Asher Ellis's Blog

Hello! Long time no blog. April was a busy month with the release of my first novel,THE REMEDY. I'm very pleased (to say the least) that overall reception from both readers and critics has been positive. A few reviewers have even listed it among theirfavorites of 2015thus far! Needless to say, it's all been every exciting, but has also taken my attention away from this blog.I return today with the second installment of "Cite Your Sources," which is entirely appropriate since I owe any and all of The Remedy's success to my various influences. Next up is the incomparable, JOHN SKIPP!To those in the horror-know, John Skipp needs no introduction. His list of contributions to the horror genre is as long as it is diverse. Ranging from his groundbreaking days as one of the first "Splatterpunks" to his current work in independent film, Skipp has always been on the frontlines of the strange and horrific. In fact, it would be quite easy to play "Seven Degrees of John Skipp." Nightmare on Elm Street? Skipp co-wrote thefifth installment. Fright Night? Skipp co-wrotethe novelization. Zombiemania? Skipp helped usher brain eaters onto the page with theBooks of the Dead serieshe co-edited. Name something horror and Skipp's smiling face is bound to show up.I first met John Skipp atcamp NECONin 2011. I was fresh out of myMFA programin the purest form of "fresh"--I had graduated just two days prior.Nancy Holder, one of the MFA program's instructors and a fantastic mentor, had suggested--no, insisted--I attend NECON, guaranteeing I'd have the time of my life. Oh, how right she had been.NECON is considered very special within the horror community and for good reason. I've attended my fair share of conventions and conferences, and NECON is, to date, the only place where aspiring newbies can chat and hang out with industry legends, all the while chowing down on hotdogs around a campfire. Before I knew it, I found myself relaxing with Jack Ketchum, Brian Keene, and John Skipp.And did Skipp wax poetic about the current state of the industry, or the top five mistakes of new writers, or which awards matter and which don't? No. Instead of regurgitating all those heavily treaded topics one can find on countless blogs and messageboards, Skipp told entertaining anecdotes about his experience writing a pornographic film. And while his tales of writing a porn musical sure made me laugh, it turned out to be one of the most beneficial conversations of my writing career.Skipp shared his experience walking onto the set of a porno, excited as anyone granted an opportunity to sneak-a-peek under the circus tent. However, Skipp told me he was surprised to find almost everyone involved in the production seemed utterly BORED. Even the guy running the boom mic stared absent mindedly out a nearby window instead of watching the sex taking place just inches from where he stood.What's the lesson here, kids? That sex and violence and flesh and blood just aren't enough on their own. You would think a man eternally labeled a "splatterpunk" would be the loudest advocate for all of these things, but even a splatterpunk knows that "shocking" material fails to shock sooner or later. If a reader doesn't care about the characters, or the repercussions of violence, or the MEANING behind it all, he or she will be as bored as a veteran porno sound engineer.Case in point, I would recommend checking out the video below that features Skipp speaking of these same ideas. I actually utilize this interview in the classroom for a novel course I teach atColby-Sawyer College!I find it's very appropriate and helpful when we discuss the impact and meaning of violence in literature.Skipp's energy is contagious. I'm convinced one conversation with Skipp is the perfect antidote for any writer diagnosed with self doubt, cynicism, or even depression. Skipp has as much passion and enthusiasm as any starry-eyed rookie. Even his pyhsicality is highly kinetic--I've never seen him slouch, or lumber, or walk with anything less than a skip in his step. Just check out the photo below. When I asked if he would pose with me for a picture, Skipp told me to raise my fist as if to say, "Bring it on, motherf--kers!"​​​​He carried himself in this exact same fashion when I met up with him at Killercon in Las Vegas, NV. Held in theStratosphere Hotel and Casino, Killercon gave aspiring writers the chance to pitch their works-in-progress to professional editors and publishers. Skipp was in attendance as a representative of Ravenous Shadows, the now defunct horror imprint ofRavenous Romance. Though RS didn't work out, it was still awesome to receive a fresh dose of that Skipp energy. Ten minutes or so of chatting and I couldn't wait to get back to my keyboard.And while busy schedules and tight budgets have cut down on the number of conventions I'm able to attend, thanks to the magic of the internet, Skipp has only been a few clicks away. He now offers a course viaLit Reactorcalled "The Choreography of Violence," which I enrolled in myself. The class was so successful that Lit Reactor offered it a second time to the same rave reviews. I'm willing to bet that if Skipp's time allows, he'll sign up for session number three. So keep your eyes peeled and keep checking Litreactor.com! I guarantee your writing will be kicking some serious ass when Skipp is through.That's it for now, boils and ghouls! Until next time, be sure to check out these recent reviews of THE REMEDY as well as interviews with yours truly! And keep up to date with all news by following me on twitter (@AsherEllis) and my Facebook author page (facebook.com/asherellisauthor)Reviews:Hellnotes.comJust Another Girl and Her BooksHorror After DarkInterviews:BookTrib - "Asher Ellis taps into New Adult, delivers The Remedy"Bookschatter - "Q&A with Asher Ellis"Hellnotes - "The Remedy Q&A"

