Author of sci-fi/fantasy, horror and adventure/thriller fiction

Book Launch!

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On Saturday night, author Chris Marrs and I were happy to host a party celebrating the launch of our books WILDWOMAN, a dark fantasy (Marrs), and THE ALCHEMISTS, a historical fantasy (mine). Local store Owl’s Nest was on hand to sell books to nearly 30 attendees. Thanks to everybody for coming and making the night special!

book launch party 1

Writer’s Retreat At The Hotel Stanley

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Chris Marrs and I had the pleasure of attending a horror writer’s retreat at the Hotel Stanley in Estes Park, Colorado.

The retreat, created by RJ Cavender and sponsored by Dark Regions Press, brought together more than 50 writers to enjoy shop talk, panoramic views of the Rockies, a lot of beer, and inspiration by one of America’s most interesting historic (and supposedly haunted) hotels.

The Stanley was built by Freelan Oscar Stanley (who created the Stanley Steamer) on July 4, 1909, and catered to a rich clientele.

In 1973, Stephen and Tabitha King stayed a single night there, and as it turned out, they were the only guests that night. That night at the Stanley inspired him to write THE SHINING.

The hotel has a terrific atmosphere. Chris and I had a fantastic time connecting with friends like Jack Ketchum, Rena Mason and RJ Cavender while making new friends such as Josh Mallerman, Trent Zelazny, Chris Morey, Boyd Harris and many others.

Group photo of the retreat attendees. RJ Cavender is in the center wearing a sweater (a gift from Rena Mason) that has the same pattern as the carpet in the film THE SHINING.
Group photo of the retreat attendees. RJ Cavender is in the center wearing a sweater (a gift from Rena Mason) that has the same pattern as the carpet in the film THE SHINING.
The night before heading up to Estes Park, Chris and I visited The Thirteenth Floor, a local haunted house attraction in Denver. Great effects and actors, tons of fun.
The night before heading up to Estes Park, Chris and I visited The Thirteenth Floor, a local haunted house attraction in Denver. Great effects and actors, tons of fun.
The Stanley.
The Stanley.
Jack was feeling a bit tired, and I was happy to help him out with ... what needed doing.
Jack was feeling a bit tired, and I was happy to help him out with … what needed doing.
The first day offered weather that was suitably moody. Then things cleared up and we enjoyed sunshine the rest of the week.
The first day offered weather that was suitably moody. Then things cleared up and we enjoyed sunshine the rest of the week.
Chris and stayed in the lodge, which was beautiful.
Chris and I stayed in the lodge, which was beautiful.
We got a ton of writing done in this cozy room in front of the fireplace.
We got a ton of writing done in this cozy room in front of the fireplace.
The infamous Room 217, at the time haunted by a benign apparition named RJ Cavender.
The infamous Room 217, at the time haunted by a benign apparition named RJ Cavender.
The "tunnel" is a basement space under the hotel, which was built on rock and petrified roots. Very spooky.
The “tunnel” is a basement space under the hotel, which was built on rock and petrified roots. Very spooky.
A great trip!
A great trip!

My Experience on 9/11

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wtcIt’s that time of year again, the anniversary of the 9/11 attack.

I was living in New York at the time and had a loved one in the North Tower, but we were lucky in that she got out before it came down.

Where were you? What’s your story?

This is our story of that day, originally published in the GLOBE AND MAIL in 2004.

When Words Collide

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I’ll be attending and speaking again at this year’s When Words Collide conference in Calgary.

Friday, at 1PM, I’ll be on a panel discussing the venerable topic of whether vampire and zombie fiction is “dead.” Again, I’ll be saying, “Nope.”

Friday, at 2PM, I’ll be giving an hour-long seminar on story architecture. Lots of great info for both new and veteran writers.

Saturday, at 1PM, I’ll be on a panel discussing social media for writers.

Hope to see you there!

Click here to learn more about this terrific annual writing conference.
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