Illinois State Fairgrounds – Orr Building

Sunday, May 7

8am to 4pm

I gave this horror read 3 stars. It is actually set in an area close to where I grew up, which was really cool, and follows a couple different people through some difficult points in their lives. The way I interpreted the story is that there are many different breaking points that can be reached in a person, and this short story explores what can lead people to rage, mechanisms they may deploy to deal with rage, and ultimately how this emotion, bottled up or let out, can affect those around us. I found this on Netgalley and I believe it’s now published and available to everyone. Check it out if it sounds like something that may interest you.

The Wheaton Haunted Flea! (it’s SO BIG!!)

Saturday, October 29 from 3pm to Midnight.

Sue Rovens

  

     

   

And while I have your attention – the next event is Printers Row Lit Fest in Chicago on September 10! Keep an eyeball peeled for the details.

I WILL BE THERE ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 20TH FROM 10AM TO 7PM

A little under a month away!

Dark History & Horror Convention!

No rest for the weary!

I’ll be vendoring (is that a word? LOL) right here, in the hometown of Bloomington/Normal next Saturday at the Holiday Expo 2021. Need details? Here’s what they’ve posted from the Facebook Page:

THIS SATURDAY!!! I’ll have the books, the Toad bags, and the swag! COME ON BY!!!

AND…

PLUS!!!

Here is an interview I did recently! Check it out!

https://mhyden.blog/2021/09/10/author-interview-sue-rovens

The next book event on the books is: Dark History and Horror Convention!

Printers Row – Chicago!

Rage follows two different POV's - a suicidal and bullied middle aged man named Weston and his emotionally unstable therapist, Lindsay. This book is fast paced and highly disturbing. I had compassion for Weston even as he turned into the worse kind of antagonist because I can see he was misguided and held on to so much pain from his past. NOT saying what he did was acceptable or forgivable but I really felt bad for the guy. Lindsay had her own demons and I appreciated the way their lives intertwined. The twist at the end was intense. 

#Rage #NetGalley

RAGE, my new novel, is OUT! Amazon is working on setting up the official page, but you can purchase it NOW at this link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1733916326?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

       

Presenting… The Cover of RAGE!

(created by Tami Boyce)

Thank you Netgalley, BooksGoSocial, and Author Sue Rovens for this ARC.

WHOA! Just . . . Wow! Firstly, if you like to munch on snacks while reading . . . Don't! This is a no-food, appetite-stealing, stomach-churning book. Secondly, if you have a line drawn in the ghoulish/gruesome categories I strongly suggest you brace yourself--those lines will be crossed and then some. Lastly, I think most people understand (at least to an extent) that odd, even frowned-upon things happen in small towns--the lack of careful eyes watching and scrutinizing and all--but this story takes that idea to a whole other nightmarish level. If you don't have chills and nausea after reading this, there's something seriously wrong with you. 

Rovens graduated to one of my top five favorite horror authors within the first fifteen pages of this book. It was sooooo good. Normally that omniscient, God-like narrative simply doesn't work in modern day fiction but Rovens knocked it out of the park; I can't imagine the story being told in any other way. It added a light-heartedness, a sort of comic air to the grotesque nature of the tale. It also gave an interesting and fitting perspective to the cast of outlier characters. 

Excellent book! Go read it NOW!

I found this book in the Horror section on NetGalley, but I would not call it horror, to be honest I don’t really know what section it should be in. 

I like this book, more than I expected, it is well written and easy to read, and has a ‘Fargo’ feel to it, both the movie and the TV series, but not as violent, it was a bit ghoulish, but that is to be expected, and it also has a hint of murder mystery feel, but it also had a light mood.

I recommended this book for anyone looking for something quirky and creepy but not too gory.

I was interview by Books Go Social!

Here it is in its entirety:

Track 9, Buried, and In a Corner, Darkly: Volume 2 are NOW AVAILABLE at Bobzbay in Bloomington, Illinois! Get your signed copy today! ($12)  https://bobzbay.square.site/

And here’s the nice review:

Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2020

A little while ago, I was over at Tori Zigler’s blog with Noodle, one of my kitties, and we had an interview! I’ve posted it here and I’ll also post the link so you can poke around Tori’s great animal friendly site!!

http://ziglernews.blogspot.com/

In honor of Halloween and NaNoWriMo, Milner Dean Dallas Long sat down with our very own Stacks Manager Sue Rovens who is also an indie suspense author. Join us throughout the month of November as we highlight creative writing for National Novel Writing Month (aka NaNoWriMo): http://bit.ly/milnernanowrimo20.

It’s a dreary Monday morning here, but meeting new authors and anything involving books always brightens my day. Inspiration can come from just about anywhere and today’s author proves it. She based a character in her book on a person she saw on the TV show Hoarders – who kept used body pads from funeral homes in her trailer. Welcome Sue Rovens!

Would you rather sleep in a coffin for one night or spend the night in a haunted house?

Hmm. I think I’m going to have to go with the haunted house. I’d curl up somewhere and basically just hide until morning. There’s something unsettling about being IN a coffin – not just because of the lack of space to move around, but the sense that I don’t belong in one (at this time). It’s almost like tempting fate.

Has a movie or book scared you so much you couldn’t sleep?  Which one?

No book has ever scared me to that extent, but movies are quite different. The visual and auditory components tend to stick with me after the story is over. The Shining was one – had to sleep with the lights on for a few weeks. (I saw it when it first came out – 1980, I believe). The images of all the dead people in the hotel, the scene where Jack and the Waiter are in the bathroom, Wendy’s run through the hotel at the end and seeing bizarre flashes of weirdness – I had trouble with those images.

Would you rather use a Ouija board or participate in a séance?

Neither? LOL. I’m of a mind where I think these things are evil, but if I had to pick one, probably the séance. Even though I have researched  and written an article on the history of the Ouija board and know that it was created to be a parlor game for entertainment, there’s something in the back of my mind telling me that it can invite evil into one’s life. I know – it’s illogical, but that’s my take on it.

What was the hardest part of writing your author bio?

Trying to come up with things that I haven’t said or used before. Since I’m not famous and pretty much live a normal life, coming up with an interesting blurb can be challenging. I’ve had a fairly consistent run with producing a book every two years since 2012/2013, so those in-between years can feel a little “lacking”.

Which comes first for you – plot or characters?

Depends.

For my last book, Buried, I knew I wanted to write a story about a hoarder after seeing the television show Hoarders. The person on the show ACTUALLY kept used body pads from funeral homes in her trailer. After seeing that, I was like, here we go – this behavior needs to be included in a story.

For my current manuscript, Rage, I had envisioned a character – a pathetic, depressed, and desperate guy who is on the edge of sanity. Once I figured him out, I knew I needed to wrap a story and plotline around him.

What are you working on now?

Rage, my fourth novel. As stated above, one of the main plotlines follows Weston Cross, a guy who is at the end of his rope on a number of levels. It’s a suspense story to be sure. I don’t want to give too much away since I’ve not completed the revisions on the manuscript yet, but anyone who likes a “real story” that pushes boundaries would enjoy this one. And by “real story” – I mean that there aren’t any supernatural elements (like there was in Track 9 and Badfish). So the general feel is more like Buried, but darker.

Priscilla Wyatt is a single, middle-aged nursing assistant who lives behind Sommerville Funeral Home. When her dachshund, Weenie, returns home with a ghastly find, Pris’s life starts to spiral out of control, plummeting her headfirst into the macabre.

Gerald Zenith, proprietor of Sommerville, couldn’t care less about the dead. Between running scams and keeping a necrophilia-loving subordinate in check, Gerald’s hands are full. He hasn’t the time nor the interest to be concerned with what is happening in the cemetery during the wee hours of the mornings…until all hell breaks loose.

Some secrets are too big to stay buried.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/Sue-Rovens/e/B009PCPQUS/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 https://www.amazon.com/Buried-Sue-Rovens/dp/173391630X

Author Bio

Sue is an indie suspense author who lives in Normal, Illinois. Currently, she

has three novels and two collections of short (horror) stories available through all the usual book outlets.

She runs a blog, where, among other things, she interviews authors of all genres. If you are so inclined, please send her an email at srovens@yahoo.com. She’d love to have you participate in the Meet & Greet. Authors of ALL genres and professional levels are welcome.

Sue works at Illinois State University as the Stacks Maintenance Manager and has haunted the halls of Milner Library for over 29 years. She lives with her husband, Charlie Edwards, and two very silly, adorable kitties, Monkey and Noodle. When not working or writing, she’s running, lifting weights, learning to play French horn, watching odd movies and television series, or gazing at the monarch butterflies enjoying the four-foot milkweeds in the yard.

She is working on her next suspense novel, Rage, and plans to have it available sometime in 2021.

Social Media

https://suerovens.com

A nice, new, juicy review for my FIRST book, In a Corner, Darkly: Volume 1: (on Amazon – 4 Stars)

Just finished BURIED by Sue Rovens, and it’s terrific. Sue’s latest novel is a twisted tale that never fails to entertain. Great storytelling, interesting characters, well written. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a quirky, creepy read written with humor and style.

 

 

Book Review: Buried

Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 7:21PM

Buried. Sue Rovens. Plump Toad Press, April 21, 2019, Trade Paperback and E-book, 211 pages.

Reviewed by Susan Gaspar.

Buried is a gripping story that solidly straddles the genres of suspense and psychological horror. Make no bones about it: this book contains graphic, explicit details that both repulse and fascinate the reader. I was hooked from the first dark images that Chapter 1 conjured up in my mind’s eye.

Ms. Rovens has a knack for creating a palpable atmosphere, and Buried leads you slowly and purposefully around the small town of Foote, Indiana, with the bulk of the creepy action centering on the Sommerville Funeral Home. That is not to say that the other locales in the story are comforting or upbeat. Almost every house, business, and plot of land in Buried has an unsettling history or vile underbelly. Within a paragraph or two of each new location or development, the author pulls the reader into a disturbing situation or upsetting circumstances.

The chapters are short and move quickly, but the characters are introduced slowly—one or two at a turn, with a bit more detail each time—which serves to build and ferment the tale. The reader gradually paints a picture of each person and invests more energy into who they are, what they want, and how much we like them. I didn’t find myself personally identifying with any of the characters so much as being voyeuristically interested in their lives—past and present. And as one would expect, it seems most of them have deep, dark secrets. Little by little, chapter by chapter, we learn some nasty tidbits about the inhabitants of this tiny Midwestern town.

This purposeful pacing is highly effective. I found myself captivated and reeled in, and then found myself completely hooked as the action ramped up. I stared at certain paragraphs open-mouthed as heinous behaviors or stomach-turning activities were revealed. Readers will find themselves attempting to understand the deep psychological illnesses or strange idiosyncrasies that drive each character as the inner thoughts and workings of their minds reveal uncontrollable urges and hidden agendas.

Different aspects of human nature are represented in each individual, yet one thing ties these characters together: they all want what they want for reasons they don’t truly comprehend. It’s as though their understanding of themselves is as deeply buried as their secrets. But eventually, those desires and secrets are unearthed, and the ripple effect is devastating to all involved.

What sort of secrets and desires are we talking about here? Well, they cannot adequately be summed up with words like “lust,” “greed,” and “obsession.” For example, the seemingly innocent but messy stockpiling and hoarding of tchotchkes becomes truly grotesque when the hoarded items become partially decomposed human remains. And what begins as a brief flirtation turns deadly when emotional manipulation and sexual addiction take hold. Finally, what might be viewed as basic white-collar crime and unsavory sexual habits turn out to be profound moral and ethical corruption and full-blown necrophilia. Buried is not a book for the faint of heart or the easily nauseated. I could not put it down.

The climax of Buried is a jaw-dropping moment, and how the characters—those who are left standing—reconcile their actions and cope with their undoing is by no means a happy ending. After such foul revelations, the best hope is for a semblance of peace, and several of the characters do find some, in their own off-kilter way. There is no neat bow to wrap up this story, but rather a smoothing over of desecrated grounds followed by a quiet, unnerving regret that is left to take root in the previously disturbed soil.

Coming to a KINDLE near you!!

 ONLY $2.99

Stay tuned – it’s only days away!!

Buried got a new review on Amazon! Thank you!!

Saturday, March 7!

Let’s go BACK in time to…

SAVE THE DATE!

 

 

 

 

#Sugar4SPICE #AuthorSpotlight – Sue Rovens

 

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Sue Rovens. I’m an indie suspense/horror author and blogger. Currently, I have 5 books – three of which are novels and two which are collections of short stories. Since I’m not at the point where I can do this for a living, I spend my days at Illinois State University (Milner Library) working as a Stacks Maintenance Manager. I’ve been with ISU for over 28 years.

