Anthocon I

Greetings peeps,

This was quite the busy weekend as I spent Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday in Portsmouth, NH at AnthoCon, or Anthology 2011. A star-studded cast came out to lil' ol' New Hampshire to kick-off this Freshman event which gave it a fun atmosphere, but at the same time, was fairly well-organized for something brand new. Special guests included actor/author Michael Boatman (The Goodwife, Spin City), as well as authors Christopher Golden (Of Saints and Shadows), Rick Hautala (Nightstone), Brian Keene (Ghoul), Jonathan Maberry (Joe Ledger Series), Joseph Nassise (Eyes To See), and Gord Rollo (The Jigsaw Man), as well as a handful of other successful Hollywood-types, Eric Red (The Hitcher) and Stephen Susco (Grudge), and a handful still of other standout authors - what a list! Beyond that, something a bit more up my alley, were some great illustrators and artists including Michael Bailey, Joshua Belanger, Morbideus Goodell, Ogmios, Trevor Schubert and Susan Scofield.

While there were panels I went to, like readings from many of the authors above, a lecture and pour from Lucid Absinthe, and a few horror and speculative fiction talks, a lot of the weekend I spent talking to the folks and making new friendships. There are some truly amazing people out there who most of us just don't see, as the majority of the market is dominated by all the big fish... and well, who wants to talk about the guppie they caught when the guy next to you is throwing back marlins? Do yourself, your community, and literacy a favor and check out these local cons. You might be surprised at what you find. Just because it isn't San Diego ComicCon or BEA doesn't mean that there aren't worth while attractions.

Thanks to the Four Horsemen and Shroud Publishing for taking a leap and putting this on. See you next year!

Our First Audiobook!

That's right, friends, our first audiobook has finished the production phase and is in the final stages before being released to Audible.com, Amazon.com and iTunes! This is very exciting for us and we hope that you get to take the opportunity to join us in the excitement.

I'd like to thank Jeffrey Kafer for another great narration to match the rest of his titles (if you haven't heard him before, check him out!) and Rick Chesler in writing a great crime-technothriller on the open seas in Wired Kingdom.

Just for some fun, I know that Jeff has a large library of books he has narrated for so while we wait for Wired Kingdom to be officially released, what other titles has he done that you would recommend to others?

The Weekend Cometh

Can you believe another week has come and gone? For those of you who live in the Northeast, it has been a long week due to the historic Nor'easter that knocked out power for most (including me), some still being without since Saturday! Have no fear though, we are here to warm your minds and souls with some great reads.

First, Veteran's Day is coming soon, and with that in mind I hope you consider purchasing any and all titles of AJ Tata's THREAT Series, where proceeds from the book go to the Wounded Warriors/Metro DC fund. Being a retired general, he's seen what war can do, and we being sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, know that they should be getting all the help that they deserve. So go out and get the series today to help fund a cause that is so necessary to all who require assistance.

Sudden Threat, $2.99: Kindle - Nook - iTunes - Smashwords
Rogue Threat, $2.99: Kindle - Nook - iTunes - Smashwords
Hidden Threat $7.99: Kindle - Nook - iTunes - Smashwords
Threat Series Omnibus, $9.99 (all three in one big ebook): Kindle - Nook - iTunes - Smashwords

(Or find all but the omnibus in print at any online retailer or bookstore.)

Next, Here is a look at the final cover concept to the first of many Young Adult epic fantasy novels coming from Variance, TORRIEN: Age of Fear by Shea Berkley. Keep your eyes open for it as it should be available to buy very soon!


Last on the agenda would be another thrilling survey made by yours truly to get more input from our readers. It would be so very greatly appreciated if you would take a few minutes to click on a few multiple choice radio buttons and check boxes (and even a short answer question if you feel so inclined) to give us feedback on E-books and Other Reads. We rely on your data to be able to bring you the best fiction this indie publisher can in a format you desire. Thanks for your time and readership.

And as always, thanks for your overall support! Enjoy your weekend.