Aaron Bunce's Blog

Coming Soon

Here is a look at some books coming your way in 2018!

Sisyphean by Dempow Torishima.

Simply put, "sisyphean" means a task that can never be completed. Based off the synopsis, Sisyphean sounds like a horrifying story that many people will find eerily familiar. I am very much looking forward to giving this one a read!

“A strange journey into the far future of genetic engineering, and working life. After centuries of tinkering, many human bodies only have a casual similarity to what we now know, but both work and school continue apace. Will the enigmatic sad sack known only as “the worker” survive the day? Will the young student Hanishibe get his questions about the biological future of humanity answered, or will he have to transfer to the department of theology? Will Umari and her master ever comprehend the secrets of nanodust?”

Check it out
The Armored Saint by Myke Cole.

I haven't read anything by Myke Cole...yet, but I am eager to give The Armored Saint a read. The book popped up as an advanced recommendation, and the cover grabbed me. I gave the synopsis a read and you could say that my interest is officially peaked! This book drops February 20th!

“In a world where any act of magic could open a portal to hell, the Order insures that no wizard will live to summon devils, and will kill as many innocent people as they must to prevent that greater horror. After witnessing a horrendous slaughter, the village girl Heloise opposes the Order, and risks bringing their wrath down on herself, her family, and her village.”

Check it out
The Atrocities by Jeremy C. Shipp

Shipp is one of those authors I have heard a lot about, but never read. The Atrocities tells the story of a young ghost's education - post death. Any story that starts after a person's death has my attention.

“When Isabella died, her parents were determined to ensure her education wouldn’t suffer.

But Isabella’s parents had not informed her new governess of Isabella’s... condition, and when Ms Valdez arrives at the estate, having forced herself through a surreal nightmare maze of twisted human-like statues, she discovers that there is no girl to tutor.

Or is there...?”

Check it out
Serpent in the Heather by Kay Kenyon.

Kay Kenyon is another author I haven't read before, but 2018 is the year I branch out both into new genres and to new authors. I am a huge fan of WWII, post, and Cold War era stories, especially when they introduce some paranormal and fantasy elements into the mix. Serpent in the Heather looks to be a worthy read for anyone who enjoys The Man in the High Castle, or Quentin Tarentino's Inglorious Bastards.

“Now officially working for the Secret Intelligence Service, Kim Tavistock is back to solve another mystery—this time a serial killer with deep Nazi ties—in the sequel to At the Table of Wolves.

Summer, 1936. In England, an assassin is loose. Someone is killing young people who possess Talents. As terror overtakes Britain, Kim Tavistock, now officially employed by England’s Secret Intelligence Service, is sent on her first mission: to the remote Sulcliffe Castle in Wales, to use her cover as a journalist to infiltrate a spiritualist cult that may have ties to the murders. Meanwhile, Kim’s father, trained spy Julian Tavistock runs his own parallel investigation—and discovers the terrifying Nazi plot behind the serial killings.

Cut off from civilization, Sulcliffe Castle is perched on a forbidding headland above a circle of standing stones only visible at low tide. There, Kim shadows a ruthless baroness and her enigmatic son, plying her skills of deception and hearing the truths people most wish to hide. But as her cover disguise unravels, Kim learns that the serial killer is closing in on a person she has grown to love. Now, Kim must race against the clock not just to prevent the final ritual killing—but to turn the tide of the looming war.”

Check it out
The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay.

I really enjoyed A Head Full of Ghosts, and The Cabin at the End of the World sounds no less gripping and suspenseful! Tremblay masterfully sets theme and tone, building suspense organically, and thus, pulling you fully into the story and conflict. I can't wait for this one!

“The Bram Stoker Award-winning author of A Head Full of Ghosts adds an inventive twist to the home invasion horror story in a heart-palpitating novel of psychological suspense that recalls Stephen King’s Misery, Ruth Ware’s In a Dark, Dark Wood, and Jack Ketchum’s cult hit The Girl Next Door.

