BLAZING OWL PRESS NEWSLETTER: NUMBER EIGHT

 

I'll start this newsletter off with an article about burning books. 

This is not a political article. My point to be made here is that no one should ban or burn books. I don't care who wrote them. Hitler and the Nazis started burning books in 1933. Hitler ordered leaders of the regime to confiscate and destroy any literature deemed subversive to the National Socialist agenda. Quite a public display was made of it. It was pure idiocy then, and it remains so today as well.

In an interesting aftermath to the Nazi book burnings, in 1946, the process was reversed by the Allied leaders. Millions of books were seized from Germany and destroyed. Even artwork did not escape the Allied ban and thousands upon thousands of paintings were also seized or destroyed.

Crazy shit, huh?

Germany banned Mein Kampf, Hitler's notorious anti-Semitic tome in which he set out his ideology. For seventy years, it had been illegal to publish this book in Germany. Copyright law has expired now, so decisions of how to publish the book were being discussed for a number of years. A new edition with critical commentary, the product of several years' work by a publicly funded institute, hit the shelves.

My thinking about this? Print the original version as well. If this is not done, the government there is telling the German populace that they don't have the common sense to figure this out on their own. This book delves into the mind of a mad man. I feel it's important for people to learn from the past so they don't repeat the same mistakes over and over again.

The Communist Manifesto is certainly published and sold around the world. I certainly don't believe in this theory. I fought against the Commies in 'Nam, but, again, people need to learn about it.

Another thing we're subjected to in our country are the concepts behind Manifest Destiny. There are many books about this. While I completely disagree with the theory, I don't believe the books should be banned. By not banning them, a case can be brought up that we, as a nation, were not the kind folk who simply wished to take the original inhabitants of this land under their wing and show them a more uplifting way to live. Instead, we, raped, pillaged, and plundered them. Ring a bell? Sort of like what the Europeans claimed the Vikings were doing to them.

There are many different theories about the Civil War, slavery, and more. Neither was completely guiltless. Read some books and find out.

Some of the top news jocks are writing, actually co-authoring, books which show them for the mindless buffoons they are. No names mentioned, and they are on both sides of the political fence. These make pretty amusing reads actually. They are that far off the track. 

We learn from the past. It is included in many books. Right or wrong, we learn from them. We need to keep our minds sharp and focused. A lot of shit is happening in the world, and, regrettably, it has happened before. Same stuff; different people; different years.

Read. Learn. Interpret. All books have a place on your shelf. I am re-reading Mein Kampf for the fifth time. The original version. There are more Hitlers waiting in the wings. I want to be able to see them for who they are. Knowledge is power. Power resides in books.

Blaze McRob

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I mentioned in a previous newsletter that I left X (Twitter). My decision. Since I departed, it appears that many more of my friends and associates have left Twitter for Bluesky. I have no short-term plans for doing so. I have too much work to do before I can even think about getting started with another new social media source to play around with. That might change next year at the earliest. I'll keep you posted.

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Terri DelCampo, my wife, was listening to a YouTube discussion about holding onto your abstract thoughts and sketches made from them since you first started keeping things in a sketchbook. I was listening in and found it to be an enlightening discussion. The artist said that no matter how far out in left field they might seem to be, that these pieces are a part of you and a part of your work. Another point he made was to never show your uncompleted art to anyone. That way, you wouldn't be swayed by the thoughts of others. they belong to you alone.

I believe this most certainly applies to writing, as well as the visual arts. Hell, I include some stuff from my quite vivid dreams into my writing. Why not? They're mine.

Just thought I'd toss this in here to explain how your first raw sketch or first draft has the potential to go farther than you thought possible.

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Dina Rae is my Woman In Horror this week. Go to the link below to read the post I put up a couple years ago about her great books. You'll be glad you did.

www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4527027449764294729/3033757992498496580

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A new book to read by JD Phillips. Fade

https://www.amazon.com/Fade-JD-Phillips-ebook/dp/B0DPCMYWZQ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

A Promise To Keep. A Road Trip From Hell.

Eli hits the road to start a new life where he’ll be free to pursue his dreams.

Simple, right?

Provided he survives the trip.

Everything JD Phillips writes is great in my opinion! Don't miss out. Get your copy now!

Blaze

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Cindy Keen Reynders has a fascinating mystery book you need to read. Huckleberry Homicide has it all!

https://www.amazon.com/Huckleberry-Homicide-Cindy-Keen-Reynders-ebook/dp/B0D4RDWG4Y/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Ra5WbPDIHUiZcZvKazxOVfMREnRGLJWIxukkdr0sk7AT6sU7pu6C_j9sxOdk1uht14jkriFjCwNB2r9e2ILYBYnxm52w71kbY4msWjgwOdU7QR7GPvYVLfmYHvFTjL56K549rKGwzz2QYEtW809gej0KvHUuHRG7jB0XXJf5Axk.BW8v_poJTdpvxiUtM1zQOLu65eJ3ZYQofuQARDqB1Yk&qid=1733941473&sr=8-1

When life gets crazy for Fran Lightfoot, she moves home to the small town of Moose Creek, Wyoming, teenage daughter in tow. It sounds good: Hometown. Family. A fresh future.

Fran and her sister Lucy open a small business, The Saucy Lucy Café, in an old Victorian home they have inherited. The soups, stews, breads, and muffins they serve offer townspeople hearty, home-cooked meals.

While rebuilding her life, Fran begins dating Henry Whitehead. However, after their first outing, she finds him stabbed to death. The incident upsets everyone in Moose Creek, especially when people realize a murderer now walks the streets.

Detective Gabe Stevenson is called in from a larger, neighboring city to assist Moose Creek's Sheriff Otis Parnell with the investigation. Fran and Lucy develop theories about who the culprit may be, however, Gabe and Otis urge the sisters not to get involved.

At first, the police suspect Fran of Henry's murder, although she insists that she had nothing to do with it. When someone begins to threaten Fran's life, she and Lucy are determined to help law enforcement bring the murderer to justice.

Even if it means putting themselves in harm's way.  

