Brian Keene's Blog, page 183

Darkness On The Edge Of Town: Book Soundtrack

The free book soundtrack for Darkness On The Edge Of Town is now available. You can also listen to soundtracks for Take The Long Way Home, Urban Gothic, Jack's Magic Beans, The Cage, and Clickers II: The Next Wave.

LEVI RETURNS (and other stories)

Am spending this weekend working (albeit at a much slower pace than I did pre-heart attack), so here's a quick little round-up of various things, beginning with the news that the new Deadite Press edition of Castaways is at the printer, and should be on sale within the next two weeks. Castaways will be followed by (in order of release) Ghoul, Dark Hollow, Ghost Walk, Earthworm Gods (previously published as The Conqueror Worms), Earthworm Gods: Selected Scenes From the End of the World, The Rising, City of the Dead, and The Rising: Selected Scenes From the End of the World. Next year's Deadite titles will include Entombed (April or May) and Suburban Gothic (a sequel to Urban Gothic and my first original novel written exclusively for Deadite).

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Many of you have been asking when Levi Stoltzfus (star of Ghost Walk and A Gathering of Crows) will return. The answer is soon. Later this year, in fact. In a novella called The Witching Tree, which takes place just a few weeks after the conclusion of A Gathering of Crows. I'm not allowed to give you any other details yet, including who the publisher is, but I will tell you that it's part of a signed, limited edition hardcover, novella collection featuring three other authors in addition to myself. Set money aside now. When it is announced, copies will go fast.

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I've decided that there will indeed be another free online serial novel following the completion of Deluge (which has about four chapters left). It will be called Dead Air, and if all goes as planned, it should start in December.

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Here is a nice review of The Damned Highway (the new novel I co-wrote with Nick Mamatas). Click here to buy one.

Here is a wonderful essay by Mike Oliveri on why the new Kindle Fire will bury the Nook.

Here is a superb examination of why Borders failed, and thoughtful, sobering advice for future booksellers.

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A reminder that while my Facebook fan page remains active, I am no longer there to personally answer questions, because I blew up my private Facebook profile over increased privacy and security concerns. Jeff Heimbuch is now the page Admin. If you want to interact with me, use Twitter or post a comment here on the site. You can also interact with me (to a lesser extent) on Google+.

DELUGE (Part 86)

Caterina, Mylon, Henry, and Gail rushed onto the bridge. Water dripped from their clothes, pooling on the floor. Each of them was armed with more than one weapon. Caterina had a knife from the galley and a broken broom handle that she'd turned into a makeshift spear. Mylon carried a shotgun, and had a pistol and a knife holstered at his waist. Henry clutched a rifle, and had a small hatchet dangling from his belt loop. Gail was armed with a spear gun, and wore a backpack slung over her shoulders.

"What's in the bag?" Novak asked.

She smiled. "Roach killer. We're all out of napalm."

Novak returned the grin. Sarah watched the silent interplay between the two, glad that the disagreement from earlier had apparently been put aside. She turned her gaze to Henry, caught his eye, and winked. After a moment, he winked back at her.

"We okay?" Sarah whispered.

Henry shrugged and then nodded.

Simon and Novak quickly brought the others up to speed, informing them of the situation and what to expect. Before they'd even finished, the hull thrummed as the ship lurched sharply to port, knocking them all off balance.

"It's starting," Novak said. "Simon, how long will it take you to open the doorway?"

"Provided all goes according to plan, approximately ten minutes. You'll have to keep them off me. If I'm interrupted, the spell will be ineffective."

Sarah grabbed a damp, musty roll of paper towels from atop the navigation equipment. She tore off sheets and handed them out to the group.

"Stuff your ears," she told them. "It's the only way to protect against the sirens."

She held one out to Mylon, but he stared over her shoulder, his eyes wide and alarmed. Slowly, he raised his hand and pointed.

"That might protect against the sirens," Mylon said, his voice trembling. "But what's gonna protect us against them?"

Sarah turned. Through the window, a dozen shark-men and starfish-men were climbing over the rail. A sudden swell caused the bow to rise, spilling two of them back into the water, but the others clambered onto the slippery deck and plodded forward.

"Okay," Novak said, his voice low and hoarse. "Lets go, people."

He snatched his rifle from the corner, opened the hatch, and charged outside. Gail charged after him, followed by Caterina and Mylon. As he ran through the door, Mylon repeated a litany of "Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit." Henry and Sarah glanced at each other.

"We'll be okay," she said.

Nodding, Henry thumbed the safety off on his rifle and ran after the others. Sarah followed behind him. Rain pelted her face, and the wind whipped her hair. As she closed the hatch, she glanced back at Simon.

"Good luck."