Seven-year-old Wen and her parents, Eric and Andrew, are vacationing at a remote cabin on a quiet New Hampshire lake. Their closest neighbors are more than two miles in either direction along a rutted dirt road.

One afternoon, as Wen catches grasshoppers in the front yard, a stranger unexpectedly appears in the driveway. Leonard is the largest man Wen has ever seen but he is young, friendly, and he wins her over almost instantly. Leonard and Wen talk and play until Leonard abruptly apologizes and tells Wen, “None of what’s going to happen is your fault”. Three more strangers then arrive at the cabin carrying unidentifiable, menacing objects. As Wen sprints inside to warn her parents, Leonard calls out: “Your dads won’t want to let us in, Wen. But they have to. We need your help to save the world.”

Thus begins an unbearably tense, gripping tale of paranoia, sacrifice, apocalypse, and survival that escalates to a shattering conclusion, one in which the fate of a loving family and quite possibly all of humanity are entwined. The Cabin at the End of the World is a masterpiece of terror and suspense from the fantastically fertile imagination of Paul Tremblay.”

Check it out
Persepolis Rising by James S.A. Corey.

I am a huge fan of Corey's Expanse series. These books have become regular adds through Audible and make the commute that much easier to tolerate. The Expanse novels are one of those series that allow its characters to really drive the story. James Holden and his crew aboard the "acquired" frigate Rocinante are more than capable of carrying the entire series on their own, but as the universe expands and the conflicts grows, the series just gets that much more compelling. The show on Syfy is a very well made adaptation, and stays faithful to the books, but for my money, I will devour every book in this series as soon as they come out!

“The seventh novel in James S. A. Corey’s New York Times best-selling Expanse series - now a major television series.”

Check it out

I read, and listened, to some fantastic books in 2017. I fell short of my challenge goal of 50 - fail! But I still devoured some great reads in the attempt. You can consider all that follow highly recommended books. :)

Alien: Out of the Shadows by Tim Lebbon

Out of the Shadows is a book that should be listened to, and not read. The audio book produced by Audible studios features an ensemble cast that includes Rutger Hauer no less, and listens more like an old fashioned radio show, than an audio book - which is just freaking cool. The story is good, and deepens the Alien universe better than schlock like Alien 3 or Alien Resurrection ever did, and is a must-listen for any fan of the series. Consider it well-worth the Audible credit!

Columbus Day: Expeditionary Force series by Craig Alanson.

The military sci-fi genre has exploded over the last few years, and I am just starting to dip my toe into the proverbial waters. A friend recommended this series, so I thought I would check it out. The story starts out on a fairly cliche track for the genre - unsuspecting earth is pulled into a larger, galactic conflict. I admit that I almost gave up on the book, until Alanson played his Ace in the hole, Skippy. The ancient alien artificial intelligence - that just happens to resemble a shiny beer can more than makes up for any of Alanson's shortcomings as a writer. I have never had so many laugh-out-loud moments while listening to an audio books, which is just as much due to narrator R.C Bray's outstanding performance as Alanson's writing. There are some times where I wish that Alanson would tighten his writing, perhaps employ a better editor, but so far, the series has me hooked!

Hell Divers and Hell Divers II by Nicholas Sansbury Smith.

More narrator R.C. Bray gold. Nicholas Sansbury Smith really captures the apocalypse in all of its desperate grittiness. These books feel like equal parts Fallout, I am Legend, and Tom Clancy. The stories flow well, feature characters that you must care about, and cram enough intrigue into their pages to kill a herd of adult elephants. No, really, they do. Earth is an uninhabitable wasteland, and the very small remnant of humanity is plummeting head-first towards extinction, and all we want to know is, how in the hell are they gonna survive? Ahhh. Yes, you guessed it. These books keep you reading, and wondering, and waiting, and wondering. Book 3 please, Nicholas. I expect a new book every month, so get on it! That is a joke, or is it?

The Bobiverse Series by Dennis E. Taylor.

