Ron Albury's Blog: My insane approach to writing
May 13, 2025
Back with new book
There’s a door in the swamp that was never meant to open.
I’m excited to share my new novel, Doorway in the Swamp, now available in paperback. It’s a strange blend of backwoods horror, ancient gods, and something… artificial that should never have been made self-aware.
This story isn’t just about what’s lurking in the trees — it’s about the creeping unease when computer algorithms whisper forgotten names and technology meets folklore in all the worst ways.
If you're into Lovecraftian horror, sinister folklore, or tales where rogue intelligence collides with ancient madness, this might just scratch that itch.
Grab your copy here: https://a.co/d/2akvxLv
Check it out, and if you enjoy it (or it keeps you up a little later than you planned), a short review would be hugely appreciated. It helps more than you know.
Thanks for reading — and stay out of the swamp.
I’m excited to share my new novel, Doorway in the Swamp, now available in paperback. It’s a strange blend of backwoods horror, ancient gods, and something… artificial that should never have been made self-aware.
This story isn’t just about what’s lurking in the trees — it’s about the creeping unease when computer algorithms whisper forgotten names and technology meets folklore in all the worst ways.
If you're into Lovecraftian horror, sinister folklore, or tales where rogue intelligence collides with ancient madness, this might just scratch that itch.
Grab your copy here: https://a.co/d/2akvxLv
Check it out, and if you enjoy it (or it keeps you up a little later than you planned), a short review would be hugely appreciated. It helps more than you know.
Thanks for reading — and stay out of the swamp.
February 18, 2014
Unavailable for a while
My grandson has some medical issues. He's been in surgery five times since mid-December, and is going in again tomorrow. I move into his hospital room so he doesn't have to sleep alone.
I am mulling over the sequel to Enemy Combatant and hope to have the plot outline done soon.
I am mulling over the sequel to Enemy Combatant and hope to have the plot outline done soon.
December 22, 2013
Free Copy of Enemy Combatant
If you follow my blog and would like a free copy of my new book, Enemy Combatant - please send me a private message with your snail mail address.
I am very proud of this book and would like to get some reviews posted.
Thanks
Ron Albury
I am very proud of this book and would like to get some reviews posted.
Thanks
Ron Albury
November 25, 2013
New Book
My new book is now published. I cut my teeth on a children's book and a niche zombie parody - this is a mainstream thriller.
http://www.amazon.com/Enemy-Combatant...
http://www.amazon.com/Enemy-Combatant...
November 6, 2013
October 17, 2013
Book got 24/25 in National Competition
I entered Bisexual Vegetarian Zombies in a national self-publishing competition. It scored 24 out of 25. Here's the judge's remarks:
Ron Albury will attract his intended audience, those looking for a certain sensibility and commentary written with more than a dash of wit, with a title that says it all: BISEXUAL VEGETARIAN ZOMBIES.
The title and cover alone will attract or repel, as I believe is the purpose, so in that respect, well done. At first I thought the author had wasted an opportunity by putting only artwork on the back, but the artwork compliments the story and the book's contents would be difficult to capture in back cover copy so now I would have to say that was a good decision. The artwork inside also adds to the book's appeal.
As its title suggests, this is not a book for everyone, nor should it be. As I read its contents, I believed the book to be written by a twenty-something so I was quite surprised to learn that the author is a grandfather married for 32 years. I think it takes quite a talent and awareness for an author of his generation to capture a voice that is likely to be read and respected by readers decades younger than himself.
As soon as I began reading, I was drawn in. I found the content at varying times to be witty, poignant, sad, and funny. I think the author accomplishes exactly what he set out to do. Kudos.
Ron Albury will attract his intended audience, those looking for a certain sensibility and commentary written with more than a dash of wit, with a title that says it all: BISEXUAL VEGETARIAN ZOMBIES.
The title and cover alone will attract or repel, as I believe is the purpose, so in that respect, well done. At first I thought the author had wasted an opportunity by putting only artwork on the back, but the artwork compliments the story and the book's contents would be difficult to capture in back cover copy so now I would have to say that was a good decision. The artwork inside also adds to the book's appeal.
