Merry Christmas/Happy Bday

Good Morning, everyone!

Don't worry this post will be short :)

I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. And for those who have different beliefs, I hope you had and continue to have an excellent holiday season. I hope you got to spend it with the close ones in your life, and who knows, maybe you even met some new friends?? There's a ton to be thankful for and one of the things I'm most thankful for has been the opportunity to put my stories out there for you to read. I really appreciate all of you for supporting me in my writing. I hope that as time goes by the writing continues to improve and the stories continue to get better and more exciting.

Also, I wanted to take a minute to say thank you to everyone who wished me a happy bday. I appreciate the messages/calls/texts from all of you. You seriously rock! Aaaaand IF you felt like giving me a present, it wold be awesome to hear you in the form of a review on amazon. Positive or negative, long or short, it's nice to hear from readers to see what they liked/didn't like and how I can continue to make better stories with each book.

That's it, I'm done :)

Again, thank you and I hope all of you had an excellent Christmas/holiday season and whatever your plans are for NYE, have a blast and be safe!! And hey, it's about to be a new year so whatever you've been holding off on, do it! Travel, start a new hobby, ask the person out, go for a career change, learn something new; whatever it is, go for it and give it all you got, you'll be glad you did! Don't let time pass you by!

Bye world!

-me

This Must Be the Week of Celebrity Encounters...

Last weekend was the LBC&HC where I met a ton of great people from +Off Shoot Comics  and Fanboy Comics as well as new and established talent like +B. Alex Thompson (not related...that we know of), +Joshua Silverman (great writer who you should check out)...AND not to mention my run in with +Jonathan Maberry ....all of who added to a super-fun and straight up kick-ass weekend...

How could it get any better you ask? Well, I'm sure you didn't since I'm the one writing this, but I'll tell you anyway...

Hanging out with author/blogger/Zombie-Guide writer +J. Cornell Michel, THAT'S HOW!! I'm just a celebrity magnet!

I made my way up to sunny San Francisco to get away from life for a couple days. Aside from visiting friends, eating delicious clam chowder, touring Alcatraz, and savoring just one piece of Ghiradeli chocolate, my mission was to sit down and get some long-awaited face time with none other than the author of Jordan's Brains... and what a fun night that was..

But first, a little perspective...

Michel wasn't alone that night for dinner- she brought along the other half (And I since I'm not allowed to use his real name, for reasons of anonymity of course, I will refer to Mr. Michel as "Spouse"). So, by the time I navigated to the restaurant, Spouse was relaxing with some wine, while Michel was already one martini deep...let the games begin :)

So there we were, a couple-a' zombie writing living legends, shootin' the shit while I slurped down clam chowder (obviously it's a theme) and she sipped elegantly on martini Numero 2. We talked about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, zombies, more life, Spouse's life, Michel's second book, my books, football, wine and more life (yes, I did want to see how many times I could use the word life before I got annoyed with myself for not thinking of anything else).

Anyway, what a fun, talented and full-of-life person Michel is...and not to mention BUSY! Currently, she's finishing up her second book- which I'm sworn to secrecy to not discuss "hint-hint...it MAY or may not have to do with the undead"- all-the-while she's ready to co-publish a short Christmas-themed zombie poem "Twas the Bite Before Christmas"...I had the opportunity to beta-read it and let me just say it's hysterical and so creative, and the rhyme scheme and descriptions are fantastically done...all three of you reading this, you have to follow her and check up on release dates!!

Unfortunately Michel and Spouse had real jobs so it wasn't the all-night rager I was hoping for, but it was a great time hanging out with them. So, two, or was it three beers later? And a couple martini's for her...the night was closing up...but not without an interview from Michel. I can't even remember how many times I got off topic during her questions (so thanks Michel for dealing with me...and I wasn't even drunk), but eventually I answered (kinda) them...If any of you are interested in checking out the interview click here..you can even see a pic of us two mysterious horror novelists!