Where is your favorite place to write and what food must be present?

Home, in the den. I don’t need any food (maybe an iced tea). When I’m writing, I try to limit all distractions, and that includes eating.

What are you favorite things about attending signings?

I know the answer is supposed to be meeting all the people, and that IS a great thing about signings. But I think my favorite thing is the anticipation of the event – what the whole day will be like and how the overall feel will be. Every signing I’ve attended has had it’s own distinct ebbs and flows. I find that pretty compelling.

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Unfortunately, the author I wanted to meet has passed. I was able to connect with him in some fashion through email and a message board on his website when he was alive. Jack Ketchum (Dallas Mayr was his real name) was gracious enough to consent to be part of my Meet & Greet, a section on my blog where I interview authors. The Meet & Greet was his last public interview before he died in January 2018.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

There are too many to call “one” a particular favorite. But, one of the best memories has been standing at my author’s table in the Barnes & Noble up in Rockford selling my books (this was early on when I only had one or two books out). It had always been a dream to be in a real bookstore selling something that I had written. That will always be a very special memory.

What are your social links?

https://suerovens.com

What are your buy links? (You can list individual or links to your Amazon/ibooks/Koko/etc Author Home Page.)

https://www.amazon.com/Sue-Rovens/e/B009PCPQUS%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

OR

my blog – https://suerovens.com

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November 4, 2019

What a month of weekends! Sold some books, met lots of groovy folks, experienced new venues, and discovered some Very Interesting places!

A couple things of note:

Here’s a picture from the Wheaton Haunted Fair:

Why yes, that IS an Underwood typewriter (1930) that I found on the web. I actually had it shipped to my house from another state! It’s been such an eye-catcher – mostly from kids who have never seen such a thing. It’s doesn’t officially work, but the keys move and the carriage goes back and forth. It’s pretty cool.

And here is an article written from an interview I did on WGLT regarding this past weekend’s Bloomington Public Library Author Fair:

The Bloomington Public Library will showcase central Illinois writers this weekend at its third annual Local Author Fair.

The event is part of National Novel Writing Month, when amateur writers—especially first-timers—are encouraged to write 50,000 words of a book during November.

The first book that Melissa Davis of Normal ever published was started during “NaNoWriMo.” It’s called “Land of the Shadows,” a paranormal fantasy.

“You can fly by the seat of your pants when you’re writing a National Novel Writing Month book, because you’re told not to think too hard, to write as fast as you can and go back and edit later,” said Davis. “That’s how I got started with book writing. But it’s been a lifetime journey.”

Sue Rovens’ three novels were all started during previous National Novel Writing Months. The writer from Normal uses the 50,000-word target to complete a book draft and then go back months later and edit.

Rovens, who also works at Illinois State University’s Milner Library, self-publishes her suspense books under the name Plump Toad Press. She likes the control of self-publishing.

“For me, and how I write my books, I don’t really want someone else telling me how to write it, how to finish it, how to create characters or change this scene. The stories I write, I work very hard, and they’re very personal stories,” she said.

But self-publishing requires a huge commitment to promotion and marketing. Rovens travels to events regularly, and she’ll be one of 23 featured authors at the Bloomington Public Library’s event from 2-4 p.m. Sunday. She also has a blog where she interviews other authors.

“Always be selling. Always. You never know who’s gonna buy it,” Rovens said.

Davis works with a publisher in Florida, called World Castle Publishing. She said a smaller, independent publisher like that is a good fit for her.

“There’s a lot more freedom with what you write,” she said.

When it comes to publishing, the writing is the easy part, Davis said. The editing process can be lengthy, not to mention the layout and production of a book.

“There’s a lot of pirating, especially with electronic books,” she said. “And it just makes me so mad, because they have no idea. It’s not like we just woke up and boom, we wrote a book. There’s so much more involved in it.”

The Local Author Fair is Sunday, Nov. 3, from 2-4 p.m. at Bloomington Public Library. All genres and reading levels are represented among the 23 McLean County authors.  The event is free and open to all with authors stationed throughout the library.

This is the actual link to the article and interview if you’d like to listen! Here!

And last, but CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, a BIG, JUICY THANK YOU TO CHARLIE EDWARDS (also known in the Flip Side section as The Quaker). He drove, he hoisted, he helped set up, he went and found candy when we realized we forgot it for the table, he took care of the banner, he watched my table when I took breaks, and much more. Thank you. I love you, my dear.

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October 28, 2019

And one more for the season (that I know of – I’m still kind of poking around to see if I can sneak another in before the year is up 🙂  )

Bloomington Public Library Author Fair: 2019

Bloomington Public Library
205 E. Olive St | Bloomington, IL 61701 | 309-828-6091

MEET LOCAL AUTHORS

Authors from McLean County will be stationed throughout Bloomington Public Library on Sunday, November 3 from 2-4pm. Stop by to speak with them about their books and the craft of writing. If you too are a writer, our featured writers will be able to provide tips about the publishing process. This event celebrates National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWrMo) although many genres of books will be represented at the fair. You can find more information about it on the online calendar.

Featured Authors

Pete Alteri

• Heyworth, IL
• Writing areas: Horror, Suspense, Short Stories
• Titles: Creation of Chaos Volume I
• The Dreadful Lives of Enoch Strange

Zighen Aym

• Bloomington, IL
• Writing areas: Contemporary Nonfiction: ethnic profiling
• Title: Still Moments

Kaitlin Bergfield

• Normal, IL
• Writing areas: Urban Fantasy
• Titles: Canine
  Canine: Awakenings

Dewhitt Bingham

• Bloomington, IL
• Writing areas: Nonfiction
• Titles: Hope Deferred Makes the Heart Sick
  Viola Liuzzo, A True Martyr

Bruce Boeck

• Normal, IL
• Writing areas: Plays

Allen Brokken

• Bloomington, IL
• Writing areas: Christian Fantasy
• Titles: Light of Mine

Melissa Davis

• Normal, IL
• Writing areas: Christian Nonfiction
• Titles: Call of the Phoenix: Destined Guardians Book 1
  Rise of the Winged Serpent: Destined Guardians Book 2
  Monsterjunkies: Through the Mortal Veil
  Primordial Code

Lauren Eckhardt

• Bloomington, IL
• Writing areas: Adult and Teen Fiction and Fantasy
• Titles: The Remedy Files
  The Last Look
  Enlightened: Evaline’s Journey
  Autumn’s Return

Michael Escoubas

• Bloomington, IL
• Writing areas: Poetry
• Titles: Monet in Poetry and Paint
  Steve Henderson in Poetry and Paint

Anthony Feinman

• Bloomington, IL
• Writing areas: Graphic Novel / Comics
• Titles: The Magic Press
  Blitz Howser
  Escape in a Dirigible

Phillip Foster & Gary Bussmann

• Bloomington, IL
• Writing areas: Nonfiction
• Titles: I’m Not Good Enough
  Parent with an Attitude

Alexander Germanis

• Bloomington, IL
• Writing areas: Science Fiction
• Titles: Monarchy’s Shadow

Tegan Giesel

• Normal, IL
• Writing areas: Fiction
• Titles: The Safe Place

Eva Goldschmidt Wyman

• Normal, IL
• Writing areas: Nonfiction & Poetry
• Titles: Escaping Hitler, A Jewish Haven in Chile
  Los poetas y el general / The Poets and the general
  Huyendo del infierno nazi

Courtney Goodwin

• Bloomington, IL
• Writing areas: Fantasy
• Titles: Heir of Ashes

Hal Graff

• Bloomington, IL
• Writing areas: Mystery
• Titles: Harold Gatewood Mysteries, a 26-volume series
  Davis Finn Mysteries, a 29-volume series

Kathleen Kirk

• Normal, IL
• Writing areas: Poetry
• Titles: Spiritual Midwifery
  The Towns
  ABCs of Women’s Work
  Interior Sculpture
  Nocturnes
  Selected Roles

Pamela Purnell

• Bloomington, IL
• Writing areas: Nonfiction & Poetry
• Titles: Uplifted
  The Reason Why I Dance
  Soul’s Worth
  Memories of
  You are a Tree to Me
  A, B, Sees of Empowerment for Women
  Praise Song Book of Medleys

Sue Rovens

• Normal, IL
• Writing areas: Suspense
• Titles: Buried
  Track 9
  Badfish
  In a Corner Darkly—Vols. 1 & 2

Kyle Schiebel

• Bloomington, IL
• Writing areas: Mystery
• Titles: Hawking’s Grove

Jim Tosh

• Normal, IL
• Writing areas: Poetry
• Titles: A Baby Boomer’s Book of Poems

Vicky VanDan-Pletsch

• Normal, IL
• Writing areas: Children’s
• Titles: Books Can Take You Anywhere

Ellie Wakeman

• Normal, IL
• Writing areas: Fiction
• Titles: Bella Gets Rescued

======================================================================

October 22, 2019

From their website:

Welcome to Peoria’s 1st Annual Bookfest – a celebration of all things bookish!

We will have over 10,000 sq ft of bookish delights ranging from local authors, literary crafters, artists, food trucks. We will also have a kids area with face painters, balloon artists, storytellers, storybook characters and activities!

All money raised goes to Book Rack Literacy Foundation, Inc. Book Rack Literacy Foundation, Inc., has committed to filling Peoria Public Schools District 150 K-8 classroom libraries with new books. There are 355 K-8 classrooms and we intend to put 60 news books in each!

==========================================================================

October 17, 2019

TWO DAYS AWAY!!

I will be here with Plump Toad Press Tote “Toad” Bags and all 5 books! This is a first for me, so I’m extra excited and nervous! LOL!

Wheaton Illinois Haunted Halloween Flea Market

Saturday October 19, 2019!
3pm to Midnight / $7 (admission) . Children 12 and under are free.
Free parking.

Costume Contest (Children & Adult Categories).  Building 5.  Times to be announced.

Held at the DuPage County Fairgrounds
2015 Manchester Rd, Wheaton, IL 60187

Call 715-526-9769 for info.

====================================================================

October 11, 2019

And this week, I’m over at Jonathan Pongratz! Check out the link here!

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October 3, 2019

I am over at Teri Polen’s (Linky Here!) Bad Moon Rising section of her blog. Each day in October, she posts interviews from authors who write suspense/horror/thrillers/etc.

Hop on over and take a look! She has a wonderful blog. 🙂

=============================================================================

September 30, 2019

A brand new review from Publisher’s Weekly!

And…it’s good!

Buried

Sue Rovens. Plump Toad, $12 mass market (224p) ISBN 978-1-7339163-0-1

Rovens’s unsettling story of unsavory crimes connected with a small-town funeral home is not for the squeamish. Gerald Zenith has run the Sommerville Funeral Home in Foote, Ind., for 14 years, aided by Bruce Sheffield, “a thirty-year-old mama’s boy who abided by the cliché of living in his mother’s basement.” Both men have abused their positions. Gerald, who keeps two sets of books, routinely digs up graves after burials and deposits the corpses in an unmarked hole so that he can recycle the coffins. Bruce sexually abuses the bodies of dead women brought to the funeral home. Meanwhile, extreme hoarder Priscilla Wyatt accumulates possessions that include body parts unearthed by her dog. Bruce’s mother, who writes cozy mysteries with religious-themed titles such as Stop: In the Name of Jesus, has a key role to play in the grotesque events leading to the dramatic denouement. This is a straightforward cautionary tale of how the two principals’ sins eventually catch up with them. Crime novel concepts don’t come much odder or creepier. (Self-published.)

 

Reviewed by Publishers Weekly on 10/11/2019

 

(Personal note – I wracked my brain and for the life of me, I’m not seeing what they saw as far as Bruce’s mother having a “key role” in things. But, that’s the fun of having differing points of view, I suppose. And no mention of Monika?)

====================================================================

September 25, 2019

First event of the Fall Season!

I will be at Duncan Manor for their Spirits of the Past: A Haunted History Tour

Here’s all the info from their Facebook Page:

Join us October 11th and 12th for our final weekend of haunted history tours. Community Players Theater will guide you through the manor in the year 1868 to give you a glimpse of the Duncan Family and their story.

There will be live music in the polebarn both evenings as well as Gill Street Eatz food truck, Sparky’s BBQ, cash bar, and haunted trails. Local suspense Novelist, Sue Rovens, will be here on October 12th only. She will be sharing excerpts from her latest release!

Tours take place every 15 minutes and we highly recommend purchasing your ticket in advance to guarantee your tour time. There is limited availability and we will not be doing this event again next year.

Not recommended for children under 10 years old.

Live Music:

Friday
October 11th: Marc Boon and Friends

Saturday
October 12th: Nicotine Poetic

If you want to check it out for yourself and go to their FB page, here is the link: Clicky Here!

