ETSY SALE!

A post-Christmas special is happening on Etsy right now. Might as well take advantage of it, especially if there's something you've been wanting.

Here's the message I received:

Between now and December 27, qualifying Etsy buyers who spend $50 in a single transaction with one shop will receive a $10 credit toward a future purchase on Etsy.

Now seems like a great time to get those signed copies of Rabbit in Red!

Here's what I have in my Etsy Shop (click this link to be taken directly to my Etsy page):

Rabbit in Red paperback, new cover, signed, $15.99

Burn the Rabbit paperback, signed, $15.99

T-shirts, $14.99 (I only have 4 small size shirts left, will restock soon)

Rabbit in Red original paperback (signed), $15.99 OR hardcover (signed), $24.99

NEW Nightmares (includes a never-seen-before preview of book 3!), signed, $9.99

So, head over to my Etsy shop today before the sale is over, stock up, and Etsy gives you a $10 shopping credit if you spend $50 or more.

Of course, you can always get my books wherever you want: 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01LZVTG5G/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rabbit-in-red-joe-chianakas/1122718155

iTunes audio: https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/rabbit-in-red-unabridged/id1152663904

Tapas: https://tapastic.com/series/rabbitinred

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FrightFest4D

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28762848-rabbit-in-red

Follow the author on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chianakas

A Gift for Horror Fans

As Christmas quickly approaches, let me offer you a unique gift option for the horror fan in your life (or for yourself).

Rabbit in Red earned best horror book of 2016 by SIBA (Summer Indie Book Awards), and most recently was included in Horror Block as a special gift for thousands of horror fans around the world.

On Goodreads, it has over 80 reviews with an average over 4/5. On Amazon, it has over 70 reviews with a current average of 4.7/5.

It's been called the perfect book for horror movie lovers. In short, the book takes horror fans through a Willy Wonka journey where their favorite horror stories come to life!

The back-of-the-book blurb for Rabbit in Red

Here are special options to get a copy of this book-- including AUDIO, DIGITAL, and even SIGNED paperbacks!

Here's the cool thing about audio and digital copies: Maybe you're shopping last minute and need something NOW. Well, you can gift the audio or digital codes of the book!

1. Get the DIGITAL copy on Amazon for just $3.99 ($1 off the normal ebook price through the holidays).

2. Get the AUDIO book narrated by the awesome Fitz of Horror on Amazon, iTunes, or Audible. This is a perfect option for the horror movie lover in your life who may not like to read but would enjoy the story.

Those options above will allow you to get instant access to the book, and then you can send it to your friend or family member as a gift!

3. Get a signed paperback from our Etsy shop. This is a great deal, but please allow time to ship it to you.

4. Get paperbacks at Barnes & Noble or Amazon. (Note: Amazon told me "due to high demand, your paperback is currently out-of-stock, but we have ordered more and expect a shipment to arrive early this week." It may be best to order from B&N until that status changes.)

Perhaps they already have Rabbit in Red? The good news is that Burn the Rabbit, the second book in the series, is available now on e-book or paperback! Signed copies are also available from our Etsy shop.

So, take advantage of digital, audio, or paperback options and get the horror fan in your life a truly unique gift that will give them hours of enjoyment!

Follow the author on Facebook or visit his website to learn more!

CONTEST-- Win a Free Horror Block!

Horror Block is the coolest pop-culture mystery subscription box in the world, and in November, they included my book, Rabbit in Red. It's been awesome already connecting with so many new readers, and I'm honored to receive your messages and thrilled you've enjoyed the read.

What I didn't know is that Horror Block had planned on sending me a free box this month. I already subscribe, so I actually received two boxes.

That gave me an idea-- CONTEST TIME! I will give away a complete November 2016 Horror Block box to one person in the United States (just to save on shipping costs, sorry, international friends). 

