Real World Horror: Christian Martyr Complex

     Up from my crypt and getting ready for the New Year (here's hoping that 2015 is a good one for this bloated cadaver!) when I notice an odd little article on a site I frequent just to motivate me more to horror stories.

The Crystal Spider, Part One

Rushing through the mall, Abby was looking for the perfect gift for her mother. Her mother collected small porcelain figurines, generally from this one store that had handcrafted, local art figures. Jogging between two women, Abby ignored her father’s call to slow down; it was Christmas! She had to find the perfect gift before someone else bought it!

Barker the Snowman, Part One

Timothy was bored.

Demonic Visions: Fifty Horror Tales Book Five

     Merry Christmas from my grave to yours, dear readers. I see that many of you have been busy shopping for the perfect gift for a special someone... and why not? Tis the season after all... so with all the work you've put into your own good deeds, why not see the foul deeds between the covers of a new Demonic Vision?

Jingle in Hell, Jingle in Hell, Jingle all the way!

Gruesome, isn't it? Well so are the stories written in the eBook, which can be found online within the next few hours as an eBook, and as a paperback within the week! So sit a spell and have a read... you never know, maybe your dreams will take on a new type of Merry after a few stories.

Pre-Orders for Shrieks and Shivers

     As I'm certain you all remember my post in regards to Shrieks and Shivers, I have a fun announcement, so to speak. The Pre-orders are available here and here, for the respective kindle and paperback/hardback covers.
     It's looking like it'll be a great anthology and I'm really excited to be a part of it, so feel free to stop by those links and see what we have to offer.     

Fantasy Friday: A Dowry for Hamelin, Part Three

Previous

Eighty-five pounds of Troll organs and meat. Hamelin was weighed down by an additional eighty-five pounds of Troll flank and Troll liver, while his mother carried an enormous green slab of heart meat slung over her shoulder from the beasts own sinew, and twelve vials of the creatures musk, along with a flask of its blood and six foot and half long tusks. After she’d finished harvesting from the Troll for over an hour, she’d climbed down a bit, hanging off the Troll by its shoulder and swung up, slicing deep into the creatures neck. With a savage pull followed by another thrust, the head had gone toppling down to the forest floor, the body remaining stiff and rigid in place in the canopy.

Teddy Has an Operation

     Not really horror, but funny none the less. Enjoy!

Fantasy Friday: A Dowry for Hamelin, Part Two

Previous

Weapons wrapped up in silk for sale down in the River Valley, with her Dragon blade at her hip, the end glowing softly in the summer breeze, Malory stood with a pack slung over one shoulder, watching as her son said goodbye to his boyfriend, speaking in hushed tones. Malory’s smile disappeared when he noticed the Widow White make her way over to her, leaning heavily on a can of wood and brass, her pudgy fingers gripping the cane as if her knee were too fragile to support her girth for even a fraction of a second.

Fantasy Friday - A Dowry for Hamelin, Part One

Malory sighed as she plunged the red hot blade into the barrel of water next to the anvil, a hiss of steam issuing from the bubbling water as the sword went from red hot to cold steel. Pulling it up, she held it up so she could examine the blade, holding it by the undecorated hilt of the blade.

V/H/S Viral: Something Sickening This Way Comes

     I went ahead and rented this fun little trip into Bloody Disgusting's imagination and I can honestly say I'm not utterly disappointed. Keep in mind that this is the third in a series, which rarely bodes well for a franchise in general, let alone one from a production company that is so unknown.

Fantasy Saturday - The Three Apprentices, Chapter One

“Oh no, I’m late!” Sable cried out, rushing through the second floor of the small cottage she lived in. Hastily removing her dressing gown, she picked up a small flat disc, engraved with a faintly glowing rune.

Shrieks and Shivers: Book Announcement and Trailer

     An original work I wrote a good while ago has been taken by the Horror Zine for their new anthology, Shrieks and Shivers. The book has veteran and fresh writers alike, and should be a knock-out of a novel. 

     Be sure to pick it up January 6th when it comes out so you can read the stories and support an indie press.     

Coffin Hop 2014 Epilogue

     The Ghoul dropped into his newly-gifted throne-like chair, heaving a sigh. From her place hanging over the desk, and him, the Editor watched as the Ghoul picked up a piece of parchment.

Coffin Hop 2014 Sandra's Story Part Two

Previous

“What if I don’t want to? What could possibly be in there that will make any of this less weird?”

The Maestro knocked softly on the metallic hatch, earning a chattering moan from within. “There. You know that there is something in there that is dead. Or dying, at the very least.”

Katie John You've Won!

     In the comments below, answer the following questions and I'll write a story all about you.

1) Height, hair color, eye color, etc...
2) Greatest fear
3) Favorite horror movie
4) Favorite animal
5) Favorite monster (movie or stereotype)
6) High school sport if played (cheerleader, band member, choir also count)
7) Favorite piece of my work (don't inflate my ego, just find something you like stylistically)
8) Least favorite (don't hurt my feelings)
9) List a link to a story by any blogger you love!
10) Current hobbies besides writing.

