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Group Reads: Guest Author Invite
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April 2018 Group Read with Guest Author Glenn Rolfe
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Hi Glenn!Excited to do another read with you. You are fun to have around. :)
Thanks for doing this!
Vicki Willis wrote: "Hi Glenn!Excited to do another read with you. You are fun to have around. :)
Thanks for doing this!"
Hello, Vicki!
I love being a part of these. Hope enjoy these stories. Feel free to ask me anything.
My book arrived last night & I'll be reading a few stories out of it tonight! Looking forward to it!
I wanted to thank you guys for joining us here. Thanks for grabbing Land of Bones. Any questions yet?
Emily wrote: "My book arrived last night & I'll be reading a few stories out of it tonight! Looking forward to it!"Nice! Thanks, Emily. Looking forward to your thoughts.
Kimberly wrote: "Paperback arrived!!! :D"woot, woot! Thanks, Kimberly!
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Ken wrote: "Finished reading Not Kansas Anymore. Holy shit, Glenn! That is definitely the best thing you've written. The whole voice of the story from Colton's POV, tons of atmosphere and [spoilers removed]"Love that one. I mention this in the Author Notes, but I'll share it here , too. I had just read the first four stories in Stephen Graham Jones's collection, After the People Lights Have Gone Off, and I was enamored with his voice. I owed a story to a charity anthology and hadn't started one yet, so I started "Not Kansas Anymore" as my ode SGJ. I also think it has a bit of Ronald Malfi's The Narrows. If you dig this story, you should definitely put these two books on your TBR list.
Sheri wrote: "What's up Glenn!?!? I remember when you told me about this book a while back & I've been looking forward to it ever since. It's awesome to have you here with us in my favorite group! Loving the boo..."Hey, Sheri! Did you get a copy yet? Let me know. :)
THanks for stopping in. Your reviews are always appreciated.
Ken wrote: "This is the thread for our April group read with guest author, Glenn Rolfe. This month we'll be reading his new short story collection, Land of Bones. Please help me welcome, Glenn Rolfe!"Welcome!
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Great analogie(s), Ken! You hit the mark on every one you mentioned!! :)
Just read Ghost on Spears Street and loved it!I liked how it felt like the old days when as kids we could just go off and find some trouble. Nowadays these things couldn't happen (especially because every kid has a phone).
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Fire - (view spoiler)
Welcome to Paradise - (view spoiler)
William wrote: "Ken wrote: "This is the thread for our April group read with guest author, Glenn Rolfe. This month we'll be reading his new short story collection, Land of Bones. Please help me welcome, Glenn Rolf..."Thanks, William. I hoe you're joining us!
Vicki Willis wrote: "Just read Ghost on Spears Street and loved it!I liked how it felt like the old days when as kids we could just go off and find some trouble. Nowadays these things couldn't happen (especially beca..."
Right? Cell phones are ruining horror!!!! Ha! Not really, it's just changing things. I really wanted to reach back with this one, give it a King feel. Glad so many of you are enjoying "Ghosts of Spears Corner"
Ken wrote: "Finished Fire and Welcome to Paradise. My thoughts on:Fire - [spoilers removed]
Welcome to Paradise - [spoilers removed]"
On W2P, yes, I hope so. I'm certainly panning on it. We'll see what happens later this year after I get some of these other projects cleared from the table.
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Wish - Wow! Talk about one messed up story. The moral is no more Harpoon Torpedo IPAs before bed. Lol.
Ken wrote: "Lunch Hour Read -Wish - Wow! Talk about one messed up story. The moral is no more Harpoon Torpedo IPAs before bed. Lol."
Ken wrote: "Lunch Hour Read -
Wish - Wow! Talk about one messed up story. The moral is no more Harpoon Torpedo IPAs before bed. Lol."
I always have crazy dreams after drinking IPAs. Be careful, people. :)
Hey, gang. Hope you're all enjoying the stories!Just wanted to let you know, I just got my box of hard copies. If anyone in here would like a signed print edition, I'm taking orders for $12 each (signed and shipped) at my PayPal account:
glennrolfehorror@hotmail.com
Get yours while supplies last. Just got the box yesterday and have about half of that left (8 more copies).
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Just wanted to let you know, I just got my box of hard copies. If anyone in here would like a signed print edition, I'm taking orders for $12 each (..."
Sigh. I just got my (sniff!) un-signed copy last week or so....
Kimberly, I'll get you a signed copy. You wanna trade your copy? I'll send you the signed one, you send me the unsigned, deal?
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Was there a possibility of a "no" in that question? ;)
Share time: "Simon" and "Charley sings the World Away" were written before my first collection, Slush. They would have appeared in that collection had they not been published that same year. Same as my new stories, "To Be Alive", "Molly" , "Orson's Gas n Go", and " Master of Beyond". I'm certain those four will appear in my next collection, whatever that is. The story, "Fire", was also around before i released Slush. Thank goodness Erin asked to have it included this tune around. It's short, but I live that one.
