I love writing and reading horror and dark suspense, watching crime dramas and horror films, listening to Heavy Metal and Rock N' Roll, spending time with my wife, eating Chinese food and drinking red wine.
Music
The Doors, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Dio, Def Leppard, U2, Megadeth, Alice In Chains, Midnight Syndicate, Nine Inch Nails.
Movies
Some of my favorite movies are Goodfellas (1990), Hidden Fortress (1958), Heat (1995), Se7en (1995), Apocalypse Now (1979), Rocky (1976), Big Sleep (1946), Blade Runner (1982), Scarface (1983), Halloween (1978), Eyes Wide Shut (1999), Vertigo (1958), Blow Out (1981), The Conversation (1974), Taxi Driver (1976), Re-Animator (1985), Le Samourai (1967), Black Christmas (1974), Wait Until Dark (1967).
Television
Family Ties (1982-1989) is my favorite TV show of all time, followed closely by Friends (1994-2004).
Books
Some of my favorite books include Bloodcurdling Tales of Horror and the Macabre by H.P. Lovecraft, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, First Blood and Creepers by David Morrell, Off Season by Jack Ketchum, City Infernal by Edward Lee, Ghost Stories of an Antiquary by M.R. James, I Am Legend by Richard Matheson, The Stand by Stephen King, The Travelling Vampire Show by Richard Laymon, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, On the Road by Jack Kerouac, The Summoning by Bentley Little, Vendredi ou Les Limbes du Pacifique by Michel Tournier, and most of Dean Koontz's books.
About me: My name's Alan Draven and my first horror novel, Bitternest, is now available at Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk, Indigo.ca, Barnes and Noble.com, Buy.com and for free shipping everywhere, BookDepository.co.uk as well as many other online retailers. It's the story of a detective who forms an uneasy alliance with a group of vampires to prevent a powerful entity from enslaving the fog-shrouded city of Bitternest. For more information, visit my website at www.alandraven.com
For all the info you need on the book, to buy a copy, or to read the first chapter for free, click on the cover below...
Also, my new short story, The Bypassed Mind is available on Amazon.com for $0.49!! Here's what it's about: A man travels to Bitternest, Louisiana for a conference on hypnosis. Once in his hotel room, he is mesmerized by a painting of a lady in a blue dress. Upon staring at it, he finds himself transported to a different era. Who is this mysterious lady who seems to have put a spell on him?
This one isn't a horror story, more of a romantic suspense/time travel story. Check it out HERE.
You can also read my short story, The Errand in Darkened Horizons Vol. 4 -- It is the story of a man who frequently walks through a strange forest to run errands. One day, on his way back home, something will happen that will change him forever. You can purchase the anthology by clicking on the cover below.
If ever you're in the mood for a Halloween tale, click on the picture below and on the next screen, right-click and do "Save Target As" to download the MP3 of the reading I did of The Rattling Man for Dreadtime Stories on Dread Central. It is the story of a boy who gets scared on Halloween because of a story about the Rattling Man, a boogeyman who steals the souls of children on Halloween. The story will terrify him for the rest of the day. Is the Rattling Man real or folklore?
And last but not least, you can read for free my short story, Silently It Creeps over at Legions of the Night's website. It’s the story of a man who is convinced that there is something under his bed that wants to kill him. Click on the picture below to read it.
Praise for BITTERNEST:
"Draven's down-to-earth writing style makes this book an easy read, and the ever-changing plotline keeps up an invigorating pace. BITTERNEST delivers the chills and thrills."--Dark Realms Magazine
"BITTERNEST is a scarily timely tale that beautifully weaves its storylines together in a fast-paced, expertly written manner through the use of short chapters that keep the reader glued to the action and turning the pages as quickly as possible."--Dread Central
"A debut novel of epic proportions; BITTERNEST is certain to be a much talked about novel. With its fresh approach to the vampiric race and its many plot twists and turns, BITTERNEST is a great addition to the horror genre."--Authors After Dark
"Combining both a supernatural horror novel and a medical thriller solicits a much wider audience than BITTERNEST might normally find. It's definitely a great first novel, and I'd love to see more from Draven in the future." --Front Street Reviews
"With gusto and in the tradition of the genre, Draven adopts all the necessary ingredients of a spooky horror novel as he deftly choreographs his heroes and villains giving us a tale that amply satisfies. It certainly is a yarn you won't forget!" --Book Pleasures
"Draven laces an action packed crime drama with fast paced supernatural intrigue that will keep readers turning pages until the explosive end. […] Draven's debut novel is a well written worthwhile read and a refreshing breather from the paranormal romances plaguing the genre."--Vampress.net
"I really recommend this story to anyone. It has some of everything: police drama, investigative work, crime bosses, drug cartels, gang wars, pandemic, vampires, and vampire clowns. There truly is something for everyone. A Vampire Clown, holy s&#t!"--SkullRing
Who I'd like to meet:
Alan Draven - Author of BITTERNEST's Friend Space (Top 40)
Alan Draven - Author of BITTERNEST has 947 friends.
Welcome to my top friends! Would've done it sooner, but MySpace was giving me a few problems and I gave up because... well, I'm lazy. I admit it. But, you're here now and glad to have ya!
La Psychotropical vous recommande CuCurama ! Une série d’événements qui vous présenteles artistes les plus éclectiques de la scène latino-américaine. Ne manquez pas le meilleur show de l’été !! Psychotropical Orchestra recommends you CuCurama !, a show series that showcases the most eclectic artists from Latin America. Don’t miss the best show this summer!! www. myspace. com/cucuramanites
Alan, this poem is about a woman who was born in Canada and now lives in California. However I though you might like to read these words Christopher W Herbert (CWHbyDESiGN - The Wow Poet)
5858 Heaven in Child 07 December 2006
Like a bright star over Montreal, the day your eyes of being first saw life. A heaven unto childhood, seeing in belief, a solemn timing in glory to proclaim.
Saint Laurent your guardian in this gathering, a link to LaSalle, this Canada a Canaan of beloved. Of a journey through a universal forest, a tree planted to treasure, nurture and grow.
Across those waters of the Saint Lawrence Seaway, La Prairie and beyond. Your heart beating so strong, where your soul was to out reach.
A gifted beginning, within capital vail, Quebec, an Ontario to border bound. This United States, a North America to Rome, the straits of California, settlement then home.
HI ALAN! I envy your job! A horror writer(got to be the best chat up line at any party). Plus you can add your friends (and enemies) to a story and kill them,(or make the rich)or both. All the best dude Andy:-0 THE KILLERSHREWS:-9
Hey there! I'm actually getting ready to read Silently It Creeps, and then will read the first chapter of your book! I am always looking for new books to read! Can't wait!!