Coffin Hop 2014 Stephanie's Story Part Three

Previous

Stephanie sat on a stool in her grandfather’s basement; a potions book opened and propped up for her to read by the flickering candlelight as she ground her third dram of moonstone, reducing it to a fine powder to be mixed with the bubbling broth of concentrated nightshade and valerian root. Together, once these three reagents formed a juice that smelled of roses, she would add a single dram of Moon Children nectar. She would then extract several syringes worth of it and inject herself with two, then inject Cloud with two.

Coffin Hop 2014 Cloud's Story Part Two

Previous

With the mystery being gone, having vanished into thin air, Cloud brought the drink up to his nose and sniffed. Slightly sweet smelling with the distinct hint of alcohol. Taking a sip, he smacked his lips at the dry taste of the bittersweet wine, before dumping it into the brambles.

Coffin Hop 2014 Cloud's Story Part One

Previous

Cloud walked through the copse of trees, smiling softly as the brambles retracted out of his way. In his own small way, he was respected in this hellish graveyard, if only as a direct servant for the devils running it. He walked and walked, fading in and out beneath the darkened overhang of the trees. A slight rustle to his left made him pause, and look.

Coffin Hop 2014 is Here!

     An event that has gathered together 60+ authors, all of whom are dedicated to the genre of horror, it brings joy to my leathery heart.
     To see their blogs and do some hopping yourself, see the link in the side bar. But for those of you that stay and comment, I'll be entering your name into a contest: the winner will get featured in their very own story. I'll have a questionnaire you'll have to fill out so I can get to know you as a character, but it'll all be fun and games afterwards.
     So get to Coffin Hopping! Go read what others have to say about the greatness that is horror!

Coffin Hop 2014: Stephanie's Story, Part One

Previous

Flickering her eyes open, Stephanie moved beneath the sheets of her bed, seeking the warmth of her beloved. But all she found was cold fabric. Opening her eyes fully, she looked around the bedroom fully, looking for her darling paramour.

Coffin Hop Prequel, Part Four

Previous

Sitting on the grave of the long dead boy, the Ghoul watched the graveyard bloom under the moonlit night, like a field of rosebushes given their first sliver of sunshine for the day. The wooded area twisted and groaned as the brambles coiled about the underbrush, forming a dense undergrowth that would deter anyone from running from the path through the small copse of trees.

Coffin Hop Prequel

Previous
One eye rolling, he slumped up from his tattered coffin, the wooden edges of the box cracked and rotten. Looking down, he sneered (as best he could) at the plank barely held together on a hinge that had once been the cover of his resting place. Sliding out of the box, he hopped down from the slab onto the stone floor, snorting back a stray maggot and hacking out a mixture of frothy pus and worms.

Dead But Dreaming #4 Live in Paperback!

     Dead But Dreaming is one of those fledgling magazines that is only growing better by the issue. I'm proud to be a part of the work  Dead But Dreaming is putting out. While it is still a fledgling magazine, it is only growing better by the issue. Support an independent press and buy a copy. It's only $3.99, any fan could spare that!

Patreon Live!

     I've created a Patreon account to try and create a living out of what I do, so please, if you can spare a dollar or three pay it a visit and donate. The rewards there are set up to help out the site as a whole, and would allow me to take down all of the adverts that clog up my space.
     If enough of you helped out, I may even be able to create a youtube channel and pay authors for their stories to create audiocasts of intriguing horror tales. So get to my Patreon site, see what I have to offer, and donate if you can!

Coffin Hop 2014

     The annual blog-hopping event will be once again taking place this year from the 24th to the 31st, allowing horror bloggers from far and wide to connect and produce work for the masses. Not that I don't already do this, but I feel its at least somewhat more interesting to have people come by and judge my work who are also authors.

     Nothing wrong with you non-authors out there, its just like having your art critiqued by fellow artists. No matter what you think of this, it is far from easy to come up with fresh material for you folks on a weekly basis. Is it all Pulitzer prize material? 

        Hardly

     But I put out work at a relative pace that makes me comfortable and keeps you all happy.

     What would make me happier is if you all left comments and advised me on which stories to continue, or what you would like to see. I'm always open to suggestions! 

Dark Eclipse Magazine and Column Status

     Dark Eclipse #39 is out and you should totally buy a copy! My monthly column is down for the count this month, with an original piece by me being featured instead.

     But speaking of columns, I'll be doing my normal column for Dark Eclipse Magazine and Dead but Dreaming, but also a monthly column for Dark Eclipse's Blog, where I'll test out some new ideas and review books for your own amusement. I plan on expanding my review list to movies and games, as well as general updates on all things horror related.

     My guest posts will be labeled Post Mortem, for those that are familiar with my site already.

Scratches, Part One

“C’mon Mom, their won’t be any more left!” Some child whines, causing my ears to perk.

Turning, I look at the little girl, staring at her as she wanders into the room with a sense of wonder and excitement, her nose crinkling at the scent of all the litterboxes. The old woman who runs the shelter turns and looks at her, standing quickly to throw a blanket over my cage. It’s fine anyway… no child would want me.

