Untitled blog

I wish I was witty enough to create attention-grabbing blog titles. Just wanted to drop in with a couple updates to let those of you who read this blog know I'm not abandoning it. 

A Dark Autumn continues to get some love, and I have to say I am very surprised. Honestly, I thought the book would receive a lot of negative criticism, and would inspire a slew of haters. I'm sure it has, but so far, the majority have enjoyed it. Here is a review from Shatter Ravings' Matthew Scott Baker: A Dark Autumn Review

I signed a deal with Audio Realms Publishing to release audiobooks of A Dark Autumn, Oak Hollow, and PillowFace. I couldn't be happier about this. They have produced audiobooks of many great authors that I adore, including the great Richard Laymon. I'm excited--albeit nervous--to hear someone narrating words I wrote. To find out more about Audio Realms, and to shop for some great audiobooks, check them out here: Audio Realms.

On the writing front, I finally finished drafts of Last One Alive and Prank Night. I will finalize them in the next couple weeks for their releases later this year. Also, I'm working on a new novel that I believe will be released through Samhain in early 2014 called, The Skin Show. I'm over halfway done and am enjoying it so far. A very trashy book that reminds me of the sleazy New York movies and novels from the eighties. I've been having a blast hanging out there, but I definitely wouldn't want it to be my home.

There might be two more announcements coming soon--a publishing announcement and an appearance announcement. Hopefully I can elaborate later.

In the meantime, keep reading, and let me know how you've been. It's been awhile. 

Fun Little "Interview" About the WIP

What is the [working] title of your book in progress?

I am actually working on multiple at the moment, but the one I'm farthest along on--not counting a completed rough draft--is, The Skin Show.

Where did the idea for the book come from?

I have been fortunate enough to meet some amazing people, and author Heather Graham is one of them. She organizes a writer's conference every year in New Orleans and I've been blessed to attend three years in a row. My last visit there a group of us writer-folk were hanging out on a balcony drinking...soda...and watching the crazy people down below prance around in heavy rain and wind. Across the street was a Live Acts club. Basically a club where you go in and watch onstage frolicking. I got to talking with author Aleka Nakis about  the place, and we both wondered what kind of weird stuff went on in there. And then those two words that usually pop up in mind materialized once again: What if...?

 Which actors would you choose to play the characters from your book?

That's a really good question. Sometimes when I write I have a movie playing in my head, others aren't like that. With The Skin Show, I've been picturing people I know as some of the characters, but in Angel Board the character Lt. John Stiltson is without a doubt Tom Atkins. I described him down the salt-and-pepper mustache.

What is a one-sentence synopsis of your book?

An aspiring writer attending a writer's conference in New Orleans wanders into a club called The Skin Show, but instead of finding harmless adult fun on stage, he becomes entangled with a demonic soul-feasting race with an unquenchable appetite.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agent?

Represented. My current publisher, Samhain Publishing, are patiently awaiting the completed manuscript to be sent to them from my agent. And, I'm sure she's patiently waiting for me to send it to her.

How long did it take you to write the first-draft of your manuscript?

It hasn't taken me a very long time to write it, but it took over a year to actually start on it. There were others in line ahead of it. Now that I'm writing it, I'm glad I waited because it's new territory. Sometimes if I start to soon after an idea manifests in my head, I struggle really hard with the story. This one had time to grow, and I'm having fun working on it. I do pray it doesn't take as long as Oak Hollow did to complete.

What other books in your genre would you compare this story to?

My books have been compared a lot to Richard Laymon (which I love) and Ray Garton (which I equally love). But, if I had to compare this 'style' of book to anything it would be Clive Barker, and maybe even some Edward Lee thrown in. There is a lot of dark sexuality in this book, and Andy--the main character--questions the kind of person he really is when he's put in situations where he is allowed to do whatever he could possibly desire.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

That trip to New Orleans was the initial inspiration, and then the idea not wanting to leave got me to sit down and start writing it. I'm nervous for people to read this one because it's truly unlike anything I've written before, and it goes into some outrageous directions.

 What else might pique the reader’s interest in your book?

Other than the insane amount of saucy scenes, there's also a character in there called The Neon Demon. You'll just have to read to find out what that is.

2013 Releases!

2012 was a great year for books.  I read some great titles and hope to finish at least two more before the end of the year.  Back in the day I could read two books a week, now I'm lucky if I finish two a month.  It keeps me going, never-ending supplies of inspiration.  And, this year I don't think I read any books I didn't like.  

I also had a few titles released this year of my own.  

It started with the paperback release of Angel Board.  The eBook version was released in October of 2011.   

The second release was originally supposed to be tie-in with the Psycho Holocaust DVD but it escalated into something that carried itself on its own two legs. This book surpassed all expectations and was the most fun I have had writing a novel.   

