Hey all!

I hope this post finds you well.

I’ve been alluding to the fact that I have some big announcements coming up. And that’s true. I’m busier than a toothless zombie in a brain-eating contest. So, let’s get on with it, shall we? I’ve got lots to do…

When I first dipped my toes in the publishing end of the writing pool, I went the self-publishing route. I had no plans for my books to go worldwide. Putting them out there for family and friends was enough for me. In doing so, I cut a lot of corners. I did a lot of “don’ts.” When readers all around the world started picking up my books, I wasn’t ready. Neither were the books. The quality was lacking, and I wasn’t putting my best foot forward. So, from there, I started working with a couple of small press publishers. This was a step in the right direction, but it brought its own set of challenges. The books were better quality, as the publishers had the funds and connections to provide professional editing, etc. But, I still wasn’t happy with the processes, regardless how well I was treated. I didn’t enjoy “playing the game.”

Sorry, I’m rambling.

So where am I going with this, you ask?

After contemplating long and hard, I have decided to return to the world of indie publishing and will be publishing my own books under an imprint from this point on. The process simply suits my needs and vision. I won’t bore you with the hows and whys. But, I will tell you that this time around, I will be going about things the right way (ie. putting forth the effort, spending the money)

What does this mean to you? It means several things. For starters, my new novel (yes, something new!) will be out later this year under my imprint, Manta Press. Check out the cool logo…

Also, since my contracts for BONE WHITE and BLACKENED just happen to be expiring in June, I will be retaining those rights once again. Later this year, both will be re-released for a 3^rd and (hopefully) final edition through Manta Press as well. New covers, new editing on the inside. I can’t wait.

So, all in all, I will have a minimum of 3 book releases this year, and I’m very excited. Another release, a 2^nd collection of short stories, is slated for early 2021. Stay tuned for release dates for all four of these.

Thanks for hanging in there and taking this ride with me.

Til next time, my friends!

Tim McWhorter

So, I did this thing on Saturday where I trudged deep down into the hills of southern Ohio to try and sell books to a crowd coming to check out a haunted tunnel in the middle of a forest. Let’s just say that ghosts weren’t the only thing I was skeptical about that night. Didn’t know if I’d sell very many books. At all. Happy to say, my mind was changed on one aspect that night. Not only did I sell out of one book (something that’s never happened), but I sold out of TWO books. And I think I have only two copies of Shadows left. Ended up selling more books during this one day event than I ever have. By more than DOUBLE. So yeah, it was a worthwhile trek, and I think I might do it again next year. Thanks to everyone who walked away from Midnight in Moonville with something new to read this Halloween season!

As the calendar turns to July, temperatures are rising and summer is hitting its stride. The grass is turning brown. Swimming pools and air conditioned cineplexes are becoming our favorite places to gather. And I lose five pounds every time I stand over a hot grill making dinner. Yup, things are really starting to heat up. Thankfully, that includes my writing.

After a few months where purchasing a new home, moving, and several DIY projects kept me away from my manuscript, I am thrilled to be refocused on editing my latest novel, Unholy Smokes. With any luck, I will find a home for it by year’s end.

Fingers crossed.

Beyond that, I have decided to start submitting some new short stories into anthologies, something I’ve steered clear of up to this point. Yet more occasions for crossing fingers. I’ll share the news if/when anything ever breaks.

In the meantime, I hope you all have a great summer! Stay cool and read on!

Til next time, my friends…

…for being busy. It’s that time of year. The holiday season is in full swing, which means more family obligations than usual. My list of things to get done by year’s end is going to take longer than what remains of the year to complete. And the one aspect of my life that suffers (as always) when things get busy is, you guessed it, the writing. I’m still plugging along on this new novel, but not at the pace I’d like to be. So, in the meantime, I’m basking in the glow of the wonderful reviews that Let There Be Dark is getting. And it’s getting some hella good reviews. Here are but a few…

“I was amazed with all the plot twists Tim managed in such a short amount of time — really, really impressive storytelling. If you love reading author collections as much as I do, this is a must have and Tim McWhorter should go on your list of “ones to watch.” – Sadie “Mother Horror” Hartmann, Cemetery Dance (Full review can be found HERE)

“It’s one of the few collections I’ve read this year that I can say ALL of the stories are fantastic. Not one bad or even slightly bruised apple in the bunch!” – Angela, Horror Maiden’s Book Reviews (Full review and bonus interview can be found HERE)

“A seriously badass collection of short horror fiction that will rock your world! Tim McWhorter knows people very well. It’s one big thing that makes him a great writer. This beauty gets FIVE STARS all day, every day.” – Brian J. Lewis, Damaged Skull Reviews (Full review can be found HERE)

In conjunction with the reviews, I’ve also done a couple of interviews over the last few months. If you’re interested in hearing what I have to say, the interviews can be found at the following links…

https://kendallreviews.com/let-there-be-dark-author-tim-mcwhorter-talks-to-kendall-reviews/

https://www.cedarhollowhorrorreviews.com/search?q=tim+mcwhorter

I guest posted on a couple of blogs when the owners showed a lack of judgement…

https://frankmichaelserrington.blogspot.com/2018/10/guest-post-tim-mcwhorter-who-says.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR3TVXOJ5zABEsZm9vcJs6UHJW316WJaw_IVYO8x9ZD-s0zcwhN7ZcTtATY

https://inkheist.com/2018/10/02/horror-in-the-holiday-express/?fbclid=IwAR3ZHzib1ftDOPetFtGFRyo4aHtICmh3g_pkx7PmF5dgZRDwDIXuGyCZzEA

2018 also saw me hire the services of a publicist for the first time. Most of the aforementioned would not have been possible without their help. I can’t thank Erin and Tim at Hook of a Book enough. You can check out their site HERE if you’re looking for some publicity or editing help of your own.

