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Do You Have A Minute to Help a Guy Out?

Good morning everyone. I know I’ve been irregular in posting content over the last handful of years. Today’s post is twofold. One, it’s to say, “Hey, I’m still here.” And, Two, to ask for your help. No. No. No. There is no money involved. Read on.

I’m not a fan of Amazon. It has been a necessary evil, but still an evil. The issue has become that I make nothing with my books on Amazon. Literally. Nothing. Nada. Zero. Zilch. I have made a total of less than $3.00 on digital books sales in the last three years. I see the downloads and I don’t get it.

I have contemplated pulling my books from Amazon for a while now. I don’t like how they profit far more than the actual writer does and treats them like they are the contents of used disposable diapers. I’ve also had so many reviews removed from Amazon for some BS reason or other. Their pages read algorithm screws writers like myself (and so many others) who do not have a large following.

Now there is the whole AI thing, and yes, I consider AI a form of stealing. I have also discovered some of my books were used in the whole Meta AI training BS.

All of this has had a massive impact on my desire to release books and do events. I have, at least, nine books I have not released to the world simply because I don’t want Amazon and scalpers alike to profit off of them. I know this sounds petty or even butt hurt and it might just be both of those. It is what it is, whatever IT is. 

So, here is what I’m asking from anyone who reads this: Since you’re already here on Type AJ Negative, I want you to click this link. It will take you to the page for A Stitch of Madness. If you haven’t read this book, read the description, see if it’s something you might like. At the end of the description is a clickable link that reads: A Stitch of Madness Website PDF. Click on that. This should open a PDF of the collection. 

What I need to know is does the PDF open for you? If it does, great. That’s what I want. 

Just so you know, it is not a downloadable PDF. Clicking the link will only open the book in your browser. 

Do y’all mind doing that for me? I would greatly appreciate it. 

Two more things: One, if you try this, will you leave a comment below, letting me know if it worked or didn’t work? And, two, feel free to read the three stories in the book. It’s free.

That’s it. That’s all I am asking. I want to make sure this works before changing all of the book pages on the site, then uploading new books no one has read yet.

Thank you, and until we meet again my friends, be kind to one another.

A.J.

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Sleeve of Hearts

Hey. Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening wherever you are.

This is my first post for 2025. It’s a bit late, but I’ve been fairly inconsistent with these over the last couple years. Or, maybe I’m consistently inconsistent. 

I want to talk about a project I was a part of at the tail end of 2024. It’s called Sleeve of Hearts, a poetry anthology. 

“Poetry?” you asks? 

Yeah, poetry. I know, I know. I don’t write poetry. Well … that’s not necessarily true. You see …

Wait. Wait. Concentrate. Too many voices in my head. 

I’m not here to discuss me writing poetry. I’m here to tell you about Sleeve of Hearts, a poetry anthology put out by Lindsey Goddard and Weird Wide Web. What started out as a contest over at the Weird Wide Web website with a possible ten winners, quickly morphed into something much larger. Instead of limiting the contest to those ten winners, Goddard decided to turn it into an anthology. 

You see, Goddard asked the authors considering submission to bare their souls, to essentially put their hearts on their sleeves. When I write poetry, it’s always a baring of my soul. There’s such raw emotion in every poem. Almost every poet I know is exactly the same. Poetry can be whimsical and fun, but more often, it’s a way to deal with deep, deep scars, traumas, hurts, disappointments, depression, anxiety, and anger.

I paid attention to Goddard during this, read her posts about it. The excitement she exuded about curating this book made me consider submitting. I knew the poem I wanted to submit, but I was hesitant. You see, my poem, is about suicide. It’s such a taboo subject and I don’t understand why. It’s an important topic we should talk more about. 

When I finally decided to send my piece in, I was, honestly, nervous. With the piece being so personal, I wasn’t sure how I felt about others reading it. Not that I didn’t think it was good. I fully believed it was, but I’m not a poet and I was asking my piece to be stacked against some amazing poets. And poetry, being personal, means there is a story behind it. It’s a story I’ve talked about a few times and it’s also why so many of my short stories over the last few years deal with the subject of suicide. I’ll discuss that at a later date.

