Back in 2023, I dipped my toe into the magazine industry. This first issue release on 1/31 was a great, but exhaustive experience for me. I met some great talent and found a strong network of indie horror writers on the net and through social media.
I didn’t pursue the project as I already had a lot on my plate: family, full-time job, low budget, and an onslaught of story projects I wanted to do and finish (like my epic fantasy series, The Wyvernshield Series).
While it is three years later, and I do still have a lot of the same obstacles, I am really excited by this endeavor and determined to make this go-around a much better success.
Yesterday, I completed the online setup: you can find my online magazine at WithMaliceMagazine.com.
Each quarterly issue will have three to four stories (3,000-3,500 words each), unique, original cover art, writing craft articles, an author interview, book reviews, book recommendations, fan artwork, and book ads. I would also like to establish an annual writing challenge for a grand prize!
If you’d like to send in a submission, here are the guidelines.
Ebook versions will be $7.99, paperback versions (only in the continental US) will be $17.99 (Yearly subscriptions will be offered at $28 for for all four ebooks, $64 for all four paperbacks). Shipping and taxes are not included. All paperback copies will be on sale at Books.by.
I hope to continue to bring you my novels (like the Eclipse Series and Beneath the Skin, a new phobia anthology), but this magazine will be my primary focus.
Take a chance, roll the dice to see if you’ll be brave enough to finish each issue!
Back in 2019 & 2023, I wrote blogs focusing on some of my favorite new horror films at that time. Hard to believe but two years have already passed, and it’s time to once again to review some of the latest film releases.
Here are five of the latest horror films I did enjoy:
Yes, it is an old running series that has almost covered every angle possible… except this one. What happens when you offer a dying man a possible life-saving treatment, but in secret, you are only attempting to con him out of thousands of dollars? What happens when that same old man is a mass serial killer… and he finds out what you did?!
Not the best of the series, but I enjoyed the premise of this one, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t wish terrible things on con artists when prey on the elderly and dying?
Again, this is another installment in a long-running series. This was another interesting idea, and it also gave you a bigger picture look at why all these tragedies were occurring. In other words, it attempts to give you background reasons for the first five films. This is also the last film of horror legend Tony Todd (famous for his Candyman role), which made this a must-see for me.
This sequel delves deeper into the lives and investigative methods of the famous Warren couple. I enjoyed this one more than the original. I’m also looking forward to the next installment, The Conjuring: The Last Rites, which covers their “last case”.
A spin-off film in the Train To Busan universe. In this Korean horror film, a man soon finds himself trapped and isolated in his high-rise apartment building while hordes of zombies ravage the rest of the city. I love this new take on a zombie survival film.
Easily the scariest film released in quite some time. A teen struggling with the grief of her mother’s passing takes a daring challenge at a party: hold the severed hand of a now dead psychic who claimed to talk with the dead. Intense horror sequences and frightening imagery of Hell. Take note: This is in Australia so the accents take a bit to get adjusted to.
Honorable mentions (entertaining, just dumb fun films):
Another disappointing edition to this poorly written franchise. There is so much they could do but they fail to really capture the essence and treasure that the first two films were.
Ugh! What a waste of two hours! Nick Cage could’ve saved this film as its menacing psycho but he’s in it for maybe twenty minutes. Just dumb! And they didn’t even address why the film was called Longlegs!
A very poor adaption of Stephen King’s original novel. More than half of the film doesn’t even follow the book. They should’ve left this story alone. The 1979 film version isn’t perfect but at least it had heart and tried to be faithful to the novel.
I hope that the trend for horror films gets better and we see more original stories versus sequel after sequel. I’m always available Hollywood should you want some help! 🙂
Through Superprof.com, a private tutor app, I will be able to offer an online writers workshop and help guide new writers, providing tips and resources. Each of my lessons is personalized, results-oriented, and motivational.
At the assessment session, I will meet with you individually where we can determine your level, discuss steps to improve, and I will provide keys to unlock your true writing potential!. My lessons are casual to create a positive, non-judgmental environment, but at the same time, they will give you options for success.
Then, in the following sessions, we can meet with other new writers in a Google Meeting so that you can learn from others or share what works for you! Writing journeys do not have to be a solo endeavor.
I will gladly assist with any writing projects, review weekly submissions of up to 2,000 words, provide writing lessons or writing prompts, and help the student develop writing habits and rituals that will keep them successful and driven for years to come.
