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Norman Applegate
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Okay, I rarely ask for support however my novel Blood Bar, a vampire story is in a book cover contest at the Covey Cover Awards, please go to http://thenewcoveycoverawards.blogspot.com/ and vote for Blood Bar it’s number 14 on the list of 30. Cont...
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Trailer Producer: J.L. Botelho
Genre: Dark Horror, Vampire Thriller
Length: .53 Seconds
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Profile Information
- Do You Have A Website?
- http://www.normanapplegate.com
- About Me:
- Norman Applegate is an author and consultant, with a growing body of work to his credit. Born in Glasgow Scotland, growing up in Toronto Canada and now residing in Sarasota Florida with his wife Cheryl, Norm Applegate works and travels for an international consulting company, then occasionally scares the “heck” out of his family with his thoughts and writings.
Norm’s writing began while travelling through New Zealand and Australia as a Hypno-therapist with colorful letters to his family of his tales as a hypnotist and the unexplained.
His early years in Toronto were filled with aspirations of the late 60’s Yorkville hippie music scene, and as a drummer in numerous bands led to a short lived career playing the bars and clubs in the Toronto area. The band Photograph, signed to a recording studio, made some noise on the coast to coast CBC radio show, the Entertainers, and after the legal issues strangled them into submission, they went their separate ways. The life of drugs, sex and rock and roll were over, sad but true.
After a few years of travel, he had the bug, and entered the world of management consulting to become a road warrior, and is now a 2 million miler with Delta. Away from home and with the desire to write a novel it began. His first book, “Into the Basement,” is a raw, dark thriller.
His second novel of the Kim Bennett series, “Into the Spell,” explores a copy cat Son of Sam killer and hypnosis...sometimes evil is all in your head!
Early 2008, Norm introduced a short story called “Jumpers,” in the horror anthology “From the Shadows.” He has developed the screenplay for his novel “Into the Basement,” with Nicholas Grabowsky and director J. L. Botelho of Triad Pictures, and in 2009 published his third novel in the Kim Bennett series, “Blood Bar.” As Kim Bennett would say, “Don’t be stupid, vampires aren’t real.”
BLOOD BAR, A Vampire Tale BOOK REVIEWS
May 18, 2009
By
Crystal Adkins "Crystal's book reviews"
Amazon New Reviewer Rank: 7,667
Amazon Classic Reviewer Rank: 13,618
Kim Bennett is about to discover a world that humans do not know exist, and she is not even so sure she believes what she is destined to be a part of. When an old friend, Rose, calls to tell Kim about a murder and that she is needed to help find out who killed Rose's lover, Kim will find more things out about her ancestry and her future in a very short amount of time. Dodging being killed herself, and trying to find all the pieces to The Black Testament in order to understand her fate, she falls in love with the most powerful vampire in the city.
Always on the run, Kim has to stop running and face the facts. A blood thirsty blood doll is ready to jump in for the kill, and a Native American detective that sees "things", wants to make a deal with the big man in charge; and the saddest part of all, a good friend is forced to kill someone she loves. But Nicolai does something sort of sadistic, in hopes of finding out the truth about Jack the Ripper, The Black Testament, and Kim Bennett.
Blood Bar by Norm Applegate is a paranormal thriller that will keep you intrigued from the start. It holds a lot of mystery and unknowns that eventually reveal themselves. A strong heroine that is used to "roughing it" in the world of S&M finally understands the reason why she is the way she is. Role playing vampires, or do vampires really exist? Dive in to the world and mind of Norm Applegate as he paints vivid pictures of blood, gore, and sex, in Blood Bar. 4.5 Hearts
But despite Kim not being a character I would want to be friends with the story has so much of a different twist to it that I just didn't mind. This isn't a story that I wanted to identify with. But the theme of it, the way it progresses still keeps me entertained. 4.5 Stars
CAFE OF DREAMS
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2009
Not for the weak at heart, Blood Bar is the tale of vampires among us - though not necessarily the type of vampires you may typically imagine. Filled with role playing (or is it?!)blood, lust, and desire for power, Blood Bar combines many aspects of the paranormal and the underside of life.
It is not often that a book can hook a reader within the first page, but Blood Bar did that and more. Never did the story allow me to wander far from it's grasp, without leaving me yearning for my return. Thus, this was a quick and engrossing story that never entered into territory that dragged on or became redundant.
AMAZON REVIEWS
Kim's "blood line" is long and scary.
By
S.L. Brent (Philadelphia, PA.) 5 Stars
Nice twist on a vampire theme,
April 11, 2009
By
J. Anderson "southboca" (Sarasota, Fl United States)
It's not every day that you run across a vampire book with strong, resourceful women in it. What a nice change of pace!
