Spring 2009

Before we get to the News That Involves Instant Gratification/Horrification for all you gentle readers, just a reminder that ABANDON releases in 56 days, on July 7th. Now onto the free stuff...

Okay, so my publisher, Minotaur Books, and Jack Kilborn's publisher, Grand Central Publishing, have teamed up to launch a groundbreaking literary experiment-SERIAL-which is available as a free download today.

SERIAL is an eBook (novella actually) which Kilborn and I wrote together a couple months back (that Jack Kilborn is also JA Konrath is probably the worst-kept secret in publishing). SERIAL was brilliantly and gorgeously designed by Jeroen ten Berge, the amazingly talented New Zealander who also came up with the graphic design for my website. The book can be downloaded for free right now on the brand new STORIES page at www.blakecrouch.com, www.jakonrath.com, and numerous other online venues. Here are the details...

Remember the twin golden rules of hitchhiking?

# 1: Don't go hitchhiking, because the driver who picks you up could be certifiably crazy.

# 2: Don't pick up hitchhikers, because the traveler you pick up could be a raving nutcase.

So what if, on some dark, isolated road, Crazy #1 offered a ride to Nutcase #2?

When two of the most twisted minds in the world of horror fiction face off, the result is SERIAL, a terrifying tale of hitchhiking gone terribly wrong. Like a deeply twisted version of an "After School Special," SERIAL is the single most persuasive public service announcement on the hazards of free car rides.

Beyond a thrilling piece of horrifying suspense, SERIAL is also a groundbreaking experiment in literary collaboration. Kilborn wrote the first part. I wrote the second. And we wrote the third together over email in 100-word exchanges, not aware of each other's opening section. All bets were off, and may the best psychopath win.

The great F. Paul Wilson says, "SERIAL reads just like a Crouch or Kilborn novel: Full speed ahead, no flinching, no blinking, no brakes."

SERIAL contains the novella, SERIAL, a Q&A with Kilborn and me, author bibliographies, and excerpts from our most recent and forthcoming works: Kilborn's AFRAID and my ABANDON.

And finally, a note/disclaimer from the authors:

SERIAL is a horror novella written by Blake Crouch (author of ABANDON) and Jack Kilborn author of AFRAID).

But just because it is 100% free doesn't mean you should automatically download it.

This is disturbing stuff. Perhaps too disturbing.

If you can handle horrific thrills, proceed at your own risk.

But if you suffer from anxiety attacks, nervous disorders, insomnia, nightmares or night terrors, heart palpitations, stomach problems, or are of an overly sensitive nature, you should read something else instead.

The authors are in no way responsible for any lost sleep, missed work, failed relationships, or difficulty in coping with life after you have read SERIAL. They will not pay for any therapy you may require as a result of reading SERIAL. They will not cradle you in their arms, rock you back and forth, and speak in soothing tones while you unsuccessfully try to forget SERIAL.

Yes, it's free. But free has its price.

You have been warned.

Jack Kilborn & Blake Crouch

* * * *

Please don't email to say how massively demented Jack and I are (I'm looking at you, Mom). We know. And we're okay with it. Seriously, this is a fun, deeply messed-up story, and we hope you enjoy it.

Blake