THE GHOST HOLD
COVER REVEAL
As many of you know, Ripley Patton’s first novel, Ghost Hand, is also the first book in a series known as The PSS Chronicles. While Ghost Hand has been getting rave reviews on Amazon and was recently chosen as the June Book of the Month for a Goodreads Book Club with over 1300 members, Ripley has been hard at work writing the second book, Ghost Hold.
Ghost Hold is in the final stages of publication, which will ultimately be funded through the GHOST HOLD KICKSTARTER PROJECT, just as Ghost Hand was funded last year. The current Ghost Hold Kickstarter project was 41% funded in the first week, and when it reaches the halfway mark of $1250, Ripley is going to release the first chapter of the new book to all backers, with more chapters to come later as funding builds.
So, in order to celebrate, and perhaps entice you to back the project and help make Ghost Hold a reality, Ripley is revealing the cover of Ghost Hold this weekend here and all over the internet.
AND HERE IT IS!
This compelling cover, featuring main characters from the book, Olivia Black, Marcus Jordan, and Passion Wainwright, was designed by Scarlett Rugers Designs of Australia.
Curious to know what the book is about? Here’s the blurb:
Olivia Black is back.
Only this time she’s not the one in need of rescue.
Samantha James, rich, popular, and an award-winning composer at age seventeen, is the next target on the CAMFers’ list. And in order to convince Samantha to come with them, Olivia and Passion must pose as cousins, blend into the most affluent high school in Indianapolis, and infiltrate a mysterious cult known as The Hold.
Olivia doesn’t expect it to be easy, even with the PSS guys backing them up. But what she discovers over the course of the mission will call into question everything she ever believed about herself, her ghost hand, and especially about Marcus, the guy she is undoubtedly falling in love with.
Be sure and visit Ripley’s Kickstarter Project and let her know what you think of the cover there, or here in the comments. But don’t delay. The project ends July 1st and is the only way to pre-order the book before its September release.
Haven’t read the first book, Ghost Hand, yet? Well you’re in luck. Ripley’s gift to you, 6/14/2013-6/18/2013, Ghost Hand is FREE for Kindle, so please go grab a copy.
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Playing Hooky Blog Tour
Valentine’s Day.
And my 21st birthday.
Whoop-de-doo.
Just another college day full of classes and more homework than is humanly possible.
…until Jason, my best-friend-since-kindergarten, shows up to take me out for the day.
Like old times: the two of us on a wacky adventure, playing hooky from real life. With his lopsided grin and tickets to a circus full of misfits and monsters, he introduces me to a whole new world—one full of magic and mystery—and turns my reality upside down.
Except nothing goes as planned, and we end up running through the city to find a missing siren before someone brews a love potion with her blood.
Sirens and love potions, witches and elves, and Valentine kisses. Nothing will be the same for me again.
Leaving the house to go to school, I had schoolbooks spilling out of one hand, the other holding my place in a Nancy Drew novel, and bunny slippers still on my feet. My mom was a wee bit upset.
I haven’t changed much. Still always have a book (or two) in my hand or creating stories in my head, and although I don’t have any bunny slippers, I love writing in my jammies and snuggly slipper socks.
When I grow up (maybe a hundred years from now), I’d like to be a superhero, but for now, saving the day, one page at a time, suits me just fine.
With my husband TJ (my own cuddly werewolf), I home-school our three girls, who keep us busy with art, science projects, books to read, dance classes, and walks about the park.
LINKS TO PURCHASE OR FIND THE BOOK
LINKS TO FIND RITA WEBB ONLINE
EXCERPT #1
I’m left alone in the apartment’s tiny entryway with Jason.
“Emma,” he says, stepping closer, his head leaning down toward me. He is way too close, and I remember I’m not dressed.
Tall with wide shoulders, Jason is muscular from hard labor (construction and welding) and athletic adventures (kayaking and mountain biking). The perpetual scruff movie stars work hard to perfect shadows his jaw, and his tousled black hair kept short. He cuts it every week because it grows too fast, like at least a half inch a day. With the hazel green eyes and the confident grin he usually wears, he’d make any girl swoon.
Well, any girl but me. I’d more likely hit him upside the head with a broom than swoon over him.
“Coffee’s in the kitchen. I need to get dressed and showered; then we can go for pastries at the bakery around the corner.” Just off campus, there’s a scrumptious little shop, but I never have time in the mornings. I turn back to my room but then stop. “Oh, how do I need to dress for the day?”
“Sure.” He runs his hands through his hair, but his eyes are too busy following my ass to pay attention to anything I said.
“Jason.” I snap my fingers. “Up here. What do I need to wear?”
His gaze shifts to my face, and he grins, not even having the decency to flush. “Dress warm.”
Good. So we’re going to have an adventure.
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Phantom (Dark Musicals Trilogy, 1)
Laura DeLuca
The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.
Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.
Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.
If you haven’t read the first book in the series, now is a great time to get your copy. To celebrate the release of Demon, Phantom is now on sale for only $1.99 exclusively on Amazon!
Purchase
Excerpt:
The orchestra tuned for its virtuoso, and Justyn stood ready. But no one else was ready for the magical performance he began. Beside her, Carmen was rambling on about something mundane. Rebecca elbowed her to silence so she could listen to the perfectly thrilling tenor. As she listened to the song unfold, the world around her started to slip away. Gone was the high school auditorium. Gone were the rowdy teenagers. The Gothic stranger on the stage had become the embodiment of Erik, and Rebecca watched him in all his dark glory, belting out his tormented love through the words of his song. And she was as breathless with wonder as Christine herself must have been when the masked stranger serenaded her in the candlelit labyrinth of the opera house. In that moment, Justyn wasn’t just portraying the phantom. Justyn was the phantom.
“Let the music touch your soul.
Let the darkness make you whole.
Do not fear what is unknown.
Your true path has now been shown.
Listen to the words I sing.
Embrace the peace that night will bring.”
