Next Big Thing

I've been tagged by author Beth Barany to post about my Next Big Thing (here's her post). So, this is what I'm working on:

What is the working title of your next book?
Super Sargasso

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

Where did the idea come from for the book?
It's a collection of three stories: one novelette and two shorts. Two have been previously published, and I've been wanting to put the third out there for a while now. 

What genre does your book fall under?
Supernatural horror.

How long does it take to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Hard to say! I tend to write story drafts much more quickly than novel drafts, which makes sense. So, total first-draft time for all three together would be, maybe, two months?

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
The first story, All Hope Lost, has some similarity to Charles Stross' Laundry Files books, but with a less lighthearted tone. The second story features the writings of Charles Fort, and is inspired by him. The third has more of early Stephen King vibe.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I'll go with the novellete, All Hope Lost. Janelle Monáe would make a fantastic Dana Cay.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I love reading and writing about paranormal phenomena and the Lovecraft mythos. All three stories are informed by that love.
 

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
The stories pay tribute to noir fiction, pseudo-Lovecraftian creeping horror, and Charles Fort's wonder at the world's paranormal happenings.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Three stories of supernatural horror, paranormal weirdness, and pretentious dog owners: All Hope Lost, Recondite Curiosa, and Purse Dog Apocalypse.

Tag, you're it!  Next week, check out Missy Lynn Ryan for her Next Big Thing.

EDIT: Now Shelby Patrick is in on the fun, too! I'll post again next week when Missy and Shelby have their "Next Big Things" up.

Contest winner

Thanks to the contest contributors. This was a tough one to judge. The creepy secrets of clowndom vs. the untold adventures of PeeWee Herman...I am overwhelmed.

While hoyty's tale provided some much-needed levity, I've decided to award the free copy of All Hope Lost to Jaleta Clegg. The tale of a father passing on the unknown secrets of clowns freaked me right the hell out. Shoot me an email (remove the x) to let me know whether you'd prefer AHL in Kindle or Nook format.

And again, thanks to both of you for participating!

What's in the box? Tell me and win a book

This contest is now closed! I'll announce the winner tomorrow afternoon.

We're four days out from Halloween, the moment of the year when the veil between the worlds is thinnest. In honor of this dark and contemplative holiday, I thought it would be fun to poke around at that edge. Take a stab at exploring the unseen. And win a free creepy read in the process.

I want you to tell me a story. It's simple. In the comments below, in 250 words or fewer, let me know what's inside this box:

Photo by Clay Larsen

I'll pick my favorite this Monday, October 31st. The winner will receive a free copy of my horror P.I. novella All Hope Lost for either the Kindle or Nook. You'll also get bragging rights for telling the best damned story around.

All entries must be received by Sunday, October 30th, at 11:59pm. So get writing!

All Hope Lost for the Nook!

You can now purchase All Hope Lost for your Nook-compatible device. Just head on over here.

All Hope Lost is now available!

You can now purchase my horror novella All Hope Lost for your Kindle, PC, or device with a Kindle app. Head over to this Amazon link. AHL will also be available for the Nook very soon. I'll post again to let you know as soon as it is.

Oh Brother! Clarion blog

My post at the Clarion Blog is up today. I'm over there talking about how sibling relationships can deepen fiction. Please stop by and say hi.

"All Hope Lost" Blog tour

Update 10/01/11: New appearance announced!

Throughout the month of October, I'll be blog touring to talk about my upcoming novelette, All Hope Lost. For those unfamiliar, a "blog tour" is the electronic version of a book tour. Instead of dressing up and driving to a bookstore to illuminate the fawning masses, I get to do it from home in my unmentionables (I know, too much sharing). Here are some of the places you'll be able to find me:

October 3rd: Clarion Writers Craft Blog
October 5th: The Literary Handyman
October 11th: Tracy S. Morris
October 19th: Immortyl Revolution

Thanks to all these wonderful writers for hosting me. Please stop by their blogs and say hello.

More sites to be announced. Stay tuned!

"All Hope Lost" cover

Here it is, the cover for my upcoming novelette, All Hope Lost:

Isn't it beautiful? You can buy it on October 10th from Escape Collective Publishing.

Novelette release

I'm finally ready to announce the news I've been sitting on for (what feels like) forever:

My novelette, All Hope Lost, will be published next month by Escape Collective. The release date is October 10th. I should have cover art to post soon. If you or any of your friends are into Lovecraft, horror, and/or detective stories, check it out!

Woo!