S.M. Douglas

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Mayor Larry Vaughn Award of the Month

April 20, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Jaws is my favorite movie.  Lessons taught from Jaws are frequently applicable to today’s world. For instance, let’s consider the decision-making of the Mayor of Amity Island himself: Mr. Larry Vaughn.

What might prompt me to think of our favorite sleazy mayor? In answering that question I could easily start higher up the political food chain. However, what really prompted me to come off the bench (sorry about the lack of posts of late – life has been hectic) was something that happened last week. That being Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his decision to re-open Florida’s beaches. Let’s go to the Governor himself, who explained his justification by stating:

“I’m only trying to say that Amity is a summer town. We need summer dollars. Now, if the people can’t swim here, they’ll be glad to swim at the beaches of Cape Cod, the Hamptons, Long Island…I’m pleased and happy to repeat the news that we have in fact caught and killed a large predator that supposedly injured some bathers. But as you can see, it’s a beautiful day, the beaches are opened, and people are having a wonderful time.”

Mayor Larry Vaughn

Whoops, wait a minute!

DeSantis was actually quoted as stating it was important for people to have outlets for getting exercise, sunshine and fresh air. “Do it in a good way. Do it in a safe way,” DeSantis said.

Chief Brody stated in response, “That doesn’t mean we have to serve them up as smörgåsbord!”

Whoops! There I go again.

Of course, this all leaves us with the real question on everyone’s mind: will the Florida Governor’s kids be on those beaches?

Sale: Apex Predator Only $0.99 From February 21-28th

February 19, 2019 / / 0 Comments

I have good news. For the first time in over a year my werewolf novel Apex Predator is on sale over at Amazon.com!

The sale starts on Thursday February 21st and ends on Thursday February 28th. During that time Apex Predator’s e-book version will be available for only $0.99! That’s 75% off the $3.99 list price for those of you who are like me and not the most math savvy.

Apex_Predator_Cover

If you already pay attention to my ramblings you know that I don’t spend much time promoting my work. So you might say, why now? That’s simple. I just finished a new edition of the book. Needless to say, I think those edits make it an even better reading experience. Which is pretty cool considering some of the glowing editorial reviews Apex Predator has already garnered:

“It takes mere paragraphs to become addicted to author’s unique style and infectious story telling prowess…pace is swift… rare commodity for one to stumble across… mesmerizing conclusion… vivid description… pulse pounding action… borderline poetic and the crystal clear imagery inspires the suspense fanatic in each of us… eloquent grisly, gory and gruesome prose. Douglas evokes an unsettling level of skin crawling hysteria for even the most cynical of readers…one cannot help but squirm with unease and maybe double and triple check that the locks have been secured for the night. Rest assured Apex Predator is not your Uncle Ned’s Werewolf story. It’s invigorating, innovative and refreshing to see an age old premise composed with a brand new edge…will jump at the chance to embark upon another S.M. Douglas odyssey.”
— Horrornews.net
 “More than just Lycanthropes vs. Wolves of Wall Street, the novel is an ambitious examination of corporate corruption–with carnage that feels cathartic…shape-shifters have definite horror appeal…guaranteed to amuse horror aficionados.”
— Diabolique Magazine
“Apex Predator, with its classic occult-like mainstay and a vivid representation of a dystopian world, certainly makes for a fun read…will rightfully keep you up all night…Awarded five out of five stars.”
— Serious Reading
“The ending was a surprising twist. The book is well-written and a very enjoyable read.”
–Mildred Fontanez, Goodreads Review
“This book was a great read. It’s a great mix of historic events and really good fiction.”
–Michael Smith, Goodreads Review
 “I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Having always been a werewolf fan, this was an interesting twist on the tale. The characters are complex and endearing enough that you find yourself drawn into their world. The action is fast paced and keeps you reading page after page to find out what happens.”
–Rob De Stefano, Goodreads Review
 “A very good read. I loved it one of the best werewolves books I’ve read. I recommend this to anyone”
–William Riley, Goodreads Review

That’s enough of that. I’m feeling downright immodest. But hey, a sale is a sale! So, if you’re a fan of werewolf horror, or maybe you’ve been wondering if I know how to spin a tale then now’s your chance. Beginning this Thursday you have a whole week to check out Apex Predator for only $0.99!

Give it a chance. If you like it then let me know (ideally doing so on the book’s Amazon page).

 

Cool Behind the Scenes Werewolf Creation Pics From The Howling

February 4, 2019 / / 0 Comments

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – real special effects still beat CGI when it comes to werewolves. Rob Bottin’s beasts in the original 1981 Howling are my favorite.

Regardless, here are several behind the scenes shots from the aforementioned Howling.

The Howling1 The Howling2 TheHowling10

Anyway, from one werewolf creator to all the others out there I say this – More real effects please!

Werewolves and Castles – The Perfect Pairing!

October 29, 2018 / / 0 Comments

I love castles. I also love werewolves. Combine the two and…it should be magic. But why isn’t it? I can only think of two films in the past forty years that includes a prominent werewolf and castle dynamic. These are Howling V (in 1989) and Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (in 2009).

The original Howling is my all-time favorite werewolf movie. The sequels – not so much. I say this with all due respect to Christopher Lee and Sybill Danning, who appeared together in Howling II.  I still don’t know how the writer/director couldn’t have figured out a way to use those two better. That said, Howling V was a game effort; just not what could have been. As for the Underworld series…I found the the first three enjoyable – albeit more as action movies than true horror films.

If anyone knows of any good werewolf/castle combo’s in any media form then I would love to get some viewing or reading recommendations!

By the way, for those of you who haven’t read my book Apex Predator note that a medieval European town and its imposing castle (set in the modern era) are one of the key settings.

I even had the artist I hired use the castle as part of the book’s cover!

apex-predator-final

The Godfather of the Cinematic Werewolf

October 10, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Like many of you I have a preference in terms of how I like my werewolves to look. That said, I definitely appreciate diversity in ideas; as well as the classics.  For instance, the werewolves in my novel Apex Predator are definitely wolfish albeit two legged beasts (with a muzzle and wolf-like head on top of a muscular fur covered body).

However, you gotta love Lon Chaney Jr. and his representation of Larry Talbot in 1941’s The Wolf Man.  Here’s a pic I like quite a bit of Lon relaxing in character, and with his dog.

Lon Chaney and His Dog

RIP.  You are an inspiration even now, nearly 80 years later.

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