I’ve been given the rights back to my debut novel, INTO THE DARK, and I will be republishing the book in May with some major changes. Happy dancing!

Why the changes?

In short, the book needs a big tune up. It was the first novel I wrote, and while it was well received and had several five star reviews, I didn’t have the skills I do now. I understand the craft of writing and plotting so much better than I did three years ago, and I know I can make this book outstanding.

Even more important, however, is my new developmental editor, Annetta Ribken. With her help, we are gutting scenes, tuning up the plot, and adding new content. I’m in the middle of the first round of edits, and I will tell you that while the major plot points are likely to be the same, there are going to be significant character advancements and new scenes.

We’ve also got a new title, because we’re starting fresh and because Amazon loves new titles. So…drumroll…

INTO THE DEVIL’S UNDERGROUND.

The title harkens to the Las Vegas tunnels, which will play even more prominently in the new version.

Now, because my readers are my priority, and I don’t want anyone to feel like I’m doing the old bait and switch, I’ve got two different options for those who’ve read the original book.

1) A copy of proof of purchase at any vendor, including the previous publisher, earns a copy of Into the Devil’s Underground for review. Proof of purchase is the verification email sent by the vendor, or, if you prefer, a screencap of the book on your device.

2) Proof of a review at Goodreads. Into the Dark will be down at all vendors in the next couple of days, but I will leave the book up on Goodreads until the end of April. If you’ve left a review there, please email me the link (stacygreenauthor@gmail.com) and I will give you a copy of Into the Devil’s Underground for Review.

I only ask that reviews be placed on all vendors and Goodreads when the new book is out.

I am SO PROUD of the changes I’m making to this book. It’s going to be darker, more developed, and more exciting. The characters are going to be a lot deeper, and the plot is going to be more tension filled.

One major change? Nathan will be INSIDE the bank with Emilie during the siege. I’ve just written those scenes, and I can’t wait to share them!

I’ll be revealing the new cover in a few weeks along with a very fun launch, so stay tuned!

Thank you to all the readers, bloggers, and friends who helped TIN GOD become an Amazon and Barnes and Noble bestseller this past week. You guys are awesome! I am so lucky to have such supportive group of readers and friends.

Anyway, on to business. I’m excited to announce that INTO THE DARK has been accepted by Story Cartel, which means that for a limited time, you can read the book for FREE!

Why did I decide to give the book away for free? Well, I’m a new author, and there are a ton of us out there. Gifting a first book is a great way to earn new fans and gain their loyalty as a reader.

All you have to do is go to my Story Cartel page and sign up to read and leave an honest review. You’ll also be entered into my giveaway for signed print copies. This is a great way for new authors to be discovered by readers, and I’m excited to be a part of it.

Thanks so much for your continued support, and I’ll see you next Thursday!

In my opinion, all of the above are true. Most serial killers are shaped by some sort of trauma in their past, and most are sociopaths. And while many of these murderers are driven by similar issues and instinct, no two are the same.

Ted Bundy was a sociopath who murdered at least thirty young girls and women, yet he captivated a nation during his arrest and trial. His good looks and charm scored him hundreds of groupies.

The Zodiac Killer is believed to have killed dozens of people, but only seven have been formerly attributed to him. His crimes became national news after he began communicating to a California newspaper. He’s never been caught, and the case – and fascination with him – rolls on.

Richard Ramirez, known as The Nightstalker, killed at least 14 people and is currently on Death Row. Even before his 1988 trial, Ramirez received fan letters in prison. Freelance magazine editor Doreen Lioy wrote him over 70 letters, and in 1996, they were married in San Quentin State Prison. Lioy claims she will commit suicide when Ramirez is executed.

There are many more serial killers who’ve spawned national attention: BTK, The Green River Killer, John Wayne Gacy, Wayne Williams … the list goes on. Each and everyone has been the subject of massive media attention and study.

Serial killers show us the worst of humanity. And yet, we remain fascinated. Dexter is a perfect example of this. Is it the writing? Michael C. Hall’s amazing portrayal of the sociopath? Or is it something more?

