Friday, March 23, 2012

One Week 'Til World Horror Convention 2012

There's only one more week until World Horror Convention 2012 in Salt Lake City, Utah happens. I'm very much looking forward to this, and have already been told to get ready to sign some books.

A few weeks ago I finished Empire of Salt by Weston Ochse. It's a zombie novel that takes place in an area called the Salton Sea. Even though there were several typos in the beginning quarter of the story that threw me off, I continued to read, and have to say that I enjoyed it overall. The teenage, female protagonist was easy to relate to, as were most of the characters in the story. I believe the ending was left the way it was to make way for a sequel.

This past week I finished The Devil's Coattails anthology edited by Jason V. Brock and William F. Nolan. I have to say that I enjoyed this book and its stories very much. Not all of it was straight up horror, and every story had a nice literary bent that I really enjoyed reading. I highly recommend this book, and the artwork and hardcover book itself are exquisite.

Connected with the World Horror Convention this year is the Bram Stoker Awards Banquet. I have tickets to attend this. Last year it was in Long Island, New York and I had a great time. It's an opportunity to see all of the horror peeps dressed up. Which brings me to my next discussion. What to do if you had a dress you were planning to wear, but have gained some weight since then.

I generally run between a size 10 and a 12. So throughout the year, I purchase dresses in both of these sizes. My two favorite gown/dress designers are David Meister and Tadashi Shoji. Their dresses are generous and can usually "stretch" if need be. If I order a 10 I'm usually safe, and same way with a 12. The ruching techniques they use really give you a lot of flexibility. For the Stoker Banquet I am planning to wear a navy blue Tadashi Shoji dress with beadwork in the midsection. My shoes are navy blue Kate Spades with a black, sequined bow in the back which makes it easier to wear with sheer, black stockings. I just have to remember to walk slow and "dainty." During the day, I will be wearing cowboy boots, so the transition will take a little practice while I'm getting dressed.

I wish all of the Bram Stoker finalists the best of luck, and I can't wait to post all of the winners!

Friday, March 2, 2012

March Madness

The end of the month holds World Horror Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah from the 29th to the 1st of April, along with the Stoker Awards Banquet on the night of the 31st. I'm looking forward to seeing all of my old friends and making some new ones. My first published short story will also be making its debut there in the book, Horror For Good: A Charitable Anthology. I'm very excited and honored to be among the fantastic authors in the TOC including Jack Ketchum, Joe R. Lansdale, Jeff Strand, Wrath James White, and so many more from the horror genre. It will make this convention even more special for me.

I recently finished The German, by Lee Thomas. It's by far the best book I've read this year. There are many layers to it that build slowly, then come together for a well told and beautifully written story. It's about a German man who fled to the United States after nearly being gunned down in WWII. He moves to a small town in Texas, keeps to himself mostly, and makes furniture. Brutal murders begin to occur and there is no evidence except for a note taunting the law, scribbled in German. With the war in full swing and many men abroad, it doesn't take long before the townspeople begin to segregrate and torment the German population. The main character included. I think what I enjoyed so much about this book was that The German (main character,) knew who he was, wasn't ashamed of it, and never backed down. He had a simple philosophy and that was how he lived his life, yet he couldn't get away from discrimination and hate. I thought the story ended well. Overall, I was very pleased.

I am currently reading, Empire of Salt, by Weston Ochse. Review to come soon.

On a fashion note, I've been trying to lean my bad habit of designer bags that are made from leather. Not that I'm completely against leather now, but I am no longer buying any items using real fur, and have never purchased anything made from exotic skins. Particularly when there are designers such as Stella McCartney who makes cool bags from anything but leather and fur. I may also start following the example from her website http://www.stellamccartney.com, and opt for "Meat Free Mondays." Being that I grew up partly on a farm, this will be very difficult, but I'm going to try. One day a week couldn't hurt. We'll see.