Exclusively for the Holidays

If you’re looking for a unique item for a person on your list, consider buying them a signed book from an indie author. It also encourages reading and the exploration of new worlds. It’s something you won’t be able to find anywhere else (unless you talk to another indie author, but then the books will be different).

I have a few paperbacks floating around the house that I am willing to part with. I’ve included pictures and pricing below (shipping only available in the U.S.). If you are interested in any of my other books that you want signed, you’ll have to let me know by December 5th so I can get them ordered and shipped in time for Christmas.

The order form is at the bottom of this post. Eegads! It’s hard to believe Christmas is almost here!

Undead Obsessed, nonfiction - $8

Humanity's Hope, young adult zombies - $8

Life After the Undead series, young adult zombies

Life After the Undead (book 1)  - $8

Death to the Undead (book 2)  - $8

Both books - $15

Road to Salvation series, young adult demons

The Appeal of Evil (book 1) - $7

Dealing with Devils (book 2) - $7

Good Intentions (book 3) - $7

All books - $18

The Ifs series, middle grade fantasy

The Ifs (book 1) - $6

The Ifs Return (book 2) - $6

Undead Ifs (book 3) - $6

All books - $12

Life Lessons from Slasher Films, nonfiction, academic

This book is usually very expensive, but I will be offering it to interested individuals for $35.

I’m on Winter Break!

Before I get into my post, business first. Here are the winners of the Christmas Treats Giveaway Hop: everyone who commented. Thank you so much for participating! I’m glad you could be part of the fun!

Now that that’s out of the way, I’m off all week on vacation. It’s one of the wonderful things about my job. I have so many plans for this week, including writing, painting the inside of my house, and general laziness.

It’s possible that some, all, or none of these things will get done in the next few days. But I’m okay with that. I’m happy to just go with the flow and see how things work out.

Christmas was great. We spent a lot of time with family and friends and ate some amazing food. I have to say, though, I’m not sad that it’s over. It’s a stressful time for me (as it is for a lot of people), so I really look forward to just being done with it. The boys were happy and thrilled to be able to open their presents. Seeing their excitement and wonder makes it worth it.

At some point this week, the kids want to get out and have some fun, so we’ll make time for that. We got tickets to see the new Star Wars movie, so we’ll be going on New Year’s Day to check that out.

I’m really looking forward to some downtime. I’m hoping to de-stress and make a plan for 2016. I have high hopes for this next year. Not that 2015 was bad--it was a year--but I’m excited to see what the future holds.

What about the rest of you? How were your holidays? Do you get any time off?

Right Around the Corner

Is it just me, or is anyone else amazed that Christmas is next week? Seriously, where did the time go? This year has just flown by!

I’m really looking forward to the time off I get at the holidays. I have a lot of stuff that needs to be done, but I also need a chance to recharge. It’s been a bit crazy lately—and not always in a good way. Being able to step back and take some time to reflect is really what I need.

I’m also looking forward to spending time with the family. That always helps sooth the soul.

I hope that the rest of you are planning on having an amazing holiday. This time of year can be incredibly stressful and emotionally draining, but I hope you can find some moments of peace and happiness. Hang onto those and let them fill you and sustain you. And take the time to slow down. I know I really need that, and I’m really looking forward to being able to breathe again.

Holiday Movies

So last week, my coworkers/friends and I got into a discussion about holiday movies. They were giving me crap because I prefer to watch movies like A Christmas Horror Story (if you’re interested, you can read my review of this movie here) as opposed to something happy and uplifting, but as we talked about it, we realized that the vast majority of holiday movies are actually pretty dark or involve some kind of supernatural creature. Even the classics.

Let’s break them down.

It’s a Wonderful Life: this movie is about a guy who is contemplating committing suicide. Sure, he gets talked about of it by some helpful spirits (an angel), but that’s still pretty dark.

A Christmas Carol: a man is visited by three ghosts who show him the errors of his ways and give him a chance to redeem himself. You have to admit that Death or the Spirit of Christmas Future is pretty dang creepy.

Home Alone: a young kid gets left home alone when his family rushes out to meet their flight, then he has to fight against burglars. What they go through is pretty violent, especially at the hands of a child.

The Nightmare Before Christmas: I feel like this one is self-explanatory.

The Grinch (both the cartoon and the Jim Carrey movie): the Grinch is trying to figure out how to ruin Christmas for the Whos and breaks into their houses to steal their presents. Ummmm, cruel much?

These are just a few examples. I’m sure there are more. And they aren’t even horror films. I can give you a list of those, including Black Christmas, Gremlins, and a series of films called Silent Night—just to name a few.

Don’t get me wrong, there are some feel-good Christmas movies out there, but they still have some dark elements. Even in A Charlie Brown Christmas the other kids make fun of him because of his tree. 

However, I think the point is that we have to look at how bad things can be to be thankful for the good.

And you know what genre does that really well? Horror. They focus on things getting really bad. Horror films definitely know how to make you appreciate the good.

What types of films do you prefer this time of year? Do you have a favorite holiday movie?

Bringing the Horror Back to Christmas

If you know me, you know it’s not really a secret that I’m a horror fan. I like to write it, read it, and watch it. In some cases, I become obsessed with it. Uh hum.

Lately, I’ve been telling my coworkers that Christmas needs more horror in it. One day a year devoted to all things scary just doesn’t cut it for me. So, as you can imagine, Krampus makes me happy.

Not surprisingly, I’ve become obsessed with Krampus. Last year was the first year I discovered he even existed. How in the world had this demon gotten by me? If you ask me, he’s a better threat to use against the kids than Santa not showing up. He’s definitely more scary.

So, as the kids get older and more influenced by my interests, Krampus will become a permanent Christmas figure in our home. Yes, I’m fully aware that there’s something wrong with me (I would never argue against that), but I’ve made peace with it.

Idea -- Need Your Opinion

I am trying to do something fun for Christmas this year for my books, and I'm gauging reader interest.  I want to put together book baskets.  They will include several books, along with some treats and a fancy canvas bag to tote them in.  Price is still up in the air, but I'm thinking they could range anywhere from $30-$50, and that would include shipping.

What do you think?  Is this something you would be interested in buying?

Thanks!

This would be the zombie book collection.

This would be the children's book collection.