Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius

Welcome to another episode of Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius, your go-to source for horror, sci-fi, and suspense. In this brief episode, Mark shares his excitement about the upcoming release of "Try Not to Die: At Meadow Spire Mall," the latest addition to his series. Set in 1998, this gripping tale promises creature horror that fans will love. Mark also takes a moment to share a personal update about his daughter's play and his busy schedule, which includes a captivating giveaway featuring different "Try Not to Die" books and exclusive merchandise. He invites listeners to participate and win exciting prizes. Here is the link to enter that giveaway. Don't miss the featured story from "Twisted Reunion" titled "Out There," inspired by Mark's own experiences of long drives between California and Las Vegas. It's a tale of tension and terror as two men find themselves in a life-or-death situation in the desolate desert, with danger lurking in every shadow.

In this episode of Vicious Whispers, Mark Tullius takes us on a journey through his recent experiences at AuthorCon 4 in St. Louis, where he balanced writing, editing, and networking. Despite the busy schedule, Mark managed to make significant progress on several projects, including his upcoming book Try Not to Die: In the Tournament of Mortem and others in the Try Not to Die series. Mark also shares exciting plans for multiple book releases throughout the year, highlighting the upcoming launch of At Meadow Spire Mall and other titles right before Thanksgiving and Christmas. Beyond his writing endeavors, Mark discusses the importance of maintaining his well-being, utilizing a hyperbaric chamber, sauna, and a tonal machine to stay active. Stick around until the end of the episode for a thrilling short story from "Twisted Reunion" titled "The Infidel's Prayer," where themes of defiance, faith, and retribution unfold in a gripping narrative.

Welcome to this episode of Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius, where we delve into the realms of horror, sci-fi, and suspense. In this brief yet gripping episode, Mark shares his busy schedule, including promoting his books and connecting with fans at events. He highlights the significance of his works, such as Try Not to Die in the Pandemic and Try Not to Die in a Dark Fairytale, and reflects on his personal growth and newfound sobriety. As a special treat, Mark introduces a chilling short story from his collection, Twisted Reunion. This episode features the eerie tale, Mommy's Big Boy, a story that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. Don't miss out on the exciting giveaways and updates on upcoming releases. Tune in for an unforgettable experience filled with dark narratives and thrilling discussions.

In this episode of "Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius," Mark navigates a challenging week filled with productivity struggles and personal reflections. Despite feeling unproductive, he recounts the numerous achievements that made the week successful. Mark shares his experience at HorrorCon LA, where he connected with friends and fans, and discusses his decision to skip the second day of the event, which turned out to be a wise choice. He also talks about spending quality time with his family and friends from Germany, balancing work, and homeschooling. Exciting updates include launching new merchandise for the Try Not To Die series and engaging with fans through a giveaway. Mark also delves into the creative process, discussing upcoming books and the challenges of maintaining mental health while pursuing his passion. Tune in to hear Mark's candid thoughts on managing stress, the importance of taking breaks, and the joy of reconnecting with readers. Plus, enjoy a thrilling story from his collection, "Twisted Reunion." To enter the latest giveaway, go to https://geni.us/TNTDRound1

Welcome to another gripping episode of Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius. Mark is back home in California after an intense trip filled with accomplishments and new connections. However, the transition back to regular life brought on a wave of anxiety and a bit of depression. Thankfully, an insightful therapy session helped him gain some clarity and self-compassion. In this episode, Mark shares exciting updates about his books, including the return of many titles to Kindle Unlimited, making them more accessible to readers. He also discusses his recent experiences at the Tennessee Book and Reader Convention, where he connected with co-authors and made significant progress on various projects. Listeners are in for a treat with a short story from "Twisted Reunion" titled "Woodshop Aftermath." Additionally, Mark announces upcoming giveaways and events, including his participation in HorrorCon LA and a future event in Long Beach. Tune in for a blend of personal reflections, book updates, and a captivating short story.

Welcome to another thrilling episode of Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius, your go-to source for horror, sci-fi, suspense, and all things violent. In today's episode, Mark updates us on his recent travels, writing collaborations, and the challenges of balancing multiple book projects. Join Mark as he recounts his journey to the Tennessee Books and Reader Convention, his collaborative writing sessions, and his unexpected adventures along the way. He also shares insights into his writing process and the importance of reading your work out loud. At the end of the episode, enjoy a chilling short story from the "Twisted Reunion" audiobook, titled "Wrong Side Tavern." This spine-tingling tale follows Hank, a train engineer who finds himself in a nightmarish situation at a grim and mysterious bar. Don't miss this eerie and gripping story that will leave you on the edge of your seat. If you haven't yet, make sure to subscribe to Mark's newsletter for more exclusive content and free audiobooks. Enjoy the episode and stay tuned for more Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius!

