Drum Roll Please: Presenting the Cover and Release Date for The Dark Terror

For the third time in two years I have the distinct pleasure in making a book release announcement and a cover reveal. I revel in all aspects of the writing and publishing process and I must admit, the cover reveal is almost as exciting as publish day. I am proud to announce that Book Three – The Dark Passage Series, The Dark Terror, is set to release on March 18, 2019. I frankly can’t wait.

I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to write three novels in less than three years. The Dark Terror represents the conclusion(?) of a trilogy of dark, gritty, bloody vampire tales set in modern-day San Francisco. I have a created a character I have grown to love, respect, cherish, and even fear. Elizabeth Danae Rubis is a reflection of yours truly, dare I say an alter ego. She is a foul-mouthed vampire with an acerbic wit and an unquenchable thirst. She has learned, changed and grown much during her evolution. I have been walking around in her skin for the better part of three years and she has been a lot of fun to write. Her fate you ask? You’ll have to read the book.

Thank you to my publisher, Trifecta Publishing House of Port Angeles, Wash., this cover is the best of the three is I do say so myself.

The Dark Truth and The Dark Descent are on sale now. Get ready for the final installment, The Dark Terror, coming March 18, 2019!

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Thank You to The Avid Reader

I’d like to take a moment to thank the folks at The Avid Reader in Davis, Calif., for hosting me for my latest book signing/reading event. It’s a great store near the University of California – Davis campus with a friendly staff. If you are ever in Davis, be sure to stop in.

There are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. But The Avid Reader should definitely be on your list of stops when you visit.

Meet Me at The Avid Reader in Davis

The Avid Reader

I’ll be signing copies of my first two novels, The Dark Truth and The Dark Descent, at The Avid Reader in Davis, Calif., on Friday, Sept. 28 starting at 7:30 p.m.!

What: Book signing with yours truly
Where: 617 2nd Street, Davis, CA 95616
When: Friday, Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m.

Meet me at Books Inc. in Alameda TONIGHT!

I’ll be signing copies of my first two novels, The Dark Truth and The Dark Descent at Books Inc. in Alameda, Calif., TONIGHT at 7:00 p.m.

What: Book signing with yours truly
Where: Books Inc., 1344 Park St, Alameda, CA  94501
When: Wednesday, Sept. 19, 7:00 p.m.

Great Signing at Books on B

Yours truly ready to receive readers at Books on B.

Some months ago, a co-worker who hails from Hayward, Calif., recommended that I try to land a signing at an independent bookstore in her neighborhood. I contacted Renee, the proprietor of Books on B. After some back-and-forth correspondence, Renee and I came to an agreement for Saturday, July 28.

B Street in Hayward is a thriving hub of activity with restaurants, boutiques, and micro breweries. Books on B is in the middle of it all. The moment you walk into the shop, the smell of books fills your nostrils. It is intoxicating if you are a bookstore nerd like I am. A varied, eclectic selection lines the shelves and Renee and her effervescence twirl around the store like a whirling dervish helping customers and playing hostess.

There was a great turnout for the event. It was a nice mix of my friends from both work and my neighborhood, store regulars and curious shoppers. I signed books, chatted about my novels and read excerpts from them. Renee provided a snack tray and beverages.

A nice group gathered to listen to me read.

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and find yourself at the end of I-580 or along the I-880 corridor and you love books, be sure to stop in to Books on B. It’s a quaint, cozy shop and you’ll definitely find something great to read. There’s plenty of parking in public lots behind the little plaza as well.

Thank you to everyone who came out and indulged me, and thank you to Renee for hosting me at her fantastic store. I look forward to the next event at Books on B.

I have two events coming up. The first is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 20, at Books Inc., in Alameda, Calif., time TBA, and the second is The Avid Reader in Davis, Calif., on Friday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. If you live in Northern California, come on out, I’d love to see you.

Meet Me at The Avid Reader in Davis

The Avid Reader

I’ll be signing copies of my first two novels, The Dark Truth and The Dark Descent, at The Avid Reader in Davis, Calif., on Friday, Sept. 28 starting at 7:30 p.m.!

