Hello readers!  Today is my 22nd wedding anniversary.  Congratulations?  Why, thank you!  But that's not all.  Today also marks the two-year anniversary of my decision to take writing seriously and pursue it with everything I had.  A lot has happened since then.  Quite a few of my stories have been published in anthologies, magazines, and websites.  I've won writing contests.  I released my own 18-story anthology along with a handful of double feature anthos and a special holiday single.  I compiled and edited a themed anthology for Black Bed Sheet Books.  I've been handpicked for a few projects, and I've collaborated with other authors.  I've done several reviews for Horror Novel Reviews, Heavy Planet, and HalloweenForevermore, and I've written articles for three different horror magazines including THEE horror magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland.  I even landed several editing/proofreading jobs and cover design. 

But I think probably the biggest surprise through it all (okay, writing for Famous Monsters not once but twice was huge for me) is the many, many friends I've met along the way.  I had no idea that the horror writing community was such a supportive one.  Horror authors are not competitive.  This isn't a contest.  Everybody wants to see others succeed, and in my experience they offer great advice to help make that happen.  Everyone has been so encouraging and always willing to lend a hand, advice, feedback, etc.  There are a large handful of people that I've only known as an online presence (or through the phone, web cam, etc.) yet I consider dear friends.  I've written stories with some of you.  I've shared the table of contents with some of you, and some I've had lengthy discussions about writing, books, music, art, God, writing, books and books and writing and books.

On this two-year anniversary I want to say to you--my reading, reviewing, and writing friends--thank you.  Thank you for your helping hands, your advice, your time, your ARCs, your blurbs, your constructive criticism and most of all your friendship.  There are too many of you to name, but most will know exactly who you are.

Here's to many more years of writing with bigger goals being reached and satisfying opportunities falling into our laps.

~Chad

In the past few years I've seen a lot of poor decisions being made by authors trying to establish their brand.  Normally their folly is in the way of pushy salesmanship and lacking any real connection to potential readers--the author just looking for brainless consumers with wallets.  This just doesn't work, and unfortunately the world is full of people who haven't figure that out yet.  It's true that at times you do need to shamelessly plug.  And, if you're anything like me, that stings a little.  However, for those who are still figuring it out, I wanted to write a quick story about establishing a brand--from the consumer's perspective--using the example of someone who isn't in the writing world but the music world. 

In 1987, when I was 17, I was at the local record store with $10 in my pocket.  Like always, I spent far too much time deciding on which cassette (or piece of vinyl) was deserving of my hard-earned funds.  I came across the debut cassette by a band called The Accused.  I'd never heard of them, and against my better judgment, I purchased the cassette for the glorious cover art alone.  It turned out to be one of the single best purchasing decisions of my life.  They became my favorite crossover punk band, and I followed them obsessively for the next two decades, buying everything they released. 

Fast forward about 20 years since that risky purchase:  I had a punk rock/horror zine called "Cornflake Overdose" that cast the name "Chad Overdose" upon me for the next 15 years.  The zine gained a very nice following, and my doorstep was regularly littered with music and movies for review as well as artwork submissions and paying subscribers from all over the globe.  I interviewed people/bands like Bruce Campbell, Henry Rollins, ex-Misfits Bobby Steele and Myke Hideous, Grade, Electric Frankenstein, D.R.I., Fu Manchu, Snapcase, Eerie Von (Danzig/Sam Hain) Lloyd Kaufmann (Troma), Kyra Schon (Night of the Living Dead), Tom Sullivan (Evil Dead FX), among others that I'm having a hard time remembering right now.  I was "in bed" with Troma and other indie film and record companies, who were sending me tons of promotional items and product.  It was fun while it lasted.  But the zine got to be too big for me to handle by myself, and so I shut it down.

