I'm happy to announce a few details in regards to the upcoming collaboration between Victoria Rose and myself.

So I have decided to have my literary agent shop my manuscript around for "The Sounds of Boston" in order to give it the release I believe it deserves. After the immense amount of time and energy put into that project, I'd like to see what could become of it before I move forward on releasing it independently through Ocean View Press. 

Since having an open window to sit down and conduct more writing, I decided that I'd like to take a 180 degree turn from my previous project and work on a fiction. After years of researching actual facts, dates, album releases, tour dates along with conducting one-on-one interviews with over 20 bands/musicians/radio personalities, I decided it would be best to work on a book where EVERYTHING comes from MY head, rather than checking with everyone else to see if THEIR story is correct. That's not to say I haven't enjoyed the process of writing such a book, it's just been rather tedious over the past year or two so as an attempt ot regaining my creative sanity, I have began work on a work of fiction that I'm very excited to tell you about. 

I've always been a loyal fan of horror and thriller stories. You wouldn't know it by looking at me (because I don't done all black outfits, collect human skulls or hang out in my basement with a black light), but I absolutely love horror films and have ever since I was 5 years old (Halloween started it all.) I had written many short horror stories over the years for fun and practice but never went so far as to write a book in that genre. So when I had some time to devote to it, I knew that this was the time to bring it to life.

As I had given the project much consideration by mid summer of 2009, I decided that I would love to perhaps join forces with another writer of the genre in attempts to create a "Double Feature" type of feel, much like the old drive-in theaters once did with B-grade horror films or even the Grindhouse movie houses of days past. The concept in mind was to offer 2 writers with 2 unique tales for the price of 1. I knew many authors and scribblers and took a hard look at whom the best person to approach would be to help get this off of the ground. As luck would have it (for myself as well as you) a writer friend of mine named Venetta Doughty or as she'll be familar to you by her non de plume Victoria Rose, was at that time boucing new ideas around for her next book. When I approached her about the idea of us collaborating, she was completely up for the challenge and took to the concept immediately.

Working with Victoria has been an absolute pleasure and I can't tell you how incredibly rewarding this entire process has been thus far. Her enthusiam, along with her input and creative energy has really been beneficial to the project. We have our weekly writer meetings and by the end of them we find new ways of torturing ourselves with new ideas to incorporate into our stories. All-in-all, there has been nothing but positive energy flowing our way during this process.

Writing began for the both of us in August of 08. Neither one of us really had a storyline per se. We had a concept and worked from there. Victoria has a lot of experience in paranormal whereas my interests lean towards old-fashioned ghost stories and suspence. From there we brainstormed over the next few weeks until lightning simultainiously struck for the two of us. With our storyline's in order, the writing began. So here is what I can share about the upcoming book at this point.

The book is tentatively titled "Hidden People" and both our stories are set in the beautiful country of Iceland. With my knowledge of Iceland's landscape and folklore, after visiting 6 times now, along with Victoria's paranormal expetise, from visiting various locations and haunts, we are confident that we can create a truly suspensful and scary book together. We are looking to have this completed and released by mid 2010. And of course, I will share more information on this and other projects when I have more to share.

I also want to remind you that a release date for "Scars for the Meloncholic Masses" will be announced soon. (See the blog below for more info on this.)

Thanks for stopping by and I will have more to share in the next week or two. Spread the word and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Rob 

Hello and I hope you're enjoying your summer. If you're in the New England area, then you've probably started enjoying it just last weekend. Prior to that, it's felt like a mix of April and October. Oh well, it's here now so let's enjoy it.

So there are a few new developments I'd like to announce at this time. First of all, the long-awaited "Boston Music Book" project is complete and awaiting a proper release date. I can't really discuss the reasons for it being put on ice for so long but when the time comes after its release, I can share more details. But for now, I am working on a concrete release date and will let you know as soon as I know. 

So what I can tell you for now is that I will be re-releasing my previous works from the mid-nineties that have since been long-out-of-print. Many of you have asked me over the years about how to find my past work...those being Playground of Illusion (1996), Difference of Opinion (1997) and Passion for Pills (2001.)  Well up until now, it's been very difficult to get a hold of, so much so that even I myself would love to get my hands on a few extra copies for my own benefit. Long-story-short, the college press that published them went out of business and once they disolved, so too did my back catalog.  So what now you ask? Well, rather than run off endless copies of all three previously released books, I, along with the others within the Ocean View Press think-tank, agree that a compilation of the three, along with some extra works tucked in for good measure, would be a much more sound idea. But now, I must give advance notice, that I am only running off One-Hundred copies (100) and once they are sold, they are gone, forever. As happy as I am to make a small piece of my past available to you, I'd much rather do it in a limited fashion so the people who "just gotta have it" will get to have it. What's going to happen is, once I have the release date in hand, I will announce all of the details surrounding the where, what and when. Along, with releasing the compilation, which is called Scars for the Melancholic Masses, I will also be releasing twenty-five (25) hand-made and hand-written copies of MetroPhobia. Each copy of Scars for the Melancholic Masses will be signed and numbered 1-100. Numbers 1-100 will be placed in a jar and a third party will draw 25 numbers at random. The 25 numbers then selected will be the companion book to 25 lucky book buyers. MetroPhobia is a beautifully hand stiched, hand written and hand crafted book created from rice paper. And for the cover of SFTMM, I have selected a beautiful cover model to grace the cover of the book. Her name is Lyinn Wolf and her lovely self will compliment my work nicely. I'd like it to be an attractive keepsake for the lucky 100 that get their hands on it and I think I have accomplished that in more ways that I thought possible. More to come on that soon.

