"Blessings Of Death"

macabre 3

New Trailer for my works!!

Here is a new trailer for my works, shot by none other than my Nephew! We're going to be working on other trailers as well as a reading for my old story 'The Chalice'! In the game of life, no one else decides your course of action except you!!

2018 in retrospect

2018 definitely presented its challenges for me. But, on the positive side, I started the year off by finishing up my fifth novel 'The Goblin Tale part 2', wrote two more short stories and spent the vast majority of the year working on my sixth novel 'Deimos Phobos'. Anytime that I can do that, spend a virtual working on new material, I'd say that was a good year indeed. I also recently began working on new video trailers for my first three published books, and so far have uploaded one to youtube already.
That being said, I'd say 2018 was a very productive year. This year marks almost twenty years that I've made my fullest aspirations a reality. Hopefully, next year will bring even more results in that respect!

Glory to Hera!!

Hera. The name says it all. Majesty, unparalleled beauty, and endless power beyond human capabilities is only a fraction of why I have been drawn to the Queen of the Greek Gods since very early in childhood. To be honest, I first caught glimpse of her reading through a 'Marvel Universe' comic book which is ironic considering that I've never really been a huge comics fan. Everything from the myths surrounding her to the absolute elegance of any of her depictions has kept me beyond mesmerized. And while she sometimes has been viewed as vengeful or malevolent, it makes no difference to me. She has captured my infatuations, and if I'm lucky, she will continue to do so as long as I shall live!

18 years and 6 months!

Alas, it's been 18 years and 6 months since I made the life-altering decision to become a writer. While not one regret passes through my mind in the course of such an action, I do sometimes wonder what direction my life would have taken if I would have made different choices. I need not look any further than the multitude of masses who have no passion for their lives, nor do they any have any direction that isn't dictated by the demands of a superficial world.
In that sense, I'm eternally grateful. A teacher I had years ago stressed the importance of living what he called 'an extraordinary life'. A life that would strive for the absolution of fulfilled potential and test the limits of existence itself. I've traveled over the Atlantic Ocean over seven times, seen the U.S from coast to coast, had haunting and exhilarating experiences, and it doesn't seem like I'm going to slow down any time soon.
I've written novels, novellas, short stories, poems, articles, and the lot. And while the question of what to do with the next 20 or so years of my life still wanders aimlessly in my mind, if I'm able to continue this extraordinary path, I'd say that would be a good direction!  

 

Autumn, once again!

Alas, it's the most wonderful time of the year once again! I do so love the coming of autumn! With its changing of colors and seasons, the world can slightly seem as if all is good, if not just for a little while. Sadly, I haven't made any real plans for Halloween this year, which probably means I'll be watching horror movies and listening to sinister themed music while working on my sixth novel 'Deimos Phobos'. As far as that novel, I recently reached the half-way point and I am extremely pleased with the story's direction. And, I must admit, I have no idea what is to come once I complete it. Truth be told, I really never do.
"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans"
"Happy Halloween to all!!"

Approaching half-way point of Sixth Novel!!

It's almost been four months to the day that I started my sixth novel, and I'm extremely pleased to say that I'm coming to roughly the half-way mark. This project, among other things in my life, have kept me busy to say the least. That said, I wonder if staying on point with one's aspirations is actually a trait of success. Perhaps one has to engage in over-achieving to get anything done in life, you never can tell. Again, as I have been writing this piece, I am as always overwhelmed that the story itself begins to guide my hand as so many of my works have done in the past. So, with that in mind, I truly have no idea how the rest of the story is actually going to play out.

New Novel one third done!

Working my literary magic as always, I'm very pleased that my new novel 'Deimos Phobos' is roughly a third of the way complete. Like all my other twisted tales, this one is chock full of different twists and turns and has been, for almost the last three months, a complete pleasure to engage in. I can only hope that the progression that I've made lately keeps itself going. So long as the standard that I've set for myself continues and this one is one for the ages, I can honestly say that I'm very pleased!!

Sixth Novel Coming Along!

Alas, it's been two months since I started my new story and I must say that I'm rather pleased with the progress involved with it so far. I'm also pleased with the different angles I've used. I've found that adding elements of past memories in any related scene can indeed strengthen the plot and enhance the overall narrative. I'm also extremely happy that almost all of  my recent works have come so sudden and unexpectedly. I truly wonder how many masterpieces came into being without actually being planned!

Goals for new story

One of the main goals that I'm working towards for my new tale is to change the perception in regards to actual 'Hauntings'. The superficial views in regards to the subject usually revolve around seeing transparent figures, Poltergeist activity, maybe even  hearing phantom voices and footsteps. While such views definitely deserve recognition, I want to show that a negative entity can affect lives in other ways as well. Tragedy, grief, loss, relationship problems, financial disasters, and health issues can also be attributed and there have been several instances where people residing in disturbed properties have reported going through them. With that angle, when considering the paranormal, concerns should be broadened.
I also want a clear juxtaposition between the differences of a house that is disturbed by 'Ghosts' and one that is disturbed by an Entity. Ghosts are the remaining energies of dead people, they can longer interact with the living, make cognizant decisions and so forth. An Entity is not what I'd consider Human, therefore they are not limited by human capabilities. Their abilities go much further beyond explanation.

How to measure progress?

