Lori R. Lopez
Biography
Lori R. Lopez is the author of works spanning multiple categories, from Nonfiction to Fiction; novel to story to verse collection, children's fiction and storybooks and more, usually with a blend of genres including Humor, Fantasy, Horror, Supernatural, Nature Adventure, and so on. She is a songwriter, poet, artist, musician, actress, conservationist, wildlife and abuse advocate. Her titles include OUT-OF-MIND EXPERIENCES, CHOCOLATE-COVERED EYES, DANCE OF THE CHUPACABRAS, POETIC REFLECTIONS: KEEP THE HEART OF A CHILD, THE MACABRE MIND OF LORI R. LOPEZ: THIRTEEN TORMENTOUS TALES, and her award-winning novel AN ILL WIND BLOWS.
Her stories and verse appear in anthologies such as MIRAGES: TALES FROM AUTHORS OF THE MACABRE (Black Curtain Press), MASTERS OF HORROR: DAMNED IF YOU DON'T(Triskaideka Books), I BELIEVE IN WEREWOLVES (Netbound Publishing), SOUP OF SOULS (Panic Press), THIRSTY ARE THE DAMNED (Rainstorm Press), THE EPOCALYPSE: EMAILS AT THE END (Pill Hill Press), DEADICATION (Panic Press), and magazines (THE BLACK GLOVE; THE HORROR ZINE ISSUE "GHOSTS AND HAUNTS"; WOMEN EMPOWERMENT). Fifteen of Lori's poems were published for an anthology titled IN DARKNESS WE PLAY (Triskaideka Books). Featured by THE BLACK GLOVE MAGAZINE, CUP OF STARS: WOMEN IN HORROR, BLOODY GOOD VAMPIRES, HOT BOOKS DAILY and more, Lori is a renegade indie author who believes creative writing should not be standardized or conventional. She and her sons are establishing an entertainment website for their many creative pursuits at www.trilllogicinnoventions.com, where Lori also writes a passionate often-humorous column called "Poetic Reflections".
Where to find Lori R. Lopez online
Where to buy in print
Books
Monstrosities
by Lori R. Lopez
Price: $1.99 USD. 10380 words.
Published on January 26, 2013. Fiction.
A weird boy becomes very twisted while growing up and conducts Frankensteinish experiments on those around him. Chills, suspense, obsession and dark humor await in this novelette by Lori R. Lopez. WARNING: Some content may be disturbing to sensitive readers.
Nuance
by Lori R. Lopez
Price: $0.99 USD. 6670 words.
Published on November 26, 2012. Fiction.
A humorously poignant Cinderfella tale about a spooky carnival and a misfit who discovers the truth behind his sorry circumstances.
Beyond The Stump
by Lori R. Lopez
Price: $0.99 USD. 7670 words.
Published on November 26, 2012. Fiction.
The dark harrowing tale of a young woman who must assume her mother's role of Gatekeeper.
Macabre
by Lori R. Lopez
Price: $0.99 USD. 7900 words.
Published on April 13, 2012. Fiction.
A young woman's dream of independence is challenged when her parents depart and she must face her Night Frights. But she is never completely alone, for always the rickety windmill's presence haunts her. And what is in the house with her, playing games, chewing the furniture? Will she ever be able to outrun her fears?
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Smashwords book reviews by Lori R. Lopez
- Abe
on April 02, 2011
The name Alfred Hitchcock springs to mind with this tale as it combines such macabre and creepy elements into a concisely plotted spin down the gruesome lanes of Horror. It is a short story, yet by no means brief in stature and effect, containing twists and stomach-turns of terror.
Jerry McKinney has crafted a scene with atmosphere and depth about a man who feels both affection and repulsion for the women who surround him, neither side able to shatter the bond which keeps them together. Is it guilt, paranoia, love, hate, desire, or insanity? Read and find out Abe's secrets . . . the strange hold he has on the ladies in his life.
- Tears of Love
on April 02, 2011
This tale encompasses elements of family, childhood, and horror; the telling is in the natural voice of a boy who idolizes his big brother and cherishes their simple times together. Then comes an event that changes everything for the siblings as innocence is lost and the horror is introduced into lives already scarred by tragedy. Jerry McKinney's narrative flows like a summer day on the porch with a tall glass of lemonade. "Tears Of Love" is a story worth reading, and will be one to remember! I couldn't help thinking of Stephen King's "The Body" and the film "Stand By Me" that was based on it while reading the first half, for the gentle sense of camaraderie expressed.
- Death Bonds
on April 02, 2011
Buying a house isn't always a dream come true. Sometimes it's a nightmare. This horror tale could make you think twice about owning a home, when most houses come with a history. Jerry McKinney delivers some scares in "Death Bonds", and will make you question the people around you. How many can be trusted? But then, sometimes loyalty isn't about being friendly or nice . . .
