I will be closing this blogspot soon.
The new blog is located at:
http://zombiejoestavern.com
Hope to see you there!
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Thanksgiving flash Fiction Contest
Thanksgiving Flash Fiction Contest
Rules:
1. Entries must be 200 to 400 words
2. Entries must be original unpublished works
3. One entry per contestant
4. Entries must be horror and have a Thanksgiving theme
The contest will end on Saturday November 23rd at 10pm Central Time. Winners will be announced on Thanksgiving Day Sunday November 24th.
There will be three winners: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place. They will be judged by me. The three winning stories will be posted on my blog along with a brief author's bio, a link to the author's home page, and up to two links to any published titles that the author might have. This will be a one time post on Zombie Joe's Tavern. The winning author's will retain all other rights to their stories.
This contest is FREE to enter.
The prizes will be:
1st Place: A $5 Amazon Card and downloads of my two published
Amazon titles.
2nd Place: Downloads of my two published Amazon titles.
3rd Place: One download of your choice of my published Amazon titles.
My titles can be viewed here at Zombie Joe's Bookstore.
To enter:
Email your contest submission to: joe@zombiejoestavern.com
Put "Contest" in the subject line.
Be sure to provide a short bio, a link to your home page and links to any two published works that you might have.
May the best writer win!
Rules:
1. Entries must be 200 to 400 words
2. Entries must be original unpublished works
3. One entry per contestant
4. Entries must be horror and have a Thanksgiving theme
The contest will end on Saturday November 23rd at 10pm Central Time. Winners will be announced on Thanksgiving Day Sunday November 24th.
There will be three winners: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place. They will be judged by me. The three winning stories will be posted on my blog along with a brief author's bio, a link to the author's home page, and up to two links to any published titles that the author might have. This will be a one time post on Zombie Joe's Tavern. The winning author's will retain all other rights to their stories.
This contest is FREE to enter.
The prizes will be:
1st Place: A $5 Amazon Card and downloads of my two published
Amazon titles.
2nd Place: Downloads of my two published Amazon titles.
3rd Place: One download of your choice of my published Amazon titles.
My titles can be viewed here at Zombie Joe's Bookstore.
To enter:
Email your contest submission to: joe@zombiejoestavern.com
Put "Contest" in the subject line.
Be sure to provide a short bio, a link to your home page and links to any two published works that you might have.
May the best writer win!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Contest Winners!
The winners are in and here they are. Thank all of you for participating and come check back soon, as I will be announcing the next contest this weekend.
1st Place
The three fifteen year old mean girls looked too old to still be trick or treating and certainly looked too young to be wearing slutty costumes. They were preoccupied with looking at an obese girl wearing a witch outfit that barely fit her. When she was close enough to hear, Tiffany, in a sexy devil costume said “What’d you do, eat your best friend? Is that why you’re all alone?” All three of them laughed derisively.
Instead of backing off, the fat witch tuned to her and said “Yeah, I did.” She then dropped her candy bag, grabbed Tiffany by the head, pulled her close to her face and said “And she was a cunt, just like you.”
The witch then opened her mouth wide, and to the horror of the two other girls, began to swallow Tiffany whole. The witch’s throat expanded to fit her head, and then contracted to crush it with a disgusting sound. The rest of her followed suit.
After she was done, the witch belched, and the sickly sweet perfume Tiffany wore wafted over to her two friends. It was at that moment they screamed.
LARRY DELA CRUZ has been writing for over ten years. With works that encompass print, television, and live events, he has only recently begun trying his hand at fiction. His self-published e-works are available at the Amazon Kindle Store. He lives in the Philippines.
2nd Place
Eric Pidgeon
The orange glow of the fire burned through the woods. I tried to keep my footsteps light but the forest floor betrayed me. My breathe thick in front of me. I could hear them in the distance, the beat growing heavier. It became difficult to differentiate between the drum beat and my heart. I came to the edge of the clearing. The smell of cooked flesh and blood began to fill my nose. I put my back to a tree and closed my eyes, trying not to hyperventilate. Their infernal chanting resounding in my ears, echoing throughout the deadened woods. I peaked my head out to view the group of hooded cultists. The chanting stopped and they passed a golden chalice around amongst themselves. As they drank from the unholy vessel a man in purple robes stepped forward and began to talk. In deep but soft voice he addressed the vile congregation in an almost sensual fashion.
