Monthly Archives: November 2012

Nov 29 2012

The NEHW at the Tantasqua’s Holiday Craft Fair this Saturday

The New England Horror Writers will be at the Tantasqua’s Holiday Craft Fair this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tantasqua Regional Sr. High School in Fiskdale, MA.

You can meet NEHW members Tracy Carbone, Scott Goudsward, Stacey Longo, Rob Smales, and Rob Watts, who will all be selling and signing books at the craft fair. The NEHW’s tables will be located in the school’s cafeteria.

If you are looking for a holiday themed book, Smales is selling, Checkin’ It Twice & Other Heartwarming Holiday Tales, which contains his story, “Fishing Buddy.”

The Tantasqua Regional Sr. High School is located at 319 Brookfield Road in Fiskdale, MA 01518.

Nov 27 2012

My Time in Billerica

My Time in Billerica

by Rob Watts

As me, Jason Harris and Stacey Longo entered the doors of a tiny little church on a quiet side street in Billerica, MA; we were slightly confused as to where we were having our NEHW book signing. The address was correct, our GPS’s sent us to the same place, yet this wasn’t our usual style of venue to promote ourselves and our work. We called out “hello?” a couple of times but our calls went unanswered. Finally we saw a door to our right which read “No shoes allowed in the studio.” Of course, it only felt right to walk right through the door, shoes on and all. Upon entering the room, the three of us stood with our mouths hanging open, completely dumbfounded by what had laid before us. It was a room full of chairs, Halloween decorations, candles, a podium and a table full of food. A few seconds later, we were happily greeted by Alan Kessler and his wonderful family who were lovingly setting up the room for our arrival. ‘This is too nice for the likes of us’ I thought.

Alan Kessler, a NEHW member mentioned back in August during his first NEHW event in Middletown, Connecticut, that he’d like to contribute to the organization in some way, shape or form. He didn’t want to just be a stagnant member in good standing. He wanted to organize a different type of event for us to participate in; one that would cater more towards us as authors rather than exhibitors at trade shows. It was a nice gesture on Alan’s part, but although his intentions sounded sincere, it was unsure if such an event would take place. Three weeks later, sure enough, Alan had sent word that his event was a go and invited any NEHW member to participate. I am not lying when I say; Alan and his family went above and beyond what we might have expected. In addition to the above mentioned ambiance, Alan invited many of his neighboring book lovers, as well as a reporter from a local Billerica newspaper to cover the event. Every seat in the converted old church (and Alan’s current karate school) was filled with bodies. It was nice that people had come to see us, rather than just stumble upon us.

The event began with the participating author’s conducting a live reading from their books in front of the audience. I read a short story of mine called “Carman.” Tracy Carbone read from her latest book Restitution, followed by Stacey Longo reading from her children’s book Pookie and the Lost and Found Friend. We had a newcomer to the event that day as well. Author Rob Smales joined us for his first event and read a short story of his which is featured in The Ghost is the Machine. Alan, who very well could have shed a little spotlight on himself by reading from his own book A Satan Carol, graciously declined, as the event was about us, not him. We all thought that was a thoughtful and unselfish gesture.

After the readings, the audience was encouraged to visit our table at the back of the room to browse our book selections. It was an overwhelming rush of people at one time, who kindly purchased books and spoke to the authors. Food and beverages were available to the visitors which allowed for more interaction before the day drew to a close. I must really give Alan big thanks for what he and his family did for us that day. He opened up his place of business to us and his friends and gave us a beautiful venue to present our work. We’ll never forget that day.

Nov 21 2012

Hartford Flick Fest at New Theatre

Hartford Flick Fest at new Spotlight Theatres – Dec. 6 – 9

Four-day international film festival will screen more than 25 independent films, host industry panels, awards gala and more at brand-new venue on Front Street

HARTFORD — The Hartford Flick Fest is returning to Connecticut’s capital city in its fourth year, and will be hosted by the new Spotlight Theatres – Front Street. The four-day international film festival will be held Thursday, Dec. 6, through Sunday, Dec. 9.

