Erin Cole

Moving My Website

2012-01-26T13:44:00.000-08:00

MY SITE IS MOVING

WWW.ERINCOLEWRITES.COM

I'm still blogging, still writing, still submitting

MY APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE YOU MAY HAVE

WITH LINKS, FOLLOWING, ETC.

It was just time.

Adobe Digital Editions - Your personalized eLibrary

2012-01-19T09:53:00.000-08:00

If you haven't run across it yet, you probably should.

Several venues, such as Lulu, are now starting to offer their downloads using an .acsm file, that is Adobe Content Server Manager. You can read up on it here. To download your purchased eBook, you must have the Adobe Digital Edition program to do so. Download that here, (you'll have to set up an account). If you already have this, you're ahead of the game.

Though at first a little bit of a pain in the rump, all the eBook downloads I have purchased in the past few years are now easily viewed in my digital library, this includes all Google .docs and .pdf files. It is a great way to organize your high-tech, hip lifestyle.

To Write the Story is Not Enough

2012-01-12T15:23:00.000-08:00

Everyone has a story, so how are you going to make yours stand out? I think about this often in my writing, and the stories that I apply more than just story to, benefit tremendously. I jotted down ten ideas to add more *bling* to your pieces. If you have any of your own that you would like to share, leave it in the comment section and I will add it to the list with your name.

1. TITLE: Do not underestimate the power of a good, imaginative title. This is the very first thing your reader will read. Make it a good and/or clever, which for the life of me, I still struggle to do.

2. THE FIRST SENTENCE: This is the second thing your readers are going to read, besides the byline, and so it also has to be damn good. Hook them with the first sentence.

3. THEME: This brings cohesion and completeness to your story. The fuzzier it is, the less impact your story will have on the reader. Think sacrifice, justice, perseverance, truth, betrayal, etc, and slip it into your character, setting, conflict, or objects that act as symbols.

4. THE ENDING: It is the roof of your entire story. What do you want to leave your reader with when they are finished reading your story? How can you make the usual unusual? It will be the lasting impression of your story, so throw all your magic glitter on it.

5. KILL YOUR CLICHES: Now, with a chainsaw if you must, otherwise they will kill your story. If something sounds familiar to you or is kind of boring, axe it!

6. DIALOGUE: Keep it fresh. I almost always reword the first response I think of, because often, the first response is generally what you would hear someone say, so change it. Keep the reader guessing on what's going to be said next. This is also the place to create vivid characters, one of King’s biggest strengths.

7. CHARACTER NAMES: This one takes a little balance. While it is good to use names that easily identify a character when you’re not focusing on their back-story so much, these too can become cliché and/or boring. In turn, names that are too hard to pronounce or are annoying to say could irritate the reader. Choose names carefully.

8. SETTING & TIME: A good area to add bling in your story. What places/time periods are unique and uncommon? Try crossing them—a futuristic story without all the hi-tech settings. Skip the café and put your characters on a bus instead, where there will be plenty of opportunity to insert theme and conflict.

9. PACING: Structure has a big impact on your story too. Try switching up your pace to catch the readers attention. It’s your rollercoaster ride.

10. COOL: When you are at last finished with your story, put it down and forget about it. Start on the next one, or two. When you return to your story, you’ll see all kinds of areas that could use a little more flash.

Linda:
11. CONTAINER: That is, what is the container of your story? Is it one long uninterrupted story, or do you break it into scenes? A few scenes, or lots of mini-scenes? How many voices tell your story? How do you interweave them? The story you are telling, the character, the environment, will all dictate how you structure -- and hence present -- your story.

12. TENSION: Which is more than just leaving a scene or chapter on edge. Tension can be built into your dialogue, your word choice, and your white space (what is left out)

John:
13. TICK BOXES: sensible general boxes to tick in work.

Laurita:
14. BELIEVABLE CHARACTERS: Good, strong, believable and fun characters are a must. Nothing kills a story faster than characters no one cares about.

Michael:
15. WORD SEARCH: Do a word search for every "that" and "had" you can lose 99% of these throw away words. Also look at every verb and ask: is there a better, more action packed word I can use.

Chris:

16. ASK THE HARD QUESTION: "Would I want to read this?" After you've done allthe work you mention above - ask that question. If the answer is "no"- keep goin'.

Deborah:
17. STARTING WITH A QUESTION: Many good short stories open with a mystery. Either how is this character going to solve this problem, or why is this odd character doing what he/she/it is doing. In the development of the story an answer to the story is revealed.

2012 Writing Goals

2011-12-30T12:07:00.000-08:00

I can't believe 2012 is here. Seems unreal, and I'm not sure why. The end of the world? Or perhaps the start of something big?

I have been more organized with my writing lately by keeping better track of my submissions, rejections, acceptances, publishing goals, WIP, word count, etc. Last year, I wrote around 185,000 words. It sounds like a lot, but when I look at what I've pushed out into the market, I know I can and need to do better if I want my writing to transcend the 'hobby' label. I am making the necessary changes to better my craft, which has given me an extra burst of motivation.

I have two books in progress, "Wicked Tempest" and "Girl Gone." "Wicked Tempest" is the sequel to "Grave Echoes," and hopefully I can finish it this year. It will also be around 95K. "Girl Gone" is my werewolf novella. I've finished the first draft, and because it will only be around 30K, I plan on publishing that this year too, along with several short stories (W1S1-Weekly).

Good luck with your writing goals.

Preditors and Editors Nomination

2011-12-30T12:06:00.000-08:00

This December stole me away from my writing more than I was comfortable with, but with a Preditors and Editors nomination for best short horror story on the web, Still Alive, first published on Chris Allinotte's Eight Days of Madness, I'm feeling the good affects of a hot-buttered rum. This euphoria will also come in handy come January 1st, the beginning of Write 1 Sub 1, which I will be participating in weekly.

There are some outstanding authors listed this year, and of course, I'm thrilled to be among them. You can vote for your favorite short horror story HERE. If you'd like to read my story, click on the link above or at Preditors and Editors, and jump to page 28.

"The poll opens Dec. 24 this year (through Jan. 10)."

Cheers and thanks to everyone for their support throughout the year!

Going with Flow

2011-12-11T20:20:00.000-08:00

Flow has deep roots in the nature of our make-up...just read Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's book, "Flow," and you will relearn how the path of least resistance cultivates positive change. The more we 'flow' with our environment, the better our chance for success than if we don’t. Opposing forces, or flow, not only waste energy, but increase the risk for failure.

So, what the heck does this have to do with writing? Well, I think it is becoming my new writing mojo for 2012. I have been noticing a pattern, consistent periods of diligence (editing), creativity (story ideas and plotting), and 'just do it,' (submitting, networking-the non-gab variety, killing my procrastinations, etc.) phases in my writing lately.

When I make the most of whatever phase I am in, good things (usually) happen. But if I fight a phase, by trying to do something else, I end up frustrated and/or disappointed. These phases often come at inappropriate times, don't last long enough or last too long, but I'm better off going with the flow of them.

Last week, I started six new stories, ten pages of very rough draft ideas. It is driving me batty to have all this unfinished material potentially softening into my subconscious, but I'm going to go with the flow of creativity, and keep penning out crazy ideas, in hopes that my ‘diligent’ self returns—soon at that—and transforms these beauties into the good stuff.

What about you? Do you have different phases in your writing? Do you try to flow with it or do you find yourself fighting them due to what you 'think' you should be doing instead?

"Silver" @ Boston Literary Magazine

2011-12-04T12:53:00.000-08:00

I have a new microflash up, The Dribble (exactly 50 words) at the Boston Literary Magazine, called Silver. See more great works by Doug Mathewson, Myra King, Oleh Lysiak, and many more.

Support your presses and submit to Boston Literary Magazine:

"We are looking for the following genres:

Quick Fiction: We no longer consider anything over 250 words, so make every one count! We are big fans of narratives that feature strong characters, human dynamics, and transformation. Descriptive stories tend not to excite us that much.

The Drabble: (Exactly 100 words) A real challenge! We're looking for very short works that express interesting and meaningful concepts using the most tightly concise language.

The Dribble: (Exactly 50 words) Half the length, twice the challenge.

Poetry: Try to be specific about events and circumstances—don't just tell us you're tortured, let us know what happened. Also, we tend to pass on poetry that is too long, is structured with lines consisting of a single word, or rhymes.

Haiku: Follow the traditional format and send us your best."

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES HERE

Super thanks Robin!

Holiday Book Blog Catalog 2011

2011-12-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my second Holiday Book Blog Catalog! Scroll down the page to see an updated list of authors you know and love and their latest works. Buy at least one and write a review - it's amazing how authors love to give back.

Enjoy.

**(It's not too late to send me your books - submissions will be open for the month of December. And if a link isn't working, please contact me. Thanks.)

———————— <> ————————

Deadly Intent, by Laura Eno

Death stalks the small town of Wood Park after a violent thunderstorm wreaks havoc on the population and drops a stranger in its midst. Police Chief Jonathon Brier chases after clues, always a step behind, as citizens become more irrational with tragic consequences.
When the town is abandoned to its fate with no hope of any outside help, Jonathon must figure out how to combat the evil presence that taunts him before time runs out for everyone.

Amazon | Nook | Smashwords

———————— <> ————————

Dance on Fire, by James Garcia Jr.

Each May, Kingsburg, Ca. celebrates its Swedish heritage with the annual Swedish Festival. The town of 11,000 residents draws thousands to the event, as well as two uninvited guests.

Nathaniel is a vampire. He wanted nothing more than to have a place to rest his head. Vincent has been searching for his long lost “son” for two centuries. Vincent’s goal is to take Nathaniel home or kill him. Nathaniel has wished for death, wondering why God ever allowed him to walk the earth undead and unable to be redeemed.

Ten days before the Swedish Festival, two vampires leave death and destruction in their wake.

In a marriage of horror and the Christian themes of good conquering evil and redemption: Dance on Fire.

Smashwords | Drive Thru Fiction (softcover)

———————— <> ————————

Blood Picnic: and other stories, by Tony Noland

The versatile Tony Noland has gathered some of his best flash fiction and short stories for this diverse collection. These 28 stories range in style from fantasy and horror to magical realism and literary fiction. Whether you’re looking for potent true-to-life tales or want your fiction full of zombies, flying carpets or deals with the devil, this collection will amuse, delight and surprise you.

Smashwords | Amazon | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

———————— <> ————————

Magenta Shaman Stones The Crow, by Lily Childs

In the second of the Magenta Shaman novella series natural born shaman, Magenta Sweeney is torn from the comfort of England's green coast and sent on a terrifying trance journey by the very guides and guardians that claim to protect her. This time she must do as she is told. This time – she has no choice.

In Magenta Shaman Stones The Crow Maggie finds herself eight hundred miles from home, wandering the Bohemian forests of the Czech Republic in a final, desperate attempt to rescue the father she'd long believed dead.

As the bleak stone walls of ancient Houska Castle loom through the trees the shaman must prepare herself as never before.

And when the Gates of Hell open to invite Magenta in, she is forced to make a decision – one that could be her last.

Amazon | Website | Twitter

Courting Demons - a Collection of Dark Verse, by Lily Childs

Thirty-two poems from the pen of horror writer and poet, Lily Childs. Exploring supernatural and personal demons this poetry collection blends psychological suffering and dark gothic delight.

Sometimes taboo, often dangerous the poems leave questions unanswered that demand explanation. Fantastical beings spread themselves across the pages but no creature is so terrifying as the demons that fester inside our own human minds. Here they creep.

Wicked and emotional with a painful bite of fun.

Amazon | Website | Twitter

———————— <> ————————

Alone, by Marissa Farrar

Caught in a violent and abusive relationship, Serenity thinks there is no escape.

Upon meeting a stranger, Sebastian, she is shown the possibility of a different future.

Only Sebastian has a dark secret; he is a vampire.

As Serenity’s life takes a terrifying turn, she finds herself drawn into a world she never knew existed; one of murder, love and immortality. She is forced to confront her own weaknesses to save both her own life and that of the vampire she has come to love. But in the end all that matters is; can she find the strength to be Alone?

Kindle | B & N

Buried, by Marissa Farrar

Book two in the ‘Serenity’ series, ‘Buried’ is also now available to buy from your favourite eBook store!

Kindle | B & N | Facebook

———————— <> ————————

Semper Audacious, by M Pax

Alone. Leda is the last living member of the brigade, the sole defender of her world. War took everyone she knew, leaving her in the company of memories and ghosts. Or is it madness?

The siren blares. The enemy is coming. Or is it? The approaching vessel isn't a friendly design, but it answers with the correct code. Leda must figure out whether the arrival is reinforcements or the final assault. In an aging flyer, she ventures out to meet her world's fate, the last stand.

Smashwords | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

———————— <> ————————

One Too Many Blows to the Head, by Eric Beetner

Eric Beetner is a crime writer. Hardboiled, as they say. Co-author (with JB Kohl) of the novels One Too Many Blows To The Head and the sequel, Borrowed Trouble, books that were praised by the likes of Megan Abbott ("Feels like a long-lost pulp you find in a favorite bookstore.") Kelli Stanley ("For a knockout punch of hardboiled, look no further.") Stephen Jay Schwartz ("Rife with pounding action and colorful, complex characters.") Hilary Davidson ("This is pulp fiction at its finest.")

Kindle

Dig Two Graves, by Eric Beetner

His upcoming novellas, Dig Two Graves (Snubnose Press) and Split Decision (book #3 in the Fight Card series) will be out later this year.

BIO: Eric's award-winning short fiction is included in the anthologies D*cked, Pulp Ink, Discount Noir, Murder In The Wind and the upcoming Off The Record, Grimm Tales and the Million Writers Award best of 2011 collection.

———————— <> ————————

Hailey's Shadow, by Lori Titus

Hailey Patterson has been accused of crimes that she says she didn't commit. Enter Dr. Adam Bennett, who wants to write a book about Hailey, and the images or "shadows" that she says have plagued her all of her life. Is Hailey a murderer, or a woman tortured by forces beyong her control?

Amazon

Green Water Lullaby, by Lori Titus

A collection of paranormal stories, all centered in the town of Chrysalis, South Carolina.

Amazon

BIO: Lori Titus is known as the Managing Editor of Flashes in the Dark, an ezine that features short fiction. She can usually be found at her computer penning stories, editing stories, and drinking too much coffee or soda. She shares a radio show of the same name with her co-host, Tonia Brown. Amongst Lori's projects are the first novel in The Marradith Ryder Series (Hunting in Closed Spaces), and a novel set in Chrysalis, tentatively named The Ancestors.

Keep up with her latest debauchery on Twitter (as Loribeth215) or on her blog, http://loribeth215.wordpress.com/

———————— <> ————————

13 Shots of Noir, by Paul D Brazill

English writer Paul D Brazill's 13 Shots Of Noir is a collection of short stories in the vein of Roald Dahl, The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents.The first story, "The Tut", was nominated for a 2010 Spinetingler Award, while the story "Anger Management" was chosen as one of the Predators and Editors top twenty crime stories.

Crime, horror and dark fiction are contained within the pages of 13 Shots Of Noir.

Amazon

BIO: Spinetingler Award nominee Paul D. Brazill was born in England and lives in Poland. His stuff has appeared in loads of classy print and electronic magazines and anthologies, including the 2011 Mammoth Book Of Best British Crime. His noir/horror series Drunk On The Moon and short story collection Brit Grit are out now. He writes a column for Pulp Metal Magazine and contributes to Mean Streets Magazine. He is a member of The Hardboiled Collective.

———————— <> ————————

Dead Calm, Co-author Peggy McFarland

Level Best Books' annual crime wave continues with release of Best New England Crime Stories 2012: Dead Calm, its new anthology of original tales of cons, capers, subterfuge, suspense and, of course, murder and mayhem.

Featuring twenty-seven of New England's most acclaimed mystery and crime writers, along with several compelling new voices, Level Best Books takes its readers on a sometimes scary, sometimes hilarious, walk down the region's dark side.

Edited by award-winning authors Mark Ammons, Katherine Fast, Barbara Ross and Leslie Wheeler, this collection includes "The Red Door" by Peggy McFarland.

Level Best Books | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

———————— <> ————————

Killers and Demons, by A.F. Stewart

Creep into the pages to greet terror.

Killers and Demons is a collection of five horror stories where the macabre murderers don’t get caught and evil triumphs.

What happens if you awake, afraid, alone and in complete darkness? If you find someone wants your heart for Valentine’s, literally? Or if you come face to face with evil on the dark streets of historic London? You would end up dead, of course.

Come spend some time with the homicidal and savour their kills, dance with demons as they hunt and watch the blood drip slowly, sweetly from their fingers.

Smashwords | B&N | Apple iStore

Ruined City, by A.F. Stewart

In the Northern Pass towers the city of Elowen, the glittering guardian between the Empire of Aloquis and the Kingdoms of Immra. It stands proud and prosperous, never dreaming its dark past was coming to call...

On a bright winter’s day a stranger arrives, bearing a secret and a dark blight of ruin descends over the city.

It was the day the world changed for the people of Elowen.
The day their existence turned into a recurring nightmare.

Winter’s Bane.

Uncover the secrets that haunt the streets of Elowen as twelve tales unfold the story of this cursed city.

Smashwords | B&N | Apple | Lulu (print)

Twitter | Afallon Website

———————— <> ————————

Eight Days of Madness, edited by Chris Allinotte

This short story anthology is comprised of eight suspenseful and horrifying tales, composed for a special one-week fiction event on the blog, "The Leaky Pencil".

These stories centres around the theme of Madness. Not one of the stories approaches this theme in the same way, and each has something unique to say.

Features eight outstanding tales by: Laurita Miller, Richard Godwin, Angel Zapata, Benjamin Sobieck, Sean Patrick Reardon, Erin Cole, Lily Childs, and Chris Allinotte.

Smashwords (FREE!)

Father Grim's Storybook, edited by Jessica A. Weiss

Wicked East Press presents an anthology featuring new twists on the fairy tales of old. The light and whimsical gets dark and twisted, and the dark and twisted turns truly horrifying! In all, twenty three brand new tales spun off from, or inspired by the stories and rhymes we all know and love await you! (Including "Rapunzel and the Undead" by Chris Allinotte.)

Coming soon to Wicked East Press Bookstore.

———————— <> ————————

Last Winter's Leaves - A Chapbook by Michael J. Solender
Published by Full of Crow Press

This collection of very short stories and poems were written as a therapeutic balm after dealing with some significant challenges. Very personal and full of emotion, this collection represents some of my most heartfelt work.

$3, two for $5 plus $1 postage, Contact michaeljsolender (at) gmail (dot) com

TOPOGRAPH: New Writings From The Carolina landscape and Beyond, edited by Jeff Jackson

An Anthology featuring over 30 authors including: Michael J. Solender's essay, Unaffiliated

As the acclaimed Novello Festival of Reading marks its 20th anniversary, it is partnering with Charlotte ViewPoint magazine to showcase innovative fiction, poetry, and essays from the Carolinas and beyond.

Topograph surveys the literary landscape that has emerged in recent decades, exploding tarnished ideas about Southern writing. For anyone interested in the latest trends, this collection offers a broad spectrum of styles, including formally innovative essays, adventurous flash fiction, and minimalist poetry alongside more traditional storytelling and memorable travelogues. It provides a vista of the most exciting work being done in the area, writing that’s often informed by geography in unexpected ways.

Novello Festival Press

———————— <> ————————

Red Winter, by Clark Hays (edited by Kathleen McFall)

It’s 1890 and winter is closing like a noose around tiny LonePine, Wyoming. For Sheriff Hardiman, once one of the fastest guns in the West, it’s another four months of praying for spring. At least he has Miss Grace, his lovely new wife and former madam of the infamous Pearl to keep him company. Then a murderer turns up out of the cold and people being dying hard, unusual ways — tortured and drained of their blood. Worse, it appears Miss Grace may be next on their list. But how do you kill someone who just won’t stay dead? Find out what happens when the first Vampire visits the Old West.

Kindle | Smashwords | Pumpjack Press

The Cowboy and the Vampire, by Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall

The Cowboy and the Vampire brings together two enduring archetypes in a fast-paced action adventure that’s equal parts romance, rawhide and bloodcurdling horror. There’s also a double-helping of comedy, an overly-sensitive cow dog and some doomed alpacas. When Tucker, a down-on-his-luck cowboy with duct-taped boots, falls for Lizzie, a driven big city reporter, cultural differences in their blossoming romance are the least of their worries. An ancient power runs through her veins and a gathering storm of evil threatens the very future of humanity. Only Tucker and his dog, Rex, stand between Lizzie and a horde of vampires bent on her destruction and a world or perpetual darkness.

Amazon | Kindle | B & N

Find out more about the book and the soon-to-be released sequel, Blood and Whiskey, at www.cowboyandvampire.com

———————— <> ————————

First Contact Imminent, edited by Joe Jablonski

"A flicker of movement caught Donovan's eye. He glanced down and his jaw dropped. Ice grains had formed a pale blue rectangle at his feet. The rectangle was edged by other dark blue ice grains. As he watched, some of the dark blue ice grains bounced towards the center of the rectangle. Here they formed up in lines. Not lines! A picture! A picture of a vacsuited human! Ignoring his protesting knee, Donovan knelt, the better to observe this phenomenon."

-from An Alien Initiative by Vincent Morgan, one of 18 stories in this anthology of alien first contact which will take you out of this world.

CreateSpace | Amazon

———————— <> ————————

Perpetual Night, by Georgina Morales

Life at fifteen is complicated with hormones and belligerence but what if you throw in the mix nightmares that torment you even when awake? What if everything you hold dear threatened to slip through your fingers? PERPETUAL NIGHT follows Lilibeth Royster's search for the truth in a world where the here and the beyond get tangled; where every clue opens new horrors; where uncovering her secret might threaten more than her sanity, her life.

My blog | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | PostMortem Press

———————— <> ————————

Of the Night: witches, zombies, monsters, and more, by Erin Cole

Of the Night is a ride through the backwoods of darkness, past the spine-chilling imaginings our consciousness grapples to ignore and into the realms of black magic, the waking dead, and terrors of the unknown.

This isn't just another supernatural horror collection, it is a poisonous dose of wicked, dark fiction.

Createspace | Amazon | Kindle

Grave Echoes: A Kate Waters Mystery, by Erin Cole

The nightmare is real…
Kate Waters suffers from narcoleptic hallucinations, which recently involve her unreachable sister, Jev, and a mysterious key. When Kate receives the terrible news concerning Jev’s fatal car accident and acquires the mysterious key from her visions, she unlocks her sister’s world of perilous secrets involving witchcraft, poltergeist, and a heartless killer determined to get back what is his.

