It’s been a busy couple of weeks for Ol’ Ron. Last week, I recorded episodes with a couple of my favorite podcasts; Paper Cuts with Brad Proctor and J. Grell, and This Is Horror with Michael David Wilson and Bob Pastorella. Then my right-hand lady, the lovely Mrs. Joyce, and I descended on Party City’s Halloween section like a pair of hungry buzzards for decorations and party supplies. We also began to prepare some cool spooky door prizes and frame some prized RK artwork. Why, may you ask? Well, all that effort was focused on my latest publication. The long awaited…
Southern Fried & Horrified!
That’s right! Today is the official release date of my memoir and writing guide, Southern Fried & Horrified, from Stygian Sky Media. So, what's it all about? This should sum it up for you in a nutshell…
Writers are all about stories. Reading them, creating them, writing them, selling and publishing them. And then there’s living them. Every now and then, if an author is famous, popular, or respected enough, they feel compelled to share their story… and others desire to hear it in return. I may not fit into any of the categories mentioned above, but I do have a story to tell…
In Southern-Fried & Horrified, Splatterpunk Award-winning author Ronald Kelly expounds on a lifetime shaped by his love of horror and the macabre, as well as a thirty-six-year career as a Southern storyteller. His early influences, the long road to publication, success as a Zebra Horror author, the devastating collapse of mass market publishing in the mid-1990s, and his ten-year hiatus from writing and horror… it is all here, between two covers, as well as his triumphant return to the genre and a fresh, new resurgence of his creativity and popularity. Sprinkled generously throughout are essays, writing advice, and lists of Kelly’s favorite books and movies, as well as his most cherished heroes, villains, and creatures from the RK mythos.
Pull up a rocking chair, break out the sweet tea and moon pies, and sit a spell. It’s time to be Southern-Fried and Horrified!
And here’s a few words of praise from some of my favorite authors…
“Pull up a comfy chair—Ronald Kelly has a story to tell! An absolutely fascinating memoir with a generous helping of writing advice sprinkled in, this book is a must-read not only for his rabid fans, but anybody with an interest in the horror genre. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, heartbreaking, infuriating, and inspiring—this book is as good as it gets.” — Jeff Strand, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Dweller and Freaky Briefs.
“Ronald Kelly writes about the joys and pitfalls of the writing life with wisdom, warmth, and wit. An inspirational and entertaining memoir from a veteran horror scribe who’s survived – and thrived – in the all-too-often heartbreaking world of publishing. A must-read for both writers and fans!” – Tim Waggoner, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Writing in the Dark
“Southern-Fried and Horrified is a treasure trove of wisdom, entertainment, pain, passion, and vulnerability. Ronald Kelly’s writing abounds with warmth and raw emotion, and this memoir is his most personal work yet. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a veteran writer, or someone who simply loves a good yarn, this book is essential reading. I loved every word, even the painful ones.” - Jonathan Janz, Author of Marla and The Siren and the Specter
“From horror legend Ronald Kelly, Southern Fried and Horrified is a memoir of life, writing, and love of the horror genre. Kelly's work is inspiring, and his memoir proves to us that there's no one right way to be a writer, let alone a horror writer. As Kelly highlights here, horror authors pave their own path.” - Cynthia Pelayo, Bram Stoker Award nominated author of Children of Chicago
Southern Fried & Horrified is currently available to order in trade paperback and limited-edition hardcover directly from Stygian Sky Media. Head on over and order your copy now!
Southern Fried & Horrified Book Launch Party!
This past Saturday afternoon, I held the Southern Fried & Horrified Book Launch Party & Horror Art Show at the Junction Depot in Carthage, Tennessee. The event was from noon until four and featured for special guests: Weird Tales cover artist, Lynne Hansen, Bram Stoker Award-winning author, Jeff Strand, audiobook narrator, J. Rodney Turner, and A Bouquet of Viscera author, Bridgett Nelson. The Depot Junction is a restored train station on the outskirts of the town of Carthage (hometown of former Vice President Al Gore) and is used for community events such as art shows. When Stygian Sky suggested I hold a book launch, this was the first location that popped into my mind.
Around ten o’clock, our esteemed guests arrived and began to set up. At twelve, we opened the doors and horror fans began to arrive. Some were locals, but many traveled from as far away as Atlanta, Birmingham, Chattanooga, and Knoxville to join us.
From left to right: Bridgett Nelson, Ol’ Ron, Jeff Strand, Lynne Hansen
For two hours or so, the signing was hot and heavy. I signed copies of SF&H and other RK titles, as well as many worn, dog-eared copies of my old Zebra Books that fans brought for autographs.
Audiobook Narrator, J. Rodney Turner, reads selections from Dead-Eye Book Two and Mister Glow-Bones.
During a Q&A session hosted by Lynne Hansen, I show off Alex McVey’s painting for the upcoming Author’s Preferred Edition of FEAR.
Here’s some of the great folks that attended the book launch, among them my daughter, Reilly, and soon-to-be son-in-law, Chase Reeves.
Lynne and my wife, Joyce, displaying their Positively Creepy attire.
After the Book Launch and Art Show, a group of us enjoyed an incredible meal at nearby Timberloft Restaurant. On the left: Robert Essig, Lynne Hansen, Ol’ Ron, David Dodd. On the right: David and Alicia Stamps, Bridgett Nelson, Jeff Strand, Joyce Kelly.
A very special thanks to Jenny Penuel and Keith Williams, the coordinators of Carthage Depot Junction, for helping us set up and prepare for this event. Their help was invaluable and very much appreciated!
Paper Cuts Podcast with Brad & J!
As I mentioned before, I went live with Brad and J on their excellent horror podcast YouTube show, Paper Cuts, last week. It’s always great spending time with these guys and having more than few laughs. On this episode we discussed Southern Fried & Horrified, my career in horror writing, answered viewer questions, and touched on the inspiration behind my infamous Essential Sick Stuff story, “The Nipples in Dad’s Toolbox”. You can watch my episode of Paper Cuts here!
Institutionalized: Stories of the Deranged & Demented
Institutionalized: Stories of the Deranged and Demented is now available from Sinister Smile Press! This intense anthology boasts stories by the likes of Richard Chizmar, Jill Girardi, Janine Pipe, Jeremy Megargee, and many others. My tale “End of Shift” is also there. Head on over and order the ebook for the introductory price of only 99-cents, or the paperback edition. Institutionalized explores the world of the criminally insane and the havoc and horrors they can dish out to society.
Well, that’s it for this edition of The Fear County Chronicle. Hope you enjoyed the book launch photos and give Southern Fried & Horrified for an in-depth look at Ol’ Ron’ life and horror-writing career, along with some informative essays and writing advice sprinkled between the chapters. Until next time, Many Happy Nightmares, y’all!
Wahoo!!! Happy belated book birthday!