So, in typical Rob Watts fashion, I have managed to lay hurdles in front of my own path regarding my writing and publishing. One of those hurdles was a seemingly endless search for a fellow writer to collaborate alongside with on a thriller project I've had in mind for over a year now.  I was in search of someone who shared the same, or at least a similar vision I had for the project as well as someone I respected as a writer and storyteller. Well, after months and months of tripping over those hurdles, I am happy to announce that I have found a worthy companion for this yet-to-be-titled project and oddly enough, it turns out I didn't need to look too far after all. Victoria Rose, whom has done me the privilage of being a great friend for a few years now, is my number one choice to help send this project into orbit. I have admired her work, ever since I stumbled upon her debut novel Vengeance Comes. Since that time, we have stayed in touch and often talked of collaborating down the line and as luck would have it, all the planets were alligned and our heads were in the same place to tackle such a project together. I feel this will turn out to be something great and of course, I will keep you updated from here-on-in on the progress of this project.

So that is pretty much all for now. I just wanted to share with you what's to come in the not-so-far-off-future.  Be sure to add yourself to my TWITTER page (on home page) for updates and check back soon for more news, release dates and what's to come in the future. Thanks and take care.

Rob 

Well I thought we were free and clear up here in New England as far as winter was concearned, but sure enough Mother nature graced up with 14 inches of snow today so I figured I would update things here and share a few things with you. First of all, I got a little more traveling in during the past few months. Los Angeles, California was great. Spent time on Sunset Blvd, Laurel Canyon and Pasadena. Last week I was in Toronto, Ontario shopping, eating, wandering, checking out the Hockey Hall of Fame, etc... In my opinion, there is not enough Bruins representation, but that's just me. 

In addition to the many local Boston bands I've suggested you checking out, I strongly urge you to look up The New Collisions.  They are simply incredible as I've seen them play many times now but I suggest you see them soon because I assure you that they will not be playing the club scene for long. While we're on the subject of great bands, I'm happy to say that I played a small role in helping the band Stimulator release their second album titled "Stimulator 2." They are from L.A. and are top-notch....and the new CD is incredible. I suggest you look them up on CdBaby and purchase the album. (See above video)

I've written some articles and music reviews here and there for various magazines and recently I contributed my top-ten list for 2008 to The Noise. It was for top-ten local independent albums of 2008. Here it is.

1. Cycles Follow Signs- Static of the Gods
   
2. Roll the Dice- Damone
3. Billion Dollar Sound- Rich Cronin
4. Dawn of a Waking Man- Rick Pisano
5. Fucking Smilers- Aimee Mann
6. Weaponize- Kay Hanley
7. Sonic Disorder- Sonic Disorder
8. We will not Fade- Jenn Taranto
9. Feel no Evil- Rebels of Art
10. The Mesmerines- The Mesmerines

I can't give the additional commentary in the article here but you can read the complete article at www.thenoise-boston.com

Thanks, until next time......Spring is upon us!! 

Hello friends,

Well summer is here and there is lots to talk about. So I got in early this morning  from a wedding reception for 2 friends of mine. They were married on 6-21 and I'd like to start this off by wishing them the best for many years to come. 

We re-shot the photo's for the new version of the upcoming book a few weeks ago. I have to tell you, this new book cover is going to knock you out of your seat. It is definitely going to compliment  (what I feel) , a truly enjoyable book tributing Boston's music scene. I also recently included an addition interview to the book. This artist/band is terrific and I can't wait for you to read their interview. I could tell you who it is but I'd rather keep it a secret until it comes out.

Speaking of great music, I would like you all to check out a band called Stimulator. They are a great band out of L.A. and they have a new album in the works. Check out their first CD and hopefully you will be blown away enough to desperately await their next one.

As far as other music I'm currently enjoying

• Rockferry by Duffy
• Pacific Ocean Blue by Dennis Wilson
  
• @#%&! Smilers by Aimee Mann
• This is the Life by Amy MacDonald
• Dubious Intentions by Shadow Parade
• FutureFutureFuturePerfect by Freezepop
• Heima by Sigur Ros
• A Beautiful Lie by 30 Seconds to Mars
• Making Memories by The Mars Patrol
• Aneurythm by Living Syndication

I've also read a few good books lately

• The Tom Cruise Biography by Andrew Morton
• A Guide for Guys by Micheal Powell
• Foyle's Philavery by Christopher Foyle
• The Slash biography by Slash
• The Raw Food Detox Diet by Natalia Rose
• Save Me from Myself by Brian "Head" Welch
• Cape Encounters
• The Time Machine (Re-reading) by H.G. Wells
  

OK, thanks for stopping by. I will have more for you very soon. August is right around the corner.

 Hi Everyone,
So have you heard Patti DeRosa's new Cd "Secrets and Stories?" As you may or may not know, Patti is featured in my book "The Sounds from Boston." She just released her 2nd CD and it's nothing short of amazing. I myself enjoy the tracks WAITING in NEW ORLEANS and RESTLESS. Pick it up at her site (Listed at my friends page on here).

Speaking of good music; I went to see The Mars Patrol at The Paradise Lounge in Boston last weekend. They are an amazing Scottish band that just wrapped up their American tour this weekend. After the show we all hung out on their tour bus talking music, Boston and Scotland (I think it's time for a visit there). You can check them out as well from the link on my friends page and while you're at it, pick up a copy of their new Cd "Making Memories." You can check out the pictures we took after the show on my pictures page.

That's it for now. I'll be back to post very soon and oh yes.... GO RED SOX!!!!!! That's now two in my lifetime ;)