Post Mortem: Annabelle

     A strange prequel in that it attempted to explain the history of a trinket from the first movie, not the protagonist or antagonist. A movie about Beth Sheba (From The Conjuring) would almost seem more appropriate. Instead, James Wan went with Annabelle, the doll that was possessed by a demon and haunting nurses in the first movie.

Shrieks and Shivers

     From the many minds of the authors at the Horror Zine, (myself included!) we have sewn together a stitching of stories about all things macabre. It will be released January 2015, so keep your eyes on the look out for this title.

New Horror Zine is Out

     The October edition of the Horror Zine website is uploaded, with a brand new novel from Jeani Rector. You can check it out here!

Seeds Of Darkness, Part One

Sitting over the edge of the pier, Joshua and his three friends all laughed and chatted as bobbers floated in the water around them, occasionally sinking a little and causing the boys to fall silent as the lucky one with a nibble took his rod and reel and slowly, ever so slowly, reeled in the line to try and snare the fish. They came from a poor village, where their fathers spent the days breaking their backs in the sugar cane fields while their mothers and sisters kept to the animals. Their older brothers helped with the gathering of lumber for the village woodsman so they would all have firewood come the cold winter nights in the next few months.

Keep Austin Weird, Part One

“Austin’s a pretty crazy town,” Nick slurred as he walked behind his friends, his wider gait allowing him to keep an even pace with them at a slower speed.

Amber, hiccupping, looked back and smiled. “Told you. It’s a great place to party, that’s for certain.”

Post Mortem: The Remaining

Possibly the best comedy I’ve seen in quite some time, The Remaining sells itself as a horror movie about what happens during the end of days. Fair enough, I thought to myself; I’ll give it a shot! Could have some real possibilities, with foul demons and undead that could crawl from vast crevices within the broken earth as God unleashes the four horsemen upon the world, bringing about a fiery wake of death and destruction that would leave nothing but the sickened sinners (like me) to remain on our demon-infested world as the true believers ascend to Heaven, away from the violence.

Sandra Costello and the Spirit King, Part Three

Previously

Sandra was still blushing as she stood behind the counter, watching the man look over her various odds and ends as he hummed quietly to himself. The fact that she’d been caught at such an emotional time, and by a customer!

September Issue of Horror Zine

     Another months dies in a horrid burst of blood, staining the floor like some unwanted meal best left for the dog to clean up. With this dismal time comes joy, however, as I get to see the fresh new presses roll out magazine after magazine for my own errant entertainment.

     The Horror Zine is always a good source for fresh blood to be found, with new writers monthly. This month we honor Graham Masterson with a double header! We also have work from Andy Mee, Jeremy Simmons and Erin McMillon. Lets all go on over and support this press by reading their work, shall we?

The Wolves of Fossil Lake, Part One

Lying with her back pressed to the searing sand, Kathryn allowed herself a moment to reflect on the day. Her two younger brothers were in the lake, searching for fossils, while her parents rested in the lodge, too “tired” from the hiking. Kathy just thought they wanted some alone time, and wouldn’t begrudge them such a thing, despite her own needs going unfulfilled. Her parents had nixed the idea that she invite her new boyfriend along, fearing what the two teens might get up to when the lights were out and the moon was full.

Sweet Dreams: Dead City

     For those of you that don't know, I have a column in two magazines, both of which end in "Sweet Dreams" as a sign off. It may seem hokey to have such a strange signature, but it holds great meaning to me, as well as to one of my favorite authors. But I digress... the columns on my site labeled Sweet Dreams will always be book reviews or author interviews. Jokingly, these are the articles that it is safe to fall asleep to.

Post Mortem: As Above, So Below

     This is a strange twist from the standard film industry when it comes to found film footage, in that nobody finds this footage. The people actually survive and get to tell their tale. Of course there are a few deaths along the way, which is what makes horror movies stand out, but you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. Now this review will contain some spoilers, so stop reading from here if you don't want it ruined.

Sandra Costello and the Spirit King, Chapter Two

Previous

The bustling, narrow streets of Albuan were shaded by the enormous walls that encircled the inner ring of the city known as the Marketplace, where all the shops and taverns rested for the weary traveler to partake in. Merchants took to empty stalls lining the streets, hawking their wares to any who passed by while knights and squires, the royalty’s police, marched up and down the lanes, keeping a careful eye out for any sign of trouble. Sandra nodded to them, her robe proudly displaying her master’s crest upon it, marking her as a member of the Wizard’s Circle. She waved to a woman in a pink dress selling flowers, stopping to buy one for Chiyue to eat, before ending her chilly trek across the Marketplace at the doorsteps of “The Inner Eye Emporium”, her master’s shop for any seeking magical solvents.

Update to the Site

     Sorry for the lack of updates, just getting back to my normal job has been harder than I thought it would be. Anyway, for the while I am running a little low on horror, and have been seeing fantasy prompts in many locations. So I figured, why not try some fantasy out? I know it might not be your cup of tea, but I plan on some deep seated horror tropes to be seen in the story, so give it a try.
     For the rest of my works, I am slowly getting new parts out for all of them. Thank you for continuing to support my work.

Sandra Costello and the Spirit King, Chapter One

Tap-tap-tap!

