Sinister Landscapes is an Amazon Bestseller!!!

Hey folks,

Our little gothic anthology is soaring today; at 2:15 pm, it cracked the Top 100 at Amazon shattering the doors down and snatching the 19th spot. An hour and a half later, it leaped to 9th position!!! We're in the Top 10!!!! Yeehaw!

Help us keep it in the Top 10 and maybe send it to the Number 1 slot by purchasing a copy at this link: http://www.amazon.com/Sinister-Landscapes-Alan-Draven/dp/0981021301/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218205100&sr=1-1

The book features stories from:

Thad Linson
Sarah Wilson Basore
Eric Enck
Jessica Lynne Gardner
Ryan B. Clark
Brandon Ford
Jeani Rector
David Boyle
Gordon Anthony Bean
Bret Jordan
Alan Draven
Stéphanie J
T. G. Reaper
R. Vance
Jeff Ezell
Charlotte Emma Gledson
Charlie Glover
Frank E. Bittinger

As well as a foreword by Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc and an intro by yours truly. So you get all this for $12.11 (list price is $14.95 but Amazon is discounting it).

Your support means a lot to us. Please repost and tell all your friends/family/co-workers!

Thank you!!

Cheers,
Alan

9:58 AM - 8 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Sinister Landscapes Book Trailer
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

6:45 AM - 6 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

Book Review: Open Grave by Jeani Rector
Category: Writing and Poetry

Open Grave by Jeani Rector

Publisher: PublishAmerica

Price: $21.95

Buy it on Amazon.com

If you're wondering if this book is as good as its cover looks, the answer is yes, it is. The cool cover reminded me of the old EC Horror comics like Tales from the Crypt and Vault of Horror, and what's inside is worthy of that cover. Jeani Rector's new book is brimming with an assortment of dark treats about Ebola, voodoo, gypsies, Lycanthropy, and black magic. Open Grave is divided in two parts. The first part encompasses nine short stories and the second part, the meat of the book, is a novella.

Though on the short side (seven of the nine tales are between five to ten pages in length), the stories range from good to excellent. The first story, "Cat's Eye", about someone who wants to stand out, sets the tone for the book. The two longer stories, "Crystal Ball", about a gypsy's gift of a crystal ball to the protagonist, and "Ghoul", a creepy tale of voodoo, are the best of the book. The only story I didn't care for was "Monday Night Dive" in which two youths dive into a dumpster to find food. Jeani's strength lies in her longer stories, in my opinion, where she really gets a chance to show us she can write horror with the best of them. I also really enjoyed the variety of topics she dug into (no pun intended) in this book; she proved very knowledgeable on the subjects of voodoo, Navajo burial customs, and the occult.

Now for the "piece de resistance"; the title story, which is the novella, Open Grave. If you're like me and love reading stories about the occult, demons and black magic, then hesitate no longer, and pick up this book right now. This 165 page novella is an extremely engaging read. We are told the story of Rick Evans who finds himself dabbling in black magic and wishing he hadn't, but by that time, it's already too late. He discovers facts about his heritage that he could never have imagined and that could very well be the death of him. As the story unfolds, he falls under many spells, will be involved in necromancy and jeopardizes everything he holds dear in his life. This was a quick read with many twists and a monster of a third act where the truth is unleashed like a chainsaw upon a helpless victim.   

The author has more than a trick up her sleeve and spins spine-chilling stories that will satisfy any horror reader with the wide array of tales found in this collection. The novella is a first-rate story about the occult--something I don't see too often these days--and worth the price of the book alone. I hope Ms. Rector decides to write a full-length novel sometime soon; I'm sure the result would be nothing short of spectacular.  

Cheers,

Alan

8:05 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Sinister Landscapes Now Available on Amazon.com
Category: Writing and Poetry

Hear, hear folks! Sinister Landscapes is now available. This is the Gothic horror anthology I edited and it also features my short story "Beyond the Doomed Cave". Click here to view a list of the contributors and to pick up a copy. It should become available on the rest of the Amazon network, Barnes and Noble, Chapters/Indigo, Buy.com and other online stores in the coming weeks. It will also be in select brick and mortar stores shortly.

Cheers,
Alan

7:26 AM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Draven by Kohl
Category: Writing and Poetry

Time for another blog, folks. I've just been interviewed by the wonderful J.B. Kohl, author of The Deputy's Widow. I really enjoyed doing this interview since the questions were different than the usual ones. We discussed my current projects, the upcoming Sinister Landscapes, my adventures in publishing and other fine things. To read it, visit Jennifer's site here: http://www.jbkohl.com/adraven.htm

Take care and stay scared!

