School's Out
For Springtime?
Hello, dear subscribers. I’m back, albeit a little late this month, after a grueling final week of teaching. Only moments ago, I submitted the last of the grades and took a breath so deep I nearly inhaled my own face. That is to say, it’s a relief to be done.
I’m now staring down the barrel of a two-week “vacation” before my summer sessions begin, knowing that I’ll mostly use that time for chores and errands. Will I also write something? Perhaps add a few more words, sentences, pages to the novel I’m working on? God, I hope so. How about some sculpting? Will I have time to work my hands into some clay? One can dream.
I’m being a bit cynical, but I know that in between planting pumpkin seeds and building a fence, I’ll manage to write. I know this because I’m quite sure I’d cease to exist if I didn’t keep writing.
The big news this month is that I will be appearing at White Dragon Comics once again, this time for Free Comic Book Day tomorrow, May 6th, from 12-5. The shop is located in Tannersville, PA. I’ll have all three novels, Devil’s Creek Idols, some shirts, and heck…I might even bring some old NES and SNES games to unload. Hope to see you there!
Otherwise, this past month has been the same old slog through grading, teaching, and trying my darndest to stay afloat. When I was at Authorcon last month, I picked up a huge stack of books from some amazingly talented authors that I have been slowly working through.
Laurel Hightower’s novella, Below, was amazing! I’m currently reading Tom Rimer’s Odious Ghouls, and it is a ton of gory fun so far. I haven’t decided which book to dig into next (they are all calling my name), but you’ll find out in the next newsletter.
Speaking of books, two of my friends have new ones out (or almost out), and they both also have substack newsletters you should subscribe to.
First up is Todd Kiesling with his brand-new collection. From Kiesling: “COLD, BLACK & INFINITE: STORIES OF THE HORRIFIC AND STRANGE is my next collection, due for release on 9/26/23 from Cemetery Dance.”
He’s currently on a book tour to promote the collection, with his first appearance happening tomorrow! So, if you can’t come see me, you should absolutely go visit him!
Next up is Rob Ottone, who is promoting his new novel The Vile Thing We Created. He has a big event happening tonight! From Ottone: “Tonight! At the Barnes & Noble in Bay Shore. Come on down to see the incredible Clay McLeod Chapman and I chat about writing and more! Pick up some signed books! Live broadcast of Turn the Page, the fabulous podcast hosted by my chums Triana Orpheus Venture and Jenn Jordan! Thank you to Melissa Contino and the Syosset library! If you can’t attend, watch live here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84065004065”
Please support these incredibly talented authors.
I’ve written and published a couple more articles via the 80sXchange since our last newsletter:
Of course, as always I have my own novels and sculptures available as well. If you like my work, there are several ways to show support:
1. Join my Patreon for as little as $1/month
2. Buy my books, sculptures, and/or merch
4. Review/rate my books on Amazon or Goodreads
5. Tell others about my work / share the newsletter (totally free!)
I hope you’re all having a wonderful spring so far. Feel free to drop into the comments, chat, notes, or any of my other social media accounts to say hi. Until next time,
Breathe deep of the night.
Thanks for the shout-out, brother!