My lessons cater to adults and teenagers aiming to grow as creative writers.
My personal mantra is YOUR SUCCESS AS A WRITER IS MY SUCCESS WE WIN TOGETHER!
Last, I want to offer you the first assessment hour free of charge! Then, if you wish to continue working together, I will meet with you for $25 for one hour once a week.
To get the assessment hour AND make that first step toward realizing your dream of writing a novel or learning to create the writing career you’ve always wanted, PLEASE CLICK HERE!
Happy holidays, everyone! I wanted to take a quick moment to update you on my newest releases, my current works-in-progress, and what I’m planning for in the near future.
NEW RELEASES:
**VICTIMS: A Horror Short Story Collection has been doing well, sold on Amazon & Kindle. S.W. Salzman, my narrator, is wrapping up his production of the Audible version and should be on sale before the end of the year!!
**Two new anthologies will be released before the end of the year. First, is The Weatherly Lane Anthology.
A malicious evil taints the land. Any who step into the house at 1214 Weatherly Lane suffers an unspeakable curse. Witness and live through the multiple encounters, decade by decade.
The second anthology from The Fear House Press is Gates of Hell Unleashed. There isn’t a cover yet, but this is in the works and set to be released soon. My story, Suicide Is For Suckers, will be printed within. It’s a tale of desperation and the drive to survive. Does anyone ever win when they sell their soul to the Devil? When more details and information are released, I will pass it along.
**Wordpeddler Society Magazine’s next issue, the Horror Edition, will feature ME and will be released also by the end of the year. In this edition, I am interviewed about my start, my motivations, and my writing process. Also, I have another short story (never published before) called Beneath The Surface. It’s a horrifying tale where summer camp thrill-seeking and curiosity leads to pure terror.
WORKS-IN-PROGRESS:
**Beyond the Barrier, the last in the Wyvernshield series, is in the final wave of edits. It is slightly behind what I hoped for, but it may be out by the end of 2024 or in the first weeks of January 2025. The cover is in the works—another knockout beauty by Joy Landa, who designed all the covers of this series!
**The Deity Staff will have an Audible version available in the first half of 2025. Again, this will be performed by the exceptional talent of Laura Richcreek who has done all of the prior books in the series. She has also agreed to lend her talents to Beyond The Barrier in the coming year!
FUTURE PROJECTS:
**Unfortunately, the serial killer drama,Eclipse, will not be continued on Kindle Vella. Amazon has decided to shut down the entire Vella program by February, 2025. Up to that date, you are able to read the released episodes for free! I will continue the novel, and with luck, it will be out by the end of next year. Eclipse is my first, true crime horror novel (no supernatural elements this time!). It also has ties and links to the previous two series, Elude and Evade.
A sadistic new serial killer has the city of Chicago in his grip. A bold, rookie detective haunts his every step. Which will slip up first?
**I have teamed up with a small indie press known as Phoenix Oasis Press and will be working with them on an upcoming literary anthology centered around the theme of “curiosity”. I hope to submit a new short story to them in March, 2025. Publication is expected around August. More details to come.
**Also, for anyone in the local Phoenix, Arizona area, I will be having a book signing at the SUPERHERO SATURDAY EVENT on January 18th, 2025 at the Metro Mall parking lot area. Come by and say hello! All items will be signed for free!
**Keep an eye out for me on BookTok, a part of TikTok. I hope to release in the coming year videos highlighting my content, new releases, my author life and my writer processes.
Thanks again for all your interest in my work and your support as always!
I was honored to be interviewed by a local publishing press, Phoenix Oasis Press. This small, but growing press has been doing great work by producing an online blog focused on helping new authors, organizing workshops and writer retreats, and even orchestrating several award-winning anthologies.
In 2025, they are again set to gather independent writer’s short stories into a new anthology. I have attached the link to the details here. Without a doubt, it is a great venture for any new, aspiring writers!
Here is a sample of the interview (for the full interview, click on the link at the bottom).
Why I write
I love getting lost in books. The great escape into space, the past, the future – anywhere the story takes you. I knew early on I wanted to entertain others in the same way. And I had a wealth of content. You see, stories and characters spring to my mind and demand to be heard and written. Like spoiled children, they rampage and stomp out any other thoughts until I write down what they have to say. If I don’t give in to their demands, I’ll go crazy.
