Category Archives: Uncategorized

Anthologies, Michael West, My Vampires Don't Sparkle, press release, Uncategorized

SSP Proudly Announces Upcoming Release of Vampires Don’t Sparkle! Anthology

For Immediate Release
March 2, 2013

Seventh Star Press Announces Upcoming Release of
Vampires Don’t Sparkle! Anthology

Seventh Star Press is proud to announce the upcoming release of Vampires Don’t Sparkle!, an exciting new anthology from editor Michael West that features the talents of many of the best writers in the speculative fiction arena, including Gary Braunbeck, Tim Waggoner, Maurice Broaddus, Lucy A. Snyder, and several more exceptional authors.  Featuring cover artwork from the award-winning artist Matthew Perry, the anthology will be available in trade paperback and eBook formats by the end of March.

Vampires Don’t Sparkle! poses the question: What would you do if you had unlimited power and eternal life?

Would you…go back to high school? Attend the same classes year after year, going through the pomp and circumstance of one graduation after another, until you found the perfect date to take to prom? Would you…spend your days moping and brooding, finding your only joy in a game of baseball on a stormy day? Or would you…do something else?

The authors of this collection have a few ideas; some fanciful, some humorous, and some as dark as an endless night. Join us, and discover what it truly means to be “vampyre.”

Below is a full list of authors and stories included in Vampires Don’t Sparkle!

“A New Life” by J. F. Gonzalez
“What Once was Flesh” by Tim Waggoner
“The Darkton Circus Mystery” by Elizabeth Massie
“Robot Vampire” by R. J. Sullivan
“Beneath a Templar Cross” by Gord Rollo
“The Weapon of Memory” by Kyle S. Johnson
“The Excavation” by Stephen Zimmer
“Skraeling” by Joel A. Sutherland
“Dreams of Winter” by Bob Freeman
“Dracula’s Winkee: Bloodsucker Blues” by Gregory L. Hall
“I F*** Your Sunshine” by Lucy A. Snyder
“A Soldier’s Story” by Maurice Broaddus
“Rattenkönig” by Douglas F. Warrick
“Vampire Nation” by Jerry Gordon
“Curtain Call” by Gary A. Braunbeck

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the anthology will be going to cancer research institutions, which was a prime motivation for editor Michael West in putting the project together. The author of highly-acclaimed novels such as Poseidon’s Children, Cinema of Shadows, The Wide Game and Spook House, Michael decided to take on the editor’s role for Vampires Don’t Sparkle! for some personal reasons.

As Michael recently stated, “It is a very personal cause for me.  One year ago, I lost one of my closest friends, author Sara J. Larson, to cancer, and then my wife was diagnosed with the disease last fall.  I hope that, with this anthology, we can help win the fight against this real-life horror.

And what an anthology it is!  My fellow horror and dark fantasy authors will take you down some very twisted paths, each putting his or her own unique spin on the age-old legend of the vampire. Some of these tales are fanciful, some humorous, and some as black as an endless night. These are stories that will once more strike fear into your heart and make you dread sundown. These are tales to make the vampire cool again.”

To get further information on Michael West, or the Vampires Don’t Sparkle! anthology, please visit Michael’s site at www.bymichaelwest.com or the Seventh Star Press site at www.seventhstarpress.com

 

 

Contact: C.C. James
Public Relations, Seventh Star Press
ccjames (at) seventhstarpress.com

Seventh Star Press is a small press publisher of speculative fiction located in Lexington Kentucky

Anthologies, David J. Guyton, Fires of Liberty, press release, Stephen Zimmer, Uncategorized

Seventh Star Press Announces Call for Entries on New Anthology Co-Edited by David J. Guyton and Stephen Zimmer

For Immediate Release
February 11, 2013

Seventh Star Press proudly announces a call for entries for Fires of Liberty (Volume One): A Speculative Fiction Celebration of Freedom, the first release of an exciting new anthology series that will be as inspiring as it is thought-provoking.

Co-edited by David J. Guyton and Stephen Zimmer, the anthology challenges authors to explore what freedom really means, and the unique value of the individual, within a speculative fiction environment.  Fires of Liberty is an invitation to exploration, celebration, and self-discovery.