In exactly one week, my first novel,THE REMEDY,will be released into the world. Reviewers have already begun to share their thoughts on the book, calling it "a wholly satisfying meal" that proves "there's no such thing as a free lunch." I can only assume more food related puns are on their way, which can be expected when you write a story featuring my favorite kind of "monster" of the horror genre:Cannibals!Though zombies are a close second when it comes to my personal list of top horror baddies, for my money, cannibals are scarier than their undead counterparts. Both groups devour humans, but zombies (for the most part) are defined by their lack of intelligence and mobility. Watch any episode ofThe Walking Deadfor an example of how easy it is to out maneuver and out-think the typical "walker." Granted, when zombies move in hordes (as they almost always do) they become far more frightening, as well as serving as a great metaphor for mindless human behavior and herd mentality (i.e.Dawn of the Dead.) As many have said before me, "What makes zombies scary is that they are us."Cannibals, however, do not need to be represented so metaphorically. They LITERALLY are human beings. And humans come with varying degrees of intelligence, sympathy, aggression, and a whole bunch of other qualities that make them far more interesting...and far more dangerous. The zombie and the cannibal have the same goal/appetite, but the latter will not be so easily distracted by a loud noise. They will continue their pursuit, using countless methods that go far beyond a zombie's determined lurch: weapons, traps, even a disarming smile...And God help you if the cannibal is smarter than you. *cough*Hannibal!*cough*So whether you're new to cannibal stories or a "seasoned" veteran (har har), check out this list of some of my favorite fictional flesh eaters. You may note I've limited this list to films and TV shows, but let's face it: YouTube clips make for better blog posts. Besides, in one week you'll have all the literary cannibals you can stomach...TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (1974)The first film is also the most obvious.  Setting the precedent for all insane, cannibal family movies to follow, the dinner scene in TCM will make your dysfunctional brood look like the Danny Tanner and his bunch.  Even if your grandpa is too old and senile to figure out how to use the flash on a camera…at least he doesn’t suck blood out of your finger.MOTEL HELL (1980)As the tagline of this movie says, “It takes all kinds of critters to make Farmer Vincent’s fritters!”  And I bet you can guess which kind.  Interestingly enough, the motel of the film’s title has very little to do with the plot at all.  More importantly is the garden behind the hotel that holds the secret to Farmer Vincent’s delicious meat.  But I thought gardens were for vegetables? Hmm...PARENTS (1989)Even if your Mom isn’t the best cook in the world, just be thankful she won’t be serving “leftovers” for thanksgiving dinner.  If your dreading going home for the holidays, pop a copy of Parents into your DVD player and suddenly your folks won’t be looking so bad compared to Randy Quaid and Mary Beth Hurt.  I can’t promise they’ll be as funny however, as Quaid is priceless in this campy gem.X-FILES , SEASON 2, EPISODE 24, "OUR TOWN" (1994)Far from the best episode of one of the best TV shows ever put on television, "Our Town" still serves as a solid addition to the X-Files canon. When Mulder and Scully come to a small town in Arkansas to investigate the disappearance of a health inspector, they stumble into a cannibalistic conspiracy involving a chicken processing plant. If nothing else, this episode will make you think twice about you're really eating when you order McNuggets. (Not like you weren't already.)RAVENOUS (1999)Dark, bloody, and surprisingly funny, Ravenous has it all.  This film’s garnered quite a cult following since its release 16 years ago, attracting audiences of all kinds with its ghastly charm.  If you haven’t ever seen it, go watch this movie right now. I bet you anything the next time your mother tries to break up a fight between you and your brother at the dinner table, you’ll yell: HE WAS LICKING ME!MASTERS OF HORROR, SEASON 2, EPISODE 12, "THE WASHINGTONIANS" (2007)Based on a short story by Bentley Little, one of the best horror fiction authors of all time, The Washingtonians is an hour long made-for-TV movie overflowing with originality. In the same way that writers must approach zombies in new ways to keep them "fresh" (har har), those who take on cannibals face the same challenge. By tossing the founding fathers into therecipe, Little weaves a story that is equal parts fun and hard to forget. Though George Washington is credited for saying, "I cannot tell a lie," perhaps we've beenfedlies for a very long time.FEAR ITSELF, SEASON 1, EPISODE 8, "SKIN & BONES" (2008)After "Masters of Horror" was cancelled, it was given a new title for its not-quite-third season. Now on a different network, "Fear Itself" brought just as many scares as its predecessor. Arguably one the best episodes,Skin & Bonesmade use of the Wendigo legend, much like the previously mentionedRavenous.The make-up effects of this one are particularly impressive, but they do not compare to the emotional horror of the story. Like Jack Torrence ofThe Shining, the monster here is both a loving husband and father...or at least he was.WE ARE WHAT WE ARE (2013)Though I find most American remakes of foreign films to be unnecessary at best,We Are What We Areis an exception, mostly due to the strong performances by its lead actors, including the always enjoyable Michael Parks. Far quieter than the rest of the films and episodes on this list,We Are...is still disturbing in its own subtler way. Which isn't to say it doesn't contain scenes of physical violence--they are just outweighed by thepsychologicalaspects. Every teenager goes through that period when he/she realizes they have different views or opinions than their parents. But very few, I imagine, have to come to terms with how different their diets are as well.