Lastly, I’m happy to announce that I joined the Horror Writer’s Association this year and have taken part in a handful of meetings with the Ohio Chapter. I’ve already met some great writers that I’m proud to call friends. All in all, it’s been a pretty good year. Things are continuing to trend upward. If I can get this latest novel in the shape I want it to be, I hope to submit it by early spring. Hopefully, this one will be THE ONE. Fingers crossed.

But, first, I gotta get back to work.

Happy holidays!

Til next time, my friends…

And so it has been, my friends. With a new release, multiple events and continued work on my next novel, this summer has already been a full one. The next few weeks stand to be just as busy. Wouldn’t change a thing, though. #livingthedream

This past Tuesday saw the release of my first horror-related material in three years….

“From an oddities shop looking to expand their macabre collection, to a back roads bridge with a horrifying past, Let There Be Dark is a collection of eight sinister stories full of ghostly phantoms, savage beasts, and the most frightening creature of all: humans. This first horror collection from the author of the best-selling novel, Bone White, thrusts you beyond the fringe and reminds us why we should all fear the dark…”

Let There Be Dark can be found HERE, along with most other online book retailers.

This Sunday, August 26th, I will be reading from and signing copies of my mainstream novel, The Winding Down Hours, at The Book Loft in German Village. If you’re in the area, I will begin reading at 1:00, then will be answering questions and signing until there’s nobody left. So come on by and say hello! Find out more at their WEBSITE.

On Friday September 7th, I can be found peddling books and chatting up readers at the First Friday Arts in the Alley hosted by the Gahanna Area Arts Council. Shenanigans begin at 6:00 pm and run until 9:00, when the party may or may not be moved to a local drinking establishment.

In September, I will be invading Lexington, KY for ScareFest! It’ll be a fun-filled weekend full of all things horror, including movie stars, television stars, artists, authors, makeup artists, paranormal investigators and the like. This will also be the event debut for Let There Be Dark, so I’m excited about that. Should be a great way to kick off Autumn! Check out the event HERE.

After that, things slow down a bit and I should be able to focus even more time to my next novel. I continue to go back and forth on the title, so I will continue to keep it to myself for now. However, I hope to be handing it off to beta readers by the end of the year, so if you’re looking for a job with no pay and little benefits…

Til next time, my friends…

 

 

Hey all!

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted on here, so I thought I’d offer an update on everything I have going on…

First of all, the publisher responsible for my three novels, (Bone White, Blackened, The Winding Down Hours) has been purchased by Hydra Publications. While this can sometimes produce headaches and uncertainty, the transition thus far has been seamless. The contracts are still in place and will remain so for their duration, if not longer. I’m proud to say I am now part of the Hydra family.

Since its release in the fall of 2017, sales for The Winding Down Hours have been very (and I can’t stress this enough) very slow. I can only assume that my readers have spoken, and they’re telling me they prefer I scare the crap out of them. Well, let me tell you, the message is coming through loud and clear. (But that doesn’t mean I won’t strap on my literary shoes again sometime down the road.)

What it does mean, however, is that right now, I have a steady output of horror coming your way. I don’t have a release date yet, but my collection of short stories titled, Let There Be Dark, will be released by Hydra Publications probably late spring/early summer. I can’t wait to share it with you all, and look to do some serious promotion for it once it’s out. I even have a cool contest for you all as we get closer to release date. The synopsis will go something like:

“From an oddities shop with a collection too macabre for even the most hardcore of enthusiasts, to a country road bridge with a horrifying past, Let There Be Dark is the first horror short story collection from the author of the horrifying novel, Bone White. Between these covers you will encounter decades-old ghosts, blood thirsty creatures and humans with more than one screw loose. These eight short stories are sure to help you discover where your threshold for fear lies.”

Finally, the first draft of my next horror novel is approximately 90% complete. Once it is finished and has undergone a whole lot of criticism from a select few readers and 7 or 8 revisions, I hope to have it ready for submission by the end of the year. Fingers crossed. As for the title and what it’s about, you’ll just have to stay tuned…

‘Til next time, my friends.

Whether you’re old school and like to hold the book you’re reading, or one of those people who prefer the convenience of being able to carry your library around on your cell phone, The Winding Down Hours is available to you. Look on Amazon, barnesandnoble.com, iTunes, Kobo, Google Play and pretty much anywhere you shop for books, and you’ll find it. Here are a few links to help save time…

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-winding-down-hours-tim-mcwhorter/1127143185?ean=2940158824319

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Tim_McWhorter_The_Winding_Down_Hours?id=wac2DwAAQBAJ&hl=en

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-winding-down-hours

Home isn’t always where the heart is.

The Taylors haven’t spent this much time together in years. But with their mother gone and the tendrils of dementia slowly entwining their father, the three siblings have one last chance to relive their idyllic youth while packing up the family home. Life isn’t as simple as when they were children, however, and missteps of the past have driven them irreconcilably apart. Only Mason, the middle Taylor, is determined to mend the fractures before the weekend ends and their time on the Cape is done.

A story of the common hopes, trials and disappointments of family life – and just how difficult acceptance can be.

 

 

 

The 2nd edition of SHADOWS REMAIN is now available in both paperback and ebook! The new edition contains a cleaner, tighter, professionally-edited text, various story line alterations and a new spin on the ending. This is the novella SR was meant to be all along!