5 Stars
Simply the best of the Kim Bennett Series!!,
February 6, 2009
By
ellen "ellen in atlanta"(Atlanta, Georgia USA)
New Reviewer Rank: 509
Classic Reviewer Rank: 618
If you thought Norm Applegate's first two Kim Bennett books (Into the Basement and Into the Spell) 'weren't yo' momma's thrillers, well, buckle up if you want to know what Kim gets into next.
This book is not for the faint of heart. There are graphic scenes, both violence and sex, but all are in the context of the story.
Norm Applegate is a masterful writer and if you have never read things about Dominatrixes and graphic sex, well, be forewarned.
You WILL however read what a thriller should be - dark, scary, sexy, tense and taut with action and character driven by strong people - starting with Kim herself.
The Kim Bennett series is well written and plotted - Blood Bar is Applegate's best to date -
An excellent read! 5 Stars
"Blood Bar" - the Latest Norman Applegate thriller,
February 15, 2009
By
Fredric R. Mance Jr. "USCitizen" (Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Set in New York City and San Francisco, "Blood Bar" is the latest thriller from Norman Applegate to trace modern day vampires back to their ancient origins.
A page turner of a story that combine sex, blood, political power and the vampire legends into a one hell of a ride!
A great read. 5 Stars
Forget "Dusk 'til Dawn!",
April 17, 2009
By
T. Nottingham (Ft Myers, FL)
George Clooney wouldn't have a clue how to handle Kim Bennett, Norm Applegate's sensual heroine in this, the third edition of the Kim Bennett series. The story is fast-paced and entertaining. Mr. Applegate's writing has truly developed into a unique and original style that instantly captures the reader's attention, draws you in and keeps you there, turning pages.
The story and characters develop quickly and Mr. Applegate's skill at painting the scene, complete with visuals, scents and inner thoughts is masterful and won't leave you wishing for more. His description of a main character's descent into hell would make Dante jealous. Throughout this book, you really feel you are there, experiencing everything with the characters. This is most evident (and fun) in his depictions of the sexually oriented scenes - Norm doesn't disappoint there, either.
Blood Bar is a fast read, a very entertaining story and something refreshingly unique and original in a world of trite literary "repeats". You're not likely to ever say, "Been there, done that" while reading this book! It's very appropriate that David Hagberg and other authors are "...looking over their shoulders..." watching out for Norm Applegate. He'll be replacing them on the best-sellers lists everywhere before you know it! 5 Stars
Intriguing page turner....violence, vampires, sex and,
March 20, 2009
By
Patrick J. Noon
If you enjoy an exciting, not of this life, erotic, action packed read, cuddle up with this thriller tonight. Here we take a dark roller coaster ride through the world of vampires, vixens and vamps on a scintillating journey with some patrons of the Blood Bar scene. The distance Kim Bennett is willing to go in order to find the killer is pure Kim Bennett. Chew on this fast paced thriller. Be careful, it's addictive. 5 Stars
An incredible page turner,
March 15, 2009
By
Jeffrey Berson
This book is phenomenal ! I read 1-2 books per week and have not read such an engrossing story in a long time. Norm artfully blends the suspense of a mystery with the terror of a horror story and sexually deviant behavior into a sharp, and focused read. The plot twists keep one guessing into the nature of friend and foe and culminates in a most surprising ending. I look forward to reading the other Norm Applegate books so I can learn more about the beginning of Kim. 5 Stars
Blood Bar makes me want to be Kim..., April 25, 2009
By
P. L. Griffin (Land O'Lakes, FL)
Kim Bennett rises to the occasion again in Blood Bar, the 3rd book in Norm Applegate's thriller series. Of all three incredible, thrilling, suspenseful, erotic stories, Blood Bar is my favorite. You get so caught up in the world of vampires you begin to learn the history and question page by page if this world is real. You want to be Kim discovering for yourself the intrigue and uncontrollable lust for blood and sex. Maybe I am a vampire? I look forward to #4 Mr. Applegate!!! 5 Stars
A Great Vampire Tale,
June 4, 2009
By
Martha A. Cheves (Charlotte, NC)
Blood Bar - Review by Matthew Morrison
All hell breaks loose, literally, in Norm Applegate's latest and greatest of the Kim Bennett series, Blood Bar. Norm's precisely detailed descriptions of unholy battles and unholier alliances between the world of vampire and human kept me turning page after page. Applegate's fusion of gothic mayhem and modern urban settings is seamless.