Welcome to Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius, your source for horror, sci-fi, suspense, and all things violent. In this episode, Mark reflects on the importance of embracing different writing styles and the development of the Try Not To Die style guide. He discusses his experiences with co-authoring, homeschooling, and his upcoming appearances at the Tennessee Book and Readers Convention. Mark also shares insights into his writing process and acknowledges the diverse opinions of readers. The episode concludes with a gripping story from his horror collection, Twisted Reunion. Don't miss the chance to hear "Each Dawn I Die," a chilling tale narrated by T. Quillen. For new subscribers, Twisted Reunion is available for free. Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive content by following Mark on his Facebook author page. Join Mark's newsletter now to download Twisted Reunion here: https://BookHip.com/GKNSBSM

Welcome to Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius, your go-to podcast for horror, sci-fi, suspense, and all things thrilling. In this episode, Mark shares his experience of juggling homeschooling his son, Jake, while managing his writing career. From PE sessions to collaborative writing projects, it's a week full of challenges and achievements. Mark also dives into his recent writing endeavors, including updates on his Try Not to Die series and the intricacies of formatting his German editions. Despite the hectic schedule, he finds solace in reading and writing, even sharing his admiration for MJ Mars' short stories. To cap off the episode, Mark treats listeners to a gripping short story titled "Crossing the Line" from his collection Somber Stroll. Tune in for a blend of personal anecdotes and chilling fiction that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Welcome to another gripping episode of Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius, your go-to source for horror, sci-fi, suspense, and all things violent. In today's episode, Mark shares the highs and lows of his recent trip to the Authors Against Abuse event in Connecticut and the Books and Brew event in Chicago, including unexpected meetings and nerve-wracking experiences. Join us as Mark dives into the challenges he faced during his trip, from a painful injury to a panic attack, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. He also introduces some incredible authors he met and the exciting projects they are working on, including new additions to the "Try Not to Die" series. Finally, stay tuned for a special treat: a short story from Somber Stroll, narrated by Donna Gonzalez. This intense tale, titled "Mutual Understanding," will leave you on the edge of your seat as it explores the brutal consequences of a public showdown. Don't miss this thrilling episode filled with raw emotions, compelling stories, and a glimpse into the chaotic world of Mark Tullius.

In this episode of "Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius," join Mark as he prepares for an exciting journey to Rhode Island with his son, discusses his upcoming participation in the Authors Against Abuse event, and delves into the importance of jiu-jitsu for self-defense. Mark also shares updates on his latest writing projects, including collaborations on new "Try Not to Die" books, and his ambitious plans for book events around the world. At the end of the episode, enjoy a thrilling reading of the second chapter from "Try Not to Die in a Dark Fairy Tale." Tune in for an action-packed episode filled with travel plans, literary endeavors, and a captivating dark fairy tale adventure!

Join Mark Tullius on this week's episode of Vicious Whispers as he dives into a whirlwind of personal challenges and exciting updates. From battling Lyme disease and Bartonella to returning to jiu-jitsu, Mark shares the highs and lows of his week. In this episode, Mark reads two gripping scenes from Trying to Die in a Dark Fairytale, exploring the harrowing choices that define the fate of its characters. Will courage or caution prevail in the face of a deadly fire? Mark also discusses upcoming projects, including new additions to the "Try Not to Die" series, and shares his excitement about future events and collaborations. Don't miss out on the latest news and a thrilling storytime segment!

Welcome to Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius, your go-to podcast for horror, sci-fi, suspense, and all things violent. In this episode, Mark shares personal updates, including his decision to quit cannabis and the positive impacts it has had on his life. Mark takes us through his recent European adventure, detailing his travels with family friends through Germany and Italy. From sleepless flights to scenic drives and cultural experiences, Mark highlights the beauty of the trip and the strong bonds formed with his travel companions. He also discusses his work on "Try Not To Die" series, including the upcoming releases and collaborations. Plus, Mark reads the first chapter of "Try Not To Die in a Dark Fairy Tale," giving listeners a taste of his latest gripping narrative. Join Mark as he reflects on personal growth, professional achievements, and the joys of traveling without the crutch of cannabis. This episode is filled with insights, adventures, and a sneak peek into his thrilling new book.

Welcome to Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius, your source for horror, sci-fi, suspense, and all things violent. In this episode, Mark shares exciting updates about his upcoming projects, including his new merchandise line and collaborations on various book series. Mark also discusses his upcoming 18-day family trip to Europe and his plans to write while traveling. He delves into his personal experiences with cognitive behavior therapy, jiu-jitsu training, and his ongoing battle with a fear of success and rejection. Stay tuned until the end of the episode for the short story "Going Dark." This is an episode filled with introspection, creativity, and a touch of the macabre.

Welcome to this episode of "Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius," your source for horror, sci-fi, suspense, and all things violent. In this episode, Mark shares a unique tale from his collection, Morsels of Mayhem, which will be featured at the end of the episode. But first, he delves into his recent life events and mental health journey. Mark discusses his six-week follow-up with the Amen Clinics, detailing the transformative impact of their care on his mental and physical well-being. He shares his struggles with social media, balancing family life, and the pressures of his writing career. Despite these challenges, he finds joy in his passions, from playing guitar to practicing jiu-jitsu. He also talks about his various projects, including the development of Try Not to Die: In the UK with MJ Mars and the English version of the Abraxas series. Mark encourages listeners to support his work by requesting his books at libraries and bookstores, emphasizing the importance of spreading his and his co-authors' stories. On the business front, Mark has made strides in making his books more accessible through IngramSpark and offers discounts on paperbacks. He highlights the significant improvements in his mental health, attributing much of his progress to the Amen Clinic, HBOT, functional mushrooms, and cognitive behavioral therapy with his therapist. Finally, Mark leaves listeners with a gripping story from Morsels of Mayhem, titled "31 Others," a suspenseful and chilling tale set in a dystopian future. Tune in for an episode filled with personal insights, exciting projects, and a thrilling narrative.

