Macabre Box of Short Stories

Cancellation

2010-02-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

Due to a conflict, I will not be able to attend the Paranormal Festival in Columbus, Ind. on Feb. 20th, 2010. Sorry folks! I will post new dates of upcoming book signing appearances as soon as they are confirmed. Take care

Recent Updates

2009-12-30T17:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to all,

Now what better gift to give at this festive time of the season than a book of horror stories?

I hope everyone is doing well. I thought I'd take a few moments to let you know what has been happening lately. First of all, there is a new radio interview of me online at http://tfbradiopodomatic.com/ Just scroll down until you see my picture and then you can click on the link. I was interviewed by Renee Graham and Wanda Spudic, two paranormal investigators who also co-host Tales From Beyond Paranormal Radio. I found them both to be quite charming and had a fun time discussing my book and how the writing process unfolds through each phase of work. As for the new book, I just finished story #7 and have 4 left to go. I've been having a lot of fun with it and have challenged myself to develop the characters and plot more so than before. I assume it will take about 5 mos. or so to complete the manuscript, and then its time to seek out a talented editor. I've been at this for 15 mos. now, and it gets frustrating and a bit lonely at times to keep it all out of the public eye. However, there are no short cuts and I know I have to be patient and consistent to provide the best work that I can do, and I will accept nothing else from myself.
Lastly, I will be signing and selling books at the famous Crump Theater on Feb. 20th in Columbus, Ind. Come say hi if you feel so inclined, I'd love to chat with you!

Macabre Box Review

2009-06-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

"The Macabre Box" is a must read for any short story enthusiast. Jace Epple delivers a hard blow one story after another with his dark imagination and wittingly descriptive tales. This is one book that will leave you craving for more. A well blended style of Stephen King and Edgar Allen Poe. Be sure to read Jace Epple's personal commentary of each story at the end of the book. Epple elaborates eloquently on his own thoughts as he distinguishes his own style of writing.

-Jason Snyder, Fort Wayne, IN

Macabre Box Review

2009-06-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

Being a fan of Stephen King's short stories, I have a real thirst for creepy little tales that allow me a glimpse into a darker world. Jace Epple's, The Macabre Box, quenched that thirst with stories that are not only creepy but creative and cleverly written. The reader will be pleasantly surprised at some of the twists the stories take and will definitely finish the book wanting more. The book is an excellent read and one not to miss!

Kim Haldiman Daugherty, IN

Festivals and Radio

2009-06-19T07:19:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends,

There have been quite a few events that have been happening lately, and I apologize for not blogging sooner. I've been working a strenuous teaching assignment and that has taken up too much of my energy and time.
First and foremost, the Horror Hound Weekend was a smashing success. I sold 44 books over the weekend and met some great people. Among them was Doug Bradley (Pinhead from Hellraiser). He looked my book over and I did my best, but no sale :(
However, I met some folks who lined me up for two more paranormal conventions, one in Fort Wayne and another in Wabash. Those two were a little less popular, but I made a few other contacts and am set up to give another radio interview in July. I will write another blog for details.
My interview on CPR radio was a lot of fun. I spoke with them for about an hour, not just on my book but on my beliefs and ideas about the supernatural.
At the festival in Wabash, I met another author named Bob Freeman, who invited me to join the Indiana Horror Writers Association. It is a group of writers who meet once a month to share their work and give each other support and feedback. That sounds like exactly what I need. I look forward to meeting them next month and will let you know how it goes.
Lastly, I have been working furiously on my next book. I am now on my third story, and as I keep flexing that creative muscle, more ideas come to me. These ideas are so vivid and powerful, that I feel possessed to write them down. It is apparent to me that writing has become my true calling in life. I cannot express to you how happy I would be if I could just write full time, without any other job distractions. This is far easier said than done, however. Bills are always the first priority, sadly, and so if writing cannot pay for it all then you must do something else as well until it can.
I will say though that it is not my intention to self publish my next book. I feel like a fool for doing it in the first place. No disrespect to Authorhouse, but so many people have given me praise for The Macabre Box that I think I may have jumped the gun a little by self publishing instead of shopping my manuscript around first. Being self published means you are on your own, doing all the leg work for promotion and on your own budget.
When my next book of 11 stories is completed, which should be next year sometime, I am going to send them to every publisher I can find. More news to come soon-

Horror Festivals and Radio Interview

2009-03-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

I have some interesting developments I would like to share with you regarding the promotion and selling of The Macabre Box.

A few weeks ago, I attended the Paranormal Festival in Columbus Ind. It was a fun an interesting experience, where I got to speak up close and personal with those involved in "Ghost Hunting" and see what kind of equipment and procedures are used when attempting to contact those forces of nature considered to be supernatural. I sold quite a few copies of my book that day, which proved to me that horror festivals are a great way to generate a buzz about my work. It was an intense day of meeting and greeting, and I was able to make many new friends and contacts. At one point a woman came to my booth and asked me if I was interested in doing a radio interview about my book. I was instantly drawn in and replied "Yes, of course." This is scheduled for April 5th. Log onto asprn.com for details. I also found out about the Horror Hound Weekend in Indianapolis March 27th-29th. It is probably the biggest horror related event in Ind. each year, and there will be at least a few thousand people in attendance. In addition to screening new independent horror films, there will be some celebrities from the horror film genre to sign autographs and talk to fans. I've been registered as one of the vendors, so come see me if you'd like to get a signed copy of my book! I'm more than willing to chat with anyone who is interested in a little conversation. Here is the info:

