Scares That Care Authorcon III Autopsy

AuthorCon III or Bust! - Scares That Care

Hey everyone, it's almost time for one of my favorite events of the year - SCT AuthorCon! In case you're unfamiliar, it's an annual charity event hosted by Brian Keene for readers and writers of horror fiction. To date, it's raised tens of thousands of dollars for worthy recipients in need of some help, so it's an amazing event to be a part of.

AND... there's more! Myself and Stevie Kopas just *might* have an AuthorCon III exclusive for you... we *might* have been busy working up a real scream for you guys!

This year's Guests of Honor are:

Aron Beauregard
Michael Cisco
Grady Hendrix
John Langan
Eric LaRocca
Carver Pike
Kristopher Rufty
Paul Tremblay
Valancourt Books
Daniel J. Volpe
L. Marie Wood

When: 12th - 14th April, 2024

Where: Double Tree by Hilton Hotel
              Williamsburg
              50 Kingsmill Road
              Williamsburg, VA 23185 

Get Tickets: HERE

I'll be there all weekend trading, meeting new people, seeing old friends, and having an awesome time. I hope to see you there - don't be shy, come say hello, buy a book, and bring books for me to sign!

Book Signing - Vortex Books & Comics

Hey everyone! This Saturday is going to be a good one because I'll be at Vortex Books & Comics answering all your questions and signing books! For those of you who don't know, Vortex is an amazing new book and comic store in the Columbia area, owned by Brian Keene and Mary SanGiovani. They're champions (and excellent writers) of genre fiction, with plenty of horror, who do a lot for the indie horror community.

It's going to be a great day. I'll be there along with Somer Canon (You're Mine, Vicki Beautiful,) Wesley Southard (One for the Road, Resisting Madness,) and Wile E. Young (The Magpie Coffin, For a Few Souls More.) We'll be hosting a Q&A between 1 pm and 2 pm, and then signing books between 2 pm and 4 pm. Be sure to pick up something new, and bring books with you for us to sign!

Where:   Vortex Books & Comics
                477 Locust St
                Columbia, PA 17512

When:    Saturday 30th March 2024

See you there!

Farpoint or Bust!

Hi everyone, it's almost convention time! This weekend, I'll be in Pikesville for Farpoint, a convention I regularly attend and enjoy.

Farpoint Convention is an annual in-person event for fans and writers/creators of sci-fi, horror, fantasy, and anime and comics - basically everything with a fandom! It's loads of fun, and a great place for creators to trade and meet fans, and for fans to browse indie shops and meet their favorite creators.

There are always celebrity guests, usually people from awesome shows, and a ticket purchase also buys you one celebrity signature, which is pretty cool.

This year's celebrity guests are:

Cal Dodd
(X-Men Animated Series)

J. Lee
(The Orville)

Tawny Newsome
(Star Trek: Lower Decks)

Erin MacDonald
(Star Trek)

When: 9th - 11th February, 2024

Where: Doubletree by Hilton, Pikesville, MD

Panels/Signings:

Saturday 11am, Bowie Room: "Themed Anthologies" Panel, with Joshua Palmatier, Michael Jan Friedman, and Mike McPhail

Saturday 4pm, Autograph Table 1: Book signing, with Phil Giunta

I'll be there selling books, signing things, and seeing old friends and new. Be sure to bring cash for any vendors and for autographs and such (it's usually cash only). I hope to see you there!

It's Free! - BILLY AND THE CLONEASAURUS

Hey everyone! Would you like a gift?

For no reason whatsoever, just because I wanted to give my new and faithful readers alike a little something, BILLY AND THE CLONEASAURUS is free until the end of February. If you haven't heard of it, here's the scoop:

Six billion identical clones make up the entire population of Earth, and William 790-6 (57th Iteration) is exactly like everybody else. In his one year of life he will toil in suburban mediocrity and spend as much cash as possible in order to please his corporate masters. When 790’s first birthday (and scheduled execution) finally rolls around, a freak accident spares his life.

Living past his expiration date changes 790 profoundly. Unlike other clones he becomes capable of questioning the futility of his own existence. Seeking answers in the wilderness, he discovers a windmill with some very strange occupants, including a freakish, dinosaur-like monstrosity. Which is especially strange since every animal on earth is supposed to be extinct…

Dark, haunting, and blisteringly satirical, BILLY AND THE CLONEASAURUS is the story of one “man’s” attempt to finally become an individual in a world of copies.