First, take a look at what you will win:

This is over $60 worth of goodies including: an adult large ugly Christmas sweater Cthulu design on a t-shirt, a Krampus Christmas ornament, an awesome Gremlins Christmas snow globe, Freddy vs Jason cookie cutters, and my book, Rabbit in Red with the Horror Block exclusive cover. Plus, you get a copy of Rue Morgue magazine, too. That's six awesome items! FOR FREE!

HOW TO WIN

I'm looking for people to post a review of the second book in the Rabbit in Red series, BURN THE RABBIT. You'll post a quick review on Amazon or Goodreads, then share it on social media and tag me, and you're entered! That's all it takes.

You don't have to write a book report, friends. Just write a couple of lines about what you enjoyed (assuming you enjoyed it, I hope!). Short, simple reviews are perfectly fine!

Haven't read it? Get a copy online or order the paperback now! Or swing by your favorite bookstore and ask them for it. The app, Tapas, has copies, too.

So, let me get more detailed and break it down for you. Follow these steps by the Wed, Dec 14 to be entered to win this amazing Horror Block!

1. WRITE a review of Burn the Rabbit on Amazon or Goodreads. Yes, you get TWO entries if you post your review on both platforms! If you've already posted a review, you can still be entered to win. Just skip to step 2!

(Note: To write a review on Goodreads, you need to view "desktop mode) or access it from a computer.)

2. SHARE your review online or at least make a PUBLIC status about the book and tag my Facebook page, Joe Chianakas, or my Twitter account. This is how I'll be notified that you posted a review!

3. You have from today (Tues, Dec 6) until Wed, Dec 14-- a full week to do this! I'll get the Horror Block in the mail on Thursday, Dec 15 in hopes that you get it by Christmas! WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE THURSDAY, DEC 15 in  the morning on my way to the post office!

GOOD LUCK!!!

LINK TO BURN THE RABBIT ON AMAZON

LINK TO BURN THE RABBIT ON GOODREADS

My FACEBOOK PAGE-- be sure to LIKE this and TAG me when you share your review

My TWITTER handle-- in case you prefer Twitter, just tag me when you share your review

Fantasy Lovers, Welcome to Everly

Fantasy Lovers: Here’s a book for you!

I’d like to introduce you to Everly, the first book in a brand new series by author Meg Bonney.

I met Meg online about a year ago. She’s a pop culture blogger, primarily for the entertainment site Pure Fandom. Some of her work has been featured on Entertainment Weekly’s page! If you enjoy popular shows like Supernatural, This is Us, The Gilmore Girls, and more, then I’d encourage you to follow her on Facebook, here.

Pictured above: Author Meg Bonney

When her book Everly was released, I purchased a paperback.

So, what’s it about? Here’s the back-of-the-book blurb:

Madison Rosewood is about to graduate and head off toward a big, bright future that any kid would kill for: a full ride on a track scholarship, the world's greatest best friend, and an aunt that has always provided for her. The problem? Madison just wants to find her birth parents, even if it costs her all of the above. 

When her Aunt Ruth is kidnapped, all of Madison's plans are put on hold. Guided by a mysterious stranger, Madison and her best friend follow Aunt Ruth's kidnappers through a portal into a hidden world called Everly. Traveling through fairy-lit caverns and towering oak forests, Madison quickly realizes that behind Everly's beauty is a world filled with treacherous magic, violent encounters, and shocking truths about her family.

There, armed only with an enchanted sword and a sharp tongue, she battles her way past deceptive witches and bounty hunters to attempt a dangerous rescue that changes both her and Everly's future forever.

I enjoyed the read, and if you like fantasy novels with strong female protagonists, then this is a book for you.

Madison “Mad Dash” Rosewood can’t wait to get out of high school. She may have broken records in track and field, but she doesn’t have any interest left in the sport. Something strange happens to Madison at the end of her senior year, and she finds out there’s a lot more to her past than she had known. She’s anxious to find her birth parents, but then she’s told they’ve passed away. That’s not quite the truth, though, either. In another world, one may be a powerful king and another a strong witch. There’s another dimension Madison discovers called Everly, where Magics as they’re called (people with special powers) have been imprisoned and are going to be executed by . . . well, you’ll see! It’s up to Madison with her new companion Ren and her best friend from our world Jason to stop them.

