"I am interested in madness. I believe it is the biggest thing in the human race, and the most constant. How do you take away from a man his madness without also taking away his identity?" -- William Saroyan (died 1981)

Got Sanity?

Twisted Prompts for Sicko Writers

"Creative Oppositions" + Imagine an awful way to die. Now physically turn the victim upside-down. Write. + Choose a common horror icon or trope. Put the word "Anti-" in front of it. Consider that your title. See what turns up. + Describe a notorious painful experience (root canal, etc.) from the viewpoint of a character who finds it pleasurable. *** If you publish or post something instigated by this department, let me know and I'll mention it here!

Poker Faced at World Horror Con 2005

Last weekend, I attended World Horror Convention 2005 in NYC, where I sat on a panel, performed readings, did a few interviews, and generally had a lot of fun. I can't possibly write a "con report" because it would go on forever, but I met a lot of friends old and new, talked to numerous readers and editors, and enjoyed every waking moment. One highlight for me, though, was getting the chance to see the "model" for the sculpture-bound, special edition (a.k.a. "Grim Grimoire") edition of my novel, Play Dead, pictured above. The resemblance is uncanny...hah! The book, if you…

Pre-Order Play Dead!

Are you ready to play...dead? I'm pleased to announce that you can now preorder my next novel, PLAY DEAD, at Shocklines.com ($27, signed) and ProjectPulp.com ($25.59) and get the book delivered to you piping hot off the press when it's published this August. Note: pre-orders from these online bookstores are for the trade hardcover edition, not the special limited "Grimoire" collector's edition (which likely be priced over $100 and probably sell out fast to collectors after its announcement). PLAY DEAD will also be available on publication through amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, booksamillion.com and directly from the publisher. If you want…