“Tonight, my children, we have something new. Something that will surely please The Master.” I then found what he meant. The entire group turned at me with eyes glowing red. I now knew the feeling of pure fear.
3rd Place
1st Place
FAT
WITCH
By
Larry Dela Cruz
The three fifteen year old mean girls looked too old to still be trick or treating and certainly looked too young to be wearing slutty costumes. They were preoccupied with looking at an obese girl wearing a witch outfit that barely fit her. When she was close enough to hear, Tiffany, in a sexy devil costume said “What’d you do, eat your best friend? Is that why you’re all alone?” All three of them laughed derisively.
Instead of backing off, the fat witch tuned to her and said “Yeah, I did.” She then dropped her candy bag, grabbed Tiffany by the head, pulled her close to her face and said “And she was a cunt, just like you.”
The witch then opened her mouth wide, and to the horror of the two other girls, began to swallow Tiffany whole. The witch’s throat expanded to fit her head, and then contracted to crush it with a disgusting sound. The rest of her followed suit.
After she was done, the witch belched, and the sickly sweet perfume Tiffany wore wafted over to her two friends. It was at that moment they screamed.
LARRY DELA CRUZ has been writing for over ten years. With works that encompass print, television, and live events, he has only recently begun trying his hand at fiction. His self-published e-works are available at the Amazon Kindle Store. He lives in the Philippines.
2nd Place
Eric Pidgeon
The orange glow of the fire burned through the woods. I tried to keep my footsteps light but the forest floor betrayed me. My breathe thick in front of me. I could hear them in the distance, the beat growing heavier. It became difficult to differentiate between the drum beat and my heart. I came to the edge of the clearing. The smell of cooked flesh and blood began to fill my nose. I put my back to a tree and closed my eyes, trying not to hyperventilate. Their infernal chanting resounding in my ears, echoing throughout the deadened woods. I peaked my head out to view the group of hooded cultists. The chanting stopped and they passed a golden chalice around amongst themselves. As they drank from the unholy vessel a man in purple robes stepped forward and began to talk. In deep but soft voice he addressed the vile congregation in an almost sensual fashion.
“Tonight, my children, we have something new. Something that will surely please The Master.” I then found what he meant. The entire group turned at me with eyes glowing red. I now knew the feeling of pure fear.
3rd Place
Bob's Haunted Fun House by Salinas Montif
Bob
leaned forward on the shopping cart as he waited to check out.
Glancing at the carts contents, he rechecked his list one last time.
‘Nails, Halloween Streamers, Hack Saw blades, Drain Snake. Yep, all
there. I love shopping at this hardware store. It always feels
timeless.’ He thought, as he glanced around.
Heading outside, he paused, struck by the beauty of the day. Late October, bright, clear blue sky. ‘Perfect for getting the haunted house set up.’ Just then, a sudden flashback clouded his mind, causing him to clench his fists. The kid next door, with an evil grin, whacking the Mums he had carefully planted at the end of his walkway earlier this week. ‘Lil bastard.’
The warm sun on his back quickly melted the negative thoughts from his mind. ‘Best to enjoy the rest of the day’ he mused as he arrived at his car. Fumbling for his keys, a sudden thump emanated from the trunk, as the car shifted slightly. John looked at it for a moment, smiled, and then unlocked the passenger door to load his groceries. “I love Halloween.” He whispered, as he placed the brown bag on the seat.
Heading outside, he paused, struck by the beauty of the day. Late October, bright, clear blue sky. ‘Perfect for getting the haunted house set up.’ Just then, a sudden flashback clouded his mind, causing him to clench his fists. The kid next door, with an evil grin, whacking the Mums he had carefully planted at the end of his walkway earlier this week. ‘Lil bastard.’
The warm sun on his back quickly melted the negative thoughts from his mind. ‘Best to enjoy the rest of the day’ he mused as he arrived at his car. Fumbling for his keys, a sudden thump emanated from the trunk, as the car shifted slightly. John looked at it for a moment, smiled, and then unlocked the passenger door to load his groceries. “I love Halloween.” He whispered, as he placed the brown bag on the seat.
Walter is dead long live Daryl
My two favorite TV characters from the past few years are Walter White and Daryl Dixon. The main reason for this is the superb acting.
Unless you've been living in a cave and have no WiFi, you've at least heard of the two AMC shows that feature these two characters.
Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead are two of the best shows to come out in a long while in my opinion. They are both well acted and produced. At times I didn't care for the way either story was going, but I still enjoyed watching. There were a few episodes of Breaking Bad that just didn't seem to go anywhere. The whole "Quest for Sophia" thing in The Walking Dead dragged on a bit too far. Even so, I've thoroughly enjoyed both shows.
One important thing that both shows have in common. They are both character driven. I believe that the two characters that do the most driving are Walter White And Daryl Dixon.
Bryan Cranston did an excellent job portraying Walter. The transformation from the mild mannered chemistry teacher to Heisenberg was awe inspiring. Cranston's ability to portray emotion completes the package. He won three well deserved Emmy Awards along the way. I was sad that the show ended, but it is one of the very few that I think ended correctly. Walter White will be remembered for a long time to come.
Norman Reedus does an equally fine job playing Daryl. I like this character's toughness, ability and loyalty. Reedus has succeeded in making Daryl evolve into a highly trusted member of the group. The last scene with his brother Merle was powerful and highly believable. I think that Daryl would make a better leader than Rick. I do like Rick, but I see him getting weaker where as Daryl just keeps getting stronger. I do hope that Daryl survives.
I'm sad that Walter is gone, but I'm happy that Daryl is doing just fine. Long after both shows are gone, these two Characters will still be talked about. Meanwhile, I have high hopes for Better Call Saul.
Unless you've been living in a cave and have no WiFi, you've at least heard of the two AMC shows that feature these two characters.
Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead are two of the best shows to come out in a long while in my opinion. They are both well acted and produced. At times I didn't care for the way either story was going, but I still enjoyed watching. There were a few episodes of Breaking Bad that just didn't seem to go anywhere. The whole "Quest for Sophia" thing in The Walking Dead dragged on a bit too far. Even so, I've thoroughly enjoyed both shows.
One important thing that both shows have in common. They are both character driven. I believe that the two characters that do the most driving are Walter White And Daryl Dixon.
Bryan Cranston did an excellent job portraying Walter. The transformation from the mild mannered chemistry teacher to Heisenberg was awe inspiring. Cranston's ability to portray emotion completes the package. He won three well deserved Emmy Awards along the way. I was sad that the show ended, but it is one of the very few that I think ended correctly. Walter White will be remembered for a long time to come.
Norman Reedus does an equally fine job playing Daryl. I like this character's toughness, ability and loyalty. Reedus has succeeded in making Daryl evolve into a highly trusted member of the group. The last scene with his brother Merle was powerful and highly believable. I think that Daryl would make a better leader than Rick. I do like Rick, but I see him getting weaker where as Daryl just keeps getting stronger. I do hope that Daryl survives.
I'm sad that Walter is gone, but I'm happy that Daryl is doing just fine. Long after both shows are gone, these two Characters will still be talked about. Meanwhile, I have high hopes for Better Call Saul.
Announcing Zombie Joe's First Writing Contest
Halloween Flash Fiction
Rules:
1. Entries must be 100 to 200 words
2. Entries must be original unpublished works
3. One entry per contestant
4. Entries must be horror and have a Halloween theme
The contest will end on Monday October 28th at 10pm Central Time. Winners will be announced on Thursday October 31st.
There will be three winners: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place. They will be judged by me. The three winning stories will be posted on my blog along with a brief author's bio, a link to the author's home page, and up to two links to any published titles that the author might have. This will be a one time post on Zombie Joe's Tavern. The winning author's will retain all other rights to their stories.
This contest is FREE to enter.
The prizes will be:
1st Place: A $5 Amazon Card and downloads of my two my published
Amazon titles.
2nd Place: Download of my two published Amazon titles.
3rd Place: One download of your choice of my published Amazon titles.
My titles can be viewed here at Zombie Joe's Bookstore.
To enter:
Post your story in the comments section below this post on the Home Page or the Contests Page. Don't forget to leave a good email for me to contact you at.
Or you can just email it directly to me at zombiejoestavern@gmail.com
Put "Contest" in the subject line.
Be sure to provide a short bio, a link to your home page and links to any two published works that you might have.
May the best writer win!
Rules:
1. Entries must be 100 to 200 words
2. Entries must be original unpublished works
3. One entry per contestant
4. Entries must be horror and have a Halloween theme
The contest will end on Monday October 28th at 10pm Central Time. Winners will be announced on Thursday October 31st.
There will be three winners: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place. They will be judged by me. The three winning stories will be posted on my blog along with a brief author's bio, a link to the author's home page, and up to two links to any published titles that the author might have. This will be a one time post on Zombie Joe's Tavern. The winning author's will retain all other rights to their stories.
