My Lovecraftian Horror Story, Dark Eyes, To Be a Podcast on Fear On Demand May 1st

My Lovecraftian horror short story, "Dark Eyes" whihc was published in the print anthology (also a download), The Parasitorium: Parasitic Sands, will be available to listen to Friday, May 1st at http://fearondemand.com/. So instead of dancing around the maypole, come listen to it and be prepared to be scared.

Blurb of story:

Fleeing her unfaithful husband, a young woman discovers a seaside town where all the residents have strange dark eyes.

Review of The Red Wolf Conspiracy by Robert V. S. Redick

I was pleasantly surprised to receive the arc for The Red Wolf Conspiracy two to three weeks ago. The first in a new fantasy series, I quickly delved into it. As was mentioned on the back of the book, this debut novel combined the fascinating intrigue of George R. R. Martin with the extraordinary imagination of Phillip Pullman. But I feel that Robert V. S. Redick has brought his own unique style of writing to the epic fantasy.

It seems that not long after a horrible war, a six-hundred-year-old ship, Charthrand, set sail for enemy lands in an attempt to cement peace between the world's two greatest monarchies. The ship was gigantic, a virtual city by itself afloat. And what made the title of the novel, was the Red Wolf, a dangerous artifact of legend and the center of this tale.

A multi layered plot of complexity, it drew me in like a fisherman reeling in his fish. I discovered on the pages, all sorts of memorable characters, from mermaids to tiny warriors to talking animals. But the two who fascinated me the most were Thasha Isiq, sailing on the ship, Chathrand to become the bride of Prince Falmurqat Adin, and Pazel Pathkendle, a tarboy on the Chathrand. Both had a destiny that went beyond what they were, in this tale.

With a sense of wonder, this storyline was woven with expert stitching into the words of this book, leading the reader on a journey of a story worth reading. I believe that a new fantasy author has been born and I can not wait for the next installment in his series.

I give The Red Wolf Conspiracy five dragons!

Paranormal Author Hans Holzer Passed Away, Ravencon Video and Twittering

I am doing two blogs today. The second one will be the review of Red Wolf Conspiracy, for which I received the arc couple weeks ago from Del Rey.

But first, some sad news. A true pioneer in the paranormal field passed away--Hans Holzer. My condolences and prayers go out to his family. I grew up reading all his paranormal books. If interested in reading his books, you can find them is on AMAZON

Then this past Saturday Richmond, com dropped by Ravencon and filmed us. The Star Wars Tuskan costume you see in it is me wearing it--my husband and I made that from scratch. Watch the video at

http://www2.richmond.com/video/2009/apr/27/mashup-ravencon-07683/
There will be more stuff, like Urge Magazine and even a reporter from Times-Dispatch, but for now, this is it.

And last but not least, I do twitter: http://twitter.com/PamelaKKinney

Ravencon 2009

It was hectic (when you're working as part of staff, it can be), but fun. Above is some pictures I did manage to take with my camera as I was busy to carry it around a lot. From stormtroopers (my husband) and clonetroopers (Cheralyn Lambert-upcoming Schiffer ghost book author)to other costumes, the costume contest Best in Show winner ( Lady Ozma and her gorgeous dress) to Harry Potter in 45 minutes and Stargate and Star Trek to, it was a good convention.

I won both of the art show pieces I did the minimum bid--one by the artist guest of honor--Draculmouse and a small dragon picture. The only other thing I bought was a pair of cat earrings that I love.

Besides me and my husband, Bill, was good friend and erotica author, Helen Madden, in our room at the Crown Plaza West Hotel in Richmond where the con was held for the fourth year. She even brought her devil horns and wore them with pride. And no, that was not her own child--she babysitted for a couple who worked in Luna-C who did Harry Potter in 45 Mintues. Though one wonders if she did not ply her devilish corruption on the child. LOL

I brought the few extra copies of my new book, Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales that I got and sold all at the con! Plus the copy I donated to the con's charity auction for the Poe Museum went well, too.

