Funny Thing, Rejection

As a matter of course, I keep up with a number of websites, blogs, and e-groups (many of which are mentioned on my "links" page). Admittedly, these perusals tear me from valuable writing time, but there is also the argument that they help me to get better--which leads me into my next topic.

Rejection. I've been reading a lot of blogs and group discussions lately on rejection: rejection from agents, editors, publishers, you name it. The tone and flavor of these discussions have been a bit ranty for my tastes. People, rejection is our friend! If it were not for rejection and discriminating professionals in the literary community, the market would be flooded with so much junk and rubbish that our work (the quality stuff) would go largely unnoticed. Rejection raises the bar, motivates us to mature and grow as writers, and assures us that when we are ready there will be a slot open for us.

So, next time you get a rejection letter, and you will no matter what level you are at, just concentrate on what can be gleaned from it. How can it help you? And also remember that everyone, yes everyone, has been rejected. Even King was rejected a multitude of times before he got his first book published (Carrie I think). Did King get upset and quit writing? No...he improved and persevered.

Use rejection as a catalyst...

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE NECROMANCER

Some exciting news!

Roy Booth has completed the stage script for my short story, SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE NECROMANCER. I have read through it...and wow! Roy's reputation is much deserved. He did an amazing job and I am on fire--almost literally--to see the first performance, which may be held right here in Bemidji.

This is particularly exciting for me as I grew up on a heavy dose of Sherlock Holmes. My father and I, on many occasions, lounged around the living room as Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce graced the TV screen (and we still do from time to time). So, this is a dream come true. Thanks Roy!

And for those of you not familiar with Roy Booth, whom I would guess are a precious few by now, he is the script guru for the "Beanie" play series, Brian Keene's TERMINAL, and R. Thomas Riley's THE DAY LUFBERRY WON IT ALL.

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!

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!

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...