Join Mark Tullius on his captivating podcast, Vicious Whispers, a thrilling exploration into the worlds of horror, sci-fi, suspense, and violence. Engage with Mark as he reveals his gritty personal experiences, battles with time management and psychological struggles, and explores unconventional therapies, such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Dive into Mark's unique perspective on his gradual shift away from cannabis dependence thanks to functional mushrooms, and be inspired by his dogged pursuit of self-healing, resilience, and martial arts. Intrigue builds as he discusses his plans to explore stem cell treatments, providing his listeners a glimpse into an often-ignored field of study. In this journey marked by steadfast determination, witness our host's endeavor to invigorate his imagination, storytelling abilities, despite significant odds. Absorb his meaningful narratives about living an extraordinary life, fostering deep connections, and making a difference to others. Submerge yourself in awe-inspiring details about his personal life, his interactions with his kids, and his love for everyday details. Marvel at his humility and his continued focus on making a genuine impact on others. Be excited by the promise of upcoming projects and intriguing books on his radar. This episode delves into the mind of a prolific writer and shares his strategically laid plans for future ventures. Discover Mark's process behind his compelling fiction and his ambitious plans to translate his buddy's German books to English. The episode concludes with an intriguing short story about gritty street life, adding to the overall charm of this podcast. The short horror story, "The Rules" is from the Morsels of Mayhem audiobook.

Welcome to this gripping episode of Vicious Whispers with Mark Tullius, where he navigates you through his personal journey in battling brain health issues and his tenacious commitment to jujitsu. This episode emanates raw emotion, where Mark candidly discusses his visits to the Amen Clinic, his struggle with emotional regulation, his fight against depression and his passion for martial arts training. Discover how Mark uses cognitive-stimulating practices such as language learning and music to navigate his mind's labyrinth, his churning dedication to writing even amidst recovery sessions, and his pursuit to stay productive no matter the odds. Listen to him eagerly discuss his latest books, Try Not to Die: In Arcranium and TNTD: In a Dark Fairy Tale and his collaborative ventures with professional editors like PW Feutz and Lindsay Smith. Get updates on AuthorCon 4, learn about other interesting upcoming events, and delve into his unique philanthropic initiative 'Barter for a Book'. Get inspired by how Mark leverages his own experiences with anxiety to make a positive impact on others in their mental health battles. The episode ends on an unforgettable note with a gory horror story. The tale triggers an atmospheric chill as the notorious character Larry, the south side slasher, materializes from the pages of renowned author Robert's latest thriller. Explore a horrific reality where a writer's lethal fantasy resurfaces from the oblivion of deletion, marking the beginning of a renewed nightmare. This episode is sure to leave you contemplating the repercussions of the strokes of a writer's pen and the mind's endless mysteries.

A lot has gone down since my last episode. I've added quite a few Try Not to Die contracts and have two brand new ideas about to bloom. The series is growing like crazy and now I have to do my best to develop everything without getting overwhelmed. New book merch includes stickers, buttons, and bookmarks with more coming soon. I did go through a 4 day depressive episode that got me motivated to finally go to the Amen Clinics for more brain rehab. The tests are all done, now just waiting on results and plan of action. Includes the short horror story "Reunion" off of Twisted Reunion and narrated by Tee Quillen.

A lot of cool stuff happened over the last month. In addition to getting 4 full weeks of M-F 6am jiu jitsu classes, I had the pleasure of training with my son. Three new TNTD books have had contracts signed and we're digging into the writing this weekend. The cover for TNTD: On Slashtag is revealed and the eBook will go on Netgalley and to early reviewers very soon. TBI or CTE is free on Amazon through Feb 18 - get at https://geni.us/TBIorCTE Soon all of my books will be going wide. They will be sold on all retailers with deep discounts on my website. (10:55) The Short Horror Story - Mommy's Big Boy" from Twisted Reunion and narrated by Tee Quillen.

It's been a month since I recorded an episode. I do a quick recap and go into jiu jitsu and the latest release, Dethfest Confessions. A hand injury has been the source of a ton of pain this month but I've decided the pain is worth it. The pros of training far outweigh the negatives so I am now committed to training Mon-Fri at 6am, my new favorite time of the day. I also registered for a jiu jitsu comp coming up in a few weeks. Should be fun to test myself alongside over a dozen teammates. The Try Not to Die rash guards turned out great and it is such a cool feeling to have my friends rocking it on mats around the country. The Dethfest Confessions anthology paperback is beautiful and a book I'll always cherish, not just for the stories and expansion of Dethfest, but for the relationships it built with the authors. Next week the kindle copy is on sale for $0.99 (US/UK) On Amazon: https://geni.us/DevilsPlaylist Untold Mayhem is free on Amazon K/U through the 22. Grab yours at: https://geni.us/Untold 25 Perfect Days is on sale for $0.99 on Amazon (US/UK) https://geni.us/25Perfect (10:00) Includes the short story "Marked from the Untold Mayhem audiobook narrated by Angelo Di Loreto.