For now, let me go back to December, to Goddard’s excitement, her exuberance, her determination that Sleeve of Hearts was going to be amazing. Having worked with her in the past, I really felt this could be something special, simply because she was baring her own soul right along with her authors. 

My poem was accepted the same day I sent it in. I was in. I was in.

The editing and formatting phases came and I received a copy to look over. I was to make sure my poem was formatted right, on the right page, my name was right and to go through it to make sure nothing more needed done to the poem. What I did was read the book, from beginning to end over a couple hours one morning. When I was finished, I thought, Holy cow, that was amazing. There are so many great pieces in this book. I was floored that I was alongside such amazing artists.

Sleeve of Hearts was released on December 29th and in less than a week had made it to number one in the Poetry Anthologies category on Amazon. It was cool seeing that ranking for a few days.

Now that all the release buzz has died, I’ve taken another look at the anthology. It’s better than I thought. There’s so much heart, so much pain, so much realness in this collection of poems. It’s insane. I firmly believe this book will win some awards. Listen, y’all know me. I’m not about hyperbole. I don’t even sing such high praises for my own books. This is something special. 

So, now that you’ve read this far, this is where I ask you to get a copy of Sleeve of Hearts. This is where I say drop a handful of bills to read some amazing poetry. It doesn’t matter if you don’t read poetry—I don’t either, for the most part. It doesn’t matter if you find poetry bland—these pieces are far from bland. Many of these authors you’ve probably never heard of. Sleeve of Hearts is a piece of their voices, a piece you get to experience. 

Pick up a copy HERE. You will enjoy this book. Also, after you read it, you might search for some of the authors in here. You won’t regret that either. 

Thank you for swinging by on this cold day. Until we meet again, my friends, be kind to one another.

A.J.

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Blood Drops #1

10/22/2024

Back in April of this year, I submitted my first piece in a long while. It was a nonfiction piece that was sent to Memento Mori Ink. In complete transparency it was a requested piece, so submitting it might be a stretch, though it could have still been rejected. I also sent a story to a contest around the same time. The story didn’t win, but it was nice to send a story out with hopes it would get published. 

In May, I sent two pieces to Lisa Vasquez for Napalm Psalms. I knew only one would get picked but I wanted her to have a choice. She chose the better of the two and one of my favorite psychological pieces titled, Duality. I sent one story out in June that was ultimately rejected.

Sending out those five pieces created an itch I haven’t had in a long, long time. So, in July I set out to submit thirty-one stories, one for each day of the month. It was a lot of work, but I managed to meet my goal. That put me at a total of thirty-six stories submitted on the year. Umm … I haven’t submitted thirty-one total stories combined since 2011. 

Let me tell you, the rejections rolled in. I mean, seriously. I received thirteen rejections in the span of two weeks, almost one a day. It was disheartening, but I knew this would happen, Then I received an acceptance for the Weird Wide Web’s podcast for my story, She’s A Vampire, I’m A Hobo. When I heard the story (done by Lindsey Goddard) I got really excited. 

Since then, I have really dug my heels in, trying to find places for my work. There is one very big problem, though: I’m not really a horror writer anymore. Sure, I write some darker words on dark, real life subjects, but I don’t write what I feel is stereotypical horror anymore. I’ve experimented with different styles and genres (like mystery, romance and literary, as well as poetry).

Even though trying to find paying markets is a little frustrating, I find I’m enjoying sending stories out. I’ve also been keeping track of all of the submissions in a spreadsheet. So, here are the latest statistics on the year:

Submissions: 64

Responses: 45

Rejections: 32 (bummer)

Acceptances: 13 (Awesome sauce)

Acceptance Rate: 28.9%

The acceptance rate is really good. I was hoping for something between 20%-25%, so I’m happy with that number. Thirteen acceptances is more than I have had in any year since 2010, when thirty-three stories were accepted. 

