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...