TheBlackLands.com

August 28, 2010
Fan Expo / Festival of Fear
I will be signing “Temporary Monsters” from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Burning Effigy table, located near the Rue Morgue booth.

September 26, 2010
Word on the Street
I will be signing my new Felix Renn chapbook, “The Ash Angels.”

November 27, 2010
Darklit Fest of Durham
I will be moderating a panel, “Dark and Stormy Nights: Writing Horrifying Horror Fiction,” from 10:30 a.m to 11:00 a.m. I will also be signing “Temporary Monsters” and “The Ash Angels.”

So come on out and say hello!

The power of Rogers’ wit and the imagery that he manages to pack into such a tight little bundle, is much larger and well honed than a chapbook can possibly fathom to contain. It’s a shame that the book wasn’t longer, that’s for sure, as Rogers only begins to touch upon something that begs to be fully fleshed out in a much longer format.

The main character – Felix Renn – is among some of my favorite characters of all time. An anti-hero of sorts, Renn has unquestionable ability to hold his own as life slings crap at him from all directions, while delivering witty and sarcastic remarks pertaining to what is going on in the moment. His one liners are the stuff of a writers dreams, rarely ever achieved with such perfect timing and pinache. This is only one of the reasons why this story should be turned into a multi book series. Rogers has definitely created an incredibly memorable and interesting character with Renn. With an acerbic wit like that, I doubt anyone would be able to forget him any time soon.

You can read the rest of the review here.

Thanks to Paperback Horror for the absolutely wonderful review. It’s great to see people are still digging the story, and it’s especially nice to see this review coming out now, with only a month to go before the release of “The Ash Angels.”

“Temporary Monsters” is still available for a measly $8 from Horror Mall, or direct from the publisher, Burning Effigy Press.

So, Ian, you’re looking tanned. Did you go to the Caribbean this summer?

That’s your first question? No, I didn’t go to the Caribbean. I’ve just been spending a lot of time in front of the barbecue. Also known as the poor man’s tanning bed.

Did you see Inception yet? You know you’re like the only person in the world who hasn’t.

Yes, I finally saw it, loved it, best movie of the year (maybe the last few years), etc., etc. It’s kind of like a thinking man’s (or woman’s) Matrix. Maybe I’m overstating it, but I had the same excited vibe coming out of the theatre.

Speaking of smart and special, how’s Kat doing? I hear she’s a little peeved about your Inception tweet.

“Peeved” isn’t the right word, mostly because it doesn’t properly express the brute physical violence that came with her yelling, “You said WHAT about me on the Internet?” But we kissed and made up, and I promised in the future to limit my Kat-related tweets to how awesome she is.

Yes, and how forgiving she is. Anyway! How’s that first novel coming along? I’ve been following your Twitter/Facebook updates and it seems like you’re making a lot of progress.

The novel is going extremely well. I just cracked 90,000 words a few days ago. The story is moving so fast that I’m kind of worried it’s going to plough right over me. I feel a bit like one of the kids in Stand By Me when they’re outrunning the train. It’s scary as hell, but also kind of exhilarating.

The end is definitely in sight, and the only bad thing about it is that it looks like the completed first draft is going to be over 100,000 words. I think the longer the book, the harder it may be to sell it. This isn’t always true, but I’m a firm believer that less is more. When I get to the revision process I’m hoping to trim it down to an even 100k, if not less.

Can you tell me anything about this book?

I’ve spoken a bit about the story on Twitter, but I really want to keep it to myself for now. Partly because it’s not like anything I’ve written before, and I’m a bit worried that the people who know me for my horror/noir tales will be disappointed. Also, I think it’s bad luck to talk about projects before they’re finished. But that’s just me.

Once the book’s done I promise to give a few details. Five Fun Facts about my first novel, or something.

How’s Thor doing?

Thor’s cool. He’s still diabetic, still 16 pounds of fur and attitude, and he still cries like a banshee to be let outside on his harness. It’s a pain in the ass, but it’s the only exercise he’s getting these days besides running to the food bowl. When are they going to make a Wii Fit for cats?

Are you still writing book reviews for BIFF BAM POP?

Yes, but they’re actually book recommendations. I only talk about books I like. I figure there’s enough snark and attitude on the ‘net, I don’t need to add my own sarcastic observations about the stuff I don’t like.

The column is called The Biblio-Files, and so far I’ve written pieces on books by Richard Gavin, Laird Barron, Patrick Lestewka, and Elmore Leonard. In the next few weeks I’ll be covering work by Norman Partridge, Simon Strantzas, and Nick Antosca.

Is BIFF BAM POP doing another Halloween-themed web comic series this year?

Yes. My contribution will be an adaptation of a story I published a few years back called “Vogo.” It’s a lake monster story with a twist, and it actually has some ties to my first novel. I’ve been working closely with the artist, a very talented fellow named JP Fallavollita, and we’re going to be planting some very fun Easter Eggs. JP is also helping me with some of the graphic design work on the Black Lands website.

