Tom Joyce's chamber of the bizarre

Tom Joyce is the author of the comic occult thriller “The Freak Foundation Operative’s Report,” from Codorus Press. Tom’s debut novel deftly blends sharp social satire, pulse-pounding action and a twisty hard-boiled mystery for a distinctive reading experience that …  uh …

OK. You know what? I might as well ditch the third-person narrative here, because it’s starting to feel kind of awkward. Yeah, it’s Tom writing this. Look, Codorus Press is a small, independent publisher and it’s not like they could provide me with a full-time personal assistant to consult with a crack team of public relations professionals assigned to work round-the-clock on a blurb for my blog.

It’s up to me to write about how great my debut novel is here. And in all humility, I must say I think it’s pretty good. It’s just that actually writing that about yourself makes you feel kind of like that douchebag friend who lifts weights and is always taking his shirt off at the slightest excuse like he wants people to applaud or something. “Time to rearrange the beers in my fridge! Better take my shirt off for THIS job!” And you’re like — if I tell you I’m really, REALLY impressed with your pecs, would you put your freakin shirt back on? Please?

But for what it’s worth, multiple Bram Stoker Award-winning writer Linda Addison had this to say about my book:

“Tom Joyce’s novel, ‘The Freak Foundation Operative’s Report,’ drew me in from the first sentence as the mind-altering mystery of The Slain unfolds through his exceptional writing. Each character was so real that I found myself forgetting this was fiction. It’s impossible to believe this is a first novel. I can’t wait to read the next work from this highly inventive author.”

It also got nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

So there’s that.

Not much else to tell about me. Before I got into this, I worked as a newspaper reporter for 20 years and won a bunch of awards. I live in Pennsylvania. I’m into martial arts, fitness and reading. I enjoy sunsets and long walks and the beach and … ZZZZZZZZZ. Yeah, you get the picture.

Last but not least: Thanks for checking out my blog!