As it states, I will be there ONLY on Saturday, October 12 from 6pm to 10pm. I don’t believe they are holding this event again (or perhaps taking some time off from doing it), so if you have NOT seen Duncan Manor yet and want to experience this Very Cool Event, do not delay any longer!

=====================================================================

September 18, 2019

Save the Date!!

Sunday, November 3 – Bloomington Public Library – Author Event

I’m not certain about the hours, although the last two times, it ran from 2pm to 4pm (or there about).

I’ll have NEW things (and all 5 books) – so come on by!

More info as I learn about it.

==========================================================================

September 1, 2019

How cool is THAT??

I’m in the list – pretty amazing and exciting! 🙂

I plan to have some Plump Toad Press stuff to sell, along with my books, of course. Kicking it up for this one, everybody! If you can, come on out on Saturday, October 19 for some fun 🙂

===========================================================================

August 12, 2019

It’s official!

I will be at the Wheaton Haunted Flea Market from 3pm to Midnight (yeah, whoa!) on Saturday, October 19. For more information, check out this link HERE!

Fresh from a Publisher’s Weekly starred review of her second novel, Track 9, which follows a couple trapped in a haunted train station in Germany, Sue was already fine-tuning her third book. Buried came out earlier this year from Plump Toad Press. Fans are already discovering the secrets behind this latest tome about a hoarder who lives next to a funeral home, as well as the necrophiliac who works there.

Sue also has two collections of short stories, one of which made a splash of its own. Her story “Coming Over” from In a Corner, Darkly: Volume One, was taken and adapted by the Southern Illinois University theater department and turned into a short film.

Last year, Sue branched out and created Tales of Terror: Live!—a multi-media event held at nightshop in Bloomington, Illinois. The three-hour spectacular featured speakers, podcasters, a music DJ, authors, and ghost hunters—entertaining a full-capacity crowd for the Halloween season. Tales of Terror: Live 2! is coming again in 2020.

Sue, who is a current member of The Chicago Writers Association and The Alliance for Independent Authors (ALLi), has written for (the now defunct) e-zines, Machinations into Madness and The Grim Seer Society. She has also been a contributing author on Golden Linings II: More Tiny Tales about Pets, for Pets, which is due out this month (July 2019) and wrote the article “Planning for a Successful Book Fair” for ALLi.

Aside from working full time at Illinois State University, Sue has had the opportunity to showcase her books throughout the Midwest. Some of her key appearances include:

Printer’s Row Lit Fest   Chicago, Illinois

Barnes & Noble, Rockford, Illinois

ChambanaCon, Normal, Illinois

Princeton Public Library

Duncan Manor Blues Bender, Towanda, Illinois

Bloomington Public Library Author Fest, Bloomington, Illinois

Cogs & Corsets: A Steampunk Happening, Bloomington, Illinois

Spirits of the Past: A Haunted History Tour

The Book Nook   Peoria, Illinois

Barrington Area Public Library   Barrington, Illinois

Sue hosts a blog where you can purchase all her books, read interviews from over 110 authors from several different genres, and discover some other artists in the entertainment field. Visit https://suerovens.com to learn more.

She will have all five of her books available for purchase (as well as some fun and fantastic Plump Toad Press items!) during the Halloween Flea Market.

 

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August 5, 2019

It’s never too early to mention the Bloomington Public Library Author Fair!

Sunday, November 3 – from 2pm – 4pm. Save the date! I hope to have some NEW SWAG (some to purchase too!) from my own “publishing house” Plump Toad Press!

Keep an eyeball peeled for more info on that.

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July 20, 2019

Yep, it’s been a while. With moving (and still trying to sell the house), there hasn’t been much time for book events, signings, or anything of that ilk.

However, I’ve got an eyeball toward fall and all that THAT entails.

One event that’s new for me and that I’ll be attending in October is the:

Wheaton Illinois Haunted Halloween Flea Market

Saturday October 19, 2019
3pm to Midnight / $7 (admission)

Children 12 and under are free.
Free parking.

DuPage County Fairgrounds
2015 Manchester Rd, Wheaton, IL 60187

Linky Here!

It looks to be fun and festive. As I mentioned, it will be a first for me, so I’ve got a few NEW things in mind. Keep an eyeball peeled to this events section to see what’s going to be happening as the date gets closer.

I’ll also be on the lookout for a few more fall/Halloween opportunities to get the books out. If you know of anything in Illinois, let me know.

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June 21, 2019

Even though we are in the thick of moving this week, we are having a MASSIVE garage sale tomorrow, Saturday, June 22.

Why would I mention that here? Because among the thousands of other things for sale, I WILL have all 5 books available for purchase as well. So, think of this as yet another opportunity to pick up 1, 2, or even all 5 for only $10 instead of Amazon’s $12 price. (plus, I can sign them and give you swag!)  🙂

Want to stop by? Hit me up with an email at srovens@yahoo.com and I’ll fill you in on the address and details!

Thanks~!

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June 10, 2019

The Cogs and Corsets Steampunk Festival was an exciting time! A bit of back and forth (being outside, then inside, then out again, and finally in) because of the darn wind was a bit of a challenge, but overall, it was a great time.

Thanks to those of you who stopped by and nabbed a book (or all five in one case!). I hope you found the festival to be a very cool and fun experience. Depending on how Printer’s Row falls next year, I might do Steampunk again (if they’ll have me). 🙂

Nothing else is on the immediate horizon (event-wise) which is a good thing. We are moving in 7 days so I really need to focus and be all-in on that.

But! Stay tuned because I am hoping to participate in a few author interviews over the next month or two.

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June 4, 2019

COME SEE ME AND BUY BOOKS! 🙂

The Cogs & Corsets festival takes place throughout six square blocks of historic Downtown Bloomington. This area is home to over 90 shops, galleries, and restaurants… many in historic buildings with ties to Abraham Lincoln. The galleries will be featuring local artists’ new work and even hosting visiting artists whose pieces exude that Steampunk vibe. The Museum of History will be the site of history presentations and our Tea Room, and for 2019 the gorgeous historic Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts will be part of the action. While the planning for 2019 is still in progress, we do know we’ll have the entertainment, tours, contests, workshops (and of course, tea!) that you’ve come to enjoy. All indicators are that 2019 will be even bigger and more exciting… we can’t wait to see you here!

FRIDAY, JUNE 7 – 5PM – 8PM

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 – 9AM – 6PM

SUNDAY, JUNE 9 – 9AM – 2PM

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May 31, 2019

RAIN OR SHINE!

And did I mention I DO take Credit Cards? 🙂

Cogs & Corsets: A Steampunk Happening!

I’ll be stationed at Table #21!

The event starts Friday, June 7th in Bloomington, Illinois and there are TONS of things happening that weekend:

Steampunk Festival!

Farmer’s Market!

Special Olympics Summer Games

Miller Park Zoo’s Birthday!

WGLT Summer Concert!

So, come on out, swing by, say hi, pick up a book (or 2 or 3…) and have a great weekend.

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May 17, 2019

It’s coming!

Steampunk!

Twenty-one days to be exact. Even if “Steampunk” isn’t your bag, this event promises to be a fun, frolicsome time. Kids? Bring ’em. Date day/night? Perfect. There really is something for everyone over the course of the 3-day happening. Check out ALL the info:

HERE!

And for those who have NOT bought their very own copies of Buried or any of the other books in my repertoire…

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May 12, 2019

I recently wrote an article for ALLi (Alliance for Independent Authors) of which I am a current member. It’s my take on doing book/author fairs:

Linky Here!

What’s ALLi?

The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), the global non-profit association for writers who self-publish. Part of ALLi’s remit is to take our self-publishing education and advice out to the wider indie author and publishing community.

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May 6, 2019

Duncan Manor Derby Days was great! A BIG shout out to Randi and David (and Arlow) for letting me come and sell my wares at their amazing homestead. If you’ve never been, you should make the trek at some point. The house (and the owners) are terrific.

You know what’s next, right?

Yep.

Steampunk!

Instead of heading up north to Chicago for Printer’s Row, I’ll be sticking around here (Bloomington/Normal) and taking part in Cogs and Corsets: A Steampunk Happening.

It’s taking place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (June 7, 8, and 9). If you are anywhere near central Illinois, it’s a definite happening and something you don’t want to miss. Even if you aren’t steeped in the Steampunk way of life (I’m not), it’s a fun weekend. Poke around on the above website to find out about all kinds of groovy things going on.

Keep an eyeball peeled for more info!

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April 29, 2019

Days away from Duncan Manor!

As mentioned in the last post, I’ll be here selling my wares on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 from 10am to 4pm. I also plan to do 2 readings from the NEW BOOK, BURIED!

And….if Amazon’s email remains true…

I WILL HAVE COPIES OF BURIED FOR SALE!!

How cool is that?

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April 25, 2019

On the move!

THIS Sunday, April 28, from Noon to 4pm, I’ll be at J. Jill in The Shoppes at College Hills (Normal, Illinois). I’ll have my wares (not Buried yet, sorry – I ordered a bunch of them, so as soon as I get them, you’ll be the first to know!) and I hear that there will be cookies 🙂

I am also donating 10% of ALL book sales from this event to Dress for Success (Linky Here), which is J. Jill’s program of choice.

And then…

On Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, I will be at Duncan Manor Derby Days from 10am to 4pm. Here is the link for all the info: Right Here!

Derby Days is a Kentucky Derby inspired garden party and vendor open house. This fundraiser will be open to the public. Guests are invited to spend the afternoon at the manor enjoying live music, a cash bar, food vendors, local businesses, artisans, handmade and vintage goods, silent auction, lawn games, a hat contest and more!

Date/Time

Saturday, May 4, 2019 – Sunday, May 5, 2019
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cost: $15 a person or $10 a person with groups of 4 or more. Children 10 and under are FREE.

Location

Duncan Manor 1002 Towanda Barnes Road Towanda Illinois 61776 309-340-4491
https://www.facebook.com/events/2066161543479918/

So, LOTS coming up! I MIGHT have Buried at Derby Days – Keep an eyeball peeled because if I get them, I will surely post it here! 🙂

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April 22, 2019

A little earlier than expected…

It’s ALIVE!! (Kindle coming soon)

ORDER NOW!

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April 18, 2019

Drumroll, please…

The OFFICIAL COVER of my third novel, Buried.

(coming in May 2019)

(cover by Tami Boyce)

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April 8, 2019

Meet the Author: Sue Rovens

 @ J. Jill

The Shoppes at College Hills, Normal, Illinois

Sunday, April 28

Noon – 4pm

Sue Rovens is a local suspense author who resides in Normal, Illinois, and works at Illinois State University. Her novel, Track 9, received a starred review in Publisher’s Weekly (May, 2018), and her short story, “Coming Over” from In a Corner, Darkly: Volume One was made into a short film by Southern Illinois University’s Theater Department.

Her newest book, Buried, will be out in late Spring of this year.

She has appeared at such events/places as Duncan Manor in Towanda, Steampunk Festival in Bloomington, Printers Row Lit Fest in Chicago, and Barnes & Noble in Rockford, and the Author Festival at Barrington Area Public Library in Barrington, Illinois.

She was also the creator of Tale of Terror Live at nightshop in Bloomington this past October which was featured in The Pantagraph.

Sue will be donating 10% of all book sales during this event to Dress For Success through J. Jill.

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April 3, 2019

Linky Here

I will be at the Barrington Area Public Library THIS Sunday, April 7 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. (not sure why my name isn’t on the list…BUT, they have a table ready for me!)

So, if you are in the area, come on out, say hi, and take some time to check out ALL the authors who will be there. This is my first time at this particular event, so I’ll try to get some pictures of the event.

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March 25, 2019

It might only be March, but things are happening!

This June, I’ll be back at the Steampunk Happening in Bloomington, Illinois on June 7, 8, and 9. It’s an incredible and well-organized event that takes place in the downtown area. Lots to see and do.

Here’s just a tidbit on the vendors who will be there: (more to come, I’m sure)

https://www.cogsandcorsetsil.com/activities/vendors/

Sue Rovens

Suspense/Horror Author

Local author Sue Rovens picks up where the likes of Bierce, Poe, and Shelley leave off. Her novels and short stories add swaths of suspense, horror, and a bit of strangeness to the Steampunk Weekend. She will be on hand to sign her books and would love for you to stop by her booth and learn more.

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March 17, 2019

So, Charlie and I just bought a house! That’s why there’s a bit of a lull around here. But, rest assured that things are still moving forward!

Sunday, April 7 – Barrington Area Public Library Author Fair from 1:30 – 4:30pm.

Sunday, April 28 – Author Meet & Greet at J. Jill in Normal, Illinois

And Buried is finished. The lady doing the interior and cover and I have been conversing (over email), and the process is underway!