Madison is a humorous character, full of wit. Even with battle approaching, she can fire off fun one-liners and see the irony and humor in her life. There are twists and turns throughout the tale—are her friends and family truly on her side or has someone betrayed her? Not everything is at seems. Themes of loyalty, friendship, family, and betrayal are strong throughout the book. 

In each chapter, you’ll feel right by Madison’s side. The writing has a strong pace and good description. It turns out, without spoiling the end of the story, that there’s more to Madison’s destiny, of course. She prepares to deal with significantly stronger responsibilities—and tragedies, too.

If I had to make comparisons, I’d say the story starts out a bit like a teenage Bridge to Terabithia or Stranger Things—young, conflicted characters find another world, an alternate dimension. From there, it takes a Star Wars kind of motif, where the reader experiences not just a physical journey but a journey of self-discovery, too. Who is Madison (and the other characters), really? Who are her parents? What is her destiny?

Those questions keep the reader engaged throughout Bonney’s debut novel and what is sure to be a strong fantasy series. I look forward to the next installment, and I encourage you fantasy-lovers to give this one a chance!

Pick up a copy on Amazon, today!

About me:

Joe Chianakas is the author of the novel Rabbit in Red and is a professor of communication at Illinois Central College. Follow him on Facebook here. 

Four Phoenixes Books

Four Phoenixes Publishing is proud to announce our holiday specials for our authors’ books. If you have a book-lover in your life, consider giving them one of these great selections.

CAT MOON by Jennifer L. Gadd

Emma has big problems. She has no family and no home. She wanders the streets of The Warren, scavenging for her next meal and trying to keep warm. Haunted by the memory of a mother she barely recalls, Emma dreams of being a part of a real family. She is helped in her search for belonging by an assortment of eccentric characters: a friendly shopkeeper and his cranky uncle, the nice woman who runs the local mission, a ditzy cat lady, and a good-natured prostitute with a drinking problem.

Her biggest obstacle, however, is that every full moon, she turns into a feral cat! Emma is one of the Were. She and those like her are ruthlessly hunted by the captain of the Were-Guard, whose religious zealotry makes him especially dangerous. When the sinister Bram Fitzwilliam enters the picture to assist the Guard, Emma is in more danger than ever. Before she finds what she’s looking for, Emma must find a strength and courage she never knew she had. Her journey will teach her that dreams don’t always come true the way you want them to, that people aren’t always what they seem, and that real families can be chosen.

https://www.amazon.com/Cat-Moon-Were-Children-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01AK30A42

FINN AND THE BOYS by Jennifer L. Gadd

Irish hero Finn McCool was once just a little boy. He wants to play with the boys, but they won't let him. This All-By-Myself! story from Irish mythology tells how he solves his problem.

https://www.amazon.com/Finn-Boys-Hero-1/dp/0692654895

THE NEWFOUNDLAND VAMPIRE by Charles O’Keefe

Summary:

Like many geeks, Joseph O’Reily has always fantasized about being a vampire.

Then one night Cassandra Snow walks into his life and he learns that not all dreams should come true. Cassandra has plans for him – plans for eternity.

As his world begins to turn upside down, Josephs wrestles with the changes to his everyday life. Eternal youth and amazing power come at a price that might be higher than he can afford. Vampires may not be human, but Joseph is determined to hold on to what he values most—his humanity.

Links:

Amazon Kindle

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AR1I508

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Newfoundland-Vampire-Charles-OKeefe/dp/1935563858/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454182907&sr=8-1&keywords=the+newfoundland+vampire

Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-newfoundland-vampire-charles-okeefe/1110119488?ean=2940152591415

Ebay

http://www.ebay.ca/usr/p45crok

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6151429.Charles_O_Keefe

THE KNIGHT OF CUPS by Kevin Wright

Summary:

While investigating a gangland murder, Chicago Police Detective Tom Chapel discovers that the world is darker than he'd ever dreamed possible -- a world where evil is very real, where creatures like vampires gather in dark alleyways, and where the most dangerous predator isn't always what you'd think. Are Chapel's experience and skills as a cop up to the task, or are they a liability? And just who is Pieter Durant? There are things hunting in the night that even the monsters fear...

