Thom Erb's Blog, page 2

Goodbye, Constant Companion. RIP Rask.

I stepped out onto the lightly frost-covered deck this morning and looked out over our backyard. The air was filled with a slightly bitter chill and was forced to pause.
My backyard- the one I grew up in and came back to own after my mom passed away and have seen for almost ten years, was now, a completely different visage.
Oh, the heavy, dew soaked lawn, trees, bushes, garage and sidewalk were the same. But for the first time in sixteen-years, I was alone.
Shelly had left for work a few minutes before. I descended the deck steps and slowly walked down the cracking, blacktopped sidewalk. I would normally look behind me and encourage Rask, our grumpy, perk-eared lab-mix down the steps. In years past, he'd gleefully hop down them and run out into the large yard, do his morning business and then proceed to hunt for any cats that might have the godlike intestinal fortitude to enter his kingdom.
But this cold, September morning, I stood there alone, save the busy birds carrying out their morning duties and the occasional school bus rumbling passed with zombie-like kids onboard.
My eyes, still puffy from heavy crying, slightly burned from overuse as I reflected back on the past sixteen-years.
You see, yesterday, Shelly and I had to make the most difficult decision every responsible, loving pet owner had to make. The painful, but necessary choice to let our beloved family member go.


Rask chose us when, on a whim visiting Lollypop farm and quickly became a beloved family member. While initially standoffish, the little, yellow lab, mix immediately made if clear that he had his own ways and that we, the two-legger servants of his, must hastily adapt to his needs and wants.
We fell in line, happily.

The majority of my days were spent with the neurotic, loyal pooch. Way back when I was going to Nazareth College. I'd have late afternoon or night classes and would be home alone with Rask. He'd demand some attention and then lay down on the couch- leaving me to my own devices. (usually homework or at that time, Ever quest.)
Through a few moves and other of life's difficult times, as well as the good, he's always been there for me.
When I started writing seriously and now professionally, he became my constant writing companion and partner.
It seems he and I had the same touch of OCD and creatures of habits we truly were. Whenever I'd head down the hall way to my office, he was never far behind. And god forbid if I closed the office door without him inside with me. He would just stand there until I realized what an unfeeling idiot I was and that he was waiting or until Shelly would finally come down and let the poor guy in. (I love to play my music really loud while I write so even if Rask could talk, and there were certainly times I believed the cleaver canine could.) I would never have heard his annoying pleas to let him in.
Once inside, he would lay down on the layers of blankets that were well-defined as his. His favorite was a Dallas Cowboys blanket that kept his old, tired bones warm during those cold months. It was that same blanket he laid on as we took him to the vet's yesterday. I'm sure he found some comfort in it. I hope so at least.



Anyway, in the office, while I feverishly tried to compose new stories or as I've been relentlessly working on lately, pulled my hair out working on revisions, I could always count on my four-legged best friend to be laying behind my chair, offering me low snores of support.
Now, as I sit and work on this blog, I can feel the empty space behind me and my eyes welling up with tears, my fingers search desperately to find the meaningful words of just how important Rask, Bubba, Bubba-Dog, Bubs, Bubba-Dude, Rask-a-million, Rasc-a-licious, Rask-n-ator, truly meant to me. I say me, not in a selfish way, no. Not at all. I say me, because I would never dare to try and understand how much Rask meant to Shelly, Tali or anyone else.
I know some people would think I'm a too sensitive, wuss or pansie, “Bah, it's just a damn dog, get over it!” Well, to them I say a hardy “Piss off and good day!” in return.
You see, Rask was the first (and probably only) dog that was truly mine.
Sure, I grew up with some amazing dogs and cats. (My mom could never, would never turn away a stray no matter if it were walking on four legs or two. That's just the brilliantly compassionate and loving soul she was. And she passed that blessing and curse onto me.)
And, as I have repeated, he was my constant companion. Wether it be while sitting with Shelly on the couch watching movies, and he'd fight to sit behind her. (I still believe that's why she likes to sit so far forward on the sofa. Little bastard. Lol.
Or, taking him for his morning ritual on his leash out in the woods in Manchester or letting him out in our backyard.
Memories of him fill my mind as I sit at my writing desk and take turns staring at the computer screen and the candle flame, flickering next to my keyboard. A flood of amazing, touching, funny, annoying and even angering scenes flit before my eyes like a movie on fast forward.


