Big News and Big Thanks

I’ve hinted a few times about something that’s been taking up all my free time and energy, and it’s finally at the point where I can announce it.

My new novel, The Hoard, will be published in November by DarkFuse, a publishing company owned by Shane Staley, which counts among its imprints the legendary (almost) last man standing of the 20^th century horror scene, Delirium Books. My editor is Greg Gifune, and it’s been awesome working with him.

So that’s the big news. The big thank you goes out to all the readers who included my work in their best of 2011 lists. This huge opportunity wouldn’t have presented itself if not for you, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am.

I had always hoped to attract the attention of a horror publisher. I never could have dreamed of getting the notice of the one I did. Especially not with my sales. I really couldn’t attract anyone’s attention with my sales.

But Greg told me that at the time when he was looking for some newer authors to fill out his 2012/2013 lineup, he kept seeing Burden Kansas popping up in year’s end lists, and wondered who the hell I was. He read it and in mid-January contacted me about submitting something.

I tried not to get too excited, because, like most writers, I’m really, really accustomed to rejection. I’ve always dreamed of something like this, but, again like most writers, at least those who’ve lasted through over a decade of mostly rejection, I’ve had to keep my focus on the process and the small steps.

But I feel I’ve just taken a huge leap towards really making this a career, and it’s kind of awesome knowing who I have to thank for it.

So thank you. For real.