HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL 4TH OF JULY!

Winning Caption for Weird Wednesday

It was hard--loved them all, but this one is the winner, that came from Willie:

"The latest victim of Mayor McCheese's budget cuts."

Check back next Wednesday, July 8th for the next Weird Wednesday photo.

Weird Wednesdays

I decided that Wednesdays from now on will be Weird Wednesdays, starting today. Another author does this and asks for captions. So I am going to ask the readers here to leave a caption for this photo in the comments. Let's see if you can leave a weird caption for a weird picture.
I will post the winner of the caption in the blog the next day.No prize, just for the glory of it. But I bet there are lots of writers out there with warped imaginations!

My Latest Interview--Part 1 and Part 2

I had a new interview this week up at NationalExaminer.com. There is part one at http://www.examiner.com/x-14609-Richmond-Books-Examiner~y2009m6d22-Pamela-Kinney-author-of-Haunted-Richmond-discusses-Richmonds-eerie-history
and part two is at http://www.examiner.com/x-14609-Richmond-Books-Examiner~y2009m6d25-Pamela-Kinney-author-of-Haunted-Richmond-and-Haunted-Virginia-continues-her-discussion

My Book Signing at Barnes & Noble in Midlothian Yesterday, Along With Star Wars Day

Here they are--photos from my book signing yesterday at Barnes and Noble at 4600 Commonwealth Centre Parkway in Midlothian. Besides me, there were members of the 501st (http://va501st.com/) and Rebel Legion (http://www.rebellegion.com/)--both groups of which my husband (one of the stormtroopers in the photos) and I am a member--
who from Noon until 4PM wore their costumes for visitors, especially the children. Two of the children actually wore their own homemade costumes and won the costume contest held there.
I had a great day and signed many copies of both Haunted Virginia: Legends. Myths and True Tales and Haunted Richmond, Virginia. Thanks to all who got one. I hope you enjoy them.
My next book signing will be in Petersburg, Virginia, at the Minerva Books and Cafe 233 Bartow Alley. Petersburg, Virginia 23803 804-732-2440 Friday, July 10 at 8PM to 10PM Minerva Books

What Hovered in the Sky at King's Dominion?

This was on my local news, WTVR-Channel 6 http://www.wtvr.com/Global/story.asp?S=10541375. They even set up a poll, was it a UFO, smoke ring from King's Dominion's Volcano ride or global warning?
I know I have worked at King's Dominion for couple summers and even been there with my family, but never seen a ring in the sky, especially above the Volcano. besides that smoke would start to dissipate in the air up there. And though I believe in UFOs (having seen one with my mother years ago going over our back yard in Sacramento), still I wondered if this was due to something simple as atmospheric conditions at the time. No, not a global warning. Just due to something in the atmosphere.
It's still cool, whatever it really is. And even more so, the mystery surrounding it just adds spice to it.
What do you think it is? Do you really want to know, or rather keep it a mystery? Leave some comments to these two questions.

If you want to watch the video at YouTube, here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O87h-fkTj1Y

I Am Signing This Saturday, June 20 at Barnes and Noble in Midlothian, Va.

I will be signing copies of Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales along with Haunted Richmond, Virgina 2:00PM to 4:00PM, Saturday, June 20, 2009 at Barnes and Noble 4600 Commonwealth Centre Parkway Midlothian, VA. I also hope to be signing copies of Northern Haunts: 100 Terrifying New England Tales and Shifting Desires, an erotic feline shapeshifter romance anthology I have a novella included in, as Sapphire Phelan.

Also , there will be members of the 501st and Rebel Legion, Star Wars costumers, from Noon to 4PM.

Review of Fantasy and Science Fiction's August/September Issue

I am blogging about the August/September 2009 issue of Fantasy & Science Fiction Magazine. Having had old issues I use to have a subscription for plus those I've gotten free at conventions, I was pleasantly surprised when this issue came in the mail. It was much fatter, almost the size of a trade paperback book. Seeing that it was switched to a bi-monthly publication, I think they have a winner in this. Not much more than the old issues I used to get, it really is a steal.
With novelets by authors like Sean McMullen and Melinda M. Snodgrass and short stories and poems, plus articles on films to look for, books and more, the magazine was enjoyable. My fave story was "The Art of the Dragon."
Just right for any fantasy and scifi reader lazing on a hammock in the shade or at the beach.
So if you looking for your chance to check it out, go to www.fandsf.com
I give the magazine an At.

2009 Bram Stoker Awards Winners

Congratulations to the winners (especially you, F. Paul Wilson!), winners of this year's Bram Stoker Awards. Readers, now get out there and read them for summer reading!