Speaking of the Black Lands, what’s going on with your supernatural detective Felix Renn?

The second Felix Renn chapbook, “The Ash Angels,” comes out from Burning Effigy Press on September 26th. It will be making its debut at Toronto’s Word on the Street book and magazine festival, with an official launch to follow a month or so later.

The plan is to release a new Felix Renn chapbook every year at the same time. This should work out especially well, I think, when the World Fantasy Convention comes to Toronto in 2012. By that time, I’ll have four Felix Renn novelettes published, as well as some short stories. Since the theme of the convention is urban fantasy and northern gothic, I’m really hoping this will draw some attention to the Felix Renn/Black Lands stories.

How’s the Black Lands website coming?

TheBlackLands.com should be going live within the next week or so. The website will be devoted entirely to the Felix Renn/Black Lands stories, and will feature all kinds of exclusive content, including articles on the history of the Black Lands, the Paranormal Intelligence Agency, as well as the usual sections for news, reviews, etc.

Do you have any other Felix Renn/Black Lands news?

Once I finish my current book — which is not a Black Lands story — I will be taking a small breather before I dive into the first Felix Renn novel. I actually have the first three Felix novels outlined and ready to go. They’re just sitting there waiting to be written.

Can you tell me anything about the first Felix Renn novel?

Nope, sorry. I told you I’m superstitious about that sort of thing. I can tell you that it takes place after the events in “Temporary Monsters” and “The Ash Angels,” but that’s about it.

Are you going to take two years to write this novel like you did the first one?

I don’t expect it will take that long, but one never knows. What I’ve got going for me is that the first novel was, well, my first novel, and that sort of psyched me out at the time. Of the two years it’s taken me to write it, there were about four months where I did no work on it at all. Also, the first novel is third-person, features a wide cast of characters, and has a long, sprawling story.

By comparison, the Felix Renn novels are shorter, self-contained first-person supernatural noirs (I call them “supernoirturals”) featuring a character I’ve written about before. So I’m hoping that means the writing on these books will come easier and faster.

To get myself warmed up, I’m planning to write a handful of Felix Renn short stories before I start the first novel. I figure this will allow me to promote the series while I’m working on the book.

Speaking of which, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that there is already one Felix Renn short story already due for publication. “My Body” will appear in the anthology Chilling Tales, edited by Michael Kelly and published by EDGE, in March 2011. The book will be launched at the World Horror Convention in Austin, Texas, and I’m very excited to say that I will be there for the event.

Sounds like you’ve got your hands full for the next few months.

Yeah, I’m a pretty busy guy right now, what with the writing, the day job, and spending time with my wife and cat. But I’m also a happy guy. I’m doing what I want to do, writing what I want to write, and people seem to be digging it. That’s all I could ever ask for.

Well, thanks for taking the time to talk to me. Sounds like you could go for a margarita right now.

That’s a great idea. How about you make one for me?

“The Ash Angels” will be about the same length as “Temporary Monsters,” approximately 14,000 words, and while it’s not a sequel in the strictest sense, it does have some connections to the previous story.

My feeling has always been that the Felix Renn/Black Lands stories can be read individually or as part of a series. Each one works as a standalone story for random readers, while for fans there’s an added thrill (I hope) of following along as I develop this world and the characters who live in it.

I’m also excited to report that I’ve made a deal with Burning Effigy to publish an ongoing series of Felix Renn novelettes. We have some very exciting plans that I’ll be posting about here over the coming months.

In the meantime, I don’t want to give away too much about the plot of “The Ash Angels,” but I will say that it takes place on Christmas Eve, and that while “Temporary Monsters” was a full-out action story, “The Ash Angels” is a darker, more atmospheric ghost story.

“The Ash Angels” will debut at Toronto’s Word on the Street book and magazine festival on September 26th.

First up is The Preserve, a horror-action novel by Canadian writer Craig Davidson, writing under the pseudonym Patrick Lestewka. Check out the article, and check out the book, too.

The new story is called “My Body,” and it will be published in a collection of Canadian horror fiction called Chilling Tales. The book will be edited by Michael Kelly, an excellent writer himself, and will feature a great line-up of Canuck talent like Gemma Files, Leah Bobet, Richard Gavin, SImon Strantzas, Barbara Roden, Tia V. Travis, and Robert J. Wiersema. The book is tentatively scheduled for a March 2011 release. That’s kind of a long way off, I know, but trust me, this book is going to rock the casbah.

If you’re still jonesing for a Felix fix, I can tell you there is some news coming down the pipe. Nothing I can report on just quite yet, but it is coming and it’s pretty freakin’ cool. There, I’ve become one of those bloggers who makes “I have news, but I can’t tell you yet!” posts. For that I humbly apologize.

