Will I read your book?

It's flattering, as an author, to be asked if I will read your book or a sample of your writing. I'm lucky in my career to now have been asked that question so many times that it prompted this post.

I wanted to write something that would gently and politely explain my answer:

No, I'm sorry, I can't.

I know that's not what you wanted to read. Consider the publishing date of this blog: May 28, 2017. If you asked me after that date, you know for sure it isn't personal. This post had already been published.

But I don't want to simply say no. First, I want to provide some help-- some alternatives for you. Then, if you care, I want to explain why my answer is no. Because I do value you as a reader or friend.

So, you're looking for advice on getting published or someone to edit or critique your work? Okay, here's what I did. I never went to a published author for help.

1. I sought out friends who were readers. I asked them, because they're my friends, if they would read my work and provide honest feedback. What do you like? What don't you like? What's not working? Take the gloves off, and give me your best.

2. I took creative writing classes all throughout college. If you've never taken a class, consider searching for creative writing classes at your local community college or workshops offered through your library. Call the colleges and libraries and ask if they do this. If they don't offer such programs, ask how you can get one started. Maybe you can organize a group of writers who want to read and critique one another's work.

3. Hire an editor. Do your homework, get references, make sure they are legit-- not someone to proofread, but someone who will critique your story. Lots of people offer services for really cheap. Do some Googling, and take a risk.

From there, repeat the cycle as often as needed: friends who read, workshops/classes to help, and professional editors. Query agents and independent publishers. Repeat until you find an offer you like.

That's what I did.

Okay, so back to: Why is Joe a jerk who won't read my work?

Lots of reasons. and I don't want to be a jerk, so that's why I'm taking time to explain it all here.

1. First, I LOVE reading, just like you. I go to the bookstore, buy two books, read one, go back and buy two more. I have so many wonderful books that I still want to read that I barely have time to get through.

2. I'm not a full-time writer. I'm a full-time professor who works 40+ hours a week, has papers to grade, and already fights hard to find time to do my own writing. I long for the weekends-- where I put in hours and hours of work on my writing. I LOVE writing, and this is when I have to do my work. It's just the way life is, so I really don't have time to do more.

3. Are you already published? Fantastic. I'm more likely to read that-- but it may be MONTHS before I get to it. And yes, if I read it and enjoy it, I will post a nice review. Send me the link to your book. If it looks interesting to me, I'll add it to my wish list.

4. But you're not published and want help? I'm a reader and a writer, not an editor. That's a totally different talent, my friend. I'm simply afraid there is no magical piece of advice that will help. You have to work hard (see the first three steps in the previous section).

5. I actually do offer monthly writing workshops if you live in Central IL. This is my way of giving back-- trying to teach others what I learned that helped me. Please look at ICC's Adult Community Program writing workshops and sign up. Lots of people have asked for my help, but then don't take my workshops. The only reason I offer the workshops is to help others, and it's the best way to manage my time while giving back to the community.

6. Don't live near me? Ask your local library if they'd invite me to be a guest speaker. I'm happy to host talks, workshops, and events-- if it's out-of-town, all I ask is that they cover my travelling expenses. Your local library (or any organization) can learn more about me at www.joechianakas.com and contact me at joechianakas@gmail.com.

So, those are my reasons in nut shell. I do wish you the best of luck. It's a hard business-- but if you love it and never give up, you'll make it.

Thank you for asking, and thank you for reading.

- Joe

About the author:

Joe Chianakas is the author of Rabbit in Red, a horror trilogy. Rabbit in Red won best horror book of 2016. It was picked up by Horror Block and sent to thousands around the world. The second book, Burn the Rabbit, hit #1 on Amazon’s hot new horror releases and is available now. The trilogy concludes this fall with Bury the Rabbit. Follow Joe on Facebook or visit his webpage here. 

SpearCraft Book Box Review

I'm a huge fan of subscription boxes. I love getting gifts and surprises in the mail every month. I'm a big horror nerd, so of course I subscribe to Horror Block. I recently added Bark Box for my puppy. I've tried lots of others-- Loot Crate, Geek Fuel, and more. I enjoy them all.

Recently, I ordered my first book subscription box. Like other boxes often do, this one announced a theme but the contents of the box are a surprise. You get a book selected by the company that fits the theme with other related gifts.

My first book subscription that I ordered was SpearCraft Book Box.

View when first opening the box: Everything is packed neatly and to make the surprise even better!

The theme was "Cloak and Dagger"-- so we're promised a mystery/spies/detective kind of story. Every book is YA themed, too. And personally-- I don't care if I'm a 38 year old dude, YA tales are fun and for all ages. So whether you're a teen, have a teenage kid, or just enjoy stories with teen characters, you can get into this.

Subscriptions are $29.99 plus shipping. There are options to do just one box, gift a box, or even get a box with just the extra gifts without the book,. SO, the questions are: How was the box? Was it worth the price? Will I keep subscribing?

