December 18th, 2012
As usual, it's been awhile, I'm sure most of you have kept up with me on Facebook (which is where everyone is hanging their heads these days) but I thought it time to use this webpage again.
Though it has been one roller coaster ride, THE SNUFF SYNDICATE has finally been unleashed upon the world thanks to the good folks at Beating Windward Press. It's been a good two years since I came up with the idea for a collection of stories about a social media Web site for serial killers. My overall goal as a horror writer is to use and hopefully improve upon each and every horror trope within my writing carrier. Due in part to the rising popularity of Dexter, I thought it about time I tackled the Serial Killer theme and what I could bring to the sub-genre. Most often, serial killers are portrayed as a solitary hunter, but as a happily married man whose life is richer because of his partner, this way of thinking is foreign to me. My wife is ingrained into every thought and move I make, all my ideas are bounced off her and strengthened by her input. So I thought that same kind of partnership could be applied to two friends who just happen to be Serial Killers. How deadly and efficient could two killer minds working in tangent be? That was the question I sought to answer.
The idea, however, did not seem large enough for a full-length book. My writing is tight and concise and quite often falls into novella territory, which is difficult to sell. The way around this was to invite others to play along and since I’ve done numerous collections already, I wanted a change of pace. I wanted unity, a link between the tales to give the impression this was a novel rather than a collection of short stories, and of course, what would that link be?
The answer was simple, social media. In all wakes of life, there are support groups. With this idea, I did an open call with the intention of weaving my tale in between stories written by others, playing upon their characters and situations, tying them together.
Over the next two years, I solicited the idea to a publisher, got approval, read through slush to find the best possible stories to work with, finished the project and signed contracts, only for the publisher to allow said contract to expire after one year for reasons unknown to me as they seem to have dropped off the face of the earth. After that, I began all over again, fortunately, the selected contributors felt the same way as I do about this project (that it kicks major ass) and stood by me and waited for me to find another suitable publisher, and boy did I. Beating Windward Press has done a phenomenal job making me feel like part of a family rather than a commodity to be used. They treated my vision with respect and brought a fresh perspective to the book which in turned strengthened each individual piece, and delivered a beautiful book. Don't believe me, click the link and go check it out for yourself.
Lorne Dixon, Giovanna Lagana, J.T. Seate, Gerald S. Parker, C.A. Burns, Mark Onspaugh, Kevin Cockle, and Marsheila Rockwell answered my original challenge and delivered a variety of motives and style.
What I wanted to do was to put out a multi-authored short story collection that read like a novel, now whether I succeeded or not is up to you, the reader, to decide. My hope with this project is that you'll discover some new voices and a new way to look at the short story format because in this day, more and more doors are closing to the format.
Let me know how we did!
September 17th, 2009
Wow! Has it really been over a year since my last update? I took a hiatus from writing as my 9-5 really boomed and now things are leveling off. I took the time to improve my writing and catch up on some reading. Since the beginning of the summer I received several acceptances, one being my zombie novella DEATH PUPPET: Revolt of the Dead. The contract requires two more to make this a trilogy of terror so I'll be working on Act 2 & 3 real soon.
Here's the preliminary cover art:
I also have received 3 acceptances to anthologies to be put out 2010 by Library of the Living Dead and I'm currently working on a collection of werewolf tales with a publisher already interested in reviewing it once it's complete. Fingers crossed.
Though my updates here are few and far between, I do visit my Facebook page reguraly. Feel free to drop by there: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/keithdbz?ref=name
June 13th, 2008
Check it out:
Currently it is ranked 7th on the Horror Mall's Top 10 list. So...WOOHOO! Some great reading to be found within its pages, but I'm biased.
March 14th, 2008
So The Goblin Princess is doing well thus far, it fluctuates on the top seller's list on Fictionwise which is always good and its garnered a favorable review. Color me excited.
On the Freehold front, Carnifex Press has put Freehold: Begginings up for presale here: Inside, you'll find a novella from me and one from Heather, both prequels to our respective characters. I will be hocking copies at Oasis along with The Goblin Princess.
The Parasitorium is working on putting out its third anthology and its shaping up nicely. Chances are high that this will be the best one yet.