What makes seemingly normal people want to get close with a killer the likes of Ramerez or Bundy?

I think it’s a combination of things. As humans, we are often fascinated with the dark things in life, things we can’t fathom. Part of it is the need to find something good in someone. And, in the case of Lioy and the Bundy groupies, there is likely a need to be noticed, to be admired, and to be close to someone they envisioned as all powerful.

I’m no psychologist. I can’t begin to understand the decision process of killers or the people who support them long after their crimes are proven. But the study makes for some incredible character analysis and is great research for a writer.

What do you think? Why are we so fascinated with serial killers?

INTO THE DARK is competing at InD’tale’s Creme de la Cover Contest! If you loved Marion Sipe’s cover, please take a minute to vote for us!

Last week to get INTO THE DARK for 2.99!

So it’s lunchtime – I haven’t showered, haven’t eaten and have ignored my kids all morning. Why? So I could finish your book! Fantastic read!!!!!! Now I have to shower so I don’t smell like I’ve been in the tunnels –Reader Valerie Wilson Cooper.

Amazon for Kindle
MuseItUp Store for all digital formats
Smashwords (use Coupon Code: CF97D at Smashwords)

Don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list! I only contact you when something special is going on, and subscribers receive EXCLUSIVE pricing on all upcoming books. Even better, sign up by January 31st to have a chance to see your name in an upcoming Delta Crossroads novel! Sign up now!

“Not only did I enjoy the story and the characters, but the historical relevance added not only a depth to the plot but was also seamless within the story. I was very impressed and look forward to reading more stories by this author.” Steena Holmes, author of Emma’s Secret and Finding Emma.

“The character development is superb and the story has as many twists, turns and dark shadows as the Las Vegas storm tunnels where the novel is partly set. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more of Ms. Green’s work.” Kassandra Lamb, author of the Kate Huntington Mystery Series.

“I did not want to book this down, it had twists and turns I never saw coming! I kept turning page after page because I could not wait to find out what was going to happen! This definetly a must read that will keep you on the edge of your seat!I can’t wait to read more by Stacy Green!” Goodreads reviewer Allyson Brynn.

“Ms. Green has penned a chilling suspense tale that strikes fear not with netherworld denizens, ghosts, the fanged, or the furry but with a seemingly ordinary man wielding a twisted obsessed parody of the tenderest of emotions, love.” Ivy D. Truitt, Manic Readers.

I’m amazed at the response to the book, and since romantic suspense author Dana Delamar has tagged me in The Next Big Thing Blog Hop, I figured release day was the perfect time do my part. The NBT originated on the She Writes site, and the goal is to raise awareness of our work. We answer 10 questions about our current book or WIP, thank the person who nominated us, and tag five other authors whose work about be the NEXT BIG THING.

So, here we go!

1. What is the title of your next book?

Into The Dark is my current work, and it’s available in digital and print NOW! It features a woman running from a stalker who will do anything to possess her, including dragging her into the depths beneath Las Vegas. It’s suspense with romance, and the overall theme of the book is how living in the past can destroy our future.

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?

Originally, I wanted to write about a hot SWAT officer saving the damsel in distress. It wasn’t until I discovered the existence of the homeless living in the storm drains below Las Vegas–and went through a life-changing accident–that I realized how much potential the idea had. I don’t want to say too much more, as I’m scheduled to do an interview with Jami Gold on December 13 detailing the journey of Into The Dark.

3. What genre does your book fall under?

Suspense/thriller, with romance. It’s not traditionally romantic suspense–the story is driven by the stalker plot, and Nathan and Emilie’s relationship blossoms from it. So I always make sure readers know the romance come second in the book.

4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Oh geez! Well, for Nathan, from a strictly physical point of view, I’d have to say Tyler Hoechlin from Teen Wolf. He’s definitely got the face I’ve always imagined for my SWAT officer. But from an acting standpoint, I’d love to see Joseph Gordon Levitt as Nathan. He’s the right age, and he’s a great actor. I think he could pull off Nathan’s drive to atone and to save everyone.