Here's what was included:

Sherlock inspired ribbon bookmark with magnifying glass. How fun!

Signed print by author Lannie Sheridan

Sherlock Holmes inspired necklace 

Bookstagram confetti from Pretty Little Liars

Harry Potter origami magnets!

Sherlock Magnet Bookmark (my puppy thought it was her toy, so excuse the teeth marks)

The Book!

The book was buried last under all of the above gifts (and even more I haven't mentioned yet!). It's a brand new, hardcover release called The Love Interest. It's about teens who were taken from their homes as infants and raised/trained to be spies. But the cool twist is this: The teen spies are used only to get someone important to fall in love with them so they can report back to their agency with valuable information. The agency classifies spies as either NICE or BAD, and they send one Nice and one Bad to compete for the girl's love interest. (There's a really cool section about why they don't just send one-- giving the person a choice is more effective). So, two bad ass male spies have to win over a super important girl, and guess what happens to the won who loses?

He's killed.

Sounds fun. Oh, and want one more twist that I THINK is coming? Well, Cale Dietrich, the author, included a letter and a signed card with the book. The letter makes me think that the two male spies actually fall for each other-- or at least one of them isn't really into girls at all. So we've got a whole lot of interesting twists coming.

I'm 60 pages in, and I enjoy the writing style, the unique plot, and the fast-paced nature of the book. It's a great choice by SpearCraft-- fun, fast, and fresh. 

Here's a list of everything that was included in May's box:

So, do you think that's worth $30? Hell yeah! The hardcover itself would cost you about $20 plus tax. Then all those unique gifts-- bookmarks, art, magnets, autographs. WOW. What I love most is that it's not stuff you'd find in a store. I love my Funkos and things like that, but to get handmade crafts that are truly unique greatly enhances the value of the box.

So, I'd say the box is 5 stars, 10/10, A+. Great job, SpearCraft.

Is it worth the price? No doubt about it.

Will I subscribe again? I already have. I'm excited for June's theme-- it's Mansions and Manors, inspired by Disney's Haunted Mansion. How fun!

For more about SpearCraft:

Visit them on the web at https://www.worldofspearcraft.com/

Like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram!

Bonnie Morgan Crawls into our Nightmares, an Interview

Actress Bonnie Morgan scares her way out of screens and into our hearts. Or perhaps into our nightmares.

Horror fans enjoy reminiscing about the first films and scenes that scared them. Maybe it was Pennywise peering through the street gutter, or the white face of Michael Myers appearing in the dark. In 2005, Bonnie Morgan scared a generation of fans as Samara chasing Naomi Watts’ character with her infamous “spider crawl” in The Ring Two.  Now, a decade later, Samara is back in Rings, and Bonnie Morgan plays the role in its entirety, bringing back the crawl that made the character epically frightening—no CGI required. Contortionism is one of Bonnie Morgan’s specialties.

“Buckle in for the ride. Samara is here to stay. She never sleeps. The first sequence will terrify you,” Bonnie told me. I had the honor of speaking directly to Bonnie to get the inside scoop on Rings, learn about other upcoming projects, and received some inspiring advice for making it in Hollywood.

“I’ve played many scary monsters, but Samara has been my favorite to create. I enjoy doing terrifying more than anything else. Samara is near and dear to my black little heart,” Bonnie states.

As a little girl, Bonnie loved to scare her sister and her sister’s friends. Bonnie would pop out from behind the couch and laugh as the other kids screamed in fright. They called her “Gollum” because of the way she could creep and crawl. Bonnie’s the daughter of third-generation circus performers and is also a trained stunt-actress. She’s deeply connected in the horror genre, too. Her father famously played the stunt-double to Cujo, and her aunt was Jason Vorhees’ first victim.

From scaring her sister to scaring the world, Bonnie delivers terrifying like no one else. In a Rings prank, the actress played Samara in a department store and crawled out of a television display to scare unknowing costumers—the video went viral and had over 200 million views in less than 24 hours. She’s also known for the possessed Rosa in The Devil Inside.  Every part of Rosa—vocals, spasms, twists and turns—is played by Morgan. It’s a great role to watch to see her diverse talent.

Her acting career started early—she was an Oscar Meyer Weiner kid and had roles in several favorite shows from the 90s, like Quantum Leap, Blossom, Step by Step, and Dr. Quinn.

But the turning point, Morgan told me, was her role as a Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. “It was that movie where I played and created innovative movement,” she says. The live-action movie with Jim Carrey as the Grinch and Ron Howard as the director got her noticed by lots of other Hollywood stars.

When you get the amazing opportunities that she’s had, Bonnie says, “Make yourself invaluable. Be ready. Train hard. Work hard. Find people to train with. Ask who they train with. Have a specialty. Pitch in and help out, and always do what makes you happy.” On the phone, Bonnie’s enthusiasm is as powerful as Samara is scary. Her love for her work and fans is genuine, and it’s easy to tell that she’s someone who goes above and beyond.