As he continued to sing in his deep but somehow angelic voice, Rebecca found that she couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. With every line, her heart began to beat faster. She truly felt the arms of night wrapping her in a warm embrace. She could almost feel the hands of the phantom glide along her body as the words poured forth. The music caressed her. It possessed her—mind, body and soul. Each word left her longing, yearning for more.
She was gawking so obviously, it was hardly surprising when Justyn felt her eyes on him and steadily met her gaze. She realized her mouth was hanging open in stunned awe, and she quickly snapped it shut. His lips moved into just a small hint of a smile. He never took his eyes off her while he sang the final verse, making her cheeks flush to the point that she felt almost feverish. But it wasn’t embarrassment but excitement, arousal even, which was sending her mind spinning in so many directions.
When the song was over, and Rebecca had recovered just a hint of her composure, she couldn’t help but burst into a healthy round of applause. A few scattered people joined in, including Debbie and Carmen after she nudged them in the ribs. But only Miss King seemed to truly appreciate the brilliance of his talent as much as Rebecca did.
“That was amazing, Justyn!” the teacher gushed.
“Lord Justyn,” he corrected as he stepped down from the stage.
A few others complimented him as well, but he took in all in stride. In fact, his serious expression never faltered as he stepped down from the stage. He seemed almost bored, like it was all he could do to hold back a yawn, despite the smiles and words of encouragement.
But not everyone in the crowd was pleased as Justyn glided down the aisle, so ethereal in his dark garments that he still resonated the spirit of the Opera Ghost. Miss King might have been excited about the newest male addition to her cast after being limited for many years, but Tom and his group of boisterous companions glared at him as he passed them by. Jay sneered and tossed a balled up piece of paper in Justyn’s direction, but the Goth was quick, and caught it in his hand without missing a beat.
“I think you dropped something,” he said.
His speaking voice was no less melodic than his singing voice, but something about his tone made Rebecca shiver. He tossed the paper back at Jay, who was nowhere near as coordinated as Justyn. He practically fell off his seat in his efforts to catch it.
“Hey vampire,” Tom called when Justyn went to walk away. “Are you sure you can handle the competition?”
Justyn smiled, a cool, sarcastic half-smile, and crossed his arms over his chest. “Are you?”
Miss King didn’t notice the short confrontation, and Justyn vanished from the auditorium as quickly and mysteriously as he had appeared. Only Rebecca had noticed the very real tension between the two boys. She wondered if it was a bad omen for them to start off the production with hard feelings and envy. That could only lead to trouble. The kind of trouble that could end with someone getting hurt. The kind of trouble that Rebecca would do whatever it took to avoid.
Demon (Dark Musicals Trilogy, 2)
Laura DeLuca
When Justyn and Rebecca set off for the New York School of Performing Arts, they think their dreams are about to come true. To their dismay, they aren’t in high school anymore, and the competition is steep. Rebecca must compete against accomplished singers for a role in the production of Demon Barber, including a stunning Gothic diva with her sights set on Justyn
It doesn’t help that things keep disappearing from their apartment or that Rebecca’s father refuses to accept that Justyn is an essential part of her life. Yet, all this seems minimal in comparison to the serial rapist terrorizing the campus.
Consumed by fear and obsessed with revenge, Rebecca and Justyn start living the story of Sweeney Todd—both on and off the stage.
You can also add Demon to your shelf on good reads.
Demon, Book Two in the Dark Musicals Trilogy, inspired by Sweeney Todd is available now in both PRINT and eBook!
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Excerpt
Rebecca unwound the silver ribbon. When she lifted the lid, she found two matching pendants, each laced to a long hemp chain. They were shaped sort of like seashells, with an endless spiral pattern that looped out from the center as the chambers grew larger. They were dark brown in color with a few hints of tan along the edges. The stones had been polished and smoothed on both sides, but when she lifted them, she could see that the two pieces fit together perfectly. She swore the halves fought to snap together, like magnets in her hand. There was an energy pulsing and vibrating within the stones that even a novice witch like Rebecca could feel.
“They’re beautiful,” Rebecca whispered as she ran her hand along the intricate grooves.
“It’s an ammonite.” Justyn lifted one of the pendants, brushed her hair to the side, and hooked the clasp around her neck. His breath tickled her skin as his hands moved with graceful dexterity, giving her goose bumps despite the humid August night. “They’re actually fossils that are millions of years old, named after Ammon, an ancient Egyptian deity. When they’re divided in half, they’re perfect mirrors of one another. Some cultures believe that if the two halves are given to lovers, it will bind them together forever. When made into necklaces, they’re often called soul mate pendants.”
“Wo-wow,” Rebecca stuttered. As usual, the sentiment behind Justyn’s gift was even more beautiful than the gift itself. It left her a little flustered. “That’s amazing. How do you know all this stuff?”
“You don’t spend eighteen years living with Darlene without learning a thing or two.”
Rebecca laughed. Justyn’s mother Darlene was definitely something special. EMT, exotic belly dancer, and Wiccan High Priestess were only a few of the titles she claimed. Rebecca knew she was a fountain of earth-based knowledge after years of studying the Craft. As Darlene’s new apprentice, Rebecca greedily dipped into that knowledge herself as often as possible.
“It’s beautiful,” Rebecca repeated, too overcome with emotion to think of anything more eloquent to say. “You certainly know how to make things interesting.”
“Like I told you on our first date, I try not to be boring.” He winked at her. “So … are you going to put mine on for me?”
“Oh yeah … sorry.”
Rebecca giggled as she lifted the hemp chain. She wasn’t nearly as graceful as Justyn. She almost dropped the necklace in the sand three times before she managed to get the clasp locked. When she finally had it secured, he placed his hand over her heart, where the ammonite lay. He did the same with her hands, lifting them to his chest. His dark eyes had lost all glimmer of humor. He met her gaze with a stare filled with genuine emotion. Beneath her fingers, she could feel the gentle, steady rhythm of his heart beating in perfect tune with her own.
