Another year over

2012. A strange, and interesting, and, for the most part, good year. For myself in particular this year was anything but dull. I briefly lived in another state, moved from the residence I have lived in for over thirty years, wrote two more stories, over ten articles, and so on. All in all, I'd say it wasn't bad. When you take in the fact that we all didn't die on December 21st, that too is something to be grateful for. So, out with the old and in with the new, I wonder now what 2013 will bring.

Articles accepted by San Diego's 'The Reader'

I just found out today that the premiere publication body in San Diego, The 'Reader', is publishing the two articles that I submitted to them. To say that I am ecstatic is a definite understatement. This, to me, means that I must now work overtime to provide even more articles. The articles that I choose to associate myself with are, of course, macabre in nature. I'm sorry, but to put it simply, nothing else will do. Only the most strange and morbid. It's like they call to me from some unseen place. Demanding to be written. Demanding to be seen. What else can I do, but oblige.

Alas, a new story

The next story I have planned is a rewrite of a story that I started years ago, but failed to complete. It is titled 'The Loss of Heaven' and once again has the demon E'ferries as its main character. In this particular story, the forces of darkness overpower the angels of Heaven and the resulting chaos affects all of creation. While some would say that the concept of such a story is beyond their ability to create or comprehend, I tend to think otherwise. What would happen if such a thing occurred? How would life as we know it be affected? It's questions like these that continue my quest in coming up with the best horror imaginable!

More articles of hauntings

Once again, I find myself going to strange yet interesting places I have never been to before to produce articles. The small town of Julian, in California, supposedly has a haunted residence. Being completely interested in the subject of the paranormal, I'm going to the residence and will investigate it and then write an article about it. So far, I have written 21 articles that have been published by different webzines. I believe that the worst step one can make is none at all. And with that in mind, I hope that I write, and publish, several more books and articles!

Halloween, once again!

Happy Halloween. It's my favorite holiday and it always puts me in such an excited mood. But, tell you the truth, I never really get to do what I want and I almost always spend the day watching horror movies and passing out candy to pubescent trick-or-treaters. Since I'm an absolute believer in magic in all of it's forms, I always feel disappointed that I cant spent the day partaking in some sort of obscure ritual, or visiting some haunted site. One thing that I've always pictured myself doing is attending a party of powerful elitists and reading them my works in the fashion formerly practiced by Lord Francis Dashwood. One can only wish! Needless to say, this is my favorite time of the year. The changing colors of trees, the amber sky. To me, the scenery itself is simply magnificent! And we must never forget the original meaning of the holiday which was a night when the spirits of the other side, whether good or evil, could make themselves appear with the living.

Aboard the 'Queen Mary'

My trip to the famed luxurious ocean liner the 'Queen Mary' was good, indeed. Aside from learning several facts about the ship that I did not know before, the lovely Ms. Anthropy and myself also experienced what many would call a paranormal experience. Walking down the halls of the ship, one could definitely find a parallel between those and the ones out of the hotel from Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining'. We actually felt a few cold pockets even though the weather outside was warm. On deck, I felt as if I was on the Titanic. It wasn't until we were going to bed when, while I was in the bathroom, I heard her say 'Thank You' out of nowhere. When I asked her about it, she strangely responded "Wasn't it you that just touched my shoulder?" When I told her I didn't, we both looked at each other in both fascination and awe. If she wasn't a believer before, I'm sure she is now

29th short story completed

Alas, my 29th short story 'Innocence Lost' is finished. As with all the stories I've completed recently, this one also had many strange occurrences happen during it's production. I've never had a story where I didn't have one bout of writer's block. Not one! I guess there is a first time for everything. Just like the five previous ones I have written before it, the length of the story was remarkably similar. And, just like the others as well, the content of the story sort of came out of nowhere. As I've said many times before, it's like they write themselves. I am some sort of fleshly vehicle, if you will. Every time I finish a story there is a sort of bittersweet feeling I have. I'm elated that I finished a story, of course. But, then I have to go through the whole process of coming up with new ideas and everything that comes with that. I guess that is part of the package for choosing to be involved in the creative arts.

No Rest for the Wicked!

Lately, I have been keeping myself busy with my new story 'Innocence Lost' (Yes I've altered the name). But, I have also been keeping my eyes open for new ideas for articles. The other day, my old friend Ms. Anthropy wanted to know if I would accompany her to the supposedly haunted ship the Queen Mary. Although at first I must admit I was a tad skeptical, any negativity I felt towards it soon turned to elation. I love traveling, especially to sites that may, or may not, be haunted. Hopefully, by the end of the month I will have both my new story and my new article completed.

