R.A. Evans's Blog, page 6

Around Town Magazine Praises Asylum Lake

"Evans deftly weaves a paranormal thriller with a tragic romance and somehow a buddy story all in one."

–  Ashley Michaels, Around Town Magazine

I do love a good review – especially when its for one of my own projects. I was recently contacted by Around Town Magazine with a request to feature my thriller Asylum Lake within their literature section.  Trust me, it wasn't all that long ago that I was the one doing the pursuing of media outlets and review sites so you can imagine my excitement with them coming to me.

I spent an hour with Ashley Michaels, Around Town's lit editor, answering questions about my inspiration for Asylum Lake and what readers could expect with the soon-to-be-released sequel Grave Undertakings.  I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation – not just because it would help promote by book, but more so because I relish each and every opportunity I get to interact with readers and fans.  It's cool for me to understand what characters and story-lines they connected with and where they see the story going. Maybe I just enjoy the ego-stroke of having someone tell me they liked my work.

The end result was a terrific review and a connection I look forward to maintaining.  CLICK HERE to read the full review and excerpt from Asylum Lake. The article even includes some of the photos I came across while doing research of various psychiatric hospitals.

The entire affair has me wondering, would readers be interested in a group discussion of Asylum Lake. Would they participate in an online book-talk with yours truly? Leave a comment and let me know if this is something that interests you.  If enough people like the idea let's figure out a way to make it happen.

Cheers from Bedlam Falls!

Bookmark Reveals Clues to Grave Undertakings

What clues lie buried within this boomark? We're officially counting down the days until the release of Grave Undertakings – the chilling sequel to the Indie smash Asylum Lake.  Leave a comment with your guess and you could win a free autographed copy of Grave Undertakings.

What's in a name? Changes Coming to RAEVANSWRITES

This blog has seen some rather dramatic changes since its launch in late 2010.  From variety of different themes and treatments to the inclusion of 7 Deadly Questions, Bloody Good Reads, and even my very own Trailer Park, RAEVANSWRITES has grown beyond my wildest dreams.

I recently surpassed the 30,000 views mark and must admit that the fact that so many people are choosing to visit my little corner of the web – and apparently return for more – has come as a complete surprise.  In many ways this blog has truly been my personal journal – deviating from my random musings and thoughts only when I have the opportunity to interview a talented author, review a book or peddle one of my own projects.

That being said, much like with my sophomore effort Grave Undertakings, I find it time to take things up a notch on this blog. The traffic demands it. Your comments and interaction demand it. And, quite frankly, there are certain unexplored opportunities that require me to approach what I am doing in a very different way.

What does this mean for you? Initially – not much. You'll still be able to find everything you've come to expect by visiting www.raevanswrites.wordpress.com.  Only now, you will be directed to the new and soon-to-be improved www.raevanswrites.me.  One might think it's a move born merely out of ego – and you wouldn't be completely wrong with that thought. More than merely ego, however, this move provides me greater flexibility and hopefully brand awareness as I continue my quest for globally dominance.

If you've enjoyed visiting this blog I beg only one favor – make it a +1 experience. Invite a friend or family member to visit the dark side of the web at www.raevanswrites.me. My musings may be an acquired taste, but I'm confident that the crack I'm slinging from this dark and seedy corner of the web will surely get you hooked.

As the sign reads above the door of The Hotel California, "you can check out any time you like but you can never leave!"

Why Less is More When it Come to Writing Horror…and Making Music Videos

It usually takes a lot to disturb this horror writer. Perhaps I'm wired differently than most of the general population, but I don't get squeamish about many things – with the lone exception being worms. Don't even get me started on worms. The smug way they mess with my head by stretching their bodies across my driveway after it rains makes me shiver – not to mention the smell. Worm smell ranks right up there at the top of the list of worst smells ever.

I digress.

Aside from worms I am not a squeamish person. Yet last night I stumbled across something that made my skin literally crawl. Those of you who have dipped your toe into my novel Asylum Lake or who follow this blog regularly know that music is a big part of my life. I am literally unable to write without some kind of music playing in the background – and yes, it is usually includes a Pearl Jam track or two.

Last night's writing session playlist included The Confessor by Joe Walsh.  It's a great track and I highly recommend giving it a listen.  Although Walsh is probably best known for his work with The Eagles, I much prefer his solo stuff.  I dare you to listen to Rocky Mountain Way or Life's Been Good without singing along.

