Contact! (again)

It's been a hot minute. My latest short story, "Red Cold Front," will soon be available.

The setting for the story is Archangel, 1919.  The story is fiction, the setting is real. It isn't alternate history. It's a forgotten war. The US and the Allies sent expeditionary forces into Russia, and yes, they battled with the Reds.

The Kindle edition of Contact 3: War Is Hell is available for pre-order now. If you want the paperback, it should be going live at the end of the month.

writing update, January 2024

Last year, I tried to keep a daily writing journal. That was not a favorable experiment. Fact is, I just don't get to write each day. Things happen. I know time needs to be carved but we don't need to get into that here.

I decided this year maybe a monthly public pulse-taking would serve me better. We'll see.

I hoped to write a novel this year. But I'm ramping up with some short stories first.

Current state of the brag shelf

This month I wrote and submitted one story. I wrote half of another, but missed the open call deadline. I might finish it for another call. Or, it might go in the file for later. There are other calls (two, at least) in March I want to aim for.

Not a lot of writing, but I have been doing the business of writing. I've assembled the content of my first collection. This will be my action/adventure/fantasy tales. I'm gathering previously published stories, with a couple of brand new stories to fill out the volume. (Horror tales will come later this year, in another collection, timed for release around Halloween.)

I wrote the introduction, and the story notes. I've proofed through six of the eleven tales. I reached out to a cover artist.

And that's where I am at.

Coming soon .. soonish .. Blood & Steel

Screaming Banshee Press gave the go-ahead to share the cover of their next release, a military horror anthology; CONTACT 2: BLOOD & STEEL. Hoping to have it out late summer. I have a story under "& More" ;)

I will, of course, update when book is released and available.

Interview, Feb 28, 2023 at DMR Books

 I'm at the Independent Author Spotlight over at DMR Books today.

DMR Books Independent Author Spotlight 

HOUR OF THE ROBOT anniversary!

 

Happy one year anniversary to my first published novel,

HOUR OF THE ROBOT!

Interviews & chats with me

Just wanted to note that over on the left side (if you're viewing via a web browser, not a 'mobile' reduced page,) above my Current Reading List, there is now a list of links to interviews I've done.

HOUR OF THE ROBOT, reviews, requests, and discussion

 

If you've purchased HOUR OF THE ROBOT, I thank you. If you've read it and left an online review, I also thank you. I know, the 'new' paradigm of reviewing books can be tedious at times. Sometimes it burns me out, too. But, if you've read HOUR OF THE ROBOT and enjoyed it, please consider dropping a quick review on Amazon or goodreads. Just a rating and a few sentences or a paragraph would be great. (I think long reviews on blogs are fine but I don't think they help when combined with other reviews on shopping/rating sites.)

Speaking of reviews, I received a truly wonderful and inspiring review from Ron Fortier, over at Pulp Fiction Reviews. In part;

McNamee clearly spins his tale from the iconic comic book mythos of the twentieth century. ...

“Hour of the Robot” is a terrific first novel and a fun read.  McNamee’s prose is succinct in its brevity detailing the action clearly throughout without wasting so much as a single word. He tells you his story without fancy trappings while at the same time drawing forth really wonderful personalities from his cast of characters. Though based on all too familiar themes, “Hour of the Robot” is really something fresh and exciting and a bravo first novel of a very skillful storyteller.  Honestly, we want more. Lots more.

As part of HOUR OF THE ROBOT promotion, I've been invited by author Dana Cameron to join her and other writers (John Goodrich, Errick Nunnally, and Zin E. Rocklyn) to discuss writing and our recent books. You can view the interview live on Dana's Author Facebook page, Wednesday, July 28th, at 7:30PM EST.

Join us!

If you can't watch live, it will be recorded and posted out to YouTube later.

We happy writing few

This one is for all the writers:

There are times when I walk into Barnes & Noble, and I am equally inspired to write and daunted, as well. It's exciting to think you might one day see your book(s) on that shelf. It's also an overwhelming moment when you think, "How will I ever make a noticeable splash against this tide of books already in the world?"

A friend sent me a kind note regarding the release of HOUR OF THE ROBOT. It served as a good reminder for those moments.