I wouldn’t have it any other way. Writing has always been a part of who I am. Bringing stories to life is a beautiful stress reliever, therapy session, and personal adventure. Sometimes the characters go on unexpected benders or take unknown paths. It’s intriguing, fulfilling, and frustrating all at the same time.
Early roots & inspirations
Born and raised in Indiana, I was your typical introverted kid. I spent a lot of time reading the horror of Stephen King and Dean Koontz, and R.A. Salvatore’s fantasy epics.
When I was 26, I needed a big change. I took a leap and moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1996. I didn’t know anyone in the southwest. Nor did I have a job or a place to stay, but something was calling me.
Writing life
In 2011 I got serious about writing and started working on my debut novel, an epic fantasy. When I started, I wrote by the seat of my pants. I let the world unfold on screen as I typed. My story meandered along, trying to find its way from point to point. I realized I needed a road map so I sat down and crafted a super-detailed, 60-page bullet outline. Turns out I’m more a plotter style writer than a pantser.
Editor’s tip: There’s no right way to write a novel other than the way that works for you. The pantster-plotter spectrum also includes plantsers. Check out this NaNoWriMo quiz to get an idea of your style.
Letting the story go
I spent five years developing, editing, and endlessly rewriting that first novel. Then I read an article where Stephen King advised that at a certain point, you have to let your children go. You have to let them loose in the world and hope for the best. I took that advice to heart. If I kept rewriting, my work would never see the light of day.
Publication choices
When I started, I hadn’t thought about what exactly I’d do with it once it was done. I always knew I wanted to publish it, to share it, but I hadn’t considered whether to go with traditional or independent publishing.
As I worked on editing, cover design, and my book blurb, I jumped into researching about all-things-publishing. Two years later, I independently published my epic fantasy Consequences Within Chaos. I went independent because I felt I had better control of the end product, along with more responsibility. I’d invested a total of five years of blood, sweat, and tears into realizing this dream.
Things got easier
I wrote The Bleeding Crown, the sequel to Consequences, in one year. I hope that helps anyone reading this realize the value of the work you are doing right now, every day. Everything you learn, everything you do, helps you develop repeatable processes for your writing that make it easier. Trust me.
Since then, I’ve produced eight horror novels, six epic fantasy novels, a short story collection, and have been published in literary magazines. My newest short story collection just came out, and I have an epic fantasy novel launching soon. You can find everything about my work on my website where I also blog about writing topics. You can also find my works on Amazon under my author page.
Things are heating up for me as they are cooling down outside! Several projects have come together and I wanted to let you all know.
Starting with this month, VICTIMS: A Horror Short Story Collection will be available starting 9/11/24. This is a combined effort by me, one of my best friends Brian Gatti, and my father, T. D. Barton. We have fifteen thrilling and mind-bending stories of paranormal, psychological, and occult horror. Soon this will also be available to listen to on Audible.com from the incredibly talented S.W. Salzman (who also narrated my best-selling Elude Series!).
Then on October 15th, just in time for your creepy Fall nights and Halloween reading: Weatherly Lane: An Anthology will be released! This is an ensemble of new and rising stars of indie horror writers. The anthology revolves around the deadly cursed house built on 1417 Weatherly Lane in Kingston, Minnesota. The stories explore the dark events that circled this property from the day it was built in 1914 up through present day! Every author has chosen a year or decade to represent. My story contribution is the origin to the evil that permeates the tainted land in 1911! It a fun and entertaining thrill ride from page one!!!
Also by the end of September or the beginning of October, I will be releasing a brand new horror story line on Amazon Vella called Eclipse! And yes, there are ties to the Elude & Evade Series!
Mitch Michaels is a respected teacher, a well-liked pillar of the community, and a committed fiancé set to marry in January. But after a devastating car accident causes brain trauma, something has been unleashed. Something evil. Something primal! Mitch is hiding dark cravings, promises of chaos and terror. How long can he hide inside his “gentle giant” persona while giving into his dark activities…
More details will be made as I get closer to releasing this story so stay alert for that!
And in December, I’m working hard to make available my epic fantasy Wyvernshield finale, Beyond the Barrier. I’m now in the last stages of editing. The story and the culmination of five books is finally here! An incredible epic tale with an epic battle unlike any I’ve ever written!
More stories are brewing! I’m even considering an epic fantasy anthology that takes place after the events from Beyond the Barrier!
Plus, I still have an interest in doing my first whodunit mystery novel next year!
