Blurb & buy link
Saturday, 31 March 2012
Happy Birthday - The Price of Falling
Today is Happy 1st Birthday to my first book "baby" -- momma couldn't be more proud :-)
Blurb & buy link
Blurb & buy link
Sunday, 5 February 2012
Bands Who Love B-Movies - White Zombie, The Misfits, The Cramps
In celebration of my new ebook release A Bar Tender Tale, where my hero Nathan is infatuated with rock bands and B-movies, this blog post is dedicated to Bands Who Love B-Movies.
“Who is this irresistible creature who has an insatiable love for the dead?”
Quote - Lady Frankenstein, sampled in Rob Zombie's single Living Dead Girl.
White Zombie (Rob Zombie's original rock band) formed in the 1980s in New York, and achieved breakthrough success with 1992 album La Sexorcisto: Devil Music, Vol. 1.
Their sound has been described as “groove rock” and features samples from various cult B-movies and horror films.
From Astro Creep: 2000, iconic rock tune More Human Than Human features some awesome slide guitar action. Warning, video features strobe effects.
White Zombie the band took their name after White Zombie the 1932 horror film. Here is the original poster, featuring Bela “Dracula” Lugosi!
Another band somewhat obsessed with horror, are American punk legends The Misfits, originally formed in the 1970s.
Check out 1999 album Famous Monsters, with songs like Scream!, Crawling Eye, Lost In Space and The Forbidden Zone, you can see where their influences lie!
The band's well known logo of the grinning skull, as pictured here....
….is taken from 1946 horror movie, The Crimson Ghost.
Here are some original posters, where you can see the grinning skull costume of The Crimson Ghost himself.
And I particularly like these shots from the movie, below!
In this Misfits video for Dig Up Her Bones, their version of The Crimson Ghost pops up throughout.
How many times can you spot him??
And finally, The Cramps!
Everyone's favourite surf, garage, sleaze rock band! This is one of their most recognisable album covers, 1997 Big Beat From Badsville -featuring guitarist Poison Ivy.
With killer songs like You Got Good Taste, Bikini Girls With Machine Guns, and their cover of Fever (as featured on the sound track of 1987 vampire movie NearDark) this band are a must for any rock fan's music collection.
One of their more well known tracks, Human Fly, doesn't actually have a video but this is a fan made video featuring clips of horror movie The Fly, to the album version of the song.
Movie poster for original 1958 horror movie The Fly.
This blog post was brought to you by:
A Bar Tender Tale
BLURB:
Twenty-two year old barman Nathan is always the odd one out.
It's tough to get a date when his love of loud music, tattoos, and zombie paraphernalia usually sends potential candidates running for the hills.
Trying to find anyone who wants to spend time with him, let alone stay in and watch trashy horror movies, has always been a problem.
Then, on his day off, Nathan does a friend a favor by covering a shift at a pub, and in walks a handsome stranger who shares his love of horror.
It could be a match made in B-movie heaven, and Nathan is determined to pursue this new acquaintance, but—zombies aside—has Nathan got the guts to go on a real date?
“To avoid fainting, keep repeating 'It's only an ebook...It's only an ebook'...”
Monday, 30 January 2012
ZOMBIECORE - blog hop
Happy release day to me!!
A Bar Tender Tale can now be purchased through the Dreamspinnder website HERE
As a special treat, I've done a guest post on the awesome Babes In Boyland blog about
ZOMBIECORE music. Check it out here!
Or... "Turn back, while you still can!"
And in celebration, tonight I shall be scaring myself silly with horror movies.... :D
Look out for more blog posts here with me. And thank you for the feedback I've had so far -- I hope you like the story!
A Bar Tender Tale can now be purchased through the Dreamspinnder website HERE
As a special treat, I've done a guest post on the awesome Babes In Boyland blog about
ZOMBIECORE music. Check it out here!
Or... "Turn back, while you still can!"
And in celebration, tonight I shall be scaring myself silly with horror movies.... :D
Look out for more blog posts here with me. And thank you for the feedback I've had so far -- I hope you like the story!