Another bit of news, I am editing a Flash Fiction anthology entitled Bits of the Dead. More will be posted as it is revealed, and on a sadder note, come June, Children of the Dragon will be out of print. If you haven't picked up a copy of my first fantasy novel, times a tickin'.
December 20th, 2007
I apologize for the lack of updates, writing life has been quiet while playing the waiting game, but I wanted to stop in and wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday. The Goblin Princess will be available very soon, Dec. 28th and I'll share the cover with you:
On the day of its release I'll post the first chapter in its entirety. Until then...
May 29th, 2007
Now up for preorder on Shocklines and at Carnifex Press, the second installment to the FREEHOLD series. Armand and I signed dozens of copies at the OASIS convention this past weekend to fill preorders so get'em while they're autographed. We sold some books, mostly Freehold 1 & 2 and Florida Horror (of course) everyone picked that one up off the table whether they bought it or not. We had a good time and look forward to doing it again at Dragon*Con.
Also, Lachesis Publishing has confirmed The Goblin Princess for a Dec. 28th release. Yeah!
February 20th, 2007
Received the cover art for Echoes of Terror and wanted to share:
Pretty snazy, huh? This title will be available soon from Lachesis Publishing who also had the hindsight to accept The Goblin Princess for publication. No word on when, so you'll have to wait, sorry. But for those who thought the Children of the Dragon was excellent, The Goblin Princess out shines it in so many ways.
Another bit of news is the rerelease of The Parasitorium: Terrors Within along with its sequel Parasitic Sands. Both available here: http://www.lulu.com/gohan
January 9th, 2007
I apologize for being out of touch, things are busy. Not much to report, my story "Fowl Play" has been accepted to appear in Echoes of Terror and will be accompanied by a new tale from my good friend Garrett Peck. Who, coincidentally, was asked to co-edit the antho after all the stories had been accepted. Guess they were mighty impressed with his work. The publisher of the anthology also contacted me about additional work from me and after sending in the first three chapters of The Goblin Princess has requested the full manuscript so keep those fingers crossed.
I have added a story for your reading pleasure to the site, hope you enjoy it. Until next time, Happy New Year!
October 16th, 2006
Grave Cravings is now up for preorder. Check it out: http://shocklines.stores.yahoo.net/grcrbkegoand.html
August 30th, 2006
Things of interest: Dreaded Pall is now available and can be ordered here: http://www.lulu.com/content/387560
Also, after nearly two tears of searching for a publisher, Garrett Peck and I have decided to publish our collaborative story "Latent Killer" in a book with a novella from myself - "Delusions of Love" and a novella from Garrett - "Blood Betrayals" due to the sizes of the stories, we cannot find good homes for these sex-filled atrocities of fine literature so we are doing it ourselves. Grave Cravings will be available soon, I promise. Look for it at Shocklines, the only place to buy books on the web.
July 7th, 2006
Below is the cover art for an upcoming publication entitled Dreaded Pall, which features my short story "Broken". When the book is released, you can expect to see a link. The editor, David Garrett is working tirelessly to put this out reasonably soon. I have read the final product and all of the stories are top notch. Other than that, not much news to report. Still plugging away on my Freehold novella titled Hardened Heart, I am very pleased with how it is turning out and I think everyone who enjoyed my tale in the first Freehold book is in for a real treat.
As promised, here's the cover:
May 8th, 2006
Great news to report. My story "Final Solution" has been accepted for the Vermin anthology to be published by Carnifex Press. Also, preorder information for AP Fuchs and I's latest chapbook On Hell's Wings can be found here: http://store.yahoo.com/shocklines/onhewinobapf.html
April 4th, 2006
Welcome to my new home, thank you for stopping by. Not much to report, I'm currently working on a new chapbook with author AP Fuchs and a novella for the shared world Freehold. The publisher has asked me to write a prequel leading up to the events in my story "Thieves Among Serpents" in the first Freehold anthology available now. To say I am honored is an understatement.
Next month I will be attending Oasis, if anyone is in the area, please stop by and say hello. The site is still under construction so stay tuned. Until next time.
Pleasant Screams!