Author Archives: Kevin
Friday the 13th, a Monster Movie and the Grave Digger, by Kevin Lazarus
Kevin Lazarus in Carthage Falls
From: The Dark Side of Carthage Falls, the Chronicles, by Kevin Lazarus
Finally, the humiliation was over and happily so. I was too old for a baby-sitter! I just couldn’t seem to get my mother to understand that. And to make matters worse, to my absolute horror, she would have Tammy–the girl next door–come over! Tammy, who wasn’t much older than me, who I liked a lot, was my baby-sitter! Worse than that, Tammy would complicate things even more by bringing her friend Susan with her. Ugh! Of course, the truth was that both of them were a lot older than I initially believed. But what can I say, love is blind. Right?
The luster finally wore off when Tammy brought her boyfriend with her. Okay, so he was taller than me–and her. And, he was kind of hunky–big wow! But I knew I was toast, when I saw them sitting together, hugging and kissing, while missing the best monster movie ever–Revenge of the Mummy!
While my love affair with Tammy was short lived, I still couldn’t be all that mad at her. She’d introduced me to Friday night monster movies–Fright Night Theater. The best scary movies I had ever seen. Of course, they were the only scary movies I’d ever seen. Truth is, if my mother had found out about the movies, it would’ve all been over for both of us. It was to be our big secret. The kind of thing you pinky swear about.
In the beginning, it was wonderful–our secret rendezvous. We had a system and put on quite a show for my mother. Tammy would come over and prepare me something to eat while mom got ready to go out on their date. My step dad would walk around looking at his watch complaining that they were “going to be late!” They were always late–really late, part of the reason they were always late coming home. Anyway, I would finish the last bite on my plate and bound down the hallway into my bedroom. Where I would hop into bed, and wait for my mom to come in and give me a kiss goodnight. After she would leave, I would wait, listening for the sound of the back door to shut; after which, I would sneak out of my bedroom, down the hall, to where I waited to hear the sound of the car pulling out of the driveway. When I was sure that they were gone, I would sprint into the TV room where I would wait for Tammy and hot salty popcorn. more »
Shadow of the Hand, by Kevin Lazarus
Part Three, from The Dark Side of Carthage Falls, the Chronicles, by Kevin Lazarus is #FREE at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007NPO9W0 #kdp #kindle starting Thursday April 5th going through to Tuesday April 10th (until midnight).
This along with the rest of my stories, novellas and books, are also currently free for Amazon Prime members, from their lending library. If you can, read my stories from the lending library. You get to read if for free and I still get paid for it. You’d be helping this writer out…a lot! Also, if you leave me a review. Send me an email at Kevin@reallycreepystories.com and I will notify you when my next book Bone Stalker is out (a free e-book). Thanks for your help and enjoy (unless of course, you read it at midnight…hmmm…it will definitely be a different kind of thrill…Mwa-ha-ha-ha!).
Kevin Lazarus
Shadow Followers, by Kevin Lazarus #FREE Today
My book Shadow Followers is free at Amazon (kindle books) until midnight tonight. Be sure to read it! And if you enjoyed it, please leave me a review. Click HERE for the free download or read the first chapter below.
Also, currently all of my works are in the Amazon lending library FREE for Kindle Select readers. Enjoy!!!
K. Lazarus
——————————————–
Chapter 1
Jacob, Son of Thunder Born of Lightning
An unearthly rumbling, deep and visceral, followed by an explosive clap that sounded like someone snapping a massive tree in two, pierced Jacob’s tranquil dreams; a rolling thunderous noise so intense that it shook him into consciousness. Jacob literally flung himself over in his bed facing the ceiling–listening carefully. Quietly, with heavy sleepy eyes he surveyed his bedroom–still dark and silent. The distant sound of night crickets singing outside his window was somehow reassuring and peaceful. And he found himself wondering if he had heard anything at all? Perhaps it was nothing more than a bad dream, he thought. more »
Maggot, Night of the Avatar, by Kevin Lazarus #FREE
While I’m writing the next chapters of The Dark Side of Carthage Falls, I am allowing readers to read Maggot at Amazon for free for the next few days. I hope you Kindle readers will take advantage of the time. Leave me a review on Amazon and then send me an email and I’ll send you a copy of Bone Stalker when it’s in print! K. Lazarus
Blurb “In this novella thriller, Dylan and Madison quickly discover that supernatural forces stalk the online world of gamers–relishing in the blood and gore. But what they first thought to be an animated nightmare surprises them by doing the unthinkable… Read Maggot!”
