R.J. Smith's Blog: THE MADHOUSE, page 12

Hello friends and fans! Welcome to FALL!
It’s been a LONG SUMMER.

I have suffered an accident this summer and writing has been difficult.

Deadlines were pushed back to allow rehabilitation and an upcoming back and neck surgery, but soon I should be able to get back to the business of creating entertainment.

Soon, the northeast leaves will change color, TWISTING themselves from  branches, they’ll tumble to the chilled ground welcoming spooky teenage kids ringing  doorbells for TRICKS OR TREATS.
I recall growing up AND feeling that hallow chill as nightfall crashed and ghosts lurked along the shadowy streets.
Sometimes, the ghouls were real, freakish killers hunting the shadows, and once every now and then…. there would be a killer… like Son Of Sam — look him up — he took joy in aiming his .44 caliber handgun into the faces of lovebirds and pulling the cold trigger… Boom! Boom! Boom!
BOO! 
But like all sadistic killers of history, the horror ends, fright wanes and we return to a false sense of security .. And, the terror of Halloween gives way to  the chill of Thanksgiving.
The poor fat bird is slaughtered and thrown into double racked ovens across our ravenous country —- nice, huh?
A bunch of barbarians is what we are — hungry, feasting, slaughtering humans — oh, well, one day the aliens will come and maybe… we’ll be dinner.
Until then, winter will continue to blow in, tossing an occasional horrendous blizzard across the northeast … but, lets not get ahead of ourselves.
First, there is a long transition to cold
I’ve been on holiday for much of the year, cruising the Atlantic, touring the country and promoting the release of The Santa Claus Killer.
First, I laid back for a five-day get away, spent hot days lounging in the Bahamas and cool Caribbean nights writing next summer’s blockbuster – Cataclysm.  Then, after drinking myself into a stupor with cruise ship Margaritas,  I hopped a plane to New York for a meeting with my literary agent, Joyce Keating — yes — again!
Three visits in one year… and boy, was it hot! 
After New York, I was off to Los Angeles for a two day event promoting The Santa Claus Killer — the book was a 2013 Emmy Award Swag Bag novel pre-loaded onto Kindle Fire HDs awarded to celebrities.
Of course,  being a screenwriter as well as an author, the interest for me is adapting the book for film and getting the SPEC SCREENPLAY to studio execs — but that has to wait for the novel to hit the bestseller list this winter.  YOU WILL MAKE THAT HAPPEN.
That’s where you come in… once you read it, love it and are craving for more… leave a review on your retailer’s website…

And — that brings me to this…
Getting the book to you, the public!
It’s been a LONG 18-month project, working with agents, in London, Hollywood and New York.
We’ve been busy promoting, advertising and gathering the necessary reviews.
Now, it’s time to sit back and watch reactions from you. This year, if you’re seeking something different, yearning for an edgy, clutching read… one of those rare, dramatic, thrilling, scare-fests … then this is the big adventurous novel you’ve been craving.
The Santa Claus Killer is the whole package, detectives, crime, murder, twists and turns… plot shifts, and the ultimate surprise on Christmas day in Times Square.
This  is a mind-movie that springs to life in your grey matter.
It’s a SLAYRIDE!
And, will keep you awake!
Cringing at every sound in the dark house!
After all, you never know what lurks in the closet…
- OR -
Down in the basement behind the water heater.
So, this holiday, as a blizzard blows through town and the bitter wind bites into your tender flesh, throw kindling into the fireplace, heat up  hot chocolate and curl up with The King Of Christmas.
He’s waiting, just inside the pages of this new thriller.
I’ll see you in Spring 2014 with news on my new disaster.

 

HERE  COMES  SANTA  CLAUS
I’ve just returned home from my first signing for this season’s new mega international Christmas tale:
The Santa Claus Killer
It was the last weekend in August, and there I was at Tampa ComiCon at the Convention Center, just one isle over from Hugh Howey.
We were there to sign our newest books, him, the latest in his WOOL series and I, The Santa Claus Killer.
I hadn’t met Hugh yet, we merely chatted on Facebook a few times, and I was a follower of his extraordinary accomplishments connecting with fans via the internet. Now, of course, he’s a phenomenon and case study in how to make it in this modern day era of selling books.

