I've been so fortunate to have some great guests over this past week, and today I'm proud to feature author John Paul Allen, who recently contributed to the Fresh Blood Old Bones anthology. Here's what he has to say about the new release:
“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.” – Lao Tzu
A couple months ago my newest story, "Little Miss," was released as part of the Fresh Blood Old Bones anthology – a project developed by Kasey Lansdale with Biting Dog Publications presenting works by well-known writers (Old Bones) mixed with several who are new to the market (Fresh Blood). How exciting it was to be included with names like Neal Barrett Jr, Nancy A. Collins, Joe Lansdale and others I have enjoyed since getting turned on by the horror genre and after reading the works of my fellow newbies I realized what an honor it was to be part of this collection. To paraphrase a review, “there’s not a weak story in the lot” and added to the enjoyment of each tale the editor shared with the readers how she became connected with each writer. I like stuff like that – the inside info of how things come to be so before reading the seventeen stories and one poem I read these mini-intros first.
OK, I read the one about me first and then the others. Hey, I like it when someone says something nice about me, so I clicked through the pages until I got to my name and read that I am … “a great writer but a bit quirky”. The words belonged to Dave Dinsmore of Biting Dog – someone in the business who knows me better than most. Still I had to see how the other writers were described. Let me share:
Juan Perez is “selfless” - Tim Bryant “has a unique skill” - Neal Barrett Jr. is “one of the greatest writers” - “This girl is good” describes Sara Brookes - Rhonda Eudaly is called “talented and good folk” – Nancy A. Collins is “extremely talented” – Stephen Mertz is “a fan favorite” – Folly Blaine is “a talented up-and-comer” … on and on it goes, all descriptions perfect fits and after reading them I returned to my own – John Paul Allen is “a bit quirky”.
A couple months ago my newest story, "Little Miss," was released as part of the Fresh Blood Old Bones anthology – a project developed by Kasey Lansdale with Biting Dog Publications presenting works by well-known writers (Old Bones) mixed with several who are new to the market (Fresh Blood). How exciting it was to be included with names like Neal Barrett Jr, Nancy A. Collins, Joe Lansdale and others I have enjoyed since getting turned on by the horror genre and after reading the works of my fellow newbies I realized what an honor it was to be part of this collection. To paraphrase a review, “there’s not a weak story in the lot” and added to the enjoyment of each tale the editor shared with the readers how she became connected with each writer. I like stuff like that – the inside info of how things come to be so before reading the seventeen stories and one poem I read these mini-intros first.
OK, I read the one about me first and then the others. Hey, I like it when someone says something nice about me, so I clicked through the pages until I got to my name and read that I am … “a great writer but a bit quirky”. The words belonged to Dave Dinsmore of Biting Dog – someone in the business who knows me better than most. Still I had to see how the other writers were described. Let me share:
Juan Perez is “selfless” - Tim Bryant “has a unique skill” - Neal Barrett Jr. is “one of the greatest writers” - “This girl is good” describes Sara Brookes - Rhonda Eudaly is called “talented and good folk” – Nancy A. Collins is “extremely talented” – Stephen Mertz is “a fan favorite” – Folly Blaine is “a talented up-and-comer” … on and on it goes, all descriptions perfect fits and after reading them I returned to my own – John Paul Allen is “a bit quirky”.
I shared the above with Lisa, my girlfriend and three friends at work. Their reactions were the overused DUH. Two of the three added, “You did write Monkey Love.” Thus I have no defense, but I do have a better understanding of who I am and what I do – what writers do. We take the obvious, add a twist, then extended it with a “What if”.
Fresh Blood Old Bones anthology is full of What If stories – tales (and one poem) all wonderfully entertaining by some of the best writers I’ve had the honor to work alongside. This is a winner without my story in it and well worth your time. I highly suggest you add it to your reader or app.
Note: I’d like to thank the following:
Free Book Dude (freebookdude.com) for putting together this book tour and for all they’ve done to help writers promote their works. Check out their site.
Biting Dog Press/Publications (Bitingdogpress.com) who puts out some damn good stuff.
Fresh Blood Old Bones anthology is full of What If stories – tales (and one poem) all wonderfully entertaining by some of the best writers I’ve had the honor to work alongside. This is a winner without my story in it and well worth your time. I highly suggest you add it to your reader or app.
Note: I’d like to thank the following:
Free Book Dude (freebookdude.com) for putting together this book tour and for all they’ve done to help writers promote their works. Check out their site.
Biting Dog Press/Publications (Bitingdogpress.com) who puts out some damn good stuff.
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