TWO-TEN BOOK PRESS PRESENTS ... THE DARKSLAYER REPORT

THE DARKSLAYER UPDATE ...

2012-01-29T16:51:00.000-08:00

So maybe, just maybe, you are wondering about the status of the next Darkslayer book. Well, here is what is going on. I'll recieve the final edit of Volume 2 by February 15th, 2012. The ebook should be ready for release about one month after that. The paperback should take about 2 months, give or take a month. I can't wait to get the book out because it has taken entirely too long. But, Bish Happens.

Volume 3 is in the initial writing phases. I have written 90,000 words since November 1st. My goal has been 1000 words per day and I've met that. So the rough draft is on pace to be finished by the end of February, unless Bish wants it to become longer. The editing phase takes as long as writing the book. It's the nature of the beast. The best thing is the fact that my first trilogy is almost complete, but The Darkslayer will not be over.

The Darkslayer will go on, Volume after Volume, as long as I can stand it. I have a hundred stories within the miserable world of Bish I want to write. So, this first trilogy is only the beginning. Wasn't it Rocky that said, "Nothing's over til it's over." That's right, the beast inside will keep me writing and it'll be a long time before it tires out.

Slay the Day,

HALLORAN

THE DARKSLAYER, VOLUME II, COMING SOON ...

2012-01-25T18:49:00.000-08:00

What will happen next, in the world of Bish?

More Monsters? More Magic? More Mayhem? YES! YES! YES!

SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A BOOK ...WHY?

2012-01-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

Writing a book isn't easy. It's work that takes endless hours and demands your attention to a thousand details. I wish I knew all of this before I started. I flew into it blind. I had no clue about the brutality of the publishing word.

So, here are some things to consider before you even start ...

1. Why are you doing it? If it isn't to make money then you are making a big mistake. I'm strictly speaking from a publishing standpoint, not that you are doing something special for you kids. No, the best way to be successful is to think about the money. Do your homework. How much does it really pay to get published or how much does it really cost to publish yourself. I'm not going to help you with this There are oodles of articles on this. I will tell you what to look for though. However, if you are looking to self publish, read J.A. Konrath's' blog.

2. How many books are you willing to write? Uh, if you are only planning on ONE, you will fail. You need to find your genre and plan on doing as many as you possibly can. That way, if you get rejected by agents and publishing houses, you have something to build off by self publishing on your own. Publishers are looking for a running series as well. Success with self publishing comes from many, many books. Readers want to see that you have many books before they even try. Many super successful authors are doing great because their stories were rejected over and over. But when it came time to self publish they already were established in there work. You can be as well.

3. Read books on how to write a book. YES! There are dozens of details you have never considered. Books are not like movies and television shows. They are an art unto themselves. You might as well do some reading up before an editor or agent tells you that you need to re-write the entire story. I did that with my first two Darkslayer books. It was brutal, but man, I learned alot. I recommend Immediate Fiction and Self-Editing for fiction writers. They opened my eyes to an entire new world.

4. I am stopping now. This is just the beginning. I like to feed bits at time. It's easier to swallow that way. The truth is, there are volumes you really need to read to be successful. I just hope I can help many of you save some time and money. It's not an endeavor you should take on without all the help you can get.

REMEMBER, THE DARKSLAYER VOLUME ONE EBOOK IS FREE!!!

I finished and this is what I thought ...

2012-01-20T11:30:00.000-08:00

THE GUNSLINGER REVIEW

I gave it 3 out of 5 stars. Shame on me. But, I didn't expected more.

This is what I am currently reading ...

2011-12-09T12:13:00.000-08:00

The Gunslinger by Stephen King

Click on cover to see what I think

THE DARKSLAYER IS FREE ... LITERALLY!!!

2011-11-25T17:50:00.000-08:00

Well, the ebook, that is.  If you have downloaded the free version, you might want to know about The Darkslayer and Volume Two. Volume Two will be out soon, Early 2012. It's written, complete and going through the final editing stages. Also, I will be re-releasing Volume One, as well. Why?

When I was writing Volume Two I changed my writing style. I broke it out in shorter chapters and maintained a straight timeline. No flashbacks, or going back in time, just a straight red hot light. I liked this style better when writing and I grew into doing other things. I worked on the POV (Point of View) of all of the characters, their thoughts and feelings. More characters are developed this way.   It get's the readers more involved and attached. After making these adjustments to my writing style I realized Volume One could be even better. I re-wrote it and tall orders like that make a writer better. I also added another 25,000 words to Volume One as well. Part of it was from Volume Two, but when I changed the timeline, I had to make the change.  The plan is to release it before Volume Two and it will still be FREE (the ebook.). BTW, Volume Three is underway, and will be compete by February 2012.

