Just found out that my story "The Fifth Room," original published in Twit Puplishing's PULP! series, will be adapted into comic form by Evil Jester Press Comics. This comic line is a new project from Charles Day, creator of Evil Jester Press, and I am beyond excited to be a part of this series. He's going for a pulpy Creepshow-esque vibe, a throwback to the 50's EC comics Tales From the Crypt and Vault of Horror, with the iconic Evil Jester himself introducing each tale. Some big names in the horror field are attached to this project (including Jack Ketchum!) so it's an honor to be included. Coincidentally, I had just started reading the first Walking Dead compendium (issues 1-48) the day I was notified of the acceptance. It's the first comic series I've read in twenty years, and I'm loving the story and artistry involved. Here's the cover artwork for the first two issues: NOTE ADDED: 12-15-12: Recently I was contacted by Charles Day, the mastermind behind Evil Jester Press, and was asked to join his staff of writers and artists. Although we don't have an official title for my position yet, we agreed that I would serve as a creative consultant for Evil Jester Comics, helping him read through a growing pile of submissions in the hopes of finding new and exciting talent. I'm very honored to join his crew, and I look forward to seeing some great stories inked and on the stand next year. I have always loved EC comics, and as a kid I read The Vault of Horror and Tales From the Crypt reprints as soon as they hit the stand. I am proud to be a part of what will be a great comic series.
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A quick word on a few writing projects:
1.) I just started a round of edits on a story called "The Long Winter." It's coming along nicely, just edging past the 4,000 word mark (which is about the perfect length for a short story, in my opinion). I've always wanted to write a survival story set in a frigid winter climate, similar to Jack London's "To Build a Fire." This story seems to fill that void wonderfully, except I added possessed cannibals and ghosts and whole bunch of other weird things. That's just how I roll. 2.) Also revising up a piece called "Resonance." It's a little shorter than most of my stories (which do tend to bloat more times than not). I originally wrote this for an anthology called "The Ghost is the Machine." Although it wasn't chosen for publication, the editor sent a positive email explaining how much he liked it, but that it needed some tweaking in certain areas (a little more tension in the middle, for instance). Reading it over I realized he was right. So after two nights of editing, the story now soars. Or maybe it headbutts. Anyway... I like this one tremendously, and I have no doubt it will find a home soon. 3.) Started a new story called "And the Bread Shall Rise," about a small town plagued by an ancient evil awakening in a local bakery. Every night a horde of demonic gingerbread cookies descend upon the townsfolk to perform their twisted recipes. This is serious stuff, my friends. James Joyce and William Faulkner better watch out. That's it for now. I'll try to update every month on my writing progress and publications. Later!
Not sure how interesting this is, but I thought I would share a few updates on my current writing projects. Here goes:
1.) Just finished up a Lovecraftian story called "The Way We Are Lifted," clocking in at a sizable 5500 words (about 22 pages). The story takes place on the top floor of a ruined skyscraper many years after a flood has decimated the world's population. Two young girls being held captive decide to escape by entering the lower levels of the building, only to discover something sinister lurking below. I wrote this story per request, and although I can't comment on the specifics quite yet, it will hopefully be out sometime later this year. 2.) Doing the first round of edits on a story called "Exploration of Room B," written specifically for EJP's Carnival of the Damned Anthology, edited by Henry Snider and David C. Hayes. This one is around 6500 words and is shaping up nicely. The story centers around a House of Horrors ride with a "special room" for people who aren't too nice to their kids. 3.) Finally, last December I began writing a novella called "Whispers of Immortality." Yes, I know that title is a poem by TS Eliot, but I like the way it sounds. It's only a tentative title anyway. I wrote 60 pages and stopped in order to let it mellow out before deciding where to go next. I am now looking forward to rejoining my made-up friends on their strange quest. The story is about a Search and Rescue volunteer who investigates a string of disappearances centering around some hunting cabins. There's plenty of hand-to-hand fighting and walking through the woods, so epic fantasy fans might dig it. I had the pleasure recently of speaking with Gregory Norris at the World Horror Convention in Salt Lake City. What a pleasure to chat with such a great writer! His story in Evil Jester Digest Volume One, "Lone Wolf" is a wonderful read. Also check out his new collection of short stories, The Fierce and Unforgiving Muse. Hanging around outside the dealer's room on day three. Left to right: my girlfriend Jen Fegan, the Evil Little Jester himself, Charles Day, and myself. Charles's YA novel Legend of the Pumpkin Thief is now available in print from Amazon. It's a wonderfully charming little tale of mystery and love and an ancient evil awakening in a small rural town. My last day at the convention with the wonderful Hollie Snider. Her creepy tale "Widdershins" appears in Evil Jester Digest Volume One. Also, I picked up her collection of zombie fiction (she's the editor) called Live and Let Undead. The stories are diverse and authentic, subverting convention for some great laughs. Check out Peter Giglio's story "The Power of Words." Great Stuff.
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