Of those thirteen acceptances, seven have already been published. Below are links to those seven stories. Please take a few minutes to check them out. Some of them are free to read, others are parts of books or magazines, so, yeah, there’s a purchase price.

I’m A Hobo, She’s A Vampire at The Weird Wide Web Podcast. 

The Hook of Relatability at Memento Mori Ink Magazine (Nonfiction)

The Scarring at Exquisite Death

Darkness at Dark Descent, Whispers From Beyond Volume III

Treats at the Aver Residence at Wilhelm Presents Frightening Tales

Wave at Micromance (yes, this is a love story)

Duality at Napalm Psalms 

Thank you for stopping by. Also, thank you for taking the time to look over some of those stories. I’m excited to be putting out work again.

If you have a few extra seconds, please take the time to like the post, leave a comment and share it with your friends. I greatly appreciate it.

Until we meet again, my friends, be kind to one another.

A.J.

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I’m A Hobo, She’s A Vampire (Podcast)

Good afternoon, y’all. I’m stoked to announce my story, I‘m A Hobo, She’s A Vampire is up at he Weird Wide Web Podcast. Lindsey Goddard is the host of this podcast and it is clear she had fun with this. My story is the first one on the podcast. Please, listen through to the end if you have time. It’s good and Lindsey did a great job with all of the stories. You can click the link below to listen.

The Weird Wide Web Vampires! Part One.

I’d like to thank Lindsey Goddard and The Weird Wide Web for the opportunity to appear in this podcast.

Also, if you have a few extra seconds, will you please share the podcast on your pages? Just recently I started submitting stories again and this is the first of those stories to go somewhere besides my computer. I appreciate it.

Until we meet again my friends, be kind to one another.

A.J.

Posted on by ajbrown

Church Bells Contest Entry

Currently over at Stitched Smile Publications Magazine’s website, there is a contest going on. There are 5 stories so far, and yes, I wrote one. So, go check them out. Make sure and like and comment on your favorite stories (those count as votes, and no, you do not have to vote for mine) Seriously, like and comment on them. We apprecaite it.

https://stitchedsmilemagazine.wordpress.com/2022/08/06/welcome-to-stitched-saturday/comment-page-1/#comment-36

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GRIM Cover Reveal

I’ve been fortunate to work with a lot of amazing people in this business. One of those people is Lisa Vasquez, writer, publisher, cover artist. She’s a do it all type of person. She’s also a close friend. 

When I started putting together my latest collection, I went to her and asked if she would create the cover. After she agreed to do it, we both started looking for images. I found one, then another, then a third. Then I saw the image that would become the cover and I knew it was the one. It wasn’t quite love at first sight, but it was definitely an ‘Oh my,” moment. 


A funny thing happened. Lisa came across the same image and sent it to me. I actually laughed out loud. Is it fate? I don’t know, but what are the odds both of us would pick the same image for the cover? Okay, so it’s fate.

Here it is, the cover for GRIM, my new short story collection centered around the Grim Reaper, slated for a late February release.

This cover has quickly became my favorite of any of my books. I absolutely love the way Lisa blended the title with the colors of the image. She also added From the author of Cory’s Way and Dredging Up Memories. It’s a nice touch.

I’ll have more information later this week, but for now, thank you for stopping by and allowing me to share the cover with you. I hope you’re as intrigued and excited as I am.

Until we meet again my friends, be kind to one another.

A.J.

Posted on by ajbrown · 2 Comments

How About A Birthday Contest or Two?

July is my birthday month. Normally, I’m not big on birthdays. To me, they are just another number. This one is different. I turn 50 on July 8th. That is a big deal birthday. I want to celebrate this one. And I will. All. Month. Long.

I want you, my readers, to come celebrate as well. To do that, we are having two contests during the month of July. They are big contests.

