I’m a lifelong lover of Monty Python so I’ve been dying to incorporate them into a blog post. This works perfectly.

Because, really, now is the time for something completely different. I’m taking an extremely short break from the Experiment in Terror Series to work on something that’s a lot like the video. FISH-SLAPPING!

Actually no, but it does involve rabid monkeys and lots of laughs.

Back in 2004/2005 I wrote a romantic comedy script called THE TRAVEL DIARY which then later became WANDERLUST. Which is now called Wandered, lusted because DAMN YOU JENNIFER ANISTON you stole my movie title (but not damn Paul Rudd, I could never damn you Paul Rudd). The script was mildly successful in attracting interest from producers but alas, the companies that really liked the script could never afford to make it. The movie would have been set in Europe, on the Mediterranean to be exact, and that would have put it into a high budget bracket. Factor in the rabid monkeys and a big climax on a ferry and, well, who would take a risk on wee screenwriter like myself.

Fast forward to 2012. I’m in the midst of my delightfully macabre but emotionally draining Experiment in Terror Series. I’ve plotted out Book #5, On Demon Wings, in detail and am ready to jump right in but.…but…

I’m not ready for it. It’s not going to be an easy breezy covergirl book to write. It’s going to be emotional and scary and difficult and I’m just not “there” yet. It’s a commitment I must make, of being a crazy person for the next few months as Perry’s story becomes my story.

So, while I plan to start ODW in a few weeks and attack it with guns a blazing, I decided to start with an appetizer. An amuse bouche if you will (well, it is a-muse-ing, cue Chandler Bing).

I’m adapting my script Wandered, Lusted into a novel. An adult contemporary fluffy (but not too fluffy I’M STILL ME) funny romantic read. With heart. And a loveable main character called Chris Warner whom I am a bit in love with. And a girl-guy trading of POVs. And a nice bout of escapism on the sunny Mediterranean. Ahhhhh, just feel the sea breeze, smell the lemons on the trees. And it’s a stand-alone too, which is rare these days in the land of sequels and series (ahem, EIT 8 books).

Want more info? Here’s the official blurb:

“The holiday from hell just got ugly.

As if getting dumped on his vacation wasn’t enough, British journalist Chris Warner finds himself stranded on the Mediterranean with a desperate boss pushing deadlines down his throat and an uncertain future.
…
Enter Jamie Cooper, a free spirited and slightly unstable travel writer whose arrival only seems to make matters worse. All Chris wants is to get back to London, win back his ex and start climbing up the corporate ladder. Unfortunately, Jamie has different plans for him and the mayhem that follows turns both their lives upside down and up again.

“Wandered, lusted” is a rowdy romantic comedy about two active yet aching characters who embark on a journey through hell, high water and a lot of wine, in order to find themselves, each other and a misplaced diary that holds the key to their happiness.”

This is going to be a fun little summer fling before I settle down with Ms. Perry Palomino and Mr. Dex Foray. I’m still torn whether I should self-publish or seek traditional publishing for Wandered, lusted, but I’ll let you know how it goes!

No worries though, because I was glad to help out and get some exposure for my hardworking friends. And also, we have a winner of the The Benson Paperback!

And that is…ANDY!! Congratulations Andy I’ll be in contact with you shortly.

I also decided to put forth a second prize, a signed copy of Lying Season, and that book goes to Kristi Perry (love your last name, btw

Thanks everyone for playing! Contests are fun

OH RIGHT — and while I have your attention, check out Forever Young Adult’s review of LYING SEASON! Once again, Perry and Dex break the SWOON-O-METER (if that’s a thing!)

My friends and I made a short film and entered it in a contest. The basis is that you have to accurately recreate a film in 60 seconds. Then you have to get lots of people to like it. If the judges like what you’ve done on both accounts, you win the contest — $10,000.

I did makeup/hair and wardrobe on the film, which entitles me to a chunk of change from the pot. It was a load of fun, and though hair isn’t my expertise (I didn’t go to school for makeup though…12 years ago), I think we made a great film.

What would be even greater though, is if we won. You all know I need the help, and that amount would mean On Demon Wings might come out earlier (after all, I need to cash to pay my editor — and he’s already doing me a huge favor).

