Hello all
It’s been a busy week for me, away from the writing that is. I managed to finish two more short stories but I’ve also been doing some thinking. On a general chat with some fellow authors, I was reminded of one thing: there are some decent authors out there. Authors who are hard working, dedicated, amazingly talented, and unique. Not to mention generous. You see, I know these authors through general banter, conversation and chat, but I also know them as people who’ve helped me in some way. Without them, the arduous journey to becoming an author, one that’s been a dream of mine for twenty-five years, would have been completely different.
I’m proud to count some of these authors as friends. This blog was written to thank the people who’ve made my path to being an author an eye-opening one. Or an adventurous one. Or a fun one. And sometimes a difficult one. Regardless, these people have helped me in some way and this is my way of thanking them.
So, let’s start…
First of all, Jim Goforth. The author of Plebs, one of my favourite horror books of 2014, was instrumental in helping me during the early stages of my career. The first author I had a conversation with on Facebook, we met through our mutual respect for Richard Laymon (that hasn’t changed much either) and shared some common interests and, mostly from Jim’s part, some writing wisdom. A few months on, I’m proud to call Jim a friend, fellow TOC sharer on several occasions, and fellow author under J Ellington Ashton Press.
Speaking of which, I wish to thank Catt Dahman and everyone who works at J Ellington Ashton Press. All of the authors, editors, staff…every one of you. You provided me with a chance in a competitive world, one that’s cut-throat and murky and unknown. I still pinch myself when I see my name amongst the amazing talent on the roster. JEA Press pride themselves on being a family orientated company, one that took me under their wing and nurtured my writing. To this day, this is one of my biggest achievements as an author thus far. I can’t wait for my novel, All or Nothing, to be released. Thank you!
To Alex S. Johnson. This man has awoken a darkness inside of me. One I knew was within, but never expected to generate so fast and so productively. Since my short story, The Swan Song, was accepted into Axes of Evil II, Alex has been a source of inspiration for me. Regularly, we discuss stories, ideas, and characters. On a more recent note, I’m involved in several projects under the Wetworks Imprint, produced by Alex and J Ellington Ashton Press. Alex is a veteran author, he didn’t have to help me. But he does. Because that’s the kind of chap he is. Proof that authors of all shapes, magnitudes and experience are generous in spirit and praise. Thank you, Alex!
To Mark Parker, Krista Clark Grabowski, A Henry Keene, James Ward Kirk, Rog Archer, John Ledger, and Terry M. West. For accepting my short stories into your phenomenal anthologies. Details of these can be found in my Anthologies Thread on this website. You appreciated my work and saw it worthy to grace the pages of your books. There are no words for your generosity. It’s a privilege to know you, associate with you, and share my work with you.
To my brothers in arms: Kyle M. Scott and Jack Rollins. For sitting in the same boat as me for these past months. Two of the most talented horror scribes I’ve read this year. And two of the greatest friends I’ve made on this journey thus far. The fact they are fellow countrymen too is a nice touch. Releasing Carnage: Extreme Horror in December is going to be a monumental event. Cheers, guys!
To Matt Shaw and Michael Bray. Fellow Brits who’ve been doing this much longer than I have but still had the common decency to help me out when I approached them for advice. They could have turned me down. They didn’t. I will never forget this, guys. You’re both extremely talented and doing us Brit Horror writers proud. If you haven’t read these guys yet, you’re missing out.
To my wonderful wife, Leisyen. My father, Alan, my sisters Joanne and Kirsty and mother, Ann. My family is my life and without your support, this wouldn’t have happened. Thank you!
And finally, to my readers. From far and wide, local and international. Without you, the words wouldn’t flow. To my friends in places high and low. You all know who you are and I appreciate your support. Feel free to drop me a line on social media if you fancy a chat sometime, I’m an active author and will happily speak with anyone who supports me in any way.
Until the next Blog…take care!