Sixteen years was a long, love and joyful life time for my boy. I certainly will struggle with his absence for a long time to come. But I am beyond grateful to that stubborn, sensitive yellow lab who turned out to be more of a true friend than many people I actually thought were.
He never let me down. Oh, piss me off when he'd chew up some shoes as a puppy or take off running in a snow storm and refused to come home? Hell yes. But, in the darkest moments of life- parent's deaths, life-long friendships deaths, money issues, wrestling with deep depression, anytime. My boy, Rask, Bubba, was always there. He never judged me, or made fun of me, or took advantage of me. (well, unless he parlayed my bad short-term memory into an extra cookie.)
No, he was the best friend I've ever had.
Again, he, never let me down or expected nothing more than affection and love in return for his constant companionship and loyalty. I know quite a few people who could learn a hell of a lot from this bat-eared pooch named after a Dave Somerville D&D NPC.
So, yeah, my office it bit darker and emptier now. But soon, a day will come where I'll feel his comforting presence again and I'll smile.
I'll swivel in my chair and tell him to lay down on the Cowboys blanket and tell him about my latest novel or short story.
I feel blessed and damn lucky to have let Shelly talk me into bringing that skittish, anti-social pup home that fateful day. It's funny, looking back as I rub my graying (okay, okay...gray) goatee , that little bastard turned out to be an awful lot like me. Funny how things turn out, huh?
Here's to you my constant companion. I love ya peckerhead and I'll miss you!!! Now, for christ's sake, will ya light some place so I can get back to editing this damn novel?





Love you Rask!!! Rest in peace, Bubba!




More writing and other super cool updates coming in the next week. Thank you for allowing me to indulge in my moment of loss and grief gang. Y'all rock!!!


-TAE

EVERYTHING THAT'S OLD, IS NEW AGAIN!- LATE SUMMER UPDATE AND MUSINGS.

Howdy folks, I truly hope you've been enjoying your summer!  I know I have.  It's been flying by at the speed of "Frantic". Before we know it, the leaves will be turning and a brisk chill will win the day. But, I am far from ready to accept the fall.  So....

I'm going to update y'all on a bunch of things that I've been up to and a few things I've been mulling over in my ever-racing brain.

First, I have wanted to thank everyone of you have purchased a copy of my first novella, TONES of HOME. It's been an amazing experience all the way around.

Working with Adam Millard of CROWDED QUARANTINE PUBLICATIONS has been the best experience I've been blessed with since I sat down to let my insanity ramble out on the page.
Adam, you sir, rock!!!! Thank you!!!
He also did a bang up job on the book cover.  I've gotten so many compliments on it. Well done!
Take a look:

If you haven't picked up a copy yet, here's a link to Amazon where you can snag a Kindle or print copy today!!!http://www.amazon.com/Tones-Home-Thomas-Erb/dp/0957648006/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1376307096&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=tones+of+home+thomas+a.+erb
I also had my first book signing event and reading to celebrate the book's release. It was held in my hometown of Marion, New York, at the town library.  It was an incredibly successful event and the new library is absolutely beautiful. A true gem in our small, farming town.  Thank you Tracy Fleegel-Whitney for allowing us to have the book event at the best library in Wayne County.Take a look here:  http://marionpubliclibrary.wix.com/marionpubliclibrary#!events/c17et
I had a great turn out and I am so blessed to have had so many great people come out and support me and my work. A big Erbal thanks to each and everyone of you great folks that bought books and said hello.
I want to specifically thank my amazing wife Shelly for all her support and work getting things ready for the signing and a huge thank you to Robin Cragg-Casella for being the best book sales master on the planet. 
You can check out the pictures from the books signing here:
http://www.thomerb.com/p/pic-pals.html
It was a great experience and finally getting to do my first public reading was a bit nerve wracking but a very fun.  I hope y'all enjoyed it. 
Thanks again, to you all!!
I've been involved in some excited art projects over the past month or so and I will be posting in-progress pictures soon and you can check them out here:
http://www.thomerb.com/p/book-cover-artwork.html


I've recently designed a book cover for Joseph Mulak's book: LITTLE ANGELS.  Here's the cover:

You can purchase this great story here:http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Mulak/e/B0085Q0OT8/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1376314501&sr=1-2-ent

WRITING UPDATE:
Now, I know there are times when it seems like I am all over the board with my writing projects, and truth be told, at times, I am.  It's the curse of my OCD and OI. (Overactive Imagination.) However, the most recent change in plans actually has/had a truly good reason.
I recently had the chance to publish book one of my retro-zombie novel and had started going through the book and began slaying as many darlings as needed. I am still very attached to the characters and the tale as a whole.
Sadly, the deal fell through but, I rediscovered the passionate fire I had when I initially wrote the book.So, now I am on track to have book on of the ETERNAL SHADOW TRILOGY ready for one more beta-reader go through and then off to an agent.
Here's a mock-up I created awhile back for THE LAST IN LINE:


