New Orleans – Joseph A Federico

Masters of Horror: Choosing the perfect model

February 3, 2020February 3, 2020
by josephafederico

As you may have read in the past – namely for projects such as Voudou Juice and soon-to-be Voudou Juice Origins: Cody’s Story – I have a soft spot for male models. That’s just me being 100% transparent and honest with you, my adoring fans and readers.

Truthfully, however, I feel that by choosing a real-life young man to portray one of my wild and crazy characters, the reader will attain a better experience overall – a story of my very own that I’m sharing with the public. You’ll get to vividly envision my words through male beauty. And besides, one of the missions I’m currently on is to push the envelope – through words and through explicit visuals.

So, without further ado, I’m here to announce my newest model, Riley Holley. You have a chance to explore the depths of his creativity and why he is so interested in the horror genre.

Explain why you wanted to model and how this has given you that opportunity:

I’ve modeled before, but chose to go to school for a degree instead of jumping into the modeling world like some of my fellow childhood friends; they now travel the world doing what they love. I couldn’t be happier for them.

But, this gives me the opportunity to jump back in where I left off, trying different styles. For me, it’s not about the money…although, that would be nice. I find it soul-grounding for one to do something they enjoy, yet, challenging at the same time. It gives oneself an opportunity to indulge in bringing characters to life and the manifestation of one’s own concept of emotions and world views.

Explain your background and how these projects, being a book cover model, has given you the freedom to be yourself:

Growing up in the south as a homosexual man, I had limited resources and opportunity due to the biased beliefs of others. Being a book cover model gives me the wonderful chance to express myself and give characters life. The freedom of creativity brings great joy and pride in doing a project like this one.

Being a clinical mental health counseling grad student, I find exploring the darkest parts of the human mind fascinating. Participating in horror book covers allows one to step out of one’s norm, pushing them to let that animal we humans keep in a cage. I find all sides of this concept beautiful and terrifying. Through these projects, I hope to see all sides of the subconscious of ideas flow out in producing nerve-tingling pictures for the viewers’ pleasures. That makes one question the deepest part of one’s character, no?

Why do you love all things horror?

Who doesn’t?! Horror is like the dark subconsciousness of our mind that always wonders, “Could I ever be that evil, vile, bloody and brutal?”

To me it’s like connecting with your alter ego – some being harsher than others – that you’re allowed to let out and to fear of what could be, when we or someone loses control. It makes me feel alive by how it makes my heart race. To be scared is to be alive.

I’ve always been a jumpy person and believe it was my punishment for loving the scare people. It’s a price I must pay, I suppose…

What’s your favorite horror movie and author? Why?

The “Saw” series would have to be my most favorites! This is most likely due to the psychological horror aspect behind it. I have always loved how it took a twist in what I consider to be traditional horror movie form that includes a group of people. I don’t have a favorite author yet, because I just love so many.

How do you feel the horror genre best relates to the LGBT community?

Interesting question… I guess it best relates because our lives themselves are like a horror movie to some extent; there is fear, hurt, blood, death, etc. in the human experience, right? The horrific events that have been taking over in our modern word tie-in to this as well.

And, to be honest, it’s a damn shame there are so few LTBTQ+-genred horror movies and books out there, too. Many LGBTQ+ antagonistic characters in books or movies are terrifyingly absent and to me that is horrifying, too. Why is that?

Similar to a time of witch hunts, our community is driven to shame, suicide, eradication and inner turmoil from the social and cultural norms that have developed based off religious beliefs. If we look back to the past, homosexuality was considered normal human behavior in many cultures.

Religion came into play, with men and armies fighting for power, and it left people who engaged in “abnormal” practices to fend for themselves and be shunned from society’s good graces. They were treated like cattle and seen as not being worthy of life, justice or even safety.

It is possible for social and cultural norms to change over time with the influence of educated, open-minded and reasonable people. I can go on this rant for ages, though…

What do you hope to get out of being a book cover model? Why? How?

I’d like the courage to express the dark side and bring such great characters to life! By using bloody themes and folklore, I hope to feel more comfortable over time. For without darkness there is no light, in between this, creatures shall take flight.

Growing up, what kind of southern folklore or scary story stuck with you the most? Why?

Not many southern folklores buzzed about my family during my upbringing. But growing up having Native American blood in my family, my grandmother would pass down stories. Such stories would be about burial mounds and how they were sacred, and also how the Blood Wolves of the great Native War protect and harm the families of all bloodlines.