In our writing world, we see it, read it, breathe it. It is not easy to step out and look from a wider perspective. But if you've driven a book to completion, got it out there, put it out there, had people buy it, read it, enjoy it - then remember that you are among a select few. Despite the number of books in the world, if you take a look at the populace of the world, there are few of us who have managed that achievement.

Yes, lots of sales, big sales, tons of favorable reviews would be nice.

But, just start with the kernel of the fact that you've done something many people never will.

Be proud of that for a start.

HOUR OF THE ROBOT release day is here!

The HOUR OF THE ROBOT is upon us! If you already pre-ordered, I thank you!

From their nerve center penthouse lair, the Robot supports the extraterrestrial superhero of the shining city of Pallas, the Alien. When a train disaster reveals an arms-smuggling operation, the Alien decides it is time for the Robot to join him in the field.

On the other end of the pipeline, in the city of Crowsport, resident vigilante crimefighters, the Protector and his sidekick, the Understudy, are closing in on a local gang boss.

Following the leads of their separate investigations, the Alien and the Protector—with the Robot and the Understudy in tow—serendipitously meet. But when their joint operation is broken, the Robot must step out into the world and work with the crimefighters to bring the suspects to justice.

But are there more dangerous forces at work than they realize?

Amazon https://amazon.com/dp/B08ZK6DJYJ 

B&N https://barnesandnoble.com/w/hour-of-the-robot-paul-r-mcnamee/1139078420

Smashwords https://smashwords.com/books/view/1075507

Kobo https://kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hour-of-the-robot

Google Play https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=p8skEAAAQBAJ

The HOUR OF THE ROBOT is nearly here! (and t.v. interview)

In another week, HOUR OF THE ROBOT will be released! If you've pre-ordered, I thank you. If you're waiting for the official release, that's fine, too!

As a promotional kickoff (beyond social media,) I was interviewed on a local cable access television show. We discuss the book, as well as the writing, editing, and publishing process. (Disclaimer: My wife was my interviewer. It's her local town talk show!) You can watch the episode here:

Thanks for all the support so far! Feel free to share and retweet and email and get the word out. (Sometimes I feel like I'm talking to the same audience, which is great, but selling books means spreading out beyond the usual circles. THANK YOU!)
 

links;

Amazon (US) (Kindle & Print) https://amazon.com/dp/B08ZK6DJYJ 

B&N (Nook & Print) https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hour-of-the-robot-paul-r-mcnamee/1139078420

Smashwords https://smashwords.com/books/view/1075507

Kobo https://kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hour-of-the-robot

Google Play https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=p8skEAAAQBAJ

The Lost Empire of Sol available for pre-order

 

Back in 2019, I posted about the THE LOST EMPIRE OF SOL. It's been on pre-order status direct from the publisher since then, but the pandemic messed up the release.

Anyway, it's finally ready for wider release now. You can now pre-order the ebook via Amazon. There is a print edition coming as well.

My story, "A Gate in Darkness", closes out the anthology. It was written quite a while ago. I probably have better writing chops now, but I think it's still a decent sword-&-planet action romp.

The HOUR approaches

 Some upcoming publishing news.

Crossroad Press have picked up my pulp superhero novel, Hour of the Robot. It will be released in July, under their YA imprint, Mystique Press.

 While not the first novel I have written, it is the first novel I haven't trunked and it is, therefore, my debut novel!

readin', writin', and reviewin'

2021.

Well, here we are.

I have no specific books listed for my 2021 reading. I do have some general goals of areas I want to cover.

First, I've been scrambling for so long, trying to catch up on things I've missed and new books releasing, that I hardly ever allow myself to re-read books. But that's silly. If a book is a favorite, no reason I shouldn't enjoy it. I've made a short list of favorites to re-read. I think I'll choose the audiobook route for those, just to be different.

I've really come to enjoy New Pulp. In addition to playing catch-up, via Derrick Ferguson's 100 New Pulp Book To Get You Started (no, I don't intend to read all 100 .. but I'd like to read a good sampling of the list,) I'd really like to keep up with New Pulp releases this year, so I can suggest informed nominations for the New Pulp Factory awards at year-end.