The Accused live '87

In the midst of it all, I decided to make a cold call to Blaine Cook, the lead singer for The Accused.  The internet existed but not everyone was using it, and email was still fairly new to many, so much of my communication was done by way of snail mail and phone calls.  Blaine's phone number in Seattle, Washington was listed so I made the call and flat out asked the guy if he would bless me with an interview.  He agreed immediately.  We set up a time, and Blaine took my address and snail mailed me several original photos from his personal collection that had been taken while on tour over the years, so that I could use them in the layout of the magazine.  After the phone interview, we remained internet acquaintances.  Sometime later I emailed him and asked him how things were going in the music world and if there was anything we could expect in the way of musical projects with him, as he had been in several bands outside of The Accused (including The Black Nasty, Denial Fiend, and The Fartz with Duff McKagan from Guns N' Roses).  He responded: "Give me a call and I'll fill you in."  So I did.  And he did.

Soon after, my oldest son Elijah (around 11 or 12 at the time) had taken a liking to a lot of the music that I was listening to, including The Accused.  One day he asked me "Dad, what does Blaine sound like when he talks?"  He asked me this because Blaine has one of the most unique and disturbing voices in music you'll ever hear (see clip below).  His voice was 80% of the appeal of the band for me in the first place.  The next time I spoke with Blaine via email I told him what Elijah had said, joking about it.  He wrote back:  "Have him call me."

Elijah Shine Lutzke age 15

I waited until a Sunday night after dinner (Seattle time) when I thought it would be most appropriate for a phone call from a pre-teen stranger.  Blaine spoke with Elijah for about 15 minutes on the phone, answering questions and chumming it up.  Elijah was a bit star struck.

Over the years, Blaine sent CDs, stickers, flyers, buttons, and T-shirts.  This entire time he never pushed his product on me.  He didn't need to.  He was just generous.  He comes from a punk rock world with DIY ethics, and at 50+ years old he still adheres to that.

I've kept in contact with Blaine and have done everything I can to spread the word of his music (as well as his restaurant entrepreneurship).  He doesn't tour anymore and now owns two burger joints (Zippy's Giant Burgers) in Seattle.  Had I lived closer, then no doubt my support would have been by way of making his restaurants a regular stop for my family and friends, but Seattle is a long way from Michigan.  However, he did have T-shirts.  And to show support for his new venture, I insisted on purchasing one when they first became available a few years ago even after he wanted to send one for free.

Blaine with wife Rahel at one of Zippy's Giant Burgers locations in Seattle, Washington

When I was putting out Night as a Catalyst I sent Blaine a handful of stories and asked if he would write a blurb.  Does he have credentials in the literary world?  No, unless you're counting lyrics.  But it meant something to me, and because The Accused were known for coining the term "Splatter Rock" with their album covers and their comic-bookesque horror subject matter as well as mascot "Martha Splatterhead," I knew some of my readers would know exactly who Blaine Cook was.

Blaine has even given me permission to use The Accused name as well as Martha Splatterhead on a writing project--the only problem being that the real deciding factor is another member who, at this point, seems to be off the grid, so the project, as of now, has gone no further than the idea bank where it will remain until I can contact said off-grid member (I'm talkin' 'bout you, Mr. Niemeyer…whom I should add has also been generous to both myself and Elijah by way of Accused swag and original artwork).

Blaine's latest band Toe Tag, features members of The Accused, and in the past few years I've done CD artwork for them, a promotional video, and just recently a T-shirt design.  All for free.  And this is my point for the entire article .  My motivation to support Blaine and his music, and even lend a hand when I can, was driven by his generosity both with his time and his product.  Blaine presented his product with a very human, very tangible side.  I was treated not like a fan but like a brother in the punk rock world.

Now, I'm not saying every writer should be sending out print copies of their books to everyone in the hopes of gaining favor in return.  But how many books do you think you're really selling by friending other writers on Facebook and immediately sending them links to your Amazon page?   That kind of mechanized behavior you're exhibiting just took the fun right out of everything, and you've tagged yourself with a Day-Glo negative somatic marker, with those potential readers now putting you in the same category as those pesky telemarketers. 

Yeah, that doesn't sit well, does it?

What I got out of reaching out to Blaine was getting to know one of my musical idols and to express my love for his art to him personally.  What he got by responding in the manner he did is lifelong support from me, and if there's anything I can do by way of my personal talents then I'm always on board.  This is extremely beneficial for writers to develop these types of relationships.  There's a big difference between getting someone to crack open a single book, and getting someone to search out the rest of everything you do.  Help establish that motivation within your readers to genuinely want to support you by way of contact and human relationship.

