I’ve read romance novels. There…I said it. Mainly for the same reason I’ve read almost every genre of fiction available: diversity. As a writer, one must keep their “stew” fresh with new spices, and new ways of connecting with readers. I’ve given Lisa McCarthy’s novella, The Butterfly Waltz, just a glance, and already I see something far more than just “erotica” emerging from the pages. With her magic, the author has plucked my emotional strings–some I thought were long since gone–and really touched my heart.

Therefore, my friends, I highly recommend you give this novella a read. Keep your eye on this author. I have a sneeky hunch she is doing something wonderful, and this is just the beginning. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some reading to finish. ; )

Check it out!

Ben

 

Terry Ravenscroft reminds me a lot of, Kurt Vonnegut. He makes me laugh whilst asking hard-hitting questions. And guess what? His novel, Zephyr Zodiac, is FREE today and tomorrow! You can get it here.

Thank me later.

Who loves you? That’s right, Ben does.

Zephyr Zodiac is the story of a Mark 3 Ford Zephyr Zodiac from the time it rolled off the production line in 1962 until it met its end in a car crusher in 2012, and how it affected the lives of seven of the people who owned it during that time. Read how during its fifty years on this earth it was used as a company car, a family car, a wedding car, a funeral car, a taxi, a home, a safe, a Classic Car, given birth in, stolen (more than once), used to have sex in (much more than once), and was instrumental in giving its grateful owner his life back.

Author Kenneth W. Cain’s novel, “These Trespasses” is availabe on the Kindle…wait it for it…for free! Offer ends March 29th!

Hurry up and grab some mind-altering fiction! ; )

Be sure to show Ken some love by popping by his site: http://kennethwcain.wordpress.com

Also, I’m very happy to anounce–and to congratulate–author Stacy Bolli. She sold her first short story to a pro-market! Her short story, The Undead Addiction, will be featured in the first themed issue of, Zombies And Children. It will be available the first week of July of this year. Congrats, Stacy!

And as always, who loves you? That’s right, Ben does.

Yes, friends, it is that time again.

First, speculative fiction author, John Grover has finished his first Fantasy novel. I’ve been a fan of John’s for quite some time and he always manages to take my imagination for a ride!

You can check it out by clicking the pic below.

Also, my buddy, Lee Thompson has some new fiction out there, and some more coming your way! I have also known Lee for a long time now and he doesn’t cease to please, that’s for damn sure.

Check out what is going on in his sick head by clicking the pic below.

Attention writers!

The Stoker award-winning author and editor, Michael Knost will begin his Level-11 online writing course Thursday, February 16th. The courses will run from the 16th to March 8th.

This particular class will focus on the following: characters driven by emotion, layering backstory, weaving action and dialogue and theme and premise.

But wait! There’s more!

You will also receive a critique of your short fiction from Michael Knost, and the acclaimed, award-winning, Tom Piccirilli!

As a student of Michael’s–I also attended the last class that Tom took part in critiques–I can honestly say that these classes will change your writing forever.

Check out his site for all the info! Michael’s blog.

Sign up quick, guys… there is not much time left. Reserve your seat now and thank me later!

-Ben

 

 

Its alive!

Howdy, folks! It has been awhile since I posted. I’ve been hard at work on my new website. The goal was to get static HTML and my blog to have a baby. After a few dates–and many failed attempts–they finally connected.

I have acclaimed artist, Justin Abraham to thank for capturing my story, “Stray”. Justin is an amazing human being. Many thanks, bro!

So what does everyone think?

Sound off!

-Ben

P.S. More updates coming soon.

P.P.S. Who loves you? That’s right, Ben does. ; )

 

Click the pic for a review of a book I think any horror fan will die for. ; )

 

To find out more about Michael West, please visit his website: www.bymichaelwest.com

 

Howdy, folks!

How have you been? Here, have a seat. Would you like some green tea? Yes, it is organic. It has been awhile, my friends. I’m very excited to kick off, Pass The Mic!

What is it? Every Sunday I’ll be hosting a new blog post focused on writers, film-makers, artists, etc… that have caught my eye, or has touched me in some way.

