05 Jan A Few Notes – January 2025
I wanted to touch base in the new year to discuss a few things, some of them book related and others, not so much. As always, I appreciate any attention to my nonsense.
New Book – I have a new novel coming out this year. “Come Knocking”, a novel where I had to do research about FOUR different types of head wounds, comes out this summer, July 1 to be specific. It’s a second “Adam Jakes Investigation” meaning it’s in the style and the world of my first novel, FantasticLand, though not directly related to that book. My agent called it a “cousin”. Either way, it’s in an epistolary style, I wrote it in a little under two months and it took me to some pretty dark places.
Here’s the summary: When Come Knocking came to Los Angeles, the interactive theater production that took over six floors of an abandoned building was met with raves, lines for tickets, and reviews calling it the “must-see experience of a generation”. After dozens of people were killed and hundreds injured during one bloody night of chaos during the show’s run, the nation was captured by one inescapable question: How could this happen?
As the dust settles, investigative reporter Adam Jakes is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the massacre. Through a series of gripping interviews with survivors, cast members, and witnesses, Jakes pieces together the chilling reality behind what was supposed to be the ultimate theatrical experience.
Editing just recently wrapped up so if you’re the type who does Early Review Copies, please hit me up at . I’m proud of “Come Knocking” and would love to get it out there.
Re-Released Book – My third novel, “Killing It” is getting re-release in April through Datura Press. If you missed it the first time around or if it seems appealing to you at all, I’d encourage you to check it out. The audiobook, which you can get now, is read by Joe Hempel (who does a great job) and the rerelease will have a paperback option, which is new.
The re-release is due to the original publisher closing down, but the fine folks at Datura have been wonderful with this re-release. I like that book and am glad it’s getting back out there.
FantasticLand News – I get a few questions on occasion about the status of my first novel, FantasticLand, getting adapted into a filmed property. My last update on that was a while ago and there’s a reason for that – there’s no news that I am able to report. The book is currently optioned and I live in hope of hearing something soon. It’s been more than 5 years since the book was first optioned. The group that has it now has been wonderful to work with and as soon as there’s something to say, I will say so loudly.
What I’m Reading – I just finished “Fever House” by Keith Rosson and really liked it. Think X-Files and The Sopranos get caught in a zombie story rooted in Christian mythology. I’m not selling it very well but it’s awesome. I’m currently in the middle of “Episode 13” by Craig DiLouie (also worth reading), I just started “The Haar” by David Sodergren (too early to tell but I’m digging it so far) and I’m burning through “Believe” by Jeremy Egner on audiobook. “Believe” is about the TV show Ted Lasso and not a horror book but I’m not made of stone.
A Quick Story – Two months ago or so I did a signing at a local Barnes and Noble here in Nebraska where I live and I got to witness something that has made me smile every time I think of it. I sat next to another local horror author named M.W. Nissen who has a series of books called “Defacer” (think supernatural Dexter). We got to talking and I can confidently say he’s a cool guy with a cool book.
About midway through the signing he had a fan come up. But it wasn’t just a “fan” but someone who had read his book, thought a lot about his book and loved his book. I got to watch a guy go from talking to a bunch of strangers who may or may not be on his wavelength to engaging with someone who was EXACTLY on his wavelength.
Writing is often solitary (though many people are involved, ultimately) so the look on Mr. Nissen’s face when confronted with someone who loved the world he created just brought the joy. I hope you know that as readers, you have the power to bring that joy. I’ve always encouraged reaching out to authors and artists you love, but that goes double for smaller artists who may or may not ever get that moment of connection. So, long story short, if you really connect with something, reach out.
I’m looking to be more of a presence on my own website and socials, so thank you for following and reading. It means so much to me.
-Mike
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