“Our love will span both space and time. In this life and the next, you shall be mine. All eternity I will be by your side. For a love so strong cannot be denied. Spirit and flesh merged into one. So mote it be, for all days to come.”
When he was done with the recitation, he kissed her. Not just a gentle brush, but a deep, passionate embrace that left her throat tight and her heart pounding with a familiar yearning.
“I’ve never heard that poem before,” she said once she’d caught her breath. “Who are you quoting?”
Even in the moonlight, she could see him blush. “I guess I was quoting myself. It was really more of an incantation than a poem though. These necklaces are meant to be a symbol of our love, and it seemed a little spell work could only add to the power of the stones. There is power in words, Becca. Just like there is power in nature.”
“You mean, you wrote that?”
He nodded, but his eyes twinkled, and the playfulness was back in his voice. “Well, actually, I just made it up as I went along.”
“Wow. Actor, singer, and now an improv poet slash chant writer. Is there anything you can’t do, Lord Justyn?”
He smiled and tilted her chin so he could look into her eyes. “I can’t stop loving you.”
Author Bio:
Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the editor of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan, Player, and Demon.
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MARK TUFO
SUMMER OF ZOMBIE
Hi Emily first off I wanted to say thank you for having me on your blog, it is much appreciated. For those of you that don’t know me I’m going to paste my bio and then do a quick shameless self-promotion before answering Emily’s questions!
Hi my name is Mark Tufo and this is my small bio slash zombie homage. First off trying to boil your life down to a few paragraphs is like trying to get out of the house with a newborn in under 5 minutes. Those of you with kids will understand the reference. Speaking of which I have three, thankfully they are mostly grown at this point which has allowed me to pursue a writing career. I grew up a blue collar man in a blue collar family, after a stint in the Marines and then the more dangerous Post Office, I decided to educate myself and get one of those cushy white collar jobs. Well I got a few, damned thing was though I couldn’t hold on to them. Kept getting laid off. It was during these down times that I began to write, it was a way to cope with the stress of having a family that was becoming more and more difficult to support.
My wife and I put out the first Zombie Fallout book in February of 09, there was huge fan-fare, ticker tape parades and maybe even some hyperventilating from the one fan that bought the book that month. Didn’t matter much that wasn’t why I had written it in the first place. I wrote a zombie book because I’ve always been fascinated with the genre. Ever since I was 7 years old and my cousin who was babysitting thought watching Night of the Living Dead would be a good way to while away the time. I’d never been so scared and enthralled at the same time in my entire life. I devoured all things zombies, movies, books, comics. Didn’t matter much. And then during one of my lay-off periods, my wife dared me to write one. (Mostly so I’d leave her alone) And I haven’t looked back.
The Zombie Fallout series is 6 novels and 1 novella long, with Zombie Fallout 7 due in October. I have the Timothy series which is written through the eyes of a zombie (not for the faint of heart – and don’t eat and read it – you’ve been warned). And there is also the continuing saga of The Book of Riley, a zombie tale told through the eyes of Riley an American Bulldog. I don’t always write about the quasi-dead, but they’re never far from my brain! (Horrible pun but fitting – Thank you for taking a few moments to learn a little about me)
Please check me out here. http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Tufo/e/B002I7PJ68/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1 Thank you.
What inspired your new release?
Tim 2 is my latest release and it is a much darker zombie novel from my other two series (Zombie Fallout and The Book of Riley). I had never intended to write a sequel to Timothy, a novella which Severed Press published in early 2012. I don’t know what it was, I did thoroughly enjoy going deeper into my psyche and coming up with some of Tim’s darker turns and when I was done I felt a catharsis. Maybe even a purging, apparently I left a little left over in my mind where it began to fester, hence Tim making a return journey.
Tell us about any WIPs you have
At this very moment I’ve got about 8 WIP’s going on. Lycan Fallout is in beta read now and I hope to release it in June. The 3rd installment of the Book of Riley is at the editor which I hope to have out in July. Then in no particular order are what follows in various states of doneness: Zombie Fallout 7, The Hanging Tree, Indian Hill 4, A Shrouded World (with John O’Brien), St. Dread and finally Detective Tynes (working title). Aren’t you glad you asked?
How many people ask you to read their books?
So many that I had to stop taking them in. I have a healthy dose of OCD and every time someone sent me a book I felt like I had to read it yesterday. Well I now have over 100 books in my To Be Read pile and I’m fairly confident I won’t get to any of them unless there’s an apocalypse and I can hole up somewhere and read them undisturbed.
In a word sum up your writing style
Eclectic
Do you have a character you enjoyed writing the most?
Drababan – he is an alien Progerian from my Indian Hill series.
Is there a genre you would like to try?
Romance (wait if that dings my man-card I’ll go with Mystery)
Could you live without coffee?
Why would you even ask such a question?
Tell us one of your favorite jokes
Umm this might not be the best forum for that. I’ll go with a less offensive blonde joke (please tell me you’re not blonde Emily. How did the blonde break her arm raking leaves? (She fell out of the tree)
Here are some questions you can choose to answer!
What’s your favorite thing about the writing process?
Actually writing! The rereads, rewrites, editing, beta’s, re-rewriting, re-rereading, and promoting are all the parts that are for the birds!
Three facts about you
Marine Corps vet, Absolutely hate ham, Love Widespread Panic
Do you believe in UFOs?
Yes
What was your favorite snack growing up?
Black and white cookies
Would you rather have fame or fortune?
Fortune, I’m somewhat of an introvert.
Pick one book that is your all-time favorite?
John Christopher – The White Mountains
Embarrassing guilty pleasure -
I loved the Harry Potter books
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
introvert
Favorites:
Muppet – Hate muppets, puppets, mannequins anything falsely animated scares the hell out of me.
Cartoon growing up- Scooby Doo
Color- Red no no BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Monty Python fans will get that)
Type of Monster- Godzilla, or Bigfoot
Do you speed when you drive? Are you a cop?
