Julie Frost's "Cry Havoc" Drops Today...Check It Out

 Back when there seemed to be a writing convention every other month and I was fortunate enough to attend a writing convention every other month, there was always a book being released, or several. I got to know many authors and have tried to help them out by reading their stuff, or helping promote their stuff, or both.

Today, Julie Frost's Cry Havoc is available on Amazon. From the book's website is the following information:

Nate Cassin, the alpha werewolf of Missoula, Montana, finds his little city has a big wolf problem when shredded bodies start showing up all over town. Faced with a hostile press and even more hostile hunters, he tries to protect his innocent pack of eight at the same time they try to track down two elusive killers in an area of 35 square miles with a plethora of hiding places.

He's seen this before. And the hunters always, always go overboard and decide the only good werewolf is a dead one, no matter who's actually responsible. His pack will be collateral damage unless he can find the enemy wolves—and stop their broken alpha—before they turn his hometown into a human buffet.

Part of what I love about being part of the local writing community is getting to know everyone. Writers are an interesting breed. They're as individual as what they write...no cookie-cutter personalities. The above blurb screams Julie. If you're ever lucky enough to meet and have a conversation with her, it's a moment not easily forgotten. She's a wonderful writer and person.

Since the book just came out today, I have not read it. But, I do know that Julie is so passionate about her writing...and pretty much other interests as well.

If you like the genre, or even if you don't and you'd like to give Cry Havoc a chance, click: HERE for the Amazon link. After all, I'm guessing many of you are in the mood for a good werewolf yarn right about now.

You Can Always Spot A Reader...

Last week I met a reader. Now, I didn't know she was a reader when we first met...there are so few around nowadays. However, after talking with her for a minute or two, it became evident.

She loves to read.

What gave it away? My friend told her I was a writer. I've been introduced as a writer before. Most of the time the news is met with indifference--not disrespect, but they might think it's cool to be a writer. The written word isn't that important to them. No, she stopped and asked some follow up questions. 

"What do you write?" 

"What are your favorite genres?"

"What do you like to read?"

That last question is interesting. It's assumed writers are also readers. I have been more of an active reader in the past--it's something I need to do more. She is correct, though. To be a successful writer you need to be an active reader.

I told her I got my masters degree in English and to do so, I read a lot of book, mostly classics. She is currently reading some classic literature. I asked if she liked reading fantasy or speculative fiction. She said she's not read all that much, but would like to read more.

I had the perfect book for her.

The next time I saw her, I dug up my copy of D.H. (Dave) Butler's amazing Witchy Eye. If you've read it you know the level of writing found in its pages. 

I don't know if she'll like it--she may hate it. I hope not. Since she's a reader I'm almost certain she will appreciate the writing, even if it's not her cup of tea. I've never met anyone who has read Dave's books who didn't respect Dave as a writer and craftsman and wordsmith.

Hopefully, she'll finish the book soon. I'm anxious to know what she thinks. If she likes it, there's two more book waiting for her in the wings.

For a reader, that'a heaven.

"The Horror At Pooh Corner"...Not Your Average Kickstarter Project

 I learned of the project only recently, but I've been intrigued ever since. A kickstarter for a collection of horror tales inspired by A.A. Milne's classic hundred-acre wood.

The Horror at Pooh Corner

Yes, it's true.

Here's the description from the kickstarter webpage:

The Horror at Pooh Corner is a Lovecraftian Winnie-the-Pooh anthology project bringing together the community of writers and artists—both well-known and emerging—and an up-and-coming publisher to produce a collection of stories that will make you both laugh at the humor and cry out in indescribable terror as you slowly go mad while reading it. Learn the true stories behind the Hundred Acre Wood and its seemingly innocuous denizens, told here for the first time.

You can access the webpage: HERE. 

I personally know many of the authors in this collection and even though I've not read the book, I can attest to the quality of their writings, especially those who specialize in horror. Plus, who wouldn't want to read stories about one of the most beloved places and characters in history?

Check out the page and consider supporting. It can not only lead to reading enjoyment for you, but for future projects in the future. The Horror at Pooh Corner...I'm still thinking about it.

Being Asked To Attend This Year's FanX Convention...It's An Honor And A Lot Of Fun!

Twelve days ago, a little tweet hit the world wide web. It listed four authors who have been asked to attend a gathering. I was one of those authors.

It was years ago, but I remember the first time I saw my name and picture posted for this event. That was very cool. Being an author can be a tough at times, but there are some things that make participating in this endeavor extremely awesome, like seeing your name, picture, and examples of things you've created alongside world-famous authors and other guests.

It's a definite rush.

If you go to Salt Lake FanX's author page (you can access it by clicking: HERE), you'll see almost fifty people invited to participate as featured authors with even more to come. I'm honored to be included in such an amazing group. But what I find most fascinating when I access the page, is how many of these incredibly talented writers I've gotten to know. Five years ago, I knew personally only one person on the list--Michael Jensen--and that's because he and I were in a production of Evita a decade earlier. Now, after having spent time with these people, doing panels with many of them, and even signing publishing contracts with them, I count several as good good friends.

In a matter of weeks we'll gather to do it all again. Hopefully, I'll meet new people and strengthen the relationships with those I already know. 

Yes, there are many cool things about being an author. The first time you hear someone's going to publish your story, seeing that box at your door knowing those are your books inside, holding the finished product in your hands, smelling the pages, almost not believing it's actually your name on the cover, getting that first five-star review--all are awesome. So is being asked to attend an event where thousands and thousands of people will attend. If you plan on going, please come find me--I'd love to either meet you for the first time or catch up. It's going to be a blast!!