Hello! Long time no blog. April was a busy month with the release of my first novel, THE REMEDY. I'm very pleased (to say the least) that overall reception from both readers and critics has been positive. A few reviewers have even listed it among their favorites of 2015 thus far! Needless to say, it's all been every exciting, but has also taken my attention away from this blog.    I return today with the second installment of "Cite Your Sources," which is entirely appropriate since I owe any and

In exactly one week, my first novel, THE REMEDY, will be released into the world. Reviewers have already begun to share their thoughts on the book, calling it "a wholly satisfying meal" that proves "there's no such thing as a free lunch." I can only assume more food related puns are on their way, which can be expected when you write a story featuring my favorite kind of "monster" of the horror genre:   Cannibals!   Though zombies are a close second when it comes to my personal list of top horror

As an instructor atColby-Sawyer Collegein New London, NH, I teach academic writing to the first year students every fall semester. One of the most valuable lessons I wish to impart on them is the importance of giving due credit when borrowing from the work of others.With this in mind, I present to you the first of many posts in which I will do the same, sharing my sources of inspiration when it comes to my own fiction.Leading off…Brian Keene!It is only fitting that we begin with Brian as he has been not only a dependable source of enjoyable reads throughout the years, but has also played such a big role in helping me achieve my dream of becoming a published author. But before I go into why Mr. Keene has played such a significant part in my own writing journey, allow me to brief you on his very significant contribution to the horror genre.From his website,briankeene.com:  "His 2003 novel, The Rising, is often credited (along with Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead comic and Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later film) with inspiring pop culture’s current interest in zombies. Keene’s work has been praised in such diverse places as The New York Times, The History Channel, The Howard Stern Show, CNN.com, Publisher’s Weekly, Media Bistro, Fangoria Magazine, and Rue Morgue Magazine. He has won numerous awards and honors, including the World Horror Grand Master award, two Bram Stoker awards, and a recognition from Whiteman A.F.B. (home of the B-2 Stealth Bomber) for his outreach to U.S. troops serving both overseas and abroad."I first came upon the fiction of Brian Keene many years ago while browsing a BORDERS bookstore. It did not take me long to discover that Leisure Fiction, an imprint of Dorchester Publishing, was taking up the majority of the horror shelf space that wasn’t occupied by King, Koontz, and Rice. And while Leisure offered many great horror authors to choose from, one in particular caught my eye. Though some would argue that “you can’t judge a book by its cover,” often times it’s the cover that makes you pick the damn thing up in the first place.Such was the case with “The Conqueror Worms,” Leisure’s re-titled Keene novel, “Earthworm Gods.”Now, I have read and heard many folks dissing the cover of this novel, and even Brian himself has gone on record to call this cover "cheesy." But as cheesy and obviously photoshopped as this cover may be, it absolutely captivated me.Why you ask?Because it looked like giant worms were coming out of the street in Rutland, VT, a town only twenty-five minutes from my house. Who knows how long I must have stared at this cover, examining the details to see if I was mistaken. But even now, comparing a photo of downtown Rutland with the Worms cover, the resemblance is uncanny. (Note the line of block shaped buildings, the red church, and the mountain backdrop.)And so, I bought the book, intrigued by the Poe referencing title, the eerily similar landscape of the cover, and the interesting synopsis on the back. The book proved to be an extremely entertaining read, and before I knew it, I had burned through the entire Keene library offered by Leisure.Flash forward to the summer of 2011. I was just about to graduate from my MFA program and decided to give myself a little graduation present: a trip to Austin, TX to attend my very first writing convention,World Horror. As well as being a guest of honor, Brian was also leading a workshop for aspiring writers, where he would cover everything from how to find ideas to what to do once your novel was complete. The workshop ended up being a fantastic experience, and hands down my favorite part of the convention. Our group was small, allowing for an intimate environment that gave each of us wannabees plenty to walk away with. Though I learned tons of valuable tips during our time together, the photo below captures perhaps the best piece of advice Brian had to offer:That’s from the notebook I brought to the workshop that I have still kept to this day. And while it may not be the best fitness advice, it served as the best launching pad possible for an aspiring writer:If you want to be a writer, you have to write. It still amazes me how many people I encounter both in-person and online that seem to have missed this memo.I got to spend even more time with Brian atNECONlater that same year, hanging out at the many cookouts and campfires the convention is known for.We met again the following November at the first everANTHOCONin Portsmouth, NH. Though it had been several months since we had seen each other, Brian spotted me before I even exited my car. Sitting in the driver’s seat with the door open, perusing the convention’s schedule, Brian approached me to say hi, shake my hand, and ask me how I’d been. Wasn’t I, the fan, supposed to do that to him, the established writer?But that single moment encapsulated who Brian Keene really is—a down-to-earth, friendly, humble guy who appreciates his fans and respects his fellow writers, whether they have found success or not. In fact, Brian goes out of his way to help up-and-coming writers find success. He’s spoken of this during many panel appearances and speeches, how he feels it’s the responsibility of the current generation of writers to lend a hand to the next wave.Speaking from personal experience, I can say these are not just words. Brian read the original manuscript ofTHE REMEDY, offered me invaluable notes, and provided a blurb as an unexpected bonus. He suggested places to submit to, and when I finally found a publisher, he looked over my contract and told me things to look for that I would’ve never thought of myself. To this day he replies to my emails whenever I bug him, despite how swamped he may be with deadlines and other business.It probably sounds like I’m kissing ass here, and yeah, maybe I am. But if there’s anything you can walk away with from this lengthy post, it’s this: Even Brian Keene, who has helped not only me but several up-and-coming writers, once received help from those who came before him. He’s written and spoken many times of how Dallas Mayr, akaJack Ketchum, helped him negotiate his first contract in a hotel bar. And if you listened to Brian’s podcast a few weeks ago, you would’ve heard about the significant role horror legend Richard Laymon played in promoting Brian’s writing long before Brian came a WHC Grandmaster.So in the end, all Brian is really doing is tying to accomplish that one task that we should all strive to do once were in the position to do so:Pay it forward.Oh, and of course, the other takeaway from these anecdotes above is yet another reaffirmation that the horror genre contains some of the kindest, most generous people you’ll ever meet. After the umpteenth time you’ve read an author’s absolutely gruesome fiction to discover he/she is a total sweetheart in person, you can’t help but wonder if there really is something toStephen King’s theory:“All you need is love…as long as you keep the gators fed.”You can find Brian Keene’s fictionhereand be sure to check out his new podcast,The Horror Show with Brian Keene.

As an instructor at Colby-Sawyer College in New London, NH, I teach academic writing to the first year students every fall semester. One of the most valuable lessons I wish to impart on them is the importance of giving due credit when borrowing from the work of others. With this in mind, I present to you the first of many posts in which I will do the same, sharing my sources of inspiration when it comes to my own fiction.   Leading off…   Brian Keene!   It is only fitting that we begin with