The project welcomes stories of 2,000 to 10,000 words in size  from all corners of the speculative fiction world, including science fiction, fantasy, steampunk, alternate history, dystopian, and more.  Special consideration for inclusion is being given to stories that are prequels, or preludes, to an author’s existing or upcoming series.  Fires of Liberty is scheduled for a Fall 2013 release in trade paperback and eBook formats, and will feature cover art from one of SSP’s award-winning artists.

The themes of the anthology are very close to heart for both of the project’s editors, who are speculative fiction authors with ongoing series that explore the kinds of themes to be featured in Fires of Liberty.

David J. Guyton is a fantasy author and artist currently residing in the eastern United States.  He is known for his Legend of Reason series, a fantasy saga which currently features three titles, Mighty Hammer Down, Blood and Bronze, and Soul Under the Mountain.

Stephen Zimmer is an author and filmmaker residing in Lexington, Kentucky.  His work as an author includes the epic-scale, urban fantasy Rising Dawn Saga, the epic fantasy Fires in Eden series, the Harvey and Solomon steampunk tales, and the forthcoming Hellscapes horror stories.

“David and I are really excited about Fires of Liberty,” Stephen remarked.  “The themes are very important to both of us, and we are really looking forward to seeing some very inspiring and insightful stories brought to life as a result of this project.  The life of an author requires an independent streak, the pursuit of a dream, self-determination and self-motivation, so I am very confident that all kinds of writers will be able to connect and resonate with the themes featured in this anthology.”

The deadline for story submissions is June 1, 2013, and full information on the anthology project can be found at: https://seventhstarpress.com/submissions/

 

 

Contact: C.C. James
Public Relations, Seventh Star Press
ccjames (at) seventhstarpress.com

Seventh Star Press is a small press publisher of speculative fiction located in Lexington Kentucky

 

 

A Tale of Goliath, press release, Steven L. Shrewsbury, Sword and Sorcery, Uncategorized

Seventh Star Press Announces New Trilogy From Steven Shrewsbury

For Immediate Release
February 8, 2013

Seventh Star Press proudly announces A Story of Goliath, a brand new, epic-scale sword and sorcery trilogy from Steven Shrewsbury.  The trilogy gets underway with the first book, Philistine, to be released in early summer of 2013.

Set within the same world as Shrewsbury’s increasingly popular Gorias La Gaul stories, A Story of Goliath takes place many centuries later and follows the adventures and exploits of the legendary biblical figure Goliath.  Readers of the trilogy can expect a gritty, hard-hitting take on the great warrior, set within a world rife with dark supernatural dangers, violence, lust, and all manner of elements both villainous and heroic that Shrewsbury’s sword and sorcery tales are known to contain.

In Philistine, Goliath, rumored to be the offspring of a fallen angel, is a champion warrior of Philistia, a land with five great cities each ruled by a king.  Serving the Kings of Philistia, Goliath is pulled into a great conflict as a rogue general named Samien seeks to establish a new confederation, and throw off the yoke of older rulers and gods alike.

With his shield bearer, Abimelech, and a company of soldiers, Goliath sets out on missions for the five kings and encounters alchemists, the rising of ancient cities, bizarre creatures, cannibal wizards and dire dreams of death for his people.  The schemes of demons and humans intertwine, and Goliath discovers that humanity sometimes rivals the demonic horde in desire, greed and hate.

The trilogy will bring the team behind the Gorias La Gaul novel Overkill together again, as Joshua H. Leet will be handling editing duties, and award-winning artist Matthew Perry will be creating cover designs and interior illustrations for the novels.  A limited edition hardcover is planned, along with trade paperback and eBook versions.

Residing in Illinois, Steven Shrewsbury is a fantasy and horror author whose work has appeared in numerous short stories and novels.  His Gorias La Gaul tales include the novels Thrall and Overkill (both from Seventh Star Press), as well as the short stories “Beginning of the Trail”, “Author and Finisher of Our Flesh”, and “Insurmountable”, which are all available as eBooks from Seventh Star Press.  Other novel credits include Hell Billy (Bad Moon Books) Tormentor (Lachesis Publishing), Hawg (Graveside Tales) and Stronger Than Death (Snuff Books).