So, in closing, what happens when two next-gen horror writers get together? Well, I can't exactly tell you cause we try to keep our lives out of the media...I know, I know, what a cop-out...sad, but it's just something us famous people have to deal with.

Seriously though, we had a great dinner discussing our passions and future projects. Michel is a wonderful person and writer and I want to say thank you to her and Spouse for taking the time to get together with me. I am personally looking forward to another trip up to the bay, but maybe not as much as I am to read her next book.

Oh, and +J. Cornell Michel if you're out there reading this...thanks for signing my book!! And thanks for my present!!

That's it for tonight, ya'll...football time.

Khdahafez dania,

A.S. Teezy

LB Comic and Horror Con, and oh, Happy Thanksiving

Alright, so I'm finally getting to this...a few days late, but whatever, I've been busy...

So, the Long Beach Comic and Horror Convention was last weekend. +michael boyajian and I hit the con hard, bringing books, posters, cards and some other goodies to giveaway.- maybe next year we'll even dress up...cos play they call it?

Being my first convention ever- going or having a booth- it was interesting. There was decent traffic, although, if I had one criticism, it's that it wasn't as geared toward horror...it should have just been labeled as LB Comic Con only. I mean, there were some horror booths, writers and zombies crawling around but mostly it was comics. Whatever, end of the day it was exposure, right?

But if one of you curious cats were to ask me "Hey Thompson, what was the biggest and best highlight of the convention?" To that I would reply, "Well, Curious Cat, I'm glad you asked....randomly walking around the convention was none other than writer +Jonathan Maberry (his work has been a huge influence on my writing). And more than that, he stopped by the booth and took the time to hang out with Mike and I! Whaaaaaaaat?!?!!? Ya, that happened! Maberry was informative, helpful and just a super cool dude!

So, all in all the weekend was a success. I met a ton of great people, made helpful contacts and new friends and even had the pleasure of fellow Severed Press author +mwgarza  making an appearance! Thanks man! And check his stuff out if you haven't.

Now today is Thanksgiving, and it only feels right to take a second and say THANK YOU to all those who purchased books or otherwise supported me- both at the convention and since the inception of my first story. It's a really cool feeling, and I'm grateful to have you as fans and friends as you are who make writers a success, and it's your support that allows us to continue to do what we enjoy doing.

So have a happy, happy Thanksgiving (even if you don't live in the US). Eat, drink and tell your family and friends how much they mean to you. Tell a stranger hi, give a lil something to someone less fortunate and be happy to be alive.

See ya,

me

The Longest Road only $0.99...?!?!

So it looks like The Longest Road, yup that's book one in the most kick-ass zombie/post-apocalyptic series of all time, is only $0.99 for a limited time! What does that mean for you? You get book 1 for a huge discounted rate!!

For those who already got it, I feel your pain of having to pay full price...I always seem to miss out on deals like that. BUT you can always pass this info along to your friends so they can take advantage of it, and when karma comes around full circle you'll have some goodwill coming back at ya!

So there it is, short post, but just wanted all three of you to be on the lookout for the deal and help me spread the word!

Thanks world,

me

*Oh and in case you needed help finding the deal on Amazon, you can click on the hyperlink on this post or the image on the side of the blog. Thanks!

Long Beach Comic and Horror Convention

Okay, yes, I know, I suck at social media. It's not surprise, though. I check emails and respond to fans and friends alike on a more personal level, but when it comes time to logging on, liking, following, messaging, joining pages, and being actively involved every minute of every day on the million sites, I just suck at keeping up. I even don't get on this blog as much as I should.

Anyway, I just wanted to get that out of the way to explain my absence to the world. Well, I do kinda have an excuse and that is I have been working away at the second draft for book 3. It's coming along nicely! That's so great of you to ask! :)

So with work, book 3 and all the other stuff in between I've been busy...but not too busy to talk about something super important that's coming up....and that is THE LONG BEACH COMIC AND HORROR CONVENTION taking place on November 23rd and 24th! That's 2 days of hanging out with fantastic authors like myself and awesome illustrators like +michael boyajian, who, yes, will definitely be there too...as a matter of fact he and I will be sharing a booth and will be having TONS of goodies to give away!