As for Emile, she’s always been a Christina Hendricks type in my mind’s eye. She’s got the real curves, the red hair, and the attitude to match.

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

A two-hundred-mile labyrinth of dark storm drains serves as a refuge for the delusional stalker who will go to any lengths to possess fragile, emotionally isolated Emilie Davis, and to survive, Emilie will have to confront the secrets of her past she has kept locked away from everyone, including herself.

6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Into The Dark is published digitally by MuseItUp Publishing, and the print version is independently published.

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

More than a year. This is the first book I wrote from start to finish, and in the beginning, I had no clue about structure or character development. So Into The Dark went through MANY different drafts–I lost count of how many!

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I’m so bad at comparing myself to other authors. One reviewer compared it to the style of Lisa Gardner or Karen Smith, and I’m happy to take that!

9. Who or What inspired you to write this book?

A lot of things, but ultimately the story comes from two driving forces: my fascination with a bad guy who’s more than just bad, and my own personal journey in letting go of the past and prior mistakes.

10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

It’s fast-paced, it’s got a realistic feel, especially the scenes in the tunnels as I spent a lot time researching them. I think the suspense keeps readers guessing until the end, and there are some big surprises I hope readers don’t see coming.

Buy Into The Dark NOW!
Amazon
MuseItUp (all digital formats)
Print

Quick note on Barnes and Noble: my publisher is at their mercy in terms of when the book is live for Nook. So far, they haven’t uploaded, but you can order the .epub for Nook through MuseItUp’s website. I will let you know when it’s available via B&N/Nook.

Enter To Win A GIFT FROM STACY

To celebrate the release of INTO THE DARK, Stacy is giving you TWO ways to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Contest runs from November 5th through January 30th.

Entry Option 1: Earns FIVE entries in the contest. Email Stacy your receipt of purchase (simply copy and paste proof of the order into the email, excluding personal information) of INTO THE DARK or the answer to this question: in what state was the Taker born and raised?

Entry Option 2: Earns TWO entries in the Contest. Donate to HELP of Southern Nevada to help the homeless. Readers can go to HELP of Southern Nevada, the organization that aids the homeless featured in INTO THE DARK, and donate. Email Stacy the receipt (personal information excluded). Every donation helps–no amount is too small!

And now I get to tag some great authors for The Next Big Thing:

August McLaughlin
Tiffany A. White
Ellie Ann Soderstrom
Edith Parzefall

http://catierhodes.com/2012/11/25/celebrity-author-playlists-embrace-the-dark/

Happy Sunday, everyone! I’m very excited to be taking part in a the latest blog hop from the WG2E Street Team. Nine authors have new releases and to celebrate, we’re showcasing our new books at the Beach Book Blast website and at our sister site at the RG2E. There’s something for everyone–from Romantic Suspense, to Holiday romance, to YA Dystopian, and mysteries. To make the event even more fun, we’ve added a blog hop where readers can connect to their favorite authors and learn what great books, characters, or authors have inspired them.

What’s my inspiration as a writer?

I  was in high school when I read Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles, and I remember being completely swept up in the world she created. Not just the vampire lore she built nearly from scratch, but the worlds she took us to and the emotional roller coaster she put her readers on. I remember thinking if I could ever do half as good a job at telling a story as Anne Rice did with the Vampire Chronicles, I’d be a successful writer.

I don’t write paranormal–I write suspense and thrillers, but I still want to elicit that same bone-chilling, heart pounding joy ride Anne Rice inspired in me. I want readers to feel as though they are in the moment, as if they’ve stepped into my pages, wherever I’ve taken them. I’m sure I’m nowhere near her level, but it’s what I aspire to every time I sit down to work.

I’m so thankful to have picked up those books, to authors like Anne Rice, Stephen King, Thomas Harris, Alice Walker, and so many more who have given us such amazing books to learn from.

Here’s an exclusive sneak peek from my debut suspense novel, INTO THE DARK.