The danger lies in whom to trust.
Terrifying paranormal encounters, a trailing wolf, and an attempted murder of one of Jev’s friends, forces Kate to turn to the one she fears most, the priestess of Jev’s coven, Thea. She challenges Kate’s beliefs and provides her vital clues about her sister’s murder, but will Kate overcome her fears before anyone else dies? To do so, she will have to trust in a world where the possibilities are unbelievable and the consequences are deadly.

Amazon | Amazon UK | Kindle | B & N

———————— <> ————————
END

Be sure to spread the word and help feed an Indie Author this Christmas by posting one of my lovely blog patches below and linking here:

http://erincolelive.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-book-blog-catalog-2011.html

Holiday Book Blog Catalog Is Coming...

2011-11-10T18:51:00.000-08:00

What better gift is there than people buying your book? Okay, besides a new laptop, or a new pair of skis, or Aunt Bertha's lovely, homemade holiday sweater.

Promote your books and support your comrades! Advertise your book for the holidays. Check out last year's catalog HERE - over 30 talented authors and 2,000 hits.

* * * If you would like to participate, send me:

-- a photo of your book (recommended) or books (2 at the most please)
-- a short synopsis (apprx. 100 words)
-- links (where people can buy it, website, etc.)

TO: erincole(at)live(dot)com * * *
I'll be posting the catalog Thursday, December 1st. Books will be listed in order received, and I will continue updating the catalog as I receive them, so be sure to check back periodically.

I always urge readers/authors to purchase at least one or two books, and write up a review. Time and money are valuable, but recognition is priceless.

If you'd like to help spread the word, choose a website badge below and link to :

http://erincolelive.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-book-blog-catalog-2011.html (Link will direct at midnight, Dec. 1, PST)

#hbbc2011 (twitter tag)

* Feel free to make your own badge if you think mine are hideous, no offense taken *

Underground Haunts @ Trembles Horror Magazine

2011-11-07T14:27:00.000-08:00

After a dry spell of ezine publications, my stories are falling like rain. Dark, black rain that collects in the treasure coves of Gert's drains. I have another flash fiction piece up at Trembles Horror Magazine called "Underground Haunts."

Trembles is a fairly new electronic and print publication that publishes four times a year, with the end issue a double November/December issue. Want to submit? Check out Trembles Horror Magazine Guidelines:

"Horror. Simple as that. To give you an idea of what to send, some authors we like are Brian Keene, Peter Straub, Stephen King, Richard Laymon, Clive Barker, Shirley Jackson, Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft and the darker stories of Nathaniel Hawthorne. We want stories that instill a deep feeling of dread and emotional terror. We want fiction that makes us look out the window after we are reading and wonder if something's there. We will accept stories with vampires, werewolves and all those classic tools of horror, but they better add something new to the genre."

Flash Fiction (1,000 words or less)
Short Story (1,001 to 6,000 words)
Poetry (up to 50 lines)

Thanks for the publication and added advertisement, Gregory!

Ghosts Never Lie @ MicroHorror

2011-11-04T02:44:00.000-07:00

Read the MicroHorror entries for their 2011 Short Story Contest with names like Jackie MacIntosh - "The Water Trap," Chris Allinotte - "Monkeyfish," Angel Zapata - "Salt of the Earth," TJ Oneal Antley II - "Stained," my entry - "Ghosts Never Lie," and many more.

The theme this year was, WATER. All entries had to be 666 words or less, and because I'm a horrid overachiever, my entry tops in at 666 words . . . but I'm not holding my breath - there are some top notch entries here. Check them out when you can.

Support small press and sub your best to MicroHorror here.
Thanks to another contest, Nathan!

Music (muse•ik) n. 1 a combination of tones that inspires the muse

2011-11-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

I don't know many writers, if any, that don't use music to work their craft. With NaNo in the now, it might be more important than ever to keep up pace and work through blocks.

A number of songs have inspired my writing (I listed a few of them below) and so I thought I’d stress the importance to my writing comrades how much music plays a role in their craft.
Artwork by Wendy Hickman

Often when I can’t get a story rolling, have disconnect with a character, or stumble on a plot block, I’ll surf the internet for songs I haven’t heard in awhile or new ones. I usually come across that one song that fits my mood perfectly or moves the story forward, and I’m back on track again. Try it out the next time you hit a writer’s block.

Letti’s Monsters – Sail / Awolnation
Blood Vision – One Step Beyond / Karsh Kale
Tormented – Weak / Skunk Anansie
The Dead River – Boy With a Coin / Iron & Wine
The Wall of Never Doubt – Seven Nation Army / The White Stripes
(FYI- I have a wide range of tastes in music)

Feel free to add your own story / song combos in the comments section below

Coffin Hop Winners: "Of the Night Contest"

2011-11-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

I'm already in the spirit that is the 'gift of giving' and I decided to draw from the Halloween bucket twice last night. The winners of my "Of the Night Contest" are John Wiswell and Anthony J Rapino! Congratulations. Both will receive a signed copy of my horror anthology "Of the Night" by Red Skies Press.

Also...

I lowered the Kindle price of my anthology to $0.99 for Halloween, and have decided to keep the price at $0.99 for the rest of the year, just in case you do get that Kindle for Christmas.

Cheers! Hope you all had a great Halloween holiday. If you're in the mood for more thrilling horror, I have a short, fast-pace horror up at Thrillers Killers 'n' Chillers, Bloody Truce. Stop by and catch more outstanding authors in TK'n'C's Hellicious Halloween.

Read all the Coffin Hop Contest Entries:

Snow and Froth, by Chris Allinotte
You Bitch: A Ghost Story, by John Wiswell
Bump in the Night, by Laurita Miller
As the Crow Flies, by Anthony J Rapino
Orange Dot, by Michael J Solender
The Hook, by James Everington
The Fantabulous Funnybone Floatiboats, by Eric J Krause
I Follow Rivers by Anne Michaud
Predator Instinct, by Asuqi
The Woods, by Indigo
Apparition, by Absolutely*Kate

Bloody Truce @ TK'n'C

2011-11-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

There is no war like that in love, and beneath their verbal bullets, Nick and Emma love each other to death. Check out my short, fast-paced horror, Bloody Truce, at Thrillers, Killers, 'n' Chillers Hellicious Halloween.

Thanks, Lily and TK'n'C crew!

Have a little crime, thriller, horror oozing from your mind? Execute it with mad precision here: Submission Guildelines.

Coffin Hop: My Formula For Writing Horror

2011-10-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Why do people love to be scared? What whacked-out gene(s) is to blame for fake sawed-off bloody arms in the grocery store? Horror is more than an annual trick-or-treating event; it is a multi-billion dollar industry that continues to deliver people nightmares, paranoia, and visceral fear. I believe this is an evolutionary phenomenon, our innate way of dealing with CONFLICT.

Horror is all about conflict. Suspense, atmosphere, horrible characters are all elements of horror, but the real ingredient is conflict, because conflict creates dissonance (a state of mental discord), and dissonance triggers millions of years of evolutionary fight/flight responses in our brain, which fires adrenaline in the body. Survival is always the ultimate goal. Conflict challenges survival. Questionable means to survival is horror.

There doesn’t have to be a drop of blood on your page, nor one spooky house, tree, or even a killer. Horror can happen anywhere, anytime. Have you ever choked before? It’s a horrifying experience. No bad people, no blood, and it can happen in the middle of NPR’s Antique Roadshow. It is horrifying because there is major conflict occurring, especially if the character is alone. Or what about an insect infestation in your house that starts out small, but slowly grows until the insects are biting the children, which eventually leads to infection and hospitalization? Still no blood, no bad guy, no fog. But lots of conflict. So here’s my formula:

Horror = Conflict = Dissonance = Adrenaline in Your Reader = Scared Readers!

Good luck horror writers!

Check out more on horror at the Coffin Hop, over 90 horror authors giving away prizes!

October Treats

2011-10-23T15:04:00.000-07:00

Halloween never fails to stir up activity in the blogworld, and their is plenty going on:

The Coffin Hop Horror Web Tour
This Halloween hop starts October 24th and goes through the 31st! That means there's going to be a ghoulish amount of chances for you to win free books and other prizes. There are already 96 horror writing authors participating, myself included with my "Of the Night Contest," and all authors are required to hold some kind of prize for participants. Don't wait—did I mention there were 96 of us?

"Of the Night Contest"
Well, it's not really a contest, more like a drawing, since all you have to do is write a horror/dark fiction flash (1,000 or less) and post it on your own blog anytime in October. Send me the link, I'll post it on the sidebar of my blog for others to view, and will then include you in a drawing for a chance to win my new horror anthology, "Of the Night." But if you're too busy or can't wait, you can download it on Kindle for only $0.99 through the rest of October.

Thrillers, Killers, 'n' Chillers Hellicious Halloween
Quick, time is running out! You have until the 25th of October to send in your best 'hellicious horror.' Expect some wicked authors in this showcase!

MicroHorror 2011 Contest
This annual horror competition is sure to entice the monster in you. THE THEME IS WATER. All flash must be 666 words or less. Submissions are open until the 31st of October and the top three winners will be awarded prizes. Check the link for more details.

If you know of anymore Halloween Contests, leave me a link in the comments section. Thanks!

How long is too long?

2011-10-20T12:38:00.000-07:00

Submission periods. There is nothing expeditious in the writing/publishing arena, except for the time it takes for a reader to download your book - at least we have that.

I've spent much of this year researching submissions, submitting, querying, etc. and feeling a little frustrated with the number of submissions still hanging out in cyber slush piles. I understand time constraints, but how much time do you allow markets to make a decision on your submission, especially if they go past their own deadline? Sure, we can query about our submission, but that in the end also takes time, time in writing and time in waiting for that response.

Most markets give an average timeline of how long it will take to get back to you about your submission, but lately, I've noticed many of them exceeding this mark. Some writers may take this as a rejection, but a few of my biggest acceptances went twice as long in the submission period before they were accepted, which made for obvious complications with other markets.

I don't like to simultaneous sub my stories - I usually pick specific markets to publish my stories in and then patiently wait out their worst-case response time. But I also dislike waiting too long for a piece to receive feedback, because come time to sub it again, I find that I've spent so much time researching, rewriting, querying, and subbing, that it begins to interfere with my general writing time, like life itself isn't enough.

Shouldn't editors be held accountable for the timelines they give just as they hold writers accountable for the smallest of details in their submission guidelines? If I miss their deadline period or accidentally indent my paragraphs when I’m not supposed to, I'm out of luck – REJECTED BEFORE READING they spell out in caps. But if they miss their deadline period...I'm still the one that’s out of luck.

"The Wall of Never Doubt" wins big!

2011-10-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

I am very pleased to announce that my short story, "The Wall of Never Doubt," won 10th Place in the Genre Short Story category of the 80th Annual Writer's Digest Short Story Competition! This couldn't have come at a better time, as I've been in one of those long hauls with my writing, lots of rejections, very few acceptances. Persistence is the key, at least in the beginning. So if you are in a long haul with your writing, don't stop, write more, and submit, submit, submit! You can only increase your chances of acceptances and/or wins in doing so.

Also, this story was accepted by Aoife's Kiss and will be in the print June 2012 issue.

Go hooker!... (See this post for explanation)

Twitter Me This, Twitter Me That

2011-10-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

It has taken me awhile to get to this point (I AM ON TWITTER!) but not because I'm indifferent to change, (BECAUSE I AM NOW ON TWITTER) but that there is a lot of 'overkill' with media outlets. Do I really need Blogspot, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter (WHICH I AM NOW ON), Cell/Home/Office phones, Email, MySpace...it's all kind of a multitasker's wet dream. So...here's for dreaming.

Follow me, for I have some cool updates planned for Halloween!
@erincolewrites

You could have nightmares...tonight!

2011-09-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

Your Halloween read has arrived! Twenty stories, full of zombies, witches, monsters, evil, vampires, crazies, shadows...all that is OF THE NIGHT.

Of the Night is a ride through the backwoods of darkness, past the spine-chilling imaginings our consciousness grapples to ignore and into the realms of black magic, the waking dead, and terrors of the unknown.

This isn't just another supernatural horror collection, it is a poisonous dose of wicked, dark fiction.

(Front Cover)

"An extraordinary writer who is not afraid to plunder your deepest nightmares, wrap your fears in lace and leave you spellbound in the dark." —Lily Childs, author of Magenta Shaman

* * RED SKIES PRESS * *

Available now at CreateSpace, Amazon, and on Kindle

(Back Cover)

Check out my interview with RED SKIES PRESS on writing horror and the HALLOWEEN CONTEST to enter a chance to win a free copy. Depending on turnout, I might even give away more than one. So get penning!

My Dead Hookers

2011-09-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

They lay there, stripped, twisted, and shamed, but pretty in all their potential. I flip through their pages, like silken hair, wondering what went wrong, searching for that first sign of trouble. It is there, hidden deep between lines and the words. Their stories bleed ink, so giving and feverish with want and need, to be looked upon, admired, loved, that their loss fills me with blame and disappointment.

My unpublished stories, I call them my hookers because they want attention, validation, and of course, a little cash would be nice too. I try to make them attractive and entertaining, but hell, it’s a tough world out there, and now my beauties lay slain and hemorrhaging across my desk. They will be autopsied, but the coroner (my muse) will declare it a wasteful, barbaric homicide and demand additional manpower (that'd be me).

I know there will be more. That’s the way of this tough life called writing. But what does one do with lost potential? Scarred beauty? Where, how, and what do you do with your dead hookers?

FYI: I have nothing against hookers, dead or alive. I think my best friend was a hooker, my husband sometimes calls me hooker, and I found some strange things in my grandmother’s closet once.

A few things—blogs, CONTEST, and publications

2011-09-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

There wasn't much activity on my blog this summer as I was busy constructing my plot to take over the world...well at least my household. Here are few things cooking in my cauldron:

First, Paul Phillips gave me a grand entry on his new blog, A Reader's Heaven, a place for Indie authors to share their works. There are some great authors listed: Icy Sedgwick, Paul D. Brazill, Angel Zapata, Carrie Clevenger, Nigel Bird...I encourage you to check them out.

I have a poem up at The Glass Coin, Black*Fuchsia, if you didn't catch it on my blog last summer.

I'm pleased to announce my story, "The Wall of Never Doubt," has been accepted for the June 2012 issue of Aoife's Kiss.

My anthology collection, "Of the Night," will soon be available in both paperback and Kindle. And for the month of October, anyone who posts a flash fiction (1,000 words or less) piece on their own blog containing elements of horror and then sends me that link to put on my blog, will be entered into a drawing to win a free copy of my book. Names will be listed along the sidebar - this way, everyone will be a part of the blog traffic.

I have two other stories, "The Dead River," and "Robot Mommy," which I'm trying hard to glamour editors with, hopefully they will be out soon, but in the meantime, I'm working on a few other short stories and my werewolf book, still without a name, which actually drives me insane. Something about having a solid title that keeps me focused and penning.

Of the Night... coming soon!

2011-09-17T16:36:00.000-07:00

Look what came in the mail today! The proof copy of my anthology collection, "Of the Night." See the gleam in that smile.

It won't be long before you can hold it in your hands too, or download to your favorite gadget. Just wanted to thank Mark Crittenden for helping me put it all together and Red Skies Press for publishing, and last, but definitely not least, my writing comrades for your support through comments and a little 'pimpage' here and there. This collection contains some of the stories you've all loved ("Still Alive," "Legend of La Chusa," "Don't Look Back," etc.) and a few new ones too ("Letti's Monsters," "The House of Dolls," "The Shadow People").

I'm not doing my 13 Days of Horror this year, and I'm sad to say that (This year has been exceptionally busy for me). However, there is this cool, new anthology that is coming out, "Of the Night," and I'm thinking about running some type of 'Halloween Contest' for some free copies. I'll keep you posted, soon.

Chapbook Review: Riches For One, Poverty For Two

2011-09-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Riches For One, Poverty For Two, by Jenny Rossi

I was delighted to have this little chapbook fall into my lap, but after reading Jenny Rossi's "Riches For One, Poverty For Two," I can tell you there is nothing little about it.

The twenty-seven short prose works of this collection are enormous in expression, merit, and reflection. Each poem is a glimpse into the shadows of heart and mind, scarred by strife and love, wizened by experience and risk. Rossi’s talent at pulling in the reader is one sharp tool of the craft. Here are a few excerpts of my favorites:

'What they say: You should go out more'
“Perhaps I am an acolyte, loving
too often the shadows of men,
never the men themselves.”

'Just don’t tell your mother you’re in love,'
“…your father
will notice the dogs of need lapping at my feet, sense the
sorrow denser than bones; your mother will shake my hand,
have to wipe the poor off hers,”

"Melts like butter," "I am not," "I pulled skeins of quiet off the wall," "Grocery Shopping for One," are also brilliant gems of the kind of truth that stews in the soul and finishes with a bite.

My review: highly recommended!

View Jenny Rossi’s chapbook, Riches For One, Poverty For Two here, or better yet, purchase the print at Deadly Chaps or Lulu

Anthology Submissions Wanted

2011-08-31T12:18:00.000-07:00

You know you want to see your name in print! Check out these great anthologies, already filling with the talents of AJ Humpage, Lily Childs, Pixie J King, Dorothy Davies, Richard Godwin, Anthony Cowin, Mark Anthony Crittenden, Claire Ibarra, A.J. French, myself, and many more:

Dreams of Duality, edited by Mark Anthony Crittenden, Red Skies Press

Detritus, edited by S.S. Michaels and Kate Jonez
Omnium Gatherum, Publisher of Dark Fantasy

One Hour, edited by Dorothy Davies
Static Movement

Frozen Fear Deluxe, edited by Mark Anthony Crittenden, Static Movement

First Contact Imminent, edited by Joe Jablonski, Red Skies Press

Witch's Brew, edited by Jessica Weiss
Wicked East Press

Winter Chills, edited by Dorothy Davies
Static Movement

The Palm Tree - Lily's Friday Prediction

2011-08-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

[100 words max: Gargle, California, vandal]

Photo by Michelle E. Kowalski

The Palm Tree, by Erin Cole

Gargle grew hope from a palm tree. It wasn’t the towering, fanned species found in places like California or the Bahamas. These palms were the stout, meaty variety seen on the arms of Gods. Their splayed fingers dangled spherical tufts of promises and desire from a web of angel’s hair. They hung like strangled vandals, plump and ready to harvest.

Gargle stepped up on a knuckle, tugged a pear-shaped wish from the thumb of the palm, and sunk his teeth into it. He tore off a juicy, tart chunk of flesh. It tasted like passion fruit.

2011 Willamette Writers Conference

2011-08-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I attended my second conference with Willamette Writers. As usual, I put on my 'what the hell am I doing here?' attitude, but when I stepped inside those Sheraton lobby doors and looked at all the other faces embarking on the same crazy journey as I was, I actually felt a little at home. At least I wasn't a virgin.

Because conferences open unexpected doors, force you to talk about your book and projects, meet some great writers, and provide a good reference as to where you stand among other writers, I highly recommend that you go to one at least once every three years. Some of my highlights are listed below.

- eMedia Panel, with Jane Friedman, Ron Gompertz (who actually sat by me in a previous class - I had no idea who he was - and made innocent fun of my novel, bless him), Suzy Vitello, Peter Bowerman, and Julie Fast.
* e-formats are a must, and are often 10 to 1 in print sales.
* iPad is the next big thing for book applications
* Get yourself involved in the eMedia as much as possible, (Twitter, Blogging, video, podcast, etc.)

- Blogging 101, with Jane Friedman
* Less is more (unless you're highlighting a conference)
* Always be professional, always
* Edit, edit, edit
* Involve your readers with questions and valuable content (like this)
* Use SEO (search engine optimization) by using appropriate tags and good post headings
* Use good post headings
* Be yourself (but keep your cute cat pictures to yourself)

- Mythic Power from Your Life, with Eric Witchey (he is a must see if ever in your area)
* Think of the bigger picture in your book, what the key symbols are, what solid, eye-catching icons you can incorporate into your story, and how you can strengthen this for theme and meaning
* "myth makes sense of life when life doesn't" - that is the story
* "find the emotion in your character and then relate that to universal needs" for drive and conflict

- I Hate Torture Porn, with producer Richard Jefferies (way cool class on screen-writing for horror movies)
* Cross-examination of different types of horror, from The New Place (Amityville), to The Unknown (The Thing), Isolation (Dead Calm), Pure Evil (Exorcist), Body Violation (Silence of the Lambs), etc. Knowing what brand of horror you are working with gives you the big picture and makes for better plotting and characterization.
* Contrast elements (churches are known to be safe havens, which makes a great place for horror)
* Do not censor your ideas, because what really scares people are the things they avoid and censor

- Self-editing for Scenes that Sell, with Jill Kelly (highly recommended)
* edit your pieces multiple times concentrating on only one feature each run through (only punctuation, only dialogue, etc.)
* Don't ask your readers if they liked your book, ask them where they became bored, lost, or confused, and what they wanted more of or what they thought was missing
* Keep your subject and verbs close together in sentences
* Draft fast, edit slow
* Pay extra attention to sentence styles and punctuation that might slow the reader down

- Creating Memorable Characters with Robert Dugoni
* Characters don't become real on the page until we give them real attributes, but focus on the smaller things that make us human, like saying the wrong thing, etc. These little characteristics allow the reader to relate, especially when your character is someone not many of us will be (politician, felon, etc.)
* Look within yourself to find character, "all characters are to a greater or lesser extent a projection of the author's own personality."- Block, Lawrence, Writing the Novel
* Describe your character's physical attributes with action. Instead of 'she had blond hair,' say 'she flipped her blond hair out' (showing, not telling)
* Characterization comes through various forms: dialogue, dress, movement, insight, reactions, etc.

- Gala Awards Banquet
* Drinking wine in the small crowd of the lobby with people like Barry Lopez, Gus Van Sant, Bruce Livingston, and yes, Chuck Palahnuik! (I think Jodi MacArthur would like to kill me now.) was very cool. I stood right next to them all and pretended I was great too.
* Sitting at the table of the Student Winner of the Kay Snow Awards, Ashley Teng, with her story, A Ghost Beside My Night Stand
* Robert Dugoni's memorable speech, "This Day We Write"

I lived to tell about it.

Zen and Writing

2011-08-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

I left the blogworld a few weeks ago with the notion to find Zen, thinking that maybe it wasn’t possible, and even if it was, that I probably wouldn’t want to keep it. A little bit of paradise … who needs that? Nobody and I’ll tell you why. Once you get a taste of perfection, there is nothing left for you but that which is less than perfect. So, back to Zen.

