Today is the First Day of a New Book

Alistair here ~ and today is the day I began a new book. With The Black Wasp (book 3 of the Vampires of Crimson Cove series) in the editor’s hands, and not a lot going on besides some book marketing and the disposal of an old sofa, I figured I might as well do some writing. Since I’m dying to find out what happens next, I’ve decided to dive right into book 4 of the Crimson Cove series which, for now, I am referring to only as TMR.

TMR picks up where The Black Wasp leaves off, and given that it hasn’t even been released yet, I can’t say a whole lot more about it except that things have really changed for my protagonist, Cade Colter. The Black Wasp not only introduced new characters, but new motives as well – and those motives are what will drive TMR and leave poor Cade with some pretty big fish to fry. And by “pretty big” I actually mean huge.

To simplify it, he’s in way over his head, and when The Black Wasp comes out (this summer!) you’ll see why. Even as I was writing today, I realized just how much Cade is underestimating his situation and how little he actually understands. I’m currently feeling very bad for him, but I can’t help it – I’m a sucker for the drama. There’s nothing more fun than a character who’s bitten off way more than they can chew (insert evil laugh here.)

With so many endings on the horizon, I’m feeling especially excited about the new project (not only was The Black Wasp recently finished, but Tamara and I are creeping up on the climax of our next Thorne & Cross standalone, Spite House, as well as wrapping up the final scenes in Shadowlands, book 4 of The Ravencrest Saga), and no doubt adding to my excitement is the fact that this, the beginning, is my favorite part of the book. It might sound strange to say I prefer the beginnings and (and even the middles) to the endings, but I do – and not just in the books I’m writing, the ones I’m reading, too. Endings just kind of depress me, I guess, but the good news is, you can always start the next one – so, that’s what I did.

I wish I could tell you more about it, but for now, I need to keep its secrets close. When The Black Wasp comes out in the next month or two, maybe I’ll be able to say more …

Until then, happy reading, writing, or whatever it is that makes you shine, and just because, apropos of nothing, here’s me with my familiar, Pawpurrazzi, who oversees all my writing.

~Alistair

Writing with Pawpurrazzi, sometime last year

From The Black Wasp

A description of Gretchen VanTreese, through the eyes of the local sheriff, Ethan Hunter.

Gretchen was originally meant to be a very minor character who dies right away, but here we are, three books into the series, and she’s still alive (in a manner of speaking) and biting. Sometimes characters do that, and I’ve learned to let them. Gretchen’s presence has changed the DNA of this series in ways that have surprised – and pleased – even me.

~ Alistair

P.S. – The Black Wasp, book 3 in the Vampires of Crimson Cove series, is coming soon

Thorne & Cross on Vox Vomitus

Today, at 6 pm EST, Tamara and Alistair will be chatting at the folks over at Vox Vomitus. 

Sometimes, it’s not what goes right in the writing process, it’s what goes horribly wrong. Host and Gothic Horror novelist Jennifer Anne Gordon (with help from co-hosts author, Allison Martine and author Trisha Ridinger Mckee) chat with some of the best, and most successful authors of the day, not about what their greatest successes are, but about all the things that may have gone wrong during their first drafts, writing experiments, books read, social media rants and more. This is Vox Vomitus (word vomit).

Ronald Fuller Welch joins Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE!

This Thursday, July 16th, at 8 pm EST, on Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE!, we’ll be talking to author and former professional wrestler, Ronald Fuller Welch (aka, the Tennessee Stud) about his novel, BRUTUS.

Welch was born on March 3, 1948 in Dyersburg, Tn. He grew up living in several states and attended Clemson University and the University of Miami on a basketball scholarship. Afterward, he joined more than 20 other members of his family, the largest of its kind on the planet, in their chosen life style of professional wrestling. At 6′ 9″ and 260 pounds, he is a very successful business entrepreneur that created and operated four professional wrestling companies, two minor league professional hockey franchises and teams, and an ADT dealership that was at one time the 12th largest in North America. This book is the result of a one night dream that took two long years to be put on paper. This is his first book.

Listen in at Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE! 

