It’s summer, a time when stinkbugs, mosquitoes, snakes, and the Legion of Nitwits all make a reappearance. Here are two new warnings for writers and readers everywhere.* Continue reading
March of the Nitwits
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Tag Archives: Legion of Nitwits
The Ballad of Anthony Giangregorio (UPDATED)
Several years ago, Anthony Giangregorio wrote and self-published (via his Undead Press imprint) several novels set in the world of George Romero’s Dawn of the Dead. These were novels featuring the same trademarked cast of characters, without the permission of George Romero or the other rights-holders. And it stopped qualifying as fan fiction the moment Giangregorio sold them via Amazon and other retail outlets.
Giangregorio resurfaced a year or so ago, attending conventions such as NECON, World Horror, and AnthoCon, where he worked hard convincing everyone that he’d turned over a new leaf. And now he’s managed to screw a bunch of new authors. Kelli Owen has all of the details here* and if you are a new writer, her Blog entry on the matter is required reading for you. It’s an ugly, frustrating situation for the authors involved.
*I’m thrilled to see Kelli tackling stories like this. I’ve done it for over 15 years (Jobs In Hell, Hail Saten, and this website), and I’m tired. I’m happy Kelli and others from her generation are taking over, so old guys like me can sleep occasionally and catch up on our writing deadlines. Bookmark her Blog.
UPDATE: Instead of responding, Giangregorio has decided to begin threatening the authors who have had the courage to speak out about him. Nick Mamatas provides the details and screen shots of one such threat here. And other authors are stepping forward with similar claims in the comments section of this Blog, Nick’s Blog, Kelli’s Blog, Mandy’s Blog, and other Blogs.
Meanwhile: David Boyer is still a Bag of Fuck, Greg Ruth vs. The Huntsman, Mamatas Family Recipes, & Neil Gaiman has tea with the King
With a headline like that, I’m pretty sure you’ll keep reading after the cut.
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March Madness Week #1
I’m on a writing vacation, so posts will be sporadic for a few weeks. Here are some updates on various things (movies, interviews, book releases, book delays, plugs, etc). Continue reading
Occupy Boyer
A few weeks ago, I brought to your attention author Rick Moore’s campaign to have the Indiana Attorney General take consumer fraud action against serial thief, con-artist, and plagiarist David Boyer. Now, Rick tells me that the National Writers Union (UAW Local 1981 AFL-CIO) have asked their 3,000 members to get involved. The National Grievance Coordinator says that many members have already written letters, with more to come. Solidarity! As always, keep an eye on B Thoughtful for the latest on Boyer, and The Rusty Nail for the latest on the rest of the Legion of Nitwits.
Win a date with Nickolaus Pacione
Note: Before any of you take me to task for poking the crazy person, it should be noted that said crazy person has recently begun threatening my fiancee again. So, fuck that noise. It’s prudent to remind people of what they are actually dealing with, should they happen to be contacted by him. Continue reading
Follow-Ups
Following up on some previously-posted items.
1. My foreign rights agent, the super-heroine Betty Anne Crawford, reports my original German publisher, Otherworld Verlag, has been bought by Ueberreuter, the largest trade publisher in Austria. My latest German release through OV was the trade hardcover of Kill Whitey, which you should now find everywhere in Germany and Austria, since Ueberreuter has more distribution capabilities.
2. We talked a few weeks ago about serial-plagiarist, con-artist, thief, and possible llama-molester David Boyer. Well, now a group of authors are taking the battle to Amazon.com. I urge all of you to get 
involved. You should also continue to support the efforts of “B-Thoughtful” and author Rick Moore, who have been spearheading this fight.
3. Fear Net interviewed country-music’s Kasey Lansdale, who, among other things, talked a little bit about the Castaways movie and revealed that I’m secretly a nice guy.
4. A few days ago, I talked about the strange transition to veteran and mentor. That’s why reading things like this makes me feel very weird. (And it’s okay, Alyn. I nearly creamed my shorts the 1st time I met Bentley Little).
David Boyer is a Bag of Fuck (UPDATED)
Once again, I call upon the combined might of the F.U.K.U (for new readers, that stands for Fans ‘Uv Keene United – acronym created by authors Drew Williams and Joe Nassise). In the past, when we’ve asked for your help, you have always responded. Together, we’ve done everything from save the life of a little boy who needed surgery, to forcing one of the industry’s oldest publishers to do right by their authors. Tonight, we need your help again. Continue reading
Paranoia, Proteges, and Pinheads
CLICKERS VS. ZOMBIES
The Word Zombie has a new interview with my dear protege, Kelli Owen, who has most-certainly stepped out of her big brother’s shadow and become quite an accomplished writer with a rabid and growing fan base over the last year. Among the highlights, Kelli says: “Stephen King doesn’t do cons, JK Rowling can’t go out in public, and Brian Keene is paranoid and un-trusting of almost everyone.” And she’s right, of course…
THE LOST LEVEL
Meanwhile, many of you have heard me rave (on panels and in interviews) about protege Nate Southard’s Just Like Hell. I’ve called it “this generation’s The Girl Next Door” and many critics have agreed with me. It has the same gravitas that Ketchum’s seminal classic had when it was first released. I’m happy to say that Just Like Hell is now available in paperback from Deadite Press. Click here to order a copy, and prepare to be blown away.
BINKY
Turning from paranoia and proteges to pinheads, Newsarama reports that Ed Kramer has been arrested again for violating his parole, after being found sharing a motel room with a 14-year old boy. We covered the original Kramer case in detail back when I was the editor of Jobs In Hell. Indeed, that was our first big, in-depth, multi-part story, and it earned us jeers and hate mail from many of our “peers” who made excuses for Kramer. It’s worth noting that none of those people are speaking up today.
Finally, if you can read Italian, Horror It has a nice write-up on the upcoming film adaptation of my novel Castaways.
As you can see from the Fuck Around Quotient Meters above, progress has been made this week on all three books. I go back to work now. Have a good weekend.
Coincidence?
Omar bin Laden, son of Osama bin Laden, who was involved in the murder of thousands.
Nickolaus Pacione, who has stalked/harrassed dozens of authors, editors, artists, publishers, and fans.
Footage of what Osama bin Laden was watching at home.
And before anyone says how mean I am, it should be noted that Mr. Pacione has repeatedly threatened many authors and their families over the years. Therefore, the occasional public service message is in order.