It’s that time of year again! Halloween is almost upon us. The Jack-o-lanterns smile with fiery light, the ghosts walk the streets, the undead shall rise, black cats will screech, crinkled leaves blow on a moaning wind. What better a time to read something spooky. I have just the thing…
New Titles
First I wanted to bring your attention to some of my newest titles. I’ve released some of my out-of-print titles and others on Kindle and Smashwords.
Terror in Small Doses is the re-release of my out-of-print chapbook featuring six flash tales for only .99¢ on Kindle! That is a great deal for the season.
Next up is the fantastic Feminine Wiles 16 tales of female villains. Finally after all this time, this title now has a ebook version for Kindle and Smashwords. All new incredible cover art by Christopher Zibelli should lure you in for a treat! At only $2.99, this is a steal.
Marketing & Book Trailers
In other news, I recently started trying new marketing and promoting techniques. Book Trailers seem to be catching on and I’ve done two for the titles mentioned above. I now give you the trailers for “Terror in Small Doses” and “Feminine Wiles”!
Speaking of marketing, to help get the word out on my writing, I created a fan page for myself on facebook. Hoping to add a few new readers. So like it if you’d…like.
John Grover on Facebook
Book Signing Alert
Did I mention I am a member of the New England Horror Writers? Well, did I also mention that I was accepted into their first print anthology “Epitaphs”?
I am honored and excited to be in this anthology with my peers. As a result, I will be at a book signing for the release of this anthology at Anthocon in November. This is a horror genre convention with many guests, sellers and panel discussions. It takes place in New Hampshire on 11/12/11. Follow the link for directions and times.
Tid Bits
Finally, there are updates scattered through out the site. There are two new anthologies that feature my work. Visit the anthologies page for “Horrorology” by Library of Horror Press and “Creature Features” by Open Casket Press. Also check out new reviews on the anthologies page, updates to the links page and all new recommendations.
And by the by…here are my top five must-see horror movies for Halloween: Halloween, The Fog, Trick R Treat, Friday the 13th Part 2 and The Howling.
Now go celebrate the season and buy something scary! Kindle is hot, the titles are cheap! Look for a special to be announced on my Facebook fan page…just click the link above or the little Facebook icon throughout the site.
Enjoy the shadows!
3.31.11
Lot’s of good things are coming out of the shadows, just for you faithful followers!
In today’s update you will find the re-release of my collection “A Beckoning of Shadows”. Naked Snake Press, the publisher of the original, has returned and brought this fine collection of 16 tales back from the abyss. A Beckoning of Shadows, the sequel to my very first collection Shadow Tales, has an all new cover and for the first time is available for the Amazon Kindle, Smashwords and the Nook, as well as in paperback. Stop by my Works page to check them out.
In other news: A couple more anthologies have come to the light of day featuring work from yours truly. Ante Morte”, the anthology that almost wasn’t by Belfire Press, has been resurrected and contains my story “Beauty Ritual”. This story is a personal fave of mine and you should definitely give it a try.
Another anthology, Aurora Rising by Aurora Wolf: Literary Journal of Science Fiction and Fantasy, is now featuring my fantasy story “To Summon the Shadows”, a tale of sword and sorcery in a matriarchal society. You get magic, monsters and an evil witch that is one tough cookie.
See my anthology page to learn more about these fine books.
In other big… and I do mean BIG news, I have just signed contracts with my co-author R. Thomas Riley with a publisher for my first novel! Yep, our novel “IF GOD DOESN’T SHOW” is an apocalyptical supernatural action horror with some Lovecraft thrown in. Oh my! I’m not sure of the release date yet, but we are in edits now and as soon as I know more, you will know about it right here first!
That’s all for now my creatures of the night. Stay tuned for more news to come. There are some exciting things in the works I can’t talk about yet but when the moment is right… well… you’ll just have to come back.
12.10.10
Season’s Greetings faithful followers! Welcome back to the abyss. I have much exciting news for you and there are many updates. The first of these are all the new anthologies and online magazines I am making appearances in. Some of these are now available for purchase, while others will hit the stands in the New Year. For now, get out that holiday shopping list and buy something scary!
First up is one I am very proud of. My story “Just the three of them at the end of world” is now available in the Zombiality Anthology. This is a zombie anthology with a gay twist to it. Featuring zombie tales with a GLBT theme from straight and gay authors alike, united in one common goal… to scare the hell out of you. This is the anthology that almost wasn’t. The publisher received a lot of negative backlash for opening such an anthology but in the end, reason and fairness prevailed and the book came to life, better than anyone expected. It’s a great looking volume and is on sale now at Amazon.
