Why Do I Write What I Write?

I attended the Festival of Books in Deadwood this weekend. I was at the Black Hills Writers Group booth passing out flyers and visiting with aspiring authors and book lovers.

Unfortunately, I didn't sell any books. Even the woman wearing a "I Love Halloween" sweatshirt read the back of my book and quickly put it down.

Judging by the long lines for certain authors during the mass book signing, people sure love erotica and mystery. 

My wife says I should write an erotica-based novel because that's what is popular right now. A friend of mine has sold several thousand copies of a dark erotica novel. During the same time span, I've sold three copies of my collection of short horror stories. Yes, it is frustrating, it is quite humbling. People read what they want to read. And for better or worse, I write what I want to write.

Horror, weird westerns, paranormal suspense, gritty crime, more horror.

I'm certainly not in it for the money. 

I write because it is challenging and rewarding to me on an emotional level. Being published alongside authors whose work I have read and enjoyed is always a thrill. And there are many items on my literary bucket list that I will continue to work hard in order to hopefully attain. 

Right now I have 14 stories submitted. Most are to pro paying markets. A couple are short listed. Several haven't been looked at yet. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

In closing, with Halloween right around the corner, and the nights getting chillier, I humbly invite you to...

READ SOME HORROR! 

Two New Stories this Fall, Two Free Stories Revisited

Have a Kindle? Have two bucks to spare? The latest issue of Dark Eclipse includes my short-short, "Sweet Tea and MamaLady", told from the POV of a lap dog. Sweet Tea's day is not going well. Something bad has happened to her mistress, but Sweet Tea doesn't understand...

You can order a digital copy for only $1.99 HERE.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The month of October will see the release of Diabolic Tales III. I am very pleased with this publisher. Full disclosure: before submitting to them, I was unfamiliar with Diabolic Publications. The pay semi-pro rates, offer contributor copies, and suggested a copy editing program that I have started using on everything I write. It doesn't hurt that that the cover art is stellar, either! You can be in the loop as soon as this anthology is released by bookmarking THIS.

My story, "Coke Mule Deer", follows a serial killer as he flees Mexican authorities, a hungry cougar, and a vengeful witch. Will he make it to the border?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

READ REVIEWS of Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles using the link provided. I and thankful for the nine people who took the time to review my collection, and feel fortunate that so far, all reviews are 5 stars. Remember, this is my only collection. Anything else I advertise will feature one of my stories along with many other fine authors. Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles contains what I consider to be my best stories from five years of writing.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Read my Dystopian (and dream-influenced) story, "Metsys" for free HERE. (Courtesy of the science fiction e-zine Chrome Baby.)

Read my beauty shop crime story, "Monday Mourning at the Curl Up & Dye" for free here! (Courtesy of Over My Dead Body! e-zine.)

If you enjoy my stories, tell your friends! The best advertising a writer can ask for is word-of-mouth from their readers. As always, thank you for reading!

Adrian