Wickedly Yours: Fingers, Hands, and a Strawberry Man

Filed Under BBT, Blogging, Joe Hill, Myspace, Art, Reviews

Necon and a Jar of Flies

So much to share with you, and so little time. I was going to tell you about my extraordinary weekend at Necon, The Northeastern Writers’ Conference in Bristol, Rhode Island, but alas, as the cliche goes, "What happens at Necon stays at Necon." Suffice to say, I slept too little, laughed my arse off (if only that were literal), spent quality time with the best in the business, and can’t wait to go back next year. Just look at that line-up, kids…and they’re already half-sold-out for next year!

Now, to the Jar. My friend, Jack Kincaid, is doing a wickedly interesting writing project over at MySpace, JAR OF FLIES, which apparently, although unrelated to the story, it’s also the name of an album by Alice in Chains (I’m old and sadly uninformed). The talented and mysterious, Mr. Kincaid, is offering some of his fine work for the small pittance of a mouse click. It’s compelling stuff. He got me with the wild visual of the four-fingered man in our opening pic, and the excellent video trailer - HERE.

Jack’s just getting started with the first installments of the epic, so stop by and have a gander - JAR OF FLIES - Opener and Episode One.

NOTE: At the time of this writing, the links to Jar of Flies is glitching at MySpace. Hopefully, Tom and the MySpace minions will have the problem sorted out by the time you’re ready to visit. If not, please come back for another click. I’m sure it will be back in order…eventually. Argh…

Mr. Hands

Last week, I reported on the upcoming horror goodness of MR. HANDS over at, Yada, Too, but it deserves another mention here.

Gary Braunbeck has crafted another piece of horror to incite and delight your fears, MR. HANDS. This tidbit from the Horror Reader review says it all about Gary’s work:

Braubeck’s prose truly sings. He’s easily one of the ten best writers currently working with the stuff of horror. Read him and marvel.

It doesn’t get much better than that, but if that’s still not enough for you to check it out - a minimum of 10% of all royalties Gary earns from the sales of MR. HANDS will be donated to Protect.org, an organization dedicated to the protection of at-risk children. www.protect.org

So, zip on over to Leisure Books and order a copy of Gary Braunbeck’s, MR HANDS. You can read the first chapter online, and view the totally creepy book trailer, as well. The release date is just around the corner, July 31st. Personally, I can’t wait to get my hands on it. I know, I know…bad pun. You’ll learn to ignore them. They’re spontaneous and fairly harmless, but I’m convinced they’re an undiscovered form of Tourette’s. At least they seem to have the same eye-bulging effect on people. Now, go buy Gary’s book! *waves spooky HANDS at kind reader*

A Juicy Strawberry

Those delectable juicy red jewels seem to be the perfect fruit of summer, and the word is, STRAWBERRY MAN is the perfect juicy horror novella read for summer. According to NY Times best-selling author, John Skipp, “[Strawberry Man] is a little masterpiece…though I was stunned and in awe of it the first time, I am here to tell you that it’s EVEN BETTER the second time around.” Skip’s a hard man to please, so this one must be good.

Eric Shapiro’s, STRAWBERRY MAN is the third in the Insidious Publications limited edition novella series (shameless self-promotion alert - my novella, MAMA’S BOY, was the first!). Insidious Publication’s signed, fully illustrated novellas are lovingly printed and hand-assembled by publisher, Chris Hedges. He and co-publisher, Paul Danda, formerly from Insidious Reflections Magazine, have a keen eye for compelling dark horror, so I’m not surprised by the praise that STRAWBERRY MAN is receiving, even in the advanced publication phase.

From Bookgasm’s review of SM:

Shapiro continues his hot streak with this taut, tense, tough tale that never wears out its welcome. He’s at the top of his game, and his writing is every bit as good as current horror It Boy Joe Hill, if not better. And dig those sweet, full-page, full-color illustrations.

So, don’t wait, if you want a taste of the STRAWBERRY MAN. It will be printed in a limited-edition press run of only 300 copies, and no doubt they’ll be a hot item. For more info, you can visit Insidious Publications HERE.

There’s so much more I wanted to share with you this week, but I’m out of time. I’ll be back at BBT on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays in August. Unitl then, be wicked, be well!

Wickedly Yours,
Fran Friel

 








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Comments

6 Responses to “Wickedly Yours: Fingers, Hands, and a Strawberry Man”

  1. Gregory Adams on July 26th, 2007 6:40 pm

    Northeastern writer’s conference makes me imagine that by the end of the weekend the students have produced dozens of stories about harsh winters.

    But seriously, great tips in there, Fran! I like the first chapter on-line model. That’s a very cool way to get your book out there.

    –G

  2. Fran Friel on July 26th, 2007 8:46 pm

    Necon and harsh winters is a funny combination, Greg. I can see why that image popped up for you, but July in RI is usually hot and steamy…anything, BUT wintery. Although this year the weather was cooler and less humid than usual. Thank heavens for small favors.

    And truth be told, not a lot of writing goes on there. Fine panels and lots of entertaining events - it’s akin to summer camp for horror writers. It’s like no other con you’ve ever attended.

    Gary’s online chapter is a treat for sure, and you’re right, it’s a great way to sell a book. If that first chapter is good, you’ve got a new fan (hopefully!).

    Thanks for the comment. It was a little quiet in here today. *crickets chirp and stick out tongues in mockery*

    Hugs from CT,
    Fran

  3. Chrispy on July 27th, 2007 3:27 am

    Informative as always, Fran! Stay connected, stay YOU! Write On !

    Oh, and there are many other things to do with strawberries that are not horrific.

  4. Fran Friel on July 27th, 2007 5:28 am

    Thanks for the kind encouragement, Chrispy, my dear! You’re not only crispy but sweet!

    Speaking of sweet, now whatever do you mean, sir, about the non-horrific uses of strawberries? :D

    Hugs from the Wicked,
    Fran

  5. Bonnie on July 27th, 2007 9:48 am

    non-horrific uses of strawberries

    HAHA! I think that would make a great t-shirt saying just to confuse people. There are, indeed, non-horrific uses for strawberries I can see it now.

    I would so like to go to any type of writers’ confence. Even if it’s about scientific writing. (My mom’s a geologist so I can actually understand the people in the science building at the college!) As it is I’m stuck at my little laptop in the coffee shop asking random people for writing advice (just kidding ya’ll know that, right?) Anyway, it sounds fun Fran! Thank you for sharing. :)

  6. Fran Friel on July 27th, 2007 4:16 pm

    Necon is the best, Bonnie…even better than those coffee shop party animals, I suspect.

    And yes, “strawberry” T-shirts do sound in order. I love the way you think!

    Hugs,
    Fran