Monday, December 20, 2021

Last week wasn't it, but THIS week is!

Shopping days, shmopping daze! When you order e-books, you can put off the actual gift purchase 'til the very morning-of, watch their gift delivered in minutes (if their battery has a charge) and still have plenty of time to celebrate! If you plan on an actual paperback gift, you should order right now, and have a will-call holiday card on hand, telling them their book is "in transit" just in case!



Oliver Akers thought he was the worst stand-up comic in Hollywood. That is until he saw the act of a guy named Joey Lou Dillerbacher… along with the rest of the Dillerbacher showbiz clan. It only gnawed at him more, that they got gigs despite being awful. Gig after gig after gig – they are so under-talented and over-rewarded, they'd p.o. the Pope. Even worse, Oliver suddenly finds himself on a relentless loop crossing their path! On a multi-state road trip yet. With his own career going south fast, Oliver must somehow pull his funny out of freefall to survive, physically and emotionally – especially when he stumbles onto the secret side mission of these horrible, but well-connected, performers, and becomes one of their targets.

And the original novel you'll never unread:


Ethan West just wants what everybody wants who struggles to succeed in Hollywood: a breakthrough, a hit – even a small one – that might change the trajectory of his years of frustration and heartbreak in the entertainment rat-race. To be in the loop! Like most, one too many bad breaks has him on the verge of throwing in the towel for good, but a chance encounter with a cult showbiz icon turns his world upside-down.

Suddenly Ethan and his tiny, loyal cadre of fellow hopefuls are shanghaied as crew on a movie-making "project" they'll never forget – if they can survive it – trapped in a jungle nightmare; armed only with video cameras and their theater brat wits; led by a fading, deranged, megalomaniac Hollywood director without a script or a grip on reality; in the path of lethal animals, rogue mercenaries and rampaging cannibals; and ordered to get it all in high-def!

As the production drifts further into surreal chaos, bloodlust and contrived 'reality,' Ethan realizes he must choose, either to follow an insane celebrity to certain doom, or possibly sacrifice his own friends to make it back to civilization – with or without a finished product in the can! Of course, it's a comedy!
Rob Foster's insanely funny novel 'JUST WRONG' will have you cringing on the floor with laughter, at a bizarre breed who will throw away friendships, morals, sense and dignity for an allusive, fleeting prize called fame.

Read in holiday restfullness and merriment!

Thursday, December 16, 2021

We're raising the bar! ... But take your time...

With less than twelve days before Christmas, what to get that quirky reader (who fancies Horror and Suspense) — on your gift list should pose no worries! Especially if you purchase an e-version for their (or your) Kindle®, Nook®, android reader app... or even phone. You've read on your phone, right? Well, you can order and enjoy, in the same hour or less. You can order something in e-reader version, right up to Christmas Morning, and still be right on time for gift-giving, without missing out on Cookie and Cocoa Time! Get it NOW. Check out a sampling below...

Or click View All Titles above, to see the whole collection (so far).

RETURN TO DUNWICH



Evil is reborn. Henry Armitage, grandson of the man who vanquished the cosmic anti-deity Yog Sothoth a century ago, finds himself at Miskatonic University, in search of the mysterious Necronomicon... after surveillance cameras at his own Boston College reveal their copy being stolen – by someone bearing an unnerving resemblance to historical descriptions of Wilbur Whateley, thought to be long dead. Armitage’s fears double, when he discovers a neo-satanic faction of the U.S. Military exists in an underground annex below Miskatonic. They have located the Sleeper of R’lyeh – Cthulhu – and plan to waken, and weaponize him, to pull mankind back to the dark age of ethereal galactic rule upon the Earth! Henry Armitage must prevent the redawning of an evil from beyond the cosmic veil, aided by a monster his grandfather battled, and a rogue group of Miskatonic faculty! Rob Foster creates a modern-day Lovecraftian nightmare – soaked in future technology and ancient blood. The rational and the incredible collide in unholy battle; a tale that will keep you awake, with the lights on – to the last word, which may not be the last.