Announcing: TheAuthorsAlly.com
I would like to introduce you to a new resource for authors–The Authors’ Ally–created specifically for authors, by authors, who are self publishing their own works. The goal of our organization is to offer specific promotional tools as well as technical services at a nominal price range. Why, because most writers want to write and have limited funds to put themselves out there. And, considering the internet wasteland left behind by the ongoing publishing collapse it is nearly impossible to get noticed without a few of these resources.
In the coming months TAA will continue to add services for self promoting authors. more »
Celeste and the Eyes of the Demon (Part Four), by Kevin Lazarus
I’m participating in the Bloody Hearts Blog Hop. Everyone who reads this blog receives a FREE e-copy of Celeste and the Eyes of the Demon, by Kevin Lazarus. FOLLOW THE LINK at the end of this blog!
(Excerpt CONTINUED From: Celeste and the Eyes of the Demon – by Kevin Lazarus)
NOTE from the author: I’m sharing with you excerpts from my latest short story. Friday, we’ll have another guest blog about writing or the entertainment industry. Thanks and enjoy! K. Lazarus
Celeste carefully examined every inch of her appearance in the mirror. From her eyeliner to her dark costume made of black polyester, with webbed lace in all the right places. Black nylons, also decorated with webs, hugged the contour of her legs. She was determined to stand out above all the others–especially her friends. It was most certainly a contest and she was going to win!
Celeste mentally checked off everything. She’d had her shower, washed her costume and her hair was perfect. Lipstick–just right. A few extra goodies in her purse and she was ready. Everything was perfect. She was perfect. But she couldn’t stop staring in the mirror. She just couldn’t get over how fantastic she looked.
She’d been such a spindly little thing when she was younger. And of course, no one liked her back then. But look at me know, she mused. I’ve grown up…in all of the right places, and I’m the most popular girl in the entire school. She smiled wryly, almost a wicked grin. And look at who my boyfriend is!
Celeste removed a plastic container from her purse and opened it. Inside were a set of vampire fangs. Not the cheap kind! These were the best money could buy. She put them in her mouth and bit down. As she reopened her mouth, she couldn’t help but admire the long slender fangs, white and sharp. With a wide grin she almost giggled.
“THE CONTACTS!” she said. Celeste once more retrieved the curious little black container and unlocked it. With a slight grimace, she fingered through the amber jell until she had one of the contacts. Pulling it from the amber solution proved to be somewhat tricky as she worked to dig the contact out of the strange material. When she finally had it, the amber goo slithered back into the container. Her mouth wrinkled slightly as she held it up to her right eye. Tilting her head back while looking towards the ceiling she carefully placed the contact in her eye and blinked. more »
Celeste and the Eyes of the Demon (Part Three), by Kevin Lazarus
(Excerpt CONTINUED From: Celeste and the Eyes of the Demon – by Kevin Lazarus)
NOTE from the author: I’m sharing with you excerpts from my latest short story. Friday, we’ll have another guest blog about writing or the entertainment industry. Thanks and enjoy! K. Lazarus
Another odd feature was a mysterious latch on the side of the container. To her surprise, she realized that it required a key to open it. She frantically searched through what remained of the box until she found the key taped to the inside of the cardboard. There was only a glimmer of realization that the key was fashioned with the same curious workmanship as the container.
Celeste carefully turned the key in the lock and opened it. The Amber solution inside wasn’t a solution at all, but more like jelly. With her long slender index finger she carefully pushed against it. Almost immediately it adhered to her finger, sticking and stretching as she pulled away. When it finally released, it snapped back into the container.
“Wow!” she exclaimed quietly, “these are the weirdest contact lenses I’ve ever seen.” She looked them over more carefully, with growing interest. “I am going to look so hot tonight!” she said.
Celeste glanced up at the clock. “Oh crap, I need to get ready!”
At that, she hurried out of the bathroom into the kitchen, where she grabbed the bowl her mother suggested; along with the bags of candy, hurrying to the front door. She tore open the end of one of the bags with her teeth, carelessly dumping everything into the bowl; candy bouncing everywhere–much of it falling on the floor. And then, not even stopping to pick up them up, she hurried back down the hall to her bedroom.
Halfway down the hall, she stopped at the laundry room. With a quick glance, to make sure she was alone; she unzipped the back of her vampire costume and slipped out of it, tossing it into the washing machine.