I tried to add a comment before and I don't see that it actually posted. So, if at first you don't succeed... :p I started reading this Friday, assumed I would be in for a treat, and it hasn't disappointed! I'm currently on "Too Much of a Dead Thing", so I should finish between today and tomorrow. Studying for a test has to take jussst a bit of my time away from this.
kitty wrote: "I tried to add a comment before and I don't see that it actually posted. So, if at first you don't succeed... :p I started reading this Friday, assumed I would be in for a treat, and it hasn't di..."
Glad to hear that, Kitty! And good luck on that test!
Hey gang. Too Much of a Dead Thing is a short novella I was working on when I started this version of the collection. I'd read a zombie book by Bryan Smith that went in a weaker direction than I wanted it to. So, I got to my laptop and decided to try my hand at one of these living dead tales, but I would take it where I thought it should go. That was how it started, and then I met m,y cast of characters and found it telling me where it should go. Now, I understand Bryan's take better. He did what he thought served his characters and his story best. Sometimes, even us writers, we have to submit to the people we bring to life. I had one thing in mind, but they stepped in and made the final decisions. That's one of my favorite things about writing, I like being surprised by my own stories. I hope you guys dig the final results, too.
Hi Glenn!Looking forward to starting your book in the next day or two : )
Empress Reece (Hooked on Books) wrote: "Hi Glenn!Looking forward to starting your book in the next day or two : )"
Nice! Welcome aboard. :)
Just popped in to say I've finished the book and I really enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing it with us Glenn!I'm on a quick lunch break at the moment so I can't comment much but my favourites were:
1) The Fixer - that's my exact take on religion. If anyone exists up there they why are they so cruel?!
2) Wish - that was insane. I bet that was so much fun to write!
3) The Rooster - wow, that knocked me for six. Is any part of it based on real life event Glenn, it felt very real?
4) Ghosts of Spears Corner - the atmosphere was brilliant. I'm a sucker for stories like this. Younger kids remembering times when they were younger, such as IT
Hopefully I can pop back later or tomorrow to add a bit more to my comments
I have a paper copy of it and I love the picture on the front.
Jennifer wrote: "Just popped in to say I've finished the book and I really enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing it with us Glenn!I'm on a quick lunch break at the moment so I can't comment much but my favourites wer..."
Hi, Jennifer. Glad you liked the book!
"The Rooster" is about my older brother, Greg. Unfortunately, it is a true story. He was my hero in many ways and I miss him.
As for the others you mentioned, "The Fixer" was hard to write, as well. I had some guests at my hotel, a family. The mother had a heart attack in the pool and died at the hospital. I just thought about how unfair that seemed. Life is full of cheap shots, but we find a way to go on. Our family in this story faces some slightly different challenges.
and yes, "Wish" was a blast to write. Of all the stores in Land of Bones, that one was like a great workout. Just a horror writer getting to flex and feel good.
"Ghosts of Spears Corner" is another favorite of mine. Glad it stuck out for you, as well.
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Kimberly wrote: ""Ghosts of Spears Corner" seems to be a favorite of many! Nothing like the old-style horror. :) It was certainly one of my favorites."I've always said, "Give me good characters and a good story, I don't care if it's mind-blowing originality or a trope I've read a million times. If it's good, I'll take it."
I tell the stories I like to read. I never go out of my way to break new ground.
I'm a little over halfway in to the book. So far my favorites are- Not in Kansas Anymore, Avenging Kitten, Welcome to Paradise, The Fixer, The Rooster, and the story I'm reading now- Too Much of a Dead Thing. It's really good collection Glenn! I was wondering if The Rooster was a true story when I was reading it. I see you posted above that is- I'm so sorry for your loss! It's never easy losing a family member or someone you love.
I finished this one today and thought it was great! I really enjoyed your notes at the end, giving some background to the story.
Vicki's Review
I have two questions for you, Glenn.
1. Are you also a musician? I notice you mention different soundtracks in your stories (Good music, btw!)
2. How do you decide what little personalities traits quirks to give your characters (lots of your characters smoke it seems like)? Your characters have a realistic feel to them.
Vicki Willis wrote: "I finished this one today and thought it was great! I really enjoyed your notes at the end, giving some background to the story.
Vicki's Review
I have two questions for you, Glenn.
1. Are you ..."
Vicky , thanks for joining us and reading m work. I'm glad you liked it.
1. I am a semi-musician. I played in punk bands for years. I have a huge love for hair metal, Taylor Swift, and the Boss. I always wrote the songs in my bands, so I feel like I've been writing stories for years.