Horror Hound Weekend
The Marriott East Hotel
March 27th-29th
Indianpolis, Ind.
46219

That's about all the news... Oh yes, I was invited to attend the next paranormal investigation with N.I.G.H.T. (Nocturnal Investigative Ghost Hunting Team.) We'll see what happens! More news to come-

Sleepy Hollow

2009-01-15T19:01:00.000-08:00

Hey friends,

I am delighted to tell you all that The Macabre Box is now on the book shelves at Sleepy Hollow in Indianapolis. This is truly a historic day for me. I went in with five copies of my book and a poster my talented friend Jasin Thomason designed for me. I was a little nervous to say the least. This was a first for me and I had no idea what the process was supposed to be or how to sell myself. I met a woman named Joanna who is part owner with her husband. She was very nice and cordial and made me feel instantly comfortable. I explained I was a self-published author and was interested in selling my book at her store. She seemed impressed with my work and told me she was more than happy to help me out.
We agreed to a consignment deal. She did not buy any outright, but accepted three copies and said she would also hang my poster on the wall. When the book sells, then I will get my profit, which she will only charge a small percentage of. I can bring her more and keep replenishing as needed. It is selling for $14.00, which is about $6.00 cheaper than ordering it online since there are no shipping costs. Well now, I suggest you go get your copy if you're in the area! Here is the info:

Sleepy Hollow
5535 East Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46219

317-354-8000

sleepyhollowstore.com

Macabre Review

2009-01-15T18:58:00.001-08:00

I read through the book in one evening. The stories all had great starts. They pulled you right in and allowed the story to carry you in deeper. I enjoyed the different time frames and settings for each story. They all took different paths and had such unpredictable, but super endings. The best story I found was Benvenuto The Count. The time line of a vampire is just unimaginable to humans, so to know the craze this vampire was in by the end was almost descriptive enough to relate! I have passed this book on to my girls who are very interested in the "vampire" theme these days, and both have commented that they like the stories. I'm sure they haven't read them all, but the fire has definitely been lit...

Jodie Hammonds Valparaiso, Ind.

Jace is truly gifted

2009-01-15T16:50:00.000-08:00

The book is very well written. I love the endings to the stories. It leaves you wanting more. Very unpredictable and exceptionally creative. Jace is truly gifted.

Jamie Demass, Valparaiso, Ind.

Book Review - Macabre Box of Short Stories

2008-12-20T18:25:00.000-08:00

Upon reading the first paragraph of The Macabre Box, I knew I was in for an enjoyable read - and I was right. Each story is unique, making the entire book a suspenseful page-turner. Because the book is short stories, you can complete each story in a reasonable amount of time, which is fantastic. I’ve been asked, “Which story is your favorite?” I cannot pick one, each story made me think about different things (different endings, different themes, what I would have done, etc.). I highly recommend this book for your bookshelf, it is a book you will want to re-visit over time and truly enjoy.

Anjeanette Nobles, Flo.

Thanks for your support!

2008-11-15T10:40:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

Well, words cannot express what a great adventure releasing my book has been! Since I have officially made my book available to the general public, I have met some amazing people who have given me good feedback for my work, as well as having the continuing support of my friends and family. Book sales have steadily risen with each passing week, which has motivated me more and more to get my material out to anyone who will listen. In addition to using facebook and myspace, I have attended several autumn festivals where I have passed out sticker fliers and brought copies of my book for people to see up close. I've found it makes a big difference when they can actually put it in their hands. The most important lesson I've learned though, is that word of mouth is the most potent means to make new sales. If you can get a group of people who enjoy your work to talk about it for you, then more people will be apt to give your art a chance. It's been a long process, but one that is gradually making progress. A book will not sell itself. You need to constantly be out there getting the word on the streets on every corner. My next step is to hopefully get a few newspaper interviews and get some copies on book shelves. Right now it is only available online, which is actually the best way since the internet is now the greatest way to promote any business. My special thanks to those of you who have ordered a copy, and are telling others to give it a chance. It means more to me than you could possibly know!

Macabre Box Interview- Jace Epple

2008-10-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

FINAL REVISIONS

2008-09-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,

I received the entire manuscript of the Macabre Box via e-mail about a week ago from authorhouse, and I read it from beginning to end. Unfortunately, there were a few mistakes, some by me and some by authorhouse, so I sent in some revisions. When they send it back to me and I confirm that the appropirate changes have been made, then I will submit it officially to the printer and it will then be available shortly thereafter. So, it should be very soon! Just a little bit longer...

THE NEXT STAGE

2008-08-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Well, I have submitted all of my materials. Included in the book will be a hand drawn illustration by my talented sister Lisa, and a headshot photo of me from my good friend Mark Tanner which will be on the back cover. Also included is an author's commentary, where I speak candidly and reveal my own thoughts and feelings about each story's background and central themes. I have an appointment scheduled for Aug. 26th when I will speak to a design consultant to make sure the format of the book and placement of all the materials are in the correct order. It should be a month or so after that when the book will be available for purchase. I have to admit I am very excited and a little impatient! I am very eager to have the first copy in my hands and to begin the promotion process, but I know this kind of project does not happen overnight. This began five years ago, so I suppose I can wait a bit longer. More news to come...

Almost ready to submit

2008-07-06T15:48:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,

Tomorrow will be a historic day for me. My 11 stories have been master proofread, and my talented roommate Jasin Thomason has finished the incredible cover art. I will be calling my publisher tomorrow to let him know I am ready to submit my materials and get the ball rolling. This has been a long time coming. All the hard work and perserverence is paying off...