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Book review for Adventures In Horrorland - A Collection Of Short Stories - written by Suzie Lockhart and Bruce Lockhart 2nd.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Horrorland-Suzie-Lockhart-ebook/dp/B00JMBNU4Q/ref=cm_rdp_product_img

I have a book review I did a while back for Adventures In Horrorland, by Suzie Lockhart and Bruce Lockhart 2nd. As you can see, I certainly love this collection of super horror tales.

Book description:

 Beware once you cross this threshold, there’s no going back. Experience 20 different tales of dread and despair that will have your heart pounding, and your mind drifting through gateways of things not of this world.

Relinquish your understanding of fear at the door, for the things that sprout forth from the minds of Suzie & Bruce Lockhart 2nd are far beyond the normal ideas of terror you’ve become accustomed to.

Horrorland will take you on a rollercoaster ride of insanity, from the undead, to the great deceiver himself!

Around every corner, in every crack and crevice, you will encounter terror. You can’t find sanctuary even in your own home…

So why run?

Would you strike a deal with death, hunt the things of shadow and substance, or seek revenge over justice?

Come now, just one more step, to face your fears behind that looming, wrought iron gate. This is going to be one helluva of a show, and, in truth, now that you’re here… I really can’t let you go.

5.0 out of 5 starsPerfect Title For A Perfect Horror Anthology!

By Robert C. Nelson on October 5, 2014

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

Adventures In Horrorland, by Suzie Lockhart and Bruce Lockhart 2nd was aptly published last year on Halloween. Read it again this year. The stories will blow you away!

My favorite story is The Monster In Me, penned by both Suzie and Bruce. I am amazed at the fact a duo of authors was able to write this. Great job on both their parts. I can't tell who wrote what. All I can say is that this is horror at its best.

Be Careful What You Wish For, by Suzie, is another great tale, one that has a super ending. Gotta love that!

Shadow Rain, by Bruce, is so great it's hard to describe. It is part horror, part fantasy, and a lot about love. In short, it is a literary gem.

These three stories are my favorites, but they are all great. To show you how much I love this book, I have an autographed paperback version signed by both Suzie and Bruce, and I also bought the Kindle ebook. I don't wish to be one of those people who reviews without buying a book. It's not my style.

I want to see more from these great authors!

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LINDA'S HUMMINGBIRD - ART BY TERRI DELCAMPO

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/lindas-hummingbird-terri-delcampo.html

This is one of my favorite pieces of art that Terri DelCampo has on Fine Art America. To check out all the art she has there, go to https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/terri-delcampo

You'll find a lot of great art there.

Blaze McRob

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From Terri:

Linda's Hummingbird. My best friend Linda's favorite bird.

While creating book covers and illustrations for writing projects, I began branching out into abstract art drawings and paintings. With environmental causes close to my heart, I create the abstract drawings on recycled cardboard (i.e., cereal, pasta, cracker boxes and packaging), and call it my 'Trash to Art' collection. I'm offering art inspired by my novels, poetry, articles, and Owl's Eye View dark fiction magazine, including character sketches, illustrations, and book cover art. I've done artwork for Blaze McRob's 'Paranormal Posse' stories on Patreon, and hope to include some of those here as well. There's also an illustrated memoir project looming in my near future, and the art will no doubt migrate to this venue. I got comfortable with colored pencil but am beginning to dabble in watercolor and acrylic. I love the wildlife in my yard and it's flowing into my art. I will upload work here at least weekly, so please follow me and check for new releases here on fineartamerica.com often.

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That's it for this week. I hope you found some interesting tid-bits in this issue.

Blaze

WISDOM OF A CHILD

 

https://www.patreon.com/posts/wisdom-of-child-42263202

https://www.patreon.com/Blaze_McRob

Wisdom Of A Child is one of my more reflective stories. Some of the best discussions we have are with those we least expect to be talking with. Read my teaser below and you'll see what I'm talking about.

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Three A.M. I sit outside on my lawn, cup of coffee in hand, looking across the road, watching the deer feeding on the expansive grassy area in front of the Township school. The bright moon allows me to see their every move. They are such docile creatures, seemingly content, but still ever vigilant. After all, this is the world of mankind, a world not always compatible with the other inhabitants residing on the planet.

It’s calm outside: no traffic to speak of, and, seemingly, everyone else around is asleep. This is my time to be alone with my thoughts, no one near to intrude into my private early morning domain, a place where everything is calm, relaxed, and stress is merely a word of what was and will be, having nothing to do with the present. Mists rise up from the lush greenery, a hint of the humidity to come. It is pleasant out here for the moment, but the oppressive heat will be here soon enough. Time to enjoy what I have now.

“I love watching the fog roll in like that, don’t you?”

I glance in the direction of the voice and see a young child, probably around five or six years old, looking at me. He’s sitting in a miniature lawn chair, no more than two feet from me. I should be frightened, or at least startled by his sudden appearance, but there’s a kind of calmness around him that puts me at ease. My only wonderment resides in the fact I never heard him come over to me.

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The characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Copyright 2020 by Blaze McRob. All rights reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the author constitutes unlawful piracy and theft of the author's intellectual property. If you would like to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), prior written permission must be obtained by contacting the author directly. Thank you for your support of the author's rights.

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Wisdom Of A Child, and much more, can be found on my Patreon page. You'll find a welcome home there.

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Happy reading!

Blaze McRob

BLAZING OWL PRESS NEWSLETTER: NUMBER SEVEN

 

I have a number of topics to talk about in this newsletter, so I'll get busy and start rolling with them.

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I'll start off with the Artificial Intelligence, otherwise known as AI, controversy jumping up everywhere. There appears to be a lot of it pertaining to the writing industry. NANO, an organization that I wrote well over 1,500,000 words for over the years, is allowing it. The Horror Writers Association, as of yet, has no clear decision on it as it pertains to the Bram Stoker Awards. The SFPA, the Science Fiction And Fantasy Poetry Association, is dead set against it and won't allow anyone using it to be eligible for any of its awards. As for the writers and others doing work for these organizations, most are against allowing the use of AI. I fall in with the majority of writers here. I won't use it because it's cheating, plain and simple. Also, let it be known that I will no longer participate in NANO. Just saying.