Anway, back to The Confessor and my theory of why less is more. After listening to the track on my iPhone I couldn't get it out of my head. It's a haunting tune with powerful lyrics. So powerful, in fact, that I've been playing with a storyline for years inspired by it. Long story short, I made the mistake of Googling The Confessor; surely someone must have posted a completely awesome video for it on YouTube.  Sadly, no. Instead I found Walsh's own MTV clip for the song. Ugh – not since Billy Squier's Rock Me Tonight abortion of a video have I felt so embarrassed for one of my personal musical heroes.   Walsh's efforts to be cool came across as completely hokey – and don't even get me started on Billy Squier's awesome dance movies and pink tanktop.  Neither could leave well enough alone and let their songs speak for themselves.

The entire ordeal brings me back to my writing. I've gained a certain following for writing about things which go bump in the night.  Although only Asylum Lake currently graces the bookshelves I am expecting bugger and better things with the upcoming release of the sequel Grave Undertakings. And I know from fans and friends alike that I have already created a certain expectation with my stories – dark humor, believable characters, and enough chills to make ice cubes in July. It's my personal recipe for success.  Now, unlike Joe Walsh and Billy Squier, I have to resist the temptation to try to do more than what my talent allows for.

I dare you to check out The Confessor and Rock Me Tonight.  As Pinhead so eloquently put it in Hellraiser, "it'll tear your soul apart!".

 

 

 

 

Welcome to My Nightmare

"Welcome to my nightmare!

I think you're gonna like it!

I think you're gonna feel you belong!

We sweat and laugh and scream here!

'Cause life is just a dream here!

You know inside you feel right at home, here!"

– Alice Cooper

I dream my stories – that's how I know I'm in the proverbial "writing zone". I'm not sure if this happens with other writers, but for me my dreams provide the fertile ground from which the fruits of horror spring forth.

It started with my novel Asylum Lake. There were nights when I would dream entire chapters – dialogue and all. It made the writing process cool and interesting – especially on those rare nights when my dreams would startle me awake. The dreams happened less frequently with Grave Undertakings – the chilling sequel which has proven to be equal parts mystery and love story, with a blood-spattered bow tying it all together. I think my lack of dreams was partly due to the curse of the dreaded sophomore jinx I felt hanging over my head. Asylum Lake proved to be a popular read and was received positively by readers and critics alike. It was also far from perfect and some of that was excused by it being my debut. Grave would prove to be different. Expectations are hanger and each new tale I release will either prove my metal as an author or send me scurrying back to the comfy confines of my day job.

The good news – Grave Undertakings will be out soon and the lack of dreams and worry about its reception will be completely beyond my control. The better news – I've got an airplane full of the undead harassing an ill-armed Air Marshal set to take-off next (FLIGHT). And don't even get me started with my tale about the devil setting up a pawn shop in the quaint town of Hell, Michigan (Devil's Pawn: A Soul Proprietorship).

As much fun as I've had with Brady, Ellis, and the entire Asylum/Grave gang,  I'm salivating at the thought of what happens beyond the borders of Bedlam Falls and the abandoned asylum.  I can't wait to welcome you to my next nightmare – I think you're gonna like it.

Celebrate The Mitten: Great Authors from the Great Lake State

Some authors dread making public appearances; their comfort zone is squarely behind a laptop writing – not shaking hands and kissing babies. For me, I love each and every opportunity I get to meet readers and fans and talk about why it is that I am drawn to writing such dark tales.  I also know how valuable these opportunities are. As an Indie Author I'm up against some very well-funded and highly recognizeable traditionally published authors. I need to do everything I can to make sure Asylum Lake (and the soon-to-be released Grave Undertakings) are part of the overall literary discussion. I also enjoy sharing thoughts and ideas about my craft with other writers.

That's why I was blown away by the invitation to participate in Kent District Library's Celebrate The Mitten: Great Authors from the Great Lake State event.  The local success of my debut thriller Asylum Lake paved the way for the national and international sales and recognition that I am now enjoying.  Although I am a Buckeye fan, Michigan is my home and I couldn't be happier about setting my stories within the mitten.