MURDER SHE LAUGHED


This book will keep you up at night… unwilling to stop reading, desperately in need to find out who survives, who gets away with the vilest of acts, and who walks away without a whisper of suspicion. Or you’ll simply lie in bed, staring into the darkness… wondering, dreading, unable to find relief even in the privacy of your own thoughts. The terrors, manmade or otherwise, are relentless in a world where blood, and alliances no matter how loyal or grudging, are cheap. Whom can you trust when surrounded by strangers with unknown intentions? Or completely alone in a landscape of peril? How confident are you of your own resourcefulness amid a maze of killers? Long lost tales of the famous and infamous dubiously light the way to your escape, in this nerve-rattling anthology. Sherlock Holmes faces his own unending nightmare in 'The Sleeper Rises,' and the forever elusive Zodiac Killer resurfaces to solve, and keep hidden, his own identity in 'Mr. A, Alias Mr. Z'… plus other spine shivering tales of horrible revelation and mind-bending visions of mysteries past and future. Stay awake! Beware of what lurks just around that dark corner.

YOU CAN RUN


"They are beyond anything you can do... except run." – 'Henry' (last known words)

Who are they? What are they? The world of supernatural lore knows them only as "marchers." Ancient ethereal predators from beyond the veil. For centuries they have hunted humans, silently, relentlessly. With no concept of mercy, they cannot be pleaded with, and pursue their victims to the death – those whom by unholy mischief or betrayal, become marked. Once a marcher has latched on, the hunted have only one option – to run, for as long as possible, with a desperation to pass the mark onto some other unwitting soul, and hope the new victim can as well, lest the mark fall back to them after that person is caught and devoured.Troy Terrill, a young upstart in the game of paranormal investigation, finds himself the only hope of not one, but two cursed people with marchers on their trail. Can he rid them of their pursuing abominations? Can anyone? Don't dwell upon the answer too deeply, the act of pondering a marcher gives it your scent.

Plus, don't creep past Rob's latest — so funny it's scary:

Oliver Akers thought he was the worst stand-up comic in Hollywood. That is until he saw the act of a guy named Joey Lou Dillerbacher… along with the rest of the Dillerbacher showbiz clan. It only gnawed at him more, that they got gigs despite being awful. Gig after gig after gig – they are so under-talented and over-rewarded, they'd p.o. the Pope. Even worse, Oliver suddenly finds himself on a relentless loop crossing their path! On a multi-state road trip yet. With his own career going south fast, Oliver must somehow pull his funny out of freefall to survive, physically and emotionally – especially when he stumbles onto the secret side mission of these horrible, but well-connected, performers, and becomes one of their targets.

Rob Foster is the author of other well-reviewed novels in the humorous, science fiction and superhero genres. He lives and writes somewhere in the mysterious mountains of central California, near Sequoia National Forest.

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Read's getting boring? Get your cape on and make something happen!

Those cold, cozy nights are upon us, and those gift lists are flying... We have a few suggestions how to stand up to both this year — with amazing books that take super willpower to put down! All of Foster's uniquely entertaining novels are powered by shenanigans, action, twists, bullet-proof dialogue and laughter that will have you scrambling for a secret identity to enjoy them all in private, and fly to your friends' house to let them in on it!



Oliver Akers thought he was the worst stand-up comic in Hollywood. That is until he saw the act of a guy named Joey Lou Dillerbacher… along with the rest of the Dillerbacher showbiz clan. It only gnawed at him more, that they got gigs despite being awful. Gig after gig after gig – they are so under-talented and over-rewarded, they'd p.o. the Pope. Even worse, Oliver suddenly finds himself on a relentless loop crossing their path! On a multi-state road trip yet. With his own career going south fast, Oliver must somehow pull his funny out of freefall to survive, physically and emotionally – especially when he stumbles onto the secret side mission of these horrible, but well-connected, performers, and becomes one of their targets.

And the original novel you'll never unread:


Ethan West just wants what everybody wants who struggles to succeed in Hollywood: a breakthrough, a hit – even a small one – that might change the trajectory of his years of frustration and heartbreak in the entertainment rat-race. To be in the loop! Like most, one too many bad breaks has him on the verge of throwing in the towel for good, but a chance encounter with a cult showbiz icon turns his world upside-down.