Friday, 6 January 2012
The art of music videos
I love music, and I love film. What better thing can there be than a good music video?
Some of them are art in its purest form; expressions of imagination (and other such ramblings)
Without further ado, I'm going to link to some of the most amazing music videos that left an impression on me.
I'm starting with Sepultura's 'Ratamahatta' circa 1996.
(Now, let's see how much I can recall without actually looking it up!!)
Sepultura are a Brazilian band, the word 'sepultura' means spine. In this song, singer Max is actually singing in Brazilian, if you can call it singing! It ranges from chants, shouts, singing and hacking coughs!
This video is truly fantastic and features some beautiful stop motion animation.
It doesn't even feature the band, not once! All the footage is of models, set in what one would assume is a Brazilian jungle; there's a village, a masked demons, voodoo doctors, spirits and skulls!
It's truly mind blowing, and looks as fresh as anything even today, 15 years later.
I love it because it's like all the darkest and best parts of my own imagination - I adore voodoo witchcraft imagery, and jungle scenes. Who wouldn't?!
It's a kickass song too.
Continuing the 90s theme -
One of my personal faves, White Zombie and 'Electric Head Pt. 2' circa 1995
Obviously one who understands film and presenting his imagination in full technicolour, Rob Zombie later became a film director (including shooting my fave horror visual fest 'House of 1000 Corpses'!)
What I love about the White Zombie videos, as well as being amazing rock songs, they were so visually full of delights. When at the time - 90s - other bands were all about playing image down and IMHO generally looking very dull and boring, bands like White Zombie were a sight for sore eyes.
Anyone who loves horror films, B movies, general vaudeville and showmanship will appreciate what this band do. Sadly never got to see them live, but did manage to catch Rob Zombie on his first solo tour; amazing live show, and what amused me most was the hollow, see-thru guitar that Riggs used, full of (fake) blood.
HOW COOL IS THAT?!
I've chosen this video as it's a mix of the band and one of their favourite themes - weird carnival circus freakshow! With some glow in the dark dancing girls. What more could you want? It even opens with a circus train!!
I've going to jump forward to the 'naughties now, to everyone's favourite band, Turbonegro!
Album 'Retox' came out in 2007, and this single was released with arguable one of the coolest videos ever made.
Muted colours/greyscale, amazing animation mixed with the filming, and little cameos of the band singing in the posters on the walls. Really clever, a joy to watch.
'Do Ya Dig Destruction?'
Now, I'm going to end on a somewhat 'kooky' note. If you don't know who Tom Waits is, shame shame -
and go buy his album Blood Money (2002) where this amazing song is from.
Tom Waits - you can still hear his cry of "maaassssterrr!!" from film Bram Stoker's Dracula, haha.
He is utterly incredible, there is non other like him.
This video is beautiful, the song is bizarre, and strangely catchy. I can't describe it much more than that, except for 'look out for the ostriches!'
Some of them are art in its purest form; expressions of imagination (and other such ramblings)
Without further ado, I'm going to link to some of the most amazing music videos that left an impression on me.
I'm starting with Sepultura's 'Ratamahatta' circa 1996.
(Now, let's see how much I can recall without actually looking it up!!)
Sepultura are a Brazilian band, the word 'sepultura' means spine. In this song, singer Max is actually singing in Brazilian, if you can call it singing! It ranges from chants, shouts, singing and hacking coughs!
This video is truly fantastic and features some beautiful stop motion animation.
It doesn't even feature the band, not once! All the footage is of models, set in what one would assume is a Brazilian jungle; there's a village, a masked demons, voodoo doctors, spirits and skulls!
It's truly mind blowing, and looks as fresh as anything even today, 15 years later.
I love it because it's like all the darkest and best parts of my own imagination - I adore voodoo witchcraft imagery, and jungle scenes. Who wouldn't?!
It's a kickass song too.
Continuing the 90s theme -
One of my personal faves, White Zombie and 'Electric Head Pt. 2' circa 1995
Obviously one who understands film and presenting his imagination in full technicolour, Rob Zombie later became a film director (including shooting my fave horror visual fest 'House of 1000 Corpses'!)
