Wednesday, May 30, 2012

My flash story, "Life Inside a Jar" published for the first time in Liquid Imagination #13

Life Inside a Jar

by George Wilhite




They wasted no time resurrecting Hector once more, per his contract. His knowledge of the plague, both from research and then exposure, was invaluable, so money was no object.


Hector had wondered what his earliest memories would be the second time around. Now he knew. Two months from embryo to mass of brain, eyeballs, and a few strands of nerves swirling in a jar of their “secret sauce,” the patented synthetic placenta that drove regeneration...


Read the rest of the story and the entire issue free online at:
http://liquid-imagination.com/issue13/li-issue-13/

Behind "The Delphi Bloodline" by Donna Del Oro Part Three of Six

Today we continue a series of six blogs by guest blogger Donna Del Oro, each providing insight into her novel The Delphi Bloodline, just released on June 1, 2012 by Musa Publishing. Please join us through Saturday, June 9th to learn more about this exciting new novel.



My ESP Workshop
By Donna Del Oro
            Twenty-plus years ago, I became obsessed with exploring the facts and fictions of ESP phenomena. My cousin, a practicing clairvoyant, had inspired me to delve into the whole realm of parapsychology, or study of psychic phenomena. Highly skeptical about the whole business, I nonetheless signed up for a weekend ESP Workshop, given by a Czech physicist who once worked for the Moscow Institute for Psychic Research. The workshop took place in a classroom at a local community college (Foothill College) in my Silicon Valley town of Los Altos Hills.
            There were eleven of us, all total strangers—nine women and two men. The first day, Saturday, the Czech physicist lectured on the history of ESP and the various forms and types of ESP: Clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, precognition, telepathy, psychometry, psychokinesis, remote viewing and channeling. The study of psychic phenomena is called “parapsychology”.  Psi (pronounced “sigh”) is the study of psychic phenomena from a psychological perspective. The Journal of Parapsychology defines psi as “a general term to identify a person’s extrasensory-motor communication with the environment.”  Psi is a letter of the Greek alphabet and the first letter of the Greek word, “psyche”, which literally means “breath” in Greek and refers to the human soul. Basically, having ESP means that you are able to perceive someone’s thoughts, situation, or issues in life without using one of your five ordinary senses.
            The Czech physicist leading our ESP Workshop claimed to be a former skeptic, himself, and a dedicated non-believer who, after working in the experimental testing labs of the Moscow Institute, became a convert. He had seen incontrovertible proof, in his opinion, that ESP existed in gifted intuitives. These intuitives were able to consciously apply knowledge they had accessed and processed in an unconscious, unexplainable manner, and that science could not explain.
            Yet.
            He ended that first day of the workshop with instructions to return on Sunday with a notebook and an inanimate object that had emotional significance to each one of us.  The next day, the same eleven of us brought our own individual objects, which we all carried concealed in plain brown paper bags. Each of us put our paper bag into a cardboard box behind the physicist’s podium. Later, each of us approached the box and withdrew a paper bag that was not our own. After everyone had at his/her desk his chosen bag, he then told us to open the bag, take out the stranger’s object and hold it in our hands.  Then he timed us. For the next fifteen minutes, we were to meditate on the object and write down any visions, words or impressions that came to our minds. We were not to censor anything, no matter how strange, puzzling or nonsensical the vision, word or impression seemed.
            At the end of the timed period, he went from person to person and asked us to identify the owner of the object and to read aloud our visions, words or impressions. We did. What followed was truly astonishing and something I will never forget as long as I live. Nine out of the eleven of us correctly identified the owners of the objects. Eight out of eleven of us had made several—at least three to four--correct associations and revelations about the object, its owner and facts about the owner.
            For example, I correctly identified the owner of the object I held—a macramé type of belt. I’d had visions of a shelf full of potted succulents and cactus plants. A red-brick apartment building, the kind you find in the Eastern U.S.  Those two associations fit. The woman said she had a collection of cacti in pots and that she’d recently moved from Philadelphia, where she’d lived in a red-brick apartment building. There was also a scene of a little boy on a bike, which the woman could not place or relate to in any way. Who knows? Maybe it did later.
            Well, the fact that I’d gotten three out of four correct got my attention. After that experiment, I became a believer. Other experiences followed, too, including two precognitive dreams. Many years later, the idea for THE DELPHI BLOODLINE manifested itself and I ran with it. Researching and writing that novel was one of the most enjoyable and most satisfying experiences of my life.