Suddenly Ethan and his tiny, loyal cadre of fellow hopefuls are shanghaied as crew on a movie-making "project" they'll never forget – if they can survive it – trapped in a jungle nightmare; armed only with video cameras and their theater brat wits; led by a fading, deranged, megalomaniac Hollywood director without a script or a grip on reality; in the path of lethal animals, rogue mercenaries and rampaging cannibals; and ordered to get it all in high-def!

As the production drifts further into surreal chaos, bloodlust and contrived 'reality,' Ethan realizes he must choose, either to follow an insane celebrity to certain doom, or possibly sacrifice his own friends to make it back to civilization – with or without a finished product in the can! Of course, it's a comedy!
Rob Foster's insanely funny novel 'JUST WRONG' will have you cringing on the floor with laughter, at a bizarre breed who will throw away friendships, morals, sense and dignity for an allusive, fleeting prize called fame.

Read in shivery alertness and wonder!

Friday, November 26, 2021

Your funny bone on trial!

In 2004, (and produced again in a revival by another theatre org in 2013)... this is by far my most successful stage production. It actually spearheaded a Lenny Bruce revival among Southern California/Los Angeles productions... though they hardly knew or acknowledged same. We at least beat them to the punch.

Mr. Bruce, Do You Swear? resurrects the embattled comedian, gadfly, political/social commentator and speaker of the ribald, and relives his trials — with himself narrating, and the audience as a new-generation jury. Hear his case again, with new ears, different norms, fresh outlooks and blown minds.

The stage play in its complete form is contained here, along with Bruce bio info, and a sampling of the local reviews the show received when premiered in 2004.

What changes occured? Longtime Bruce advocate Edward Azlant (RIP) included it in his footnotes, among his larger published Bruce tribute. A direct phone call of encouragement (and subsequent unforgettable conversation) was received from Nat Hentoff (RIP), the journalist most quoted among any serious discussion of Bruce. And finally, the woman herself, Kitty Bruce, Lenny's daughter, found out and sent words of thanks and encouragement!

Yeah, REALLY.

Even a strange dream encounter with Bruce himself... in a bizarre mellowed voice... assured me: "I'm gonna be there, but don't look for me." True. This show had so many surreal moments during initial development... it's spooky.

Not quite everyone loved this show, but plenty important names endorsed it.

Own it, read it, enjoy it, discuss it all again. The most important stand-up comedian of the 20th Century is worth remembering... and seeing live, if you get the chance (via this show).

Lenny, you finally Rest In Peace, but the minds you blew and the ears you opened, still reel, and fight on!

Get it in paperback or e-reader!

Theatrical orgs who wish to produce/perform this show, the expense is not prohibitive we assure you, surprisingly friendly, and eager to compliment (add spice to) your upcoming season! It won't break your theatre's budget, but will get you noticed!

Rob Foster is approachable, a nostalgic historian concerning early 20th Century comedy, and lives and works in Central California, near the mysterious mountains of Sequoia National Forest.

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Watch What You Say... or Read Something To Watch!

"When Silence Was Golden" was the second installment in that much larger series called 'Legendary Laughter'. It began my career as an indy publishing author in earnest. Its contents were originally a part of my blog on silent and early comedies.

Hollywood Historian Marilyn Slater (RIP), read my essay on Mabel Normand, and convinced me it was worthy. She became its champion, and took it to Cinecon, an annual southern California happening I'd never heard about before! Her documentary "Looking For Mabel" narrated by Shirley Jones, was just released, and she said she was tempted to re-edit, and feature me as another of the talking heads in her film about the legendary early film comedienne. She viewed my viewpoint as new and fresh, and I must say it was a bit bold, presenting the argument that Mabel was the original muse for ALL of silent screen comedy; being the inspiration that spawned the geniuses of Sennet, Arbuckle and Chaplin! It was Slater whom subsequently turned me on to Amazon Self-Publishing!

A bold collection of essays first written for my blog "Laughter Wax" — a few errant entries still lay in wait online — "When Silence Was Golden" took shape. The cover photo — appropriately of Mabel Normand, the First Lady of Screen Comedy — took a little Photoshopped straightening and polishing but it screamed to be on the front!