Sandra blearily opened her eyes, staring up at the raining dust from the wooden boards of the stairs she slept under, her masters cane tapping causing a horrid echo that only seemed to intensify her headache.

Post Mortem: A Look at Modern Cinema

For those of you familiar with the movie series Quarantine, you may not know that it is loosely based off of a Spanish trilogy known as REC. The main difference between the two movies is that one is simply a type of zombie movie while the other is about possessions. Two different horror tropes to be certain but the fact that the American versions skipped the possession-transferred-through-bites is a tad strange; we have movies about exorcisms all the time in our country, why would we worry about possessed people in this one particular scenario?

Samuel the Black Warlock, Chapter Ten

Previously

Samuel left Belle and Imogen in the den, both of them poring over a worn copies of Weekly Wiccans together, the imp explaining the basic difference between the magical world and the mundane world, while Samuel just needed a cold soda to cool his throbbing headache. Standing in the kitchen, he sipped from the glass bottle while leaning against the counter before hearing a soft knocking coming from his pantry. Smiling around the bottle, he smacked his lips in satisfaction and girded his will to the intolerable before calling out.

“Come on in,” he called, looking down at the floor.

Dark Eclipse Magazine

     Dark Eclipse 37 is out and ready for reading. My standard monthly column is there, going over some cinematic pieces I find worthy of notation, while the fiction section is full of short stories that will make you shivery and jittery. Check it out!

Dead But Dreaming

     Another month dies like a wounded animal, slowly bleeding out until it just keels over. This has been a long month, full of frustration for me, and I am glad it is coming to an end. Dead But Dreaming is back with it's third issue containing my monthly column as well as some truly amazing fiction. So go check it out, support small presses!

A new Edition of the Horror Zine is Out

      The folks over at the Horror Zine have put together a month of frightening charm and candor that must be read over at least once. You can find them here, and as always, read the fiction section first as it contains the juicier topics.

     Pay them a visit and read to your hearts content; free horror is good horror!

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head

The rain wakes me.

Heroes of Horror

Terrifying tidings dear readers, as it’s time for yet another look into the horror that is modern literature! While I enjoy a good movie as well as the next person, words and symbolism through print will always hold a special place in my heart, for it’s through words that we find meaning! As I’ve previously reviewed books by Mira Grant and David Wellington (both rather new to the literary scene in that they’ve appeared in the last decade), I thought that perhaps we could turn our attention to classic authors that made our genre even possible with their nightmare-inducing tales. For those of you that merely rolled your eyes at this statement don’t worry: Mary Shelley and Bram Stoker will only be mentioned this one time in this article.

Fossil Lake, Part One

Fossil Lake was a murky grey that, while the locals had grown accustomed to it, those vacationing to their cabins in the high hills surrounding the lake always found it disconcerting. Some would question why the lake was murky, while others would avoid it entirely. The locals, ranchers and shepherds for the most part, stayed clear of the lake and advised any and all who came to visit the rural countryside to do the same.

Dark Eclipse Thirty Six

     Dark Eclipse Thirty Six is out after some delays, and it is a real spine-tingler. My regular column is ever present, along with a series of sordid stories meant to tantalize and terrify, So come along and grab a copy!

Rainy Day

The rain spattered across the sidewalk in a continual, gradual cleansing of the earth as it fell from the darkened heavens, forcing everyone to seek shelter for the time being as this was the time that he came out.

And nobody wanted to mess with him, especially on a rainy day.

Line Up of Authors for Sulfurings

     Amy Beth Fredricksen, a fellow blogger and co-author in the anthology Sulfurings, sent all the writers a single question: How would you destroy Sodom and Gomorrah? 
     You would be surprised at the answers given (not one author spared the cities). See the results here! 

Demonic Visions Volume Four Paperback Available

     For those of you who enjoy having a book in your hands, the paperback of Demonic Visions is now available for a few meager dollars. You can get it here for less than ten dollars!

Demonic Visions Volume Four

     Demonic Visions Volume Four is out and live, with special guest author Ramsey Campbell! You'll want to check this one out as it has some terrifying entries. My story, Gyrmkin, is here as well and has never been published before, so be sure to grab a copy and see what you're missing!

Sulfurings: Tales from Sodom and Gommorah

     Sulfurings is here! The eBook that tells of the aftermath in these doomed cities is not available on Amazon for all to enjoy. Now not all of these tales are horror based, but my contribution is a Horror/Fantasy piece that takes place in Gommorah.

Mother May I? Part Two

Previous

Alice rolled out of the bathroom, wheeling herself into the living room where her family had set up to watch some Disney movies, for Nicky, and then later some action movies, for Joshua. Jess and Alice would just as always talk about art, and their father would most likely fall asleep in his recliner. Moving along in the hall, Alice looked up at the pictures of her family growing up, at least the ones that included her before her accident. Mom had never seemed as keen on taking pictures after Alice had been injured in the car accident, which was a shame. Alice would have liked some photos of her mother before she disappeared shortly thereafter.