I skipped the last two weeks recording the podcast and wasn't so sure if I was going to return to it. I've put in over 4 years of consistently putting out episodes but decided I should only do it if it's something I enjoy. This year, I'll try to find the best schedule. I go over results from IBJJF No Gi Worlds comp in Vegas. The new Try Not to Die rash guard is out. We're planning trips for Our Jiu Jitsu Journey coffee table book which includes: Florida, Pennsylvania, D.C. North Carolina, Rhode Island, Nevada, and all over California. There may also be more states added, especially if I can combine with book events. This past weekend I tried out kambo, a type of frog poison. It sucked. I spent the week finalizing Dethfest Confessions which releases Christmas Eve. Get on Amazon at: https://geni.us/DevilsPlaylist Try Not to Die: At Dethfest is on sale on Amazon US/UK for $0.99 through Dec. 27. Get on Amazon at: https://geni.us/Dethfest Try Not to Die: Back at Grandma's House is free on Amazon through Dec 24. Get yours on Amazon at: https://geni.us/BackAtGrandmas (14:50) Includes the horror story "Surviving the Holidays" narrated by Tee Quillin on the Twisted Reunion audiobook.

This week I've split my time between jiu jitsu and writing. On the plane ride home I cranked out 5-hours of writing and over the week I finished my work on TNTD: In a Dark Fairy Tale. There still needs to be a few more passes between Evan, myself, and the editor, but I've now moved on to the next project. Dethfest Confessions is being released Christmas Eve and we are scrambling to get it finished in time. As soon as I complete that I'll finish off the Best of Dethfest album. You can preorder the anthology here: https://geni.us/DevilsPlaylist With jiu jitsu I managed to get in 5 training sessions this week and feel pretty good going into next week's competition in Vegas. (8:00) I narrate two more scenes from Try Not to Die: At Dethfest

I was very very grateful to be able to get in 4 jiujitsu training sessions while on vacation in D.C. I went to Compound MMA with my family and Beta Academy D.C. with my wife. We made a lot of new friends, learned a lot, and I got crushed by several people. In addition to training, we had fun visiting the zoo. We also did a 3-hour bus tour, but I've never been interested in that sort of thing. Try Not to Die: On Slashtag is off for a just about final edit and I'm halfway through the death scenes for TNTD: In a Dark Fairy Tale.  I'm also very excited to announce the Dethfest Confessions: The Devil's Playlist is now available for preorder and releasing Dec. 24. https://geni.us/DevilsPlaylist "B is for Brother" the short Confessions story by Daemon Manx is free through Monday on Kindle Unlimited: https://geni.us/ConfessionB Try Not to Die: At Ghostland coauthored by Duncan Ralston is also free on KU through Monday. https://geni.us/AtGhostland (9:00) Also includes the Thanksgiving horror story "Stuffed" off the Morsels of Mayhem audiobook.

This week I trained a little too much and decided I better rest up before my family flies to Washington D.C. this weekend. It sucks not being able to train as hard as I'd like to, but I need to be mindful of my injuries. In D.C., my wife and I plan on training at 3 gyms over the week. Our comp is coming up and we don't want to miss that much training. My nonfiction book Unlocking the Cage is currently free on Kindle Unlimited - https://geni.us/MMAbook I just released "Fighting Fire With Fire" by Jon Cohn, the fourth standalone story from Dethfest Confessions. https://geni.us/FightingFire I'm working on two new short Try Not to Die's with an author from Northern Europe. Once I've confirmed the titles I'll fill you in on the details. I've mailed off the Dethfest shirts and books to readers and coauthors from around the world. I should have them up for sale on the website next week. (9:20) I narrate two scenes from Try Not to Die: At Dethfest

I go over each of the books I've written in the last eleven years which includes horror, sci-fi, suspense, and nonfiction. A brief look at what books are in my future, including the jiu jitsu coffee table book. Training with my wife to get ready for the IBJJF No-gi World tournament December 7. (19:30) I read the next scene from Try Not to Die: At Dethfest

I got in a lot of jiu jitsu this week and am excited I should be receiving the Try Not to Die rash guards soon. On the business side, I decided one interested publisher wasn't a good fit, but reached out to one of my top picks for Germany. They are interested in the series and are currently reading Dethfest. I just handed the majority of Doomed to Die: Super High to my editor. All that's left is writing three quick scenes. Expect the novella around February. The November giveaway is now live. Enter at the bottom of my website www.MarkTullius.com "Eat Me" an extreme horror story by Caitlin Marceau is out now as part of Dethfest Confessions. Get it at Amazon - https://geni.us/EatMeNow (7:30) I narrate some more of Try Not to Die: At Dethfest

Wrapping up my incredible experience at the Frankfurter Buchmesse. Readers, lit agents, and publisher reactions have me convinced this is the start of something big and things will only be improving from here on out. Although the fair was a success, my body was a mess and my hip had me worrying I might need surgery rather than later. Fortunately, I was able to return to jiu jitsu without any issue. The second Dethfest Confession is out - "Die Forever" by Simone Trojahn - and it is absolutely brutal. Graphic sex and violence in this one, just like "Eat Me" by Caitlin Marceau which comes out Sunday. A reminder Try Not to Die: In the Wizard's Tower is on sale for $0.99 on Amazon KU (US/UK) (17:20) I narrate the next two scenes from Try Not to Die: At Dethfest

