Letters From the Labyrinth 152
Hi. I'm Brian Keene and this is the 151st issue of Letters From the Labyrinth -- a weekly newsletter for fans of my work. Previous issues are archived here.
I'll turn 52 today, while sitting behind a table and signing books and comics and other assorted debris from 20+ years spent working in the pulp mines.
I did the same thing yesterday, as a guest at the Harrisburg Comic Con. I sat next to Stephen Kozeniewski. Jessica Eppley shared our row. Comic retailer Bill Wahl had an end cap nearby (and he asked me to thank all of you for saving his life this past summer). I had a good time talking to all three.
Heather and her husband and their daughter stopped by. Heather met her now-husband through a mutual love for my books. They like to joke that their daughter is here because of me. I like to joke back that they should have named her Ob. When Heather was pregnant, I asked if I should sign her tummy. Now her little girl is off to kindergarten.
Thinking of Heather makes me think of another couple whom I brought together. Earlier this summer, I was at a convention in Texas, once again spending the weekend assorted debris from 20+ years spent working in the pulp mines. A married couple renewed their wedding vows at the convention. On their first date years ago, they discovered that they had a mutual love for books by Brian Keene, Wrath James White, and Edward Lee. So for their vow renewal, I gave the bride away, Lee was the best man, and Wrath officiated the ceremony.
These are the things that are important. When you're a new writer, starting out, you'll be focused on honing your craft and your voice. Later, you'll be focused on building an audience, and eventually after that, you'll be focused on expanding that audience. But trust me on this -- pay attention to the moments like the ones I listed above. Because 20+ years in, you're going to hold on to those moments. You will not define your success by money or awards or accolades. You'll define it by whether or not you impacted people's lives.
DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN is now available as an audiobook, narrated by Chet Williamson. Stephen King says, “If you liked THE MIST, try DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN, by Brian Keene. Excellent short horror novel.”
One morning, the residents of Walden, Virginia, woke up to find the rest of the world gone. Just…gone. Surrounding their town was a wall of inky darkness, plummeting Walden into permanent night. Nothing can get in – not light, not people, not even electricity, radio, TV, internet, food, or water. And nothing can get out. No one who dared to penetrate the mysterious barrier has ever been seen again. Only their screams were heard. But for some, the darkness is not the worst of their fears. Driven mad by thirst, hunger, and perpetual night, the residents of Walden are ready to explode. The last few sane prisoners of this small town must prepare a final stand against their neighbors, themselves, and something even worse…something out there…in the darkness.
I posted a 200-era picture of author Graham Joyce and myself on Instagram this week, and in response, Martin Roberts linked me to this video he took of Graham during the book launch of Black Dust. CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT.
There isn't a lot of audio or video recordings of J.F. Gonzalez or Tom Piccirilli, and only a few of Richard Laymon and Jack Ketchum. I'm glad this document exists. Stuff like this is important, and I thank Martin for sharing it with us.
***
Speaking of Instagram, John Urbancik (who is still living with Mary and I until next Thursday when he hits the road and begins his slow ride toward Los Angeles) has some pictures from the actual cemetery that inspired my novel GHOUL up on his Instagram. CLICK HERE.
After an unfortunate and long delay, HISTORY OF HORROR FICTION is back! This month, we take a look at Horace Walpole and The Castle of Otranto.
This Week's Podcasts:
WHAT'S YOUR TALENT WORTH? - The Horror Show With Brian Keene - Episode 236
Brian is joined by Elizabeth Massie, Lee Thomas and Wesley Southard to discuss how much a professional writer should make for a novel, story, or screenplay, and whether or not it’s a good idea to give your work away for free.
Listen for free on YouTube – iTunes – Spotify – Project Entertainment– iHeartRadio – Stitcher
DEFENDERS DIALOGUE - Episode 76
Black Goliath, Hawkeye, Darkstar and the Two-Gun Kid join forces with the Champions to stop an all-out alien invasion! Christopher Golden and Brian Keene discuss The Champions issue 11, featuring the debut of John Byrne!
.Listen for free on iTunes – YouTube – Project Entertainment – iHeartRadio – Stitcher
Okay, that's it for this week. As always:
PATREON - Where I post new short stories, writing advice essays, two serialized ongoing novels, and behind-the-scenes stuff.
TWITTER - The only social media outlet I still use regularly.
YOUTUBE - Where I'm posting free stuff each and every day.
I'll see you back here next week!