MICHAEL F. HOUSEL/AIRSHIP 27 TALES FOR SUMMER READING (AND LISTENING)

On occasion, acquaintances will ask me for summer-reading suggestions. I'm pleased to offer the standards: classics from decades and centuries past, which are always worth a look or revisit. However, if I may be so bold to blow my own, self-promotin' horn...

I penned a couple Airship 27 Production titles, available in paperback and audio form, which might help one weather the heat:

My novella, "The Hyde Seed" presents the struggle of former boxer, Pepe Rodriguez, who comes to battle an opponent unlike any other he's faced--his monstrous self. It's my pugilist tribute to Robert Louis Stevenson's famous tale of duality, with a "Twilight Zone" twist. 

The book sports a dandy Ash Arceneaux cover and captivating illustrations by Pedro Cruz . And for those fancying an audio take, my yarn is performed by the expressive Scott Glennon, courtesy of Radio Archives. 

Then there's my pulp-hero novel, "Enter--the Persona!" (aka, "The Persona, Vol 1"), which details affluent Michael Mansford's ethereal transformation into a pearly-masked crusader of the '30s.

The novel features a striking Shannon Hall cover and crisp Art Cooper illustrations, with the Radio Archives audio edition performed by veteran voice actor, Mark Barnard. 

A sequel to "Enter--the Persona!", entitled "Enter the Green-fleshed Fiends", is set for eventual release by Airship 27, so here's your chance to get a jump on my expanding, New Pulp saga, and what better time than the heart of summer, eh? (BTW: "Enter--the Persona!" is a genuine, warm-weather tale, which makes its recommendation all the more appropriate.)

Print and audio versions of "Hyde Seed" and "Enter--the Persona!" are available through Amazon; Barnes and Noble offers only the print editions. I also have a few paperbacks at my fingertips, which I'd be happy to autograph. If interested, drop me a line.)

In addition, feel free to visit Airship 27's online catalog at ... http://robmdavis.com/Airship27Hangar/index.airshipHangar.html, where many New Pulp titles can be purchased per PDF.

MICHAEL F. HOUSEL BOOKS: SIGNED/REASONABLY PRICED

As Red Buttons once proclaimed, strange things are happening. 

Two Amazon “sellers” recently listed my novel, “Flask of Eyes", for (hold onto your seat) $189.75 and $203.56!!! Come now, really? Even as "Flask" becomes allegedly scarcer, along with other Caliburn Press titles by other authors (thanks to the publisher's questionable tactics), who’d dare pay these outrageous sums? (Some of us have suspicions as to the cause behind the ghastly pricing, but wish to look further into the matter before drawing a conclusion.)

Listen, folks, I still have copies of "Flask", if you’re interested. I’ll autograph 'em--heck, even personalize 'em for you--and right now the cost will be a mere $10 per copy. Not bad, eh?

I also have copies of my Airship 27 Production titles, “Enter—the Persona!” and “The Hyde Seed”, for those who have a hankering. (I do try to replenish my supplies whenever my stash slips.) I’m selling "Persona" for $10 and "Hyde Seed" for $8: each signed and/or personalized. (The titles are also available for reasonable prices through Airship 27 and other reputable sources, which do, in fact, list on Amazon.) 

To purchase copies directly from me, or if you have any questions/concerns about the above, please touch base through bizarrechats (leave a message below) or at mikehousel@hotmail.com. 

Don't be fooled by such bizarre pricing. No respectable seller and/or publisher would be so crass to ask for that kind of cash for any current, mass-produced, small-press title—period.

AIRSHIP 27 PODCAST #26 (APRIL '17): READY FOR TAKEOFF!!!

Hello, folks!  The latest Airship 27 Productions Podcast is now available for absorption at ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7zc3qjC9Do&feature=youtu.be.

Captain Ron Fortier and Chief Engineer Rob Davis again give us a cheerful hour of New Pulp fun, covering such swell topics as upcoming conventions; R.A. Jones and Davis' "Scimidar" novel; the Brother Bones movie and the character's potential comic-book series; plus commentary on Mark Barnard's dramatic reading of my novel, "Enter--the Persona!" ("The Persona, Vol. 1), from Radio Archives.  