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Knight-Cups-Danse-Book/dp/1519233167

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Knight-Cups-Danse-Book-ebook/dp/B0140354GW

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-knight-of-cups-kevin-wright/1123036530

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28079743-the-knight-of-cups

Follow the author on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.wright.author

Check out KevinWrightBooks.com for more information!

RABBIT IN RED by Joe Chianakas

Summary:

Bill Wise has blood in his past, so he turns to horror films to wipe it clean. Jaime Stein has felt the betrayal of death, so she too takes refuge in the on-screen deaths of others. Now Bill, Jaime, and seventeen other horror-loving teens have gathered at Rabbit in Red Studios, the brainchild of eccentric horror producer Jay “JB” Bell, for the terror-filled, blood-drenched contest of their lives.

JB has presented this competition as a race between the best of the best that will reward the winners with cash, internships, and a career making the movies they love. But things aren’t always as they seem at Rabbit in Red, and soon life starts to imitate art. Will Bill and Jaime be strong enough to confront real horror to save their friends, or will they all fall victim to JB’s twisted plans?

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01LZVTG5G/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rabbit-in-red-joe-chianakas/1122718155

iTunes audio: https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/rabbit-in-red-unabridged/id1152663904

Tapas: https://tapastic.com/series/rabbitinred

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FrightFest4D

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28762848-rabbit-in-red

Follow the author on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chianakas

Roasting Marshmallows on the Manifold

Last weekend, I picked up a book from Peoria author Linda Lowery called Roasting Marshmallows on the Manifold.



The book is a collection of short stories about cars and life. It's a memoir of sorts, with snapshots from the author's childhood, teen years, and adult life, all centered around stories about vehicles. There are stories about a car that almost killed her, a car that wouldn't die, and the adventures of getting one's driver's license (that was my personal favorite). At the end of the book, Lowery lists "Car Truisms & Family Car Quotes," a humorous and insightful addition. Example: "Never mention buying a new car in front of an old car. It will die quicker, just for spite."

I enjoyed this collection because the stories made me laugh, and the stories took me back to my childhood, too. Especially if you grew up in Peoria, you'll enjoy the references to Central Illinois culture, from Farmington Road to I-74 and, of course, Caterpillar.

Reading Lowery's tales, I pictured myself as a boy in the backseat of my parent's car and all the adventures we had. Mom and Dad loved to take rides at night, and they'd always bring me along. We'd drive over the I-74 bridge and enjoy the skyline of downtown Peoria. I remember the old drawbridge where the Bob Michel bridge is now. The drawbridge always scared me as a kid.

We'd listen to all sorts of music on the radio, from the Beach Boys to Madonna. Eventually, I got my own Walkman and listened to the music I preferred, but I'd stare out the window on these rides. Sometimes my parents would drive for hours. There was something about the open road they enjoyed.

Eventually, my father passed, and Mom lived with my grandmother. Mom battled cancer, but she took Grandma on nightly rides every night that she could up until the terrible disease took her.

This book will bring all of your car memories back to life. It's a fun, sweet read by a talented author, and I encourage you to check it out. Although I may never want to ride in a car with Lowery if she's driving after having read these tales, I'd definitely read more of her writing.

For more about the author, like her Facebook page here or visit her webpage, www.storiesbylinda.com.



Her other books include Murder in the Library and Stories in Sepia, and you can find all of her titles on Amazon.





Enjoy!

About me:

Joe Chianakas is the author of the novel Rabbit in Red and is a professor of communication at Illinois Central College. Follow him on Facebook here. 

Capture November's Horror Block!