I've been going through it and making many changes. Killing characters, deleting whole chapters. All based on the most intense guidance by Louise Bohmer and he Samurai-like editing expertise.  You can learn more about her impeccable services here.  http://www.louisebohmer.com/site/freelance/
I am now, looking to market the book(s) as a cross-genre. YA/New Adult/ straight up adult horror/dark fiction/zombie/apocalyptic/urban fantasy.  I am loving the new face this story is revealing itself.
So, while I was disappointed at the deal not working out, I am supremely happy now that I am making the story/books as best as they can be and I have a strong feeling you guys are really going to dig this trilogy.
My goal is to have book one ready to roll by Thanksgiving. Then, I will have books 2 and 3 outlined and the agent query letters all ready to be sent out.
Then, I will either start right on BOOK TWO: HEAVEN & HELL, or I'll be adventuring back to Sterling Point, NY and the monster novel, SNOW BLACK.  
Either way, I'm going to have a really busy winter season.  I'm more than okay with that.  I hate the cold and snow.  
I also have a zombie novella that takes place at the same time and in the same world as the ETERNAL SHADOW TRILOGY:  HEAVEN, HELL OR HOUSTON.
Dig on the mock-up cover:


As you can see, I've been busy and will be for the foreseeable future.  That make the Erbman, one happy hombre!!
Before I go, I do have one new short story out there now and two more coming out before the end of the year.  Here they are:
'PICKIN' & GRINNIN'."  in;

                   You can snag a copy here:  http://www.amazon.com/Relics-Remains-Ty-Schwamberger/dp/1481112031/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376317574&sr=1-2
SOON TO BE RELEASED:
"SPENCER WEAVER GETS REBOOTED." in:


 AND,
"The Lakeside Park Incident- Captain O’Leary’s Last Show."

Stay tuned for more great news and thank you so much for buying my books and digging my stories.  I also, if you could please, please leave a review, it doesn't matter how short it is, a review is a great thing for writers, we need all your support!!!

All the best,  TAE

The Summer of Winter Monsters and Texas Zombies- What I did on my summer vacation. By Thom Erb.

Happy Summer Solstice Everyone!!!

Summer is one of my favorite times of year.  There's just something about the bright sunshine, the nostalgic smell of fresh cut grass and the long days that just make this humble guy a pretty happy hombre.  Now I know some folks bitch and moan about the heat and the humidity and I will admit, it's not always fun trying to sleep when your body sticks to the sheets like those nasty old mouse mattress raps, but, I will always take the oven-like warmth for the freezing, biting temps of our upstate New York winters.   To each his own of course.  This is just my little red wagon to pull along.

However, as a writer, summer vacation is about as common as getting an Amazon review.   You truly wish, pray and sacrifice small... oh, ah..  you pray for them but in the end, just hope for the best.  But that's groovy, I love to write and the old mantra of arse in chair pays no heed to seasons or temperature outside.   We do what we do.

So, with that in mind, I thought I'd share with the three wonderful readers of this blog what yours truly has planned for the next few months.

I wrote down two major goals at the beginning of the year and they were:

One: Finish a novel.
     Well I am hard at work on that.  Snow Black is the novel that I feel I have the most connection with and to be honest, offers me the best opportunity for Goal #2

Here's the mock up of what I'd love to see as the cover.  This will be the deepest, most character driven story I've written so far and have all the hope and faith in the world it will be the best writing that I've created to date.

SNOW BLACK- A Monster Novel


Goal #2:   Get and Agent.

   Once I've completed Snow Black and my beta-readers and myself, rake it over the coals and slay as many darlings it takes to make this one hell of a book, I will then jump into finding the perfect agent for the Erbman.    I know she/he is out there, I just need to knock their socks/stocking off!  And.  I've have a feeling the time is right and that will happen.

That's my two major goals for the summer, but wait...there's more!!!


I will still be pushing my first novella  release from Crowded Quarantine Publications:

TONES OF HOME . Snag it up here on Amazon.http://www.amazon.com/Tones-Of-Home-ebook/dp/B00CVZFCX2/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1371858762&sr=8-1

Now don't go thinking that the Erbman is just  going to spend all his precious time inside with his face in the computer crafting great stories for you guys and gals, (while I will be doing that,) I will also be attending many concerts.  It's something my amazing wife Shelly and I truly love to do.  We do love our good music.
We also have some amazing friends and we will be sharing some cold beverages and bon fires.  Ya see, that's what folks like us in upstate NY love to do on summer nights.   Great times.    BUT...
While all the other Erbal shenanigans are going, I will be working on a few other projects.
I will be putting the final touches on my second novella, HEAVEN, HELL of HOUSTON .  It's a a retro-zombie tale set in my own world setting of Arcadia Falls.   Although this story takes place all in Texas.

Once the novella is done, it's be making the rounds with the big presses out there to find it a home.
Now that sounds like a pretty damn cool summer to me.  What do you think?

Let's keep this Erbal Train rolling my friends.  I need you.  If you read my work and dig it, please, please, please spread the Word of the Erb.  It's the way it's all done my friends.   I appreciate all your support thus far...but the journey as only just begun.  Let's do this.

