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61
General / Re: Apocalyptic horror novel - DROP DEAD GORGEOUS - available now...
« on: March 20, 2009, 07:10:21 PM »
The US chain of bookstores, BORDERS, are creating PERMUTED PRESS endcap displays - featuring DROP DEAD GORGEOUS:
Here's one in Kansas:
... and here's one in their New Jersey store:
Here's one in Kansas:
... and here's one in their New Jersey store:
62
General / Re: Apocalyptic horror novel - DROP DEAD GORGEOUS - available now...
« on: January 23, 2009, 01:12:24 PM »
BIG thanks to Elvis for his review of DDG over at HORRORBOUND online:
Drop Dead Gorgeous is a stand out book.
The world ends and everyone drops dead. Only a handful of survivors remain scattered across the globe. However, we are only concerned about what happens in Ireland; specifically, in and around Belfast.
This is an extremely pleasant change. In a genre dominated by the American landscape and the New York skyline in particular, it was awesome being transported to another place. The change was refreshing and the fact that I didn’t have to read invented words to simulate accents was an added bonus.
The author delves into the human condition almost to a fault. The story rolls along oblivious to the fact that it is supposed to be a zombie novel. After a while, you forget about the zombies as you are completely immersed in the trials and tribulations of the characters. Why not? Isn't the majority of the population dropping dead in the blink of an eye bad enough? Do these characters really need to worry about zombies as well? In a word: Yes! Bring it on! We want to see people get eaten.
And the author does not let us down.
More people die. Painful and bloody. As it should be.
The Good: Flawed characters. Everyone in the book is a fucking mess. Something that I can’t get enough of.
The Bad: The one thing that was hard to shake for me, because it seems like such a natural, instinctual thing to do, was when none of the characters went home first. People survived. I would definitely want to see if anyone in my family survived as well, even some close friends. None of the characters seemed to consider this. I found it unnatural.
The Paradox: I love zombie books, however, this book could have been written as a non-zombie apocalypse book. The mass extinction of humanity made for an interesting disaster all on its own.
The book was extremely enjoyable. If anyone is looking for a zombie story that branches away from the standard zombie formula, this book is definitely for you.
Read it in full at:
http://www.horrorbound.com/readarticle.php?article_id=59
Drop Dead Gorgeous is a stand out book.
The world ends and everyone drops dead. Only a handful of survivors remain scattered across the globe. However, we are only concerned about what happens in Ireland; specifically, in and around Belfast.
This is an extremely pleasant change. In a genre dominated by the American landscape and the New York skyline in particular, it was awesome being transported to another place. The change was refreshing and the fact that I didn’t have to read invented words to simulate accents was an added bonus.
The author delves into the human condition almost to a fault. The story rolls along oblivious to the fact that it is supposed to be a zombie novel. After a while, you forget about the zombies as you are completely immersed in the trials and tribulations of the characters. Why not? Isn't the majority of the population dropping dead in the blink of an eye bad enough? Do these characters really need to worry about zombies as well? In a word: Yes! Bring it on! We want to see people get eaten.
And the author does not let us down.
More people die. Painful and bloody. As it should be.
The Good: Flawed characters. Everyone in the book is a fucking mess. Something that I can’t get enough of.
The Bad: The one thing that was hard to shake for me, because it seems like such a natural, instinctual thing to do, was when none of the characters went home first. People survived. I would definitely want to see if anyone in my family survived as well, even some close friends. None of the characters seemed to consider this. I found it unnatural.
The Paradox: I love zombie books, however, this book could have been written as a non-zombie apocalypse book. The mass extinction of humanity made for an interesting disaster all on its own.
The book was extremely enjoyable. If anyone is looking for a zombie story that branches away from the standard zombie formula, this book is definitely for you.
Read it in full at:
http://www.horrorbound.com/readarticle.php?article_id=59
63
General / Re: Another "Holy Shit" Woot.
« on: January 21, 2009, 02:41:26 PM »
Do they sell women? OR Britney Spears?
64
General / Re: Christian Anarchy is the only sensible answer...
« on: January 21, 2009, 02:40:03 PM »
*shiver*
65
General / Re: Apocalyptic horror novel - DROP DEAD GORGEOUS - available now...
« on: January 21, 2009, 02:34:23 PM »
Cheers, guys - and Hellbilly, I'm really glad you picked up on the libertarian aspects of the book.
Non-horror fans seem to be enjoying DDG. Hell, my girlfriend's mum enjoyed it and she's an English teacher!
So, I posted a copy to Mark - have you had a chance to read it yet, dude?
Non-horror fans seem to be enjoying DDG. Hell, my girlfriend's mum enjoyed it and she's an English teacher!
So, I posted a copy to Mark - have you had a chance to read it yet, dude?
66
General / Re: Apocalyptic horror novel - DROP DEAD GORGEOUS - available now...
« on: January 04, 2009, 08:03:09 PM »
Frank, I've sent you a PM. 
Just to let you all know that HORRORBOUND have posted a delightful interview featuring semi-naked pics of my zombified tattooed torso.
Frightened? You should be... Shield your eyes, then click here:
http://www.horrorbound.com/readarticle.php?article_id=55
Oh, and I should mention - I gave Gard a plug in the interview, by default.
Just to let you all know that HORRORBOUND have posted a delightful interview featuring semi-naked pics of my zombified tattooed torso.
Frightened? You should be... Shield your eyes, then click here:
http://www.horrorbound.com/readarticle.php?article_id=55
Oh, and I should mention - I gave Gard a plug in the interview, by default.
67
General / Re: Christian Anarchy is the only sensible answer...
« on: January 04, 2009, 07:59:36 PM »
My word... this thread has the longevity of George Bush.
68
General / Re: Apocalyptic horror novel - DROP DEAD GORGEOUS - available now...
« on: January 02, 2009, 02:35:43 PM »...that's another thing I was wondering- has the FTL promo been a sucess?
There was a definite surge in sales during the podcast ads so I reckon they did work. We'll be running them again soon.
Thanks for the interest, hellbilly - I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the book.
69
General / Re: Apocalyptic horror novel - DROP DEAD GORGEOUS - available now...
« on: December 28, 2008, 08:28:00 PM »Is it gaining popularity?
Good luck
Thanks - I'd love to hear what you guys think of the book, if any of you get a chance to read it.
Permuted sold a truck load of copies to BORDERS and WALDENBOOKS. It's probably available in the horror section of a lot of their stores throughout the US and Canada.
Apart from that, it's mainly available online at Amazon etc.
It's selling well - but as a debut author, I'm trying to get as much word out as possible to make a name for myself.
One way to help me, without spending a penny, is to order the book at your local library.
70
General / Re: Apocalyptic horror novel - DROP DEAD GORGEOUS - available now...
« on: December 26, 2008, 04:44:50 PM »
Another couple of reviews - these from AMAZON:
(http://www.amazon.com/Drop-Dead-Gorgeous-Wayne-Simmons/dp/1934861057/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1230326286&sr=8-1)
Sloggoth:
Wayne Simmons has created a story filled with "characters". By characters I mean quite a few folks residing in Northern Ireland when the end of the world comes that are quite a diverse lot. They definitely give us a flavor of that little piece of the world as the world comes to an end.
This story reminded me of David Moody's "Autumn" as far as how it begins. In an instant, more than 99% of the population of Belfast and Northern Ireland (and we are left to guess through most of the book whether the rest of the world is also a part of this) drop dead. Those few who remain end up stumbling around, sifting through the corpses and trying to figure out what the hell happened and why they heck they were spared.
The author gives us a flavorful does of Northern Ireland, presenting us mostly with every day people but also injecting a an Ex-IRA operative and RIR soldier into the mix, forcing them to get along to make a go of it...at least for a while.
The author knows how to create solid characters and there will be a sequel but I have to say that my criticism of this book lies in the fact that nearly 80% of it was done before we get to any part of it related to the title and premise presented to us as readers. Some of the corpses are not rotting...in fact, they are staying as warm and beautiful as they were the day they keeled over. It is the bodies of women. Gorgeous women. And after a time they are starting to get back up.
Certainly, the sequel will delve deeper into what the heck these women actually are. In their brief stint in this book they are feral creatures not only seeking out revenge against those who wronged them in life but they are drawn by emotions and faint memories of those they cared for. Their eyes flicker to different colors based on whatever emotions they are feeling but their response to the living tends to go the same way as other undead creatures-they feast.
I liked several of the characters in the story and certainly the author is not bashful about what he does with them. Any empathy or sympathy you may feel for any one of them does not shelter them from the brutality of this new form of creature.
I did enjoy this book though I would have prefered more with the Gorgeous and deadly women we only get to see for a short time near the end. So I am certainly interested in checking out the sequel when it comes out.
AND
J's wife:
Drop Dead Gorgeous is classified as a "horror novel". Sure, at first glance, the world is devastated by some massive Thing that renders thousands (millions?) dead (or seemingly dead?) and it seems that the typical zombie fare would come soon. But I say it is much more than that. Wayne Simmons spins a tale full of characters that you love, hate, pity... Unlike most "zombie" stories, in DDG, you're never sure who is going to make the final round of survivors. I'm reminded of the newer version of "Dawn of the Dead". In the first twenty minutes of the movie, you sussed out who was going to live and die before the climactic scene. Oh, and of course- in the movie world, there's a nurse (first aid experience), the cop (someone has to hold it all together!), the reluctant hero, the innocent, the not-so-innocent... They become so generic that you just don't give a damn who makes it to the final round. Not so with these characters. (let me just say that the summary we can read does not do this book justice).
I don't want to spoil anything by naming names. But this book kept me turning pages with the possibilities. Wayne Simmons built up the characters with enough background for you to become interested in them, but without a heavy hand. Do I really care if Character X is married with a kid? Not really, but dammit if Simmons doesn't make me care. With every turned page, I waited for the zombies to pop out and start tearing flesh off the survivors. There are enough twists to keep the reader interested. The dead are even interesting in this story.
Oh, and the best part- there's to be a sequel.
(http://www.amazon.com/Drop-Dead-Gorgeous-Wayne-Simmons/dp/1934861057/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1230326286&sr=8-1)
Sloggoth:
Wayne Simmons has created a story filled with "characters". By characters I mean quite a few folks residing in Northern Ireland when the end of the world comes that are quite a diverse lot. They definitely give us a flavor of that little piece of the world as the world comes to an end.
This story reminded me of David Moody's "Autumn" as far as how it begins. In an instant, more than 99% of the population of Belfast and Northern Ireland (and we are left to guess through most of the book whether the rest of the world is also a part of this) drop dead. Those few who remain end up stumbling around, sifting through the corpses and trying to figure out what the hell happened and why they heck they were spared.
The author gives us a flavorful does of Northern Ireland, presenting us mostly with every day people but also injecting a an Ex-IRA operative and RIR soldier into the mix, forcing them to get along to make a go of it...at least for a while.
The author knows how to create solid characters and there will be a sequel but I have to say that my criticism of this book lies in the fact that nearly 80% of it was done before we get to any part of it related to the title and premise presented to us as readers. Some of the corpses are not rotting...in fact, they are staying as warm and beautiful as they were the day they keeled over. It is the bodies of women. Gorgeous women. And after a time they are starting to get back up.
Certainly, the sequel will delve deeper into what the heck these women actually are. In their brief stint in this book they are feral creatures not only seeking out revenge against those who wronged them in life but they are drawn by emotions and faint memories of those they cared for. Their eyes flicker to different colors based on whatever emotions they are feeling but their response to the living tends to go the same way as other undead creatures-they feast.
I liked several of the characters in the story and certainly the author is not bashful about what he does with them. Any empathy or sympathy you may feel for any one of them does not shelter them from the brutality of this new form of creature.
I did enjoy this book though I would have prefered more with the Gorgeous and deadly women we only get to see for a short time near the end. So I am certainly interested in checking out the sequel when it comes out.
AND
J's wife:
Drop Dead Gorgeous is classified as a "horror novel". Sure, at first glance, the world is devastated by some massive Thing that renders thousands (millions?) dead (or seemingly dead?) and it seems that the typical zombie fare would come soon. But I say it is much more than that. Wayne Simmons spins a tale full of characters that you love, hate, pity... Unlike most "zombie" stories, in DDG, you're never sure who is going to make the final round of survivors. I'm reminded of the newer version of "Dawn of the Dead". In the first twenty minutes of the movie, you sussed out who was going to live and die before the climactic scene. Oh, and of course- in the movie world, there's a nurse (first aid experience), the cop (someone has to hold it all together!), the reluctant hero, the innocent, the not-so-innocent... They become so generic that you just don't give a damn who makes it to the final round. Not so with these characters. (let me just say that the summary we can read does not do this book justice).
I don't want to spoil anything by naming names. But this book kept me turning pages with the possibilities. Wayne Simmons built up the characters with enough background for you to become interested in them, but without a heavy hand. Do I really care if Character X is married with a kid? Not really, but dammit if Simmons doesn't make me care. With every turned page, I waited for the zombies to pop out and start tearing flesh off the survivors. There are enough twists to keep the reader interested. The dead are even interesting in this story.
Oh, and the best part- there's to be a sequel.
71
General / Re: Apocalyptic horror novel - DROP DEAD GORGEOUS - available now...