Focus more on establishing relationships, rubbing elbows, and making friends with both readers and writers alike.  My friend and fellow horror author J. Thorn is a great example of exactly what I'm talking about.  J's motto is to give without expecting anything in return.   It's what he lives by.  He is very DIY as well, and much of what he does now he does by way of being self taught.  And the knowledge he has he is very generous with.  I've no doubt that much of the reason J has been so successful with his book sales is because of this practice.

So remember, that uneasy feeling you get when you relentlessly spam others with your books like some kind of robot (I'm not talking about the normal advertising…we all need to do this)… that feeling is there for a reason.  You're doing it wrong, my friend. 

Currently Reading: 
Midnight Rain - James Newman (friggin' amazing)
Tales from the Lake vol II - Crystal Lake Publishing anthology

So I've been working on my first full-length book, Trash Baby Godfather.  It's been coming along nicely.  I've been putting together a street team that will be helping with promo on day of release so I'm pretty grateful for that.  I'd love to be able to say that the book will be out by May, but I can't make any promises.  The visual concept of the cover is in the hands of the artist, which is half the fun--seeing your book cover.  In the near future I'll be announcing the artist.

I thought I'd have another cool contest for those who have signed up to be on my VIP reader list.  Now's your chance to get your name into one of my books.  On April 02, 2016, I will be randomly drawing a name from the reader list.  I'll be contacting that person and will name one of the characters in Trash Baby Godfather after them.  Will it make you famous?  No.  But you'll get bragging rights.  I'll even send you a paperback copy of the book when it's released.  If you haven't already, simply sign up here.

Lots of cool stuff is being released and finally seeing the light this year.  Also, a few cover reveals and a very special announcement that I'm keeping on the down low for now are just part of the future fun. 

Currently Reading: 
Tales from the Lake Vol. 2 - Crystal Lake Publishing anthology
The Magazine of Bizarro Fiction issue #1

Exciting things ahead.  For those who have complained and wished they had something longer to read from me, you only need to wait a few more months.  I'm turning my story "Trash Baby Godfather" into a novella.  It's important to note that this is not some dark and somber, tear-jerking social commentary nor is it deep and cerebral.  This is a fun, light-hearted piece that I like to describe as Bubba Ho-Tep meets Basket Case meets Superfly.

That being said, what I'm looking for is a "street team."  A reliable group of ravenous readers who are willing to receive a FREE copy of anything I publish in the future in exchange for a review on Amazon and Goodreads.  I'm not asking for 5-stars from everyone.  But be fair.  The reviews can be anything from a single sentence giving your opinion of the read to several paragraphs explaining all the joy (or distress) you experienced during the read.  For starters, I will be sending everyone on the street team a Kindle/Nook copy of Trash Baby Godfather approximately two weeks before its release date, then on the day of release your review goes up and magic happens.  Those who participated in the street team and left reviews will find their names stated with gratitude in the paperback version of Trash Baby Godfather.  Shoot me an email at Chad7Lutzke@gmail.com to participate, and anticipate getting a copy of the novella in about four to six weeks.

A quick congratulations to Shannon Everyday, Carla Brandolino (Carla you never returned my email...I'd like to get that copy to you), and Michael Donner for winning the audio book copies of The Him Deep Down last month.

For those who actually frequent the site (or those who just stop by to take a quick peek), my apologies for not updating for a few months.  I'd like to report the reason is secondary to being neck deep in my first novel, but that would be a lie.  Other than entering a handful of contests and beginning two stories for anthologies this year, I haven't been doing as much writing as I'd like to be.  I wrote my first story of the year a few weeks ago and it's one of my favorite I've ever written.  However, unlike most of my work, it's not horror, so finding a home for it may take some time, as I'm not that familiar with my options in non-horror markets.  Last month, for the Christmas season, I released my coming-of-age YA story The Cross Examining.  The response I've gotten so far was more than I expected.  People really seem to dig it. You can find that here.

