Goin' Down Slow
Writing through busy times with cool people.
The events of the past few months have pulled me away from getting much writing done. I guess it’s okay, because I’ve done a lot of work on the business end of things with book signing appearances, new items on the website, and promotional stuff, but I miss the actual writing. Usually I bang out a new novel every season. In 2020, I wrote my magnum horror western, The Thirteenth Koyote, in just three months, and it’s over 138K words and 400 pages in print form. This year, I’ve been working on the same novel since April (though I’ve also written short stories and worked on a collaborative novel during that time). Granted, the solo novel-in-progress is a difficult one to write because it’s a mystery on top of being a horror novel, and therefore requires great attention to details, particularly because it is set in 1949, and I want to be accurate to the period. But my werewolf westerns are period pieces too, and I did more research for The Thirteenth Koyote and particularly its sequel, Ballad of the Werevixens, than I have for anything else I’ve written (which is a shame because for whatever reason people have failed to discover Ballad of the Werevixens), so that can’t be the only thing causing the delay.
Another factor in my slowed productivity has been all the time-consuming, attention-demanding stuff from my home life, which has finally come to a close, for the most part. Life on the Triana Farm is good (I don’t grow jack shit but call it that because these acres were a farm decades ago, before a guy who writes about people getting fisted with roast beef sandwiches bought it) but homeownership and puppy ownership come with a shitload of responsibilities that are extra difficult for one person to keep up with on their own—hence the delays on finishing this new book. At least it has now surpassed the 80K word mark. I hope to finish the rough draft this week and start on my story for issue number 7 of The Obituaries.
As my 2024 book tour ends next month, I’ll be able to dive back into the blood pool of my writing with full force and vigor, and frankly, I cannot wait. I have just two book signing appearances left this year, so come out to see me if you can, while you can!
October 4th - 6th : Scares That Care presents Authorcon IV. St. Louis, Missouri. I’m excited to be a guest of honor at this incredible convention! I’ll be signing books, doing a live reading, and appearing on an extreme horror panel. Other guests include Ronald Malfi, Maurice Broaddus, Aron Beauregard, Jonathan Janz, Wile E. Young, Daniel J. Volpe, Wrath James White, Rebecca Rowland, Cullen Bunn, V. Castro, Clay McLeod Chapman, Patrick C. Harrison III, Dakota Lawrence, Michael Allen Rose, and many more! Ticket sales go to the charity, which focuses on sick and severely injured individuals.
October 19th : Merrimack Valley Halloween Book Festival. Haverhill Public Library. Haverhill, Massachusetts. The annual Halloween party for horror readers promises to once again be as lit as a jack-o-lantern! Guests include Joe Hill, Ronald Malfi, Bracken MacLeod, Rebecca Rowland, Larry Hinkle, Lynne Hansen, Clay McLeod Chapman, and many more!
Speaking of charities, I want to tell you about Das and his father. Das is an aspiring writer, and as a big fan of my stuff, he often comes out to see me at signings. At CT Horrorfest last weekend, Das came by with his father, and I had the chance to chat with them. Das mentioned he’s created a GoFundMe for the kidney transplant his dad desperately needs. That he’s blood type O negative makes finding a donor even more difficult. To cover medical expenses and travel, they’re hoping to raise funds, so if you’re able to help, please consider a donation. Every little bit makes a difference, and we in the horror community must stick together.
At signings, people always ask what new books I have, so I just want to remind everyone that my latest horror novel, The Old Lady, is available now, and so is a new novella, Because You’re Mine. If you’re looking for the ultimate in unbridled female rage, grab the bloodbath that is The Old Lady. It’s honestly one of my favorite books I’ve ever written, and one of the most personal, next to The Ruin Season. But if a sadistic tale of serial killers falling in love strikes your fancy, then snatch a copy of Because You’re Mine. It’s a quick read full of torture and desire, which are often the synonymous!
Although I’m still working on my latest novel, I have other works that are finished but have yet to be released. Expect a new book from me by year’s end, as well as some other surprises.
Need more hardcore horror to shove into your brain?
This Friday, September 27th, two kings of splatterpunk are releasing their first collaboration. Aron Beauregard (author of Playground and The Slob) has joined forces with Shane McKenzie (author of Monsters Don’t Cry and Wet and Screaming) to bring us their grotesque grimoire, Benjamin. It has been my pleasure to watch these friends of mine collaborate on this big project for the past year. The sick, collectible hardback edition was already released on their websites, but now the book is seeing a paperback and ebook release that will be available everywhere! I introduced Aron to Shane, so if you end up being grossed out and offended by this book, blame me.
Here's the skinny on this horror tome:
In the city of fear, money holds dominion over all. With a new designer drug numbing the population, a rash of mysterious disappearances, and a murder rate rising higher than the tallest skyscraper, the only people with the means to distance themselves from the corruption are the ones fostering it.
Enter Benjamin—a lone hundred-dollar bill caught in the middle. In a storm of pills, bullets, and bloodshed, Benjamin passes through the hands of several desperate criminals. Will this bill be the missing piece that finally solves their problems, or a witness to their final moments?
There’s only one way to find out: follow Benjamin.
This book is an immersive entertainment experience that contains 6 QR codes to over 14 minutes of complementary animated video and 6 interior illustrations. The immersive videos are designed to give the reader a sense of the story's atmosphere before beginning the experience. These nightmarish fever dreams are laced with symbolism open to the viewer's interpretation. Can you find the deeper meaning?
Before I go, here are some pictures from recent book signings and writer retreats. I am truly fortunate to have so many excellent friends and to work with these true titans in the horror industry. Much love to you all, and to all the readers who make what we do worthwhile.
That’s all for this week. Until next time, keep reading, and try to be happy.
Your pal,
Kris
This feels like the best place to tell you that you are an enormous inspiration, both in writing and in life. Keep up the good work! P.S. Werevixens fucking RULES
Aww, Shadow is adorbs! Hopefully, I'll be seeing ya in St. Louis! And I just finished up the Old Lady ...holy freaking picklesticks... Amazing!