What is the future of The Darkslayer? My plan initially was to do a trilogy, but that won't do.  That's why I call them 'Volumes'. I'm not putting a limit on how many I am going to do. There is at least a thousand years of stories about The Darkslayer's on the world of Bish. I've got alot of work to do. I'll take it one book at a time. In the meantime, you might want to check out ZOMBIE DAY CARE.

CLASSIC FAMILY FEUD! THIS WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH!!!

2011-11-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

Come see Craig Halloran at the WV BOOK FESTIVAL!!! OCT 22nd-23rd

2011-10-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

WV Book Festival Links

This will be my second appearance. Last year went great and I sold and signed a lot of books. I will be featuring the debut of my latest book, ZOMBIE DAY CARE as well as THE DARKSLAYER Volume One.

I'll have new trading cards for the Darkslayer as well. If you can't make it my books and eBooks are available at Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, KOBO, Smashwords and more ....

I hope to see you there!!!

CONAN THE BARBARIAN: THE MUSICAL!!! Man, Musicals ROCK!!!

2011-10-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for...ZOMBIE DAY CARE by Craig Halloran

2011-09-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

It's time to start the buzz!!!

Anyday now (Today is Sept 25th, 2011) it shall be released in eBook format, the Paperback will be available in a few more weeks. I think my readers are going to love this story. It's a short-novel, 37,000 words only. It took me a month to write and 2 more months for editing. Seriously though, I am jacked about this story. Here is what is on the backcover of the book, I hope get's you interested.

He had dozed off, feeling safe and exhausted, in the middle of nowhere. He laid his head back just for a second, listening to the madness on the satellite radio. America has fallen! Russia has fallen! The Middle East has fallen! He fell asleep.

His eyes snapped open. A shuffle of dirt caught his ear. He wiped the drool from his mouth. The rearview mirror showed nothing. His heart raced. Something was out there. A flicker of movement caught his eye in the side view mirror. He jerked out of the way just as a hand clutched for his neck. He scrambled through the passenger side door and rolled outside.

The Facility is what the Washington D.C. officials call it.

It is a day care for zombie children, tucked deep in the hills of West Virginia.

Is there a cure for the zombies?

The children of the undead give them the best hope.

There are those who think the zombie threat is harmless…and those that don’t.

The World Humanitarian Society wants to protect the zombies…or do they?

Friends, family and colleagues are set at odds, dealing with the deadly dilemma.

What about the zombies? What rights do they have in all of this? Or are they just a means to another diabolical end?

Book Cover Image
Artwork by Ernie Chan

The Darkslayer Book Trailer!!!

2011-04-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the Sexy Sax Man and try not to laugh...too hard!

2011-03-22T09:49:00.001-07:00

Secretariat, a movie about an Awesome Horse! 7.5 out of 10!

2011-02-13T18:03:00.000-08:00

IMDB REVIEW LINK 7.1

We needed a good family film to watch ant this was all they had on Dishnetwork. I wanted to see it though, because I always remembered the stories about Big Red (Secretariat's real name) and thought he was fascinating. But would the movie be? The movie is pretty good, and certainly it could have been better, but the wife and I liked it plenty. I like it so much I had to go on youtube and watch the final race of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, just to see it for myself. Here it is below.

Robert E. Howard, The legend behind Sword and Sorcery

2011-02-11T12:24:00.000-08:00

Great Link to Read Right here!

SALT...too SALTY for me but better than expected. A good flick, 7.0 out of 10!

2011-02-04T16:23:00.000-08:00

IMBD Review Link 6.5!

When the hottest CIA agent of all-time (Angelina Jolie) is accused of being a Russian super spy, nothing unfolds as it should. You know...a woman like Angelina can certainly distract from a good story, but time and again she proves herself to be a very convincing actress. She plays CIA agent Evelyn Salt, who turns out to be a decades long sleeper agent. (Note: I'd mention the other actors of note, but theer weren't any.) It is a compelling story that leaves you searching for answers about the characters and thier mysterious past. The beginning is the best part of the movie, because it wasn't long after that the entire action filled story became impossibly believable. Think about it...Impossibly Believable! Jumping from a truck (higher level) to a truck (lower leverl) on an interstate might work once, but not three times. Certainly there would be a better way to escape than that. The ending was not to shabby and I'll give them props because endings are difficult. My wife watched it with me, and she liked it, as did I. It's pretty good by movie standards these days. Feel free to spend your dollar on this one, but my rental was free.

