New Release: The Shopping Mall Massacre (Zombies!!)

Sooo, I have a new release today. However, it won't be available for download on Amazon or the other places. The reason is that I'm expanding the short story into a novel that I'll be publishing it under the YA name Erica Archer. I've finished about 72% of the novel (which will probably be titled The Crazies), and I'm hoping it'll be out before the end of the year. If you have a Goodreads account (which is free), you can read the short story (about 15k words) here: M/M Romance Group.

The name of the story is The Shopping Mall Massacre and here's the blurb:

A day trip to the mall turns deadly for Bastian when zombie knockoffs storm the doors and start eating shoppers. Luckily, his college buddy Oliver is on hand to pull him to safety. 

Hunkered down in a toy store full of traumatized people with no help coming from an equally beleaguered outside world, Bastian and Oliver must find a way to keep their group alive and avoid the infected stalking the mall's hallways when they make their bid for freedom. It won't be easy to get out and stay safe while tiptoeing around the strong feelings the two young men have for one another.

Black Hurricane: Confirmed Release Date!

That's right. Prepare to be swept away in a black hurricane of Jazz and Dean on Friday August 23rd. I just received my author copies of Black Hurricane. A lot of you already know who sexy Jazz is, but might be wondering who the hell this Dean person is. He's Black Hurricane's lead singer and he's also someone from Jazz's past. Oh, and he's on the book cover.

I will share an excerpt soon! For now, here's the blurb:

Twenty-three year old Jasper Jones fell in love with Dean McQueen at fourteen, but after a disastrous relationship, Jazz would like nothing better than to see the rock star choke on his own vomit.

After a catastrophic reunion, Dean seems bent on destroying Jazz’s life. It all started when an impromptu bar performance ended up on YouTube and Jazz became an internet sensation overnight. The name “Jazdean” keeps popping up in headlines and the paparazzi stalk his every move. To make matters worse, Jazz is about to end up on the streets for the second time in his life. 

In a desperate attempt to keep his home, Jazz signs a deal with Dean’s band, Black Hurricane, to perform at a couple of concerts. It feels like one of Dean’s feeble attempts to get Jazz back, but painted into a corner like he is, Jazz has no choice.

What to expect? Angst, resentment, sexual tension, rock music, snickers, and support from friends.

Masterpiece! The Statue, by Zathyn Priest

Hi guys,

I wanted to share with you a story I read last night. It's Zathyn Priest's seventh story, The Statue, another one to place on the shelf of great masterpieces. What makes the story even more special is that if you buy it from his website, you get the graphic version too. Those graphics are absolutely stunning! 

If you've read a Zathyn Priest story before, you'll know that what you'll get is top quality. If you haven't read one before, I so envy you for the gems you have yet to read! I don't know of another m/m author who has 4+ star ratings on ALL of his stories on Goodreads. That's so rare for authors, but not surprising for Zathyn. His writing is beautiful, funny, and the storylines stay with you forever. It's no wonder that his books keep popping up on lists of bestsellers and awards.

You can download a free graphic story, One of Those Days (my first read and what got me hooked on this author). You also get a "normal" story (without the graphics), but I do recommend the graphic one, it's just so beautiful. 

You can also buy The Statue for $2.99 (a total steal for a story like this) - and while I'm at it, Left of Centre is also $2.99 and it is to die for! (Yes, this is me being a total fangirl). Then there are the bestselling novel length works: The Curtis Reincarnation (Rock star!! *Swooon*), Liquid Glass (currently down for re-publication), and The Slayer's Apprentice. Last but not lease is his blog story Emrys Amara. They're all brilliant.

While I'm at it, Zathyn is giving away a copy of The Statue on Friskbiskit. It ends on Monday (I think).

The Statue Blurb:

Freelance journalist, Tristan Church, wants to expose Galloway Mental Hospital’s dirty secrets. Teaming up with broody photographer, Mark, promises other perks.  A ten year relationship with high school sweetheart, Eli, no longer offers Tristan the excitement he craves.  Mark made his intentions clear and Tristan is close to giving in to his advances.

One morning at ‘The Gallows’ leaves Tristan reeling.  He wasn’t prepared for the hell he witnessed and certainly wasn’t prepared to meet Zane.  Disarmed by Zane’s angelic manner, Tristan can’t believe anyone would stand him up.  He soon realises the tardy boyfriend only exists in Zane’s mind and the beautiful young man is not a visitor to The Gallows but a patient.

Eli walks out and Tristan’s life falls apart.  A decision to meet with Mark almost ends in tragedy and Tristan finds solace in Zane’s company.  Before long Zane’s delusions begin terrorising him again.  While Tristan fights to save his own sanity and get Eli back, he knows someone must fight for Zane’s right to love a man no one else can see.  A man who scares away violent hallucinations, takes away Zane’s fear, keeps him safe, and is trapped inside a stone statue.

Win Absolutely Eric!

I'm happy to announce that I have an estimate for Absolutely Eric's release. It's expected to come out (and be proud!) at the end of April or beginning of May. I didn't think it would be so soon, but I'm glad it is :) Can't wait to share this book with the world.

There's a contest running on Goodreads. What you have to do to enter is to put Absolutely Eric on your to-read list there and you might win one of the two copies I'm offering. If you have no desire to open up an account at Goodreads, worry not, because there will be more contests later. 

I have a 7 line excerpt to share, since I did the Lucky Seven on Facebook:

Lucky Seven:

1. Go to page 77 (or 7th) of your current ms

2. Go to line 7

3. Copy down the next 7 lines - sentences or paragraphs - and post them as they're written. No cheating.

4. Tag 7 other authors. No cheating

My lines:

The place is pumping, and the beat is thumping by the time Adam, Jesse, and I arrive at eleven PM. As always, I skip the line and walk straight up to Stan the Doorman. He immediately lets me in exchange for a kiss on the cheek, which I gracefully give him. It takes me a while to gather my bearings in the flashing lights and sea of partly naked arms and shoulders. Adam calmly surveys the place while Jesse’s eyes nearly pop out at the sight of the loin-clothed men dancing in cages.

It’s Tarzan night again. (Copyright © by Erica Pike)

Okay, what else? Isn't the cover gorgeous? It's a Dan Skinner photo that I'm particularly proud of having, since I'm a big fan of Dan's. 

I'm finalizing the SWAG for GayRomLit 2012, and it features this cover. I'll share it with people once we get closer to October. It's nothing short of awesome.