The festival’s opening night gala, awards reception, industry panels and film screenings will be held at Hartford’s new premiere movie destination, Spotlight Theatres (39 Front St.). 

Formerly known as the Silk City Flick Fest, the Hartford Flick Fest’s new name honors the city that has embraced it over the past few years. First held in Manchester, Conn., in 2009, the festival moved to Hartford in 2010 to support its growth, and to take advantage of the city’s burgeoning arts scene and nightlife – hosting many film screenings, panel discussions, workshops, filmmaker question-and-answer sessions, and parties over the course of a busy and entertaining weekend.
       
Movies have been submitted to HFF this year by filmmakers from New York to California, and from all around the world – including entries from the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic. More than 25 films will be screened during the festival.
       
Tickets will be available at the door for all film screenings, parties and panels. More information to come as the schedule is finalized. Check out the festival’s website, hartfordflickfest.com
Nov 20 2012

Author Speaks to Students

On Nov. 8, Stacey Longo, author and Co-chair of the New England Horror Writers, spoke to a couple of groups of students at the Putnam Middle School. She read her children’s book, Pookie and the Lost and Found Friend, to them.

Author Stacey Longo signing a book for a young fan. Photo by Jason Harris.

Author surrounded by readers. Photo by Jason Harris.

Photo by Jason Harris.

Author Stacey Longo reading her book, Pookie and the Lost and Found Friend. Photo by Jason Harris.

Photo by Jason Harris.

Along with writing stories and books, Longo is the co-owner of a bookstore, Books and Boos, which opens its doors Tuesday, Nov. 20. The store is located at 514 Westchester Road in Colchester, Connecticut.

Nov 18 2012

Pictures from Anthocon II

Pictures from Anthocon II

by Jason Harris

Half of author Jan Kozlowski and author Scott Goudsward.

Photobucket

Writers Stacey Longo, Andrew Wolter, and Barry Dejasu.

Photobucket

Artist Danny Evarts and editor Mark Wholley.

Shock Totem staff Sarah Gomes and K. Allen Wood at the Shock Totem table.

Author Rob Watts.

Author Gregory L. Norris.

Authors Stacey Longo, David Price, Craig D.B. Patton and Dave Goudsward.

The Goudsward brothers.

Author Tracy L. Carbone.

Authors Peter Dudar, L.L. Soares, and Scott Goudsward.

Author G. Elmer Munson (right) waits on a fan whose looking at the books on the NEHW table.

NEHW members Matt Bechtel and T.J. May talking.

Author Jack Haringa.

Writer Barry Dejasu.

Authors K. Ken Wood and Robert J Duperre behind the Shock Totem table.

NEHW members Stacey Longo, Tracy Carbone, Barry Dejasu, and Scott Goudsward.

Author T.T. Zuma (a.k.a. Tony Tremblay).

Author Stacey Longo.

Authors Bracken MacLeod and Andrew Wolter.

Author K. Allen Wood.

Author Kevin Lucia.

Authors Errick A. Nunnally and Stacey Longo.

 

Nov 13 2012

Anthocon 2012 Recap

Anthocon 2012

by Jason Harris

The second Anthocon presented by Shroud Publishing and the Four Horsemen happened in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, this past weekend. Once again, it was a good time. There were less attendees and vendors this year, but that didn’t impede the people who came to the convention from having a good time.

Once again, the Four Horsemen: Timothy Deal, Danny Evarts, Mark Wholley, and jOhnny Morse, put together a great convention. There were the usual panels and readings. This year brought some new program delights that included a film festival, art show, art demonstrations, and gaming.

The newest delight, which pleased a number of convention-goers, were the pitch sessions put on by Evil Jester Press and Post Mortem Press. A few New England Horror Writers’ members had a great response to their pitches.

Mark Wholley. Photo by Jason Harris.

