Self-Publishing Journey Has Been Interesting So Far, Book Signing Event Coming Soon

One of the things in life I can’t stand is feeling stupid. I have to admit that I have felt stupid at times while learning the ins and outs of self-publishing. Despite publishing four books in rapid succession, I still don’t feel like I know much. I’ve made some mistakes, some more egregious than others, but it has all been a valuable learning experience. The Dark Passage Series complete is now available via multiple formats, however, because of a few choices I felt compelled to make, the books are only available in trade paperback through Amazon. For anyone wishing to purchase paperback(s), I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

As I think you’ve figured out by now, we indie authors must do much of the marketing ourselves. During my five years as a published novelist, I have found that the best way for yours truly to sell books is via the in-person book signing event. I have been in discussions with a local indie bookstore here in the Pacific Northwest that already carries my books about a signing event. I will have details soon about that event.

I appreciate everyone’s patience and support as I learn how to continue to put my stories out into the world. As I like to say, if you keep reading them I’ll keep writing them. Be sure to visit the “Where to Buy” page to find out how to order your copies of the novels in The Dark Passage Series.

Thank you all.

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All Four New Editions of the Novels in The Dark Passage Series Now Available in Paperback!

All four books in The Dark Passage Series – The Dark Truth, The Dark Descent, The Dark Terror, and the brand-new novel, The Dark Dawn – are now available in trade paperback! Order now!

The Dark Passage Series is a dark, gritty, bloody vampire saga set in modern-day San Francisco. Evoking the myth and lore Gothic horror and the vampire genre are founded upon, The Dark Passage Series takes readers on a wild page-turning thrill ride. What would you do to survive?

The novels are just $15.99 each – get the whole set, including the brand-new book, The Dark Dawn!

The Dark Passage Series Complete Now Available for E-Book, Nook, and Kindle

All four books are available in e-book format! Order now!

The Dark Passage Series is a dark, gritty, bloody vampire saga set in modern-day San Francisco. Evoking the myth and lore Gothic horror and the vampire genre are founded upon, The Dark Passage Series takes readers on a wild page-turning thrill ride. What would you do to survive?

The novels are just $2.99 each – get the whole set, including the brand-new book, The Dark Dawn, for less than $12!

Amazon Kindle | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble Nook | Kobo

Morbid Planet’s First Documentary Drops May 26

During my novel writing and publishing journey, I have met some wonderful people and I have also made a few friends along the way. Erin Chapman is one of those people. Last September, the progenitor of numerous Facebook communities focusing on the horror genre, vampires in particular, launched a YouTube channel known as Morbid Planet. More than 30 videos later, Erin has embarked on a new venture, a three-part documentary series commemorating the 125th anniversary of the publication of one of my all-time favorite novels, Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

THE DRACULA PROJECT TO PREMIERE ON WORLD DRACULA DAY

Morbid Planet’s First Documentary, a Ground-Breaking Three-Episode Series Celebrating the 125^th Anniversary of the Publication of Dracula, Features 15 World-Renowned Experts in Vampire and Dracula Lore, History and Popular Culture

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA — MAY 19, 2022 — Morbid Planet, a YouTube channel dedicated to the horror genre, is proud to celebrate author Bram Stoker and the 125^th anniversary of the publication of his genre-defining novel, Dracula, on May 26, 2022 — World Dracula Day — with a ground-breaking three-part series titled The Dracula Project.

Watch the trailer now for The Dracula Project!

Creator and host of Morbid Planet, Erin Chapman, scoured the globe and assembled 15 top academics in the field of vampire studies for this passionate celebratory tribute to Bram Stoker and his seminal novel that has influenced the vampire genre for more than a century. The Dracula Project features fascinating in-depth conversations as vampire academia emerges from the shadows.

“Bram Stoker’s Dracula has endured the test of time. This literary masterpiece created the vampire genre and the pop culture mythos that sprang up around the bloodsucking children of the night,” said Erin Chapman, creator and host of Morbid Planet. “With the character of Count Dracula, Stoker created one of the greatest literary villains of all time. What better time to explore how and why?”

The Dracula Project features interviews with and commentary from renowned vampire lore and literature experts including Stacey Abbott, Simon Bacon, Jan Čapek, Hans Corneel de Roos, Sir Christopher Frayling, Penny Goodman, Magdalena Grabias, Anthony Hogg, Jeanine Jiron, J. Gordon Melton, Sorcha Ní Fhlainn, Gary D. Rhodes, Carol Senf, Dacre Stoker, and Jeffrey Andrew Weinstock.

Published on May 26, 1897, Dracula has been translated into 44 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide. It has also been adapted for the stage and screen numerous times.

The Dracula Project Episode Drop Dates:

• Episode 1 – May 26, 2022
• Episode 2 – June 1, 2022
• Episode 3 – June 8, 2022

ABOUT MORBID PLANET

Join host Erin Chapman as Morbid Planet explores the horror genre, highlights unique people and all things macabre, showcases the extraordinary and mysterious world of dark tourism, covers current events, and reviews films. Morbid Planet also features exclusive interviews with some truly intriguing people including authors, make-up artists, performers, and more. Viewers are encouraged to log on each week to satisfy their morbid curiosity!

More Ways to Support Your Soon to Be Favorite Author

As I gear up my novel writing and publishing (self and traditional) endeavors, I have come to realize that I need some help. Cover design, editing, distribution, sales methods, software subscriptions, social media ads, etc., can be very expensive. Self-publishing has become a viable option for thousands of writers, although I’ll be honest, I resisted this method for the longest time. After going through the wringer with a traditional publisher and narrowly avoiding a few pitfalls that merely delayed my creative output, I’ve decided to self-publish some of my writing.