Kim Cresswell’s Book Talk Tuesday

Hi everyone! I’m over at Jenny Hansen’s awesome More Cowbell Blog today giving an exclusive interview on the story behind INTO THE DARK and my inspiration for the Charity Blog Tour. Please stop by when you have the time for a chance to enter AND a shot at a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

Thanks so much to Jenny for welcoming me to her awesome blog today! I’m excited to talk about INTO THE DARK and the charity blog tour I’m running.

1. Give me each of your main characters in 50 words or less.

Emilie is a master escape artist–she’s escaped a manipulative ex-husband and a cruel mother. She’s also vulnerable and on the edge of emotional disaster. Nathan is perceptive, loyal, and brave, but damage from his past drives him to atone for what happens to Emilie.

2. Your book features the homeless living in the Las Vegas tunnels? Tell me about them.

Read the rest here…

The homeless living in the storm drains beneath Las Vegas play an important role in INTO THE DARK. Stretching hundreds of miles beneath the city and known as the tunnels, the drains are a refuge for around 200 of the city’s homeless. Yes, people are living below Las Vegas in the storm drains, many of them directly beneath the Strip.

Reporter Matt O’Brien introduced the tunnels to the world in his excellent book, Beneath the Neon. He decided to research the homeless living in the drains after covering the Weber murder case of 2002 for Las Vegas CityLife.

A Cold-Blooded Killer Escapes.

Here’s your true crime case for this Thursday. In April 2002, Timmy “T.J.” Weber raped his girlfriend’s 14-year-old daughter and then killed his girlfriend and one of her sons. Police found the woman stuffed in a storage container in a bedroom closet.

Her son was discovered facedown on the mattress, arms taped behind his back and a t-shirt in his mouth. A plastic bag was secured around his neck with speaker wire. He smothered to death.

Weber originally left Las Vegas but returned a week and a half later. He attacked his girlfriend’s surviving son and his friend when they came into the home to choose items for the funeral. The men fought, and an injured Weber fled on foot. He eventually made it to a storage ditch and disappeared into the storm drain where he spent five hours underground.

Weber was captured after more than 3 weeks on the run. He told investigators his journey through the drains reminded him of the movie The Fugitive.

Timmy “T.J.” Weber was sentenced to life in prison for one count of murder and was sentenced to death for the second.

INTO THE DARK

I first discovered the tunnels in 2009 when I was researching for INTO THE DARK. I knew at once I’d found my stalker’s escape route, but I didn’t realize what an important role the storm drains played in the book until after the first draft was complete.

There are only a handful of scenes that take place in the tunnels and yet, they’ve added true depth to the book. As SWAT and detectives are searching for the man who becomes known as the Taker, readers get a glimpse of the dark and sadness festering beneath the city. Seeing this reality gives both my hero and heroine a new perspective on life and ultimately helps make them into three-dimensional characters.

So when it came to figuring out how to market INTO THE DARK, I knew I had to do something to give back.

I hate the idea of marketing, by the way. I’m not going to go around telling you all to buy my book and to please tell everyone you know about it. Maybe it’s a mistake, but I simply can’t do it. I’ll tweet and Facebook here and there, share some excerpts, do some giveaways, but I’m not going to run off at the mouth on social media. That’s just not me.

So here’s the plan: from today until the end of February (covering both of my blog tours) I’m running the INTO THE DARK Charity Blog Tour to benefit the homeless. It’s through Rafflecopter. There are several entry options, including tweets and Facebook shares.

Even better is the option to donate to HELP of Southern Nevada, the organization that aids those living in the storm drains. The raffle’s grand prize is a $100 donation from me in the winner’s name to the homeless charity of their choice.

Enter the INTO THE DARK Charity Raffle!

Will this help sell books? I have no idea. But I know it’s the right thing for me to do. I realize times are tight for everyone, but I hope we can raise a little money for HELP, and I’m excited to donate to the winner’s homeless charity.

If you’d like to help spread the word, feel free to grab some of the tweets listed at the end of the post.