As its title suggests, this is not a book for everyone, nor should it be. As I read its contents, I believed the book to be written by a twenty-something so I was quite surprised to learn that the author is a grandfather married for 32 years. I think it takes quite a talent and awareness for an author of his generation to capture a voice that is likely to be read and respected by readers decades younger than himself.
As soon as I began reading, I was drawn in. I found the content at varying times to be witty, poignant, sad, and funny. I think the author accomplishes exactly what he set out to do. Kudos.
August 18, 2013
Book #2 - First Draft
The first draft of book #2 is done. The draft is about 25% longer than the completed first book.
I need to let it sit for a couple of days, then I will read it out loud to myself and tweak it so it sounds right. I'm sure it will get longer as I go in and flesh out areas that are thin.
I would then like to have 4 or 5 people read the draft as a focus group - they'll have a questionnaire to fill out. I would prefer two or three women readers, and at least one Iraq War Vet.
I need to let it sit for a couple of days, then I will read it out loud to myself and tweak it so it sounds right. I'm sure it will get longer as I go in and flesh out areas that are thin.
I would then like to have 4 or 5 people read the draft as a focus group - they'll have a questionnaire to fill out. I would prefer two or three women readers, and at least one Iraq War Vet.
July 28, 2013
new book
I am about 1/3 of the way through my new book. This one is a serious psychological thriller and not a light silly parody.
While I believe that many of the critics of the zombie book were not in the target audience or just didn't get it, I did take their comments seriously as they might apply to the new book.
After writing the first chapter of the new book I stopped and listened to a number of audio books on sentence structure and creative writing. I went back and rewrote that first chapter trying to incorporate everything I learned.
It was a disaster. The chapter went from a young girl's narrative about her childhood to a clinical report from a social worker. But instead of throwing out the rewrite I decided to just make another pass through it. I stopped trying to incorporate what I had learned and just let the new techniques sneak in on their own.
I am really very pleased with it now. The third draft is much better than the other two.
I originally planned on having the new book completed by the middle of September, but I'm not sure I'll make that date now. But it will be completed this year, and I will do another book giveaway here on Goodreads.
While I believe that many of the critics of the zombie book were not in the target audience or just didn't get it, I did take their comments seriously as they might apply to the new book.
After writing the first chapter of the new book I stopped and listened to a number of audio books on sentence structure and creative writing. I went back and rewrote that first chapter trying to incorporate everything I learned.
It was a disaster. The chapter went from a young girl's narrative about her childhood to a clinical report from a social worker. But instead of throwing out the rewrite I decided to just make another pass through it. I stopped trying to incorporate what I had learned and just let the new techniques sneak in on their own.
I am really very pleased with it now. The third draft is much better than the other two.
I originally planned on having the new book completed by the middle of September, but I'm not sure I'll make that date now. But it will be completed this year, and I will do another book giveaway here on Goodreads.
June 30, 2013
Book signing in Clarksville, OH
Great fun in Clarksville yesterday at the book signing. Only one book was left at the end of the day.
The mayor of Clarksville (purportedly a Tea Party member) tried to shut down the book signing because we were purveying filth - which is to say that the book title contained the word "Bisexual".
The store owners told the mayor to buzz off. To retaliate, she then ordered the police to escort out of town any person dressed like a zombie.
We also had this sort of fun when we were in Logan, Ohio a couple of weeks ago. It is amazing how much power the word "Bisexual" has.
The mayor of Clarksville (purportedly a Tea Party member) tried to shut down the book signing because we were purveying filth - which is to say that the book title contained the word "Bisexual".
The store owners told the mayor to buzz off. To retaliate, she then ordered the police to escort out of town any person dressed like a zombie.
We also had this sort of fun when we were in Logan, Ohio a couple of weeks ago. It is amazing how much power the word "Bisexual" has.
My insane approach to writing
My writings are not literature, they are stories. My totem is the badger. I bring the lives of other animals into my den and tell their stories.
I will use bad grammar - sometimes by accident and somet ...more
I will use bad grammar - sometimes by accident and somet ...more
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