Why? The power of “word of mouth” is everything to these good people, guys.  This is a very small world we live in. Especially the small world of dark fiction.

How? Many benevolent, acclaimed writers such as, Tom Piccirilli, Michael Knost, and a myriad of others have stepped up to the plate and offered resources online for writers. These and many others do what they can in spreading the word about fiction, and have given a platform for others to get involved by commenting on fiction, films, and art that has touched them in some way.

The goal? To have as many people as possible contribute to not only the projects mentioned above, but to contribute to this blog, their blog etc… Also, if you have read a book that really gave you a thrill, then write a review on amazon.com.

So let’s get this started, shall we?

This week we will be focusing on two authors. So, without further interruption, here we go, folks!

Dark fiction author John Grover.

John is one of the most versatile writers I have read. He is right at home dabbling in various speculative fiction genres. His ability to combine fantasy, horror, and science fiction in a seamless fashion hit my imagination years ago, and the imprint is still there, guys. Your imagination is his playground, so beware, he uses this to his advantage. ; )

For those looking for a breath of fresh air from the common tropes, here is the links to two book trailers that John recently made. You can find his website here: http://www.shadowtales.com/

Feminine Wiles Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chI_bNS9rWU&feature=player_embedded#!

Terror in Small Doses Trailer: And it can be purchased here: http://tinyurl.com/3h6ocwf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvsauK6JsWs&feature=player_embedded

 

Dark fiction author Jimmy Pudge. AKA, Jimmy Motha’ Fukin’ Pudge, AKA, The Redneck Gangsta.

Jimmy is a unique author that will have you rolling on the floor laughing one moment and terrified the next. The fact that he breaks some rules of fiction and gets away with it with effortless grace and ease; is a testament to his ability as a writer. It’s also what gives these stories such power.

The stories in his collection, Yo’ A$$ is Grass: Tales From a Redneck Gangsta, pulls the reader into the character via narrative indicative of that character…amongst other things. Can’t a guy just sling some rocks to the ho’s in his trailer park? Holla! The style he uses reminds me of, Breakfast of Champions by, Kurt Vonnegut…just darker. A lot darker.

You can find Jimmy on the web here: www.jpudge.com

And you can purchase his collection here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005G59IAM/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=thepudfac-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B005G59IAM&adid=1NFQR4DA81CPEFBJ35PP&

Now then, what has caught your attention recently? What have you been begging to spread the word about? Feel free to leave them in comments below, or please, spread the word about them on your website, blog, Facebook; or write a review on amazon.

Remember folks, your voice actually counts in this small world of ours. Pay it forward!

-Ben

 

 

 

 

 

I am very happy to announce that Lisa Jenkin’s first short story sale “A Gift From God”, is now available! Show some love and support by leaving a comment at the bottom of the story. ; )

Lisa’s work stands out from the crowd. Blood? Guts? Oh, no, sir! That just won’t do. Lisa’s work goes deep and takes us to some very dark places with people… not characters. Couple that with an imagination on over-drive and you have a rare commodity in dark fiction.

Keep your eyes peeled, folks. Congratulations, Lisa! The story rocks, and it is an honor to call you a friend.

Have a read!

-Ben

 

Hello, friends!

It is an absolute honor to share the pages with such acclaimed writers. My short terror-tale, “Stray” appears in this issue, as well a special little treat along with it.

If you haven’t grabbed a subscription to Shroud, you don’t know what you’re missing. And while you’re at it, pick up a subscription to, Cemetery Dance, Weird Tales, Apex, Dark Discoveries, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, etc… You get the picture. ; )

-Ben

 

Writers helping writers is what it’s all about, my friends. I was super-stoked when dark fiction author Draven Ames contacted me and said he wanted to blog about a story I wrote titled, “Full circle”. Shroud Magazine published, “Full Circle”  in issue #6, Spring of 2009. He gave it (as well as Shroud Magaizne),  a trippy-cool review and his kind words really touched my heart.

I’m very glad to hear that Draven is having a blast with his subscription to Shroud! It was uber-cool of him to mention my story in the post. That said, Draven has sold his first story to Shroud Publishing, and it will appear in issue #12. Be on the look-out for that!

