Monday, July 1, 2019

Use Camp NaNoWriMo to Get Your Writing Routine Back in Shape



Happy first day of camp, everyone!

July is here, and that means the month-long writing adventure that is Camp NaNoWriMo kicks off today. For those who aren’t familiar, Camp NaNoWriMo is a writing challenge that takes place in April and July, and spun out of the original National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, which is held each November. The Camp NaNo events are more flexible—you can set a smaller overall word count goal, and work on any type of writing project you choose (as opposed to just novels).

My NaNo Experience

The first time I participated in NaNoWriMo was almost twelve years ago. In November of 2007, I took up the challenge of writing 50,000 words in one month—and I actually did it. I wrote the draft of what would later become the first novel in my horror series. I didn’t return to NaNoWriMo again until a few years later, but have participated several times over the past decade, hitting my 50K goal in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015. I’ve also done the Camp NaNo events over a dozen times, setting various word count goals, eight of which I hit.

I fell short of my goals several times during NaNoWriMo and Camp NaNo events, but I always come out of them with a good chunk of words, and something even more important—a tuned-up writing routine.

Getting Back to Basics

The simple beauty of the NaNo events is they force you into the habit of writing every day. More importantly, you get into the habit of writing freely, as there is not time to polish every phrase, sentence or paragraph when you are trying to hit an ambitious word count. You must send you inner editor on a vacation for the month. It’s very difficult to get that editor out the door, but once they are gone, the words will flow like never before.

I cannot recommend the NaNo events enough for anyone who has to write regularly as part of their job. We all get in a rut with our writing at times—we lose focus, we pick up bad habits, we get overwhelmed with projects and deadlines—the list goes on. The NaNo events give you a chance to hit the reset button, and focus on the basics:

  • Establish a daily writing routine. Make the time and write the words.
  • Write freely. Draft first, edit later.


So, go sign up for Camp NaNoWriMo at campnanowrimo.org, and set whatever goal you want. You can also join a cabin and group up with other writers for moral support and lots of fun along the way! And the Camp NaNo events are a great way to dip your toe in the NaNo pool before diving in for the big event when November comes around.

I’ll be posting a few progress updates about my own 2019 Camp NaNo experience over the course of the month.

Happy writing!

Friday, June 28, 2019

It Came In the Mail: NIGHT OF THE CREEPS Deluxe Limited Edition

I am not really one for collector's editions, which is mostly because I do not have room in my dork cave for any more stuff. But I do make exceptions, and when I saw there was a Night of the Creeps Deluxe Limited Edition, I pre-ordered it faster than you can "Thrill me!"

Today, it arrived--and it's beautiful:


I'm a big fan of the original artwork, but this new slipcase with art from Devon Whitehead is just gorgeous. And of course, the two-disc set with both the theatrical and director's cut, as well as tons of extras is great. But let's be honest--the reason I bought this set is for that sweet, sweet NECA-designed Ray Cameron action figure. It comes complete with pistol, shotgun, and a couple of beers.
Lest anyone forget, Tom Atkins is one of my all-time favorite actors, and his character in Night of the Creeps is the inspiration for Detective Ray Atkins, a main character in the Woodsview Murders series that Jolene Haley and I write together. A couple of years ago, I got to meet Tom, and give him a proof copy of Harrowed, the first book in our series. Not only was Tom amazing in person, but he actually read the book and took the time to email me and let me know how much he enjoyed it.


So, this collector's edition holds a very special place in my heart, and now Ray will be watching over me as I work on the final chapter of the Woodsview Murders with Jolene.

Oh, and if you've never seen Night of the Creeps--get on that. A true classic.


Thursday, June 27, 2019

Power Chords Podcast: Track 41--Guns N Roses and Gygax



Opening Act: 
Dave Mustaine battling throat cancer
Dave Ellefson releasing new book and album in July (https://loudwire.com/megadeth-david-ellefson-new-song-hammer-comes-down/)
Steven Adler injury
Krokus farewell tour
New Fiction Syxx album out now
Matt’s Asia book coming soon

Ear Candy: 
Guns N’ Roses: Chinese Democracy (2008)
Gygax: High Fantasy (2019)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Comin Atcha Live:
Dio Returns
Asia

Bonus Track: Fiction Syxx--Monster in the Myst
From the new album Alternate Me, out now on Melodic Rock Records. You can find more info at www.melodicrock.com/articles/news-feed/2019/06/28/fiction-syxx-new-album-alternate-me-out-now.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can find more news, reviews, and discussion at powerchordspodcast.com. You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

Saturday, June 15, 2019

Power Chords Podcast: Track 40--Bon Jovi and The Brink



Opening Act: 
Zakk Sabbath to re-record Black Sabbath
New Saxon live album
Dio documentary
Bruce Dickinson book tour
Graham Bonnet performing Down to Earth

Ear Candy: 
Bon Jovi (1984)
The Brink--Nowhere to Run (2019)

Comin Atcha Live:
Last In Line

Rockversation: Andrew Freeman
Matt spoke with the Last in Line frontman at a recent show, as they toured in support of the new album, II.

Bonus Track: Save Goodbye 
Form The Brink’s new album NOWHERE TO RUN, out now on Frontiers Music SRL.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can find more news, reviews, and discussion at powerchordspodcast.com. You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

Sunday, June 9, 2019

Thrash It Out Vol 4, Track 12: "Under Lock and Key" by Dokken


In which Antony and I get rockin' with Dokken as we discuss their third studio album from 1985. You can listen to and download the episode here.

And if you want to join in the discussion, head over to our Facebook group here.

If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the show on Patreon.

Your homework for next episode is Ministry's PSALM 69.

Sunday, June 2, 2019

Power Chords Podcast: Track 39--Rammstein and Whitesnake



Opening Act: 
Winger to begin work on new album
Guns 'n' Roses to begin work on new album
20 highest selling albums of all time
The Royal Affair tour

Ear Candy: 
Whitesnake: Flash and Blood (2019)
Rammstein (2019)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Comin Atcha Live:
Slayer, Lamb of God, Amon Amarth, Cannibal Corpse 5/25 in Mansfield, MA

Rockversation: Eric Knutson 
Matt spoke with the lead singer of Flotsam and Jetsam at a recent show about the band’s history and the new album, The End of Chaos.

Bonus Track: Nay-Sayin’ Blues
The track from the Boston-based rock band is currently featured in a series of Fanatics ads. You can learn more about the band at www.badmarriagemusic.com.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can find more news, reviews, and discussion at powerchordspodcast.com. You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

Saturday, May 4, 2019

Thrash It Out Vol 4, Track 11: Backstage Pass #3 with Dan Summers



In which listener and Patreon supporter Dan Summers joins Antony and I to talk about his life in metal, and love of VIOLET by The Birthday Massacre.You can listen to and download the episode here.

And if you want to join in the discussion, head over to our Facebook group here.

If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the show on Patreon.

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Thrash It Out Vol 4, Track 10: "Chaos A.D." by Sepultura


In which Antony and I discuss the fifth studio album from the Brazilian metal legends. You can listen to and download the episode here.

And if you want to join in the discussion, head over to our Facebook group here.

If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the show on Patreon.

Your homework for next episode is Dokken's UNDER LOCK AND KEY.

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Power Chords Podcast: Track 38--LA Guns and Megadeth


Opening Act:
Ozzy postpones tour after fall
Def Leppard inducted into Rock ‘n’ Roll  Hall of Fame
Ghost announces fall tour (10/21 at DCU in Worcester)
Rammstein debuts new song Deutschland (https://youtu.be/NeQM1c-XCDc)
Asia tour details

Ear Candy:
L.A. Guns--The Devil You Know (2019)
Megadeth--Peace Sells (1986)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Music Matinee:
The Dirt

Rockversation: Phil Lewis
Matt spoke with the frontman of L.A. Guns about the band’s new new album The Devil You Know, which is out now! You can also catch L.A. Guns on tour right now.

Bonus Track: Jim Peterik & World Stage--Without a Bullet Being Fired
From the new album Winds of Change, our April 26th on Frontiers.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can find more news, reviews, and discussion at powerchordspodcast.com. You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Power Chords Podcast: Track 37--Tesla and Whitesnake



Opening Act:
Bon Jovi working on 14th album
Gene Simmons--Vinnie Vincent not joining KISS on ‘End of the Road World Tour’
Sebastian Bach’s new solo album
John Anderson open to YES reunion
Passing of Bernie Torme

Ear Candy:
Whitesnake--Slide it In (2019)
Tesla--Shock (2019)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Liner Notes:
Facebook comments on our Motley Crue/Dream Theater episode

Rockversation: James Christian
Matt recently spoke with the House of Lords singer at one of their shows. You can follow House of Lords on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HouseOfLordsB.

Bonus Track: Crucify by Steel Prophet
From the upcoming album THE GOD MACHINE, out April 26th on Rock of Angels Records.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can find more news, reviews, and discussion at powerchordspodcast.com. You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Power Chords Podcast: Track 36--Overkill and The End Machine


Opening Act:
Record Store Day Release Highlights
Keith Flint of The Prodigy passes
Whitesnake box set details
Guns and Sweet form Sunbomb

Ear Candy:
Overkill--The Wings of War (2019)
The End Machine (2019)-

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Top of the Pops:
Billboard Hot Mainstream rock Tracks for the week of 3/21/81

Rockversation: Chris Caffery
Matt spoke with the former Savatage and current TSO guitarist about his new band Spirits of Fire. The band’s self-titled album is out now on Frontiers Music SRL. You can keep up with Chris on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChrisCafferyMusic.

Bonus Track: Anthem--Immortal Bind
From the album Nucleus, which will release on March 29, 2019 on Nuclear Blast.


Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can find more news, reviews, and discussion at powerchordspodcast.com. You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

Monday, March 4, 2019

Book Review: THE CABIN AT THE END OF THE WORLD

I came across Paul Tremblay's The Cabin at the End of the World during a recent search for Lovecraftian horror that introduced me to The Fisherman from John Langan (which I loved). And while I would not personally categorize The Cabin at the End of the World as overly Lovecraftian, it definitely is an apocalyptic tale that provides constant tension punctuated by some truly horrific moments.

The Cabin at the End of the World starts out innocently enough, with a family vacation. A young girl named Wen and her fathers are enjoying a peaceful, lakeside cabin stay in New Hampshire. Until a stranger shows up. And then three more strangers follow.

I want to stay as spoiler-free as possible, and it's hard to talk about this story without spoiling it. So I'll draw on some movie references as I go. I just mentioned strangers, and at first, the story seems to be headed in the direction of The Strangers, or Funny Games. But the way Tremblay takes the horror fan's expectations or assumptions and shatters them is really great. And what follows is one of the most claustrophobic stories about the apocalypse that I've ever read.

Tremblay gets into the heads of each character in the story, giving them all a depth that makes you wonder who you should be rooting for. And the impossible choice that the main characters are faced with reminded me of the opening scene of 1983's War Games. Human emotion, human connection and how they affect logic and reason are really explored deeply. As for the Lovecraftian element of the book, it's perhaps best captured by a passage from Lovecraft's Call of Cthulhu:

"...some day the piecing together of dissociated knowledge will open up such terrifying vistas of reality, and of our frightful position therein, that we shall either go mad from the revelation or flee from the deadly light into the peace and safety of a new dark age."

The Cabin at the End of the World is one of those "read in one sitting" kind of stories. It's well worth your time, and it will leave you pondering it's central question for quite a while.

You can get The Cabin at the End of the World on Amazon here.

Sunday, March 3, 2019

Thrash It Out Vol 4, Track 9: "Battering Ram" by Saxon


In which Antony and I discuss the twenty-first studio album from the legendary Saxon. You can listen to and download the episode here.

And if you want to join in the discussion, head over to our Facebook group here.

If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the show on Patreon.

Your homework for next episode is Sepultura's CHAOS A.D.

Sunday, February 24, 2019

The Legendary Adrienne Barbeau Has a New Podcast!!!


This week news dropped about a new podcast coming from Shudder, hosted by horror legend Adrienne Barbeau! It's called She Kills, and the ten-episode season of the show will be released on March 1. You can get the show on iTunes and Shudder. Here's the blurb:

"Hosted by horror icon Adrienne Barbeau, She Kills explores horror through a female lens with conversations from women in front of and behind the camera – including Karyn Kusama, Dee Wallace, Jennifer Tilly, Illeana Douglas, Polyanna McIntosh and more."


I cannot overstate how excited I am for this show. I absolutely adore Adrienne Barbeau, and her iconic characters have inspired so many of my own. One example--Adrienne's role as Stevie Wayne in John Carpenter's The Fog was a partial inspiration for Avery's college radio gig in Haunted, the second book in our Woodsview Murders series.

I had the great pleasure of meeting Adrienne a couple years ago at CT HorrorFest (the same day I met Tom Atkins!), and she was wonderful. Here's a pic of us with the creature from the Creepshow story Adrienne was in called "The Crate." As a kid who grew up watching her on Maude, an then followed her transition to movies I was totally starstruck.


I am so excited to hear Adrienne share her experiences and perspectives with other female icons of horror. March 1st cannot get here fast enough!

And if you are reading this and have not seen a lot of of Adrienne Barbeau's films, here are five to get you started:
  1. The Fog (1980)
  2. Escape from New York (1981)
  3. Creepshow (1982)
  4. Swamp Thing (1982)
  5. Two Evil Eyes (1990) 

Sunday, February 10, 2019

Power Chords Podcast: Track 34--Weezer and Quiet Riot


Opening Act: 
Ozzy Hospitalized
Tesla Debuts New Song “Taste Like” https://youtu.be/GCxRVi6vEbA
Sammy Hagar and the Circle new album
New supergroup Spirits of Fire releasing debut on 2/22
Upcoming John Wetton box set

Ear Candy:
Weezer--The Teal Album (2019)
Quiet Riot--One Night in Milan (2019)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Comin Atcha Live:
Stryper 2/1 @ Mohegan Sun

Rockversation: Frankie Banali
Matt recently spoke with the legendary drummer of Quiet Riot about the band’s history, his time in W.A.S.P.,  the new Quiet Riot live album, and much more. You can get One Night in Milan now, and follow Quiet Riot online at www.facebook.com/quietriot.

Bonus Track: Last In Line--Landslide
From the upcoming album II, releasing February 22nd from Frontiers Music s.r.l.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can find more news, reviews, and discussion at powerchordspodcast.com. You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

Monday, January 28, 2019

Thrash It Out Vol 4, Track 8: LISTENER CHOICE: "Rude Awakening" by Prong


In which Antony and I discuss the Prong's fifth studio album from 1996. You can listen to and download the episode here. And if you want to join in the discussion, head over to our Facebook group here.

If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the show on Patreon.

Your homework for next episode is Saxon's BATTERING RAM.