Keep an eyeball peeled for more on that.

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March 8, 2019

A new opportunity!

I will be at the Barrington Area Library’s Author Fair! Here is the information that I have so far. Keep an eyeball peeled for more information as it gets closer.

Event Type: Adult Program
Date: 4/7/2019
Start Time: 1:30 PM
End Time: 4:30 PM

Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Hwy, Barrington, IL
Location: Meeting Room

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February 28, 2019

What does a women’s clothing store and local authors have in common?

Come and Find out!

Save the Date! Sunday, April 28 from 12pm – 4pm, I’ll be at the local J. Jill store (Shoppes at College Hills) at 303 Veterans Pkwy, Normal, IL 61761.

More info to come!

Linky to J. Jill

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February 22, 2019

I was interviewed by Fiona Cooke Hogan! 🙂 Thank you so much, Fiona!

Check out the entire article Here!

February 22, 2019

Welcome to our last Friday of Women in Horror Month 2019. It’s been a short, dark month but we’ve done our best to make your days that little bit brighter by showcasing the work of so many talented authors of dark fiction. Today, I’m delighted to be shining the spotlight on author of horror and suspense tales, Sue Rovens.

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February 13, 2019

Keep Sunday, April 28th open (if you are local). I am trying to coordinate a book signing/author meet and greet in a VERY unconventional place in town.

Stay tuned for details!

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February 2, 2019

It’s Women in Horror Month!

Celebrate ALL women who write horror, suspense, mysteries, thrillers, dark fiction, and gore.

Anyone out there up for an interview on the Meet & Greet? Let me know now!! I’ll do some special featured interviews for those of you who respond. (or if you know of anyone who would like to do it – that’s cool too. Just email me! – srovens@yahoo.com and mention WIHM or LOHF (Ladies of Horror Fiction).

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January 9, 2019

It’s like a gift that keeps on giving!!

I am on this list!!

We look back at the very best books from the past 12 months.

Of the many BookLife titles reviewed by Publishers Weekly this year, these books—all of which received starred reviews—were the best of the best.

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December 30, 2018

Happy Holidays and ALMOST New Year!

I think I’ve had enough “chill time” so it’s back to work – not just on my next book, Buried, but on trying to line up some author events for the coming year!

I’ve got my first one in the can, so to speak. It’s not until June, but I’m already pretty excited because I’m pretty sure by then, I’ll have my NEW BOOK out!

I will be a vendor at the Steampunk Festival, selling my books in Bloomington! I believe it runs for three days – well, one evening and then the two weekend days – on June 7, 8, and 9. Obviously, as it gets closer, I’ll have more details, so keep checking back for the scoop on that one and hopefully, more to come!

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December 19, 2018

Are you shopping for the holidays? Do you need a little “something-something” for a stocking? A Secret Santa? A present exchange?

My books can be found at the following locations (besides Amazon, B&N online, etc)

Quimby’s Bookstore in Chicago – Linky Here

The Book Nook in Peoria – Linky Here

All my books are the same price – $12.

If you are local (Bloomington-Normal) and would like to purchase them, I will gladly sign your copy and only charge you $10! Just shoot me an email – srovens@yahoo.com.

Thanks!

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December 6, 2018

Buried is done!

Novel #3 has been completed!

Now, the finalization begins…well, in January.

Next month, I go through it, checking once again for the commas, periods, quotations, etc. The story, the plot, the characters, the rewrites – all the heavy lifting is finished.

Time for a breather.

But…

Buried is coming! 2019!!!

Yay! 🙂

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November 27, 2018

Well, this feels like a good time to remind, beg, ask, plead, and cajole you folks out there in internet-land…

If you have read ANY of my books, could you please find a moment or two to put a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or any social media outlet you use?

It doesn’t have  to be long. It doesn’t have to be specific. Even a sentence or two means a LOT. I’m not asking for 5 stars (unless you truly feel it/they deserve it). Just be honest.

The main thing is to do it. Lots of folks say they will, but few really do. Please, be the standout.

Thanks –

Sue

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November 19, 2018

Apparently, you can buy my books in Japan.

Cool.

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November 9, 2018

NEXT WEEKEND! Saturday, November 17th from 2pm – 4pm, Bloomington Public Library is doing it again. Here is the list of authors who will be there selling their wares:

Featured Authors

Webster, Mandy

• McLean, IL
• Writing areas: Fiction
• Titles: Valley of the Bees
  F-ing Freddy Fisher

Weber, Robert

• Bloomington, IL
• stgenepress.com
• Writing areas: stgenepress.com
• Titles: The Essence of Perfection

Schickedanz, Peg

• Bloomington, IL
• Writing areas: Children’s Poetry
• Titles: Animal Poets

Rovens, Sue

• Normal, IL
• suerovens.com
• Writing area: Suspense, Short Stories
• Title: Badfish
  Track 9
  In a Corner, Darkly: Vols. 1 & 2

Purnell, Pamela

• Bloomington, IL
• ppurnell.com
• Writing area: Poetry, Self-care
• Title: The Reason Why I Dance
  Memories of Soul’s Worth
  Uplifted
  You are a Tree to Me
  The I AM Journey (CD)

Malone, Dawn

• Chenoa, IL
• dawnmalone.blogspot.com
• Writing areas: Adult and Teen Romance
• Title: Love Like Water
  Love Like Fire
  The Upside of Down
  Bingo Summer

Lentz, Bonnie Kae

• Normal, IL
• bonniekaelentz.blogspot.com
• Writing areas: Nonfiction, Local Interest
• Titles: Tattooed by Jesus
  Stories from the Jesus House

LaRosa, Irving

• Bloomington, IL
• Writing areas: Horror
• Title: The Committee – US Abattoir I

Kirk, Kathleen

• Normal, IL
• kathleenkirkpoetry.blogspot.com
• Writing areas: Poetry
• Titles: The Towns
  ABCs of Women’s Work
  Spiritual Midwifery

Kerrigan, Hannah

• Bloomington, IL
• Writing area: : Nonfiction, Photography
• Titles: Honduras: A Call for Compassion

Jarvis, Zeke

• Normal, IL
• zekedotjarvis.wordpress.com
• Writing areas: Short Stories
• Titles: In a Family Way
  So Anything…
  Lifelong Learning

Hutchison, William

• Normal, IL
• Book available at Barnes & Noble website
• Writing areas: Poetry, Short Stories
• Titles: Ageless Dance: Nature and Romance in 3 Chords

Graff, Hal

• Bloomington, IL
• www.amazon.com/Hal-Graff/e/B0727TJF4F
• Writing areas: Mystery
• Title: Harold Gatewood Mysteries, a 26-volume series
  Davis Finn Mysteries, a 9-volume series

Feinman, Ahthony

• Bloomington, IL
• www.ifcomics.com
• Writing areas: Comics, Graphic Novels, Short Stories
• Titles: The Magic Press and Other Critter Stories
  Blitz Hauser: the Lust Straps
  Escape on a Diragible
  Superlative Tales

Elder, Eric

• Chenoa, IL
• www.inspiringbooks.com
• Writing areas: Inspirational & Christian Nonfiction
• Titles: St. Nicholas: the Believer
  Israel: Lessons from the Holy Land
  Making the Most of the Darkness
  Loving God and Loving Gays: What’s a Christian to Do?

Davis, Missy

• Normal, IL
• www.worldcastlechildrensclassics.com/melissa-davis
• Writing Areas: Children’s Fiction, Teen Fantasy and Paranormal
• Titles: Call of the Phoenix
  Haunted Echoes
  Shattered Dreams
  Thunder: An Elephant’s Journey
  Rocket Hound
  Aurora

Croom, Janice

• Bloomington, IL
• janicecroom.com
• Writing Areas: Mystery, Romantic Comedy
• Titles: Death of an Idiot Boss
  The One: A Holiday with Love

Busse, Morgan

• Bloomington, IL
• www.morganlbusse.com
• Writing Areas: Magical Realism, Steampunk
• Titles: Follower of the Word trilogy
  The Soul Chronicles dualogy
  Mark of the Raven

Bingham, Dewhitt

• Bloomington, IL
• www.createspace.com/Preview/1210694
• Writing areas: Nonfiction
• Titles: Hope Deferred makes the Heart Sick
  Viola Liuzzo: A True Martyr

Bergfield, Kaitlin

• Normal, IL
• kaitlinbergfield.blogspot.com
• Writing areas: Urban Fantasy
• Canine
  Canine: Awakenings

Altieri, Pete

• Heyworth, IL
• www.PeteAltieri.com
• Writing areas: Horror, Suspense, Short Stories
• Canine
  Canine: Creation of Chaos Volume I
  The Dreadful Lives of Enoch Strange

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November 1, 2018

To kick off Nano (National Novel Writing Month), Bloomington Public Library is once again having a Meet the Local Author afternoon! Here is the link: Click Here!

Enjoy the Library’s 2nd Annual Local Authors Fair on Saturday, November 17. Meet, talk with, and learn from local authors from McLean County, Illinois. A variety of genres and reading ages are included in this drop-in book fair. Authors will sign their books and will have copies for sale. We’ll gather from 2-4pm throughout the Bloomington Public Library.

So – if you’ve missed the earlier opportunities to pick up Badfish, Track 9, or In a Corner, Darkly (volumes 1 and 2), you’ve got one more chance this month!

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October 26, 2018

Photos from Tales of Terror: Live!

(event at nightshop on Thursday, October 25)

(Sylvia Shults)

(Bryan Wolford & Tony Wash – filmmakers and podcasters)

(Charlie Edwards – The Quaker Goes Deaf)

( Pete Altieri and Chris Shawback – Murder, Metal, Mayhem podcasters)

(Troy Taylor)

Thanks to EVERYONE who came out, to nightshop, to Chris G., and to all the folks who helped make this happen! It was a great night!

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October 21, 2018

TALES OF TERROR: LIVE!

Featuring:

Murder, Metal, Mayhem – Podcast

Murder Metal Mayhem is a weekly true crime, heavy metal and general mayhem podcast. Co-hosted by Pete Altieri, horror/suspense author and Chris Shawback, supporter of local metal. Check them out! https://player.fm/series/murder-metal-mayhem-2286601

Horror/Suspense Local Author, Sue Rovens –

Organizer of Tales of Terror: Live, Sue is a local indie horror/suspense author and blogger. She has appeared at Chicago Printers Row Lit Fest, Chambana-Con, the Bloomington Public Library Author Fair, and the Steampunk Festival, among other venues. She is a member of The Chicago Writers Association and plans to have her third novel out in 2019. You can find out more information about Sue, her books, and lots more at suerovens.com

Troy Taylor – Author and Speaker

Troy Taylor is the author of 125 books on ghosts, hauntings, true crime and the unexplained in American history. He is also the owner of American Hauntings Tours and Events. He was born and raised in Central Illinois and created downstate’s first ghost tour in 1994. Currently, he has tours in Illinois cities like Chicago, Alton, Decatur, Carlinville, and Jacksonville, along with the American Hauntings Tours, which travel all over the country for overnight stays in haunted places. In 1997, he launched the Haunted America Conference — the first ghost conference in the United States — and will hold the 23rd annual event in Alton, Illinois, in June 2019.

Along with writing about the macabre and hosting tours, Taylor is also a public speaker on the subject of ghosts and hauntings. He has appeared in scores of newspaper and magazine articles about the subject and in hundreds of radio and television broadcasts about the supernatural. Troy has appeared in documentary productions for TLC, The History Channel, A & E, Discovery Channel, PBS, CMT, Travel Channel, Investigation Discovery and in various network programs and syndicated news shows. He has appeared in one feature film about the paranormal and one of his books is currently being adapted for film by a major studio.

His latest book, SUFFER THE CHILDREN, was released in September 2018.

Tony Cade – Local Artist (Illustrations for Sale)

Hailing from our own twin cities, Tony has been part of the local art scene for over twenty-five years. His illustrations range from hauntingly beautiful to frighteningly macabre. His work has appeared at The Grey Dove Gallery & Wings Studio in Downtown Bloomington.

Music provided by The Quaker Goes Deaf –

Charlie Quaker has operated a Chicago record store, written music review columns, DJ’d events and hosts a radio show—all known as “THE QUAKER GOES DEAF”. Although his show has been broadcasting since the invention of the radio, The Quaker is a zealous explorer of new & obscure “ROCK” music. He also knows a lot about chickens and it’s said that he is “mid-level famous”, though this has yet to be substantiated. Check out the tumblr site:
http://thequakergoesdeaf.tumblr.com/

Sylvia Shults – Author/Paranormal Investigator

Sylvia Shults is the author of 44 Years in Darkness, Fractured Spirits: Hauntings at the Peoria State Hospital, and other books of true ghost stories. She has spent the past twenty years working in a library, slowly smuggling words out in her pockets day by day to build a book of her own. She sits in dark, spooky, haunted places so you don’t have to. She lives a short, ten-minute motorcycle ride away from the haunted asylum that features in so many of her books. She considers it the highest privilege to share the incredible, compassionate history of the Peoria State Hospital.