Purchase your copy of "The Dephi Bloodline" from Musa:

http://musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11&products_id=273

Book Video Trailer: On The Verge Of Madness

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Guest E. H. James, author of "The Visitor's Room" on the writing life

Today's honored guest blogger is E. H. James, here to chat about the writing life, particularly how the early years shape an author's development. James is the author of novels, short stories, and poetry in the science fiction, horror, thriller and fantasy genres. James' latest release with Musa Publishing, "The Visitor's Room" has received some tremendous reviews and was voted April 2012's Book of The Month by Long And Short Review (LASR). More information about "The Visitor's Room" and E. H. James can be found after the author's words.
I’ve always been a writer, I just never thought of myself as one when I was younger. Sure as students we would be required to write stories as assignments, but I was writing on my own time as well. First it was poetry, which I still write, and some short stories, and then as I got older the short stories became more focused and I felt more serious about the story and the quality of the finished product. I considered getting them published and I sent a few off to magazines, but I never heard back.
Even though that was discouraging I didn’t give up on writing short stories, instead I decided to redirect my focus into writing books, and my novel writing journey began.
When I first considered writing novels my first thought was that I wanted to write horror novels, or stories of the paranormal or strange. Every short story I wrote always delved into the paranormal or horror genres. I fast discovered that ideas started to come to me from all genres, horror and paranormal included. All these ideas about ghosts and time travel and psychic phenomena filled my mind.
So with my pile of finished short stories before me I started on my first novel, which I actually wrote out longhand for some reason—which I will never do again. This first novel was a paranormal saga, and then I wrote a sci-fi, and I am now half way through a horror/thriller novel.
I still write short stories and will continue to do so, always dealing with the paranormal. In fact I have three paranormal short stories contracted for publication so far, with two already released, Laura and The Visitor’s Room. The Locked Door is yet to come. I am pleased to see that people seem to like them, which, as far as I am concerned, is the greatest gift.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

If Amy thought this day on the psych ward would be just like any other she would be wrong.

For although everything seemed normal, well as normal as a place like that could be, there was something that was not quite right. That she couldn’t put her finger on it only made it all the more perplexing.

Don’t go asking questions you don’t want to know the answer to, especially when you're on a psych ward, and even you begin to question your sanity.


The Visitor’s Room – Buy Links:





Contact Links for E. H. James

Winner of $5.00 Musa Gift Certificate

The winner of my Musa Publishing Memorial Day Blog Hop contest for the $5.00 gift certificate to Musa Publishing is------------Dusty Crabtree.
Dusty, please email me at geojazz@sbcglobal.net with your email address. Once I have that, I can email you the gift certificate.
Congratulations and thanks to all who stopped by.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

WIN A $5.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO MUSA PUBLISHING


Visitors to this blog during the Musa Memorial Day Blog Hop can enter my drawing to win a $5.00 gift certificate to Musa Publishing. You can save it for my future release--Silhouette of Darkness or use it for any ebook(s) already available. The Rules of the Contest are listed below.

First things first. I want to take a moment to thank all the men and woman serving our country in the military and also those veterans who served in the past. I do not take the responsibilities and privileges of the freedom we Americans are so blessed with lightly and have the utmost respect and gratitude for the service each of you provide to make this possible. Happy Memorial Day to all of you all over the world!