The Darkslayer, Volume One Book Trailer! Awesome!

2011-02-01T06:17:00.001-08:00

Having Fun with Father Ted! Ever watch this show on the BBC?

2011-01-29T17:11:00.000-08:00

This is one I never saw, but it is absolutely hilarious. If you never saw this show before this will bet you hooked on it's characters. If you don't laugh outloud, you must be dead.

Spartacus: Blood and Sand on Starz is an excellent story...but over the top!

2011-01-27T16:56:00.000-08:00

IMDB Review Link of Spartacus Blood and Sand 8.8 on Starz

So you know who Spartacus is? Did you see or read The 300 by Frank Miller? Spartacus is a SPARTAN that becomes a Roman slave and rises to become it's most prominent gladiator trying to earn his freedom. I first tuned into this bloodfest on episode 3 or 4. It was nuts how much blood was being shed everywhere, enough to make a vampire squeamish. But I kept watching and discovered there was a really good story and excellent acting. It is TV-MA, which means there is much content that is inappropriate but I suppose they felt the need to be accurate to the period. I think they just got carried away with it all and it took more from a good story than it enhanced. Still, I found myself watching just to see what happened. There were good guys and bad that you either loved or hated. It is like a guys soap opera of sorts. The villiany in these shows is without equal and it protrays the Romans as a most ruthless and cunning civilization. As I said, the actors do a great job and things appear to be real to the period, but I really have no idea. Now there is a second series out, and I have seen the first episode. They do a good job picking up where they left off and I am all too curious to see where it goes. I would suggest you check the details on the link above, note some of the stars and learn more about the show and it's content before you invest any time or money in this. There are plenty of things I don't like about these shows, but the story is still good enough for me to watch. I'll would compare it the more to the movie Gladiator, but it is much more graphic and not appropriate for anyone under 40.

Race to Witch Mountain with The Rock! 6.0 out of 10!

2011-01-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

IMDB Full Review Link 5.9

Click for larger image if you dare

Hey, another priceless remake of a movie that was forgotten long ago. You should know how I feel about remakes, but in this case it wasn't such a bad idea. Seeing how this one is a bit more advanced in movie technology. There were a few cameo's that I liked with the original kids, now my age or older that is. Honestly, I don't know what to say about this movie, other than the fact that it is a good family film, even though it takes place in Las Vegas. No gambling or strip clubs scenes, as one might suspect, but plenty racy when they drove a beat up cab through a train tunnel. You know crazy stuff like that. I actually have the first movie on DVD and have yet to watch, but now I am curious. Watch this one with your kids, it ain't that bad. Pretty entertaining cast, but the the kids didn't match up to the originals by far, they were pretty lame. BTW, I hope you like my artwork. Awesome!

The Darkslayer presents...An interview with Farc the Half-Ogre

2011-01-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

Click for Monster Image

1 - Tell us a little about yourself? Farc a retired pit-fighter from Two-Ten City. Greatest Ever!

1a - Where's that? Where all the cool half-ogre's live.

2 - How come you are retired? Too old? To many injuries? Next question or Farc retire you human.

3 - Okay, moving on, what is your favorite place to vacation? Well, Farc have some family in the Hamptons Farc like to visit from time to time. Either there or Philadelphia. Farc love CheesySteaks. Mmmm. You get me one, or Farc pummel you later.

4 - Moving on, can you tell us a little bit about that eye patch? Sure...as long as you don't mind Farc removing them lips from you face.

5 - Uh...have you seen any good movies lately? No, Farc usually go, but can't get past the snack bar. Farc like goobers an poppy-corn. Mmmm...poppy-corn.

Knight and Day! Greatest spy movie ever...depending on your IQ! 7.1!

2011-01-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

IMDB Knight and Day Review 6.4!

