Category: General

Fast-forward The 80s & 90s! — Derek Barton

General

Movies

Thought I would have a little fun today and I would blog about the recent trend of horror film remakes. Usually I don’t like most remakes or even “prequels” which often are poor retelling of the same crappy story as before.  But since Hollywood will still make them, here is a small list of three films from the 80s and 90s that I would like to see. These three have yet to attract enough attention for a remake or reboot.

I’ll be honest with you, the inspiration for this post is due to a recent viewing of the first of three films:

ARACHNOPHOBIA (1990)

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STORY:   A species of South American killer spider hitches a lift to the U.S. in a coffin and starts to breed and kill.

 

While I do like Jeff Daniels, I felt this was an unusual choice for the lead actor. This film is very confused on whether it wanted to be a horror or a comedy film. There are great horror comedies like Shaun of the Dead or Dale & Tucker vs Evil but this film didn’t handle either element well. While the film didn’t resort to heavy CGI (which wasn’t as available as it is today), the special effects still didn’t age well. Really would love to see a great rendition of it, even though I, myself, am an arachnophobic.  🙂

CUBE (1997)

 

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STORY:  6 complete strangers of widely varying personality characteristics are involuntarily placed in an endless maze containing deadly traps.
Again this is another intriguing story that just didn’t quite live up to its potential.  I think that with a strong cast of actors like with James McAvoy, Jake Gyllenhaal, or Maisie Williams this story could be an exciting and suspenseful film.  While this film is similar to the Saw movies, they could re-imagine the story, revamp more plot and fully develop the characters.

HELLRAISER (1987)

 

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STORY:  An unfaithful wife encounters the zombie of her dead lover; the demonic cenobites are pursuing him after he escaped their sadomasochistic underworld.
This film has one of the more iconic characters from the horror genre known as Pinhead of the Cenobites. This film was based upon a Clive Barker novel, but it’s story takes too long to come together and the special effects are extremely outdated.  They even used animated lightning!  There have been a ton of Hellraiser sequels but nothing with a decent story or a talented cast. Someday I really hope they can do this tale justice.
Movies I hope they never ever touch again!  These are the type of films that just ruin people on the horror genre.
  • The Gremlins
  • The Leprechaun
  • Tremors
  • Human Centipede
  • House of a 1000 Corpses
The horror film industry has always had a stigma and a tough rap as either way too gory or too many bad films, but it doesn’t have to be that way!  There are plenty of good film ideas and tons of great material in horror novels. Hopefully, like the resurgence of comic book hero films, it is time that Hollywood make a concerted effort to develop new classic horror films.
What movies have you seen and would love to see redone with modern technology and computer generated imagery?

Sentinels of the Shield (Character Backgrounds – Rough Drafts) — Derek Barton – 2019

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So, as you know, I am working diligently on the development of the third and final book for my Wyvernshield fantasy series.  Right now the working title is tentatively called Swimming in the Ashes.   

To be completely honest with you, I have been stuck in my outlining process and overwhelmed by the complexity of the story I want to tell you.  In an effort to work out the kinks, I have done a deep dive into the resource and reference material I will need to tell the tale.

I thought you might like a sneak peek and look behind the curtain at how I world-build.  Here is an excerpt of my work, delving into some minor characters that will be introduced in the book.  These ten people will all be in the lands of Tayneva (some old regions and some yet explored).  In The Bleeding Crown, I got to explore quite a bit of Aberrisc.  Now in this book, I want to explore much more of the globe of Tayneva, giving you all a glimpse of the lands, forests, seas, and mountains where my characters live and breathe.

To better understand these little bios, I need to provide you a snapshot of the politics of Tayneva at present.  Currently, there are thirteen unique countries or areas on the two land masses of Tayneva.  The larger continent is home to two political affinities:  the Keliada Alliance and Rovmantysa Front.  Their political and military agendas have set them apart for generations.  The balance for global power had been tilted mainly toward King Jehah II’s Keliada Alliance when they gained the new allegiance of the war-tribes of the Kraat Mountains. However, Wyvernshield, a former ally to the Keliada Alliance has cut off all connections and remains in question.