For further information on Steven Shrewsbury releases or Seventh Star Press, please visit www.seventhstarpress.com or the author’s site at: sshrewsbury.wordpress.com

 

 

Contact: C.C. James
Public Relations, Seventh Star Press
ccjames (at) seventhstarpress.com

Seventh Star Press is a small press publisher of speculative fiction located in Lexington Kentucky

press release, Selah Janel, The Kingdom City Chronicles, Uncategorized

Seventh Star Press Proudly Announces Selah Janel as Newest Member of Author Family

For Immediate Release
February 4, 2013

Seventh Star Press Proudly Announces Selah Janel as Newest Member of Its Author Family

Seventh Star Press is proud to announce the addition of Selah Janel to its author family with an exciting four book, cross-genre series called The Kingdom City Chronicles.  With its unique blend of humor, urban fantasy, horror, fantasy, and iconic figures from folk tales and legends, The Kingdom City Chronicles will appeal to a wide range of speculative fiction readers.

The first novel of The Kingdom City Chronicles, Olde School, is projected for a Fall 2013 release window.  Subsequent titles will follow at a pace of one per year.

In The Kingdom City Chronicles, readers can look forward to a lot of familiar fantasy creatures and ideas, although those latter two elements will be turned completely on their heads!  Kingdom City is a fantasy world caught between tradition and modernization.  All the characters are trapped between past history and progression.

Readers will encounter trolls and princesses, dwarves and magical creatures, but they will be seen in a whole new light. Some renowned fairy-tale and folk story characters will make appearances, but readers will see the real story behind the legends. If fantasy characters can be caught in their own version of urban fantasy, where their world is the “real” and “urban” world, then Kingdom City and the surrounding areas is where it happens!

“I’ve wanted to work with Seventh Star Press first, because they produce amazing series that feature new variations on the fantasy, horror, and sci-fi genres,” Selah commented.  “Seventh Star Press genuinely loves the genres they publish. Then also because of the huge sense of community they have. Every Seventh Star author I’ve met always has great things to say about everyone else, and it’s wonderful to be part of a group that thinks like that.”

Joshua H. Leet will be working with Selah as the editor for The Kingdom City Chronicles .  Interior illustrations and cover art from SSP’s award-winning artists will be featured in all versions of Olde School and subsequent titles, from a special limited hardcover edition to the trade paperback and eBook editions.

A Midwest girl at heart and in residence, Selah Janel is fueled by a love of ideas, stories, and the potential of magic hiding in the mundane. She mostly writes fantasy and horror, but is known to stray into other genres if the idea beckons. She is the author of several short e-books with Mocha Memoirs Press and No Boundaries Press. Her first novel, the urban fantasy story In the Red, blends dark fantasy with fairy tale themes and rock n’ roll. Her work has also been included in The MacGuffin, The Realm Beyond, Stories for Children Magazine, and several upcoming anthologies.  She’s also worked as a performer, puppeteer, and in costume design and construction.

“Selah’s got more energy than a high-end nuclear reactor running at full capacity,” fellow SSP author Stephen Zimmer remarked.  “As a writer, she’s got a wonderful range, in that she could thrive in any sub genre of speculative fiction.  Add to that an iron work ethic, generous nature towards authors and readers alike, and a rock star flair, and you’ve got a real literary force to be reckoned with!”

For further information on Selah Janel releases or Seventh Star Press, please visit www.seventhstarpress.com or the author’s site at: www.selahjanel.wordpress.com

 

 

Contact: C.C. James
Public Relations, Seventh Star Press
ccjames (at) seventhstarpress.com

Seventh Star Press is a small press publisher of speculative fiction located in Lexington Kentucky

 

John F. Allen, press release, Uncategorized

Seventh Star Press Proudly Announces John F. Allen as Newest Member of Author Family

2 Comments

For Immediate Release
February 1, 2013

Seventh Star Press Proudly Announces John F. Allen as Newest Member of Its Author Family

 

Seventh Star Press is proud to announce the addition of John F. Allen to its author family with a six book deal that launches the Ivory Blaque series for urban fantasy readers and those who love well-crafted speculative fiction.  The upcoming releases will feature a pair of story arcs that each comprise three novels, with The God Killers Legacy to be published first, and The Blood Legacy following after.

The first novel of The God Killers Legacy, The God Killers, is slated for a summer release in 2013.  It will be followed by The Conclave, and The Magistrate, to complete the first story arc.