Superior Achievement, Novel - Duma Key by Stephen King

Superior Achievement, Collection Just After Sunset by Stephen King

Superior Achievement, Anthology - Unspeakable Horror edited by Vince A. Liaguno and Chad Helde

Superior Achievement, Poetry Collection - The Nightmare Collection by Bruce Boston

Superior Achievement, First Novel - The Gentling Box by Lisa Mannetti

Superior Achievement, Short Fiction - The Lost Sarah Langan

Superior Achievement,Long fiction - Miranda by John R. Little

Superior Achievement, Nonfiction - A Halloween Anthology by Lisa Morton

Specialty Press - Bloodletting Press (Larry and Debra Roberts)

The Silver Hammer Award -Sephera Giron (for service to organization)

President’s Award - John Little

Lifetime Achievement - F. Paul Wilson and Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

Finally--Fantasci 2009 Photos!

Well, here they are. Not much, but then I was busy most of the time at my table and got my husband to take pictures of "On Writing Nonfiction Ghost Books" panel I did at 10-11AM. Besides me there was Theresa Bane, who has Haunted Historic Greensboro, published from Schiffer Publishing and an up and coming Schiffer author who is writing ghostly stories set in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.
The on-day mini convention was held in the Chesapeake Central library in Chesapeake, Virginia, Saturday, June 6th. It was a good day.

Catch me Tonight on Paranormal Insight & Strange Frequencies Sunday, June 14th

Catch me on Paranormal Insight tonight, June 12th, at 7:15PM EASTERN.

The website is http://www.para-x.com/pi.html Call in number is 817-945-3835 & show starts at 7:00PM EST.There is an online chatroom, too.

I also have a radio interview with Strange Frequencies Paranormal Radio Show---June 14, 2009--4:00PM Eastern: http://www.strangefrequenciesradio.com Click "Go LIVE" you CAN enter the chatroom and ask questions or just interact while you listen to the show.The show astarts at 3PM and lasts until 6PM. I am the second hour.

Guillermo Del Toro’s debut vampire novel, The Strain-Link to Book Trailer Too

Check out the book trailer to Guillermo Del Toro’s debut vampire novel, The Strain at http://www.gabriellefaust.com/archives/2133 and check out the press release on it:

Press Release Info:


Book Description:
The visionary creator of the Academy Award-winning Pan’s Labyrinth and a Hammett Award-winning author bring their imaginations to this bold, epic novel about a horrifying battle between man and vampire that threatens all humanity. It is the first installment in a thrilling trilogy and an extraordinary international publishing event.


The Strain


They have always been here. Vampires. In secret and in darkness. Waiting. Now their time has come.


In one week, Manhattan will be gone. In one month, the country.


In two months—the world.


A Boeing 777 arrives at JFK and is on its way across the tarmac, when it suddenly stops dead. All window shades are pulled down. All lights are out. All communication channels have gone quiet. Crews on the ground are lost for answers, but an alert goes out to the CDC. Dr. Eph Goodweather, head of their Canary project, a rapid-response team that investigates biological threats, gets the call and boards the plane. What he finds makes his blood run cold.


In a pawnshop in Spanish Harlem, a former professor and survivor of the Holocaust named Abraham Setrakian knows something is happening. And he knows the time has come, that a war is brewing…


So begins a battle of mammoth proportions as the vampiric virus that has infected New York begins to spill out into the streets. Eph, who is joined by Setrakian and a motley crew of fighters, must now find a way to stop the contagion and save his city—a city that includes his wife and son—before it is too late.


Pre-order now: http://www.amazon.com/Strain-Book-One-Trilogy/dp/0061558230/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242834064&sr=8-1


Sneak Peek inside the book:
http://browseinside.harpercollins.com/index.aspx?isbn13=9780061558238

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My Lovecraftian Horror Tale, Azathoth Is Here Now Out in Innsmouth Free Press June Premier Issue

My Lovecraftian horror short story, "Azathoth is Here" is now available in Innsmouth Press at http://www.innsmouthfreepress.com/
Direct link to my story: http://www.innsmouthfreepress.com/blog/?p=195, but do read the whole June issue--it is free to do so.

Join Me at Fantasci 2009 in Chesapeake, Virginia Saturday, June 6th

I'll be a writer guest at Fantasci 2009 (science fiction/fantasy/horror one-day convention) at the Chesapeake Central Library Saturday, June 6, 2009, 9:00AM to 5:00PM. The address is 298 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322 Library's phone number: (757) 410- 7120 And the website:

http://www.fantasciconvention.com/

It is free to attend. I will be on the first panel at 10AM to 11AM, talking about writing nonfiction ghost books, joined by author Theresa Bane, who is the author of Haunted Historic Greensboro. Afterwards, I'll be at my table all day, selling and signings all my books, including Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales. This will be its launch for a convention. I only have so many left, so a good time to get it if can't catch me later at any bookstore signings.

Haunted Virginia's Cover on Book Cover Lovers and My Book Signing Launch Yesterday

First, the cover for Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales is up at Book Cover Lovers . Tomorrow it may be up on a poll for Best Book of May, so check back and do vote for it. You have all month to do that, until June 30, 2009.

