Blog Archives
ONLY FOUR DAYS TO GO: ANNIE’S BOOK STOP, WHICH HOSTED THE NEHW’S WRITERS WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 4, NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Saturday, February 4, New England Horror Writers members TJ May, Trisha J. Wooldridge, and I presented a day-long writing workshop on the craft, critiquing, and business at Annie’s Book Stop in Worcester, MA. The event included breakfast and lunch and all participants received written professional critique of their submissions.
Annie’s Book Stop provides, as you can see from the photos below, a great community service.
But Annie’s has an interesting dilemma: their dedicated staff consists of unpaid volunteers, and with the economy being what it is, this can’t go on much longer.
Annie’s has created a Peerbacker project to secure some funding. Consider pledging a couple of dollars to keep this community resource and quality bookstore (that has the largest collection of Dr. Who memorabilia and it’s available ONLINE) open and thriving!
From their Peerbacker description:
“Annie’s Book Stop of Worcester
Funding for: Creating jobs
“Take one traditional used bookstore with bookcases of gently loved paperbacks and hardcovers in every genre…Add new, exciting, hand-picked books direct from major publishing houses, small presses, and local authors…Throw in the largest assortment of DOCTOR WHO merchandise on the Eastern seaboard of the United States…Top it off with an incredibly knowledgeable and personable staff, and you’ll get a truly unique shopping experience. http://www.anniesbookstopworcester.com
“Annie’s Book Stop of Worcester has passed its critical first year of operations after a turnkey takeover in November 2010 from the prior owners. Despite the challenges created by a horrid economy and the impact of the James Street Bridge closure from July through September of 2011, we have grown our sales by more than 20% and expanded our customer base to include worldwide online sales.
“However, to keep succeeding, we need your help.
“Our loyal staff of knowledgeable booksellers consists of unpaid volunteers. They have stuck with this bookstore through thick and thin and because they believe in the store’s mission. They are instrumental in helping new customers and serving the bibliophiles of central Massachusetts and beyond though the physical store and online. They deserve paychecks for their dedication.
“The city of Worcester deserves to benefit from the jobs created by our employing these volunteers on a permanent basis, the revenue generated, and the lowering of the city’s and state’s unemployment rate.
“Our customers, old and new, deserve the best selection and service available,
“Our local and worldwide community of authors, artists, performers and creators deserve a venue, both physical and virtual, that showcases their works and talents. Many already call this bookstore home and grow our community outreach.
“The publishing industry deserves a success story in one little corner of the country and the Internet, rather than the constant bad news of storefront after storefront closing.
“Help us continue to BE that success story. Thank you.”
You can visit this link to make your pledge: http://peerbackers.com/projects/the-bookstore-thats-bigger-on-the-inside-needs-you-1853035663
In the meantime? Take a virtual look back at the NEHW Writer’s Workshop hosted by Annie’s Book Stop.
Annie's Book Stop in Worcester, MA.
Annie’s Book Stop in Worcester, Mass. welcomes us for the day-long Feb. 4 writing workshop.
“Just throw it in my eyes…” What gets a writer moving better than caffeine and sugar? TJ May knows…
Program participant L’Aura Hladik reaches for a munchkin.
Annie’s rented a space across the street in a re-purposed mill; I don’t know if this space is a church now or if this is just what’s left of a church that used to be there.
Just inside the entrance of the rented space. Initially, this is where we had set up the tables for our workshop.
Standing in the rented space, looking back towards the door.
To give ourselves more room, we moved everything to a larger space in the back. Here are the participants and presenters settling in.
Participant Deborah Sadenwater takes a look at one of the books presenter TJ May brought for everyone to peruse (and add to their library lists).
Lunch was an assortment of sandwiches purchased from the Theatre Café in Worcester. The sandwiches—roast beef, turkey, and vegetarian hummus—came with chips and pickles and cookie.
Presenter Trish Wooldridge focused on running your writing life as a business, as well as marketing, copyright issues, accounting, good writing resource websites—and everything in between.
