Photos from the July MonstahXpo Convention in Nashua

 

My Next Convention is MonstahXpo 11-12 July

My next convention is MonstahXpo 11-12 July at the Sheraton Hotel in Nashua, New Hampshire. This is an awesome convention; one of my favorites. Some cool celebrities will be attending. I'll be signing my books and will have print copies of Ratpocalypse and Tales of the Nurse Alissa Universe available.

Conventions for 2026

Here are the conventions this year where I'll be vending. I hope to see some of you there. 

Northeast ComicCon and Collectibles Extravaganza, 13-15 March, Boxborough, Massachusetts

Horror Depot's Dark Reads, 28 March, Providence, Rhode Island


Vermont SciFi, Fantasy, and Horror Exposition, 25-26 April, Essex, Vermont


MonstahXpo, 11-12 July, Nashua, New Hampshire


Vermont Psychic Expo, 1-2 August, Essex, Vermont


Maine Paranormal and Horror Convention, 12-13 September, Augusta, Maine

I'll Be Attending the Northeast ComicCon and Collectibles Extravaganza

I'll be attending the Northeast ComicCon and Collectibles Extravaganza (NECC) 29 November to 1 December at the Boxboro Regency in Boxboro, Massachusetts. This is one of my favorite book signing events. As with every year, there will be plenty of vendors selling all the cool stuff we gave up as kids (and now regret it); plenty of writers and artists, and several celebrity guests including Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, Ming Chen from Comic Book Men, and Kelli Maroney from Fast Times at Ridgemont High. This promises to be a fun event. 

You can order your tickets here. 

REMINDER: On 18-20 October, I'll be signing books at the Shadows of Salem Horror and Paranormal Convention

On 18-20 October, I'll be signing books at the Shadows of Salem Horror and Paranormal Convention in Salem, Massachusetts. The weekend features special guests, including the cast & crew of the original 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre! It also features paranormal guests, authors, lectures, a haunted museum display, and other attractions, special events, and entertainment. Vendors ballroom includes psychics, readers, witch themes, magic, artists, horror memorabilia, clothing, crafts, booksellers, and much more. 

The show will be at three locations over the weekend:

FRIDAY the 18th and SUNDAY the 20th at: Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites - 225 Derby St., Salem, MA 01970 (Parking is located across the street at: 10 Congress St., Salem, MA 01970)

SATURDAY the 19th Convention at: Salem State University, 99 Harrison Rd. Salem, MA 01970 (Free Parking on premises)

PLEASE NOTE: On Saturday the 19th, events of the day will take place at two locations. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre cast and crew will be signing at Longboards while the convention with special paranormal guests and vendors will be at Salem State University.

Tickets are only $19.99 in advance, or limited VIP Early-Bird Admission is only $25 with first access to guests and vendors, plus guaranteed seating. 

Learn more about the event here. 

I'll Be Attending the Living Dead Weekend at the Monroeville Mall 9-11 June

Just a reminder that two weeks from now, from 9 to 11 June, I'll be attending the Living Dead Weekend at the Monroeville Mall in Pennsylvania to celebrate the 45th anniversary of George Romero's classic Dawn of the Dead. The scheduled events and guests are awesome. including tours of the mall showing where scenes from the movie were filmed. And you'll be able to visit The Living Dead Museum.

(I did this tour on my own in the summer of 2021 and it's great. See My Visit to the Living Dead Museum at the Monroeville Mall, My Visit to the Dawn of the Dead Location Sites (Part 1), and My Visit to the Dawn of the Dead Location Sites (Part 2).

I'll be there with hordes of my zombie novels to sign as well as some zombie Christmas tree ornaments.

I'm psyched about this event and hope to see some of you there.  

REMINDER: I'll Be Attending the Vermont Sci-Fi and Fantasy Expo 29-30 April

REMINDER: This coming weekend, 29 and 30 April, I'll be attending the Vermont Sci-Fi and Fantasy Expo at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex, Vermont. I'll be signing all my books, including Nurse Alissa vs. the Zombies IX. I hope to see some of you there.

I'll Be Attending the Vermont Sci-Fi and Fantasy Con

On 29 and 30 April, I'll be attending the Vermont Sci-Fi and Fantasy Expo at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex, Vermont. I'll be signing all my books, including Nurse Alissa vs. the Zombies IX. I hope to see some of you there.

Upcoming Podcasts and Conventions

With the release of The Ghosts of Salem Village this Friday, I'll be involved in several takeovers of Facebook groups over the next week. As you know, with all my takeovers, there will be lots of fun and giveaways. 