Another anthology also available is Dark Things II by Pill Hill Press--an open themed horror antho that will make you afraid of the dark and all its delights. Purchase this today for the horror lover on your holiday list. Features my story “A Strange Turn of Events.”
The third anthology that just went live is Monster Party by Living Dead Press. It features my story “Pest Control.” This book contains stories featuring more than one classic monster. Those were the rules. Some of them face off while some gang up on the humans. Ever wonder what it would be life for a ghoul to battle a werewolf, a vampire battle it out with witches, a mummy fight a sea creature? Well you may find that and more right here. Stop by my works page to order any of these great titles.
Coming in the New Year, I will be featured in two more anthologies. One comes from the Aurora Wolf online fantasy and sci-fi journal. My fantasy story “To Summon the Shadows” was selected to be a part of their print anthology entitled Aurora Rising. The other anthology is also a GLBT themed anthology entitled Horror Comes Out. It features open themed horror but with gay main characters. My story “The Stranger Beside Me” will be featured here. Here is a sneak peek at the cover art for both books:
Filed under miscellaneous are two online appearances this year. Both over the Spring/Summer season. “To Summon the Shadows” which will see print, see the news above, was first published online at Aurora Wolf online literary journal. Here is the link if you just can’t wait for the book and wish to read it now!
Then there is “All The Raven’s Disciples” published by Silver Blade, an online fantasy magazine. Read that story here.
Tidbits: I now have an Amazon authors page. I am working on getting as many of the books I’m featured in listed on this page. Right now, it has a pretty extensive list of my work, links to all with reviews and a nifty bio. Stop by and check it out!
Lastly, in other news, I was interviewed by a local paper in town. Such fun and great exposure. Here is a little snippet of the article and a picture of me! It came out in print just in time for Halloween.
Thanks for stopping by and catching up during your Holiday season. Please visit the Links page for updates and the Works page to see all my newest releases and updates, read reviews or by a book for you or someone you want to scare off this season… hee hee. Have a safe and happy holiday season, enjoy the dark nights of winter and I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year.
Now go buy something scary!
04.10.10
Hello out there my little shadows… welcome back. I have much to reveal to you. Let me pull back the veil for just a few of your precious mortal moments.
Just wanted to let you all know that my new release entitled “Tandem of Terror” co-written with Eric S. Brown is now available for purchase. This massive tome contains 48 stories and over 100,000 words of horror and sci-fi fiction! Right now Amazon is running a special and you can snatch up this huge compilation for under $12.00! Get it right now!
This book is a lifetime of work for Eric and I. It contains stories from our humble beginnings right up to today. Read Eric’s trademark zombie tales and horrifying sci-fi adventures coupled with my journeys into the supernatural and the shadow realms… creatures of the night and tales of suspense. You don’t want to miss out on this terrifying collection.
In other news your fiendish author has taken 2nd place in New Bedlam Project’s Spring Thaw contest. Not bad at all if I must say… take a look at this cool world and its haunted town and read the entry that captured a win for me. I call the tale Unknowable.
Speaking of contests… I am running one for “Tandem of Terror”… for those reading this post you have a leg up… the rules and info are only available at one place. Go here for a chance to win free books and other goodies just for buying a book, well that and answering a few questions… who’s answers can be found right in the pages of “Tandem”
Got some tidbits for all who’ve read this far down… my little collection “Feminine Wiles”, 16 tales of wicked women…was mentioned in Ellen Datlow’s The Best Horror of the Year Volume 2 in the Summation section, page 22. You can check out Ellen’s yearly collection here!
I have also made another anthology appearance in Living Dead Press’s Book of Cannibals and in other BIG news I have been accepted into the new anthology Best New Zombie Tales vol 1 and vol 3 by the fledgling press Books of the Dead. Visit them for a look at their awesome cover for volume one! I am so excited to be appearing with such big genre authors as Jonathan Maberry, Kealan Patrick Burke, Ray Garton, Brian Knight and more. Check it out here.
That’s it for now my faithful followers… do visit the other areas of the site… I’ve just updated the links page somewhat heavily for your viewing pleasure. You may want to check it out. Until next time Enjoy the Shadows!
01.28.10
Happy New Year from the Shadows!
Okay all you lurkers out there, I got some news and updates for you. 2009 was quite the year for your fiendish author with two book signings and several titles released throughout the year from chapbooks to collections and ebooks. 2010 is looking to be even better already!
