Carrie Green's Blog, page 2
July 29, 2013
Join Us for GIRLS GONE GORE!

Carrie Green is a Marketing, Social Media and PR pro. Her media hits include BusinessWeek, CFO, CIO, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, Computerworld, Crain's Chicago Business, Entrepreneur, Fortune Small Business, Industry Standard, USA Today and the Wall Street Journal, among many others. Additionally, she has promoted traditionally published business books from McGraw-Hill, Jossey-Bass (Wiley) and Edward Elgar Publishing. She is the Amazon bestselling Horror author of Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue, and Sugar Is Sweet.
Lisa M. Lilly is an Author and Attorney. Her thriller The Awakening is an Amazon occult and feminist bestseller. The title story of her short story collection The Tower Formerly Known as Sears and Two Other Tales of Urban Horror was recently made into a short film under the name Willis Tower. Her poems and short fiction have appeared in numerous print and on-line magazines, including Parade of Phantoms, ChickFlicks, and Hair Trigger.
'GIRLS GONE GORE!' will be held Friday, August 9th at 6pm, in Room 34 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018 hosted by Wizard World's Chicago Comic Con. For more information and tickets for Chicago Comic Con, click here .
Published on July 29, 2013 18:15
December 25, 2012
The Best eBook I've Read in 2012
It’s the holiday season when new eReaders—Kindles, Nooks, iPads and other devices have been gifted. Let's create a killer recommendation list for those readers new to eBooks, not just the best author, but their best book (even great authors occasionally publish mediocre books and the most talented authors are often incredibly prolific). Please comment below and tell me what was the best eBook that you read in 2012—I want to know the single title that converted you, that made you an ardent fan of a new author for life.
I read a ton of horror/paranormal eBooks and my goal is simple. I want to discover those works worthy of a five star rating, which I can then share with readers who truly enjoy this genre. I'm looking to find the shining stars and I've found a bunch, but the best book that I've read all year—drum roll, please—was R.S. Guthrie's LOST.
LOST is about Bobby 'Mac' MacAulay, a FBI agent who is called by his brother, the chief of police of Rocky Gap, Idaho, to privately consult on a local missing child case involving an eleven-year old girl. Her father, a very disturbed individual, claims that the Devil took her.
Bobby leaves his home base of Denver, Colorado to assist in his brother's investigation. This abduction soon escalates into a full-blown fight between good and evil. Bobby is a fascinating character and it is his inner dialogue which anchors the novel. He is a hardened law enforcement officer facing something outside of the realm of normal police work. He questions his sanity and his abilities, but gathers his courage to protect the innocent.
LOST is the second book in what is to be a trilogy (the third book is not yet published); I read it before the first book in the series, Black Beast. Know that LOST stands alone, there is enough background provided that you do not need to read the series in order (but, check out Black Beast, later, as a prequel).
LOST was the best book of 2012 for me. You can purchase it at Amazon here.
As we approach 2013, let's resolve to recognize all the authors and books that we loved and perhaps did not find the time to post a review (I was six month overdue for LOST). I'd rather do that than give up chocolate or some other vice. Share the title, author, and perhaps a few short words about why you're recommending this one book above all others in the comment section below. It can be any genre, indie or traditional, but must be available as an eBook. If you can provide a link to Amazon or another book buying venue for purchasing that book, that would be great, too!
I read a ton of horror/paranormal eBooks and my goal is simple. I want to discover those works worthy of a five star rating, which I can then share with readers who truly enjoy this genre. I'm looking to find the shining stars and I've found a bunch, but the best book that I've read all year—drum roll, please—was R.S. Guthrie's LOST.

LOST is about Bobby 'Mac' MacAulay, a FBI agent who is called by his brother, the chief of police of Rocky Gap, Idaho, to privately consult on a local missing child case involving an eleven-year old girl. Her father, a very disturbed individual, claims that the Devil took her.
Bobby leaves his home base of Denver, Colorado to assist in his brother's investigation. This abduction soon escalates into a full-blown fight between good and evil. Bobby is a fascinating character and it is his inner dialogue which anchors the novel. He is a hardened law enforcement officer facing something outside of the realm of normal police work. He questions his sanity and his abilities, but gathers his courage to protect the innocent.
LOST is the second book in what is to be a trilogy (the third book is not yet published); I read it before the first book in the series, Black Beast. Know that LOST stands alone, there is enough background provided that you do not need to read the series in order (but, check out Black Beast, later, as a prequel).
LOST was the best book of 2012 for me. You can purchase it at Amazon here.
As we approach 2013, let's resolve to recognize all the authors and books that we loved and perhaps did not find the time to post a review (I was six month overdue for LOST). I'd rather do that than give up chocolate or some other vice. Share the title, author, and perhaps a few short words about why you're recommending this one book above all others in the comment section below. It can be any genre, indie or traditional, but must be available as an eBook. If you can provide a link to Amazon or another book buying venue for purchasing that book, that would be great, too!
Published on December 25, 2012 00:52
May 10, 2012
Survival is the Only Prize in this High Stakes Game!