Give a listen when you can. You'll be entertained and edified, all at the same time!!!

MARK BARNARD PERFORMS THE PERSONA!!!

Actor Mark Barnard's audio performance of ENTER--THE PERSONA! (aka, THE PERSONA, Vol 1) is now available for purchase at...http://www.audible.com/pd/Sci-Fi-Fantasy/The-Persona-Audiobook/B06XY2BTBZ.

I've listened to Barnard's presentation of my novel and--WOW!!!--I was blown away. It unfolds like an old-time radio play. Barnard added variances to the voices, including not only the likes of Michael Mansford/the Persona and the mysterious Mister Surrogate, but the delicate and demure Stacey Standish. Barnard also gave Ned Stark a wonderful, Ernest Borgnine quality. Man, was that ever a most satisfying surprise. To say the least, the entire experience was nothing short of astounding!!!

As most of you know, ENTER--THE PERSONA! was published by Airship 27 Productions in July '16, and now about nine months after such, Barnard has given symbolic birth to the audio version for Radio Archives. Yep, I'm quite a proud papa...well, at least in a roundabout way. And I can guarantee one and all, the results of Barnard's conception will prove most pleasing to the ears and be certain to invigorate the mind's eye. Do yourself a favor and give this consuming consummation a try!!!

MICHAEL F. HOUSEL SIGNED COPIES!!!

Hello to all my friends and fans in the Trenton/Hamilton Twp, New Jersey area… 

Alas, I have no signings scheduled at this time, but per your requests, I can certainly accommodate those of you seeking signed copies of my books. I realize a significant number of you have age/health obstacles, which would prevent you from so easily obtaining copies, but I can tend to the orders and signatures per your requests. Currently, I do still have several copies of “The Hyde Seed”; “Enter—the Persona!”; and even a smattering of “Flask of Eyes” for those interested.

Most of you have my email address/phone number (or Donna's), but if not, please post a message below, and I'll make arrangements accordingly. As long as you’re within my area of residence, I should be able to accommodate you.

Additionally, the audio presentation of “Enter—the Persona!”, performed by actor Mark Barnard, should surface soon from Radio Archives. I’ll update my blog with further information as it arrives.

Take care and as always, thanks for your support!!!

ENTER--THE PERSONA!...RADIO ARCHIVES AUDIOBOOK IN DEVELOPMENT!!!

By gosh, by golly!!! Great news!!! Tom Brown of Radio Archives has assigned Mark Barnard to dramatize my novel, "Enter--the Persona! (The Persona, Vol 1)". 

Mark has already completed thirteen chapters of the novel (published by Ron Fortier's Airship 27 Productions), with the dialogue parts to be inserted later. Per Mark, the reading is "moving so smoothly". 

I'm thrilled that my adventure is headed down this wonderful path. Radio Archives hires only the best voice thespians (like Mark, obviously) to bring pulp novels to life in the vein of old-time radio. (Incidentally, many of you may know Mark as the co-creator/author of the successful "Havoc, Inc." comic-book series and the compiler of "The Charlie Chan Movie Quiz".)

In any event, I'll be sure to keep you posted on the audiobook's exciting progression...

MICHAEL F. HOUSEL HAMILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY SIGNING - SEPT 28!!!

Hi, Folks: I'll be signing with local authors at the Hamilton Public Library, located off Whitehorse Avenue, at 1 Justice Samuel Alito Jr. Way, Trenton, NJ 08619, on September 28 (Wed) at 7 pm, in Room 03/Lower Level. 

I'll have copies for purchase of ENTER--THE PERSONA! (PERSONA, VOL 1); FLASK OF EYES; DEVOLUTION Z #1, which includes my story, BOG DEMON TRIUMPHANT; plus a few editions of WONDERFUL, MAGICAL, LITERARY ELIXIRS and CHAMBERS OF HORRORS. (If you already have copies of my work, don't be shy; bring 'em along, and I'll be sure to sign.)