Just a quick note about reviews and ratings.  I can't tell you enough just how helpful your few words (be it a sentence or a paragraph) left on Amazon and/or Goodreads can be.  They can make or break an author.  No reviews means no exposure, so to those who take the time to leave an honest review for any author, thank you!

I'll be doing a few special things to celebrate my 46th birthday next month (February 13th) including giving away three audio copies of The Him Deep Down, my novelette written with Terry M. West.  I'll be drawing names from those who have signed up to my VIP reader list, so if you want in on the fun you can sign up here.

The Bumps in the Road anthology I'm putting together and publishing through Black Bed Sheet Books is compiled with a finished cover.  It's still going through formatting and the gathering of blurbs.  I'm still hoping for a late January release, but the closer it gets the more it's looking like a February release.

*Finished reading recently: 
I Am Legend (again) - Richard Matheson (5 stars)
Bad Chili - Joe Lansdale (4 stars)
Jedi Summer - John Boden (5 stars)
Dominoes - John Boden (5 stars)

Today's the day.  Yes, it's Halloween, but almost as cool as that is my novelette with Terry M. West is now available for purchase, with the audio version following close behind.

Ever wonder what goes on when writing collaboratively with another mind?  Check out our interview over at author David Owain Hughes' website where he asks us about our method and style when writing The Him Deep Down, our thoughts on George Romero, soundtrack music, and more.

Order The Him Deep Down at the appropriate links below and find out why author Zach Bohannon (Empty Bodies series) calls it: "A dark and thoughtful, fresh take on the end of days...one of my favorite horror stories of 2015."

We hope you enjoy it too.  Get it here on Amazon.




Submissions for the Bumps in the Road anthology (see last post) are steadily coming in.  I'm seeing a handful of originality here as well as some good writing.  Keep them coming, folks!

Yesterday I started writing another book.  I guess I've begun my own little collection of incomplete novels.  I think I'm up to three now.   I plan on finishing most of them, but opportunities to submit keep popping up here and there.  And by the time I'm ready to get back to what I was writing before, the passion is gone.  At least temporarily. 

With this new piece, I've set a goal of one month to finish it.  I think it'll be about 20k to 30k words...a novella, really.  The goal seems reasonable enough.  And get this:  It's not horror.  I enjoy writing horror as well as reading it, but this particular idea is just something I guess I need to get out while it's fresh in my head. 

I'm a huge fan of dialogue-driven indie films, and this is my attempt at writing a book that's in the same vein as something like "Prince Avalanche" or "Spring Forward."  I hope to be able to put this book out before the year is up, though I know I'll be pretty busy with the Bumps in the Road anthology, a proofreading job I just picked up, a contest or two, and hopefully some more freelancing for the big boys.

I nearly forgot, the story I wrote last year with Ian Bush, "The Transmogrification of Christopher Edwards" is finally published.  You can find it in the new issue of Devolution Z Magazine.  The eBook version is available now, and in another day or two you can pick up print copies. 

Audio News!

The audio book version of Night as a Catalyst will be available by the end of the month.  I can't wait for you to hear it!  I know there are at least a few of you who listen to books during your commutes or at work.

The novelette I wrote with Terry M. West, The Him Deep Down, is currently being made into an audio book as well and will be available about a month after the eBook and print release date of Halloween 2015.  Terry and I are pretty proud of that story and hope you will enjoy it as much as we did writing it.

One more thing.  The first in my Double Feature Collections, Two Before Dawn, is now available in print.  Please note that the two-story anthology contains a story (Self-Immolation) that is found in Night as a Catalyst, but also contains a story (The Damned Thing) that can be found in no other book.  I don't expect to sell many copies of this print version.  I created it pretty much just to put on my own shelf and for any family or friends who want to do the same.  Hence the reason I set it to the lowest possible cost that Amazon would allow.

With the blessing of Black Bed Sheet Books, I've been given the opportunity to compile, design, and edit an anthology that will be published under the BBS name.  This isn't just an announcement, this is an open call to all horror writers.  Below are the submission guidelines.  If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

First, a little about BBS:  Black Bed Sheet Books was founded in 2008 by one, Nicholas Grabowsky.  Nicholas has been a published author since the 1980s, including the novelization of Halloween IV.  His Wikipedia entry is extensive and worth checking out, giving some very interesting information.  His work has received positive acknowledgements from both Clive Barker and Wes Craven.