In these short background stories, you may note the (A), (N), and (E) designations.  These letters stand for that specific land’s political stance.  (A) for an ally to the Keliada Alliance. (N) for a nation that has neutral political connections — Risa, Corrta Vasts and the city-state of Wyvernshield hold this designation. (E) is a known enemy and allied with the Rovmantysa Front.

Sentinels of the Shield:

Areth Ryeton – Profession: Blacksmith – Lives in the small city of Y’bora, Nyemante (A). An athletic, young man of 24 years, black hair and blue eyes. Due to being orphaned at the age of three, he has a strong passion for justice and protection. His parents were killed on a family trip by road bandits. He works hard at making weapons “to protect the innocent”. His skills have earned him a small shop with an apprentice. He doesn’t have any children, but his girlfriend is one of the city guard. He has average intelligence, but a very good sense of humor.

Shondra Basque – Profession: Mending Nurse – Lives in the farming village of Korael, Risa (N).  An attractive slender woman of 28 years, honey brown hair with vibrant green eyes. A very giving woman who has worked her whole life at developing her Mending skills. She has dreams of one day going to a larger Mending School perhaps in Keliada or Trudora. Works in a local hospelle. Her husband and son are forest scouts/hunters.

Shei Goldendaar – Governor’s daughter – Lives in a small town called Rouse Gardens, Rovmantysa (E). Short for her seventeen years but has long brown hair and blue eyes. In spite of her family’s wealth, she is very down to earth in spirit and attitude. Often has a sarcastic wit. She always gives of herself and volunteers her days helping the local townsfolk. She studies history and politics in hopes that she can make a difference in the world. She has ambitions of being a leader as her father and maybe even more. Her mother died shortly after her birth, so her father is very over-protective and sometimes controlling.

Komay Naha – Profession: student teacher of the blind – Ramanon, Risa (N). Only eight years old with reddish brown hair and green eyes. Exceptionally bright and cheerful, but a bit insecure due to a large smattering of freckles all over her face and arms. She has been working with her mother at a school for the blind for less than a year. Her father died defending Wyvernshield in the Viestrahl Horde Battle. They fled Wyvernshield and moved to Risa.

Broud Vaesko – Profession: Candlemaker – Lives in Falldew, Trudora (A). Seventy-two, he is a wisened ex-soldier living in semi-retirement as a candlemaker. He has white hair and brown eyes. He is outgoing and has a dry wit sense of humor. His shop does alright, but he mainly works for the interaction with people as he has no family. Has an old, female collie dog, Kayray, which he worries about should something ever happen to him.

 

Click HERE for the complete article currently on Patreon.com.  For more great content and exclusive material like this, please consider becoming a Tier Member!  Thank you in advance for your interests and support!

The Hidden — NOW ON AMAZON! – 2019

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An unseen terror stalks mankind – preying upon the weak, the lost and the outcasts that society will not miss.   Lottery winners Nate and Zelda Malone thought their luck and fortune had forever changed.  It has… Fate has chosen them for an extremely dangerous new path and an encounter that will forever haunt them.  

This terrifying collaboration by T.D. Barton and myself is a unique ‘werewolf’ origin story that takes place in the 90s.  Fans of Stranger Things and Stephen King’s IT will love this nostalgic but intense horror tale!!  

If you have the courage, step now into a dizzying, heart-pounding tale of terror that you will never forget – if you survive the telling. 

CLICK HERE FOR AMAZON!

Interviewed by Adam C. Mitchell — Derek Barton – 2019

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Check out this great interview I did with fellow writer, Adam C. Mitchell.