That sounds like bribery though, doesn’t it? Mwhahaha. Seriously though, if I could get YOU my dear readers and fans and looky-loos to “like” the film, I’ll give you something in return.

A signed copy of The Benson — IN PAPERBACK.

Do you know who has copies of The Benson in paperback? NO ONE. Not even ME! For realz. I only made this as an E-version, so I’m going to print just one of them. It’s going to be customized. It’s going to have the first two pages of On Demon Wings at the back of it. That’s right…I’m including an excerpt from Book #5…something that won’t see the public eye until at least May.

I will ship this puppy anywhere in the world. And I will throw in a signed Darkhouse bookmark as well!

And then when you receive the book, take a picture of you with it and I’ll post it here and on the EIT Facebook page

So how do you enter to win this? SO SIMPLE.

Click on the link to the contest page and our Casablanca film: http://vancouver.virginradio.ca/FFF2012/View.aspx?PostID=45564

Click “like” below the video — no need to sign up or anything like that. Two clicks, two seconds.

Then come back and tell me you entered. Either email me (see contact page) or leave a comment here or leave one on the EIT FB fan page. But you MUST tell me you liked it, otherwise there is no way I will know. I’ll be watching the numbers too, so I’ll know if you’ve actually voted (not that I’m not trusting y’all

You can gain an extra entry too by “liking” our Facebook Fan Page for Casablanca too or following @strutyourfunny on Twitter.

Did you already “like” the Casablanca video before I announced this? Just help me out with a persuasive RT on Twitter and you’re entered too! (again, lemme know about it).

All right. That’s the contest. It’s a contest within a contest. INCEPTION CONTEST. And some lucky EIT reader is going to be very, very happy. I’ll be doing the draw on Feb 5th and will announce it HERE and on the EIT FB page!

Good luck and thank you!

This month has been especially trying. Losing my job, plus other financial difficulties have led to me being overcome by worry and strife. I haven’t even been able to write, all I can think about is trying to keep the roof I have over my head. My days have turned into long cover letter writing sessions, applying for every job I can think of. But it’s not easy — as most of the unemployed world knows. My overqualifications mean that I’m turned away by simple jobs like being a cashier. I’m simply not good enough for anyone.

I’ve been hit by family problems as well as other nasty issues that chip away at your heart and leave you reeling. Through all of this trauma and trouble though, I have learned a few things about myself. I learned I have hidden resolves of strength and determination I never knew I had. I learned it’s OK to lean on your friends and loved ones and to ask for help and support. As one friend pointed out, most people really do want to help you. I’ve also learned that I am a person worth respect. Everyone has self-worth and I’ve learned it’s OK to stand up for yourself and say “you know what, I’m worth it” (sounds like a L’Oreal ad).

All of that said though, this month has been excellent in one major way: my books.

Thanks to my tireless investment in self-promotion, marketing and PR, I’ve sold more in January than I have…well, ever.

These are my sales of the books last month (Dec)

these are the sales this month (Jan)

As you can see, I’m finally bringing in some money for my efforts — but it’s an ongoing game. It doesn’t mean the sales will continue. It doesn’t mean I’m making all that much (Darkhouse costs buyers 99 cents — I only get 30 cents out of it — plus 2454 of those 3424 books were free downloads). And the payment is extremely sporadic. But it’s a great relief to know that nine months of constant tweeting, facebooking, blogging, networking, writing, yapping, annoying people, whatever…it’s finally starting to get somewhere. And people everywhere are loving the Experiment in Terror Series. I think that’s the best part of all… I get to share something I created, something I love, with other people.

Speaking of, one of the most exciting times this month, was watching all four books reach the Amazon Best Sellers list…at once!

And this was the highest ranking for Darkhouse:

I know this is peanuts compared to the really successful authors, but I’m taking a moment to pat myself on the back. The work is not over, but I am grateful and thankful for this milestone in my life.

In other news, the blurb (for now) and publication for Experiment in Terror, Book #5 is out now, check it out at Good Reads here and please add it to your books: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13442031-on-demon-wings

Thank you!