Post Mortem: Deliver us From Evil

     To think I left my tomb for this... look, if you are going to have a promotional poster for a movie that looks like this:

     And you are going to have theatrical trailers that look like this and include scenes as graphic in nature as this:

     Then make an actual horror film! 

Atheists Nightmare, Part Five

Previous

Backtracking, I walk the bicycle I’ve liberated towards my dorm room, avoiding any other unfortunate encounters of the ghoulish kind by ducking beneath windows. I can hear the Catholic Preacher (seems like a fair enough title to give to a free-willed undead that preaches) still amassing his army outside, preaching to them from the gospels as they move further away from my dorm room.

Circus Part Two

Previous

“I guess we’ll take three toys, a strand of garlic and a silver cross.” David said, running a hand through his short hair. The bearded man merely smiled and accepted David’s money before handing over the items in a burlap sack, the cross being the largest item amidst the entirety of the bag.

Mirrors Part Four

Previous

“Where’s Marty?” Melissa asks while Amanda tries to regain her composure.

“I don’t know, I don’t know! One minute we were searching the kitchen, the next some big… thing came out of nowhere with a knife.” I lie, extending two tendrils of ethereal energy to caress their warmth.

Sirens Call Magazine

     The Sirens Call eZine is out and this month one of my classic stories is featured in it. Go ahead and head on over there, the magazine is free to read.

Mother May I?

Alice turned her chair to the side so she could look over her shoulder at her father while still eyeing the house.

“Are you sure about this Dad?” She asked, worry heavy in her tone.

Sacrifice

 “Machado, are you ready for the sacraments?” Asked another priest, pulling back the flap of animal skin that kept the high priests home separated from the rest of the city.

Dead But Dreaming

     A new issue of Dead but Dreaming is out, and I am thrilled to announce that I have been accepted as a columnist for this prestigious magazine, run by the chilling Miskatonic Press. This issue runs about sixty five pages long, but is full of shriek worthy prose.

Colorful, isn't it?

     You can find the paperback version here and the kindle version here. Support a small press and look into these works, as they are only 2.99 for a solid copy, and less for a kindle copy.

Post Mortem: Soloman Kane

     A fantasy/Horror movie where Soloman Kane, a bloodthirsty mercenary, wreaks havoc on a monastery where he learns in the treasure room that his soul is doomed for Hell. Fast forward a year, and we find Kane at a church where he has been learning the ways of peace and trying to redeem his soul with an oath of non-violence. They kick him out, stating this place is not a permanent home for him, and he begins wandering.
     

     Once the story picks up with an evil Sorcerer king, his flesh wearing lieutenant and the possessed soldiers they lead, this movie becomes a fast paced, action packed ride that actually had me at the edge of my seat a number of times.
     A story about good versus evil, there never seems to be any representation of good save for a group of pilgrims and Soloman Kane himself, who is sort of an anti-hero in the fact that he is a mass murderer who has come for repentance. The pilgrims being attacked spurs Soloman Kane into acting and breaking his oath, dooming his soul to Hell for breaking a promise to God.
     I would give this a look over if I found the DVD in a store and actually consider buying it, it was that good. As of right now, Netflix is airing it to me for a nominal fee, so I'll take it as I can.

Fright Fight Part Three

Previous

The elevator doors shook for a moment as the banter between the two men died, replaced by the grinding of gears. Testing the heft of her Morningstar, Jeanine palmed the heavy spiked orb, judging each of the spikes to being three inches in length.

The Horror Zine

     The Horror Zine is out with it's five year anniversary issue, which can be found here. They have an interview with John Saul and four new fiction pieces that rate pretty well on the scary side. So check them out, it's always a great time over there.

     Happy Birthday Horror Zine!

Herschell Goes To Heaven

     A song and video done by Joe Whiteford and Harley Poe about a boy that goes out for a night in the forest, and ends up getting a horrible ending.

Frozen Heart

The frozen mist hung low over the valley, the harbor clogged by sheets of ice that were too brittle to move across, but too thick to sail through. The guardsmen were nervous, as the mist had descended on the city two days ago, and not one person had come to the gates since then. There were no sounds of birds, or of trickling water, or even of a peasant begging for entry. No, the guards of the wall were faced with absolute silence.

Atheists Nightmare Part Four

Previous

I kick the crippled one in the face as hard as I’m able, smiling as numerous bones shudder and crack beneath my heel, while I spin the blade from its temporary sheathe, using the sturdy kick to move as gracefully as possible up to my feet. The gospel leader glares at me with her one eye, her black burquas stained from the blood of those she’d already slain.

The Exorcism of William Morsely, Prologue Part Three

Previous

“What we do is stand the line between good and evil for those that have taken Christ as their savior, which this young man seems unable to do.” Hennessey had said, sipping from his glass. “We can only do so much for the man if he isn’t a practicing Catholic, even if he exhibits the signs of being possessed.”

Necromatograph: An Anthology in the Making

     The fine people at Miskatonic Press are trying to put together an anthology while maintaining their magazine and helping new authors get their books published. So, as a show of good taste, I say we help them get the funds needed to launch their anthology! Click here to check out their project and donate what you can.

