There are many different urban legends where Halloween (or Hallows Eve) came from. Some say that the idea of Halloween has satanic roots while others simply think the idea behind the day/night is for little kids to get dressed up and go in search of sugar filled treats.
But, if you want to know the real history behind this great day, check this stuff out, provided by History.com.
I mentioned awhile back about pre-ordering your own copy of Writers Workshop Of Horror, edited by Michael Knost and published by Woodland Press. Since that time the book has been released and become an overnight sensation for readers and writers alike who love the horror genre. The book has been praised by; Rue Morgue Magazine, Fangoria Magazine, Horror World, countless fans, writers and many many others. You can view the entire list of contributors and what the book is all about by visiting the book’s site linked above.
Because this is such an important book for beginning and existing horror (and every other genre) writers and fans, my good friend, Keith Davis, CEO of Woodland Press, has generously donated a few copies of this book to use for a contest on this site.
How To Win:
Send an email to me (ty_schwamberger@yahoo.com) with a subject line of ‘Writers Workshop Of Horror Contest’ and include your full name and mailing address (you must provide this in your entry or it will be thrown out). Only one entry per person per household. Contest runs from 10/27/09 – 11/27/09. Winner will be notified via email on or shortly after 11/29/09 and announced on this site, as well. Note: This is for one copy of the book. The other copy will be given away in a contest at a later date.
Good Luck and remember to check out all the other great titles offered by Woodland Press when you visit their website!!
My latest book review for Withersin Magazine – Dragging Wings by Jennifer Caress has been published.
Click here to read the review on this collection of paranormal short stories.
As many of you know, Richard Laymon is, was, and always will be my favorite horror author. That’s not to say I don’t have quite a few authors I really enjoy and are friends with, but Laymon’s stuff is what first inspired me to start writing my own scary stuff. Many of you have even commented to me that my writing is similiar to his and even though that is an honor to hear, I can only hope to be as well respected and prolific as he.
Having said all that, I was recently cruising YouTube (where you can also watch the book trailer to Night School) and found this tribute video to Laymon. I thought it was interesting and well done and wanted to share it with you here as well.
Click here to check out the video.
I big thank you to Gail Roberts and the entire Heidelberg University Bookstore for ordering a large supply of Night School and inviting me to come in for a signing earlier today. It was a pleasure to meet everyone that stopped by the table and to reminisce about the years 1996 – 2000 when I was a student there. The campus has changed alot, but my feelings for the place will always be the same.
Again, Thank You!
The publishing world has been hit as hard, if not worse, as every other business during this rough time in our economy. Because of this, and this alone, the Hardcover version of Night School will be discontinued as of Sunday, October 25th (the Softcover will of course remain in print and available wherever books are sold).
This will be your last chance, besides in the aftermarket, to pick up a new copy of my first horror novel. So, if you’ve been wanting to pick up the Hardcover version, I would suggest following the below link and placing your order today. The Hardcover version should not only become a collector’s item because it is my first novel, but also because of the limited print run.
The only place the Hardcover version is available is through my publisher. Once you’re on the page, scroll to the bottom and type in my name, ‘Ty Schwamberger’ and select the second book you see on the page.
Do you live in or driving distance from Cleveland, Ohio and are looking for something unique to do on Halloween? Well, I might have your answer right here.
Deepinit Productions is housting : Quickening – The Zombie Raver Prom in a massive 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Cleveland, Ohio on Halloween.
So, if you’re into dancing, raving, drinking and just plain getting crazy to some music, you can learn more about the event and the admission costs by visiting here (Facebook page) and/or here (you can see an electronic flyer on this site).
Enjoy…and who knows…perhaps you’ll see me there as well…maybe.
My first short story ever published was by Orion’s Child Magazine. I return this month in the October issue as the featured author. The name of the story is entitled, ‘The Ringmaster’ and was hailed by the Editor of OC as, “masterful and uber-creepy.” To which I think you’ll agree once you’ve read it.
As a side note, this could possibly be the last free-to-read short story I have published for quite some time. Not because I can’t get them published, but rather I have come to a point in my writing that in order for me to get paid, the magazine has to be sold. So, take advantage of this free short story – it could be the last you see for awhile…or maybe not…gotta keep you guessing somewhat, don’t I?!
Click here to check out the cover of the new issue and HERE to read the story (strickly for archiving purposes on their site after this month).
As always, you can go to the Published Works page to check out everything I’ve had published and/or to read some of the free stuff that is out there.
Enjoy and let me know what you think!
Just a reminder that I’ll be signing books (and/or magazines) in the Bookstore (located in the Campus Center) at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio on Friday, October 23rd from Noon – 1:30. There will be a small supply of books on hand for you to buy, so if you’re in the area and want to stop by, I would suggest ordering a copy asap to ensure you have it in time (you can always bring in your own copy for me to sign).
Visit the Storefront to find out where you can pick up a copy.
Any Fantasy & Science Fiction writers/readers out there? If so, here is your chance to win a few things directly from my bookshelf. All the below items are in New and Unread condition.
From Fantasy & Science Fiction Magazine:
Issues:
December 2008, featuring: Wayne Wightman, John Langan, Eugene Mirabelli, Robert Reed & Warner Law.
January 2009, featuring: Charles Coleman Finlay, Carol Emshwiller, Barry B. Longyear & Jerry Oltion.
February 2009, featuring: Fred Chappell, Jack Cady, Charles Coleman Finlay & Mario Milosevic.
March 2009, featuring: Marc Laidlaw, Daniel Abraham, Robert Bloch & Yoon Ha Lee.
From Baen Publishing:
Baen CD-ROM Library Version 19 – The Tuloriad Disk (2009).
The magazines retailed at the time they were on the store racks for $4.99 each (they sell back issues on their site for $6.00 each) and have around 160 pages in each mag. So the value of the mags alone is around $20.00. The below CD-Rom was given to me back in June (2009) at Hypericon 5 (convention) directly from the publisher.
How To Enter:
Send an email to me (ty_schwamberger@yahoo.com) with a Subject Line of ‘Fantasy & Science Fiction Contest’ along with your full name and mailing address. Only one entry per person allowed. If you do not send your full name and mailing address at the time of entry, your email will be deleted (so, no, I do not want another email stating, ‘I will send you my mailing address if I win’.). Contest ends on October 30th at Midnight. The winner will be notified on or about November 1st.
Good Luck!
Ty Schwamberger 