From Attack the Stacks:

First of all, if you have any preconceived notions about self-published books being inferior you should put them aside and read Darkhouse. Karina Halle can flat-out write a good story.

So what did I love so much about Darkhouse?  Well, it certainly played into my addiction to those ridiculous tv ghost hunting shows. Shameful and ridiculous, yes, they are. But I watch them anyway. All of them. Even the one hosted by the dudebro with the hair and the too-tight t-shirts carefully chosen to show off his tribal-tatted biceps. Don’t judge me.

Also, Halle’s writing is very vivid. She sets really detailed scenes. I’ve never been to the Pacific Northwest but I could picture it clearly in my mind, from the waves breaking on the shore to the foggy water to the rickety old lighthouse. Many of these scenes she sets so well are CREEPY as hell. Total nightmare stuff, which I was reading alone in the dark and that turned out to be not such a good idea. I found myself getting genuinely wigged out, which is pretty rare. Overall the book flows so easily…I love, love, love books with short paragraphs (at least, the ebook had short paragraphs, not sure if the paperback is formatted differently). There is just something so pleasing about that format to me, it just makes for really easy reading.

I also loved that Perry is a flawed heroine. She’s not a beauty queen to begin with, and she’s carrying around a few extra lbs. on top of that. She dresses like she never quite got over the grunge era. She’s stuck in a dead end job that is sucking the life out of her, but she can’t afford to lose. There’s no mention of how gorgeous she is, how charming, or how everyone just loves her. People are wary of her, even her own family. She’s weird and she’s average and she’s a breath of fresh air when it seems like every book you pick up these days has an ethereally beautiful main character. Look, I don’t have anything against beautiful people – truly – but it’s nice that us average folk get a kickass heroine to relate to every now and again instead of being relegated to a sidekick or a frenemy. I was less in love with Dex, but I think that was intentional. The dude is just kind of difficult to like at this point in the series. I suspect his background/attitude will be explored more in the next book.

Wanna know something terrible and kind of gross? I actually snuck off to the bathroom at work a few times because I couldn’t stop reading this. I can’t remember the last time I did that. At this point my co-workers probably think I have either the world’s worst intestinal issues or a serious drug problem. To say that I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series would be putting it mildly. Seriously, I can’t believe the ebook is only $.99 on Amazon. Don’t even think twice about buying it.

Bonus points for the MST3K shout out!

4.5/5 stars!

From Tales of the Inner Book Fanatic:

There’s no hidden secret about me loving ghost stories and the whole ghost hunting business — I love it no matter what book it is. For Karina Halle’s book, DARKHOUSE, the first book in the Experiment in Terror series, despite it being a self-published book (which I only read on a casual basis), I thoroughly enjoyed it.

DARKHOUSE was a great introduction to a series, with a very interesting storyline and a variety of intriguing characters. Especially Perry, the main heroine. I absolutely loved Perry from her snarky humour all the way down to her insecurities of her life. She was a great character whom a lot of readers could sympathize with. But like in any common paranormal story there’s a love interest and in this case it’s Declan “Dex” Foray who is the gorgeous and sexy kind. There are many qualities to describe dear old Dex but I can definitely say he’s an enigma. He can be annoying at first but then he can immediately switch straight back to damn right lovable … but I just wanted Perry to hug and kiss him, and also attack him with a few punches. Well, he’s just that kind of guy that you get frustrated with but I still loved him for all he’s worth.

Now as for the storyline itself, it pretty much had everything you want in a story. You had a good fair share of horror written at its best, an enjoyable set of characters, an addictive plot where you wanted to know more and more about what’s going to happen next … like I said, you have everything you could possibly want. While I’m still left with many unanswered questions regarding why Perry can see things others can’t or even what exactly Perry is running from (from her past), that did not distract me away from the storyline and I’m definitely interested in what’s going to happen next in Perry’s adventures especially with Dex.

Overall for a self-published novel (which can be just as good as a published one), I thought Karina Halle did a fabulous job in entertaining her readers. It may not be ‘strictly-speaking’ your young adult novel as it’s focusing on a 22-year-old girl, but I think readers with a passion of horror will enjoy this book immensely!