Have a great summer!  Be safe, have a drink for me and I hope our paths cross in the sunshine.
Enjoy your time while we are here.   
All the best,
- TAE

FRIDAY NIGHT IS PARTY NIGHT!!! First Appearance on The FUNKY WEREPIG!!!

That's right folks, Thom will be on the one and only, FUNKY WEREPIG SHOW!!!

So, put your Ovaltine on ice and snag up a large batch of Moon-Pies for wooing and settle in for some Erbal shenanigans.

They'll be talking about the new book, TONES of HOME and all kinds of other Erbal grooviness.

So. be there or be obtuse!

FRIDAY NIGHT, 9:00PM ET.

Follow the link below and let the good times roll
http://www.tmvcafe.com/#!the-funky-werepig/zoom/c1oj3/image1miy

TONES OF HOME IS NOW ON TAP! ORDER YOURS TODAY!!!

Just when you thought it was safe to go out to your local watering hole for a cold one, TONES OF HOME will make you look at that old bar in a new, bloody light!

Crowded Quarantine Publications brings you the first novella by Thomas A. Erb.  TONES OF HOME  offers you all an opportunity to take a dark, twisted trip into a world filled with brutal violence, a brilliant soundtrack and a deep secret that will surely make your head spin.


Synopsis:

Ashley and Maurice are in love and heading to her hometown for the holidays and to share the good news with her family. Those two things are enough to drive any young man to drink, but add the fact that he's from the south and Afro-American, heading to the rural upstate town of Arcadia Falls, NY, where the reputation of toothless and inbred rednecks scares even the streetwise kids from North Carolina, and Maurice knows the ride will be anything but smooth.. Nevertheless, they are truly in love and Maurice is sure he's encountered worse on the gang-filled streets of Durham. He is wrong... After a series of practical jokes go wrong, Maurice is introduced to the Vanslycke family, which is where the party really starts. An overzealous brother and a promiscuous bartender are the least of his concerns. Four strangers are about to enter the Torchlight Inn and change their lives forever. Blood begins to flow as the faux Fab Four hunt for "The One" and won't leave until they find them. Nobody is safe. Can the young lovers escape? Who is "The One"? What do the Frightful Four want? Welcome, grab a drink, and settle in for a night at The Torchlight Inn.


Early praise for TONES of HOME:


"With TONES OF HOME Thomas A. Erb takes us home for some deeply disturbing holidays. Chilling and full of bizarre twists. Thumbs up."
   -Jonathan Maberry, New York Times best-selling author of FLESH & BONE and V-WARS

"Thomas Erb's TONES OF HOME has to be the bloodiest, the most ruthless, and yet the most honest love story I've come across since Natural Born Killers. Erb put his hooks into me with this one and had me guessing right up to the last page. It's a nail-biter through and through, and I'm betting it's going to leave you as stunned as it left me. Oh-and Quentin Tarantino, if you're looking for your next movie, the search stops here."
                  -Joe McKinney, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Inheritance and Dead City

"In 'Tones of Home' Thomas A. Erb will gently take you by the hand and lead you away from safety. His clean, unpretentious writing style is a treat for any reader. Recommended!"
                                               -James Roy Daley - author of The Dead Parade and Terror Town.

"This one has that wonderful nightmare quality - the one where you know you're dreaming but can't wake up, and imagined terrors are suddenly all too real. In other words, a reader's high."
                                                                      -David Dunwoody. author of THE HARVEST CYCLE

“If you’re into old school Rock and Roll and like your horror fiction dark and super nasty like I do, you’re going to LOVE Thomas A. Erb’s new book. TONES OF HOME is extreme horror at its best and it knocked me on my ass when I read it. Highly recommended!”
                                                                      -Gord Rollo, Author of THE JIGSAW MAN and                THE CRUCIFIXION EXPERIMENTS.


'Tones of Home'starts at full-speed and never lets up. Unpredictable and astonishingly bloody! “Thomas A. Erb's story telling is a brutal, fast-paced read which hooks the reader in from the very start. Gallons of blood, plenty of violence, and the Fab Four… you'll not have read anything like this before!”
                                                        - David Moody, author of HATER and AUTUMN Series.

"Thomas Erb's TONES OF HOME is the kind of story that--once you realize what's happening--you can't help but wish you came up with something even half as cool. An unforgettable, original terror tale."
                                                                                                       -The Horror Fiction Review

"TONES OF HOME is full-tilt, in-your-face horror ... If blood and mayhem are to your taste, you'll be satisfied to the max. ... And I will never be able to listen to the Beatles music the same way again."
                                                           - Rick Hautala- Author of Indian Summer and Glimpses.

"TONES OF HOME mixes old school horror with an intense new enthusiasm. This is the one fans of the Erbman have been waiting for. And if you’re not already a fan, this will make you one.’
                                                                              - Gregory Hall, host of the Funky Werepig

"If murder and mayhem with a twist is your thing, then I highly recommend TONES OF HOME.  I can honestly say it's one of the best books I've read this year, so far."
                                                                              - Colleen Wanglund- Horror Fiction Review.





