Brian Keene's Blog, page 154
October 12, 2012
October 11, 2012
SINISTER (and other movie news)
Sinister comes out this weekend. I encourage all of you to go see it. Twice. Sinister is written by my friends C. Robert Cargill and Scott Derrickson, who are also behind the big-screen adaptation of my novel Darkness On The Edge Of Town. Please show them your support.
Updates on my movie stuff: Ghoul and Fast Zombies Suck will be out on DVD in January. Dark Hollow starts filming next Spring. Darkness On The Edge Of Town, Castaways, The Cage, and The Siqqusim Who Stole Christmas are all in development (the latter under the title Who Shot Santa?) For a list of all the films based on my work, click here.
October 10, 2012
No Borderlands (but other appearances on the damned highway to KeeneCon)
Borderlands Press previously announced me as one of the instructors for their forthcoming January writer’s workshop. However, due to the continuing economic slump, registrations were not what Borderlands had hoped, and they can no longer justify having three instructors. Since I’m low man on the totem pole, I’ve elected to take the bullet (and in truth, attendees will benefit much more from F. Paul Wilson and Tom Montelone’s expertise than they will mine). Apologies to those who might be disappointed by this news. If the economy recovers and registration is better next year, look for me then. And in the meantime, don’t forget that I am currently accepting manuscripts for review.
So, where will I be in coming months? Well, November 15th through the 18th, I’ll be at BizarroCon in Portland, Oregon. And on January 16th, my The Damned Highway co-writer Nick Mamatas and I will be reading at the KGB Bar in New York City (should be just about in time for Thunderstorm Books’ forthcoming collector’s edition of The Damned Highway, in fact). All writers have personal benchmarks and goals. Maybe it’s winning a particular literary award or getting published in a particular marketplace. One of my personal goals has always been to read at KGB. I’ve attended many readings there over the years, and it’s an honor to finally do one myself. Finally, next March 29th through the 31st, I’ll be a guest at Marcon 48 in Columbus, Ohio.
Obviously, I’m keeping my signings and appearances to a minimum for next year. That’s because I’m resting up for KeeneCon in Summer of 2014…
(Yes, I’ve been toying with the idea of KeeneCon for over a decade. Go ahead and consider this an official announcement that we’re finally gonna do it).
October 9, 2012
This Week’s Plugs
My friend Emily Hagins has launched a Kickstarter campaign for her next film, GROW UP, TONY PHILLIPS, which stars another friend of mine, Barbara Crampton. Click here for full details.
And my friend Christopher Jones is selling prints of his latest masterpiece, MOST HEINOUS”, which features Bill & Ted versus the entire Dalek race. This art print on 11″ x 17″ cardstock features hand-drawn line art with color added in Adobe Photoshop and comes signed by the artist. Click here to buy one.
And don’t forget about these five ways you can help Tom Piccirilli! Every cent counts!
Thunderstorm Book-of-the-Month Club
Thunderstorm Books (who operate my Maelstrom imprint) have announced a Book-of-the-Month Club for 2013. The offer includes a free book with new stories by myself, J.F. Gonzalez, Kealan Patrick Burke, and Shane McKenzie.
October 7, 2012
Tom Piccirilli Update
As previously noted, Tom Piccirilli is battling brain cancer. I’ve detailed five ways you can help him in his fight here. Here’s the latest public update from his wife, Michelle.
Tom is doing very well. Already walking a little without his walker, eating lots of organic food, sleeping and watching Mystery Science Theater with me. He sits downstairs and visits with family in the evening, the dogs right next to him as always. He never really believed that so many people’s positive thoughts and prayers could make a difference in ones life but now he’s changed his mind because of all of you. Tom and I both know he will make it through this. Thanks again to Shannon Piccirilli Wells (our guardian angel at Indigogo), all the publishers and editors who have made sacrifices to help Tom, to family and friends who have brought lots of laughter and more healthy food than I can fit in our kitchen (and doggy treats too, thanks Elie) and to Anna Weitzell, who, knowing we were driving a car that had seen much better days, has given us a car. To Brian Keene and the original gang who are coming out to visit in a couple weeks (Tom can’t wait to see you!), to everyone who has sent flowers and cards and private emails and most of all to everyone who took a minute to send prayers, good wishes and positive thoughts, thank you. You have done an amazing job helping Tom at the beginning of what is sure to be a happy outcome to this fight.