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I keep walking by storefronts in my town and see advertisements for St. Jude and many other worthy organizations. If you are able to contribute to these well deserving folks, please do so. You will make a lot of people happy. Thank you if you can. If you're unable to, maybe you can spread the word around.

Thank you.

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I'll be spreading pictures of me holding a lot of authors' books soon. As soon as I get pictures taken, I'll get busy with that. As strange as it sounds, I don't own a phone. Thus, I can't take the ever-popular selfie. When I get someone to take pictures, I'll post them.

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I would like to recommend that people look around when they get their news. I worked for a while with a newspaper and wrote a number of editorials. Not all of them got the play I thought they deserved. I asked the owner of the paper about that one day and he told me that controversial pieces got the most play because they sold more papers. That's the reason so many hot items fizzled out in a hurry. Yesterday's news had no more pizzaz. The same thing goes for online and magazine news.

Become informed, and read from many sources. Then use your head. Make wise choices.

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As you know, I quit Twitter a while back. Since I have, my search engine numbers have dropped way down. A lot of other people who have quit Twitter have wandered off to other places, but I haven't followed their example. I see no advantage to that. I don't like what I see on any of them. For now, at least, I'll keep going the way I'm going now, that being to write here on my Press site and my Patreon page.

My main focus right now, as far as my writing is concerned, is to write. I'm doing that. So I'm on course.

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My Woman In Horror this week is Terri Delcampo. You can go to 

www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4527027449764294729/6295528165249994

to read a post about her I did a couple years ago.

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BOOK REVIEW FOR: THE SHIP - BY MK ALEXANDER

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0852NFWYY/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1

The Ship, by MK Alexander, is my kind of novel! This book is a Steampunk delight. I've been having a difficult time lately finding Steampunk I enjoy reading. No more. MK's writing hits the mark. And, on top of the salty-dog jargon I find in this tale, I am happy to find humor, shenanigans of all kinds, a star-studded list of story people, thrills, drama, and fantastic science fiction. What more could a reader expect?

MK writes new, exciting stories to add to the mysteries that surround all of us. If only we dare to shake off the shackles binding us to mediocrity. Believe me, there is no mediocrity in the writing of MK Alexander. 

Read this great book. A great adventure awaits you.

Blaze McRob  

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Book description by the author:

Aye, welcome aboard, mates!

I can say little more without issuing a spoiler alert. Sorry…

I can say it’s about the largest vessel ever built by humankind. Embark on an unforgettable voyage with its peculiar crew. Come under attack as they sail into the dark void and parts unknown. Find yourself trapped below decks, and rely on young Ensign York to reach the Bridge and save everyone on board.

Steampunk of sort, set at the turn of the century, though I’ll not say which century. Save Our Souls, Ship in Distress…

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author’s note:

Save a scant few, all the characters aboard ship are named for famous engineers of a bygone era. This is meant as a tribute to their contributions to humankind, and in no way reflects on how the fictional characters are portrayed in this story.

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MK Alexander has been writing fiction for 20 years and has recently published five new titles, as well as several short story collections. He has been a reporter and editor for many newspapers, and worked for The New York Times for well over ten years. Winner of the BBC Short Story Award. "No genre is safe from me! One thing that irks me is the accusation that I am too subtle. I like to give my readers some credit: I always assume they are clever, educated, and have a good sense of humor..."

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I always purchase books on Amazon when I find some I believe I would enjoy reading. The free sample tells me everything I need to know. Bingo goes the one click digit! Easy peasy. However, I am unable to leave reviews on Amazon because of the way they have changed their system. One must purchase a certain number of books using a credit card. I purchase well beyond the required number of books, but I always use Amazon gift cards which I purchase. I desire a certain amount of privacy and don't wish everyone to have that kind of access. In the past, I was allowed to leave reviews after purchasing books via the gift card route. So, nowadays I write reviews on my blog. I hope the authors whose books I love to read understand.

Blaze McRob

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Toxic Communities, by Dorceta Taylor

This book is one I stumbled upon and am glad I did! It is well researched and superbly written. The author explains how low-income and minority communities have been dumped on, contaminated, and exposed.

https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Communities-Environmental-Industrial-Residential-ebook/dp/B00KAH3IBQ/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=toxic+waste&qid=1589075699&s=books&sr=1-8

Uncovers the systemic problems that expose poor communities to environmental hazards.

From St. Louis to New Orleans, from Baltimore to Oklahoma City, there are poor and minority neighborhoods so beset by pollution that just living in them can be hazardous to your health. Due to entrenched segregation, zoning ordinances that privilege wealthier communities, or because businesses have found the ‘paths of least resistance,’ there are many hazardous waste and toxic facilities in these communities, leading residents to experience health and wellness problems on top of the race and class discrimination most already experience. Taking stock of the recent environmental justice scholarship, Toxic Communities examines the connections among residential segregation, zoning, and exposure to environmental hazards. Renowned environmental sociologist Dorceta Taylor focuses on the locations of hazardous facilities in low-income and minority communities and shows how they have been dumped on, contaminated and exposed.

Drawing on an array of historical and contemporary case studies from across the country, Taylor explores controversies over racially-motivated decisions in zoning laws, eminent domain, government regulation (or lack thereof), and urban renewal. She provides a comprehensive overview of the debate over whether or not there is a link between environmental transgressions and discrimination, drawing a clear picture of the state of the environmental justice field today and where it is going. In doing so, she introduces new concepts and theories for understanding environmental racism that will be essential for environmental justice scholars. A fascinating landmark study, Toxic Communities greatly contributes to the study of race, the environment, and space in the contemporary United States.

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This book packs a lot of punch! It's a must read.

Blaze McRob

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That's it for this issue. I hope you got something out of it.

Blaze McRob

MY VETERANS DAY POST

 I don't mention it too often, although I say certain things in my short stories and novels about it, but when I returned back to the United States after fighting in 'Nam in 1966 and 1967, many of us returning Veterans were treated like dogshit by a great many of the citizens here. I was shocked. It made no sense to me. Damned hippies were attacking limbless vets in wheelchairs with their baby killer signs when I got off the plane in San Francisco. I completely lost it and grabbed their signs from them and beat the living shit out of the bastards before the MP's came and escorted me to a safe place in the airport. Safe for the hippies, I reckon.