I know what you're thinking..."I don't live anywhere near Long Beach, CA." Answer: Road Trip! Plane ticket! Bus ticket! Hitchhike! Whatever it takes...I guess we'll see how much you really like me...(seriously though, don't go poor or get killed hitching to get there- there will be other conventions)

Or maybe you saying to yourself, "I want to go, but it's like $25 for a pass!" Answer: It's ONLY $25 for a single day pass and discounted if you go both days, and even cheaper if you go just Sunday!!! That and there's SO MANY PERKS...you can come hang out with me, physically "like me" in person, walk away from my booth with a sh*tton of goodies and giveaways, and even some free candy, yes, delicious-buy-your-love, candy. I'm keeping the grand prizes and best giveaways under wraps, so come!!!

You're probably thinking some other stuff too, but my mind reading is slowing down- I need breakfast. So I think that's about it for now, but get your passes and come have a fun weekend with me!!

Yours truly, world,

me

Oh and if you're looking for some good zombie/horror reads, check out these friends of mine...
+mwgarza
+J. Cornell Michel
+Zombie Fighter Jango
+Phillip Tomasso

The Other Side- first draft, done!

Alright so I neglected eating, drinking, social media (not that that was rare), people and just about breathing, but last night I finally finished the first draft of "The Other Side"!!!

What is "The Other Side?" you ask?

This book is the epic conclusion of the previously released books "The Longest Road" and "The Change"- for those who read this having no idea what those books are about, they are zombie novels that follow a group of cousins after the world was exposed to a viral outbreak (yes the general statement of basically every other zombie story). With elements of conspiracy, family, perserverance, and intertwined fates, mine are WAAAAY different than anything that is out there, but at the risk of writing a long, boring synopsis and losing you halfway through, I won't. Instead, you can find them here: books

You might ask yourself "Yo, A.S. Thompson, why are you making a big deal? It's just the first draft, why's that so special? Why not wait until the book is actually finished and released?"

Whether or not you did ask yourself that, consider those questions, talk like that or you use informal/ gangsta lingo, you're right. A first draft still has quite a ways to go until it is finished, but for the fans and friends who are looking forward to the third book and the die-hards who are jonesing to see how it all ends, I wanted to give an update and let you know the end is almost here.

And there is more than that...

When I first wrote the outline, I debated releasing this book as two parts. Not to be a dick, squeeze your pockets, or tease/taunt you, but because there was SOOO MUCH drama, twists, turns, heartbreak and of course, zombie action that remained- SOOO MUCH story left to tell, that this last book could stand alone as two parts. But I thought about it from a reader's perspective...would I really want to read one part, then wait a million months to read the finale? I hate it when TV shows and movies leave you hanging, craving for the last part, so I said screw it and decided to close this epic zombie tale in a grandiose fashion.

This conclusion is straight up nuts. If you thought book 2 stepped things up, just wait. Even as I write it I think to myself, did you really just do that?!!? Did that just happen?!?!

When I get done with the next couple drafts and iron out the action, you will see. There are brand new characters- friends and foes- new scares, new twists, but you can expect to find the same characters you've come to bond with (hopefully) and cheer for them or scream at them as they follow their path to the end.

Sincerely, I want to thank all of you who have stuck it out this far to read the story, and as always, I have appreciated all the comments and criticisms you have taken the time to write. There is more to come and more updates to divulge, but know that it won't be much longer. Also, for all the fans for the amazing artwork, +michael boyajian will be back to do another badass cover and more interior illustrations!!!

Thanks again, world.

- ME

Freddy's DEAD! Well, kinda...

Last Friday +Armada Volya, Vincent, +michael boyajian  and yours truly were back at it, yet again, talking about the last two films in the Nightmare on Elm Street series- Freddy's Dead: the Final Nightmare and Wes Craven's New Nightmare. I say last two, yes, despite there being Freddy v Jason and the newest reprisal of the series. Of course I have opinions on those, but all three of you who read this will have to wait.