Until then, I can direct you to the website of Jeffrey Thomas, author of the excellent series of PUNKTOWN books (among others), who has posted an absolutely wonderful review of “Temporary Monsters.” Here’s an excerpt:

TEMPORARY MONSTERS revolves around Toronto’s motion picture business, and has plenty of mystery, action, and intriguing characters, with a nicely textured relationship between Renn and his estranged wife. This definitely feels like an introduction for Felix Renn, who deserves a much larger story in which to conduct his sleuthing and monster-fighting, but Ian has just such a project up his sleeve and I’d advise some publisher out there to pick it up. This could be a series with a lot of commercial potential. And the story in this chapbook might make a good movie, too.

You can read the full review at his website.

And if you happen to be the owner of a major publishing company and you’re interested in a series of books about a detective in a supernatural world, feel free to drop me a line.

Finally, a short interview I did with Mary Rajotte at the Toronto Writing Examiner is now online — check out Part 1 and Part 2.

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year since I’ve had a new story out. I guess that’s what happens when you concentrate all of your efforts on novels and novellas. I’m hoping to have some news on both those fronts shortly. Until then, you can check out my new tale, “Cabin D,” in Supernatural Tales #17. I’ve always wanted to be in ST, and I’m even more excited that I get to share the issue with my good friend Richard Gavin, whose story “The Language of the Nameless Region,” is slotted right next to mine. Canadian horror represent!

Here’s the amazing cover art and the line-up:

“The Tunnel” — Peter Bell
“Mr. Nousel’s Mirror” — Michael Keyton
“The Dress” — Elizabeth Brown
“13 Nassau St” — Martin Hayes
“Cabin D” — Ian Rogers
“The Language of the Nameless Region” — Richard Gavin
“Lessons” — Katherine Haynes
w/ book reviews by David Longhorn, Brian J. Showers, and Colin Westney

Ordering information can be found on the Supernatural Tales website.

This past weekend I joined the BIFF BAM POP crew and saw the remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street. You can read our take on it here.

After the flick, Kat and I went to dinner with the BBP guys, and JP Fallavollita, a talented writer and artist, showed me some of the preliminary sketches for the second edition of our Halloween special, BIFF BAM BOO! This issue will feature an adaptation of my lake-monster-with-a-twist story, “Vogo.” JP’s sketches were incredible, and his plans for the layout of the piece were truly creative. He has a real eye for detail, and I’d love to work with him on a longer piece in the future. JP has graciously allowed me to post one of his Vogo concept sketches here. Check it out:

Absolutely amazing. It’s going to suck having to wait until Halloween to see the finished product, but I can assure you it will be worth it.

Speaking of BIFF BAM POP, if you’re a fan of TV’s “LOST,” then I hope you’ve been checking out my weekly articles on the show. I’ve been talking to Andy Burns, head honcho at BBP, and I can tell you we’re cooking up something special for the night of the finale. We’ve also been discussing a new gig for myself once the show is done. And no, I won’t be reviewing “Dancing With the Stars.” Sorry, folks.

In other exciting news, Kat and I got a new roof, which is really nice since it keeps the rain out. It was the only part of the house that needed any work when we bought it, so that’s also a plus. Our next project will be painting the bathroom, and then maybe redoing the kitchen. I’ve found that once you become a homeowner, there is no end to the fixes and renos. It’s like the yuppie version of purgatory, especially when you throw in a visit to Home Depot.

We also bought a Nintendo Wii. It’s been years since I’ve owned a video game system, but then we got it mostly for the exercise stuff. Kat is enjoying her yoga on the Wii Fit balance board, while I’ve been blowing away drug dealers in “Scarface: The World Is Yours.” Okay, it’s not exactly exercise, but I do work up a sweat burying those cockroaches!

To commemorate this milestone, the writers at Biff Bam Pop have written articles on the show. My piece, “A Damn Fine TV Show,” went online this morning. You can also check out the other articles, “Coffee, Cherry Pie, and the Scariest Hour of Television Ever,” by Andy Burns, and “Images Were Everything,” by J.P. Fallavollita.

So what has brought me out of my writing hidey-hole? Easter? Not likely. Although I am breaking the bbq out for the first time this season. Steak and apple-stuffed pork tenderloin. Beer on the back deck. Thor in his harness. Kathryn reading a Joe R. Lansdale book. I’m living the dream, baby.

Anyway, the real reason I’m breaking blog silence is because of this wonderful review of “Temporary Monsters” by Norman Partridge that I found posted today. Here’s an excerpt:

“I’m sure this one will earn Rogers more than a few comparisons to Jim Butcher — and those are apt — but Rogers’ work hits just as close to the good old P. I. stuff you’ll find in yellow-paged paperbacks. He’s got the rhythm and the wryness (“He tossed me across the restaurant like a lawn dart…”), plus dialogue and description that snaps. Most of all, Rogers has a hardluck character in Renn who’s a keeper. Here’s hoping the next step for this young writer will be a collection, because it looks to me like he’s got a bibliography that will fill up a table of contents page just fine.”

You can read the rest on Partridge’s blog, along with some other great reviews and interviews.

Partridge has a new book coming out soon, a collection called Lesser Demons from Subterranean Press. Together with Laird Barron’s forthcoming collection, Occultation, these are two of the books I’m most looking forward to this year. I strongly recommend you check them out.