As  for me, this was stop number one on a ten city tour that will skyrocket Santa to the rainbow of bestseller status.  It’s been a busy year, a long awaited debut of this thriller, one which I shelved for a year for my agent to work with.
Now, the time has come – September 1st 2013, the book will release to the global market supported by an international advertising campaign in November, new publicist, NICHOLAS WALE… book promoter extraordinaire.
I came to hear of him through friends or friends, them, trying to break into the business, all saying positive things of his ability to get their books before the general readership.
It doesn’t take much to get my attention, especially when quality people surface to broaden my appeal and market-share of the reading consumer. 
One thing I learned in LA, people are placed in your path for a reason, nothing happens by chance, and when opportunity knocks, you better answer that door, because as Eminem will tell you, OPPORTUNITY NEVER KNOCKS TWICE.
It barely knocks once.
So let me review: It’s been more than a year since I wrote “The End” on page 400 of The Santa Claus Killer, and never could I have imagined that 12-months later I’d still be awaiting the release. What I did  learn…. things take time in the publishing industry — just like  Hollywood Studios or Productions Companies, its all about who you know and who holds the keys.
So, here I am, at ComiCon  - selling books, meeting new fans and old, just getting out the word that the book is almost ready for release.
The distributor has informed me we’re set, the advertising is ready, art work done. it’s  90-days until the ads begin to appear and the orders commence.
So what have I learned? That making connections is key — this is a team effort, a community of fans, publicity, image and hard work.
It also has to do with having a commercial product that appeals to everyone. The Number ONE commercial appeal?
SANTA CLAUS and Christmas
Nice fat bulls-eye on that one!
So now… with the help of Christmas, Nicholas Wale, My agent Joyce Keating and a big chunk of advertising, it’s all up to the book buying community.
I can honestly look at my reflection in the mirror and say, I went all out, gave it everything I had, and didn’t turn a blind eye to detail.
For now… I rely on the fat man and his naughty list to carry the day.
Him, and all those five star reviews on Barnes & Noble should bring the film deal — and damn, isn’t that why I do this?
NEXT UP – SPOOKY EMPIRES in Orlando, outside the gates of Universal Studios. How fitting! Come on out and say hello!

COMING NEXT SUMMER, author RJ Smith, an investigative journalist, screenwriter and author of horror, suspense and action will release his new mega-thriller based on science.

In October 2000, the BBC transmitted “Mega-tsunami; Wave of Destruction”, suggesting a future failure of the western flank of Cumbre Vieja would cause a mega-tsunami. Its hypothesized that during an eruption the western half of the Cumbre Vieja will catastrophically fail in a massive gravitational landslide and collapse into the Atlantic Ocean, generating a mega-tsunami.


http://www.rjsmithproductions.com/news/

COMING NEXT SUMMER, author RJ Smith, an investigative journalist, screenwriter and author of horror, suspense and action will release his new mega-thriller based on science. In October 2000, the BBC transmitted “Mega-tsunami; Wave of Destruction”, suggesting a future failure of the western flank of Cumbre Vieja would cause a mega-tsunami. Its hypothesized that during an eruption the western half of the Cumbre Vieja will catastrophically fail in a massive gravitational landslide and collapse into the Atlantic Ocean, generating a mega-tsunami.

Computer modeling indicates the initial wave will attain HEIGHTS in excess of 2,000 FEET and peak to 1-MILE traveling at 620 mph — approximately the speed of a jet aircraft. This will inundate the African coast in an hour, the southern coast of England in 3.5 hours, and the eastern seaboard of North America in 6 hours.
The initial wave will subside into a succession of smaller waves, each about 100-200 feet high.
This is the author’s fictional account of what might happen should that cataclysmic day occur.
In his second uber-commercial, INTERNATIONAL thriller, RJ Smith takes his audience on a whirlwind ride of seat gripping terror during what might be the end of life for many.
Rooted in reality, the story follows SAMUEL MAY as he strikes an alliance with the international community to try and save as many people as possible.

Alas, here we are… it’s summer, the sweltering heat is scorching the top of your head. Sweat drips from the brow and trails down due to gravity. SUMMER, the best of the year to make memories of friendships and lazy afternoons at the beach. There’s nothing quite like these memories from childhood… when friends came without assumptions of baggage.
They were just friends. They were real.
The other day, I was out walking the dog in my neighborhood, just a transitory stroll through the town I love. A neighbor had the garage open  every time I’d walk past and there stood a six foot tall Santa Claus. It would catch my attention every day, I am, after all, the author of The Santa Claus Killer. So, one day I decide to ring the doorbell and ask to speak to the homeowner.
A friendly woman comes out, I introduce myself and explain how wonderful the Santa is, offer to rent, buy or trade for the fat man and display it at my book signing events.
“Sure, my name is XXXXX !” she says.
“Maybe I can sign a novel for you, bring it by?”
“That would be great,” she says.
Later that evening, as I walked the dog, as I do every evening, I walk to the door, ring the bell and … no answer. Okay, I think, the husband and wife are probably out for a stroll just like all my neighbors .
This is where it gets strange, dear reader. Two blocks away, the husband comes running up the street and pushes me to the ground, threatening to kill me.  He ‘s irate and apparently has me confused with someone else,  some sort of deviant of which I can assure I am not.