Gahhh. Dennis Taylor's Bobiverse series is so freakin' good, I don't even know where to start. First, the story is awesome. Robert Johanson is killed while walking across the street, headed to a science fiction convention - starts out like an "a nun walks into a bar" joke, and only gets stupendously better from there. Taylor knows how to blend hard science with engaging story, and then you mix Ray Porter into the mix, and its like throwing gasoline on an already raging fire. Ray Porter is without a doubt one of my favorite narrators, and in conjunction with Taylor's story equates to a fundamental, must-read series for any science fiction, and non-science fiction fan. I am really hoping he writes a ton of these books - like at least a metric ton, maybe 2. I'll look into freight shipping rates and just have them dump them into my front yard, where I will set up a lawn chair and umbrella. In that event, if you don't hear from me, it's probably because I have become trapped under a cave-in of books and require rescue. If I am still alive, just drop a sandwich and some water down to me and I'll be good.

Redemption and Retaliation by Jarod Meyer.

I met Jarod at a convention in 2016, where he sold me on Redemption. I'm a sucker for science fiction and fantasy, so a series that blends both is obviously going to garner my attention. I read the second edition version of his first book last year and can say that I am very impressed with him as a storyteller. The series puts a cool, new spin on the afterlife, and promises tons of adventure for future volumes. Retaliation came out at the end of the year and definitely built on the themes and momentum he'd already established. I am excited about Jarod's future as a writer and look forward to reading more of his single-word titled releases! 

Artemis by Andy Weir

I never read The Martian, but really enjoyed Ridley Scott's theatrical adaptation, and when I saw the recommendation appear on Audible, I didn't hesitate. I have to admit, after the fact, Rosario Dawson's narration might have been my favorite part. Weir's story is good, the science is solid and lends to great world building, but Dawson gives Jazz a believable voice. Some of her accents sound similar and kind of blend together, but that is just a nitpick critique. If you're a fan of science fiction, heist stories, or adventure, give Artemis a read. And I'm sure someone will adapt it to a movie at some point, if they aren't already in the process.

Morgan's Run by Tamara Jones.

It's no secret that I am a Tamara Jones fan. Spore is one of my all-time favorite books, and I firmly believe that her Dubric Byerly series deserves accolades and conversation in the fantasy, mystery, and horror, genre - especially after watching the schlock MTV and Spike are stamping the Shannara Chronicles label on. Sorry, off topic. Morgan's Run is a women's fiction title, so a little out of my usual hunting grounds, but wow. This book packs enough twists and turns, emotional jabs - good and bad, and genuine heartfelt moments to appeal to any reader. It is unabashedly honest, straight to its point, and fantastic. Morgan's Run tears down some of the delusions we all hold to regarding the idea of personal and emotional safety, health, and healing.

It's been a while since I blogged, and I feel a little guilty about it. At the same time, I haven't blogged because I have been neck deep in A March of Woe. So, at the same time, I can't feel too bad. 

Highlight - A March of Woe is done! Woot! Beta is complete, revisions have been made, and the second revision is done. The manuscript is off to the editor now for its final spit and polish and will be ready for its wide release March 1st! I'm excited, but also nervous. There is a lot of emotional energy dedicated to a project this large, and when it leaves my hands, I can't help by slump into a post project hole - so to speak. I jumped right into another project, Unleashed, which has helped, but there is still a noticeable drop. If you want a comparison, it is very similar to finishing reading the last book in a lengthy series, or binge watching the last season of your favorite show. Once you're done, you stagger and ask, "what now?" Well, on to the next one.

And the next one is "Unleashed", a science fiction - horror story I have been cultivating for quite a while. I started it as a short story in college, and pledged to one day come back and flesh out the remainder of the story. It follows Jacoby and his wife Anna, as they struggle to survive the harsh life aboard a deep space mining station. Jacoby, pushed by marital and economic pressures, breaks the rules, and inadvertently releases a long-dormant alien organism. This story is gritty, in your face, and very much inspired by one of my all-time favorite science fiction movies - Alien. A March of Woe is releasing March 1st, and I am pushing hard to get this one out in the summer just after.