Presenter TJ May discussed craft: scenes, pacing, plot, and other basics.
Participants Cheryl Cory, Tracy Vartanian, and Deborah Sadenwater share a moment.
A vacant table during a break.
The presenters and participants at the end of the day. Back row, left to right: Cheryl Cory, Tracy Vartanian, Deborah Sadenwater, L’Aura Hladik, Kris Star, Bob Blois, Trisha Woodridge; front row, left to right: TJ May, Kristi Petersen Schoonover, Lisa Jackson, Jennifer Allis Provost.
This phone booth was in a large lobby area behind our space, and I couldn’t resist a photo.
Left to right, Trisha, me, TJ, and the interesting phone booth. We wanted to get in it, but it was welded shut—no surprised, it is across from a lounge, so we figured they did that so drunk people wouldn’t go in and use it for unsavory purposes.
Autographed copies of In Poe’s Shadow, which contains my short story “Vanity,” for sale at Annie’s BookStop, 65 James Street, Worcester, Mass.
Autographed copies of Skeletons in the Swimmin’ Hole—Tales from Haunted Disney World for sale at Annie’s Bookstop, 65 James Street, Worcester, Mass.
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I’LL BE AT QUEEN CITY KAMIKAZE CONVENTION WITH NEW ENGLAND HORROR WRITERS IN MANCHESTER, NH, FEB. 18
I’ll be at the Queen City Kamikaze Convention in Manchester, New Hampshire, Saturday, February 18, with the New England Horror Writers.
Queen City Kamikaze is a one-day mash-up for fans of comics, anime, video games, music, and more; they are expanding each year. The day includes table-top gaming, live music, video games and video game tournaments, and more (including, of course, vendors). Admission is $10 for the day.
The convention will be held at Manchester Memorial High School, 1 Crusader Way, Manchester, New Hampshire from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. A list of guests, events, and other information is at the Queen City Kamikaze website, http://queencitykamikaze.com/
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FRIENDS & FANS, PLEASE SEND US A ROCK FOR OUR WEDDING DAY!
Our first rock came from Stacey Longo and Jason Harris in Hebron, CT, on January 27. Stacey came over for the night to work on our forthcoming short story collection.
Yes, I know it’s a strange request. Nathan and I are having an intimate wedding up at Howe Caverns on September 15, 2012, and because many of our friends and fans can’t join us, we’d like you to be there in spirit.
Our wedding’s theme is Journey to the Center of the Earth, and we’d like our decorations to include rocks from all over. Find a small (no bigger than quarter-sized) rock from your yard (please, nothing haunted) and mail it to us. We’ll consider it your “good wish” and add it to one of the tablescapes, and we’ll list your name and where the rock is from, as well as the date we received it, in our program. Send rocks to: Kristi Petersen and Nathan Schoonover~249 Great Plain Road~Danbury,CT06811
If you’d like to pass this request on to any of your friends, feel free. We’d love to hear from anyone and everyone!
Thanks!
Miss Stacey Longo’s “People Person” on Scary Scribes? Do not fear…listen here!
If you missed Episode 1 of Scary Scribes, my new podcast on Paranormal, Eh? Radio which featured a reading of Stacey Longo’s “People Person,” followed by a chat with the writer and the story behind the story, never fear! It’s here.
You can listen here (Note: 15-30 second delay before audio begins):
Or here:
Scary Scribes Ep 1 – Stacey Longo, 01-29-2012
Writer Stacey Longo
Reminiscent of Shirley Jackson’s “The Summer People,” humorist-turned-horror writer Stacey Longo’s “People Person” just might make you think twice your summer paradise.
Stacey’s short horror fiction has appeared in several scary anthologies, among them Malicious Deviance and Daily Bits of Flesh. She’s best known, though, for her zombie fiction—like “Wedding Day Blues,” in which a bride refuses to let her groom’s newly-dead status ruin her big day. Her zombie stories have been featured in the anthologies Zombidays: Festivities of the Flesheaters, Rapid Decomposition, and Hell Hath No Fury.