The reason I bring this up is I ran across some reviews of Ken Burns' Vietnam documentary. I watched all of them when they came out and completely hated them. I had expected a fair, all-sides view of the war, but it was slanted toward the far-left group. Horrible. Just horrible. I won't bother to give links to some of the many people and publications who hated the documentary. Any Google search will find plenty of them for you.

For two years, I was the President of the Vietnam Veterans of America chapter in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I wrote the chapter newsletter and a number of editorials for the Wyoming Tribune Eagle about military and Veterans matters. For the most part, it was time well spent. The community was on our side about most things. I did get a bit of joking that our organization would die out some day when there were no more Vietnam Veterans living. That is true, but, then again, it's a shame that the other organizations dealing with wounded Veterans are still needed.

The one thing that I like is that organizations - the VFW, American Legion, and many others - band together and work for the Veterans. The one thing I don't like is that a five-time draft dodger has been re-elected to run the country. He'll put political cronies in positions of trust at the VA. And his thinking during his first term? Getting the Veterans out of the system at the VA and wanting to have them get the same healthcare that everyone else gets. Not me. I'm happy with the VA. It's not perfect, but neither is any non-military hospital that I know of. Not everyone agrees with me on this issue, but that's their right, and lest I forget to mention it, if you're not a Veteran, then you have no say in the matter.

As long as I'm on my soapbox, I've had many people come up to me and tell me how they were wrong about their actions and stance on the war in 'Nam and try to apologize for them. For me, they're fifty-eight years too late. I don't forget when I came home, and I don't forgive easily. Pretty much, I tell every  one who tells me that to shove their apologies up their ass!

Short, direct, and to the point. I'll end here. For now.

Blaze McRob  

BLAZING OWL PRESS NEWSLETTER: NUMBER SIX

 

Halloween, or Samhain, as it is commonly known, is the top topic for this week's newsletter. How could it be otherwise?

By the time I was nine years old, I had read everything ever written by Edgar Allan Poe. Obviously, I was a huge horror fan. Then and now, I read many horror books by many authors. It was in my blood for sure.

Before the days of television (yes, I'm that old) I listened to some of the great radio shows like Inner Sanctum, Suspense, Lights Out, and many more. I was introduced to many delightful episodes of these shows before I had turned five. Many more great shows and episodes can be found at:

https://www.artofmanliness.com/living/entertainment/scary-old-time-radio-shows/ 

When I was in high school, I would rush home from school and turn on Zacherley, The Cool Ghoul, on our television while I was getting ready to go to work He was a cult figure with not only the high school gang but adults, as well. A fixture of the Shock Theater fame, he was a huge celebrity in the 1950s and 1960s. Playing the host known as Roland, he introduced me to many of the great horror shows of that time. He even had a hit record, Dinner With Drac.

Some of the great movies I loved in the fifties and sixties were Them, Creature From The Black Lagoon, The Fly, Godzilla, The Thing, House On Haunted Hill, The Mummy, The Blob, all the Frankenstein movies, The Invisible Man, Invasion Of The Body Snatchers, and House Of Wax, as well as all the Werewolf and Dracula films. 

Of course, that wasn't the end of my horror movie watching. Every decade since then, I've always been able to find more and more great movies.

I've been fortunate enough to meet some great authors and actors at a number of horror conventions around the country. New York City, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Atlanta, Cheyenne, and more. If you get the chance to attend any of these in your area, I suggest you do so. 

Before I go into some books that I happen to like, let it be said once again that these are books that I like and suggest. That doesn't mean that every reader will feel the same way. I always read a sample of a book before I purchase it. That's my method for picking out books. I'm reading one now that a famous author suggested highly. It's an okay book, but I wouldn't rank it as high as many other books I've read. My sentiments.

So, here are some horror books that I enjoyed:

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A Jar Of Fingers (The Complicated Life Of Deegie Tibbs): By C.L. Hernandez

www.amazon.com/Fingers-Complicated-Life-Deegie-Tibbs-ebook/dp/B09GB51XRX/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=0J0Gp&content-id=amzn1.sym.f76d456a-cb0d-44de-b7b0-670c26ce80ba&pf_rd_p=f76d456a-cb0d-44de-b7b0-670c26ce80ba&pf_rd_r=130-8314316-2671401&pd_rd_wg=mG60x&pd_rd_r=c98316f3-2d1f-49b9-bc7b-53eee6060cba&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

Deegie is an independent young witch with a lot going on—maybe too much. She has a funky little shop full of magical items, and a tendency to cast crazy spells whenever the mood strikes her. But when her boyfriend and her traitorous next-door neighbor get together, she takes swift revenge and goes off to live in the back of her overcrowded bus, and not for the first time.

So when the strange old house on the other side of town goes on sale, she’s the first one to snatch it up. Complete with ghosts in the walls, a murderous history, and a basement filled with impossible things, like a jar of human fingers . . . and its very own demon.

Deegie’s going to need all her magical skills and inspired spell-casting—and some help from her slightly mad friends—to satisfy the ghosts and send the demon back where it belongs.

Don’t miss the next two books in the series: The Witch War of Fiddlehead Creek and Seven Deadly Ghosts!

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A great read by C.L. Hernandez! Don't miss.

Blaze McRob

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BLOOD SPATTER: BY TERRI DELCAMPO & BLAZE MCROB

https://www.amazon.com/BLOOD-SPATTER-Blaze-McRob-ebook/dp/B0161Z7KJG/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1461090609&sr=8-10&keywords=blazing+owl+press#nav-subnav

Blood Spatter, a collection of horror stories by Terri DelCampo and Blaze McRob, is the perfect Halloween read. There are some gory little gritties hiding within its pages. This was the first book for Blazing Owl Press, and Terri and I are pretty proud of it.

Hit the above link and read our ample free sample section. You will see what we have to offer you. I'm up to my usual snarky shenanigans right off the bat.

