Share a Ghost, Win Some Books
Want to help me haunt the world?
For folks in the US only, spread the word about my novel, Sinister Entity, as well as the companion story, The Graveyard Speaks, on Twitter, Facebook, you name it, and you can win a Prize Pack that includes signed copies of my first two books, Forest of Shadows, & Evil Eternal. Think of it as advancing literacy and a love of the paranormal.
Here’s how you do it. If you’re on Twitter, tweet the books with a link to them (Amazon, B&N or Samhain) with the hashtag #HunterShea. Promote them on other social media platforms and send me the link either on my FB fan page (link to it on the right) or email me at huntershea1@gmail.com. Once I see it, you’re in the drawing.
The reviews right out of the gate have been fantastic. “A skillful blend of supernatural terror and blood-chilling suspense; the result is an intriguing and unique tale that will leave your heart pounding in your chest long after the final page has been closed.” — Matthew Scott Baker, Shattered Ravings Reviews
“Sinister Entity is a great, chilling ghost story with a satisfying twist on the usual. Sinister Entity – for a good scare, but keep the lights on.” — Fresh Fiction Reviews
One winner will be announced Friday, April 19th. And knowing me, I’ll have some extra goodies to give out.
***Congratulations to Gem Blackthorn who won signed copies of Forest of Shadows and Evil Eternal! Thank you to everyone who participated. — Hunter
Sinister Entity Unleashed!
DOPPELGANGER : a ghostly double of a living person that haunts its living counterpart.
Today marks the official release of my 4th novel with Samhain Publishing’s horror line, Sinister Entity. For those of you who read my debut novel in 2011, Forest of Shadows, this book will have a few familiar characters. It picks up where things left off, only 13 years later (love that lucky 13). If you didn’t read FOS, no worries. Sinister Entity was written to be a standalone novel, kicking off what I hope will be a terrifying series that delves into the darker realms of the paranormal.
Now, what does this all have to do with doppelgangers? It turns out, quite a few notable people in history, from Percy Shelley to Mark Twain and Abraham Lincoln, have had encounters with doppelgangers…sometimes with disastrous results. Doppelganger is German for ‘double walker’. It’s literally a paranormal double of a living person. The whole phenomenon has fascinated me for years. So I did what all writers do; created my own doppelganger and had it take one on.
Normally on a release day, I’d post an excerpt from the book to get you hooked like the crack dealer I am. This time around, I can do you one better. I wrote a short story that introduces the main character of Sinister Entity during her investigation of a wailing, shadowy ghost that haunts a snow filled cemetery. It’s called The Graveyard Speaks and here’s the best part. It’s free! Download your copy and if you want more, come on over and face the evil spirits in Sinister Entity.
But wait, there’s more! My book is being released alongside my buddy Jonathan Janz’s awesome new novel, The Darket Lullaby. To celebrate, the simply amazing Erin from Hook of a Book reviews is hosting a FB author Q&A on April 2nd between 9 and 11pm ET. Email questions to her at hookofabook@hotmail.com and she’ll post them on FB. Jonathan and I will do our best to amuse and if needed, frighten you. Nothing is out of bounds. Seriously. Click here to Like the page and join the party.
I’m not done. Call within the next 10 minutes and you’ll get 4 Shamwows for the price of 1. Wait. Scratch that. What I meant to say is that I’m also giving away a signed copy of Forest of Shadows to a random person who comments on this blog post. If you live outside the US, I’ll send you an e-version of the book.
So come on, grab your voice recorders and a change of underwear. We’re going on a sinister ghost hunt.
Your Horror-Paranormal Round-Up for March
Today marks the start of something new for me. Every couple of months, I’m going to post a hodge-podge of places to go and people to see on the internet, all of them horror and paranormal related. These are the locations, people and achievements that have captured my imagination and gratitude. They are wellsprings of inspiration, information, entertainment and mental edification. Find something that interests you and give them a lookey-loo…
Congratulations goes out to Robert Rumery on the publication of his first comic, The Grove, from WhatTheFlux Comics. If you know me, you know I’m a horror comic junkie. Nice job, Robert. I can’t wait to get my grubby little hands on it.
Looking for great horror books at steep discounts…or even free? Author, editor and all around cool dude in a loose mood, Brian James Freeman has started eHorror Bargains, your one-stop-shop for the best in horror. All of your horror deals are right here. Stop by and load up your e-reader!
Book Reviews. I have 2 places where you can go to get tons of book reviews (and if you’re an author, query them to have your book spotlighted). The first is Oh, for the HOOK of a BOOK. Super reviewer Erin covers multiple genres as well as author interviews. She is the hardest working book reviewer out there today and a lot of writerly types owe her our gratitude.
Another mega-review site is Matt Molgaard’s Horror Novel Reviews. Matt and his team do an excellent job of reviewing not only new horror works, but classics and older hidden gems. If you need to stock up your horror library, this is the place to go. Then head to eHorror Bargains and see if you can get some of them without busting your budget.
Bigfoot. You know I can’t help myself from throwing something about the hairy fella in here. Huge thanks to Scott Albright who brought this post to my attention (actually, it’s as large as a novella) about Bigfoot and why no one has found their bones or bodies. Author Robert Lindsay did some yeoman’s work putting this together. Must read for all you squatchers!
Ghosts & The Supernatural. The definitive place to get everything you need about the world of the paranormal is Jeff Belanger’s Ghost Village. This is the Bible for everyone interested in what lies beyond the veil. You can also sign up for their free monthly newsletter.
Books. I’m super excited that my book release partner on April 2nd is the uber-talented Jonathan Janz. His new book, The Darkest Lullaby, comes out the same day as my Sinister Entity. Here’s a link to a review of his book. He has one of the coolest cover in the Samhain library.
Podcasts. My newest podcast addiciotn is Darkness Radio, a radio show broadcast out of the Twin Cities. You can listen to their archives online or through iTunes. These guys have a damn good time talking about the world of the strange and the unexplained. Love their take on things.
OK, that about does it for this month. I hope you stop by some or all of these great places and supoprt them. If there are hot spots you think I should know about, send them to me and I’ll include them in future posts.
Happy hauntings!
Ghost Hunters – A Mid Season Break Review
Grant is gone. Amy’s home with her beautiful baby girl. New folks are attempting to fill some big shoes. And that’s not all of the changes we’ve seen on Ghost Hunters this season.
We all knew things would never be the same when Grant rode off to start his own board game company. For a lot of us, they haven’t been the same since they shipped Kris Williams off to GHI, never to return. (And boy, has GHI gotten an unceremonious burial at sea. I’d love to know the back story on that show). For my money, the best season was when it was just Jay, Grant, Steve, Tango and Kris. It was the perfect team size and they just clicked.
Along with the personnel changes this season came a totally fresh design to the show. From ditching Mike Rowe as the narrator in favor of Jay – who does an admirable job, to creepier music, slicker editing and even some quick recreations of spirits walking the halls, Ghost Hunters has a completely new look and feel. The Monster Men went through all of the new moving parts in our latest podcast that you can watch below.
I will say that overall, I think the changes were long overdue and breathe some new life into the show. I would like to see them investigate more homes and actually try to help people. I don’t get a sense of urgency when they visit another abandoned asylum. If it’s haunted, who cares? Just steer clear and everyone’s happy. And let’s stop giving hotels and restaurants a boost in foot traffic because they were featured on the show.
Now, I know that a lot of you that come to this blog and chain watch the show. What are your thoughts on the changes so far? Who do you miss more, Grant or Amy? Who are your favorite teams? Is it Britt and KJ, Jason and Steve, Michelle and Tango? Or how about Maddie and Jay? Since my new book, Sinister Entity, is coming out in a few weeks, I’ll give away a free copy of my first book, Forest of Shadows (Sinister Entity is the sequel) to a random person who comments on this post.
I’m not sure what the future holds, but I’ve watched every episode since the start and I’ll be there until the end.
New Cover Reveal
My editor at Samhain Publishing sent over the cover art for my upcoming story, THE GRAVEYARD SPEAKS, scheduled to be released April 2nd in tandem with my next novel, SINISTER ENTITY. I wanted to give you all a sneak peek at the cover.
In the parlance of my youth, I’m diggin’ it. THE GRAVEYARD SPEAKS is a 40 page short story that bridges the gap between FOREST OF SHADOWS and SINISTER ENTITY. It occurs 13 years after FOS in a dark, snow-encrusted graveyard. The dead are very much alive and even the caretakers avoid a certain section of the sprawling cemetery. This isn’t your typical ghost hunting adventure, I assure you.
I highly suggest you read it before diving into SINISTER ENTITY. You’ll get a cool insight into the events leading up to the novel. The best part is that it’s going to be FREE (at least at the start). So hop on over to Samhain and add the story and the book to your wish list. They haven’t loaded the cover art yet, but you can still easily find it.
2013 Resolutions for Writers
The ball has dropped. The confetti is now in a landfill. Your diet plans have already been thrown to the wind, ready to return for a couple of days next January. The Twilight Zone marathon has passed the signpost up ahead that reads : Hey, time to get back to work!
I’m not big on resolutions because I know that 99% of them are yesterday’s dreams by the end of January. The only ones I’ve been able to keep are the resolutions that pertain to writing. For me, writing has always been my escape, my sanctuary, and now it’s also an income-providing business. All the more reason to get my ass in gear and hunker down. I admit, I took a total break from writing most of December. I needed it. My brain, like a chicken wing, was fried. At times during the holidays, I could actually hear my cells vibrate as they recharged. It was a wise decision to step back for a bit. But rest time is now bye-bye.
I figured I’d start with a list of resolutions that would benefit others as much as myself. Writing is a lonely business and sometimes we need some outside influences to kick us in the pants. Consider this my loving tap on your authorly keister.
Here are my 2013 Writing Resolutions:
1. Read More. I know I’ve stressed this in other articles and interviews. You can’t write if you don’t read. Plain and simple. I must read 75 or more books a year. I know I can do more. The number one rule is to turn that damn TV off as much as possible. Naturally, I read a ton of horror novels. But i’s also good to branch out to other genres, as well as the classics and self-help books. It all leads to personal growth. In fact, this year, I vow to read at least one romance novel. It’s the last genre out there that I haven’t touched as a reader. Any suggestions?
True fact, Fabio and I have the same agent.
2. Write. Write. Write. Even though I didn’t write over the holidays, I did think about what my projects will be for 2013 and hit the library to do research. What are my exact goals? I will write at least one novel from start to finish (revisions included). I want to write one novella, if not two. I need to get back in the short story swing, so I’ve set a goal of writing at least a half dozen shorts. I also want to write and publish a collection of true ghost stories in time for Halloween. There, that should keep me off the streets.
3. Query new markets. Yes, I have an agent that does a lot of this for me, but I can’t have her do all the work. This is my career, after all. I need to be more aggressive this year and see if I can open some new doors and different writing opportunities.
4. Pitch a story to a TV/film production company. I have a few ideas/stories that I can lead with. Now I need to figure out how to go about this. I’ll research on the internet and reach out to other authors that have had success pitching their stuff. Getting a development deal is one of my bucket list things, so I better get on the ball.
5. Attend more cons and writers conventions. I already signed up for a couple of writer’s organizations while I lounged around watching Arrested Development in my sweats. I intend to go to a few national and local cons to mix and mingle and learn a thing or three. I’ll also show my face at more horror cons, like World Horror Con, Horrorfind, KillerCon and Chiller Theatre. That’s always a fun time!
6. Keep my writing area organized. This seems like a little thing, but it’s far from it. I spent 4 hours cleaning out all the crap that had accumulated in my little writing space during the year. This year, it’s getting a monthly sprucing up so things don’t get lost in the shuffle.
This isn’t my desk, but you get the idea.
7. Find new ways to market my work. As a writer today, you can’t fall alseep at the switch when it comes to marketing. There are always new services popping up that can help you get the word out about your work. Some work, some don’t, but you have to try. As an example, I jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon last year, but learned after a few months that it wasn’t doing much for me. Hey, at least I tried.
8. Expand the scope of the Monster Men podcast. You’re going to see a lot of new stuff with our video podcast in 2013. We’re going to interview authors, directors, publishers, paranormal groups, you name it. Jack and I can’t wait to get started. If you’re any of the above and would like to be on the show, shoot me an email and we’ll work out a schedule.
9. Listen to more podcasts. I’m an audio podcast junkie. I spend a lot of time in my car with my radio, but I’m not digging what’s on the air. Since my car is old, I’m going out to get an adapter so I can play the podcasts on my Nano through my car stereo. Podcasts are great ways to inform, educate, entertain, inspire and gain more depth into whatever topic that interests you. I highly suggest Jim Harold’s Paranormal Podcast. Great stuff.
My favorite podcast. Hey Jim, I’m open to an interview any time!
10. Rest. I’ve learned that you can’t run around juggling 100 things at once, 24/7, and expect to remain sane. So even though I’ve set a heavy workload for myself, I will make it a point to find moments to rest my mind, body and spirit. Sometimes you need to step out and let your subconscious do some of the heavy lifting. Believe me, it will all be there when you need it.
So, what are your resolutions for 2013? You don’t have to be a writer to set a goal roadmap. If you put it in writing now, it actually helps you work harder to achieve it.
The Ladies of Pink Kitty Paranormal : Ghost Hunters With Style
Anyone who has visited this old blog and chain knows that I’m a real big time ghost guy. From having my own experiences to visiting famous haunted locations and writing books about our evanescent neighbors, I can’t seem to get enough, During my travels, I was lucky enough to become friends with the lovely and hysterical Annaliesje Cady, head honcho of the coolest damn paranormal group, Pink Kitty Paranormal.
The crew of PKP ain’t your average ghost hunting squad. Donning pink tutus and fur-covered EMF meters, they go where others dare not tread with a sense of adventure and fun rarely seen in the paranormal circuit these days. If I could tag along with any ghost hunting group in the world for a night in a dark cemetery, PKP would be my # 1 choice. I recently sat down to chat with the beautiful members of PKP…Annaliesje, Scooby, Daniella and Zeegee, and had a blast. I can’t think of a better group to spotlight on Halloween week! Ladies, take it away…
1. I love the name of your group. How did you come up with Pink Kitty Paranormal?
ANNALIESJE…I have dreamed of having my own ghostie hunting group for like ever, that was based on a part of what I love. That would be PINK. I love Kitties (KITTY). I love the PARANORMAL. Some peeps think of PINK KITTY being a little dirty and that it means a certain female anatomy. I say to them all, “That’s fine, all of us girls have one”!!!
2. Who are your members and how did you all meet? 
ANNALIESJE…Myself, Daniella, Scooby and Zeegee (Zombie Girl Nowal) were friends before PKP got started. But we all actually met at a hair salon!! Go figure!!!
3. Because everyone in this field has a back story, what got you interested in ghost hunting and the paranormal in general?
ANNALIESJE…I had an experience with my mom when I was in high school but really got interested about 6 years ago when I started getting hooked on some popular paranormal shows. I signed up for a contest, Ghost Hunters Academy on a dare and actually got called by a producer. I ended up not getting picked for the show. I tried to contact other ghostie groups in my area but nobody wanted to let me join. That is when I said “F” it, I will start my own damn paranormal group!!
SCOOBY…I had some experiences but mainly fell into it when Annaliesje asked me to be a photographer for PKP. I am scared as “F” but can’t stop coming back for more with these crazy bitches!
ZEEGEE…I have had experiences since I was born and my mother as well. Something has been following me, well, since I was born. I have been curious every since. When I was asked to join PKP, I said HELLS YES!!
DANIELLA.. I have been interested in the paranormal since I was little. I had my first paranormal experience when I was about 10. But really I have to say that it is because Leonard Nimoy’s show, In Search Of. He is the one that made me the ghostie huntress that I am today. THANKS LEONARD! ❤
4. How do people react when your team comes to investigate in pink tu-tus and fur covered EMF meters? Is it tough winning over some of them?
ALL OF PKP..We have to say that every one of our clients have been coolio with us investigating. They usually know what we are about and how we dress. A lot of times they want to investigate with us. We have to say we end up winning them all. Maybe we might get a few in the future that we won’t be able to win over. All we have to say to that is…..OLE!!!
5. Some of you were featured on an episode of Ghost Adventures. Care to tell everyone what that was like? Did you meet any of the GA crew?
ANNALIESJE..hahaha yes, I wouldn’t say we were featured. We did get credits at the end but not for PKP. Myself and former PKP member, Nurse Rachel, helped with GHOST ADVENTURES reenactment scenes on the Shanghai tunnels episode. PKP then were volunteers for the Cascade Geographic Society, who runs most of the tunnel tours, and we were asked to help. With such short notice, Nurse Rachel and I were the only ones that were able to participate. We both had a blast. I played Nynah, a young native American girl that was sold into slavery. I also played a saloon girl . Nurse Rachel played the main saloon girl that helps shanghai a poor chap..lol. The only one that we got to chat with were the filming crew for Travel Channel. Joe was my favorite. We picked on each other a lot. Filming took from 10am to 7pm on a Tuesday. It is amazing how long it takes to film a few minutes of what really airs. Sadly Zak, Aaron, Nick and Billy were already gone but months later Aaron and Billy did meet my dad in Vegas and took pics with him at a Gold Show..don’t ask..long story..always is..lol
6. What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever seen or heard during an investigation?
ANNALIESJE…I would have to say the second time we investigated an old hotel in Carson, WA. It’s funny how you can investigate a location and it’s quiet the first time and the second time you go back it does a one eighty..zoom! We went back to film some footage that was asked for by a network. Everything that had to do with video died, even with fully charged batteries. Something there clearly did not want us to film. We got clear sentences in our PKP gotcha ghostie box (when asked, “Was that you that made our cameras die?” the reply was a very loud and clear, “yup”!!! and when asked, “Why don’t you want us to film you?”, the reply was, “Because it’s abomination!!!”
And we were also followed to our hotel room. Let’s just say we left the lights on when we went to bed and for the record, I NEVER DO THAT EVER!
SCOOBY..F ing everything!!!
ZEEGEE..Agree with Annaliesje..something followed us to our room and we got a lot of readings on our k-2 meters and more evp’s from our room..that shit was carrrazy!
DANIELLA..Carson, WA for sure. Something was f ing with us! It was the first time we encountered a hostile ghostie. The whole investigation was awkward and uncomfortable!!
7. If you could list your top 3 dream ghost investigations, what would they be and why?
ANNALIESJA..DisneyLand! Because I want to see if I can talk to Walt!! It would be great to get some evp’s of that brilliant man and plus..I love everything Disney ❤ Alcatraz! Because I want to dress the team up in prison stripes and have Daniella be a cop and get some evp action with birdman!! Amityville Horrrror House. Well because, I just remember watching a documentary about it when I was little and some paranormal group left cameras in one hallway and caught a little boy with glowing eyes..I want to mess with that little ghostie! Lol 
SCOOBY…Graceland! Because I want to see if Elvis still lives! Neverland..well, just because! Last but not least..THE BUCKINGHAM PALACE! Get some dirty evp’s on the royals!!
DANIELLA.. I like psycho shit, so first off would be Trans Allegheny, Viscilica Axe Murder House. Last would be Hurricane Mills..Loretta Lynn. Because I love her and love that she has haunted shit happen to her there. Want to hear her stories!!
ZEEGEE..Tower of London, Lizzy Borden House and of course Waverly. Why? Because I like GUTS!
8. OK, if you could have your favorite cocktail, food and dessert right now, what would they be?
ANNALIESJA..Margarita on the rocks but with fresh oranges and lime freshly squeezed..triple sec and the most expensive f’ing IT WILL KILLYA (tequila) possible. Sushi..I just love sushi!! I would say all dessert..I am like Buddy the elf..I love anything sugar..it is my weakness!
ZEEGEE..I just trust my bartender to set me up..whatevs. Sushi..oh yeah..A spoon of NUTELLA!!
SCOOBY..A slightly dirty martini made with Kettle 1. Kraft Mac And Cheese. The inner Mexican in me says, FLAN!
DANIELLA..Well, I am drinking a GodDamn good Cab right now. Anything prepared by the sexy chef, Gordon Ramsay! Lavender crème Brule!! Mmmmm!
To follow the adventures of PKP, just click on any of thier pictures and it will take you right to their YouTube channel and FaceBook page. Happy hunting!
Big News and a Weekend Giveaway
The month of May has been flat-out crazy. And I mean crazy in a good way. I’ll start off with the great news. I signed a deal with Samhain for the sequel, yes, I said sequel, to Forest of Shadows. The next book is called Sinister Entity and takes several characters from the first book, over a decade later. Who made the cut to book two? You’ll have to wait until April, 2013 to find out. Until then, I can show you the amazing cover that just got into my hot little hands 2 days ago.
This wait is going to kill me!
As you all know, my second book with Samhain, Evil Eternal, was released at the beginning of the month. The promotional wheels have been spinning and I’m gearing up for the big Books Without Borders fair on June 9th. Word is there will be thousands of folks attending. I’m just offering up a few prayers to the sun god to keep it bright and dry.
I saw the first official review for Evil Eternal this week and it was a doozy. It’s from the folks at Ginger Nuts of Horror. Here’s just the beginning:
“Some horror books are excellent because they delve into the deepest parts of our psyche, and try and shed light on what makes us us. Some are excellent because the author has an amazing talent for writing wonderful prose, and some books are just excellent, because they entertain the reader with a blockbusting balls to the walls story. 
I’m happy to say that Evil Eternal is one of the most refreshing entries in the balls to the wall type of horror novel that I grew up reading, in many a long year.”
Click here if you want to read the rest of the review.
I fininshed the first draft of an all new novella that will hopefully be out in the Fall this year. First revision starts right after I post this.
And now on to the fun part. I’m giving away signed prints of the cover for Evil Eternal to anyone who comments on this post. If you were a fan of Forest of Shadows, let me know what you think of the cover for Sinister Entity and take a guess at who the star of the show will be. If you read Evil Eternal, let me know what you think of it. Hell, just come by and say ‘what up’! I’ll start sending out the signed covers this coming week.
Hunter Shea 