What I love about the White Zombie videos, as well as being amazing rock songs, they were so visually full of delights. When at the time - 90s - other bands were all about playing image down and IMHO generally looking very dull and boring, bands like White Zombie were a sight for sore eyes.
Anyone who loves horror films, B movies, general vaudeville and showmanship will appreciate what this band do. Sadly never got to see them live, but did manage to catch Rob Zombie on his first solo tour; amazing live show, and what amused me most was the hollow, see-thru guitar that Riggs used, full of (fake) blood.
HOW COOL IS THAT?!
I've chosen this video as it's a mix of the band and one of their favourite themes - weird carnival circus freakshow! With some glow in the dark dancing girls. What more could you want? It even opens with a circus train!!
I've going to jump forward to the 'naughties now, to everyone's favourite band, Turbonegro!
Album 'Retox' came out in 2007, and this single was released with arguable one of the coolest videos ever made.
Muted colours/greyscale, amazing animation mixed with the filming, and little cameos of the band singing in the posters on the walls. Really clever, a joy to watch.
'Do Ya Dig Destruction?'
Now, I'm going to end on a somewhat 'kooky' note. If you don't know who Tom Waits is, shame shame -
and go buy his album Blood Money (2002) where this amazing song is from.
Tom Waits - you can still hear his cry of "maaassssterrr!!" from film Bram Stoker's Dracula, haha.
He is utterly incredible, there is non other like him.
This video is beautiful, the song is bizarre, and strangely catchy. I can't describe it much more than that, except for 'look out for the ostriches!'
Sunday, 1 January 2012
A Bar Tender Tale - almost here!
Happy New Year!
And what better way to kick off my first blog post with information about a new release :o)
(There are 2 new releases imminent for 2012, and atm A Bar Tender Tale is in the lead! LOL)
Dreamspinner have kindly set up a page for my ebook on their Coming Soon list, which means....
Sneak preview of the cover art by the ever talented Ria Chantler!
Read the blurb, add to your wish list!
And even read an extract!
Take a looksee right here
Cover art by Ria Chantler...
Doesn't little Nathan look uber cute?!
BLURB:
Twenty-two-year-old barman Nathan is always the odd one out. It's tough to get a date when his love of loud music, tattoos, and zombie paraphernalia usually sends potential candidates running for the hills. Trying to find anyone who wants to spend time with him, let alone stay in and watch trashy horror movies, has always been a problem.
Then, on his day off, Nathan does a friend a favor by covering a shift at a pub, and in walks a handsome stranger who shares his love of horror. It could be a match made in B-movie heaven, and Nathan is determined to pursue this new acquaintance, but—zombies aside—has Nathan got the guts to go on a real date?
* * *
Ooh er! ;o)
If you want to read an extract, visit the Dreamspinner link here
and click on 'Read an excerpt'
You can also add A Bar Tender Tale on Goodreads
Expected release date 30th January, but please check the Dreamspinner website for updates :o)
In the meantime, I shall be hurrying with my own website updates for more behind the scenes looks into my work. There have already been a few changes, which you can check out now!
xoxoxoxo
And what better way to kick off my first blog post with information about a new release :o)
(There are 2 new releases imminent for 2012, and atm A Bar Tender Tale is in the lead! LOL)
Dreamspinner have kindly set up a page for my ebook on their Coming Soon list, which means....
Sneak preview of the cover art by the ever talented Ria Chantler!
Read the blurb, add to your wish list!
And even read an extract!
Take a looksee right here
Cover art by Ria Chantler...
Doesn't little Nathan look uber cute?!
BLURB:
Twenty-two-year-old barman Nathan is always the odd one out. It's tough to get a date when his love of loud music, tattoos, and zombie paraphernalia usually sends potential candidates running for the hills. Trying to find anyone who wants to spend time with him, let alone stay in and watch trashy horror movies, has always been a problem.