Spaghetti or Lasagna and why? Lasagna it’s really fat spaghetti with a lot of different cheeses.
Your thoughts on Self Publishing – Brutally difficult, endlessly rewarding.
Your thoughts on Zombies – Once upon a time I quietly hoped they’d come, then I realized I’d never get a hot shower and I changed my mind.
Do you believe in the Loch Ness Monster? Who doesn’t?
Are you a tweeter, a re-tweeter, or you couldn’t care less about Twitter?
Ugh Twitter
Would you rather sit on a porch with sweet tea {insert other beverage if tea isn’t your thing} or go hiking with a bottle of water and a smile?
The hike sounds good, if I get tired can someone carry me?
Your favorite type of music
Everything except jazz, with a heavy slant towards Rock
Your favorite color of Skittle – I hate tasting rainbows, leaves a residue on your tongue
Your favorite memory
I honestly don’t know where I’d go with this one. I hate to sound cliché but the birth of my kids was a profoundly life altering event for me.
Your favorite quote – Of all the things I’ve lost, I miss my mind the most – Mark Twain
Your favorite way to spend an evening
Is my wife going to read this? (Reading a book, with the Red Sox on the tv)
Tell us what you are working on now! – I am working on A Shrouded World, it’s a collaboration with fellow author John O’Brien.
Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog?
Hire an editor! Never think you’re good enough to pick up all your mistakes.
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JULIANNE SNOW
SUMMER OF ZOMBIE
Tell us about any WIPs you have.
At the moment, Days with the Undead: Book Two is in the pipeline to be released later this year. I have had a Zombie short picked up by a small press for release, so I’m definitely looking forward to that. Later this month, I’m hoping to release a novella length collection of some of my short Zombie stories as well. I find that I don’t stick to one main trope while writing in the genre of the Undead, so it’s always nice to be able to showcase the types of stories that I enjoy writing.
In a word sum up your writing style.
Varied. At times I can be descriptive and in others, I want the piece to have a different feel. I like the idea that a story can be read from a reference point within a reader’s mind. That makes it so much more poignant or terrifying for them. On those occasions when the subject matter fits for it to be set in any town at any time, I let the characters and the plot take root and blossom from the landmarks and situations the reader has encountered. I love getting emails from readers who tell me they could see it all happen in front of their eyes in their own town. That’s a great feeling!
Do you have a character you enjoyed writing the most?
I love all of my characters equally. They become like family to me as they take form through my words.
Is there a genre you would like to try?
I would love to write something in the steampunk genre mainly because I enjoy reading it. We’ll see if that comes to fruition.
Could you live without coffee?
Absolutely. I don’t drink it anyways. Preparing myself for the Apocalypse when there will be no coffee…
Tell us one of your favorite jokes.
This is an old joke, but it still makes me snicker…
Son: “Mom can I get twenty bucks”
Mom: Does it look like I am made of money
Son: “Well isn’t that what M.O.M stands for?
What’s your favorite thing about the writing process?
Creativity. I love being creative and even if the subject has been explored by others, I love having the ability to explore it in the way my mind thinks about it.
Three facts about you.
I don’t drink coffee
I have three brothers
I am terrified of birds. And spiders.
Do you believe in UFOs?
Do I believe in Unidentified Flying Objects – absolutely!
What was your favorite snack growing up?
Pop Tarts – we never got to have them very often so when we did, it was a treat!
Would you rather have fame or fortune?
Neither. Both have so many problems that come along with them. I would like to have enough money to continue creating my art and the knowledge that I had fans out in the world. That’s enough for me.
Pick one book that is your all-time favorite?
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. The whole series was such a delight from my childhood and I read them every year.
Embarrassing guilty pleasure
Hmmm… I don’t get embarrassed very easily… Perhaps my appreciation of Lady Gaga would fit in here. It’s not my preferred style of music, but it sure speaks to me on a deeper level.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
I’m actually both, just a different times and in different situations.
Favorites:
Muppet – Fozzy Bear – waka waka waka!
Cartoon growing up – Fables of the Green Forest
Color - Green
Type of Monster – The Undead
Do you speed when you drive? Sometimes. I think we all do.
Spaghetti or Lasagna and why? Lasagna. I like the well done corners.
Your thoughts on Self-Publishing
If someone wants to self-publish their books, I think it’s fantastic there’s a platform for it. There are so many terrific authors publishing their own work that never would have been published otherwise.
Your thoughts on Zombies
I love the genre! I wouldn’t want to meet one, but I certainly enjoy reading about them, watching them, and writing about them.
Do you believe in the Loch Ness Monster?
Absolutely
Are you a tweeter, a re-tweeter, or you couldn’t care less about Twitter?
I am both a tweeter and a re-tweeter.
Would you rather sit on a porch with sweet tea {insert other beverage if tea isn’t your thing} or go hiking with a bottle of water and a smile?
I like to do both of those things, just at different times. In all honesty, it comes down to humidity. If it’s humid, I’d rather be sitting on a porch!
Your favorite type of music
Alternative rock
Your favorite color of Skittle
Purple
Your favorite memory
Watching Anne of Green Gables with my granddad. He cried when Diana’s sister got sick and it was the first time I realized that strong men could cry. I was nine and he died shortly thereafter, but the memory taught me an important lesson.
Your favorite quote
I have two…
Expect problems and eat them for breakfast – Alfred A. Montapert
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience – Unknown
Your favorite way to spend an evening
Relaxing with a cup of peppermint tea and my kindle. Or a movie.
Tell us what you are working on now!
At the moment, I have a few projects on the go. Some of them are secret, so I can’t talk about them, but I can tell you that I will be appearing in a few upcoming anthologies as well as releasing Days with the Undead: Book Two and possibly Book Three before the end of the year!
Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog?
Keep at it. If writing is truly your passion, don’t let anything stand in front of your dream. Also, read. There’s nothing more important than the study of your art.