Circus, Part One

The light rainfall over the carnival grounds thinned the crowds, sending more of the people scattering for their cars. But not Monica and David. They were on their first date, and laughed as the rain fell around them. They ran underneath the canopy of a game booth, laughing as they brushed the water off themselves. The person manning the booth, a sallow skinned youth with a snake tattoo circling his bicep and a few too many piercings in his face, watched them both from his place leaning against the wall behind the counter, a slight scowl on his shaggy features.

Alien Isolation

     A horror/survival game that is coming out October 7th, 2014, this title is boasting an advanced AI that will result in the enemy moving about in unpredictable routes, hunting you and changing its own strategies based on what you do.

     Not my cup of tea, but my wife may play it. The main reason I never get into these kinds of games (Silent Hill, Dead Space, etc) is because they promise a smarter AI, which they never deliver upon. The game seems like it will be one long boss battle, as they describe it as having only one alien in the whole game versus Ripley's daughter. It could be good, but I somehow doubt it will be.

Post Mortem: Haunt

     A movie that promises a romp through ten romance and the discovery of the afterlife turns into a nightmarish terror-time with Haunt. Made in 2013 with Andrew Barrer's screenplay, and directed by Mac Carter, this movie is about a family of five that moves into a house that carries a dark curse. "The Morrello Curse" as the people of town call it. The oldest boy, Evan (Harrison Gilbertson) moves into the attic and, after taking a midnight stroll, comes upon Sam (Liana Liberato), who is the victim of familial abuse from her drunken father. She sleeps over, the two begin a young love, and Sam pulls out from a secret room a box that is part Ouiji Board part Ham Radio.
     They contact the dead and learn of the existence of the ghosts within the house, one of which is incredibly aggressive. This female ghost possesses people and then forces them to commit suicide or murder, thus creating more ghosts.

     The acting stands out for what this movie is, and what it could have been, marking it as something different among the direct-to-DVD crowd. The pacing is great and the writing was solid, with actors placed in roles that they seemed meant for. I can honestly say that this movie was good, but not great. The suspense was there and they built on it, but the climax was like a teenage boys first time - bursty and quick. The exposition could have used a little tinkering as well, moving it to where the teens could have learned the secret without the rather "meh" ending.

Miskatonic Press

     A small press, but one named after the University I've always wanted to attend and knew I never could. I bring them up because of two reasons. They have a novel on my summer reading list, a Temple Made Without Hands by Michael Porter, which is said to be a real thriller of a piece.

     The second reason I bring them up is their magazine, Dead But Dreaming.

     This magazine is on sale at Lulu for $2.75. That's a print magazine full of horror tales for less than three dollars. Go and grab a copy to support small presses everywhere.

     Especially grab a copy of the next one when I am going to be writing a blurb on the history that comes with the words Miskatonic University, but more on that later.

Dying Light

     A new game coming out that looks like it will be taking advantage of a new movement engine for better, more fluid running and jumping. From the trailer it seems like this game is going to be a rather horrific zombie survival game that combines smart ways to handle the dead. Take a look:

     
     Looks pretty gnarly.

Atheists Nightmare Part Three

Previous

I slowly leg press this girls body off of me, dragging from its recesses a deluge of pus and fluids unknown, as well as one very intact spine, which was wriggling like I garden snake, the fibrous tissues and nerves still attached to it granting it enough motor functions to do that. I lie there on the ground, staring at Loren. Or Laura.

Lincoln Green

The heavy pounding of rain on the truck was broken only by the light static on the radio and the occasional clap of thunder, followed by a distant echo of roiling lightning striking rolling through the wooded hills in the darkness of the stormy night. Lynn shivered from the cold seeping through the rusty door, huddling closer to the middle where the central heater could warm her body. Holding her hands out, she smiled softly at the ring on her left hand.

Birthday Gift for a Friend's Child

     This would be a perfect gift for a friend of mine who has some young children. Teach them fear can be funny early. Or cause mental scars. Whatever, its the thought that counts.
     And the thought is "this is too funny to keep to myself!"

Post Mortem: World War Z

     To be clear, I am not doing a review on the novel, but the movie. The novel itself is a good read for a lazy Sunday, going over the political, socio-economical, religious extremes that the world would undergo if the world were to have a zombie outbreak. It's written as a reporter interviewing survivors about the pre-war, during the war, and post-war world that has been affected by a zombie plague that is never fully explained (though it is explained in the Zombie Survival Guide, written by the same author). Best selling novel, written by a best selling novelist. Great book.

Atheist's Nightmare Part Two

Previous

I do the manly thing and flinch back, snapping the blinds taut once more, standing there waiting to hear the tell-tale moan of a zombie (they look dead and shamble, we’re going with zombie until shown otherwise). Minutes pass and I hear nothing, so I inch closer and pry open the blinds by the merest fraction, slowly spreading them wider as I took in what had happened to her.

Atheist's Nightmare, Part One

My alarm clock jars me from my sleep, as it does every morning, causing me to groan and throw my arm over my eyes, trying to mentally will time backwards another few hours. Sighing, I roll out of bed and stumble through the hell-hole that is my bedroom floor (my “floordrobe”, as I lovingly call it) and into my bathroom, where I gargle the acrid taste of whiskey from my breath, replacing it with the acrid taste of mouthwash, before picking amidst my “floordrobe” for the clothes that seem clean enough, and begin donning them.