Having slapped the phone from my hand, he would have gone further if the  police department didn’t arrive. They listened to this man’s irate allegations about me being some sicko on probation for god knows what. So, naturally, the police run my name and info and SURPRISE, I am not the guy this man claims I am.  He’s just another lunatic in Florida looking for a reason to shoot someone.
I’ve been watching the reactions here in Florida, of people like this neighbor of mine, willing to run down the street and accost an innocent person of whatever they conjure up into their small minds. You’d figure a decent man would realize he’s made a mistake and apologize, set the record straight, maybe man up and say he’s sorry.
Of course, that’s not the way our society is headed, not here in Florida, where everyone has an inkling the boogeyman is stalking them for reasons only they may justify.
After thirty minutes of dealing with the nicest police officer I’ve ever met (and trust me there have been many in my earlier life- oh well) the officer apologized for the scene that the man had created. I must say, the officer was nice and I sincerely respect this department.
But this guy was not arrested for shoving and assaulting me.
I’m just a writer, but if I was to venture a guess at how many Zimmerman wannabees there are here in Florida,  I suspect there are plenty of suspects to haul in .
They can start in the Town of Belleair, not far from Indian Rocks Road, but be careful, there are psycho’s running loose in the streets looking for any excuse to kill on a Friday afternoon..

Maybe I’ll call my agents in New York and Los Angeles,   perhaps there’s a  bestselling novel in this, maybe I’ll call it The Watchman and place the scene in the town I love.

 

 

 

 

The Santa Claus Killer – YouTube.

RJ is offering COLLEGE students an opportunity to partake in his apprentice program offering invaluable, meaningful experience on writing, publishing and social media influence affording understanding in international book promotion.

RJ’s upcoming novel, The Santa Claus Killer, will be available globally October 1st, 2013. He is taking time off from his busy summer schedule to discuss bringing students into the fall “Social Media Madness Campaign.”

That campaign will push notifications to book readers world-wide and thus drive international traffic to the publisher’s website.

We have selected COLLEGE campuses and are actively seeking students nationally to join in this unique apprenticeship opportunity. 

A)     The students that direct the greatest social media impact will receive:

1st Place: 5 Day, 2014 Spring Break Cozumel or Bahamas Cruise. 
Leaving From Florida, cruise includes, FOOD, SODA,    EXCURSIONS, CAR SERVICE and $500 cash.
 2nd Place:  Amazon KINDLE 

 

3rd Place: Barnes and Noble NOOK

EVERY STUDENT actively participating in the apprenticeship will receive a signed copy of RJ Smith’s, The Santa Claus Killer, following the campaign. Of course, we are hopeful this venture will offer students invaluable, meaningful experience with writing, publishing and social media influence in an international market.

Please contact me by emailing [email protected] or calling (305) 401-0886 for more information.

 

Steven Richards – Senior Editor

Storyteller Entertainment

C: RJS/ Storyteller Entertainment (LA, CA/NYC/Belleair, FL)

CC: JRK Literary Agency / NYC

CC: JS Integrity Management (LA)

I just got back from New York City! 

And that’s what’s popping!! 

The first day in Manhattan, I  took a meeting with my amazing literary agent, The wonderful Joyce Keating at JRK Literary.
We spoke of  the agency’s progress in attempting to get  traditional publishers to read: 
The Santa Claus Killer. 
Thus far, the power brokers have taken a pass on the manuscript, based solely on the synopsis… o ne such individual… even went on to state the book was:
           TOO COMMERCIAL!

Go figure THAT out,  right? WHAT THE HECK ??????? It may sell TOO many copies?   GOD  ALMIGHTY…  Heaven forbid!!  Seriously? NOT  long after, another house rejected the premise stating the story wasn’t commercial enough… all this without having read the script.        

 

Some merely passed on it based entirely on the title.  

