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.