Ocracoke, NC, August 17, 2022 –(PR.com)– How much evil will society tolerate in exchange for a good quality of life? That’s the underlying question of the new horror novel ocracoke now available for pre-order by North Carolina author David Dean.
Due out this Halloween, the book tells the story of Thomas White, a 160-year-old vampire masquerading as a 20-something entrepreneur, a survivor from a long-ago British shipwreck lording over the bucolic beach community of Ocracoke as a benevolent despot with a combination of economic incentives and fear.
According to Dean, he tried to make an indie film by the same name a couple years ago. “We actually shot a lot of scenes in and around Ocracoke, everyone in the village was gracious and welcoming and the plot of the movie was received very well locally,” Dean said. “Unfortunately, soon after we left the island North Carolina locked-down tight due to the Coronavirus, and all our other filming locations backed out. By the time restrictions lifted the actors and production company had moved on.
“COVID killed my movie,” he explained.
Saddled with debt from the failed production, Dean said he walked away from his screenplay and focused on finishing and publishing a novel this summer, his suspense/thriller OBX, which helped rebuild his confidence.
“The sales of OBX have been way better than I had imagined,” Dean explained. “The support of retailers and booksellers up and down the Outer Banks has been tremendous, everyone has been so welcoming and encouraging it got me excited to turn back to ocracoke.”
The novel ocracoke is more detailed and nuanced than his original screenplay, Dean said, with the book format allowing for more character development, incorporation of more of Ocracoke’s island history, and in-depth examination of societal issues as they relate to people’s tolerance for evil as long as it benefits them personally.
“There’s still a ton of action but with the novel I get to delve deeper into White’s backstory, what made him who he is and what makes him tick, rather than having him be a revenge-fueled angry vampire running amok killing people,” he said.
Dean is currently planning a local book launch. His novel will be available in paperback through IngramSpark and as an eBook from Amazon.com. A plot summary is and more about the book is available at the author’s website DavidDeanWriter.com.
About David Dean David Dean is an avid fan of suspenseful mysteries, science fiction, and horror. He enjoys writing screenplays, novels, novellas, and short story anthologies that challenge a reader’s perceived understanding of social norms, reality, science, and religion, and the role each plays in the ongoing struggle between good and evil in every human being.
The author lives in the coastal paradise surrounding Topsail Island, North Carolina. In addition to ocracoke, other titles he’s authored include the Outer Banks mystery/suspense/thriller OBX, the sci-fi anthology The Peril of Thought and the horror novel SHADOWS. He is available for book signings, panel discussions and other public events.
For more information, visit www.daviddeanwriter.com.
Author Denise A. Powis’s New Book, “Just be Yourself and No One Else!” Follows Three Punctuation Marks Who Try to Change Who They Are But Simply Cause Confusion
Copenhagen, NY, October 07, 2025 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– Denise A. Powis, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who enjoys painting, inventing, writing, and gardening, has completed her new book, “Just Be Yourself and No One Else!”: a heartfelt story that follows three punctuation marks who discover the importance of being true to themselves and what they do best.
In 2005, author Denise Powis received a bachelor of science degree from Empire State College, and she has worked for many years in the helping professions as a certified nursing assistant, home health aide, and substitute teacher for special education classes. At the present time, she teaches a Bible study/support group for women. In 1979, she won a 17 Islands National sailboat race.
In “Just Be Yourself and No One Else!”, readers are introduced to a period, an exclamation point, and a question mark who all long for a change of pace and decide to switch places one day. However, they soon discover they are not well suited for performing their new roles, and decide that they were made perfect for their original purpose.
Published by Hawes & Jenkins Publishing, Denise A. Powis’s engaging tale will delight readers of all ages as they discover the importance of accepting one’s self and being true to who they really are. With colorful artwork and a powerful life lesson, “Just Be Yourself and No One Else!” will help boost confidence amongst young readers, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.
Readers who wish to experience this riveting work can purchase “Just Be Yourself and No One Else!” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.
For additional information or media inquiries, contact Hawes & Jenkins at 888-430-7450.
The release of Magical Musical Memories aligns with research indicating music’s capacity to reduce stress and rekindle recollection among people living with dementia. It also echoes widely shared experiences—from football legend Sir Alex Ferguson to the family of singer Tony Christie—of music’s unique ability to unlock the past.
Inside the Community Spirit
“From the songs that we danced to at our first school dance, to the albums that became the soundtrack of our lives, each memory is a testament to the moments that have defined us,” said Helen Davies-Parsons, Chief Executive of Dormy Care Communities. “Music can transport us back to a specific time and place. Through these recollections, memories will now live on.”
How to Buy the Book—and Support Local Charities
The coffee-table style book is priced at £15. Copies can be purchased by contacting any of the five homes directly; card payments can be taken over the phone and books can be posted. A portion of every sale will be donated to local charities.