Do you have a story that has stuck out of the crowd? Or a book you’ve read that left an impression? Blog if you have one! If not, there is always amazon.com. I know, I’m guilty of being behind on reviews but, I do intend to catch up soon. Trust that.

Spreading the word truly is a benevolent thing. It is a long standing tradition, and  I’m very glad to see that Draven is carrying on that tradition. Write on, brother! Click the pic below to have a read!

-Ben

P.S. Don’t forget to miss my short, terror-tale appearing in Shroud Magazine issue#11. It is just about to come out, and is chocked full of amazing fiction, from outstanding authors.

 

Lee Thompson is an amazingly talented writer, and he truly is a great friend. Lee picked my little space on the web as one his book blog tour spots, and I’m honored to have him.

Lee wrote a heart-felt piece for this guest blog, and I cannot stress how deep the importance of this is. We are all in this together, indeed.

Enjoy Folks!

With the Help of Your Peers by Lee Thompson

No man’s an island unless he’s in a skiff, lost at sea.

There are a lot of people who have helped me the past few years as I learned and sweated and fell down and stood; some with self-confidence, some just by listening, some by asking questions, and some by teaching me technique or mechanics. Then there are those who I’ve talked Life with and that are probably my favorite people I know. People like Shaun Ryan, Jassen Bailey, Sam W. Anderson, Kara Zone, and a handful of others who have given far more than they’ve ever taken. We’ve shared thoughts, ideas, tastes, passion, fears, disappointments, hopes, joys, plans and books.

When I first got on-line it was at Edit Red where Shaun Jeffrey, Teri Roevlas, Wanda Clevenger and others helped me out a bunch. Then Teri suggested I join Zoetrope. I did and hooked up with Shaun Ryan, Kevin Wallis and Linda Evans, plus a bunch of others–like Sam W. Anderson and Steve Lowe, all very talented writers who I hope have long and satisfying careers.

And I’ve helped plenty behind the scenes, critting two of Shaun’s novels, shorts by various friends and peers, plus Kara and me helped each other and that influenced the work a lot, and even though I’m still stubborn on some things she gave me fresh perspective.

Ben Eads and I have read a lot of each other’s short stories and we’ve listened to each other whine, we’ve shared lots of laughs, which have made the hard times most people don’t hear about (but we all fucking go through) easier.

Then I’ve had editors encourage me. Jason Sizemore of Apex did it with one of my very first short stories, and with others as I sent one here or there to Apex. Steve Clark of Tasmaniac Publications read my novels NURSERY RHYMES 4 DEAD CHILDREN and BEFORE LEONORA WAKES, and has always been very encouraging. Ken Wood of Shock Totem and me like to give each other a hard time, but we’ve helped each other with shorts as well, and it’s neat to see how differently writers can approach a story. More lessons to learn from and grow. James Beach of Dark Discoveries encouraged me. My publishers, Shane Ryan Staley at Delirium Books, and Tom Moran at Sideshow Press, have given me additional confidence and taken big chances on me, a nobody.

R.J. Cavender, Boyd Harris and Michael Louis Dixon of Cutting Block Press gave me a chance to read slush for Dark Recesses and Horror Library Vol. 4 before I’d ever even sold a story.

I’ve swapped a few emails with literary heroes like Tom Piccirilli and Lee Thomas and they were kind. Brian Keene recently mentioned my name on his website, which is a big fucking deal and something he didn’t have to do at all.

I’ve shared emails with cool brothers/sisters-in-the-trenches like Mark Allan Gunnells, Douglas E. Wright, Bec Zugor, Wanda Clevenger, Grace Patri, David G. Blake, and Sheldon Higdon.

I’ve had a lot of people step forward and allow me to guest blog to share and promote NURSERY RHYMES 4 DEAD CHILDREN: John Boden, Bec Zugor, Neal Hock, Peter Schowtzer, Kara Zone, Blu Gilliand, Cindie Geddes, Ben Eads, Cate Gardner, Lee Moan, Graeme Reynolds, Jassen Bailey, Shane McKenzie, and Ken Wood.