2. the quirks come from the characters most of the time, but sometimes, I squeeze in a quirk or two from myself or someone I know.
This month I read:Blood and Rain
Becoming
Land of Bones
Devil Board
Glenn, they all were amazing books, but Devil Board was my favorite. Zozo is one naughtily creepy demon!! I am so happy that you graced HA as a guest author this month. Can't wait to read more of your work.
Trisha wrote: "This month I read:Blood and Rain
Becoming
Land of Bones
Devil Board
Glenn, they all were amazing books, but Devil Board was my favorite. Zozo is one naughtily creepy demon!! I am so happy that y..."
Thanks, Trisha. Devil Board isn't one of mine, but I'm glad you enjoyed it just the same. :)
Happy to make a new fan.
Glenn, I am so sorry. This is what I get for commenting when I am tired. I honestly thought you were the author, all I noticed was Glenn in the author's name and it assumed it was you, since I read 3 of your books in a row. Assumptions lead you nowhere. Haha!! Honestly, I am so glad to have been introduced to your work. Totally embarrassed by my error. ;)
Trisha wrote: "Glenn, I am so sorry. This is what I get for commenting when I am tired. I honestly thought you were the author, all I noticed was Glenn in the author's name and it assumed it was you, since I read..."No worries, Trisha. I just looked up Devil Board and added it to my to-read list. :)
It took me much longer than I wanted but I'm finished! As I went along with reading, I made a side list of my favorite story to the least favorite story.
Simon
Charley Sings the World Away
Welcome to Paradise
The Rooster
The Fixer
Too Much of a Dead Thing
Wish
Avenging Kitten
Fire
Death Lights
Ghosts of Spears Corner
Not Kansas Anymore
Little Bunny
"Simon" and "Charley Sings the World Away" really stuck with me, probably because I see bits of myself in them. Meanwhile, my dreams see "Welcome to Paradise."
The concept of loss was beautifully handled, Glenn. I don't often remember all of the stories in collections like this, but yours are the stick-to-your-ribs type.
Thankies for such a privilege. =]
kitty wrote: "It took me much longer than I wanted but I'm finished! As I went along with reading, I made a side list of my favorite story to the least favorite story.
Simon
Charley Sings the World Away
Welc..."
Hey, Kitty. Thanks so much for joining the group and reading LAND OF BONES. Glad you enjoyed these stories. People often ask me about my biggest fears as a horror author. Anything happening to my kids is easily at the top of the list. Both "Simon" and "Charley..." were written based off my oldest daughter. When she was like three or four, she loved digging around in the dirt and always had to have Bug Juice and sang along to all her favorite movies. It was fairly easy to put my family in those scary scenarios and let the fearful side of my imagination run free. Truly terrifying. Gave myself the chills.
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My favorites were:
Not Kansas Anymore
Ghosts of Spears Corner
Welcome to Paradise
The Fixer
Death Lights
Great job, Glenn. You've got a lot here to be proud of. One question, will we be seeing more of Lee Buhl in the future?
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Good question! I was wondering about that, too.
Ken wrote: "Finished this one up last night. I have to say that this contains some of your best writing yet, Glenn. Not only was I able to see these stories come to life, but I could feel them make their impac..."Absolutely. I have a novel started under the working title, BLACK SIGNS (A Lee Buhl Story). I have a bunch of ideas for it, but I'm not sure when I'll get back to working on it. Hopefully by the end of the year.
Kimberly wrote: "Ken wrote: "Finished this one up last night. I have to say that this contains some of your best writing yet, Glenn. Not only was I able to see these stories come to life, but I could feel them make..."Yep. Projects I have on my list to finish up over the next two years:
Follow Me Down (novella)
Back to Avalon (novel) --Becoming sequel
Waiting for Darkness (novel) -- Blood and Rain sequel
Come Play (novella) -- featuring "Molly"
Black Signs (novel) --Lee Buhl book
August's Eyes (novel)
I have one finished novel (The Window) that I'm shopping and a couple of other works not listed above that I've started that I hope to work on, as well.
THis is our last official day. I'd like to thank all of you for reading LAND OF BONES and sharing your thoughts. I hope you'll all take a few moments and leave your reviews on GoodReads and Amazon. That always helps us writers out. Thanks to Ken for setting this up and having me,
Feel free to follow me on Twitter @grolfehorror
and if you have any questions regarding LAND OF BONES, I'll check back in over the next week or so here to answer them.
Oh, and check out the website for Alien Agenda Publishing!
I'm launching "The Summer of Horror"
https://glenntheory.wixsite.com/alien...
Cheers!
-Glenn
Horror Aficionados
Books mentioned in this topic
After the People Lights Have Gone Off (other topics)The Narrows (other topics)
Slush (other topics)
Splatterpunk Fighting Back (other topics)
Just now bought that one!"
Awesomeness! Thanks, John.