You’re gonna’ kill me. You don’t even want to hear this. Click on the little X in the top right hand of your screen now. I have bad news, and you’ve been forewarned.

I did find Zen, but it didn’t fall into my lap; I didn’t see it in those gazillion stars; no one gave it to me; I didn’t steal it; cook it; clean it; burn it; or paddle that sissy-ass state of enlightenment to the other side of the lake. It certainly wasn’t found in my ‘children of the corn’ who actually had more marshmallow in their hair than what was sold in the bag, or my darling husband who insisted I not write for a whole week—who’s he kidding? No, I found Zen because … I had to create it myself.

I know, I know. I told you to close the window. But it’s true. I had to create it. It’s so cliché, I’m probably plagiarizing some counselor with a B.A. in Philosophy in Vermont right now, but it’s true: if I wanted any kind of peace on my trip, I had to create it myself. I somewhat already knew that going in, but who the heck listens to that voice anyway?

However, get this—finding Zen and being a writer have a lot in common: there’s no map and plenty of obstacles; a high chance of hair-pulling episodes; doubt to the tenth power; a few cat fights with your bizarro self; and the ultimate realization that you just have to take it on—and bam—you’re there, living it. So, there you have it. Zen and writing; they might not always go together, but they’re definitely related.

P.S. I am working on a ton of stories right now and hope to have material out soon.

Finding Zen

2011-07-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

Mt. Hood, Timothy Lake
Photo by William L. Sullivan

I'll be off the net for a week, finding Zen with family . . . can it be done? Even if I do find it, I'm not sure I'll recognize it or even want to keep it when I do. As Penelope Trunk put it, "Why would I need a vacation from my life if I like my life?"

Yes, in all its chaos and routines, I do enjoy my existence in this little pocket of Portland. Also, I find that after the vacation is over, I need a vacation from the vacation.

Of course, I'll still be reading (The Drawing of the Three by S. King, Wolfen by Whitley Strieber, and of course, some kind of juicy trash mag - just for ideas you know) and writing. Hopefully in August, I'll have finished editing my anthology collection and will have some new stories up, somewhere, for you to read again.

Will catch up with you soon. Happy Trails—

Unveiling the cover to my anthology collection...

2011-07-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

I am feeling brave enough to release the cover to my new anthology collection of dark fiction and horror, "Of the Night." The artist is none other than . . . myself.

I will have around twenty-five short stories and flash fiction that I've written in the last three years. There will also be at least three brand new stories and a few that have been out of publication for some time.

In the back of the book, I am also including a note section that details the development of each story and where the idea came from.

Tentatively, the goal for publication is September something. It will be available through Amazon and other retailers, as well as Kindle.

Demon or Muse?

2011-07-06T14:49:00.000-07:00

I have been revisiting the idea that many fiction writers (and other artists) write to 'unshackle' their demon(s). When I say demons, I do not want you to envision red-horned minions of Lucifer, but instead, the random and sometimes very specific dark thoughts and feelings in general that pain, worry, anger, or cause extreme doubt in an individual. Most of my favorite writers seemingly write from the dark places within themselves, which has me wondering, is a writer’s muse really his or her demons?

Life Magazine* dedicated their Issue #18 to the correlation between writers and their inner struggles, appropriately titled, “Writers and Their Demons,” which investigated the common associations between fiction writers’ creativity and mental illness. The term ‘mental illness’ sounds harsh and maybe too fixed, but the term encompasses quite a broad range and severity of the thought processes that interfere with a person’s happiness and/or success.

The list of authors who have struggled with some form of mental illness is staggering and men and women are close equals in this arena: William Faulkner, Shirley Jackson, Raymond Carver, Stephen King, Jim Carroll, Elinor Wylie, Philip Dick, Sylvia Plath, John Steinbeck, Charles Bukowski, Ernest Hemingway, Anne Sexton, and clearly, many more. The question that always arises is whether or not it is the writer or their environment that is to blame for their substance abuse, or perhaps a combination of both that fuels the funnel cloud of dejection.

Nancy Etchemendy, author of "The Power of Un," and 1999 Bram Stoker recipient, wrote an article, “Writers and Depression,” for the Horror Writers Association** that focused on the increased risks of depression and substance abuse writers battle, again, part in due to the environment of isolation, lack of reward, and continual rejection that writers must undergo. She also talked about an article written by Kay Redfield Jamison, “Manic Depressive Illness and Creativity,” published in Scientific American in February 1995, who found that writers were ten times more likely to be depressed, and that suicide was eighteen times greater. That is alarming to say the least.

Undoubtedly, I struggle from time to time, but I remind myself it is not the depth of blackness I should fear, but how I respond to it. Still, I cannot help notice the peculiar parallels of what my muse alludes to and the vicinity of that to the well of my deepest, darkest fears. I question if those who write fiction are actually unable to suppress their demons and therefore turn to writing for release. What do you think? Are writers’ muses often not just their demons in disguise?

* Life Magazine, Issue #18:
** Writers and Depression, by Nancy Etchemendy, Horror Writers Association

Grave Echoes is getting a makeover...

2011-06-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

Writing and publishing inevitably come with mistakes and errors, Godspeed us with lessons learned! I'm not one to rant, but publishing Grave Echoes came with a few disappointments. The first was discovering a week after signing my contract with AuthorHouse that Inkwaters Press wanted to publish my book. I couldn't bail out of my contract with AH without taking a loss, and GE wouldn't have even been printed yet. A bittersweet moment that was.

The second downfall was learning that, No, I really couldn't set my own book price as AH had advertised. Believe it or not, $17.99 is the lowest I could get my book for on Amazon. I’m sure you'd want to punch someone if you knew how much profit I, the author, the producer of the product, was actually making off those sells. There were also profits to be made in changes to the galley formats just before GE went to print. At this point, I’m wanting to throw myself to the wolves.

My third disappointment: I'm not selling what I'd hoped I would. I do blame some of this on price (that's a no-brainer), some on my poor networking skills, and the other that, basically- I am still unknown and unreachable to the 'bigger market,' even though Goodreads has been an excellent resource. If you are an author and don't know about Goodreads, go there now.

So, long rant short, I am republishing Grave Echoes—my way. A new cover, a new price, a new era for the sequel “Wicked Tempest” to step into, which I'm hoping will be available sometime soon in 2012. Because I still have a few GE books left, I'm selling signed copies for $7.99, plus $3 shipping and handling. That's warehouse price, my friend! Any cheaper, than I’d be a… you get the point.

I've updated PayPal links under the Books tab and also on my website, www.erincolewrites.com.

For all who have supported me, read and enjoyed my book, and left reviews, I cannot thank you enough.

Gratefully,
Erin

Lily Child's Friday Prediction - The Man with Blue in His Beard

2011-06-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

I just finished 400 pages of edits on the second book of the Kate Waters Mysteries, "Wicked Tempest", all in just two months! And now, I think I have tendinitus. Regardless, I'm not going down unless I'm on fire, which I must say, might be sooner than I thought with the talent popping up at Lily's Friday Prediction. Go check it out and join in the fun, here.

100 words max, to include: Hypnotise (Hypnotist is acceptable), Granules, and Float

The Man with Blue in His Beard

It grew overnight, a black lotus. I cut the hearty stem, rough from the granules of gloom and the light of a deformed moon. It floated like a dream on my pillow.

At the paling of an October dawn, his footsteps clapped, a thundering wicked dance in my heart—hypnotist of foreseeable doom.

The black lotus crumbled from the force of his pitch at my feet. Thorn slashed skin, sickly taunting me with nightmare.

“Where did you find this?” He bellowed.

My suspicions confirmed. He drew a long blade. I thought I glimpsed the screams of the late Mrs.

F**K

2011-06-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

Profanity. Curse words. Swearing. Where does it have its place in writing? Is it censorship? Or should we be developing other ways to express our characters and their situations? Some abhor it, call it lazy and/or uncreative, but I know Shakespeare, Hemingway, John Grisham (who is a Christian) and King would disagree. They are, after all, just words. Or are they?

…shit, Goddamit, asshole, cunt, honkey, beaner, cracker, fag, bitch, clitface, dago, nigger, dyke, queer, gook, cocksucker, hell, ruski, tard, pussy, Jesus Christ, whore, dickhead, and our favorites: fucker, fuckin-A, holy fuck, fuckbrain, motherfucker, fuckface, fuck me, FUCK!

In my attempts to offend everyone, I’m hoping I’ve offended no one. If there were certain words in that paragraph that were upsetting to you or made you uncomfortable, it just shows how powerful words can be. For some characters and scenes, maybe a little extra power is necessary to convey the message, but profanity can be a fine line too. As a writer, profanity is something we all face and question from time to time. Here are a few questions I ask myself before typing that f-bomb:

1) Is it appropriate to the genre?
2) Is it appropriate to my audience?
3) Is it worth alienating some/many readers?
4) Are there other ways to express a character’s character or emotions?
5) Should I consider the quality of a few swear words over the quantity of swear words?
6) Could I use slang instead?
7) Does it fit the time period and/or context of the piece?

I must admit, my husband has compared me to Dexter’s sister, Deb—I do enjoy a good bout of cussing now and then, but because I take my writing seriously (most of the time), I am cautious about my profanity use. My number one goal is to please my readers and knowing when to use profanity and how much of it can be a challenge.

What do you think about profanity? Do you hate it? Love it? Think it’s only appropriate at certain times? Or the more, the better?

5x5 Fiction: Issue Two

2011-06-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

Another fantastic issue of 5x5 Fiction: Stories Told Loud and Clear is out and there are some grand pieces. The theme is Secrets, Scuffles, and Surprises and the author spotlight is L. Muñoz with her piece, Confession. It is fabulous. Check it all out here: 5x5 Fiction: Issue Two

My piece, Viral Intelligence Research Undead Systems (VIRUS) can be found on page 5. Thanks, Angel!

5x5 Fiction is now accepting entries year-round. The next cut off for Issue Three is September 1.

I Am Werewolf

2011-05-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, of all the supernatural creatures, I love werewolves the most. They are incredibly fast, cunning, have a deep connection to night and the moon, are savage, yet beautiful in human form, and are usually the result of bad luck or a curse. It sounds very vamp-ish, right? But here is where the two differ: werewolves are still human, and that's where it gets interesting.

Although the werewolf is most notably known to emerge during the full moon at night, in an uncontrollable agony, their transformation is not limited to dark, lunar influences, at least not in my next book. This summer, I'm going to start a new horror novel, and my lead character will be a werewolf. She has a lot of baggage, that only increases when she gets hooked up with an ex-mobster. As the two of them run from their troubles together, they both learn that not only does trouble follow, but it has hair, fangs, and an insatiable appetite to kill.

I try to incorporate a good deal of research in my books, so as part of that, this post is to invite you to share your favorite werewolf attribute, character, book, movie, etc. Tell me, why do you like werewolves?

My Chat at the Chin Wag

2011-05-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

Once you've been 'Chin Wagged' you are never the same. Richard Godwin puts on the heat, whether it's in his racy crime/noir and horror fiction, self-promoting his latest novel, Apostle Rising, or interviewing writers in an unparalleled, vogue format.

I’m not sure what all you will learn about me in this interview here, but I can already say, it’s more than I ever wanted anyone to know about me, ever. Catch me in rare form discussing politics, psychology, religion, and of course, zombies.

A sincere thanks, Richard- patient as patience can get.

Cyber Pow Wow In My Cellar

2011-05-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

Hey gangsters, I’m dropping a line out to all my writing comrades—what’s going on in your writing cellar?

Life, full of all its demands and drama, rarely spares time for writing, reading, twittering, blogging, marketing, etc. But at the heart, we are writers! Even when time is scarce, and some of you are on break, I know that many of you are still writing, brainstorming, researching, networking, doing whatever it takes to please your muse. Maybe even stretching that art into another form for inspiration and motivation. Whatever that is, I hope that you’ll stop by, share what projects you are operating on in your cellar or just check in with other writers.

Here are the beasts I’m working on in my cellar:

My main operating table: Wicked Tempest, the second Kate Waters Mystery. I’ve been pushing to finish my second draft for its first edit. I called my editor a few weeks ago to set up a date with her—I said sometime in June (like the 30th, you know)—and she says how about mid-May? I think we’ll have to compromise for June 1st, as I still have a hundred pages to go.

On the slab to my left, I hope to compile several of my short horror pieces into an anthology later this summer/fall. I’m thinking strictly an ebook for this, but haven’t ruled out small press. I’ll be including at least three new stories for that, which I’m also still trying to finish.

Behind me, along the wall in all my beakers, flasks, and Petri dishes, I’m collecting the hearts, eyeballs, and guts of my craft in order to breathe life back into my writing so that I can bust through a few walls. Say what? Bettering my writing that is. I have a few writing goals that to accomplish, I seemingly need to write ~~a hell of a lot~~ better than I currently do. So, I’ve decided to attend another round of writing workshops at the Willamette Writers 42nd Conference this year and network with other writers (I figure the pain of socializing with strangers will at least conjure a few story ideas). I’m also entering a few contests, continuing to submit, and reading, reading, reading, and writing, writing, writing. And there you have it, the Frankensteins of my cellar.

What beasts are on your writing tables?

Interview with Spinetingler Award Nominee Lily Childs

2011-04-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

There are some horror writers who write about the scariest things imaginable and still fail to raise the hair on our arms. Then, there is Lily Childs. She could write about an apple tree in a field of Lupine and still manage to frighten, shock, and chill your blood cold. I'm dead serious.

In that, I am honored to host this up close and personal chat with Spinetingler nominee, Lily Childs.

Today she's here to talk about her writing, her goals, and how she nurtures her darkness. At the end, she'll treat you to a brand, new horror titled, Wraiths and Stays.

As if that's not enough, there is also a surprise peek at the cover of her new novella, Magenta Shaman. So please have a seat for the next ten minutes and indulge yourself in the world of one of the best horror writers on and off the web today.

[EC] What brought you into writing: a specific book, movie, life event, or your own untold story?

[LC] Nothing in particular sparked it; I guess I’m easily inspired – or fooled. I’ve always loved writing – from childhood rambles to poetic teenage woes through to half-finished novels and a myriad of short stories. But it’s only in the last couple of years I’ve felt I needed to start taking my writing more seriously - or risk imploding.

I’ve always been a dreamer; lying on my back in the playing-field at school making dragons out of clouds. Staring hard at faces and trees and night-time and spaces until they change before my eyes – and their truth is revealed. Little trances really – I’ve always had little trances. Still do. What I didn’t realise until I was quite ‘grown-up’ is that most people don’t do this.

It’s a feeling of not being accepted or fitting in that probably dictates where, and who I am. The irony is that this is where I am most comfortable. I am not a lover of rules or of dictate, and at the constant risk of speaking or behaving inappropriately don’t see why the hell I should conform because that’s what polite society with its coiffed and highlighted hair, its RV on the school-run and its besuited business man expects. I don’t do uniform; I don’t do convention – it’s claustrophobic, makes me feel as though I am being strangled. All this no doubt feeds my pen.

[EC] A rigid world is definitely hell on Earth. I think standing outside the box is where most writers congregate…and then we write about all that is occurring inside that box, be it horror or poetry. How popular is horror in the United Kingdom, and as a horror writer yourself, how do you see yourself as a part of this media?

[LC] When I was growing up and until my mid-twenties I immersed myself in horror books, films and TV series but either that interest dropped away as I became too involved with real life, or horror went out of fashion. However, there has certainly been a resurge of interest here, post-Twilight.

With TV series such as True Blood and the UK’s new Bedlam, Marchlands and Being Human I’d say there has been a rapid rise in horror intrigue here this last year. That’s what happens when economies fall apart and the real people are left to pay.

I’m glad to say London-based Hammer Horror is back, Brit Stephen Jones continues to inform horror fans of new works by every last twitching pen, media such as audio cast is bringing a new voice to the field; Brighton-based Barry Northern’s Cast Macabre being an excellent example. There’s a lot happening in the UK horror-wise at the moment – and whether I’m invited to be play a part in it, we’ll have to see. I’m keeping an eye on it.

[EC] The resurgence of horror is very exciting for writers of the genre—kind of like we’re arriving at a party at just the perfect time. What writers/books have inspired you?

[LC] I could go on forever, but will pick just three authors.
My bible is Clive Barker’s Imajica, closely followed by his Weaveworld. His words are so prosaic, so absolutely dripping with beauty. Although it’s classed as horror to me his writing is a beaded dreamworld – passionate and intricately crafted. You can tell he’s also a visual and fine-artist – the exquisite brushwork of his mind is painted across every page.

Also, anything my Joanne Harris has me reeling. The wickedness she dares to assign her characters is so dangerous. She perfectly understands evil and isn’t afraid to share that with the reader. Most people will be familiar with Chocolat, and may have found the beautiful film to be whimsical. But Harris’s books are another matter - menacing and dark, poetic dances that twist and crawl, glistening all the while with teasing treasures and lures. Holy Fools, Sleep Pale Sister, Gentlemen and Players, Blue Eyed Boy – glorious.

Not horror, but a book of first-class writing I am in awe of is Sarah Waters’ Fingersmith. Dark, delectable and gasp-out-loud twists.

[EC] The importance for horror writers to read outside of their genre cannot be stressed enough, for horror has its tentacles on every shelf of the library. I think your passion for the ‘craft of writing’, regardless of genre, is absolutely embodied in your own writing, which gives it such depth, originality, and distinctive character. You must know this… What writes are you proud of, why, and can you tell us anything about your future writing goals?

[LC] To cover future writing goals first, of course I dream of selling a novel and getting a decent book deal – but I have no illusions. It’s incredibly hard work, and even when the book is polished and edited to perfection, there’s no guarantee an agent will want you or a publisher will think you fit. All I know is I must continue to write, write, edit, edit to the very best of my ability. And keep hoping. In the meantime, I’m addicted to short story writing!

I’ll never forget the first time I had anything published online. I sent Fashion Victim to Col Bury at Thrillers Killers ‘n’ Chillers but was worried it was too gory. Col thought I was joking – then read it! The positive feedback I got from that first foray was enough to give me the confidence to keep going. Now I have no choice! Col, Matt Hilton and fellow horror writer Lee Hughes are the editors at TK’n’C; you couldn’t ask for better support and these days I’m proud to count them as good mates.

Possibly my very favourite short story is Dressing Up Box, which won the New Flesh Magazine’s Inaugural TNF Flash Fiction War last year. I wrote it very quickly and laughed the whole way through. Demons and dancing and tutus and slicing and boudoirs of flesh.

Birthright, which recently featured on February Femmes Fatales was a morbid joy to write – myth, goddesses, syphilis, prostitution and anti-establishment. Yup, love that blend.

Also I wrote a story The Infanta Triptych especially for Red Skies Press’s Their Dark Masters; Tales of Extreme Vampire Horror which is now out on Amazon. Bloody and wicked, I met some blissful characters there that I might want to revisit.

Probably closest to my heart, though less horror than urban fantasy is Magenta Shaman, the story of natural born visionary and traveller between realms, Magenta Sweeney. The first tale in the series introduces us to Magenta’s unique trance journeys and near-death battles with toxic demons; it tackles her delicate relationship with husband Tom and exposes an anonymous group ‘The Protegians’ who have taken it upon themselves to protect this earth and her parallel domains – but at what cost?
And you’re hearing it here first – episode 1 will soon be available to download as a Kindle single. More details on The Feardom as the date looms. And yes, I’m biting my nails in trepidation!

[EC] You are not alone in anticipation of a Lily Child’s novel or novella or anthology, or hell, even a children’s story. Dressing Up Box is one story I will never forget, along with The Infanta Triptych, another work of art, literally. Your work is exceptionally detailed, raw, and visceral. What fuels this originality and how do you nurture it?

[LC] I have no idea! It’s those little trances again – I seem to drift off at the slightest prompt and can visualise bloody scenarios in seconds. I’m sure other people do this – don’t they? No? Ah - maybe I’m missing a filter somewhere.

Mostly I do nothing to nurture what spills from my head to the paper or screen – it just happens. But occasionally I’ll pump Placebo out of the iPod, drown in a Nag Champa mist and take a dribble of red wine. It helps – whether I need it or not.

[EC] Need is too fine of a line to see most of the time anyway. You mentioned Magenta Shaman. Do you have another longer work in progress that you could you give us a quick low-down on, the background from which it developed, or where you are at in its development?

[LC] The novel in question wasn’t going where I wanted it to and I felt it was a little too light-hearted; not very Lily Childs. I made the decision to put it to one side, and immediately had an idea for something new – based on a dream my husband had. This is completely different and is still at the planning and research stage – though I have written a prologue, first chapter and an overview. I won’t reveal what it’s about, let’s just say if I belonged to the church, I’d be excommunicated.

[EC] I say congrats to that! Speaking of congrats, a well-deserved applause to you for your Spinetingler Award Nomination on Carpaccio, and for your popular, Lily’s Friday Prediction. How did this challenge fruit and what are your means for choosing the three words?

[LC] My little family has been playing with bibliomancy for years – each of us blindly opening a book and seeing where our finger lands, as a kind of predictive tool. It’s never worked – which is good considering some of the apocalyptic words we’ve picked out! But it’s good fun – and because we use a massive encyclopaedic dictionary we all learn lots of new words each week. It occurred to me one Friday that it would be fun to pull out three words and see what other people might make of them - and so the weekly Friday Prediction was born.

The Prediction has turned into an incredible community with contributions by astonishingly talented writers, most of whom come back week after week, or drop in on occasion, selflessly commenting on others’ work. I am really proud that this has become such a focus and welcome challenge for authors. It’s even brought some non-horror/mystery writers over to the dark side (in the nicest possible way, of course.)

[EC] February Femme Fatales…who is your favorite kick-ass woman (star/writer/character/real life person) and does she have anything in common with your muse?

[LC] This is a hard one to answer. There are many people I admire but their gender is irrelevant.

Having said that I am still reeling from the writings of Emma Restall Orr. Her latest book Kissing The Hag explores the necessary darkness of being a woman and how to embrace those aspects rather than shy away from the frowns of a judgemental society. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to every woman (and man); she is extraordinary and I guarantee you will find empathy, solace and strength in this book.
And then there are writers such as R.S. Bohn, Jodi MacArthur, Erin Cole, A.J. Humpage, Virginia Woolf, the afore-mentioned Joanne Harris...

And Kate Bush.

My muse, I believe, is my own reflection – the kind that won’t appear if you look in a witch-mirror.