One other thing that was prominent in my youth were dream catchers; but dream catchers can be a terrifying spellbinding tool as well, so one must be careful with whom they receive it from. Weaving spells are used in creation of dream catchers, so one’s own subconsciousness can be embedded without the casters knowing. Those are the few that have stuck with me throughout the years.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I want to say thank you for this opportunity and for allowing me to explore myself through such works. This is a wonderful chance to grow and explore while completing what the spice of life really is all about.

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Kent Godley Announced as Newest Southern Gothic Book Model

August 7, 2019August 7, 2019
by josephafederico

Kent Godley chosen as Joseph A. Federico’s next book cover model.

Per my last article on Medium, I briefly discussed what I look for in terms of choosing a book cover model, and what I had looked for in the past for Voudou Juice.

Sure, the men that are sought after have to meet certain criterion – all depending upon what “mood” I’m in, mind you – and also, you know, be willing to get creative with the style of photo shoot the theme of the book requires. Plus, they must have a kind heart and able to tell a non-verbal story that will be read by the masses.

I’m always looking for the next model to don a cover, and well, also always being on creative overdrive, I constantly have a new story concept that’s bubbling-up inside of me. There will never NOT be a story inside of me. Now, having the time to write and publish said pieces is another conversation…

The latest project I’ll be working on is a standalone novella, of course, weaving in southern Gothic folklore and duh, Voodoo and Hoodoo traditions. And the man I chose, without giving TOO much away, to don the cover is a sweet southern boy named Kent.

Not only am I honored to be working with such talent, but he and I seem to get along swimmingly, which makes the process all that much easier.

TO ALL THE OTHER YOUNG MEN THAT ARE IN QUEUE TO BE COVER MODELS, i.e. for Voudou Juice: Origins, Voudou Juice: Final Sip, and many, many others, don’t fret…your time is coming and I have NOT forgotten about you.

So, with that said and without further adieu, I’d love to finally introduce you to Kent Godley. Here’s his story…

“Hello World, My name is Kent Godley, and I am an aspiring musician/artist. I grew up in a small rural town (Smoaks), located in South Carolina. As of 2019, the population is literally between 100-150 residents. There is a whole lot of nothing to do here, and I would only suggest you retire in these here parts.

“Just like everywhere else, there are good and bad aspects of a hometown. And I will most definitely start with the good. There is more than enough peace and quiet with (some) beautiful southern scenery. You will, more than likely, see people riding four wheelers to get where they need to go.

“People often wave at each other not knowing who the other one is. Southern hospitality would be considered “rich” in small towns, but especially in mine. The downfall to living in such a small town can be linked together for many reasons, though.

“The closest major city would be over an hour away. One must travel almost thirty minutes to get groceries and so on. All in all, I would say that I enjoy living in rural town, but there just isn’t any opportunity for me here.

“I grew up listening to country music, partying at bonfires with friends and family, and waking up before the sun had risen to go fishing. The smell of Barbecue and beer would fill the air of many residents’ homes after hunters would come home to their wives/significant others. Children would gather together and play until the moon shined bright. Grandmothers would be whipping up Sunday lunch with aromas of fried chicken, freshly brewed sweet tea and cakes for days. I often still participate in outings like those mentioned, and will always cherish them. However, there needs to be a lifestyle change sometime, right?

“As told by my family, I was a ‘mess’ growing up. I had so much energy with many aspirations as a child, and quite a bit changed once I began school. I was called “gay,” not even knowing what that fully meant. I even “dated” a few girls from middle to high school.

“As time passed, I came to realize exactly what “gay” specifically meant to me. I developed a ‘closeted’ liking to the same sex with no one I thought was even remotely attractive at my high school. I was never really confronted about my sexuality, bullied, or teased because of it.

“I have always been the type of person that will tell you or reveal what I think you should know about me, if necessary. I personally do not think one’s sexuality is more important than what they have to offer as an individual.

“So, after my high school graduation, I indirectly came out as “gay” thanks to an ex-girlfriend. She was, supposedly, upset at me for breaking up with her. We’ve all been there, right? Right?

“My world was definitely shaken up, but I survived the blow just as I have survived events in my past. Some of my family members had a difficult time accepting the fact that I turned out gay, and some still cannot accept it. I have reached a point in my life where I no longer feel the need to explain myself. And my sexuality is definitely a part of it all. It’s MY story.