Speaking of reading, I have favorite writers who still have many titles I haven't read. First up, Glen Cook. And Fred Saberhagen. And Les Daniels series of vampire novels (there were 5, the first, The Black Castle, was great.)

More Sherlock Holmes, Solar Pons, and Tarzan. Continuing with the originals, of course, but I'm not ruling out pastiches, either. That will include the ERB Universe, too, as it rolls out.

And I want to ramp up on superheroes. I have a huge backlog of graphic novels I picked up on the cheap. And, superhero prose, too. Why? Reasons. Reasons that you will hopefully hear more about this year.

As to reviews; I'm of two minds. Sometimes I'm tired of feeling obligated to review everything. I used to read for the joy of it. I still do. But I never had to concern myself with reviews when I was done.

But, as a writer, I know what reviews mean to authors. So, my balance will be (continue to be) to review stuff I like. I'm not interested in negative reviewing. Secondly, expect short reviews. I don't think long-winded reviews posted to Amazon or goodreads really help. Long reviews should be reserved for blogs and articles. I've been gearing more toward short reviews that I can cut'n'paste and drop into goodreads and Amazon. The blog might have a few more statements around the core review, but don't expect more than that.

Writing. As of now, there are three short stories expected to see light of day this year. (We all know that can change.) I have no other short stories out in the aether right now.

There are a few open calls I am interested in. But, honestly, right now, I don't even have ideas that fit. We'll see if anything happens before the submission windows close. I had a low publishing output last year, so part of me wants to put stories out there. But, my main 2021 writing goal is to write the sequel to the novel I completed last year. If I'm not distracted by open calls and other opportunities that will dilute my focus, I won't mind.

recent read; The Writing Life: Reflections, Recollections, and a Lot of Cursing

 

The Writing Life: Reflections, Recollections, and a Lot of Cursing by Jeff Strand

Jeff Strand's journey through his life as a writer is full of anecdotes. New writers would be well served to read this book and watch for the pitfalls, and learn when to recognize your successes (they don't always show up in bright lights.)

You need not be a horror reader or writer to like this book. It is enjoyable throughout.

now available; STORYHACK, Issue Five, featuring "Makani and the Vulture God"

My latest short story, "Makani and the Vulture God," is now available in STORYHACK, Issue Five ( Kindle  Print )

Editor Bryce Beattie always does a bang-up job with this 'zine. Please support it and buy it (including the issues in which I don't have a story.) Kudos to Bryce for all he does. If you followed along on Twitter, you know what a ordeal he had to get this issue uploaded!

"Makani and the Vulture God"--as you might infer from the title--is another sword-&-sorcery story featuring my pseudo-Polynesian-world duo, Makani and Lono. This time around, an evil force disrupts a traditional sporting event. This story was inspired by the real sport of he'e houla, the art of surfing down mountains.

As usual, interior art accompanies each tale. This fine illustration was done by Emilo Florencio.

The Lost Empire of Sol, sword-&-planet anthology

This anthology of sword-&-planet stories has been a long time in the making. I won't bore you with details. It started, floundered, picked up, floundered again. Jason Waltz finally grabbed the project for his refurbished Rogue Blades Foundation/ Rogue Blades Entertainment effort.

So, here we are. THE LOST EMPIRE OF SOL, available for pre-order. (includes my story, "A Gate In Darkness.")

Press release and ordering information can be found here;

https://rbe-rbf.wixsite.com/rogueblades/post/rb-foundation-title-release-alert-the-lost-empire-of-sol-an-anthology-of-sword-and-planet-tales 

 

 

Not Far From Roswell, Kindle edition available

NOT FAR FROM ROSWELL 

Edited by Kelly A. Harmon & Vonnie Winslow Crist

My latest published story, "Heirloom," is available now in the Pole To Pole Publishing anthology, NOT FAR FROM ROSWELL. (Kindle available now, print to follow soon)

Despite the friendly cow, this is part of the Dark Stories Series. They wanted dark and I delivered. I have not read the other tales, but I suspect the tone of the anthology is dark fantasy & horror. You've been warned...

NECON is moving!

I suppose most people already learned this exciting news via other mediums, but in case anyone out there only goes by my blog updates;

NECON, the NorthEastern Writers Conference, has a major change coming for NECON 40, in July 2020. After holding 39 NECONs in Rhode Island, the conference is moving to Salem, MA. This also allows them to move the cap from 200 attendees to 250.