To this goal, a technological wonder of a secret lair, 500 feet underground, has been created. In a grand entrance, equal to any James Bond criminal mastermind, our evil tycoon, Darius Wellington, appears "…the panel across from the table slid open and a man in a gray Armani suit entered the room."
The pros soon discover that they are not playing for money. It was not enough to drug and kidnap his unwilling competitors; Darius has provided them with life or death motivation. The poker tournament room is surrounded by nine glass cells that fill, or drain, with water, depending upon a player's stack of chips. Trapped in each cell is a poker pro's loved one—a spouse, a child, a parent, or a sibling.
Not only must they play against Darius and each other, but they must win, or their loved ones will drown in front of them. A dedicated security force follows Darius' every order. There is no escape or rescue, every player is wearing a bracelet that delivers a debilitating electric shock if they don't do as commanded—play the game!
No spoilers provided here—read this non-stop thriller to discover what happens, but know that you'll never look at a televised poker game or view the slow shuffle of a deck of cards, in quite the same way…
The Game can be purchased at Amazon.
Published on May 10, 2012 21:11
May 6, 2012
SOUL HERDER Blog Tour: How to Plan for Sequel Success!


It was important to Beth that her main character, Layla, should mature and evolve throughout the three books. She has given careful consideration on how to present her character's story to new readers as well as those who have read the first book (and don't want to be bogged down with back-story). Reader engagement, whether new or returning, will come from her characters' emotional transformation.
"I believe love and forgiveness transforms people, and this is what really changes Layla, even with all the other crazy stuff going on. It is her connection with people, and forgiving, that sets her free and opens her eyes," shared Beth.
"Without giving the story away, it’s a game-changer," Beth continued, "Layla goes from isolated bookworm to a significant global citizen almost overnight. My hope is when readers finish SOUL HERDER they will recognize that this is a story about transformation, connection, power, and fulfilling destiny."
WRITTEN IN TIME will conclude the trilogy. When pressed, Beth revealed that it will go further back into history to unveil how Layla’s prophesy came to be, along with the origins of the Bane's quest for revenge. Beth is aiming for a release towards the end of the year.
I can't wait!
To purchase VISION and SOUL HERDER visit Beth's Amazon Author Page.
Published on May 06, 2012 14:53
April 24, 2012
Skip the Movie--Buy this Book! Updating Poe for Modern Times
As I write this review, The Raven, a movie that stars John Cusack as Edgar Allan Poe is scheduled to be released on Friday. I'm a huge Poe fan, but I'm viewing this news with a mixture of anticipation and dread. I'm hopeful that it might be good, a suitable tribute to the horror master who first sparked many readers' interest in the genre, but I'm worried that it may be a terrible. At the very least, I'm hoping it will remind the general public about Poe and create a renewed interest in his darkly elegant contributions to literature.
Well, if this movie whets your appetite for some Poe style horror, I'm going to whole-heartedly recommend picking up a copy of Raven Wings And 13 More Twisted Tales by Frank G. Poe, Jr. This extremely modern nod to Poe will alternately thrill, shock or amuse. Three standouts that I especially enjoyed include a tale titled 'Final Envoy,' which had a science fiction flavor; 'The Spider and The Fly,' written from the viewpoint of a male black widow spider that is understandably reluctant to mate (as he's discovered what happens next) and how he handles that dilemma; and 'Of Ninjas and Bullets Left Behind' exposing the abuses of corporate power during an eager candidate's job interview with a CEO. It is a very polished and professional collection that cuts quickly to the action, but is still heavily character driven. Frank is a former literary journal editor and journalist. He knows how to write. He provides a wide variety of stories, something for every type of horror fan.
You'll delight in the twists and turns. Frank keeps his readers guessing before delivering curve ball endings. You'll never think of the word, "Nevermore," in quite the same way. These are wicked little treats.
Frank clearly has a dry sense of humor. He discusses an affinity for Poe in his introduction and claims, rather tongue-in-cheek, a relationship with the original Poe—not as a direct relative, but through reincarnation. His speculation as to the true cause of Poe's death is very interesting. Is he sincere? Doubtful, but be in on the joke and pick-up this thoroughly entertaining collection. I hate to speculate, but I have a feeling that it's way better than the movie!
Purchase Raven Wings And 13 More Twisted Tales at Amazon formatted for Kindle or as a Paperback. I was fortunate enough to read the paperback version which is a beautifully produced volume and worthy of gift-giving.

