By Amy McClure
LUDLOW—On Sunday, Aug. 14, the Book Nook in Ludlow welcomed World Horror Grandmaster Brian Keene and local author Asher Ellis to perform readings from their various works, sign copies, and answer questions from the audience.
Keene is best known for his 2003 novel “The Rising,” which is often credited with starting the zombie craze in modern pop culture. He has published over 40 novels in the genres of horror, crime and sci-fi. Keene has won two Bram Stoker awards.
On Keene’s book tour, he will be visiting 48 states in seven months. This will showcase his new novel “Pressure,” which is a thriller about unsettling events that occur when a biologist joins an expedition to figure out why the ocean floor is collapsing.
Ellis, who was born and raised in the Ludlow area, promoted his novel “The Remedy” at Sunday’s event. Ellis’s novel takes place in the woods of Vermont and showcases the horrors that may be hiding in the darkness.
The Book Nook’s event brought in over 20 attendees. Ellis read a short story about the hunting of tourists and Keene read a story about what love is like for a zombie couple.
“I am always glad to travel the distance for events like these,” said John McGuiggan, who traveled from Montpelier for the event.
Before closing the event, Keene offered to take questions from the audience. Answering a question about what the industry is like for aspiring writers, Keene said, “I am lucky enough to have a platform to promote diversity in the industry. The genre is very welcoming for all interested.”
Another audience member asked if either Ellis or Keene felt that they were influenced by any writer in particular. “Stephen King is definitely a great influence on me,” Ellis quickly responded, “Hemingway as well, in the style of his writing.”
Photo By Amy McClure
Authors Brian Keene and Asher Ellis sign their books at the Book Nook in Ludlow.