With laundry soap spilling everywhere, she dumped a handful of it in with her costume–then dialed the setting, hit the start button and turned to leave. As she did, she bumped into a dark figure and a hideous face–tongue hanging out of its mouth–eyes twisting and pointing in opposite directions. Celeste screamed until she realized that it was her little brother. more »
Celeste and the Eyes of the Demon (Part Two), by Kevin Lazarus
(Excerpt From: Celeste and the Eyes of the Demon – by Kevin Lazarus)
NOTE from the author: I’m sharing with you excerpts from my latest short story. Friday, we’ll have another guest blog about writing or the entertainment industry. Thanks and enjoy! K. Lazarus
The cheerleader’s mouth dropped open. And with every ounce of anger she could gather she started spitting and sputtering. “You–you little–”
At that point Davin said nothing else, she just turned her back to Celeste, picked up her books and walked away–trying not to appear hurt. She gave Celeste another spiteful glance and then hurried out of site.
“What are you going to do Celeste–you can’t let her get away with that!” declared one of the other cheerleaders.
Celeste said nothing. She just stood there staring down the hallway, thinking about Davin’s comment, about them “once” having ‘been friends.” It was true. They had been friends in elementary school. She remembered the two of them sitting together during lunch, sharing their food. She grimaced. That was then and this is now, she thought. Celeste knew she couldn’t allow the others to see her showing any emotion. She turned and started laughing. “Tonight at the dance–” she declared. “I’ll get even with her somehow!”
One of her cheerleader friends, a snippy little brunette said: “What? Do you have an idea?”
Celeste glanced down the hall once more, but Davin was no longer there. “Nothing yet, but we’ll think of something,” she said, the corners of her mouth turning up slightly, a wicked glimmer in her eyes.
From the mass of students still milling about, someone whistled at the cheerleaders.
“H-e-e-ey, Celeste,–nice costume!” Someone said. Cam Wilson emerged from the crowd dressed like a football player, eyeing Celeste from top to bottom, acting tough as he put his arms around her.
“Oh Cam,” she groused, “is that the best you can do–your football uniform?” more »
Corrupting the Artist Within You, by David Farland
David Farland
(From David Farland’s Daily Kick in the Pants) Selfish Art
There is a problem with the arts, one that I have not addressed, and it is this: If you have the fortune (or misfortune) of being a gifted artist, it can corrupt you.
If you are a gifted artist, people will tend to be moved by your art. They will praise you in private letters, offer you awards, present you with valuable gifts, fawn over you, seek to seduce you, and so on, and this can corrupt and destroy you.
It starts innocently enough with praise. Every author that I know of feeds on praise to some extent. We need praise. I was fascinated a few months back to learn that the single biggest factor to predicting longevity is the “approbation of our peers.” When others praise us consistently and admire our efforts, it reduces the harmful stress in our lives and not only allows us to perform at our peak, but also lengthens our years.
But praise is a fickle thing, and few artists have a career where they are praised and receive awards on a regular basis. I have known authors who received early praise to grouse when a competing author receives a rave review, wins an award, or hits high on the bestseller list. Such authors become ravaged by jealousy and despair, to the point where such authors have been known to fall into alcoholism, drug addiction, or suffer from suicidal tendencies.
Even worse, praise is so often insincere. It costs nothing to give, and so has little real value.
Other authors buy into the belief that their talent makes them inherently superior to others, so that they somehow exist in an elevated realm above the rest of humanity, and feel entitled to favor. I was recently speaking to an author who was hoping to get an endowment from a wealthy patron. I wondered, “Have you ever considered actually working for your money? It’s not very hard to make, if you work for it.” I actually suggested a couple of ways for her to make the money she wanted—all of which per promptly rejected.
When authors become puffed up in pride, they often become demeaning or dismissive of others, and I know of authors who love to ridicule and condemn their competitors in an effort to boost their own reputation. Such authors often treat the unwashed masses with contempt, having no patience with waiters, hoteliers, or similar “little people.” Very often, such authors blind themselves to the strengths and talents of others to the point that they look doubly foolish.
This sense of entitlement often is manifested in sexual aggression. I’ve known several male authors who could not be trusted to enter into an elevator with a pretty girl who was alone. Back during the 19th Century, authors of genius tended to die from social disease so often that it became cliché.
In short, talented artists may create wondrous things but become pathetic, miserable, self-destructive people. I’m reminded by this again and again when I read about people like Poe, Michelangelo, Paganini, Mozart, and most lately Tolstoy. more »
