News
News about Jack Wallen
Variations on a theme: Steampunk
May 8th
As everyone in the Jackverse knows, I am about to complete the first book in my Klockwerk Kabaret steampunk series. During the process of penning this tale, I fell in love with the genre. Not only does it offer the joy of creating something wholly unique, it allows the writer to dive into worlds unseen; with a fabric so flexible, the dirigible-filled sky is the limit.
Before this book is released, I wanted to touch on the variations on the steampunk theme — so you can have a full understanding of just what steampunk is before you lay down your iron coins to purchase my book.
Email PostWhy yes, ignorance is bliss
May 1st
I want to preface this by saying, I write this today with a rather cheeky tongue. With that in mind…
We all know the saying “Ignorance is bliss”. Over the last few days, I have come to realize that saying is far more true and deeply profound as I original gave it credit.
Everyone, say it with me — “Ignorance is bliss.” Now, say it again — “Ignorance IS bliss”.
Steampunk: What it is and why you should care
Apr 24th
If you’re not in the loop, the next book to come out of the mind of Jack Wallen (after T-Minus Zero) will be Klockwerk Kabaret. This story is a dark steampunk tale about Nathan Gage and Olivia Nightingale, the proprietors of the Klockwerk Kabaret. As the name implies, the establishment (resting in the heart of Mainspring) is a cabaret that features the song stylings of Olivia as well as the mechanical, sensual wonders — the Klockwerk Dolls. But there’s so much more to the story than that!
Television 1: Silverscreen 0
Apr 3rd
I never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but here goes… Hollywood (and the silver screen) is getting pummelled into oblivion by television. That’s right, I said it — TV is besting Hollywood. And although the spectre of reality TV still poisons the pudding, television is riding a wave of intelligent, provocative programming while Hollywood is fading fast.
I can tell you, in a single word, why this is happening — books. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen of the Dark Hayride, the reason television is besting Hollywood is because of its source material.
Edward Lorn Get’s Jack’d
Mar 1st
And we’re back – to the jacking that is. This time around, I have, for your reading pleasure, fellow fear-monger, the great and powerful Edward Lorn. Ed is about to release upon the world one Hell of a twisted ride, Hope for the Wicked. Let’s crack open Ed’s skull and see just how his flavor of brain tastes.
Putting respect into perspective
Feb 20th
I’m a step-dad. I’ve been a step-dad for about eight years now. During that time I have learned so many important lessons. One of the single most import of those lessons was that of respect. The “R” word is that thing, not only sung out loud and proud by the Queen of Soul, but something that every person on the planet needs to understand to its fullest.
News Zombie News
Feb 8th
That’s right, I can enjoy a nice good natured ribbing at my book titles. 
Hey, if you can’t make fun of yourself…
Now, where was I? Oh yes, the I Zombie series. There’s lot’s cooking in that crock pot o’ death and I wanted to make sure the Jackverse was as up to date as possible. So, hop on the River Styx Express and let’s chat about the undead.
Must read for horror/thriller fans: Hope for the Wicked
Jan 16th
I was having a discussion, the other day, with a fellow writer. Said fellow writer was very much a fan of the traditional publishing method of claiming “authorship”. The discussion inevitably turned down the path of how a few rotten apples ruin the reputation for so many small presses. To that I brought up Edward Lorn’s Hope for the Wicked. Why? Let me explain.
New Years Resolutions: Jack Style
Jan 2nd
By the time you read this, the Eternal Clock will have ticked one more stop toward the final end. That’s right, it’s 213 now and time for the tried and true “resolutions”. No, I’m not going to spout off about exercising more (already work out five times a week), eating better (though I REALLY could benefit from this), nor am I going to even mention taking time to stop and smell flowering plants (already know that roses smell wonderful). What I want to do is drop some truth and reality on you — Jack style!
Let’s make 2013 count
Dec 28th
2012 wasn’t a bad year. In fact, for many it was quite a good one. I had a particularly good year (on many levels); but as a whole, 2012 left a bad taste in the collective mouths of the people over the world. With 2013 a breath away, I say we all look this new year in the face and say “Look year, you damn well better improve on what you offered over the last year or the junk punching will be legen–wait for it–dary!
