Vince Churchill's Blog, page 10

Knock, knock. Who's there? Facebook. Facebook Who?

Sooooooo, over the last week or so, I’ve trimmed away more than 1/2 of my Facebook...

So, I’m trying hard to work smarter along with giving max...

So, I’m trying hard to work smarter along with giving max effort setting up events for both my new novels. But it seems unlike in years past, that communication is an inexact science. For instance, I’ve contacted my three local colleges, speaking directly to 2 bookstore managers about October or Halloween events, but have heard nothing back for over two weeks. The same can be said for 4 other possible events. Emails go unreturned, as do voice messages. Some of the places I contacted have already hosted successful events with me in the past. It’s very hard to be a stellar book pimp if all the good street corners are off limits. Even thinking out of the box hasn’t gotten me far because folks won’t call/email me back.

I’ve checked and re-checked my hygiene. I’m rinsing and flossing. 

I don’t understand why folks can’t take the time to be courteous enough to return communication just to say, hey, thanks but no thanks. So, I guess I’ll keep marching onward until my determined, creative legs just won’t carry me another step.

The Reality Is...

That selling hold in your hand books is not easy. I’m not sure its ever been easy, but I can...

I love conventions. The 7th annual Scarefest, located in...

I love conventions. The 7th annual Scarefest, located in Lexington, Kentucky, may be the largest convention I’ve attended. Over 15,000 passed through last year, and I can’t wait to pitch the readers among them on my books. I’m going into battle with the three books pictured, which I think will cover the majority of horror and dark fiction tastes.

Hyde is the erotically charged freak show. Goodnight, My Sweet is the romantic, end of the world thriller. And The Butcher Bride is a razor slice of revenge mayhem that will satisfy the blood lust of any 80’s slasher film fan. I’m really proud of them all, and I’m hoping to have a record sales weekend. 

I also love conventions because it’s one of the few places on earth I can wallow in the company of like minded horror folk who sport Texas Chainsaw, zombie, and Buffy t-shirts. People will sport a variety of characters and creatures. Fake blood will flow like bosoms in a Hammer vampire flick, and come Sunday night, my face will ache from all the smiling.

I have a feeling that this is gonna be a weekend for the ages! Can’t wait to posts pics and tell tales upon my return! 

So, I’m at this stage I always go through prior to...

So, I’m at this stage I always go through prior to starting a new project. It’s like I’m revving my imagination over and over while holding firm to my brain emergency break. I have more vivid dreams, which include ugly nightmares and XXX images. I have two screenplays to write - well one is really a “re-imagining” re-write - and I have a book I’m D-Y-I-N-G to start writing, but its still simmering in more ways than one. I am set to write the opening scene, something fun and sinister involving a brief discussion between God & The Devil, that I think will set the appropriate tone for the novel.

There’s no getting around the fact taking care of my 5 month old granddaughter on a daily basis takes a toll on me, but each week I’m getting stronger, and soon I’ll be stronger than I was before my nanny duties. And that’ll be about the time my creative emergency brake will release.

The other night I dreamed what I think I’ll use as the...

The other night I dreamed what I think I’ll use as the opening scene in my latest novel, SIETE. It’s a scene involving God & the Devil, and the “N” word was used. When I mentioned to my wife that I’d had a Pulp Fiction-esque dream about the new book involving dialogue using the “N” word (one time), a creative discussion ensued. 

She’s firm in her belief that I shouldn’t use the “N” word. I don’t see the harm at all, especially since it’s the Devil using it in what I think is a very appropriate way. The jury is still out.

BTW - in six precious books, I’ve never used the “N” word. The occasion just never came up. And out of respect for my wife, I chose not to use it here.

& just for the curious: my wife is white & I’m black.

Very excited about the cover for my upcoming thriller,...

Very excited about the cover for my upcoming thriller, Goodnight, My Sweet. It’s always a major kick when a book finds a home, but there’s something extra special about seeing a book’s cover for the first time. It makes the project real.

This is the first of my six books that offers realistic, photographic cover image, but the style is a perfect fit for my end of the world, road trip, thriller.

Excited to debut the book mid-September at Lexington, Kentucky’s SCAREFEST!

Falling Down the Rabbit Hole

For the first time in a long time, I’ll be working back in production on a live set. The...

Discovered this image on SlasherBetty’s Facebook page. It...

Discovered this image on SlasherBetty’s Facebook page. It spoke to me. 

Next Book Up

Finally made a decision on the next book. The working title is Siete, which is Spanish for the...