"And to you, as well, Sarah. I'll see you on the other side."

Out on the deck, the others started screaming. Thunder exploded overhead, drowning them out.

THE LAST ZOMBIE: INFERNO #3

The Last Zombie: Inferno #3 is on sale today at a comic store near you! If your store doesn't have it, click here to order online.

As the team struggles to survive their horrific present — wildfires, vicious marauders, and survivors both vengeful and just desperate — Planters is haunted by his past, and a dark secret that may destroy him. He must face the demons inside him or her to focus on making it through the ones outside!

Need to get caught up? Don't forget The Last Zombie: Dead New World trade paperback and issues #1 and #2 of The Last Zombie: Inferno. Click here to order.

Chapter 44: In Which The Road Dog Announces His Semi-Retirement And Other Things

Dreadful Tales has a new audio interview with me, J. F. Gonzalez, and Mary SanGiovanni for free on their website. Click here to listen. It was recorded early Sunday morning at the Horrorfind Weekend convention a few weeks ago, so if we sound tired or hoarse, that's why. Of note (from the interviewer's introduction): "I came away with one realization- these writers are ready for change. They are tired of trying to please everyone and are looking to start playing the game by their own rules."

Issue #3 of The Last Zombie: Inferno should be in comic shops this Wednesday. If your local comic shop doesn't carry it, they suck, and you should order it online instead. And don't forget that my new novel The Damned Highway (co-written with Nick Mamatas) and the new Deadite edition of Kill Whitey are both on sale, as well. Up next from Deadite are Castaways and Ghoul (both of which should be available within the next few weeks. After those comes (in order of release) Dark Hollow, Ghost Walk, Earthworm Gods (which was previously published as The Conqueror Worms), Earthworm Gods: Selected Scenes From the End of the World, The Rising, City of the Dead, and The Rising: Selected Scenes From the End of the World.

I've decided that I won't be doing many signings or conventions next year. There are three reasons for this. One, I'd rather stay home and do more with my sons. Secondly, Mary and I will be heading to Easter Island late next year, and what little travel time I have will be devoted to that trip. Lastly, while conventions and book signings are fun, I'm at a point in my career where they aren't as necessary as they were ten years ago. A lot of behind the scenes work goes into setting up a book signing tour (especially the large-scale tours I'm known for), and it is mentally and physically exhausting. At this point in my life, I'd much rather focus that mental and physical energy on my loved ones and writing.

As things stand right now, the only conventions I plan to attend next year are MoCon IV (at which Mary is a Guest of Honor) and CONvergence (at which I've been invited to get really drunk while playing Dungeons and Dragons in front of a live audience). NECON is a possibility, as is ComicCon or WonderCon, but other than those, I intend to stick close to home — with the exception of local events such as Comix Connection's annual Creator Cookout.

I do have two final appearances for this year. From November 11th through the 13th, I'll be at AnthoCon at the Best Western Wynwood Hotel in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I'll be giving a keynote speech, which will focus on some of the themes I've been discussing in my Seminal Screams column for Shroud Magazine. Regardless of whether you're a reader or a writer, I think you'll enjoy it. I'll also be on hand to sign books. Other guests include Stephen Susco, Christopher Golden, Rick Hautala, Catherynne Valente, and dozens more. For complete details on AnthoCon, click here.

Then, from November 17th to the 20th, I'll be at Edgefield Manor in Portland, Oregon for BizarroCon. As you can probably guess by the name, this convention focuses on and celebrates the Bizarro genre. If you've wanted to learn more about that genre, this is a great opportunity to do so. The Deadite Press crew will be on hand for you to meet, and I'll be happy to sign books for you all weekend long. For complete details on BizarroCon, click here.

So, yeah. If you can make it to one of those two events, do so, because I'm semi-retiring from the road after this.

Meanwhile, I turned forty-four last week. Originally, I had intended to celebrate with a big party and about 50 guests, but I cancelled that a few weeks before my heart attack due to impending deadlines. (I figured I should take the weekend to write, rather than play host to 50 people). With the party cancelled, Mary and I had planned on a quiet weekend spent watching Herschell Gordon Lewis films, but Saturday morning I decided it might be nice to have a few people over. I wanted to keep things very small and very intimate because, quite honestly, I'm still tired and worn out from last week. So we limited it to a dozen people (and any time I tried to add more than that, Mary stepped in with dire warnings about my heart and taking it easy). All things considered, that last-minute, impromptu party was one of the nicest birthdays I've had in many years. Thanks to Mary, Coop, Big Joe, Kelli Owen, Bob Ford, Mike Lombardo, Jeff Heimbuch, Martina Gona, Nikki McKenzie, and Jason Parkin for making it so. And thanks also to Dave Thomas and J.F. Gonzalez, who were there in spirit.