Tamara Thorne’s first novel was published in 1991, and since then she has written many more, including international bestsellers Haunted, Bad Things, Moonfall, Eternity and The Sorority. A lifelong lover of ghost stories, she is currently working on several collaborations with Alistair Cross as well as an upcoming solo novel. Learn more about her at: http://tamarathorne.com .

Alistair Cross grew up on horror novels and scary movies, and by the age of eight, began writing his own stories. First published in 2012, he has since co-authored The Cliffhouse Haunting and Mother with Tamara Thorne and is working on several other projects. His debut solo novel, The Crimson Corset, was an Amazon bestseller. The Black Wasp, book 3 in The Vampires of Crimson Cove series will be out later this year. Find out more about him at: http://alistaircross.com .

In collaboration, Thorne and Cross are currently writing several novels, including the next volume in the continuing gothic series, The Ravencrest Saga. Their first novel, The Cliffhouse Haunting, was an immediate bestseller. Together, they also host the horror-themed radio show Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE! which has featured such guests as Anne Rice of The Vampire Chronicles, Charlaine Harris of the Southern Vampire Mysteries and basis of the HBO series True Blood, Jeff Lindsay, author of the Dexter novels, Jay Bonansinga of The Walking Dead series, Laurell K. Hamilton of the Anita Blake novels, Peter Atkins, screenwriter of Hellraiser 2, 3, and 4, worldwide bestseller V.C. Andrews, Kim Harrison of the Hollows series, and New York Times best sellers Preston & Child, Christopher Rice, and Christopher Moore.

Book Recommendation by Alistair Cross – AUDREY ROSE by Frank De Felitta

Audrey Rose by Frank De Felitta is a fascinating, horror-ific tale of love, loss, and … reincarnation. I’ve read it three times now and despite its very 1970s vibe, it puts me – and keeps me – under its spell each time. 

This novel impresses me on a few levels:

As a writer, I admire De Felitta’s masterful execution; he not only has a way with words but with pacing, character development, and setting – not to mention, he knows how to dig deep, to mine the emotions of his readers in ways a lot of authors either aren’t able to or don’t dare to. 

As a reader, Audrey Rose impresses me with its ability to not only keep me turning pages but to creep into my thoughts during the day (and night) when I should be focused on other things; when I’m reading this book, I resent anything that interrupts me. Not only that, this story makes me ponder the possibility of deeper things – and I’m a sucker for anything that opens the mind.   

In short, this is one of my all-time favorite novels and I recommend it to anyone with a penchant for the dramatic, the mysterious, the dark, the frightening … and even the sweet and tender.

Five full stars.

For more, visit Alistair on Bookbub

Book Recommendation by Alistair Cross – THE DARK HALF by Stephen King

When literary writer Thad Beaumont’s cover is blown and the world finds out he’s been moonlighting as a crime writer under the pseudonym, George Stark, blackmail promptly ensues. Rather than caving to the blackmailer’s demands, Thad Beaumont decides to go public – and kill off George Stark himself. That’s when the pseudonym takes on a life of his own and begins an angry murderous spree …

The Dark Half exhibits King’s many artistic gifts: Excellent characters, unforgettable horror, witty dialogue, and the kind of plot that keeps you turning page after page. You can’t help but get the feeling that King was taking a little revenge of his own with this book – and that only adds to the intrigue. Writers and readers alike will love this book.

For More: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/alistair-cross?list=reviews

Book Recommendation by Alistair Cross – ON WRITING by Stephen King

One of the most informative “on writing” books I’ve read, Stephen King’s ON WRITING goes to the very top of my list of creative writing how-tos. This book is not only educational and inspiring, but entertaining as only King can entertain. Amusing, thought-provoking, and chock-full of useful information and priceless insights, this is a must-read for writers of all ilk and every level.

For more: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/alistair-cross?list=reviews

THE WALKING DEAD author, Jay Bonansinga on Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE!

We had a ball, as always, with our dear friend, Jay Bonansinga, over at Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE! last night. We talked writing, Victorian horror, Rin-Tin-Tin, and of course, The Walking Dead. If you missed it, listen anytime over at SoundCloud.