Check out Stacey and her work at http://www.staceylongo.com/
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What if you’re not a “People Person”? Find out in Stacey Longo’s short story on Scary Scribes tonight!
Stacey Longo livin' it up!
Reminiscent of Shirley Jackson’s “The Summer People,” humorist-turned-horror writer Stacey Longo’s “People Person” just might make you think twice your summer paradise—this month on Scary Scribes.
Stacey’s short horror fiction has appeared in several scary anthologies, among them Malicious Deviance and Daily Bits of Flesh. She’s best known, though, for her zombie fiction—like “Wedding Day Blues,” in which a bride refuses to let her groom’s newly-dead status ruin her big day.
After the reading, we’ll chat with Stacey about the truth behind “People Person” and some of her zombie stories which have been featured in the anthologies Zombidays: Festivities of the Flesheaters, Rapid Decomposition, and Hell Hath No Fury.
Check Stacey out at http://www.staceylongo.com/, and listen live at 6 p.m. tonight here!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/paranormaleh/2012/01/29/scary-scribes
SCARY SCRIBES: HEAR THE INTRO AND PROMO SPOT; WATCH THE TRAILER!
Scary Scribes is almost here…and so is our intro, promo spot, and trailer, thanks to Nathan Schoonover! Enjoy!
Scary Scribes Promotional Spot
A collaborative effort with Canada-based Paranormal, Eh? radio’s Terry Konig, SCARY SCRIBES is broadcast live once a month. Our debut episode airs tomorrow with writer Stacey Longo and her story “People Person.” You’ll be able to tune in at 6 p.m. Sunday, January 29, 2012 and listen live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/paranormaleh/2012/01/29/scary-scribes.
For more information on Scary Scribes, visit our website at http://www.scaryscribes.com or Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/scaryscribes.
WRITERS: AFFORDABLE CRITIQUE AND WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 4!
Are you a writer looking for a productive way to kick off your 2012? You’ve found it! Join me as New England Horror Writers hosts a day-long, affordable writing workshop—which includes a professional critique for registered attendees and a bag lunch—at Annie’s Book Stop inWorcester,Mass., on Saturday, February 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Writers T.J. May, Trisha J. Wooldridge, and I will run the workshop and provide the critiques.
Here’s the store’s press release with all the details you’ll need:
New England Horror Writers is hosting a writing workshop at Annie’s Book Stop on 65 James Streetin Worcester, MAon Saturday, February 4th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The class is geared toward beginning to intermediate writers interested in bettering their writing and editing abilities while exploring all the “What now?” possibilities for publishing.
The class will be taught in three parts, writing, editing, and publishing; offer a bagged lunch; and include a professional critique of up to 2000 words of registered attendees’ manuscripts.
Attendees will learn under three professional members of the New England Horror Writers. Kristi Petersen Schoonover is a three-time Norman mailer Writers Colony Winter Resident; her short fiction has appeared in Carpe Articulum, The Adirondack Review, Barbaric Yawp, New Witch Magazine, Toasted Cheese, and others. Her most recent work, Skeletons in the Swimmin’ Hole, is a collection of ghost stories set in Disney Parks. T.J. May is a writer of dark fiction daylighting as a behavior therapist to children with autism. He is a regular contributor to Shroud Magazine, co-founder of SUMM Publications, active member of the HWA and chairperson of the events committee for the New England Horror Writers. Trisha J. Woodridge is the president of Broad Universe, an international non-profit dedicated to celebrating and promoting women who write speculative fiction. She’s contributed to several anthologies, including the EPIC-award-winning Bad-Ass Faeries series, is an associated editor for Spencer Hill Press, and freelance writes and edits for magazines, independent authors, and academic websites.
As this is the first workshop offered at the 65 James StreetAnnie’s, there is a special price of $30 for the course, or $25 for members of New England Horror Writers, Worcester Writers Collaborative, or Worcester college students.