The first Anthocon anthology, Anthology: Year One, debuted. Every author in this collection was at the first Anthocon. When Wholley announced the readings from this new anthology, he told everyone they would be able to submit to year two since they were attending the second Anthocon.

The after hour parties definitely had that Neconesque feel to them, which I know will make Deal happy since that is what he was hoping for when the Horsemen created Anthocon.
Hopefully, there will be many Anthocons to come.

Nov 11 2012

The Epitaph, Issue 25 (October 2012)

Issue #25 (Oct. 2012)

The Epitaph

Journal of the New England Horror Writers (NEHW)

The NEHW Board of Directors:
Tracy L. Carbone – Co-Chair
Stacey Longo – Co-Chair
Dan Keohane – Treasurer
Jason Harris – Director of Publicity/Webmaster
K. Allen Wood – Director of Publications
Scott Goudsward – Director of Events
David Price – Board Member
Tim Deal (alternate)
T.J. May (alternate)
                             
NEHW SIGNINGS AND READINGS:
Rhode Island Comic Con
The NEHW will be at Rhode Island Comic Con on November 3 and 4. The cost will be $25 per member to participate. Space is limited to six people. This event is now full.
Anthocon
The NEHW will have a table at Anthocon (www.anthocon.com) from Nov. 9 through 11. Participation is $10. Email Scott Goudsward at screaming602@gmail.com for details and to reserve a spot at the table to sell your books.
Tantasqua’s Holiday Craft Fair
The NEHW will have tables at the Tantasqua’s Holiday Craft Fair at the Tantasqua Regional Sr. High School in Fiskdale, MA from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 1. It’s $10 to participate. Contact Jason Harris at dudley228@gmail.com to be at the table.
Want to Give Back to the NEHW?
The NEHW has been asked by the Barnes & Noble in Manchester, CT to man its gift wrapping table. There will be a jar set-up for donations, which will go to our organization. We will be there on Dec. 9, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The table sits three people comfortably. There will be shifts. After gift wrapping ends, we can go out to eat at a local restaurant.
Email Jason Harris at dudley228@gmail.com if you like to help gift wrap.
NEHW WRITING OPPORTUNITIES:
NEHW MEMBER NEWS:
From Don Franklin:
He announces that his novel, Reaper’s Walk: Hellstone is now available on Amazon even though the official launch date is October 31, and in a couple of weeks it will be available through Smashwords, at Barnes and Noble, on kobo and iTunes and on the sony e-reader,. Here is the publisher’s webpage:
From K. H. Vaughan:
The launch party for Shanghai Steam, a steampunk/wuxia anthology featuring his story “Love and Rockets at the Siege of Peking” will be Nov. 2 in the EDGE reading room at the World Fantasy Convention in Toronto.
He also had stories accepted to the anthologies Once Upon An Apocalypse and The Lost.
From Dan Foley:
His short story, “Hell’s Scavenger Hunt” has been accepted for publication in Scarlett River Press’s Tortured Souls, Vol. 1 anthology.
From Tom D’Agostino:
He did an episode of Freaky Friday with R.J. Heim for Channel 10 WJAR on the Ramtail Factory.
He is also working on his 10th book, which will feature really cool haunted people and places in New England. It will be out in time for next Halloween.
He and his wife, Arlene, look forward to seeing NEHW members at Comic-Con.
From Erin Thorne:
She will be presenting a book talk/signing at the Jacob Edwards Library in Southbridge, MA. on Thursday, Nov. 29th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Following are links with more information: http://www.socialweb.net/Events/148736.lasso and http://engagedpatrons.org/Events.cfm.
She has recently published a book, Deals Diabolical, in the horror genre. Following is a short synopsis plus links to the paperback’s Amazon page and her author’s page on Amazon, as well as her Author’s page on Facebook.
Deals Diabolical Synopsis: A father loses his beloved child to her own impulsive nature, and desperately wishes for her safe return to the family home. An up-and-coming disc jockey working the late shift is brutally attacked, and desires nothing more than vigilante justice. The wife of a successful businessman suffers the first blows of domestic violence, and vows that her daughter will never see her father become a monster. Desperation binds each of these people to a forbidden aid, purchased at the cost of something they’ll never miss; at least, not in this life … https://www.facebook.com/authorerinthorne?sk=page_insights#!/authorerinthorne http://www.amazon.com/author/erinthorne
Here is Thorne’s bio: Thorne is a lifelong resident of Massachusetts, where she lives with her family. She writes primarily paranormal fiction, and is the author of Diane’s Descent, a supernatural novella set in upstate New York, as well as Deals Diabolical, a collection of eight spine-tingling tales. Her work has also been featured in Adventures for the Average Woman (now IdeaGems Magazine).
From Anthony Tremblay:
Tremblay, writing under the pen name T.T. Zuma, has had his stories “Chiyoung” and “Dongsun’s Song,” accepted into Horror World’s Eulogies II anthology.
He also had his story, “The Old Man,” accepted into the Anthocon – Four Horseman Anthology.
He has also been chosen to be the New Hampshire author of the month at the Goffstown N.H. Public Library on Nov. 3, and will be reading his story “The Burial Board” from Epitaphs, the NEHW anthology as well as meeting the patrons and answering questions.
From Roxanne Dent:
Her story, “The Legacy,” has been accepted by the Four Horsemen, for their first print anthology scheduled for release on Nov. 9 at the second annual anthology conference, Anthocon 2012.
From Tracy L. Carbone:
Her thriller, Restitution, is now available on Kindle and will be in print shortly.
Book description: Destiny intervenes for Tucker Millis, a delusional writer who needs a purpose in life and a plot for his new novel. When he discovers his new phone number once belonged to a man on the verge of turning himself in for a twenty-five year old murder, it’s a dream come true. Tucker uses the messages and calls intended for the murderer to manipulate lives and to craft his story. But he’s propelled back to reality when he can no longer escape the full horror and dire consequences of the world he’s created.
From Bill Rockwell:
His novel, Generation Z, Birth of the Zompire, was published Oct. 1, and is available on Amazon or his website: http://billrockwell.net.
He has been asked to do a reading and signing at Mysti-Con in Roanoke, VA on the weekend of Feb. 22, 2013.
From Chris Cumo:
Cumo’s story, “The Old Man and the Aristocrat” was published in the first addition of The Alarmist, a new print magazine in the UK, in July 2012.
From Vlad Vaslyn:
His second publication, a horror novella, Yorick, will be out by Halloween in paperback and all major digital formats!
Book description: Poor Roberta. She’s aging, has lost everyone she’s ever loved, and now she lives out her sad, lonely days feeding on bad convenience store food and faded memories of happier times. She wants nothing more than to join her loved ones in the afterlife, but then a gruesome discovery along the banks of the Merrimack River changes everything. Roberta knows she’ll never be alone again.
From K.A. Laity:
She is happy to announce two horror-themed publications: Unquiet Dreams: A Murmuration of Unsettling Tales from Tirgearr Publishing (tirgearrpublishing.com), which collects a wide variety of dark stories, some not previously published. Also for Fox Spirit Books (foxspirit.co.uk), she has edited the genre mash-up anthology, Weird Noir, which includes fellow NEHW members Jan Kozlowski and Christopher Irvin. Please contact the publishers if you’d like to review either publication.
Her flash fiction, “Boo” appeared in Flash Flood Magazine 12 Oct 2012.
From Michael Arruda:
He’s happy to report that his horror movie review collection, In the Spooklight, is now available as an e-book at www.neconebooks.com. This is a collection of his In the Spooklight columns which have appeared in the HWA Newsletter since 2000 and features reviews of horror movies from the silent era up until today. A must for horror movie buffs!
From Dan Foley:
His short story, “Hell’s Scavenger Hunt,” has been accepted for publication in Scarlett River Presses’ Tortured Souls, Vol 1 anthology.
From Doug Rinaldi:
His first e-book, Manuscript Of Deviated Truths, Volume I, has been released on Amazon through their Kindle Direct program. It contains three short stories and one piece of poetry and is the first of three collections of short stories.
Volume I contains four dark tales that challenge our vision of reality and make the improbable and impossible truths. In “Maelstrom,” a crews’ hold on reality capsizes under the weight of death and despair they find on the open sea. “Annual Seed” documents one man’s obsession with the cutthroat world of growing the best vegetables. Sadness, helplessness, and unending frustration form a vortex of emotion in the poem “Thy Scars.” OCD is the least of Brad’s problems when he comes face to face with the crushing and hurtful reality of the world around him in “Cleanliness And Godliness.” All this for just .99 cents.
From Deb Eskie:
She announces that Cruentus Libri Press is publishing her story, “A Normal Son,” in their anthology Suffer the Little Children.
From Dale T. Phillips:
He is proud to announce numerous story sales and publications for his stories.
“Mistakes” was published in Fiction and Verse: http://www.fictionandverse.com/mistakes/.
His story, “Change of Attitude,” was sold to Over My Dead Body, will link when it’s up.
His story, “Our Lady,” was accepted for the upcoming Nightfalls anthology. His story, “A Song for the Children,” was accepted for the new Fungi anthology. His story, “Heartsounds,” which was published last year, was selected for inclusion in a new anthology The Best of Every Day Fiction Four.
He’s also been named a finalist in the contest “50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading” on The Authors Show: http://www.wnbnetworkwest.com/WnbAuthorsShow50Writers2012-preVote.html.
He will be attending the New England Crime Bake mystery conference on Nov. 9-10 (http://www.crimebake.org/index.htm) and at the New England Author’s Expo Holiday Book Sale on Sunday, Nov. 11(http://peartreepublishing.net/events/authorsexpoHBS.php).
From Errick A. Nunnally:
The collaborative chapbook/magazine Dreadworks Journal will be available at the NEHW’s table at AnthoCon 2012. It contains four heart-stopping short stories from NEHW members Bracken MacLeod, Christopher L. Irvin, Javed Jahangir, and himself.
From Stacey Longo:
Longo will appear on the Literary New England radio show on Monday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. She lists five of the scariest stories by New England authors, which includes a novel by NEHW member Rick Hautala. She also manages to plug other writers and the NEHW itself. Listen on Blogtalk Radio at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/literarynewengland
From Chris Irvin:
Chris’s story “Charred Kraken with Plum Butter” is coming out next week in the anthology, Weird Noir, published by Fox Spirit Books. Another story of his coming out in November, “Santa’s Bones,” is in the charity anthology, The Undead That Saved Christmas Vol. 3 Monster Bash, published by Rainstorm Press. Proceeds benefit the Hugs Foster Family Agency.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:
Erin Thorne (MA)
Sarah Bousquet (MA)
Rose Mambert (MA)
Daniel Craig Roche (MA)
Gordon Bean (NH)
Katherine Silva (ME)
Patrick Harron (NH)
Rose Mambert (MA)
– Jason Harris, Editor, the Epitaph: Journal of NEHW
– Stacey Longo, Assistant Editor, the Epitaph: Journal of NEHW

