Bonnie Quinn
I am a Senior Software Developer and author. I'm active in the Reddit r/NoSleep community and wrote the popular "How to Survive Camping" series.
About Me
I've been writing for a long time, since I had access to a computer with MS-DOS. Coincidentally, that early access to a computer is probably also why I wound up getting a degree in Computer Science. While these two passions of mine may seem contradictory, I assure you that there is a lot of creativity involved in software development and perhaps a bit more structure involved in writing than believed.This fascination with systems - and how they fall apart - contributed to the premise of "How to Survive Camping." I combined this with my love of folklore (also something I gained at an early age) to create a world of monsters, rules, and someone just trying their best to do their job.Outside of programming and writing, I have a lot of other hobbies and take classes routinely. I returned to school for my MBA some years back. I'm currently taking swimming class. And I enjoy painting, drawing, sewing, and running when I find the time for it.
Books
Goat Valley Campground has killed generations of Kate’s family. The land is old, passed down through generations, but the campground’s reputation doesn’t just draw campers year after year. Creatures from folklore and horror have made Goat Valley not just their home, but their hunting ground.As campground manager, Kate has rules to protect her campers—if the man with the skull cup offers you a drink, accept it or you will die a gruesome death; don’t buy ice from the children with no wagon; and of course, never ever follow the lights. Still, not every camper follows the rules…which means not every camper survives their stay.Soon decapitated and exsanguinated campers are the least of Kate’s worries; one of the most dangerous inhabitants of the campground is determined to claim the land for himself. Meanwhile, something in the land is shifting, the tides are turning, and the curse that hunts members of her bloodline begins to close in…
Every year, campground manager Kate sends out a pamphlet titled “How to Survive Your Camping Experience.” It includes a list of rules to help campers have an enjoyable experience and hopefully survive any encounters with the campgrounds other…inhabitants.With the campground in the throes of a bad year, it will take more than a list of rules to keep everyone safe. Monsters that were previously lying dormant are starting to stir and they’re waking up hungry. Among them is the Lady in Chains, a creature feared by both human and inhuman things alike.Her reappearance creates an upheaval in the balance of power in the campground by renewing an old grudge with the harvesters, who are willing to sacrifice anyone they get their hands on in order to gain an advantage. On top of all this, the man with the skull cap has started taking an unusual interest in Kate. But with the harvesters on the prowl, the Lady in Chains hunting her down, and a sinister spider infestation, Kate is going to need all the allies she can get, even if those allies aren’t actually…human.
Contact Me
For inquiries, please contact my agent at Greyhound Literary.Otherwise, connect with me on social media if you don't mind the occasional tirade about programming.
Beau's Story
Which came first? The dog or the character? The answer to that is: neither was named after the other.
My aunt works with rescues in Oklahoma to transport dogs to other locations where they can be adopted. A border collie rescue (I DNA tested him. He is not a border collie. He is a husky mix) contacted her asking if she could pull a dog out of the Oklahoma City shelter, as he was a day away from being euthanized. My mother showed me photos of him, mentioned he was good around my aunt's cats, and since I'd been wanting a dog for years now, I asked if I could adopt him.
My mom and I then drove for two days from Ohio to Oklahoma... and then drove back with a dog.
As for the name, Beau the character came first. However, the dog was not named after him. My aunt was the one who named him. She had not read "How to Survive Camping" yet, but when she looked at this dog, she decided that he looked like a Beau to her.Obviously I had to keep his name. And I've been been making very confusing Twitter posts ever since.