Julianne Snow’s Bio:
It was while watching Romero’s Night of the Living Dead at the tender age of 6 which solidified Julianne’s respect for the Undead. Since that day, she has been preparing herself for the (inevitable) Zombie Apocalypse. While classically trained in all of the ways to defend herself, she took up writing in order to process the desire she now covets; to bestow a second and final death upon the Undead. As the only girl growing up in a family with four children in the Canadian countryside, Julianne needed some form of escape. Her choice was the imaginations of others which only fostered the vibrancy of her own.
Days with the Undead: Book One is her first full-length book, the basis of which can be found in her popular web serial of the same name. Along with many zombie shorts published on her blog, she has a story in Women of the Living Dead as well as two zombie pieces; a standalone short and a collection releasing the summer of 2013. Julianne’s second novel in her Days with the Undead series will also be released in 2013. Stay tuned!
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Days with the Undead: Book One
Synopsis:
It’s a journal of survival.
Five people set out to escape the Undead who have risen too close to home. Join the emotional and physical struggle as they began on the third day after the awakening of Brooks VanReit, as they are recorded from the point of view of Julie, a former pathologist and part-time survivalist.
Each entry is geared toward helping those who want to help themselves and maybe give a few that don’t a swift kick in the ass. Join our group of survivors on their journey through these Days with the Undead.
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What inspired your new release? The Late Night Horror Show was originally going to be my ninth novel with Leisure Books. But Leisure went belly-up and I got out of the contract. Couple years later I revived it for Samhain Publishing. At this point I don’t really recall the initial inspiration. Probably as some sort of ultimate homage to B horror movies, I’d guess.
Tell us about any WIPs you have: I’m working on a crime novel called 68 Kill.
How many people ask you to read their books? Way too many. It’s why I’ve reverted to a blanket NO to that question.
In a word sum up your writing style: Visceral.
Do you have a character you enjoyed writing the most? Either Jessica Sloan from Depraved, Kayla Monroe from my Kayla series, or Roxie from The Killing Kind.
Is there a genre you would like to try? I’ve been trying most of the ones I’m interested in, particularly with my recent forays into crime and urban fantasy fiction. Horror, crime, and urban fantasy will probably always be my main genres.
Could you live without coffee? I don’t like coffee. Beer’s another story. Try to take my beer away and you are in serious trouble.
Tell us one of your favorite jokes: Q: Why did the monkey fall out of the tree? A: It was dead. It’s not a very funny joke. I tell it to new people I meet just to annoy them.
What’s your favorite thing about the writing process? Those moments when you’re so lost in the act of storytelling that you lose awareness of the actual physical process of writing, when it feels as if you’re witnessing real events and are simply transcribing them as fast as you can.
Three facts about you: 1. I sold my first mass-market novel at the age of 38, long after I should have given up and done something sensible with my life. 2. I’m agnostic. 3. I believe dogs are superior to cats on virtually every conceivable level.
Do you believe in UFOs? I would like to believe in UFOs, but I do not. Life certainly exists throughout the universe, but if we truly had been visited—and visited often—the proof would not be so elusive.
What was your favorite snack growing up? The hell if I know. I’m old. I can’t remember that far back.
Would you rather have fame or fortune? Fortune. Fame is overrated.
Pick one book that is your all-time favorite? The Stand by Stephen King
Embarrassing guilty pleasure - Those midnight sacrificial offerings in the name of PRAISE HAIL SATAN.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Introvert.
Favorites:
Muppet - Stabby
Cartoon growing up- Bugs Bunny.
Color- Red, the color of gore.
Type of Monster- Zombies
Do you speed when you drive? Always.
Spaghetti or Lasagna and why? Brains.
Your thoughts on Self Publishing: I’ve put out my own digital editions of all my old Leisure Books titles, and they’ve done reasonably well. So based on that alone, I have a pretty favorable take on it these days. This is a marked contrast to when I was younger and self-publishing was referred to as “vanity” publishing. Back then it had a huge stigma and it was the last thing I ever wanted to be associated with, but times change.
Your thoughts on Zombies: They’re swell.
Do you believe in the Loch Ness Monster? No. But I do believe in the Easter Bunny. And one day I’m gonna corner that fluffy little bastard and stab him and stab him until there’s nothing left but bloody fur and bunny guts.
Are you a tweeter, a re-tweeter, or you couldn’t care less about Twitter? I don’t use Twitter much.
Would you rather sit on a porch with sweet tea {insert other beverage if tea isn’t your thing} or go hiking with a bottle of water and a smile? I’d rather go hiking with a flamethrower and a case of beer.
Your favorite type of music: Punk rock, psychobilly, hard rock, metal
Your favorite color of Skittle: Red. The color of murder.
Your favorite memory: I don’t remember, I blacked it out.
Your favorite quote: “I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone, but they’ve always worked for me.”–Hunter S. Thompson
Your favorite way to spend an evening: Drinking, listening to vinyl records, hanging out with my dogs.
Tell us what you are working on now!: A crime novel called 68 Kill. There’s not a lot of screwing around in this story. It’s just action, action, action from the get-go, sort of a synthesis of Quentin Tarantino and Duane Swiercyznski filtered through my own skewed sensibilities.
Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog? Major in business. Because, really, if you hope to become a full-time writer someday, it will require total commitment and sacrifice at virtually every level of your life. Just about any other path you could choose will be easier. But if it’s really in your blood to do it, then by all means go for it, but know what it takes and that you can’t do it halfheartedly.
Share your thoughts
JAMES COOK
SUMMER OF ZOMBIE BLOG TOUR
What inspired your new release?
I wanted to explore the psychological aspect of what happens to the two main characters in the wake of the zombie outbreak. The strain of it, the weight of their decisions, and the trauma that fighting and killing inflicts on the human mind. I also wanted to take the plot beyond just a survival story and weave it into the larger tapestry of world events. In Warrior Within, the two main characters begin to understand what their role will be in a large, imminent conflict. The story delves into not only how this affects the characters, but how it affects the people in the characters’ lives.