As always, if you have a question, feel free to comment here or ask me via Twitter.

DELUGE (Part 85)

Novak frowned. "The hell is that?"

Six female figures broke the surface, surrounding the ship as they bobbed up and down in time with the waves. Sultry, full-lipped and full-bodied, their naked breasts seeming to float just above the water. Their blonde, brunette, and red hair was plastered to their shoulders and backs, dripping seaweed. Although they were only visible from the waist up, Sarah caught a shadowed glimpse of their fish tails thrashing beneath the water. Their mouths were open in song.

"Sirens," Simon shouted. "The brides of Leviathan! Mister Novak, find something to stuff in your ears and block them right now. Have the crew muster inside the bridge. We'll need them armed with every weapon you have on board this vessel. We have a fight on our hands."

Novak nodded slowly, but didn't speak. His eyes remained fix on the churning ocean. His expression went slack. Sarah recognized the signs. She'd seen them before, during the siege in Baltimore. Even as the thought crossed her mind, she felt the familiar stirrings. Unable to help herself, Sarah turned toward the sea. The feminine voice and melody were beautiful. She didn't understand the words, but she felt them deep down inside. The song was calming and hypnotic. As she listened, Sarah forgot all about Kevin and Teddy and Carl. Her grief was washed away in the rain. She tried to fight it, but the melody was too strong. From the corner of her eye, she saw Novak shuffling toward the rail, arms outstretched, as if greeting the new arrivals. Sarah tried to resist, but the song overwhelmed her, promising an end to sadness and exhaustion.

"Simon," Sarah grunted. "You… have to… get us both… inside."

"It's so beautiful," Novak said. "Listen. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard."

Simon swept forward, rushing to the rail. The ship tilted and he almost went over the side. Clinging to the rail, he chanted in a strong, loud voice, overpowering the siren song.

"CLEOTE! Innammanna vishnatu. Ia, Cthonical. Ia, Pshtari."

The song continued, growing louder. Novak stopped at the rail next to Simon. Sarah approached from behind. Even as she saw Novak turn to look at the Black Lodge operative, she had the sudden, uncontrollable urge to push Simon into the water. She raised her hands and crept toward him.

"Ut nemo in sense tenant," Simon yelled. "Descendere nemo. At precedenti spectator mantica tergo."

As one, the sirens fell silent. Then they began to shriek as they slipped back beneath the waves. Sarah jerked as the spell was broken. Spasms jolted through her arms and legs. She saw that Novak was jittering, too.

"Inside," Simon said, turning to them. "Hurry! I wasn't able to banish them. The spell only bound them temporarily. They'll be back with reinforcements."

"What kind of reinforcements?" Sarah asked. "The worms?"

"No. That's the one thing we won't have to deal with any longer."

"Then what?"

"Everything. Every denizen of the Great Deep. Every spawn of Leviathan. The sirens. The shark-men and starfish-men. The giant crabs. The flying piranha-like fish. And a host of others. Every terror we've been exposed to since the rain started is now descending on our location. Not to mention Leviathan himself is coming, and the hull of our vessel is weakened by the White Fuzz growing on it."

"Sounds like one hell of a party," Novak muttered.

They lurched into the bridge. Panting, Novak stumbled over to the intercom and grabbed the microphone. He took a deep breath and then keyed the microphone. When he spoke, his voice was stern and powerful, barking commands with authority.

"This is not a drill. This is not a drill. General quarters. General quarters. All hands arm yourselves and muster in the bridge on the double! I repeat, this is not a drill."

He hung the microphone back up and his shoulders sagged. Obviously exhausted, he turned to Sarah and Simon, and grinned.

"So, what now?"

"We are directly over LeHorn's Hollow," Simon said. "Keep us anchored here."

"But won't that make it easier for them to attack us?" Novak asked.

Simon nodded. "Yes. It will. But I have to open the door into the Labyrinth. I'll be focusing all of my concentration on that task."

"What about us?" Sarah asked. "What do we do while you're opening the door?"

"You fight. You defend us. You hold them off long enough for me to do it."

"But that's impossible!"

"You'd better hope not," Simon said, lowering his voice. "For all of our sakes. This is the final battle."

Zombies and Heart Attacks

Jack Werner writes for Sweden's Nyheter about my heart attack, the mass killings in Norway, and how they relate to the immediacy of Twitter. The article is in Swedish, but Google translate does a serviceable job with it.