Making progress gradually

Lately I've been making progress gradually. But, something is always better than nothing. The story I'm working on is coming to me in stages. Scene after scene, if you will. The main inspiration for this particular story comes from the incident at Loudun, France in 1634. Several nuns were thought to be possessed by evil spirits and as a result of their behavior, a certain bishop was actually put to death. The witch trials at Salem, Massachusetts are also inspiring me, as well. I believe myself to be a voice, if you will for those who died in vain for the worthless cause of religious fanaticism. Even though they died centuries ago, I still feel that their story needs to be heard.

Plodding Forward

Lately I have been pleasantly surprised at how much progress I have had in writing my new short story 'Innocence Corrupted'. Unlike several stories I have written in the past, Writers Block has not been an issue. I truly hope I can keep up the momentum and finish the story by the desired date of 12-21-12. As usual, the subject matter in the story is quite controversial as it deals with sexuality, possession, and the jading of  young and innocent mind. I am gathering my inspiration from several historical happenings, and although this is definitely not the first time that I have done such a thing, I truly feel that fact, sometimes, is truly stranger than fiction!

Reflections of Suicide

In this post I must confront an issue that affects everyone sometime or another, the subject of Suicide. Whenever I see that such a thing has taken place, I do my best not to judge those involved. For you never know what extreme measures pushed them to commit such an act. In my journey in life, I've noticed that most human beings have a fragile breaking point. Too much stress or trauma usually puts them over the edge and stress and trauma is usually the stuff life is made of, for most people. I cannot deny that I, myself, have even contemplated it when enduring severe bouts of depression. But, I'm pretty sure I never would. I mean, what if you somehow  forget to do it correctly and all you do is maim yourself? Then you definitely have not improved your situation. Difficult as it is, one must consider such things. When life gets at it's lowest, I remember an age-old adage that always seems to get me through it: The Show Must Go On.

Starting yet another story!

Again, the Horror Gods have beckoned me and, as usual, I have heeded their unholy call. It was only two months ago when I finished my 28th short story 'Nemesis'. Usually when I have idle time, my restless mind can think of nothing else but to produce macabre tales fit only for the deranged. Again, my ease has been commanded to write the bidding of the dark. This next story, titled 'Innocence Corrupted', is going to be interesting. Rarely do I get such a clear idea of how the story is going to pan out. Hopefully, that adds to the flair and gives my public exactly what they crave!

When does it end?

The first post I wrote on this blog stated that I was in a life-or-death struggle with obscurity. While I have taken many steps in making my dream a reality, the fact remains that the struggle is just as real today as it was back then. The questions I keep asking myself are when does it all change? When does the obscurity become a less-than-pleasant memory? And what do you do when nothing seems to work out the way you want it to? To this day I still cannot answer them. But, maybe the the real answer lies more with action. Maybe if I continue with my dreams, whether right or wrong, maybe, just maybe, they will materialize. You never really know in life. And while it would be sad if I continued doing every effort I could only to never reach my full potential, it would be ten times worse if I quit and my goal was inches from becoming fulfilled.

New article

Recently I completed my 18th article and while it was not based on material that I usually write about, I am very pleased with it none the less. Lately, I have been writing about travel destinations for the sake of travel, not to see any paranormal sites. In a brighter light, its a way I can expand on my field. Traveling is one of my favorite past-times and I enjoy doing as much as I can. The fact that I can write articles about the places I visit is a privilege to say the least.

Grants?

Every up and coming author has probably had to deal with the subject of trying to get free funds to use to establish themselves. Getting such funds, also known as grants, can be somewhat of a challenge as I am figuring out for myself. All I can say is, just like everything else in my life, I will persevere. Sincerely, I truly want to promote literature with my material, wicked as it may be. And literacy as a whole. I believe it is truly sad how low the academic standards in my homeland of America have dropped since I was a child. I believe  if I can achieve what I want to, I can at least cease this trend and promote horror at the same time. Two birds with one stone, if you will!

Excerpt from 'Nemesis'

The following is an excerpt from my most recently completed short story 'Nemesis' I do hope you enjoy.

'A need was deep within him. A need that festered itself to those who have tasted the world's malice. From the time of his earliest youth, he felt himself mistreated, misjudged, and tormented by others. Although his outward appearances did not indicate his affliction, in his mind there was always the desire to have the world experience the cruelty it had bestowed upon him. Conventional means did little to assist him, for he had not the strength to fulfill his darkened wishes. But still, there was the belief. The belief that somewhere, out in the grand abyss, someone, or something, could.'

28th short story finally complete!