By Sunday, after two nights late into the night with parties and early mornings, both Bill and I were too dead dog tired for the Dead Dog Party at Friday's after the con closed. The two party poopers drove home, where we stopped at Ledo's and ate, then went home.

Updates-Ravencon, Earth Day and Jelly Bean Day

Okay, some things to talk about. First Ravencon is this weekend,a st the Crowne Plaza West Hotel on W. Broad Street in Richmond. This year, there will be some special events and panels to do with Edgar Allan Poe, this being his 200th birthday year. To find out more about the convention, go to http://Ravencon.com/
I’ll be on couple of Poe panels, plus another one, all on Friday.

Also, today is Earth Day. In my home, we’ve been recycling for a few years, plus trying to do more “GREEN” things here. Remember, sometimes going green can be economical. To find out what you can do: http://www.earthday.net/

And last, it is also Jelly Bean Day. Jelly beans date back to at least the 1860's and there were jelly beans sent to Union troops fighting in the Civil War. The original candy maker is unknown. So, jelly beans are not just for Easter. Celebrate them today and eat them!

Haunted Virginia Is Now at Schiffer!

I found this out when called to order some preorders and asked when in May exactly be out when she told me they came in today! So in 2 weeks copies can be in bookstores if they order. Let your bookstore by you know this. Only at Books A Million though, they can be ordered online only or if at bookstore, delivered to your home and not to store. Give it another week before you attempt to do so. The title: Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales. The ISBN is 978-0-7643-3281-4. It will also be at Schiffer's website for sale first before even in bookstores, so if want to, you can order it through Schiffer Publishing itself: http://schifferbooks.com. Check back Friday or Monday, to see if this book is up there.

Back of book blurb:
Virginia is unique with haunting myths, legends, and yes, even true stories that may sound like legends.

Take a ghostly tour of this historic state to learn about the Bunnyman urban legend and what happens to mortals at his Bunnyman Bridge in Clifton at midnight on Halloween. Discover the myths that surround Edgar Allan Poe and other famous Virginians.

See why Natural Bridge is actually a haunted tourist attraction; and what makes the Great Dismal Swamp so creepy: Is it the ghosts or Bigfoot? Meet the Witch of Pungo in Virginia Beach.

Find out that Mothman and the Jersey Devil weren’t just seen in their own states, but actually visited Virginia at one time.

Read about witches, demons, monsters, ghosts, pirates, strange animals, and Civil War legends. Visit an amazing, frightening, and even intriguing Virginia that you never knew existed.

My Short Story, Azathoth Is Here Accepted For Publication

Some good news. My Lovecraftian horror short story, "Azathoth Is Here" that was published some years back in the print anthology, Cthulhu Express (out of print since January 2007), was accepted for the online magazine, Innsmouth Press for their summer issue to premiere this June. This will be my story's first electronic publication.

I've Been Interviewed--It's Up at Buzzy Media

I was interviewed by author Theresa Bane and it's up at Buzzy Media at http://blog.buzzymultimedia.com/fantastic-dreams-an-interview-with-pamela-k-kinney/

And while there, be sure to enter their contest to win cool stuff.

HAPPY "GREEN" EASTER

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!

Review of Wolfsbane and Mistletoe

Okay, it's not Christmas. Actually it's almost Easter, But I was on a long waiting list for this anthology since before Christmas and I got it a week and half ago. And it was well worth the wait, even if it's Christmas paranormal stories about werewolves.

The holidays can bring out the beast in anyone. They are particularly hard for lycanthropes. Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner have harvested the scariest, funniest and saddest werewolf tales. They're best read by the light of a full moon with a silver bullet close at hand.

Who doesn't like werewolves and werewolf stories? I know I do. Vampires are fine, but give me my full moon beast anytime. And if under the mistletoe, there's a furry maw instead of luscious lips, why not?