When the readers of Twilight grow up, they will thoroughly enjoy the gritty style of Applegate's storytelling. Readers and cult-like followers of Anne Rice's narratives should cautiously approach the wit and speed of Blood Bar's central characters. These semi-eternal beings will not aimlessly banter and brood. They are much more likely to leap off the page directly into minds of their unsuspecting victims. Once inside their host, they begin rapidly depleting the readers will to do anything except to submit to the sweet release of finishing (the book). 5 Stars
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BLOOD BAR BOOK TRAILER
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BLOOD BAR BOOK TRAILER
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Into the Basement
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Norman Applegate's Blog
Blood Bar book cover contest
Okay, I rarely ask for support however my novel Blood Bar, a vampire story is in a book cover contest at the Covey Cover Awards, please go to http://thenewcoveycoverawards.blogspot.com/ and vote for Blood Bar it’s number 14 on the list of 30. Contest ends until Oct 3rd.
All the best
Norm Applegate
All the best
Norm Applegate
Posted on September 19, 2009 at 8:00pm —
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MORGAN'S OWN BLOGSPOT
Still Time Plus Giving Thanks
Still time to let us know below when you read.Today, at http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/ I'm giving thanks for the gift of writing. What about you?
When Do You Read?
When I stopped to catch my breath after publishing Killer Career, it dawned on me I'd neglected the enjoyment of reading for too long. During my ten minute breakfast, I'd read the newspaper or a writing magazine, but couldn't get into fiction because I'd have to tear myself away too soon to leave for work.I'd spent most of my commuting time on the train either writing or promoting my books, and at lunch the same.
On vacation, I'd had time to read and wanted to spend more time on the other side of the book, so to speak.
To remedy the situation, I tuck a paperback into my tote bag each morning. I read it sometimes on the commuter train, most of the time during lunch or my breaks.
At home in the evening, I very rarely read. There's too much noise and too many interruptions from the TV, the dog and the DH. Right now for example, Rascal is whining for no reason except to get my attention, while a commercial is playing in the living room.
Anyway, I'm glad to have found a way to fit reading back into my schedule and look forward to my time away from the real world each day, even though it's for a short while.
What about you? When do you read?
Harlequin at War with RWA and MWA
With the announcement of the new Horizons line by Harlequin, the battle has begun. RWA's denounced Harlequin for opening this vanity line, going so far as to take away recommended publisher status and free attendance privileges at the RWA National Conference. MWA has issued a warning and is awaiting Harlequin's response.
On the surface, it seems that Harlequin is trying to take advantage of writers who, unable to get traditional publishing contracts, will gladly pay to get their books published. It doesn't appear they'll make much of a profit by doing so.
Although Harlequin says that the HH line, as it will be dubbed, will be kept separate from the traditional Harlequin books as far as distribution and advertising goes, many traditional Harlequin authors are still uneasy, wondering if Harlequin's strength and reputation could be diluted by this latest move.
As with other industries, the book industry is struggling to keep afloat in these troubling financial times. Maybe this is just one more way for Harlequin to ensure a cash flow by offering an avenue for authors who may have fallen through the cracks or who would just like a book published as a keepsake. Whether or not the books are up to par in quality may or may not be relevant to such individuals seeking such a service. The trickle down effect still has serious authors worried.
What's your take on Harlequin's move? Is Harlequin cheapening its brand, or hedging its bets to cover all bases in a competitive market? Will this be good or bad for Harlequin, and/or for authors in general?
Please Welcome My Guest, Julie Lomoe, Mystery author
A little bit about Julie -
Julie Lomoe has been named 2009 Author of the Year by the Friends of the Albany Public Library. She was honored at a luncheon on November 14th, and she’s scheduled her first Blog Book Tour to help celebrate and spread the word about this achievement.
And she's a dog lover, too. Her dog has lots more hair than mine. (g)
Julie self-published her two mystery novels, Mood Swing: The Bipolar Murders (2006) and Eldercide (2008). She tried the traditional route to publication for both books, but after a limited number of rejections, she found the process inordinately depressing and turned to print-on-demand technology instead, using the Texas publishing company Virtual Bookworm. She loves the control and involvement she’s had over the published product, including the fact that she was able to use her own cover illustrations for both books. Although she still hopes to land a traditional agent and publisher, she intends to do so on her own terms when the time and the match feel right.
The library’s selection committee for the Author of the Year award chose Julie especially for her novel Eldercide, because of its relevance to current issues surrounding health care reform and our nation’s treatment of the elderly and of end-of-life issues. The award has been given for decades, but this is the first time the committee has chosen a self-published rather than a traditionally published book.In May, 2009, Julie joined the online Blog Book Tours group. Since then, much to her own amazement, her blog, Julie Lomoe’s Musings Mysterioso (http://julielomoe.wordpress.com) has generated over 14,000 visits. She thanks Dani Greer and the other writers at the BBT Café for encouraging her in this new challenge.