The summer brought two tales featuring the murderous elves known as Haunchies.  It started with The Night Everything Changed, a short story that is sort of like a prelude to The Lurkers.  Once you read both you will understand who Vincent Carlson is and why this story coincides with the novel.  Sadly, a lot of folks have mistaken it for a novel on its own,  but it's only a short story that you can get for free on Amazon, Samhain Publishing's website, Barnes and Noble...pretty much everywhere.  

And the final release of 2012 was The Lurkers.  A full-length novel of Haunchy mayhem.  Some of my favorite characters are in this novel.  Jeff Strand, author of Dweller, said "It's the most fun I've had reading a horror novel in a very long time." And I'd be lying if I said that doesn't make me giddy considering I've had the most fun reading every novel he's ever written.   

So that was my 2012 as an author.  I was asked in an email recently what all do I have coming out next year, and noticing that some other authors have announced some of their releases, I thought I would post some covers for the confirmed releases.  Before I do that, I just want to take a moment to thank everyone that has taken a chance and spent some money on my books.  You've not only helped feed my family, but you've made me feel like I belong in this crazy world of writing novels.  I hope the holidays treat all of you well and  that Santa brings you a magical hat.  Your emails are always welcomed and I will do my best not to bore you when I reply.

Oh, right...those covers.  Here they are!

  

New blog up on Samhain Horror's website, and some new information!

Been a little bit since an update, but I have been sick with pneumonia, and struggling to hit an editor-given deadline.  I've always wanted one, but quickly learned they are as much nerve-racking as they are a necessity.  Without it, I don't think I would have ever finished Oak Hollow, but with it, I was a mess of the "I wonder if this is any good" jitters.  In the end, though, I was happy with the book.  One day I plan to write an account on the writing of that book.  One day...

Got a release date for A Dark Autumn. January 1st.  Yes, just a few weeks away.  Pre-order you ask?  Yes, it is available for pre-order right on Samhain's website.  Link you say?  Certainly!  Buy me!

I also wrote a blog for the Samhain Horror website.  They've been rotating authors, and I think they are on a two-to-three author a week schedule.  I shared this week with the fabulous Brian Mooreland and my boy, Alan Spencer, who writes some of the most insanity-ridden, entertaining books.  They wrote some great blogs worth your time with mine in the middle.  Please take the time to read all three, and as many of the others as you possibly can right here.

Amazon is now shipping the paperback version of The Lurkers.  Since I'm all about links tonight, here's one more.  Buy The Lurkers in paperback!  The book has been compared to Richard Laymon and I am as happy as giddy girl about that.  

It's honestly a little odd not having Oak Hollow to work on every night.  I finished it on Sunday, turned it in on Monday, and have been kind of running on autopilot ever since.  I finished a short story right after because I couldn't stop writing called Gearhart's Wife.  It's a diabolically funny, albeit creepy and odd tale.  I had a blast writing it.

So, what's next?  Well, Prank Night was going to be coming very soon, but a decision was made to hold off a bit on it.  With The Lurkers coming out in paperback, and A Dark Autumn following right on its heels in eBook, it was decided that would be way too much Kristopher Rufty with Prank Night coming at the first of the year as well.  It's looking like a late winter release for it now since nothing is scheduled to be released after ADA until late summer, and that's Oak Hollow.  Yep, that book came down to the wire and sort of  struggled to hold there for a bit.  And, between you and me, it almost didn't make it.  But, let's not tell anyone that.  

Here's a peek at the final cover for Prank Night.  

Works: Current and coming soon.

The Lurkers has been out for a month.  So far, the response to it has been really positive and I couldn't be happier with the book myself.  The Night Everything Changed was released simultaneously with The Lurkers, and is a short story companion, a prequel of sorts.  I had actually written it as a Prologue to the book, but after it was finished decided it would be better as a stand alone story.  Sadly, I didn't know what to do with it when it was done, so it sat tucked away on a flash drive for three years, and was eventually forgotten.  While going through old folders that I found buried in a drawer, I re-discovered the story several weeks before The Lurkers was set to be released.  Rereading it, I fell in love with it all over again.  It took some time finding the drive with the original file on it, but once I did,  I sent it to Don D'Auria, basically just to ask if he thought I should put it on this blog for people to read,  Instead, he asked me if Samhain could put it out.  Together we hatched a plan to release it for free as a lead-in to the book.  Hopefully, those of you that have read it, aren't disappointed by what you got.

So, what's next you say?  Or...maybe you aren't saying, but I'm going to tell you anyway!  

My next release through Samhain is a novella, A Dark Autumn.   This is probably the darkest story I have ever written.  It's brutal, sick, and left me feeling icky after I wrote it.  I didn't think Don would go for it, so I sent it around, trying to find anyone who might like it.  No one wanted to put it out.  They thought it was too dark.  I told Don I had a novella that I didn't think he would want to put out, but I wanted to know what its problem was, and hoped after he read it, he could tell me.  A few weeks later I got a contract for it.  So, at the end of the year, or early 2013, everyone will have the chance to read it.