T.J. May (http://www.tjmay.net/)
Trisha J. Wooldridge (http://www.anovelfriend.com/) on a publishing panel at Rock and Shock, October, 2011.
How to register: In person at Annie’s Book Stop, 65 James Street, Worcester, Mass.; via phone by calling Annie’s at 508-796-5613; via e-mail to anniesbookstopworcester@gmail.com. Payment is in advance by credit card, check, or cash. Attendees must turn in their manuscripts for critiques no later than January 27 (details on how to submit upon registration). Walk-ins, if there is space, must pay full price and will not have a reserved bag lunch nor will they get the professional critique—but they are eligible for a class critique that day.
For more information, contact Annie’s Book Stop via www.anniesbookstopworcester.com, e-mail anniesbookstopworcester@gmail.com, or phone 508-796-5613. Space is firmly capped at 21 participants, so if you’re planning on attending, register soon!
2011’s TOP TEN PRESENTS FOR POE FANS
Asking what to gift the Edgar Allan Poe fan who has everything is like asking what to gift the Disney Parks collector who has everything (hint: Skeletons in the Swimmin’ Hole—Tales from Haunted Disney World): How do you know what he has? What he doesn’t? What would be absolutely perfect and is so unique he’d never think it even existed?
This year, Poe seems to be haunting more Christmas lists than in the past—probably since the Baltimore Poe House has lost its funding and the attention has brought him back to the forefront of everyone’s awareness. Since I’ve quite an extensive Poe collection, I thought I’d help out a few friends who have no clue what to get the Poe fans—or novices—on their lists. I’m confident this year’s picks are bound to boost any Poe lover’s bounty.
Bust of Edgar Allan Poe after George Julian Zolnay
I’m sure any Poe fan would agree this is better than a “pallid bust of Pallas.” This replica of Zolnay’s 1898 bust stands eight inches tall and proceeds benefit thePoeMuseuminRichmond,Virginia.
Poe Museum Store, Richmond, Virginia, $49.95
http://www.poemuseum.org/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=38&product_id=56
The Death of Poe DVD
Directed by and starring Mark Redfield—a really great guy (I’ve met him) with an enormous amount of passion for Poe—this 2006 film was shot on location in Baltimore, Maryland, and examines Poe’s last days through a blend of reenactments and imagery alluding to Poe’s scariest pieces. This is a movie—not a documentary—and while I thought it could have been tad more frightening, I still think any Poe fan should own it. Disc 1 contains the movie and Disc 2 contains a couple of documentaries and silent films. The Bonus CD contains Mark Redfield reading several of Poe’s works. For a preview, check out the trailer on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmW09_LMpDU
Amazon.com, $13.49
Funko Edgar Allan Poe Wacky Wobbler
There are many Poe “Bobble Heads” out there, but this one, in my opinion, is the highest quality for the money—even the artwork on the box is cool. I discovered mine at Rock and Shock in Worcester, Mass., earlier this year, as it seems to be the most popular model sold at horror and writing cons.
Amazon.com, $13.99
What Would Poe Do? Toiletry Bag
This unisex bag is guaranteed to attract a few comments—especially if using it the morning after a night on the town. While not as large as I’d like, I find it’s perfect for a one-nighter, and the quality’s pretty good, too. My only objection is the price—I think it should probably be half the cost—but hey, sometimes you’ve just got to have what you’ve got to have. And I can almost guarantee that Poe fan you know doesn’t have it…yet.
Café Press, $48.50
http://www.cafepress.com/+what_would_poe_do_toiletry_bag,577721387
TellTale Heart Wall Clock
There’s nothing more clever—or creepy—than a “Tell-Tale Heart”-themed clock.
If I don’t have my copy of the story on hand, it’s easy enough for me to turn out the lights, fire up a candle…and listen to the damn thing tick. Shivers!
