Sherlock Holmes mixing it up with H. G. Wells... Night Crawler, Ghost Stories, and the history of Jack-o'-lanterns.

Hello!  It's been a terribly long time since I added anything to this site.  It seems I'm too often popping in weeks apart to reference some excuse for delays, while promising to be more attentive.  Yet, I can't help certain distractions of late.  For instance, I recently sold my home.  Although everything went as smoothly as one could hope that still meant an incredible amount of work getting the place ready and empty.  After a month of straight effort every day I'm finally getting the first few minutes to relax... which I'm using to let everyone know what's fresh on the menu.

First off, I penned another set of articles for Horror Obsessive and 25YL.  Those fine folks are still letting me write for them and last month I got to do a double set of thrills.  Due on the same date, I put together articles about the history of jack-o'-lanterns and a sort of memoir, nonfiction reflection on the Judas Priest song "Night Crawler".  Both perfect topics for spooky season. 

Personally, I think the history of jack-o'-lanterns may spice up the tradition for those unfamiliar, since it injects a little horror into the practice.  Plus, myself and two friends got together to carve pumpkins for the piece.  Not to mention I got to use my own art for the feature image.  

The Haunting History of the Jack-o’-Lantern - Horror Obsessive

When I pitched the piece about "Night Crawler" I didn't realize I'd be in the middle of packing up my childhood home at the same time.  However, maybe there's a bit of serendipity in this chaotic universe because the timing certainly fit.  I actually got to sit in my basement reflecting on what it was like listening to the song, having that first visceral experience of music.  Although, I think I should let the article speak for itself.  

"Night Crawler" is a Thrilling Terror by Judas Priest | 25YL (25yearslatersite.com)
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The fabulous thespians associated with BYOT (Bring Your Own Theater) asked me to put together a Halloween ghost story for them this season.  In grand BYOT tradition I penned, recorded, and made a quick ultra low-budget DIY video all in one day.  I had a lot of fun writing this one, though I wish I hadn't been so swamped with other matters.  Mainly, although I think the video is solid, I saw so many things I could've added given more time.  That's on me, but I still think, if nothing else, the story provides a chill. 

Turn the lights down.  Perhaps put on a set of headphones.  And give it a listen.
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Last but nowhere near least, my story "The Adventure of Human Beasts" is now available in the anthology Sherlock Holmes:  Further Adventures in the realm of H. G. Wells Volume 2.  Released by Belanger Books, this imaginative compilation features stories in the Sherlock Holmes style infused with elements of H. G. Wells particular brand of science fiction.  Writing this story was a labor of love and getting it published checked something off the old bucket list -- my own Sherlock Holmes story.  I think any fan of Holmes will be pleasantly surprised not only by my story but the other mysteries in this volume. Click the link below to grab your copy today.

Sherlock Holmes: Further Adventures in the Realms of H.G. Wells Volume Two: Belanger, Derrick, Davis, C. Edward, Siverling, Michael, Magnini, R. Micheal, Hogan, Liam, Marcum, David, Hiscock, Paul, Svec III, Joseph, Matteis, Jen, Altabef, Gretchen: 9798493418044: Amazon.com: Books     

That about wraps it up for now.  I won't make promises.  Things are still a crazy mess.  However, I'm still making things happen.  Check in here or the Facebook page to see when things are available or on the way.  If nothing else, maybe think of the space between posts as content building up for a binge.  Meanwhile, thanks for stopping by--cheers!