It’s my end of the world post
Dec 21st
Well folks, it’s been a good ride on this planet Earth. But, according to the Mayans, this bitch is coming to an end in a few hours. If that’s the case, why bother posting something here on the Jackverse? Well, I have to say ‘goodbye’ to everyone who was so kind to hang around my world — even if only for a fragment of their lives. So as you now wander free, among the rubble strewn about the wasteland, I thought you might want to know, the Zombie King is out there looking for fellow travelers.
Where does it go from here?
Dec 19th
The human animal can be one of the cruelest of all in the kingdom. For reasons we may never know, humans dive deep into dark depths before anyone around them gets a chance to prevent the plunge. When the plunge is made — bad things happen, very bad things.
Take for instance the tragedy that occurred in Connecticut. A man with a personality disorder, and immediate access to guns, guns down a room full of children. Innocent lives were destroyed. This tragedy has brought many a voice together in discussion on the why, how, and what next of this issue. The truth is… we don’t know the answers.
Free! Free, I say Free Holiday Fiction!
Dec 14th
UPDATE: Friday and Saturday (December 14 and 15), Let It Snow: Seasons Readings will be free!!!!
The holidays are here! The holidays are here!
Oh, you already know that? Of course you do. You watch TV or you shop so you’ve already been inundated and glonged over the head with commercialism and capitalism. Well, let me add to that falderal and tomfoolery with a bit of commercialism of my own.
Ladies and gents, I give you “Let It Snow: Seasons Readings for a Cool Yule!”
Christmas for misfits
Dec 12th
I once wrote a piece for a Theatre for Young Audiences called “Misfit Christmas”. The story was loosely based on the Island of Misfit Toys from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. In that piece, a young boy discovers his disability (he’s in a wheelchair) doesn’t actually define him and, in turn, helps him to see that everyone has their place and their purpose. I’ve been thinking about that script and the holidays lately.
They say, the holidays are about family. Though heartfelt, that sentiment falls short for a lot of people. I’m talking about the people with no family or with highly dysfunctional families. For those, the holidays serve as little more than a reminder of how painful life’s tragedy can be. So when you sing the song of “Happy holidays”, you never know if that tune is stinging the listener or not.
Twelve days of Christmas: Zombie Style
Dec 7th
Ho Ho Hello! It’s the holidays and even the Jackverse isn’t immune. And when you think of the holidays, the first thing to come to mind is the Twelve Days of Christmas. Granted I always hear Bob and Doug McKenzie singing their version of the song. But! It’s time for a version of that song to go along with the I Zombie series. And so, my lovely lords and lordesses of leaping… let’s on with song! Drink, and be Mary. Oh shoo…
Unleashing the beast
Dec 5th
Here at the Jackverse, there is always some mischief brewing. And right now… the mischief is dark, twitchy, and oh so delicious. I have plenty of fabtastic to drop on you, so I’m just going to cut to le chase and get to the big funky… drop me a beat.
Here’s where the story… begins!
Nov 23rd
Ladies and gentlegiants of the Jackverse, Hell’s Muse has been shipped to edit! That means but one thing — a new project! But what to begin? I’ve bounced back and forth between ideas so much my head is swimming with possibility. But, in the end, I must make a choice and begin the beguine again.
So… just what happens next? Read on to find out.
Ten different things to be thankful for
Nov 21st
The holidays are almost upon us. That time of year when everyone’s stress levels reach epic heights and family becomes a central and contentious theme. That’s right — we all love our families while at the same time we want to strangle them!
I kid! I kid with handfuls of thankful, tryptophan love. So, what does a horror author have to be thankful for? Puhlenty! Let’s dig into the sweet meats and find out.
The art of writing lyrics
Nov 16th
Many of you probably know by now, I am working with the metal band Unsun. What started out to be a one-off effort has turned into much, much more. I have now submitted to them lyrics for four songs and am now working on a fifth. I’d worked in the form years ago with a band that I was in, so the process wasn’t altogether unfamiliar. So… I thought it would be a fun distraction to chat about my process (along with some tips and tricks) on writing lyrics for bands.
