Monday, October 29, 2012

Dynamic Duo of Horror: Betty & Barbara

Welcome all ye freaks and ghouls!
Happy Halloween Week from the 
JLB Creatives Blog!

Since we've been featuring 

a lot of Blasts from the Past 
over the last several months, 
we thought it only appropriate to
blast this baby from the past, 
during Halloween Week...

Everyone's favorite dynamic duo of Horror!



Let's get to it!




A huge JLB Creatives welcome
to Barbara & Betty



Six Pack of Blood is a compilation of six short, malevolent stories by award-winning authors Betty Dravis and Barbara Watkins. Be sure to lock your doors and leave the lights on before reading these bloodcurdling, terrifying tales of revenge, lust, murder, cannibalism, witchcraft and more. Who in the world is safe when such benign things as snow domes, dolls, a Caribbean cruise and an innocent Sunday outing turn malevolent? Blood is everywhere...

Book trailer by Kelly Komm:

You Tube: Six Pack of Blood

Watch it, share it, spread the word!





 ~ ~ ~

Juicy tid-bits about this creepy book!

Did you know the forward was written by the
famous Armand Mastroianni?
 These ladies don't mess around when it comes to landing big fish in the sea of authorship. They are the prime example of
things such as no guts - no glory, you have not because you ask not, and if you can't run with the big dogs then stay on the porch! They are a true inspiration to the writing world.



The acclaimed movie director/producer Armand Mastroianni wrote a glowing foreword for this book, and who knows horror better than he does? (Think TV's Dark Shadows, Friday the Thirteenth and movies Celestine Prophecy, Pandemic and more. Here is an excerpt of what he wrote: "This is a feast expertly cooked up by master chefs venturing into the dark side designed to leave us captivated, enthralled and horrified. The perfect dish to accompany your six-pack...or if you prefer, a fine wine." - Armand Mastroianni, Producer/Director, Silver Screen Pictures, Hollywood



Did you know JLB Creatives's Blog Host Janet Beasley was asked to present a short review for this bone chilling collection?

 Janet was honored at the invitation, and now a snippet from her review, and her fantasy novel Maycly appear in this horror collection right alongside Armand Mastroianni's forward.

Did you know that Six Pack of Blood was deemed with a very prestigious award?

Six-Pack of Blood received the prestigious “Best Paranormal/Horror” Awardfrom Zodiac Entertainment’s  

from Producer/Director Dimi Nakov. 


Did you know that Six Pack of Blood 
has made the Best Seller List around the globe?
 Six-Pack is a local and international hit. 
  It’s reached: #1 on Amazon Kindle horror list, #5 in Germany, and #53 in the UK.

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What do the authors have to say about their frightening masterpiece?


Betty says: 

"When people ask me why 'a sweet lady' like me writes such malevolent, creepy stories, I say, 'I cut my teeth on John Saul, Steven King and Shirley Jackson. Roasted over an open pit of hot coals, they were tasty morsels, indeed.'" - Author Betty Dravis, on writing horror

I’m overwhelmed that our creepy tales in Six-Pack of Blood prompt reviewers to call our stories “horror masterpieces,” and am definitely humbled when they compare me and my co-author Barbara Watkins to Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, Rod Serling and other horror masters. Renowned movie critic/book reviewer Bennet Pomerantz even went so far as to compare our creepy tales to Twilight Zone and Night Gallery. Author Jessie B. Tyson blew my mind when she wrote in a review, “It’s a pity good old Alfred Hitchcock is dead now…because he would have had a field day with these stories.” 




 Barbara says:
Six Pack of Blood is a collaboration of six horrifying tales by author's, Betty Dravis and Barbara Watkins. Journey into the unknown where nothing is as it seems - where the macabre, murder, terror, and the paranormal happily invite pure evil to celebrate the dance of death. Sit back and relax - pop that can of 'Blood' uh, I mean beverage of choice and prepare to get your FRIGHT on...!

~   ~   ~



Mini Excerpts from Six Pack of Blood:



THE COLLECTOR by Betty Dravis
His thoughts about the weather were not idle thoughts; they figured heavily in his plans. He had a collection to make and it was different this time. The dastardly deed had to be done that night, and he planned to use his private plane. There could be no witnesses!
---------------------------------------------
HEAVY METAL By Betty Dravis“No, bro,” Joyce replied. “You heard what Mom said--TV, video, popcorn, but no friends...no heavy metal...no hard rock.”
“Aw-w, c’mon, Jo-Jo,” her brother coaxed. “Pretty please… Pretty please with crushed Oreos on it.”
“No! Mom says it'll rupture our eardrums...and besides, Aunt Patty’ll rat on us.”
“Na-ahh...she can’t hear it from her place. And I promise to keep the volume low.”
Johnny was so irresistible to his sister that she gave in, retrieving the forbidden CDs from her battered gym bag. The girl was such a soft touch, the boy ignored his promise and turned the music volume to an ear-splitting level. Joyce wagged a finger at him, but when he reached for her, she joined him in a dance.
Soon the trailer rocked with the wild gyrations of the fun-loving teens. And the music echoed off the walls like staccato bursts of microwave popcorn.