If this is one of mine that you've kept on the back-burner because you're not sure it's for you, or you've just discovered my work, now is the perfect time to get your hands on one of the strangest things I've ever written! BILLY AND THE CLONEASAURUS is available for absolutely FREE, from all available retailers, including:

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

GOOGLE

Here's what a couple of the (many - yay!) reviewers have said...

And if I may enter this final plea... if you pick up old BILLY here and feel so inclined, I'd really appreciate it if you're able to post a review somewhere online, or spread the word on your social media. Every comment really helps us starving indie authors!

THE PERFECTLY FINE NEIGHBORHOOD is Out... Again!

Hi everyone! THE PERFECTLY FINE NEIGHBORHOOD is back, this time in audiobook form. Narrated by the talented Remy O'Brien, we've released these spooktacular tales today, 1st February. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the hauntings, panicked carnage, and horror of the ghost-filled world that Wile E. Young and I originally dreamed up. Grab a nice, hot drink, curl up and enjoy Remy's soothing tones, as she gently weaves the words that spell out murder, unlawful possessions, and rivalries gone awry.

For all of human history ghosts were real and they were everywhere. Then, one day, after a horrible cataclysm, they all disappeared.

That was the story of THE PERFECTLY FINE HOUSE.

But there are more tales to be told from that world. And a thrilling lineup, ranging from horror legends to relative newcomers, have joined forces to bring you:

- a roadside attraction featuring a real, dead serial killer

- a pair of twisted sisters whose sibling rivalry only begins with suicide

- a hitman hired to facilitate a ghostly sexual liaison

And more!

The first unhaunted house was just the beginning. Come, stake your claim in…

THE PERFECTLY FINE NEIGHBORHOOD

Contributing authors:

Stephen Kozeniewski

Bev Vincent

J.C. Smith

Wile E. Young

Jeff Strand

Candace Nola

Ryan Breadinc

Zachary Rosenberg

Shane Burnham

Annie Knox

Brian Keene

Gavin Dillinger

Kay Hanifen

D.C. Hill

Kayleigh Dobbs

If you're like to get your hands (and ears) on the audiobook version, you can find it at:

AMAZON

If you'd prefer to read these ghastly tales with your eyes, you can, of course, still get THE PERFECTLY FINE NEIGHBORHOOD in paperback and ebook, from:

HERE

Unfamiliar with the universe and wondering where this all started? No problem! All you need to know going into this anthology is that ghosts are a common part of... well... life, and everyone is used to them. But, if you'd like to delve into the original novel first, THE PERFECTLY FINE HOUSE can be found HERE.

In an alternate reality where ghosts are as commonplace as the weather, the most terrifying thing imaginable is a house not being haunted.

Donna Fitzpatrick runs a surrogacy agency, where ghosts can briefly possess volunteers in order to enjoy carnal pleasures. She's also working herself into an early grave. But that's no big deal because death is no worse than puberty. That's particularly evident in Donna's twin, Kyle, a self-absorbed roustabout who spends most of his time high on sage. Kyle's been in arrested development since his motorcycle accident fifteen years ago.

When Donna has a panic attack, Kyle insists she take a vacation at an abandoned mansion. There's just one small problem: there isn't a single ghost in Jackson Manor. And while an unhaunted house seems no worse than an oddity at first, soon ghosts go missing, natural disasters consume entire cities, and every afterlife on earth is threatened by the terrible secret behind . . .

THE PERFECTLY FINE HOUSE.

Happy listening, happy reading, and sorry about the nightmares!

WELCOME TO THE SPLATTER CLUB 3 - It's Been Unleashed!

Hi everyone - it's release day! I'm no stranger to an anthology, and here is the latest one that I've had the honor to be included in! From Blood Bound Books comes this awesome anthology of splatterpunk depravity...

Features the Gross-Out Contest Winners from the 2023 Gross-Out Contest hosted by Brian Keene

If you've made it to volume III, you're well aware of the bizarre and disturbing world of The Splatter Club.

Formed in 2016, the club’s goal is to connect readers with authors they might never find advertised in mainstream horror. This anthology series continues that mission even in times when we can't keep the FB group as current as we'd like.

Volume III offers 14 stories, including your backstage pass to the 2023 Gross-Out Contest at Authorcon II, featuring the winning story and the three runners-up.