COMING FALL 2012 FROM MUSA PUBLISHING:

My horror collection Silhouette of Darkness
Fear dons many masks in these dark tales of brushes with the uncanny.

In these fifteen tales of horror and dark fantasy, the supernatural abides in unexpected places--carnivals, drive-ins, the basement of a high school, or even a cherished home garden.

In these diverse settings dwell restless spirits desperate for answers, demons offering taboo pleasures in exchange for souls, and forces of Nature striking back at its poor custodians.

This silhouette of darkness exposes our forbidden desires and darkest fears, love and death, pleasure and dread.

I am proud to be partnering with Musa Publishing for this exciting release. I will be posting updates here when the release date is firm and cover art is released.

AND NOW---THE RULES OF THE CONTEST:

Anyone can enter the contest by doing three things:

1) Post a comment on the blog. You can leave me feedback on the blog itself (much welcome since I am new to this venture), comment on your experience with the blog hop, or say something about what kind of speculative fiction you enjoy and why.
2) Follow this blog
3) Add me as a friend on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/groups/257306107640239/#!/george.wilhite.3

The contest begins at Midnight, May 23, 2012 and ends at Midnight May 28, 2012.

If you are the winner, you will need to provide your email address for delivery of the gift certificate.

The winner will be announced on this blog and my facebook page on Wednesday, May 30, 2012.

This contest is fully funded and operated by me and not Musa Publishing.

Thanks for participating and good luck!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Musa Publishing Blog Hop--Starts Friday May 25th!


My blog is included in an exciting event for Memorial Day Weekend.

On Friday 5/25 through Monday 5/28, you can follow this link:

http://musapublishingbloghops.blogspot.com/2012/05/musa-memorial-day-blog-hop.html

to follow all the participating authors' blogs from one central browser window. Please join the fun and "like" and follow your favorites.

Monday, May 21, 2012

BOOK REVIEW: Scarlet Whispers--Charity Anthology about Horses

Book Title:       Scarlet Whispers
Author:             Various, Edited by Jo-Anne Russell and Allen Jacoby
Publisher:          Scarlet River Press      

“Scarlet Whispers” is the first anthology from Scarlet River Press, and Editors Jo-Anne Russell and Allen Jacoby—its theme is horses. Though not all of the tales are horror, several do have a speculative fiction aspect or dark theme. All around, the sixteen stories and one poem showcase some fine writing.

This book is also a vehicle to raise funds for Hilltop Haven Equine Rescue. From their website: “It is our mission to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned, abused, neglected and unwanted horses as well as other animals, to find suitable homes for adoptable horses and to provide care and a safe haven to any animal in need.” 

The anthology opens with a haunting poem “The Horseman” by Marge Simon about a horse that comes to the aid of a wounded soldier. The poem sets an appropriate mood for the varied tales that follow. The editors have chosen an excellent variety on the central theme—we get real horses in everyday slices of life, horses of myth and legend, and even tales from the POV of horses.

“Silas,” by K. Brooks is a wonderful example of the classic tradition of horse/master relationship tale that speaks to the intelligence and loyalty of the species. Rick Benford’s “Stormy Days” is a poignant tale of how a horse sees the narrator through a time of loss. “Of Bucket and Water” is a similar kind of tale but distinguished by author C.S. Nelson’s skilled use of a child’s POV and voice.

Some nice fantasy tales are included. “The Tale of the Lucky Lock” by Donna Marie West is a fairy tale in the truest sense, complete with a moral about cherishing horses. Robert Thistle’s “A Dark Redemption” uses poetic prose and Native American legend to fine effect, while Teg Carys’ “Glass Slippers Shatter” riffs on “Cinderella” and includes a nice dark twist. “Curso and the Lady Equestrian” by Roy C. Booth & Brian Woods brings to the collection a feel of epic fantasy in a delightful tale of a young man unaware of his important legacy.

In a darker tale, “The Kelpie” by H.L Yates is a supernatural mystery involving the titular figure of Celtic mythology. This concise but complete case is, according to the author’s bio, part of series featuring its heroine, and I would be interested in reading more about her.

Jo-Anne Russell’s own contribution “Moon Dance” is left open to interpretation but whether or not the supernatural is responsible for the plight of the titular horse, it is disturbing nonetheless, a finely crafted tale indeed.

Overall, this is a well constructed anthology with something to offer any speculative fiction reader and certainly of interest to horse lovers.

For purchase links and more information about Scarlett River Press, follow this link:

http://www.scarlett-river-press.ca/buyers-bookshelf.php

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Static Movement: A Great Place for Beginning Writers

With this blog, I do a bit of "paying forward" to Chris Bartholomew and my other fellow editors at Static Movement. Why? Because this publisher of themed anthologies played a huge role in my development of a writer.

The concept of Static Movement (SM) is simple. Chris, myself, and other editors develop a theme for an anthology and post a call for submissions on SM's own message board, as well as at Duotrope's Digest and Ralan.

We make it clear in the calls for subs and the contracts that the anthologies are for EXPOSURE ONLY, no pay, no free copies. Now, this might send some writers running for the hills, but exposure is important, nonetheless. Also, you get the benefit of working with an editor in a less competitive, supporting environment, to help make your story shine.

Working with these editors, and then becoming an editor myself and working with the other writers, made my own writing stronger and built up my confidence to approach professional paying markets.

If you're a speculative fiction writer looking for a home for your stories or a reader looking for some great horror anthologies to check out, follow the link above to experience Static Movement.

Below is the link to a trailer for my interview which provides more information about one of my SM anthologies, Monster Gallery.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8woTweZTjU


Link directly to the interview: http://joeypinkney.com/amazoncom/5-minutes-5-questions-with-george-wilhite-editor-of-monster-gallery.php

Friday, May 18, 2012

Book Review: RUN by Blake Crouch


The basic premise of Blake Crouch’s “Run” is very simple. For some unknown reason, millions of Americans have become homicidal maniacs. Names of those to be hunted down next are broadcast on the radio. Jack’s name is read. What other possible action can he take? He gathers up his family and they run.
    There is a theory proposed throughout the novel as to the cause of this hysteria, but it is only a backdrop to a non-stop desperate flight by Jack’s family by car and foot to Canada, where rumor has it people are unaffected.
    Those familiar with Crouch know he never has been one to pull punches. The apocalyptic landscape in “Run” is appropriately brutal and lurid. Jack, his wife and two children are traumatized by a relentless barrage of savagery at every turn. But the members of this family are also fully developed characters and there is a realistic blend of conflict and camaraderie in their relationships that make you really care if they survive, thus making the violence more than just shock value.
    The book has chapter breaks but they are not numbered or named, so it runs like one long story, similar to Scott Smith’s “The Ruins,” and both books have that same addictive, got to finish it fast quality.
  I read the eBook version of this and it contains nearly one hundred pages of extras, including an interview with Crouch and excerpts from several of his books. It was a great deal.
   I highly recommend this exhilarating thriller.




Purchase link for Kindle version:

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Musa Publishing to publish Silhouette of Darkness--Tales of Horror and Dark Fantasy

My second collection of short horror fiction, Silhouette of Darkness will be released by Musa Publishing in Fall 2012.

It will feature 15 tales of fantasy and dark horror, including one reprint from my first collection, On the Verge of Madness, "The Chronicles of Raven: Murmurers." Since that story is continued in this collection in "The Chronicles of Raven: Once out of Nature," the first installment has been reprinted but re-edited.

Other stories include supernatural horror, science fiction and dark fantasy tales involving ghosts, demons, creatures of my own design, and inexplicable and monstrous forces of Nature. Several are also set in dystopian futures.

I am excited to have found a publisher for this collection and will provide more information moving forward here and at Authors Den.