- Lie Canthropy
on July 16, 2011
BEAUTIFUL AND MYSTERIOUS
The graceful moves and lovely-grotesque changes of the child hold residents of a small community spellbound. They live in awe of her, in fear and ignorance, and blame her for the residents who die after full moons. This is a tale of loathing and wonder, of mysteries and transformations, well told by the talented author Jerry McKinney. It describes a simple town harboring secrets and a dark truth. Why do the people view the girl with fear and hate, yet when she dances they are enchanted? What keeps her apart from them? These answers are revealed in "Lie Canthropy", a mystical tale of terror. Read it and you, too, will be captivated!
- Feed
on Oct. 02, 2011
Are you famished for a deftly written tale of terror? Then feast your eyes upon "Feed"!
There are some fates worse than death. Most people might wish for superhuman abilities such as those possessed by vampires. But is the sacrifice of your humanity worth becoming more than a mere mortal? That question is beautifully addressed in this unusual and eloquent short story by Jerry McKinney. From the start I found "Feed" to be both poignant and magnetic, masterfully word-painted by a true artist of Horror. By the end I discovered myself forever touched through the depth of emotion portrayed. Throughout, I was drawn into the plight of a protagonist who must suddenly hide on the fringes of society as he strives to hang on to his human emotions while slowly and horrifically transformed into something else . . . a mutant; a self-described monster.
The author has crafted a very special portrait of a vampire, one that stands out from the mass of fanged Dracula wannabes. This is a character who seems to breathe, even as his human life ebbs. In a cruel twist of fate, he encountered something to live for at the same time that his doom was sealed. That is one of the most heart-wrenching aspects of his misfortune. Another is that Ian becomes more human, more compassionate and caring, a better person just before he will lose the life that too many of us take for granted. Does he eventually embrace a future filled with bloodshed, forced to sorrowfully hunt and kill to feed his growing appetite? Read his story and learn what happens to a man you will not be able to forget. A man who now dreads that rumble of hunger inside, which compels him like all of us to "Feed" . . .
- In Extremis
on Oct. 23, 2011
MAGNIFICENT AND MOVING
Will faith save a priest and a nun from the Zombie Apocalypse? Can faith endure after death? Find out in this beautiful yet horrible glimpse of a parish surrounded by a flock of decaying corpses. The faithful undead congregate outside Father Job's church, lured by the man's powerful voice. Perhaps he speaks their language; perhaps he understands them just a little too well. "In Extremis" by Jerry McKinney is truly like no zombie tale I have read or seen due to the author's exceptional ability to capture a moment in stunning relief through the eyes of a character, while reaching into that character's soul and pulling out the essence of the individual. It transcends the typical Zombie category, along with the Horror genre, by presenting two such characters -- a priest and a nun -- caught up in Hell on Earth. They are selflessly carrying out their mission with loyalty and devotion, even as the world teeters on the brink of doom. Is it faith or courage that keeps them going, as living breathing parishioners are replaced and overwhelmed by the walking dead? The author's attention to detail enhances what reads like a distinctive yet classic story of Good versus Evil. However, upon McKinney's horrific Armageddon-scape, there are no guarantees of survival or salvation. The horror is believable and down-to-earth, gritty and hard-hitting. You may cringe, but you cannot look away. The humanity in his words, on the visages of his fictional progeny, will keep you reading until the end. This writer knows how to deliver true horror, the kind to be savored and read again, the kind you will remember. The kind that will become part of your life. And leave you wanting more.
- RoadKill
on Nov. 09, 2011
There are actually people who dine on roadkill, so let this be a warning to them! You are what you eat or so they say . . . I found this story amusing as well as a frightfully good horror tale. It makes me glad I'm a vegetarian.
- Gerald's Car
on Nov. 09, 2011
Not owning a vehicle might be the least of your worries when it comes to a sweet ride like Gerald's. But perhaps it is not so much a car as a conscience. Or perhaps this car will drive you . . . a little bit mad!
- Christmas Spirit
on Dec. 02, 2011
"Christmas Spirit" is another fantastic glimpse of horror from Jerry McKinney, a deftly descriptive author who weaves a spell with each of his creepy nightmarish renderings . . . Feeling on top of the world, planning a special night, a man is forced to confront his existence in all of its stages -- from childhood through to the future. It is said that we must study the past in order to learn from it. Chad's lesson may have come a little too late. In shades of the classic Dickens tale "A Christmas Carol", this yuletide story of ghosts who take a man through time will give you a holiday chill. It isn't pretty, but there is a message to this madness. A warning to heed the lessons of the past. And appreciate the good things we are fortunate enough to find along our journeys through life.