If you’ve got a strong stomach and dark sense of humor, then welcome to the club. We’re glad you’re here.

T.O.C

Rachel Nussbaum

C.M. Saunders

Jay Wilburn

Chase Will

JohnWayne Comunale

Lucas Milliron

Aaron Thomas Milstead

Arlo Gorevin

Stephen Kozeniewski

Chris DiLeo

Lucas Milliron

Lucy Leitner

Megan Stockton

Nestled amongst a host of stories by these other amazing authors, you'll find my short, nasty contribution, SELF-REPORTING. Be sure to let me know if you pick up the book... especially if any of the stories gross you out!

If you want to check it out, you can find it here:

AMAZON

BLOOD BOUND BOOKS

And let me end this exciting announcement with this humble plea...

If you read it, could you help spread the word on your social media, or post a review? The best shot we indie authors have at affording our snacks is sales from the kind word-of-mouth (or even angry rants!) of you fine folk!

HOUSE OF LAST RESORT Weekend Autopsy

The Quintessential NEGATIVE SPACE 2 Post

Purchase Links:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Dark Peninsula Press

Around the web:

Goodreads
A review on Erica Robyn Reads 
A mention on Erica Robyn Reads

House of Last Resort Weekend or Bust!

Hi everyone! My first appearance of the year is upon us, and it's a big one! HOUSE OF LAST RESORT WEEKEND  is set to be an incredible time for writers and readers alike, and I'm excited to be a part of it.

So, what is this event, I hear you ask? It's a full, packed weekend of bookish activities, including panels and signings with a huge range of authors in the genre. Of course, front and center, you'll see the fantastic Christopher Golden. This event revolves around and is named after his upcoming novel, THE HOUSE OF LAST RESORT, which is due for US release on January 30th.

Also in the mix, you'll see:

Brian Keene

Eric LaRocca

V Castro

Joe Hill

Paul Tremblay

And honestly, countless others. The full line-up is enormous!

Where is this awesome event?

Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel, 250 Market St, Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA

Jan 18, 2024, 10:00 AM EST – Jan 21, 2024, 7:00 PM EST

What's Happening?

Registration opens on the Thursday evening, where you'll be welcomed by Christopher Golden and Brian Keene, followed by a reading and Q&A. After that - and yes, this is scheduled - hang out time!

Friday will be absolutely packed with panels, signings, readings, and Q&As.

Saturday is just as packed, and is even busier for panels, if that's what you enjoy most. It's also the day that I'll be participating.

2:45pm to 3:30pm – Paul Tremblay and Stephen Kozeniewski (Reading and Q&A)

4:00pm to 4:45pm – Paul Tremblay, Chuck Wendig, and Stephen Kozeniewski (Book Signing)

6:00 pm - "Writing Horror for Audio" (w/ Cassandra Khaw, Christopher Golden, Diana Pho, and Brian Keene - M)

We all hope to see you there - bring your books for us to sign, bring your questions, hell - bring your best heckling! It's all fun and games.

Details of the weekend can be found

HERE

and

HERE

BookBub Braineater Jones Promotion - Now's the Time!

Hi everyone - Christmas might be over but Santa Steve is still in town... HO HO HO! I've got two excellent offers coming into play in the next week.

My first child, BRAINEATER JONES, recently turned 10 years old (they grow up so fast!), and to celebrate, BookBub got involved and for a limited time, it's available for the low low price of almost nothing - 99c!

No memory. No pulse. No clue.

The undead private eye everybody calls “Braineater Jones” has an axe to grind. Somebody plugged him and dumped his corpse in a swimming pool.

Worse yet, his memory’s gone. He has no idea who killed him or why.

But he’s damn sure going to find out.

With a smartass severed head as a partner, Jones hangs up his shingle in the city’s undead quarter. When he’s not solving cases (poorly) Jones is always looking to keep his flask full.

Prohibition is in full swing, and the dead need alcohol to function. Without liquor they become mindless, flesh-munching ghouls. (In a word: braineaters.)

Everything will probably be fine. The investigation into his own murder probably won’t point Jones toward the city’s most important bootlegger.

And even if it does, it’s not like he’ll risk cutting off the hooch just to seek justice for himself, right? No one man’s life is worth unleashing a cannibalistic orgy of violence. Right?