To learn more about BBS check them out here, where you can also find their brand new 2015/2016 catalog. 

Also, do note, the picture to the left is not the working cover of the book.  It's a tentative mockup.

 
How long can my story be?  Between 1,000 and 7,000 words.  

What's the theme?  Road trips.  Long stretches of road with an exciting destination ahead of you, whether alone or with a group of friends and/or family, can be a great time.  We don't want to hear about those good times.  We want to hear about the regrettable ones.  The unfortunate things that happened along the way.  Whatever it is, you must include a road trip of some sort; be it car, bicycle, motorcycle, hitchhiking, one of those sweet custom 70s vans.  You get the idea.  This should leave you with a wide avenue (see what I did there?) to work with.  I'm not even going to give you examples.  Give us your best, most unique situations, leaving our readers wanting….no….needing to know what happens next.  We want your best fresh material.  Originality is key here.  We want this to be a quality book that tells uncomfortable tales that haven't been done before.  You don't need to necessarily scare us, but make the ride entertaining.  If you insist on bringing some Sci-Fi to the table please present it with at least a dash of creepy.  

Will you accept my poem?  Most likely no…unless you can wow us with something that would otherwise change our minds.

What can't I write about?  We want nothing to do with torture porn, stuff with kids like molestation, rape, etc….No gratuitous sex.  Sometimes less is more, folks!  Be as gory as you need to be for your story, but let's keep the rest of it PG-13.  I'd rather be shocked because you tell an awesome story than shocked because you're sick in the head.

Will you take reprints?  No.  Give us some fresh goods.  We know you've got it in you! 

Is there payment?  You'll get a free print copy to put on that special place on the shelf and equal share between contributors of 20% royalties (payment courtesy of Black Bed Sheet Books).  You'll also get an ebook copy in just about any variety you like:  Kindle, Nook, PDF, PDB, and even Microsoft Reader.  What's even more valuable is the exposure you'll be getting and all the chaffy elbows you'll be rubbing!

Anything special about the format?  Yes, please send your polished document in .doc format with Times New Roman (size 12) font.  Also make sure to include a bio, links, contact information and any other pertinent info at the top of the document.  This makes it easier on us and makes you look like you know how to follow directions.

What's the deadline?  The deadline is set for December 1st, 2015, or until full.  Don't procrastinate.  Get to pounding away on that beautiful prose you do so well!

When will I know if I made the cut?  We'll really try to get back to you within two weeks of you clicking "send" (though this could take more like four weeks).  We know what it's like to obsessively check our inbox for that special letter so we'll try and get back to you as soon as possible.  If something happens and you don't hear back from us after that two-week time frame, bug us about it.  If you've made the cut you'll also be invited to a private Facebook group filled with the authors who have made it (yes, our own clubhouse). 

How long after the deadline will the book be published?  Unless the zombies come, the first week in January all your hard work will finally pay off and you'll be able to share the link to Amazon.

What about my rights?  How's First Serial and 1-year Exclusive Rights starting on date of publication sound?  Then you can take that beauty of yours and show it around some more elsewhere if you like.

Where do I send my awesome story?  Send it to Chad7Lutzke@gmail.com with the subject line:  "BUMPS IN THE ROAD - NAME OF STORY - YOUR NAME".  Yes, all caps please.

Anything else you need to say?  Yes, bring us your best.  As stated above, originality really is key here.  If all you've got is a boogeyman or monster that cuts everyone up at the first rest stop they see then you may want to re-work it.  Unless of course you present it from a completely unique angle.  Looking forward to seeing what you can come up with!

Though it may seem like I've been writing a lot because of all the upcoming work coming out, that's just not the truth.  I could be writing more.  Much more.  However, a lot of exciting stuff has been going on.  You can see just what to expect in the coming months on the Published Work page. 

