Currently Reading

Posted on July 24, 2011 by wesleysouthard

Occationally, I’ll post what I’m currently reading, to give you a bit of insight on what I’m into. If something I’m reading is worth praising, I’ll post it here. It may not be a full review of the book, but I’ll tell why I like it and will give a link on where to purchace.

I’m currently enjoying the hell out of “Grease Monkey and other tales of Erotic Horror” by Graham Masterton. Anyone that knows me personally knows that I’m a huge Masterton fan, and with over 35 years of quality fiction, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be either. “Grease Monkey” is a collection of Masterton’s best erotic horror stories, from 1980 to 2007, with very little left to the imagination. This array of perverse stories range from the supernatural (“Bridal Suite”) to the cringeworthy (“The Jajouka Scarab) to the bizarre (“Camelot”) to the downright deranged (“Sex Object”), there isn’t a bad story in the bunch. And with some of the most obscene interior artwork you’ll ever lay eyes on, this is one book you should not miss. I’ll admit, the price is a bit steep ($75) but after reading only a few stories, you won’t care in the least. Mansion House Press is creating some of the nicest limited editon harbacks that money can buy. I currently own their editions of Masterton’s “The Sphinx” and Edward Lee’s “The Chosen,” and both are incredibly gorgeous books.

http://www.mhbpress.com/Grease_Monkey.html

Happy reading…

Horrible Saturday (or How I Spent My Summer Vacation)

Posted on July 21, 2011 by wesleysouthard

I wanted to give a big shout-out to everyone who helped make it another great vacation in Pennsylvania last weekend. I realize now that I should have written this a few days ago, but seeing as how I still haven’t even had time to wash my dirty clothes yet, this is coming out late.

I want to start off by saying that Southwest Air is the greatest airline ever. It was a very pleasant flight…unlike the my last flight out to PA (cough *Continental* cough) which consisted of massive layovers, massive asshole in-flight neighbors, and losing my luggage. But, hey, it made for a great story (titled “With Many Thanks to Newark,” which I sold, thank you very much).

Second, to the York Emporium for throwing a great little shindig called Horrible Saturday, which consisted of signings and panels with Brian Keene, Mary SanGiovanni, J.F. Gonzalez, Kelli Owen and Bob Ford.

Third, to my PA/MD/FL friends Matt, Nikki, Susan, Dave, Michele, Scott, and Greg for hanging out and never ceasing to make me laugh. Thanks guys (and gals).

And last, but certainly not least, my good friends Kelli and Bob. Thanks for everything: for the advice, the sandwiches, the margaritas, the creepy house in the woods, that other fruity drink that burned so good, the pool, the tiki torches, the laughs, the tears, and the spirit recharge that I needed very badly.

Favorite Quotes of the Weekend (either from me or other people): “Does Wal-Mart sell dinosuar rape kits?” “So how many stories do I have to sell before I get a fucking Sam’s cola?” ” I am in PA. You are drunk. I’m not going to Dairy Queen for you, mom. Go to bed.” “Harry Potter is not on the east coast, he’s in England, and he’s not real. Go to bed!” “Boo, motherfucker!” “Embrace your inner uterus.”

Overall, another great weekend in PA. See you guys at Horrorfind!

This is me

Posted on July 15, 2011 by wesleysouthard

My first blog entry…

To tell you the truth I’m not sure what to talk about. Let’s be honest: There are a million and two blogs on the internet, and I’m quite sure at least half of those are dedicated to cats, how to sew clown faces onto quilt tops, and home techniques for self-circumcision.

But my blog, you ask?

Well, to be honest I’m not completely sure. I could always pimp my latest writing endeavor (which I plan on doing when anything fictional hits paper with my name on it *wink*). I could tell you about a shitty day at work (plenty of those to file under “rants”) Hell, I could even spout off about gas prices or religion–God knows we all need another public smart ass to tell us how to live our lives according to the Good Book.

Maybe some other time, kiddos. That just isn’t me.

Let’s introduce me to you. Nice to meet you, I’m Wesley Southard. Location: Southwestern Indiana. Loves: writing, friends, pizza, Doritos, and Ski (I can imagine that most of you don’t know what Ski is, and I truly weep for you). But for now, let’s talk about my favorite subject in the whole world…

No, not boobs, you pervert.

Books.

Anyone that knows me personally knows that I love books. I love everything about them: the smell, the feel, the joy of getting a beautiful new hardback in the mail just screaming to be opened. I’ve been known to talk someone’s ear off about a book that I love (for literally hours—I should be a damn college professor!). But for this blog entry I want to know about you.

In your own collection, what’s your favorite book? Could be because of the cover art, could be sentimental value. Doesn’t matter. Let me in on the book that makes you smile. The one you pull off of your shelf time and time again to dive in for a few hours of bliss. The one that you brag to your friends about owning, nana-nana-boo-boo.

Mine? My first edition hardback of I Am Legend, written by one of my personal literary heroes, Richard Matheson. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve taken this age-worn beauty off of my shelf. This timeless novel was the first adult book I had ever read. My then 5th grader mind had no idea what the hell was going through it. But several years, and numerous reads later, I can tell you that it still amazes me how often I think about the story, how far ahead of its time this short novel truly is. Even though the dust jacket is ripped, the pages are yellowed, and the corners are riddled with thumb prints, memories continue to soar from this book. That’s my favorite.

What’s yours?