“But Jerry …” Yeah, I know. I have to actually write and create content. This is very true. I have been an avid blogger since 2013 and I enjoy it greatly. And as many posts as I’ve published, I can still write more and more regularly. In addition to writing full-length novels, I enjoy penning short stories and the occasional poem as well. I have always taken advantage of WordPress’ free blog publishing ecosystem, but in order to take this whole operation to the next level I know I will have to invest some money in this enterprise.

So, my faithful readers, I am asking for your help. I have opened up Buy Me a Coffee and Patreon accounts so you can assist me in getting these stories out of my head. In return, you’ll get exclusive content and plenty of sneak peeks of works in progress. Every little bit helps and I would certainly appreciate your support in keeping the lights on while I craft tales of darkness for your reading pleasure.

As I always say, if you keep reading them, I’ll keep writing them.

Exciting Book News

You may have noticed a gap in posts to the page. Well, that’s because I had to delete some posts. This publishing journey I have been on the past six years has been fraught with many ups and downs. I have had the distinct pleasure of having three of my novels published by a legitimate small, indie press, and I’ve learned what it’s like for my writing to be homeless.

After much consideration, discussion, research, and consternation, I have decided to self-publish some of my work.

What does that mean exactly? The first step is to release revised editions of the first three novels in The Dark Passage Series under my own label. And then, publish the fourth book in the series – The Dark Dawn. This fourth novel has been finished for some time, however, has not had a home. I personally think it’s the best of the four.

While I work on getting these books on the market, I will be starting a new novel, one more vampire story that has been rattling around in my head for quite some time. Lily will be based on an Irish vampire legend – the Dearg-due.

I’m sure there will be some of my writings that I’ll pitch to agents or publishers, but I’ve decided that self-publishing is the best option to bring my novel writing back from the dead.

Thank you for your support everyone.

A Different Avenue

Almost everyone with whom I have had the privilege of discussing my fiction writing tends to ask me similar questions about my influences. Why did I write a vampire series? Why do I love Gothic horror? Who are my favorite writers? What are my favorite books?

I recently volunteered to write a review of my favorite horror novel for a fantastic UK-based website called Kendall Reviews. I thought it would be a great way to contribute to a groovy site and get my name out to a new audience.

I could tell you more about the site and its founder, but it’s easier to just link you there and have you check it out for yourself. If you like horror and you are looking for new material or you are looking to re-discover old frights, this is a great site to do all that and more.

I chose Dracula by Bram Stoker for my review project. I took the time to re-read the book and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. Dracula has influenced me in so many ways over the years. The character and the novel helped form much of my entertainment tastes from an early age and served as a gateway book to many more delectable horrors over the years.

Head over to Kendall Reviews and check out my take on my favorite horror novel.

Third Book Tour to End Where First Began

Barnes & Noble Arden Fair in Sacramento hosted my very first book signing event when The Dark Truth was released. Now, unless I line something up after April 20, they will host the final event in The Dark Passage Series book tours. The Dark Terror book tour (as of now) concludes at the Arden Fair Barnes & Noble on Saturday, April 20. This will be my third event at the Arden Fair store. I hope you come out and see me.

Barnes & Noble
Saturday, April 20
11 a.m. – whenever
Arden Fair
1725 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95815
916-565-0644

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!

And Now for a Word from our Sponsors

I thought I would give you an update on what’s happening with The Dark Passage Series. There have been a few developments with regard to pricing and formats.

The Dark Truth

My debut novel, Book One – The Dark Passage Series, The Dark Truth is available as an audio book from both Audible and iTunes/Apple Books. You can listen to it for free with a 30-day Audible trial. You can get The Dark Truth, plus a second, for free. If you order through iTunes, it retails for $17.95.

Amazon.com has the trade paperback edition of The Dark Truth on sale for $5.61, which is 63% off the regular price of $14.99. You can save 10% at Barnes & Noble’s web site and get it for $13.49. They are offering free shipping. For San Francisco Bay Area Barnes & Noble stores, you can get it at Arden Fair in Sacramento, Hacienda Crossings in Dublin, and Bay Street in Emeryville.

The Kindle, Nook, and e-book formats are priced at $1.99.

The Dark Descent

The sequel to The Dark Truth, Book Two – The Dark Passage Series, The Dark Descent, is available in trade paperback, Amazon Kindle, Nook, and e-book. The trade paperback is priced at $14.99, while Kindle, Nook, and e-book formats are $2.99.

For San Francisco Bay Area folks, Barnes & Noble in Modesto, Arden Fair in Sacramento, Hacienda Crossings in Dublin have it in stock in store. If you order online from B&N, they are offering free shipping.

The audio book is currently in production. I have listened to the first four chapters so far, and Cheryl May, who narrated The Dark Truth, is doing a great job.

The Dark Terror

The third and final(?) installment in The Dark Passage Series, The Dark Terror, is done. I took a little over a week to do the self-edit. It is in the hands of my publisher, Trifecta Publishing House of Port Angeles, Washington. After they review it, it will go to their editor. I have it on good authority that the cover designer is set to begin that work.

I will keep everyone updated on cover art, a release date, and ordering information.

Thank you to those of you who have purchased the books, posted reviews, attended book signings/readings. It means the world to me and I am glad I get a chance to share these twisted stories that rattle around in the dark recesses of my mind with you.

Click here for more ways to order.