After battling an intense, lifelong fear of the dark, Sylvia decided to become a ghost hunter. (What WAS she thinking?) As a paranormal investigator, she has made many media appearances, including a tiny part in the Ghost Hunters episode “Prescription for Fear”, about the Peoria State Hospital.

Sylvia loves hearing from her readers, especially when they have spooky stories of their own to share with her. She can be found at www.sylviashults.wordpress.com, and on Facebook at the pages for Fractured Spirits and Ghosts of the Illinois River.

Bryan Wolford – Author & Filmmaker

Bryan Wolford is a horror author, filmmaker, and long time podcaster. Currently you can hear him on The Midnight Drive-In talking about horror, cult, and exploitation films.

Tony Wash – Filmmaker

Tony Wash is a Illinois-based producer/director with four
features credits and multiple festival awards to date. Wash’s
short film The Muck was an Official Selection of SXSW
(2014) as well as the Chicago International Film Festival
(2014) and Screamfest (2014). His newest works include
the horror feature The Rake starring Shenae Grimes-
Beech, Rachel Melvin, and Izabella Miko (released by
Sony in June 2018), the grindhouse feature High on the Hog starring Sid Haig, and most recently the horror/comedy feature
Skeletons in the Closet starring indie scream queen Ellie Church.
For more info, visit: scotchworthy.com

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October 16, 2018

I will be at Duncan Manor again THIS WEEKEND! (Friday and Saturday, October 18 and 19 from 6pm to about 10pm). For details, check the entry below – October 11th (yep, down there).

BUT, I wanted to let you know about ANOTHER event coming up soon!

The Book Nook in Peoria will be hosting a Local Author Event on Saturday, October 27 from 11am to 2pm. (Here is their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/TheBookNookPeoria)

So, if you don’t make it to Duncan Manor, head on over to Peoria, Illinois to meet a bunch of groovy authors!

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October 11, 2018

THIS WEEKEND…

Step back in time at Towanda Meadows and learn more about the man be behind the manor. We are partnering with Community Players Theatre to take you on a haunted history tour of Duncan Manor back in 1868, when William Duncan and his family were just settling into life on the prairie.

This is a two weekend event. Tours will take place October 12th, 13th, 19th, and 20th.

The tours are limited to groups of 8 people every 15 minutes, so be sure to guarantee your spot by making a reservation online at a discounted rate!

In addition to the haunted history tour, there will be live music in the barn, a haunted hayfield, cash bar and food vendors!

Visit our website to get your $25 all access reservation which will include access to the property and outdoor activities as well as a guaranteed haunted history tour of the manor.

Day of the event:
$5 entry fee at the gate grants you access to the live music and haunted hayfield.
$25 haunted history tour…if spots are still available.

These tours are not recommended for children under 10.

Live music in the barn from 7pm-10pm:
Friday Oct. 12th: She Said So
Saturday Oct. 13th: Illinois Central Conductors
Friday Oct. 19th: Nicotine Poetic
Saturday Oct. 20th: Marc Boon and Friends

Readings by Suspense Novelist Sue Rovens: www.suerovens.com

Food vendors:
Friday Oct. 12th: Oogies and Sparky’s BBQ
Saturday Oct. 13th: Sparky’s BBQ
Friday Oct. 19th: Pico de Gallo and Sparky’s BBQ
Saturday Oct. 20th: Pico de Gallo and Sparky’s BBQ

Outdoor Decore wil be provided by AB Hatchery and everything you see will be for sale!

All proceeds benefit Duncan Manor and Community Players Theatre; both are 501c3 Not for Profit Organizations.

GO DIRECTLY TO DUNCAN MANOR’S PAGE! RIGHT HERE!

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October 4, 2018

I’ve just taken part in Teri Polen’s Bad Moon Rising for the month of October! She is interviewing 31 authors who like the creepy, the macabre, and the weird. Yep, I fit right in.

Linky Here!

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September 28, 2018

Today, I am over at Don Massenzio’s website:

Linky Hereloo

If you don’t wish to click over, I’ve posted the entire interview here. But check out Don’s work as well as other author interviews too! Thanks, Don!

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September 26, 2018

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September 23, 2018

Another event is coming!

I will be here DOING READINGS (at 6:30 and 8:30pm) AND SELLING MY WARES on

Saturday, October 13,

Friday, October 19,

Saturday, October 20th

from 5:30pm to around 10pm.

Spirits of the Past:

A Haunted History Tour

Step back in time at Towanda Meadows and learn more about the man be behind the manor. We are partnering with Community Players Theatre to take you on a haunted history tour of Duncan Manor back in 1868, when William Duncan and his family were just settling into life on the prairie.

This is a two weekend event. Tours will take place October 12th, 13th, 19th, and 20th.

The tours are limited to groups of 8 people every 15 minutes, so be sure to guarantee your spot by making a reservation online at a discounted rate!

In addition to the haunted history tour, there will be live music in the barn, a haunted hayfield, cash bar and a food truck!

Visit our website to get your $25 all access reservation which will include access to the property and outdoor activities as well as a guaranteed haunted history tour of the manor.

Day of the event:
$5 entry fee at the gate grants you access to the live music and haunted hayfield.
$25 haunted history tour…if spots are still available.

These tours are not recommended for children under 10.

Live music in the barn from 7pm-10pm:
Friday Oct. 12th: She Said So
Saturday Oct. 13th: Illinois Central Conductors
Friday Oct. 19th: Nicotine Poetic
Saturday Oct. 20th: Marc Boon and Friends

Food vendors:
Friday Oct. 12th: Oogies and Sparky’s BBQ
Saturday Oct. 13th: Sparky’s BBQ
Friday Oct. 19th: Pico de Gallo and Sparky’s BBQ
Saturday Oct. 20th: Pico de Gallo and Sparky’s BBQ

Outdoor Decore wil be provided by AB Hatchery and everything you see will be for sale!
All proceeds benefit Duncan Manor and Community Players Theatre; both are 501c3 Not for Profit Organizations.

Linky Here!

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September 13, 2018

Tales of Terror: Live!

What a Line-Up! Check it out!

https://www.facebook.com/events/912717858931326/

Featuring:

Murder, Metal, Mayhem – Podcast

Murder Metal Mayhem is a weekly true crime, heavy metal and general mayhem podcast. Co-hosted by Pete Altieri, horror/suspense author and Chris Shawback, supporter of local metal.

Troy Taylor – Author and Speaker

Troy Taylor is the author of 125 books on ghosts, hauntings, true crime and the unexplained in American history. He is also the owner of American Hauntings Tours and Events. He was born and raised in Central Illinois and created downstate’s first ghost tour in 1994. Currently, he has tours in Illinois cities like Chicago, Alton, Decatur, Carlinville, and Jacksonville, along with the American Hauntings Tours, which travel all over the country for overnight stays in haunted places. In 1997, he launched the Haunted America Conference — the first ghost conference in the United States — and will hold the 23rd annual event in Alton, Illinois, in June 2019.

Along with writing about the macabre and hosting tours, Taylor is also a public speaker on the subject of ghosts and hauntings. He has appeared in scores of newspaper and magazine articles about the subject and in hundreds of radio and television broadcasts about the supernatural. Troy has appeared in documentary productions for TLC, The History Channel, A & E, Discovery Channel, PBS, CMT, Travel Channel, Investigation Discovery and in various network programs and syndicated news shows. He has appeared in one feature film about the paranormal and one of his books is currently being adapted for film by a major studio.

His latest book, SUFFER THE CHILDREN, was released in September 2018.

Tony Cade – Local Artist (Illustrations for Sale)

Hailing from our own twin cities, Tony has been part of the local art scene for over twenty-five years. His illustrations range from hauntingly beautiful to frighteningly macabre. His work has appeared at The Grey Dove Gallery & Wings Studio in Downtown Bloomington.

Music provided by The Quaker Goes Deaf –

Charlie Quaker has operated a Chicago record store, written music review columns, DJ’d events and hosts a radio show—all known as “THE QUAKER GOES DEAF”. Although his show has been broadcasting since the invention of the radio, The Quaker is a zealous explorer of new & obscure “ROCK” music. He also knows a lot about chickens and it’s said that he is “mid-level famous”, though this has yet to be substantiated.

Sylvia Shults – Author/Paranormal Investigator

Sylvia Shults is the author of 44 Years in Darkness, Fractured Spirits: Hauntings at the Peoria State Hospital, and other books of true ghost stories. She has spent the past twenty years working in a library, slowly smuggling words out in her pockets day by day to build a book of her own. She sits in dark, spooky, haunted places so you don’t have to. She lives a short, ten-minute motorcycle ride away from the haunted asylum that features in so many of her books. She considers it the highest privilege to share the incredible, compassionate history of the Peoria State Hospital.

After battling an intense, lifelong fear of the dark, Sylvia decided to become a ghost hunter. (What WAS she thinking?) As a paranormal investigator, she has made many media appearances, including a tiny part in the Ghost Hunters episode “Prescription for Fear”, about the Peoria State Hospital.

Sylvia loves hearing from her readers, especially when they have spooky stories of their own to share with her. She can be found at www.sylviashults.wordpress.com, and on Facebook at the pages for Fractured Spirits and Ghosts of the Illinois River.

Bryan Wolford – Author & Filmmaker

Bryan Wolford is a horror author, filmmaker, and long time podcaster. Currently you can hear him on The Midnight Drive-In talking about horror, cult, and exploitation films.

Tony Wash – Filmmaker

Tony Wash is a Illinois-based producer/director with four
features credits and multiple festival awards to date. Wash’s
short film The Muck was an Official Selection of SXSW
(2014) as well as the Chicago International Film Festival
(2014) and Screamfest (2014). His newest works include
the horror feature The Rake starring Shenae Grimes-
Beech, Rachel Melvin, and Izabella Miko (released by
Sony in June 2018), the grindhouse feature High on the Hog starring Sid Haig, and most recently the horror/comedy feature
Skeletons in the Closet starring indie scream queen Ellie Church.

And…

Horror/Suspense Local Author, Sue Rovens –

Organizer of Tales of Terror: Live, Sue is a local indie horror/suspense author and blogger. She has appeared at Chicago Printers Row Lit Fest, Chambana-Con, the Bloomington Public Library Author Fair, and the Steampunk Festival, among other venues. She is a member of The Chicago Writers Association and plans to have her third novel out in 2019. You can find out more information about Sue, her books, and lots more at suerovens.com

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September 9, 2018

https://www.facebook.com/events/912717858931326/

Horror comes alive just in time for Halloween. Dark tales, macabre music, haunting stories, scary movie chat, and ghastly art – all wrapped up with a gory bow on top. It’s an event you won’t want to miss. Featuring Troy Taylor, Sylvia Shults, The Murder-Metal-Mayhem Podcast Hosts (Pete and Chris), The Quaker Goes Deaf, and MORE!

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August 28, 2018

Oh, my!

In the throes of coordinating a Very Cool “one-off” event in Bloomington! While I can’t share ALL the details yet, know this:

Place: nightshop – 517 North Main Street, Bloomington

Date: Thursday, October 25 (2018)

Time: 6pm – 9pm

What: Tales of Terror: LIVE!

Stay tuned for details!! And Save the Date!

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August 24, 2018

Thank you, Grosse Pointe Public Library of Michigan!

http://www.gp.lib.mi.us/

(Track 9 available!)

🙂

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August 21, 2018

Thank you, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County!

https://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/spotlight/newarrivals.asp?id=horror_fiction

(new horror arrivals!)

🙂

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August 7, 2018

Halloween is coming! Sure, it’s months away, but if stores can put up Christmas trees and decorations in July, I can talk about Halloween now! 🙂

So, Y.A. author, Teri Polen is once again hosting #BadMoonRising – a month-long celebration with interviews of folks who write horror and creepy stuff. I’ll be featured on October 4th (and I’ll put the link here so you can follow along when it happens).

Meanwhile, if you like Y.A. (young adult books) Teri’s site can be found Here.

Check it out!

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July 31, 2018

This is fun.

A library in Las Vegas has 3 copies of Track 9!

https://lvccld.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2142813134_track_9

Here are the subject headings:

Can someone explain the Quaker tie-in?  LOL!!!