Second, I had a very nice time at Simple Pleasures Books & Gifts in Ashland, Virginia, for the book launch of Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales. People came and bought Haunted Virginia, even one person bought Haunted Richmond, Virginia.
The owners were the nicest people and we talked between customers coming in. It's a new independent bookstore in Richmond, not far from Virginia Center Commons. In the Northcross Center--same as Home Depot and CiCi's Pizza. Do go visit the store, more than books, it has luscious chocolate and neat gifts like candles. I got one as a thank you gift from them and it is one of those kind that has a wonderful odor and doesn't need to be lit to do so. More so, supoort it as it is one of other indie bookstores we have in town. Unlike the big bookstores, you get to meet the owners and it is oh so personal--like being home.
There were so many nice things in there. With books, of course. I'll be back there to do another signing on Halloween during the day.
Anyway, I am going to relax today. Even work on this poem that on suggestions do some edits as it may have a chance for this anthology was submitted to. Then go work in my veggie garden and enjoy the day. Take care!

Join Me on The Paranormal View Radio Show Tonight 10PM to Midnight

I'll be a guest on The Paranormal View Radio Show tonight (May 29th) from 10PM to Midnight Eastern.The hosts and I will be talking about Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales, besides Haunted Richmond, Virginia too. You can join in the live chat and be able to ask questions on the air. You can participate by visiting:http://www.para-x.com/live.html

Haunted Virginia Released-Blog Tour & TV Appearance the 29th

Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales is out officially today and I stopped at a blog, doing doing a a virtual tour. Check it out and do leave a comment. Also check out the rest of Sidney Williams' blog.

http://sidneywilliams.blogspot.com/2009/05/blog-book-tour-pamela-k-kinney-and.html

I'll also be interviewed by Virginia This Morning tomorrow morning (Friday the 29th) to talk about my new book. The show is 8:55-10AM and I am not sure what time I will be on. But check them out.

http://www.wtvr.com/Global/category.asp?C=86435&nav=menu79_6_3

Launch of Haunted Virginia at Simple Pleasures Bookstore in Ashland, Virginia May 30th

This Saturday, May 30th 1:00PM to 4:00PM will be the launch and signing of my new book, Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales at Simple Pleasures Books and Gifts 10180 Lakeridge Parkway Northcross Center Suite 104 Ashland,Va.23005 Store Phone: 804-368-7736 Simple Pleasure Books & Gifts


There are monsters and strange animal stories in this book, along with ghost stories, urban legends, myths of famous Virginians, etc... Besides that book, I will be also signing copies of Haunted Richmond, Virginia, too.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

Today is Memorial Day. The day set aside in remembrance of those who served our country in past wars and to those who even now serve. Take the time during this day to stand silent for five minutes and reflect, saying a prayer in these soldiers' and sailors' honor, or if not religious, something appropriate in your mind. For if not for those who gave their lives for our freedom, you would not be able to do the things you do today, along with grilling on the grill or taking your first dip in the swimming pool that has opened for the summer.

The Nightmare of Sleep Paralysis

This past Thursday I saw a short documentary called "Your Worst Nightmare" by Soul Smack . It talked about sleep paralysis and supernatural assault. It was interesting and in many instances, chilling. It bothered me as much as reading a book many years ago on alien abductions had bothered me. Just like I might have experienced the phenomenon myself.

Well, it came to me, that I had in the past when once again I went through it in the wee hours of the morning today. I am going though menopause and woke up with night sweats. Feeling hot, even with the covers off and the air conditioning on high, I finally managed to fall asleep on damp sheets, lying on my back. I had no dreams, nothing but darkness.

Not sure who long I slept, I woke up and found myself lying on my left side, unable to move at all, except opening my mouth in a small o-shape. I tried to shout out, but couldn't. It took me about seven times before I screamed, then moved. I turned on the lamp on my bedstead and sat up looking around as if to see anything or anyone else was in the bedroom besides my husband and me. Nothing. I woke up my husband, asking for the time, then used the bathroom. Crawling into bed, I switched off the lamp and managed to get back to sleep. The next time I opened my eyes it was 7:50AM.
I admit what bothered me wasn't that maybe I had done astral projection or that some supernatural being might been the cause of my inability to move, but that I couldn't move or make a sound. That there was no control of my body by me.

It also made me acknowledged the other times this happened to me over the years since I was a child. The last time before today was three years ago. I had forgotten conveniently my sleep paralysis. I admitted at the meeting that I had woken up in the past and seen these "shadowy things" in the room over the years, but wasn't sure if I ever had sleep paralysis.
The scariest part for me last night? That it reminded me of those horror stories of people who couldn't move and were thought of as dead and buried alive, even though they were not. Just unable to call out or move a muscle. I admit I have a fear of dying. Is it because of this, or something more of the supernatural reason? Good question.
Has anyone ever experienced sleep paralysis? If so, do post a comment. As many in that meeting who saw the film stated, they had in some form or another. And I would suggest viewing this documentary--it is very good and thought provoking.The website is

http://www.soulsmack.com/