End of the World, Part One

Sakura awoke with a sharp cry, twisting as she moved about on the floor, a cry on her lips that was quickly shushed by another student, Ben. Ben, the tall rugby player that had been Sakura’s longtime crush, was now holding her in a tight embrace, his hand muffling her voice. This would have been part of a dream come true, especially as they were in a broom closet, save for the fact she didn’t remember getting in here.

Dead Island II Trailer

     A miniature horror movie unto itself, this three and a half minute trailer is full of funny moments. Take a look!

     Glad to say I own a PS4 for this kind of action!

Timeless Tales Magazine

     Timeless Tales Magazine has come out with a new issue, one that I'm in with a twist on the "Pandora's Box" story. Of course your old pal wrote it with horror in mind, don't fret, but be warned there is an audio version of it as well. To read it, or listen to it, you have to pay 4.99 or more. Show your appreciation for the finer arts and have a listen!

Fright Fight Part Two

Previous

“Possessed?” Jeanine repeated, not really understanding what the strange man was saying.

“Yeah, by some lesser devil we conjured up. It’s made him freaky fast, and as strong as me, so I’d watch my ass if I were you.”

Horror 101

     Crystal Lake Publishing has always been a stand up publisher that I've enjoyed. They always have gritty (or witty) stories that bring out the true essence of horror in any tale.
     Well now they have an eBook for sale at .99 cents packed with essays that will help fledgling authors tackle larger projects, write more concise horror and get over roadblocks such as the dreaded writers block.



     The paperback comes with additional essays on how to become a better scream king (or queen!), but for the low low cost of 99 cents I'm snatching it up for something to read in between writing my own works. You're never able to say you can't learn something new!

Post Mortem: We Are What We Are

     A gruesome tale of cannibalism in the face of starvation, turned into a family tradition. This film has it all: thrills, suspense, gore and even flash scares that'll leave you as breathless as the ghost behind your back. A truly terrifying tale, I enjoyed it through and through, adding director Jim Mickle to my list of people to follow in cinema.

Mirrors Part Three

Previous

“Melissa and Amanda can check the upstairs while Marty and I look down here,” I say, Jessica’s voice wavering from the internal damage I’ve caused it in order to get tears to flow. Right now I have torn pectoral muscles, lifted from bone, which stings with every movement. Fresh tears well at the side of my eyes as I sniffle back the snot dribbling from my nose. Marty has another cigarette, this one freshly lit.

Traffic Lights

     Scrambling along the long wire holding up the three traffic lights, the Boggle stopped to sniff the warm night air, its over-sized hands gripping the cord with a titans grip. Looking back, he looked at his hollow tree, and thought of the half-squirrel he had in there, along with the collection of lug nuts he'd been gathering for the last two years. 

Dark Eclipse #35

     Dark Eclipse 35 is out and boy is this one grisly. We have some poems that really make you question whether your home is safe, several columns by authors of ill-repute and a couple short stories that will send chills down your spine.

     You can find the kindle edition here, as always.

Edgar Allen Poe Vs. Stephen King

    Epic Rap Battles of History, a youtube channel that takes figures famous (infamous?) and pits them against each other in a rap battle. I am a Poe fan so I think he won this one, but that's just me.

Book Review: Green Tsunami

Green Tsunami is an end-of-the-world novel that is surprisingly original. No zombies or vampires, just old fashioned mutants done in a shockingly amazing way. The whole story revolves around the e-mails between husband and wife, one mutated the other not. The husband was a stay at home husband when the green tsunami hit, and the green liquid mutated his foot into elephantine proportions. The wife is trapped in her office building with the co-workers that survived, taking care of the “Balloon Heads”, a group of mutants who have massive heads and communicate through chirps and telepathy.

                     

The Fishing Trip, Part Three

Previous

“Huh… that looked like a dolphin’s tail. Are dolphins out here?” David asked himself. Another slam rocked the boat, this time from the aft of the ship. Cursing, he ran towards the back, next to the dangling Hammerhead and looked overboard. The engine’s propellers were back here, and if some playful dolphin knocked those out, they wouldn’t be going anywhere! The water around the propellers churned with activity, fish hopping out of the water into the air as fast as they could, before falling back into the cold water to hop out once more. A whole school of Bluefin were doing this near the aft of the ship, which suffered another slam, followed by a wrenching of metal that made David want to scream out in frustration.

Amazon Author Page

     You can now go here to see all of my listed publications in one place. Amazon really is a wonderful site!

Restless Spirits

     The howling of the wind was the only thing keeping Alan's thoughts away from the way the house seemed to creak as if people were walking up and down the halls. When he'd purchased the decrepit house, he'd known it would require some tender loving care and a patient handyman. What he didn't know was that he would have to deal with children stealing his tools.
     Specifically dead children.