I was stressed beyond belief before headed to Frankfurt, Germany for the Buchmesse but jiu jitsu helped. I didn't train like I wanted to but had a great time at MMA Spirit. I've had very little sleep, very little food (just like last time I was here) but I'm very proud of what I've accomplished so far with both the professional and public meetings. This week I released both Try Not to Die: Back at Grandma's House and the first Dethfest Confessions story, "B is for Brother." The next two stories should be up by Sunday. Get tyose and the free ones below on Amazon at: https://geni.us/TulliusAmazon Try Not to Die: At Grandma's House and In the Wild West are now free on Kindle Unlimited.  (11:55) Listen to "Shades of Death" narrated by Tee Quillin off of the Twisted Reunion Audiobook.

I leave for Germany on Sunday and am still working nonstop to make sure everything is ready in time. I'm still waiting on Dethfest Confession covers and I need to format the rest of the TNTD paperbacks, but other than that I'm good to go. I'm excited about the Buchmesse, but also really looking forward to practicing jiu jitsu with a few schools in Frankfurt. I'm going to be strapped for time, but I'll still make it happen, just as I do over here. All about priorities and doing what you love. This weekend Try Not to Die: At Dethfest is free on Amazon KU. I'd love for you to download it and tell your friends. https://geni.us/Dethfest (6:15) I narrate the next two scenes from Try Not to Die: At Dethfest

It has been a whirlwind of a week. Last Saturday my wife and I were honored to be promoted to purple, and brown belt in jiu jitsu. We've been pouring a lot of time into the martial art, but it's time well spent. I got in all the merchandise for the Buchmesse including the massive TNTD banner, shirts and stickers. I am nearly ready to release the new paperbacks for the TNTD series. just a few more days until they are available for sale. I've selected the first 3 Dethfest Confession stories and they are brutal. Translating them now for the German edition and will release them on the 18th. (15:30) The short horror story "Each Dawn I Die" from the Twisted Reunion audiobook. Try Not to Die: In the Pandemic is currently free on Amazon KU: https://geni.us/PandemicMT

I had planned on putting out some positive videos about TBI or CTE currently being free on Amazon KU but I slid into a dark place after looking at some sad stories in a brain trauma group I belong to. For those that want to check out the book you can do so here: https://geni.us/TBIorCTE This week Try Not to Die: In Brightside is also free on Amazon KU: https://geni.us/BrightMT Part of the reason I had a rough day was lack of sleep and cannabis. Thanks to COVID my lungs are garbage and I'm struggling with jiu jitsu. Still trained 6 days this week though and am hitting a seminar and belting ceremony tomorrow. No idea if I'll be receiving my brown belt but it'll be fine either way. The jiu jitsu has been essential to help keep me positive and an hour-long breathing session on Tuesday helped tremendously. I'm excited to be getting in lots of merchandise this week and I had a fantastic talk with Steve Montgomery about two of his books being turned into Doomed to Die books. Going to be extra brutal. I'm excited about my friends Mareike and Micha visiting from Germany and will be spending the day catching up.

Having COVID was as shitty as expected, but I'm pumped to be feeling much better. I won't try training until Sunday, but I can't wait to get back on the mats for jiu jitsu. Knowing I would probably never finish Try Not to Die: Super High, I decided to scrap all the death scenes and am currently rewriting it to be the first novella in the Doomed to Die series. My friend Brian Ochoa killed it on his latest Try Not to Die creation. Shirts and stickers arrive this week so I can send off some special packages. I had a great talk with mark Mowse and Daemon Manx, the others of Arcranium. We are scheduled to do a TNTD set in their book sometime next year. A reminder that Ain't No Messiah is free this weekend on Kindle Unlimited. Grab it at this link: https://geni.us/AintNoMessiah The audiobook is on sale for $2.99 until the end of the month. I read a death scene and a chapter from Try Not to Die: At Dethfest

My nerves got the best of me at Saturday's NAGA competition. I submitted one opponent and got submitted by the other. In addition to the second place medal, I also took home a nice case of COVID, possibly the first for me. I'm feeling like crap but keeping as focused and productive as possible while I steer clear of my family. I'm bummed that the sickness will keep me from the Metal Injection festival. There aren't a lot of opportunities to see Machine Head, Fear Factory, and Testament playing but I'll live. I also just switched the language on my Xbox from English to German which should be a fun/irritating way to learn. A reminder that you can pick up 25 Perfect Days: Plus 5 More free on Amazon KU through 9-18: https://geni.us/25Perfect We are redesigning all of the TNTD books and eliminating the logo as the weapons in it were preventing me from advertising on Amazon. (9:40) Listen to the short horror story "Ultimate Wish" narrated by Tee Quillen off the Somber Stroll audiobook.