You'll delight in the twists and turns. Frank keeps his readers guessing before delivering curve ball endings. You'll never think of the word, "Nevermore," in quite the same way. These are wicked little treats.

Purchase Raven Wings And 13 More Twisted Tales at Amazon formatted for Kindle or as a Paperback. I was fortunate enough to read the paperback version which is a beautifully produced volume and worthy of gift-giving.
Published on April 24, 2012 14:45
April 3, 2012
Read Me Dead--Can You Handle the Suspense?
Today, I'm featuring a guest post by author Emerald Barnes as part of her blog tour (be sure to click on her link for freebies, prizes, and other good stuff) promoting her new release, here.
Published on April 03, 2012 14:04
Read Me Dead--Can You Handle the Suspense?
Today, I'm featuring a guest post by author Emerald Barnes as part of her blog tour (be sure to click on her link for freebies, prizes, and other good stuff) promoting her new release, here.
Published on April 03, 2012 13:04
March 31, 2012
Historical Horror by Mark Souza
'A stranger rides into town' is a plot device well known in the Western genre, but it works extremely well in this horror story set in the 1700's. It's an attractive native American woman arriving in a stage coach, in this instance, rather than the typical outlaw on horseback. She's there to work at the Comfort Shack--an amenity provided for lonely single soldiers at the isolated Fort Cavendish. Her employment is in the world's oldest profession, prostitution.
The narrator of this tale, through her diary, is Rebecca, the wife of Commandant Jonathon Smythe. She happens to be meeting the coach that day to pick up a long-awaited package ordered from England. She has a brief encounter with this exotic woman, recognizing her as trouble, and then watches as events unfold that confirm her darkest suspicions. Rebecca attempts, yet fails, to crush the seductive evil that is slowly engulfing the residents of the Fort.
In a parallel storyline, direct descendants of Rebecca and Jonathon arrive at Fort Cavendish more than two hundred years later. A typical American family--mother, father, and two teenage daughters, they are taking an educational pit-stop while on vacation. They were only dimly aware of the life-altering conflict that had occurred back in 1759, decimating the Fort's population.
A helpful front desk clerk is only too happy to check the curious group in and share all the gory details (omitting only one) during a quick tour of the Fort. Mark Souza keeps you guessing. He delivers several unexpected twists and turns. He then neatly ties up all the loose ends with a satisfying punch of an ending.
The Comfort Shack is available for a limited time, for free, on Smashwords (in multiple formats). Souza will soon be publishing a full length novel, but check out this short story for a taste of this talented writer that will leave you wanting more!
The narrator of this tale, through her diary, is Rebecca, the wife of Commandant Jonathon Smythe. She happens to be meeting the coach that day to pick up a long-awaited package ordered from England. She has a brief encounter with this exotic woman, recognizing her as trouble, and then watches as events unfold that confirm her darkest suspicions. Rebecca attempts, yet fails, to crush the seductive evil that is slowly engulfing the residents of the Fort.

In a parallel storyline, direct descendants of Rebecca and Jonathon arrive at Fort Cavendish more than two hundred years later. A typical American family--mother, father, and two teenage daughters, they are taking an educational pit-stop while on vacation. They were only dimly aware of the life-altering conflict that had occurred back in 1759, decimating the Fort's population.
A helpful front desk clerk is only too happy to check the curious group in and share all the gory details (omitting only one) during a quick tour of the Fort. Mark Souza keeps you guessing. He delivers several unexpected twists and turns. He then neatly ties up all the loose ends with a satisfying punch of an ending.
The Comfort Shack is available for a limited time, for free, on Smashwords (in multiple formats). Souza will soon be publishing a full length novel, but check out this short story for a taste of this talented writer that will leave you wanting more!
Published on March 31, 2012 20:01
Historical Horror by Mark Souza
'A stranger rides into town' is a plot device well known in the Western genre, but it works extremely well in this horror story set in the 1700's. It's an attractive native American woman arriving in a stage coach, in this instance, rather than the typical outlaw on horseback. She's there to work at the Comfort Shack--an amenity provided for lonely single soldiers at the isolated Fort Cavendish. Her employment is in the world's oldest profession, prostitution.
The narrator of this tale, through her diary, is Rebecca, the wife of Commandant Jonathon Smythe. She happens to be meeting the coach that day to pick up a long-awaited package ordered from England. She has a brief encounter with this exotic woman, recognizing her as trouble, and then watches as events unfold that confirm her darkest suspicions. Rebecca attempts, yet fails, to crush the seductive evil that is slowly engulfing the residents of the Fort.
In a parallel storyline, direct descendants of Rebecca and Jonathon arrive at Fort Cavendish more than two hundred years later. A typical American family--mother, father, and two teenage daughters, they are taking an educational pit-stop while on vacation. They were only dimly aware of the life-altering conflict that had occurred back in 1759, decimating the Fort's population.
A helpful front desk clerk is only too happy to check the curious group in and share all the gory details (omitting only one) during a quick tour of the Fort. Mark Souza keeps you guessing. He delivers several unexpected twists and turns. He then neatly ties up all the loose ends with a satisfying punch of an ending.
The Comfort Shack is available for a limited time, for free, on Smashwords (in multiple formats). Souza will soon be publishing a full length novel, but check out this short story for a taste of this talented writer that will leave you wanting more!
The narrator of this tale, through her diary, is Rebecca, the wife of Commandant Jonathon Smythe. She happens to be meeting the coach that day to pick up a long-awaited package ordered from England. She has a brief encounter with this exotic woman, recognizing her as trouble, and then watches as events unfold that confirm her darkest suspicions. Rebecca attempts, yet fails, to crush the seductive evil that is slowly engulfing the residents of the Fort.