Beyond that, I am splitting my time between a number of other standalone titles I have been working on from time to time, and the next monstrous volume in my Overthrown series, Succession. If all goes well, I will have Succession done and ready to release by the end of 2018, and hopefully one other title along with it, maybe two. I am also thinking about writing and releasing a series of companion pieces, short stories and novellas building on and deepening the Overthrown world and myth. At this time, I have a number of characters and stories in mind, although I haven't nailed anything down yet. I'd love to talk to people after Woe comes out, and find out what elements of the world or mythology really resonates with them, as this book more than Within or Before the Crow delves into those territories. Perhaps I will take this book signing season to really chat with people, and see what elements of the series they would like to see explored in greater detail. Is it the creatures? The lore, myth, and cultural makeup of Roman's people? Perhaps it is the dalan, the Ishmandi, or the Nymradic themselves. Keep all of that in mind, and if there is something in particular that you would like to see examined, please feel free to reach out and let me know. I am always available through Facebook, twitter, or my website, so please don't be shy.

Back to the keyboard. January is already come and gone, so I've only got 11 more months to make 2018 my most productive year yet! 

 

 

The idea of meaning has been on my mind.  If I am to be completely honest, it is always on my mind.  When I read a book, a story, or even watch a movie, I am working to flesh out the meaning of a story, hidden or otherwise.  But this becomes a tricky point, and a sticky subject when I start to analyze much of what comprises our popular culture and literary fiction these days.  Anymore, genres of fiction seem to identify the book, more than categorize it.  Within the last ten years or so, the new sub-category of YA, or young adult has sprung onto the market and quite quickly become the fastest growing, and most sought after species of books on the market.  In many circles, YA has become synonymous with romance (we can probably thank novels such as Twilight fame for this).  One person argued with me that young adult and romance go hand in hand.  That every coming of age story should include romance, if it is not primarily about it.  My argument in response was, as always, why?  What makes romance any more important to this puberty afflicted, transitional, hormone ravaged age group?  Are there not other literary elements and plot points that can be just as engaging, without being so narrow focused and assuming.  When you consider the other major genres, ie: horror, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, comedy, and drama, YA sounds incredibly vague.  Does it describe a genre of fiction, or does it categorize the book shoppers as select and quantifiable units within a sound marketing strategy?  I'd have to lean towards the latter more than the former.  Young Adult, like New Adult, Middle Grade, Adult, and Children's books seeks to categorize books more by the demographics of their potential customers than the content of their novels.  So what then is the meaning associated with any one particular sub-genre in Young Adult?  At count, Amazon has 13 different sub genres listed under the Young Adult/teen parent.

By its nature, does Y.A. simply try and emulate, and therefore aid, a group of people struggling with the natural pitfalls of their specific developmental situation? After all, so many protagonists in Y.A. books are questing for something, usually an item or a skill to overcome a particular scenario or hurdle. Is this to help young adults relate and provide context as they struggle to fit in, or perhaps, overcome a challenge and slide into the next, slightly more mature role? That's cool, and I would say that if that was the case, then Y.A. could serve a very valuable purpose for young adults. But back to the romance. While shopping through Amazon's increasingly complex sub-genres, I stumbled upon #instalove. Evidently, simply using the plot element wasn't enough, now we have analytics out there so people shopping for books can pinpoint and identify books that feature characters that "fall in love at first sight", or as the newer generation calls it, instalove. I'm not going to lie, evidently I am too old for this. Yes, I rolled my eyes. When I write stories, I strive to make them as believable as possible (okay, within reason - after all, magic, swords, and laser blasters notwithstanding). But...I try and make my characters interact in a believable and organic manner. No one falls in love at first sight, let's call it what it is, lust, attraction, pheromones. So where does this idea of #instalove come from? Is this wishful thinking by Y.A. writers and readers? Do you see it in adult genres as well? If you stretch the idea of meaning to encompass instalove, I am led to some interesting conclusions. Does instalove constitute a younger generation's quest for sexual viability? Or, more likely, is instalove just an offshoot of these young generation's need for instant gratification. Has it spilled over from streaming music, movies, and t.v, expedited shipping, and on and on. Weigh in...