 

Having a chat with… Author Derek Barton

I had the privilege to chat with American Horror Author Derek Barton a head of him launching a 4 part guest blog series on this site. Check out his Interview below, my review of his book on the Author Review Page ” Consequences Within Chaos” and his first article on the blog tomorrow…

1. Name

Derek Barton

2. Place of Birth

Small town in Indiana

3. Present Occupation (other than author)

A sales supervisor for a healthcare call center. (snooozzzzeee)

4. Hobbies

Hiking, video games, movies

5. Memberships in Organizations

I am a member to several Facebook groups but nothing outside of that.

6. Current Book Description Just finished my last installment of the Elude series I have been writing. It follows a desperate cat-and-mouse chase between a young ex-con, Vic Vicente, and a sadistic serial killer who keeps placing bodies and blame on Vic. The core of the story is how Vic has to elude the detectives on his case and elude the real murderer using only his wits and street instincts.

Book Blurb: Stepping blindly into a horrific murder scene, a young ex-con, Vicente Vargas, must flee from the police while eluding the real killer who continues to pin more bodies on him in this intricate cat-and-mouse game. Cut off from all friends and family, tried and convicted by the press, Vic must survive on his wits and cunning on the gritty streets of Phoenix, Arizona long enough to clear his name.

7. How did you come to write this book?

I liked the idea of a serial killer who chooses a “patsy” for his crimes only his pawn doesn’t behave in the expected patterns. The killer’s flaw is his own racism.

8. Other publication’s you have out (books listed in order of release:)

A/ Consequences Within Chaos

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LYT2OS9/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

B/ In Four Days

https://www.amazon.com/Four-Days-Horror-Suspense-Novella/dp/1542625556/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

C/ The Bleeding Crown

https://www.amazon.com/Bleeding-Crown-Derek-Barton/dp/1720670226/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

D/ Elude: Part One

https://www.amazon.com/Elude-Part-Horror-Suspense-Derek-Barton/dp/1725798107/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

E/ Elude: Part Two

https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/books/book-detail-page?ie=UTF8&bookASIN=1728977983&index=default

9. Blogs and Websites (With links):

Author website @ https://rivyen.wordpress.com/

Facebook Page @ https://www.facebook.com/NovelistDerekBarton/

Twitter Accont @ https://twitter.com/Rivyen

and my Patreon Page @ https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16518751

10. Are there any special markets where we can find your work?

Not at this time.

11. Are there any book-stores where we can browse your work?

I am at a local bookstore called Bookman’s Exchange in Phoenix, Arizona. A small selection of my earlier works.

12. Do You have a mailing list?

Yes, I do for a monthly newsletter which I update my core fans with my progress, what book giveaways I am running and where I can be found for personal book signings.

13. Any reviews of your work you would like to share?

Yes, William Bitner Jr, an online book reviewer, read and wrote up a great review of Elude: Part Three. Check it out here: https://booksinmylibraryblog.wordpress.com/2019/04/10/elude-part-three-by-derek-barton/

14. Do you have any Endorser or specific people you would like to thank for whatever reason?

Yes, I would like to thank and give a shout out to my patrons Susanna Willey, Deborah West & Jon Paul Rai on Patreon.com. Their help and support mean a lot and let me do more for my entire fan base than I could alone.

15. What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?

What is the first book that made you cry? I remember sitting in my class in grade school reading Watership Down and the character Bigwig was ensnared. I thought he died, and I burst into tears in the middle of class…pretty embarrassing, but I had my own rabbit and it hit a nerve.

16. In your opinion what is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?

Of course, plagiarism is the worst offense any writer can make, but I think another issue I have noticed is this “writers selling to writers” trend. Professional writers offering “expert” tips, strategies, etc to help less experienced writers and they just pour out the same information found everywhere for free online with exorbitant fees or monthly payments. I am not saying that there isn’t good reference material out there, but it seems like too many writers are profiting and making a big paycheck off the backs of less experienced or successful writers.