We hope you take us up on our Samhain offering. We'll keep the candy bowl filled and the light will be on as you hop up on the porch for a little Trick or Tweet. Don't slip on the blood spatter. With Terri and I, Halloween lasts the entire year.

Blaze McRob

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Book description:

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 ZACK PARTIES WITH BLAZE ON SAMHAIN NIGHT.

 THE LUST DEVIL FINDS HIS VIRGIN TIGHT.

HEADLESS NATIVE ON A QUEST.

GOLDIE HAS A PIG-OUT FEST.

THE ATLAS IS NO PLACE FOR SOME DOCS.

GREED DEVILS THE HUMAN SPECIES MOCK.

THE HANFS OF JERSERY ARE A MYSTERY.

WITCH HAZEL HATES SLOTHS THROUGH HISTORY.

MEET MR. JACK ON DEVIL NIGHT.

FIGS GIVE NUDISTS QUITE A FRIGHT.

BALTHOR CLAIMS HIS VIRGIN BRIDE.

DOLORES ENVIES YOU YOUR HIDE.

DANNY LOOKS OUT FOR HIS NAMESAKES.

GIANT PUMPKIN ANGER WAKES.

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Cover art and poetry description by Terri Delcampo.

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Ghost In The Machine: By Bruce Lockhart 2nd

https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Machine-Bruce-Lockhart-2nd-ebook/dp/B0737WTDW9/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498699160&sr=8-1&keywords=bruce+lockhart+2nd

Ghost In The Machine, by Bruce Lockhart 2nd,  is a fantastic short story you won't want to miss! Bruce is one of my favorite horror authors! I have suggested a number of his books for you to read in the past, once even saying one of his stories was a literary masterpiece. If you think I'm blowing smoke up your ass, just read the free sample for this great story on Amazon. I know you'll hit the buy button.

I tried to leave a review on Amazon, but it appears that they are getting a bit finicky about who they allow to post reviews. Their new rules are that a reviewer has to have purchased at least $50.00 worth of merchandise in the last year, using a valid debit or credit card. I purchased Ghost In The Machine, but I used an Amazon card that I bought. All my books bought on Amazon have been bought using Amazon cards. Untold hundreds of dollars over the years. It seems strange that Amazon won't recognize their own cards as being valid for reviews. At any rate, here is my review:

5 out of 5 stars!

Another Literary Gem by Bruce Lockhart 2nd!

Ghost In The Machine is a short story of thirty-seven pages by Bruce Lockhart 2nd. This exemplary   tale grows with each word. I have read many of Bruce's books, and I always know I'm in for a treat. The one thing I don't know is where and when he will deliver the finishing blow. He never fails to tease you with his poetic prose before administering a gloriously satisfying finish. This story is acceptable and fantastic reading for teens, YA readers, and adults. Everyone can get in on the fun.

I have a science background, and Bruce did more than satisfy me with this story. Things that he mentions could happen. His characters' names are great. Black-spit is my favorite. And, I get personal satisfaction in the part where he helps an Autism patient with horrible speech problems being able to talk and communicate well. All this from his wonderful machine.

This tale is a gem to read, my friends. I guarantee it!

Blaze McRob

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Since I wrote the above review, Bruce has expanded his great story. Now he has even more bang for the buck. Gotta love that!

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BOOK REVIEW FOR - THE LAST VAMPIRE; BY KATHRYN MEYER GRIFFITH

http://www.amazon.com/Last-Vampire-Kathryn-Meyer-Griffith-ebook/dp/B0163P4EWU/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1460221853&sr=1-5&keywords=the+last+vampire

I've said it once, and I'll say it again. The Last Vampire, by Kathryn Meyer Griffith, is my favorite end-days novel. I can't recommend it highly enough. Check out my review below.

Blaze McRob

Book description:

Emma Bloodworth once had a normal life, a loving husband and two children, a cat, a good job in the city, and she was happy. Then, for her, everything changed…as the world ended. The earthquakes, the global floods and the devastating fires arrived first. The human race, displaced and panicked, at first fled, migrating to any place there was food and shelter. Then the worldwide plague arrived with its waves of death. And as mankind suffered and died out, vampires, their numbers dwindling from the same sickness, struggled and fought fiercely among themselves to survive in a world where there weren’t enough humans left to feed upon. As the months went by the vampires become fewer, more desperate and ruthless. Emma, as the world disintegrated around her, found herself alone, the old life she’d known, her family and friends all dead…and fighting off an unnatural hunger as she became one of the undead. Defying her unwanted destiny she was determined to resist the increasing bloodlust, the need to kill and feed on human blood, of losing her humanity, for as long as she could bear it, but she was so hungry, and the night, the wolves, called. And then she met Matthew and was no longer alone…but could the love she felt for him protect him from her hunger; could her love protect him from the other vampires?

Vampire With A Difference,

By Robert C. Nelson

Edit Review

Delete Review

This review is from: The Last Vampire: Author's New Revised Edition (Kindle Edition)

Too often, vampires are either the horrific beasts of old or the new romantic heart throbs. I prefer the nasty buggers. This novel certainly has those, but it also comes up with an entirely different concept which personalizes the protagonist and endears her to your heart. Without destroying the story for you, when you blend this in with the other horrific aspects of the world taking place, it becomes riveting, drawing you in to see where the author is going to take us next. Just when I thought I had it figured out, there would be new twists and turns. My kind of novel! I read roughly 100 novels a year. The Last Vampire is at the top of my list.

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DENISE N. TAPSCOTT: WOMAN IN HORROR

Read my Woman In Horror post for Denise N. Tapscott at

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4527027449764294729/2590679537329315308

    

and find out some great things about this fantastic author. I'm going to have to put up some more information about her since she has a brand-new book out. She's a busy young lady and keeps active in many aspects of the horror genre. Keep your peepers open for more about Denise.

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That's it for this week. More is on the way. 

Happy reading.

