Claim OwnershipVicious Whispers with Mark Tullius
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Mark Tullius is the author of TBI or CTE, Unlocking the Cage and dark fiction which includes Twisted Reunion, 25 Perfect Days: Plus 5 More, Brightside, and the Try Not to Die series. On each episode of Vicious Whispers, Mark shares a short story or chapter, discusses why he wrote it, and answers questions from Goodreads.
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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 those 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"
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This really intrigued me enough to want to pursue the book, well written, characters create themselves in my mind, gonna be a good book to read all the way through!!
Hey this guy is a pretty good author, I enjoy the well written horror, much appreciated 👍