I’m pretty new at this, and since I’ll be soliciting a few more reviews over the course of the year, I decided to number them accordingly. I also felt that would be easier. For example, Fresh Blood Reviews 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. Today we have Nick Cato, reviewer, long-time horror fan and reader, and author of the soon-to-be released zombie-mafia crossover DON OF THE DEAD (www.coscomentertainment.com).
Fresh Blood in a nutshell: “SciFi and Horror meet… DRUGS!”
Dagstine’s writing is quick and to the point, and the stories flow quite well despite the genre jumping. A solid, entertaining collection – Nick Cato, author DON OF THE DEAD.
Author’s Note: Fresh Blood is published by Sam’s Dot Publishing. This review will also premiere in June’s HORROR FICTION REVIEW.
It’s the Summer of Horror! No, not just Fresh Blood signings and book promos. If you happen to be in the Brooklyn, New York City area between now and September on a Saturday evening, hop on the subway. You might just be interested in checking out a couple of old-school movies at The Coney Island Museum. The Coney Island Film Society presents: “SUMMER OF HORROR!”
Psycho, Army of Darkness, Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, and much more! Admission is $5.00 for non-society members, $3.00 for film society members. Free popcorn. Series run: May 16th thru September 26th 2009. Doors open at 8pm, film starts at 8:30pm.
Photo Credit: Lawrence R. Dagstine, 2008.
Author of Fresh Blood: Tales from the Speculative Graveyard
To kick off the FRESH BLOOD summer 2009 tour, this post goes out to Sam’s Dot Publishing’s graphic artist, Mitchell Bentley (www.atomicflystudios.com), who did the cover for the book you see below, along with many other great Sam’s Dot authors: Lawrence R. Dagstine, Joel Arnold, Rick Novy, Armand Rosamilia, Tyree Campbell, Edward Cox, John Lance, Maggie Bonham, and MORE!
Love zombies and space stations? Whether it’s a coffee mug, a T-shirt, a tote bag or a hat, or who knows, maybe even a skateboard, Mitchell Bentley will design it for you… And he’ll do it to perfection! You can also view some of his artwork at the same link.
“Lawrence Dagstine has a wonderfully fertile imagination and he has crafted many wonderful, original stories.” – David Lee Summers, Editor, Tales of the Talisman and author, Heirs of the New Earth.
“Lawrence Dagstine never ceases to amaze me with his abundant talent. His short stories are incredibly imaginative, exceptionally well written, and thoroughly captivating.” – P.S. Gifford, Author, The Curious Accounts of the Imaginary Friend.
“Dagstineinjects some much-needed freshness into his monsters; he endows them with complex qualities both human and inhuman, which somehow makes them all the more disturbing.” – Ben Thomas, Editor, The Willows Magazine.
This comes a little bit late, but Sam’s Dot Publishing books and magazines will be available at the conventions just below. Aoife’s Kiss, Beyond Centauri, Sounds of the Night, Champagne Shivers, and more! I would say once the April conventions hit, you can ask for FRESH BLOOD (my latest collection). It should be available then. They publish a whole array of wonderful periodicals, novellas, and other genre fare.
As for myself, due to the recent woes of the U.S. economy, I probably won’t be leaving the Northeast anytime soon. But I will be walking the floor of this year’s FANGORIA Weekend of Horrors. If you see me, stop me. Say hi. I’ll be representing a bunch of publishers and handing out free merch! Also, now that the weather is getting nicer, I’ll be attending book fairs and book festivals, and hopefully the odd reading or two.
New Monsters! It’s about time… Hmm, am I making any sense? I don’t know, I might not make any sense ever again. Fanboy-ism aside, and as a science fiction writer to boot, I’m here today to declare my love yet again for one of the longest running shows in TV history. That’s right — Doctor Who! Torchwood would probably come in second or third for me. And, as we all know, David Tennant regenerates after this year and becomes The Eleventh Doctor. This role will go to the then 27-year old Matt Smith.
Now I will admit, at first I wasn’t too keen on the idea of Smith taking over the role; I had fingers crossed for Paterson Joseph, Adrian Lester, or even Colin Salmon. But I guess it’s only right that we give the boy a chance. After all, Stephen Moffat is a remarkable writer and it’s as if he were born to lead such a fantastic show. Also, Matt Smith promises to bring a lot to the role as the Doctor — retracing the 70’s show model, Matt and Stephen? — and you know these newbies, one night they’re nobody, the next they’re a guaranteed success and eating the pie from the Actor’s Guild. Matt Smith you have my attention. I will give you a chance, I promise. But what adversaries will you face? What monsters will you go up against? What surprises does Moffat have in store for us in 2010?
I know the one monster I don’t want to see anymore is The Daleks — NO MORE! They’ve been done to death. Russell T. Davies abused them enough, I think. I love the Cybermen, don’t get me wrong… but please exit right. And it’s safe to bet that the Sontarans were just a “one-time” gig. I want monsters that harken back to the Baker years. Or they should be, at the very least, considered.
I have read rumors (and they are only that), that the “Weeping Angels” will be making their return. I’ve seen The Sea Devils being tossed about the Net. The Troclafane were mentioned on one “source” forum, but I hope they weren’t serious. And like the Sea Devils, my money is on the Ice Warriors all the way! I wouldn’t be surprised if they are a major villain in Series Five.
There are so many monsters that haven’t returned, that should. I mean, what about the Nimon? These were Minotaur-like monsters who could shoot you down with their horns. In the insect department, you have the Wirrn, who are most memorable from Baker’s second story, The Ark in Space. A Horror of Fang Rock-like story involving the Rutans would be kind of interesting. Or how about using CGI to remake The Gravis and a new sort of Tractator? Perhaps The Zarbi? No, even better, how about the Rani?
As I get ready for PLANET OF THE DEAD, I wonder what surprises are in store for Matt Smith. And us…
What monsters do YOU want to see return to Doctor Who? Would you like to cast a vote?
Come, take a Doctor Who poll with me…
For another Matt Smith/Doctor Who related poll, go here:
Aoife’s Kiss, published by Sam’s Dot Publishing and now going into its 28th quarterly issue, is bigger than ever. They offer a print version and an online version. However, starting June 2009, they will become a straight-on print only venue. I can be found this month, March 2009, in their Web edition. Would you like to order a copy of the print version? Links provided below. And remember to vote for your favorite story by your favorite author, as these get chosen for future Wondrous Web World anthologies.
A Collection of Science Fiction & Horror: ISBN: 978-0-9819696-2-6
Sam’s Dot has come a long way in the last ten years, its authors being nominated for such awards as the Nebula, the Hugo, and the Bram Stoker. Many a famous name have made a guest appearance there. Most important, if you are a new writer, I am living proof that you can slowly work your way up the ladder and get a “book deal” or “payment” or things such as an “advance” or “publicist” for your efforts (bear with me, there’s a lot in the pipeline, and there are only twenty-four hours in a day).
I think this month’s“tuppence” column by SF award-nominated editor Tyree Campbell will be overlooked, and it’s such a terrible shame. Especially for new talent. Please, I urge you to read it and follow it with all your heart:
Lawrence Dagstine: Author 
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