Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius

Episode 231: Competition, COVID, and Missing Another Concert Plus the Short Horror Story ”Ultimate Wish”

My nerves got the best of me at Saturday's NAGA competition. I submitted one opponent and got submitted by the other.
In addition to the second place medal, I also took home a nice case of COVID, possibly the first for me. I'm feeling like crap but keeping as focused and productive as possible while I steer clear of my family.
I'm bummed that the sickness will keep me from the Metal Injection festival. There aren't a lot of opportunities to see Machine Head, Fear Factory, and Testament playing but I'll live.
I also just switched the language on my Xbox from English to German which should be a fun/irritating way to learn.
A reminder that you can pick up 25 Perfect Days: Plus 5 More free on Amazon KU through 9-18: https://geni.us/25Perfect
We are redesigning all of the TNTD books and eliminating the logo as the weapons in it were preventing me from advertising on Amazon.
(9:40) Listen to the short horror story "Ultimate Wish" narrated by Tee Quillen off the Somber Stroll audiobook.

Episode 230: Book Launch, Jiu Jitsu Tournament, and Chapter 2 of Try Not to Die: At Dethfest

Wednesday was the release of Try Not to Die: At Dethfest.
It's my 18th book, but means a lot because heavy metal has been such a huge part of my life.
One of the coolest parts about the book is that it includes Jose Mangin, a DJ from Sirius XM's Liquid Metal/Octane. He agreed to let us include him and as a thank you we've donated to his Headbang for Science charity and include a link for it at the back of the book.
The other cool thing is that we published this book at all. It was 9 years in the making with mental health struggles and life getting in the way. We persevered and are proud of what it's now turning into with Dethfest Confessions.
Despite all the excitement over the book, I went back to my old ways and had to deal with some negative emotions. Instead of caving to them, like I've done on other launches, I threw myself into jiu jitsu to get me refocused. Not only did I manage to get some marketing done but I'm also excited to be competing this Saturday at NAGA.
I narrate the first death scene from Try Not to Die: At Dethfest followed by the next chapter.
Grab your copy of Dethfest on Amazon: https://geni.us/Dethfest
 

Episode 229: Asking for Help, Back to Early Mornings, Creating New Projects and Chapter 1 of Try Not to Die: At Dethfest

What a great week. I'd love if you could make it even better by helping me share the Try Not to Die: At Ghostland $0.99 sale and the launch of Dethfest on Sept 6. Purchasing, leaving reviews, and recommending it to friends is all so super helpful and appreciated. Here is Ghostland: https://geni.us/AtGhostland
Here is Dethfest: https://geni.us/Dethfest
I'm back to an early morning routine for jiu jitsu with the 6am class M/W/F at 10th Planet Whittier with Coach Wes Levine. I'm loving the class and just had an interesting talk with Wes about writing.
That conversation, one I had with a TNTD coauthor, and the reading of the horror novella Arcranium adds the possibility of 3 new projects. Yay!
Books are ready to be shipped off for the Frankfurter Buchmesse and I think Back at Grandma's House will be ready for the event as well.

Episode 228: Our Jiu Jitsu Journey, 500 Years of Burning in Hell, and the Short Story ”Mutual Understanding”

It's been a long week and I'm exhausted after training jiu jitsu with my wife. 
My new jiu jitsu project is coming together and I'm excited about even being able to train when we go to Germany. It's such a great way to meet new people and try not to let them murder you.
Derek the Demon just started his first novel: 500 Years of Burning in Hell: My Life as a Demon. I'm not sure how committed he is to it but he said it sounds fun.
(8:12) Dawna Gonzales, a black belt under Eddie Bravo, narrates the short story "Mutual Understanding"

Episode 227: Books of Horror, Dethfest Confessions, and Chapter 7 of Try Not to Die: At Ghostland and a Death Scene