In The God Killers, former professional art thief Ivory Blaque is hired to procure a pair of antique pistols and gets much more than she bargained for when several attempts are made on her life.

Her client turns out to be a shadowy government agent who reveals that she is descended from a race of immortals, that the pistols are linked to her unique heritage and the special psychic gifts she possesses, he uses the memory of her father to guilt her into working for him.

Ivory eventually gives in to his request, and in return, he presents her with her father’s journal, which was written in an unbreakable code. Bishop believes that she is the only one capable of breaking the code and unlocking the plans of the vampire hierarchy. But when the city’s top vampire is a sexy incubus with the hots for her and she’s assigned a hot new lycan enforcer to protect her, she finds herself caught between two sets of rock hard abs.

To regain her autonomy, clear her name, unlock the secrets of her past, and protect the lives of those closest to her, Ivory must play along with the forces trying to manipulate her. Ivory’s life is rapidly spiraling out of control and headed for an explosive conclusion which she just might not survive.

“I was introduced to Seventh Star Press through Rodney Carlstrom and RJ Sullivan,” John commented.  “Once I got to meet Stephen Zimmer and the other SSP writers, I felt completely at home. It was the sense of family and friendliness as well as the professionalism which drew me to want to be a part of the Seventh Star Press family!”

Karen M. Leet will be working with John as the editor for The God Killers Legacy .  Interior illustrations and cover art from Enggar Adirasa, the most recent addition to SSP’s growing team of artists, will be featured in all versions of The God Killers, from a special limited hardcover edition to the trade paperback and eBook editions.

Living in the Indianapolis area with his wife and two children, John F. Allen is a member of Indiana Writer’s Center and Indiana Horror Writers, and serves as its Vice President. He studied Liberal Arts with a focus on Creative Writing at IUPUI and has written numerous short stories, as well as articles and reviews on his blog.  The God Killers represents John’s debut as a novelist.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have John with us,” fellow SSP author Stephen Zimmer stated.  “In addition to being a highly talented writer, readers will find him very approachable.  When you are around John, you get a really strong sense of his dedication to his writing, and you also see how much goodwill he has towards fellow authors.  He’s definitely a wonderful addition to our family at SSP, and readers can look forward to some big things ahead from John!”

For further information on John F. Allen’s releases or Seventh Star Press, please visit www.seventhstarpress.com or the author’s site at: www.johnfallenwriter.com

 

Contact: C.C. James
Public Relations, Seventh Star Press
ccjames (at) seventhstarpress.com

Seventh Star Press is a small press publisher of speculative fiction located in Lexington Kentucky

 

Book Trailer, H. David Blalock, The Angelkiller Triad, Uncategorized, Urban Fantasy

New Video Trailer for H. David Blalock’s Traitor Angel Now Up!

A new video trailer is now up for H. David Blalock’s Traitor Angel, the second title of his highly-acclaimed Angelkiller Triad.  If you’ve read the books, help spread the word, and if you have not, discover what these books are all about.  One of the most thought-provoking urban fantasy series to be published in recent years, the Angelkiller Triad fuses the supernatural and the technological in a thrilling tale chock full of action and intrigue.

Enjoy the trailer and be sure to share it on your social media platforms!

 

Cover Reveal, Matthew Perry, press release, The Writers' Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy, Uncategorized

Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy Cover Revealed!

2 Comments

 

For Immediate Release
January 25, 2013

 

Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy Cover Revealed

Seventh Star Press is proud to reveal the new cover created by award-winning artist Matthew Perry for the upcoming release of the Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy.

Developed by Bram Stoker Award-winning editor Michael Knost, the Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy is a treasure trove for writers of all levels looking to develop their craft in the speculative fiction genres.  Featuring contributions from several of the best speculative fiction authors in the world such as Neil Gaiman, Orson Scott Card, Harry Turtledove, James Gunn, Alan Dean Foster, Ursula K. Le Guin, Joe Haldeman, Kevin J. Anderson, Tim Powers, Mike Resnick, and many, many more, the book features a wealth of essays and interviews focusing on the writing craft as it pertains to the genres of fantasy and science fiction.

Slated for a late February release in eBook and a trade paperback release following soon after, the Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy will be an important contribution to the speculative fiction literary community.  Whether just beginning a writing journey or extensively published, writers of all degrees of experience are certain to find this book to be an invaluable reference source.