« on: December 14, 2008, 01:51:27 PM »
This reader review of DROP DEAD GORGEOUS turned up at tattoojam.com:
“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers” wrote Jack Kerouac and it fitting that author Wayne Simmons chose to offer the same toast at the beginning of part one of his new novel “Drop Dead Gorgeous”
The novel gives us a voyeuristic view of a selection of deliciously flawed individuals combining, separating, imbibing, conflicting, ingesting and conspiring for and against each other as they attempt to deal with the rigours of post apocalyptical Belfast in their own ways.
From the opening line “That one was a fucking bloke” the tone is set. The author elaborately yet subtly introduces us to the ideosyncracities of his characters and uses their traits to paint a devilish, chaotic, mischievous and wonderfully graphic picture of a society in ruins.
The pace is breakneck, the imagery uncompromising and the humour pitch black perfect. There is however much more to this piece than mere shock value.
The author possesses observational humour and social consciousness in abundance. He takes us beyond the confines of the genre and asks questions of the reader “What would you do?” and “Which character would you be “and this for mw is where the truest value in the novel lays.
The wry and punchy writing does more than just enthral the reader with its visceral description it compels the reader to ponder what would happen when their idea of civilisation comes oozing down the car window shield whilst “Birdhouse in your soul” by They Might be Giants blasts out of the stereo.
This novel will be seen as many things by many people. Feminist, Nihilist, Anarchist, an allegory on the mess that is our consumer society and its reliance on television and consumerism but make no mistake if your struggling to define it you have made the authors day I would venture to guess.
It’s unique, engaging throughout, visceral and riotously funny and is as much a treat for newcomers to the genre of apocalyptical horror as it is to its fans.
“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers” wrote Jack Kerouac and it fitting that author Wayne Simmons chose to offer the same toast at the beginning of part one of his new novel “Drop Dead Gorgeous”
The novel gives us a voyeuristic view of a selection of deliciously flawed individuals combining, separating, imbibing, conflicting, ingesting and conspiring for and against each other as they attempt to deal with the rigours of post apocalyptical Belfast in their own ways.
From the opening line “That one was a fucking bloke” the tone is set. The author elaborately yet subtly introduces us to the ideosyncracities of his characters and uses their traits to paint a devilish, chaotic, mischievous and wonderfully graphic picture of a society in ruins.
The pace is breakneck, the imagery uncompromising and the humour pitch black perfect. There is however much more to this piece than mere shock value.
The author possesses observational humour and social consciousness in abundance. He takes us beyond the confines of the genre and asks questions of the reader “What would you do?” and “Which character would you be “and this for mw is where the truest value in the novel lays.
The wry and punchy writing does more than just enthral the reader with its visceral description it compels the reader to ponder what would happen when their idea of civilisation comes oozing down the car window shield whilst “Birdhouse in your soul” by They Might be Giants blasts out of the stereo.
This novel will be seen as many things by many people. Feminist, Nihilist, Anarchist, an allegory on the mess that is our consumer society and its reliance on television and consumerism but make no mistake if your struggling to define it you have made the authors day I would venture to guess.
It’s unique, engaging throughout, visceral and riotously funny and is as much a treat for newcomers to the genre of apocalyptical horror as it is to its fans.
72
General / Re: Apocalyptic horror novel - DROP DEAD GORGEOUS - available now...
« on: December 07, 2008, 11:57:53 AM »I'll have to remember to do this sort of advertising on my next book.
I'd definitely suggest you consider the FTL podcast ads - reasonable price for considerable exposure.
My amazon sales ratings enjoyed a surge over the weekend. I've done a bit of online marketing. However, in my opinion, the bulk of extra sales probably came from the FTL podcast ad.
So, big thanks to Mark.
73
General / Re: Apocalyptic horror novel - DROP DEAD GORGEOUS - available now...
« on: December 07, 2008, 10:46:30 AM »Congrax- I hope it does well for you.
Thanks!
74
General / Apocalyptic horror novel - DROP DEAD GORGEOUS - available now...
« on: December 07, 2008, 10:29:21 AM »
Hey guys,
As some of you may have heard on the podcast of FTL, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS (my apocalyptic zombie horror novel) is available now!
It isn't *strictly* a libertarian-themed novel. However, the recurring themes of power struggle and human nature in the face of disaster do pop up! Come on - where better to consider a voluntary society in action than during an apocalypse!