[EC] I must crank Babooshka tonight! And witch mirrors…I have to admit, this interview is inspiring my muse already, who, for the record looks nothing like me. I hope. So, speaking of muses, which writers have been known to talk, yell, and fantasize with, I find that many writers believe in unusual things, be it prophecies, religious beliefs, or certain myths, etc. Do you believe in anything out of the ordinary?

[LC] The word Belief always suggests an element of doubt to me, but I think doubt is healthier than blind faith or dogma. I am certainly pagan in my overall outlook, am fascinated by mythology (Cretan particularly) and the diverse yet connected pantheons, but am also interested in theology as a whole. I do, however struggle with some of the neo-religions – seems to be a lot of profit out there waiting to be gained from vulnerable and gullible followers.

I find it difficult to discuss what I know to be true to me, but which might mean nothing to another. I can lie in the grass and feel the energy around me – that’s a solid truth. I can sit against trees and witness all those who have walked the forests for centuries. But do I believe in ghosts? I don’t know. I’ve seen and heard things I cannot explain, had visions all my life, moved keys with an angry shout, been touched by invisible fingers. I’ve read tarot and runes for over 30 years but I am the biggest cynic. What do I believe in? Genus loci definitely – everything else, it depends.

As for reincarnation, I’m not ready to talk about that yet.

[EC] Read The Reincarnation of Peter Proud, by Max Ehrlich, and then we can chat about it over a cyber brew! Okay, just for fun…your protagonist has just discovered a dead body in his or her home. What happens next?

[LC] Orla cursed herself. It wasn’t there when she left the house; the body had been safely hidden in the cellar, the heavy door locked and bolted. Now the thing sat on her sofa, dripping from a multitude of orifices. It raised a rotten hand; skin slipped from the fingers to expose gnarled bone. Orla stared at her husband’s pitiful expression, the hang-dog eyes burst from their respective sockets as he blinked.
“Well?” Orla asked. Her jaw ticked, this was really inconvenient.
Dave struggled to speak. His mouth tore into pocked cheeks as he raised wilting brows in question.
“M I dudd?”
Idiot.

[EC] I love it. Thank you so much for sharing your world, Lily. And now for Lily Childs's new story, Wraiths and Stays. It is another gem.

Wraiths and Stays
by Lily Childs

We didn’t speak of it, for how could we? A blessing bell, the priests said but we knew the clanging peel sounded the death knell in our midst, announcing the journey to hell for the fairest and most sweet. Not even the healthy amongst them were saved from the buboids, eruptions and pox. And now, with them fallen like God-forsaken flies - daughters of Beelzebub – I tried to forget what my own looked like. Mother, frail but proud. My girls – a beguiling trilogy - unwed, unbetrothed. Even my wife, traitor that she was and bringer of plague to this island; she played still in my mind, a rotting wretch. Here we wallow, barely buoyant in the floods of death she has left in her wake, in this place that once drowned in roses and where trees dripped with pungent medlars and cider apples. All gone.
Out of high windows we stared at the seething, spiralling mass of living decay. They ruptured below us, then flew to our rooftops to snatch with sharp teeth at our desperate gazes. With every attack we fell to the floor, eyes closed in fear as our only protection.

It is days now; weeks. Food is on ration. Unseasonal snow hardens the ground making crops, seeds and grain inaccessible. Taunting voices steal through stone walls making whispers of love and a promise of more. Around me the weak seek solace in each others’ arms and between the hard legs of fighters and labourers. I don’t want to give in... Can I resist temptation? An intimacy only hinted at amongst the dandiest of types now seems so warmly and wantonly inviting. I try to long instead for the affection and caring embrace of my woman – the mother of my children, mere memories. Even recalling the lust shared over years with a dozen mistresses or more can’t touch the unbidden desire that arises inside me, growing visibly. It pulses and pulls at me, rabidly wiping my mind of its senses. I sweat, think of her, and of she and of them. What’s a world without cherish, the soft bloom of a maiden’s fair cheek? What are we, alone with no notion of how to survive if the purest of love has been snatched from us, cruelly and without warning? With sword and with force we can fight these foul demons – mirror images of the women we loved - but attack as we may we cannot live without them. The bravado no longer matters to me; even now all I desire is to lie against the flesh of beautiful desmoiselles of long ago, entwined in emaciated but once-plump limbs that would wrap around horses to ride in the sea. Clutching myself I watch them fly by and want to suck at the place where their lips used to be; plunge myself deep, deep and deeper into cold, wide and empty chasms.

Some here are dying. Some here are dead. Some have escaped into the blizzard, devoured within moments by spectral fiends. Me, I’m still inside the tower, still pure as I peer through thick curtains to search the hoards, head cocked in defence, aware of the salacious grunts at my back. Time is short. Soon man will turn on man for more nourishing needs than his base lusts. I do not wish to be meat to my comrades, and so, though I know I will die before daylight – though sun-up has failed since the moon cast her veil – I choose to be master, not victim of my fate.
I venture out into the wail-ridden wilderness where I wait to be mauled by the wraiths of the women that stay, not quite dead. My head is bent in supplication as I pray they’ll be swift. And I fall to my knees, lay on my back, raise up my arms ever willing to be guided by hands and mouths and breasts. I lie here, ready on ice-painted moss to give in to their kiss.

© 2011 Lily Childs

And now for a sneak peek at Lily's new novella cover, Magenta Shaman.

It is beeeautiful! Now available on Kindle

Cheers and thanks again, Mrs. Childs!

You can reach Lily at her website, Lily Childs Feardom.

Book Reviews: Lazarus and Release

2011-04-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

Lazarus, by Lori Titus

Lori Titus pens a sharp, supernatural tale with her novella, Lazarus, a zombie western horror. She balances a great plot with steady action, creative elements and mystery, and authentic characters.

Luella Pembry waltzes into the town of Lazarus, challenging the people’s laws and the heart of Sheriff Benjamin Drake. She’s haunted by a difficult past and frequent, chilling warnings from the apparitions she sees. Little does she know that Sheriff Drake has his own supernatural abilities too. But Luella has other worries—her visit to Lazarus involves the rising dead and the dark secrets behind their return.

Luella and Ben embark through treacherous grounds to discover the root of Lazarus’ evil and lay to rest their own personal demons. With a well-rounded ending full of surprises and twists, and a distinct plot, Lazarus also delivers tasty zombie lore mixed with a little witchcraft, all occurring in 1896 in a small, western town, one that is full of magic, death, and corruption.

This book is a fun, fast read with a variety of genre that will appeal to many readers.

Order on Amazon

Release, by Nicole Hadaway

Upon hearing about Nicole Hadaway’s book, Release, a novel about vampires rescuing Jewish children in the heart of WWII, I was immediately intrigued. In this novel, Nicole fluently crafted character and plot, and weaved them into a unique vampire story—proving it can still be done. Her flair for conflict and intimate struggle draws suspense and keeps the reader enthused for resolution, which absolutely packs a twist at the end.

Meet Miranda Dandridge, vampire woman with a heart, who falls in love with a human, Ben Gongliewski, a resistance worker in WWII. As Miranda learns to trust Ben, through the rescuing of children, he learns to accept Miranda’s darker lifestyle and the demonic friends she hangs with. Through close encounters and unexpected tribulations, Miranda and Ben get closer, which becomes a moral struggle for Miranda—she is engaged!

By the time Miranda and Ben discover the true evil they are fighting, they’ve dug themselves deep into trouble, having exposed Miranda’s powers and Ben’s covert operation. The one person they expected they could trust turns on them both, and it becomes a fight for survival in an apocalyptic world of good and evil, with humans, werewolves, and vampires all uniting to conquer hell and beyond.

Nicole’s former career as a lawyer is effectively demonstrated in her research of World War history, European geography, and supernatural lore. A romantic subplot, as well as familial oppositions, strained friendships, and blind trust, are all efficiently written into the story, giving her novel an overall sense of cohesiveness.

The sequel to Release, Return, is due sometime this year.

Order Release on Nook and Smashwords

I'm a happy writer today-

2011-04-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

Why? May 1st, I will have guest writer, Lily Childs, on my blog! Write that down, email it, Twitter it, FB your dog—do whatever you can to catch the latest on her writing, future projects, and inspirations, with a bonus never-been-published-before story, Wraiths and Stays.

If you are not familiar with Lily Childs's writing, I highly recommend that you do. She writes the most amazing poetic, dark horror, with such originality and sensuous language, you finish her stories in a reflected awe, and then want to trash your current WIP (well, close;). I and many others think it's only a matter of time before her name goes big.

Another thing I'm excited about:

Check out what came in the mail yesterday - Cemetery Dance's 50th issue! Yes, I am aware that this post is seven years late. Regardless, I'm still excited to have CD's 50th Special Issue on my desk, filled with an interview with King and stories from Bradbury, Braunbeck, Campbell, Partridge, Little and more.

Also, the sun is shinning, finally, which is good for my neighbor, because I was about to sacrifice her to the Sun God.

Secrets Revealed...

2011-04-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

Now, I'm sure some of you are hoping that I'm going to expose a few juicy details of my private life, sorry. But...this will be even better, because in all honesty, I live an ordinary life. I know, I'm bummed too.

However, I do have an in-depth plot table to show you about outlining your next novel. Isn't that thrilling? Below, I have pasted an example to show you, and purposely made it blurry since it details the latest guts of my second novel.

I am excited about this plot table, because it is the second time I've used this format to outline, and it is near idiot-functional. That is, even if you're an idiot when it comes to drafting a novel, you can use and will benefit from this table.

This is a simple Excel spreadsheet (you can also use a table in Word) of every scene or POV shift in my novel. I've been averaging 80-100 for 90K words, but if you write like Stieg Larsson, you might have 10,000.

Across the top (horizontally) I have these headings: POV , CHAPTER, SCENE, [scene] #, GOAL, CONFLICT, DISASTER, EMOTIONS/THOUGHTS, DAY, NOTES.

According to Dwight Swain, author of Techniques of the Selling Writer, every scene has a goal, conflict, disaster (SCENE), reaction, dilemma, and a decision (SEQUEL), small or large they might be. I've grouped the last three into Emotions and Thoughts in my table, which may or may not include a decision.

The importance of breaking down your scenes with these elements is crucial for the structure and pacing of your book. It helps organize your thoughts, craft a logical and complete storyline, and you may even gain insight about the themes, symbols, and moods in your novel.

In the first column of my plot table (vertically - see, I told you this was idiot-functional), I list the POV character's name in that scene. Because I usually have three to four POV's in the Kate Waters mysteries, I break up my scenes according to POV switch. Also, I have color coordinated each of my POV's so immediately upon looking at my table, I can easily see how many POV's my main character has in a row, and whether or not I need to add or space out POV scenes for flow and pacing. Currently, my main character is green, my detective is purple, and the other two are black and blue, which actually sums up their relationship.

In the SCENE column, I like to list the location of that scene, which helps remind me to vary the locations of my scenes for suspense and intrigue, as well as including unique or symbolic areas for action to take place at, such as on a docked boat or a shady pub, depending on what type of scene and/or information is being revealed at the time.

In the DAY column, you can keep track of the weekdays, time of day, sequential number, or even weather. The CHAPTER column is usually blank until I've finalized the structure of all my scenes, and am confident they won't change in order (much) - that way, I can choose the best places to stop and start the next chapter.

The gray shading in the plot table is for night and day differentiation, with night scenes in gray. This is also a quick reference for how many scenes I have at night, which ones they are, and whether or not I need to adjust for time details in the novel.

When you are writing a novel, there are a gazillion details to keep track of, especially if you're writing mystery. What details were put in one scene, or how far off an event occurred from another can be maddening and confusing if you don't have the right tools to keep track of information flow. So, hopefully this plot table will be one of those tools that at least one of you will find helpful.

PS - This plot table is actually so cool and idiot-functional, I'm going to start drafting my first horror novel with it this summer.

Two Burgers with Fries and Coke @ Flash Fiction Offensive

2011-03-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

No, no, no...this isn't mystery or horror. Nope, this is some good ol' home cookin' pulp crime fiction.

Have taste at Flash Fiction Offensive with my savory bite, Two Burgers with Fries and Coke. Grab your condiments; you'll want em'.

Thanks a million, David.

Though Flash Fiction Offensive is temporarily closed for submissions, it is due to overflow of interest - check back soon to get your piece in before the next dish of fiction delight is served.

Book Reviews: Last Winter's Leaves and Pomegranate Stories

2011-03-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

Last Winter's Leaves, by Michael J. Solender

Michael J. Solender is an adept writer with a keen insight into the deepest corners of the human spirit. In his chapbook, Last Winter’s Leaves, he leads the reader far into the forest of love, regret, belonging, and interpersonal fears that take root in one’s soul.

Each nine pieces of prose are delicately crafted, selecting only glimpses of story that leave the reader wanting more, while at the same time, delivering a fulfilling conclusion that drifts in the mind, like the last, fallen leaf.

I have read every piece in this chapbook at least twice, and through the layers of Michael’s prose and his ability to connect to the heart of the matter, I believe every reader will embrace traces of themselves.

Contact Michael to order: michaeljsolender@gmail.com

* * *

Pomegranate Stories, by Gay Degani

Gay Degani has a stunning voice, gripping and charged, and loaded with such authentic realism, that her literary stories borderline nonfiction horrors.

Beneath the anguish of hardship, Degani’s stories offer subtle hope, charm, and humor, which captures readers and pulls them into other people's lives, ones that are rich with details and character. Even if they have never experienced such conflict, the confidence in Degani’s writing and the style with which she portrays her characters’ emotions will have readers sitting in the front row.

In “Dani-Girl’s Guide to Getting Everything Right,” we steal into the life of a young woman, who has made cardinal rules for getting through the tough spots in life, but when it comes to family matters, sometimes our guide is an opened map. “Hawaiian Hairdo,” “Listing Lisa,” and “Chair Girl” are absolute gems of women’s multifaceted relationships that will have you cheering in the end.

In “Pomegranate,” “Monsoon,” “Spring Melt,” and “Rim Shot,” Degani uncovers the darker nightmares that plague mothers, daughters, and families, and how the human spirit, despite its frailty, carries on in a world that is too often blackened by tears and violence.

Whether you read literary, mystery, or horror, the crisp details of Gay Degani’s Pomegranate Stories will both delight and startle you.

Order a copy here: Amazon

Constructing A Murder Scene...and other tidbits

2011-03-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for doctors who blog! I've recently met a talented and lovely woman, Lydia Kang, who was kind enough to help me with one of my character's death. Even better, she posted about it for others to read, and get grossed out over, on her Medical Mondays. Check out her cool blog here:

The Word is My Oyster

In other news, I'm a little giddy over Chris Allinotte's Madness in March. Not only did he host a terrific event, pulling in some of the best horror writers I know, and chose my story, Still Alive, as the most insane, but he then put it all together in a cool Ebook. More news on its availability later.

Cheers to spring!

Still Alive @ March Madness

2011-03-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

Chris Allinotte's March Madness is crazy good, with authors like Laurita Miller, Richard Godwin, Angel Zapata, Benjamin Sobieck, and Sean Patrick Reardon.

I am pleased to have my story, Still Alive, featured among them!

Many thanks, Chris. Cheers!

5x5 Fiction: Stories Told Loud and Clear

2011-03-12T22:59:00.000-08:00

The first issue of 5x5 Fiction is up and I'm proud to be chosen among the talent with my piece, Fresh Bait.

Thank you Angel Zapata!

There are many good entries here: Michael J. Solender, Chris Allinotte, Laura Eno, John Wiswell, Laurita Miller, Absolutely*Kate, Zelda Martin, Jelena Vencl Ohlrogge, and more. Unwind with these short and sharp flash fiction, and then see if you can do better by submitting here.

Cheers!

Grammar Refresher - Possessive Nouns 101

2011-03-09T11:30:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been editing, editing, and editing, entering a few contests, submitting a few pieces, and still working on my second novel, Wicked Tempest, all of which require oodles of editing. Therefore, I have had to refresh my grammar a bit, and I have learned a couple of things along the way about possessive nouns—sounds ~~awful~~ fun, right?

See how well you know your possessive nouns below (taken from REA’s Handbook of English: Grammar, Style, and Writing). I bet you learn at least one thing:

POSSESSIVE CASE

1) Use an apostrophe and an “s” to form the possessive of singular proper names and common nouns ending in the sibilant sound of “s,” “sh,” “ch,” and “z”:

(Yeats’s poetry, a lioness’s agility, Atlas’s sense of balance, the crocus’s growth)

—BUT—

2) Use an apostrophe alone for plural nouns ending in a sibilant sound:

(the Adams' yacht, the girls’ locker room)

POSSESSIVES IN A SERIES

1) When one of the nouns in a series is a possessive, all of the other nouns in that series must also be in the possessive case:

(Bill’s, Henry’s, George’s, and my new restaurant…)

2) This also goes for joint possession when each word in a series possesses something different:

(James’ and Michael’s paintings are similar.)

—BUT—

3) When each noun in a possessive series possesses the same thing, the possessive is formed with the last noun only:

(Let’s go over to John and Mary’s house.)

POSSESSIVE FOLLOWED BY AN APPOSITIVE

1) When a possessive is followed by an appositive (a word or group of words complementing or supplementing another), the apostrophe and “s” is added to the appositive.

(I took Mrs. Green, my teacher’s, advice.)

This can also be written without commas.

( My sister Mary's car runs well.)

—BUT—

2)If the appositive is not essential to the meaning of the sentence, the possessive may be formed on both the main noun and the explanatory word OR on only the explanatory word:

(Her friend's, Christopher's, dog always barks.)

OR

(Her friend, Christopher's, dog always barks.)

* * *

And you may ask, isn't this what editors are for?

The Madness of March

2011-02-28T10:59:00.000-08:00

Yes, there is madness brewing this month of March.

First off - submissions for Chris Allinote's March Madness ends this Friday, March 4th. Here are the details for that:

"...the rules - any length is great, up to a 2,000 word cap. Submit to chrisallinotte (at) gmail (dot) com with "Madness in March Submission" in the subject line, and your story in the body of the e-mail."

Secondly - Amazon is deleting reviews! That's right. They are changing their posting rules. Here's what Irene Watson from Reader Views had to say:

"I did find out that Amazon is revamping their review posting rules which will eliminate all posts other than those whereby the reviewer can prove that he or she either purchased the book or was given it as a gift. That is...if they comply by the FTC 16 CFR Part 255 that came into effect December 1, 2009."

You can read the full article here: Amazon Changes Rules on the Go: Affiliates and Reviewers Are Being Dropped

Thirdly - I believe the world is going mad too. Don't let it get you.

Book Reviews: Laura Eno & Angel Zapata

2011-02-23T10:29:00.000-08:00

Still busting through my 'to-read' books and have finished a couple more reviews. I strongly urge others to support their fellow writers by posting professional reviews at online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads) of the books they finish.

Enjoy!

Prophecy Moon, by Laura Eno

Laura Eno’s novel, “Prophecy Moon,” is testament to her skill in weaving fantasy and romance into a story that is richly sated with magic and adventure. With exceptional language, Eno’s writing captures the reader at the heart—where love can be lost, trust can be sold, and destiny can hinder on the forces of magic alone.

Travis knows his beautiful world with love, Lessa, is about to change when an old seer comes to his door one peaceful morning, giving him a glimpse of another world in destruction, one seemingly too familiar to him. She tells him of a dream that could be real, but Travis wants to forget the encounter until he wakes into that dark world. Read more...

You can purchase Prophecy Moon at Amazon and for Kindle.

The Man of Shadows, by Angel Zapata

To describe Angel Zapata’s short fiction as poetic, bizarre, and speculative dark horror is anything but fitting, because it doesn’t highlight the effect his stories have on the reader’s psyche. Zapata fiction brings horror to the edge of science fiction, mystery, fantasy, and literary, and then he spices it with traces of slipstream, erotica, and noir in a language that is both stunning and precise, ultimately delivering that meaty tale one expects.

In his first collection of dark fiction, “The Man of Shadows,” Angel has gathered a variety of darkness, a splendor of wicked characters, prose that mystifies the mind, and a disturbing bulk of demented originality, such as that in his first piece, about carnivorous eating tattoos in, “The Mouth of Babes.” Read more...

The Man of Shadows can be purchased at Amazon and for Kindle.

Witches Wednesday @ The Dandridge Estate

2011-02-16T09:58:00.000-08:00

It is Witches Wednesday at Nicole Hadaway's Blog, The Dandridge Estate. I've been invited to discuss witches, their attraction in our culture, and those included in my novel, Grave Echoes: A Kate Waters Mystery. Pop on over and read an excerpt from Grave Echoes and learn who my favorite witches are.

Thanks Nicole!

The Phantoms of Jamie Stevens - Lily Child's February Femme Fatales

2011-02-10T21:29:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting eagerly for this day, to showcase one of my darker delights on one of the best, yes, the best horror blogs around - Lily Child's Feardom in her February Femme Fatales! And what an introduction she gives, to each and every one of her fatale femmes! I'm truly honored, a little speechless, and even giddy...feel like maybe I should buy her a drink. Or two.

My story, The Phantoms of Jamie Stevens, is over there now, and if you do click on over there, I strongly urge you to read other fantastic works by Susan May, R.S. Bohn, Marissa Farrar Laurita Miller, Pixie J. King, Lou Treleaven, Sue Harding, A.J. Humpage, Asuqi, and more upcoming works from Jodi Mac, Antonia Woodville, Ellie Garratt, and Lily herself. The fact that Lily has such a great following of talented female and male writers speaks volumes for her own writing - she is top of her game.

Thanks on end for hosting my story, Lily. Cheers to you!

PS - love that pic, with the phantom in the background...or is it Jamie's father? You decide; either way, it's perfect.

Two book reviews...

2011-02-06T18:49:00.000-08:00

I haven't had many new writes up lately, though my story, The Phantoms of Jamie Stevens, will be up at Lily Child's February Femme Fatales at the end of the week. I have been working on a few longer pieces, the sequel to Grave Echoes, Wicked Tempest, and three short stories (2K - 4K ea) which I'm hoping to publish in new markets, maybe even....those that...$$! We'll see if I'm good enough.

In the meantime, I have been reading some great books, and will be posting reviews on all those that I've read in the Holdiay Catalog. Here are the first two:

Loathsome, Dark, & Deep, by Aaron Polson

“—absolute in chills and suspense!”

Aaron Polson’s Loathsome, Dark, and Deep is the perfect book for horror, mystery, and thriller readers, combining a popular blend of genres adeptly. Beginning exactly where it should, troubled soul Henry Barlow receives a letter of duty with H&P Lumber and Pulp to relieve Edmund Curt from a small outpost along the Lewis River—something bad has happened to the men up there. It gets even creepier and continues to do so until the last page is turned.