People keep saying : “You’re the new Stephen King”    –  WOW!!                

HOW WILL ANYONE KNOW…

If the MANUSCRIPTS don’t get reviewed?  

I, of course… am blown away by such statements of faith and honor. 
Stephen King, Sidney Sheldon and Elmore Leonard… those men were my boyhood idols.
MY AGENT SAYS:
“It’s just a matter of time…
once a publisher reads the book…
they’ll  take a chance.”
A FAN TOLD ME: “YOU have the potential to be a New York Times best-selling author, RJ.”  HA HA !

They know how to tickle me.

“Santa Claus Killer” is the next big thing my friend Steve recently chimed in his two cents.

“It’s not a matter of IF you get published … but WHEN,” my buddy Kai insists when we speak of the prospects.

  After the literary meeting with Joyce, I was feeling my oats, so out I climbed onto the subway and hiked it up to the Bronx to watch my favorite baseball team kick some Oakland hindquarters.

Ah, the Yankees. I know, I know… go ahead and boo me, I ‘ll wait…. Even I  didn’t expect them to get butchered by the Oakland A’s. Shit happens, and then you die, that’s what I hear….  

There’s nothing quite like the Bronx Bombers.

The call of SAFE at home plate…t he scent of hot dogs and peanuts drifting on the breeze. 

Then, the voices singing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” and the sight of the fans covering their hearts and saluting the ones who risk their lives on another kind of field.

That feeling of love was palpable, it was there… Pumping through the crowd like an unwavering heart.

 

WE   were ONE, on that summer day. B eneath the NERVOUS smiles and yelps of JOY, the fans and players shared something. 

We were Yankees who felt for THE PAIN of Boston. 

And yes, we all sang SWEET CAROLINE!

Later, I WAS OFF TO Times Square, where Forrest GUMP still ran for all he had… and emptied my wallet of its worn greenbacks. There I was,  just off  Broadway… a hop and a skip from the Foxwood Theater where “Spiderman – Turn Off The Dark” would later raise  a huge ROUND of applause.
Over the next five days I did lots of things in Manhattan, met with film producers, dined in the fabulous restaurants, and even met a 
few new friends at the Yankee Game…  here is a shout-out to Ralph Perritano, and his girl, Kim. 
It was magical.
I strolled The Great White Way, Chinatown… and then marched through the 911 Memorial where I watched the re-builders place the spire atop  One World Trade Center. That made this trip a part of history, standing there… glaring up with pride at  the tallest structure in the western hemisphere. 
That’s how we roll in the US of A! 

Hooah!

God   Bless   America!   
If I were seventeen again, I’d storm into the recruiting station and offer my red, white and blue blooded body for   service to our great nation.
There are a lot of heroes in life, from every path we travel in a dangerous world. The soldiers should be granted every luxury this country has to offer. As for this writer, I honor their path and bow with
RESPECT.

GO UNITED STATES MILITARY!

Of course, this was New York CITY and I was BUSY breathing it all in. It is the city where I grew into adulthood and the streets… well, that’s where I found my footing. 

This METROPOLIS lives within MY heart, its stench… the aromas… they fill my heaving lungs… I LONG for the life here, crave the sound of honking yellow cab horns, the rumbling subway in my ears. The bodegas, the Upper West Side, Midtown…  and the Village.

THIS IS NEW YORK!!

It is the life…. and it calls to me. I am Manhattan, and it is me! Being a good Irish boy, there was no way I would miss out on visiting  my favorite Irish Pub.PADDY RILEY’S (which is featured in my first novel THE SANTA CLAUS KILLER) was my destination.
So there I was… kicking back, with a Guinness. That dark bitter taste, the creamy froth… there’s a story or two in the bottom of the glass, beneath that dark brew I know shall speak to me forevermore.
IT WAS A GOOD WEEK.
Now, I have to let the universe work its magic. 

I got in a lot of meetings, but now I must return to the current book (CATACLYSM) and let Joyce do her thing.

I am ready for  everything  to happen, prepared to give the world a glimpse of this gift I’ve been afforded.  Fate’s been working at this moment forever.  Now… its all in the details of how destiny unfolds.  I am halfway finished writing  the 100,000 word manuscript and will deliver it to the agency by November 15th.

ALL I can do is keep on trucking… NEVER look back, and hope that one day I receive the recognition I deserve as  a WRITER. Everything else is up to the hand of fate…

  THIS IS…

MY DESTINY.