Then, on his day off, Nathan does a friend a favor by covering a shift at a pub, and in walks a handsome stranger who shares his love of horror. It could be a match made in B-movie heaven, and Nathan is determined to pursue this new acquaintance, but—zombies aside—has Nathan got the guts to go on a real date?
* * *
Ooh er! ;o)
If you want to read an extract, visit the Dreamspinner link here
and click on 'Read an excerpt'
You can also add A Bar Tender Tale on Goodreads
Expected release date 30th January, but please check the Dreamspinner website for updates :o)
In the meantime, I shall be hurrying with my own website updates for more behind the scenes looks into my work. There have already been a few changes, which you can check out now!
xoxoxoxo
Monday, 21 November 2011
Slimelight - goth heaven!
Since 1987 there has been a weekly mecca for goths and the general misfits of London to pose in - Slimelight!
Doesn't look much from the outside - this is a club called Electrowerkz, which was used as a paint balling venue back in the day. Which explained why the Slimelight goo on the floor and walls was always a dark muddy purple colour!
Every Saturday night was and still is, Slimelight, which caters for goth music. It's definitely a lot different now, especially to how I remember it! (see my music blog for classic goth tunes)
Now, why am I posting about Slimelight?
I'm currently writing a series about a (fictional) goth rock band Crucifox, who are a bunch of goths hailing from London.
For Halloween I wrote a short prequel to my series, which you can read free online
In my prequel, anyone who knows the alt scene in London can probably guess where I'm setting scenes. The story starts at The Dev, which is a little goth pub in Camden. Then the characters head out to Slimelight, which is close to Angel tube station, not far from Kings Cross.
Ah the memories of travelling on the tube, trussed up in ridiculous clubbing outfits, getting stared at and even assaulted just for looking different. But once you descended down that dark alley and entered Slimelight, you were amongst your own.
However, I have to say that three floors full of beautiful, amazing looking people could certainly niggle at your confidence! When I was first introduced to Slimelight as a teenager, I felt EXTREMELY underdressed. And short. Subsequently, each time I went after that I was trying to do one better, and one better... Hair ten feet tall, outfits that consisted of barely nothing, platform boots that were more like stilts...
Ah, those were the days!
This is a view of the middle floor, empty!
That's the bar on the left, some tables on the right, and straight ahead is the dance floor. There were exit/entrance doors at each end, so you could basically walk around the club/up and down the myriad stairs all night, which most people did, in their own little worlds...
Sadly, Slimelight always had a No Photos policy. So searching for any photos of the club in full swing will bring up very little. Even my old photos of me and my friends getting ready to go out can't be scanned in, as modern scanners don't take full photo albums! Perhaps I will try...if I'm feeling brave!
And this is the top floor...
Again, doesn't look much in normal lights. This is the floor they hire out for bands now, apparently.
That bloody step in the middle there always tripped me up! I wasn't the only one though.
In the far left corner, the humongous unisex toilets, which was more of a hang out and pick up area....
Pick ups only if you were compus mentus, however!
Random memories... when I first fell over in high heels, into a man's lap. Ria's beautiful UV flowers in her hair. Dawn's amazing high heels. Paul in his nurse's uniform. Other Paul and his fairy wand. Marky almost punching me in the face whilst doing his energetic industrial dancing.... and so many other memories that had best stay wrapped up XD
For my sound track on the music to Slimelight, visit my music blog here on wordpress.
Crucifox #1 will hopefully be released in March 2013. Hurruh!
Doesn't look much from the outside - this is a club called Electrowerkz, which was used as a paint balling venue back in the day. Which explained why the Slimelight goo on the floor and walls was always a dark muddy purple colour!
Every Saturday night was and still is, Slimelight, which caters for goth music. It's definitely a lot different now, especially to how I remember it! (see my music blog for classic goth tunes)
Now, why am I posting about Slimelight?
I'm currently writing a series about a (fictional) goth rock band Crucifox, who are a bunch of goths hailing from London.