What I liked best about Loathsome, Dark, & Deep was the mood that Mr. Polson established throughout the entirety of the novel. Because I live only five miles from the Columbia River, I found the scenic descriptions of a chilling, thick fog and a dampness that saturates into the bones of the land to be quite truthful. This atmosphere compliments the state of Henry Barlow, the cold that has settled into his soul from a past filled with heart-wrenching mistakes and violence, and it certainly fuels the fear of what lies and waits in the forest for the crew of the steam vessel, the Raven.

Read the full review here and purchase the novel here.

The Cowboy and the Vampire, by Kathleen McFall and Clark Hays

“…sexy, dark, witty, and nothing less.”

Embark on Tucker and Lizzie’s journey into the dark world of vampires, secret ancient heritage, and their fight to save humanity, with the help of a cowboy and his posse, which includes his peculiar father, weapon/conspiracy-savvy friend, and his faithful, canine companion, Rex.

Lizzie and Tucker fall in love unexpectedly after she literally crashes in on his world, but his cowboy lifestyle and her city life bring them at odds, though only in the beginning—for love teaches them soon that is has no boundaries, even when your lover grows fangs.

What I enjoyed most about The Cowboy and the Vampire was the balance of genre—romance, mystery, horror, and comedy, all wrapped up in a delightful adventure that keeps the pages turning.

Read the full review here and purchase the novel here. (FYI - I actually get to meet with Kathleen this Thursday!)

Coming Soon: Laura Eno's Prophecy Moon, Angel Zapata's The Man of Shadows, Michael J. Solender's Last Winter's Leaves, and Gay Degani's Pomegranate Stories.

Lily Child's February Femme Fatales playing now!

2011-01-31T17:06:00.000-08:00

Lily Child's highly anticipated February Femme Fatales, no exaggeration, has pulled the curtains aside, and her first guest, Susan May James, dominates the stage with her piece, Shadows.

For the rest of the month, catch up on some of the best women in mystery, crime, and horror. *Blush* I'll have a story up too, The Phantoms of Jamie Stevens.

Lily Child's hosts the popular weekly Friday Predictions, and after reading some of her own incredibly original, raw, and visceral writing, it is not surprising to any of us that the best of writers collect at the footsteps of her crypt. Actually, I'm kind of hoping she does the Men of May ; )

Cheers, Lily, and thank you!

Blog Books and Reviews

2011-01-25T09:06:00.000-08:00

This December, I promised to purchase five books from the Holiday Book Blog Catalog. However, I have a weakness for books (and cake) and so I ended up purchasing ten to date (which is not to say that there will be more in the future):

1 - Blood, Money, Power by Michele Marie Tate
2 - The Cowboy and the Vampire by Clark Hayes and Kathleen McFall
3 - Prophecy Moon by Laura Eno
4 - The Man of Shadows by Angel Zapata
5 - Loathsome, Dark, and Deep by Aaron Polson
6 - Slash and Burn by Matt Hilton (still en route)
7 - Pomegranate Stories by Gay Degani
8 - Flash! edited by Chris Bartholomew
9 - Lazarus by Lori Titus
10 - Apostle Rising by Richard Godwin (waiting for release)

So far, I've read Laura Eno's Prophecy Moon, and I'm currently writing a review for. I've also read and reviewed The Cowboy and the Vampire by Clark Hayes and Kathleen McFall - read the review here, and I just finished Loathsome, Dark, and Deep by Aaron Polson, which I'll also be writing a review for.

I'm in the middle of Angel Zapata's The Man of Shadows, Chris Bartholomew's Flash! Anthology, Gay Degani's Pomegranate Stories, and I look forward to reading Lori Titus' Lazarus, Matt Hilton's Slash and Burn, Richard Godwin's Apostle Rising, and Michele Marie Tate's Blood, Money, Power, who I had the pleasure of sharing an author table with at the Willamette Writer's Book Faire.

I will be giving reviews of all the books I read, and I encourage everyone else to do the same for the blog books they read. Reviews support the writer by identifying strengths and/or weaknesses in the book, they can boost sales, and they help validate the hard work it took to get all those ideas into print.

Thanks to everyone who helped support their fellow writers. Cheers!

The New Flesh: Bartering in the Hood

2011-01-15T07:11:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year when the slimy army nears, and slips and slides over the drive...find out what happens when neighborhood animals barter in my piece, Bartering in the Hood, now at The New Flesh.

Thanks for slipping this one in, Wil!

Have you ever...

2011-01-10T17:24:00.000-08:00

...been accepted into an anthology, ordered it, looked through the pages only to find out that your 'accepted submission' is not included?

For professional reasons, and until I can sort out my missing story, I am not mentioning the publishing company or anthology.

But hell, I'd love to hear similar experiences and/or your thoughts.

Their Dark Masters is here!

2011-01-06T08:45:00.000-08:00

Another vampire anthology? I don't think so-
check out the names in Mark Anthony Crittenden's anthology, Their Dark Masters: tales of extreme vampire horror, from RED SKIES PRESS: Tyree Campbell, Brian K. Ladd, Lily Childs, Lee Hughes, Erik Boman, Paul Anderson, Erin Cole, Gregory Miller, Marissa Farrar, Henry Brasater, Rebecca L. Brown, Barry J. Northern, and of course, Mark Anthony Crittenden.

Here's a teaser of my story, Tormented:

It isn’t easy becoming vampire. There are tests. Children take to it naturally, malleable minds and ravenous spirits, but the consumption of blood is just the beginning to creating a monster. This is a good thing. Unless, it is someone you love—someone you cannot save.

* * *

Nolan woke from the dream again, like a bull chasing him through the darkness. Only it was her, tunneling through the black-netted cosmos for the locality of his deceitful spirit. He was the vampire who had thieved the queen’s monstrous, tar-like heart, hoping the legend was true—that if buried beneath thirteen feet of cold water, it would render a vampire powerless.

Tonight, Nolan would find out, in death or near it. He would put an end to her twisting will and perverted impulses over him forever, the feeling of her hands between his legs, mouth hot and full of him. She always wanted only the best of him inside her, and when she reached the pinnacle of ecstasy, he’d brace himself for her bite (exquisite pain, both arousing and horrific). That was Roxanna…gorgeous, terrible Roxanna.

He could not resist her. Surrender was unavoidable. But he didn’t love her. And never did. And now that he’d found real love, Roxanna sought both of their deaths...

Find out what happens to Nolan and his doomed lover, Justine, when they try to kill the queen vampire, Roxanna. It's an ending full of surprises.

Purchase now at Createspace and Amazon.

Literary Foray - "Unspoken Bonds"

2010-12-30T20:00:00.000-08:00

Static Movement's Literary Foray anthology, edited by Chris Bartholomew, is in print (check out that gorgeous cover!). My story, Unspoken Bonds (short listed in the 2009 Tom Howard / John H. Reid Short Story Contest, revised for publication) is one of the 39 stories/poems published, along with Sean Monaghan, Jessica Bell, Leah Pugh, and many more. You can purchase a copy here, and it will soon be available at on-line retailers.

Unspoken Bonds depicts the struggles of a soldier returning home from war to take care of his indifferent father suffering from late-stage Alzheimer's disease. Though they never break through each other's walls, they hold true to their unspoken bond as father and son.

You can also see other new releases at Static Movement's affiliate bookstore, Pill Hill Press, such as Hit Men, School Days: Tales with an Edge, Dark Romance From the Far Side, Christmas Fear, Something from the Attic, and Powers.

Thanks, Chris!

5x5 Fiction - A New Ezine

2010-12-18T15:49:00.000-08:00

I love it when writers take a chance. Do something off the wall, unexpected, risky...or maybe just fun with their craft. One such writer, Angel Zapata, is establishing his own quarterly ezine, 5 by 5 Fiction: Stories Told Loud and Clear. Here are the guidelines:

"I’m looking for exceptional stories to shout from rooftops. Complete stories (not rantings or poems) must be exactly 25 words long, told in exactly 5 sentences, with each sentence comprised of exactly 5 words.

Any variation from these short, sweet, strict guidelines won’t even be considered. All genres are welcome. Write it, proofread it, and send it in the body of your e-mail to loudandclearfiction (at) yahoo (dot) com. Subject line should read: 5x5_Story Title_Author's Name."

What are you waiting for? You know what to do. Five words per five sentences. Write, edit, write, edit, submit. See, it is that easy.

Submission Guidelines

Lily Childs' Friday Flash Prediction - Bare the Bones

2010-12-10T15:28:00.000-08:00

Lily Childs has the goods! Every week, she hosts a Friday Flash Prediction Challenge: 3 random words in 100 words max. This last week, my entry Bare the Bones, posted below, was the winning entry - so why brag about it? Because there are some damn fine writers that enter this fun, weekly challenge that Lily hosts, and I'm honored to be chosen.

There were several good entries this week, including Michael J. Solender's Hot Tub in Hades, Chris Allinotte's Diamonds - 2, Lily Childs' Swallow, Susan May James' Lambs, AidenF's demonic Qarînah, David Barber's 3 Episode Whammies, AJ Humpage's Mea Culpa, Asuqi's That of Which the Heart is Filled, and many more.

But it's not about winning (really) - it's about sharpening your writing skills, supporting your fellow writers, and releasing your imagination! Give it a try. This week at: Lily Childs' Feardom

Bare the Bones (outsider, invite or invitation, effervescent )

Everyone has secrets; some are just more interesting. The outsider, the serpent of hedonism, knows this, hangs them from the birch, strangling the words until effervescent riddles bleed between the teeth.

Invite the boa over, an invitation to menace, gliding, sliding around, hugging tight, tighter—choke deceit from the flesh. Venomous truths seep, mire between the fingers…dirt on the knees. Kiss each blue face and knot the rope. Their bones clank in a midnight wind, prattling to those who will listen.

Copyright © 2010 Erin Cole

Thanks Lily and to all the Friday Flash Prediction Writers!

Holiday Book Blog Catalog

2010-11-30T19:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Holiday Book Blog Catalog, featuring great authors that we all know and love. There are 30 outstanding authors listed, which might climb before the big sleigh does, varying between literary, bizarro, crime noir, horror, and poetry.

I am personally making a pledge to purchase FIVE books, and I urge you to buy at least two. How about three? Five? Okay, whatever you can pull, consider it money spent wisely, for each book listed here, contains hours, weeks, and months of collaborative creativity and dedication, and that's always worth a few polished coins.

I want to thank my good friend, Jodi MacArthur, for helping me spread the word about the catalog and for gathering as many authors as she could amidst her own busy schedule. You can also view the Holiday Book Blog Catalog on her blog at: Fiction Writer Jodi MacArthur. Thanks girl!

Enjoy reading...and buying...and selling—

————————————————————————————

LORI TITUS

Lazarus by Lori Titus

It's 1869, and in the town of Lazarus, California, the dead don't stay that way. Luella Pembry, a woman haunted by her own dark past, arrives in town with a device and a plan that may stop the Rising of the dead. She offers her help, for a price. With the help of Sheriff Benjamin Drake, they must face the secrets of Lazarus and race to stop the supernatural forces that threaten to destroy their town, and their own lives as well.

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Green Water Lullaby by Lori Titus (Short Story Collection)

In the town of Chrysalis, South Carolina, things are never what they seem. Lovers come back from the dead. Victims fall prey to "animal" attacks. Friends serve up childhood buddies for sacrifice. And a young family fights for survival during a killer storm.

Available through Sonar4 Publications:

————————————————————————————

LAURA ENO

Don't Fall Asleep: (A Dream Assassin Novel), by Laura Eno

In the 27th century, a psychic aberration has manifested in humanity, gifting a select few with the ability to weave dreams for others. They ply their addictive trade, calling themselves Dream Merchants.

Rarer still are those who can assassinate people while they dream…

Newly arrived on Altair IV, Cassandra Dade works her profession as a Dream Assassin according to her own code of ethics. She's beautiful, rich and running from her past—a past which is about to catch up with her.

The partner she trains might be all that stands between her and mental destruction, a fate worse than death. But does his own secret agenda set them on a collision course with disaster?

Available at:
Amazon Print
Amazon Kindle
Smashwords

Visit her at http://lauraeno.blogspot.com/

————————————————————————————

JEANETTE CHEEZUM

Six Sentences Volume 3

Three complete stories told in six sentences each, for readers that don’t always have the time. May 2010 (search for Jeanette Cheezum)

Available at Amazon

Vox Poetica Inspirations Collection 1, Spring 2010

Annmarie Lockhart’s first poetry collection each taken from a picture prompt.

Available at Lulu

Visit her at 6S: Jeanette Cheezum

————————————————————————————

MICHAEL J. SOLENDER

TOPOGRAPH: New Writings From The Carolina landscape and Beyond.

An Anthology featuring over 30 authors including: Michael J. Solender's essay, Unaffiliated.

As the acclaimed Novello Festival of Reading marks its 20th anniversary, it is partnering with Charlotte ViewPoint magazine to showcase innovative fiction, poetry, and essays from the Carolinas and beyond.

Topograph surveys the literary landscape that has emerged in recent decades, exploding tarnished ideas about Southern writing. For anyone interested in the latest trends, this collection offers a broad spectrum of styles, including formally innovative essays, adventurous flash fiction, and minimalist poetry alongside more traditional storytelling and memorable travelogues. It provides a vista of the most exciting work being done in the area, writing that’s often informed by geography in unexpected ways.

Available at Novello Festival Press

Last Winter's Leaves - A Chapbook by Michael J. Solender.

This collection of very short stories and poems were written as a therapeutic balm after dealing with some significant challenges. Very personal and full of emotion, this collection represents some of my most heartfelt work.

Published by Full of Crow Press

$3, two for $5 plus $1 postage, Contact: michaeljsolender@gmail.com

Visit him at Not From Here, Are You?

————————————————————————————

PEYCHO KANEV

Bone Silence

Peycho Kanev has been writing poetry for the past 10 years. His poems have appeared in more than 400 literary magazines, such as: Poetry Quarterly, Welter, The Shine Journal, Ann Arbor Review, The Catalonian Review, The Arava Review, Nerve Cowboy, Walnut Literary Review, Midwest Literary Review, Chiron Review, Tonopah Review, Third Wednesday, Leaf Garden, Istanbul Literary Review, 322 Review, Mad Swirl, In Posse Review, Southern Ocean Review, The Houston Literary Review, The 13th Warrior Review, Mascara Literary Review, The Mayo Review, Windmills, The Aroostook Review, Naugatuck River Review and many others.

He is nominated for the Pushcart Award and lives in Chicago. Also in 2009 his short story collection “Walking Through Walls” (Ciela), and in April 2010 his poetry collection “American Notebooks” (Ciela) both were published in Bulgaria. His new poetry collection “Bone Silence” was released in September 2010 by Desperanto, NY.

Available at Amazon

"r"

His collaborative collection “r”, containing poetry by him and Felino Soriano, as well as photography from Duane Locke and Edward Wells II was published in the spring of 2009 by Please Press.

Available at Amazon

Email: pupef2001@yahoo.com

————————————————————————————

DEBBIE LAMEDMAN

A Teen Drama Student's Guide to Laying the Foundation for a Successful Acting Career, by Debbie Lamedman

A Teen Drama Student’s Guide to Laying a Foundation for a Successful Acting Career provides invaluable information on a variety of different colleges, universities, and programs. It features quotes from theater faculty and professionals explaining what they look for during the audition process.

A general overview of what to expect from either a BA or BFA program in the performing arts is also included. In addition, you will find straightforward discussions on topics such as: • How to begin the college-application process • How to commit to or rule out an acting career • How to pick the right theater program for you • How to get into the school of your choice • What goals are you looking to accomplish in your college training program? For all you drama students considering an acting career, and for your parents who need up-to-date information, this is an essential guide book written by a seasoned theater educator and author.

Available at Amazon

The Ultimate Audition Book for Teens Volume 4: 111 One Minute Monologues, by Debbie Lamedman

The Ultimate Audition Book for Teens Volume IV: 111 One-Minute Monologues is for the junior high and high school drama student that provide timely subject matter and contemporary, age-appropriate topics. Easily categorized for young men and women, the pieces range from the humorous to the more serious. This collection of short works fills a need previously lacking for this particular age group.

Available at Amazon

Visit her at Confessions of a Cluttered Mind

***Two of her plays were produced in NYC in November!***

————————————————————————————

CHARLES GRAMLICH

Cold in the Light, by Charles Gramlich

Where the beings known as the Whoun came from, only a few know. What they're going to do next is anyone's guess.

But in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, where a decades old conspiracy has started to unravel, a few people are about to find out. Against an enemy from their nightmares, they’ll have to fight, to save the life of an unborn child who isn't human, a child that will change their world forever.

In the brooding forest, they'll learn what it means to fear the dark.... And the light.

Available at:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

You can reach Charles at his website: http://charlesgramlich.blogspot.com/ or by email = kainja@hotmail.com

————————————————————————————

MAGEN TOOLE

M is for Monster, by Magen Toole

Monsters and creatures and horrors, oh my…With each letter of the alphabet comes a new monster, and with each turn of the page comes a new foray into another author’s sinister imaginings. From new twists on traditional favorites to modern glimpses into lesser-known mythology, from time-honored staples of the horror genre to never-before-seen beats of the authors’ design, these twenty-six tales take you on a roller-coaster tour of wicked conjuration.

Available at:
Amazon
Facebook Page

Magen Toole
m.toole@rocketmail.com
http://magentoole.wordpress.com/

————————————————————————————

MICHELLE SCOTT

The Dragons of Hazlett, by Michelle Scott

In Amberweise's polite society, a proper young woman of pure Magician ancestry would never involve herself with something as unpleasant as solving a murder. She would faint at the sight of wheels, pulleys, hinges or other demonic machines. She would never deign to notice the wretched lives of the non-magical commons who serve her day and night, nor would she ever dare to question the traditions of her upbringing. And, most certainly, she would never even think of falling in love with a man whose combination of common heritage and magical abilities have made him a pariah.

Available at Amazon

You can reach Michelle at her website: http://www.blogger.com/www.mscottfiction.com or her blog Holy Terrors

————————————————————————————

TAYLOR STEVENS

The Informationist, A Thriller, by Taylor Stevens

Available March 2011. Pre-order at Amazon

Visit her on Facebook

————————————————————————————

KRISTIN FOUQUET

Twenty Stories, by Kristen Fouquet

Twenty Stories is a collection of literary short stories and flash fiction, many set in New Orleans, with four previously unpublished stories, including The Depreciation of The Darbonnes.

Available at Amazon

Website: Le Salon http://kristin.fouquet.cc/

————————————————————————————

TIM HALL

Half Empty by Tim Hall

Many readers have said that Tim Hall's debut novel contains possibly the hottest, most well-written sex scenes of any novel in recent memory. An acutely observed story of the emotional and physical extremes of romantic obsession and early alcohol withdrawal, Half Empty explores the lives of Brooklyn and Manhattan hipsters struggling to define themselves in a world where nothing matters. Now on sale for the holidays for only $3.99 at Undie Press. Signed by the author.

Available at Undie Press

————————————————————————————

MATT HILTON

Cut and Run, by Matt Hilton

Joe Hunter's devil is Luke Rickard, a killer who has stolen his identity and committed a vicious double murder. His motive? Revenge. His method? A blade. His mission? Kill anyone Hunter holds dear.

It is a deadly duel of wits that takes Hunter from the streets of Miami to the squalid barrios of Colombia to the jungle hideaway of a drug baron. And brings him face to face with his past.

Revenge is a dish best served cold and Joe needs a cool head if Rickard is not to cut and run.

Available at amazon.co.uk

Slash and Burn, by Matt Hilton

Joe Hunter is enjoying some much needed r&r when a young woman approaches him to help find her missing sister. Kate Piers knows about Joe from her dead brother Jake, Hunter's former comrade in arms, and for that reason alone he feels obliged to help. The fact that Kate is very attractive doesn't hurt.

Together they go to Imogen's Kentucky home where they are immediately attacked by a bunch of thugs, acting on behalf of local businessman Robert Huffman. Huffman is outwardly respectable but the psychotic twins he uses as his enforcers give the game away: he has links to organised crime and a deadly reputation with a blade. Huffman is also looking for Imogen, and kidnaps Kate to act as bait. Looks like Joe is in trouble again . . .

Available at amazon.co.uk

And coming soon...Blood and Ashes (JH 5) (Available February 11th 2011)

Visit Matt Hilton: website, email: matthiltonbooks@live.co.uk, and
blogs:
Matt Hilton Books,
Joe Hunters Fixers,
and Thrillers, Killers, 'n' Chillers

He can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

———————————————————————————

SEAN PATRICK REARDON

Mindjacker, by Sean Patrick Reardon

When wealthy Russian mobsters contract L.A. psychologist Joel Fischer to develop a device to manipulate minds, the Dreem Weever exceeds all expectations. Everything is on track for delivery and a big payday, until two adventurous stoners steal his Dodge Challenger that, unknown to them, contains the Dreem Weever in its trunk. Fischer and his crew have two days to get it back or he dies.

About the Author: Sean Patrick Reardon is a crime / thriller fiction writer, who pays the bills working for a large investment company and resides in Massachusetts. When not doing the above, he likes to play lacrosse and spend time with family and friends. His stories have been featured on Thrillers, Chillers-n-Killers and A Twist of Noir.

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and e-book at the Apple iBookstore and Smashwords

He blogs at http://www.seanpatrickreardon.blogspot.com/

————————————————————————————

NICOLE HADAWAY

Release, by Nicole Hadaway

"Follow vampire Miranda Dandridge as she finds love amidst rescuing children from the Nazis during WWII."

Available at Ebook Undead
http://www.blogger.com/www.dandridgehouse.blogspot.com

————————————————————————————

DAVID RAFFIN

Rhyme or Treason: (the hard fought illusion of choice), by David Raffin

In “The Twilight of the Clowns” a traditional way of life ends as clowning ceases to be a viable way of life;

In “Everybody Loves a Little Elf” elves save a man’s business but they create a literal stink about property rights and slave labor;

In “More than One Day in the Life of Igor Igoravitch” a KGB agent is caught up in a web of intrigue that is his own creation;

The web of lies in Charlotte's Web is exposed;

and the price of the simulacra in the window is finally laid bare.

Available at:
Amazon
Scribd

You can visit David at his websites:
http://davidraffin.com/
Vision? Nary!

--
"Sometimes I think inside the box. It's quiet there. But so dark."

————————————————————————————

RICHARD GODWIN

Apostle Rising, by Richard Godwin

Detective Chief Inspector Frank Castle never caught the Woodlands Killer and it almost destroyed him. Now years later, mauled by the press, and traumatised by nightmares, he is faced with a copycat killer with detailed inside knowledge of the original case.

