The Little Story that Could

            I don’t really feel like writing right now, but, if I ever want to do anything with my writing career, I need to get another blog posted. Maybe someday this will pay off….

            I’ve been thinking about Mommy’s Gone Crazy the past few days, and have actually come to like the story very much. You may remember me saying the story was a bit of a “sketch” for me. I wanted to introduce the character Alexandretta slowly to the world, but not in a novel or novella form. I chose the short work of fiction as my medium, and have crafted what I believe is a very good work.

            I wanted to get to know the character, to “work with her” a little and get to understand her methods and ways of thinking in a sphere free of major plots and storylines. I considered the work a rough piece of art at first, but have since come to regard it as an amazing little story. Alexandretta has certainly made herself known, and in very powerful ways. It is impressive to watch as a story grows and expands in ways you never imagined or intended. I came into the project expecting only a nice introduction, and found a good story on its own. I must say, it’s impressive. The little story that started as a rough sketch has become a solid and readable story, and now one of my favorites.

            Now the question remains: what to do for the cover? I originally chose a picture of Joseph’s for the e-cover. I thought it was good, and still do, but given the darker nature of the work, and the expression of Alexandretta, I am not certain the photo will work. We have started a discussion about the matter. I am swaying towards a new photo, while using the other photo for another project.

            On the subject of e-covers, Aaron is excited about the two remaining covers and hopes to have them to me by Sunday. I am curious about his ‘ideas’ and the changes he will make to the photo. Once I have them, I’ll share them with you.

            If you know of any friends who have e-readers, please tell them to check out my works; actually, tell anyone! Tell them to search Robert Perry under the ebooks label on bn.com. Anything horror related is mine. Also, pass my blog along. Pretend it’s like the flu; we love to pass that along!

            Thanks for reading……

A Litte on the Writing Contest

            I hope everyone enjoyed the first draft of the e-cover. As I said earlier, I am pleased with it. There are still two more in the making, and I will release them when I receive them. Other than that, I am still at the grindstone. I am working hard on “Mommy’s Gone Crazy” and planning for the upcoming Tom Howard/John H. Reid Short Story Contest. I want to put a lot of attention towards the contest, as these competitions are a great way to gain recognition and earn the attention of a publisher (plus, get a little money on the side). I am thinking I will modify my horror approach in an effort to satisfy their tastes.

            With these competitions, they generally are open to all types of fiction, but there is also an ‘approved style’ that normally wins. I have found that out the hard way. I will still write horror, but will work so as to shape the story to their liking. We’ll leave out the shovels and severed heads, and maybe go with a softer, more psychological approach. Anything else? It’s a good contest, and I’ve enjoyed entering it in the past. Wish me luck!

            I’m trying to get back into my story, but sometimes the hardest step is the first. Once you get the proverbial ball rolling, it is simple; getting that ball rolling, however, is difficult. I’ll think on the subject matter for a bit, pondering the storyline and characters, and hope it “comes to me.” Sometimes the inspiration returns, other times I find something else to do (youtube, FB, etc.).

            I have also been working through the Alexandretta timeline. It’s a back burner project for now, but one that will take center stage once a few other stories are completed. This project will by my magnum opus, the single largest work I have yet to undertake. I’ll speak more about it later.

            Got to go for now. Thanks for reading.

The First E-Cover

            The first e-cover (of three) is in rough draft form! I received it earlier today, and was elated to see what Aaron produced. I am pleased with it, so far, knowing it is a work in progress. He mentioned several changes he wants to make, but simply wanted me to see an RD copy. I admit it is strange to see my name on a book cover. I almost feel official (though not quite). I noticed a few changes to be made, but overall I am excited to view one of the three drafts he promised to produce. Already I can see his talent pouring through. He took Joseph’s picture and enhanced an already magnificent work of art.

            One of my favorite elements is the fog which hangs in the background. It adds so much to the image and helps to paint a very nice picture for the story. Colors will naturally change when the viewing device changes (different e-readers, computer, etc.), but the color scheme is brilliant. I like the eerie atmosphere the cover portrays. It will work well with the story.

            Ok, so without further delay, here is the image. Leave me a comment telling what you think of it.

Some Favorite Story Excerpts

            Today I will share with you some of my favorite literary moments as found in my writings. Below, you shall see excerpts from my writings, each labeled and encompassing what I like to think of as some of my best, and my personal favorites. Enjoy!

From Death Immortal:

I could not bear to place over such a beautiful and graceful creature a cold and demeaning stone, but at length was forced by an inner unsettledness to act. Erected above her was a marker, a tablet enshrined with the many graces of my beloved, who in life cherished all living and animated creations. I placed only one, for she alone was deceased, and my soul was still spirited, active and alive with energy, although my heart sank with a burden none other had ever felt. It was to this stone I now approached, my feet walking with a reverence only pall-bearers would recognize.