Released December, 23 2016. Directed by Andre Ovredal and stars Brian Cox, Emile Hirsch, and Ophelia Lovibond.

Andre Ovredal is not a well known name stateside, except for those people who watched Trollhunter (2010), a surprisingly good found footage film. I enjoyed Trollhunter, although struggled through a bit of it, due in part to some of the natural downfalls of the genre, most specifically excessive shaky cam, limited depth of story, and etc.

I watched the trailer for The Autopsy of Jane Doe late last year, right before the movie was scheduled for its theatrical release. I'll be honest, I was guarded. I love horror, but there is so much schlock to navigate around in the genre that I spend the vast majority of the time ignoring it altogether. But then I started to read some reviews. Not only did it have a positive rating on Metacritic, but it sported a very positive 85% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes. And so, I was interested.

The movie opens up as the local Sheriff is investigating a rather gruesome scene of a multiple homicide. Everyone in the house is dead. And...there is the partially buried body of a young woman in the basement. I loved this sequence, and Ovredal didn't spoil it with any voice over, scrolling text, or unnecessary exposition. The atmosphere and tone starts here, and are carried well throughout the film. Next we are introduced to Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch, a father-son duo that runs a mortuary/morgue. Their introductory scene does a nice job establishing their relationship, as well as credibility in their field. I have seen both actors in movies before (more Brian Cox), but have to say that I really liked the interplay and chemistry between them. Their relationship felt natural, and their wasn't any of that "forced tension" between them that is gratuitously used in horror movies. In fact, it is the strong bond between these characters that makes them more likable, but also ratchets up the tension as the plot builds, as we genuinely care for both of them.

There is a fair does of very realistic gore as the two go about the unenviable task of investigating the dead, cataloging their results, and in the end, breaking through to the truth of people's deaths. As gruesome as it appeared, I found the autopsy moments tasteful and interesting - and for the plot, necessary.

As the movie continues and the conflict tightens, Ovredal mercifully avoids most of the oft-used tropes of horror movies. I won't list them off, but just know that you are safe from cheesy and gimmicky jump scares, stupid characters running in the wrong direction, and on and on. The mystery of Jane Doe remains the central and compulsory element at play, and although the father and son duo come to some conclusions, they all feel natural and well earned - as confusing as they are. You don't have those "they find something, or come to a realization moment because the plot needs them to" moments which serve only to move the plot along for the viewer. Each turn and twist in this movie feels organic, and thus, helps add to the steady, creeping sense of dread that gradually builds from beginning, and culminates in the end.

Was I happy with the ending? Yes, to a degree. It doesn't spell everything out for you, but just like the rest of the movie, keeps your imagination engaged and forces you to draw most of your own conclusions. I think the movie could have been a bit longer, building on the underlying themes in play, but that is a nit pick on my part. After all, there is only so much you can reasonably do with the story, especially considering the very claustrophobic aspects of the set.

In the end, Ovredal has crafted a very good horror movie - one that will leave you pondering what it all meant, what it will mean, and exactly where the story moves forward, off camera of course. If you're like me, you will undoubtedly be considering these things long after the credits roll. That, my friends, is what makes great movies. I will take The Autopsy of Jane Doe as a good sign - that there is good, smart, and intellectual horror/thrillers on the horizon. I welcome a second coming of directors like Hitchcock, whom respected the intellectual capacity of his viewers, sought to challenge them, and respected the power of the twist.

Overall - two thumbs up!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3289956/?...

One of the questions people ask me the most often is: "what sorts of books or authors inspired me when I was a kid".

  While I can remember the books, I generally never paid much attention to who wrote them. This is just kind of my personality. I can’t even remember who sings my favorite songs most of the time, but I can sing all the words.

