Hello all
It’s been just shy of a month since I last blogged. This author has been very busy with writing and promoting…and here’s why. The past four weeks have seen the release of four separate anthologies, plus my new short novel, all in a tight time-frame. Promotion and spreading the word has taken priority and I can tell you, there aren’t enough hours in the day.
I blogged about Autumn Burning on a previous blog. Here are the newest releases…
Charlotte (2014) – Stuart Keane
My second novella, which actually turned into a short novel, is now available on Amazon.com. A story of imaginary friendship gone horribly wrong, the book has been receiving positive feedback thus far. My favourite? A review that says I’ve taken Shaun Hutson’s crown in British Horror. I doubt this is true, but it’s overwhelming praise nonetheless, especially coming from a fellow author. Here is an excerpt of the review:
‘Beyond gruesome, gory and evil understates the raw horror that unfolded from the unlikely story of a little girl called Amy. Here’s the thing, the story was strong enough to keep my fingers page turning in between biting my nails. Once you have read the first page there is no going back. Once you’re in you’re in. The storyline has got you and will not let you go.
Stuart Keane has taken the baton from Shaun Hutson, in the race for British horror gold.
Can’t wait to see what Mr Keane comes up with next.’ – John R. Cowton.
Charlotte is available now. Bring a friend…imaginary is optional.
Dead Harvest (2014) – Scarlet Galleon Publications
Dead Harvest, the debut anthology from Mark Parker and Scarlet Galleon Publications, is finally available on Amazon.com. First mentioned back in June, I was excited about this project, even before I submitted. When I was accepted, I was so proud. Since, I’ve had several acceptances, but Dead Harvest is one of the special ones for many reasons.
My short story, ‘Hodmedod’, is featured in here, amongst some of the most talented horror fiction writers on the planet today. Work from Richard Chizmar, Ronald Malfi, Benjamin Kane Etheridge, Jeff Strand, James A. Moore, Tim Waggoner, Greg F. Gifune, and many, many more. This is a tome of a book, one that is truly deserving of being called a horror classic.
This anthology is proof that, if you have the gumption and spirit to do so, you can achieve anything. Mark Parker, the editor, has brought together some of the best horror minds to create a book that will not only test the greatest horror reader, but also is deserving of worldwide recognition. Stoker Awards, here we come…
Dead Harvest is available now. The harvest has arrived…
Floppy Shoes Apocalypse (2014) – J Ellington Ashton Press/Wetworks
Everyone hates clowns, right? True. If you don’t, you’re either lying or a sick and disturbed freak…at least, in society’s eyes anyway. I don’t have an issue with clowns myself, but their place in horror is deserved. Everyone thinks of Pennywise or the Killer Klowns, or to some extent John Wayne Gacy, when it comes to the make-up clad, circus based terrors. Regardless, it’s fair to say, that clowns have that enigma about them, something that is just not right.
My short story, ‘Coulrophobic’ (retitled here, to ‘No Laughing Matter’) is featured in the anthology. The tale is about Bobollocks, a has-been clown who is caught with his pants down – literally – with his clients wife. The client, however, is rich and power hungry, and doesn’t take likely to anyone sleeping with his wife. Left for dead, and mutilated, Bobollocks hunts down his foe and extracts evil revenge…and there’s nothing funny about it.
Some true talent is featured in this anthology, from the depraved minds of Alex S. Johnson and John Ledger. Floppy Shoe Apocalypse might not be the end of the world people imagined…but it’s certainly the end of your sanity. It’s available now from Amazon.com.
Cellar Door III: Animals/Hell II: Citizens (2014) – James Ward Kirk
Originally two separate anthologies, Cellar Door III and Hell II were combined to feature in one bumper collection of horror. Two books, two themes.
Cellar Door III, which features my short, ‘From Within’, is about the animal inside, how it affects us and what happens when it comes out and is unleashed. Featuring stories from Lori R. Lopez, Essel Pratt, Alex S. Johnson, Dona Fox, Christine Morgan, and many more, this is one of the best value collections on the market today.
Hell II: Citizens is a little different. Featuring my short, ‘In The Closet’, the brief was to base the stories in Hell, and show us what happens when people live there. Featuring stories from Magenta Nero, Michael Thomas Knight, Justin Hunter, Alex S. Johnson, and many more, this is an anthology with heart and menace.
Put the two together, and what do you get? One bumper bundle of horror. It’s being released on Amazon this week.
There will be more anthology releases on the next blog. Watch this space…