A Mother's Love can be Devastating

Mama's Boy and Other Dark Tales by Fran Friel opens to pre-orders this Mother's Day

[May 11, 2008]

Nothing good comes of the closest ties in Mama's Boy and Other Dark Tales, the new collection from Fran Friel and Apex Publications (www.apexbookcompany.com). Things can go especially awry when the tie in question is the one binding mother and son.

The Bram Stoker Award-nominated novella "Mama's Boy" is the cornerstone of this 14-story collection from author Fran Friel and Apex Publications. A man whose mother's demented love for him has turned him from an innocent boy to a serial killer to a near-comatose mental patient opens his world to a psychologist determined to reach him as a way of dealing with her own mother's battle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  But is she helping, or is there more damage to be done?

In "Mashed," a son's simple request for potatoes with his birthday dinner opens up a world of past fears and childhood torments for his mother, while the flash fiction story "Close Shave" presents a horrifically funny solution to an everyday women's issue.

From mother and son to broader family ties, Friel explores the bonds of human connection into every dark turn.  The humorous yet wickedly creepy "Under the Dryer" begins as a tale told by the family dog and ends in a bloodbath;  "Special Prayers," perhaps the most disturbing offering in the collection, exposes a family secret of abuse and power; and the tragically soft and beautiful "Orange and Golden" explores the purest form of the human-animal bond as the sun sets on a natural disaster.

Mama's Boy and Other Dark Tales is now available for pre-order.  Releases on June 14, 2008.

FRAN FRIEL is a Bram Stoker-nominated author residing in rural New England with her husband and their band of animal masters. She writes weekly columns for "The Horror Library Blog-O-Rama" and "Yada, Too," and she is a fiction editor for Dark Recesses Press. As a full member of The Horror Library, her short fiction appears regularly in the Fresh Meat department.

Friel’s work has been featured in the 2006 anthology release Horror Library, Volume 1, as well as publications online and in print at The Horror Library, Insidious Reflections, Wicked Karnival, The Lightning Journal, Lamoille Lamentations, The Eldritch Gazette, and Dark Recesses Press.

APEX PUBLICATIONS (www.apexbookcompany.com)  is a small press dedicated to publishing exemplary works of dark science fiction and horror. Owned and operated by Jason B. Sizemore, Apex publishes the critically acclaimed Apex Science Fiction and Horror Digest. In 2006, Apex Publishing branched into producing novellas, collections, and anthologies, earning a Bram Stoker Award nomination for the Aegri Somnia anthology in 2007.

###

We're only doing 100 copies of the hardcover. All copies will be signed by Fran Friel and Billy Tackett (cover and interior artist).

A standard trade paperback will also be released.

PRE-ORDER THROUGH THIS LINK
Show your mama how much you love her!

Every year since the beginning of time (March 16th, 2005, release date of Apex Digest #1), we have taken off the months of June and December and closed to submissions.

We love tradition around here, so we're giving the hard-working Apex editors a break this summer. Apex Digest will be closed to all submissions from June 1st-June 30th. We will re-open July 1st. Any submissions sent during the break will be deleted and unread.

We're open for the next 22 days, so get those manuscripts to us!

Here's the Apex Digest issue 13 cover art!

This piece was originally created by Artur Sadlos for the band Squanky Kong, but it fits thematically with Katherine Sparrow's story in issue 13 I couldn't pass up the chance to use it so I snapped up the rights to use it as our next cover.

The detail in the art is amazing.

Katherine's story is a fantastical dark work centering around the bizarre powers of music. It might be one of the best stories we've had the chance to publish.

Michele Lee will buy one random new subscriber a hardcover copy of Jennifer Pelland's new collection Unwelcome Bodies.

Sara Harvey is offering a free copy of her book A Year and a Day for everyone who buys a lifetime subscription. Anyone buying a one-year subscription can get the book half-priced.

Big, scary Matt Wallace has offered up a weird assortment of things...from playing an online game of Scrabble against him, to offering to give away any DVD in his large collection of movies. Erhm...the best one is that you can win to have him write up the most filthy, hate-filled spiel ever composed at one person of your choice. Best go look here for details: http://matt-wallace.livejournal.com/108627.html.

Steven Savile has offered to tuckerize five people into his next Stargate SG-1 novel who subscribe.

Again, thanks to everyone for chipping in...these prizes are insane!

As usual during our subscription drives, we are knocked off our feet by the swell of support for Apex. Thanks to all for your support.

Others have joined the "Incentive to Subscribe" party. Apex editor Jodi Lee has offered to dye "chunks" of her hair alien green if we get 20 lifetime subscribers.

Rinda Elliot has offered three prizes from her Writer's Snark store to three people who subscribe (lifetime not required). All you have to do is leave a comment to her post about the drive.

David Montoya of Magus Press, the madman of horror, has offered the following to two random lifetime subscribers: signed limited edition hardcovers of Leftovers by Steve Vernon and a lettered edition of Winter Frights (signed by all contributors).

The Next Fix by Matt Wallace is now available as an ebook from Fictionwise for a meager $4.99.

If you order within seven days, you save 15% and pay only $4.24.

http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook67092.htm

Happy Buying!

Fellow bloggers, feel free to pass this along.

Okay, I'm going to come right out and say it. The magazine needs more subscribers. Probably doesn't come as any shock, as this happens every year.

So we're going to do an old-fashioned subscription drive.

The reality of the situation is that we need 150 new subscribers (or roughly $3000), or we're looking at a hiatus until I have enough disposable income to push out another issue. I use the term "hiatus" because there won't be any mercy killings going on around here. I love the damn magazine too much to let it go (or possibly too stubborn), but the hiatus could be an extended one.

--How can you help?
--By taking out a subscription! Or buying magazines from our store!

Subscriptions are a measly $20 for 4 issues in the US. $24 for Canada/Mexico. $34 for the rest of the world.

We've re-initiated the APEX FOR LIFE subscription option that gives you Apex until you die. This goes for $100.

If you're interested in the magazine, but want to check it out before taking out a subscription, then take a look through our ample back catalog.

Or, heck, if you're wanting to show your support but not necessarily want a subscription, check out our ample back catalog.

Every person taking out APEX FOR LIFE subscriptions will be entered to win the following prizes:
1) ARC copy of Broken on the Wheel of Sex by Jack Ketchum (Overlook Connection)
2) Signed limited copy of Orpheus and the Pearl by Kim Paffenroth (Magus Press)
3) Signed copy of Homebody by Orson Scott Card
4) Limited signed copy of When Dark Descends by Charles L. Grand & Thomas F. Monteleone (Borderlands Press)
5) Hardcover copies of Gratia Placenti and Aegri Somnia edited by Gill Ainsworth and Jason Sizemore

Furthermore, every person taking out a lifetime subscription will receive a TPB copy of either Unwelcome Bodies or The Next Fix.

Here's a link to our store:
http://www.apexbookcompany.com/cart.php?m=product_list&c=2

Buy something, then help us get the word out!

This is documented proof to all the Apex writers that your publisher has been out at conventions working hard to promote and sell your books.

Many thanks to Judi Davidson for granting me permission to post these!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/apexdigest/tags/conglomeration/

Here's what we got:
Front Interior inside cover (b&w) - $90
Back Interior inside cover (b&w) - $90
3 Interior full page ads - $75
Half page ads - $40

The issue is slated for this summer...probably late July.

We also would like some subscribers! We've reopened our "Apex For Life" subscription option.
http://www.apexbookcompany.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=16

Me: "Hey Jen, how'd Nebula weekend go?"

Jen: "It was fun. Wish I'd won."

Me: "I bet that was kind of frustrating, not winning."

Jen: "Nah, not too bad. Anyways, I was able to vent my anger in the local Fight Club."


(photo by Scott Edelman...thanks Scott!)

We at Apex Publications are proud of our rookie editor. Mr. Paul Jessup has a story on the storySouth Million Writers Notable Stories list for 2007.

Here's a link to the story: Apple Magicks

See, we're not publishing his book due to his sneaky discovery of dark, dark Sizemore secrets...the boy has skillz.

This blog has been momentarily hijacked by Deb Taber. Please remain in your seats with your seatbelts fastened.  Pipe down, pay attention, and no one gets hurt.  Mostly.

 

This is a day I have been awaiting for quite some time, or at least it seems that way to me. But maybe I'm just impatient.

 

Today, Matt Wallace's The Next Fix is unleashed upon an unsuspecting world.

 

For those of you who follow this blog, you may think you've heard all about it.  You may be waiting for Wallace to show up on your doorstep and pummel you into a pulp. But I have a secret for you (don't tell Matt Wallace, okay?)...

 

The Next Fix is not going to knock your teeth down the back of your throat and leave you lying in a pool of blood.  It isn't going to ram your head into a brick wall until your pulverized brain runs out your ears. In fact, it isn't painful at all.

 

That's what Matt, Jason, and the rest of the gang won't tell you.  The topics Wallace writes about might be harsh—even blood-soaked at times--but the stories are beautifully written, and in some cases verging on the poetic.  This is intelligent fiction that takes a thoughtful look at the human condition in all of its comedy, tragedy, futility and absurdity, and does it with a subtle touch that builds worlds effortlessly and sends them crashing down with a bang.

 

So if you've heard the hype and stayed away because you don't like the feel of brass knuckles in your face, stop cowering in fear.  Sure, the prose might rip your soul out and hold it in front of you, forcing you to confront your deepest loathings and fears...but isn't that what good fiction is supposed to do?

 

Just think about it; take a peek.  I promise I'll try to keep Matt Wallace off your doorstep for as long as I can.

 

Find your Next Fix:

On Amazon: http://astore.amazon.com/apexsciencfic-20/detail/0981639011/102-3906092-1532126

On the Apex site: http://www.apexbookcompany.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=22

Author rants, raves, and free samples: http://matt-wallace.livejournal.com/

 

Now back to your regularly scheduled macho posturing, already in progress.

Due to work, kids, life, and such I'm not able to put as much interesting content as I'd like. So when you're tired of reading about Apex promotions, I'd like to suggest a handful of other blogs that I enjoy.

*Shaken & Stirred by Gwenda Bond: http://gwendabond.typepad.com/bondgirl/ *
Gwenda Bond is tapped into the zeitgeist of the industry. She's a PW reviewer so she's well read and knows who's the good stuff. Her blog is also a great jumping point to other interesting sites as she's a master meme-poster.

*The Pontifications of the Sinister Minister by Maurice Broaddus: http://www.mauricebroaddus.com *
Maurice is a handsome bald black man who happens to be a horror writer and a devout Christian. You can bet he has a smart and unique perspective of the writing/publishing industry. You want to expand your mind? You want interesting and thoughtful analysis of everything from politics to writing to having Brian Keene in your church, this is the place to visit.

*Hail Saten by Brian Keene: http://www.hailsaten.blogspot.com/ *
Speaking of Brian Keene, he writes one of the most entertaining blogs on the Internets. His blog entries are better than most short stories I read. If you want a slightly demented (but mostly true!) insight into the horror industry, then visit Hail Saten. Just don't email him about writing another damn zombie novel.

*The Next Fix by Matt Wallace: http://matt-wallace.livejournal.com/ *
He rants. He raves. He wants to kick you ass. Matt Wallace is an angry man and if you don't like it, well...then up yours.

*Mary Robinette Kowal: http://maryrobinette.livejournal.com/ *
We all know I've got a "thang" for MRK. All the same, her blog is fun as hell. She gives you the inside scoop on puppetry, her thoughtful analysis of writing, and does killer top ten lists related to her job.

*Poppy Z. Brite: http://docbrite.livejournal.com/ *
I don't know Poppy personally, but I've lived through the ups and downs of her life via her blog for several years. At times funny, other times heartbreaking, Poppy's from-the-heart blogging will make you realize that she *is* as awesome as you've heard.

Calico Reaction by Shara Sausaucie: http://calico-reaction.livejournal.com/ *
Best book reviews in the blog-o-sphere. Even if sometimes she doesn't like out books.

Well...after much deliberation, I've decided to do a temporary "minor" integration of the Amazon Stores with our website. Thanks to everybody who wrote and gave their 2 cents.

There's currently a lot of Amazon "hate" spreading through the Internet. They're up to some sneaky shenanigans with the POD companies out in the world. In short, they want everybody to use their POD--Booksurge. Some small press publishers have received notices from Amazon that if they don't switch their POD to Booksurge, then they can't sell their books through Amazon (though the book will still be listed). Apex has not received such a notice, and really, I don't expect they will. For the most part, it appears that a high percentage of the companies receiving these notices from Amazon are subsidy publisher asshats like Publish America.

Regardless of the hate, there's a big appeal for me to use the Amazon storefront. Apex Publications distribution and sales is basically a one-man operation: Me. Like most in the small press, I have a day job. I also have kids. Time to do Apex stuff is at a premium. Amazon storefront effectively handles all the distribution and sales aspect of bookselling. They package and mail the books. They handle returns. Obviously, this saves me lots of time.

An advantage for the Amazon shops is that they also have shops for Canada and the UK, so international buyers can get our books shipped at a fair price.

Some folks made the point that first-time customers will feel more secure using Amazon instead of our online shop. I think this is a fair assessment. Not only that, many people already have CC information stored at Amazon and won't have to share it with us if they go through Amazon.

Another concern was that the Amazon shop template is boring, doesn't represent the Apex "brand" in an appropriate manner. Certainly a valid point, but I'm happy to say that the shops can be customized. It's just a matter of getting it done (*cracks whip at Jim Stitzel*).

See, lot's of advantages!

As an alternative for the Amazon haters, we've placed alternative buying options on our own product pages to B&N and to two independent bookstores (Powells and Joseph-Beth). I've never bought from Powells, but I am a frequent (and happy) customer of Joseph-Beth (they're also big supporters of Apex).

For a number of months, we're going to link to the Amazon shops from our website, but still offer the option for customers to buy books directly from us as well. If there's no interest, no problem. We'll just kill the Amazon shops. If people like it, then we'll work to further integrate them into our shopping experience.

Here are links to the Amazon store:
Apex Amazon Store - US
Apex Amazon Store - UK
Apex Amazon Store - Canada

Here are general links to Powells and Joseph-Beth:
www.powells.com
www.josephbeth.com

And if you want to really support the small press, then buy from The Horror-Mall. We will also link our books sold by The Horror-Mall on our product pages.
www.horror-mall.com

On the heels of announcing Paul Jessup’s new limited edition book to be released by Apex Publications, we have added a new story titled “Light Like Knives Dragged Across the Skin” to Apex Online.

Apex Publications is proud to announce that the second in our series of Limited Edition novellas will be Open Your Eyes by Paul Jessup. Open Your Eyes is slated to come out in early 2009.

The first in the series is Orgy of Souls by Wrath James White and Maurice Broaddus (out June 14th).

Open Your Eyes is a space opera that opens with the insemination of a young woman named Ekhi by a star lover going supernova. A cross between Samuel Delaney and Jeff VanderMeer, this book will be a memorable one, and has the potential to make Paul Jessup a household name for genre fans.

The beautiful cover art is by Daniele Cascone.

We've created a quick n' dirty Amazon store for Apex Publications. We're wanting to hear from you concerning customer preference and concerns when it comes such shops.

http://astore.amazon.com/apexsciencfic-20

It operates like Amazon and seems to integrate seamlessly with such features as free shipping for orders $25 or greater and for storing your CC on file.

