A Spooky Update by R.C. Rumple

I have "met" some of the most generous, faithful and talented friends since I picked up my writing pen in March, 2011 - a little over seven years ago.

The fellow writers I know are always teaching me something about this craft that we're drawn to like moths to a flame.

​I am humbled when my writing colleagues agree to write a guest post here on mar's desk to share their wisdom and latest writing endeavors.

​I recently asked my dear Cyber-Bro, aka Richard / R.C. Rumple, to share what is going on in his wonderful and spooky writing world. I figured 'tis the season, as October is literally around the corner.

​Hope you enjoy this, dear readers. You may consider buying a copy of one / all of these superb tales of the macabre and surreal...

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"Thank you for asking me to do this, Maria. (God, that sounds strange. I’m so used to calling you “Sis”.)

I finally have a little time now that the major Scarefest 2018 convention is behind me.

What an experience that was! I met so many great authors that welcomed my joining them without the least hint of jealousy or competition. Writers are such an elite group in that aspect. We all love to see each other do well. There’s no backstabbing or ego games to play. It’s all about supporting each others’ efforts.

In addition, being able to meet people who really want to read your work is so very satisfying. When each and every one request your autograph, you feel as if your efforts really are appreciated. In all, it was much more successful than I ever dreamed the event could be.

Click image to get it from amazon.com

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I do have three books out now. My first was “Horror Across the Alley.”

This is a paranormal tale about an Army veteran that wants to attend college after serving his country.

Along that route, he deals with an old flame’s love, fighting the processes of college acceptance, and the spirits that occupy his new home. Neighbors play a big part in this tale, assisting him to battle the forces that know no equal.

I touch on the subjects of the challenges of aging in America, extremes in certain religious practices, and how greed and depression can go hand in hand.

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Click image to get it from amazon.com

My second book, “They Lurk In Summer” is kind of a coming of age story that takes place in the Midwest back in 1965. Four pre-teens try to enjoy a summer vacation, experience the trials and tribulations of first love, and combat various foes, such as a psycho and a pack of man-eating dogs.

​Social issues I tackle here are abusive relationships (both child and marital), confusion of youth in making the proper decisions while growing up, animal desertion, and, again, greed.

As a side note, I had formatted each of my first two books with a line space between paragraphs, as I had been informed it would assist those with reading disabilities.

​However, after much criticism as to doing so by formatting specialists, my next book did not offer this.

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Click image to get it from amazon.com

​The third production of mine is a short story compilation you know only too well, “Gabriela: Tales Of A Demon Cat.”  I had just completed a mentor program with the Horror Writers Association under a true genius of the art, Jason V. Brock. He viewed my writings, made valid suggestions as to fine tuning, weaknesses, and improvements, and played a vital role in Gabriela’s success. Thirteen short stories comprise this collection, many of them darker and more graphic than any I’d previously written. Yet, there are several that resemble “Twilight Zone” episode stylings of the past.

Gabriela tends to grab the reader, hold them tight, and carry them along a journey into various realms of fear. From monsters of folklore to those of technology, Gabriela tells tales of her lives with previous owners, as well as those she heard while awaiting reincarnation in the depths of Hell. Her sarcasm helps to lighten the load, but many of the stories will work well with Halloween and the spirit of the season. Social issues I tackle here include the effect of Alzheimer's disease in the elderly, dangers in web surfing, and others, too numerous to mention.

Yes, a fourth book is in production as we speak. I am dissatisfied with the way the medical industry (yes, “industry” as it is now more interested in profit margins, needless referrals and testing, and other practices than healing, it seems) and am tackling a story about it and some retaliation by some not so happy spirit(s). I can’t say more than that at this time as it is still in the early stages.  

Also, on the table, is a comedy/horror book about Bigfoot from his point of view.  We’ll see how each play out in the future.

I now have an Amazon Author's Page, as well as a website, richrumple.com, and an author's page on Facebook. 

I’ve taken way too much space and time here.  See what happens when you ask a writer to start talking!  Thank you so much for your continued support and love. You have no idea how much it truly means to me.”

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Thank YOU, my dear cyber-Bro, Rich. With Halloween around the corner, may your books fly off the Amazon shelves - like a witch on a broom.

​Until next week, wishing you all peace and lots of love, mar