Café Press, $15.00
http://www.cafepress.com/+telltale_heart_wall_clock,348769407
Poe for Moderns
Any Poe lover shouldn’t be without this rare, out-of-print CD/Vinyl album. (Wanna laugh? In our house we have two copies—on VINYL). Buddy Morrow’s odd, interesting blend of 1960s jazz and Poe’s works should have that fan of yours sipping martinis in no time. The Beatnik-esque version of “Ulalume” happens to be my favorite, although I can never resist “The Raven”—it sounds like a 1960’s “let’s go to the concession stand” drive-in ad. Priceless.
Amazon.com, used in vinyl and 2004-CD, several copies ranging from $9.89-$79.95
The Edgar Allan Poe Audio Collection
These unabridged tales and poems read by Basil Rathbone and Vincent Price are available in CD and MP3; the sound quality is wonderful on the CDs we own (I can’t speak for the MP3), but either format will give you the privilege of hearing these masters lend their talents to the likes of “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Black Cat,” and more. What I especially love about this set? It contains the less-common pieces—like “Morella,” “Eldorado,” “The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar,” and “The City by the Sea.” A fine accompaniment to a glass of Amontillado.
Amazon.com, ranging in price from $11.25-$19.77
The Complete Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe (Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback)
While this isn’t the much-touted multi-volume Mabbot text that scholars consider “the one to own,” this Doubleday 1984 edition was its 39th printing and is perfect for anyone who doesn’t have a complete works. I have at least four or five different printings of this edition (I think the earliest version of this that I have dates to the 1960s–it seems they update only the covers, not the text), and it’s always been my top choice for gifting: it’s a reasonable size and the pieces are grouped by such headings as The Poems, Humor and Satire or Tales of Mystery and Horror, so it’s easy to match mood. It’s available in Kindle, Hardcover, and Paperback.
Amazon.com, ranging in price from $.99(Kindle) to $26.99 (Collector). Brand new Hardcovers run $16.49.
Poe Signature Coffee Mug
Poe’s Signature Coffee Mug looks great on any breakfast table or desk, and if your fan’s a writer—especially of horror—who’s to say chugging some coffee out of it while at work won’t bring a little extra boost?
Poe Museum Store, Richmond, Virginia, $7.00
http://www.poemuseum.org/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=41&product_id=123
Edgar Allan Poe “The Raven” T-shirt
I own several Poe T-shirts, and while I don’t have this one yet, it’s definitely on my list. If your fan’s on “Team Poe,” then he should certainly be in uniform.
Novel-T.com, $24.95
“SLOW GRILL” 2011 RUNNER-UP IN SCARY DAIRY CONTEST
Me, left, at Culture Scary Dairy contest winner Dave Goudsward at AnthoCon 2011 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on November 12.
My flash fiction piece “Slow Grill” was runner-up in Culture magazine’s annual Scary Dairy Contest (fellow NEHW member Dave Goudsward took first place for “Michael, is that You?”)—he’ll be receiving a basket of cheesy goodies just in time for the Holidays! NEHW member Stacey Longo also entered (her story’s untitled).
You can read all three stories here.
DRINKIN’ THE ABSINTHE: ANTHOCON 2011
To those who don’t live it, there’s something sexy about living the writing life. Thanks to famous (or infamous) classic writers like Hemingway, Shelley, Byron and Poe…and many others…it’s assumed we’re all haunted by tragic childhoods, have a string of dysfunctional relationships, go to wild parties, smoke, drink, and do everything to excess. Even today, I often sense that when someone talks to me about my life as a writer, they may be asking about how I get my ideas, how I juggle the craft around everything else in life, how I get my work published, et cetera—but let’s face it. What they really want to know are details about the secret, glamorous life I must lead (right, I hear all of you writers out there laughing now).
Still, I won’t lie and say that some of that isn’t true. In today’s world, it probably isn’t true for most of us on a daily basis. But that doesn’t mean anyone wouldn’t glimpse the ghost of it when once a year you throw two hundred of us together in hotel—even we like to role-play.
So here’s a trip to last weekend’s first annual AnthoCon in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I’m already looking forward to next year.
Enjoy!
