As many of you know, the massive and incredibly awesome work of Richard Laymon is what inspired me to start writing. Because of this, two years ago I started what has now become an annual event – The Richard Laymon Book Contest. You can read about the origins of the contest here. Now it’s back for a third go-round. As always, many thanks to Ann Laymon, who graciously donated what you’ll see up for grabs… And now, I bring you the first book that you can enter to win during 2011.
The Woods Are Dark
Publisher: Cemetery Dance
Pub Date: August 2008
The Woods Are Dark (The Original, Uncut Version)
by Richard Laymon
Featuring a special introduction by Kelly Laymon explaining the history of the manuscript, how this version came to exist, and why this edition is more than just 50 pages of deleted scenes added back in, but instead a totally different novel you’ve never read before!
About the Novel:
Neala and her friend Sherri only wanted to do a little backpacking through the woods. Little did they know they would soon be shackled to a dead tree, waiting for Them to arrive. The Dills family thought the small motor lodge in the quiet town of Barlow seemed quaint and harmless enough. Until they, too, found themselves shackled to trees in the middle of the night, while They approached, hungry for human flesh….
When this classic novel was first published in 1981, it was heavily cut, with nearly fifty pages removed. What remained was rewritten by both Laymon and a Warner Books line editor. Now, for the first time ever, the missing text has been completely restored—along with Laymon’s original words and vision—and the novel can finally be read the way it was intended.
This Trade Hardcover edition was originally priced at $40.00 back in 2008, but now is your chance to get it for free.
How to enter:
Leave a Comment under THIS Post. Your entry must be received by Midnight on June 17th. One lucky person will then be chosen at random from all entries and the winner’s name posted on June 20th. Please, only one entry per person.
Good Luck!
Ty Schwamberger 
And the winner is…Ann Thaxton. Ann, you will receive an email from me soon with instructions.
Everyone else…thank you for entering. A new contest will begin in a week or so. Although, this one will be exclusively for folks on my Fan Page on Facebook. So, if you haven’t become one yet, visit the link on the right hand side of this page and join today. Stay tuned!
I’m in it to win it.
Adam – Original, uncut version. See above.
Is this the original version or the re-release that his kid put together from the original notes for the novel?
I guess the reason I love the horror genre is because of the adrenaline that pulsates through me when I’m reading a scary part. The adrenaline that wants me to put the book away but I can’t manage to put it down. The 2nd book I ever read was The Lake by Mr Laymon. I’ve read it about 4 times. I also love the after effects it has. When I’ve finished a chapter and something terrifying has happened. Every noise you hear is obviously something that has crept out of the book and into a dark corner in your room waiting to grab you and take you back into it’s world. =) I also wrote about The Lake in a school paper several years ago. Horror is by far the best genre. The scares, the suspense, the not knowing. It has everything. I will always love horror =D
Thank you for the chance of entering this amazing competition =)
What always drew me back to Laymon’s writing, and I still revisit his books, wasn’t so much the horror, although he could be as shocking, if not more so than any writer in his field, It was his unique inner voice.
Laymon’s writing evoked three dimensional characters.
Characters, who as if stepping into some twisted twilight zone, got caught up in a world the reader always suspected may lie beyond the comfort of the every day, yet pray they might never confront.
Characters like Librarian Jane ( In The Dark), Sam who gets caught up in Cat’s personal vampire nightmare (Bite), Neal Darden, body-hoping victim of his own curiosity and in a way his own gallant nature (Body Rides), to name but a few.
Human characters often with their own human failings, but characters you found yourself caring for and rooting for.
There was a humanity in Laymon’s writing. That to me is what makes Richard Laymon’s writing so fondly remembered.
I have not read this Richard Laymon book and would love to read it, as always Richard Laymon leaves you wanting more of his books to read.
Thanks for the contest, I hope I win.
Another great giveaway. I’ll throw my name in the hat. I won once before, so who knows …
Richard Laymon wasn’t the first horror writer to whom I was referred, but he is by far one of the best writers ever.
The First book I read of Laymon was “Traveling Vampire Show” and ever since then I’ve been reading his books. best horror books ever!
need this one for my collection 🙂
when i saw the link on FB i was gonna just comment there saying ‘cool, pity I cant write for crap, lol’ cos i thought it was a writing competition lmao. Love Laymon, have a nice big collection of his books, would love to add this to it.
First Laymon that I ever read was The Woods Are Dark. A real eye opener which shaped my reading tastes ever since! In total, read about 19 of his books and enjoyed them all. Thanks for this opportunity.
I’ve been reading Laymon for years. I too, wish he was still here. He is sorely missed. I would love to win this book!! And thank you to Mrs. Laymon for contributing the book and thank you to Ty for sharing it with us!!
Right here! I want this!
Island was my first book by Laymon and I haven’t looked by since. I’ve devoured everyone of his books I could get my hands on.
Love Laymon! An old sailor buddy of mine turned me on to him! I have devoured everything of his I can manage to get my hands on!
What a classic! Love love love this book. Original and uncut in laymon’s terms equals fab,fab,fab! X
Richard Laymon has been my favorite Author for years. I’ll never forget my first discovery of his books. oh how I wish he was still here to write us terrifing tales.