Cracking this case will be a tall order, but one thing’s for sure: whatever happens, Braineater Jones isn’t getting out of this one alive…

If you haven't met JONES yet, the week starting the 18th January is the perfect time, because that's when the offer kicks in. Still unsure, despite the low price? Let me "clue" (ha!) you in to what the reviewers are saying!

BRAINEATER JONES will be available in the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada from the following online outlets from 18th January:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Apple

Google

And if I may ask, my dear friends, if you do befriend our good friend JONES, could you please do us the honor of leaving a review or spreading the word about him? The review game is almost as hard as solving your own murder!

Thanks, and stay awesome!

The Quintessential WE ALL LIVE IN A FASCIST POLICE STATE NOW, THANKS TO THIS ONE FUCKING GUY Post

Purchase Links:

Amazon

Vella

Around the web:

Goodreads
Fantastic Fiction

A review on Erica Robyn Reads

Erica Robyn's December 2023 recap

A mention on Erica Robyn Reads

A review on Big Al's Books and Pals

2024 Appearances

Hey all!

Here is my schedule of appearances for 2024. As changes occur, I will update this page, so be sure to check back often. Events in red have occurred in the past.  Events in orange are tentative.

If you'd like me to make an appearance at a convention, signing, or other event you're organizing or attending, feel free to contact me and we'll discuss it. Most events in Baltimore or Philadelphia are a slam dunk for me to attend, but I'll consider travelling if invited.

Christopher Golden's HOUSE OF LAST RESORT Weekend

Dates:  Thursday through Sunday January 18-21, 2024
Location:

Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel

250 Market St

Portsmouth, NH 03801
Panels:

Saturday 2:45 pm - Reading (w/ Paul Tremblay) - Prescott Room

Saturday 4:00 pm - Signing (w/ Paul Tremblay and Chuck Wendig) - Lear Room

Saturday 6:00 pm - "Writing Horror for Audio" (w/ Cassandra Khaw, Christopher Golden, Diana Pho, and Brian Keene - M) - Prescott Room

Farpoint 31

Dates: Friday through Sunday February 9-11, 2024
Location:
Double Tree by Hilton

1726 Reisterstown Rd

Pikesville, MD 21208

Panels:

Saturday 11:00 am - "Themed Anthologies" (w/ Joshua Palmatier, Michael Jan Friedman, Mike McPhail) - Bowie Room

Saturday 4:00 pm - Signing (w/ Phil Giunta) - Autograph Table 1

Signing

Date: Saturday, March 30, 1:00-4:00 pm EST
Location:

Vortex Books and Comics
477 Locust St
Columbia, PA 17512

Panels:

Saturday 1:00 pm - "Q&A" (w/ Somer Canon, Wesley Southard, and Wile E. Young)

Scares That Care Authorcon III

Dates: Friday through Sunday April 12-14, 2024
Location:
DoubleTree by Hilton
50 Kingsmill Road
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
Panels:

Saturday 4:30 pm - Reading (w/ Wile E. Young) - 2nd Floor, Room 11

Saturday 2:00 pm - "Crowdfunding 101" (M, w/ Sherrilyn Kenyon) - 1st Floor, Rooms A & B

Saturday 10:30 pm - Gross-Out Contest - 1st Floor, Auditorium

Scares That Care Authorcon IV

Dates: Friday through Sunday October 4-6, 2024
Location:

Marriott  Renaissance Airport Hotel

9801 Natural Bridge Rd

St. Louis, MO 63134

Panels:

British FantasyCon 2024

Dates: Friday through Sunday October 11-13, 2024
Location:

The Queen at Chester Hotel

52 City Rd

Chester CH1 3AH

United Kingdom

Panels:

Buzz Book Expo

Date:  TBD
Location:
Virtual

Panels:

Merrimack Valley Halloween Book Festival

Date: TBD
Location:
Haverhill Public Library
99 Main St
Haverhill, MA 01830
Panels:

Brownsville Screams

Date: TBD
Location:

Snowdon Square

Brownsville, PA 15417

Panels:

Halloween Hangover

Date: TBD
Location:

Barnes and Noble

Libbie Place

5501 West Broad Street

Richmond, VA 23230

Panels:

The Ghoulastic Book Fair

Date:  TBD
Location:
Lovedraft's Brewing Company
165 Gateway Dr.
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Panels: