paranormal thriller – Page 5 – R.J. Sullivan Fiction

RJ at Imaginarium: A Stalker’s Guide

This weekend is the first-ever Imaginarium Convention in Louisville, KY, a new reader- and writer-centric convention (in which Seventh Star Press is playing a starring role) darn well determined to be a mind-blowing experience or die trying.

I’ll be in the Seventh Star Press section with my Indy author peeps John F. Allen and Eric Garrison, selling my paranormal trilogy, the new Virtual Blue Nail Polish, and my Lost Soles. During vendor’s hours, you’ll find me at the booth most of the time, or I’m on panel duty at one of the following discussions:

Friday
5 PM Critique Groups: Positives & Negatives: Some people call them a blessing, others a curse. Here’s your chance to get the lowdown from published authors on critique groups and how they both help and harm writers.
Moderator: Marian Allen Other Panelists: Matthew Barron, David Blalock, Andrea Judy, Kristen Kindoll

Saturday
10 AM Don’t Let Genre Get in Your Way: When you sit down to write do you find yourself trying to force your plot into a specific mold? It’s far past time you let your writing take flight without parameters. Come ask questions from our cross-genre panelists and learn the best way to write what you want to write on your own terms.
Moderator: Robert Krog Other Panelists: A. Christopher Drown, Jackie Gamber, Georgia L. Jones, Terri-Lynne Smiles

11 AM Plotters vs. Pantsers: The age-old war rages on: are you a plotter or a pantser? Or are you something in between? Come hear our panelists talk about their storytelling prep work.
Moderator: Denise Verrico Other Panelists: Cam Crowder, Mandi M. Lynch, Pamela Turner, M.B. Weston

RJ Will be attending a workshop 2-3:30 PM

3:30 PM Author on Author Interviews: Authors break into teams and interview each other.
Moderator: Lee Martindale Other Panelists: Robby Hilliard, Kristen Kindoll, Rebekah McAuliffe, Anderson O’Donnell, Mysti Parker

It’s shaping up into a pretty incredible weekend! Hope to see some of you there!

Virtual Blue Nail Polish: kickass color

Presenting:

Online ordering will be available through this website soon, but we’re bringing some bottles with us to Imaginarium this weekend! Only $8 per vial. You’ll find it at the table I’m sharing with John F. Allen, who is premiering his exclusive God Killers colors you can read about here!

Each batch is hand-mixed and completely non-toxic, created and offered exclusively by Akira Lacquer.

Virtual Blue Nail Polish: kickass color for punkgeeks and geekpunks everywhere, and the answer to the burning question: what does R.J. Sullivan offer that Stephen King doesn’t? Come by and grab your bottle this weekend!

Tomorrow: I’m posting all the details on how to stalk R.J. during Imaginarium weekend!

Elegant ghost Maxine Marie responds to “hitting 40”

RJ: Congratulations on hitting 40, Maxine!

[Maxine slaps RJ]

RJ: Hey, what was that for?

Maxine: I’ll have you know, Mister, that I haven’t been a day over 33 in nearly 50 years!

RJ: ….That would only make sense to you, Maxine.

Maxine: Why, thanks. I think.

RJ: I just mean that yesterday, Haunting Obsession received its 40th review on Amazon, and even though it was my second book, it’s easily the most it’s the most popular book in my loose trilogy in terms of both sales and reviews. So I thought—

[Maxine slaps RJ’s other cheek]

RJ: Ow! Seriously? What is wrong with you??

2012, with RJ and Nikki Howard as "Maxine Marie". — RJ and Nikki Howard as “Maxine Marie”.

Maxine: You just called me loose. I may be dumb, but I’m not stupid.

RJ: No, I just mean that Haunting Obsession can be read on its own, without the other two books, but it also acts as a bridge story between Haunting Blue and Virtual Blue.

Maxine: Oh, well, why didn’t you just say so?

RJ: I thought you’d want a chance to thank our loyal readers for all their support in getting us this far.

Maxine: Thank them? Shouldn’t you be thanking me? Do you want me to tell your “loyal readers” what you pay me to be your ongoing mascot every time you can’t think of a clever idea for a blog?

RJ: Hey now! I’m just saying, we owe our audience a huge thank you because we’d never had done it without them.

Maxine: Or maybe your loyal readers know an awesome cover when they see it. I mean, look at me. I am a dish, aren’t I? And Bonnie Wasson captured my good side.

RJ: Well, yes, it is a great cover, but—

Maxine: I mean, let’s face it, prop it up at your table and it sells itself. What fan of steamy ghost fiction can possibly resist?

RJ: Fine, then let me talk. I wrote this to extend my heart-felt thanks to each and every reader and for all the terrific comments I’ve heard about Haunting Obsession since its release. And I want to thank my publisher Seventh Star for it’s incredible support of me on this journey, and all my peers and friends who have helped me in more ways than I can say. I promise the best is yet to come. Most especially to Bonnie Wasson, Nell Williams, Nikki Howard, and Lily Monstermeat for offering their great interpretations of the character for me to use.

[RJ looks at Maxine]

Maxine: What?

RJ: Don’t you have anything to say?

Maxine: Sure. Thank you, RJ’s readers, for demonstrating your elegant good taste and serving as my willing minions in my plans to take over the world…one book at a time.

RJ: Okay, never mind, just join me in taking a bow.

Maxine: [wink] Ah-ha, I knew you were up to something, Mister.

Thank you, readers, for helping me reach this milestone. As a good friend likes to say: The Best is Yet To Come.

HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND!!!

Haunting Obsession 4 to 40 week!

So I’ve been hinting and linking and pointing, and, in my passive aggressive way, telling you guys that reviews and ratings on Amazon.com would be appreciated. So now I’ll just be direct.

For the past several months, reviews for Haunting Obsession have sat steady at 36 reviews.

Readers, I need your help. I have been informed in no uncertain terms that promotion opportunities open up for book titles that have earned at least 40 reviews. Not 36 reviews. Not 39 reviews. 40. (Of course, anything more than 40 is also good). At 40 reviews, certain automated systems in the site handle the book in ways to its advantage. Plus, at 40+/, the book qualifies for more opportunities with partnerships connected with my publisher. Straight up, I can do a whole lot more promoting once Haunting Obsession collects 40 reviews on Amazon.com.

So I am declaring this Haunting Obsession 4 to 40 week! I know more than 36 of you have read the book and have an opinion. If you have, and you do, and you haven’t posted it on Amazon.com yet, go to this link, scroll down to reviews, and add yours. It doesn’t have to be a long, detailed review. It doesn’t even have to be a good review (though I suppose if you hated it, you’re not inclined to help promote it…but never mind)

“Yes,” you say, “I could do all that, but what’s in it for me?” By which I guess you mean, what’s in it for you…on top of reading my chilling, thrilling tale of ghostly lust. Well, I’ll tell you what, I’ll throw in four ebook giveaways of the followup Rebecca Burton e-short story Backstage Pass–one ebook giveaway for each review slotted 37-40. Just email me at copybob@sbcglobal.net identifying your review to redeem the free estory. (If you have Backstage Pass, I’ll substitute my space opera e-novella Fate of the Red Lotus instead. If you have THAT…well, we’ll talk.)

So if you’ve already read Haunting Obsession and had a review on your to-do list but just hadn’t gotten “a round tuit” well, here you go. And congratulations, your procrastination has paid off.

If the book has been sitting in your e-reader–good news, it’s novella length, you still have a good chance of redeeming a prize, so get reading.

If you haven’t gotten the book, it’s a quick read, so your chances are STILL good. Download Haunting Obsession here.

So post your review on amazon.com here. After you have confirmed your review has posted, email me at copybob@sbcglobal.net and identify your review. Only reviews posted on the Haunting Obsession page on Amazon.com are valid for the giveaway, though other reviews are appreciated.

This giveaway is only good through the posting of the 40th review, based on the order Amazon sorts the reviews. You must email me to receive the giveaway by August 23, even if yours is one of the four reviews.