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July 18, 2018

This was included in the recent Research and Honors Section of the Illinois State University Newsletter:

Sue Rovens, Milner Library, received a starred review in the May 14, 2018 issue of Publishers Weekly for her second novel, Track 9. Publishers Weekly is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers and literary agents. A starred review indicates a book of outstanding quality.

Linky Here

Cool! 🙂

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July 11, 2018

Whoops! Correction date needed!

The Princeton Public Library Author Fair is Saturday, September 22 (not the 20th), from 10am – 2pm. It’s a great opportunity to come and meet a BUNCH of authors from a rather extensive radius. Folks come down from Chicago, up from St. Louis…all over. If you haven’t experienced this event, do so! (and then go eat at Spoons! – a fantastic restaurant nearby)

PPL Linky Here

Spoons Linky Here

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June 30, 2018

The Writer’s Workshop (#1) just finished up a few hours ago. It was great – a rousing audience and a good start to the rest of the sessions. It’s not too late to register if you are interested in Learning about Plot (next week), How to Publish (the following week on July 7), and How to Write Non-Fiction (our final week on July 14). Check out the Books 2 Benefit website to register and for more information. OR Just scroll down for the info!

I am trying to rustle up another book signing event or two before too long. However, I’m trying to stay fairly local – with summer half over (NOOOO!) and revising the third book, I don’t think traveling is in the cards at this time.

I will most likely be attending the Princeton Public Library Author Fair which will be held on September 20th (from 10am to 2pm). I’ll be posting more about that one as it gets closer. And I hear that the Bloomington Public Library might be having another fair, but I don’t know any specifics yet.

Keep an eyeball peeled for more info soon!

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June 12, 2018

Printers Row was wet, cloudy, crowded, and great. Yes – many of the CWA folks had to battle rain, but in between downpours and sprinklings, it looked like people were connecting with the crowds, selling books, and making connections. I’ll post some pictures later on, so check back!

So the NEXT thing on the agenda is the Writing Workshop! If you are interested, SIGN UP NOW! You can attend 1 class or all 4 (or 2 or 3 if you wish).

Here is the info:

(The actual link can be found HERE!)

Workshop Sessions

Session 1: Where do I begin?

Instructor: Sue Rovens
Date: Saturday, June 30
Time: 2-3 p.m.
Location: 360 Wylie Drive, Ste. 700, Normal, Illinois  61761

Description: 

Writing a book can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. This workshop will cover the basic types of writing, why word counts are important (and why they aren’t). Explore how to come up with ideas and concepts while tying those ideas together for a cohesive story.

Discover what NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is all about. Learn how participating in NaNoWriMo can help you jumpstart your writing to get things done. Avoid writing scams and find out how to spot them easily.

Participants who attend this session will learn:

• How to get started
• About the different types of writing
• How to spot writing contest scams

Ideal Participants:

Writers who wish to learn more about the writing and publishing process. Attendees must be age 14 and older.

About the Author:

Sue Rovens is a local indie writer of suspense and horror. She has published two novels, Badfish and Track 9, and two compilations of short stories under the title, In a Corner, Darkly (volumes 1 and 2). Rovens regularly appears at author events, including: Printers Row Lit Fest in Chicago, the Princeton Author Fair, Barnes & Noble in Rockford, and the Bloomington Public Library Author Fair.

Her third novel, Buried, is currently underway. It revolves around a hoarder who lives next to a funeral home. She hopes to have it available sometime in 2019.

Rovens hosts a very active blog — suerovens.com. — which features interviews with authors of all genres. Her most cherished interview was with Jack Ketchum (Dallas Mayr), an award-winning horror writer, who passed away January 2018. It was one of his final interviews.

When she isn’t writing, she works fulltime at Illinois State University as the Stacks Maintenance Manager in Milner Library. In July 2018, she’ll have been with ISU for 27 years.

Preregistration Deadline for Session 1: Saturday, June 23*

Name, Email and Phone:

*Preregistration is required, and space is limited! Each session is $15 prepaid in advance. Preregistration deadline is one week prior to each course date. To receive a discount, register for all four at $50. $1 convenience fee applies to credit and debit card transactions and has been added to the course fee listed above. Fees are non-refundable, unless Books to Benefit cancels the class.

Session 2: How do I plot my story?

Instructor: Andy Zach
Date: Saturday, July 7
Time: 2-3 p.m.
Location: 360 Wylie Drive, Ste. 700, Normal, Illinois  61761

Description: 

You’ve got a great idea for your story. Now what? This session teaches you how to build your plot from a great beginning to a satisfying conclusion, building suspense along the way.

Practice what you learn with the guidance of a successful fantasy author.

Participants who attend this session will learn:

• How to open their books
• How to build reader interest in every chapter
• How to create a spectacular finish that will leave the reader wanting more

Ideal Participants:

Writers who wish to learn more about the writing and publishing process. Attendees must be age 14 and older.

About the Author:

Andy Zach is a local self-published comic fantasy author who is active in the King’s Pen author group as well as NaNoWRiMo (National Novel Writing Month). He devotes himself full-time to writing, editing, publishing and promoting his humorous paranormal fantasy trilogy, The Life After Life Chronicles. Zach walks a fine edge between humor and horror in his three published novels: Zombie Turkeys, My Undead Mother-in-law and Paranormal Privateers.

While striving to publish a novel every nine months, Zach is active on his blog (andyzach.net) and maintains three Facebook pages and Twitter accounts. He also publishes a newsletter for his book fans, keeping them abreast of his latest book, offering previews and advanced reader copies and letting them know of his public appearances. Zach also hosts monthly drawings to give away copies of his books. In addition to writing and self-publishing, Zach hikes with his wife and their hundred-pound Labrador Retriever. And, when he’s not hiking, he bikes on the Rock Island Trail and he reads whenever he can.

Preregistration Deadline for Session 2: Saturday, June 30*

Name, Email and Phone:

*Preregistration is required, and space is limited! Each session is $15 prepaid in advance. Preregistration deadline is one week prior to each course date. To receive a discount, register for all four at $50. $1 convenience fee applies to credit and debit card transactions and has been added to the course fee listed above. Fees are non-refundable, unless Books to Benefit cancels the class.

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June 6, 2018

Just 3 days away!

Printers Row Lit Fest #34!

The Chicago Tribune is thrilled to celebrate the 34th year of the Midwest’s largest literary event. Over 100,000 attendees bought and browsed thousands of books from the country’s best booksellers in 2017. As Exhibitors have always been a vital part of Printers Row Lit Fest, we would like to invite you to join us as we continue our tradition.

If you’ve never been, you really should try to make your way to Chicago and check out this amazing event. HERE is the link to the official page. Whatever your genre, whatever you enjoy, you’ll find it somewhere among the throngs. I’ve been selling my books here under the Chicago Writers Association Tent for the past 4 years and it’s always a blast. This year, I’ll be ‘under the tent’ on Saturday, June 9th from 12:30pm to 3pm. So, come out and say hi!

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June 3, 2018

It was all about Steampunk this weekend. Wow! What a crazy three days! I, along with about 29 other vendors, took to the streets of Bloomington, Illinois to engage with all the costumed creations that overtook the town. Incredible outfits, ingenious imaginations… if you go to Facebook and type in Cogs and Corsets: A Steampunk Happening, you’ll be amazed at what you see. A number of professional photographers took pictures, so I don’t want to “post/use” them here without the proper credit. So…go, take a look!

The weather was great…BUT. It was a hard lesson on Friday night – as my tent picked itself up and crashed into my neighbor (nothing was damaged!) – but Charlie and I headed out to Dick’s Sporting Goods to pick up some tent weights after the vendor stations closed at 8pm. Those and a few bricks kept everything relatively calm over the next two days, but the wind was still bothersome to everything ON the table and to many other vendors.

(I want to give a special shout-out to Cassie!  Thank you for the kind words and it was a pleasure to meet you! :))

(Cassie and Me!)

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May 28, 2018

FOUR DAYS AWAY!

Come see me try and put a tent up over my table for the first time in public. That alone should be worth it. Yes, I actually bought a tent to go over my table after the sun and I had some harsh words with each other during the Duncan Manor weekend. Needless to say, I lost that battle. But the result will be a comedy of errors as I attempt to hoist a covering over my wares this Saturday and Sunday.

Teapot racing, costume contests, Mystery & Dinner…there’s a host of things to see and do at the 2nd annual Cogs & Corsets: A Steampunk Happening. If you haven’t heard of it, visit the website at HERE.

*

And, if THAT isn’t enough, Printer’s Row Lit Fest is on the radar! I’ll be there, along with about 150 other authors (some quite famous like Joyce Carol Oates, David Ross of Cubs Fame, and Rick Bayless – chef). I will be under the Chicago Writers Association Tent on Saturday, June 9 from 12:30pm to 3pm selling my wares. If you are in the area, DO stop by! The official link to all the goodness that is the 34th Annual Printers Row is HERE!

*

And to round out the month of June:

Link Here!

Aspiring and Current Authors’ Workshops

You asked; we listened! Books to Benefit is excited to announce a four-part workshop series created for aspiring authors. Each session, designed and delivered by a local published author, introduces you to the critical steps needed to write your novel. From Where do I start? to What are my publishing options? each week covers a new topic.

Topics include:

1. Where Do I Begin?
2. Developing the Plot!
3. What are My Publishing Options?
4. Truth is Stranger, Fictional Research!

Preregistration is required, and space is limited! Preregistration deadline is one week prior to each course date. Each session is $15 prepaid in advance. To receive a discount, register for all four at $50. $1 convenience fee applies to credit and debit card transactions and has been added to the course fee listed above. Fees are non-refundable, unless Books to Benefit cancels the class. Proceeds from the workshop support STAR Adult Literacy and YouthBuild McLean County’s literacy program.

Participants must be 14 years and older. Childcare is not provided.

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May 16, 2018

Sixteen Days Away!

Linky Here!

Welcome to Cogs & Corsets

The Cogs & Corsets festival takes place throughout six square blocks of historic Downtown Bloomington. This area is home to over 90 shops, galleries, and restaurants… many in historic buildings with ties to Abraham Lincoln. The galleries will be featuring local artists’ new work and even hosting visiting artists whose pieces exude that Steampunk vibe.

The Museum of History will be the site of history presentations and our Tea Room, and one block away a stunning Tesla Coil demonstration will light the night. Enjoy tours, dining, sideshow entertainment, workshops (and of course, tea!) in restored buildings from the 1860s–1930s. The streets will be bustling with the costume contest, promenade, Splendid Teapot Races, and Makers’ Faire contestants… we can’t wait to see you here!

I will be there selling my wares (all 4 books)! On Saturday, June 2nd, there will also be readings from all 5 authors in attendance. This is a family-friendly event and open to the public.

Come by and say Hello!

Hours (for Vendors):

5pm – 8pm – Friday, June 1

9am – 5pm – Saturday, June 2

10am – 2pm – Sunday, June 3

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May 12, 2018

Oh my.

This is a BIG. DEAL.

Publisher’s Weekly/BookLife had agreed to review my book, Track 9. I did not pay them (although there is an option to pay for a review and it does not guarantee that it will be a good one).

I received an email stating that they had accepted Track 9 and would review it. Again, no promise of anything good. As a matter of fact, I’ve read that they love to slam self-published books and cut them to bits. I was concerned. I didn’t want my book to be eviscerated. It’s already tough enough as it is being an unknown.

Well – I have the review. It will be coming out this week in Publisher’s Weekly. And it’s good. It’s very good.

And I am thankful. Very thankful.

Track 9

    Link Here

At the outset of Rovens’s highly disturbing thriller, a faulty brake system causes a speeding commuter train to derail and plow into the Rain Bahnhof in Bavaria, killing 99 people. In the immediate aftermath, some survivors inexplicably begin eating the flesh of the dead. Six months later, Gary and Grace Wolf, an American couple on a honeymoon in Germany, accidentally end up in the abandoned station en route to the airport, unaware of its grim history and the imminent plans to demolish the site. Having entered through a partially opened side door, the Wolfs are unsettled to realize that they’re the station’s only occupants. They start to panic when they can’t find a way out. Meanwhile, in Bloomington, Ill., Gary’s closest friend, Mike Waverly, who’s to pick them up after their flight lands, becomes increasingly upset when he’s unable to confirm that they’ve made their plane. Rovens gradually fills in the backstories of her leads, building up to a grimly satisfying climax. Readers who don’t need everything spelled out for them will welcome this simple but effective hair-raiser. (BookLife)

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May 7, 2018

Wow! What a great weekend at Duncan Manor! Couldn’t have asked for better weather. The music was terrific and lots of groovy folks selling their wares. If you live in Illinois and haven’t toured this incredible house yet, make a plan to do so. It’s VERY cool and the owners, David and Randi, have already done a huge amount of work on it.

