The Fear County Chronicle #30
An upcoming book signing in Razorback Country, new fiction on the horizon, and an opportunity to help someone in need.
Howdy folks! The last time I posted an edition of The Fear County Chronicle, Tennessee had just been through a weeklong freeze with seven inches of snow down here in rural Brush Creek. Now, at the beginning of February, we’ve had mild temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Hey, it’s Tennessee. Go figure! Got a few tidbits of news for you this time around, so let’s see what’s happening…
Barnes & Noble Book Signing this Weekend!
This Saturday afternoon from 3pm to 7pm, I will be signing books at the Grand Opening of Barnes & Noble in Jonesboro, Arkansas. If you’re in the northeastern Arkansas and Memphis, Tennessee areas come on out and see me. They’ll have a great selection of Southern-Fried horror books on hand for me to sign (and draw in). The address is 2300 East Highland Avenue in Jonesboro. I hope to see you there!
The Devil’s Backbone is coming soon!
On February 23rd, Crystal Lake Entertainment will be releasing the 13th edition of their Dark Tide series. The Devil’s Backbone: Appalachian Horror will feature three novellas of Appalachian folk horror by me, Laurel Hightower, and Red Lagoe.
Join three of horror’s finest storytellers on a journey through the dark heart of Appalachia…
AFOOT IN THE NETHERWILD by Ronald Kelly: When the children of Bowden Ayres mysteriously disappear in the woods near their homestead, he enlists the aid of Uriah Coldcreek, a seventh son and purveyor of mountain magic. Together, they travel into the deepest depths of the Devil’s Backbone, intent on locating a place known as the Netherwild… the realm of the Coveter, an otherworldly being who steals away the mountains’ youth for its own selfish needs.
SPIRIT COVEN by Laurel Hightower: For generations, Jude and her coven of witches have co-existed peacefully with the citizens of Arnett, providing them with remedies and top shelf bourbon, especially valued during the draconian days of Prohibition. But when too many townsfolk go missing and dead, trust is broken and the witches find themselves on shaky ground, facing threats from frightened families, from the mountain they protect, and the very magic they steward.
THE GATHERER by Red Lagoe: Gray Hollow lies at the foot of evil—a dark part of the forest home to The Devil’s Bathtub. Martin is skeptical of the local folklore warning of the dangers of dipping even a toe into its waters. However, after his brother leaves for Vietnam, more people fall victim to the water's summoning darkness, and Martin struggles to make sense of it all, determined to hold onto life's fraying reality.
A huge thanks to publisher Joe Mynhardt for giving us the opportunity to contribute to the Dark Tide series, and to artist Ben Baldwin for the wonderfully atmospheric cover. Laurel, Red, and I will have copies of The Devil’s Backbone for sale at our tables at AuthorCon 3 in Williamsburg on April 12 -14, so get yourself a copy there (or bring your own) and all three of us will be happy to sign it for you!
New Demons Anthology is in the works!
Once again writer, podcaster, and editor, Patrick R McDonough is taking the editor’s seat in an upcoming anthology, along with Keith and Joe Lansdale. New Demons will feature ground-breaking horror fiction by an all-star cast of various genre authors, including Linda D Addison, Ramsey Campbell, Nancy Collins, Shawn A. Cosby, Grady Hendrix, Joe Hill, Nancy Holder, Gabino Iglesias, Stephen Graham Jones, Alma Katsu, Brian Keene, Ronald Kelly (me!), Owen King, Joe R. Lansdale, Keith Lansdale, Edward Lee, Robin Hobb, Jonathan Maberry, Josh Malerman, Patrick R. McDonough, David Morrell, Chuck Palahniuk, Cherie M. Priest, Gary Raisor, David J Schow, and Chuck Wendig!
The Kickstarter campaign for this anthology will begin soon. Click here to be notified at the launch. It’s a genuine honor for Ol’ Ron to be included with so many incredible authors on this project!
The Chase Reeves Fundraiser is underway.
As you may know, I have started a GoFundMe for my son-in-law, Chase Reeves, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for testicular cancer. He is several weeks into his treatments and is having a rough time, both physically and mentally. Chase has been out of work since November of last year, with no clear idea of when he will be able to return. Only the generosity of friends and family, as well as GoFundMe donors, is keeping Chase and my daughter Reilly afloat financially. It’s been a tough few months and it doesn’t seem to be getting any easier for them.
All funds in Chase’s GoFundMe will go to help pay bills and cover his medical costs. After two weeks, we have only reached a fourth of our goal. If you would like to donate and help Chase, you can do so here. Thanks so very much to all of you who have donated, as well as lifted up prayers and positive thoughts for Chase’s recovery. We really appreciate it!
20% Off Sale at RKHORROR!
From now through February 17th, get 20% off your order of signed books, art prints, and t-shirts at the RKHORROR online bookstore by entering promo code FEBSAVE at checkout. I just received a huge shipment of books and many titles that have been out of stock are now available, including my extreme horror-suspense novel, Twelve Gauge. Also, March and Saint Patrick’s Day are coming up soon, so get in the mood with my collection of Celtic folk horror, Irish Gothic.
Well, that’s all for this edition of the Chronicle. I’ll be back later this month with more news and features… maybe a free story or cantankerous old man essay. In the meantime, stay happy and healthy… and Many Happy Nightmares, y’all!
Congratulations on the anthology, Ron! Excellent company on that TOC.
I’m praying all will be well when your son-in-law finishes all the treatments.