“It takes six and a half hours to get into Samara’s make-up,” she says. “I’m at the studio by 4:00 a.m. or earlier. In total, I wear 43 appliances.” Her legs, arms, neck, chest—every part is covered to bring Samara to life. She’s also hooked up to hoses because Samara is always weeping—she’s the girl in the well, after all. In addition to the 43 individual pieces and attached hoses, she’s covered in paint and gels. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it to make Samara genuinely terrifying.

Morgan’s evolution becoming Samara is now a legendary story. The director, Hideo Nakato, originally wanted to go with CG. The stunt coordinator, though, had a better idea and contacted Morgan. That’s when Morgan created the spider walk. “Real is always more scary.” The spider walk originated on her living room floor, and when the director saw Morgan’s work, she was hired to create the spider crawl for The Ring Two. Now, she not only plays Samara in Rings, but she’s also the inspiration behind possession movies using contortionists instead of CGI to create more realistic and haunting movements. As a contortionist, she also holds a title in the Guinness Book of World Records for staying in a two by two box for nearly three minutes with two others. And after so many stunts and rolls, there is one only thing that scares her: being buried alive.

Morgan’s skills landed her parts in a variety of successful Hollywood projects. She’s had roles in Minority Report with Tom Cruise, a hilarious part in Piranha 3D—remember the victim eaten alive through the inner-tube? That’s Bonnie Morgan. In Men in Black II, she became known as Jabba the Butt—she’s the one with a head-like appliance placed on her rear. The list goes on and on with stunts and roles in films like Hellboy II, Fright Night, and Peter Pan, and television roles on hits like Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, CSI, Criminal Minds, Castle, and more.

Morgan has a variety of new projects coming, too. In the spring, she’ll be on the small screen for Sundance’s Hap and Leonard, a “swamp noir,” she says. Among other things, “you have a gay black cowboy hunting down a murderer who is killing children,” Morgan says.

Additionally, Morgan is thrilled to have just joined a major sci-fi franchise overseas.  “I can’t tell you what it is yet, but it will be amazing.”

What’s Morgan’s favorite horror movies? If you don’t love her already, you will after her first response. “IT. I love Tim Curry. Also, Pet Semetery. That scared me because we had a pet cemetery near our house. I also love Killer Klowns from Outer Space, even if it’s not really scary.”

Rings opens in theaters February 3. Hap and Leonard season one is available now on Amazon, and season two premiers March 2 on Sundance TV.

Follow Bonnie on Facebook, Instagram, and be sure to check out her website and her IMDB page.

About the author:

Joe Chianakas is the author of Rabbit in Red, a horror trilogy. Rabbit in Red won best horror book of 2016. It was picked up by Horror Block and sent to thousands around the world. The second book, Burn the Rabbit, hit #1 on Amazon’s hot new horror releases and is available now. The trilogy concludes this fall with Bury the Rabbit. Follow Joe on Facebook or visit his webpage here. 

Readers will find a fun tribute to Samara in the book.

New Year Giveaways!

I promised that when Rabbit in Red received 100 ratings on Goodreads that we would do a giveaway as a thank you to all who have supported! Well, we're at 103 ratings as of today, so thank you! Every rating, add, and review helps reach new readers.

Well, I don't just want to do one contest. I want to do multiple contests! So, if you have fun with this and participate, I'll keep doing them (it's a great distraction from cold, gray winter skies, don't you think?).

Plus, I do have some new things coming your way to announce!

How many should we do? Hmmm . . . the number 666 is coming to mind. That's probably too many. Let's just start with just six.

Six contests, each with a different prize, each with a different but easy way to enter! I'll announce and update the blog as we go.

CONTEST NUMBER ONE

Win a $10 Amazon Gift Card! You can use this to buy anything on Amazon, not just my books!

How to win: Share the Amazon link of my book with a comment as to what you thought about it or why people should get it. Tag my Facebook page in your post so I see it (this is my Facebook page link or just use @Chianakas): 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AEAY0ME

For each share, you will be entered to win. BONUS ENTRY: Add a review of Rabbit in Red and/or Burn the Rabbit on Amazon. You do NOT have had to purchase the book on Amazon to post a review, so if you got it somewhere else, you can still review it on Amazon. Just be sure to let me know you added a review-- post a message or comment on my Facebook page. Everyone will be entered into a random drawing.

Contest begins now, 11:30 a.m. CST, January 12. Contest ends Sunday night, 11:59 p.m. Winner announced on Monday, January 18, and contest #2 will be revealed then!

CONTEST NUMBER TWO

Win a $25.00 gift card to Etsy! See the details here. 

MORE CONTESTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE. FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK or VISIT MY WEBSITE

Thanks for the support!

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