This contest is FREE to enter.
The prizes will be:
1st Place: A $5 Amazon Card and downloads of my two my published
Amazon titles.
2nd Place: Download of my two published Amazon titles.
3rd Place: One download of your choice of my published Amazon titles.
My titles can be viewed here at Zombie Joe's Bookstore.
To enter:
Post your story in the comments section below this post on the Home Page or the Contests Page. Don't forget to leave a good email for me to contact you at.
Or you can just email it directly to me at zombiejoestavern@gmail.com
Put "Contest" in the subject line.
Be sure to provide a short bio, a link to your home page and links to any two published works that you might have.
May the best writer win!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
A call to action!
First of all, thanks to all of you for the response so far to the Halloween fiction contest.
Halloween is my favorite holiday.
Please share in the comments section why it is or isn't your favorite holiday.
Halloween is my favorite holiday.
Please share in the comments section why it is or isn't your favorite holiday.
Contest Deadline is Here
Thanks go out to everyone who entered. I'll be going over the entries and choosing the winners. On Halloween October 31st, I'll announce the winners and post their stories.
Watch for the next contest which will be announced soon as well.
Good luck everyone:)
Watch for the next contest which will be announced soon as well.
Good luck everyone:)
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Ender's Game
10 Reasons to Read Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
By Joshua Waters
Over the four years since I first read this book, I have recommended Ender's Game to nearly a dozen people, and no one who has read it has been disappointed. No matter your age or taste in books, you'll find something to like in Orson Scott Card's classic.
10 Reasons to Read Ender's Game
1. Read the Book Before Seeing the Movie
The movie adaptation of Ender's Game is set to open on November 1, 2013. As any slightly-uppity critic will tell you, you want to read the book before you see the movie.
2. Consider This Your Intro to Science Fiction
Even though good science fiction is one of my favorite genres, I don't recommend sci-fi to almost anyone. I recognize that it isn't everyone's cup of tea. Ender, however, is not your typical sci-fi novel. When she married me, Rachel had a very negative opinion of science fiction, and I can't say that's changed just yet. But she greatly appreciated Ender's Game and plans to read the sequels some day.
Even if you don't love science fiction, you'll appreciate Orson Scott Card's masterful writing, and the characters will keep you intrigued throughout.
3. This Book is Far More Than Young Adult Lit
Before "young adult" existed as a genre, Card popularized the child hero. Now, adolescent protagonists like Harry Potter and Katniss Everdeen are seen as the norm; think about it - how many enormously-popular best sellers have adult main characters?
As a predecessor to young adult lit, Ender's Game does not suffer from the genre's weaknesses. Its characters are more realistic than most in the genre, and the writing does not pander to the uneducated. This is a book about children, but it is written for adults.
4. This Book Has an Enormous Depth of Thought
Speaking of this book as a contrast to most young adult lit, how many young adult novels have spawned dozens of books and essays analyzing the philosophical, military, and life lessons in their pages? Ender's Game has that distinction, with Ender's World the latest in a series of books analyzing Card's masterpiece.
In Ender's World, well-known authors and thinkers take the reader in-depth into how Ender's Game influenced their thinking. The authors who credit Card with influencing their development include military commanders, television producers, and best-selling writers. That diversity speaks to how much Ender's Game has to offer in terms of food for thought.
5. You Will Return to this Book Time and Again
Believe me, as soon as you finish this book, you'll begin to consider reading it again. This story is that good, and your first reading won't be enough. The common experience of Ender readers is a deep itch to reread this book, and often on more than one occasion.
6. Reading This Book Will Open a Whole New Series to You
If you end up liking Ender's Game, you will be happy to learn that nearly a dozen sequels are out there. In my study, I have an entire shelf devoted to Orson Scott Card's novels, and there are still times when visiting book stores that I find new books or collections of his essays. Unlike series that begin and end far too quickly, Ender's Game is the beginning of a substantially-long series.
7. This Story is a Great Metaphor for Life
This point is a topic for another post, but Ender's Game is a story that serves as a perfect analogy for so many aspects of life. I don't think Card wrote this book to be a metaphor for anything, but nearly everyone can see parts of their life reflected in the story. After you've read Ender, you'll find your mind returning to it time and again.
8. This is a Great Conversation Starter
As I mentioned above, Ender's Game is a story that appeals across ages, sexes, and backgrounds. So whenever the topic of books comes up in conversation, you'll be amazed at how many people know and love this book. I place Ender on a short list of books I think everyone should read for cultural literacy if no other reason.