For more about Julie and her background, go to http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/, where she is also featured today.
For more about Julie and her background, go to http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/, where she is also featured today.
Both of Julie's books are available online from Virtual Bookworm, Amazon.Com, plus Barnes and Noble
And Now Let's Hear from Julie
IN PRAISE OF SELF-PUBLISHING by Julie Lomoe
True confession time: I’m a self-published author, I’m out and I’m proud! There’s still a certain stigma associated with self-publishing, but the publishing industry is undergoing seismic changes, and I believe those of us who’ve bypassed the traditional system are taking back our power and gaining greater credibility with every passing day.
When I began blogging seriously back in May, I posted about my bipolar diagnosis, saying I’m out and I’m proud. At that time I wrote that self-publishing with a print-on-demand publisher rather a traditional publisher had even more stigma attached than revealing that I’m bipolar. But in the six months since then, I’ve changed my mind. Here are some reasons why.
On Saturday, November 14th, I was honored as 2009 Author of the Year by the Friends of the Albany Public Library for my suspense novel Eldercide. They had a wonderful luncheon in my honor, and when their President Gene Damm introduced me, he pointed out that although they’ve been giving the award for decades, this is the first time they’ve ever chosen a self-published author. The fact that I was self-published didn’t weigh into their decision either positively or negatively; they simply thought my book was the best of the many they considered, and they liked the way I dealt with important social issues regarding aging and death.
In October, I moderated two panels for the Poisoned Pen Web Con, sponsored by Poisoned Pen Press and billed as the first-ever virtual worldwide mystery conference. When I volunteered to serve as moderator, the organizers didn’t ask who had published my books. Rather, they gave me free rein in organizing my panels on social issues and point-of-view. Most of the authors on the panels, which I put together by e-mailing back and forth, had far more impressive publishing track records than mine, but it didn’t matter. (By the way, you can visit the Web Con at the link above to read my panels and access the rest of the conference proceedings free of charge.)
Putting together those two panels made me even more grateful that I took the self-publishing route. Especially in the social issues panel, authors related stories of agents and editors who dictated what they should and shouldn’t write. Child abuse was taboo, for example. Appealing to the broadest possible audience without offending anyone seemed to be the dominant concern, and for the most part, the authors acceded to the restrictions. Those of us who self-publish have no such limitations – we’re free to write about whatever we want, however we want, and to build our own readership without having to appeal to the lowest common denominator.
I tried the traditional route to publication for both my mystery novels. While attempting unsuccessfully to find an agent for Mood Swing: The Bipolar Murders, which deals with mysterious deaths at a social club for the mentally ill on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, I wrote Eldercide. Perhaps mental illness was too specialized a topic, I thought, and I hoped for more success with the novel that drew on my experience running a home health care agency. No such luck: the rejections continued. Approximately 15 rejections for each book – not many at all, but enough to throw me into a profound clinical depression. I nearly gave up, until some writer friends convinced me to try print-on-demand publishing. I did due-diligence online research on POD companies and settled on Virtual Bookworm, a company in Texas that received consistently good reviews. Within two months of my decision, I had a published book in my hands. I had a major say in the design and layout, and I did my own cover illustration. Lo and behold, my depression lifted, and it hasn’t come back since.
Do I still want a big-time agent and publisher? Yes, that would be great, but my life no longer depends on it. And I plan to acquire them on my terms, when and if I choose. In the meantime, the people buying my books don’t care who the publisher is. Bookstores and libraries carry them when I do the necessary outreach, and they’re available worldwide through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. At my high school reunion last June in Milwaukee, I learned the school had purchased both books for their collection of alumni writers. And a fellow alumna from Norway, an exchange student back in the day, had bought them online as well.
Do I recommend POD self-publishing to other aspiring authors? Absolutely, and even more so since I’ve met Morgan and so many other successfully self-published writers on line. I firmly believe we’re just beginning to come into our power. I’ve written more on this topic at my own blog, Julie Lomoe’s Musings Mysterioso. Just check the directory, where topics are archived by subject. Hope to see you there. And thanks, Morgan, for inviting me here today!
Julie Lomoe's Musings Mysterioso
http://julielomoe.wordpress.com/
For more about Julie, come on over to http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/ today, but first -
Please welcome Julie by leaving a comment here.
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During 2010 I will be hosting a reading challenge designed to broaden our literary horizons, move us out of our comfort zone, and help us discover new and uncharted worlds of fun and adventure.
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