“Southern Tradition has ‘taught’ me many things by just simply observing. Isn’t that what people do when they aren’t the center of attention? They observe at family gatherings, weddings, funerals and so forth in many different settings. All of those events I mentioned are for the living.

“And with that said, and with every experience lived, there will forever be three sides to a story; my side, your side, and the cold, hard truth. I would like to uncover past, present and future LGBTQ+ stories that are southern in nature, based on encompassing love to those who need it the most.

“While working with Joseph on this specific project, I feel the possibilities are endless. Not everyone is as fortunate as the next, nor as smart or privileged. I would like to project my image in the form of a spiritual hologram to create a manifesto for those who are strong enough to know the truth.”

To learn more about Kent, his character or the upcoming southern Gothic thriller, you may message me here.

Happy haunting, y’all, and I’ll see you on the other side.

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Do You Voudou?

June 12, 2019June 12, 2019
by josephafederico

Which city inspired you to write your first novel?

I’m a self-taught writer. Nobody trained me, I never took a professional class and I didn’t even go to school for it. Here I am, 36, and being compared to Anne Rice all these years later. Just wow. Do you know how humbling that is?

My boyfriend and I co-wrote our first book together back in 2011, the year
IMAGES OF AMERICA: GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP (now available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble) was published by Arcadia Publishing. It took approximately two years to conduct research and submit a manuscript, then we spent another two years after the publication date on a press tour.

We didn’t write the historical nonfiction coffee table book to make our first million – hell no – not in today’s economy – but rather to learn about a lost city and deeply connect with a community. And that’s exactly what happened, and it was oh-so-rewarding. Still is to this day, to be honest.
And with that said, that’s originally what led me starting on my trek to historical preservation and educating myself on local folklore…namely in America’s south.

Ah, the southland. I tell readers and fans that my inspiration for VOUDOU JUICE began when I was basking on the shores of Myrtle Beach back in 2012, and I just so happened to be drinking a mixed cocktail of the same name when the characters started talking to me.

Yes, that happens to writers once in awhile, and when inspiration beckons, you ride that wave for as long as you can and get a few good pages of prose down on paper.

So, the book I was writing was a summer project and I broke out the handwritten manuscript once every few weeks or when the mood felt right. It wasn’t often, trust me. Not until I went to New Orleans in 2014 with my best friend.

One visit to Oz – one of the best nightclubs off Bourbon Street – and the story I thought I wanted to tell took on an evolved life of itself. New characters were born out of a drunken stupor, as Go-Go Boys in skimpy outfits pranced around my being and the hardcore thumpa pulsed through my chest.

I went home three-and-a-half days later, and wrote my ass off. I prayed the experiences I lived in the Crescent City wouldn’t soon be forgotten, so I could weave them into my book. The pen was on fire and my inspiration carried me through.

2017, April 13th to be exact, was when VOUDOU JUICE was officially released to the general public. The amount of pride I felt, like a father who’s partner had just given birth to a healthy baby, was beyond compare.
Furthermore, sure I was happy and proud of myself, but I had fallen into a slight depression. I was hurt and sad that my characters were no longer mine, that I’d no longer have deep conversations with these beings I created out of nothingness.

Another trip to New Orleans was in order. ASAP. Let’s go, drink and be merry. So, with my best friend who’d showed me around the city in 2014, off I went, back to my beloved Big Easy.

The trip would be longer than a week this time around, and there was more anticipated intrigue around every corner.

After my book signing at the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter, I’d gone out to celebrate…for several hours. Around 6pm CST, a lovely young man picked us up via Uber.

He was a doll, spewing off local ghost stories he’d heard over the years, and making us laugh. Then he suddenly began telling us about the Old French Opera House…the location of the now-Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter. Say what?

“So, you had a book signing?” the gentleman asked. Excited and still riding the high of the event, I was only too happy to discuss it. “Yes,” I replied…nervous. The Uber driver then explained that a fire had broken out at the Opera House in 1919, after a rehearsal of “Carmen.” On December 4th, the Creole mecca had been burned to the ground. And where did the fire start, you ask? Right at the exact location I had my book signing, by the concierge station.

Little did I know how frighteningly haunted that place was, and how lucky I’d been to host my book signing in that location, caked in dark history.
My best friend turned to me in disbelief as my unhinged jaw returned to my top lip. She smacked me with delight and said, very slowly, “That’s it, babe. That’s the story you came here to get. You have to write that in your new book.”

