyone different, anyone “other,” as a monster as well. Anyone we don’t identify with or understand. Anyone we fear. And sometimes our fear is what makes the monster of someone else.

Do you think any of your exes ever thought you were a monster? If so, was it because you were found naked in a field under a full moon? (Hey, that’s what I heard!)

I’d certainly like to think none of my exes ever thought I was a monster! I always try not to be cruel or hurtful, though in matters of the heart what we strive for and what we achieve aren’t always the same. As for the rumor that I was found naked in a field under a full moon? Ridiculous! (It was the morning AFTER a full moon.)

Do you find that you have to do anything different with your creative process when switching genres?

You certainly have to be mindful of what makes a story be viewed as a certain genre, but I try to focus on the story first. Genre is more of a helpful hint for helping readers find the sorts of stories they want to read. Of course, with the MY BOYFRIEND IS A MONSTER books, we did have a certain tone we were trying to evoke, certain tropes and touchstones that we wanted to embrace. Ultimately though, whatever the genre its just a matter of finding the right words (and images) to tell the story the best you can. I will admit that sometimes I help that process along by what music I’m listening to or what TV shows or movies I watch. Anything that puts me in the right frame of mind to tell the story I want to tell is a plus.

Is it true you once killed a man just because you could?

Absolutely not. I never kill a man that doesn’t need killing. (And so far, I haven’t met one of those!)

You should check out Paul’s other work on THE GREEN HORNET CASEFILES from Moonstone Books.

From Lerner Books: Paul D. Storrie was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and despite time spent in Grand Rapids, Chicago, and Los Angeles, has returned to Metro-Detroit time and again. He attended Grand Valley State University and received a B.A. in English Language and Literature, knowing that he wanted to tell stories for a living. His first published work was the comic book series Robyn of Sherwood in 1998. Since then he has written for numerous publishers, including a story for Marvel’s Captain America: Red, White & Blue anthology, the mini-series Gotham Girls for DC Comics, Star Trek Alien Spotlight: Andorians for IDW, and several tales for Graphic Universe, including Junior Library Guild selection Hercules: The Twelve Labors with artist Steve Kurth and Children’s Choice Book Awards finalist Beowulf: Monster Slayer with artist Ron Randall.

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AmberUnmasked.com and Vodka O'Clock Podcast. Author of The Farrah Wethers Mysteries, comic book short stories, prose, and non-fiction. Cosplayer and figure model.