---------------------------------------------
 V.O. by Betty Dravis

Charles paused for a moment to see if Walter--who had interrupted several times earlier--was following his monologue. Satisfied that his friend was enthralled--eager to hear more--Charles took a long, thirsty gulp of V.O. and picked up where he'd left off: “Hernando directed the couples, parading them before us as though they were auditioning for a movie. Then he insisted that I choose one senorita and that Barb choose a senor. They were all perfect, but I scrutinized them closely, thinking, This is ridiculous! I'm not choosing a wife--just a waitress. But I finally settled on Juanita; although all were exquisitely formed, she was more voluptuous and radiated a seductive kind of impish innocence.
     “After Barb selected Juan--she later told me she'd chosen him because he and Juanita seemed to be a 'matched pair'--the couple began dancing.

---------------------------------------------


SPIRITS OF A JESTER by Barbara Watkins
That was the last time my mother spoke with her. Mother, like me, was not a superstitious person. She had only accepted the jester because it was the old woman's dying wish.
---------------------------------------------
PASSAGEWAY TO HELL by Barbara Watkins
She dragged me to the cellar, opened the door and shoved me down the long dark stairs. I remember screaming and scratching at the door until my fingers bled. I remember thinking, if I ever got out I would run as far away as I could. Well, I did get out and I tried to run away many times, but they always found me and brought me back.
---------------------------------------------
DEADLY ADDICTIONS by BarbarWatkins
To my horror, I watched as she gracefully walked across the floor towards our table in her chiffon Versace gown, holding a cigarette between her well-manicured fingers. In a soft, wispy voice she looked directly at me and said, "I'm Janice. Dave has told me so much about you, but I have to say he forgot to mention you were expecting. . ."
---------------------------------------------
Come on, what are you waiting for? Download your copy of Six Pack of Blood now. . .
horror doesn't get any better!
Available on Amazon and featured in
the Kindle Prime Lending Library

~     ~     ~
Next week get ready to meet Author Barbara Watkins up close and personal, right here on the fabulous JLB Creatives Blog - where our goal is to promote other authors and help those who are diving into the realm of writing.
~     ~     ~
Have a great week!
Stay casual - live life to the fullest - and have a piece of chocolate for me.
Your blog host: Author Janet Beasley

Discover more at HiddenEarthSeries.com

14 comments:

  1. My friend told me that Betty and Barbara is very interested episodes so i will watch it soon and I want to ask that we can buy DVD of all episodes serial, I have bought Are You Afraid Of The Dark last month so Betty and Barbara DVD available in the market..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is an e-book, NOT a DVD. We have some movie folks querying about a possible movie, but that will be in the future. Janet has the Amazon link in several places above, if you'd like to have SIX-PACK OF BLOOD to read the stories.

      I promise you won't be disappointed. If Janet hasn't convinced you about SIX-PACK, please read all the Amazon reviews before purchasing...and do click the LIKE button. Thanks for your interest.

      You have me curious about ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK. I'll check that asap.

      Thanks for your interest,

      Hugs - Betty Dravis

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  2. Wow, Janet! I'm speechless, for once in my life! This is an awesome christening of mine and Barbara's first horror written together. I'm so lucky to have paired-up with "The Queen of Terror" for my first horror book.

    When you asked for some info about our book for a BIG SPLASH, I never dreamed you would use it to create a tsunami that will probably sweep around the world...in a positive way, of course.

    Words can't thank you enough. I bet our ranks really soar as news of our "Six-Pack" zooms around the globe after this awesome presentation. Janet, the video you created to introduce us is marvelous, as are the photos, blurbs and glimpses into each separate story...Awesome and humbling.

    I know I can speak for Barbara, too, in saying that we're delighted that you liked our book well enough to SPLASH us all over the Net in such a moving, elegant manner. Yours and JLB Creative's attention and lavish praise is rocking our world! We are overwhelmed!

    Thanks so much and I can't wait to read my co-author's SPLASH next week. Of course I look forward to mine and then yours...and to learn all about author/illustrator Jo Lindsell and your other fine guests in upcoming SPLASHES.

    Keep up the fantastic work! You're our role model; you do so much for others.

    We all tip our hats to you, Janet, and are honoring your MAYCLY: HIDDEN EARTH series. You're a special woman, and I adore your sister Dar Bagby's illustrations. Outstanding covers too.