Crystal Lake Publishing: Tales from the Lake Vol. One

     Check out this new title from Crystal Lake Publishing. The Editor is a great one and several of the authors are outstanding, while the rest are just excellent. It has the suspense dripping from it like water pouring off the skin of a deadman. The opening story alone, Lover Come Back To Me, starts off with a couple going fishing and noticing a school of different fish swimming to and fro, sometimes swimming backwards. As something of a seabody that's enough to send chills up my spine. Drop on by and give it a try!

Anger for Dummies

Stooped low over him, the old man was carefully sewing up the awful tear to his pant leg, chiding him for his reckless nature.

“You had better be more careful my boy, if someone saw this they’d be asking questions.” The snowcapped head bobbed up and down, half-moon glasses perched on the end of a long nose. “I didn’t tailor this for you so that you could tear it up, you know?”

The Horror Zine and Bram Stoker Awards

     A new issue of the horror zine is out, so go over and take a look at what they have to offer. One thing that they have is a detailed list of the winners of the Bram Stoker awards for 2013, which were announced May 10th 2014

     I steadfastly advise any prospective writers who wish to write in this genre to look up this association and join up. They can help you in so many ways its unreal.

Snicker-Snap

     Snicker-snap
     Snicker-snap
     Snicker-snap

Fishing Trip Part Two

Previous

She nodded and ran to go below deck where the living quarters of the boat could be found, a pair of bunk beds, a small kitchen, a fire extinguisher and spare gasoline tanks for the engine should it run low. The first aid kit was built into the wall and, once opened, revealed to have four smaller boxes. Kate grabbed three and ran back upstairs, slipping on some of the frothy blood seeping into the cabin where the controls were from the main deck.

Post Mortem: Jennifer's Body

     When this movie first came out, I didn't see it. Not because I thought it would be a bad film, there were just better ones around. I figured I would see it one day and see if I liked it then.

Angel of the Nazi's

Christopher watched on with cold disdain as the serum was injected into the twelfth soldier, their name and rank taken down by a short man in a lab coat. The glass separating them allowed Christopher a chance to look over the nervous looking cadets, who had all been told this was to prevent an outbreak of Spanish Flu from spreading through the Nazi ranks. He gave a half smile as a shirtless shoulder smacked one of his comrades on the shoulder, pulling himself up to a top bunk where he laid himself out.

The Hearse

     
     I'm in a playful mood tonight, so lets see where that attitude takes me in regards to writing. Expect something up shortly.

Goodreads

     I have a Goodreads account now! Sadly it doesn't contain all of my written work, but I have no way of adding to the anthologies I am in unless the listed editor writes me in as such. And seeing as I've been a columnist for almost two years at Dark Eclipse, that would be a lot of work for them that I frankly don't want to bother them with.
     In other news, it's looking like I'll be in another three anthologies and/or magazines by the end of the year, and there are still plenty of open calls for me to apply to. I've applied my book to a good number of places and am hoping for a positive response any day now.

Fishing Trip, Part One

David squinted as he looked out over the horizon of the ocean surrounding him and his three friends, quickly taking a sip of beer as he felt some dribble down the side of the can. Between the heat of the summer sun and the warm ocean breeze, David was quickly working up a sweat. Looking to the bow of his twenty-eight foot boat, he watched as his girlfriend and her sister laid tanning in their bikini’s.

Timeless Tales Magazine

     A magazine that is published both online and in print, if you subscribe to them you get the audio book format as well. The only reason I bring this up is that in their upcoming edition, Pandora's Box, one of my stories will be a feature.

A lovely tattoo rendition drawn by Lucky978 on DeviantArt.

     The publication will be up soon enough, and I will link to it then so you all can go on over and take a gander for yourselves. Personally I am a fan of print editions, but I've never had my work made into an audio format before. Perhaps my preferences will change.

Horror Zine

     For those that come here often enough, they know I write for Dark Eclipse Magazine as a recurring columnist. At another lovely slice of horror on the net, there is a well known scary-story magazine known as the Horror Zine. I've had one of my more tantalizing tales accepted into an upcoming anthology of theirs, one to be published by Post Mortem Press.

     I've been a fan of Post Mortem Press for a while, and am thrilled to get published in a work assembled by the crew over at the Horror Zine. You can check out both sites in my links to the right; Horror Zine updates monthly with new artists, poetry and stories so visit them when you can.

Best Zombie Scare Pranks

     A selection of zombie scare pranks that I enjoyed. Have at it.

Diary of Rupert Manspark, Professor of Abnormal Psychology

August 5th 1921,

     While traveling through the back woods of Pennsylvania, I'v come across the strangest of tales that I have ever heard. A man I had the pleasure of spending but a brief few hours drinking with told me of the haunted caves up on what he called "Lonely Mountain", which is the tallest peak in a series of rocky cliff faces in the densely wooded regions of the northeastern mountains of the territory. He told me of fabulous caves with great murals, and even greater guardians.

Evil Clown

     Some pranks are just too funny for words, while others cross the line. This one, I think, straddles it.

An Oldie, But a Goodie

     Previous
     You surprise me, you know that? I asked you to survive for thirty-seven days and you make it well and beyond my wildest hopes. So far, as of today, your'e at forty-one days. Forty-one! Can you believe it?
     I know I can't.