TONES of HOME is available today from the following outlets in Trade Paperback, Kindle and other eBook formats for your gory, reading pleasure.

AMAZON US:

http://www.amazon.com/Tones-Of-Home-Thomas-Erb/dp/0957648006
AMAZON UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tones-Home-Thomas-Erb/dp/0957648006


BARNES & NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tones-of-home-thomas-a-erb/1115228554?ean=9780957648005

OTHER UK SOURCES:
Crowded Quarantine Publications:
http://www.crowdedquarantine.co.uk/site#!__site/store
The Book Depository UK
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Tones-Home-Thomas-Erb/9780957648005

Please pick up a copy today and enjoy!  If you could also leave a review on any/all the sights, it would be deeply appreciated.  
So, with Tones of Home in hand, grab a drink, sit down in your most comfy chair, crank up some Beatles music and welcome to the Torchlight Inn.

TONES OF HOME COMING MAY 21st! PRE-ORDER NOW!

"TONES OF HOME is full-tilt, in-your-face horror ... If blood and mayhem are to your taste, you'll be satisfied to the max. ... And I will never be able to listen to the Beatles music the same way again."

                                                - Rick Hautala- Author of Indian Summer and Glimpses.   



I am very excited and proud to announce that my first novella will be released May 21st and will feature the bonus-story, July 16, 1977-The Death And Birth Of The King.
This might just be the most twisted, violent story I've written thus far. If you like your stories bloody and off the beaten path, I am proud to say TONES of HOME is just your cup of tea.
Pre-order now from:
http://crowdedquarantine.com/
OR
www.amazon.com

has the novella available for pre-order now! Click the link at the bottom of the page.

Synopsis:
Ashley and Maurice are in love and headed to her hometown for the holidays and to share the good news with her family. Those two things would drive any young man to drink, but add the fact that he’s from the south and an African-American and they are headed to rural upstate town of Arcadia Falls, NY, where the reputation of toothless and inbred rednecks even scares the streetwise kid from North Carolina. Nevertheless, they are truly in love and Maurice is sure he’s encountered more dangerous things on the gang-filled streets of Durham.
He is wrong…
After a few practical jokes go wrong, Maurice is introduced to the Vanslycke family and welcomed with much drinking and backslapping. A overzealous brother and a promiscuous bartender are the least of his concerns. Little do they know that four strangers are about to enter the Torchlight Inn and will forever change their lives.
Blood flows as these Faux, Fab Four impersonators search for the “One”. They have a list, and one of the bar’s occupants is on it, and they aren’t leaving until they have found them. No one is safe.A heavy winter storm rages outside the small tavern, while rage and gun fire rage inside. Can the young lovers escape? Who is the “One”? And what do the Frightful Four want?

Advanced Praise:
"With TONES OF HOME Thomas A. Erb takes us home for some deeply disturbing holidays. Chilling and full of bizarre twists. Thumbs up."
-Jonathan Maberry, New York Times best-selling author of FLESH & BONE and V-WARS
"Thomas Erb's TONES OF HOME has to be the bloodiest, the most ruthless, and yet the most honest love story I've come across since Natural Born Killers. Erb put his hooks into me with this one and had me guessing right up to the last page. It's a nail-biter through and through, and I'm betting it's going to leave you as stunned as it left me. Oh-and Quentin Tarantino, if you're looking for your next movie, the search stops here." -Joe McKinney, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Inheritance and Dead City

"In 'Tones of Home' Thomas A. Erb will gently take you by the hand and lead you away from safety. His clean, unpretentious writing style is a treat for any reader. Recommended!"
-James Roy Daley - author of The Dead Parade and Terror Town.
"This one has that wonderful nightmare quality - the one where you know you're dreaming but can't wake up, and imagined terrors are suddenly all too real. In other words, a reader's high."
-David Dunwoody. author of THE HARVEST CYCLE
“If you’re into old school Rock and Roll and like your horror fiction dark and super nasty like I do, you’re going to LOVE Thomas A. Erb’s new book. TONES OF HOME is extreme horror at its best and it knocked me on my ass when I read it. Highly recommended!” -Gord Rollo, Author of THE JIGSAW MAN and THE CRUCIFIXION EXPERIMENTS.
'Tones of Home' starts at full-speed and never lets up. Unpredictable and astonishingly bloody!” Thomas A. Erb's story telling is a brutal, fast-paced read which hooks the reader in from the very start. Gallons of blood, plenty of violence, and the Fab Four… you'll not have read anything like this before!”- David Moody, author of HATER and AUTUMN Series.
"Thomas Erb's TONES OF HOME is the kind of story that--once you realize what's happening--you can't help but wish you came up with something even half as cool. An unforgettable, original terror tale." -The Horror Fiction Review
TONES OF HOME mixes old school horror with an intense new enthusiasm. This is the one fans of the Erbman have been waiting for. And if you’re not already a fan, this will make you one.’
~ Gregory Hall, host of the Funky Werepig
 Pre-order a copy today!