- Tick
on Dec. 21, 2011
TICK, TICK, TICK. Clocks that beat like a pulse through the day are like metronomes underscoring, perhaps directing, the rhythms of our lives. When you can't shut the sound out of your mind, it can be annoying. On an office wall, it can be distracting. Or far worse. It's a good thing digital clocks are silent. "Tick" is another psychological twistful thriller of a tale by Jerry McKinney, an author whose imagination knows only leaps, no bounds, and whose talent for storytelling -- as well as writing prowess -- keeps me and other fans lining up with hungry eyes for more. Will Colin be driven insane by the murder of his spouse and the ticking of the clocks? Only Time will tell . . .
- Patchouli
on Dec. 24, 2011
Neighbors can be peculiar. They can be mysterious, unfriendly, or a little too friendly. But if your neighbor smells like "Patchouli", you had better pack up and move!!! Unfortunately for Stu, he works as the building's handyman in addition to being a tenant. The poor guy wouldn't leave if he could though, because one whiff of the pungent plant's fragrance and he was hooked. As the days progress, he finds himself in quite a "stew". The woman next door seems to have some eccentricities. Or perhaps she doesn't really live alone . . . This is another of author Jerry McKinney's well-wrought tales. He knows how to weave a story that will make you wonder until the end. And then he may leave you breathless, satisfied, or craving more. But one thing is certain: You will be enthralled and entertained from start to finish!
- Lie Canthropy (La Mentira del Lobo)
on Jan. 10, 2012
BEAUTIFUL AND MYSTERIOUS
The graceful moves and lovely-grotesque changes of the child hold residents of a small community spellbound. They live in awe of her, in fear and ignorance, and blame her for the residents who die after full moons. This is a tale of loathing and wonder, of mysteries and transformations, well told by the talented author Jerry McKinney. It describes a simple town harboring secrets and a dark truth. Why do the people view the girl with fear and hate, yet when she dances they are enchanted? What keeps her apart from them? These answers are revealed in "Lie Canthropy", a mystical tale of terror. Read it and you, too, will be captivated!
- Takers
on March 18, 2012
This story will cause you to squirm and wish you could forget the horrible thought of alien worms invading your body from outer space, forcing you to eat anything -- even your own flesh and blood!!!
When a blissful family outing is disrupted by a shower of podlike objects, a family's sacred bond of love and trust is forever ripped apart, along with their security. Nothing will ever be the same, for there are some fates worse than death. Jerry McKinney's vivid and imaginative storytelling will lead you through his own distinct version of a doomsday scenario in which a man discovers that a simple organism is his greatest foe. It is no longer the dead who must fear the worm. Thanks to McKinney's "Takers", we will all be having nightmares of the lowly creatures, and should think twice before stepping outdoors, lest we tread where worms dwell -- or worse, have one fall on us from the sky on a peaceful day!
Don't bite into a rotten apple. Be careful what you read. And whatever you do, don't open your mouth to scream! Jerry McKinney's worms may be waiting . . .
- Dug Up
on May 31, 2012
Open this gravely horrific tomb, I mean tome, if you dare!!!
These six frightful tales provide everything from a serial killer to uncommon vampires, werewolves, and ghosts. Nothing about these stories will lead you down a familiar path. Although the early works of author Jerry W. McKinney, they do not lack in quality or prowess. From the original brief version of "Feed" through the twisting and writhing of his creepy visions, culminating in the long version of his vampire masterpiece, we can see the natural storytelling ability of a true horror artiste unfold. He is proof that a gifted writer is born and can simply begin to create when the time is right. Here you will find the first strokes of magic conjured by Jerry W. McKinney's special touch, his natural way with words and sense of description, a style that will get into your mind and toy with your perceptions. Some of these images may keep you up at night. Others might give you bad dreams. A few of them will crawl into your brain and never leave.
- Flesh & Blood
on June 14, 2012
THAT WHICH DOESN'T KILL US . . .
Even if it's the end of the world as we know it, life will still go on. That's the message in this deceptively simple tale by Jerry W. McKinney, who writes with an uncanny gift for capturing reality in all of its gritty and sometimes garish glory, with a lean yet descriptive style that reaches out and touches your heart while gripping you by the throat. Sometimes he rips your heart right out of your chest. In this story, families are not safe when the people around them begin to act "funny". A boy and his father are at the center of McKinney's moving drama, which employs a zombie apocalypse as a conflict and yet is breathtakingly down to earth. Events span months rather than days, but the story is narrated in an effortless manner with immense perfection and skill. This is one of the author's finest creations, and one you cannot easily forget. A reminder of how fragile our flesh-and-blood existence can be at the best of times. When everything has changed around us, it might be the only thing we have left. Or the very thing that threatens us most. Read this if you love horror, zombies, or just an excellently written story with emotional impact and depth of character. Read it because if you don't, you will have missed a vital experience.