The first one is called 50 Years & 50 Books. Here is how it works:

If we sell 50 print books in the month of July, then we will give away a complete set of my print books to one person. That is 15 books, including a bonus book that has not been released yet, that is slated to come out in August. That is a $157.00 value. The books will be signed, but not personalized. The reason for this is if you purchase a print book, even if you only have that one, you will get another one in the complete set. If you want to give that book away, then I want you to be able to do so without having your name inscribed in it.

Now, here is the important stuff: 1) The books have to be purchased directly through myself or Cate, either on our social media pages or through my website. AMAZON PURCHASES DO NOT COUNT. Please understand that last sentence. If you purchase a print book through Amazon, thank you, but it will not count toward this contest. 2) I hate doing this, but I can’t ship a big box of books internationally. It sucks. I wish I could afford to. That means I can only ship within the United States. I apologize to my international friends and fans. I just can’t afford to do that. 3) 49 books is not 50. 28 books is not 50. The goal is 50, in honor of the age I will turn this month. If we don’t reach 50 or higher, then there is no drawing for the complete set of print books. That sounds pretty crappy, but it really isn’t. The contest is 50 Years and 50 Books. 4) All book orders will be sent out in mid-August, AFTER the contest is over. This will allow us time to package and mail out the books.

I hope this sounds good to y’all and I hope we sell enough books to be able to send out a full set to one person.

The second contest doesn’t cost any money (unless you want to spend some, then by all means, spend away). It is called. 50 Years & 50 Reviews.

If we receive 50 book reviews in the month of July, then we will give away one complete set of my digital books. That’s 15 books, including one yet to be released. 

Now, here is the important information: 1) Book reviews need to be sent to me or Cate, either on our social media pages or through PM’s or through my website, Type AJ Negative. We would also like you to post the review on your social media page (or blog if you have one). AMAZON REVIEWS DO NOT COUNT. If you place a review on Amazon, thank you, but it doesn’t go toward the contest. 2) Book reviews must be new. They cannot be reviews already left somewhere else. 3) Book reviews can be of any of my books. 4) Like with the 50 Years & 50 Books contest, the goal is 50 reviews here. Not 49. If we don’t reach the goal of 50 reviews, there is no drawing. 

You can leave reviews at the following places (as well as your personal social media pages, websites and blogs):

My author page:

https://www.facebook.com/typeajnegative/

The 50 Years Contests Page:

https://typeajnegative.com/50-years-contests/

Or by sending me or Cate a PM through our various social media pages.

I realize I did not post Cate’s information here. Those who know my wife also know her social media pages and they are set to private, so I will not be adding it here. Those who know Cate, please feel free to contact her directly.

There you have it: two great contests in honor of my birthday. I don’t do these things too often, so I hope you will participate. 

As always, until we meet again my friends, be kind to one another.

A.J.

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Coming Soon … VERY Soon

Feel free to read this in the form of any action movie promo you’ve ever seen or heard:

COMING SOON TO A DIGITAL DEVICE IN YOUR HAND:

All We See is the End

runfortheflame_cover_feb19_2017From the minds of A.J. Brown and M.F. Wahl comes two horrific tales of struggle and loss you won’t soon forget.

Run For the Flame takes us into a world where an ice age has engulfed everything, driving life underground. The Sanctuary holds the last vestiges of humanity, but its walls are cracking and the ice is slowly encroaching. In their last grasp at survival, the community is forced to send their boys on an all important run for the flame … none have ever returned.

In Purple Haze, a crash landing on an uninhabited planet strands Adira and the surviving members of her crew. Surrounded by a quiet world of blue grass and purple skies, danger lurks within the beauty. Without contact to Earth and light years from home, they encounter a treacherous enemy that threatens to destroy them from the inside out.

Wahl, a #1 Wattpad featured author, and Brown whose stories have appeared in over 200 publications, use their easy styles to draw you in and hold you close. Welcome to their nightmares.

Available soon on Amazon, but you can get it free by subscribing to my newsletter at:  http://eepurl.com/cDEh9v

As always, until we meet again my friends, be kind to one another.