Tell us about any WIPs you have
I’m currently working on a standalone novel set in the Surviving the Dead universe. I am co-authoring it with Joshua Guess—author of the Living With the Dead series—and we expect it to be released sometime in July.
How many people ask you to read their books?
I used to get quite a number of requests, but in the last year or so, people have stopped asking. I get the impression that there is sort of an unwritten rule against doing so these days.
In a word sum up your writing style
Direct.
Do you have a character you enjoyed writing the most?
Lincoln Great Hawk. He is a new character introduced in Warrior Within. He’s a Navy SEAL of Apache descent, and is a ruthless, cold-blooded killer. Thankfully, he’s on the main characters’ side. His role in WW is a small one, but he will become very important in future novels.
Is there a genre you would like to try?
I have plans to write a dark urban fantasy series titled Jeremiah Cain: Vampire Hunter, and a traditional fantasy series titled Gladiator of Corsryn. I’d also like to dip my toes in the military or supernatural thriller waters, but I have a lot on my plate for the time being. That might have to wait.
Could you live without coffee?
I had to give up coffee. High blood pressure. I won’t lie, it’s been hard. But I’m managing.
Tell us one of your favorite jokes
Every circle of friends has that one person in it that’s a douchebag. When that person isn’t around, everyone else kind of looks at each other and whispers, “Why do we hang out with that person? He/she is a fucking douchebag.” And if you’re sitting there thinking to yourself, my circle of friends doesn’t really have anyone like that, then guess what, genius. You’re the douchebag.
What’s your favorite thing about the writing process?
Being at home. I always hated office work. Now that I’m a full-time writer, I get to decide when, where, and how much I will work. My living room is a pretty great place to spend the day.
Three facts about you
I have a bachelor’s degree in finance from UNC Charlotte.
I hate broccoli with the fury of a thousand suns.
I once hit an opossum with a wiffle-ball bat. (It was threatening my Chihuahua.)
Would you rather have fame or fortune?
Fortune. Fame is for insecure Hollywood debutants whose parents didn’t love them enough. They can have it. I like my privacy.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Introvert. I hate crowds. Extroverted people make me a little stabby.
Your thoughts on Self Publishing
I think ebooks, print on demand, and audiobooks are the future of publishing. There are a lot of great resources out there now for people who want to self-publish. Amazon, obviously, is leading the way on this. I don’t think traditional publishing is going away altogether, but the publishing houses that want to survive—and compete with Amazon—are going to have to change the way they do business. Drastically.
Your favorite type of music
I like lots of different music, but Heavy Metal will always hold a special place in my heart. When I was twelve, my cousin gave me a bootleg copy of Metallica’s Master of Puppets. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Your favorite quote
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.
-Mark Twain
Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog?
Keep at it, don’t quit, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Most importantly, never stop trying to improve your craft. If you’re not trying to get better, you’re getting worse.
Share your thoughts
ARMAND ROSAMILIA
SUMMER OF ZOMBIE
What inspired your new release?
After the first two Dying Days zombie books, I wanted not only the survivors to progress but the zombies themselves, or else they would simply rot away to nothing and we’d be done wit the story. I thought about it and (hopefully) came up with a great concept.
Tell us about any WIPs you have
I am currently working on about 19 projects (not a lie!) but the next zombie one will be Dying Days: Origins, a prequel to Tosha Shorb, a character introduced in Dying Days 2.
How many people ask you to read their books?
Too many, unfortunately. I don’t have nearly enough time to read everything offered. If it’s something that interests me I will try to read it, but if I don’t like it 100% I won’t bother to blurb for it. I let them know ahead of time. I have read some brilliant books this way, though.
In a word sum up your writing style
Sexy. Wait, that describes me. Written.
Do you have a character you enjoyed writing the most?
Darlene Bobich, most definitely. She’s the star of the Dying Days series, and I am really happy with the way she’s progressed and let’s me tell her story.
Is there a genre you would like to try?
Hmm… I’ve written horror, thrillers, erotica, contemporary fiction, fantasy… I think a romantic comedy or a solid science fiction story at some point, just to see if I can do it.
Could you live without coffee?
Without coffee there is no real reason to live.
Tell us one of your favorite jokes
Two cannibals are eating a clown. One of them asks the other ‘does this taste funny to you?’
What’s your favorite thing about the writing process?
Reading along as you write with great characters, just writing out their stories. When they come to life it is amazing.
Three facts about you
I hate the sight of blood… I am not a big fan of extreme horror movies… I once ate 37 White Castle cheeseburgers in one drunken night…
Do you believe in UFOs?
I believe there has to be something out there, but the chances so many have landed without anyone knowing, except Bigfoot and Elvis, seems odd.
What was your favorite snack growing up?
Anything chocolate. Chocolate rules.
Would you rather have fame or fortune?
I’d prefer both, but if I had to choose… fortune is always nice, plus then I can go to McDonalds without being swarmed.
Pick one book that is your all-time favorite?
Watership Down is my favorite book of all time.
Embarrassing guilty pleasure -
Singing 80′s Hair Metal at the top of my lungs while I’m driving. And last week I was singing “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” from Judas Priest and was pointing at the lady in the car next to me (true story)
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
I can be both, but once I get to know you I am an extrovert.
Favorites:
Muppet – Animal.
Cartoon growing up- Star Blazers
Color- Green
Type of Monster- Zombie (obviously!)
Do you speed when you drive?
Nope. I actually drive like an old man.
Spaghetti or Lasagna and why?
Ziti. But Spaghetti with meatballs is a close second.
Your thoughts on Self Publishing
Without it, who knows where we’d all be. I’ve accomplished more in the last 3 years than the 20 before trying to get my work out.
Your thoughts on Zombies
They are neat-o. I love zombies, especially in literature when the author can do something unique with them.
Do you believe in the Loch Ness Monster?
No. It was a hoax, remember? I also hate polar bears. (Totally unrelated)
Are you a tweeter, a re-tweeter, or you couldn’t care less about Twitter?