From The Man in the Window

I nearly nodded off when some inner spark became activated and enlightened within me. My eyes, blurred by fatigue and sleep, opened to the window, the tree branches and those two boys below! I stared in greater disbelief as they defiantly stood in the confines of my yard yet again. Their ruddy little faces, with eyes turned upwards, did not cease to stare directly at me. I shook at their insolence and lowered my eyes briefly to lift the strain of their gaze. When I returned, they were gone from the yard, street and all other visible locations; it was as if the two boys had sunk into the lawn itself. I trembled with fear, provocation and chills that arrived as my energy waned. I moved away from the window with as much speed as I could muster and pulled myself back into the bed. I remained there for the rest of the afternoon.

From Lost in the Fog

Just as I started to advance, I saw the same object again. It did not move, but, stationary as it was, nearly blended with the fog. My legs, at this reappearance, took to shaking slightly. I heard no sounds coming from the shape. At first I thought the image to be that of a person, one like myself who had ventured out as well. Their lack of mobility, however, alarmed me greatly. Why, I reasoned, would someone simply stand in such a location in this weather?

From The Noise From Above

            The wine seemed to dull my nerves, but at the same time sharpen an acute awareness to my dark surroundings. There was the singular ticking of a clock on the wall, the settling of the house as it was battered by the storm, the dripping of the drain in the guest bathroom in the hall. These noises were amplified by the wine and seemed to nearly deafen me. Then, as I reeled from the sharpness of the sounds, I heard above me another thud. It was loud and distinct. I knew, not from experience but from understanding of the fears within me, that an intruder had trespassed into my home via the upper level. It certainly was he who was making such noises. I could not think of what else it might be. Thoughts, some brave and others cowardly, circled in my mind. Should I dare to venture upstairs and examine the surroundings? Or should I remain idle with the hope that by so hiding it would merely vanish into the outer darkness from whither it came? I drank more wine.

From Perpetually Seven

I stared at it, regaining the state of hypnosis I had abandoned. The clock, that little device which measures the passage of time, shot its rays across the floor in so seductive a manner I could not help but be compelled to see why this particular light was still illuminated; it did not at first occur to me that the clock should have been disabled by the lack of power. I pushed myself onto the floor and crawled, like some irreverent, irrational beast, to the clock. The tint of its hue showed upon my face and my eyes, now thrilled by the color, read the clock. It read 7:00.

The First Meeting

            I have something to report now. You may think, you’re a writer, why not just chronicle all the exciting adventures you have while trying to get published? Ok, here’s adventure number 1: I’m at my desk, typing. Wow! Be-still my heart! Such adventure! Calm down, folks; it gets better. Adventure number two: I do my laundry. Holy Shit! Someone bring me a Tylenol this is so exciting! I can’t take it. Hang on, we’re not finished. Adventure number three: I watch Youtube. I’m breathless with anticipation! What thrills, chills and all that! How does one have such exploits? I’m a writer, not Dr. Jones. Yes, I could simply have made stuff up for your amusement: I was kidnapped by Afghan extremists, and the only ransom I had were the royalties from my unpublished novel. How’s that? Writing is not that thrilling, I’m sorry. I only write when I have something to say. Let’s hope things pick up soon, so I will have more to share with you, other than what I have now.

            Alright, I had the meeting with Aaron and Joe. Joseph Sheehan you have met already. Aaron Voebel is an old friend, and a brilliant webpage designer. He has taken on the task of cover designer. We had our pizza and discussed the designs and photos for upcoming projects. You may have heard me mention the story The Witch House; it will be the first to appear with the new cover designed by Aaron. Joe selected a perfect shot of a house, then photoshoped it a little to make it “just right.” We all agreed that both Joe and Aaron need to read the stories first in order to get a feel for what the picture and cover should look like. What they create will not only be a cover, but a piece of art. That is the goal.

On the side, the restaurant was very nice, and the waitress probably thought I was crazy. Every time she came over, I was either talking about beheadings or deaths or any number of maddening things (we were discussing my stories). She never stayed at out table for long. It was a very good and very fruitful discussion, and now I am expecting to receive proofs by Sunday! That is very exciting. Once I have one image set, I will share it with you first.

I hold both Aaron and Joe in high esteem. They seem to be masters at their work, and know how to wield their artistic powers mightily. I know the work will take some time to confirm and solidify, but I am certain the finished product will be both eye-catching and amazing.

I am hoping this endeavor of mine will allow both of these men to exhibit their skills and gain recognition for their respective businesses. As I stated last night, I do not hope to be the only one making money off this effort; my hope is that we all will share in the financial abundance that could follow such an endeavor.

Alright, I’m leaving for now. Being a writer is just too exciting for me right now. Check out my works at bn.com. Thanks for reading.

Some Thoughts on the Witch House

            More junk mail. Now I have to order this catalogue, or subscribe to that magazine because I’ll never be a success without it. Better yet, if I don’t purchase the quarterly, I will literally burst into flames; right now; in my chair; while drinking my glass of sherry! This stuff happens; I’m gonna order that damned magazine! Please, editorial people! The junk mail does not stop! (Wow, there are a lot of exclamation points in this paragraph; things must be bad if even I’m noticing it).

