J.P. Choquette's Blog, page 2
June 14, 2020
What is Gothic Horror?
You may have heard the terms “gothic horror” tossed around in book-related circles. But have you ever wondered what the terms actually mean?
Horror itself can be a confusing genre. When most people think of horror they’re thinking of blood and guts, dismemberment, and characters like Freddy Krueger and Michael Myers. The type of slasher bloodbath movies that were a frequent part of sleepovers growing up.
But horror as a genre is much more broad.
Types of Horror
How many subge...
June 7, 2020
A Taphophile’s Delight: Hope Cemetery, Barre, VT
If you’re a lover of graveyards, you must visit Hope Cemetery in Barre, VT. This 65-acre graveyard is partly a resting place, partly a sculpture garden. There are many interesting and unique headstones to see.
Barre (pronounced berry), was founded in 1780. By the late 1800s, stonecutters from around the world had moved to the city, nicknamed the “The Granite Capital of the World.” Barre sits on a lot of granite–supposedly four miles in length and 10 feet deep–and from it, all manner of p...
June 3, 2020
Do You Review Thriller Books?
Photo by Angelo Pantazis on UnsplashWhat’s the last great thriller book you read? Did you leave a review of it on Amazon, Goodreads, or another popular site?
Reviews are incredibly important to readers. Think of it like this: the last time you were going to buy a washing machine or check out a new restaurant in the city you were visiting, you likely did some research. Reviews played an important part in that process, didn’t they? Reviews help us to know the good, the bad, and the ugly…or...
March 10, 2019
This Website has moved
Hello! Have you noticed it's looking a little, well, lonely around here? I've moved to a whole new, beautiful website. Please join me over at www.jpchoquette.me for new, interesting articles, videos, and free monthly giveaway opportunities! I look forward to seeing you soon.
February 12, 2019
Do you suffer from newsletter overwhelm?
This man obviously has too many newsletters in his inbox. The February newsletter is out and just in the nick of time! If you've been experiencing fluttering feelings in your chest, sweaty palms and a strange urge to toss your computer, tablet or phone out the window recently, I've got the cure. This issue is packed with tips on reducing stress from your inbox, exciting news about the next book along with a sneak peek at the first page of Silence in the Woods. Get it while it's hot!
February 8, 2019
February suspense book recommendations
February 6, 2019
how to Stay Well as a Writer
My cheapo standing desk hack. In some ways, we writers have the easiest jobs on the planet. We generally don't work outdoors in the elements. We get to be creative for large chunks of the day. And the wardrobe...hello, working in your pajamas all day, goodbye fitted khakis. And farewell annoying coworker who always, always eats fish for lunch. At his desk. Right next to yours. Still, even writing for a living has its downsides. Besides not knowing where your next paycheck is coming from, you also have to learn to take really good care of your body. Because a broken, burnt out body/psyche aren't going to help your career.
I was recently asked to write a guest post over at Writing and Wellness on this very topic: how to take care of your health while writing full-time. I shared some of the tips and tricks that I use and hope you'll get some benefits from them.
February 1, 2019
Happy Valentine's Day (Early)
What do you mean you didn't realize Valentine's Day is coming up in two short weeks? Oh wait, I know how. Probably all the red hearts and candies blended in with the Christmas things since stores like to hoist the next holiday upon us fast enough to make our heads spin. :)
If you're looking for a unique V-Day gift for that special someone (spouse, significant other, mom, dad, friend, bus driver, etc.) I have your shopping all done for you.
Package includes: Gift bag and tissue (not shown), signed and personalized copy of Shadow in the Woods, book light, champagne glass filled with chocolate kisses, bookmark and a Valentine's Day card, ready for you to fill out. $24.99 + shipping. Please get in touch soon. There are only a few left!
January 31, 2019
Let the Dead Rest: On the radio
Shelagh holds a copy of the book in this shot in the radio station studio. No, I don't mean literally "on the radio," as in someone made up a song about Let the Dead Rest or Gerda in all of her creepiness (but that would be really fun!). I was recently asked, and gladly accepted, the offer to appear on the radio talk show, Write the Book. The interviewer, Shelagh Shapiro, was W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L. Her questions were reflective and at times deep, but the conversation remained light and fun. It felt like sitting in someone's living room, a glass of wine or cup of tea in hand, just chatting away. My butterflies all but disappeared after the first 10 minutes.
We discussed writing (of course!) what makes Vermont the perfect backdrop for scary stories, setting, writing hacks, and much, much more.
Be sure to check out all the other great interviews on Write the Book. The show was named one of Writer’s Digest Magazine’s 101 Best Website for Writers in 2016 and 2017.