If you're in West Michigan on Saturday, April 21st, I encourage you to swing by the Kentwood Library. More than a dozen Michigan authors from around the state will gather to meet readers and sign and sell copies of their books. The event also includes a trio of panels geared toward aspiring authors but also promises to be engaging, amusing and enlightening for readers as well:

1:15 PM: Letters to an Aspiring Author: If I Could Give a Single Piece of Advice to a Writer Looking to Be Published, featuring Jennifer Armintrout, Albert Bell, George Dila, Vic Foerster, D.E. Johnson and Roger Meyer
2:15 PM: They Will Love My First Draft As Much As I Do — Not! and Other Reality Checks for Budding Authors, featuring Elizabeth Buzzelli, Tess Grant, Mardi Link, Tom Rademacher, Kristina Riggle and Aaron Stander
3:15 PM: Grab Bag: Author Issues 2.0, featuring DJ DeSmyter, R. A. Evans, Sue Merrell, Andrew Mozina and Rick Sigsby

I'll keep you posted as more details become available. Something tells me that there might just be a dark and creepy mystery on the shelves by then.

TerribleMinds.com is a Must-Resource for any Writer

Sometimes its easy to fall into the trap of thinking just because you've written a fairly-well-received novel that you are suddenly an expert on everything.  Trust me – I still have the scars from repeatedly springing that giant of a bear-trap on myself.  I've learned from a good friend and fellow author Belinda Frisch that it takes a lot of hard work and research to not just develop a story but more importantly to continually hone your craft.  She's a damn fine writer and an even better friend and this is one bit of advice I plan to take.

So with her advice ringing in my ears I've been scouring forums, websites, and the neverending twitter-rolls for tidbits to pass along.  Who would have thought that I would have stumbled across a treasure trove of information within the subtly titled blog of the incomparable Chuck Wendig.  WWW.TERRIBLEMINDS.COM has proven to be an invaluable resource and a encourage other writers to bookmark this blog.

Chuck Wendig is equal parts novelist, screenwriter, and game designer. He is the author of the novels DOUBLE DEAD, BLACKBIRDS, and MOCKINGBIRD. In addition, he's got a metric boatload of writing-related e-books available, including the popular 500 WAYS TO BE A BETTER WRITER. He currently lives in the wilds of Pennsyltucky with wife, dog, and newborn progeny.

New Teaser for Grave Undertakings Revealed: Unearth the Prologue and First Chapter

 

PROLOGUE

March 4, 1957

Lake View Asylum

Bedlam Falls, Michigan

The soiled rag did little to silence the screams echoing throughout the hospital's dank subterranean basement, but it did keep the young woman strapped to the examination table from biting through her own tongue. Small consolation, however, her sky-blue eyes had already been removed and tossed carelessly onto the morgue's green-tiled floor. Through her muffled cries, blood-filled tears streamed down her face and onto the cold metal table where they collected in a growing pinkish-colored puddle.

Tall and slender, with silver hair falling to his shoulders, Dr. Wesley Clovis stood at the table and surveyed his handiwork. The woman had been brutally stripped naked, her head, wrists, and ankles secured to the table by soiled leather straps. With each spasm of pain, her full breasts heaved and the restraints dug further into her cold flesh, causing the white clad orderly standing at the foot of the table to squeal in obvious delight.

"Douglass, if you would be so kind," motioning toward a cluttered tray of instruments near the table, Clovis directed his assistant, "I am in need of my scalpel."

"Indeed," the diminutive orderly responded, moving to the side of the table and the instrument tray. Douglas's unsettling grin widened beneath a pencil-thin mustache, revealing a jagged row of yellow stained teeth, he asked in a sinister whisper that was dripping with vehemence. "You gonna cut her?"

Clovis paused, recasting his gaze from the prone woman on the metal table to the impish man in white. "Yes, Douglass, her blood shall flow," he whispered tersely, and then continued, his voice filling with conviction. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood … for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul."

Twenty minutes later Dr. Wesley Clovis walked from the morgue, his starched white shirt soaked with the 'life of the flesh'. Although, no closer to unlocking the secrets, which separated the living from the dead, he took solace in the knowledge that an unlimited supply of subjects remained at his disposal.

As the sound of Clovis' thunderous footfalls echoed in retreat though the cavernous basement, Douglass Wyatt was in charge and to left to care for what remained of young Debra Moored. Shrugging free from his pristine hospital uniform, the pony-tailed orderly climbed atop the table, eager to explore the woman's still-warm flesh before it grew cold.

CHAPTER 1:   HEAD GAMES

"So tell me, Mr. Tanner, how's that working for you?"

Brady responded to the acerbic inquiry with a corresponding sour smile and a long stretch of silence. His weekly tug-of-war sessions with Dr. Laurence Vredeveld were just now beginning to gain traction. Therapy hadn't been his idea and he wasn't quite ready yet to acknowledge April's suggestion to "get some help" as a good idea. Yet he found himself looking forward to his Wednesday afternoon appointments nonetheless.

