Reflections & Resolutions

2012-2013 Reflections & Resolutions-

I usually write all the end of the year shenanigans prior to the silly ball dropping but this year, I decided to spend that time with my lovely bride and just detach for a bit.  
But, here we are, a few shambling steps into the new year and I am ready to face 2013 with both my Irish fists raised, my Muse,  heart and mind wide open for all that is possible.
Now, whoa.  before I go getting all Dalai Lama on you, I first wanted to look back at the year that just pulled it's blanket over its head and flipped the door sign to "Do Not Disturb".
In years past, I would drone on and on, and lament on the good and bad things that had occurred but me approach has changed.
Here's the reader's digest version of Erbal 2012:
On a personal note. I celebrated 20 years with Shelly, the love of my life and my Muse.  How's she's put up with me, I have no idea. The woman should be a saint!
I reached one of my goals and had my short story "The Unfortunate Case of Carleton Meeks" published in SHROUD Magazine issue #12.  I love this publication and the amazing people that create it.You can pick it up here!
Another short story, "Pickin' & Grinnin'" was published in E-Volve Books, "Relics & Remains" anthology.I also was the cover artist on the project.  I'm really proud of both the artwork any my story.Here is where you can snag it!
I also finished my second novella, "Going back to Houston" , which is in the hands of my beta-readers.  I'm editing now and hope to polish it up to showroom standards and get it into the hands of some high end publishing houses soon.  This story is my nod to Joe R. Lansdale, Joe McKinney and Jonathan Maberry. All those dudes have influenced me more than words can say.  I'm really excited about this story.
I signed a contract for my first novella, but that's for 2013. More on that below.

There was some sadness this past year. Shelly and I said goodbye to our stubborn but loving dog, Duchess.  I miss the girl and that's all I'll say about that.
Anthocon was a highlight and I miss everyone already. Next year I will be healthy and ready to kick arse and take names.  
I edited a holiday ebook called Christmas in Hell.  I was lucky to have wrangled so many talented writers to share the darkest Christmas stories.  I also was blessed to have Shelly work with me on the cover of the book.  It was a great time.  
Bottom line for 2012:  I've inched forward in my writing career and lept tall buildings in my personal life.  'Nuff said.

And now...onto   2013!
Five things course through my mind for this year:

  1. My novella "TONES of HOME", and its prequel:"1977- The birth and death of the King"  will be released by Crowded Quarantine Publications in May.
 2. Read a lot more. 3. Write a lot more.
   and....
  3. Finish the YA Novel and trilogy proposal.  4.  GET AN AGENT!  5. GET A BOOK DEAL!!!

There are other projects in my Erbal Que and you should be aware of them.
I will be illustrating a short story I wrote for a graphic novel compilation.And...  I will be pitching an ongoing comic book project.  I will be going to my old school roots!
So.... I want to thank all those in advance for supporting me and my work.  If you've purchased books my work have been in, thank you so much!  If you haven't.... Now is the time to climb aboard the Erbal Freight Train!  Onwards and upwards from here.
I'm blessed to be able to create and write for a living.  If you continue to read my stories, I promise to keep creating tales you want to read!
Sound like a deal?  You and me...in this together?  whaddya say?
I've got your back....Do you have mine?   Groovy!  Let's start the Erbalpocalypse together!!!
Please spread the word about my blog.  Leave comments on it.  Post reviews about my work.  Reviews are like gold to writers.  Share my books with friends.  Encourage them to buy books of their own!  Word of mouth is the secret gang!
Ready?  Set...  GO!!!