Wednesday was the release of Try Not to Die: At Dethfest. It's my 18th book, but means a lot because heavy metal has been such a huge part of my life. One of the coolest parts about the book is that it includes Jose Mangin, a DJ from Sirius XM's Liquid Metal/Octane. He agreed to let us include him and as a thank you we've donated to his Headbang for Science charity and include a link for it at the back of the book. The other cool thing is that we published this book at all. It was 9 years in the making with mental health struggles and life getting in the way. We persevered and are proud of what it's now turning into with Dethfest Confessions. Despite all the excitement over the book, I went back to my old ways and had to deal with some negative emotions. Instead of caving to them, like I've done on other launches, I threw myself into jiu jitsu to get me refocused. Not only did I manage to get some marketing done but I'm also excited to be competing this Saturday at NAGA. I narrate the first death scene from Try Not to Die: At Dethfest followed by the next chapter. Grab your copy of Dethfest on Amazon: https://geni.us/Dethfest  

What a great week. I'd love if you could make it even better by helping me share the Try Not to Die: At Ghostland $0.99 sale and the launch of Dethfest on Sept 6. Purchasing, leaving reviews, and recommending it to friends is all so super helpful and appreciated. Here is Ghostland: https://geni.us/AtGhostland Here is Dethfest: https://geni.us/Dethfest I'm back to an early morning routine for jiu jitsu with the 6am class M/W/F at 10th Planet Whittier with Coach Wes Levine. I'm loving the class and just had an interesting talk with Wes about writing. That conversation, one I had with a TNTD coauthor, and the reading of the horror novella Arcranium adds the possibility of 3 new projects. Yay! Books are ready to be shipped off for the Frankfurter Buchmesse and I think Back at Grandma's House will be ready for the event as well.

It's been a long week and I'm exhausted after training jiu jitsu with my wife.  My new jiu jitsu project is coming together and I'm excited about even being able to train when we go to Germany. It's such a great way to meet new people and try not to let them murder you. Derek the Demon just started his first novel: 500 Years of Burning in Hell: My Life as a Demon. I'm not sure how committed he is to it but he said it sounds fun. (8:12) Dawna Gonzales, a black belt under Eddie Bravo, narrates the short story "Mutual Understanding"

Another week where I'm super excited about the direction everything's headed. The Books of Horror group has been very supportive of TNTD and incredibly helpful filling the anthology for Dethfest Confession. Special thanks to Tiffany Koplin for the awesome merch and promo ideas, Shannon Marie for the fun TNTD: At Ghostland reading group, and Makayla Darnall for the great review and fun conversations. Dethfest Confession is going to be sick. The line-up is pretty insane with 13 of the 15 slots filled and the editor. The first 3 stories are planned to release around Oct 15 and Dethfest is now releasing Sept 6. I'm beginning to put together a little eBook called Our Jiu Jitsu Journey and Karl's photos are going to be perfect for it. (12:15) I narrate a death scene from Try Not to Die: At Ghostland followed by my daughter narrating Chapter 7.

My good friend, Karl Dominey, a photographer from Rhode Island, and his son, Luka, are staying with my family for a week. It's been wonderful catching up, relaxing, and talking projects. On this episode, we discuss his book in development which showcasing men being good fathers.  Going outside our comfort zone for our kids. Even though Karl hates playing video games, he agreed to learn how to play Fortnite. And neither Karl or I were looking forward to riding rollercoasters at Knotts but the four of us had a great time hitting nearly every ride in the park. It wasn't easy to turn off my desire to be productive, but it feels good enjoying the last days of summer.  Karl goes over his experience reading Try Not to Die: At Dethfest. (30:50) I narrate a death scene from Try Not to Die: At Ghostland and then my daughter narrates Chapter 6. 

I had a fantastic time meeting Brian Ochoa who has created a ton of work for me, including the image for the Dethfest tattoo and the concert poster. He's currently working on the album cover and finalizing T-shirt designs. The shirts will be up for order soon. Here's his site - https://brianochoadesign.com/gallery I mailed off Dethfest paperback to some early readers in the UK, CA, AUS, and the US. I can't wait to hear what they say. I was excited to get a copy of P.W. Feutz's novella The Sun is a Circle Meant for Serving. P.W. and I are collaborating on quite a few things and I think you'll appreciate his writing. The book is currently free on Amazon KU. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCZWRYDC Another author who is contributing to both TNTD and Dethfest Confessions is author Jon Cohn. He did a fantastic job with his Confessions story and the TNTD based off his novel Slashtag is going to be brutal. This week I've been reading Winter's Myths by Gage Greenwood. I'm loving the book and excited to announce that although it's not official-official, Gage and I are planning on collaborating on a TNTD. And all of this is just a small reason why I am confident in this series. This week Try Not to Die: In the Wild West is free on Amazon Kindle Unlimited - https://geni.us/WildWest (15:00) I read another death scene from Try Not to Die: At Ghostland.  My daughter narrates the next chapter.

I had a positive talk with an agent regarding my approach to the Frankfurter Buchmesse. We also discussed what I should write next. It's a lot to consider but I love having options. Last week I registered for the ADCC Open, a jiu jitsu tournament in Scottsdale. This week I'm dropping out along with the rest of the team. I'm feeling good but 2 or 3 of my teammates are injured and can no longer compete. I'm sure another opportunity will come soon enough. Ain't No Messiah is free on Kindle Unlimited July 27-31. Here's a link. I read a few 2-star and 5-star reviews to give you a fair look at the reader response. I answer reader questions from Emily, Don, and Alvin. (15:00) I narrate a death scene from Try Not to Die: At Ghostland. (19:00) Liv Tullius narrates Chapter 4 of Try Not to Die: At Ghostland.