TONES OF HOME COMING MAY 21st! PRE-ORDER NOW!

"TONES OF HOME is full-tilt, in-your-face horror ... If blood and mayhem are to your taste, you'll be satisfied to the max. ... And I will never be able to listen to the Beatles music the same way again."

                                                - Rick Hautala- Author of Indian Summer and Glimpses.   



I am very excited and proud to announce that my first novella will be released May 21st and will feature the bonus-story, July 16, 1977-The Death And Birth Of The King.
This might just be the most twisted, violent story I've written thus far. If you like your stories bloody and off the beaten path, I am proud to say TONES of HOME is just your cup of tea.
 CROWDED QUARANTINE PUBLICATIONS has the novella available for pre-order now! Click the link at the bottom of the page.

Synopsis:
Ashley and Maurice are in love and headed to her hometown for the holidays and to share the good news with her family. Those two things would drive any young man to drink, but add the fact that he’s from the south and an African-American and they are headed to rural upstate town of Arcadia Falls, NY, where the reputation of toothless and inbred rednecks even scares the streetwise kid from North Carolina. Nevertheless, they are truly in love and Maurice is sure he’s encountered more dangerous things on the gang-filled streets of Durham.
He is wrong…
After a few practical jokes go wrong, Maurice is introduced to the Vanslycke family and welcomed with much drinking and backslapping. A overzealous brother and a promiscuous bartender are the least of his concerns. Little do they know that four strangers are about to enter the Torchlight Inn and will forever change their lives.
Blood flows as these Faux, Fab Four impersonators search for the “One”. They have a list, and one of the bar’s occupants is on it, and they aren’t leaving until they have found them. No one is safe.A heavy winter storm rages outside the small tavern, while rage and gun fire rage inside. Can the young lovers escape? Who is the “One”? And what do the Frightful Four want?

Advanced Praise:
"With TONES OF HOME Thomas A. Erb takes us home for some deeply disturbing holidays. Chilling and full of bizarre twists. Thumbs up."
-Jonathan Maberry, New York Times best-selling author of FLESH & BONE and V-WARS
"Thomas Erb's TONES OF HOME has to be the bloodiest, the most ruthless, and yet the most honest love story I've come across since Natural Born Killers. Erb put his hooks into me with this one and had me guessing right up to the last page. It's a nail-biter through and through, and I'm betting it's going to leave you as stunned as it left me. Oh-and Quentin Tarantino, if you're looking for your next movie, the search stops here." -Joe McKinney, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Inheritance and Dead City

"In 'Tones of Home' Thomas A. Erb will gently take you by the hand and lead you away from safety. His clean, unpretentious writing style is a treat for any reader. Recommended!"
-James Roy Daley - author of The Dead Parade and Terror Town.
"This one has that wonderful nightmare quality - the one where you know you're dreaming but can't wake up, and imagined terrors are suddenly all too real. In other words, a reader's high."
-David Dunwoody. author of THE HARVEST CYCLE
“If you’re into old school Rock and Roll and like your horror fiction dark and super nasty like I do, you’re going to LOVE Thomas A. Erb’s new book. TONES OF HOME is extreme horror at its best and it knocked me on my ass when I read it. Highly recommended!” -Gord Rollo, Author of THE JIGSAW MAN and THE CRUCIFIXION EXPERIMENTS.
'Tones of Home' starts at full-speed and never lets up. Unpredictable and astonishingly bloody!” Thomas A. Erb's story telling is a brutal, fast-paced read which hooks the reader in from the very start. Gallons of blood, plenty of violence, and the Fab Four… you'll not have read anything like this before!”- David Moody, author of HATER and AUTUMN Series.
"Thomas Erb's TONES OF HOME is the kind of story that--once you realize what's happening--you can't help but wish you came up with something even half as cool. An unforgettable, original terror tale." -The Horror Fiction Review
TONES OF HOME mixes old school horror with an intense new enthusiasm. This is the one fans of the Erbman have been waiting for. And if you’re not already a fan, this will make you one.’
~ Gregory Hall, host of the Funky Werepig
How you can pre-order a copy today!

https://www.paypal.com/uk/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=GQrn9NWiSD0NhlUY96sdZHYCTuZixiXMWzfB8KVmtSQmQxE-fF-7CssRVbW&dispatch=50a222a57771920b6a3d7b606239e4d529b525e0b7e69bf0224adecfb0124e9b61f737ba21b0819829f096b770b8e1a3a7c4e4e809c58ebc

New Release Spotlight: Dean Harrison

I am honored and excited to share with you all my good friend and very talented writer, Dean Harrison's first novel, "These Unquiet Bones."  The dark and creepy story is bound to make you all shiver with the heebeegeebees.
I recently spoke with Dean and conducted an interview where he talks about his writing process, influences and he dishes on his great book.
I want to personally congratulate Dean and I am damn proud of him.  Enjoy the interview and make sure you check out the links and pick up "These Unquiet Bones".

