R.I.P John Hurt

One of the most prolific British actors has sadly died today. I first remember seeing John Hurt in the Alan Parker film 'Midnight Express'. I felt his performance in that film as well as countless other ones was completely underrated. The saddest part of losing someone who was so unequally talented is the fact that they are nearly impossible to replace. I challenge anyone to find a modern day actor with the same range or passion as Hurt. And that sad fact brings me to another issue; Standards. Are the entertainers of today even partially equipped with the same fortitude or integrity of the forlorn faces of the past? I leave their bodies of work to speak for themselves.

Usual 'Unusual' inspirations for new story

As usual, the inspirations I'm drawing for my new novella 'Further Passage' are anything but ordinary. I find it both amusing and completely bizarre how the imagery that forms in my thoughts comes to me with barely an effort and doesn't give a moments peace until said project is completed. 'Brujeria' also known as Mexican Witchcraft, is one of the subjects I have been studying for this particular work as one of the characters is, in fact, a witch. And also the Magical Ritual known as the Abra Melin has also found its way into the story. It has been a month since I've started this story and just like all the others before it, it has indeed taken a life of its own. I find that both mesmerizing and frustrating because when I think the main story line is one certain way, It starts to assume many tricks and turns making me yearn both for a clear theme and a story that fits my standards of entertainment. Needless to say, I am very excited with how the story is at the moment and I can only hope that it stays that way!

R.I.P William Peter Blatty

I was saddened to hear that the author of the one of the best horror films ever, 'The Exorcist', has died. William Peter Blatty was a definite pioneer during the time when one could definitely argue that the genre of Horror had reached a certain peak. He was able to produce a movie that has stood on it's own among a slew of other greats, including 'Halloween', 'Rosemary's Baby', and 'The Omen'. Though achieving initial success with the Exorcist, and, in my own opinion, again with the 'The Exorcist 3', I was quite surprised when he didn't replicate such success with other films. But, maybe that's how fickle success can be. When one reaches the usually unattainable, sometimes it's not greatness that is the reward, but obscurity. When I really think about it, perhaps that is what William Peter Blatty actually did.

 

Progressing on my second Novella

I've been fortunate to have a continuous output since I decided to become a writer so many years ago. Recently I took a look at the patterns of starting and completing my many projects and found many similarities that I would probably never notice while I was working on them. I feel it is very important for writers to stay busy, regardless of what is happening in their personal lives. I also feel it is a necessity to acknowledge, as a writer, one's preferred genre. Too many times I have seen writers jump from one genre to another and while sometimes it works, most often it can have setbacks. I have stated several times that as a Horror writer, I am an absolute purist, even though I have branched outside of it a small handful of times. I would never think of including a genre that didn't fit my chosen one, such as comedy. Lately, I have kept myself more than busy while working on my second Novella 'Further Passage'. And again, as with so many of my works, its as if the other side commands my hand. I really don't know why, if it is in fact true, such a supernatural act occurs, but believe me, I'm not complaining. I feel such assistance is more or less an advantage. Everything that comes my way in life, be it a certain movie, a conversation, music and so forth, inspires my progression to the story and I really can't say if it's mere coincidence. If it is, I hope it continues...