I just finished working with Terry M. West on a collaborative piece that couldn't have run any smoother.  Terry and I meld well together.  He holds great talent in that mind of his, and I'm a big fan of his work.  I've certainly held my own in the project, but Terry is a bit of a veteran so he's fallen into the mentor category for me too.  Every aspect of the project was done with both our hands in it equally.  We even did the cover together.  I think people are really going to enjoy the story we've created, and I wouldn't be surprised if we worked together again in the future.  You can pre-order said story, The Him Deep Down, right here.  It'll be out on Halloween, and you can watch a promotional trailer for it below.

You can find my article "Tainted Love:  The Twisted and the Dysfunctional in the newest issue (#281) of Famous Monsters of Filmland and my piece on the original, long lost Kaiju film, Wasei Kingu Kongu in issue #158 of Rue Morgue.  You can also find some articles I wrote for the UK's Scream Magazine on their website:  Rubber Underdogs:  When Hollywood Practiced Safe FX and a review for the silent German art house classic, Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

I'm currently in the process of making Night as a Catalyst available as an audiobook.  I know there are many readers out there that spend their lengthy commute or work day listening to books and podcasts, so hopefully my anthology will make it to a wider audience and into the ears of those who otherwise don't read.

Shadows & Light #5 is now out and can be purchased here.  My story "Collecting Cats" can be found within.  Yes, the story is a reprint from Night as a Catalyst, but you can find many other indie authors in there as well.  Perhaps you'll discover someone new.

Congratulations to Danny Webster for winning a paperback copy of Night as a Catalyst.  If any of you reading this would like to be involved in the giveaways I hold, you can sign up right here!  It's a VIP list that I can promise you will not clog up your email.  I'm just like anyone else and certainly don't like email after useless email congesting my inbox, so I keep what I send out to a minimum.

You haven't heard the last of me this month.  I'll be back with other news and release dates once I get them.  Enjoy the rest of the warmer days and happy reading.

Night as a Catalyst has had excellent reception from those who have read it.  I was proud of it when I released it, but I wasn't prepared for the praise I've received since its release last month.  Sincerely, thank you to those who have supported me by purchasing a copy and for your kind words--whether it be to my face or in the form of a review for Amazon or Goodreads.  It's all extremely helpful and encouraging. 

Speaking of anthologies...!

*A new story I wrote entitled "Trash Baby Godfather" will be in the Straight to Video:  The Sequel anthology edited by Kent Hill.  The anthology's theme is that of a cheesy, low-budget, VHS 80s B-movie style.  It was a great time writing a story for this one.  The anthology is packed with some great people in the field, including Anthony C. Ferrante (director of Sharknado), Terry M. West, Jim Wynorski (director of Chopping Mall, Deathstalker II, Lost Empire, and about 100 more) and several others.  The cover was created by the incredibly talented Brian LeBlanc.  You can get the first in what will be a trilogy of the books, right here:   

*My story "Collecting Cats" will be reprinted in Shadows & Light #5 due out toward the end of summer.  Shadows & Light always brings a variety of genres.

*One up a Tree will be reprinted in an anthology due out some time in 2016.  I know the name of the anthology and I've seen the cover art, but the publisher is waiting to get a few contracts back before an official announcement and cover reveal is made.  I'm pretty excited about sharing the table of contents with more great authors.

*I was invited to participate in my own inclusion into the Car Nex world created by horror author Terry M. West.  I wrote the story, submitted it, and it will be out in September along with stories by Stuart Keane and Tim Meyer involving the Car Nex--a demon summoned to earth.

More Magazine pages...!

*Don't forget!  I'll be in the next issue of Famous Monster of Filmland (issue #281) talkin' 'bout love!...tainted love!  If you missed it, I was in the last issue (#280) of FM talkin' 'bout the modern-day fascination with all things apocalyptic. 

*An article I wrote will also be in the August issue of Rue Morgue.  This is my first time in this magazine and hopefully one of many.  They were a real pleasure to work with.

Other than a few other things I can't talk about yet, that's it.  I'm caught up on my deadlines, have to finish a proofing job, and need to get deeper into this book series I started.  Hold me accountable to that project, people!  It's going to be a good one!