I imagine this film could have only been better if Tom Cruise was not in it. Possibly a lot better. Cameron Diaz really wasn't much help for the matter either, and that's a shame because this movie good have been great (I think Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan should have done this). No, the truth is it didn't really stand a chance. In this one Tom plays a renegade spy trying to save the world and does everybit of it in a ridiculously charming fashion. It was just way over the top and I can only imagine many found it amazing. Cameron goes from being a clueless ditzy blonde to gutsy super spy material over the course of their brief adventure. She played the part quite convincingly. After one impossible scenario after the other, (even Bond fans would vomit at this), they save a nerd and his battery. But in the end, my wife and I found the whole mindless debacle pleasantly entertaining and so won't you. Enjoy it over and over again if you dare, I dare you!

TOP TEN THINGS TO CELEBRATE ON NEW YEARS EVE 2010!

2010-12-31T12:32:00.000-08:00

10. Age. You are getting older. Be proud you somehow made it this far.
9. Exercise. You said last year you were going to excercise more and really hit the gym, but you  really   didn't, did you?  It's okay. Celebrate how failure has been an excellent teacher over the past year.
8. Eating. Remember all those things you swore you wouldn't eat as much of this year like Chocolate   and  Pizza? Be glad you didn't let your stubborn pride get in the way of enjoying them just as much as you ever did.
7. Spending more time with family. I am sure that some of you actually did spend more time with family even if it was unwillingly due to the circumstances. Time is your most precious gift, and Caller ID is a good one too.
6. Television. If you don't own a television good for you, but have a toast for those that do, TV always has something to look forward too.
5. Dieting. It was a great year for dieting, but it isn't that easy, especially when countless opportunities to consume delicious quantitites of food lies in every kitchen and just around the corner. Maybe alot of exercise will help offset those extra calories. lol. Be happy you tried and even happier if you suceeded.
4. Smartphones. Yes, these brilliant devices that distract from everything that is truly important in life, like driving a car for instance.
3. Friendship. Think of all the wonderful friends you have made or reaquanited with on Facebook and you never have to go visit them to see how they are actually doing.
2. Laughter. I can only hope you laughed more this year than last year, but if you didn't it's probably only because the world is coming to an end. So next year make sure you have a lot more laughs.
1. The Darkslayer! Yes...I know you can't help but be overcome with elation at my frequent advertisements for the this excellent novel that is written without rival by yours truly.   Celebrate this epic adventure that motivates you on those rainy days and for many years to come. Now if you laughed then you must be a bit curious too? Happy New Year!

True Grit! Does it measure up to the original Duke version? 8.0 for Me!

2010-12-30T10:16:00.000-08:00

IMDB Review Link and Rating 8.5!

Does this one measure up to the original in 1969 which won big John Wayne The Academy Award? No. This movie is overrated, but that is to be expected, it's still really good. Jeff Bridges did fine as Marshall Rooster Cogburn, but he isn't as colorful as he should have been. Basically because he is not The Duke! Matt Dillions Texas Ranger part was memorable I thought, but the pesky little girl seemed to overshadow everything. The ending wasn't very climatic either as Josh Brolin's character, the focus of the film, was brief and forgettable. What did I like about the movie, well I'll tell you. The theater was packed with people older than me for a change. Hollywood finally made a movie that older people would come and see, even if it is a remake. Will they figure out this formula, I doubt it, but there is hope. There is an awful lot of westerns that should be remade, because Westerns dominated the silver screens for decades. As for me, I love westerns, so I don't mind those mid-western tales being told over again. If you ever saw the original this one will dissapoint you a bit, but if you never saw it you might be blown away depending on your level of intelligence. Check it out, it's a good one just not great as they some people seem to think. Modern era comparison would be The Unforgiven and The Unforgiven is head and shoulders better. BANG! BANG!

Kirby's Epic Yarn for the Wii! It's something you can play with your kid!

2010-12-28T14:46:00.000-08:00

Kirby's Epic Yarn Link

You want a game that you can enjoy with your child, then buy them Kirby's Epic Yarn. It's not too complicated, like the Mario World's that move extremely fast. My boy picked it out for Christmas and I had no idea why, but he really loves it, and the truth is that it's pretty darn cool graphically speaking. You just have to see it for yourself.

2003 Daddy Day Care with Eddie Murphy, just what I would expect! 6.8 out of 10

2010-12-28T14:32:00.000-08:00

IMDB REVIEW 5.5!

I didn't have much going on this day, I guess this one has been out awhile and I missed it. Here is the gist. Eddie Murphy opens a Day Care and turns a bunch of misunderstood children into pillars of society. It wasn't so terrible. I don't think you can expect too much from a movie like this, it's a silly premise, but it wasn't all that bad as I chuckled here and there. Your kids will love it.