Thank you so much to everyone buying the TDNs! The Ten Dime Novel empire is taking off! We're already sold out of all three of the first TDNs! My own did so well that I may be asked to contribute another story for 2009.

If you've been enjoying all the stories coming from local writers, you'll be happy to know that you can pick up the brand new Ten Dime Novel "Bonnie vs. the Zombies" at Paper Heroes. Read below for more info on the story. If you'd like one mailed to you, please let me know!

Bonnie vs. the Zombies

The greatest story ever written about a girl named Bonnie blasting her way through a hoard of zombies the day after a hurricane destroyed the town has just been turned into a TEN DIME NOVEL and can be found at PAPER HEROES on Ryan Street (open 10-6 M-F, 10-5 Sat).

If you're unfamiliar with the Ten Dime Novel, they're small books, ranging from 16-60 pages. Each contains a piece of short fiction that can be read in a single sitting. As the name implies, they cost $1.00.

BONNIE VS. THE ZOMBIES chronicles the events that transpired immediately after a devastating hurricane crippled Southwest Louisiana and three people's desperate attempt to escape the plague of the walking dead. Bonnie vs. The Zombies is also a prequel to the epic trilogy PLAN-Z. We all remember what the media told us about the aftermath and destruction of Hurricane Rita, now you can find out for yourself what really happened to those who did not evacuate before the storm.

Bonnie vs. The Zombies was inspired by actual events. The locations and story are real. Only the names have been changed.

It takes about 10 sales to break even with the printing costs, so every little bit helps. So swing by Paper Heroes and check them out. Even if you don't want a copy (or if you've already read the story), spread the word to anyone who might be interested.


Help us bring the short story back.

Paper Heroes
3941 Ryan Street, Suite C
478-2143

Ten Dime Novels
$1.00
First Title: PYRO
Second Title: STEAL
Third Title: FOR YOU, ANYTHING
Fourth Title: BONNIE VS. THE ZOMBIES


 

Thank you to everyone who went out to support local writers by purchasing first two Ten Dime Novels. B/c of your support (and the very stubborn TDN creator) MY Ten Dime Novel is out this month! The cover art designed by Jason Foux is worth your dollar by itself!

I've copied the TDN creator's blog onto my own. It'll tell you the what and where of the TDN. Once again, thanks for your support and I hope you continue to enjoy the amazing stories that can only continue if you support your local talent.

The third TEN DIME NOVEL is out in time for the holiday season and like the first two, FOR YOU, ANYTHING can be found at PAPER HEROES on Ryan Street (open 10-6 M-F, 10-5 Sat).

If you're unfamiliar with the Ten Dime Novel, they're small books, ranging from 16-60 pages. Each contains a piece of short fiction that can be read in a single sitting. As the name implies, they cost $1.00.

How hard would you fight for someone you love? What would you do if there was only one person standing in the way of your perfect life? Could you plan the perfect murder? In FOR YOU, ANYTHING Luke intends to give Kristen a perfect Christmas present, no matter the cost.

FOR YOU, ANYTHING was written by the very talented Tasha Gray and is the first Ten Dime Novel by a featured author. It's also our first holiday themed book. So swing by and grab one for a quick sample of this girl's amazing talent, and while you're there, grab an extra copy of all three to give away as gifts.


PREVIOUS TEN DIME NOVELS

PYRO is the story of a young guy who likes to burn things and watch the chaos that ensues. But the chaos caused by his work is quickly consuming his life.

STEAL is the story of Baris Fyfe, Sean Mixon and Filip Spano who just stole something priceless and are now driving across the state to deliver it. The object is resting in a shoe box and a note that Baris keeps in his pocket is all that can explain why he must take this road trip.

It takes about 10 sales to break even with the printing costs, so every little bit helps. So swing by Paper Heroes and check them out. Even if you don't want a copy (or if you've already read the story), spread the word to anyone who might be interested.


Help us bring the short story back.

Paper Heroes
3941 Ryan Street, Suite C
478-2143

Ten Dime Novels
$1.00
First Title: PYRO
Second Title: STEAL
Third Title: FOR YOU, ANYTHING

Many of you know that I'm a writer. It's in my blood, genetics, and related to my ability to breathe properly. In this spirit, I have other friends for whom writing is also a necessary function needed to maintain life.

One friend, Jason Foux, happens to be a brilliant writer and a brilliant idea man. He has single-handedly resurrected the dime novel. The italicized content below I stole directly from said writer friend. He outlines the history of the original dime novel, the idea behind the TDN (ten dime novel) and where you can purchase them.