            Anyways…I’ve had my mind on The Witch House all day. It is one of my favorite stories, and one of the hardest for me to write. Towards the end of editing, I almost could not finish it. As a writer, it sent me through a gamut of emotional tiers, each with its own pain. The story came off really well, and now, I am proud to say, it will be put online soon. We chose a picture from Joe’s stash, a very nice image that nearly matches the house in the story, and I will hand it over to Aaron on Tuesday. I will be excited to see what you think of it. The story concerns the old witch house of Newesalem, and a young hiker who, after finding the house, decides to enter. Once inside, he finds an old, hand-written book containing the story of the witch. She is supposed dead, but will the reading of the book bring her back? Wait for it, people.

            Tuesday I will meet with Aaron and Joseph for the first time. Over a pizza (everybody loves pizza) we will map out the future of this endeavor, at least as far as cover designs go. I will also obtain the picture from Joe. It’s exciting, and I am looking forward to it.

            I have compiled a list of journals, some electronic and others in print, which I will send my works to, in the hope of being published. It’s a good start and a great way to get my name out there. I will let you know as the time draws nearer.

            I am leaving for now. Thanks for reading!

Publication Junk Mail

            I’m official now: I’m receiving publication junk mail! Yes, for only such and such an amount, I could mail in my work, have it proof-read, and receive back a letter telling me my work sucks and I’m a piece of royal shit. No thanks. I can do that myself. Getting the mail, however, was amusing. Here’s to a new year of junk! Oh, and I got my first issue of Writer’s Digest with a rough and ready cowboy figure on the cover. I thought to myself, “He doesn’t look like a writer”…haven’t we had this conversation before?

            Everything is coming along nicely so far. I promise you there will be new stuff soon. You have been patiently awaiting the release of my covers and the story, and I tell you they are coming soon. Holly is completing the photos and I am setting up a meeting with Joseph and his friend to go over designs. With the holidays, this little movement of mine lost some momentum and I have been trying for the last several days to get things back on track and moving forward again.

I have not worked much on “Mommy’s Gone Crazy,” so there is little to report. You simply have to be in the right mood to write. If you are not, what you produce will be garbage and you will only waste more precious time trying to correct what you already wrote (aside from vain attempts to kick your own ass).

I will be happy when I get the covers completed and on line again. I would love to have a mega marketing thrust to open the eyes of the world to my writings, and I think I have a few ides. For one, I plan on streaking through the second quarter of the Super Bowl with my site tattooed on my back, and maybe other places (I am told I have a cute ass, so maybe I’ll put it there as well). Also, I will usurp air time during the next presidential debate and insert a subliminal message…wait, no one watches those things. Never mind. Ok, these are not real, although ten bucks says the viewing audience will increase by half a percent nationwide this year, an increase no one can explain. Watch that second quarter….

Check out my works on bn.com. Remember, it’s Robert Perry you are looking for. I appreciate everyone who buys one of my stories, and it is my sincerest hope that the tales of madness and mayhem will bring you as much joy as they have me….

Until next time….

A Little on Covers

            Happy New Year! I trust everyone survived the last few minutes of the old year without throwing up their drink of choice? It also seems the world did not end; I suppose that’s a good thing. Well, it is the New Year, and I hope it’s a great one for you. Let’s also hope it’s the year of publication for me!

            I spent some time today browsing the ebooks on bn.com, trying to find a cover design I liked. I did find many, though I am reluctant to place my name in such bold letters (all the covers I saw had the author’s name in the upper portion of the cover with a smaller title below). If you are a King, Koontz or Sparks, then your name is easily recognizable and should stretch across the front of your work. If you are a Perry (ahem! That would be me, remember?) and you are just starting out, then your name would only raise more questions and not necessarily assist in the selling of the book. I am leaning towards a “larger title/small name” structure. If you have any thoughts, send them my way via an email or comment. [I’m trying everything I can to get you people to interact; it’s like pulling teeth sometimes! I could just imagine Christmas morning at your house.] All kidding aside, any thoughts or comments, send them to me.

            As I was looking at the covers, I began to visualize what I might want mine to look like. Some authors, like Nicholas Sparks, use a set design, where every book has a similar appearance. Dean Koontz uses no such structure, but does have his name in large letters, especially his last. It’s like the publishers want you to say “I don’t give a shit what he wrote, I’m just gonna buy it ‘cause he wrote it!” I don’t think I have that kind of fan base yet. Colors vary, but seem to be dark, if it is a horror story and pastel if it is a love story. I’ll probably use darker shades for my covers. Don’t know yet.

            I do know, however, that I totally want awesome images (which I have already) on my covers, because that’s what brings in the readers. You don’t judge a book by its cover; that is true. But good images will certainly help to draw attention. I have some wonderful artists working with me, and am very grateful. I want my covers to say “read me!” I want people to look at them and not only see the story, but to see art as well. The cover can sell the book, so mine need to be rockin’. I am excited about them, and can’t wait to share the new covers with you. Look for them soon.

            As always, if you have any friends you think might like to follow along, send them my link. I can always be reached by email or comment on the blog. I check them twenty times a day. Literally. I have no life.

            Alright, enough. Thanks for reading.