Posted on by ajbrown · 1 Comment

Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013

Star date, 1/1/2013, zero one zero four in the morning. The New Year is upon us and I aim to make it better than the one that just past.

I’m sorry, 2012, but you did not live up to my expectations. I mean, seriously. Having me take a pay cut and struggle significantly to make ends meet just to keep my job was a really crappy thing for you to do. I mean, really you didn’t start things off all that well when you picked up the baton that 2011 dropped and said, ‘hey, have pneumonia until February.’

I should have known then that you were going to kick my butt.

My writing took a beating. My mental and physical state of being took a beating. My confidence, yeah, that took a good old-fashioned blanket party throw down. It took a while to get that back.

Though you did see fit to let me get two short story collections out there, one of them through Dark Continents Publishing and the other one put out by me, the sales have been underwhelming, even with the good reviews they have both received. You would think, Dear 2012, that with reviews that state things like:

“AJ Brown’s debut novella presents three short stories of moralistic caution, human failings, and dark, unrelenting horror. He has a fresh, unique voice that brings the characters to life with a skill and experience that makes this a real page turner all the way to its deliciously macabre ending.”
–Starburst Magazine

And:

Along the Splintered Path has a more laid back pace but with plenty of meat on the bones, characters you actually care about and is steered with a confident hand. I can see big things for AJ Brown.
–Daniel Russell

And:

This book was a surprise, well written and a touch of Stephen King. Each story was quite different, and all were intriguing and at times disturbing.
–IamOneill

…that the books would have sold more, but for some reason the publishing gods have not seen fit to allow this.

Still, not all was terrible, though you seemed to temper little victories with equal or greater defeats.

Guess what, 2012? It’s time to move on out the way and let the New Year 2013 in the door. It’s not like you have much choice in the matter, is it? You can’t turn back time. Just ask Cher.

I have plans for this year. Goals, I say. Goals. Do you hear me, 2012?

So go ahead. Shuffle on out the door and don’t let it hit yah where your Momma split yah.

Now that he’s gone, Dear 2013, my name is A.J. I am your friend, and hopefully, you will be mine. You and I could do some wonderful things this year. Like maybe me getting back onto a regular writing schedule—a daily one like I used to have. I sure do miss those thousand words a day that the years 2006-2010 allowed me to have.

And what about submissions and publications? Your predecessor, 2012, just didn’t seem to have it in the cards for me to do much of either. You may not know this since you’re still new here, but way back in 2009 I submitted 155 stories, and 45 of them went on to get published. No, I’m not looking to submit that many stories this year, but how about a third of that total? Are you down with that?

It’s still early, my new friend, but I want you to know that you have the power to make this as good a year as you want it to be. So I’m going to head to bed in a few minutes and dream sweet dreams of the future and what you have in store for my family and I.

Just in case, Dear 2013, you want to take a look at my two collections and maybe help push them in the right direction, here are the links. I hope you enjoy them, and don’t worry, even if you don’t own a kindle, you can get them both in print.

Southern Bones

Along the Splintered Path

And hey, if you wouldn’t mind, spread the word, leave a review, maybe drop me a line and let me know if you enjoyed the books.

As I bade 2012 farewell, I gave a thanks to the readers out there on Facebook:

“I’m going to end 2012 with a thank you to everyone who picked up one of my two short story collections throughout this year. Also, a big thank you to anyone who reviewed either of the books as well. I hope you enjoyed them, and here’s to 2013.”

The ‘likes’ were cool, but the lone comment to the post made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, kind of like the Grinch when he discovered that Christmas didn’t come in boxes, packages and bags.

Thanks for writing them!

To everyone out there, you are welcome. And to Lindsey Beth Goddard, thank you for making my day with that comment.

I am going to head off to bed. I am finally tired enough to hopefully sleep more than a handful of hours. Before I go, I would like to leave you with my new favorite song, Mumford and Sons’ I Will Wait.

Have a wonderful New Year, and until we meet again, my friends…