Back to the podcast. Excluding the first film, these two were my favorite in the series. There was just something about the ridiculously stupid kills (video games, cutting parachutes, etc.), learning about Freddy's twisted background, finding out about this surprise child of his, the demon sperm (Vincent's words, sorry buddy) and of course a pipebomb killing freddy...I forgot to mention spoiler alert, well, because Freddy didn't really end there.

IF I had to choose between that and Wes Craven's New Nightmare, my vote would be for Wes. His (re)adaptation of the way he envisioned Freddy, bringing back real cast and crew and this idea of horror transcending the screen was awesome. Take away Freddy's humor, throw in some good old fashion slashing, utilizing CA earthquakes, and I'm all in. Plus I love the hansel and grettle touch at the end.

Anyway, that's enough. After all I'd rather have you listen to my sweet sexy voice, than read words on this this post.

Here's the link to the Under Candle Light RSS feed.
CLICK ME!

I just checked it, and since the newest episode isn't on there yet, I'll throw in the youtube link so you stalk me, I mean watch me.
NoES 6 and 7

So that about does it for me.

OHHHH WAIT! I do have some other news, I'm ALMOST done with the first draft for book three. Stayed tuned, world.

**Update: here is the link to Under Candle Light where the audio for each episode can be found**
Under Candle Light

Another round of Freddy Krueger

Last night was bittersweet. And by last night, I mean two nights ago because I got busy and started this post but didn't finish it til now. Moving on...

+michael boyajian and I were back with +Armada Volya and Vincent to talk about Nightmare on Elm Street 4 and 5 (Dream Master and Dream Child).

Why was it bitter? Because my internet didn't like me and decided it wanted to be a tease and come in and out of my life and play with my emotions for an hour. Stupid internet. I love you. And hate you.

Why was it sweet? There were a ton of great topics discussed. Freddy's different deaths, creative adaptations for the films, why the karate fighting scene in 4 was tough to watch for some, but the highlight for others...oh and how-via youtube on a lonely weekend night-I rediscovered an awesome song!! Dramarama fans out there, you know what I'm talking about.

If you're even a slight fan of the Nightmare on Elm Street series or feel like listening to a hilarious rant by Vincent, I'd suggest checking this out. Our hosts provide some behind the scenes info on the movies themselves i.e. how the special effects were pretty damn kick ass and, well, a bunch of other ish that I don't feel like typing out. It's on video so you can catch it all on the link below.

Under Candlelight NoES 4 and 5

Thanks for stopping by, world.

Artist Michael Boyajian's burning fire

Yo, yo, yo....whassup world? Alright enough of my gangsta lingo, it's too early.

Just wanted to share this post from my friend +michael boyajian who started a brand new blog....if you're into art, zombies, kick ass illustrations, me, tearing the label on a roll of biscuits to hear it pop, or anything else I forgot to mention...check his first post out!

This is the link and teaser below...

2 Worlds Creations: Getting Up and Running: Hello World!!! So over the past two years I have been slowly creeping deeper and deeper into the world of digital painting and art in gene...

Interview with writer/blogger Heather Myers

I just did an interview with southern CA writer/blogger Heather Myers. We talk about, well, me and what makes me tick.

Topics include: what inspires me, why zombies, and why yelling and throwing things at a computer does not successfully combat writer's block.

Here's the link for the article:

It's right here

Check it out, blog-reader-people! Thanks for stoppin' by!!

Nightmare on Elm Street round 2 podcast...

Again, +michael boyajian and myself were on the show Under Candlelight with hosts Armada and Vincent. We continued on with the NoES series, talking about the second and third movies (Freddy's Revenge and Dream Warriors). We discuss the general disappointment of the second film, the ridiculously awesome kills in the third one, why it was bad ass to carry a switchblade in the 80's, go off topic for a little (okay maybe more than a little but not a lot), then come back and figure out what everyone's dream power would be...what is mine? You'll have to watch to learn. 