He and his partner DI Jacki Stone enter a deadly labyrinth, and at its centre is the man Castle believes was responsible for the first killings. He’s running a sinister cult and playing dark mind games with the police. The investigation has a shattering effect on the lives of Castle and Stone. The killer is crucifying politicians, and he keeps raising the stakes and slipping through their hands. Dark coded ritualistic killings are being carried out on high profile figures and the body count is rising. Castle employs a brilliant psychologist to help him solve the case, and he begins to dig into the killer’s psyche. But some psychopaths are cleverer than others.

Pre-order through AtlasBooks

Visit Richard Godwin at The Slaughter House

————————————————————————————

ALAN W. DAVIDSON

The Cuffer Anthology: Volume II

Alan W. Davidson's literary tale 'The Inscription' appears in the Cuffer Anthology: Volume II. It is a collection of 34 short stories selected from more than 200 entered into the Cuffer Prize, held annually in Newfoundland and Labrador. The anthology showcases stories with a Newfoundland flair from both new and established writers in the province. This year's book contains a fine collection, ranging from literary fiction to science fiction and from humour to horror.

Purchase through Creative Book Publishing

You can visit Alan at Conversations From Land's Edge and reach him at awdavidson.nl@gmail.com

————————————————————————————

JODI MACARTHUR

Toe Tags 2: Blood and Bizarro

Edited by William Pauley III and Brian Barnett, this anthology spills a fine collection of horror and bizarro writes.The book cradles one of Jodi's most precious, strange, squished babies, "Lisa Got Squashed". It is a longer tale of hers, unfolding through twists & turns of dialogue. It is a story about pain and how we as humanity deal with it. It is a story about poor, poor Lisa and... how she got squashed.

Available at Amazon

Flash!

Edited by Chris Bartholemew is a collection of well, flash. The stories range from literary to bizarro, from the seriously serious to comedy central. It is one of Jodi's favorite collection of print anthos. Her story, "Teatime with Worthog" features a crazy tea party of the purely straight jacket variety. Refusing to drink tea can result in an electrifying shock of the kind we have nightmares about. With the help of a saucy kitty cat, Raymond (the dog) growls down his Worthog grandmother. Who wins? Only the Beached Whale knows.

Available at Amazon

Visit Jodi MacArthur's site at http://www.blogger.com/www.jodimacarthur.blogspot.com

————————————————————————————

KEVIN SHAMEL

Rotten Little Animals by Kevin Shamel

Animals are people too! And that is messed up. So they have independent cinema. See what happens when an animal film crew kidnap a human boy and make a movie of the abduction. Read things about Nature that just aren't natural. Fear your pets from this day forward.

With zombie-cat attacks, gun-blasting massacres, drugged-out puppet shows, exploding car chases, camera-chickens, bat acrobats, wild sex, martini parties and torture-ROTTEN LITTLE ANIMALS is a crazy ride through the underground animal film scene and on to the Big Time.

Available at Amazon

About the Author: Kevin Shamel is a bizarro writer for Eraserhead Press. His first book, Rotten Little Animals, was part of the first wave of the New Bizarro Author Series. His forthcoming novel, Island of the Super People, will be out in the spring of 2011. You can find more of his writing all over the place and stuff about what's going on at his blog: http://www.shamelesscreations.com/

————————————————————————————

ANGEL ZAPATA

Long Live The New Flesh, Year One, edited by William Pauley III and Suzie Bradshaw

On August 11th, 2009 a new and exciting blog was born, THE NEW FLESH. This blog quickly became the home of hundreds of misfit stories that, to put it simply, were 'too weird' for other markets. 212 stories were published during YEAR ONE, including Angel's piece, Grub.

These are our favorites. Free Ebook

The Man of Shadows, by Angel Zapata

The Man of Shadows is a dark collection of twenty-five short horror stories.

It begins with “The Mouth of Babes,” a visceral tale of streetwalkers and addicts, morbid voyeurs, cannibalistic tattoos, and witchcraft. Jimmy only wants another photograph for his online Death Images website. But when his good friend, Steve calls him down to the morgue to see a body with a strange tattoo of a mouth on her abdomen, he learns that sometimes the dead have incurable appetites.

In “Death Reversal,” a grief-stricken wife hopes to resurrect the husband she murdered by making a long distance call to hell.

“The Bridge” pits the superstitious beliefs of the neurotically-challenged, Benson against the very real presence of a modern-day troll.

“Dead Flames” paints us a brief love story between the walking dead.

From the wicked predilections of children to the varied manifestations of evil personified, The Man of Shadows will have you running for the light.

Available January 2011: Pre-order at Panic Press

————————————————————————————

AARON POLSON

Loathsome, Dark, & Deep, by Aaron Polson

Civil War veteran Henry Barlow hasn’t carried a gun since his wife’s brutal murder, a memory he drowns nightly with bourbon and whiskey after spending his days as a field agent for H&P lumber. When reports of the strange goings on at the Lewis River camp reach H&P, they send Barlow and a small band of armed mercenaries upriver to investigate. As the days pass and things get stranger, Barlow must confront the phantoms of his past, his alcoholism, and the dark hearts of men perverted by power and greed. Most of all, he must find a will to live in order for he and his team to get out of the woods alive.

Available at Amazon

Coming soon to Barnes and Noble

Aaron Polson (author's blog)
Loathsome, Dark and Deep (novel website)

————————————————————————————

CHRIS ALLINOTTE

Aurora Wolf Press presents "Novus Creatura"

Here there be New Creatures who will become the new Frankenstein Monsters and Draculas. Mirroring society, they reach from within the pages to clutch at your throat, your very soul. The authors within these pages want to share their creatures with you. Spider-children and environmental horrors; gene-spliced monstrosities and black worms, Shadow People and Midnight Drivers, All waiting to crawl into your mind with the turn of the page.

Features: Fear Combined, by Chris Allinotte, as well as new frights from Sean Monaghan, Gregory Miller, Emma Kathryn, TK Turner, and many others!

Available at:
Amazon.com
Amazon.ca
Amazon.uk

————————————————————————————

JONATHAN MOON

Mr. Moon's Nightmares, by Jonathan Moon

I want to take you away. To a place where beauty and madness walk hand in hand. The trees whisper and screams shatter the silence. Curses stain where evil lies yet the view remains serene and breathtaking. I want to show you things. Dark and terrible things that dwell down overgrown paths and in the hearts of men. We'll see cosmic terrors, legendary monsters, and ancient horrors along the way. Your tears will fall and your pulse will race. Reality will twist and bare it's teeth. Here in my Nightmares.

Mr. Moon's Nightmares @ Amazon

Houdini Gut Punch, by Jonathan Moon

Welcome to where terror has as many faces as a house of mirrors. From soul swallowing ducks to hot-rodding miscreants, it is weird... From glowing chunks of meat to cherub-faced earwigs, it is scary... A multicolored galaxy of uppers, downers, laughers, and screamers awaits! Smile through clenched teeth, and flex your stomach- Prepare yourself for ....... HOUDINI GUT PUNCH

Houdini Gut Punch @ Amazon

You can find Jonathan at his blog- http://www.blogger.com/www.mrmoonblogs.blogspot.com, Facebook, or, email at bizarrohorror@yahoo.com

————————————————————————————

MARK ANTHONY CRITTENDEN

Their Dark Masters: Tales of Extreme Vampire Horror, edited by Mark Anthony Crittenden

When vampires have outlasted the passing of eternity, their dark masters will rise from ancient slumber. What evil games will they play? Find out as the finest small press authors weave their blackest tales of the fanged tyrants of old. Warning: horror content is extreme. Authors include Lee Hughes, Erin Cole, Lily Childs, and Tyree Campbell.

Their Dark Masters will be available on Amazon, January 1st, 2011 from Red Skies Press. http://redskiespress.proboards.com/

————————————————————————————

DAVID CRANMER

Beat to a Pulp: Round One, edited by David Cranmer and Elaine Ash

The BEAT to a PULP: Round One anthology is a collection of short stories from twenty-seven of today's top writers and emerging talent. This gargantuan set runs the gamut of genres and sub-genres to include noir, crime, hardboiled, ghost, western, fantasy, and sci-fi. Round One features a foreword by the venerable Bill Crider and cover art by James O'Barr of The Crow fame.

Available at Amazon

Read Beat to a Pulp’s weekly punch at http://www.blogger.com/www.beattoapulp.com.

Visit David Cranmer at http://www.blogger.com/www.davidcranmer.blogspot.com or Elaine Ash at http://www.blogger.com/www.elaineash.com

——————————————————————————

SEAN MONAGHAN

The Vampire Gustav at the End of the Universe, by Sean Monaghan

The Vampire Gustav at the End of the Universe Gustav is immortal. He floats through space long after the Earth has been consumed by the dying sun. One of a dozen stories in this chapbook, "The Vampire Gustav at the End of the Universe" was originally published in Bewildering stories, and was an editor's choice for both the Fourth Quarterly Review and the Annual Review in 2009. The other stories in the chapbook run from humor - like "The Servants of Darkness go for Pizza", originally published in Static Movement - to dark horror, magic realism, steam punk and crime.

Available at Amazon

Reach Sean at seanmonaghan@inspire.net.nz or his website: Venus Vulture

————————————————————————————

BRADLEY SANDS

My Heart Said No, But the Camera Crew Said Yes, by Bradley Sands

Forget everything you know about life, the world, and all the objects in it. Bradley Sands can bend them to his will with a frightening disregard for reality. You never know who, or what, is lying in wait behind the next comma. Whether it's Super Noxious Air Man and his sidekick, Kid Centrifugal Force, or the next episode of Teddy the Rottweiler Spayer, Sands keeps you off-balance with laughter and astonishment.

These stories are crammed with the delightfully odd and the scurrilously silly. From moment to moment My Heart Said No requires the most unexpected, perplexing, and hilarious leaps of faith. But you'll be glad you took this exhilarating jump into uncharted territory.

Available at:
Amazon
Raw Dog Screaming Press

Sorry I Ruined Your Orgy, by Bradley Sands

Bizarro humorist Bradley Sands returns with one of the strangest, most hilarious collections of the year.

In Sorry I Ruined Your Orgy, the pope gets sued, a headless man falls in love with a bowl of rice, and architects dismantle the earth. A war breaks out over greeting cards. A suicidal amputee tries to kill himself. William S. Burroughs becomes an amateur archaeologist and Tao Lin drinks an ape-flavored smoothie.

Between a breakfast of clocks, a lunch date with Adolf Hitler, and breakdancing in outer space, anything is possible in the work of Bradley Sands. Just never wear a bear costume to an orgy.

Available at Amazon

Reach Bradley at his website: http://www.bradleysands.com/ or his email: bradleysands@gmail.com

———————————————————————————

GAY DEGANI

Pomegranate, by Gay Degani

The title "Pomegranate" is inspired by the classic myth of Demeter, goddess of the grain, and her love for her daughter, Persephone, who is carried off to the Underworld by Hades. Demeter wanders the earth, refusing to let any growing thing prosper until her child is returned. Also find hints in these eight mother/daughter stories by Gay Degani of Medea, Lizzie Borden, and the mom next door.

Available at Amazon
Gay Degani's website: http://www.wordsinplace.blogspot.com/

————————————————————————————

JHON BAKER

Hands on the Hips, by Jhon Baker

Hands on the Hips is the newest volume of the collected poems of Jhon Z. Baker, compiled from published and unpublished poems. This is poetry for the real, poetry for the people, poetry for the moment, poetry to satiate the needs, poetry of an American outlaw.

Available at Amazon
You can reach Jhon at his blog: THE PLATITUDES OF WILLFUL RESEMBLANCES

————————————————————————————

MICHELE MARIE TATE

Blood, Money, Power, by Michele Marie Tate

Blood, Money, Power was inspired by a true story. It is an epic political saga of wealth, mystery and greed that leads to murder. Follow the Preston family bloodline for three generations (1920-1997).

Otto Preston, a power-hungry attorney, will do whatever it takes to build a lasting legacy and erase the pain of his personal past. Relive the folklore of Hearst castle and the lives of legendary movie stars like Marion Davis and Charlie Chaplin. Meet determined Amber as she fights for justice and struggles to unravel the mystery and intrigue from the past that led to her personal nightmare.I invite you take this action-packed ride from Santa Barbara, CA, Thailand, and the scenic Columbia Gorge in Portland, OR.

Available on Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble nook
Website: http://www.michelemarietate.com/

————————————————————————————

CLARK HAYS and KATHLEEN MCFALL

The Cowboy and the Vampire: A Darkly Romantic Mystery, by Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall

He’s a little bit country, she’s a little bit undead. Cowboy meets girl, girl meets business end of pointy teeth, cowboy loves girl anyway. Along with a loyal dog and proud horse, Lizzie and Tucker battle Vampire thugs threatening to take over the world. Set in the bustling metropolis of fictional LonePine, Wyoming, and the concrete canyons of New York, the book is a fast‐paced thriller with equal parts romance and laugh-out-loud humor as a lonesome cowboy and a high-maintenance reporter – and unwitting Queen of the Undead – fall into an unlikely romance and face an epic battle with an ancient evil.
Available at Amazon, Powell’s and other discerning bookstores.

Find out more at http://www.cowboyandvampire.com/ or www.facebook.com/cowboyandvampire

————————————————————————————

ERIN COLE

Grave Echoes: A Kate Waters Mystery, by Erin Cole

The nightmare is real…Kate Waters suffers from narcoleptic hallucinations, which recently involve her unreachable sister, Jev, and a mysterious key. When Kate receives the terrible news concerning Jev’s fatal car accident and acquires the mysterious key from her visions, she unlocks her sister’s world of perilous secrets involving witchcraft, poltergeist, and a heartless killer determined to get back what is his.

Available at:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
AuthorHouse

Back to the Middle of Nowhere: More Horror in Rural America, Edited by Jessy Marie Roberts & Jessica A. Weiss

Erin Cole's Blood Vision takes you to the heart of horror in a remote country field. When Dean and Maryanne hit a deer with their combine, they have no idea what was chasing it, but small-town rumors of a half man, half moth will soon tell—some nightmares never end.

Available at:
Pill Hill Press
Amazon

You can visit me here at this blog, http://wwww.erincolelive.blogspot.com/ or my website Erin Cole Writes

————————————————————————————

Thanks for visiting! Happy Holidays.

Copper for Wishes @ The NOT

2010-11-27T20:46:00.000-08:00

Michael J. Solender is hosting his Feast of Flash now at Not From Here, Are You? My piece, Copper for Wishes is up for honorable mention.

Thanks, Michael.

Holiday Catalog - Promote Your Work

2010-11-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

What better gift than someone buying your book? That is why this December, Jodi MacArthur and I will be hosting a holiday catalog for authors to promote, market, and brag about their publications! If you have a story in print - chapbook, anthology, article, novel, novella - and would like to be featured in the catalog, submit the following information to me at erincole[at]live[dot]com by November 28, 2010.

- Picture of your book/chapbook/anthology (if possible)

- Link for purchase (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Publishing Co., etc)

- Short blurb about the publication (100 words or less)

- website address and/or contact information (recommended)

(Because some of you are mad writers and have several pieces published, I ask that you limit your submissions to only two. Also, if your book is coming out soon, this is a great way to promote it (send me what you can)

Starting December 1st, Jodi and I will feature the catalog crammed with talented authors and their work - you should be one of them. It's free; don't wait; or the elves will get cranky.

Cheers,
Erin

Absolutely*HeKATE - Three Times A Harm?

2010-11-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

The Night of Hecate is upon us, and I have invited a dear friend to bless us with her spirited magic and crafty sense of divinity. She is bold, original, and as enchanting as any Goddess ~ please welcome, the amazing Kate Pilarcik, and her mystical scribe, "Three Times A Harm?"

16 November ~ THE NIGHT OF HEKATE

By Absolutely*Kate,
endowed this scribing by goddess inspiration

............................................................................................

Open the gate of Hekate . . . stand at the crossroads . . . and do come howl with she and the hunger of hounds this night. It's Triple*Goddess night. That's right. It could be a night of underworld fright or a preponderance of further insight to who, what, why you are. Dare you take that chance? Dare you not?

Come. Get thee inside thyself. You'll see . . . . Perhaps.
Power always tells. So too my spells.

Hail Hekate . . . Hecate (the 'H' breathes silent - pronounce as: e-ca-ta) . . . Triformus . . . The Triple Goddess . . . Queen of Fates . . . Dark Goddess of the Moon . . . Mistress of the Night . . . Maiden ~ Mother/Midwife ~ Shamaness/Crone . . . ancient genesis femininity of the Holy Trinity . . . patroness of witches/healers . . . all-three-seeing potential anew . . . ruling Heaven, Earth and Underworld too!

True. I hold sway and wonder over where you roam to better know home:
Seeing in all directions, I know at once your whence and chance and swirlcomestance.

Prophecies conjured are to be told. My torch is luminesce at darkside of my moon reflecting what dark periods mere mortals' lives illuminate.
I am New, Full, Dark. I am lunar in cycle, psyche and spark.
I'll find you, I will, coming, leaving and conceiving.

Powers? Ah, of the primal. By Zeus and Hades there's no denial. Lunar fire moons her torch. Immortality is the swish of her serpent. And the trident is sharply complete with midwifery's knife. She's very cutting edge, is dear Hekate, revered in cultures and subcultures of the knowing ~ Greeks, Egyptians (so the papyrus tales) and most certainly the Celts. Healing magik will rise one's resonance you know. But there were those --

Yes, yes, that Queen of Witches rap-a-hag-a-tat-tat.
How they drone of the wicked Crone.
What you take is what you make of it though.
Amazing the realm Christian tradition will symbolize to diabolize.
They vilified so puppets could preserve pulpits.

They blurred me to obscure me.
Power's a tell I tell you. Power's hell . . . or heaven incarnate. Perceptions are the spell. It all depends in the end on how you take it in . . . or how it takes you through your journeys.
You're still with me now, aren't you? Come. Tis my night!

Rituals through and true await you too. Thirteen herbs, not for beginners are baneful and can be painful, should killing by poison be your brew.

Darken nightshade, foxglove, belladonna oh belladonna, naturally datura and wolfsbane's reign. Hemlock, mandrake, rue to rue and wild poppy too. Fly agaric, squirm wormwood, hellebore and then there's yew for you. There's benefits to be had. Tell them. Tell them. The conjure is not all bad.

She's right you know. Tonight's her night you know. But then later, have you a wish, a desire to conspire? Need you money, love, devotion? Assuredly Hekate can ready that potion. Is addiciton your affliction or crave you eloquence, journeys, blessings of protection, psychic flare or wisdom's refined inner eye?

Aye! Divination, divination . . . lend me your credos.
And passion ~ you forgot to mention Passion. I sizzle there.

Righto. The young laughing Maiden fair. She's everywhere. Long swish of the cloak, nubile nymph and satin skin trembling to a'beckon. Burning torches scorch sense of night. Scents and sensuality ply anticipation, tantalizing plight. Ripe nipple tendered to savour, I reckon.

You did.

Mais oui et sans regrette. We'll always have Paris, on that you can bet. But my spiel of your triple splendid spell is the fullness of the frenzy of your night, this night. Are you ready? Will the sacred hounds be fed? Do you know where your dread will head?

That's not for you to ask Mortal.

But how will you appear tonight? As tarnished Crone on the roam? Will you fly to the moon and stir fertility among the stars?

Never once am I what I was before . . . if I do not chance to be.
Tell me again. Tell me. - How do they call me now?

There is nothing like a dame in triplicate oh Hekate. They say you're intrinsically ambivalent. You're mysterious goes polymorphous. Ubiquity becomes you as you sneer the boundary of definition. Then there's your triple-forming, one body, two bodies, three bodies all back to back. On that they say under the old devil moon and betwixt and between blue skies and sharp eyes you can look at all directions at once from the crossroads.

I taught that to Clapton once. Cast the spell after midnight.

Humour becomes you amongst the abundance you deign to reign. Jokes mid course curses lighten. Sappho the poet described you PC in BC ages old as the handmaiden of Aphrodite, "shining of gold". In Mozart's "Magic Flute", melodically, methodically, you are revered as Queen of the Night. But back in the third century, the text from parchment of one of your more splendid homoerotic love spells hails you as "Mistress Rule of all mankind, all-dreadful one, bursting out of the Earth." Is to love you . . . to fear you?

Well you've done both. What say thee now?

I'd say the goddess lady, lady, lady is a champ.

Then grow along with me. The Truth is yet to be.

Nice try. That was almost 'besting' Robert Browning.
I've the exact quotation though over my drawing board.

Find ye that coincidence? There hails no such thing earthling. Why were you drawn to particular words to give rise to your fate? Did you respond to what your literate mind read, on Browning, on Shakespeare, on Arthur Conan the Doyle? Or are minds prefed if you honour where magik takes you? Did they? Are there not moments of brilliance which shine beyond the pale? Give thee credit to muse or magik?

I prefer the strength of the reach of more positive affirmations. But they say you ARE the incarnate of stormy weather. They say your darker side aids death. That the evil in your haunts are of the more terrifying clatter.

But why should clatter matter? What do you honour? Following the they-sayers or to thine own self more the true? What speaks forthright for You? Aye. Tell me before I switch once more. And dusk and dark and my dogged hounds' bark shall approach. The hounds and I will traverse graves this night. That is true. It's what we do. There are gates to open for some souls dead, cares to carry in refuge to the Underworld or floggings by the Furies. Should dread follow in that wake, who am I or you to credit? Is it that damned and damning 'They' once more? A curse to curse, that encore.

If it vexes you so, why do you care? Your powers tumult this way, that way and then the next way. The mere 'they' can't touch you. Is your bewitching a bother?

It's the little minds. It always has been. History repeats its chime era after error. They feared my powers to the peoples so they distort me dissonant. Trite does not make right -- they fear what they do not understand, Overworld, Underworld. Twisted, sad, shunning, mad. Scared little tight little human perceptions. Bah!

But in Rome, they did as the Romans do and worshipped you. Mother Goddess. It's true. I googled you. You were heaven's hell with the Hellenistics too. You reigned and poured magic and witchcraft, death and defying, birthing, trying and even re-renewal. You guarded, you cursed. You saw past, present, future. Evil could be stopped. Evil could be conjured. Protection, light, darkness, fright? How do you account for those kind of perceptions . . . chime after chime?

Alas perceptions never arrive on time,
and the world is full of flounderers dying to be free.

Who said that? It sounds familiar. Shakespeare? Sinatra? Surely not Clapton again?