In a parallel storyline, direct descendants of Rebecca and Jonathon arrive at Fort Cavendish more than two hundred years later. A typical American family--mother, father, and two teenage daughters, they are taking an educational pit-stop while on vacation. They were only dimly aware of the life-altering conflict that had occurred back in 1759, decimating the Fort's population.
A helpful front desk clerk is only too happy to check the curious group in and share all the gory details (omitting only one) during a quick tour of the Fort. Mark Souza keeps you guessing. He delivers several unexpected twists and turns. He then neatly ties up all the loose ends with a satisfying punch of an ending.
The Comfort Shack is available for a limited time, for free, on Smashwords (in multiple formats). Souza will soon be publishing a full length novel, but check out this short story for a taste of this talented writer that will leave you wanting more!
Published on March 31, 2012 19:01
March 27, 2012
Predator vs. Prey
'Malaika' is not a horror novel, however, it definitely has some horror elements. This is one of my favorite eBooks. It is so darn well-written, you wish that it was possible to give more than five stars!
Thomas is an ex-pat from America is living in Kenya at the Tanzanian border overlooking the Serengeti. One day, he's watching the sunrise outside his isolated native-style home, drinking coffee, and enjoying a morning smoke, when he has the near-death experience of a lioness approaching him. She paws at his split coffee and sniffs at the burning ember of his dropped cigarette, but he is not injured. Thus begins a curious relationship between man and beast, where this lioness continues to visit and he starts to feed it and even invite the big cat into his home.
People who are attracted to dangerous exotic animals, attempting to domestic what is wild, often end up featured in Animal Planet documentaries. Their friends and neighbors will express how this person (usually killed and/or eaten by their pet) thought that they had a special affinity with the animal and that they could control it, that it would never harm them, or others.
Thomas seems to suffer a similar self-delusion, not only does he believe that he is close to this animal, but he imagines that he is communicating with it through his dreams. He brushes aside warnings from his closest villager friend--who recently lost a relative to a lion attack and who is a survivor of a lion attack, himself. Not even the graphic retelling of this attack or seeing the man's prominent scars is enough to move Thomas from his path.
The author, Van Heerling, is clever and allows the reader to determine, on their own, if domestication has taken place or not, as the novel rushes towards its eventual confrontation of man vs. nature. I delighted in the complexities of Thomas' character and I took joy in deciding if he was a trustworthy narrator or not. Extremely well-written, it's a roaring good read!
Purchase at Amazon here. For a limited time Amazon Prime members may also borrow this novel for free.

People who are attracted to dangerous exotic animals, attempting to domestic what is wild, often end up featured in Animal Planet documentaries. Their friends and neighbors will express how this person (usually killed and/or eaten by their pet) thought that they had a special affinity with the animal and that they could control it, that it would never harm them, or others.
Thomas seems to suffer a similar self-delusion, not only does he believe that he is close to this animal, but he imagines that he is communicating with it through his dreams. He brushes aside warnings from his closest villager friend--who recently lost a relative to a lion attack and who is a survivor of a lion attack, himself. Not even the graphic retelling of this attack or seeing the man's prominent scars is enough to move Thomas from his path.
The author, Van Heerling, is clever and allows the reader to determine, on their own, if domestication has taken place or not, as the novel rushes towards its eventual confrontation of man vs. nature. I delighted in the complexities of Thomas' character and I took joy in deciding if he was a trustworthy narrator or not. Extremely well-written, it's a roaring good read!
Purchase at Amazon here. For a limited time Amazon Prime members may also borrow this novel for free.
Published on March 27, 2012 00:35