Finally, I have done it. I finished my 28th short story 'Nemesis' yesterday. Even though I went through all the positive motions after finishing it, I couldn't deny the fact that there were some strange coincidences. This story, along with the last five that I have done, took roughly about six months to complete. It was also very similar in length to the last five as well. Believe it or not, I do not plan for things to turn out the way that they do. I can't believe how many difficulties I had while completing this story, and just like the others, I wanted to quit several times. This story literally assumed a life of it's own while I was writing it. Before putting it together, I had no direction with it. So, to say that I'm amazed it was as good as it is, is definitely an understatement!

Another article

Another day, another article. It is common knowledge in the paranormal community that the Hotel Del Coronado is supposed to be disturbed by certain spirits. That is the subject for my next article. Although the last subjects of my articles are somewhat tourist friendly, my true intentions always revolve around discovering haunted sites that the general public is completely unaware of. It is because of this fact that I always keep my proverbial eyes open at all times

More of the usual

Again oh once again, has writer's block reared it's ugly head. I really detest that, especially when I'm basically on a roll as far as my writing's are concerned. I have been getting a lot completed in the form of articles and so on, and I'm very close to completing my 28th short story 'Nemesis. Anyone with similar ambitions can understand my frustrations. But, as always, the show must go on. I feel that one major stumbling block that I have is having all my goals in mind but not knowing the next step to take. I guess you could say that I'm a bit all over the place as far as that goes. But, that's better than being nowhere

The only reason

as usual, I'm staying busy with several endeavors. I'm working on my 28th short story entitled 'Nemesis'. Essentially, the story, like all the ones prior, is writing itself. I recently completed articles concerning my trip to Denver, Colorado. I've been sending several copies of my first three books to numerous locations here in the U.S. and abroad as well. I've even been able to come up with a few sinister poems as well. Sometimes, I think we all have to remember the reasons we do anything. Because, once we lose focus of that, life becomes a chore. An Endurance. The only reason to do anything is because you enjoy it. I feel that is the major difference between success and failure!

Cheesman Park

My Denver trip was exciting to say the least. What was really strange is that Cheesman Park, a park located in the heart of a very bustling city, was always completely empty all four nights that I visited it. One night, while walking there with my nephew and Brother, all three of us hit a cold pocket that None of us could explain because the weather was normal. bits of fog would pop up around the park and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. I also walked around Millionaires Row, around the Capital Hill district and saw supposedly haunted homes. But, because they were all being renovated, I wasn't allowed to go into them to see for myself. All in all, I'm happy with the way my trip turned out and can't wait to go back.

Upcoming trip to Denver

Alas, the wicked never rest. As I have taken care of the personal business regarding my family, I am now preparing to go on another trip to pursue phenomena. This time I am staying within the U.S. and going to Denver, Colorado. It seems Cheesman Park has been reported by many locals of Capital hill, located in Denver, to be 'Disturbed' by supernatural forces. It is also said to be the inspiration of two films. 'Poltergeist' and 'The Changeling'. As I have visited several haunted sites before, I always know that seeing any activity is only half of the experience. Feeling it is the other. And there really is no other feeling in the world quite like it.

Other plans

You know the saying 'Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans', it is especially true for me. And I'm sure I'm not the only one. Because of certain circumstances, I had to leave my new residence of Everett, Washington and Journey once again to San Diego, California. Needless to say, I was extremely frustrated by it all. But, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Once I finish business in San Diego, I definitely want to change locations. Where to is still a mystery, even for me. The world is my playground and I want to make the most of this definite enigma called life!

'Demon of Seasons' excerpt

The following excerpt is from the story 'Demon of Seasons'. This is yet another tale that has the accursed E'ferries as the main character.

'...Wrathful, the Pagan gods would place a curse upon the Autumn season so that every year around that time the veil separating the worlds of Earth and the infernal would be lifted. And on one particular night if the year every sort of foul spirit would be allowed to walk among the mortals and do as they wished. That night would be 'All Hallows Eve'.
From the deepest darkest depths of Hades would come forth the most loathsome of all accursed spirits, E'ferries. Harboring within himself unimaginable rage and torment, he would take pleasure in the coming season knowing all too well the pain and anguish he would bring...'

'Confessions of Depravity' Excerpt

This next excerpt is from a story that I was inspired to write after researching practices regarding modern day sadists and sexual predators. It is appropriately titled 'Confessions of Depravity'.

