Paying It Forward

While most of my Hellnotes articles provide the individual writer with some fundamental rules for crafting a story, this month's article goes in a different direction by focusing on the horror genre as a community.

With all that doom and gloom thrashing around the publishing world, it's important to remember that the burden is not yours alone. So this month I thought I'd bring attention to how we can help each other in a little article I threw together called Paying it Forward.

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Horrorfind Weekend Wrap-Up

Let me start by saying if you're a fan of horror, then you need to attend Horrorfind Weekend. I have never had more fun at a convention of any kind. The celebrities were fantastic--which of course can be said of a lot of conventions--but this one was so laid-back it was surreal.

I knew it was going to be that way once I got on the elevator and standing next to me was George Romero.

Or perhaps it was when I went into the lounge and saw Jack Ketchum.

Oh, now I remember. It was when I went to get a bite to eat, and sitting next to me was Brian Keene.

And every single one of them was so nice and approachable.

There were far too many highlights to single out one, but I did enjoy the authors' panel: I Will Not Apologize For Art. The veterans offered great insight into the craft of writing and the business--the hell with horror stories, just have one of these guys talk to you about the publishing industry and you won't be able to sleep for a week.

Once I fed my inner geek, and I remembered I was actually there to do a reading, I was amazed at how organized and accommodating everything was for the authors. Brian Keene and the staff at Horrorfind went above and beyond to make sure we were treated just as well as the other celebrities.

Thank you guys for all your hard work.

Then came my reading. Let me tell you, I'm usually a puddle of panic when it comes to public speaking of any kind. My thinking was, Well, I'm at a horror convention, so if I puke during my reading, maybe everyone will think it's part of the act. But the audience was wonderful and very supportive, and to be honest, I don't think I completely sucked. If I get the opportunity, I'll try to upload the audio file for anyone who wants it.

I want to give a special thanks to those of you who came to my reading. There were a lot of better things to do at Horrorfind, and for you to take time to listen to little-old me ... Thank You!

I would like to submit one complaint, however. It was near impossible to get a drink with Freddy and Jason slicing up all the bartenders....

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