I love Twitter. I have over 38,000 followers, and I love each and every one dearly.
Would you rather sit on a porch with sweet tea {insert other beverage if tea isn’t your thing} or go hiking with a bottle of water and a smile?
I would rather drown on the sweet tea (which I love) rather than hike more than 22 feet.
Your favorite type of music
Thrash Metal old school dude.
Your favorite color of Skittle
I hate Skittles. They aren’t chocolate.
Your favorite memory
The first time I saw Shelly getting out of her car. (I know, cheesy, but I can’t help it)
Your favorite quote
Anything Morgan Freeman says, such as ‘You can’t handle the truth!’
Your favorite way to spend an evening
With the TV off, reading a good story on my Kindle and eating a pound of M&M’s.
Tell us what you are working on now!
My contemporary fiction stories for the Flagler Beach Fiction Series, which are different from anything I’ve written before.
Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog?
My token advice should be taken to heart: start drinking heavily. And read great blogs, like this one. And mine at http://armandrosamilia.com
Thanks so much again!
No, thank you!
Share your thoughts
T W BROWN
SUMMER OF ZOMBIE
What inspired your new release?
My latest is the sixth book in the DEAD series, Dead: Confrontation. The inspiration came from the fact that I believed zombie fans could handle something with a large cast of characters, some serious character development, and a story line that was not, run, set up a fortress, get over run, repeat.
Tell us about any WIPs you have
Besides already starting on the seventh DEAD book, I am working on the second book in my non-zombie series, Dakota. The fifth Zomblog, Zomblog: Snoe’s War is just about ready and comes out in late June, and I am mulling over the story for the second That Ghoul Ava book. Yep…that should about cover it.
How many people ask you to read their books?
Lots. And I try to whenever I can because I remember being the one doing the asking. If somebody asks, they are putting themselves out there and preparing for rejection. You need to hear a few “yes” responses. Now, that said, I always tell them that I am not going to sugar coat something. If I like it, great, but if you don’t want to know if and why I don’t…then do not send it to me to read.
In a word sum up your writing style
Cognitive.
Do you have a character you enjoyed writing the most?
Ava is my “fun place” when it comes to writing. Otherwise, I would have to say my Geeks from the DEAD series because they are loosely based on some friends of mine.
Is there a genre you would like to try?
I was a huge D & D geek from the late 70s and early 80s and love good fantasy. I think a lot of D & D types feel that their campaign would make a great fantasy series…I’m no different. I have a campaign that lasted over four years and if the fantasy market was not so glutted, I might give it a go. However, I already my time travel, modern day guys thrown back to the Civil War (Dakota) series, my DEAD books, the Zomblog series (which will be wrapped for good in October), and That Ghoul Ava, my horror comedy…so I am fine for now.
Could you live without coffee?
Nope. Would never try. I don’t drink or smoke, so it is my last vice and I am keeping it.
Tell us one of your favorite jokes
Armand Rosamilia walks into the doctor’s office with a frog on his head. The doctor says, “What seems to be the problem?” The frog says, “I don’t know, it started out as a bump on my ass.”
Here are some questions you can choose to answer!
What’s your favorite thing about the writing process?
The ability to create something that causes other people to have real feelings just by reading words that you put on paper.
Three facts about you
Do you believe in UFOs?
Sure. I have a hard time imagining that we are the only sentient beings in such a large universe.
What was your favorite snack growing up?
Red Hots or any sort of cinnamon candy.
Would you rather have fame or fortune?
I’ll take the money. Being famous is not all it is cracked up to be, but cashing that check is a lot of fun.
Pick one book that is your all-time favorite?
The Stand.
Embarrassing guilty pleasure –
Lounging around in my Cookie Monster pajamas.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
About as extroverted as you can get.
Favorites:
Muppet – Sweetums
Cartoon growing up- Bugs Bunny
Color- Dark Green
Type of Monster- Other than zombies? Godzilla.
Do you speed when you drive? I am a cruise control addict and lock in at 3 MPH over the posted limit whenever I drive.
Spaghetti or Lasagna and why?
Lasagna…all that cheesy goodness.
Your thoughts on Self-Publishing
I think it has pros and cons. Done right, it rivals the major houses as far as creative content. However, there is a lot of sloppy work out there and just because you CAN do something, does not always mean that you SHOULD.
Your thoughts on Zombies
I think they have so many ways that they can be used, and writers are coming up with some very creative stuff that keep them fresh.
Do you believe in the Loch Ness Monster?
I used to. Now, I’m not so sure.
Are you a tweeter, a re-tweeter, or you couldn’t care less about Twitter?
My wife handles that aspect of my world.
Would you rather sit on a porch with sweet tea {insert other beverage if tea isn’t your thing} or go hiking with a bottle of water and a smile?
I will take the hike.
Your favorite type of music
I am a huge KISS fan and also love the 80s “hairbands”.
Your favorite color of Skittle
Just never got the Skittles thing.
Your favorite memory
It might be a bit corny, but it was on a walk with my son, Cody. He was almost three and we were on our daily pilgrimage to get him a Slurpee and he looks up at me and says, “We’re best buddies, huh, Dad?”
Your favorite quote
“Car crashes are neat, but you can’t tap your foot to them.”—Gene Simmons
Your favorite way to spend an evening
At home, relaxing with the wife and my Border Collies.
Tell us what you are working on now!
Book 7 of the DEAD series.
Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog?
Do it if you love it, not because you think it is a quick ticket to wealth and fame. It is real work and will take up more of your time than a “traditional” job with much less monetary reward (for most).
Welcome to MY world…
A few minutes with author TW Brown.
Tucked away in the Pacific Northwest with my wife Denise, a Border Collie named Aoife, a guitar collection, and an increasing number of aquariums sporting a variety of fish (cichlids are my new favorites), I live for football season when I can cheer on the Oregon Ducks and be disappointed by my Seattle Seahawks once again. I am a fan of Cookie Monster, KISS, and Dr. Who (along with most things British).