'Mankind, though seemingly different in appearance than the rest of the beats of the Earth, harbors within itself a nature of pure savagery. The few that embrace the entirety of that nature find themselves prone to acts of sadism. For with man, as with beast,

predators find no pleasure greater than that of hunting prey. Yet, those who can best conceal their bestial ambitions remain the most dangerous kind. For it is those predators whose deviance is hidden by the facade of normalcy...'

'The Alchemist' excerpt

The following is an excerpt from the story 'The Alchemist'. It is a story based on the notorious Frenchman Gilles De Rais.

'Such a terrible thought. That a man could forsake his own soul and shed blood in the name of the enemy. Innocent blood. All for the purpose of greed. Gilles de Baron, an aristocrat and nobleman, did in fact just that. Many children were slain by him and offered to a demon by the name of E'ferries, who was no less than the Devil himself.
But the question that remains is not how a well to do noble from the highest society in all of France could do such a thing. But why.....'

'To the Victor, the Spoils' excerpt

This next excerpt is from the story 'To the Victor, the Spoils'

'From the time of his birth, Uruk had a heart full of treachery. Hungry for power, he was elated when news spread that the king of all the land lay dying. Cunning and resourceful, he maneuvered his way close to the king to make sure he would be considered a successor. How enraged he became when, even though dying, the king refused to choose between Uruk himself and another well known and loved noble, Leacious. With his rage as his guide, Uruk traveled north in search of her, a witch who worshiped the ancient goddess Hecate. Though she was thought of as a myth, Uruk was certain that when he found her, her powers of clairvoyance would help him achieve his goal. With a small troop of men, he made his way outside of the borders of his country and into the wild lands...'

'The Heathen Desecration' excerpt

This next excerpt comes from the story 'The Heathen Desecration'. The inspiration to write this story came from the interactions that the Vikings had with the Irish shortly after the dark ages.

'Upon the shores of Anagh, in Ireland, calmness and serenity was shared by all. On it's glorious hill the cathedral of St. Patrick, Ireland's chosen saint, stood in magnificence. Peace and prosperity had flourished throughout the countryside and there was no indication that any change would occur. To the outside view, it must have seemed like Heaven on Earth and to those fortunate enough to live there, it was. The sole inhabitants of Anagh, aside from merchants and wanderers, were the monks of the cathedral. Pious men who considered their creed and destination a true blessing from above. By principle, they would never consider lifting a hand in anger, even to defend themselves, and spent day after day in laborious duty and prayer. Never would they think about casting judgement on another human being, for everything was God's will. That perception of security and tranquility would change however, the night the Norsemen came....'

Excerpt from 'The Presence of Rage'

The next excerpt comes from a story that deals with the subject of entities that can actually harm the living. The title of this story is 'The Presence of Rage'.

'Again the mundane silence was shattered. Disrupted by unexplained chaos, the once happy and peaceful home life of a God-fearing man and his lovely wife and daughter was in turmoil. As objects flew through the air, his loved ones would feel invisible hands groping and slapping them. As he would do his utmost to protect them, he would feel the sting of unseen jaws sinking into his flesh. Being a Christian, he tried everything in his power to expel this evil spirit using the words of the bible. To no avail did his faith serve him. All the sermons seemed to do was enrage the spirit all the more. It was only a few weeks earlier that the family had no such contact at all. Life had been sublimely ordinary. With great subtlety, the entity would enter....'

Excerpt from 'One Night in Csejthe'

The next excerpt that I am going to share with you all comes from the second story I have written in honor of the 'Blood Countess' Elizabeth Bathory. I have been infatuated with her since the first time I read about her years ago. The title of the story is 'One Night in Csejthe'

'Elizabeth Bathory, the infamous Blood Countess, spent the last of her days locked in a room in Csejthe castle. A fitting punishment when one considers her crimes. For it was there, in the dark and dank dungeons of Csejthe, where she and her minions tortured and murdered countless young girls. And where she would personally bathe in their blood.
When her sentence was carried out, the authorities that placed her there were convinced that they were finally rid of her, but little did they realize the Evil such a woman was capable of. Confined in a large room, there were no disturbances from the outside world what-so-ever. She was free to practice the black arts taught to her by Anna Darvulia, a known witch.
By way of incantation, she summoned to herself all manner of vile and loathsome spirits and by bargains gave to herself not only a quick and painless passing, but that which she had sought all of her life, eternal beauty!....'

'Church of the Wicked' excerpt

The following excerpt is from a most controversial story. There have been many tales that took a skeptical look at the resurrection of Jesus. Taking a lead from several of them, I decided to make my own approach. The story is titled 'The Church of the Wicked'.