Anyway, here's the blurb. I'd love to hear what you guys think of the book - it's available throughout the US at BORDERS/ WALDENBOOKS or from the following list of online sellers (I've tried to incorporate the FTL codes in the AMAZON links - can someone make sure they work okay?):
Wayne Simmons' living dead novel Drop Dead Gorgeous is now available for purchase from many stores including:
* Permuted Press - Free shipping on any 2 or more books!
* Amazon US
* Amazon UK
* Amazon Canada
* Amazon Germany
* Barnes & Noble
* Many Others
As tattoo artist Star begins to ink her first client on a spring Sunday morning, something goes horribly wrong with the world... Belfast's hungover lapse into a deeper sleep than normal, their sudden deaths causing an unholy mess of crashing cars, smoldering televisions and falling aircraft.
In the chaotic aftermath a group of post-apocalyptic survivors search for purpose in a devastated city. Ageing DJ Sean Magee and shifty-eyed Barry Rogan find drunken solace in a hotel bar. Ex-IRA operative Mairead Burns and RIR soldier Roy Beggs form an uneasy alliance to rebuild community life. Elsewhere, a mysterious Preacher Man lures shivering survivors out of the shadows with a promise of redemption.
Choked by the smell of death, Ireland’s remaining few begin the journey toward a new life, fear and desperation giving rise to new tensions and dark old habits. But a new threat--as gorgeous as it is deadly--creeps slowly out of life’s wreckage. Fueled by feral hunger and a thirst for chaos, the corpses of the beautiful are rising…
"Armed with a devilish wit, quirky dialogue, and a unique, palpable flavor, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS provides readers with a fly-on-the-wall view as the shit gloriously hits the fan in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Where's Bono when you need him?"
--Andre Duza, author of DEAD BITCH ARMY
"Intriguing novel from a new emerging talent in the horror genre..."
--Dan Henk (Lone Wolf Tattoo)
"Exciting! A thoroughly original horror story..." --bloodymessygirls.com
"Rough, filthy and completely brilliant..." --Dave Moody, author of HATER and AUTUMN
As some of you may have heard on the podcast of FTL, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS (my apocalyptic zombie horror novel) is available now!
It isn't *strictly* a libertarian-themed novel. However, the recurring themes of power struggle and human nature in the face of disaster do pop up! Come on - where better to consider a voluntary society in action than during an apocalypse!
Anyway, here's the blurb. I'd love to hear what you guys think of the book - it's available throughout the US at BORDERS/ WALDENBOOKS or from the following list of online sellers (I've tried to incorporate the FTL codes in the AMAZON links - can someone make sure they work okay?):
Wayne Simmons' living dead novel Drop Dead Gorgeous is now available for purchase from many stores including:
* Permuted Press - Free shipping on any 2 or more books!
* Amazon US
* Amazon UK
* Amazon Canada
* Amazon Germany
* Barnes & Noble
* Many Others
As tattoo artist Star begins to ink her first client on a spring Sunday morning, something goes horribly wrong with the world... Belfast's hungover lapse into a deeper sleep than normal, their sudden deaths causing an unholy mess of crashing cars, smoldering televisions and falling aircraft.
In the chaotic aftermath a group of post-apocalyptic survivors search for purpose in a devastated city. Ageing DJ Sean Magee and shifty-eyed Barry Rogan find drunken solace in a hotel bar. Ex-IRA operative Mairead Burns and RIR soldier Roy Beggs form an uneasy alliance to rebuild community life. Elsewhere, a mysterious Preacher Man lures shivering survivors out of the shadows with a promise of redemption.
Choked by the smell of death, Ireland’s remaining few begin the journey toward a new life, fear and desperation giving rise to new tensions and dark old habits. But a new threat--as gorgeous as it is deadly--creeps slowly out of life’s wreckage. Fueled by feral hunger and a thirst for chaos, the corpses of the beautiful are rising…
"Armed with a devilish wit, quirky dialogue, and a unique, palpable flavor, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS provides readers with a fly-on-the-wall view as the shit gloriously hits the fan in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Where's Bono when you need him?"
--Andre Duza, author of DEAD BITCH ARMY
"Intriguing novel from a new emerging talent in the horror genre..."
--Dan Henk (Lone Wolf Tattoo)
"Exciting! A thoroughly original horror story..." --bloodymessygirls.com
"Rough, filthy and completely brilliant..." --Dave Moody, author of HATER and AUTUMN
75
General / Re: What are you drinking tonight?
« on: November 24, 2008, 06:36:05 PM »
Couple of glasses of vino and 2 bottles of becks.