Again, here are five ways you can help Tom.
October 6, 2012
Professional Manuscript Review
For a limited time, I’m accepting manuscripts for professional review. If you’re a writer wishing to take advantage of this, here’s how it works.
1. Manuscripts should be no more than 100,000 words, and should be printed (hard copies only, no file attachments or discs) double spaced on 8 1/2 x 11 paper (Times New Roman 12 point font preferred).
2. Include a one-page synopsis. Pretend I’m the publisher you are pitching it to.
3. Include a check or money order (non-refundable) for $350.
4. Mail the manuscript, synopsis, and payment to Brian Keene, PO Box 281 Craley, PA 17312
5. Please include a valid mailing address, email address, and phone number.
Within four months of receipt you will receive from me:
1. A thoroughly red-penned manuscript, with emphasis on spelling, continuity, characterization, dialogue, structure, and plot.
2. A lengthy, detailed, typewritten analysis of the manuscript, including commentary and (if required) suggestions for improvement on all of the above.
3. My suggestions (if possible) for potential publishers to submit the manuscript to.
4. A letter of recommendation and referral from myself (if possible) for you to include to those publishers.
I think my qualifications and credentials speak for themselves. If you wish to take advantage of this limited time offer, don’t delay!
October 4, 2012
THE LAST ZOMBIE: BEFORE THE AFTER #5
THE LAST ZOMBIE: BEFORE THE AFTER #5 is now up for pre-order. You can reserve a copy through your local comic shop or pre-order online by clicking here. If you’ve been following the series, I strongly suggest you not wait for the trade or digital editions of this particular issue. Without spoilers, the last few pages are a game changer. It’s all been building to this!
It’s no secret that Doctor Federman has been suspicious of Ian. But what dark secrets is Federman himself hiding? And will what he does next threaten the lives of the team and jeopardize the mission? Don’t miss the shocking conclusion!
October 3, 2012
Still Catching Up
(Being a list of links to hold you over until I have time to do a proper Blog entry).
1. There are now four ways to help Tom Piccirilli. Complete details can be found in my previous Blog entry. Please, please, please do what you can. Believe me when I tell you that Pic has always been there for us. We are here for him, and we need you to be, as well.
2. FEARnet has nice things to say about my latest e-book, SCRATCH. An excerpt from the review: “Keene’s chops are only getting better as he pours out more words, and he’s got a way of tapping into our inner fears that elevates his work beyond its humble genre origins. Scratch is B-movie subject matter delivered by A-list talent, and is well worth your time.” SCRATCH is available for Kindle, Nook, and Kobo. Click here to order.
3. My friend Mike Antonio (who is also one of the members of Drunken Tentacle) asked me to tell you about a new anthology he has a story published in. A QUICK BITE OF FLESH is a collection of zombie flash fiction. You can order it here.
4. Over on my message board, reader M1981 is selling their almost-complete Brian Keene collection to pay for their wedding. Check it out!
October 1, 2012
How To Help Tom Piccirilli (UPDATED x 2)
As previously noted, author Tom Piccirilli is battling brain cancer. The disease is aggressive, but so is Tom. Although the surgery was a success, he has a very long fight ahead of him. There are five ways that readers, fans, friends, and peers can help.
1. You can donate money directly via this fundraiser on IndieGoGo. The fundraiser has been set up by Tom’s niece. All proceeds will go directly to Tom.
2. You can purchase one of his digital books published by Crossroads Press. From now until the end of the year, they are waiving their percentage, and 100% of the sales will go to Tom.
3. You can donate money immediately via PayPal to Tom’s sister-in-law. This money will help Tom’s wife Michelle with living expenses now (as the fundraiser money won’t be available until the end of October). See the Donate button at the top of this page.
4. Following the lead of Crossroads Press, Chi Zine Publications have announced that until the end of the year, 100% of the sales for the digital edition of Tom’s Every Shallow Cut will also go directly to the author.
5. For the month of October, all proceeds from the sales of Fantastic Stories of the Imagination will be donated to Tom.