For Reviews 41 on, I say thank you very much, you have my gratitude, and I hope you enjoyed my thrilling, chilling tale of ghostly lust.

RJ Sullivan Haunting Blue Blog Tour Link Page

The blog tour n support of the re-release of Haunting Blue by Seventh Star Press has kicked into full swing and continues all week. During that time, Haunting Blue will be discussed somewhere in the “blogosphere” several times a day. But how’s a casually obsessed RJ fan supposed to keep track?

Fortunately, I make it a goal to take good care of the casually obsessed RJ fans, so I’ve provided this single link page, which I’ll update, so all you need to do is keep checking here once a day to see the latest.

Monday, July 14
Jess Resides Here A new interview with my good friend Jessica Lay.
Beauty in Ruins Setting, urban legends and self-identity as examined in Haunting Blue.
FUOnlyKnew A whimsical top ten “bucket list and new 4-star review!

Tuesday, July 15
John F. Allen, Writer A new, self-contained scene fits into the Haunting Blue storyline.
Armand Rosamilia Introducing my novels: Starting a series with a great hook!

Wednesday, July 16
SpecMusicMuse A new interview with blogger Scott Sandridge.
Workaday Reads My artist. She rocks. Here’s why.
I Smell Sheep A profile on Blue’s teacher nemesis Mr. Robbins.
The Rage Circus Vs. The Soulless Void NEW REVIEW 4.6 stars!

Thursday, July 17
Come Selahway With Me Hey, authors, “Just don’t bore me.” Also, Dracula
Library Girl Reads and Reviews An essay on vulgar language
Bee’s Knees Reviews NEW REVIEW 4.5 stars!

Saturday, July 19
A Haunted Head New Interview, 20…well, 19 questions (I miscounted)
Coffintree Hill Conventions from the author side

Sunday, July 20
Deal Sharing Aunt RJ’s Writing Project Do s and Don’t s

RJ Blog Tour Schedule for Haunting Blue Announced

Next week, I’m guest-blogging all over the internet in support of Haunting Blue, at a number of favorite blog spots like Jess Resides Here and Beauty in Ruins, and several brand-new blogs to me, such as FUOnlyKnew and Spec Music Muse (thanks to all of you for having me!).

All in all, it’s 17 blogs in six days! During that time, I’ll discuss Haunting Blue, the paranormal, and the life of a writer, from every possible angle, and also fill a few unusual requests from my hosts (No, Jess, I am not dressing as a Mermaid this tour…maybe next time).

Join me for the fun! Thanks to Seventh Star for hosting, and check in regularly next week on Facebook, Twitter, and this site to catch all the latest updates as they go live. It’s going to be a blast!

Click here to see all tour dates!

R.J.’s “Lost Soles” at InConJunction

Stop by the Speculative Fiction Guild (SFG) Vendor Booth this weekend during the IncConJunction Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention to see the Lost Soles!

So one day recently a certain author of critically acclaimed paranormal thrillers bought a multi-pack of socks that should have fit….but didn’t! Bummer! Perfectly good socks, unworn, doomed to go to waste. But, Mrs. R.J and the “Nerds In The Making” all chipped in to hand-stitch and draw on each and every “Lost Sole,” made of new, unworn sock cotton. So come check out the Lost Soles, or you can adopt a hand-crafted Sole for $5 each.

Friday and Saturday only. while soles last. Look for the “dryer” display at the SFG Vendor Booth.

While you’re there, check out the array of books by SFG members John F. Allen, Matthew Barron, Eric Garrison, R. J. Sullivan, and (in the booth next door) Crystal Leflar. Hope to see you there!

Haunting Blue Book Trailer 2014 Goes Live

Three years ago, a new author took on the challenge of putting together his first book trailer. He had ambition if no experience and he perhaps took on more than was reasonable or necessary, but he also had a lot of help from his friends. I’d like to take this space to again thank Ash Arceneaux, who created the original art and edited the final video, high school drama teacher Scott Siler, who created the audio track and provided the voices of Gunther and Chip, and Sami Susterich, a former student of Scott’s who volunteered to voice Blue for me.