Lots of folks stopped by to chat and some bought some books (hope you like them!). All in all, it was a fun weekend. The sun got the better of me on Saturday, but I was more prepared on Sunday (brought the hat and sunscreen).

Next up! Cogs & Corsets: A Steampunk Happening! June 1, 2, and 3. Stay tuned for more details.

And, of course, Printers Row in Chicago on June 9 (and 10).

(and keep an eyeball peeled for information regarding the Writing Workshop (June 30, July 7, July 14, and July 21 from 2pm – 3pm)

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May 1, 2018

THIS WEEKEND!!

I will be one of the many vendors at Duncan Manor’s Spring Open House on Saturday, May 5 & Sunday, May 6.

I will have ALL the books with me:

Badfish

Track 9

In a Corner, Darkly: Volume 1

In a Corner, Darkly: Volume 2 (the revised edition)

PLUS FREE SWAG

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April 25, 2018

Is Steampunk your thing?

What about retro old-school goodness?

I’ll be doing a reading from In a Corner, Darkly : Volume 2 on Saturday, June 2 at 10am (along with 4 other authors) during this event. More information to come!

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April 15, 2018

About a month or so ago, I had the fortunate opportunity to be interviewed by Lilyn G. of Sci-Fi & Scary, a very active and prominent blog which deals in many things Horror and Science Fiction.

If those genres are your bag, you’ll have a marvelous time perusing through the many sections of her site. And if, by chance, sci-fi and horror aren’t your chosen interests, she features news and reviews of fantasy, graphic novels, and some kid’s books.

You can find my interview in full with Sci Fi & Scary Here.

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April 11, 2018

Come see me!

I will be one of the many vendors at Duncan Manor’s Spring Open House on

Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6.

I will have ALL the books with me:

Badfish

Track 9

In a Corner, Darkly: Volume 1

In a Corner, Darkly: Volume 2 (the revised edition)

PLUS

FREE SWAG

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April 3, 2018

A very cool opportunity has presented itself!

Linky Here

Bloomington will be host to a Steampunk Event called Cogs & Corsets, a rather large happening that has taken place over the past couple of years. This year, I will be among the vendors (at this time, there will be 3 other authors as well).

While I don’t necessarily write Steampunk, the  period has plenty of horror offerings to speak of. Generally encapsulating the years between (roughly) 1830 – 1910, horror writers were plentiful and the stories, chilling and steadfast.

Below is just a small sampling:

Sheridan Le Fanu: In A Glass Darkly (1872)

Bram Stoker: Dracula (1897)

Edgar Allan Poe: The Fall of the House of Usher (1839)

Oscar Wilde: The Picture of Dorian Grey (1891)

Henry James: The Turn of the Screw (1898)

W.W. Jacobs: The Monkey’s Paw (1902)

H.G. Wells: The Valley of Spiders (1903)

Robert Lewis Stevenson: Dr. Jekyll and Mr.s Hyde (1886)

More information will follow in the coming weeks – but for now, SAVE THE DATES! June 1, 2, and 3 in Downtown Bloomington! An event for the ages.

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March 18, 2018

Rebecca Howie was kind enough to invite me to do an “updated” interview on her blog! I’ve posted it in full here. If you rather, visit her blog HERE to read more interviews from other authors and learn more about Rebecca!

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March 1, 2018

The Indie View is a Very Cool Website – featuring lots of indie writers, reviewers, and books. I had a chat with them recently – follow the link to see it!

Linky Here

Happy March! 🙂

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February 24, 2018

Another review for Track 9!

This time, the review comes from Ed Sarna, a member of the Windy City Review Group out of the Chicagoland area. I’ll post the link – in case you want to see other reviews for other books – but I’ll post the entire piece here.

Link to Windy City Reviews

Track 9. Sue Rovens. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, April 27, 2017, Trade Paperback and E-book, 221 pages. 

Reviewed by Ed Sarna.

Track 9, Sue Rovens’ second novel, is a suspense/thriller/psychological horror novel that is brimming with shock, terror, and humor. The characters appear to be everyday people who find themselves facing many of the same challenges we all do. Of course, we don’t all find ourselves unable to escape from an ever-devolving series of nightmares. As with her previous novel, Badfish, this book is a fast read, hard to put down, and takes you to places you never imagined.

The first short chapter describes, in graphic detail, a calamitous train wreck in a picturesque small German town. The accident itself and the repercussions after were so horrendous, the station was never reopened. Six months later, Gary and Grace Wolf, an American couple on their belated honeymoon, are set to return to Bloomington, Illinois, from that very town.

The first leg of their return trip is by rail, and because they are running late and not paying attention, they mistakenly end up in this defunct station. Although the station is bereft of living beings, the honeymooners are far from alone. Soon after the realization they are in the wrong station, Gary and Grace discover they can’t get out. And if that wasn’t enough, there also may, or may not, be a train in the station.

As Gary and Grace struggle to find their way home, their best friends back in Bloomington, Mike and Sarah Waverly, await their return. As their arrival time nears, Mike begins experiencing disturbing premonitions concerning his friends. These premonitions eventually spiral out of control, and as his own secure world unravels, he finds himself unable to put the pieces back together.

While the lives of these two Midwestern couples aren’t always what they appear to be, they could easily be our next-door neighbors. As the story races to its climax, we begin to peel back the layers and discover an ever-changing reality. Rovens paints in short, precise strokes, giving us well-developed characters in few words. The world she’s created makes perfect sense, even when it doesn’t. She builds tension quickly and effortlessly and doesn’t back off. Her use of short chapters moves the story along at a breathtaking pace. I didn’t see the ending coming.

The only fault I found in the story, while minor, concerned some unanswered questions at the end. This did not, however, keep me from thoroughly enjoying the story. I stated, after reading her first book, that she was an author to watch for in the future. I am happy to say, I couldn’t have been more right. Do yourself a favor and check out Track 9. I can’t wait to see where she takes us with her next book.

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February 23, 2018

Good things tend to happen on Fridays, and today is no exception. Teri Polen (of Books and Such – https://teripolen.com/ – has extended an invitation to writers to share what they are reading these days.

I took her up on that 🙂

Here is my post for The Writer’s Reading Corner from Teri Polen’s Blog:

https://teripolen.com/2018/02/23/the-writers-reading-corner-sue-rovens-amreading-mystery-thriller/

Happy Friday!

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January 29, 2018

Yay! A new review for Track 9!

Folks, please. If you’ve read anything of mine, please take a moment to post a review on Amazon/Goodreads/any other place. It’s so important. Thanks!

Track 9 Reviews

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January 12, 2018

Well, I would call this starting off the year right! Lisa Haselton, writer and blogger, has graciously posted an interview with me and my latest novel, Track 9.  Here is the link to the interview/page and down below is the post (in case you don’t wish to travel to other sites):

Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews:

Interview with dark fiction author Sue Rovens

Dark fiction author Sue Rovens is here today and we’re chatting about her new suspense/horror novel, Track 9.

Bio:

Sue Rovens is a suspense/horror indie author who is an active member of the Chicago Writers Association. Her two novels, Badfish and Track 9, are available in both paperback and Kindle formats. A third novel is being processed in her head – the hope that this year’s NaNoWriMo (2017) will see the first draft of this tale.

When not working on writing, Sue collects antique advertising, clocks, and radios. She likes to watch movies, read, and indulge in the occasional piece of cheese. She also runs, slowly. Geese have been known to out-lap her.

In order to pay the bills, Sue works in Milner Library at Illinois State University. She has been there for just over 26 years.

Please tell us about your current release.

Track 9 is a hit-the-ground-running story about a couple trapped in a haunted train station in Rain, Germany. It’s a character-driven examination focused on the “underbelly” of people – what happens to individuals when they encounter the unknown, from both a mental and physical standpoint. It’s a suspense story with swaths of horror mixed in.

Each of the four main characters deals with serious flaws. In order to survive, they have to overcome or outrun these issues. That’s where things get sticky and where the tension builds. When people have to face challenging situations head-on, they can be their own worst enemy. It’s all about what happens next that drives the story.

What inspired you to write this book?

I was in Germany about 11-12 years ago and was really taken by the enormity of the train stations. To an outsider, they were so daunting and overwhelming. I used that feeling and created a story around it.

What exciting story are you working on next?

For this year’s NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month – which takes place in November), I am going to start work on a story about a hoarder who lives next to a funeral home. I have the basic concept in mind, including the other main and supporting characters, but when I actually start writing, anything can happen.

It will be in the suspense/horror genre along with my other two novels (Badfish and Track 9).

I am also in the process of revising my second book of short stories – In a Corner, Darkly: Volume 2. I put it out initially in 2013, but have decided to take it off the market and re-do it. I’ve pulled three of the original stories and put in three newer ones. Once it’s finished, it’s going to be much better, cleaner, and more professional.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Probably in 2012, when my first book of short horror stories was published. I would love to do it full time, but until my sales can pay my bills, it’s a part-time activity.

Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

No, it’s part-time. Other than writing, I run two to three times a week and lift weights twice a week. I also spend time reading (an important aspect of being a writer).

Finding time to write is difficult. I assume that most writers who have full-time jobs would say the same thing. When I am working on revisions, a short story, or a novel, I would say I set aside two evenings a week and at least one weekend day to focus on writing.

I’m not one that can write EVERY day (except during NaNoWriMo). It feels too forced and I end up just “filling space on the page”.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I have to have a game open on the computer at the same time as I am writing. I go to it once in a while, just to give my mind a breather. It’s not something that takes away from my work. It’s the perfect mindless activity I can do at the computer while I’m thinking through scenes or dialogue.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A writer.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Yes! I would encourage your readers to experience my “style” of suspense/horror. I don’t write gore for gore sake. My writing is more psychological/character driven with plots that move forward at a consistent pace. To read the first chapter of Track 9, visit my blog – suerovens.com.

Links:

Website | Amazon

Thank you for being here today, Sue!

Labels: author interview, badfish, chicago writers association, dark fiction, horror, sue rovens, suspense, track 9

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December 31, 2017

Hello! I’ve updated this section of the blog to be more inclusive as to all of my “happenings”. I’ve posted a few interviews I had done in the Bloggy Update Section, but they’ve kind of gotten lost in the shuffle. So, starting in 2018, any interviews that I do regarding MY books/writing/etc will go here.

Keep an eyeball peeled as a few things are currently in the works! 🙂

2018 – New Things!!

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November 26, 2017

While I don’t have any specific events scheduled on the horizon, I DID want to make you aware that I will have In a Corner, Darkly: Volume 2 (the revised edition) coming out sometime in December of this year. While I have usually have a “book release event/party” whenever I put a new book out into the world, I probably won’t do anything “big” or “party-ish” for this one.

I will, however, be doing some special things on THIS blog and a little bit on social media, in order to spread the word. So, keep an eyeball peeled for Very Groovy Things coming up next month regarding the NEW, REVISED collection of short suspense stories. 🙂

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November 11, 2017

Just came home from the Books @ Benefit Writer Event. While I unfortunately don’t have any photos from this one, I can say that it was a great time, met lots of reader-writer type of folks and look forward to their next event.

There were four of us on the panel (the illustrator was not there) and we fielded all kinds of questions, everything from how we publish our work to the best way to send a query to a literary agent. There was food, books, an artist in another area, lots of volunteers — a wonderful free program supporting both local writers and readers.

Many thanks to Jackie Langhoff for being the point person in all of this. Lots of work went into the planning I’m sure! 🙂

Keep an eyeball peeled for the NEXT event!

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November 7, 2017

Press Release from Books 2 Benefit –

THIS SATURDAY from 1pm – 3pm – Come Join US!! 🙂

Books to Benefit Veteran’s Day Event,

Featuring Area Authors

On Saturday, November 11, from 1-3 p.m. learn how published authors and an illustrator broke into the publishing business during the Books to Benefit Writers Event at 360 Wylie Drive, Suite 700 in Normal. The event is open and free to the public.

“I recently read that a writer who doesn’t read can never be an author,” shared Books to Benefit Board President Jackie Langhoff. “Good writers read. They study the language of the genre they are trying to master. Many of our patrons are aspiring authors so we asked area authors to participate in a Books to Benefit Writer’s Event to share their insights as another way to support literacy in our community.”

On Veteran’s Day, Books to Benefit will host a panel of area authors representing different genres, including: Army Veteran and horror/suspense writer Pete Altieri, inspirational author Dewhitt Bingham, romance novelist M. Piper, published illustrator Amy Orwig and suspense/horror novelist and blogger Sue Rovens. All of the panelists are avid readers and understand the importance of literacy in their own lives. The public is invited to bring their questions, purchase books and collect autographs.