Blaze McRob  

BLAZING OWL PRESS NEWSLETTER: NUMBER FIVE

 

This week's newsletter will cover the benefits of reading. I write a lot, but I also read a lot. I always have. As a writer, I find it especially helpful. Reading relaxes me and puts me in a proper frame of mind to pound out my stories on the keys of my computer. However, I never try to steal the styles of the authors whose books I am reading. No two authors write the same. Write your story. You'll be glad you did, and so will your readers.

I write in many different genres and genre blends. The books I read also follow that pattern. Lately, I've been reading a lot of detective mysteries, both old and new. Next year, I'll be writing another crime thriller and love getting inspired by the authors I've been reading, as well as others I'm sure to find along the way. 

My local library has a used book sale going on right now, and I've been finding some real gems. I'll be sharing them with you in my newsletters. Another great thing about used book sales is the fact that, once you're done reading them, you can recycle them by sharing them with your friends, hospices, VAs, and more. It's the right thing to do. 

Of course, I do keep a number of reference books next to my right arm in my reading nook. Books like these are always a must save. Plus, I have many authors' signed books that I definitely won't give up. 

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Don't Cheat Your Readers: A Blast From The Past 

I was going through an author's Amazon author page to check out some of his books. A friend of mine had suggested he wrote well. As I always do, I went to the free sample that Amazon has. The novel I was looking at was decent. However, when I clicked on to the short stories, they were a whole different ballgame. They were awful. You might think the short tales were written earlier in the author's career and were not as polished as the newer writing. The shorts were actually written after the novel. It was obvious to me that they were not professionally edited. Even the book descriptions were not error-free. Wow!

So, what was going on with this author? Besides the fact he took no pains to publish a decent short story, it told me he was totally unprofessional. The novel had an editor. It wasn't completely error free, but it was interesting and held my attention. I wound up not purchasing any books by this guy. My feeling was that the editor for the novel got stuck doing a lot of re-writes instead of merely doing edits. I'm sorry. I cannot accept buying such worthless tripe.

It's obvious that I'm not easily attracted to just any book or author. I can overlook some mechanical errors, but not a ton of them.

Another thing that irritates me is reading terribly written website or Facebook posts. If an author doesn't care enough to use capital letters on Facebook, it shows me they are lazy. If posts have misspellings, comma splices, and more, I see red flags. Show professionalism, people. If you write like a third grader don't expect many people to latch onto your latest and greatest story. Once again, you're showing you just don't give a damn.

I know this last election cycle totally sucked. It was certainly okay for authors to write their views. Hell, I wrote some. But, check out your sources. Even reputable newspapers and magazines get a few things wrong. Never accept a friend's post as being the truth unless you check it out. And if you did goof, acknowledge the fact. Shit happens. Some authors are afraid to alienate prospective readers. Don't be. They'll know you're honest when they read your tales. Also, by all means, use real life horror in your stories. By getting the evil out of your soul and sharing it with the world, there will be more room for the good things in there. One trap I suggest you stay away from is being suckered into other people's rants. I might read some, shake my head, and even laugh some at the stupidity, but I don't comment on other people's Facebook posts anymore. I don't have the time. I'll post some of my views on my author page and regular page, but their page belongs to them.

Always stay true to yourself when you write. Write your story, at your pace. Just because Stephen King writes long novels doesn't mean you should. Some readers aren't crazy about a ton of back-story at the beginning of a book. Me? I have to be hooked within the first page or so, by the end of the first chapter at the least. My wife does not agree with me. But that's the beauty of writing: different readers like different things. Write for yourself. You'll attract fans.

My last item contains a pet peeve that really causes my typing fingers to wish they could wring some necks. If I buy an author's book and review it, I don't want that author to immediately tell me they have another book out and would I review that one too. The skies turn dark, lightning flashes, and my trigger finger wishes it was ready to go into action. My answer is a resounding, "Fuck no!" Yes, I know writers like reviews, but don't grovel at my feet. On the other hand, there are some authors I like so much that I tell them to let me know when they have a new book out. I buy them and gladly leave a review.

I hope some folks get some value out of this post. Thanks for reading.

Blaze McRob

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This week's Woman In Horror is Nicole Storey. Go to

www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4527027449764294729/7076659011474797370

and read my post about this fascinating lady.

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TERRI DELCAMPO'S REVIEW FOR "WITCH HUNT: HISTORY OF A PERSECUTION" WRITTEN BY NIGEL CAWTHORNE

https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Hunt-Persecution-Nigel-Cawthorne-ebook/dp/B006K5QZVC?ie=UTF8&ref_=cm_rdp_product

Terri DelCampo's book review for Witch Hunt: History Of A Persecution, written by Nigel Cawthorne, is below. This is a non-fiction book that will put some horror in your soul. Evil done under the pretense of religion is still evil. In fact, some of the worst horror known to man has been perpetrated because of so-called righteous people trying to spread their beliefs.

Blaze McRob

Book description:

When bigotry and power-mania take control, disaster always follows for ordinary people – even when the power is wielded by the Church. Witchcraft, of course, was seen as devil-worship. Those accused – over 100,000 people, mainly women, between 1450 and 1750 – were subjected to the most bestial tortures and usually executed. Witch Hunt examines the real facts of this persecution and the religious hysteria that inspired it, tracing it back to its source. It tracks its wildfire-spread across Europe and the US until scientific reason began to challenge old beliefs and it began its long-awaited decline.

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for the squeamish, but should be read by everyone.,

By Terri DelCampo

Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Witch Hunt: The History of a Persecution (Kindle Edition)

It's been a priceless researching tool for me as a horror writer. But more than that, the story of how viciously people were persecuted during the witch hunts, described in detail made me realize how glad I am to have been born in the century I was. I recommend this book highly.

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I hope you enjoyed this newsletter. More to come soon.

Blaze McRob

BLAZING OWL PRESS NEWSLETTER: NUMBER FOUR

 

This newsletter comes a bit late. Hurricane Helene decided to pay a visit to my town. The horrific winds and rain uprooted many huge trees in the area and did significant damage to homes, businesses, and roads. Needless to say, the power and internet were down for some time.  

Don't take this as a whining post. It's not. My wife and I certainly had some annoying moments, but we came through it just fine. We learned a few things from our experience and want to pass them on.