Saturday, 19 June, 5 PM to 9 PM EST -- I'll be hosting a release party on Scott Baker's Demon Hunters. 

Monday, 21 June, 4 PM to 7 PM EST -- I'll be hosting a takeover of Reading Zombie. 

Wednesday, 23 June, 6PM to 9PM EST -- I'll be hosting a takeover of Written Undead.

Friday, 26 June, 6PM to 9PM EST -- I'll be hosting a takeover of The Zombie Army.

In addition, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 2 to 4 July, I'll be attending the New England Comic Con and Collectibles Extravaganza in the Boxborough Regency Hotel and Conference Center at 242 Adams Place in Boxborough, Massachusetts. I'll have all my books there to autograph as well as other swag. If you're in the area, please drop by and say hello. I'd love to meet you.

I Will Be Attending the New England Comic Con and Collectibles Extravaganza

I received some unexpected good news this morning. 

 

I will be attending the New England Comic Con and Collectibles Extravaganza this 2-4 July at the Boxboro Regency Hotel in Boxboro, Massachusetts. This will be my first convention/book signing since the fall of 2019 and I'm excited about it.

If you live in the area, please drop by. I'll sign your books, we can chat, and maybe do drinks that night.

My Convention and Book Signing Schedule for 2018

Over the past few weeks, I've been organizing my schedule for attending conventions and book signings throughout New England for 2018. The events I've definitely scheduled so far are listed below. I'll be signing copies of The Vampire Hunters trilogy, Rotter Nation and Rotter Apocalypse, and Yeitso.

April 15 -- The Night By the Sea event sponsored by the New England Authors Expo. The event is from 2PM to 6PM and will be held at the Red Hook Brewery at 1 Red Hook Way in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The event is free to the public, so come and meet with the more than thirty-five writers and publishers who will be at the event.

July 25 -- The New England Authors Expo's event from 4PM to 9PM at the Danversport Yacht Club at 161 Elliot Street in Danvers, Massachusetts. The event is free to the public, so come and meet with the more than thirty writers and publishers who will be at the event.

September 14-16 -- NoCon at the La Quinta Inn and Suites at 24 Front Street in Manchester, New Hampshire. This convention is still being put together; more details will be posted as they become available.

October 6-7 -- The first ever Vermont Horror Convention. The convention will run on October 6 from 10AM to 6PM and on October 7 from 10AM to 5PM. The current celebrity guest list includes Costas Mandylor of the Saw franchise, Tony "Jason Vorhees" Moran, and Melissa "crippled bicycle zombie" Cowan from The Walking Dead.

Upcoming Appearances for 2016, Early 2017

There is a lot going on from the time I get back from our trip to Europe in late September until January 2017. And I'm not just referring to the major project I'll be putting the final touches on and the book launch for my young adult post-apocalypse novel. I'll be all over the place, virtually and physically.

From 7-9 October I'll be attending Spooky Empire at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. I will have a table there along with the other writers from the Dark Alley crew. I'll be signing books all weekend. I will also be on several of the author panels being held, but as of yet do not have a list of which panels and their times. I'll post more on that when I know for certain.

On Saturday, 15 October, from 2-4 PM, myself and fellow Dark Alley crew writers Melissa Gibbo and Tyson Hanks will be signing copies of our books at the Book Warehouse at 5250 International Drive in Orlando, Florida.  

October will suck the blood out of you because I'm attending several vampire-related events throughout the month.

On Sunday, 9 October I will be participating in Facebook's three-day Vampire Authors Celebration, which is held from 7-9 October. I will be hosting my own segment of the show from 10-11PM EST.

As you already know, I will be participating in the Vampire Books for Blood charity event to benefit the American Red Cross and the Canadian Blood Services. For the month, I will donate 50% of my net royalties from every on-line sale of The Vampire Hunters, Vampyrnomicon, Dominion, and The Vampire Hunters Omnibus to The American Red Cross. For a list if the other writers participating in this event, click here. Specific events during the month's charity drive include:

-- On 1 October, the charity event kicks off from 1-3PM EST with a two-hour Facebook party. This includes a virtual meet-and-greet with the authors, fun events, and a raffle for vampire books. This one you don't want to miss. 

-- On 6 October, at 1PM EST, I will be holding a one-hour Q&A on the Vampire Books for Blood's Facebook page to answer any questions you might have about The Vampire Hunters trilogy and writing in general. And yes, there will be prizes. But only for those who participate, so start preparing some tough questions.

