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.

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!

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...

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.

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.

Updates!

Hey Gang,

Some pretty exciting stuff is happening as of late!

First off, let me say that the world premiere of the play TERMINAL was a hit. The show went great, with Brian Keene and Roy C. Boothe both pleased with the performances. We got some great footage for the DVD! Look for the poetry chap book, associated with the TERMINAL weekend, to be out soon. I have a poem included called STIRRING THE DARKNESS, so check it out.

If you haven't seen them yet, please go check out my interviews with Lilith at SNM Horror Magazine and with The Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers. Here are the links: http://www.snmhorrormag.com/ and http://www.greatlakeshorror.com/ - the interviews went great and I think you'll enjoy learning a little something about yours truly.

Since my last post, I have had two pieces of short fiction accepted for publication. FEAR CAGE has been chosen for inclusion in the anthology Zombie Chronicles, due out in April - details to follow. WHAT WE'VE ALLOWED THEM TO BECOME will be published in the April issue of The Odd Mind magazine - please support the literary arts and purchase a copy! Also, THE REMAINS OF LOVE was given an honorable mention as an entry in Black Hound Publishing's "Valentine" contest. And, SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE NECROMANCER has been optioned for script work--I cannot go into details yet, but I will just as soon as I am allowed.

Last, but not least, my latest novel, JEWEL, is finally taking shape! It may be the best fiction that I have ever written and should be wrapped up by the end of April, my "first readers" already hard at work. So, look out Brendan Deneen, you shall be queried in short order my friend.

Much more to come...

Brian Keene Is Coming To Town

Just use the above title of this blog, instead of Santa Clause, and you know just how excited I am about the production of TERMINAL!

What: The premiere production of the play TERMINAL
Who: Original novel by: Brian Keene Script by: Roy C Boothe
Where: Bemidji, MN - Paul Bunyan Playhouse Theatre
When: Friday the 27th @ 7:30pm, Saturday the 28th @ 1:00pm, & Sunday the 29th (2:00)

Other interesting facts:

• Tickets can be purchased through the playhouse or Roy's Comics and Books (218-333-6759)
• Brian Keene himself will be at all three performances, pen ready for autographs.
• Yours Truly, the Horror Author Justin Holley, will be playing the part of "Keith" :)
• This is a unique opportunity for all horror enthusiasts, especially writers! Many literary agents and Hollywood types will be in attendance.

GET YOUR TICKETS SOON!