The Animorphs series comes to mind right off the bat. I loved those books, as I’ve always been drawn to Sci-Fi/Fantasy. I remember my dad and I would read Goosebumps before bed in the evenings. We would take turns reading outloud. And I would get so frustrated when we couldn’t read the next chapter because I had to go to bed.

I think that I was drawn to books because my kindergarten teacher told my parents that I would struggle with reading and writing. Not sure how she was able to determine that at such a young age. Anyway, HA! How do you like me now? I believe that it is our mentors telling us we can’t do something that really drives us to achieve what we never thought possible.

I fear for kids these days. They do so much reading and writing on their mobile devices, but can’t pick up a book and read it. I hope that more parents will read with their kids. I know that if I have kids they will be playing the piano and reading!

I'm sure that I'm not the only one (Terri Leblanc and Dana Beatty), but I'm a bit tired. When Jed Quinn and I first started talking specifics for this event (on our drive back from the North Iowa Book Bash, April 30th), we envisioned this would all be happening circa 2017. But then Dana chimed in, put on his spurs, and the rest is now legend. You helped us change the literary landscape in Cedar Rapids moving forward.

This is what I have to say about the event, now that it is behind us. Firstly, everyone involved Saturday is truly amazing. Organizers, authors, and helpers. I genuinely enjoyed meeting and chatting with every one of you, and only wish that I would have had more time to spend socializing. You all came together like family, pitched in, supported one another, and proved once again that bookies really are some of the best people out there. I saw authors recommending other attending writer's work, book swapping (my favorite), and social and professional networks enlarging. This crowd of Iowa and Midwest writers really is a special group of people.

Selling books at an event is never an easy gig, sitting at a table, trying to snag complete stranger's interest to pitch books. Stack on top of that that we were in a mall, surrounded with glittering, shiny objects, a Coke machine (bent on corrupting our minds), and the task gets even harder. Terri, Dana, Jed, and I took notes, and will work on making I.O.W.A a bigger and grander experience next year. Cedar Rapids and the surrounding communities really is a great, untapped market for this kind of event, and with the right poking and prodding, I believe we can make this a banner event.

With that said, planning for next year's event will start in earnest.  Keep your eye turned to the I.O.W.A Facebook page, and please, don't be shy. If you have ideas about how we can improve and grow moving forward, or other authors you believe would like to contribute, bend our ears. 

 

Before the Crow launched April 9th, and although I was at the Ankeny Author Fair that day, the official release signing was the following Friday, at the Cedar Rapids Barnes and Noble Booksellers. Both events were fantastic. There was a nice little crowd that showed up in Ankeny that I recognized from last year and they were eager to get their hands on the continuation in my Overthrown Series! I don't think they will be disappointed. The official launch signing at Barnes and Noble was amazing. Special thanks go out to Amanda Zhorne, and the other fantastic folks at B&N for arranging, setting up, but mostly for taking a chance on me. There was a fantastic turn out. I even got a chance to chat with some passer-byes. If memory serves, they all stayed and chatted about fantasy and science fiction, and walked away with copies of both Within and Before the Crow. I hope they enjoy both books! All in all, it was an amazing day.

A few days later I found out that Before the Crow didn't just sell well it's first week in release, but it made the local Bestsellers list. Wow! This is humbling. Truly. I ran out and grabbed several copies of the Sunday Cedar Rapids Gazette and realized that it didn't just make the list, it is #1. I beat out Nora Roberts, Rick Riordan and a host of other fabulously talented and successful authors. I know it's just one local market, but I'll take every small victory I can get!

 

I'll be there May 13th-15th!

The Before the Crow release tour continues this upcoming weekend, as I gear up to attend the North Iowa Book Bash (#NIBB2016) in Clear Lake, Iowa, Saturday April 30th. Although this event is only in its 2nd year, it has quickly grown to the largest and most successful non-Convention author event in the state. Kudos to the BFBookies Micki Fredericks, Rachel Smith, and Lori Rattay for organizing such a killer event. After the NIBB I will be headed to Wizard World - Comicon in Des Moines. I will be participating in three panels, as well as manning a table all weekend, selling books. It is going to be a great time, so if you can, see if you can work it into your schedule. I will update this post with photos from the release signing at Barnes and Noble and others, so check back!