Tell the reader's a little about yourself?
I’ve been a fan of horror fiction since I was a little boy. Stories about monsters and ghosts have always fascinated me. I have four short stories and one novella published. More is on the way. My first novel is These Unquiet Bones. It was released on Monday, January 28.

What got you into writing?
My mother always said I was a good writer, even as a little kid when most of my writing was done in letters to relatives and cards. However, I always had a love for scary stories, and I read all the spooky fiction I could get my hands on. I also used to make up stories in my head to help me fall asleep at night. Those stories sometimes resulted in some pretty frightening nightmares. It wasn’t until my teenager years—when I discovered such writers as Douglas Clegg and Robert McCammon—that I decided to actually try my hand at fiction writing.
What are some of your favorite books and authors?
Reading Douglas Clegg’s The Halloween Man was what inspired my first attempt at novel writing. Halloween Man is still one of my favorites. It’s difficult to pinpoint my favorite Robert McCammon novel because they’re all so damn good. But Usher’s Passing, The Wolf’s Hour, Boy’s Life, and Gone South definitely rank among the top.
Two of the writers who had a direct influence on These Unquiet Bones, however, are actually Thomas Hardy and William Faulkner. My favorite novels by Thomas Hardy are Tess of the d’Urbervilles and The Mayor of Casterbridge. By William Faulkner, Sanctuary, As I Lay Dying, A Light in August and The Sound and the Fury. During the time I was writing These Unquiet Bones, I was also reading a lot of John Farris (Son of the Endless Night), Tom Piccirilli (Choir of Ill Children), and Stephen King (Carrie). So inspiration came from there as well.
Recently I’ve been reading a lot of T.M. Wright and H.P. Lovecraft. T.M. was actually kind enough to write a blurb for my novel. My favorite works of his (so far) are Carlisle Street, A Manhattan Ghost Story, and Strange Seed. Whoever has yet to read his stuff, I highly recommend you start there. T.M. Wright is the master of quiet horror, in my humble opinion. How would you describe your writing style?
Literary and poetic at times, visceral and blunt at others. I try for a healthy mix between the two. Though lately I’ve been leaning more towards the subtlety and creepiness of quiet horror.
Tell the readers about your first novel?


It is not just a horror novel. It has elements of psychological suspense and drama as well. I like to consider it a Southern Gothic.
In the novel, trying to get behind the truth of her mother's death, Amy Snow unleashes the skeletons lurking in the dark of her father's closet, and learns a terrible, twisted truth about her family tree. Meanwhile, a man named Adam is on a mission to restore Paradise to its former glory. To accomplish this, he must find "The Lost One", a girl he calls Eve, and sacrifice her to the god she betrayed the day a talking serpent slithered into the Garden of Eden.
T.M. Wright had the following to say about These Unquiet Bones: [it] “takes the reader on a unique and well-crafted roller coaster ride of horror and suspense. You won't be able to put this one down until you've finished it. His characters are as creepy as any I have read in a long time. Keep your eye on this writer; this book is unforgettable.”
Where did the idea for you story come from?
Honestly, I’m not really sure. The themes and characters have been with me since I started writing seriously, though a stable plot and storyline took longer to come by. I guess I would say that the idea came through stories I’ve read, people I’ve met, and things I’ve dreamed, witnessed or experienced. Ideas mostly come through living. Unless you’re Emily Dickinson, if you don’t get out of the house often enough then you probably don’t have much to say about the world around you.

Describe your process and any stumbling blocks, how long did it take you to complete the book?
Writing the book, I went through many drafts, plot summaries, character outlines and edits that it was enough to drive a man insane. But hey, that is the writing process. And I experienced many stumbling blocks caused by plot holes and character issues. It took me three years to complete. A long time, yes, but I was distracted by school, work and other writing projects. While I wasn’t working on my novel, I’d like to say I was still productive. But I never liked being away from it for too long. I was actually worried that it would never be finished.
Thankfully, I pushed myself hard enough, persisted, and made it to the final page. I also couldn’t have done it without a little help from my friends and family. Writers truly need a support group, or else the fear of failure and/or rejection will drag them so far under that they just might not make it to the next paragraph, let alone the next page.
What are you planning for the future?
I have two novellas in the works, but I’m taking them one at a time. The one I’m currently working on contains elements of Celtic mythology and vampire lore. And though I prefer the freedom provided by the length of novels and novellas, I do have some short story ideas tucked away for a rainy day.
How can the readers buy your new novel and find out more about you?
They can order my book on Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.com/These-Unquiet-Bones-Dean-Harrison/dp/0615751016/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359480823&sr=8-1&keywords=these+unquiet+bones
Or visit my website and Facebook author page. Links are below:
http://deanmharrison.wordpress.com/ ; https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dean-Harrison/190734310970337?ref=hl
http://www.amazon.com/These-Unquiet-Bones-Dean-Harrison/dp/0615751016
Dean's official Bio:
Dean Harrison is a longtime fan of horror fiction. Though he’s spent time in the “real world” working as a shoe sales- man, a security guard, an investigator, a loss prevention detective and a journalist, he’s consistently returned to what he loves doing most— writing horror stories. His published work can be found in the anthologies FEM- FANGS, FELL BEASTS, RELICS & REMAINS, CHRISTMAS IN HELL and TWISTED TALES FROM THE TORCHLIGHT INN. More is to come. He lives with his family in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama, a city rich in ghost stories.