My new friend, J. Dennis Papp, author of the acclaimed Vietnam memoir, FEAR WAS MY ONLY WEAPON, will also be in attendance for the meet-and-greet. 

Hope you can visit. It would sure be nice to chat with you. 

PERSONA UPDATE!!!

Have a PERSONA update, folks. 

The novel is currently set for its final proofing and its illustrator, Art Cooper (see April '16) has inked all interior panels. Airship 27 publisher Ron Fortier has also assigned artist, Shannon Hall, to complete the cover, based on Fortier's image "outline". 

To say the least, I'm ecstatic to see my mysterious pulp hero enter the Airship 27 scene, and yes, I'll keep you posted on the publication date, which I do believe will happen soon. 

BTW: As an extra, little tease, I'm including a shot of screen siren, Jean Harlow, an inspiration for the novel's lovely, leading lady, Stacy Standish. Ah, what a delightful vision and I should think further incentive for you to read my mystical tale!!!

PERSONA PREVIEW...PULP NOVEL COMING SOON FROM AIRSHIP 27!!!

It's time to share some thrilling news...

Airship 27 publisher, Ron Fortier, recently posted a "shout out" on Facebook for my upcoming pulp-hero novel, "Enter--the Persona!" The post includes a stunning sketch from Canadian artist, Art Cooper, which depicts lead characters, Michael Mansford and Stacy Standish, heading to town in a spiffy Packard.

Actually, Cooper has completed a series of nine sketches, which will now be inked and included in my adventure, which pays homage to such '30s/'40s heroes as the Shadow and Green Hornet, as well as the Steve Ditko/Marvel favorite, Stephen Strange. 

The set-up goes as follows: Michael Mansford, an affluent thirty-three-year-old eccentric and owner of Blessed Tidings Cemetery, is told by the caretaker that pagan-like people have been spotted about the grounds during the nocturnal hours. Though the caretaker assures Mansford he has scared off the intruders, the young entrepreneur is inclined to scope the surroundings himself. What develops will forever alter him in body and mind, for he will soon be transformed into the mystical, white-masked crusader called the Persona…

I'm most excited about the publication's continued development and will share additional information as it soon as it comes available!

ENTER--THE PERSONA!...New Michael F. Housel Adventure Coming Soon From Airship 27 Productions

One of my novels has been accepted for publication by Ron Fortier's Airship 27 Productions, which specializes in pulp-styled characters and colorful adventures.

The novel is entitled “Enter—the Persona!”: the lead character, a cross between the Shadow/Lamont Cranston and Dr. Stephen Strange.

For the heck of it, here's a wee taste: 

Michael Mansford is a dashing thirty-year-old eccentric who has a penchant for ventriloquism, marionettes and salaciously rendered art deco. He owns and runs a number of enterprises within Brink Town, NJ, including the famed novelty company, Esoteric Incorporated. Above all, he despises all forms of suppression, finding the prevailing fanaticism in Germany, Italy and Red Russia in direct opposition to the American way of life. 

One day he learns from the caretaker of Blessed Tidings Cemetery (which Mansford's family has operated for several decades)that robed, pagan-like individuals have been spotted about the grounds during the nocturnal hours. Though the caretaker assures Mansford he has scared off the intruders, the young entrepreneur is inclined to scope the surroundings himself, staking out at the graveyard one evening. 

Mansford ultimately spots the strange individuals meandering about the area, and in their midst is a Jean-Harlow lookalike, who they are prepping for apparent sacrifice. Mansford intercedes, but not without consequence,for just as he prevents the young lady's demise, a dark, eight-limbed behemoth breaks from the ground, and in so doing,hurls Mansford down into an inter-dimensional, cavernous chasm.

Mansford is greeted by a smoky-faced apparition who calls himself Mister Surrogate. Surrogate presents Mansford with a shiny, white, nondescript mask, which he claims was forged from shavings scraped from Heaven's Pearly Gates. He informs Mansford that if he dons the mask, he will gain extraordinary powers which will allow him to harness the beast before it can extend its rampage...

Matters grow even stranger as the story evolves, but more on that later down the publishing line...