First of all, we are preppers. Not fringe type ones. Simply people who like to be ready in case stuff happens. We had plenty of canned goods on hand to eat and some freeze-dried food which we never had to touch. Some of the food in our freezer and fridge was edible. Yes, we lost some, but not a lot. The fact that we had a butane camp stove was invaluable. Not only for food. I was able to have my two mugs of coffee in the morning. Plus, we were able to read in the dark with our clip-on reading lights. That gave us the opportunity to catch up on some reading and writing. 

We had flashlights and batteries to help us get around in the dark. The only thing we didn't have was battery powered fans. As soon as the power returned, we ordered and received some. It was rather hot in the apartment. 

So, I would suggest that to weather out a storm, so to speak, that a few commonsense things be done. Keep a ready source of food, canned and freeze-dried on hand. Have battery operated fans and heaters, if it's cold. Make sure you have radios on hand. Butane camp stoves are great to have. Stock up on your medication. Stay off roads whenever possible: not only to avoid dangerous driving conditions but to stay out of the way of emergency vehicles. Have a good supply of bottled water on hand. You'll need it. Read a few preppers magazines and books. 

If the emergency alert people tell you to leave the area, do it. Keep a bug-out bag handy in your car. You might just need it. 

Another big plus is to restock your emergency equipment after an event. Add in things you wished you had along the last time (such as the battery-operated fans I mentioned before). The way the weather patterns are changing, no area is completely safe anymore. Be as prepared as you can. Think ahead.

Blaze

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My Woman In Horror post this week is for Suzie Lockhart. It's from a few years back. I'll be posting some new postings for her soon. She's still an active lady.

Here's the link;

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4527027449764294729/4052035503536380394

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https://www.amazon.com/Space-Crazy-Dars-Adventures-Book-ebook/dp/B006Q9M6CE/ref=cm_cr_othr_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Take a look at the book review I did a while back for Space Crazy, by K. Rowe. I love this fantastic novel!

Blaze McRob

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Book description:

     The Ontarrin Galaxy is a rough and tumble place. Young Dar Meltom knows this for fact. As the half breed offspring of an incredibly unlikely joining between an Earthling male and a Satiren female, he knows what fighting is all about. Having spent his childhood on Erotis 3 getting into fights because he was different, Dar’s only solace comes from watching the stars. He’s crazy about them. He dreams about them, and secretly wishes he could be among them.

     His mother, Denrika, knows her son is at a disadvantage. Living in a purebred society, his chances for getting a job after he graduates school are slim. Until one day, a large alien strolls into the general store where she works. His name is Gwog, and he’s captain of the space freighter Cunik. Little does he know, Denrika will convince him that he needs another crew member—a seventeen-year-old half breed with his head in the stars.

     Dar joins the crew of the Cunik and quickly learns that space life isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. After being on board only a few days, he’s stricken with Skrinnian fever and nearly dies. Gwog and Karnis nurse him back to health, and then he learns more important lessons about death, pirates, love, and the value of the friends he’s made. Until such time as he’s on his own, Dar absorbs everything Gwog teaches him. Then, one night, a game of Sirrixian poker changes his life forever…

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5 out of 5 stars

Space Crazy Rocks!

By Robert C. Nelson on January 21, 2012

Format: Kindle Edition

K. Rowe is my FAVORITE writer of sci-fi! Wham! The lady knows how to spin an in and out of this world tale that is funny, sexy, intriguing, and filled with suspense and battle scenes. Dar Melton, the hero in this tale, is a young man who has been picked on because of the fact he is different: half earthling and half Satiren. Even in the outer reaches of the universe, bullies exist, and they pick on people just because they're not the same as them.

But Dar's mother hopes to change all of that and give her son a chance in an unfair world. At the young age of 17, he joins up with the crew of a space freighter and becomes a man; and a proud warrior.

That's all I can say without ruining the story for you, but if you love a great action-packed sci-fi tale, grab this story and the ones to come in the series.

Oh, yeah! It doesn't get any better than this!

P.S.

This Robert Nelson guy is actually me.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09HSNB6YJ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

Hearse Full of Verse, by Blaze McRob, is now available for your reading pleasure. This book is dedicated to aficionados of offbeat poetry. There is nothing in this collection that might be considered mainstream. After all, I must maintain my rather crusty image. 

The book description below is quite apt for the occasion:

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Rhymes will take you into Hell

Blazin' Bard McRob do tell

Many's the night we'll lie awake

After verse hearse ride we take.

Come along for horror trip

Blaze pledges screams from you he'll rip.

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I must thank Terri DelCampo for the most scintillating cover art. I find the black and yellow to create just the right ambiance.

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Happy reading!

Blaze McRob

BLAZING OWL PRESS NEWSLETTER: NUMBER THREE

 

Another week. Another newsletter. This time around, I'll start out by adding to my last post. 

I've discovered another hitch that occurs when an author goes with a publisher, large or small. Sometimes, the publisher will remove either the paper version or the eBook from the market. Sometimes both. If a writer is counting on receiving paper books to sell at book signings and they no longer exist, they're up the creek without a paddle. Not having an eBook copy for sale is also troubling. You lose either way. This has happened to many authors I know. Heck, it's happened to me. At one time I sold a lot of books in bars using my buy a book and receive a free beer routine. I sold a lot of books that way. Of course, I got my books at a reduced price, thus I was able to pass the savings to my customers. It was a win/win for everyone. Of course, the books have to be on hand. This is simply another thing that writers need to consider. Don't get screwed. 

With all the merging going on with the so-called big boys, nothing is safe there. Once again, I speak from experience. I'll never publish with them anymore. Nor will I go with smaller presses. I've mentioned this before. This is up to every author, of course. 

Another possibility exists with online books available to be read by patrons of libraries. I've sold some like that. However, sometimes one can wind up in an area where books in certain genres are not readily accepted. I've moved to an area like that. I live in Bible Belt Georgia. There aren't as many horror fans here as I encountered in Wyoming. However, I do write in many genres and intend to explore the possibilities. My library uses Overdrive which is one of the bigger purveyors of eBooks. And yes, one can get money for this. I'm going to a local author book signing on Saturday and I'll ask some authors I know if they take advantage of this. I'll let you know if I come up with anything to pass on.