9. Check Out the Amazon Rating
In case you doubt me, take a look at the user ratings on Amazon. At the time of this writing, Ender's Game has 3,868 reviews on Amazon, and 2,976 of those are 5-star ratings. Overall, the book enjoys a 4.6-star rating - an astounding average. (For a comparison, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone has a 4.7 rating.)
10. Everyone Likes a Good Novel
No matter how rarely you read and no matter how little free time you have, you can always find a few minutes where a quick fiction story is a welcome treat. Whether it's waiting for a doctor's appointment or those few minutes before you fall asleep at night, you can always find time to read.
Even if you're not persuaded by all nine other reasons, read Ender's Game for fun. Read it for pleasure. Take this book on your next vacation, or read it during your lunch break to feel like you're on vacation. You'll thank me.
So there you have it, my 10 reasons to read Ender's Game. What would you add to my list?
You can find much more book talk at my blog, http://QuietedWaters.com. Come check it out and read one of the many book reviews; there's a new one posted every week!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_Waters
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Monday, October 14, 2013
Horror Writing Genres - 14 Genres
By Deborah Owen
Horror writing genres are as wide open as the type of monster you wish to create. The term 'monster' represents not only the critters and creatures you invent, but also the subject, - whether real or imagined. This is the terror in your story. The major genres are:
Horror Writing Genres:
Cross Genre: Usually refers to the blending of genres within one story, such as paranormal horror, or paranormal romance. You might develop a romance between characters in a horror story as they fight the terror surrounding them. Or your protagonist might have paranormal abilities. Or it could be a war between worlds.
Dark Fantasy: A fantasy story that has supernatural elements, but this does not include the supernatural fiction of vampires, etc. Robert E. Howard's Conan the Barbarian is often called dark fantasy.
Extreme: This story goes straight for the shock, the gross-out factor. Blood, guts, and gore-Friday the 13th movies come to mind. Along with with the Nightmare on Elm Street movies.
English Gothic: Main characteristic is the stranglehold of the past on the present. Enclosed, haunted settings, gloomy images of ruin and decay, imprisonment, cruelty and persecution often depict this.
American Gothic: This contains more of a psychological interest in abnormal mentality. Less gloomy atmosphere and more of the mental breakdown. Character often being trapped somehow, by family, location, or destiny.
Lovecraftian, Lovecraft Mythos, Cthulu Mythos, etc.: Fictional premise is that the world was once inhabited by another race of dark powers. Though banished, they are always ready to take the world back.
Noir: Urban underworld of crime and moral ambiguity. Dark, cynical, paranoid themes of corruption, alienation, lust obsession, violence, revenge, and the difficulty of finding redemption. Oppressive, menacing atmosphere. Pessimism, anxiety, suspicion.
Psychological Horror: psycho killers fall into this category but it can also be subtle. It can deal with ambiguous reality and seem supernatural. These horrors are generated, somehow, in the mind, and emerge in various forms of psychological imbalance. Hallucinations, voices, amnesia - anything that deals with the vagaries of the human mind can be explored in this sub-genre
Quiet (soft) Horror; Subtle, not to shocking, with atmosphere and mood that adds to the fear rather than graphic description.
Supernatural: The normal world doesn't apply here. Ghosts, demons, vampires, werewolves, the occult.
Surreal: unreal: strange or bizarre, sometimes tied to the surrealist movement in art and literature, attempting to express the subconscious and go beyond accepted conventions.
Suspense (or Dark Suspense) and Thriller: no supernatural elements, but a constant sense of threat form an outside source. Add a strong investigative angle and you have a mystery. Action and suspense, gives you a thriller.
Visceral: refers to earthier, more reality based or supernatural fiction, with detailed graphic depictions of the bad stuff.
Weird: Often a synonym for horror, and also can mean anything strange, uncanny, supernatural, or refer to a school of writing popularized by the pulp magazine, Weird Tales.
So, which fits you best? See below for more free writer's tips.
FREE writing evaluation. Receive an absolutely FREE 19-point analytical evaluation of your short story or article by CEO & Founder of two writing schools, Ms. Deborah Owen. See website for guidelines. NO strings. NO obligation. NO spam! FREE writing tips also available at: Creative Writing Institute
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deborah_Owen
http://EzineArticles.com/?Horror-Writing-Genres---14-Genres&id=1895064
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