"As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted," Brady continued, allowing a brief smile to spread beneath his hazel eyes, "I'm too old for another run at American Idol – damn bastards and their age limits – so I decided to get back into the business of writing. Maybe start slow – fortune cookies and Dove Promise wrappers; nothing too complex right away"

Vredeveld's shoulders shook with soundless laughter as he plucked the glasses from his face. The psychologist paused to let the mirth drift from the conversation before turning his naked eye to Brady. "Something tells me that's a wise choice, Mr. Tanner." He paused briefly, "So what does writing look like to you – a novel or maybe throwing your hat back into the media circus?"

Brady shrugged. "That's the rub – I'm just not sure; perhaps both."

Vredeveld considered the reply as he perched his wire-framed glasses once again on the end of his nose. "Can you be more specific? Something tells me you've given this some thought."

Brady fidgeted anxiously in his chair, bringing to mind a sense of déjà vu as he recalled his first visit to Dr. Vredeveld's office some six weeks prior. A large mahogany desk dominated the space and book-laden shelves lined the taupe colored walls. The combination of furnishings brought to mind the movie, Anchorman: the Legend of Ron Burgundy, starring the incomparable Will Ferrell. During Brady's favorite scene from the film, Ferrell's character claimed his self-importance by bragging of his collection of several leather-bound books and an apartment that smelled of rich mahogany. Brady had spent his entire first visit with Dr. Vredeveld stifling nervous laughter and doing his best to resist the temptation to scan the shelves looking for leather-bound books.

"The hospital," he finally responded, shaking free from the urge to chuckle. "I want to write about the hospital."

Vredveld sighed noisily. Brady had picked up on his doctor's "tell" early on in their therapy sessions. A sigh from Vredeveld usually meant he didn't think whatever Brady was contemplating was a good idea.

""I'm confused, Brady. During our sessions you've done nothing but talk about how badly you wish you could just forget about the whole affair. It seems to me that writing about it is an odd way to forget."

Brady glanced down at his wrist, much the way someone would glance at their watch to see when they would be released from whatever Hell they had currently found themselves in – work, school, a crowded elevator – or in this case, a therapy session. Yet it was no time-piece that Brady looked to. Instead, encircling his wrist was a simple band of thin plastic. Brady had never once spoken of it in therapy, but Vredeveld could sense its hold over his patient.

"Maybe forgetting isn't the best option," Brady stated simply, not wanting to admit aloud that it didn't appear to be an option at all. Brady's hopes of moving beyond the unexplainable experiences he had shared with his small circle of friends over the past several weeks were foolhardy, at best. The hospital bracelet about his wrist guaranteed it.

"Can you at least tell me what has changed," Vredeveld asked, probing for insight. "Haven't you seen progress, Brady? You're sleeping better, right – the night terrors and sleepwalking have subsided?"

Brady nodded slowly, "Yeah, I've seen progress." Brady's short reply hid the truth. The progress which he spoke of was not the kind Vredeveld was referencing. Brady's battle with the vengeful spirit Ellis Arkema for control over his fragile mind had come to a crease-fire of sorts. Whatever else the plastic hospital bracelet was, Brady believed it was no longer a danger to him personally. There was no malicious intent from its original owner. Ellis' vengeance, Brady had come to understand, was being redirected elsewhere. That's not to say that Brady's role in the matter was resolved. A doorway had been opened inside him – a doorway that led…beyond. The veil has been parted, the once-cryptic message, now rang clear in his tired mind.

"Listen, I'm not saying it's the right thing to do or the wrong thing to do," he continued. "I'm just saying that it's the thing I need to do."

The silence hung between them. Once again they had reached the familiar impasse. Brady had shared only bits and pieces of his recent brush with the supernatural. Partly because he had hoped that denial would somehow make it all go away, but mostly because he feared the doctor's ability to have him escorted away for an undisclosed amount of time for intensive treatment. The irony of which, considering his past experience with Janie's Law and the treatment of individuals with mental illness, was not lost on him.

All sense of joviality was removed from Vredeveld's voice when he finally spoke. "This writing you plan to engage in, it's not going to interfere with our sessions, correct?"

Brady's mischievous grin spread once again across his face. "I wouldn't think of it."

Grave Undertakings concludes the story introduced in my debut thriller Asylum Lake. 