And I’ve met some wonderful reviewers who I’m so grateful for… Neal Hock, Sheri White, Bob Freeman, Rich Sampson, Ken Wood, Grade Z Horror, Tony Tremblay, Peter Schowtzer, Nick Cato, Dark Eva, Jennifer at Book Den, Glen Krisch, Mark Justice, etc.

Plus I’ve had other supporters who rock, like Susan Scofield, who has given a lot of encouragement and is an avid collector of my dribble. And other guys and gals who have shown serious interest in collecting my work, which kinda makes my head spin because those hardcover signed/limited editions are not cheap (but I understand their passion because I share it.)

Great experiences and all of these people have been such a pleasure to deal with.

I give as much as I can, but I do get self-absorbed or spread myself thin, or forget something (or it gets buried under a ton of other emails) and I feel bad for it. But these people have understood stuff like that. I don’t know why I find that so amazing. It’s probably some shit from adolescence, some conditioning then that trained me to expect people to not understand, to not cut me any slack. Or maybe it has to do with not cutting myself much slack. Who the hell knows.

All I know for certain is that I wouldn’t be anywhere without all the people I’ve had in my corner. My success is their success because they’re part of the equation. And when they do something they’re proud of, my heart swells, and I get this silly and giant grin, because I know how hard they work, through doubt and mania and middle ground.

My characters in NURSERY RHYMES 4 DEAD CHILDREN may not have much (though in the case of Michael Johnston he has everything but the one thing he really wants most) but they have each other. They draw strength from their friendships, they’re drawn closer in adversity even in those moments when they doubt it and feel utterly, helplessly alone.  We all have our identities, but they’re also shaped and refined by the company we keep. I’ve been fortunate. I know some damn fine, talented, and passionate people.

–Lee Thompson

http://alongthispathsodarkly.blogspot.com

Friends,

Wow! Long time no post, indeed. Come on in and have a seat. How have you been? Would you like some tea? Sure, no problem. Glad to hear you’re doing well. Me? I’ve been a very busy Ben. Work, work, and more work. The contract I have with Apple is working out great, and I’m very happy to say there is no chance of burn-out in sight, despite the amount of projects I’m working on, freelance included. What was that? Oh, yes! My writing.

Shroud Magazine issue # 11 will be out very soon. First and foremost, it is an absolute honor to share the pages with such acclaimed authors. I can’t wait for my short terror-tale, “Stray” to be unleashed upon the masses. I know, I know, I posted many moons ago about a “special treat” inside and held everyone in suspense. No more! Drum roll please…

Acclaimed artist, Justin Abraham happens to be one of my pre-readers. After having read “Stray”, he said he would have a surprise for me. Well folks, when Justin emailed me a pic of the graphite-art the story inspired, I was blown away. I’m happy to say that the folks at Shroud loved it as well, and decided to include it in that issue.

I have longed to include this art in the next over-haul of my website. Time being as precious as it is that may be awhile. But never fear! Pick up a copy of Shroud issue 11. Hell, pick up a subscription! Pick up some back-issues! You’ll be supporting one of the best dark fiction magazines around. ; )

In the mean-time, here is a tiny peak:

 

 

What was that? Current projects? Yes! I’m putting the finishing polishes on a short story now. I’m really proud of this one, and pre-reader feedback has been amazing. It, as well as another short story will be sent off to find homes soon.

I know it has been some time since you have seen my fiction published. Some of you may, or may not know that I went through a very lengthy fall-out from a family tragedy. This took me away from the keyboard—not entirely true, the work was crap, when it came at all—for about a year.

I needed to get things sorted out family-wise, as well Ben-wise. I have emerged a much healthier, happier Ben. I really had to get down to brass-tacks. Since doing so, I haven’t felt this great in twenty years. My whole world, perspective, and reality have changed. I have you, my dear friend to thank, support-wise. You know who you are, and I thank you from the bottom of heart.

Last but not least…

Remember last year when my short story, “Patience” was picked to be turned into a thesis film for a student at Full Sail University? Remember the disappointment when I heard the professor turned it down? I’m very happy to say that pre-production for, “Patience” will start—if we are lucky—by the end of the year, more likely the beginning of 2012.