What: Book signing with yours truly
Where: 617 2nd Street, Davis, CA 95616
When: Friday, Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m.

Meet Me at Books on B

I’ll be signing copies of and reading excerpts from my first two novels, The Dark Truth and The Dark Descent at Hayward’s Independent Bookstore – Books on B – on Saturday, July 28 starting at 2 p.m.!

What: Book signing/reading with yours truly
Where: Books on B, 1014 B St, Hayward, CA
When: Saturday, July 28, 2 p.m.

Check ’em out and get your copies ahead of time or purchase on the day of the event.

Second Book Tour Comes to a Close

Yours truly at the Dublin, Calif., Barnes & Noble.

The book tour in support of my second novel, The Dark Descent, wrapped up yesterday with a signing event at the Dublin, Calif., Barnes & Noble store. Geographically, this store is centrally located and offered the best opportunity for friends and colleagues to stop by. Several did just that. So, thank you to the Cortez family, the Griffin-Bailey family, Wayne Deboe, Bill Soliday and Tony Khing for coming by, picking up a book or two and supporting my writing endeavors.

Since The Dark Descent’s release on April 23, I participated in two panel discussions and four signings. I sold dozens of books, handed out just as many bookmarks and postcards, and met even more folks. During the past two months, my first novel, The Dark Truth, was a finalist for the International Vampire Arts and Film Festival’s Golden Stake vampire literature award.

I’ve also had the opportunity to meet and hang out with some groovy authors – K.M. Riley, Mike Esola, Mark London Williams, and Samantha Heuwagen. It’s been great to get to know folks who share my passion for fiction writing. It’s also good to know that we are experiencing the same trial and tribulations as we begin our journeys, kick start existing careers or change directions along the way.

There have been some funny moments as well.

I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting all of the wonderful folks who have stopped by to chat, buy a book, take a postcard or just say “hi.” If you did take a postcard I hope you do decide to purchase and give The Dark Passage series a shot.

Different things work for different people when it comes to indie or small house book marketing. Some writers buy ads on social media platforms or Amazon, some send press releases to various publications, some make appearances on radio, television and podcasts. Some do readings. Some do all of these things and more. I have explored numerous avenues trying to get my books to readers. I have found that I enjoy book signings at Barnes & Noble stores as part of my marketing campaign.

I’m still finding way through these sometimes murky waters and those of you who have decided to take a chance on me and my novels because of a conversation we had at a bookstore – I thank you. And I’d like to thank everyone who has bought and read the books so far, my friends and colleagues who have come out to support, and those folks who stopped by just to see what it was all about.

You never know, I just may take the next book tour out of Northern California.

Next Book Signing Event is at the Dublin Barnes & Noble June 23

The last scheduled event for The Dark Descent book tour is fast approaching!

All my East Bay peeps! I’ll be at the Dublin, Calif., Barnes & Noble the weekend after Father’s Day on Saturday, June 23, starting at 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 23
2:00 p.m.
Barnes & Noble
Hacienda Crossings
4972 Dublin Boulevard
Dublin, CA 94568
925.560.1495

Fun Panel at SF Comic Con

(l-r) K.M. Riley, Mark London Williams, Jerry Knaak, and Samantha Heuwagen take part in a panel discussion at the 2018 SF Comic Con.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to take part in an intimate panel discussion on fresh takes in science fiction, horror and dystopian fiction with three fellow authors from my publishing house, Trifecta Publishing House, at the 2018 SF Comic Con at the Oakland Convention Center in downtown Oakland, Calif..

Samantha Heuwagen (Dawn Among the Stars) made the trip from Atlanta and we were joined by K.M. Riley (Fever Rising) and Mark London Williams (Max Random and the Zombie 500).  On Saturday, Mark and Samantha joined me at Sláinte in Jack London Square in Oakland for an episode of the Get the Knaak podcast. Sláinte is an Irish pub with a literary theme and features a giant portrait of Oscar Wilde on the wall.

The four of us enjoyed discussing our books, our processes, and a lively Q&A session. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and it’s always good to spend time with kindred spirits and reach new readers.

The journey as a novelist takes many twists and turns and attending and participating in events like this are worthwhile attractions along the way.