And write I will. That cab ride back from Magazine Street will forever haunt me in the most beautiful way. And I will weave that ghost story into VOUDOU JUICE: ORIGINS…a followup to my breakout novella.

I’m looking at a 2020 launch date, as it’s naturally set in 1920s New Orleans. My heart never will quite be the same after visiting that crazy little city, and I’m sure it will flutter in different ways after my next visit, too.

VOUDOU JUICE is on sale for $18.00. You may purchase a copy by calling (973) 289-3517; online ordering options available soon. Head to JosephAFederico.com for further details.

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My Favorite Things – Witch Mix

December 21, 2018December 21, 2018
by josephafederico

P.G. Witchcrest dropped off a lovely remixed version of “My Favorite Things” in my email the other day, just in time for the Christmas season.

He is a 28-year-old Louisiana resident and native, and aspiring author and local artist. Mr. Withcrest is currently working on two novels and will be the cover model for one of my historical fiction works in the near future.

So, without further ado, here is his version of the holiday favorite…

Black clothen covens
And Legions of witches
Rough burlap poppets all sewn up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things!

Red ruby slippers and weird sister bitches
Black cats and gray rats
And self-cleaning kitchens
Sisters that fly off the roof on Hallow’s eve
These are a few of my favorite things!

Charmed ones and Willows
Dark sleepy hollows
Green wicked witches that melt like the spring
These are a few of my favorite things!

When the crows fly
When the beast calls
When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad!

What did you think of this holiday classic with a dark twist? Comments welcome below.

For more information on P.G. Witchcrest, to contact him, to learn more about his upcoming novels, or to submit a poem, simply click here.

Happy hauntings and Merry Yule!

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Talk About Acting with Adler Hyatt

December 7, 2018December 7, 2018
by josephafederico

My third guest, the young, handsome and talented Adler Hyatt, is an actor. See, I’m attempting to spotlight all walks of life and professions in this here blog series.

Read on, because things are about to get interesting…

Whether I knew it or not, I was always a performer growing up. I always loved playing as TV characters when on the playground as opposed to football. When I discovered the stage, I was hooked. My journey took me all the way from my New Orleans home to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to get my bachelor’s degree in Acting. I dedicated my life to the role of a performer, and I wish I could go back and teach myself all the things I know now… to make my personal course a little smoother.

The biggest question I had as a young performer is, “What is my method?” I thought I should know what I needed to do to prepare myself for a role naturally, but an actor’s method is a unique thing. It’s like a fingerprint, but even more personal, since it can’t truly be categorized. The one thing every person in the entire industry will tell you about acting, is that an honest performance is key to every lock for actors.

To get an honest performance, you need to have a grasp on your process. But, which process is the right fit? I’m a firm believer in the fact that different people need different things to be able to access the pool of emotional openness needed for that honesty. Whether you are a Stanislavsky Savant or a master of “The Method”, the constant truth of acting is trueness in the emotion, in the scene, in the character. To find this trueness, one needs to find what way the character fits into their personal process and method.

I know actors that give tear-jerking performances after light skimming of the words, and actors that discover honesty in the words after in-depth textual analysis and a breakdown of the scene through bookwork. Neither of these actors are better than the other; they both are simply using different processes to open their portrayal of the characters to the audience.

For myself, I always thought that my need for bookwork was a weakness… that the actor that needs to put more effort into the book is not as effective as an actor that just releases their emotion to the world with ease, but that isn’t the case. If it gets you where you need to be as a performer, bookwork is a fantastic tool.

Now, one of my favourite things to do when getting new characters is the bookwork, whether it is necessary or not. It helps me find the person in the character and that person is what I can bring to the stage or screen or radio or wherever I find myself as an artist. What the audience receives is the most important part of the job of an actor. How the actor gets there is the process.

A lot of the words are interchangeable: process, method, technique; they all, in essence, mean the same thing. What we need to remember as actors, is that all the feeling, and working and connecting is done to bring ourselves and the character together. Whether that is done by being the character or being yourself and knowing how to inflect delivery to get the desired sound and physicality.

The best thing is what works for the individual. An actor’s method cannot be dogma. Through my own training, I picked and chose pieces from each of the famous methods we studied until I discovered what brought me emotional trueness as a performer. Doing this not only helped me find my own truth as an actor, but I also discovered personal growth as a human being.

Sincerely,
Adler Hyatt

Care to be my next guest blogger? I’d sure like to have you on! Email josephafed@yahoo.com for your chance…