17. Does writing energize or exhaust you?

It can definitely do both, but if the thrill of telling a story or entertaining someone isn’t there then you should rethink what you are in it for. I love it where a fan or a reader wants to discuss an event in one of my stories and wants to know the reasons behind my decisions. It means that I touched them, and my story engaged them – it’s such a great interaction and motivation to me. Writing keeps me breathing!

18. What are common traps for aspiring writers?

A trap I fell into was the belief I could do my own editing. It seems easy enough to just go back through and read your work, but editing is a completely different mode of thinking and analyzing. You really need to hire out for it. The other trap I see is the lack of building your email list. Putting your book on Amazon won’t be enough to build your platform. You have to keep shouting in that crowded room of a thousand new faces on Amazon. If you don’t market or make yourself seen, your work will be never noted and go unseen.

19. What is your writing Kryptonite?

Not having an outline. I’m a total plotter. Writer’s block to me is an empty white screen and no notes on the side to follow. In fact, until I really saw the benefit to an outline, I never completed a story I wrote until in my thirties. I would always start strong, peter out and flounder in the middle and never reach the end of the stories. All I had accomplished was a drawer filled with half-attempts.

20. Have you ever gotten reader’s block?

No, I haven’t. However, I cannot find time to sit and read. I’m a huge audiobook fan and that is the only way I can get through books now. Too many responsibilities require my time so I make use of driving time, standing in line, working out, and other opportunities to pop on my audio book. It is another reason I have even gotten three of my stories on Audible.com. Consequences Within Chaos, The Bleeding Crown and In Four Days are all in audio book formats. Elude is the process of being made into an audio book.

21. Have you got a pen name you use?

No. I have no use or desire to create one at this time.

22.. Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

To me, you have to do a bit of both to be successful. Give the reader what they’re looking for but with a touch of a twist or something unique added.

23. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

I have my father who was always an inspiration for me to become a writer. I have several friends that are writers (Nesa Miller, Adam Mitchell, Logan Fox, Jon Paul Rai and Susanne Lambdin) that I ask questions or seek advice often. It’s a journey and everyone can learn something new from anyone. And we all become stronger for sharing experiences, sharing services and sharing support.

24. Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

I am definitely trying to build a world of work within the fantasy side of my writing (Consequences Within Chaos and The Bleeding Crown). My horror stories (In Four Days and Elude) accidentally became linked when one of the surviving characters in In Four Days became a perfect fit for a character needed in Elude. And now, I am working on a new horror/crime series called Evade that will have another big connection to In Four Days.

To read the rest of the interview CLICK HERE!

 

ELUDE: PART THREE — NOW ON SALE!! — DEREK BARTON – 2019

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The thrilling conclusion to this unique tale of suspense, crime, and horror!

Find out what happens when nightmares become reality for Vicente, Shellie, and Chad!  Will they outrun the police AND The Trio? And can they stop the Blood Debt before it strikes the city of Phoenix?

Get it now on sale at Amazon & Kindle!

 

SPECIAL OFFER — IF YOU BUY PART ONE AND PART THREE EBOOKS THIS MONTH, I WILL SEND YOU PART TWO FOR FREE!!  (Just send me a snapshot of your receipt and I will email your copy!)

 

 

Listen to a Great Tale! — Derek Barton – 2019

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Laura Richcreek-Morrison does it again!  The Bleeding Crown joins Consequences Within Chaos on Audible.com.  She continues the epic tale started with Consequences Within Chaos, this time the focus is on Princess Letandra.

Laura has an incredible range of character voices, along with her smooth but dramatic performances, they all come together to bring the worlds of Tayneva and Aberrisc to life!  Her talents know no end!  Check out her other work on Laura’s Voice: Voice Over Talent In The Fort Wayne Area.

 

Here’s a sample to whet your appetite: The Bleeding Crown Chapter 1 Sample

 

 

The Bleeding Crown:

Abducted by her family’s bitter rivals, spirited Princess Letandra finds herself stranded in a foreign land. Alone but confident a rescue will come at the hands of her brother, King Taihven, she focuses all her energy on surviving the unexpected trials she now faces.