A lot of awesome stuff happening this week. My kids are at Disney World with their grandma, aunt, and cousin, while my wife and I stayed home to train jiu jitsu (and not go anywhere near Disney World) I finally took the time to schedule all my free and discounted books for the next three months. This week's free book on Kindle unlimited is Twisted Reunion. Here's that link  The Goodreads TNTD: At Ghostland giveaway is over. I'll mail books off to the 10 lucky winners. There's also a cool Group Read for the book going on over on Facebook. I'll put details in newsletter. I pick the winners for the 6 Ain't no Messiah paperback winners. I've been working some more coauthor deals and dreaming big with the series. This week, a lot of time went into developing the TNTD mobile escape room. It's an old idea we're bringing back. I got the MRI results back for my knee. The ACL is torn and there's other damage, but I've also been feeling better with jiu jitsu. This, and an excessive amount of cannabis, made me commit to competing in the ADCC Open in Scottsdale, AZ August 5th. I was pretty excited about the move until Coach Art rolled with me and broke my will in under three minutes. Now I'm motivated to train harder and smarter so I can last four minutes next time.

I'm in a fantastic mood for several reasons. A big one is getting back into jiu jitsu at 10th Planet Whittier. I hit open mat Sunday and attended 3 nights this week with my wife who's a great training partner (I swear she didn't make me say that) I'm excited to hit open mat on Saturday and then watch Ashlee Evans-Smith fight at 4pm PST in the UFC. She'll be repping the gym and I've been a fan since I interviewed her back in 2012: https://youtu.be/qwRvlxfln4g Today I posted A Very Ghostly Giveaway. If you're over 18 and Live in the US or Canada you can enter for free. Check it out: https://geni.us/GhostlyGiveaway Yesterday I had an awesome talk with an author who also designs board games. It's not official yet but I offered him a TNTD and he's excited about it. He'll also be helping me figure out the board game. I also finally sent out contracts and some invites for authors to contribute to the Dethfest Confessions. Those short stories will probably start releasing around November. I read some reviews for TNTD: At Ghostland and a special one from Lisa A. for Ain't No Messiah. I read the death scene from TNTD: At Ghostland Chapter 1 and right after that my daughter narrates Chapter 2.  

I'm excited that my daughter agreed to narrate Try Not to Die: At Ghostland to share on the podcast. Duncan and I are hiring a professional for the real version, but I thought this would be fun to have Liv run us through the book. I made a bad decision regarding my knee on vacation but fortunately it didn't hurt me. Overall, vacation was awesome, relaxing, and resulted in two more TNTD projects. The best part though was the new friendships. I didn't make as much progress as I would have liked on TNTD: Back at Grandma's House, but I'm still confident I can hit a Halloween release for it. (11:10) Liv Tullius narrates Chapter 1 of Try Not to Die: At Ghostland

It's been a great week for Try Not to Die: At Ghostland with high rankings and ratings. I'm predicting this will be one of my all-time highest-rated books. https://geni.us/AtGhostland I'm excited to have the Try Not to Die: At Dethfest proof. I need to make a few changes, get the next proof, and then I'll send to advance readers. https://geni.us/Dethfest It has been a fantastic vacation in Wyoming and we still have two more days at this incredible Brooks Lake Lodge which is at an elevation of 9200 ft. Jackson Hole was neat and we had a lot of fun exploring Yellowstone. The trip also resulted in me plotting out a new project: Try Not to Die: In Yellowstone. I will be writing to potential coauthors this week to see who the right fit will be. I just set Try Not to Die: At Grandma's House for $0.99. https://books2read.com/u/mK7EeE (5:25) The conclusion of Try Not to Die: in the Wild West narrated by Steven Barnett. https://geni.us/WildWest

Try Not to Die: At Ghostland, coauthored with Duncan Ralston, released on Monday for the paperback and Friday for Kindle. It's off to a great start with rankings and reviews. I predict this book will do very well. Check it out on Amazon: https://geni.us/AtGhostland I created a document of all upcoming projects (22 total) so I could see which ones to attack first. Finalizing TNTD: Back at Grandma's House is first on the list. Expect ebook/paperback around September. (10:10) Continuing the tale of Try Not to Die: In the Wild West narrated by Steven Barnett. The story finale is next week.

I'm in a great mood thanks to squeezing 5 jiu jitsu training sessions in 3 days. There's a bit of pain and discomfort but it doesn't outweigh the positives. I'm excited my whole family will be competing in a bjj competition this August. And with a little luck, my friends Luka and Karl will join us. The response to early reads of Try Not to Die: At Ghostland has been fantastic. The last chance to claim a copy is by picking it up in my newsletter. Paperbacks and the official release will be in about 3 weeks. Try Not to Die: In the Wild West is free through June 19 on Amazon - https://geni.us/WildWest The Try Not to Die: Reading this Sampler was just released. Download it free at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/5u77spu09f And Try Not to Die: At Dethfest is up for preorder: https://geni.us/Dethfest Got my tickets to the Metal Injection Festival in September.  I had a great time being a guest on Mind of the Warrior podcast. You can check it out here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/motw-137-mark-tullius/id1021422295?i=1000616826218 (12:20) The continuation of Try Not to Die: In the Wild West narrated by Steven Barnett.