I’ve already signed NDA’s, and I hate to say that I can’t say much… for now. All I can say is that this will not be a big deal. But then again, we shall see. It has been given the green light, and I can’t wait to finally watch my story be transferred to another medium. WOOT! In the mean-time, we are hard at work on the screenplay and securing logistics. If you have, or haven’t read “Patience”, you are in for a surprise. I’ll leave it at that for now.

So what have you been up to? I’ve been away so long that I think it will take some time to catch up fully. But do stay for a while, make yourself at home. Would you like another glass of tea?

Feel free to sound off by posting a comment below.

I hope to see you all at Antho-Con this November!

-Ben

 

 

Howdy, peeps!

Wow! It has been awhile since I’ve had some time to post and catch up. Work is going well. So are my freelance projects. I’ve felt as if I have bitten off more than I can chew… but a good friend assured me that my mouth is so big, that I’ll be just fine. And to that friend, I have this to say: = P

As usual, I have some writing projects in the works. I don’t like talking about works in progress. You never know where they will go, or even if they will go anywhere at all. But yes, Mr. Eads is hard at work on the ol’ keyboard. ; )

In the mean-time, I am very happy to report that I was able to trade some limited edition books with a friend of mine for signed, numbered, limited, tray-cased edition of one of my favorite books of all time: Horns by Joe Hill.

More to come later. Enjoy the pics!

 

A unique, powerful novel from an amazing author. Click the pic to find out what all the fuss is about.

I promised something special to all my friends (especially Susan Scofield who got me started in all this. Many thanks!) participating in this amazing creative juice-turner. After all, due to hectic hours, I haven’t been able to do much.

When I saw some down time coming, I thought, why the hell not? So, a buddy loaned me some supplies and the picture you see is the result. Indeed… I don’t need to quit my day job! LOL. But I was so proud of the damn thing, I hung it on my wall. = )

I must say that it was very fun, indeed. I actually kind of fell in love with it, and I look forward to producing some more art. The state of Zen my mind goes into while painting is a great, healthy escape.

Enjoy!

-Ben

Mr. Samurai Frog is today’s 365 creative prompt. The amazing Susan Scofield spread the word about Noah Scalin’s book “365 A Daily Creativity Journal” and is responsible for getting so many of us creative folk involved. Thank you Susan! You, my friend, rock!

Mr. Samurai Frog is just over 33 years of age. When the world heard about the coming of Ben Eads, Mr. Samurai Frog sailed all the way from Japan to Florida to watch over and protect Ben from all that would stand in his way.

As you can see, over the years, Mr. Samurai Frog has endured countless injuries in his duties. Protecting Ben is a full time job, and he has yet to fail.

Times have not always been great between the two, however. Mr. Samurai Frog became jealous when Ben started studying various martial arts many years ago. Once he learned Ben could defend himself, Mr. Samurai Frog fled the country after suffering a nervous breakdown.

But true friends always find their way back to each other, and Mr. Samurai Frog now handles Ben’s light work.

Give it up and show some love for Mr. Samurai Frog, everyone!

-Ben

Howdy, friends! I wanted to drop everyone a line and let everyone know that I will be pulling a disappearing act soon. It has come time for me to unplug, indeed.

As some of you may know, I start a new job tomorrow that will require 50-60 hours a week of my time. Being the glutton for punishment that I am, I also have class, book reviews, and my own writing projects.

That said; I foresee very little time for anything else, actually. Yes, the first week or so will be rough and I will have to play it by ear on how much I “step back” from things which get in the way of the aforementioned. Namely Facebook.

No, I’m not a Facebook hater. Thanks to that great social network in the sky, I have met some amazing people: writers, artists, friends, fans of dark fiction, etc… without whom I wouldn’t be where I am today.

There may come a time where I realize that “suspending” my account is the best course of action. As of now, I’m not going that far just yet. Time will tell, obviously.

But never fear! I love each and every one of you, and know that all of you will be in my thoughts as I am, once again, a full-time worker-bee. I love you all too much to just stay away for good. So expect me to pop my head in from time to time.

By reputation, I’m known for my benevolence by spreading the word about other writer’s work I enjoy. The same goes for presses. So pretty please with sugar on top, don’t be upset when you notice me not spreading the word about someone’s work.