The Last Zombie: Inferno #3 should be in stores this Wednesday or next Wednesday (I've heard conflicting reports). If your local comic shop doesn't carry it, order one online. When I first started this series, I had no idea Planters would grow into the fan favorite he has become, but I did know he was hiding a dark secret. This issue reveals that secret, and I'll warn you in advance, it is brutal, heart-wrenching stuff. And of course, while all that is going on, the wildfire is creeping closer, and Ian's secret might be in danger.

Many readers have noticed that we've been playing musical artists with The Last Zombie: Inferno. I'm told that we'll be back to one style for the next five-issue story-arc, The Last Zombie: Neverland. Previously, I announced that there would be two one-shot, single issue stories — The Last Zombie: Scavengers and The Last Zombie: Before the After — before we began the Neverland story-arc. Those plans have changed. The publisher would like the Scavengers story to be part of Neverland, so I'm writing it accordingly. Before the After will be incorporated down the road (which should be fairly easy since it was a prequel of sorts).

When this series is finished, it will be the longest thing I have ever written. It will also be my last word on the subject of zombies. So, if you're one of those folks always asking me to write another zombie novel, and you aren't reading this series, jump on board. This is it.

Don't forget, the first five-issue story-arc — The Last Zombie: Dead New World — is collected in trade paperback. If you prefer individual comics, and are missing back issues, you can find all of them here. And Overlook has signed editions available here.

Two Quick Notes of Note – UPDATED

Still very tired and sore from this weekend's ordeal, but logging in long enough to post two items of genre-related news.

1. Several sources are confirming that author/editor Mark Worthen passed away early this morning. The author of several short stories (with publications in anthologies such as Thicker Than Water, The Horror Library, Thinner Than Mist, Beneath the Stones, and Open Graves), Mark was also the editor of Blood Rose, an early horror webzine, as well as the main creative force behind the HWA's website. He also served as the organization's Bram Stoker Award recommendation compiler. He also wrote two novels: The Herpetology of Stars and Blood Grove.

2. Several sources are reporting that Horror Mall has announced to retailers that it plans to only sell limited edition hardcover books going forward. Nothing about this on their Blog yet, nor any word on how this will impact their current affiliates, or their Darkside Digital line of e-books. UPDATE: Sounds like they're closing and splitting into different companies. Here's the press release.

Two Quick Notes of Note

Still very tired and sore from this weekend's ordeal, but logging in long enough to post two items of genre-related news.

1. Several sources are confirming that author/editor Mark Worthen passed away early this morning. The author of several short stories (with publications in anthologies such as Thicker Than Water, The Horror Library, Thinner Than Mist, Beneath the Stones, and Open Graves), Mark was also the editor of Blood Rose, an early horror webzine, as well as the main creative force behind the HWA's website. He also served as the organization's Bram Stoker Award recommendation compiler. He also wrote two novels: The Herpetology of Stars and Blood Grove.

2. Several sources are reporting that Horror Mall has announced to retailers that it plans to only sell limited edition hardcover books going forward. Nothing about this on their Blog yet, nor any word on how this will impact their current affiliates, or their Darkside Digital line of e-books.

Dead Lines

Today's entry is mainly for my publishers/editors/production people. The rest of you can come back later in the week for Deluge (when Leviathan shows up) safe in the knowledge that you didn't miss anything important.

Once upon a time, the evil witch known as Dorchester Publishing decided to stop paying money to their authors. And so, before signing with Deadite Press to reprint his back list and re-achieve financial security, our hero signed with a bunch of other publishers for various one-off projects, hoping that the advance money would allow him to pay his bills. And it did. But then all of those projects came due at the same time, and our hero struggled valiantly to meet all of the deadlines, and the stress of that (combined with the behind-the-scenes stress of still dealing with the evil witch Dorchester, and some things in his personal life) caused his heart to say, "Fuck this. I quit."

The doctor's agree that the number one thing I need to do upon release from the hospital was reduce the stress in my life. That means not worrying about missing my deadlines. I know that's terribly unprofessional of me, and it makes me feel guiltier than you know, but it is what it is. Writing has cost me a marriage, friendships, and many other important things. I'm not going to let it cost me my life, too.

Clickers vs. Zombies is almost finished. The Lost Level is more than halfway finished. Binky, aka Lake Fossil, is a quarter of the way finished. Hole In The World, With Teeth, The Seven, and Suburban Gothic are only in the early first-draft stages. Obviously, I am not going to make the deadline on any of these books (although it will be very close with Clickers vs. Zombies and The Lost Level). If any of you would prefer not to wait, contact me privately, and I will pay back the advance in total, including a penalty fee, and we can make the contract null and void. I think that's fair, and I will totally understand you wanting to protect your interests. And if not, then we shall proceed accordingly, albeit me turning the manuscript in much later than scheduled.  Thanks in advance for your understanding.