Thanks again to everyone who support my work or who actively helps to make this all happen!
Hey everyone! I really hope you will take a moment to check out my Patreon page. I have revised my Membership Benefits. I will be making one or two blog posts on there a month along with my author website here.
I’ve always been interested in writing and telling stories, but LIFE HAPPENS to us all. I didn’t pursue my calling until after I was 40 and buried in a corporate job. Currently, I work a graveyard shift job and have a very lively family of five that I want to give all the best that life can offer.
What your patronage will provide for me is funding for any marketing campaigns (Amazon ads, Facebook ads, Youtube Book Trailers, or professional book cover artwork). While I do this for the love of storytelling, I also would love to reach more readers. OVER 2000+ NEW BOOKS ARE PUBLISHED EVERY DAY!! The only way to stand out from the avalanche is through ads and videos.
Recently on my monthly newsletter, I created a survey of what you guys wanted and what you are looking to see from me. You guys spoke up, and I took note! You want MORE: more writing, more updates on works-in-progress, and more unique prizes!
I love this idea of having this personal connection with you, my core fans. And with this direct connection, we can literally provide for one another.
Besides my utmost gratitude, subscription memberships will benefit you too!
Starting at Tier 1 @ $1 per month, you can engage in surveys and votes to influence content decisions (like names, titles, cover art, etc), exclusive insights to my work and sneak peeks at content, plus you are recognized and named on my website!
Tier 2 @ $3 per month, you gain the same as Tier 1 BUT also you can make suggestions for blogs or short stories you’d like to see from me, see monthly updates on WIPs, a special Thank You Credit in my novels!
Tier 3 @ $10 per month gives you the previously listed along with Ebook copies of new novels, the patron’s site link(if available) listed on my website, and a choice of a signed custom-designed metal bookmarker!
SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO JOE GIBBS FOR HIS MEMBERSHIP.
Tier 4 @ $20 per month, gives you the previously listed as well as paperback copies of any new novels released (US only) mailed directly to you.
SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO LONG-STANDING MEMBERS SUSANNA WILLEY AND LYNN NEITH!
The las Tier 5 @ $35 per month gives you the previously listed and a unique COLLECTIBE book cover of new release custom-designed by the author just for the Patron member (US only). PLUS an ongoing chapter-by-chapter submission of a new novel sent to you before it even goes to publication!
With Patreon, I can realize my goals with marketing, doing book signings, offering contests and giveaways at the same time bringing you great exclusive content and special signed prizes!
With Patreon, I can focus on my ultimate goal to be a full-time writer.
With Patreon, together we can really create something magical (or horrific depending on the genre!) and make a true difference!
So recently I learned of a new feature for Amazon Kindle. It’s called Vella. This new platform allows writers to post their work in chapters or “episodes”. I’m going to experiment with this process using my Evade series.
Every week I’ll post on my Vella channel (starting this Sunday 12/3/23), an episode with word counts of 600 to the max limit of 5,000. As a reader you can access the episodes by paying tokens. The token costs are minimal. Every 100 words cost 1 token. Also the first three episodes of any series is free to the readers!
Here are the standard token packets:
There are many genres now available on Vella. Including my faves, horror and fantasy.
I chose my Evade Series to start because I had planned already of compiling all three novels, re-editing, and offering in a complete full novel much like I did with Elude.
Depending how this process works out and the results, I might continue with the Dirithi series here or maybe a whole new horror line.
I like the idea of being able to get more content out early to you and I think this will be good to attract more readers’ attention and interest in my other works.
Click on this link to start reading episode 1 now and be sure to save the link so you can visit later easily!
Hope you like this new process as well and you look forward to each week’s new episode!
In appreciation of everyone’s support and patience in waiting for new content, I’m going to have a special sale on select titles starting the week of September 18 through September 25th! Prices start at $.99 on the first day but will steadily increase to regular price. So, don’t miss out!!
I also wanted to let you know that my first draft for The Deity Staff has been accomplished! Hope to have it out and ready for publication before the holidays.
Also one other surprise: I’m combining and re-releasing the whole 3 part series of Elude and Evade. Also you will be able to get these as hardcover novels for the first time. They will have new covers as well! These will be available by the end of the year.
I am working hard on book #16, The Deity Staff. My collection has certainly grown especially during this last year or so.
