It's About Time!

Hey everyone,

Yeah, it's about time I updated the blog!

Seems like I've ignored this for some time. I've been very busy over the last few months. I have, at the very least, a chapbook coming out sometime this fall. It will be a hard back version of SWEET THINGS that was a pb free giveaway that accompanied my novella, BOOGALOOS, last year. It seems there have been requests for the chapbook. So, it will have a new story inside that I wrote this year, accompanying the original two. There will likely be a collection or novel set for next year, as well as digital novel/novella.

I'm working on one novella right now called 'Not Quite Right' as well as a novel that will be sent to agents early next year. There's also a couple of new novels sitting in first draft on my shelf.

I'm also learning a lot of new things that have to do with Internet Marketing and Web Development. And in the fall I'll be adding a bunch of new courses that will redirect me to the new world of digital books. I'm already putting together a portfolio of book covers and website designs that I've done recently under the name of 'Black Sky Design Works.'

Anyway, back to the novella and I'll be back a lot sooner for updates. And if you like to hear the updates before anyone else, drop me a line and you will get my quarterly newsletter.

Doug

REUNION Review

Hello everyone,

I won't say too much today about my life in Victoria BC. Other than it's moving along very well. More info about that in the next week or two.

Rather I would like to post a review I did on a little book from Postscript Publishing in the UK. They put out a book recently from one of my favourite authors: Rick Hautala. You see, this guy has a lot of books out there, tons of short stories and a few screenplays. (Including some Buffy tales for those who loved that show) Anyway, I have been reading and collecting his stuff since his short story compilation BEDBUGS. (He also has another called OCCASIONAL DEMONS on the way from Cemetery Dance Publications) And of course the last book I really liked a lot of his was WILDMAN.

However, this blog is about his newest release: REUNION from Postscripts. And having read it yesterday in it's entirety here's my review.

Having just read Robert McCammon’s Boy’s Life when I received REUNION in the mail, I decided to take a rest and read something else. Something completely different. But, just like any book of Rick’s I buy, it kept singing for me to come take a peek.

So, I heeded the call and picked up the book today.

Let me state something here before I go on. Being a writer myself, I usually read to learn from others. And, it is a rare event that a book will lead me away from my learning mode, but this tome did just that. And I’m more than happy that it did.

Though the book is slight in size (105 pages), make no mistake, it has as much heart and thoughtfulness as any of the other well-known coming-of-age books. This book should be right at the top of everyone’s TBR pile.

Not only is Rick’s writing wonderful, smooth and truthful, it flows like a ghost through an unkempt cemetery. It didn’t take me long to get hooked, and I knew immediately where and about what time-period the story was situated in. You see, I am one of those on the other side of fifty. However, like Boy’s Life, don’t think you need to be in that age bracket to enjoy or become immersed in the tale. It’s terrific for anyone who remembers what it’s like to grow up with wonderment and curiosity.

I know Rick has mentioned that if you liked his short story Miss Henry’s Bottles, you’ll like this one. I agree. But more than that. This narrative needs no crutches to help it along. It stands all by itself just fine, thank you very much.

Not only is this a coming-of-age tale but it wanders into the mist of what I loosely term as science fiction/fantasy as well. As I said earlier, I had just finished reading Boy’s Life when REUNION came in the mail. And now that I’ve read this, it’s a fantastic story to cap off my month of reading coming-of-age stories. Though this tome is slight, the story is not.

Don’t wait to buy this. There weren't many printed. So, order it now before it’s too late. You won’t be disappointed.

http://store.pspublishing.co.uk/acatalog/info_471.html ($20.00 HB)

http://store.pspublishing.co.uk/acatalog/info_472.html ($40.00 HB)

And I believe right now you can order 3 different books for one low price at Postscripts Publishing.

BEEN BUSY

I'll be back here down the road. A lot of things are happening, some of which are not any fun. Just a note to let everyone that I'm still alive.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hi everyone,

Just a note to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I also wish to take a moment to thank a few people in my world for the past year.

First is my sweetie, Catherine. Without whom, some of my difficulties in 2009 would have been far greater for me to endure. Also to Corie & Phil, Lianne & Sean, you all have been pillars of strength for me to lean on during the past few months. Cat has been much more than a pillar.

To all of you that took a chance on a primarily unknown author. Yes, there were a lot of you in the Yukon that supported me. Friends and co-workers. I would bet if it hadn't been for you, the HB of BOOGALOOS would not have sold out in four days. I am in deep gratitude to you all. And for everyone out there who don't know me, and the ones that met me only at the convention in Toronto, I am more than thrilled you either bought the book or at least promoted me. (That's you guys, Greg Lamberson & Mark Gunnells) I am forever in your debt.