CLICK HERE to watch the episode!

Feel free to comment away, or just come and go into my life without a trace. Either way.

GoodReads GIVEAWAY EXTRAVAGANZA!!!!

So I'm giving away a couple copies of "The Change" on GoodReads. To be honest it's not really the extravaganza like I titled this, I just wanted to catch your attention. It's basically your standard giveaway.

It is really easy though if you want to try your luck for one of the free print signed copies...

Step 1: Actually want one and/or want to dedicate the next 30-60 seconds of your life to this

Step 2: Follow this link.

Step 3: Give me all your information including credit cards and social security numbers. Kidding. Just an address where you want the book shipped to when you win. (when, not if because I'm thinking positive for you).

Step 4: There really isn't one. Since I made one, I guess it's "wait until the giveaway ends and see if you won."

There it is. Good luck to everyone and all three of you who read this.

Review of "The Change", a fellow zombie author, some other zombie stuff, and then back to the review, kinda

So a day or two ago, or maybe three, fellow horror writer and zombie lover +J. Cornell Michel did me the honor of reading "The Change" and publishing her review on a kick-ass website she writes for called Zombie Guide Magazine. It's a pretty rad site, and if you're into zombies you have to check it out! The setup is awesome and the writers even more.

Anyway, Michel reviewed "The Longest Road" a few weeks back and was excited up for round two in the series. I was like a kid waiting for Christmas (cliche, whatever) to hear what she thought about it. I can't really explain it, it's just different getting a review from someone who is a writer in your genre. After multiple rides on the metro and time spent traveling around the country visiting different horror-related conventions, she finished the book and this is her review! I can't thank her enough for the time and energy she put into it!

For those who don't know Michel, she is a fantastic writer and the author of her own zombie novel entitled "Jordan's Brains." As I have mentioned on a few other posts and articles, I like my zombies traditional-esque: walkers or sprinters, blood lusters and virus/plague carriers. I have a hard time getting into thinkers, weapon users and undead fallen in-love-ers. Keep it simple, right? BUT I have to say that Michel created a very unique perspective in her first person narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride inside Jordan's mind and the numerous funny, tragic, uplifting, down-beating moments. I won't spoil anything, but if you get a chance give her story a chance- if you're still on the fence, you can find my full review of it if you click on this (and then look scroll down for my review, it's in there somewhere).

Gettin' back on track, actually I don't know what else I fee like writing about right now, so I'll end it.

Before you go clicking away, and as if this post didn't have enough, here's some other links I'm too lazy to make another post for:

Review of "The Longest Road" on Zombie-Guide Magazine by J. Cornell Michel
My thoughts on the zombie evolution, a guest post on Zombie-Guide Magazine

First podcast!

So this past Friday I was on my very first podicast "Under Candlelight" with Armada, Vincent, a guy named Total Wafflez (with a "z") and my buddy +Michael Boyajian. We talked about the original Nightmare on Elm Street, or at least tried to, because as you will see we did touch on other movies in the series and went off topic into other horror movies. Everyone gave their favorite parts, likes/dislikes, top kills, what we would have done differently and how this slasher affected us- among other sh!t (can I cuss on here?)

Anyway, for me in particular, Freddy was king back in the day. I'm a big dreamer and always have been, so I'm sure you could imagine after I saw NoES 1 back in the 80's I was freaked out. Straight up, forever changed. Screw the boogyman in my closet, f**k Jason Voorhees pulling me under water at any summer camp, my worst fear was Freddy getting to me in my dreams. And he did, a few times, but luckily he stopped haunting me a few years ago. I won't go into those details, well unless you ask nicely.

I won't spoil it for anyone who wants to watch the podcast/hangout, but we did have some good laughs and you can watch how Freddy terrorized me. I had a blast with everyone and am looking forward to round two.

Look out for the next episode this upcoming Friday (8/16/13) where we keep diving into the NoES series with our hosts Armada and Vincent.

Watch it here!