An author lass who is yet more to be.
She shall harbinger well and produce no ship of fools.

You're her guide?

I'll guide all who'll believe. I'm at the door. I AM the door.
I'm transfer and transference and another world more.

Absolutely?

As sure as the moon rises, dances, heals and hinders.
What one hears from a guide is what their inner spirit spoke, inside.

Sooo, you are the forerunner of shape-shifters?
... In goddess-speak, I mean.

Women's prerogative. Contradictions in form.
Whatever it takes to get the job done. Bring the message home.
Consistency, by the way, is a curtain pulled to hide behind.
Highly overated.

By Zeus mounting Olympus!

How high the moon? Yet my altars which alter when alteration finds are of the primal kind. Earth and beneath the earth where seed and fertility grows. Childbirth, crops, a gaining consciousness, death and its re-revelations. Dub that fate?

Or Hekate?

In the wise of the beholder one knows, comes to know or forbids what one fears to know. That outside your ken is already more than you know. Intutitive Wisdom ~ is it out of this world or dark and already deep, deep and feral within? What does light do to dark? Hark the dream, scream the whisper. Let divination become your own pillar to transcend your transitions. The artists, the sailors, the authors, the seers. Aye, all shepherds of souls. They sense, they voyage. They potential immense. But do you embrace inspiration or fear it?
Now that is the question.

Why does such a query make such a difference?

Everything makes a difference. Madness DOES have method to it.
Cauldrons stir o'er the intent of the fire. Powers can passion to poison. Powers can nurture a great deal of one's heal.
Change through regeneration retains its own appeal. Stir, stir, then stir the more. It takes a dark cauldron to envision right light.

Sooo, Maiden, Midwife and Crone three, are you that omnipresence to watch over me?
From birth through death and knowledge to keep change alive by going deep?

Gateways and Doorways become me.
Abundance is how one purifies what Change is to become them.
Your mysteries are your treasures, be they dark, be they deep.
Bring your soul to your dreams . . . and Listen, Awaken, Sleep.

............................................................................................

Wait! Where are you going??? HEKATE!?

{ AND THE WILD DOGS LAUGHED TO FEEL SUCH MIRTH.
AND THE WITCH RAN AWAY ... 'NEATH THE EARTH,
ALL THE BETTER TO FEEL THE MOON ~
S-T-I-R-R-I-N-G }

It was said across many lands that dusk suppers were tendered on stoops as steps to protect those knowing, within. Hekate and her prowling howling hounds fed upon honey cakes and mushrooms, fireside leftovers, then bestowed blessings back. Initiates were guided to their next realm. Some they say were witches. Some they say inspired.

Come 30 November, The Day of Hekate will meet you ~ at the Crossroads.

(c) 16 November, 2010 ~ The Night of HekateAuthor ~ Absolutely*Kate... soul inspired

Visit her blog: AT THE BIJOU

13 Days of Horror ... And NaNo news

2010-11-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how grateful I am at the turn-out for the 13 Days of Horror, for all the great writers who submitted (choosing proved more difficult than I expected), and for all the wonderful comments. I know many of you made the writers of the 13 Days of Horror feel accomplished and validated! That is awesome stuff and I thank you.

I didn't really think this one through, but three writers have been selected (by three gremlins who drew name tags from a skeleton bucket) to receive a free copy of my book, Grave Echoes, and should I tell you some of their names, you'll know who wasn't chosen in the 13 Days of Horror - not cool! So I will leave it up to them to shout out about the news if they want to.

* * *

Also, today is November 1st and that means NaNo!! I am not participating this year, yet again, for I've actually just finished the first draft to my second novel, Wicked Tempest...YES! It only took six months. I highly recommend you visit Eric W. Trant's blog if you are participating: NaNo: It's OKAY to fail!

I'm actually not a fan of NaNo because I think it produces "less quality" material. The first draft of any write should have solid plot structure and character development, and I don't think most people (yes, some of you are amazing) can do that in 50,000 words and one month, unless equipped with a heavy duty outline of the novel already. However, there are good things about NaNo too—which you'll read in Eric's post—so I won't be all humbug about it, and I do wish you the best of luck if you are participating - go kick some A$$ and prove me wrong!

Thank you again horror writers and blog friends for all your support in the 13 Days of Horror!

The Clown Killer - Eric J. Krause

2010-10-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! Today is the last story in the 13 Days of Horror and I've saved you a real treat. Though I'm just getting to know my next guest, I do know he is gifted with the pen, crafting dark suspense like a cold breath and having already complied his short fiction into two books: The Breath of Life and Other Stories and FridayFlash Stories, Vol. 1. He will soon have a YA paranormal novel on the shelf as well, and if you're drafting that novel, I recommend his site for useful tips in the novel-construction process.

It is a pleasure to introduce my last guest in the 13 Days of Horror, Eric J. Krause, and his wicked story, The Clown Killer.
Cheers!

The Clown Killer
By Eric J. Krause

The tour guide smiled and waved as he slammed the cell door shut. The group outside thought this was nothing more than a fun exercise to see what five minutes of solitary confinement was like, with Daniel as their guinea pig. But they hadn't done their research. They didn't know that this was the cell Chucky Jones, the infamous Clown Killer, died in.

Daniel knew, and he'd make contact with the serial killer. He pulled out both his digital camera and voice recorder, but left his secret weapon in his pocket. He didn't have much time, but he couldn't lead with that.

"Mr. Jones? Are you in here?" he asked after he turned on the recorder. Nothing. Not that he expected to see or hear anything yet, but there wasn't even a creepy feeling in the cell.

"Fine," Daniel said. "Be a coward. Don't show yourself. Were you this
chicken-shit when you killed all those clowns? You probably slit their
throats in their sleep so they couldn't fight back. Right? You disgust
me." He picked up the camera and snapped a few shots. Ghost shows
mentioned that provoking spirits sometimes drew them out. But not this time.

Daniel paced the cell, trying to feel cold spots, or at least
something that made his hair stand on end. When he got nothing, he
reached into his pocket and pulled out the rubber mask. With his five
minutes ticking away, he needed the big guns. He slipped the mask, a
smiling clown face, over his head and adjusted it so he could see out
the eyeholes.

The effect was immediate. The air temperature in the cell plummeted, and a presence loomed in the corner. Daniel had worked out dozens of questions for Chucky Jones, hoping to get some of the answers on his digital recorder, but none managed to worm their way into his brain.

The presence moved around the cell, but Daniel couldn't see anything.
Maybe it was the mask obscuring his vision, but he knew different.
Chucky Jones didn't want to be seen. Daniel flashed a few more
pictures, and hoped the Clown Killer would stick in the shots.

Daniel jumped when the lock to the cell door clicked open. His five
minutes were up. He turned to greet the tour group to ask if they felt
the ghost when a stinging sensation assaulted the left side of his
neck. It moved slowly across his throat all the way to his right ear.
He tried to ask what was going on, but words wouldn't come. He
couldn't breathe.

The happy, smiling faces of the tour group morphed to horror, and
screams echoed through the abandoned prison. Daniel fell first to his
knees, and then to his belly. Blood from his slit throat pooled in the
cell and trickled out into the hallway. The group stepped back to keep their shoes clean.

Though nothing sharp was found on Daniel's person or in the cell, the
death was ruled a suicide. It would have been an open and shut case,
strange but never thought of again, if it hadn't been for the digital
voice recorder. At the four minute and twenty-eight second mark, a
jumble of static hid a gravely, far-off voice.

"Hate clowns. Die, clown, die."

2010 © Eric J. Krause

BIO: Eric J. Krause pens stories from Orange County, California, minutes away from Disneyland. He has over two dozen short stories published in The Absent Willow Review, Trail of Indiscretion, Allegory, and Nocturnal Ooze, just to name a few. You can visit his blog on writing at http://ejkwritingspot.blogspot.com.

Tucked Away - Jeanette Cheezum

2010-10-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have known my next guest in the 13 Days of Horror since I was a fledgling on the blogosphere. Her depth of talent is infinite, for she can write mystery, humor, horror, and literary works of art, some of which is included in the New York Times Best Sellers List. She has been published in numerous ezines and is gaining speed in print with 6S Vol 3, 6S The Love Book, 6S Word of Mouth, and Vox Poetica's Inspirations Collection 1.

Please give a warm welcome to the one of the blog family's favorite writers, Jeanette Cheezum, and her disturbing tale, Tucked Away.

Tucked Away
By Jeanette Cheezum

Mid nineteen fifties.

The closet door slammed. It wouldn’t do any good for little Cathy to cry, stomp, or scream. Grandma would cut a switch and use it when she returned. She wouldn’t do anything now because Grandma didn’t like to get sweaty. She wanted to make a nice impression when she met the preacher’s wife.

“How long will you be gone this time?” Cathy asked from inside the closet.

“As long as it takes, now be quiet.”

The key banged metal against metal, locking the closet…and…then the front door.

Perspiration beaded on Cathy’s lip and her stomach felt sick. Her friends always waited in the dark closet, and were happy to see her.

She lay on her back as her eyes adjusted to the miserable darkness. She took a deep breath because she hated this ritual, never knowing how long she’d have to stay there.

“Today my friends, we’re going on a trip to the zoo. Here comes the bus. You must line up and stay close so you won’t get lost. We’ll feed the ducks first and then see the monkeys. Take a seat quickly and don’t be noisy.”

“We’re here, they yelled. Can we get off the bus?”

“I want to eat the bread, I’m hungry,” an imaginary friend said.

Cathy shook her finger side to side, “No, it’s not allowed. We can’t eat until Grandma says.”

“Ah, the park is beautiful,” she lied. If only she really knew what it looked like.

“Now wasn’t that fun? Let’s go home before it gets too dark.”

“I’m thirsty!” someone in the dark said.

“Remember . . . , we just have to wait, I don’t want to tell you again,” Cathy said in a firm voice.

* * * *

“What’s that smell?” Cathy sniffed and moved closer to the closet door. Was something burning?

“There’s a fire nearby! Be calm!” She brushed her bangs from her eyes and held up her small hands. “Don’t worry. We’re safe here. This is our secret hideaway.”

She lined up her Grandma’s shoes. “Let’s play Anne Frank.” Clomp, clomp, “Do you hear the soldiers marching? Hide, children, the soldiers are coming.”

She coughed. “It’s hard to breathe . . . so much smoke.

“Grandma, where are you?” she whispered.

“We’re scared.”

Hush children. Don’t cry. I’m sure Grandma is nearby.” She placed her face as close as she could to the large crack under the door, the light had disappeared. There was nothing to see . . . , except. Cathy grabbed a coat from above and squeezed it against the bottom of the door.

“Everyone, scream as loud as you,” she said. “Even if Grandma switches us, we must get away from the smoke.”

Cathy coughed and she pulled a shirt from its hanger and covered her nose. “Grandma, please come home. I’ve been good. The smoke--everyone scream.”

Someone banged on Grandma’s front door. When no one answered the person yelled for someone to call the fire department. As smoke was poured from the Jacobs windows, flames consumed the air . . . attacked the curtains, rugs and anything in their path.

The firemen broke down the door and sprayed water from the ceiling to the walls and down to the floor. They stopped the fire, but didn’t know to look for Cathy.

* * * *

“Mrs. Jordan, Thank God, you’re safe and weren’t in the fire. We called the fire department, and they came right away,” the neighbor said.

“Thank you, for saving my house.” She stepped on her cigarette, so no one would suspect.

“Where is your granddaughter? Is she with friends?”

“As a matter of fact she is.” The corners of grandma’s mouth rose into a smile.

Grandma thanked her neighbor then hurried into the house. She couldn’t let anyone find out her secret. She’d forgotten to put that last cigarette out before she left?

She opened the closet and reached in. But after all, she had been in a hurry to meet the preacher’s wife.

The neighbor followed Grandma in “Oh, no, didn’t you say she was with friends?” the woman said.

* * * *

The funeral occurred that week, but Grandma didn’t attend. She now spends her time locked in a room, where no one pays any attention when she screams.

She doesn’t have any friends to talk to, and everyone knows her secret.

2009 © Jeanette Cheezum

BIO: Jeanette writes all forms of fiction; from six word stories to full length novels. Since she was born in October just before Halloween she howls at the moon and writes her best on a full moon. Her work is published on several online writing sites and has been published in three of Smith Magazines Anthology books, six of Six Sentence’s anthology books and most recently, Vox Poetica’s Inspirations Collection 1. Three of these books have made the New York Times Best Sellers list. Other achievements: She was awarded The Helium Networks Premium Writer’s Badge, Bronze Creative Writing Award and a Marketplace Writers award also, a Semi-Finalist in the Verb’s Dynamic Dialogue Contest. A list of some of her work may be viewed at http://www.hamptonroadswriters.org
Or http://www.sixsentences.ning.com/profile/JeanetteCheezum

Frosted Glass - Chris Allinotte

2010-10-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

The 13 Days of Horror is soon coming to an end, but not without three more fantastically creepy writes, and of course, Chris Allinotte is one of them! He is one of my favorite horror writers, gifted at penning macabre suspense and reeling his readers into the darkness of his haunting conclusions. He has been published in several anthologies and ezines, and will one day walk the halls of esteemed horror novelists.

It is an honor to welcome you the next guest in the 13 Days of Horror, good friend, Chris Allinotte and his terrifying tale, Frosted Glass.

Frosted Glass
By Chris Allinotte

Caroline held the glass ball up to the light again, as if this time it would reveal its secrets. Light penetrated and made it glow, but she just couldn’t make out the thing inside.

On the lower half, there was a crescent-shaped spot that looked like brown fluff, but it was like trying to see through a steamed-up shower door. With a sigh, Caroline lowered the sphere.

When she had purchased the glass globe earlier in the day, Caroline had been looking for a real crystal ball to bring to the next "girl's night out." Emmie, Jamie and Trina had all agreed that holding a séance sounded like a lot of fun, and a crystal ball had seemed so much more original than showing up with a Wal-Mart Ouija board. This one had been high up on a shelf in the occult shop, and the rough-looking old woman at the till seemed loathe to part with it, relenting only when Caroline offered to pay double.

Deciding to take a more methodical approach, she removed her sweater and folded it flat on the dining room table, then placed the ball on top. The swatch of brown was still pressed close against the glass. Caroline rotated the ball, and the brown rotated with it. She leaned in close to the surface, and realized that it was definitely fur of some kind.

"What are you?" she asked it, and ran her fingers over the surface of the ball.

At the touch of her hand, the ball began to shimmer in the reflected light from the chandelier. Its surface became less hazy, and the fog seemed to retreat, forming a thick, swirling cloud within. The patch of fur resolved into something that looked a little like an ape, except that it stood erect, and had human proportions. It wasn’t a man or a monkey, but something in between.

There was a tiny thump. The thing had put its hands against the glass. I woke it up, thought Caroline. As she leaned in to take a closer look, it pressed its own face to the wall of its prison. Caroline got the impression of pale skin, hollow eyes, and a leering grin - it saw her. The hands disappeared from the glass, and the figure began to dance a bizarre, manic little jig.

Understanding only that she needed to see more clearly, Caroline picked up the ball. The thing reacted to her touch by increasing its pace, hopping and spinning like a top until it ended in a Vaudevillian "Ta-da!" flourish. Caroline smiled – wait until the girls saw this.

Without waiting for a response from her, the creature vanished into the murk inside the glass. When it returned, Caroline was startled to see another figure had joined it. This one was quite different. It was paler, hairless, and seemed, from the riot of different coloured blobs on its body, that it was meant to be a clown.

From its movements though, it wasn't possessed of the same good humour as its furry companion. Sitting at the dining room table, watching, Caroline could see the first little monster prodding the second, poking at it, trying to get it to move. Finally, the ape-thing disappeared again and the second little man, or whatever it was, began to dance. It was a pathetic imitation of the former performance. The thing's movements were slow and jerky as if this was the last thing it wanted to do.

Caroline blinked, and felt tears at the corners of her eyes. She brought the ball up closer, cradling it in her arms, trying to see more of the little dancer. The clown staggered slightly as the ball moved, but quickly regained its balance and stood still, watching her. It raised both its arms in a gesture of supplication, silently pleading, its shoulders hitching up and down. Crying, thought Caroline. Why is it crying?

The first creature suddenly re-emerged from the murk behind the clown. It was just an indistinct brown blob in the mist, but Caroline thought she could see something in its hands. It was a fuzzy thin line like a stick or ...

With a sickening thud, the clown's head was thrown forward and smacked hard into the glass. It staggered to the side, holding its face and leaving a red stain on the inside of the globe. The furry thing went berserk. It swung the club again and again. Blood spattered the inside of the glass with each hit. The sounds were too loud. They seemed to be echoing inside Caroline's head. After what seemed like ages, the brown shape finally stopped. It kicked the ruined clown once, twice, then stepped up on top of it. It gave another flourishing bow. Ta-da!

An instant later the entire surface of the glass was filled up with the demonic black eye of the beast. It was staring directly at Caroline. Seeing her. Studying her. Hating her. She screamed and dropped the ball to the floor, where it broke with a dull crack.

The ball was becoming completely clear as its contents flooded out. The room began to fill with the white miasma previously trapped in the globe, and it became harder and harder to breathe. Caroline thought desperately of the creature, and tried to see where it had gone, but before she could be sure, the world swam out of focus, and everything went dark.

***

When Caroline awoke, the world was entirely white. She was alone, resting on a cold, hard surface, and surrounded by the same choking mist that had knocked her out.

As she tried to get up, she stumbled, and fell face-first back to the ground. Caroline rolled over, and sat up, just now noticing the blood red clown shoes on her feet.

Somewhere behind her, she heard movement, accompanied by breathy, chattering monkey sounds, and knew it was coming closer ... coming to say hello.

Hugging her knees to her chest, Caroline began to scream.

2010 © Chris Allinotte

Bio: Chris Allinotte lives in Toronto, Ontario with his wife and children. His work has appeared most recently in the anthology "Novus Creatura" by Aurora Wolf Press, and the upcoming "Daily Bites of Flash" Anthology by Pill Hill Press. For more about Chris' writing, and links to his other stories, please visit http://chrisallinotte.blogspot.com

"Frosted Glass" came about from spending just a little bit too long staring at a shower door.

An Urban Myth - David Barber

2010-10-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

My next guest in the 13 Days of Horror frightened me with his creepy story on dark folklore. Though he usually writes crime/noir, horror fiction is another genre he conjures skillfully. He has been published at various hotspots, including Thrillers, Killers, 'n' Chillers, Blink-Ink, The New Flesh, and The Clairty of Night. Please give a warm welcome to David Barber and his disturbing tale, An Urban Myth.

An Urban Myth
By David Barber

"I know what I saw,” Robert said, “and you’re not going to convince me otherwise."

“Okay, okay,” Det. Collins said. “Start from the beginning and tell us what happened.”

Det. Collins sat on the edge of the hospital bed and his partner, Det. Higgins, took position at the foot of it. A nurse stood at the other side, recording the readings from the machines hooked up to Robert.

Robert Johnson looked up at the two policemen, took a deep breath, and started the story. Det. Collins took notes.

“There were three of us: myself, Doug and Graham. We’re all experienced climbers and occasionally do a bit of caving and pot-holing. We decided to go up to Scotland for a weekend to do some climbing and someone told us about this urban legend kind of story.”

“Okay, son, what’s the story?” This time it was Det. Higgins who asked the question.

“If you let me carry on without being interrupted, I’ll tell you,” Robert sighed.

Det. Collins held his hand up to his colleague and urged Robert to carry on.

“Okay. We get told this story about some guy named Bean. Sawney Bean. Apparently he lived in a cave with his girlfriend up in Ayrshire hundreds of years ago.”

“What was so special about the place and this...,” Collins checked his notebook, “Sawney Bean?”

“Apparently, legend has it that he was some kind of cannibal. He and his girlfriend used to rob people at night and then drag their bodies down to their cave, kill them, and then eat them. They had kids and then the family grew, you know, through incest and stuff. Something crazy like that and you’ve got to check it out, right?”

“And then what happened?”

Robert coughed, his eyes closing and his face screwing up from the pain. The metal framework around his head stopped him from moving it.

“Nurse, could you scratch my chin for me? Thanks,” he said and then looked at Det. Collins, “I can’t feel anything from the neck down. I can’t use my arms or legs, and I’ve got tubes stuck where tubes shouldn’t be.”

“You’re lucky to be here, Robert. Do you think you could tell us what happened?”

“Yes. Okay, we get up there and head straight for the area. The cave was halfway down this rock face. Years of erosion and the face crumbling away made it a tricky climb, but we made it.”

* * *

“Well, we’re here,” Graham said, dropping his backpack on the ground.

“Let’s have a look around then,” Doug said, throwing his backpack next to Grahams.

“Okay,” Robert said. “We need our flashlights and let’s take a rope as a guide back out, you know, if we get too far or take a wrong turn somewhere.”

“Oh, we’ll be okay. Come on,” Doug said and set off down the main entrance.

“Hey, calm down. Wait a mo...,” Graham said, following the light from Doug’s torch beam.

“Hey, wait up guys,” Robert ran into the cave, following his friends.

The beams of light cast long shadows on the cave walls as they ventured deeper into the darkness.

“Look at these,” Doug said, shining his torch on the wall.

There were strange drawings, badly drawn people, and animals. The torch beam followed them along the wall. There was what looked like people sitting around a fire and a spit roast above the flames, but there wasn’t a suckling pig strapped to it. It looked like a person being cooked.

“What the fuck,” Graham said.

Doug shone the torch further along the wall. The drawings started to get worse. There were people holding severed arms and legs, blood dripping from them.

“Holy shit,” Robert said. “Guys, I think we should get out of here now.”

A sudden noise startled them.

“What was that?” Graham asked.

“Probably a rat or something. Come on,” Doug said, and shone his torch further along the cave wall.

The drawings were getting worse.

“No. Fuck this, I going back,” Robert said.

Doug started laughing. “Look.”

Robert and Graham followed the torch beam and started laughing too. There was one word written at the end of the drawings – ‘suckers.’

“Ooh, let’s go back guys,” Doug said, pushing Robert.

“Yeah, fuck you, Doug,” Robert laughed.

There was a noise again, but louder and nearer. It was followed by another and then another.

“What was that,” Graham said, spinning around and pointing his torch in the direction of the noise.

“Rats, I told you. This place will be crawl…,” Doug was cut short by a blade protruding from his mouth.

“Holy sh…,” Graham dropped to the ground, an axe embedded in the back of his head.

“No…no…no,” Robert shouted. He turned and ran as fast as his legs would carry him, his torch beam bouncing from the ground to the walls. He felt something whiz past his head and something struck his right shoulder, knocking him off balance. He fell to the ground and then something was on his back.