A couple months after that, my next novel, Oak Hollow, will be released in eBook and Trade Paperback.  This will be my biggest novel to date.  In fact, I'm still working on the rewrites and compiling a whole new draft.  This novel has taken a lot out of me, and one day, I will write an entire blog devoted just to that novel, possibly even more than one.  

What else...?

Oh, right.  This summer I got a new job that keeps me busy, much busier than my last.  It has really put a damper on my writing time.  I don't want to sound like that guy whining because he's working when so many aren't, because I'm not.  I'm very grateful that I have a job to cover the bills.  But, it has reduced my productivity severely.  I used to write 2,000 words a day, churning out a lot of pages.  Now I'm lucky if I get that amount written in a few days.  At least I'm still able to write, so that's a positive.  A big, gracious positive.  

The plan now is that over the next couple of months I will first finish Oak Hollow, then complete a couple of screenplays that I've started writing on my own and with another Samhain author.  I also plan to finish up some short stories for a collection that's being assembled, and two novels that will come out late next year.  So, that's it, that's all I've got!  For now...  

Oh--wait, no it's not.  I have one more thing for the people that stop by this little blog.  I have not posted this on my Facebook page.  This a blog reader exclusive!

The cover for my next novel:  Oak Hollow.  

The Lurkers and The Night Everything Changed release day!

Two years ago I couldn't have been convinced I'd ever have ONE release day, but here I am on my third with not one, but two new reads! 

The Lurkers is my third novel, and second through Samhain Publishing.  What is it lurking in the woods, cornfields, and even under the ground in Doverton, Wisconsin?  The things that come into your home while you're sleeping, steal from you, take what they need?  And what happens when they run out of things to take?

The second title releasing today is the short story, The Night Everything Changed, a prelude to The Lurkers.  Not really a prequel, although the events take place nearly thirty years prior.  And, you can get this one for FREE!  That's right.  No charge for a fun little short story.  

I've had a great time, and I hope those of you who  read all of my little horrors consider your time as being well-spent.  I have several more in the works, and a few already completed and slated for the end of the year and next year.

Visit my Amazon Author's Page here to purchase any of my titles!    

  

  

     

Guest blogger: Alan Spencer

Only a handful of people can rival my own nerdism of horror movies and trivia.  One of them is author, Alan Spencer.  And, you can see just how much in his book, B-Movie Reels, and its upcoming sequel, B-Movie Attack.  I hope you enjoy his post below and if you haven't already, swing by Amazon.com and order some of his books.  Be sure to visit him on his own blog HERE!

Today, Kristopher's been kind enough to allow me to take over his blog for a day.  Well, I'll make myself comfortable.  I'm Alan Spencer.  I'm a fellow Samhain author with Kristopher Rufty.  So what's the topic for today?  How about what horror movie actually scares me? 

What a question, right?  My obsession with horror movies started when I was really young.  The 80's were a booming time for horror flicks, so they were on TV all the time.  I even remember Thursday Night horror on Cinemax.  I also rented horror movies from the local rental store like a fiend.  I feel I have to preface the answer to the above question by mentioning these facts, because movies only really scared me when I was a kid.  Now they fascinate me.  That's not to say I haven't seen anything that's given me chills as an adult.  The most recent flicks would be A Serbian Film, Inside, and The Descent. 

But what actually scared me were movies I recall from childhood memory.  There's one film in particular that freaked me out.  That's not to say it wouldn't be laughable now.  I haven't seen this film in a good fifteen years.  The movie's called Judgment Night, or The 3rd Hand.  It involves a devil creature bringing punishment and damnation to an entire village once a year.  Its like a tour of torture and pain wrought upon many.  Two tourists get caught up in the local legend and learn this annual activity is very real.  When I see pictures of the devil now, I think it's laughable.  I can see through the rubber mask and bad make-up.  So why did it freak me out so much when I was younger?

A lot had to do with the fact I hadn't seen a low budget movie before.  The film quality was grainy and cheap and slightly washed out.  As a kid, this was the first really seedy looking film I'd seen.  Reality seemed askew through the foggy lens.  That alone freaked me out, never mind that creepy laugh the devil had, like a weird vulture golem.  The evil chortling kept repeating in my ears before bedtime when the lights went out.  I thought the devil would come out from under my bed and punish me for my sins.  That's probably why I haven't seen it in so long.  It hasn't been released on DVD legitimately, but we'll see.  One of these days...

So I'm eager to see what my buddy Kristopher has to say on the subject of scary horror movies.  I'll guess I'll read about that on my blog!  In the meantime, watch out for our co-released e-books coming out this August from Samhain, The Lurkers, and my book, B-Movie Attack, the sequel to B-Movie Reels. 

Keep reading horror!