I'd like to take a moment to direct your attention to the webpage ofElderlemon Design, the ebook cover design company run by Kealan Patrick Burke. Though I have yet to meet Kealan in person (something I hope to change in the near future), I have been a fan of his work for some time. I am speaking not only of his kick ass covers, which have appeared on the works of many horror greats, but his fiction as well. I would highly recommend checking out any of his novels or short story collections, especially my personal favorite, KIN. You can thank me later.You'll notice, after navigating to Elderlemon's homepage, several examples of Kealan's design work. And if you read modern horror, you'll surely recogonize many of the author's names: J.F. Gonzales, Tim Lebbon, Bentley Little, and Jonathan Maberry, to name a few.And then, on the last row, right next to the great Bentley Little of all people, is some asshole named Asher Ellis:Again, if you read modern horror, you may already be singing: "One of these things is not like the other, one of these things just doesn't belong."Or, to quote myself the first time I saw this:"Da fuh?"Needless to say, to see yourself in a gallery among those who you've admired for so long is quite a thing. I imagine it must be equivilant to what a rookie feels the first time he takes the field after hearing his name announced over the stadium speakers. Or the first time a garage band hears their song on the radio, sandwiched between Jack White and the Black Keys.I have heard from many of my fellow writers that the thrill of witnessing the release of your first published novel is a fleeting experience. The excitement, apparently, comes and goes, leaving you with a feeling of "Now what?" before the party can ever begin. This makes sense to me, as writing (professionally) is a job after all and should be treated as such. You only get "x" amount of time to pat yourself on the back and then it's time to get back to work.Knowing this is true, I feel it's important for writers, and all artists, to cherish moments like these. If I am fortunate enough to publish several books in my lifetime, I know a day will come when I will no longer feel as much excitement as I do now when looking at the pic above.  On the same note, I'm sure Stephen King still feels a great deal of satisfacton and accomplishment whenever his latest novel hits the shelves. But I'm also willing to bet he didn't jump for joy nearly as high whenRevivalcame out last year as he did whenCarriewas first released into the world.So to my fellow writers: I know we're taught to feel shame when we self-promote, and not to let positive reviews lift us too high, and to carry on that timeless tradition of being insecure, self-doubting artists. And while I do believe pride should always be kept in check, there's nothing wrong with enjoying, and more importantly, appreciating your moments, no matter how modest a victory they may be.So if something good happened to you today, shut the door, close the blinds, and dance your ass off.And then get your ass back behind that keyboard. You've got work to do :)(You can find the books of Kealan Patrick Burkehere...and speaking of books, THE REMEDY is now available oniTunes,Nook, andKobo.)

I'd like to take a moment to direct your attention to the webpage of Elderlemon Design, the ebook cover design company run by Kealan Patrick Burke. Though I have yet to meet Kealan in person (something I hope to change in the near future), I have been a fan of his work for some time. I am speaking not only of his kick ass covers, which have appeared on the works of many horror greats, but his fiction as well. I would highly recommend checking out any of his novels or short story collections,

On August 21st, 2009, I built my very first website:"The House of Asher."It was created for one sole purpose: to house all of my work, whether it be fiction, non-fiction, or films. Each of these mediums was given its own room. "The Library" was where you could find short stories. Walk down the hall to "The Study" and you'd be greeted with reviews and interviews. There was a "Screening Room," a "Hall Gallery," and a "Workshop," where you could sneak a peek at my next projects. And as one might expect of a horror writer's home, the house was not without its own ghost.This ghost was my blog.Like a phantom haunting an old Victorian mansion, my blog only showed its face for the briefest moments. If you weren't paying close attention, you were bound to miss it. Its presence became so scarce that a visitor would've needed a PKE reader just to catch a glimpse.Of course, this was entirely my fault. Like so many bloggers before me, I originally intended to maintain a regular schedule of posts.  "At least once a month" was my modest goal, and I was confident I would exceed it. But once a month soon became once every two months, followed by a two or three month hiatus, until one day I realized it had been almost half a year since my ghost had offered so much as a "boo!"The House of Asher had become the abandoned mansion on the hill, a place where thrill seeking children might dare each other to spend the night. In fact, in just over five years of existence, I posted only forty-four times. That's less than nine posts in an entire year.As author Chuck Palahniuk once said, "To merely observe your culture without contributing to it seems very close to existing as a ghost."So it's time I started contributing. I hope you'll join me as I vow to get this new blog up and running and haunting your computer screens on a regular basis. The House of Asher hasn't fallen. It has simply been renovated.Come on in and make yourself at home.

On August 21st, 2009, I built my very first website:   "The House of Asher."   It was created for one sole purpose: to house all of my work, whether it be fiction, non-fiction, or films. Each of these mediums was given its own room. "The Library" was where you could find short stories. Walk down the hall to "The Study" and you'd be greeted with reviews and interviews. There was a "Screening Room," a "Hall Gallery," and a "Workshop," where you could sneak a peek at my next projects. And as one