And there’s more big news today! My official website is live! Visit stacygreenauthor.com for the full list of my blog tour. In addition to the Charity Raffle, I’m also hosting A Gift From Stacy–a chance for readers to win a $25 Amazon gift card, so don’t miss out on those events.

What do you guys think? Are you ready to spread the word and raise a little money for charity?

An Introduction to the Darkness Below.

WELCOME TO LAS VEGAS, a short story. (Contains exclusive excerpt from INTO THE DARK)

“5 Stars …”
“Creepy and Terrifying…”
“A Riveting, Fast Read…”

Dark, dirty, and terrifying, the storm drains below Las Vegas stretch hundreds of miles and house the city’s homeless and criminal element. Walking into the underground abyss is the last thing Tate wants to do, but his junkie sister has disappeared into the drains. Armed with only his flashlight, Tate wades into the gritty depths beneath Sin City to rescue his sister from her demons.

Every step into the smothering darkness challenges Tate’s resolve. With his sister’s life and his own sanity at stake, Tate must face his fears or risk becoming another victim of the Las Vegas tunnels.

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords
iTunes

An Excerpt from INTO THE DARK (11.30.12 in digital and print)

Emilie’s resolve faltered as they reached the tunnel entrance. She peered over Nathan’s shoulder at the triad of pipes branching off in different directions. Big enough for a tall man to walk through easily, their murky blackness was as foreboding as anything Emilie had ever experienced.

She pressed the button on her flashlight and shined it into the abyss. Four other lights joined hers, and the inner concrete walls of the tunnel became visible. Graffiti was scrawled over them. A bevy of cockroaches scuttled away from the intrusion.

Emilie followed Nathan and Chris across the threshold and tried not to give in to the claustrophobia that immediately wrapped itself around her. The tunnel was wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side with room to spare, but the sense of being closed in was amplified by the heavy silence. The group’s splashing feet echoed and then faded away into the never-ending darkness. How deep were the channels?

A smell resembling the rotten egg she’d once dropped on Evan’s porcelain kitchen floor hit her full force. Emilie’s hand flew to her mouth.

“Something else, ain’t it?” Chris’s voice broke the uneasy stillness. “I liken it to a men’s locker room filled with dirty socks and jocks after a five-mile run.”

“If you guys stink this bad, you need medical help. Christ.”

“At least my stomach’s not rumbling anymore,” Nathan said.

“Shit, I could eat,” Chris said.

“You can always eat. You’re like a human trash compactor.”

“Do you guys have any idea where to find Snake?” Avery’s voice came out muffled.

Chris turned around and shined his light on Avery. “Dude, that hanky over your face ain’t gonna stop the stink. Embrace it. Feel the burn.”

Emilie laughed as the knot in her stomach began to uncoil. The banter made it easier to forget why she was here.

Her right foot suddenly came down on something hard in the shallow stream of water. She stumbled into Nathan’s back before an arm caught her from behind.

“Watch it,” Avery said. “Last thing you want to do is fall face-first in this.”

“Sorry.” Emilie clutched the hem of Nathan’s thin T-shirt. “I tripped over something.”

She shined her light into the two-inch-deep water. A pair of soulless black eyes stared back at her. A child’s doll lay abandoned, its once-blond hair soaked with the filthy water.

Children lived down here?

“Into the Dark by Stacy Green explores deep, dark secrets and exposes a fascinatingly creepy killer!”

–Debra Webb, USAToday bestselling author of the Faces of Evil series

“Stacy Green writes suspense like a pro. You’ll be captivated from the first page to the end of this harrowing story. Don’t forget to breathe!”

–Diane Capri, #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of The Justice Series and The Hunt For Reacher Series.

Pre-Order Into The Dark

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INTO THE DARK Charity Blog Tour Tweet Ideas

Helping those in need for the #holidays. Enter the #IntoTheDarkCharity Raffle and help an #author give back http://bit.ly/PlKhrP

#IntoTheDarkCharityRaffle Discover a great new #author and give back for the #holidays. http://bit.ly/PlKhrP