On 6 November, I'll be attending a book signing event at the Rabbit Hole Book Store at 763 W. Montrose Street in Clermont, Florida. The time is to be determined. Fellow Dark Alley crew writers John Catapano and Tyson Hanks will also be there.

On Sunday, 20 November, from 10AM to 5PM, I will be signing books at the Clermont Comic Con at the Clermont Performing Arts Center in Clermont, Florida. If you haven't attended the CCC yet you should. It's a great convention with plenty of big-name guests, but at the moment it's small enough so you get plenty of face time with the celebrity guests.    

Finally, on 28 January 2017 I'll be attending the the Dreadfest 2017 event at the W.T. Bland Public Library in Mount Dora, Florida. This is a first-run event that promises to be fun and informative. Although the event is still in its formative stages, the planned events include presentations on writing or elements of dark fiction (horror, dark fantasy, thriller, paranormal romance, etc.), horror/dark fiction author panels, and possibly even a nano-fiction writing contest.And of course, I'll be signing books. This promises to be a fun family-friendly event, so mark it on your calendar now.

That's it for the moment. I'll remind you all as the dats grow closer, and will update the postings as events change or more info is needed. So keep on reading so I can keep on writing,.

I'll Be Attending Clermont ComicCon on 22 November

It's official. This Sunday, 22 November, I'll be attending Clermont ComicCon from 10 AM to 5 PM. The convention is being held at the Performing Arts Center in Clermont, Florida. The guest list includes several writers, comic book personalities, artists, and celebrity guests such as Mitch Hyman, creator and star of Bubba, The Redneck Werewolf; as well as the WWE legends The Wild Samoan and Tugboat. It promises to be a fun day, so drop by and say hello.

I Will Be Attending Winter Garden Wonderfest 30 November 2014

On 30 November 2014, I will be attending the Winter Garden Wonderfest at the Bella Room Banquet Hall in Winter Garden, Florida. I'll be signing copies of my novels and anthologies, including my newest books Yeitso and The Vampire Hunters: Vampyrnomicon, which will be released this fall. This is a convention dedicated to the Florida Geek Scene, so if you're a local you need to check this out.

A Long Overdue Update

I realized while writing the previous posting that it has been a month since the last time I blogged. I know sometimes life gets in the way, but I'm still going to slap myself in the nose with a rolled up issue of Famous Monsters of Filmland and say, "bad writer."

Yeitso, my next novel, is scheduled for publication in May by Blood Bound Books. It's my homage to the monster movies of the 1950s. Also next month, my short story "From Space It Came," about a giant spider from space, is scheduled for publication in Emby Press' Doomsday anthology. My publishers and I will be running contests and giveaways tied to their release.

I recently finished off several interviews or guest blog postings with various websites, including my interview with Days of the Undead; I'll be linking those here and to Facebook and Twitter as they become available.

Rotter Nation, the sequel to Rotter World, is with Permuted Press now waiting to be reviewed. After some considerable procrastination as a result of lack of creativity (i.e I can't decide exactly how to end the series), I'm about to sit down and crank out the last book in the trilogy. So keep checking my blog, because I'll probably be complaining about writer's block several times over the next few months.

I'm also hoping to hear soon about Hell Gate, my young adult post-apocalyptic novel, that is currently with an agent.

Convention wise, Alison Beightol and I will definitely be attending Spooky Mayhem in May and Spooky Empire in October. I'm looking into attending a few other conventions, and will let you know when/where I'll be appearing.

Other than that, not much new. So I'll get back to writing now, if I'm not preventing the pets from aggravating each other. Ciao.

I Will Not Be Attending SwampCon

A last minute change in plans has occurred, and I will not be able to attend SwampCon this weekend as I originally intended. I do plan on making every effort to attend next year. 

I Will be Attending SwampCon 18-19 January 2014

On 18-19 January 2014, I'll be attending SwampCon at the University of Florida's Student Reitz Union in Gainesville. SwampCon is a free, two-day convention that focuses around anime, gaming, and Sci-Fi themed events that includes video game tournaments, table top gaming, contests, panels, special guest speakers, a maid cafe, and performances.  You can check out their Facebook page here.

Because of the University's regulations, I am not allowed to sell any of my books at the convention, though I will have some on display.  If you already have a copy of my books, swing on by and I'll be happy to autograph it.  Or just drop in to talk about the undead, the living dead, or being an author (which is like the living brain dead).