What if Apex starting using an Amazon shop as our store front? Email us your thoughts at jason@apexdigest.com and we'll reward you with a 10% discount coupon to our current shop. And your "thoughts" need to be more than "It sucks." or "It rocks." :)

This year's Conglomeration convention felt smaller...less significant...even though a fairly high profile media guest (Walter Koenig) was the guest of honor. There weren't much to speak of in terms of literary stars and in three days sitting at the Apex dealer table I only met a handful of writers. Generally I'm talking to writers about Apex all weekend...this is the third year in a row I've attended Conglomeration so perhaps everybody already knows of Apex? Might be time to branch out...

Table sales were slow. Bummer.

Despite the toned-down convention, I still had a blast.

Friday night, I went to dinner with about 20 artists. The restaurant (Macaroni Grill) is one of those that give you crayons and encourages you to draw on the tables. So there's me, Mr. Editor-With-Zero-Artistic-Skills being all out of place while folks like Billy Tackett, Paul Bielaczyc, and Judi Davidson are drawing masterpieces on the tables.

I drew a small smiling goldfish and was taunted.

Saturday, Maurice Broaddus and Lauren David drove down from Indy to hang out. Geoff Girard popped in on Saturday night and a big gang of writing nerds went to dinner. This was definitely more in my comfort zone. Maurice and I talked about promoting Orgy of Souls. Girard and I talked shit back and forth before deciding to try and collaborate on a novel sometime in the future. Lauren David writes historical romance so we grilled her about the ins and outs of love.

Then the lot of us hit the "Artists of Apex" party. In truth, I had little to do with the preparation or organization of this fabulous party...the folks who put it together happened to be artists I've employed in the past and they were kind enough to name it "Artists of Apex." Or maybe they felt sorry for me after the smiling goldfish incident?

Naturally, I was part of Maurice Broaddus's entourage that evening. I give out a bunch of Apex Alien poison shot glasses and we do a bunch of Coconut Rum shots...er...like eight in thirty minutes. Judi had to take the bottle away from us since she needed it as an ingredient in the free booze the artists were giving out.

After those eight shots...stuff happened. Things get a bit fuzzy...but in grand tradition, here are 10 things that MIGHT, or MIGHT NOT have happened after the 8 in 30.

1. Vandalized a beautiful cake modeled after Hogwarts.
2. Played pirate Twister wearing a purple scarf and an eye-patch.
3. Squished Lauren David after doing a drunken dive over Girard to the couch.
4. Slapped a kilt-wearing dude on the ass.
5. Something happened on an elevator ride in which Girard was pinned against the wall by two devil-horned wearing individuals having a heated make-out session.
6. Elbowed Walter Koenig out of the way to get the last blueberry muffin in the con suite. Damn Chekhov.
7. Sang Filk songs about assholes from my old high school.
8. Drunkenly flirted with Alethea even though she wasn't at the convention.
9. Tried to pose like the naked dude on the cover of Unwelcome Bodies for the party crowds. Who knew my buttocks were as pasty white as his!
10. Attempted to place a hardened chocolate shell over Girard's sexy hair.

Now don't you wish you'd attended Conglomeration?

http://www.apexbookcompany.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=10

This promotion will run whlie supplies last.

Taken from jenwrites

"So the Nebulas are fast approaching, and while I'm not nervous about the awards themselves (because I'm secure in my knowledge that I'm going to lose), what I am nervous about is the booksigning on Friday night. I'd rather lose an award in a ballroom full of people than sit alone at a signing table while everyone around me is selling and signing books.

So, if you're in Austin, and you don't yet have a copy of my book, why not swing by the Omni Hotel on Friday some time between 5:30 and 8:00? I'll be on the third floor in the Longhorn room sitting behind a pile of books and looking lonely."

So there you go...get a signed Jennifer Pelland book at the Omni Hotel this coming Friday (April 25th).