With more than thirty 5-Star reviews, Asylum Lake recently cracked the Top 100 List on Amazon Kindle and made it to #3 in the horror genre. Classically creepy, Asylum Lake blends dark humor, chills, romance, and a mystery that will leave you hanging till the very end. I encourage you to dip your toe into the chilling waters of Asylum Lake in preparation for Grave Undertakings to be unearthed in the very near future.

CLICK HERE to purchase Asylum Lake for Kindle for only $2.99. CLICK HERE to purchase an autographed copy of Asylum Lake in print for only $15.

Re-release of Freshly Edited Asylum Lake Signals Big Things on the Horizon

It's the season for resolutions and I figured I may as well jump on that bandwagon. I resolve to scare the shit out of you. There, I said it – and I mean it. No sense in tip-toeing around the issue; my goal this year is to write some seriously creepy tales that make each and every one of you want to sleep with the lights on.

You may wonder exactly what this resolution means. I know I have been promising a certain sequel for some time. Trust me, I am just as disappointed as you are that Grave Undertakings has been so slow in hitting the shelves.  I rushed Asylum Lake and as any reader can confirm -  it shows. The book was riddled with typos and formatting errors. The vast majority of you have looked past these errors to appreciate the characters and storyline – and for that I will be eternally grateful. Your kind words, positive reviews, and general support for my debut novel are the sole reason for me dipping my toe back into the water so to speak.  But things are different now; no more rookie mistakes are accepted.  A self-published debut is allowed some latitude when it comes to the basics. The sophomore effort,  however, demands perfection.

Enter Doree Anne.  I've connected with a very talented editor to save me from myself. Apparently I like ellipses a little too much and my punctuation in general leaves a little to be desired.  And don't even get me started on spelling! All of these little things that I overlook are now her responsibility. Doree has recently completed work on editing Asylum Lake and I couldn't be happier with the outcome.

Yes, I said Asylum Lake – sometimes it's one step back to take two steps forward.  Thousands of you have dipped your toe into its chilling waters and with the pending release of Grave Undertakings I am hopeful that thousands more will follow. As those familiar with Bedlam Falls know -  you have to be introduced to the likes of Lionel Collins and Ellis Arkema before you can hope to understand the elusive Dr. Wesley Clovis! Simply put – I want the next wave of Asylum Lake readers to experience a polished tale free from typos and errors so they can focus on the important elements - like what rests within the Reed family's kitchen sink!.

Bottom line – Asylum Lake is now available on Kindle in a freshly edited form! The print edition will soon follow.  Now, Doree can focus her attention, and red pen, on Grave Undertakings.  I'll keep you updated on her progress and will break the news of a shelf date for Grave Undertakings here first.  In the meantime, I leave you with the dust-jacket copy.

Beneath the sparkling surface of Asylum Lake, Brady Tanner has discovered his family's dark legacy and with it the chilling secret which has haunted the small town of Bedlam Falls for more than half a century.  From deep within the abandoned Lake View Asylum to the very bottom of the nearby lake which bares its name, the unremembered have grown restless…and vengeful.

Now Tanner, accompanied once again by an ill-fated cast of characters, must lead the search for the elusive Dr. Wesley Clovis – an ageless and faceless specter whose menacing shadow once filled the hospital's hallways and now promises a return to complete the unfinished task of parting the veil between life and death itself.  As the mysteries surrounding the man's sinister plans begin to bubble to the surface, Tanner is left to ponder just what could lead a man to such Grave Undertakings.

Souls will be lost and answers found
as the final mysteries of Asylum Lake are revealed.

CLICK HERE to connect with Dorre Anne. her specialty is zombies and I cannot wait to turn her loose on my own undead project FLIGHT. And finally, if you have read Asylum Lake I encourage you to visit Amazon and leave a review. Reviews are the lifeblood for authors – like word of mouth on steroids!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good fright!

Asylum Lake

Christmas is coming a week early in these parts.  For today only I am offering free downloads of my chilling debut novel on Kindle. Come tomorrow I'll be taking the title off the shelf temporarily to do some "remastering" of what many are calling "One Creepy Read!".  So if you've been tempted to dip your toe into the chilling waters of Asylum Lake but just haven;t found the courage, please dive in today… on me.

For those of you who choose to wait -and pay the $3.99 when the title goes live again – you will find the same dark tale, all cleaned up, and with the Asylum Lake bonus cut included. Hell – you might just want to download the free version and then pay for the new!

Merry Christmas friends, fans, and followers.

CLICK HERE to dive into Asylum Lake for free!