For further information on the Seventh Star Press and its titles such as the Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy, please visit www.seventhstarpress.com

 

Contact: C.C. James
Public Relations, Seventh Star Press
ccjames (at) seventhstarpress.com

Seventh Star Press is a small press publisher of speculative fiction located in Lexington Kentucky

 

Uncategorized

Cover and Art Reveal, Blog Tour Dates, and Hardcover Pre-Order for Michael West’s New Novel Spook House!

For Immediate Release

October 8, 2012

Cover Art Reveal, Limited Hardcover Offer, and Blog Tour Announcement for Michael West’s Spook House!

 

Seventh Star Press is proud to unveil the cover art and illustrations created by Matthew Perry for Spook House by Michael West, as well as announce sites and dates for the book’s upcoming blog tour.  A pre-order window for a limited edition hardcover is also open in advance of the book’s official release.

The latest Harmony, Indiana novel following 2011’s Cinema of Shadows arrives just in time for Halloween, exploring the places in this world that go far beyond any normal definition of “haunted.” These places are so evil, so diabolical, that they become gateways to Hell itself. The Fuller Farm is one such place.

One of the interior illustrations created by Matthew Perry featuring a creature from Spook House!

It is said that old man Fuller conducted unspeakable acts, blood rituals and human sacrifices, all in an attempt to gain the ultimate knowledge, the ultimate power. And then, he was killed–horribly murdered on his own lands, leaving the house to stand as a vacant monument to his wickedness. But once a door is opened, it can never really be closed.

Another interior illustration created by Matthew Perry for Spook House, featured in all versions of the book.

Now, the stars are right. The gateway is ready to once more unleash unspeakable horror upon the town of Harmony, Indiana. And this will be one Halloween that they will never forget!

The softcover and eBook versions will be released following the launch event for the novel at That Book Place in Madison, Indiana on October 27th.

Spook House is now available for pre-order in a beautiful hardcover edition that is strictly limited to 75 copies.  The limited hardcover edition will be signed and numbered by Michael West and includes a bonus illustration from Matthew Perry not included in other editions. It will be accompanied by an assortment of collectibles, including a set of glossy art cards and bookmarks. Those interested in securing one of the 75 copies can place a pre-order now at: https://seventhstarpress.com/pre-orders/

The Spook House Blog Tour will feature 33 events, beginning October 25th and running through November 27th. The tour will feature a number of activities, including reviews, interviews, podcasts, guest blog posts, and contests/giveaways.

The dates and sites for the Spook House Blog Tour are as follows:

10/25     Great Minds Think Aloud

10/26     Bookishly Me

10/27     Red Headed Bookworm

10/28     Book and Movie Dimension

10/29     Azure Dwarf Horde of Science Fiction & Fantasy

10/30     Reading Aways the Days

10/31     Ginger Nuts of Horror

11/1       WTF Are You Reading?

11/2       Darlenes Book Nook

11/3       JeanzBookReadNReview

11/4       The Independent Review

11/5       Fictional Candy

11/6       Book Den

11/7       Vilutheril Reviews

11/8       Beauty in Ruins

11/9       Beagle Book Space

11/10     Bunny’s Review

11/11     Splash of Our Worlds

11/12     A Book Vacation

11/13     A Daydreamer’s Thoughts

11/14     Crossroads Reviews

11/15     Bee’s Knees Reviews

11/16     From the Bootheel Cotton Patch

11/17     Sheila Deeth

11/18     Kayla’s Reads and Reviews

11/19     The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia

11/20     I Smell Sheep

11/21     Ali’s Bookshelf

11/22     Full Moon Bites

11/23     The Cabin Goddess

11/24     Stuck in Books

11/26     The Rabid Fox

11/27     Jess Resides Here

 

For further information on Michael West, Seventh Star Press, and its titles, please visit www.seventhstarpress.com, or the author’s site at www.bymichaelwest.com

 

Contact: C.C. James

Public Relations, Seventh Star Press

ccjames@seventhstarpress.com

 

Seventh Star Press is a small press publisher of speculative fiction located in Lexington Kentucky

Uncategorized

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who helped us spread the word during our open house.  We saw more than 25,000 eBooks downloaded over the two days. We hope those of you who picked up books enjoy them and discover what we have to offer here at Seventh Star Press!