Another week where I'm super excited about the direction everything's headed.
The Books of Horror group has been very supportive of TNTD and incredibly helpful filling the anthology for Dethfest Confession. Special thanks to Tiffany Koplin for the awesome merch and promo ideas, Shannon Marie for the fun TNTD: At Ghostland reading group, and Makayla Darnall for the great review and fun conversations.
Dethfest Confession is going to be sick. The line-up is pretty insane with 13 of the 15 slots filled and the editor. The first 3 stories are planned to release around Oct 15 and Dethfest is now releasing Sept 6.
I'm beginning to put together a little eBook called Our Jiu Jitsu Journey and Karl's photos are going to be perfect for it.
(12:15) I narrate a death scene from Try Not to Die: At Ghostland followed by my daughter narrating Chapter 7.

Episode 226: Father Photos, Final Days of Vacation and Chapter 6 of Try Not to Die: At Ghostland and a Death Scene

My good friend, Karl Dominey, a photographer from Rhode Island, and his son, Luka, are staying with my family for a week. It's been wonderful catching up, relaxing, and talking projects.
On this episode, we discuss his book in development which showcasing men being good fathers. 
Going outside our comfort zone for our kids. Even though Karl hates playing video games, he agreed to learn how to play Fortnite. And neither Karl or I were looking forward to riding rollercoasters at Knotts but the four of us had a great time hitting nearly every ride in the park.
It wasn't easy to turn off my desire to be productive, but it feels good enjoying the last days of summer. 
Karl goes over his experience reading Try Not to Die: At Dethfest.
(30:50) I narrate a death scene from Try Not to Die: At Ghostland and then my daughter narrates Chapter 6. 

Episode 225: New Merchandise, New Books and Chapter 5 of Try Not to Die: At Ghostland and a Death Scene

I had a fantastic time meeting Brian Ochoa who has created a ton of work for me, including the image for the Dethfest tattoo and the concert poster. He's currently working on the album cover and finalizing T-shirt designs. The shirts will be up for order soon.
Here's his site - https://brianochoadesign.com/gallery
I mailed off Dethfest paperback to some early readers in the UK, CA, AUS, and the US. I can't wait to hear what they say.
I was excited to get a copy of P.W. Feutz's novella The Sun is a Circle Meant for Serving. P.W. and I are collaborating on quite a few things and I think you'll appreciate his writing. The book is currently free on Amazon KU. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCZWRYDC
Another author who is contributing to both TNTD and Dethfest Confessions is author Jon Cohn. He did a fantastic job with his Confessions story and the TNTD based off his novel Slashtag is going to be brutal.
This week I've been reading Winter's Myths by Gage Greenwood. I'm loving the book and excited to announce that although it's not official-official, Gage and I are planning on collaborating on a TNTD.
And all of this is just a small reason why I am confident in this series.
This week Try Not to Die: In the Wild West is free on Amazon Kindle Unlimited - https://geni.us/WildWest
(15:00) I read another death scene from Try Not to Die: At Ghostland. 
My daughter narrates the next chapter.

Episode 224: Reader Questions, More Ain’t No Messiah, and Chapter 4 of Try Not to Die: At Ghostland and a Death Scene

I had a positive talk with an agent regarding my approach to the Frankfurter Buchmesse. We also discussed what I should write next. It's a lot to consider but I love having options.
Last week I registered for the ADCC Open, a jiu jitsu tournament in Scottsdale. This week I'm dropping out along with the rest of the team. I'm feeling good but 2 or 3 of my teammates are injured and can no longer compete. I'm sure another opportunity will come soon enough.
Ain't No Messiah is free on Kindle Unlimited July 27-31. Here's a link.
I read a few 2-star and 5-star reviews to give you a fair look at the reader response.
I answer reader questions from Emily, Don, and Alvin.
(15:00) I narrate a death scene from Try Not to Die: At Ghostland.
(19:00) Liv Tullius narrates Chapter 4 of Try Not to Die: At Ghostland.