The month has finally arrived, November of 2016. For this author, this is the month I've been waiting for since June of 2014.

It's time for Horror Block.

And it's a big deal. 

EDIT: See my WMBD TV interview HERE! We break the news that I'm the first United States author to have a book featured in the block!

So what am I even talking about?

First, if you don't know, Horror Block is the hottest pop culture horror box in the world. For $19.99, you get a ton of swag delivered to your doorstep. It's a mystery, too, so you never know exactly what you're going to get. Every month comes with an exclusive t-shirt and fun items that never disappoint. Here are some of my favorites, from pillow cases to art to Funko to autographs to movies to just really unique, collectible items.

And in the November 2016 Horror Block, subscribers will receive Rabbit in Red!

And why am I excited? Well, the dream I had since I started writing Rabbit in Red was that it would be cool enough to be included in Horror Block. I made a reference to Horror Block in chapter one. When I was first offered a contract deal for my series (Feb 2015), I talked to the publisher on the phone and asked her if she thought this would be possible. She chuckled, but-- perhaps to humor me-- said "anything's possible." In the summer of 2015, I tweeted Horror Block and told them about my book. I kept that up for about a year, and-- in the meantime-- did everything I could to promote the book and make it successful.

In the summer of 2016, I received a beautiful message: "We read your book, we loved it, and we're going to need a quote on 14,000-16,000 paperbacks. We want to send your book to all of our subscribers."

Now, I'm spoiling the fact that you get my book, but there will be 4-6 other items in the box. I don't know what those are, but we've been given a preview. Here's what I know.

Horror Block posted the above image on their Facebook page. Could one of those be a hint about Rabbit in Red? In my book, the characters have to reenact the Freddy vs Jason fight as part of a horror competition, and the main character's favorite Christmas movie is Gremlins. I'm guessing we'll get something else from each of those movies, and they've just tied my book in nicely with this month's theme.

In the October 2016 box, they sent this preview:

I'm really excited to see what else will be included in the block with Rabbit in Red!

And, for me of course, it's just a huge accomplishment and honor to be included.

I've been steadfast that there's nothing traditional about publishing anymore. It took a lot of outside-the-box-thinking to be included in the box.

And, of course, I really hope this helps everyone who has helped me. Sure, I want to be as successful as possible, but the ultimate goal has always been to help others. I want to open doors so that I can push some other talented folk through those same doors. That's my dream.

I proposed to Horror Block that we use a new cover. Although we could have used the original, they love their exclusives, so we're using the art from Camron Johnson Illustrations to send a new version of the book to thousands around the world.

I added a couple of promotional pages for the teams that have helped me, including Terribly Happy (who created the awesome song "Enter the Rabbit" for the book), Apartment Two (who took some kick-ass pictures of me for book two's promotion), and Fitz of Horror (who voiced the audio of Rabbit in Red but has been a great friend and constant promoter, sharing the book to his near 100,000 Facebook fans).

It's the collaboration, you see, that I hope not just helps me, but helps all of them, too. And, of course, there's my team at Four Phoenixes Publishing. My hope is that 16,000 plus horror fans will need to know what else and who else publishes with this great team.

I don't know what's next, but it's exciting. I simply thank all of you-- readers and friends-- for supporting me and my relentless pursuit of my dreams, even through lots of rabbit holes.

Now, be sure you subscribe to Horror Block this month. There's a countdown to when subscriptions close on their website. At the time of this post, you have 19 days or until they sell out. Don't hesitate-- order yours now! When you get it in the mail, take a picture and tag me on Facebook.

And if you absolutely can't wait, here's where else you can get the book and connect with me.

Available at Barnes and Noble, online retailers like Amazon, or request a copy from your favorite, local bookstore or library.

You can read it on the app, Tapas!

You can get a signed copy from our Etsy shop.

The audio book is available for those who prefer to listen! Get it on Amazon, Audible, or iTunes!

Follow the author on Facebook or Twitter.