'It should be known to all that the legends regarding the charlatan savior, known as Jesus of Nazarene, have all been lies. Indeed he was betrayed, not only by his own people the Jews, but by his own disciples as well. In the hour of his greatest need, while he has impaled upon the Roman cross, he himself would also be guilty of betrayal. The God that he supposedly placed above and beyond all other things earthly and otherwise, the same God that he spent countless hours praising and casting judgement on others for, he would find himself doubting and, consequently, cursing. When his faith was needed most, his human qualities replaced any that were considered divine. With pain as his only reality, upon the cross, he turned his eyes towards the Heavens and screamed out "My God, why have you forsaken me?!" Immediately, God responded in kind. His soon to come death was forever denied. Like Cain before him, he was plagued with immortality and forced to remain upon the Earth for all eternity. A rightful sentence for any betrayer....'

Excerpt from 'The Devil's Magic'

The following excerpt is from a macabre tale properly titled 'The Devil's Magic'.
'....Using her charm and guile, in the dead of night, she called to Eve. She had sensed in Eve, from the moment of her creation, a fierce independence and resentment of all rules imposed on her, even if they were few. And knew that she would be a far easier target to tempt than Adam. Arising from her slumber, Eve could not help but follow the beautiful and majestic voice. Away from the view of Adam, Eve found the source of the voice, sitting atop the one forbidden tree in all of Eden. Approaching, yet keeping a safe distance from the tree, Eve was mesmerized. Aside from herself, Eve had never experienced a feminine beauty such as the beauty of her divine visitor. Her ability to resist temptation and seduction was non-existent. Knowing all too well of her vulnerability, The Devil climbed down the tree and moved closer to her....'

Excerpt from 'The Black Forest'

The following is an excerpt from the story 'The Black forest'.
I wrote this story in honor of the forests of Eastern Europe, which were very thick and haunting and had carried with them many happenings worthy of mention.

'To the North, Astray from majestic mountains and under a ghostly moon of chaos lay the region of the Forest of Shadows. As ancient as time itself, with its lowly valleys and thick brushes of trees, it carried within itself a timeless soul. A soul marred with misanthropic inclinations. A soul of Winter. From the time before man walked the Earth, the Forest of Shadows was itself a place of desolation...'

'Vengeance of Edmond' Excerpt

Over the next few weeks, I am going to share with you all excerpts from the my works that have not yet been published. I do hope you enjoy them.
The first excerpt is from a story titled 'The Vengeance of Edmond'

'On a hillside there were many. Watching. Staring more like it. A finely dressed puritan was declaring a speech before an indifferent crowd regarding an obviously browbeaten woman, somewhat in her thirties. "Julianna Davison! You have been charged with trafficking with the Devil." The crowd, mainly ignorant farm-working peasants watched on in silence, never daring any attempt to challenge the puritans authority. He spoke on. "By witness of our glorious church and of your near distant neighbor, the noble Franz Ruder, I hereby sentence you to immediate death!" The woman looked to the crowd. "I swear on my soul I'd never do such a thing. Please! I beg of you, show mercy!" She loudly began to sob. The crowd was unmoved. The puritan spoke again. "By rightful decree of the Council of Saints, let it be done!" Two large men walked the crying woman up to the gallows platform. Although she was crying, she made no attempt at a struggle. They placed her under the noose and fastened it around her neck. Then, they kicked out the stool from beneath her and a loud snap was heard. Her feet wiggled a little and then she was still. Her face pointing to the floor.
The arrogant puritan then addressed the still and silent crowd. "Take this as a lesson all of you who do not respect the sovereign authority of the church!"...'

To thine own self, be true

Several times I have seen people act in a way that I considered superficial, possibly because they thought it would bring some sort of benefit to them. The status quo has never really mattered to me, so I consider any such action needless and ridiculous. You see, in the end you are who you are. It's the one thing you cannot hide. So, why even try? I believe the answer is fear. Most people tend to shield themselves within a facade of whatever is socially acceptable because they are afraid to face the torrent of judgement and abuse that comes from rejecting what is acceptable from the masses. When you go along with the abyss of social acceptance, you must always ask yourself "How much fake is enough"? Most people don't want to answer that question either. I must say that I do appreciate those who went outside of social norms, whether willingly or otherwise, to stay true to themselves.

New Beginnings

The new year has brought with it new beginnings for me. I have relocated from San Diego, California to Everett, Washington. While a change of scenery is always nice, the week after I got there it was hit by the worst snowstorm in years. Coincidence? I think not. Things of that nature always seem to happen whenever I come around. Strange, isn't it? But, aside from being extremely cold, it has been rather pleasant. After I am completely adjusted, It's business as usual with me going after my age-old goals of writing and success.