His blog can be found at:
http://twbrown.blogspot.com
The best way to find everything he has out is to start at his Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/TW-Brown/e/B00363NQI6
You can follow him on twitter @maydecpub and on Facebook under Todd Brown, Author TW Brown, and also under May December Publications.
TW Brown is the author of the Zomblog series, his horror comedy romp, That Ghoul Ava, and, of course…the DEAD series. Safely tucked away in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, he moves away from his desk only at the urging of his Border Collie, Aoife. (Pronounced Eye-fa)
He plays a little guitar on the side…just for fun…and makes up any excuse to either go trail hiking or strolling along his favorite place…Cannon Beach. He answers all his emails sent to twbrown.maydecpub@gmail.com and tries to thank everybody personally when they take the time to leave a review of one of his works.
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JOHN O’BRIEN
SUMMER OF ZOMBIE
What inspired your new release?
A New World: Takedown is the seventh book in the series, A New World. The inspiration for the book was to prevent a lynching. There were several close moments where I escaped just before the torch-wielding mobs arrived.
Tell us about any WIPs you have.
Currently, Mark Tufo and I are writing a novel together where our two main characters, Mike Talbot and Jack Walker, meet. It is more of a work in progress as we both have our other books that we are working on. I’ll be starting on the eighth book in the ANW series soon and hope to have it ready to go in mid-summer.
How many people ask you to read their books?
At first, I had a few requests but that tapered off after a while. I don’t mind doing that if I have the time…however, that is a rarity. Where are the hammocks and drinks with umbrellas in them that I was promised? I distinctly remember being told that was the writer’s lifestyle and why I signed on.
In a word sum up your writing style.
Chaotic and laden with errors. Wait, that was more than one word. Action-oriented.
Do you have a character you enjoyed writing the most?
Honestly, I enjoy writing about them all. I would have to say though that I enjoy writing about Jack, even though he is boring at times, and Gonzalez. She has turned into one of my favorites. She was initially just a placeholder but her character demanded more and thus she has become one of my favorites.
Is there a genre you would like to try?
The one where I get said hammock and drinks. Just kiddin’. I think I have truly found the niche where I like to write. I truly think the series covers a variety of genres – thriller, post-apocalyptic, action, and yes, zombies although the night runners aren’t technically Z’s.
Could you live without coffee?
Nope.
Tell us one of your favorite jokes.
Not long ago and far away, Santa was getting ready for his annual trip. But there were problems everywhere. Four of his elves got sick, and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the regular ones so Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule.
Then Mrs. Claus told Santa that her mom was coming to visit. This stressed Santa even more.
When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two had jumped the fence and were out, heaven knows where. More Stress.
Then when he began to load the sleigh one of the boards cracked and the toy bag fell to the ground and scattered the toys. So frustrated, Santa went into the house for a cup of coffee and a shot of whiskey. When he went to the cupboard, he found the elves had hid the liquor and there was nothing to drink.
In his frustration, he dropped the coffee pot and it broke into hundreds of little pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found that mice had eaten the straw it was made from.
Just then the doorbell rang and Santa cussed on his way to the door. He opened the door and there was a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.
The angel said: “Where would you like to put this tree Santa?”
And that my friend, is how the little angel came to be on top of the Christmas tree.
What’s your favorite thing about the writing process?
I like how the story unfolds as I’m writing it. I have the basics in mind when I begin but the story takes on a life of its own and I’m just as surprised as others by the twists and turns it makes. I’m merely the conduit for the story to be told as the characters take hold. They are constantly in my mind – yes, voices in my head.
Would you rather have fame or fortune?
I don’t really require either to be honest. I just like that the story is being enjoyed. If I had to choose however, I would choose fortune. I’m not really one who wants the spotlight.
Pick one book that is your all-time favorite?
I’ll pick two series – The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King and The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
A bit of both but lean more toward the introverted aspect.
Favorite Color- Black or Charcoal Gray.
Do you speed when you drive?
Um, when I’m in the Challenger, well, enough said.
Spaghetti or Lasagna and why?
Lasagna because, well, its lasagna.
Are you a tweeter, a re-tweeter, or you couldn’t care less about Twitter?
I used to be on twitter a lot but now it’s mostly just Facebook. I just don’t have the time to expand into other social medias. And I’m a horrible blogger.
Would you rather sit on a porch with sweet tea {insert other beverage if tea isn’t your thing} or go hiking with a bottle of water and a smile?
Hiking – most definitely, although a nice quiet day observing nature can be awesome as well.
Your favorite memory
I have two actually, I mean aside from my kids being born and being with them. The first is one flight at 45,000 feet – flight level 450 – and seeing the earth below cast in total darkness while I was still basking in pure daylight. On another flight at 49,000 feet, I looked up and above, the sky was cast in darkness with the stars showing in the middle of the day. Flying is just pure like that.
Your favorite quote
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, strawberries in one hand, champagne in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO what a ride!
Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog?
Keep on writing, without worry of how it’s going to be taken or received. Tell your story without fear. And, make sure it’s well-edited and a professional cover done. Both can be found without great expense.
Thanks so much again!
Thank you so much for having me, Emily. And thank you to all of the readers and fans.
Links:
John O’Brien Biography
John O’Brien is a former Air Force fighter instructor pilot who transitioned to Special Operations for the latter part of his career gathering his campaign ribbon for Desert Storm. Immediately following his military service, John became a firefighter/EMT with a local department. Along with becoming a firefighter, he fell into the Information Technology industry starting two large casinos in Washington as the Information Technology Manager and becoming the Network Manager for the Washington State Legislature, the Northwest Information Technology Manager for the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Network Systems Manager for Hollywood Video.
Currently, John is writing full-time on the series, A New World. As a former marathon runner, John lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and can now be found kayaking out in the waters of Puget Sound, mountain biking in the Capital Forest, hiking in the Olympic Peninsula, or pedaling his road bike along the many scenic roads.
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