Last weekend's 10th birthday at 10th Planet Whittier was so cool. My son and his friends had an awesome time and my daughter got excited about training again. I've been getting more and more into training but yesterday's appointment with an orthopedic surgeon was quite sobering. Looks like my ACL is fairly trashed and he said my right hip is in need of replacement. My next appointment will be with the doctor that gave me stem cells for my right shoulder 5 years ago. Hopefully, stem cell will be an option for at least one of those joints. On the writing front, I've been spending a lot of time trying to finish formatting TNTD: At Ghostland and the TNTD: Reading this Sampler. The Sampler will be out next week and Ghostland the first or second week in July. My wife has set a goal for herself to finish her law career in 3 years. I'm going to piggyback off her deadline and set that for the completion of the TNTD series. As much as I enjoy the books and think they will be key in increasing my readership, I never intended for the series to take me away from all of the personal projects I've been forced to shelf. (15:00) The next batch of the TNTD: In the Wild West audiobook narrated by Steven Barnett. If you would like a Spotify download code for the audiobook just shoot me an email at Mark at MarkTullius.com 

It has been a fun week of seeing hard work paying off. John Palisano's short story Try Not to Die: In a Hell Hole was a #1 new release. I just received the TNTD: Reading this Sampler and TNTD: At Ghostland cover. GL still needs work but it will look sick when finished. I picked up my jiu jitsu training a bit, not in intensity, but in the number of classes. I had a lot of fun training with my wife, daughter, and niece and plan on training with them at least 2-3 times a week in addition to the MWF 6am class. I took off most of Thursday to hang out with a friend which was a nice reminder of just how much I love doing what I do. Sure, it's great to take breaks, but nothing beats being passionate about your work. The TNTD: In the Wild West audiobook is now available on all retailers. Shoot me a message if you'd like a free Spotify download code.  (8:00) Includes the first 4 chapters of Try Not to Die: In the Wild West narrated by Steven Barnett. 

Covid screwed up some plans this past weekend, but it didn't stop me from working on Try Not to Die: In a Dark Fairy Tale. I'm really enjoying the main story and will have it wrapped up next week. Huge thanks to Pat Feutz who did a final edit on Dethfest. His edits were awesome and really improved the book. Advance eBook copies will start going to metal influencers next week. Once Dethfest is finished, Duncan and I will be cleaning up TNTD: At Ghostland which releases early July.  I stuck with jiu jitsu this week, taking it slow but making progress. And more importantly, enjoying the process and getting exercise. This is the final week sharing stories off Untold Mayhem. "Dead Spot" narrated by Michael David Axtell. "Left Unfinished" narrated by Chris Andrew Ciulla.

This week I stayed focused on Try Not to Die: In a Dark Fairy Tale. I'm making progress, but it can be slow at times. Another 1-2 weeks on the book and I'll be ready for the death scenes. I took time off jiu jitsu to rest and rehab my injuries. Treading water while holding a weight behind my back has been a great exercise I've added to my routine. The Wild West audiobook is finished and approved. Just waiting for ACX and Findaway to send the books to retailers. A Dark and Disturbing  Collection is on sale for $2.99 on Amazon through May 23. This includes Twisted Reunion, Untold Mayhem, and 25 Perfect Days: Plus 5 More. Over 80 short stories total. https://geni.us/DarkAndDisturbing Includes two short stories off Untold Mayhem. (7:45) "Last in Line" narrated by Vivienne Leheny (18:40) "The Feeling's Back" narrated by Jay Ben Markson 

A couple conversations with readers from around the world inspired me to talk some more about TBI or CTE and where I'm currently at with my brain health. I talk about external demands and building the resiliency to deal with them. I re-learned a powerful lesson through jiu jitsu this week. My instructor, Mike Wilson, was pointing out that I'm not breathing correctly, I'm moving way too much and inefficiently, and overall just need to slow everything down. These are all keys to improving my jiu jitsu, but more importantly, they will improve my life. Slowing down when it comes to my writing means focusing on one book at a time and changing my perspective on all the unfinished projects waiting in the wings. A reminder that I have two kindle books on sale in the US/UK TBI or CTE: https://geni.us/TBIorCTE TNTD: In the Wizard's Tower: https://geni.us/WizardsMT Includes two stories off the Untold Mayhem audiobook (15:25) "The Season" narrated by Landon Woodson. (35:15) "Dead to Me" narrated by Chris Andrew Ciulla.

It was a great week although I didn't get in a ton of writing. I've been more focused on the big picture and my goals for Germany while making sure the family is running smoothly. For my son's 10th birthday I wrote him a very special letter that he felt compelled to edit. Training jiu jitsu has been okay despite my knee issues but I'm realizing I need to take it easy. I'm excited to finally be in a place to work on TNTD: in a Dark Fairy Tale. Working on a few death scenes with my son was all I needed to get reenergized for this project. A reminder that Unlocking the Cage is the free book of the week on Amazon and the audiobook is on sale for $2.99 at Chirp, BN, Spotify https://geni.us/UnlockingBook Also includes two short horror stories off of Untold Mayhem "Marked" narrated by Angelo Di Loreto Gone for Good" narrated by Vivienne Leheny