So, I thought it would be a good idea to highlight my top sellers (most popular) books, share what they are about and give you an honest review from Amazon. Some of you may not have known about these or just know of the titles and not the story.
ELUDE:
A young ex-con, Vicente Vargas, must outrun the police and the real killer framing him for a series of gruesome murders in Phoenix, Arizona. With his reputation tarnished and no support, he must fight to clear his name and survive the dangerous streets.
4.6 stars 23 reviews
Great crime/horror novels! This little book packs a wallop in its 110 pages. It also establishes Derek Barton as a mystery/crime/horror writer. I’m so glad I found it, and so will you.
Two seemingly unrelated incidents converge towards the end. A 20 year old boy, a juvie graduate, is struggling to support his younger sister’s dream and reverse her opinion of his character. A tween living with her father and bed-ridden grandma since her mom died in a car accident is linked to their paid caretaker’s apparent traffic suicide. Barton is a skilled writer who develops his characters seamlessly around the plot; a plot which will glue the reader to the story until a “to be continued” announcement on page 110 makes him groan in exasperation. You know nothing will keep that reader or this reviewer from getting the sequel.Well played, Mr. Barton, well played! Five Stars.
CONSEQUENCES WITHIN CHAOS:
An untested sorcerer prince, Taihven, must wield untapped powers from the Chaos Realm to save his city, Wyvernshield, from a massive beastly horde and discover their true enemy from the past to fulfill his destiny as the much-needed king.
4.8 stars and 15 reviews
Author Derek Barton has created an amazing world with vibrant colors and characters. Scratch that, he has created layers of worlds that vary with colors, textures, sounds, and smells that make me wish I could spend a day or two exploring them (with a safe guide, of course).
The characters invoke strong emotions right from opening. I felt hate, love, terror and remorse, it is a roller coaster. I don’t think I’ve ever smelled a setting while I was reading, but Mr. Barton does such a great job triggering imagination with his writing that I found myself wrinkling my nose as if the smells were all around me.
I have read through this book at least a half dozen times and recently purchased it for my Kindle so it is easier to carry around. If you enjoy fantasy fiction, I highly recommend reading this book.
I can’t wait for the next!
EVADE:
Detective Lindsey Korrey faces a perilous chase after a police car incident, becoming the guardian of a missing child pursued by sinister forces. Battling supernatural enemies and unearthing dangerous secrets, Lindsey’s thrilling journey captivates with suspense and pulse-pounding revelations.
4.7 stars 21 reviews
A heart-pounding adventure….twists and turns galore.
‘Evade, Part One’ by Derek Barton is the sequel to his 2017 novella ‘In Four Days’. This installment is filled with action, suspense and twist and turns enough to give one literary whiplash. With an array of some very memorable characters and a most creative plot, this short read will have you entertained and asking for more. Good things do indeed come in small packages. Derek breathes life into his characters and takes his readers along for a rapidly palpitating escapade in a cat-and-mouse adventure with the supernatural. A fun and entertaining read. Looking forward to the next installment.
THE HIDDEN:
Nate and Zelda Malone’s windfall leads them to a vast farm near Hoosier National Forest. However, a nightmarish presence lurking on their land threatens to literally tear them apart. Together, they must confront an ancient and malevolent creature that endangers not just their lives but all of humanity, testing their limits and forcing them to make unimaginable sacrifices to survive.
8 reviews 5 stars
Atmospheric and intense! This is a very well-written novel. It is dark and sometimes disturbing, with great character development. The tension builds for the reader with the setting almost becoming a character itself in that it greatly influences the story and people and is almost as frightening as the wolves themselves. The werewolf legend is artfully advanced by this fine novel.
THE BLEEDING CROWN:
The spirited Princess Letandra is abducted by her family’s rivals, leaving her stranded in a foreign land. As she faces unexpected trials and sadistic captors, she must risk everything to escape and warn her brother, King Taihven, of the impending war that threatens not just his kingdom, but the fate of all.
12 reviews 4.5 stars
I can’t wait to see what happens next! This book is even better than it’s predecessor. It is layered with fascinating characters. The heroes are truly heroic, while remaining human and believable, and the villians are truly evil. It spans different worlds where the action keeps you breathlessly turning page after well-written page.
For those who loved the Wyvernshield stories, Pawns & Pieces has continued the story line. It was great to explore both worlds of Tayneva and Aberrisc again!
Please do not let these stories slip by you! You can still pick them up on Amazon, Kindle and on Audible!