During the event Books to Benefit offers patrons one final chance to stock up on winter reading at the $5 Used Book Lovers Bag Sale. Patrons purchase a paper bag from Books to Benefit, which they may fill with used books. Additional bags are available at $5 each. Author books, Special Collections and bundled books are excluded from the sale. Major credit cards are accepted. A convenience fee applies. Proceeds from the bag sale benefit STAR Adult Literacy and YouthBuild McLean County’s literacy programs. For more information visit http://www.books2benefit.com/special-event/, www.facebook.com/books2benefitBloomington/ or phone (309) 531-8320.

Books to Benefit is a local 501(C)3 nonprofit organization passionately working to support literacy. The proceeds of its semiannual book sales benefit STAR Adult Literacy and YouthBuild McLean County’s literacy programs, provide financial support for the Books to Benefit Community Service Scholarship Award at Heartland Community College, encourage volunteerism through community service, and assure that works of scholarly importance and/or unusual publication history or content find appropriate homes offering ready access to these works.

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November 6, 2017

The Bloomington Public Library’s FIRST author event was fantastic. I want to thank them for hosting it and making all of us authors feel welcome. Carol Torrens, the Adult Services Manager, was a great, conscientious organizer throughout the day. I shared my table with Dewhitt L. Bingham, and we had quite a number of folks visit us during the two hours we were there.

The tables were spread throughout both floors of the building, so I really only was able to see folks on Floor 2, where I was “stationed”. From chatting with other authors, my takeaway was that everyone was pleased with the turnout and the event. I hope they continue to do this (and hope that I’ll be invited back!) 🙂

I want to give a few special shout-outs to new author friends! Pete Altieri (pictured below at the far left), Sylvia Shults (in the bottom photo), and Andy Zach (pictured below at the far right).

AND

Keep an eyeball out for the latest information on the Books 2 Benefit event, happening Saturday, November 11th from 1pm to 3pm!

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November 4, 2017

Tomorrow!

The Bloomington Public Library (Linky Here) is happening. A few posts down has all the authors that will be there, along with their genre of choice. Festivities start at 2pm and run until 3:30pm. If I remember correctly, I’ll be somewhere around the “adult section” — and I’m assuming that doesn’t mean what it does at the video store 😉

I’ll have all three books available for purchase — Track 9 (the newest novel), Badfish (my first novel), and In a Corner, Darkly: Volume 1 (15 short horror/suspense stories). All will be for sale for $10 (two dollars off the usual price). I’ll have some swag to pass out and I’ll gladly sign anything you wish!

Keep in mind that the holidays are coming up! Even if YOU don’t care for the suspense or horror genre, some of your friends, family, or co-workers might. These make great gifts! And, best of all, you’ll be supporting a LOCAL author.

Hope to see you there! 🙂

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October 27, 2017

The next event is already on the horizon! As stated in the previous entry, the Bloomington Public Library Author Event is coming up shortly. That will be on Sunday, November 5th from 2pm – 3:30pm.

The NEXT one, only days away from BPL’s event is on Saturday, November 11th from 1pm – 3pm. The link is HERE! For those not wishing to “link follow”, here’s all the information:

Working on your first novel? Books to Benefit will host a special Writers Event on November 11, from 1-3 p.m. at 360 Wylie Drive, Suite 700 in Normal. Local published authors will answer questions and share their experiences in getting published. Free to the public.

During the event purchase books at the Book Lovers $5 Bag Sale. We supply the bag; you fill the bag with books. The bag sale does not include items in Special Collections.

Here is a photo from the previous Books 2 Benefit Author Event (early 2017)

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October 13, 2017

Okay, here it is – the complete info on the Bloomington Public Library Author Fair. I’ve highlighted my spot :), but take a look at ALL the different genres and ages represented:

Sunday, November 5
Local Authors Fair

• 2-3:30pm; All Over the Library
Celebrate NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Meet, talk with, and learn from local authors from Central and Northern Illinois. A variety of genres and reading ages are included in this drop-in book fair. Authors will sign their books and will have copies for sale. We’ll gather from 2-3:30pm in the Bloomington Public Library Community Room.

Featured Authors

Pamela Purnell
Normal, IL
Writing areas: Poetry, Self-Help, Self-Awareness, Children’s
Titles: Soul’s Worth, Memories of, Nana and Grand Bears Visit Egypt, plus others

Skye Malone
Champaign, IL
Writing areas: Paranormal Romance, Adult and Teen Urban Fantasy
Titles: Touch Me, Awaken, Kindling, plus others

Carrie Lowrance
East Peoria, IL
Writing areas: Poetry, Children’s
Titles: Lithium Dreams and Melancholy Sunrise, The Safety of Objects, Don’t Eat Your Boogers, plus others

Katherine Rose Kreher
Normal, IL
Writing area: Mental Health
Title: A House Divided: A Story of Survival

Indigo Skye
Washington, IL
Writing area: Children’s
Title: Where were We before We were Born

G. P. Ching
Bloomington, IL
Writing areas: Teen, Paranormal Romance
Title: Wager’s Price

Linda Lowery
Peoria, IL
Writing areas: Mystery, Humor, Family Stories
Titles: Murder in the Library, Stories in Sepia, Roasting Marshmallows on the Manifold

Randy Sharer
Normal, IL
Writing areas: Biography, Sports History
Title: Virgin Territory: The Story of Craig Virgin, America’s Renaissance Runner

Sue Rovens
Normal, IL
Writing areas: Suspense, Horror
Titles: Badfish; Track 9; In a Corner, Darkly

Laurie Larsen
Normal, IL
Writing area: Christian Fiction
Titles: Roadtrip to Redemption, Preacher Man, Sanctuary, plus others

Sylvia Shults
Pekin, IL
Writing areas: History, Paranormal
Titles: 44 Years in Darkness, Fractured Spirits: Hauntings at the Peoria State Hospital, Ghosts of the Illinois River

Kevin Wright
Morton, IL
Writing areas: Horror, Urban Fantasy, Mystery
Titles: The Knight of Cups, The Queen of Pentacles, The King of Swords

Dewhitt Bingham
Bloomington, IL
Writing areas: Contemporary Nonfiction
Title: Hope Deferred makes the Heart Sick

Elissa Daye
Normal, IL
Writing areas: Romance, Urban Fantasy
Titles: Taking Chances, Shadow Walker, Banished, plus others

T. M. Cromer
Eureka, IL
Writing areas: Romantic Suspense
Titles: Burning Resolution, The Trouble with Lust, A Love to Call Mine, plus others

Joe Chianakas
Peoria, IL
Writing Areas: Teen Adventure/Mystery/Thriller
Titles: Rabbit in Red, Burn the Rabbit, Bury the Rabbit

Pete Altieri
Heyworth, IL
Writing Areas: Horror, Suspense, Thriller
Titles: Creation of Chaos, The Dreadful Lives of Enoch Strange, Six

Andy Zach
Peoria, IL
Writing Areas: Urban Fantasy, Humor
Titles: Zombie Turkeys, My Undead Mother-in-Law

Aubrey Wynne
Watseka, IL
Writing areas: Romance
Titles: Saving Grace, Rolf’s Quest, Pete’s Mighty Purty Privies, and others

Because there was no “official book release” for Track 9 this year, you might not have had a chance to pick up your copy. This is a great opportunity for you to do so!

I usually put ALL my books at a sale price for events such as this one ($10 instead of the usual $12). So come on by! Lots to see!

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October 9, 2017

Bloomington Public Library (in Bloomington, Illinois), will be hosting a Local Author book signing and meet throughout the building in celebration of the beginning of NaNoWriMo (NaNoWriMo Link).

The event is free and open to the public! This is the information currently available on the library’s website:

Local Authors Fair

Date:

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Time:

2:00pm – 3:30pm

Location:

Community Room

I will post more information about this event as I receive it.

Also

Sunday, November 11, Books2Benefit will be holding their 2nd Annual Writers Event!

Books2Benefit Linky

Check the link out! Books2Benefit works for kids, readers, writers, the local community…it’s a win, win, win. If you can make the Writers Event, do so! 🙂

Their mission statement:

Books to Benefit is a local 501(C)3 nonprofit organization passionately working to support literacy. The proceeds of its annual book sales benefit local literacy programs, including STAR Adult Literacy and YouthBuild McLean County’s literacy programs, provide financial support for the Books to Benefit Community Service Scholarship award at Heartland Community College, encourage volunteerism through community service, and assure that works of scholarly importance and/or unusual publication history or content find appropriate homes offering ready access to these works.

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September 29, 2017

Here it is! My table at the Princeton Public Library Author Event last Saturday! Great fun – met lots of other authors and had a really nice time. Special shout outs to Victoria Noe, Danielle E. Shipley, and Joyce Zeiss, three Meet & Greet Authors!

My next event is going to be at the Bloomington Public Library on Sunday, November 5th. More details to come – so, keep the proverbial eyeball peeled to the blog!

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September 14, 2017

Princeton Author Fair Link!

The link above shows a fantastic breakdown of everyone in attendance. Photos and links to each author are provided.

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September 7, 2017

The Princeton Public Library Author Fair

Saturday, September 23^rd      10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.

It’s official! I’ve received the list of authors who will be at the event, selling their wares. I was there last year, and it was a nice time. Lots of friendly folks, authors representing many genres, quiet nooks to sit in with a book. If you get a chance, make this a destination during your weekend.

***Some people on the list should look familiar. They have been featured in my Meet & Greet segment on the blog (their names are highlighted in color).

Debra Borys

Joyce Burns Zeiss

Earlene Campbell

Kay A. Clark

Rey Clark

Olivia Esther

Joseph Gatch

Vincent Hennings

Bartlett Lee Kassabaum

Laura S. Kearney

Linda Lowery

Kay Mays

Amanda McNeill

Jessica Mueller

Victoria Noe (upcoming feature author)

Jannifer Powelson

Sue Rovens

Danielle E. Shipley

Kim Sigafus

Jean-Michel Smith

Marydale Stewart

Heinz-Dietrich Suppan

Roy Swanberg

Christine Todd

Jodie Toohey

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August 31, 2017

Local Authors Fair!

November 5 – Bloomington Public Library (Illinois) is hosting an Author Fair in their community room. This will be a first for me (never having been there for ANY event). So any local folks (or those willing to take a drive), stop by and check out all the authors on hand. If I can scare up a list of who will be there, I’ll be sure to post it here – so, keep the proverbial eyeball peeled! 🙂

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August 15, 2017

Get ready for Princeton! Saturday, September 23, Princeton Public Library (Illinois) will be hosting an Author/Book Event from 10am to 2pm. (Link Here!)

I will be there with my wares (Track 9, Badfish, and In a Corner, Darkly: Volume 1), along with a number of other authors from around the state (and probably out of state too).

And while you’re here, save the date for Sunday, November 5th – Bloomington Public Library (Illinois) will be hosting their own Author Meet and Greet. Stay tuned for details on that event 🙂

I hope to see you at one or both!

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July 30, 2017

Princeton Public Library – Link Here

Princeton Public Library (Princeton, Illinois) will be holding their annual Author Book Fair on Saturday, September 23. I’ve just sent in my application to join the other numerous writers who will all be available to chat about their own works and will be selling their wares. The event will be held from 10am to 2pm and is free to attend. Come by, say hi, and check out the many great offerings of the day! More info on this as it gets closer.

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July 7, 2017

Upcoming Interview! Linky Here!

I’ve been offered the opportunity to be interviewed for In Print Radio. If you are not familiar with In Print (a Rockford, Illinois writing group), this blurb comes directly from their site:

In Print Radio features our members interviewing authors, editors, publishers, and others who have a story to tell writers. We read poems, short stories and excerpts from novels. We host round-table discussions on topics of interest to writers.  This is an Internet radio station, so you don’t have to live in the Rockford area to hear it.

So, later this month (July), I’ll be heading up north to chat with Isabell and Bob about writing, Track 9 (my newest book), Badfish (my first novel) and more! Check back for more information as to when the interview will go live.

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July 3, 2017

Wow! What a great time! Duncan Manor’s 1st Blues Bender was fantastic – great weather, comfortable set-up, terrific people, lots of vendors, and of course, incredible music ALL throughout the day.

I was there from about noon to right after 7pm, but things were still swinging long after I left. Dave and Randi Howell, the current owners of Duncan Manor, were on hand to meet and greet everybody, and from what I could see, everyone from little kids on up had a good time.

If you missed me and my wares and are interested in getting a SIGNED copy of Track 9, Badfish, or In a Corner, Darkly, feel free to contact me – either through this website or my email (srovens@yahoo.com). If you are a local (Bloomington/Normal/Towanda/Lexington area), we can still make that happen! 🙂