Walk softly and carry a big Schtick... First Podcast!

Hey folks, I'm happy to announce that my first ever podcast interview is now live on iTunes!  If you happened to miss the original broadcast, (I'll be talking to you after class) here's the link to give it a listen.
 https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/tmv-cafe/id552851149

All I need are good friends, a sharp sword, cold ale and a barrel of pickled fish.

I normally write blogs about my writing projects or the struggle within their crafting. Oh, trust me, there is one brewing, but this time around, I wanted to try something a tad different. I've been a RPGer since I was around twelve or thirteen years old. I've played a plethora of different gaming systems over the years (thank you Dave Somerville!) but mostly it's been Dungeons & Dragons, in it's varied editions. I was burned out for a long time with gaming and especially fantasy. After all, how many times can you save the beautiful maiden with the 20 comeliness, the city, the world from demons, dragons, even fellow players. (Darrell, John, yeah, you!) It tends to get boring and predictable. But the fact is, as we've all gotten older, our individual lives have taken us all in our own directions. Which is normal of course and a wonderful thing. Sadly, that makes it tough for old friends to find time to hang out and have fun. Especially when we all had young kids. So, we still get together whenever we can, mainly to have a night of old geeky fun. To me, it's become our version of “poker night”. Only more fun. (in my humble opinion.) I still game with great friends that I played with in high school and that in and of itself, is a miracle and a blessing. Not many people can say they still hang out with a fairly decent number of old school chums. We are lucky indeed. It's with the nostalgic thought that I am writing this blog. As I sit here, (warming up for my night of fiction writing)and cranking Iron Maiden, it strikes me just how many of my fondest memories of my youth and adulthood have happened around a gaming table. Some of my closest friends came from a silly game where you roll plastic dice and pretend you're a brave fighter or a crafty mage. It just boggles my mind just how powerful and important that silly little game has been to me and I am sure to others, as well. My friends started yet another gaming campaign over the holidays and even though we've only played a few times (see the busy life statement above) I haven't laughed so hard and had such a great time in quite a while. There's just something about being with old friends that takes you back and in a way buts aside all the negative crap the world can levy on you. While you're at the table, books, dice, character sheets in front of you, (cold beverages too.) everything is just...cool. Carefree and comfortable. There's no concern about bills, the cost of gas, politics, or writing projects due (well, that's not totally true, I always worry and think about them.) It's like a pocket dimension for those six hours or so. And, it's not imperative to solve all the mysteries of the plot, or kill the bad-guy, what's imperative, is to have fun, forget the bullshit and laugh and enjoy the amazing company you're in. A great example of the power of gaming has on you, just happened recently. Let me ramble on a bit. As I mentioned, we started up a game recently and we're always looking for new folks to come and game, sometimes it works out, sometimes...not so much. (that's a whole blog on its own.) Well, one day I was surfing Facebook and received a friendship request from an old friend I hadn't seen or spoken to in a very long time. I had met him through my best friend at the time and of course, it was at a D&D game. We became fast friends and then as always, life sent us in different directions. I gladly accepted his request and quickly we were shooting the breeze and catching up. To make a long story longer, I asked him to game with us and he was stoked to join us. After hanging out with him and talking, I had forgotten how much I liked the dude and just how many amazing memories that only he and the others that gamed with us during time, knew about. Golden memories that not even the darkest moment could take away. And the older I get, I find myself truly cherishing those times and memories in my life. On a side note, my friend's first night of gaming was a bit....chaotic.. I'll leave it at that. But, hey, he is coming back. So in closing, I've been lucky to have the friends I've had and participated in, some amazing campaigns and created and played some really fun and deep characters. In fact, I've recently started my first ever, fantasy story, based on one of my favorite gaming characters. But most of all, it comes down to the friendships. Yeah, our “poker night” is still pretty fun. Here's to all future characters, gamers and campaigns. All brought together by a silly, little game.