For Halloween I wrote a short prequel to my series, which you can read free online
In my prequel, anyone who knows the alt scene in London can probably guess where I'm setting scenes. The story starts at The Dev, which is a little goth pub in Camden. Then the characters head out to Slimelight, which is close to Angel tube station, not far from Kings Cross.
Ah the memories of travelling on the tube, trussed up in ridiculous clubbing outfits, getting stared at and even assaulted just for looking different. But once you descended down that dark alley and entered Slimelight, you were amongst your own.
However, I have to say that three floors full of beautiful, amazing looking people could certainly niggle at your confidence! When I was first introduced to Slimelight as a teenager, I felt EXTREMELY underdressed. And short. Subsequently, each time I went after that I was trying to do one better, and one better... Hair ten feet tall, outfits that consisted of barely nothing, platform boots that were more like stilts...
Ah, those were the days!
This is a view of the middle floor, empty!
That's the bar on the left, some tables on the right, and straight ahead is the dance floor. There were exit/entrance doors at each end, so you could basically walk around the club/up and down the myriad stairs all night, which most people did, in their own little worlds...
Sadly, Slimelight always had a No Photos policy. So searching for any photos of the club in full swing will bring up very little. Even my old photos of me and my friends getting ready to go out can't be scanned in, as modern scanners don't take full photo albums! Perhaps I will try...if I'm feeling brave!
And this is the top floor...
Again, doesn't look much in normal lights. This is the floor they hire out for bands now, apparently.
That bloody step in the middle there always tripped me up! I wasn't the only one though.
In the far left corner, the humongous unisex toilets, which was more of a hang out and pick up area....
Pick ups only if you were compus mentus, however!
Random memories... when I first fell over in high heels, into a man's lap. Ria's beautiful UV flowers in her hair. Dawn's amazing high heels. Paul in his nurse's uniform. Other Paul and his fairy wand. Marky almost punching me in the face whilst doing his energetic industrial dancing.... and so many other memories that had best stay wrapped up XD
For my sound track on the music to Slimelight, visit my music blog here on wordpress.
Crucifox #1 will hopefully be released in March 2013. Hurruh!
Saturday, 19 November 2011
blog tour 'The Price of Falling'
Have been hijacking other people's lovely blogs for 'The Price of Falling'
so just thought I'd put all the links here to find :o)
Kay Berrisford's blog - I've posted about 'written soundtracks'; why I write about music in my story/ what music adds to the atmosphere, and including a short excerpt of the character Mike being introduced to the band 'Rev Co'.
Michael Mandrake's blog 'A Gay Man Inside A Female Body' - I've posted answers to Michael's author questions, including what I think about replying to reviews, where I get inspiration, and seeing naked men!
Also with an excerpt of my characters on the dark cliff in the woods, before 'the deed' gets done!
Piper & MJ's blog - 'Babes In Boyland' - GIVEAWAY TIME!! Until sunday 20th Nov there's still a chance to enter your name in to win one of two copies of 'The Price of Falling'! Visit Piper & MJ's blog to enter.
I've posted about high school romance, peer pressure, and falling in love! Ahh.
Also with an excerpt of when Mike first speaks to Jason, which doesn't go particularly well!
Good luck in the competition :o)
so just thought I'd put all the links here to find :o)
Kay Berrisford's blog - I've posted about 'written soundtracks'; why I write about music in my story/ what music adds to the atmosphere, and including a short excerpt of the character Mike being introduced to the band 'Rev Co'.
Michael Mandrake's blog 'A Gay Man Inside A Female Body' - I've posted answers to Michael's author questions, including what I think about replying to reviews, where I get inspiration, and seeing naked men!
Also with an excerpt of my characters on the dark cliff in the woods, before 'the deed' gets done!
Piper & MJ's blog - 'Babes In Boyland' - GIVEAWAY TIME!! Until sunday 20th Nov there's still a chance to enter your name in to win one of two copies of 'The Price of Falling'! Visit Piper & MJ's blog to enter.
I've posted about high school romance, peer pressure, and falling in love! Ahh.
Also with an excerpt of when Mike first speaks to Jason, which doesn't go particularly well!
Good luck in the competition :o)
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