Cheers,
Alan

10:45 AM - 4 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Sinister Landscapes final lineup and cover
Category: Writing and Poetry

Sinister Landscapes, the gothic horror anthology I've been editing for the past three months is now at the printer. It will be released on September 19, 2008. It will feature 18 stories by 14 published authors and 4 previously unpublished writers. You'll find the final lineup and book cover below. The book will be priced at $14.95 US and $15.95 CAD.

I'd like to thank everyone who submitted a story for the book; there is an enormous amount of talent out there. Keep writing and who knows, maybe you'll make it into next year's book!

Churchyards, cemeteries, manors, and foggy streets are breeding grounds for specters of all walks. Ghosts, goblins, witches, and demons lurk in these dangerous places, stalking from the darkest corners. Mysterious noises, rattling chains, strange occurrences, and eerie shadows. These are just some of the spine-tingling oddities we encounter when we dare tread upon forbidden soil. Brace yourself readers. Sinister Landscapes takes you back to the roots of horror through eighteen gothic tales told by a new crop of authors that go straight for the throat. Featuring the genre's newest and finest voices with a foreword by award-winning and bestselling author Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc, including:

Thad Linson
Sarah Wilson Basore
Eric Enck
Jessica Lynne Gardner
Ryan B. Clark
Brandon Ford
Jeani Rector
David Boyle
Gordon Anthony Bean
Bret Jordan
Alan Draven
Stéphanie J
T. G. Reaper
R. Vance
Jeff Ezell
Charlotte Emma Gledson
Charlie Glover
Frank E. Bittinger

Cheers,
Alan

5:57 AM - 8 Comments - 16 Kudos - Add Comment

Buy BITTERNEST for only $13.00!!

Hey folks,

Buy.com wants to make a bestseller out of Bitternest so they've lowered the price to $13.00, the lowest ever! You can find it on Amazon for $19.95 so it's a really good deal. Here's a link to get it directly from buy.com

Here's what some of the critics are saying about Bitternest:

"Draven's down-to-earth writing style makes this book an easy read, and the ever-changing plotline keeps up an invigorating pace. Bitternest delivers the chills and thrills."-- Dark Realms Magazine

"Bitternest is a scarily timely tale that beautifully weaves its storylines together in a fast-paced, expertly written manner through the use of short chapters that keep the reader glued to the action and turning the pages as quickly as possible. If Bitternest is an example of what Alan Draven can do for this tired subgenre, then we are all fortunate indeed to have him already hard at work on his next offering!"--Dread Central

"BITTERNEST is a roller coaster ride of horrific delights from beginning to end. Brilliantly portrayed situations and characters add to the overall vivid storytelling ability of Draven. A debut novel of epic proportions; BITTERNEST is certain to be a much talked about novel. With its fresh approach to the vampiric race and its many plot twists and turns, BITTERNEST is a great addition to the horror genre."--Authors After Dark

"Draven laces an action packed crime drama with fast paced supernatural intrigue that will keep readers turning pages until the explosive end. […] Draven's debut novel is a well written worthwhile read and a refreshing breather from the paranormal romances plaguing the genre."--Vampress dot net

"Combining both a supernatural horror novel and a medical thriller solicits a much wider audience than Bitternest might normally find. It is pretty gory at times, but the mystery aspect of the novel keeps the reader intellectually stimulated. It's definitely a great first novel, and I'd love to see more from Draven in the future."--Front Street Reviews

"With gusto and in the tradition of the genre, Draven adopts all the necessary ingredients of a spooky horror novel as he deftly choreographs his heroes and villains giving us a tale that amply satisfies. It certainly is a yarn you won't forget!"—Book Pleasures

"There are several scenes in this novel that stand out and make a lasting impression as you read. Readers who love horror and are looking for a twist on the vampire novel should definitely check out Alan Draven and his Bitternest."--Frank E. Bittinger, Author of Angels of the Seventh Dawn

"Alan Draven uses his masterful touch and pens a smorgasbord of bloody battles that left me breathless! If you enjoy a dark journey filled with white-knuckle suspense, then I highly recommend you sink your teeth into Bitternest."--David Boyle, Author of Blood Works

So pick up a copy today and let me know when you're done reading it as I always enjoy getting feedback from my readers!

Cheers,
Alan

9:15 AM - 4 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Book Review: Crystal Bay by Brandon Ford
Category: Writing and Poetry

The last Wednesday of every month, after a quick 5-minute review on The Odd Mind, I will post the extensive book review here on my blog. You can also find it on Amazon.com

The first book I'm reviewing is Brandon Ford's Crystal Bay. You can get it here on Amazon at the low price of $13.95. On a side note, the book is published by Arctic Wolf Publishing and these guys know how to pick their authors. Every book I've read from them was a top-notch effort.