First off, I am extremely excited to announce I have just signed a deal with fresh and new publisher Lovecraft Press to re-release digital versions of my out of print titles! “Terror in Small Doses” and “A Beckoning of Shadows” will be re-released very soon. They will be available for the first time on Amazon’s kindle reader. The books will get a fresh edit and all new cover art. This is very cool news not to mention the press has just announced deals with Nate Southard, Mark Zirbel and Kealan Patrick Burke. I am honored to share the virtual shelves with these wonderful authors. For more information on my titles and the publisher visit their site www.lovecraftpress.com.
In other news, the ink has just dried on the print contracts for my first novel! Co-written with R. Thomas Riley, our first novel together “If God Doesn’t Show” will get a release by Library of Horror Press, the spin-off pub of Library of Living Dead Press. “If God Doesn’t Show” is a mix of horror, apocalyptic adventure and undead goodness. There are thrills and chills and some surprises. Expect a trade paperback release this year.
Also on the horizon is my super-sized collection co-written with Eric S. Brown entitled “Tandem of Terror”. Also being released by Library of Horror Press this is the biggest book of my stories ever to be gathered in one place. This book is huge... over 100,000 words of fiction by Eric and myself. This will be a real treat for horror fans. I've seen cover art, reviewed the PDF and turned it over to Eric for proofing. Be on the look out for this very soon. You're gonna love it!
I've just updated the anthology page to include the last two anthologies I appeared in for 2009. Please stop by and check out “Wolves of War”, an anthology of werewolves, and “Vermin”, an ebook all about things that crawl, fly, squirm, and slither! Visit the page to learn more about these titles and purchase links.
Stay right here lurkers, yes you with the red hair, I'm talking to you, for all the latest. Be sure to check out all of my pages... there are various updates, new links added, new short story sales and new recommendations for your reading pleasure. 2010 is shaping up to be great and one never knows where I may show up next. Drop me a line for feedback or chat about horror in general. I'm hoping to add a few more books signings to my agenda. Until then, you knew it was coming... enjoy the Shadows and read something scary!
08.29.09
Hello out there you shadow stalkers. Step out of the abyss for a moment… I have some news and updates to share with you. Some exciting developments have been in the works and I’m overjoyed to share with you the news of some upcoming Book Signings! That’s right all you fiends, your master of the macabre will be making some public appearances!
In conjunction with The New England Horror Writers Association I’ll be attending two group signings with them. The first is Saturday, Oct 10th in Westboro, MA at the Tatnuck Bookseller from 11 am-2pm. Please check their website for address and directions.
The second will take place on Halloween day in Shrewsbury, MA! It’s sure to be a spooktacular event. I will be at the Borders in Shrewsbury from 1-3 pm. Come out and meet me if you can! I will be signing copies of Feminine Wiles.
In other updates several anthologies featuring stories of mine have recently hit the market. If you love zombie fiction then you’ll love these next two anthologies… “Zombology” from Library of the Living Dead Press and “Dead Worlds” from Living Dead Press. For a different flavor featuring horror AND fantasy, why not check out “Atrum Tempestas” from Black Hound Publications? It features my dark fantasy story “Beneath Frozen Graves”. Visit my anthology page for more info.
And just as exciting is my new Chapbook release—“Whispering Shadows”! This is a three story collection put out by Rainfall books in the UK. It’s only available in the UK but you can order it from their site, just understand you will be paying in pounds instead of US dollars. This is a very rare collectible, a one of a kind from Rainfall with original cover art. These guys put out great work, and are known for selling out fast, never to be printed again. So act now! Visit my works page for more info.
Also look for new authors and publishers added to my links page. That’s all for now. Hope to see you in October… the delightfully dark month of Halloween, Shadows and all things Horror!
04.06.09
Born from the Shadows...
Greetings again my faithful followers, I have exciting news to report. Two new titles have just been released!
First up, feast your eyes on "Angels, Ashes and Alchemy" my novella collection from Double Dragon Publishing. Includes 10 tales of the eternal struggle between Heaven and Hell and the hapless humans caught in between. Sin, Redemption, Regret, Salvation... we are but pawns in this game we call existence. Which side are you on? This is in ebook format only with an audio and paperback release to follow. For ordering info please click here. And for you Kindle readers, here is the Amazon link for your reader.
The cover below was designed by my Web Master Chris Zibelli, so feast your eyes...
Next! For those who've been waiting... your wait and mine are finally over! "Feminine Wiles" is finally here! 16 tales of wicked women for your dark delights. My masterpiece of horror can finally be consumed by an unsuspecting world. Witness as women turn the tables on their male counterparts proving they are a force to be reckoned with in horror fiction. If you'd love to see the women as the strong, seductive antagonist instead of the helpless screaming victim this is the book for you. Years in the making, I am proud to bring to you my most beloved work. Please stop by either my publisher Blu Phier, or for a discounted price just in time for the current recession visit Amazon.