Tom & Billie Moran of Sideshow Press. These are the loveliest of people. Their small press published many stories of mine in Black Ink Horror, but notably they published BOOGALOOS, THE GHOST STORY OF ‘79: THE LOST CHAPTER & the pre-order accompanying chapbook, SWEET THINGS. A round of applause has to go out to them. These people have been instrumental to my writing in North America.

And of course, who could forget the sensational Susie Moloney. Like I’ve said elsewhere, this girl knows how to laugh. She was also more than wonderful for taking some of her valuable time to write a glorious introduction for BOOGALOOS. (I was saying aww, shucks, more than once after reading her intro.)

Mark Gunnells for doing such a wonderful interview with me last summer. And for being a friend.

And to all those in Whitehorse that made my stay there over the last three years more than interesting. And, especially to Sean, Lianne, Marina & Liz for being there when I needed them the most. And still are.

Of course, I can’t forget Frank Curlew in the Yukon. Actually once you meet him, nobody can. He’s one of the greatest Newfies I've ever met. (I know he’ll have qualms about being ‘one of’ but that’s the way it goes, right Frankie ol' Boy. Ah well. At least we have our hair, right?)

To my cousin Lori Prophet and my good friend Bill Oster for giving me their input in the early days of BOOGALOOS.

And to Larry & Shane for stocking BOOGALOOS at the Horror Mall and all of you there that picked up the book.

As for 2010? I have a lot of things going on. It will be a great year. I already have an acceptance on a short story, (Still rewriting, Amanda) and hopefully the final drafts of MoonDancers and Barracuda will be ready to send out.

Until later.

To every one of you . . . Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

I'M BACK!

Hi Everyone,

Yes. A short one. I have arrived in Victoria and now putting my life and writing life in order. I am quite certain I will be happy living here the rest of my days.

As for the writing life ~ I have gone back to my rewriting of a book that Nancy Kilpatrick had edited a few years ago. So, that, I hope will be the follow up to BOOGALOOS. It too is supernatural, but also a thriller. Speaking of BOOGALOOS, the TP is coming out in a couple weeks and the HB to follow. So, by the end of November everyone will hopefully have their copy. Feel free to write and let me know your thoughts, not only on BOOGALOOS, but on the FREE chapbook SWEET THINGS as well.

I should mention that the HORROR MALL has removed the link to buy copies from their site. So, guys and dolls, those who have purchased my first published long fiction piece, you have the first edition and there will be no more unless another publisher wants to reprint it. Nonetheless, you have the first signed editions as well as the first edition. Of both novella and chapbook.

Okay - time to go to my website to reflect these changes. Talk to you all soon.

And another round of thanks to all that purchased BOOGALOOS!

Doug

GETTING THERE

Hey Everyone,

Now that the end of pre-ordering Boogaloos has come and gone, I think you can still order for a little while. The difference being you will be put on a 'first come' list and the chapbook will not be signed. Possibly, Boogaloos won't be signed either. But we had a couple months to do so, didn't we? lol

So, at the moment I have the signature sheets and am also packing to move. Yep, I am heading to the great green south. It's winter in the Yukon and I've tired of it already. I've been heating my place for the last 3 weeks.

Anyway, chances are it will be awhile before I update my website. I've finally got back into reading again. Haven't really done that since August. I returned to Boys' Life and it didn't seem I had left the book at all. Every bit of it came flooding back. What a great book! This and Jeff Strand's Pressure are my favourite reads of this year.

And to add to that, my writing is moving along very slowly, but once I get back to where winter is much shorter, my creativity, I think, will also return.

So guys and dolls - have a great Halloween and talk to you all when I am finally settled elsewhere.

Doug

HOMEWARD BOUND

Just a short note people. A little more uplifting than the last. Though, I have lots ahead of me, I think I will be moving back to Victoria BC by the end of the year. This will likely be my last move, seeing I am not with Canada Post anymore, but there are so many positive things on the horizon for me. New outlook, the chance for new opportunities and a new book that I am working on. I seem to have gained a little time since my surprise retirement, so it's time for me, old friends, relatives and new friends.

One of the most positive aspects of my latest visit to Victoria is the meeting of a woman I've known for some time. Her name is Cat and hopefully our relationship will only grow in the coming months. She's such a wonderful positive person. I couldn't ask for more.

Anyway. just a reminder, BOOGALOOS will be released at the end of this month. Better grab a letter and fly into the unknown before it's too late.

Talk to you all later.

Doug