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I see a lot of authors who go the Amazon Kindle Unlimited route. I tried it for a very short time and didn't like it. Going wide is the way to go in my estimation. Putting all your eggs in one basket isn't smart. For example, in Canada Kobo books are big. Just saying.

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Since my last newsletter, I've stopped posting on X/Twitter. Why? There's too much garbage being passed around there. Yes, I stayed out of the arguments and all, but there are a lot of things I just can't condone there anymore. I know it will kill me as far as the algorithms go, but I feel I don't want my conscience to be sullied by a billionaire's ravings. Enough said about that.

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My Woman In horror this week is Cindy Keen Reynders. Go to

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4527027449764294729/7306249698646264836

and read the post there. She writes great horror and detective tales. You don't want to miss out on her great offerings.

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https://www.amazon.com/Even-Hell-Has-Standards-Pride-ebook/dp/B00JI9OH6M/ref=cm_rdp_product_img

I have a book review I wrote a while back for Even Hell Has Standards: Pride, written by Chantal Noordeloos. Chantal has a wonderful way with words. She brings you into her stories in a most delightful way. Make sure you check out this great book as well as her other tales of horror. They are all great.

Blaze McRob

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Book description:

Sometimes life brings out the worst in a person, but Adolf Zakerny was born for evil. After a life of torment and murder, all in the name of Hell, it’s time for Zakerny to take his place amongst the demons. Will the blood he spilled appease the charismatic Lord of Hell, or will Zakerny’s Pride come to a fall?

‘Pride’ is the first of seven short stories in the ‘Even Hell Has Standards’ series, where Chantal Noordeloos takes the reader through the darker side of human nature, and it’s road to redemption. This is Hell as you’ve never seen it before.

Robert C. Nelson

5.0 out of 5 starsDon't Believe In Hell? You Will Now!

April 24, 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Chantal Noordeloos has come up with the perfect tale for those who do not believe in Hell. Her story is filled with plenty of gore and sadism, but it is the psychological horror which comes to the fore-front. Take one truly evil human, Adolf - even her choice of a name for the antagonist in this romp through the worst of what an entity could possibly foist upon his fellow humans is perfect - add pride which exceeds no known limits, mix well, and wham! We are blessed with a story which will most likely have theologians shaking their heads, wagging fingers, and spouting venom when perhaps they might see that maybe, just maybe, Chantal has hit upon something . . . something which could possibly be.

Am I saying the Gospel According To Chantal Noordeloos is true? Of course not. This is a fiction tale of horror, and the author is not bandying about any new dogma. What she does do, as any great author does, is open the reader's mind to the possibility of truth within the story. By creating a story line which appears to be reasonable, the reader is drawn into its intricate meanderings of what is to happen next to this man Adolf, a man who fears no one and is truly not repentant for his sins.

Does Adolf win? Does Satan win? Or does God win? Oh, me lads and lassies, that is not for me to say. Read this great story and get carried away within conceptual beliefs you may have never heard before. This book pushes the limits, but in the most delightful of ways.

Are you tired of fluff? Do you wish to read a thinking person's story, yet one filled with a telling and hypnotic spell? Chantal Noordeloos has written what you are looking for. Embrace the words of a master at her craft.

Even Hell Has Standards: Pride, will not let you down!

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The art piece for this week is the cover art for That Bobbie Kid, a gritty book I wrote a while back. Terri DelCampo's artwork explains what the book is about. This is her number one book for positive comments for cover art.

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JUST WRITE

I posted this on my website a while back. It's still good advice I believe. In this post, I added what Terri DelCampo has to say about the subject. I hope you pick up a few pointers.                                                 

Do you want to be an author? Just write. Easy peasy. You don't have the time? Horseshit. We all have time. I worked at many jobs at the same time, not having a day off for nine years. I still wrote. I wanted to, so I did it. In twenty-something years, I wrote and had some seventy-five ghostwritten novels published.

There are many moments you can use as writing time. Get up early and write. Do you work at a desk job? Write at lunch while you're eating. Carry a little notebook or tape recorder and take notes. Put the notes together and you'll have a story. Write at the end of the day when the kids are asleep. I think you can see a pattern here.

Why am I writing this now? Simple. Some folks have been bombarding me about how they want to be a writer but can't find the time. Writing takes no time. If you want to get published and sell some books, that's a different matter. This quickie post is not about that. More to come about that later, as with other articles I have written about it in the past.

Prioritize. If you don't want to be a writer, then don't write. If you do: write.

If you're still reading my discourse, and you want to be a writer, you're in luck. I'm finished. Time for you to write. I want to see your books bandied about so I can tell the world about them.

Happy writing.

Blaze McRob

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 I love this scene from Finding Forrester. Excellent movie for aspiring writers, or even writers who need a motivation nudge.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLBEFvMkQCo This scene epitomizes how I feel about writing. If you're a writer, you write. Simple as that. I never go anywhere without paper and pen. Period. Don't even need a computer or typewriter. Pen and paper. Simple. In the house, in the car, on the beach, anywhere. From the time I was eleven. No matter what was going on in my life, I wrote. Because I am and always have been a writer.

Reasons that people give you for not writing are bullshit. I got up at 4:30 in the morning when my kids were very little and wrote 6 screenplays that way. Later when I worked for my husband's plumbing business and still had kids to raise, I stayed up until midnight and one in the morning. Wrote my first two novels that way. Then I worked full-time after my separation and divorce and wrote my third novel by not flopping on the sofa and watching TV when I got home from work.

After my car accident and being rendered disabled, I began self-publishing my magazine Owl's Eye View online, and last year I self-published my seven novels, three novellas, multiple short story collections, and Best Of collections from the magazine columns on Kindle (some 30 books). There's time. Carpe Diem, people. Or Carpe Noctem. Just don't carpe bullshit excuses. Just write!

Terri DelCampo

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That's it for this week! Hope you enjoyed this newsletter.

Blaze