4/5 stars

From The Book Hook-Up:

My Review: Well, I need to get this off my chest immediately.  I didn’t find Darkhouse particularly scary, even though the title warned me that I might.  Although, I must admit that I’m not easily frightened.  I did, however, find it a page turner…mostly because I liked the main character Perry Palomino (great name!) and wanted to make sure she was OK through all of her adventures.  Now, don’t get me wrong,  Ms. Halle did create a spooky setting and the things that went bump in the night were definitely creepy, but I don’t want you to be turned off by this book just because you think you’ll be too scared to read it!  If you’re easily spooked, then just read it in the daylight and you should be just fine!

The story is written in the first person so we live it through Perry’s thoughts and visions of the world.  She is a character that has had some rough patches in her life.  As a teenager, feeling “different” from others she had a few misadventures.  But now, she’s trying to get her life back on track.  And, even though she doesn’t really like her job and feels like she’s constantly competing with her teenage sister who can do no wrong, she’s grown stronger and wants to move on from the person she was.  Overall, she’s fairly easy to relate to.  Perry spends an awful lot of time “in her own head” thinking things through and imagining all manner of situations…and one of the topics that’s foremost in her mind is Dex.  Declan “Dex” Foray is older, more worldly than Perry.  He’s sexy and confident…and most likely, bipolar.  That makes him unpredictable, irritating and totally mesmerizing.  Just like Perry, I found myself intrigued by this man who only reveals what he has to…no more, no less.  There were moments where I simultaneously wanted her to kiss him…and punch his lights out.  This makes for a very complex relationship.

They’re thrown together by coincidence when they meet at her uncle’s abandoned lighthouse and from that point on their lives are intertwined and their adventure begins.   Dex proposes they work together to create a new ghost hunting show and they return to the lighthouse where the real mystery and “spookiness” begins.  This book focuses more on the characters than the supernatural and sets up what I know will be a very interesting series.  The pace was a bit slow in the beginning but that changed after the first few chapters.  As with many self-published books, you will find a few grammatical issues and some incorrect word choices but it is minimal and does not distract from the story.  Overall Ms. Halle creates a solid foundation for the remainder of the series with characters that are unique and situations that provide enough unanswered questions to keep you wanting more.

And next up, LYING SEASON, From Seeing Night Reviews:

REVIEW:
Okay so my first reaction to finishing this book was a long pause and then screaming “OH MY GOD!” Yep that was my initial reaction then I calmly put the book down and took a long breath, this was such a killer good fourth book in the Experiment in Terror Series.  Karina Halle really knows how to make me want to pull my hair out and frighten me at the same time with her ghost story.

Perry and Dex are back! But this time around Perry is getting herself into a different situation. The duo’s next haunted expedition is taking place in Seattle where Dex lives and his so called “perfect” girlfriend wants Perry to stay with them while she works with Dex on the show.  But not only does Perry have to deal with their cutesy and argumentative relationship, she also has to deal with her own relationship with Dex and it’s complicated. Then of course there’s the ghost and this one is a scary one and she’s from Dex’s past and popping up everywhere. What really doesn’t help the situation is that they’re a shooting the next show in a mental institute, where everything seems to go wrong.

Pretty much each time Dex and Perry go to shoot a new episode it gets more insane, scarier and dangerous. I really feel bad for Perry most of the time because of course she gets the worst of it.  The mental institute is probably in my mind one of the scariest place that anyone would go to and hunt for ghost. What they find there is everything and more of what they were looking for and it’s going to put them in major danger. Along with a competition ghost hunting show it really made for one awesome horror ride.

Perry I have to say is one hell of a girl, she deals with the ups and downs of everyone around her. Her parents are probably the worst parents ever, I don’t like them at all but her sister is great and really supporting her the most. Then she has to deal with Jenn, the annoyingly perfect girlfriend of Dex, who is really not perfect. I felt for Perry, she held it together pretty well and really stuck up for herself and opened up a lot more this time around. Dex doesn’t really make it easy for her to keep her emotions in when he really cares for her too.

The ghost are freaking scary, I swear as a fan of the television show ghost hunters I love this kind of stuff. But actually being there and hearing or even seeing ghost and the ones as creepy as in Lying Season I would be crying a lot. Lets just stay make sure your reading this one with the light on.

