National Haunters Convention

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The National Haunters Convention, runs from April 29th – May 2nd 2010 at the Valley Forge Convention Center in Kind of Prussia, Pennsylvania.  They will have over 108,000 square feet of space that will be filled with some of the best vendors in the haunting industry, along with having several different classes and even a haunted tour.  There are so many things that go on during this event that it is simply impossible to list them all here.  Instead, visit their site and spend some time cruising around and check out all that they have to offer.

Not only am I mentioning this convention because it’s an awesome event, but also since I have been invited to be the ‘Horror Author Guest of Honor’ at the event.  I will be at the convention from Friday, April 30th – Saturday, May 1st (times will be announced at a later date).  Among all the other events going on during the weekend, I will be doing several book signings (books will be available for purchase) and possibly showing the completed short film, Cake Batter, that was based off my short story by the same title (these will also be on sale at the event).  When the specific times of me being at the table selling my books and the movie become available, I will make sure to let you know.

Also, in the near future I will be offering to send you a special discounted coupon for the event which is regularly priced at $25.00 (which is still a hell of a deal).  I promise you that the coupon will be quite generous, so you’ll want to check back often so you can then get your fan reservation at the event squared away asap.

This should be an exciting event and am definitely looking forward to it!

Win a Free Copy of Writers Workshop Of Horror

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!!

Book Review Published

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.

A Tribute To Richard Laymon

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.

Last Chance for Night School Hardcovers

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.

Short Story Published

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!

Appearance Reminder

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.

From My Bookshelf To Yours

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!

Cake Batter goes into Production

My short story, ‘Cake Batter’ that was optioned for a short film by Shadetree Films will go into Production this coming weekend.  Rehersal is set for the actors/actress tonight and then the film will be shot at two different locations over the next two weekends. 

I’ll of course keep you updated, especially when the filming and editing are completed and when/where you can buy the film on DVD.