 

Nov 8 2012

Laying the Smack Down on ComicCon

by Stacey Longo

 

I am a well-educated, fairly dignified woman. I read Faulkner and Hemingway and have studied the morphological and chemical variations of the common dandelion. And, as anyone who has ever been to a convention with me can tell you, I totally geek out when it comes to meeting former wrestlers.

For me, wrestling is a fond childhood memory, dating back to the time when my father would take my sister and me to the Glastonbury High School gym to watch Bob Backlund wrestle Ray “The Crippler” Stevens. There’s a special love there, one that nobody likes to talk about, but is recognizable in other wrestling fans when they let slip that yes, they have always wondered how George “The Animal” Steele got his tongue so green. (The answer: spearmint Chiclets, which I learned after meeting him at the Southcoast Toy and Comic Show.)

At Rhode Island ComicCon, I had the pleasure of meeting Jake “The Snake” Roberts and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. For those of you who don’t know who these men are, you’ve probably already given up on this article anyway, so I don’t feel I need to explain.

Wrestling superstar Jake “The Snake” Roberts stated in casual conversation that he’s feeling great, is drug free, and recently lost 40 lbs. He’s an advocate of DDP Yoga (www.ddpyoga.com) and highly recommends the workout and meal portions that the program teaches. He was animated and enthusiastic when talking, and it was wonderful to see Roberts looking and feeling well.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan handles the wrestling panel himself. Photo by Jason Harris.

The wrestling panel that was scheduled for Sunday afternoon turned in to a Q & A session with WWE Hall of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. (Originally, the panel was to include Roberts and wrestler Big Van Vader, but Roberts had to leave early to catch a flight, and Vader was a no-show.) Duggan has been wrestling for 33 years, and his love of the business was evident in his enthusiasm and the beaming smile he wore while talking about his career. He was friendly and articulate, occasionally breaking out into his Hacksaw persona to emphasize a point. Duggan patiently answered questions about his former employers (both the WWE, which Duggan states “is run like a corporation, which it should be, because it is one” and the WCW, which he recalled as “the inmates running the asylum.”) He spoke about former coworkers Andre the Giant (“he was a lonely man”) and Hulk Hogan (“he’s a real good guy”) with fondness. As with any employee at a company, he didn’t always get along with the people he worked with, but was a gentleman when former opponents he didn’t care for came up. “We aren’t close,” he would explain if someone asked him about a specific wrestler he didn’t get along with, and would deftly move on to the next question.

Duggan’s achievements in the ring include winning the first (then-WWF) Royal Rumble in 1988 and WCW Television Champion and United States Heavyweight Champion. He named his 2011 WWE Hall of Fame induction as one of his proudest achievements. When asked about the 1997 “Montreal Screw Job” (in which WWE Champion Bret Hart was asked to drop the belt to Shawn Michaels prior to Hart’s exit to WCW, which Hart refused to do; WWE owner Vince McMahon called for the bell early even though Hart hadn’t submitted, ending the match) Duggan surprised the audience. “I actually think Bret was wrong,” he admitted. “If the boss tells you to drop the belt, you drop the belt.” Hart hadn’t wanted to lose in Canada, his home country. “I don’t want to lose in America,” Duggan laughed. “But you do it because the boss tells you to.” Duggan and Hart have spoken about the incident and remain friends. Duggan is also close to “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Hogan.

Author Stacey Longo geeking out with Hacksaw at the Rhode Island Comic Con. Photo by Jason Harris.

Duggan ended the hour-long session by allowing fans to get their picture taken with him, a big-hearted gesture considering other celebrities were getting $10 to $20 on the convention floor for photos. Meeting both Roberts and Duggan was a thrill for this particular wrestling nerd, and the highlight of my weekend.

Side note: I was able to meet Big Van Vader briefly at this event as well. We aren’t close.

Nov 8 2012

NEHW Members at Anthocon

The New England Horror Writers will be at Anthocon this weekend. The convention runs from Nov. 9 through 11. Here are the NEHW members who will be there this weekend: Michael Arruda, Tracy Carbone, Karen Dent, Roxanne Dent, Peter Dudar, Michael Evans, Timothy Flynn, Dave Goudsward, Scott Goudsward, Jason Harris, Chris Irvin, Jan Kozlowski, Stacey Longo, Bracken McLeod, David Price, L.L. Soares, Douglas Swatski, Erin Underwood, Vlad Vaslyn and Rob Watts.

The first Anthcon anthology, Anthology: Year One, will debut this weekend. It’s published by the Four Horsemen. Everyone in this collection participated in the first Anthocon last year. Quite a few NEHW members are in this collection. If you can’t make the convention, you can order a copy on Amazon by clicking here.