(Oh, and, just for shits and giggles, here’s John Cleese, giving a recap of THE WALKING DEAD)

Jay Bonansinga’s work has been translated into 11 different languages, and his 2004 non-fiction debut THE SINKING OF THE EASTLAND was a Chicago Reader “Critics Choice Book” as well as the recipient of a Superior Achievement Award from the Illinois State Historical Society. His debut novel THE BLACK MARIAH was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award, and his numerous short tales and articles have been published in such magazines as THE WRITER, AMAZING STORIES, GRUE, FLESH & BLOOD, OUTRE and CEMETERY DANCE, as well as a number of anthologies.

Jay also proudly wears the hat of indie filmmaker: his music videos have been seen on The Nashville Network and Public Television, and his short film CITY OF MEN was awarded the prestigious silver plaque at the Chicago International Film Festival. In 2008, his feature-film debut, STASH (based on his short story of the same title collected in CANDY IN THE DUMPSTER), won the Gold Remi at the Houston International Film Festival and Best Comedy at the Iowa City and Queens International film festivals.

Join the Thorne & Cross newsletter for updates, book deals, specials, exclusives, and upcoming guests on Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE! by visiting Tamara and Alistair at their websites: alistaircross.com and tamarathorne.com

Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE! is a copyrighted, trademarked podcast owned solely by the Authors on the Air Global Radio, LLC.

 

Forensics Expert and Author, D.P. Lyle, on Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE!

We had a blast talking murder, mayhem, corpses, and crime with Forensics expert and author D.P. Lyle. Lots of good information for writers, readers, and anyone interested in real-life horror! Listen in anytime at: ttps://tinyurl.com/ycn2c9nq

DP Lyle, MD is the Amazon #1 Bestselling; Macavity and Benjamin Franklin Silver Award winning; and Edgar (2), Shamus, Agatha, Anthony, Scribe, USA Today Best Book Award (2), and Foreward INDIES Book of the Year nominated author of many non-fiction books as well as numerous works of fiction, including the SAMANTHA CODY, DUB WALKER, and JAKE LONGLY thriller series and the ROYAL PAINS media tie-in novels. His essay on Jules Verne’s THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND appears in THRILLERS: 100 MUST READS and his short story “Even Steven” in ITW’s anthology THRILLER 3: LOVE IS MURDER. He served as Editor for the Southern California Writers Association’s short story anthology, IT’S ALL IN THE STORY as well as contributing the story “Splash.” His short story “Bottom Line” appears in th Sherlock Holmes inspired anthology FOR THE SAKE OF THE GAME.

He has worked with many novelists and with the writers of popular television shows such as Law & Order, CSI: Miami, Diagnosis Murder, Monk, Judging Amy, Peacemakers, Cold Case, House, Medium, Women’s Murder Club, 1-800-Missing, The Glades, and Pretty Little Liars.

He was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama where his childhood interests revolved around football, baseball, and building rockets in his backyard. The latter pursuit was common in Huntsville during the 1950’s and 60’s due to the nearby NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center.

After leaving Huntsville, he attended college, medical school, and served an internship at the University of Alabama; followed by a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Texas at Houston; then a Fellowship in Cardiology at The Texas Heart Institute, also in Houston. For the past 40 years, he has practiced Cardiology in Orange County, California.

Join the Thorne & Cross newsletter for updates, book deals, specials, exclusives, and upcoming guests on Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE! or visit Tamara and Alistair at their websites.

Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE! is a copyrighted, trademarked podcast owned solely by the Authors on the Air Global Radio.

Richard Christian Matheson Returns to Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE!

RICHARD CHRISTIAN MATHESON is an acclaimed bestselling author and screenwriter/executive producer for television and film. He has worked with Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Bryan Singer and many others on Emmy winning miniseries, feature films and hit series. His critically-hailed, dark psychological fiction has appeared in 125 major anthologies including many YEARS’ BEST volumes. 60 stories are collected in “SCARS AND OTHER DISTINGUISHING MARKS”  and the #1 Bestseller “DYSTOPIA”.  Matheson’s terror novel “CREATED BY” is a scathing glimpse of network television and his mystery novella “THE RITUAL OF ILLUSION”   is a sinister love letter to the movies. He is president of MATHESON ENTERTAINMENT.

Listen in this Thursday at 8 pm EST at: https://tinyurl.com/y9o7mh8c 

For book deals, updates, specials, exclusives, and upcoming guests on Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE!, join our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ckaBrr