The brief but hefty tome examines a collection of the "minor" superstars that populated the silent cinematic laugh factory... languishing in Chaplin's immense shadow yet shining like seperate galaxies in a noiseless comedic universe. Harry Langdon, Snub Pollard, Larry Semon and others... in addition to Mabel.

"When Silence Was Golden" is a splendid addition to other silent film era biographies in the libraries of all cinephiles, and anyone who loves to laugh.

In both paperback and e-book for your Kindle®, Nook® or other reading app! Find it here!

Sunday, November 14, 2021

Ernie Over Easy, or Sunny Side Kovacs!

"Ernie's Journeys" was the first installment in what I envisioned a much larger series called 'Legendary Laughter'. It was to include additional chapters on the great comediennes and the great fat comics, and there were even monumental interviews I conducted live, most notably with the first child star of the silent comedies, Baby Peggy herself, Diane Serra Cary! She passed away, but the interview still exists — I may yet publish!

Well, I got three installments published. The first was my tribute to Ernie Kovacs, a book I'd wanted write for years when Hollywood maven Marilyn Slater (RIP) turned me on to Amazon Self-Publishing!

A bold collection of essays focused on early television's original comic genius, his experimental, uninhibited visual comedy influenced generations of future comedians and comedy programming years after his untimely death in 1962.

Intriguing chapters include a comparative look at Ernie and Buster Keaton, who incidentally co-starred with Ernie in an ill-fated pilot for a comedy western sitcom; and a rare look at Kovacs compared to fellow rebel icon, Lenny Bruce.

"Ernie's Journeys" is a splendid addition to other Kovacs biographies in the libraries of all Kovacs fans, and anyone who loves to laugh.

Find it here in both paperback and e-book for your Kindle®, Nook® or other reading app!

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Save room for pie!

Books so good, you'll save them for dessert! We got 'em! They turn delicious satire on its ear, and save all the juiciest bits for your tempted tastebuds. Come along and suck up the sassiness, before Book #3 hits, and you have all THAT to lick up as well!



Oliver Akers thought he was the worst stand-up comic in Hollywood. That is until he saw the act of a guy named Joey Lou Dillerbacher… along with the rest of the Dillerbacher showbiz clan. It only gnawed at him more, that they got gigs despite being awful. Gig after gig after gig – they are so under-talented and over-rewarded, they'd p.o. the Pope. Even worse, Oliver suddenly finds himself on a relentless loop crossing their path! On a multi-state road trip yet. With his own career going south fast, Oliver must somehow pull his funny out of freefall to survive, physically and emotionally – especially when he stumbles onto the secret side mission of these horrible, but well-connected, performers, and becomes one of their targets.

And the original novel you'll never unread:


Ethan West just wants what everybody wants who struggles to succeed in Hollywood: a breakthrough, a hit – even a small one – that might change the trajectory of his years of frustration and heartbreak in the entertainment rat-race. To be in the loop! Like most, one too many bad breaks has him on the verge of throwing in the towel for good, but a chance encounter with a cult showbiz icon turns his world upside-down.

Suddenly Ethan and his tiny, loyal cadre of fellow hopefuls are shanghaied as crew on a movie-making "project" they'll never forget – if they can survive it – trapped in a jungle nightmare; armed only with video cameras and their theater brat wits; led by a fading, deranged, megalomaniac Hollywood director without a script or a grip on reality; in the path of lethal animals, rogue mercenaries and rampaging cannibals; and ordered to get it all in high-def!

As the production drifts further into surreal chaos, bloodlust and contrived 'reality,' Ethan realizes he must choose, either to follow an insane celebrity to certain doom, or possibly sacrifice his own friends to make it back to civilization – with or without a finished product in the can! Of course, it's a comedy!
Rob Foster's insanely funny novel 'JUST WRONG' will have you cringing on the floor with laughter, at a bizarre breed who will throw away friendships, morals, sense and dignity for an allusive, fleeting prize called fame.

Read in shivery alertness and wonder!