I hope to see you there.

Good Riddance to 2013 -- Let's Hope 2014 Is Better

Any of my family and friends who follow my blog or Facebook postings are well aware that 2013 was a very stressful year for me.  How stressful?  I took the Life Stress Test the other day and, despite fudging some of the answers (in a few cases, if I was borderline on a response, I didn't count it against my score), I wound up with a stress rating of over 450.  Is that bad?  A relative who works for the VA told me that he used to admit for observation patients who ranked over 300 because of their potential for heart attacks or strokes induced by the stress factors. 

Looking back on 2013, I sometimes find it difficult to believe all that happened.  I retired from the Central Intelligence Agency after a twenty-three year career that took my around the world and allowed me to see places and things that most people only dream of (or have nightmares about), sold my house in northern Virginia, and drove down to Florida with a car full of rabbits.  After going through an arduous process getting our mortgage (if you want to know how intrusive and useless the federal government has become, apply for an FHA-backed loan), we purchased a lovely older home that flooded one month after we moved in because of poor drainage in our backyard due to decades of neglect by the previous owners.  This was followed by the joy of having to live in a torn-up house for nearly four months as we dealt with the ultimate ponzi scheme known as insurance companies (even though we had federally-backed flood insurance, FEMA felt we were not entitled to a claim) and a glacially-slow contractor who couldn't get his ass in gear to get our house back in order.  And during those months, I lost three of my rabbits, including my beloved Ruby and Cocoa, whom I had for nearly eleven years, and, on the day following Christmas, my father-in-law. 

That is not to say the entire year was bad.  I married the love of my life and my soul mate, Alison Beightol, on Halloween, and we honeymooned in Germany.  I also have a lovely daughter, Madeline, who I am watching transform from a child into a young woman, and a second family in Florida who cares for me very much.  Although I still grieve for Ghiridelli, Cocoa, and Ruby and will always miss them, three new pets now share my life -- our two Boxers, Walther (who has become my best buddy) and Bella (who only allows me to be the pack leader because I have opposable thumbs and can open the refrigerator), and our rambunctious cat, Archer (who we affectionately call Dickhead). 

On a professional level, my writing suffered because of everything that went on this past year.  I was only able to get three short stories published. I was able to finish off one novel and complete the rough draft of a second, but those are still far from being published; the completed novel, my first Young Adult adventure, is sitting with a literary agent friend who will either take me on as her client or broker an introduction to someone who will, and the submission deadline for the second novel is fast approaching, but I am far from finished with the final edits.

However, I am very optimistic about 2014.  All the issues in our personal lives that made 2014 an emotional nightmare have been left behind as bad memories or are being resolved, and I know our love will see us through whatever lies ahead.  Alison has also been encouraging me to undertake a career path that I had long since abandoned the idea of pursuing, but with her in my corner I just may accept the challenge.

As for my writing, things will pick up significantly in 2014.  In the next few months, I will have a new novel published and an out-of-print book reissued, and will have a new short story included in an upcoming anthology; both the novel and short story are a new step for me as I try my hand with giant monsters instead of the traditional zombies and vampires.  The sequel to Rotter World should be published by the end of the year, and hopefully I will have completed the final book in the trilogy by September.  I am lining up conventions to attend throughout the year, some of them will my fellow author Alison.  Looking ahead to 2015, I am hoping to start my series tentatively called OSS - Office of Supernatural Services (about the Allies battling Nazi occultism) and possibly co-author a vampire novel with Alison.  I'll be posting more on these events as they get closer.

So as 2014 begins and I try to get my head back in the game, I want to thank all my fans and friends who have supported me over the years, and look forward to having you accompany me on the journey ahead. 

On Our Way to Spooky Empire

Tomorrow morning, Alison Beightol and I will be on our way to Spooky Empire in Orlando.  We will have tables at the convention all weekend.  Alison will be signing Blood of New Beginning as well as her latest novel, Blood Betrayal.  I will be signing Rotter World and several of my anthologies, and will have some exciting news about upcoming projects.   

For those who will be there for the entire weekend, check out the panels I'll be sitting on:

Friday, 7 PM:  Brains vs. Blood
Friday, 9 PM:  Sick and Twisted

Saturday, 1 PM:  Writing 101
Saturday, 7 PM:  Hunter's Delight
Saturday, 8 PM:  Apocalyptic Literature

Hope to see you all there.

Only 20 Days Until Spooky Empire