Visit Brandon at www.myspace.com/writerbrandonford

Crystal Bay Review:

Gage is an English teacher who has wanted to write a novel as far back as he can remember. He agrees with his wife Beth that as soon as classes are over, he will go away to his parents' summer home in Crystal Bay to pen his masterpiece. Beth reluctantly agrees, not wanting to stand in the way of her husband's dreams. On the way there, Gage stops for a bite to eat and meets a dazzling woman by the name of Amanda. A few words are exchanged, and he is on his way. Imagine his surprise when he finds out the next morning that Amanda's got a house right next to his. One thing leads to another and before he realizes what's happened, he's in bed with her. What has he done? He could be throwing away his marriage. Suddenly, the writing comes easier and words flow on the page. Then he sleeps with Amanda again as if he were spellbound by her. What is wrong with him? In the meantime, the words keep pouring out of him, but he is ridden with guilt. Amanda has her sights on him, but there is more to her than meets the eye. Will Gage be able to resist her charm and save his marriage--and finish his novel? Amanda's got plans for him and she won't--can't--take no for an answer.

Crystal Bay is Brandon Ford's debut novel and what an introduction it is! It is a far better book than the average first novel. He shows a lot of maturity and avoids many of the trappings of a first novel. There are echoes of Richard Laymon in his writing, but Brandon's voice is very much his own. His dialogue is sharp, the tension constant throughout, and the few characters we encounter are very credible. These are folks you know and you've met many times in the course of your life. Buddy the annoying neighbor who's got a crush on Beth and doesn't let a trivial detail like the fact that she's married bother him. Tina, Beth's best friend and business partner, who's still single and a party animal yet would do anything for her friend. Gage and Beth are extremely well developed and you feel and worry for them.

I kept turning the pages and telling myself "one more chapter" until my eyes were too tired to go on. The story unfolds at a very good pace, moving back and forth between Gage at the summer house and Beth back in the city. The more you see what Amanda is about, the more you want Gage to get the hell out of there. Only he can't--even when everything around him is threatening to fall apart. This mysterious muse isn't that easy to leave.

Crystal Bay is a strong debut, one which I highly recommend. If you're a fan of Laymon's twisted stories or if you've ever been tempted to get away for a few months to write a bestselling novel, then you should definitely pick up this book. It is the perfect summer read.

Alan

7:53 PM - 1 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Triple Threat in SNM

Oh, my! I bet that subject got your attention, didn't it?

No, you perverted fiends, I'm not going to star in a porno! This blog is about Steven Marshall's awesome new online horror magazine and it's called SNM Horror Magazine (those are his initals by the way). They will feature an interview with yours truly, a review of my debut novel Bitternest and a brand new short story which I've written especially for the occasion titled Hershell's Motel. All these goodies will be available to you free of charge, yes, FREE!!

It will all take place at this address http://www.freewebs.com/snmhorrormag/ around the first of July. In the meantime, check it out now to see what you've been missing!

Cheers,
Alan

6:04 AM - 4 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

AngelLesa and The Odd Mind

Hey guys,

I'd like to take a moment to give props to a wonderful lady who's been doing great things for all of us writers in this tightly-knit community that is MySpace. Her name is Lesa Trapp and her show is The Odd Mind on Blog Talk Radio.
You can listen to it here: http://www. blogtalkradio. com/AngelLesa

I have been a guest a little while back and so have many other writers such as Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc, Eric Enck, Frank E. Bittinger, David Boyle, TG Reaper, C. L. Freire, Brandon Ford, Bret Jordan and many more. I'm always nervous when it comes to interviews, but Lesa made me feel comfortable from the get-go. She does her show in a relaxed Q&A format which feels more like talking to a friend than being interviewed. She is a writer herself and an avid reader and understands the importance for writers of being heard and how much exposure is essential for us in order to spread the word about our books. Her show has been growing and the amount of listeners increases every week. My short term memory seems to be failing me lately and I miss most of the shows when they are live but I always find time to catch them in the archives section. So don't worry if you miss a show, it is always saved for posterity in the archives section.

As of June 25, I will be going on Lesa's show between 9 and 9:30 pm the last Wednesday of every month to do a quick book review. The first book I'll be discussing will be Brandon Ford's Crystal Bay. A more extensive review will be posted on my Amazon. com and MySpace blog the same night with links to buy the book.

Again, thank you Lesa for allowing us this opportunity; it means a lot.

Cheers,
Alan

6:02 AM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment