Friday, July 29, 2011
Lets get the party started!
Welcome to the Hellfire publishing Blog & Facebook Party! Where anything can happen. Here's what's in store for you…
Anytime you comment on the Herald, The Campfire or join our current reader, future reader, author, & Hellfire Publishing staff conversation on Facebook you get a chance to win one of our Hellfire Publishing eBooks and a gift basket of assorted goodies. We will also be announcing our fall and winter charity anthologies! Published writers have your note book and pen reading we will be putting out submission calls on that day. There will also be a huge announcement made during the Q& A on Facebook. Hellfire Publishing is doing something that, might be interesting to most.
Also, a golden opportunity for writers to ask published authors and editors questions.
And readers get to connect with their favorite authors. Not to mention, FREE STUFF!
Here are your party addresses
The Hellfire Herald
The Campfire
Facebook
Here it is...the Demons Dozen
Well todays the day! It is with great pleasure that Hellfire Publishing is here to announce the folks who make up the Demons Dozen…drum roll please!
And the newest Demons are:
1. Aobibliophile2. Jennifer Bakley
3. Robin Longley
4. Jon Hunter
5. Sarah Ratajczyk
6. Brett Walters
7. Hellfire Comics
8. Savannah Longley
9. Sharon Schofield
10. Jessica Rose Sims
11. William Klutz
We are very proud to say that our Twelfth Demon is Brian Hardin II who has signed on to be part of the Demons Dozen for an entire year! It doesn’t get any hotter than that!
Thank you to everyone and welcome to Hellfire!
You think we’re hot now baby, it only gets hotter from here on in!
Brian "Demon Lord" Hardin II
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Twelve Things You Didn't Know Thursday!
Savannah Rayne...
1. I am scared to death of the dark! I have night-lights in almost every room of the house. I even pack one if I’m staying in a motel, or I leave the bathroom light on! If a severe storm is coming, I’ll light candles before the power goes out!
2. My friends and family call me the ‘Christmas Queen’. I love Christmas and start decorating the day after Thanksgiving (sooner if I can). It’s not just one Christmas tree, it’s one in every room! Then there’s the 30 totes (and counting) filled with decorations that have to go up!
3. I hate fruity or floral smelling soaps & shampoo. I just want to smell clean, not like a salad or a garden. Just my personal preference, lol.
4. I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was 41 years old, when I got divorced. It was a major necessity living in a rural area.
5. My favorite Summer past time is going to rummage sales. (to look for more Christmas décor of course, lol) I’m always looking for a bargain!
6. My favorite car is a 1967 Ford Mustang coupe. My dream is to someday own one!
7. Last year I took up the new hobby of scrapbooking. I love doing it when time allows.
8. I have been in the child care profession for 28 years. Currently I care for a 3 year old, a 1 year old and a 5 year old, in my home. This is my full time job in addition to being the assistant to the head demon at HP, editing/copy editing, the blog maven and writing. Not to mention all the family and household responsibilities of everyday life. Yep, I’m busy!
9. I wear Tri-focal glasses
10. I tend to be a perfectionist, which results in always trying to do everything better, even when it’s already good.
11. I totally believe in the power of positive thinking and the law of Attraction
12. I love to have fun, laugh and make people smile! If I can make one person smile each and every day, it’s been a great day : )
You can find out more about Savannah Rayne at the following:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5036733.Savannah_Rayne
http://www.facebook.com/people/Savannah-Rayne/100000962909070
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Facebook and Blog Party!
Everyone is welcome.
This Saturday July 30, 2011 anytime you comment on the Herald, The Campfire or join our current reader, future reader, author, & Hellfire Publishing staff conversation on Facebook you get a chance to win one of our Hellfire Publishing eBooks and a gift basket of assorted goodies. We will also be announcing our fall and winter charity anthologies! Published writers have your note book and pen ready we will be putting out submission calls on that day.
Stop by the blogs anytime from 12am on the 30th to 12am on the 31st for a chance to win the basket or an eBook. The Facebook Q&A will be from 11am to 2pm central and commenters on there will be eligible to win as well. Again I warn you that the Hellfire publishing authors and staff are all nuts and proud to be.
This is a great opportunity to party with us and we know how to get down. It’s the getting back up from too many margarita’s that is the problem, lol.
Also, a golden opportunity for writers to ask published authors and editors questions.
And readers get to connect with their favorite authors. Not to mention, FREE STUFF!
Here are your party addresses
The Hellfire Herald
The Campfire
Facebook
Also don’t forget to go to the Demons Dozen page and learn how to earn free eBooks by becoming a demon. There are limited spots available.
Writer to Writer Wednesday
Once again it's Writer to Writer Wednesday! Today Savannah Rayne will be interviewing
Hi everyone! I’m Savannah Rayne and today I’m super excited to be able to once again interview one of Hellfire Publishing’s hot new authors. So let’s give a warm welcome to Brett Williams! (and the crowd goes wild!)
Savannah: Hey there Brett, how’s it going?
Brett: It's going great, Savannah. Got some writing done today. My team (the Chiefs) are winning on XBox360. I had a root beer float. Did a little reading. Now time for your interview. I can't complain. =)
Savannah: So Brett, the first thing I’d like to talk to you about is your amazing book, The Dancer at Brokkton Inn. How did you come up with the story idea?
Brett: I got the idea from reading Conan stories and other tales of sword and sorcery. I plan to (one day) expand the mythos so that we can follow Kalanna on her journey from dancer, to thief, to avenger, to legend. Guess I should get busy, huh? I do, however, believe the story stands well on its own. Readers will enjoy it.
Savannah: Have you always wanted to be a writer? How long have you been writing?
Brett: Interesting question. I've heard a lot of writers state they have been writing since a very early age. I can't say that. My dad used to repair typewriters. I remember poking around on one he brought home for us to play with. I remember sitting in movie theaters dreaming up stories. Just thinking about them were enough for me, for a very long time. When I started reading a lot (in high school) I thought about writing a little. However, the few times I tried, it just didn't feel right.
In college I got a PC. I wrote flash fiction for the student newsletter to make a few bucks. It was a small rag of about four to eight pages. By my last semester I was editor. No big deal, though. I went to a technical school and there weren't any English majors. ;-)
After graduation, I didn't write again for about 15 years. Then one day sitting bored in my failing business, instead of reading another paperback, I decided to try writing a novel. Before I pressed the first key I didn't know if I would complete a paragraph, let alone an entire novel. But that was my goal, to create a semblance of a story of eighty-thousand words. That is novel length. I looked it up.
When I finished, I was about twenty-five thousand words shy. So I added more. Then I moved on to the next novel. To answer your question, that was little over three years ago.
Savannah: Have you ever experienced writers block and if so, what do you do to combat it?
Brett: Yes, I do. I have ideas, but sometimes the details don't come to me. As we all know, the devil is in the details. You can't have a story without them. I usually sleep in, daydream. That's why, unlike a lot of writers, I prefer to write in the morning.
Savannah: Can you tell us what a typical day in Brett’s life is like?
Brett: Usually, I have to work. After I get home, I like to eat dinner with my live-in girlfriend and her two sons. Then I shower, play a little XBox, write a little (or a lot, if I'm lucky). Once I've got my writing done for the day (and I'm not so crabby) I like to spend time with Heather, playing XBox or watching a movie. After all, she deserves a little Brett time. ;-)
We also enjoy going to the bookstore.
Savannah: Give us a glimpse as to what you were like as a teenager.
Brett: I was a good kid. A very observant, enterprising young man. I grew up in a small town in Missouri. My family moved around town a lot. By moving, I learned the school's bus system. I used that knowledge to travel anywhere I needed to go after school. Just ask my mother, the superintendent of schools called her to complain.
After I turned sixteen, I worked a lot of hours at a grocery store. It was one of the best jobs I ever had; it taught me a lot, including how to treat employees. Basically, I liked to read, watch movies, drive my Camaro, date, and play role-playing games, as well as board games.
Savannah: What kind of music do you listen to?
Brett: Anything that rocks. My favorite bands includes Anthrax, Social Distortion, and Juliana Hatfield. A recent favorite of mine is Disturbed.
Savannah: Do you have an all-time favorite movie?
Brett: Tough call. Perhaps What's Eating Gilbert Grape. It’s a very powerful movie (and novel) that I can truly relate to. It features wonderful performances by Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio.
I also really like Boiler Room. Since I work in a call center, I frequently reference the movie, as well as the acronym ABC borrowed from Glengarry Glen Ross. Always be closing.
Savannah: If you could co-author a book with anyone, who would that person be and why?
Brett: Richard Laymon, because first he would have to return from the grave. That way he could write some original stuff on his own as well. Plus, he is my all-time favorite writer. Nobody entertains or thrills like Laymon does.
Savannah: Describe yourself in one word.
Brett: Lucky
Savannah: What is the grossest thing you ever ate?
Brett: Does a cigarette butt in a Coke can count? Technically I didn't swallow it. Plus, I drank instead of ate it. *ick*
Savannah: Other than writing, do you have any other talents?
Brett: I am awesome at pissing people off. In fact, that is probably why I write. And occasionally self-publish (Family Business, Bloodsuckers Must Die!). At work, I write a newsletter. Certain people aren't too happy about that, either. :-P
Savannah: In your opinion what’s the coolest car ever made?
Brett: '69 Camaro.
Savannah: Can you share with us, one crazy pic of yourself and tell us the story behind it?
Brett: This is a picture of me from when I worked at the hospital. I worked in the Information Systems department. On occasion we would have to go into clean areas. We had to wear a get-up like this when we did. I think someone must have "lost" their task bar by dragging it to the left or right. Ha ha... Luckily, I rarely went into the clean areas. My boss took the picture. We called him MOM, which stands for Mean Old Man. By the way, this picture is over 10 years old.
Savannah: I’m sure you’re working on several new stories, is there one you can tell us a little bit about?
Brett: Currently I’m finishing up a novella of about 40-45k words entitled Club Nadir. It’s dark erotica, for lack of a better description. I started writing it because the story stuck in my head while I was working on a novel titled Don’t Call Me Angel.
From the age of about six to sixteen my parents raised me as a Jehovah’s Witness. You may be familiar with them. That is the religion that knocks doors early on the weekends giving out Watchtower and Awake! magazines. My girlfriend was raised in the religion from birth to about twenty-one years of age, so I know a thing or two about it. What does that have to do with my story?
Don’t Call Me Angel is about a young woman recently graduated from high school who is deep into the religion because of her parents. She truly knows nobody outside of the religion. She is questioning her direction in life and wants to “test” herself to determine what path to take.
I know, I know, this sounds all super serious, right? It isn’t. Some of my favorite Richard Laymon novels have what I consider a relationship aspect to them. Borderline romantic suspense, if you will. In fact, Laymon wrote romance novels under a pen name. Also, some of his best novels take place within a short time span, such as the course of one day or night, or over the course of a weekend.
Don’t Call Me Angel is just that, a thrilling tale of budding womanhood set with religion as the backdrop. It all starts when Angela receives a call before going into service from a stranger responding to her cry-for-help message left on the wall of a truck stop restroom.
To sum up Angel, it’s sex, hot cars, Jesus, phantom callers, and Rockstar energy drink. A hell of a blast. Family members were going nuts after reading the first 25k.
I’m really excited about finishing it.
Savannah: Before you go, is there any advice you can give to new writers?
Brett: Write, read, write, stay humble, write, submit, write, self-promote. In other words, practice, practice, practice. Writing is something you should always strive to improve.
When someone (like your mom) raves about your work, remember: not everyone will enjoy it. Also remember: when you receive a rejection, it doesn't mean your writing sucks. It means one publication didn't think it was right for them. Make it better. Or find a market that is a better fit.
If writing is something you enjoy doing, never give up.
Savannah: Ok, last one, I promise! LOL What would you like to say to your fans?
Brett: Hi mom! Just kidding. I think I have a couple other fans.
I'd like to say thank you for reading my stuff. Hope you enjoyed The Dancer at Brokkton Inn. Don't miss Betty McGee: Screwed, Wooed, and Tattooed coming soon from Hellfire Publishing.
Enjoy!
Savannah: Thanks Brett for sharing a bit of your world with us today! It’s been a real pleasure.
Brett: Yes, it has, Savannah. Thank you oh so much.
Well folks, thanks for stopping by and taking a few minutes out of your busy day to get to know one of Hellfire Publishing’s finest a bit better! Take care and stop by next week to read another Writer to Writer Wednesday interview.
You can read more about Brett and his world at
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Table Talk Tuesday
Interview between Hellfire Publishing Copy Editor, Jen Hart
and Dawn Binkley aka Keira Kroft.
Hello, welcome to Table Talk Tuesday we are so very glad to have you with us. Hellfire Publishing would like to extend a warm welcome to our executive editor.
How are you doing today?
Great, so stoked to be interviewed and excited to have a book for sale through this great company that a great group of people have come together to build from the ground up.
Editor: You have a story with Hellfire Publishing, entitled Bad Moon Rising Over Oz. What is that about?
It’s the telling of The Wizard of Oz from an evil perspective.
Editor: What made you choose that title?
Because it takes place in hell and I would think of hell as having a blood moon rising above it!
Editor: Where did the idea for your story come from?
From comic books, they retell fairy tales quite often.
Editor: Please share a particular detail about one of the characters, please.
Toto is a shape shifter, not really a dog.
Editor: Please tell us about any future projects you are planning.
Sleeping with Satan is an erotic tale specifically for Hellfire Publishing.
Editor: How many books have you written?
Over thirty.
Editor: We have a special place for unpublished writers in our hearts, here at Hellfire Publishing. So what advice would you give to an unpublished writer?
Be respectful to your Publisher J. And study hard, study everything you can about the craft, before delving into the hardcore world of publishing.
Editor: Are you only with Hellfire Publishing or do write for other publisher’s as well?
I was published with Decadent Publishing before I opened my own. I would submit to them again, they are awesome and very kind to me.
Editor: Can you share your blurb with us?
Certainly.
Certainly.
Bad moon rising over Oz is a version of The Wizard of Oz like nothing you’ve ever read before... And is not for the squeamish or the weak.
Auntie Em has made a deal with the devil. She gave up her niece, Dorothy’s soul in return for a plentiful harvest. Em was smart and worked a clause into the contract… Satan could only have Dorothy’s soul in death, but she must also agree to meet the dark lord himself and shake his hand. Everything is going splendid until… A tornado strikes, killing Dorothy, hurdling her and Toto a shape-shifting Scottish terrier, into a beautiful land of happy midgets and bright flowers.
Unaware of her untimely demise or any satanic contract, she embarks on a journey through the Land of Oz, seeking the great wizard in hopes that he will return her home. As Dorothy unwittingly marches through hell, she begins to notice that nothing and no one is what it seems and there is no turning back…
There is indeed a bad moon rising over OZ.
One lucky commenter will win a free e-copy of Bad Moon Rising Over Oz.
You can find Keira Kroft at:
You can find Bad Moon Rising Over Oz at:
In a special Amazon only collection. http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Reads-Collection-One-ebook/dp/B005D9I9LU/ref=sr_1_13?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1311612043&sr=1-13
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/66466
Dawn Binkley
Executive Editor
Hellfire Publishing
www.hellfirepublishing.com
Monday, July 25, 2011
Part Eight: Writing Workshops are awesome.
Part Eight: Writing Workshops are awesome.
Writer’s workshops can be good for the soul and fun. I find being in a room full of like-minded individuals that really understand what it’s like to be a struggling author (In my case I should say key pecker, lol) very inspirational.
Most likely if you’re a beginning writer, you’re working, taking care of your family and scrounging for any shred of quiet in which to write and probably broke. If you’re worried about great expense or time taken away from what is already is hectic schedule, don’t be. Watch for the nearest writer’s conference. Most writers conferences are low in price and offer a fine array of workshops in a friendly up beat environment.
These workshops really pack a punch in a short amount of time. You leave feeling like you really learned something and you probably did.
For more information go to: http://www.newpages.com/writing-conferences/
This is a ten part series regarding the prevention of and the handling of writers block. Come back next week for Get help! There are prizes for being involved in the ten week Tuesday editor course, you have to be here 8 weeks out of ten to qualify for the grand prize.
The above link although helpful doesn’t seem to cover RWA, HWA, SFWA or RT conferences, which I highly recommend. But those would you would need to look up separately depending on where you live.
There are prizes for being involved in the ten week Tuesday editor course, you have to be there 8 weeks and out of ten to qualify for the grand prize. However anyone that leaves a comment will qualify for the other prizes.
3rd prize- an eBook of your choosing from our hot reads collection
2nd Prize- Two eBooks of your choosing from our hot reads collection
1st Prize- Two eBooks of your choosing from Hellfire Publishing
Grand Prize: Two eBooks of your choosing from Hellfire Publishing and a live video chat with Hellfire Publishing’s executive editor Dawn Binkley.
Prizes deliverable after Ten week course is completed. There are also Prizes available at www.askapublishedauthor.org, free help for writers.
Come back tomorrow for Table Talk Tuesday with author Carol Phipps (cue applause)
Dawn Binkley
Executive editor
Hellfire Publishing
Also known as:
Keira Kroft,
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Earn free books, just for being a demon :)
The Demon’s Dozen
What is ‘The Demon’s Dozen’ you ask? Well, pull up a seat and let me tell you! Hellfire Publishing would like to extend our fun & craziness to twelve (12) lucky fans/readers. We are looking for twelve people to commit to spreading the word about HP. All you have to do is post any upcoming events, contests, new releases on your Facebook page, Myspace, Blog, Twitter, etc. That’s it! Pretty easy hey? In return for your help, you will be given the ‘Member of the Demon’s Dozen’ official badge each month to post on your pages, as well as an honorable mention on our HP blogs. In addition to this, you will be rewarded with free eBooks published by HP. Because we understand busy schedules, you can pick your length of time in Hell(fire), LOL.
Here’s how it works:
A.) Commit to one month and receive one free HP eBook of your choice at the completion of that month.
B.) Commit to three months and receive your one free, HP eBook each month and upon completion of three months, you will receive three additional free eBooks of your choice.
Simple so far right? And just to sweeten the pot, you as one of the HP Demons can collect Minions! How you ask? Oh, so simple, just get any of your family, friends, etc. to become a follower on any of our HP Blogs and our Authors Blogs (list will be provided) and have them send an email to demon12@hellfirepublishing.com saying which Demon sent them, and what page/pages they are now following. The minions names will be put in a drawing each month and one lucky Minion will receive a free eBook of their choice. Now, the Demon who collects the most minions for the month, will receive a special mystery prize at the end of each month, to be determined by the Head Demon herself. You will also be given special recognition as the Demon of the month!
So there ya have it! So simple and so much fun!
If you’re interested in throwing your hat in the ring for a spot as one of The Demon’s Dozen please send an email to demon12@hellfirepublishing.com with your request. Available spots are on a first come, first serve basis, so don’t wait!
HP will announce our Demon’s on July 29th via the Hellfire Herald http://hellfireherald.blogspot.com/
The Campfire http://thecampfire666.blogspot.com/
Announcements will be made for any available openings for Demon positions in the future.
Thank You!
Dawn & Jen
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