I look forward to getting into the groove with my new job and finding a happy balance between that and myriad of writing projects that I’m currently working on. Some of which editors are waiting on. The clock is ticking and I am behind.

Moving forward, I promise to do my best to fulfill all my obligations to the presses, my friends, and my fellow fans of dark fiction.

I know 2010 was a tough year for me as writer. I had to step back and focus on personal stuff. I had only one sale that year, and nothing that I wrote was scheduled to come out that year. Know that this year will be different. Expect to see new fiction from me soon. The first will be a short story of mine in Shroud issue #11. I have other projects, but until I sign the contracts, I’m keeping my mouth shut.

A huge thank you to all my friends and fans who sent me emails throughout 2010 wondering when the hell another Eads story was coming. Knowing that you guys are hungering for more truly touches my heart. Your kind comments continue to drive me, my friends.

To close, I hope to see all of you again very soon, and know that I will miss you guys more than you know.

If you want to reach out to me, feel free! Here is my personal email address: Ben@BenEadsFiction.com

Honestly, that will be the best way to reach me in the coming weeks.

Much love and respect to you all. Without you, life would be duller. ; )

-Ben

 

I posted a link on FB of me chopping a pumpkin with a Japanese sword. I had no idea people would actually want to watch it, let alone spread the word about it on FB.

The masses have called for the video to be posted on my website, so here it is, folks!

One thing though… for all my Battojutsu friends, I could not perform noto because I didn’t want pumpkin guts on my blade. Also, I had to cut at a funny angle, so please forgive my “off cut”.

Enjoy!

Did everyone have a good time last night? I hope so, my dear friends. Any new year’s resolutions? Do tell, do tell. And speaking of telling…

I had an absolute blast last night chilling with my good friend, mentor, big brother, Tom. The party began with me chopping a pumpkin up with my Japanese sword. I filmed the whole affair. Why you ask? It just felt right.

Shortly thereafter, we started with beer. Mmm… Beer. Mind you, I only drink on social occasions, or during a holiday. Alcohol just doesn’t do it for me. After the beer, we popped “Sherlock Holmes” into the DVD player. Imagine the MST3K version of it.

At some point, Tom brought out the big guns. He had a bottle of liquor that he claimed came from Lothlorien. One of the finest liquors I’ve ever had the pleasure of consuming. After a few glasses, I was officially drunk. I believe Tom was as well. Of course, he is a Jedi so it was hard to tell.

Explosions rocked the house and we stepped out to see fireworks of the Disney magnitude in the sky. It felt like there was an air-raid and the Luftwaffe was after us. What would save us from such a foe? Sake! Yep. At this point, the logical part of my brain told me not to mix alcohol. But, it was new year’s, why the hell not? The sake was amazing! It really hit the spot.

At this point, we began discussing the secrets of the universe. Don’t ask, I’m sworn to oath not to let these secrets public. ; ) Let’s just say, the fourth dimension is bad-ass! But watch out for the guardian of the realm.

Once the sake was gone, we got back into the beer. Oh, Sam Adams, you whore. It really hit the spot. More intellectual conversation ensued outside, whilst I smoked my cigs and watched the Luftwaffe’s futile attempts at destroying America.

We had a great dinner. If I remember correctly, it was chicken, vegetables, and potatoes? Very tasty. It was time for me to sober up so I could drive home. This took a while, obviously. I made it home, sober and safe. Yay!

On the drive home I thought about 2010, and the past. I had the honor of sharing the pages with some of my heroes. Rick Hautala, Rio Youers, Jeff Strand, Brian Keene, Scott Christian Carr, Alathea Kontis, Norman Partridge, and Jeremy C. Shipp.

I can’t wait to see who I’m sharing the pages with this year. Speaking of which… be on the look-out for Shroud Magazine issue 11. That will herald the first fiction of the year from me. It is one my favorite stories. Editorial and pre-reader feedback has just been amazing for, “Stray”. That is coming out soon, so stay tuned folks!

Here is to 2011! May we all find happiness, wealth, friendship, and love.

-Ben