    Much thanks and Warm Heart Hugs - Betty Dravis

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Betty - it was my pleasure, and quite the honor to be able to feature you two wonderful authors! I'm pulling for the best success for they dynamic duo of horror authors could ever dream of! I am humbled by your kind words, and consider it a real blessing to have met you guys through the wonderful world of networking. It just goes to show you, good things come to those who wait. ;-) You guys are more than welcome - and please know you guys are welcome anytime on the JLB Creatives Blog as your success stories unfold - I'm sure my followers are just as anxious as I am to follow you two on this amazing journey. Sending you tons of hugs and vanilla cupcakes...because heaven knows you deserve them! ~Janet Beasley~

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  3. What a great post for two of my favorite women! Betty and Barbara are role models, mentors and shining beacons to so many authors today (myself included). Their work is truly stunning and keeps the reader up late, bloodshot eyes and all, until they finish! Congratulations on all of the phenomenal success that your "baby boy" Six-Pack has had! Now, where is that CASE I ordered?

    Love you both lots,
    Ashley

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm a first-time visitor here and I LOVE your blog about SIX PACK OF BLOOD. The mini-excerpts are a terrific idea and I like the way you show what's coming up. I'll be back!

    Betty and Barbara, nice to see you over here and congratulations on your particularly creepy book! Your writing styles are a good fit, and with the six scary stories and the fine foreword by the great Armand Mastroianni, it certainly earns its place in the charts. Nice work, let's see some more!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Linda - so lovely to meet you. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by the JLB Creatives Blog and check out the dynamic duo of horror - everyone's favs, Barbara and Betty. They are terrific ladies, and stunning authors to say the least. Here's wishing you a wonderful week chock full of laughter, love, and cupcakes! ;-) ~Author Janet Beasley~

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    2. And here is the most beautiful, wonderful woman in the world. In case you didn't know, Linda Bulger is my BFF and she lives far away from me in NY. Thanks for dropping by and I'm so glad you like Janet's layout style. She's a dynamo and excellent at all she does. Barbara and I are diving right into this SPLASH with arms outstretched and eyes wide open... LOL

      Linny, you hit on all the best points of this awesome presentation of our horror books. Thanks for caring and for visiting.

      Hugs - BFF Bets

      Delete
  5. WOW! My heart is beating a mile a minute with excitement my sweet, Janet! I cannot express my gratitude to you enough for all the countless hours that it must have taken you to create this beautiful piece honoring us and our work!

    I, like Betty, am speechless! When I teamed up with the legendary, Betty Dravis, I could have NEVER imagined the blessings that were to come. I quickly fell in love with Betty, and because of her, I have been introduced to many lovely and talented souls - *YOU* my dear are at the top of the list.

    I simply adore the video that you created announcing Betty and I to the world - just brilliant...! You have went far and beyond any expectations that I could have imagined, and I'm truly humbled by your love and admiration for us and our work...!

    I have no doubt that because of you our work will benefit dramatically. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and am truly brought to tears - tears of joy...!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beautiful, Barbie. You're making me tear up now, so cut it out!

      I agree with all you say about the dynamic, irrepressible, multi-talented Janet Beasley. I never dreamed of this big a SPLASH!

      Hugs - Partner Betty

      Delete
    2. Hey Barb...hopefully this reply comes through. You are so very welcome for the post. I felt the same way when you guys said you would like to be on the JLB Creatives Blog, overwhelmed with joy in hopes of helping you guys get to the top!!! xoxo

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  6. Awesome job guys, so excited for you both, Aunt Barb I am so happy for you living your dream. Betty, I have heard so much about you as well, very inspirational. Congrats!

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  7. Betty: It couldn't be more fun than sitting in the dark, reading SIX PACK OF BLOOD on my computer, and being scared to death. That's one great book you and Barbara have put together. You certainly deserve the accolades you have received. Can't wait to see what Janet puts together about each of you individually on JLB Creatives over the next couple of weeks. I'm really proud to be her sister. She does an awesome job of promoting her friends, and she has only good things to say about you. In the immortal words of Joe Dirt, "Keep on keepin' on!" Dar

    ReplyDelete
  8. Just had to come back and thank all you dear, dear peeps who took time to comment. Love you all, and, Dar, thanks for your input on our "baby boy," as Barbara and I fondly call our book (referring to the skeleton on the cover). Isn't he cute, in a rather gruesome way that only a "mother" could love? LOL

    I would truly enjoy an Amazon review from you (all you'd have to do is cut and paste the above). That's a fine review. Appreciate it so much.

    Hugs - Betty

    ReplyDelete

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JLB Creatives Editor Dar Bagby (L) and JLB Creatives CEO Janet Beasley (R)