The incredible, dream-like cover below was designed by international artist Daniele Serra.
That's all this time around but that should be enough to keep you slavering beasts satisfied for now. To read a couple of reviews on these new titles and many others in my stable, just visit my works page.
Thank you to everyone for all of your support and readership. It's appreciated. Enjoy the shadows!
01.08.09
Welcome back shadow followers...
I wanted to tell you about my first new sale of 2009, due out this March!
Since the ink has dried on the contracts for my newest collection... I wanted to make an official announcement.
"Angels, Ashes and Alchemy" has been accepted by Double Dragon publishing. The book is a ten story compilation about the eternal war between Heaven and Hell and the hapless humans caught in between.
It features such goodies as demons, angels, arcane rituals, black magic, heroes, cowards, and even a few appearances by Lucifer himself. It's a fun collection that taps into our most primitive beliefs in religions and the fear of both God and Satan.
I hope you will enjoy this new foray of mine into the spiritual realms. It is planned for a March 2009 release in ebook and audio download format, including Amazon Kindle, Itunes and Mpeg. A trade paperback will follow.
Here's a look at the great cover art by my friend and webmaster Christopher Zibelli. Enjoy!
That's all for now. Until next time, enjoy the shadows...
10.12.08
Hello faithful readers!
Some news to keep you tide over until the release of Feminine Wiles. I wanted to inform you of some recent sales. My story "Riding the Heat Wave" is on the featured fiction section of Alien Skin magazine.
In other news, I made a sale to the Halloween DVD of Wrong World for my story "Available For Parties". Check them out here. They are in the tradition of The Twilight Zone and sell fiction on DVDs with sound effects, music and a narrator. Cool Stuff.
I am also happy to report that I sold my tale "Incident on Route 44" to the Northern Haunts anthology, a book to benefit the American Cancer Society! To pre-order this great book click here. Hurry and get it while it's on a special pre-order price. And feast your eyes below on the excellent cover art done by none other than my very own web master Christopher Zibelli...
Some future sales include "The Tie That Binds" in the premiere issue of Necrophagy magazine coming December 1st and "Special Delivery" coming in the New Voices in Fiction Halloween Anthology.
Other projects that I am working on include a reoccurring character of mine named "Lindsay Braddish", a hard boiled police detective with a chip on her shoulder, and a connection to the supernatural underworld–her father, a corrupt cop serving a life sentence in Hell. She first made her debut in "The City By The River" that was featured in the anthology "Vicious Shivers", her second appearance was in "NecroMaster" in my Beckoning of Shadows collection. See my Works page for more info on both titles. I am currently working on a novella all about her and a bunch of shorts. I plan one day to compile all her adventures into one volume entitled "The Braddish Chronicles" Stay tuned for more updates on Lindsay over the next year.
Lastly, I've placed some excerpts from a few of the stories in Feminine Wiles due out in November... those can be found on my Feminine Wiles myspace page found here.
That's all for now kiddies. Until next time enjoy the Shadows!
06.23.08 The cover to “Feminine Wiles” is revealed!
Feast your eyes my little creatures of the night on the new cover art to my next release: “Feminine Wiles. 16 tales of Wicked Women.” The art is the vision of Daniele Serra, a great artist who works on Dr. Who, Marvel and Cemetery Dance magazine. He has captured the surreal feel that I intended for this collection of femme fatales and ghostly women. Visit the publisher's site for a synopsis of my next journey into terror at Blu Phier. This book is due out November 2008.
Stay tuned to this site for more details...
06.08.08 Just a quick update for you all. I have placed work in three new anthologies recently. Please stop by the Works page under anthologies to see cover art and purchase links. One of them is the recent HELP charity anthology for Preditor and Editors, over 600 pages of speculative fiction for a good cause.
Also please take note that the release date for “Feminine Wiles” has moved to November 2008. A Winter release for the coldest villains known to man.
“Feminine Wiles” is my newest collection featuring all female villains. 16 tales of femme fatales and sisters of the night, from the ghostly to the all too real. Relish in all of their seductive glory as they lure you to a sweet surrender. Get your copy this November!
Until next time, enjoy the shadows...
02.10.08 Incredible news! The ShadowTales website has won the Editors' Choice award for Best Author Website at Darkscribe Magazine! My designer Chris, of cjz•design, and I are extremely excited. We send a big “thank you” to everyone who voted.
Excerpts from two of my published works, “A Beckoning of Shadows” and “Terror in Small Doses”, have been added to the Sample Stories page. Please check them out and tell me what you think.