Yes, voice-work. Did I mention I had a lot of ambition? While the results were not perfect, they were also none-too-shabby, and these people put a lot of time and effort into the clip we created.

When the book went out of print a few months ago, we also removed the book trailer. With the re-release, I could have chosen to start over, but….that was a LOT of work the first time and most of the trailer was still pretty rocking. So I turned to my friend, author buddy and someone also none-too-shabby with digital editing, Eric Garrison, who attacked my wish list of edits and did what was needed to let me reuse most of the old clip. So here it is, polished and back in service, and also showing off the fabulous new work by Bonnie Wasson, the book trailer to Haunting Blue!

Click here to see Seventh Star’s book trailer announcement and link.

R.J. Reads an excerpt from Haunting Obsession

Just because I thought it would be fun, I hit record on my laptop and read a ten minute excerpt from Haunting Obsession. One take, stumbles and vibrating cell phone and all. If I get a good response, I may do more excerpts when you least expect it. So to start your weekend off right, here’s my decidedly interesting impression of a movie starlet ghost. Some adult content and language.

Let me know what you think.

UPCOMING EVENT: RJ at Inconjunction: A Stalker’s Guide

So the Inconjunction Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention on the east side of Indianapolis (or as I call it, the old hometown) happens Fourth of July weekend, an awesome event celebrating all things speculatively geeky, and it’s always a highlight of my year. This year I’m attending as part of the Speculative Fiction Guild (SFG) and we’re hitting the con in a big way.

We’ll have a vendor’s booth with all of our titles, where I’ll have the Seventh Star collection of my paranormal thriller trilogy together in paperback for the first time. Convention pricing is: Haunting Blue: $15; Haunting Obsession: $12; Virtual Blue: $15.

Autographs are free and worth every penny you pay.

Also at the SFG booth: John F. Allen, Matthew Barron, and Eric Garrison. Directly next to us is SFG member Crystal Leflar, who’s running her OWN vendor booth as event marketer for Nightscape Press, so check out their array of titles along with her own books.

Inconjunction was the first con I ever attended over 20 years ago as Mrs. RJ’s date. The authors were my heroes and I always wanted to be where they were. Now I’m dpoing just that for my third time. Unreal.

So it turns out, the awesome people who throw Inconjunction (the Circle of Janus) moved their monthly meetings to a few miles down the road from where I live. I opened my big mouth and said “sure, the SFG will do as many panels as you want.” So they got us hopping this year!

Here’s your Stalker’s Guide to finding me.

Friday, July 4th

4 pm–Main Programming Room: Book Trailers–what are they good for? With: Eric Garrison and Author Co-Guest of Honor Kat Falls.

7 pm–Grand Ballroom 7 and 8: What are your favorites in genre television, and why? With: Mike Suess

8 pm–Grand Ballroom 7 and 8: Analyzing the History of the Comic Book Movie With: John F. Allen and Mike Suess.

Saturday, July 5

11 am–Indianapolis Ballroom D: SFG Writer’s Workshop: Point of View: Why it’s Better to Have One With: the SFG: John, Eric, Matt, and Crystal, plus Rosemary Laurey

1 pm–Room name coming: Discussion on genre television, title forthcoming: With John F. Allen

4 pm–Grand Ballroom 7 & 8: Making the Jump to a Series With: John F. Allen and Mike Shepherd.

7 pm–Harrison Room: SFG Writer’s Roundtable: Making the most of local settings in genre fiction With: The SFG: John, Eric, Matt, and Crystal.

10 pm–Grand Ballroom 7-8: Candlelight Horror Reading With: John F. Allen, Crystal Leflar and Jeff Seymour.

At this time, I have no plans to return Sunday.

While you’re there, say hi to Michael West, James Barnes of Loconeal Books, local filmmaker Kate Chaplin of Karmic Courage Productions, and check out the show by Five Year Mission.

WOW! How’s that for a packed weekend!