The second book in the series, Burn the Rabbit, is available now, too.

Get Rabbit in Red, the book voted FAVORITE HORROR BOOK OF 2016, today!

31 of 31 Days of Halloween!

Well, we made it to the last day. I can't believe I actually was able to post 31 entries. It may not seem like much, but it took a lot of time to get all of these posts online. I can't imagine how my friend Bryan at Fitz of Horror, the hottest horror movie page on Facebook, was able to post one movie every single hour this month. Fun, but crazy!

Before I post my final selections, I want to thank Deb at our Peoria Barnes & Noble for the idea. She's doing this 31 Days of Halloween posts, too, so give that page a follow.

If you go to our local B&N, you'll see my horror book, Rabbit in Red, in the staff recommended section. How cool!



My book references dozens of horror films in a Willy Wonka style adventure. That's why I'm doing this blog.

So, what do I do on Halloween?

First, I give out candy. Have to! Unless you're at a big Halloween party (and even then, you can just go to the party later), I think you HAVE to give out candy. I love it. I'll be dressed as Michael Myers to scare all the children. Hopefully not to many parents complain. But they'll get some great candy in return, and yes, the house is totally decked out in a way that I hope JB from my story would appreciate.

I'd give you the address and invite you over, but that's probably a little creepy. If you're a friend and you know where I live, though, then come on over.

Okay, THE Halloween picks:



This shouldn't surprise you. The first is the best, the best of all the Halloween movies-- in the franchise and literally all of Halloween. Watch it closely, and you'll know that it's from this movie that the title of my book series comes . . . when you see it, take a screenshot and post it on my Facebook page!

Plenty has been said about it, but I'll sum up why I love it in one paragraph:

It's the first horror movie I watched with my Mom. When we first see Michael Myers, he's a little boy, and he murdered his sister. When we see him again later, he's a stalker after Laurie Strode. We haven't learned why. The reason comes later. He's also not exactly supernatural, as far as we can tell. That comes later, too. It's a simple story on Halloween night. A madman after a teenage girl. It's a classic, and it has plenty of scares (the white mask appearing from the dark? The closet scene?). A perfect movie.

My second pick would be:



I was lucky to be able to watch horror as a child, and Halloween was the ultimate movie then. As a teen, it was Scream. Sure, I love the slashers-- I grew up on them! And Wes Craven did something great with this series-- he paid tribute to the slashers, he made fun of them, and he created an original story (with scares, heart, and humor) all at once. It's a perfect combination, and I will ALWAYS love this movie. My perfect Halloween night includes both of these-- my favorite scary movie as a kid and my favorite scary movie as a teen.


The Magnificent Movie Emporium pick (join the movie group by clicking the link if you enjoy discussing your favorite movies!):

My friend Dave runs that group, and he's been awesome to provide me with an extra movie to include for each day. I like variety, of course. So what's Dave's movie pick today?



Why? I'll leave that up to Dave to tell you. Hop on over to the Magnificent Movie Emporium, join the group, and say Happy Halloween.

I truly wish you all a happy Halloween. I hope you've had fun with my blog, whether you've read every single one or if this is your first.

I do hope you'll give my book series a try, too. A lot-- A LOT-- of cool things are happening with it. We were voted #1 best horror book of 2016. The first book is being included in November's Horror Block and is shipping to some 15-16,000 people! (You should subscribe NOW at horrorblock.com)

I just hope to make my mark on the horror genre, too. It's one I love so much, and I want to be a part of that.

Thanks for following me.

Get Rabbit in Red, the book voted FAVORITE HORROR BOOK OF 2016, today!

Available at Barnes and Noble, online retailers like Amazon, or request a copy from your favorite, local bookstore or library.

You can read it on the app, Tapas!

You can get a signed copy from our Etsy shop.

The audio book is available for those who prefer to listen! Get it on Amazon, Audible, or iTunes!

Follow the author on Facebook or Twitter.

The second book in the series, Burn the Rabbit, is available now, too.

Enjoy!