Overall I can’t get enough of this series, Lying Season hands down was fantastic. Yes, there are some grammar errors but they really didn’t bother me because I love this series.  The relationship with Dex and Perry just threw my heart around; I really love these two guys. They are both struggling in their own past lives but I’m pulling for them. The ending in this was insane and I was not prepared, so get prepared! I highly recommend this book!

RECOMMENDATION:
This is a mature young adult / adult story with very scary situations and fantastic mystery. I highly recommend this to fans of horror and paranormal enthusiast.

5/5 stars

There’s also been a heap of reviews on GoodReads as well from readers like you — no matter the rating, I’m always appreciative of people who not only take the time (and money) to read my books, but who go beyond and leave a review. Each one is helpful in their own way and it’s a great way for new readers to gain objective insight into the novels. So thank you to everyone who has reviewed the series in one way or another!

It was a lot of fun, though I think I come off as a crazy person (note: I am a crazy person) and I’m not sure  how I feel about living in Toledo with Michael Fassbender and our gaggle of kids, but I’ll deal. I always do.

But I was glad to talk about the self-publishing route in an influential YA website– yes, I’ve learned a lot from writing Darkhouse, not only has my writing improved since then, I also hired a professional editor for Dead Sky Morning and Lying Season. At some point, I will hire said editor to give Darkhouse and Red Fox a wee run through too, you know clean it up around the edges, tighten some prose, etc (I’m quite aware of my weaknesses as a writer, and though I had many beta readers edit for me, it lacks the “profesh” touch) but at the moment I’m just going to concentrate on my current **Works-in-Progress (note: though absolutely necessary, editors don’t come cheap). You learn as you go when you self-publish and I thank you all for sticking with me.

There’s also been this lovely review of Dead Sky Morning in which Jenny proclaims Perry and Dex have a whopping TEN on the Swoonworthy Scale. You know the books may seem scary at first, but there is a whole lot of swooning going on. I swear!

On that note, I’ve had people asking if they can get the book at their library. I actually believe you can. I mean, I did make Darkhouse available through “Libraries and Academic Institutions” so I think if you ask your library to carry the book (maybe using Title, Author and ISBN (found on the Amazon page here http://www.amazon.com/dp/1461079853) they technically should be able to order it in. Don’t quote me on that, but I did make it available, so ask around! I’d be thrilled if Darkhouse made it into a library.

If anyone, then, does succeed with getting Darkhouse in to a library, lemme know and I’ll send you a special gift!

**I’ll reveal the title and synopsis of my current WIP as soon as I get 20% of it done — getting there. And of course I’ll let you know my progress with EIT #5, On Demon Wings

I’ve been reading their website for years now — long before I even wrote my first novel — so imagine my delight when, last year, Jenny from the website agreed to review DARKHOUSE.

Imagine my delight when SHE LOVED IT. I took a shot with this website, not knowing if they would review my novel or not. I mean, it is technically self-published and I had encountered so many reviewers who raised their noses at self-published books. But she took a chance and it paid off. For both of us! She has a new series she loves and I have a new fan. And I’m forever grateful for every single reader who takes a chance on my books. I understand the self-pubbed stigma, but just like indie music, just because it’s not on a major label, it doesn’t mean it’s not any good.

Last week, there was a fabulous review of RED FOX — it’s hard to paraphrase their cute way of rating/reviewing, so a trip to their blog via THIS LINK should help.

And this Tuesday there will be a review of my third Experiment in Terror book, Dead Sky Morning, followed by an author interview on Wednesday! I’m deeply flattered that I was asked to take part in an interview, joining the ranks of some really great, well-known authors. I mean, me, I’m just nobody really so it’s really gratifying and humbling at the same time to be featured on their blog. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it — I get to play a game of MASH! *fingers crossed for Robert Downey Jr.*

Anyway, I’m sort of rambling. But I’m excited and just had to share

Sometimes, though, things get out of whack and the whole system is turned on its head. This usually comes from something I call “a case of the meanies.”

I was talking with an author recently. Like many authors, she writes book reviews, as well as her own novels. After leaving a less than favorable review for one book, she was suddenly experiencing “ratings retaliation”. The author whose book she critiqued attacked her book in return, getting her friends to leave one-star reviews on GoodReads.