But before he can save Letandra, she is captured by the sadistic Ebon Queen of the Quietus Dominion. Now, the princess must risk everything to escape and warn Taihven. War is coming not only for him, but the future of all hangs in the balance.

Just $13.97 or 1 credit with membership on Audible.com.

 

 

HEAVY…METAL BOOKMARKERS GIVEAWAY!! — DEREK BARTON – 2019

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Bookmark 2019

THESE BAD BOYS ARE UP FOR GRABS!  I will give away a set of my collectible four – signed – custom-made bookmarkers ($30 value) at the end of the month.  They are made of durable, thin sheet metal and have a gloss to bring out specific colors.

TO QUALIFY, CLICK ON THE LINK HERE.  Just complete your email entry to me.  No purchase necessary.  

Winner must live within the United States.  

Good luck!

Items In the Forge Update — Derek Barton – 2019

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Hey there!  I wanted to send out a quick update of items I’m working on currently and what you can expect to see from me in the future!

THE BLEEDING CROWN AUDIOBOOK will be available by the end of March or the first week of April!  Laura Richcreek continues the saga and lends her incredible voice talents to bring the story alive. Literally over thirty different creature voices alone had to be crafted for the novel. Keep an eye out for free download giveaways!!

ELUDE PART THREE is finally written and going through a thorough wave of editing by my editors, Nesa Miller and Ted Barton.  It will be produced by the end of March. This is the thrilling conclusion to the suspenseful Elude Series!

THE HIDDEN has also come to a stunning end and the last chapters will be published on this site in the next couple weeks!  This horror origin story written with my father, T.D. Barton, will be available on both Amazon and Kindle by the middle of this year.

SWIMMING IN THE ASHES is still in the first draft process (over 26,000 words so far). I am going to delve into the book’s outline as I want to flesh out a few of the plot points I didn’t fully define yet before I continue with the writing.  As I have proclaimed before, I am a “hard-nosed plotter” and I want to be sure I haven’t messed any events up!

EVADE will be a new Crime/Horror story I want to write which delves deeper into horror than the crime genre. Like ELUDE, it will also have ties to my Horror/Suspense novella IN FOUR DAYS. This time the story revolves around when the police find themselves on the receiving end of a high-speed car chase!

AFTER WYVERNSHIELD… I have been developing an idea and I hope to bring you another three-book series this time focusing on characters living in the wondrous lands of Aberrisc! How were their lives impacted by the events depicted in CONSEQUENCES WITHIN CHAOS, THE BLEEDING CROWN and SWIMMING IN THE ASHES?  What has happened with the dark reign of the Quietus Dominion after the Ebon Queen Chroyanne?

AN UNTITLED NEW WEB SAGA in the works once THE HIDDEN has officially wrapped up.  This will be an ongoing “Parallel Universe” story with a fascinating look at what happens when you meet the “other you”!

Yes, all this and I still have a full-time day job and a family with three children to help take care of!

Thanks to everyone who has supported and continues to help with my work, given me great ideas and feedback, and kept my spirits high through this epic journey!

 

 

 

FREE-EBOOK FEBRUARY…NOW MARCH! — Derek Barton – 2019

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FREE-BOOK FEBRUARY! was such a success (WHICH I TRULY THANK YOU) that I am extending it into March!

So far there have been over 430 books ordered in the last two days!!  That just blows me away!  THANK YOU AND ENJOY!!!

It was brought to my attention that one book, ELUDE PART ONE was unfortunately not able to be put on the “book sale” due to contract term dates.  Thus, it was only able to go on Kindle for “free” this Friday and Saturday.  That being said, along with the amount of interest, I am putting all the books again on a Free-Ebook Sale this Friday (3/1) and Saturday (3/2)!

All I ask is if you did enjoy any of the books, please put a book review on Amazon for me. It doesn’t have to be really elaborate or specific, but EVERY REVIEW HELPS and it signals other readers that this may be something they would like to read!

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!!