Sunday, April 25, 2010

R. Thomas Riley

Hey Gang,

Ali and I had a great time last night. Usually, date night wouldn't warrant a blog post, but it isn't every day that we get to hang out with fellow horror author and enthusiast R. Thomas Riley.

First off, I'm never sure just how to address the guy. Do I call him "R"...or Thomas...Mr. Riley seemed a bit formal being that we are already acquainted? We settled for Tommy.

Tommy was in town to, not only, promote his book THE MONSTER WITHIN IDEA, but to also begin film work for the script adaption (Roy C. Booth) of The Day That Lufberry Won It All--which by the way is this month's featured story at Apex Publishing's website. Check it out!

Anyway, we had a nice evening. In the intimate setting of Roy's comic book store, Tommy read to us, shared who he is as a writer and human being with us, and laughed with us. It was a great time and made me realize just how tight-knit a guild us horror authors belong to.

And to Tommy: thanks for sharing your talent and your good nature, my friend!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Celebratory Cigar

Hey gang! I just sparked the celebratory cigar--INHUMAN is in the can, so to speak. As the hour struck three o'clock, the final word struck paper, and the manuscript is complete at ninety grand (and yes, that's cigar speak for words). I won't dare tout it's merit--that is for you all to decide--but I will promise you this: one hell of a scare fest. This is by far the darkest piece I have ever penned, and I must admit that sometimes I even disturbed myself along the way...and I think my wife would concur. And I thank her for the unlimited patience!

In any regard, the blurb is now up on my website for anyone interested--and the artistic representation will follow suit in short order.

Now, as the sweet stench of tobacco smoke encircles my head, I will begin to plot and scheme my next project. I am thinking ZEALOT or RANDOM ACT OF VIOLENCE, but I am always open to suggestion my friends.

So long for now, gang--I believe that I hear a glass of Crown/diet calling my name!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

INHUMAN

Hey Gang! Sorry about my absence from the helm! But its been a busy fall and winter for me and my family. Now that things have settled down a bit, my hope is to keep up with my blogging on a more regular basis going forward. Here's what's new:

First off, I have not been idle, my friends. I am well over 20,000 words into my latest project, a novel entitled, INHUMAN. The story, of course, involves an inhuman entity--and that's all I can say for now. When I begin querying for the project (probably in May/June) I will have the mini-synopsis posted on my "writing" page, along with an artistic representation (as always). And if you're curious, you can read (and rate, so rate it high) the first page of INHUMAN at http://www.webook.com/

Secondly, Brendan Deneen, the agent who was working with me on THE DREGS project, has taken a new job with St. Martin's Press (Dunne Imprint). So, that project is on hold for the time being. The good news here is that this is a great opportunity for Brendan. And, in addition to Brendan's good fortune, I now have a contact with a major publisher. I can see this working out for the best.

Lastly, this all leaves me still seeking representation for my 2009 novel, JEWEL. Since Brendan has moved on from Fine Print, I have found it necessary to look for representation elsewhere. Fine Print is a wonderful organization, but none of the other agents choose to represent horror. So, it's an arduous task seeking representation, and one that I had hoped I would never need do again. But this situation has given me the opportunity to correspond with some very helpful people in the industry and things are looking positive. So, for all of you that have stood by, with wishes to read more of my work in print besides the short fiction, please be patient. It should be coming soon.

And speaking of short fiction! I will soon be blogging with more exciting news in that regard. Another anthology and a really cool magazine will be involved. Stay tuned.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Brendan Deneen -- Fine Print Literary

Some great news! Brendan Deneen of Fine Print Literary has chosen to represent my work with a specific eye towards my novella, THE DREGS, and the subsequent screenplay that is being worked by Roy C Booth. The contract is being crafted as I write. I am beyond pleased that THE DREGS will be repped by such a talented and multi-faceted agent. Brendan is the professional clouter of all professional clouters!

I can see Brendan and I making a solid team for many years to come. I can also see more collaborations with Roy in the future as well. Now the hard work begins...and I can't wait!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Interviews and Short Stories

Just a quick update...

My short story, THE ROCK, took honorable mention in The Tales of Torment contest, and is now published in the summer 2009 issue of the magazine Tales From the Moonlit Path...check it out!

The spring/summer 2009 issue of The Odd Mind magazine is now out and is featuring my short story WHAT WE'VE ALLOWED THEM TO BECOME. Check that out too...you'll be glad you did!

I invite you all to go read my latest interview with the premiere horror website: Choateroad. Here is the link: www.choateroad.com/bulletins.htm

The anthologies Atrum Tempestas and Zombie Chronicles are now out. They feature my short stories, VESSEL OF THE DIABLO SI and FEAR CAGE respectively. Check my website for links or just Google the titles.

More news soon in regards to JEWEL, THE DREGS, and SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE NECROMANCER...

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Grandma (Hazel) Holley 1919-2009

As horror authors, we dance with death like it's our shadow. In real life, that shadow is called grief. Rest in peace Grandma Holley, rest in peace.

Friday, April 17, 2009

JEWEL and Other Updates

Hey gang! My latest novel, JEWEL, is off and the marketing has begun. A big thank you to my first readers: Dawne, Susan, and Sherri for your valuable input. I have already heard some good things about the manuscript, so here is to hoping that everything move swiftly. In the meantime, ZEALOT (the novel)--my next project--is officially under the pen. I am already 20,000 words in and it is shaping up to be something beyond my original expectations. If you read the short story and liked it, well, you're going to love this!

Below is a poem that is associated with the novel JEWEL. I wrote it recently and I think it represents the manuscript quite well. Please, let me know what you think. Depending on feedback, I may choose to use it as an appetizer (so to speak) before the prologue of the novel.

This welling mound of emotional pain
Slowly dissipating residuals – nothing save an electro-chemical stain
Lain bare, on the train tracks of a dripping tear
The soul fights on, but defies the host’s will to clear
Dead memories that sear with the flames of self-doubt
And clog the already stout arteries which lead to the future

DEAD MEMORIES, Justin Holley, 2009


On the script front, I have a bit of exciting news! I saw a portion of the first draft of THE DREGS and it is coming along very, very well. Oh, did I fail to mention that THE DREGS has been optioned? Well, indeed it has and I can't wait to see it on the big screen someday--fingers crossed! Again, I can't yet discuss specifics, but things are really looking up. SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE NECROMANCER is also still in the process of being transformed to script--more details soon.

My short story, WHAT WE'VE ALLOWED THEM TO BECOME, will be featured in the Spring 2009 issue of The Odd Mind Magazine. Please purchase a copy and support the literary arts! There will be a link on my website soon.