 

  The Within free promo ended last night and I can honestly say that it surpassed my wildest expectations! 1029 copies were downloaded over the five days, bumping overall book rankings to top 400 total free book sales, #1 in one category, and top 10 in epic and dark fantasy categories.
  I would like to thank all of the people who helped out by sharing my promotional messages. Without you, this promo wouldn't have been nearly as successful. If you were one of the people that downloaded a free copy, thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it. And if you do, please write a review!
  In further news, we are now just a week away from the Before the Crow book release. If you prefer to read on a Kindle, it is available for pre-order. I'll have hardcover copies with me in Ankeny April 9th, and Clear Lake April 30th. The release signing is at the Cedar Rapids Barnes and Noble April 15th. I look forward to seeing everyone come out.
  Have an awesome weekend!

Let me start out by saying this, I am an advocate of the Oxford comma. Yet, not everyone is. Some, in fact, adamantly refuse to use them (varies by style guide ultimately). They argue that it is stylistic, and in most situations, superfluous. I agree with them that it is stylistic punctuation, but I have also learned that it is stylistic punctuation that can often differentiate between good writing and mediocre. How do I figure that? Good writing is crisp and concise, except in those moments where the author wants to us oblique or vague language to add intrigue or doubt for the reader. But those are intentional moment. Ones that are considered, and not just the result of poor writing. 

Before I get into it, a little history.

Named for the standards guide utilized by the Oxford University Press, the Oxford comma, also known as the Serial, or Harvard comma, is that seemingly isolated punctuation mark used before the conjugation and the last item in a lists, or series. 

Take the following:

"Walter invited the beggars, Father Emilio and Chuck the Butcher", as an example. Without the Oxford comma in this sentence, the reader infers that Walter invited two beggars, and their names were Father Emilio and Chuck the Butcher. This is hardly concise writing, and it raises doubt and confusion in the reader. They question who is invited, and who the beggars are. Now take the same sentence, and use proper grammar: "Walter invited the beggars, Father Emilio, and Chuck the Butcher". Now we understand that Walter invited beggars, the priest, and the butcher. Three separate entities. Ambiguity clarified.

But there is more. "Bring me saltpeter, brown paper and turpentine." There is nothing structurally wrong with the way this sentence is written, but you should consider how the reader will interpret it as it pertains to your story. Without the Oxford comma, the reader may infer that there is some special connection that the second and third items on the list share that they do not with the first. Granted, you will never be able to remove all ambiguity, as much of it is determined by a host of factors, most of which are associated with the reader and out of your control. Yet, with that said, there are instances where Oxford commas may actually confuse the subject, or object of your sentence. It is these situations where it should not be used.

Take this example from the 1934 style book of the New York Herald Tribune: "Those at the ceremony were the commodore, the fleet captain, the donor of the cup, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Jones." (Okrent) Now it may not look strange at first, but when you consider what the writer is trying to say, you begin to see how the Oxford comma between Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones skews the meaning. In this case, Mr. Smith is in fact not the donor of the cup. So this comma actually leads the reader to a false conclusion. Removing the serial comma would clarify it a bit, while rewriting would definitely clear up any further confusion.

In the end, the Oxford comma is a valuable bit of stylistic punctuation, one which can help to reduce ambiguity in writing. But like everything else, its use should be considered carefully. I don't agree with the crowd that outright refuses to use them. But I also don't believe that it should always be used, regardless of application. The truth, as they say, lies somewhere in between. Find that happy balance, or equilibrium, and your writing will surely benefit. Happy scribbling!

Cited works

Okrent, Arika. "The Best Shots Fired in the Oxford Comma Wars". Mental Floss.com. Language.