In another, more high profile case, a well-known debut author with a major publisher, slandered (quite nastily, I might add) a certain reviewer who had left a critical, negative review.  I mean, really? Over a bad review? Then, of course, there is that nutjob author who went crazy because of a bad review, attracting hundreds to the comment section. It went viral in a matter of hours, doing a lot of damage to self-publishers everywhere (we aren’t all like that, we swear!) and to herself.

This isn’t to say that all reviewers are blameless. I do think you CAN go too far with a scathing review, particularly if it turns slanderous and starts attacking the author, rather than the work. I think reviewers who pride themselves on being catty, should probably take a few seconds and think about the damage they are potentially inflicting and to whom. Does Cassandra Clare care if you call her writing shitty? Probably not. But would a self-published, or debut small press indie writer? They might. You want to provide criticism for them. You don’t want to take away their will to live.

And authors…I think a lot of authors need tougher skin. My novels aren’t always well-received — I accept that because it’s the nature of art. It’s subjective. And I recognize that my characters are DEFINITELY not for everyone. But you take the negative reviews with a grain of salt. Maybe listen if they have something constructive to say, otherwise, brush it off and concentrate on the good reviews. It can sting but it’s not hard to do. The worst thing you could ever do as a writer is to A) get mad at the reviewer or B) retaliate against them. Don’t comment (other than to say “Sorry you didn’t like it, thanks for giving it a try!”), don’t argue, don’t take your issue publicly… and for heaven’s sake, don’t try and exact some kind of revenge on the reviewer. Just let it go, let the balance between reviewer and author go back to normal and enjoy the working order of things. We aren’t enemies, we are here to help each other and share our love of the written word.

And here’s something totally unrelated and creepy now… the official trailer for the Experiment in Terror Book #3, DEAD SKY MORNING (to read more about how I made the trailer and to enter a fantastic giveaway, visit The Bookish Babes).

Darkhouse is free on Amazon’s Kindle from January 3rd till midnight January 4th — LINK

Combine that with the fact that Red Fox (EIT #2) and The Benson (EIT #2.5) are both FREE on Smashwords, and you can get THREE free books today!

Tell your friends, your co-workers, your dog, your dog’s friends at the park, etc.

Need incentive? How about ALL FOUR Experiment in Terror books in Paperback (Darkhouse, Red Fox, Dead Sky Morning and Lying Season)? Wanna win American Apparel Team Dex underwear (in your size)?

Help me promote Darkhouse over the next two days and you’ll be entered to win! Open to North American residents only. Basically, just tweet this post or share on Facebook or your blog. Or just follow @metalblonde on Twitter and help me out with a Darkhouse RT. Make sure you let me know you’ve done so by leaving a comment below, or tweet me. I’ll be keeping tabs and putting all the names in a randomizer draw at week’s end!

And for a special NY message from moi, read onto the next post or click here!

Turn it up! I’m quiet

Remember, Darkhouse (Experiment in Terror #1) will be available for FREE on KINDLE on Jan 3rd and 4th.

Red Fox (EIT #2) and The Benson (EIT #2.5) are both FREE on Smashwords.

Start 2012 off with the first 2.5 books in this fan favorite ghost-hunting series for FREE!

Need more convincing? Check out these two amazing reviews of Darkhouse:

5/5 Stars from Unputdownable Books “Oh my freaking God! Why did I take so long to pick up this book?
The entire time I was reading this book, I felt as if I was watching an episode of a brand new series. Now, I can’t wait to read the next installments. ”

4/5 Stars from Demons Read Too “The similarities between my life and that of the main character, Perry, were freakishly uncanny. I enjoyed slipping into her world and going along with her sometimes wacky, but often understandable trains of thought. The mystery of the lighthouse had its creepy moments, but what I loved came more through the banter between Perry and Dex. The romantic undercurrents were paced realistically, and fun to watch unfurl.”

Darkhouse also won the Top YA Horror of 2011 from Unputdownable Books as well.

And the Experiment in Terror Series placed on another Top 10 of 2011 List HERE.