The reasons I'm advocating his idea are 1) it's a brilliant idea 2) you'll get a fabulous short story for only $1 and 3) if they sell well, I'm on the short list to becoming a ten dime novelist. I can't get my work out until the idea sells. If you're one of my far-away friends, I'm willing to SHIP you the TDN (on the first one, I'll even pay the shipping to prove to you I'm serious about this). I know once you read the works, you'll want to buy more. PLUS (and it's a big one) for one measly dollar, you'll be helping me on the road to writing greatness!

Advances in printing made mass production of small booklets quick and inexpensive, resulting in a new outlet through which authors could publish and distribute their work. These booklets, smaller than traditional full-length novels, contained short stories that were previously only available in collections or in larger publications like periodical magazines or newspapers. Thus, in 1839, the Dime Novel was born.

The Dime Novel had a good run of 97 years, lasting until 1936 when the last Dime Novel was printed. Tragically, the Dime Novels and the shorter Penny Dreadfuls were replaced by the very medium they had once triumphed over; the paperback. Full-length novels became more affordable and as the general population spent more time reading, the length of the stories likewise increased. Short stories and short story collections began to recede, almost vanishing completely as paperbacks took their place on store shelves and in the hearts of the masses.

But with today's busy lifestyles, causing everyone to be perpetually in a rush to be someplace else, we don't always have the time to read entire chapters of a novel, let alone finish one without so many breaks that we forget where we were. The demand for a quick read is here.

In response to this demand I'm resurrecting something that's been dead for 80 years. Each month I plan to release a new Ten Dime Novel. Each will be between 16-60 pages and contain a gripping story that can be read in one sitting. The Ten Dime Novels will be limited edition, one-time runs and cost $1.00 each.

Currently, they are being carried on consignment by PAPER HEROES on Ryan Street (open 10-6 M-F, 10-5 Sat). I need you guys to help me out. If you can spread the word and get people to check them out, I can turn this little project into something of a success. A certain amount has to be sold each month for Paper Heroes to justify the use of shelf space. If they don't sell enough, they will get pulled and replaced with something else. I need anyone interested in reading my fiction to swing by and pick up a copy of the first Ten Dime Novel. It's called PYRO.

Everyone can afford a dollar. Just buy one less bottle of water this month. And if this one sells, I'll have another one out next month. And another out in December. You could buy one of each and give them away as Christmas presents. Or you could keep them for yourself, and when I become famous (either from writing or a life of crime) they could be worth money.

So help me move these things.
Help us bring the short story back.

Paper Heroes
3941 Ryan Street, Suite C
478-2143

Ten Dime Novels
$1.00
First Title: PYRO

So apparently I'm never happy unless I have a billion things going at once. Not always true, but it seems to be how I handle stuff...just be too busy to think about anything negative.

In that spirit, I thought I'd post a little blog telling you about the things I'm doing that you can do/help with/see/etc.

First up, the Lake Charles Little Theater will open its play "Room Service" this Saturday with curtain at 7:30 pm. We'll be running for three weekends (Thurs-Sun) and you can get more info on the show, dates and times, and tickets by going to http://thelclt.com/

LaPAW is having a garage/baked goods sale on Saturday, October 18th from 8-3 at 4 Paws on the Bayou (465 Hardy Road, Sulphur, LA...(337) 588-5184). There will be many  vendors out selling all kinds of goodies and there will be pets for adoption as well. All proceeds from this event benefit: Calcasieu Animal Coalition, 4 Paws, LaPAW, Lake Area Animal Hospital, Humane Society, and Hobo Hotel. Come out with your four legged friend and enjoy the wonderful day!

National Novel Writing Month starts November 1st at midnight. If you'd like to bring a little craziness into your life and have a 50,000 word novel at the end of one of the best months of your life, then you should sign up. You don't have to be from my area to join up...there are probably writers where you live that you can enjoy NaNoWriMo with. Here's the link for that: http://www.nanowrimo.org/

To make things more interesting, I'm also doing the Heart Walk scheduled for November 8th. It's a great cause and I'm sure someone you know has been affected by heart problems or stroke. I've set a personal monetary goal for the Heart Walk and I need your help to reach that goal. If you'd like to donate to help me raise the money, go to: http://swlaheartwalk.kintera.org/  (Click "Donate Here" then type in my name, Tasha Gray) The minimum online donation is $25 dollars, but if you'd like to donate anything lower, you can give the donations directly to me.

Hope you're all falling into bed at night (or early morning) exhausted but happy. Thanks in advance for all of your support in my