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.
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?
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!
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 125th 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 125th 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.
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!
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.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving despite the current circumstances. I’d be willing to bet that this holiday season is like no other for anyone and everyone reading this. Between stay-at-home orders and a few personal things, I have had some extra time on my hands. I know, I know, why don’t I write more? Rest assured, I have been, just not as much as I’d like. However, what I have been able to do more than I have in recent memory is READ. I wrote a post not that long ago discussing how much I have read so far this year. I am quite proud of myself.
That being written, I encourage you to pick up The Dark Passage Series for yourself or the vampire fiction lover on your gift-giving list. The Dark Truth, The Dark Descent, and The Dark Terror are dark, gritty, bloody vampire tales set in pre-COVID modern-day San Francisco. The books are available just about anywhere you like to buy books online and in some select stores in Northern California. They are available in trade paperback, Amazon Kindle, and e-book. The first two are available as audiobooks. Trade paperbacks make perfect stocking stuffers. The books retail for $14.99 each. If you don’t want to commit $45 to the entire trilogy, start with The Dark Truth. As far as Kindle and ebook, you can get the whole set for just under $9! Maybe you got someone you know a Kindle or e-reader – load it up with The Dark Passage Series! Also, be on the lookout for coupons and sales from your favorite book retailers.
The fangtastic festivities are set for Saturday, October 26, from 3 – 5:00 p.m. and Jay and I will serve as the lead-up to ZombieCon Hayward, which staggers along starting at 5:00 p.m.
As you know, I write horror fiction and The Dark Passage Series – The Dark Truth, The Dark Descent and The Dark Terror – will be available. Jay writes urban fantasy and his novel, Goddess Chosen, the first in the Goddess Rising series, will be available.
Jay and I will regale our undead audience with select readings from our works and we will mesmerize with discussion about our tales. Costumery is highly encouraged.
This will be my third event at Books on B and I can’t thank the enchanting proprietor, Renee Rettig, enough for her willingness to host an evening of incantations and conjuring.
Not that long ago I debuted a new trailer for my first book, The Dark Truth. Voiced by my audiobook narrator, Cheryl May, and produced by Paul Kraushaar, this extended trailer draws you into the world of newly-minted vampire Elizabeth Danae Rubis. Check it out, and then go order the book – on sale in trade paperback from $4.42 from Amazon.com.
I had a great time at the Dublin, California, Barnes & Noble.
The Dublin, California, Barnes & Noble event very well. I had a great time, I met quite a few new readers, and Manny his crew of booksellers was fantastic. The first person I met was there just to see me and she bought the whole set! Even if they didn’t buy a book, several people stopped by just to say “hi” or ask questions.
I have one more event lined up for The Dark Terror book tour. The tour will wrap up at the same store where I held my very first book signing for The Dark Truth, the Arden Fair Barnes & Noble in Sacramento. This will be my third event at this location, and like Modesto, Barnes & Noble shoppers at Arden Fair have been very good to me.
I don’t think this will be the last event in support of The Dark Passage series. I have had a preliminary discussion with Books on B in Hayward about a Halloween event. A vampire-themed costume event at a quirky, fun indie neighborhood bookstore sounds like a helluva idea. Stay tuned for information about more events.
If you are in the Central Valley in northern California, come on out to the Arden Fair Barnes & Noble this Saturday starting at 11:00 a.m. I’d love to see you!
The first three events on The Dark Terror book tour have gone well and there are only two more to go. After signings at Books on B in Hayward, California, and Barnes and Noble in Modesto, and the San Francisco Vampire Tour, I’ll be wrapping up with signings at the Dublin Barnes & Noble at Hacienda Crossings (tomorrow) and the Arden Fair Barnes and Noble in Sacramento next Saturday.
Tomorrow’s event in Dublin will be my second at that location and next Saturday’s will be my third in Sacramento.
Kitty Nasarow, a.k.a. “Mina Harker,” gives a great vampire tour in San Francisco. Photo by Tony Gonzales.
I hope those who are able can come out to one of the next two events. I have a lot of fun meeting new readers and catching up with old friends and acquaintances.
The Dark Truth, The Dark Descent and The Dark Terror will be available at both events, and of course I will sign them for you.
Of course, my writing endeavors have just begun and The Dark Passage Series isn’t over just quite yet. I’ve started work on a fourth installment. I hope you enjoy that as much as the three I’ve penned so far.
Jerry Knaak.com 