Fifteen tales fill the book. Characters like Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse to other well-known characters from other urban fantasy series to new werewolves to howl at the moon. My favorites were "Lucy, at Christmastime,"Fresh Meat," and "Il Est Ne." "Lucy, At Christmas" was my all-time fave, with just these words: You don't forget your first. . ."
And though all the stories were set at Christmas and though it was March as I read these, I kept reading and reading until I finished them.

A mixed bunch, there's sure to be something for everyone. From scary to humorous to sad to a sweet seasonal tale, most endeared themselves to my heart. There were a couple of stories I didn't care for, but knowing what I may not like someone else might, I won't say or spoil it for anyone. Just read the book for yourself.

So though flowers are popping up in your yard and summer is not far away, this anthology is worth reading, whether at the beach or keeping cool indoors. Who says Christmas stories have to be read in December? Not when there's a werewolf in them.

I give this 4 1/2 dragons.

Interview of Author Theresa Bane

1.) -Please tell us about your latest book.
My newest book is through Schiffer Publishing, and it is called “Haunted Historic Greensboro.” It covers almost 20 different places in the city of Greensboro, NC that are not only historical sites, but also haunted.

2.) -What can we expect from you in the future?
Currently I am working on a book for McFarland called “Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology,” and as the name would imply it is an encyclopedia of vampires with a scholarly tone to it.

3.) -How do we find out about you and your books?
Finding out about me is easy, just Google my name. My books are available at your favorite on-line dot come book buying place like Barnes and Nobel.com as well as through my personal website, www.theresabane.com. If your local book store doesn’t have one on the shelf it can be easily ordered, as all my books are in print. If you don’t want to buy my book have the government do it for you. All you have to do is tell the librarian at your local public library that you would like it ordered and more often than not, they will.

4.) -How would you describe the genre in which you do most of your writing?
Bi-polar. On the one hand I write historical non-fiction reference books. On the other, I write humor. I even have a humor book, “The Bloodthirsty Weasels: On the Loose and Buck Wild” and I also write two humorous articles monthly for Buzzy Multimedia.

5.) What motivated you to start writing in this book?
I was at a horror convention called HorrorFind and was approached by Schiffer editor Dinah Roseberry. It was her idea for me to write a haunted city book for Schiffer. I was sort of nervous about doing a haunted city book, as Schiffer has so many awesome ones already I was being asked to follow in some pretty big footsteps. I said I wanted to think about it and told my mom what was offered. My mom encouraged me to do the book, and because of that, I dedicated “Haunted Historic Greensboro” to her.

6.) -What kind of research do you do?
At heart, I am a researcher. I begin by jumping on the internet and just checking out what is out there as far as any given topic goes. It gives me an idea of how difficult something will be to research. Then I check out Amazon and get a list of books I’ll need to do my work. Many of the books I use are copyright free now and can be downloaded off the net through a number of different places. The other books I try to get at the library. When I use a book store I tend to go to the ones that have a coffee shop in them. There I can use the book and do my research without actually having to buy it.

7.) -Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
Having a set schedule, writing goals, and a specific place to write in is important for me. I disdain the idea of having to stop and look for something. Once all of my research is done and I am ready to sit down and write, I pretty much sequester myself to my desk. I write as little as eight and as many as 12 hours a day, five days a week. I maintain this schedule until the book is finished. Because I work at home I can set my own pace. If know I need to knock off early one day next week because I’m going out with friends, I work a bit more on the days leading up to it. Working from home is a discipline that not everyone can do. It is very easy to let yourself get distracted and not work.

8.) -Where do your ideas come from?
Whenever an idea hits me, I make a note of it on a slip of paper and eventually that idea makes in into one of a number of blank journals I keep near my desk. About twice a year I transfer all those ideas to the computer and put it in a folder I keep on a jump drive named “To Write.” When I am not on project, I browse thru that jump drive and see what strikes my fancy. The other places my ideas come from are my clients. Buzzy Multimedia always gives me assignments on articles they want. Schiffer approached me with a book idea. I queried McFarland but they specified exactly what they wanted.