You can read all about the hows & whys here;

NECON is moving to Salem!

tinyurl.com/y5kwqwjv

What do I think?

I think it looks great!

Yes, my ride will be much shorter. Believe it or not, I'll kind of miss it. I liked getting away to Rhode Island annually. I will miss all the osprey sightings. But the new arrangements look amazing. I'm really glad there will be lots more common spaces to cluster and hang out. That was definitely a limitation of the old location.

Often during NECON at some point, people will take a break and head into Providence or other destinations, and that usually eats up a half-day. With downtown Salem so near, quick breaks can be taken to visit sites without taking a chunk out of the conference programming.

Speaking of the programming, if you didn't know, historically NECON spun out from World Fantasy Con. NECON's focus is usually the horror genre. In recent years, "horror" has been dropped from the official name (the 'H' was never included in the NECON abbreviation, anyway.) Lots of the guests write across genres. A handful or more of crime & thriller writers have been attending in recent years. The conference is more for speculative fiction now, though many of the panels are still horror oriented.

It will be a great time!

Current writing goals & miscellanous publication news

Social media has definitely eaten into posting. Quicker to share news that way than to take the time for a post. But, I should be better about it--even if I'm not sure who comes by here anymore without a social media prompt.

Anyway...

Over the past few years my writing goals have shifted from the calendar year to a more natural rhythm of NECON to NECON for me. That is July to July. Attending NECON gives me a push like nothing else. And this year I really needed it.

I've got my goals laid out now. I need to stay on track and see where I end up next summer.

Other news;

My story, "The Painted Girl," will appear in the New England Horror Writers anthology, WICKED WEIRD. They will debut the book at NecronomiCon Providence in a few weeks. It should be available through Amazon after that.

Doug Draa accepted my story, "The Toll Taker and the Troll," for WEIRDBOOK. That will be appearing sometime in 2020-21. (Yes, Doug has filled out the issues all the way until then!)

Bryce Beattie accepted my story, "Makani and the Vulture God," for STORYHACK. It should be appearing in issue 5. Issue 4 should be out soon. I encourage you all to support the 'zine.

I have another acceptance on short story for an anthology but I am not at liberty to divulge information at this time. I hope it will come out this year, too.

I have one other bit of news but--also unfortunately--that appears delayed so I'll wait to announce anything there. Hopefully I won't be waiting too much longer.

WICKED WEIRD

Though contracts have not gone out, the official t.o.c. was announced for WICKED WEIRD.

WICKED WEIRD is the next anthology produced by the New England Horror Writers group, following on WICKED SEASONS, WICKED TALES, WICKED WITCHES, and WICKED HAUNTED.

The original plan was to launch the book this August at Necronomicon Providence 2019. I don't know if that is still the plan, or if it will slip to their traditional October launch.

As you might guess from the title and launch plan, the theme this time around is 'weird' and 'cosmic' horror. My story, "The Painted Girl," is among the nineteen. Some intriguing titles and good writers here. I'm happy to be included.

WICKED WEIRD

Editors - Amber Fallon, Scott Goudsward and David Price

(In Random order - Not book order:)

Jeffrey Thomas - Your Emergency Response Guide
Lauran L. Soares - The Sweetness and the Psychic
Ken Vaughan - A Long Walk to the Ocean
John Goodrich - The Promised Death of Zebediah Dewey
Matthew M. Bartlett - Strange Haze
Barry Lee Dejasu - The Night and all its Visitors
Morgan Sylvia - Salt Cave
Errick Nunnally - A Song of War and Death
Jason Parent - Starry Night
William Carl - Reclaimed
Frank Raymond Michaels - Please Stay Dead, Aunt Marnie
Paul McNamee - The Painted Girl
Peter Dudar - Perfect Parent
Victoria Dalpe - Those beneath, devour
Steve Van Samson - A Feast of Flies
Rob Smales - Pet Shop of the Gods
John Buja - Lost Mine of St. Eloi
Trisha Wooldridge - The Mass of the Greatest Sin
Steven LaCroix - Better Late than Never

There you have it 19 original stories - 93K (pre-edits etc)