Also, I have added a recommended reading section to my Links page. You'll find my picks beneath the Resources listings. Happy reading!
Stay tuned for more literary information and terrifying tales from the shadows…
01.18.08 Greetings again from the shadows. I have updates to share. Hopefully these will tide you over until my next big project is unleashed on the unsuspecting world.
Speaking of...my collection, “Feminine Wiles” has a publication date. Look for this book from Blu Phier publishing to hit store shelves in August 2008. That's right, my best collection to date will be available this summer. From out of the dark days of winter to the burning flames of summer my female villains will rise. Look for book signing dates to follow.
Newest updates: My short story “Special Delivery” has just come out in print within the pages of 7th Dimension magazine. This is their 3rd issue. This new horror and sci-fi magazine features a color cover and free advertising and promotion for authors of the small press. Go check them out and purchase an issue with yours truly inside. Here is the link: www.horror-watch.com.
Also my story “Wedded Bliss” has just been sold to The Willows, a magazine of Gothic and Victorian Era horror. Check them out if you love old-fashioned ghost stories told in English pubs, or Cosmic horror, or Lovecraft. This might be just the thing for you. Look for my tale in an upcoming print issue.
I know the holidays are over, but it's never too late to revel in some Holiday Horror! My story “Kathy's Korner” was published in Screaming Dreams' Christmas edition. You can download the free PDF on their site here. They have also accepted my story “A Voice in the Night” for one of their upcoming anthologies. So keep checking back for updates on that.
I also wanted to share that this site, ShadowTales, my official home in cyberspace, was nominated as Best Dark Author Website by Dark Scribe Magazine. This is their first Black Quill awards, given to excellence in the dark arts field. You can read all about these awards here. Thanks to my designer for all his hard work. Wish us luck!
Last but not least, don't forget my latest collection “A Beckoning of Shadows” is still available for purchase and is selling pretty good according to my publisher. So what are you waiting for? Read some great dark shorts right now! Go to my Works page to purchase.
Until next time everyone... Enjoy the Shadows.
11.18.07 Hey there! Welcome back to the shadows. I have some great news and updates that I am very excited to share with you all. First and foremost is the release of my latest book, “A Beckoning of Shadows”. It was years in the making, including a struggle to find a publisher. In the end, the book almost didn’t make it out, but here it finally is. It is a trade paperback with 16 of some of my most recent and terrifying stories. It includes an introduction by Jason Brannon and cover art by Russell Dickerson. I am proud to say the book is on sale from Naked Snake Press, a great publisher who will be going on hiatus until next year. So grab your copy now! See my Works page to purchase. You won’t be disappointed. Get this while it’s still hot!
In other news, I wanted to share information regarding new stories I've been working on. My collection of all female villains, “Feminine Wiles”, has been accepted by Blu Phier publishing! I can’t tell you how excited I am! This has been a labor of love for me and I couldn’t be happier. This will be the first book I will actually do signings for. A 16 story collection all about female villains. You won’t want to miss this or my signings. Keep checking back here for more info. "Feminine Wiles" coming soon to a store near you.
There are also some updates to report. A few new sites have been added to the Links page, and an all new Gallery has been added. I have taken up a new hobby of amateur photography and have redone my entire gallery. Here you find my first attempts at capturing “emotion” on film. I have done a collection of images in color and black and white. There is also a black and white series on friends and family, some still life and landscapes. Some of it I think is very cool. So check out the newly revised pages hosting my new creative venture and let me know what you think. I love the feedback.
Until next time…read something scary!
03.10.07 It's been a while since I've had an update but I have some great news to report. My collection "A Beckoning of Shadows" has found a new publisher, Naked Snake Press, and is slated for a late summer/early fall release. It contains 17 of my best stories. I am very excited to see this book published. A lot of hard work went into it and I am very proud of it.
In other news, I am finishing up another chapbook entitled "Angels, Ashes and Alchemy" and will be seeking a publisher soon.
Meanwhile, I recently got back from a trip to Paris and I've posted new pictures from my wonderful vacation. Stop by my gallery to see some highlights.
07.22.06 Welcome! I am so excited to unveil the new ShadowTales, my home in cyberspace. It's as if a whole new creative world has opened up for me. I am feverishly working on new projects that I will reveal right here. Check back soon for story progress updates. In the meantime, please be sure to check my Works page. My recent title “Terror in Small Doses” is still hot and selling at Nocturne Press. My own solo collection "A Beckoning of Shadows" is due out in November of 2006 from Cyber-Pulp and contains 16 of my best stories that I’m sure you won’t want to miss. Please feel free to email about the new site. I love feedback and love to chat!