9.) -Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?
My parents enabled all of us kids to read. My husband who works a day job so I can write full time. But I am a big fan of Rosemary Ellen Guiley and Jim Butcher.

10.) -How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?
I wrote my first book in the second grade. My next one was in the fourth grade and it was a collection of horse stories, but I forbid anyone to read it. I wrote a 2,000 page sci fi novel that took me all four of my high school years to write. All throughout college I wrote novellas and short stories for myself but only family and friends read them. I had always considered my writing as a hobby because I was trying to be a professional artist. Then one day some of my stuff made it into the hands of a publisher and they offered me a contract. I’ve been working as an author ever since. Nine years now.

11.) -What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
The only feeling better than starting a new project is finishing one. But I love to meet folks at cons and answer questions on discussion panels. There are so many interesting and brilliant folks out there. Also, there is a deep roots sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in hold a book in your hand that you wrote. In 100 years from now someone else will be reading my book. It’s like achieving some level of immortality.

12.) Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?
I write non-fiction, so I don’t have a favorite character in a published work. I do have an unpublished fiction vampire novel I wrote about seven years ago. One day I will shop it for a publisher, but the time is not right. The main character in that book is named Felicia, and she is wonderfully irreverent—but there is a vampire in the story named Daniel who I love to write about. He is at best a secondary character, but he is so much fun.

13.) -Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)
I am a die hard gamer. I love the traditional pen and paper role playing games. I suppose it’s a hobby, I spend my free time and disposable income on it. I am married to a great guy named Glenn. Our dogs are better behaved than any children they allow in the mall. I have a BFA and am looking forward to going back to school to get my masters.

14.) -Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
I get asked this question all the time, and yes, I do have advice to give. NEVER GIVE UP. I realize how incredibly lucky I was in getting the break I did, but I have had to work hard to maintain it. You don’t have to understand but you do have to accept the fact that just because an editor turns down your work does not mean that your book is bad. Ever noticed how there are fads and crazes of genres? A rejection letter means that an editor feels that your book is not what they are looking to sell this time next year. If you quit, you’ll never get published. And once you get published the real works begins. You have to do everything you can to promote yourself up to and including book signings at garage sales. (Yes, I have.)

15.) Tell us your website, MySpace, Blog, any urls so the readers can find out more about you. How may readers contact you?
--Myspace – myspace.com/terrybane
--Blogs – Check out BuzzyMultiMedia.com as well as LivingDeadReview.com I write for both of them regularly.
--Website - www.theresabane.com
--E-me at author@theresabane.com I’ll respond, but be advised that I am slow in doing so. My assistant fields all of the “you’re evil because you write about vampires and the occult and are going to hell” letters, so if you want to do us both a favor just address it to her, her name is Scuttles.
-- The best way to contact me is to buy 100 copies of any one of my books. I’ll be sure to contact you!! Hahaha! No, really.

16.) Now for something fun:

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate

Favorite color? Black. But dark maroon is OK.

Favorite paranormal being? The vampire. No big surprise there.

Favorite mythological being? Again, the vampire, but specifically the phistaco species of vampire.

Do you like science fiction, fantasy or horror? I am not being difficult but it depends. Horror movies, but only if they are cheap and cheesy; fantasy books but only if they are written by Jim Butcher; and sci fi if it’s about the characters, ah al Firefly.

All time favorite book? Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons, Yargo by Jacqueline Susann, Stormfront by Jim Butcher, and I Strad

Favorite TV show? I don’t watch enough TV to answer responsibly. I love the Hulu commercial with Alec Baldwin. Mmmm mushy mush.

Favorite Movie? I don’t have one because the answer changes with my mood and what’s going on in my life.

What makes you laugh out loud? I’d rather not say.

If you could go anywhere in the universe where would that be? To see if that is a damn face on Mars or not! Then, to Savannah, GA.

A secret fetish? No, I don’t keep secrets. If you want to know something, I’ll tell you, even my weight and age.