* * *

“And that’s all I remember,” Robert said. A tear ran down his left cheek.

The nurse stepped in and wiped his face.

“I think that’s enough Det. Collins,” she said.

“Yes. Let me assure you, Robert, we’re doing all we can. We’ll be back to check on you tomorrow.”

As the two policemen left the hospital room, Higgins turned to Collins.

“They’ve still not told him then?”

“No,” Collins said, “They want to wait until his parents arrive from New Zealand. He’s going to need a lot of looking after. The doctors don’t know how he survived.”

The shout from the room stopped the two detectives in their tracks. They ran back and shoved open the door. The nurse had her hand over her mouth and tears ran down her face. Robert’s eyes bulged wide.

“He had a flashback,” the nurse cried.

“They…chopped…please no,” Robert cried. “They chopped…my arms and…legs off!”

©2010 David Barber

BIO: David Barber is Manchester born and bred, but now lives in Crieff, Scotland with his wife, Lisa, and their two daughters. He wrote some years ago but has recently been inspired to write again by an old friend and the beauty that surrounds him. He has been published on numerous e-zines, including Thriller, Killers ‘n’ Chillers, A Twist Of Noir, The New Flesh, Blink Ink and his own blog. He has a couple of pieces appearing in two forthcoming anthologies. He is currently working on a few projects including a novel.

He blogs at http://davidbarberfiction.blogspot.com

Note To Myself - Laura Eno

2010-10-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

She is well known in the horror genre and for good reason: Laura Eno can write such bizarre scares, no one can ever guess what's going to happen next, nor do they want to! Her dedication to the pen is admirable, continually supporting several writers and their blogs, winning blog awards and contests, posting FridayFlash weekly, and for having published her fifth novel - Don't Fall Asleep: Rarer still are those who can assassinate people while they dream…

I am proud and excited to welcome you my next guest in the 13 Days of Horror, Laura Eno and her chilling tale, Note To Myself.

Note To Myself
By Laura Eno

Jessie pushed on the bureau drawer, jiggling until it closed almost flush with the front of the antique dresser stored in the attic. Waxing the rails hadn't helped and months of nagging Robert to take a look had proved fruitless.

She didn't want to part with the dresser. It was the only thing she even vaguely remembered from her life before the accident. Robert said it was because of the sentimental value. The piece had belonged to her grandmother.

Sweet Robert. Even though she didn't remember anything, he'd helped her build a new life, never leaving her side in those frightening first few months. Jessie couldn't imagine life without him, especially once the doctor informed them that her amnesia was permanent.

Working the drawer out, she decided to look at it on her own. Maybe something was jammed in the rails. Reaching in, her fingers closed on a bit of paper, crumpled and smashed against the back. She fished it out and unfolded the receipt from the market, dated two years ago—the same day as her accident. She shook as if chilled and her gut clenched as she wondered how it got there.

Jessie started to toss it aside when she noticed words on the back. Despite the hurried strokes, she knew it was her own handwriting. An inexplicable dread tightened its hold on her throat. She sucked in air as she started reading.

Jessie,

Your life is in danger. Robert isn't human. None of them are. They've locked me in the attic while setting up something to erase my memory. I overheard part of a conversation, just enough to know they're shape shifters.

Jessie touched the scar on her head. She'd been told it was from a car accident. There was more on the paper, written in a cramped style. Her hand shook as she tried to read the rest.

I'm hoping you'll find this before it's too late. I overheard Robert talking to the doctor, discussing how shape shifter children kill their human host at birth. Whatever you do, don't get pregnant!

The note fluttered to the ground from fingers gone numb as the first contraction hit.

©2010 Laura Eno

BIO: Laura Eno lives in Florida with a very tolerant husband, three skulking cats and an absurdly happy dog. She has a pet from the Underworld named Jezebel and a skull called Mr. Fluffy who help her write novels late at night. Please visit her strange imagination at http://lauraeno.blogspot.com

Night Sortie - Edgar Arthurs

2010-10-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

My next guest in the 13 Days of Horror took a unique spin on penning macabre, crafting suspense with an edge. Though he may be new to the blogosphere, he is adept at elliciting reader's fear response. Please welcome horror writer from downunder, Edgar Arthurs and his frightening tale, Night Sortie

Night Sortie
By Edgar Arthurs

Dusty wind howls through the buildings. Tiny flecks of red and brown and grey and black tumble through the spaces between concrete walls. Splintered pallets and packing crates litter alleys, snagging papers, leaves and rags. Punched out windows, black jagged yawning mouths and eyes. Dust drifts in, settles onto cobwebbed desks and cabinets. Lights flicker across the surfaces, glinting on the metal and shards of glass. Nightbird shrieks. Flapping wings.

Crunching gravel outside. A car rolls through the car park, slowly picking its way along the fence. Headlights wink out, fading yellow, orange, blue-gray to black. Engine falls quiet. Doors open. Doors slam. More crunching… lighter. Boots, shoes. Three crunch and scrape through the carpark. One facing forward, two facing back. Dusty wind blows into their faces, coating their boots, their pants, their
jackets, their hair. Dust devils whip up, swirl and dissipate into the night.

One sees movement, shouts. Weapons are drawn, leveled at shadows. Shuffling, dragging across the concrete ahead. Flashlights blaze, cutting through darkness. There! Pathetic thing, cowed by the light Milky eyes shine. Low moan, mouth agape. New bravery… arms reach out, changes direction. Gunfire – cracking, booming. Deafening silence. Body thuds to ground. Sweep around with light... nothing… no more groans, no more sound. Only one… lucky night.

Warehouse doors wrench open, grinding, scouring unoiled metal. Dust is shaken free of the doors, peeling paint flecks off, taken by the wind. Gloom within, smells of dust and staleness. No rot. Flashlights climb up high, heavy shelves stretching almost to the roof. One whistles, tuneless amazement. Pallets and boxes, stacked with cans and bottles. Tomatoes. Beans. Peas. Carrots. Corn Spaghetti. Meat. Pickles. One finds batteries, shoves the packs of cylinders into her backpack and pockets. Light glints off tools, ranked in neat lines, plastic wrapped. Axes. Mattocks. Shovels. Hammers. Nails.

Moaning explodes around them. Echoes bouncing off the walls. Where? Dragging, shuffling. Snapping jaws. Lunging. One fires, shells eject onto the floor, pinging, ringing on concrete. Fuck! Gritted teeth. Reload, reload. More gunfire. More thuds. One is surprised, rotten teeth fastening onto his calf, sinking in. Turns, fires. Thing not going to get up again. Anguish, crying. What do we do now? Swap uneasy glances. One looks up, stricken, resigned. Already changing. Unlucky night now. One more shot rings. Silent tears.

Two return to the vehicle. Carry all they can. No more movement in the warehouse, pile more into the car, one always watching behind. Three trips back and forth, scurrying, panicked. Push closed the doors, harder with two. Spraycan rattles. Hissing. Red spray paint X, stark against the rust and peeling paint. X for treasure – more left inside. X for a cross, commemorating the fallen.

Doors slam. lights flick on, engine roars to life. Gravel crunches, lurches out of the carpark. Glances exchanged. Remember him in life – it wasn’t his fault – it was best for him. Best for us. Lights recede into the distance. Blackness again. Wind dies down, dust settling. More to reclaim. Food. Tools. Return soon.

2010 © Edgar Arthurs

Edgar Arthurs is a psychologist, working in Queensland Australia. He
works with children, adolescents and adults during the day and herds
cats with his partner during the night. If he ever gets some free
time, he won’t know what to do with himself.

Edgar blogs infrequently at S. Latitude 47° 9’, W. Longitude 126° 43’,
located at http://edgararthurs.blogspot.com/ and tries to avoid the
urge to rant at the moon. Edgar enjoys science fiction, urban fantasy
and weird fiction, including Lovecraftian, weird western, steampunk,
dieslepunk and zombie apocalypse tropes. Edgar’s influences include
H.P. Lovecraft, Jeff Van Der Meer and China Meville.

Mary's Night - Jim Bronyaur

2010-10-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Many of you might know my next guest in the 13 Days of Horror from the ezine, Soft Whispers, a place for artists and writers to connect, submit fiction, art, and poetry, and challenge their penning with frequent contests. But he's also started his own podcast, Dark Movements:

You’re about to hear a story that takes place in our world, in our time. The phenom behind this story is elsewhere. A place where the living aren’t alive and the dead aren’t dead. The space, the time, the distance – what you’ve never seen, what you’ve never heard, until now.
This is Dark Movements.

Sounds fantastic. It is a pleasure to welcome author and avid writer, Jim Bronyaur, and his delightfully, wicked tale, Mary's Night.

Mary's Night
By Jim Bronyaur

It was the last few minutes when dark and light fought. The darkness pushed down like an iron fist, causing an amazing show of deep purple and hot orange colors that stretched across the horizon. The almost bare trees stuck out like crippled fingers, all pointing to the ground.

Towards rows and rows of headstones.

It was October 13 – “Mary’s Night”, as it was called in the small town of Annville, Pennsylvania.

Leading a pack of ten teenagers including himself, Jackie held a beat up piece of paper in his hand. In his mouth was a flashlight. He tried to read the paper but it only came out as muffled words.

Most of the teenagers were boyfriend and girlfriend pairs, holding hands, the girls with their heads placed so delicately on their boyfriends shoulder.

Amy hated seeing it. Part of her was jealous, like the burning in your stomach jealousy. She never understood why she couldn’t have a boyfriend. Especially on a cool, scary night like tonight. She walked last in the small pack and more than once, she felt like someone was walking behind her. Each time she turned, she only saw the rounded silhouettes of the gravestones as the impending night was winning the war against daylight.

“Ah-ha!” Jackie yelled. He pulled the flashlight from his mouth. “I think we got it.”

Jackie walked to the front of a grave and shined the light.

“Angels lead you,” he said reading the stone.

“Jackie, wait,” a boy said. “The stone doesn’t have her name on it.”

“It’s not supposed to,” Jackie said. “That’s what makes it so scary. Here, everyone circle ‘round here. But don’t sit on top of her.”

“Why not?” a girl asked.

“Because Mary will grab you,” Jackie said in a cold voice.

The small group sat on the ground, again the girlfriends rested their heads on their boyfriends shoulders. Jackie sat back a little so he could address the entire group. Amy rest next to the gravestone, a make shift boyfriend, if you think of it in a morbid way.

“The story’s simple,” Jackie said. “Mary was born into a rich family. And the family started to die, one by one. Weird deaths too. An aunt fell down a set of steps. A cousin was bitten by a rare poisonous snake. An older brother fell into a wood chipper.”

As Jackie’s voice grew louder and his eyes got wider, Amy smiled. She loved autumn. The colors, the changing weather, everything around her dying. And then of course, the small town traditions like Mary’s Night. Even though she was alone, she still felt welcomed.

“Then people started to point fingers at Mary. They put the puzzle pieces together, I guess you could say. They determined that when Mary was born, that’s when things started happening. But wait, the story gets deeper. A couple doctors started asking questions… how could Mary be so big so fast? She was two already but should have been born six months ago. Then it was revealed – Mary was adopted. I guess back then adoption wasn’t as common as now. Then with all the bad things happening, people went crazy. They said Mary was the daughter of the devil. Sent to torture the world. Her adoptive daddy, Mr. Bringsley, he fought everyone. He said he loved Mary. That too soon changed. See, Mary killed her adoptive mother. Mary was about six or seven when it happened. She stabbed Mrs. Bringsley in the heart. When Mr. Bringsley found the bloody body, he went crazy.”

Jackie stood up and clicked the flashlight off. He was nothing more but a dark figure against a dark sky.

Amy smiled some more. She loved the ending to Mary’s story…

“Mr. Bringsley took Mary here, to the cemetery. He buried her. Alive. No gravestone or anything. He just chose a random spot and buried her. She didn’t fight him either. She stood and watched him dig the grave and then he threw her in and shoveled dirt on her face while she watched. Then he went home and killed himself.”

The girls in the small group gasped for air.

Amy chuckled.

“And on every October 13, on Mary’s night, she comes back from the grave to take one more soul… which one of the nine of us will it be?”

Jackie let out a long laugh.
Amy looked around the group and saw a girl with her hand on the ground.

Perfect, she thought.

Amy closed her eyes and thought about the story – every year, they told the damn story. Over and over. Reliving the pain. Usually the story was told elsewhere, in the wrong spot. But Jackie, he had it right. For the first time in twenty years, it was done in the right spot.

And that meant…

Amy grabbed the girls hand and pulled. Before the girl could turn or scream, she was gone. Amy kept her hand over the girl’s mouth as they sank back into the dark of the cool cemetery dirt. Amy held the girl and felt her body shaking and felt her trying to scream. She smiled and closed her eyes. She could hear the faint echoes of reality coming to the teenagers…

“Where’s Amber?” a shrilled voice yelled.

“Stop messing around!” Jackie’s voice yelled.

“I’m not… she was just here… she’s… gone…”

“What did you do Jackie?!” a girl’s voice screamed….

It would be headline news by the morning. Someone went missing on Mary’s Night.

Underground, Amy was restless. She wished there was a way to clear up two things. First, her name was Amy, not Mary. Mary was the name those people gave her when they adopted her. And two, she wasn’t the daughter of the devil… she just liked when bad things happened…

2010 © Jim Bronyaur

BIO: Jim lives in Pennsylvania and has been published in many anthologies including End of Days (volume 4), Inner Fears, Twisted Tongue, and Diamonds in the Rough. Other stories have been published in Flashes in the Dark, Twisted Dreams, Pow! Fast Flash Fiction, among many others. He doesn’t sleep, drinks lots of coffee, and listens to Guns ’n Roses. Jim’s web site is www.JimBronyaur.com.

Of course my site is www.jimbronyaur.com - Twitter is www.twitter.com/jimbronyaur - Dark Movements is www.darkmovements.wordpress.com

Oddity - R.S. Bohn

2010-10-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

I've been stalking my next guest, for she has a cauldron of enchanting talent, from literary gems like, The Librarian's Assistant (which won 1st place in the Writer's Art Contest at DeviantArt), to bizarre horror such as The Tiger Machine, and this flash piece is just another penning jewel. It is an honor to feature my next guest of the 13 Days of Horror, R.S. Bohn, and her eerie flash, Oddity.

Oddity
By R.S. Bohn

I pay two dollars to the one-eyed man and we step, giggling, into the floorless hut. A black curtain falls shut behind us. It’s dark -- just what we wanted. She bumps into me, I bump into her, we stop. Our eyes adjust.

Two-headed kitten. Albino croc. Eight-legged goat kid. Jar after jar. Yellow formaldehyde, lit from behind, or below. Fading print on the labels. We read each one in unsteady whispers. Hairless puppy smothered at birth by its mother. Its face is pulpy, a boxer’s bad night. “Gross,” she says, clinging to my arm. We take small steps around the bend, bodies pressed close. I stretch my neck to see what’s there before we turn. A thick, heavy fish, brought up from deep in the Amazon. Its face looks like the puppy’s. Two tiny arms curl close to its scaly sides; they have fingers. I wish a flap would open, let in some air. And then we see it: a jar by itself, no others on the shelf. Deformed fetus with claws and beaked mouth. A tail wound up like a pig’s. The label, in fresh blue ink: our names. Her hand damp in mine squeezes hard, nails digging in. We rush through the exit, gasping at the bright sun, hot summer air.

That year, Ruby refuses to let the old woman tell her fortune.

2010 © R.S.Bohn

Bio: RS Bohn is down with Adrock and MikeD and you ain't, and she's got more juice than Picasso got paint. She's also tricky. Find her and her Adidas here: http://rsbohn.blogspot.com

Fourteen Ounces of Vinegar - Mark Anthony Crittenden

2010-10-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

I know my next guest in the 13 Days of Horror feels right at home here, among horror and talent and he should—he is a skilled illustrator, author of Tales of Hit Men and the Occult), and founder and editor of Red Skies Press, with a growing list of anthologies under his cape: Howl: Dark Tales of the Feral and Infernal, Side Show 2: Tales of the Big Top and Bizarre, and coming soon, Their Dark Masters. Please give a big welcome to a good friend and the candid tell-it-like-it-is editor, Mark Anthony Crittenden and his excellent tale, Fourteen Ounces of Vinegar.

Fourteen Ounces of Vinegar
by Mark Anthony Crittenden

Liana traced her fingers around the box. It was wrought iron, the size of a small dowry chest, yet light as a bread basket. Its silver casing was lined with intricate depicts arranged in a radiant pattern around a single eight-pointed star. The intaglio glyphs suggested insect shapes, and this lesser mosaic formed the basis of a larger and more complete picture-the unmistakable face of a woman.

She let her fingers hover there, over the beautiful face on the box. She raked her nails over the impressions in the lid, and lightning bolts of desperation and envy rolled across the barren landscape of her features. The murky music of old phonograph records issued from the back of her mind between the screeching of the neighborhood brats, who taunted her from a safe distance on their bicycles outside.

"Liana Graves is the May Haven witch! Burned up the pastor and threw him in a ditch!"

…Parsley, sage, rosemary, and…

"Crazy old bitch! Crazy old bitch!"

…My funny Valentine, sweet comic Valentine…

They slapped each other and guffawed like hyenas, as was their custom; until she inevitably made her way to the windows to show them her wretchedness. They would not be satisfied until they saw all the gory details: her lazy eye, the matted lunatic-hair, the utterly dejected and absent stare mixed with all the rage they could stir into it. These were a few of their favorite things. She did not indulge them today, and they peddled away empty-handed. She opened the blind to a slit and watched them fade into the dusky afternoon, between high elms, the waning sunlight glistening off their handlebars under a canopy of prefab rooftops.

"Oh, my dear, dear sweet darlings," she cooed. "When you have understanding of the darkness, I doubt you will be so bold."

She swept over to the phonograph player and dropped the needle back on to her favorite Kitty Kallen vinyl. Sweet music filled the room, and Liana let herself fall into a swoon. She hoped it would hold the other voices at bay, the ones that rose from the heating coils and the old drains, and wafted up from under the cellar doors. The ones that reminded her that so much bitter business lay ahead. The phonograph player hadn't worked in years, but she heard the music just the same.

Blow me a kiss from across the room

Say I look nice when I'm not…

The old pipes rattled and separate voices gurgled up from them, horrible melting voices, epochs-old. They whispered incomprehensible things in old Latin and Golgothan, and she nodded feverishly in recognition.

Whether the day is bright or gray

Give me your heart to rely on…

She poured a concoction of vinegar and mandrake juice into a fourteen-ounce vial. She hovered over the silver box, hands shaking, almost spilling the liquid on the wooden floors.

"No, Master," she said to the box. "I wasn't going to deprive you…"

An image hovered to the forefront of her senses, clouds of fuchsia forming in a pool of ink, black-rimmed eyes that glimmered with an untamed angry yellow light.

"I wasn't going to, Master. We two are as one. Remember? We two are as one…"

Liana knelt by the box and poured the vial into the fissures in the lid, the way the sisters had taught her so many years ago.

She knelt by it, rocking back and forth, trying to hear the music but none would come. She cradled her elbows and scratched nervously at her arms. The storm clouds gathered outside and lightning raked across them in silvery flashes. An instant darkness folded around May Haven as Liana rocked back and forth, eyes fixed wildly on the box.

The rain came quickly, pelting the sides of the windows and casting long, running shadows across the walls. There was a sharp clicking sound, and the turning of gears as the locking mechanism opened from inside the box. Liana turned away, head in her knees, averting her eyes from the thing that she both loved and feared the most.

It rose from the box, draping viscous entrails, flailing like tentacles that splayed out below the dripping head. Its female voice was terrible, serpentine.

"The bastard sons of Abel encroach upon me," it hissed.

"I can't stop them, Master. There are too many."

It hovered close behind her, beaming yellow eyes gazing without mercy." And they will not suffer a witch to live." Its answer was final, decisive.

It pressed its rotten green lips to Liana's neck exposing long serrated fangs. Liana closed her eyes, and whimpered her last breath before feeling the razor sharp agony grind into her jugular. It bled her quickly and slithered back to its resting place. The lid closed and locked in place.

Days later, the house was boarded up and covered with police tape. No one knew the exact details, but the boys were quick to make up their own wicked versions of what happened to Liana Graves. Presently they sat on their bikes and dared Billy Preston, their newest member to finish the task appointed to him.

He set his bike down and approached the front steps, spray can in hand.

"Do it. Do it. Do it," they chanted. "She killed a pastor, you know."

Billy ran up the steps and sprayed the message as quick as he could. The other boys glanced around for oncoming cars. Billy stopped briefly, thinking that he heard an old phonograph playing inside.

"Come on, come on, let's go," they giggled.

He sprayed the last glob on the front door and stood back to admire it.

Here lies the May Haven witch.

Off they rode into the sunny afternoon, and Billy had found acceptance among his new friends. They collaborated on a story in case anyone asked them about the desecration of the old house. When they decided that everything was in order everyone went their separate ways.

Billy went home, and to his surprise there was a package on the doorstep addressed to him. His birthday was less than a month away, so it must have been an early present. He peeked inside for a sign of parents. They were still out running errands. He ran the box upstairs to his room and cut the packaging tape with a kitchen knife. He removed the stuffing and pulled out a large iron box with a silver lid.

The sun disappeared suddenly and Billy pulled the drapes aside to see rapidly advancing storm clouds. "Strange," he thought.

He ran his fingers across the designs on the lid, curious as to its origin, and feeling pretty anxious about opening it. An image hovered to the forefront of his senses, something like clouds of fuchsia forming in a pool of ink. There was the faintest smell of vinegar.

He slid the box under his bed. He didn't want to know just yet. He lay back with arms folded behind his head.

"Night will reveal all," he thought to himself.

"Yes, yes. Good boy," a voice seemed to whisper from somewhere far away.

2010 © Mark Anthony Crittenden

BIO: "This story is a small taster from Their Dark Masters, an anthology of profoundly disturbing vampire tales, the first installment upcoming from Red Skies Press. Consider this book required reading if you're a horror fan. Authors include such greats as Barry J. Northern, Lily Childs, Rebecca L. Brown, Marissa Farrar, Erik Boman, Paul Anderson, Gregory Miller, Tyree Campbell, Erin Cole, and Ellen Datlow's "Best Horror of The Year" honoree: Lee Hughes. The book will be available December 2010 via Amazon and Amazon UK. Remember to sleep on your back, and sleep lightly, lest you miss what crawls on the ceiling.”
-Mark Crittenden, Editor http://redskiespress.proboards.com/