I find it sometimes strange when I consider what most people recognize as progress. I mean, I personally have had fits of writers block that could last months. So, that being said, if you are able to have a decent output of material over an acceptable time frame, I wouldn't consider it a bad thing. I recently read about a writer whose blocks were so severe that it literally took him over two decades to complete one particular novel. Considering the fact that I haven't even been writing that long, such a situation would have definitely affected me.
But, how long is such an acceptable period? When one decides what sort of tale their going to weave, be it a Novel, Novella, or short story, the best way I feel one can measure progress is how much work one spends on it daily. I feel, to truly consider yourself a writer, you have to spend at least two hours daily if not just writing, then also brainstorming , researching, and otherwise.
Like everything else in life, I believe that writing is most definitely something that you will get out of what you put into it.

New story to be based on actual Entity

In 1962 a man by the name of Joseph Morse bludgeoned his mother and invalid sister to death in a rural home in Chula Vista. In 1964, Raymond Goedecke jr killed both of his parents and siblings in a similar fashion in the same city. While these tragic slayings were

seemingly unrelated, a tiny bit of research would show that they happened on the same area where the house that I grew up in was built.
It's ironic that I usually take the instances 'Based on a true story' or 'Inspired by true events' with a grain of salt thanks to movies like 'The Amityville Horror' and others, I can honestly say(after years of downplaying it)that I grew up in a house that was possessed by an entity.
With that said, and all of the pain and tragedy that came with that kind of scenario, I'm finally ready to write a story based upon my experiences there. Of course there are going to be changes to names and circumstances but the overall concept will stay the same.
I'm calling this new tale 'Deimos Phobos' in homage to the Greek twin gods born of the war god Ares and Aphrodite and that those two represent everything I felt in my, and my families', thirty year time frame in that house.
'Fear' and 'Dread'.

'What Happens Now?!!'

It's only been a week and a day since I finished typing out my thirty-third short story 'An Angel of Mercy, A Servant of Death' and once again I can supremely attest to feelings of dread as I conjure up a solution to the inquiry 'What happens now?!'. I seem to always feel this way every single time I complete a work, no matter how epic it is to me. Quite possibly, I'll probably feel this way regardless of whatever 'success' I achieve in my life. Yet still, I have no regrets at all of the 18+ years I've spent writing. It has driven my life far beyond anything I could have imagined in my humble beginnings.
I truly wonder how many people actually carry with them even a remote sense of purpose, and when you consider that sad fact, you must wonder how many out there waste what would be genuine talent and potential because of a lack of direction.
Such thoughts find their way into my psyche quite often, because the truth really is that no one, regardless of their connections or their capabilities truly 'knows' if they are going to be able to fulfill their aspirations. All one can do is simply their best against all odds.
I've learned the benefits of persistence, focus, and determination through writing that I really don't feel any other endeavor would have bestowed upon me the same way. I've learned that passion is more valuable in achieving results than the limited views of critics and naysayers. And, most importantly, I've learned that if you are going to do anything other than for the sole purpose of individual expression, it's probably not going to be worth your efforts.
'If you set out to fail in life, your always going to have plenty of excuses to perpetuate and justify doing so'
'If you set out to succeed, the same rule applies.'

 

Finished my 33rd short story!

All praises to the Gods of Horror! I have completed my 33rd short story 'An Angel of Mercy, A Servant of Death' in a little over a month. This story dealt with the subjects of Death and it's relationship to both mercy and sadism. I tried to incorporate the notion that motive plays a very big role in the delivery of either. Like the rest of my stories, I made sure that it was extremely easy to follow even if it takes a few turns along the way. The signature violence and extremism apparent in all of my works were there, of course, as well as a sort of moral that I present in all of my short stories. With this work completed, I can honestly say that the last six years have been nothing less than amazing with the output I've produced. I'm definitely looking forward to an even more productive future!!

Half Way Through New Story

I'm very happy to say that I'm basically half way through my new story 'An Angel of Mercy, A Servant of Death'. Just like every one of my others, this story has taken the reins and basically carved out it's own path. So far, I must say, 2018 has been a fantastic year for my writings. I started the year working on a project and who knew that two more short stories would follow? If things continue to stay on course, which I hope they do, I should have this story completed in roughly two to three weeks. Just like all my others, this one has had some strange twists and turns and plots that seem to just come out of nowhere. Where will the rest of the story wind up? I can't really say at this time, but writing it is a pleasure indeed!

The worst sin of them all: Plagiarism

Plagiarism! The mere pronunciation of the term carries with it connotations of nausea for me. If you ever fancy yourself a writer in any genre and you justify any attempt at such blasphemy you should hang your head in shame. Such a sad fact it is that so many would be creators actually find themselves doing that very act. Call me old fashioned if you will, but I believe once the moment comes that cannot produce your own material you should probably engage in other endeavors.
If you stop and think what such an abomination implies, it essentially is an outright admission that who ever it is whose work you are copying is superior to your own; and that is something I would never do not even for the literary masters of the classics that I grew up enjoying.
The mere character, or lack thereof, of any plagiarist is quite generic. Usually it is someone who spends more time touting their capabilities than they do producing anything of merit. When one cuts the many layers of superficial sacrilege from their personality what remains is, for the most part, laziness, a lack of imagination and keen mental fortitude, and generalized mediocrity.
For me, such a state of being should be avoided at all costs as should the terrible and unforgivable act of plagiarism in all of it's many forms.

Again! A new story to be made!

It's only been two weeks and six days since I completed my last project and again the call of passion prevails! Though I don't have a complete outline on the work at hand (I seldom ever do) the familiar imagery again is filling my mind and that can only mean one thing. With every project completed, I always seem to find myself weary of running out of ideas and every single time I do that, the other side follows through once more. This particular work is going to follow the close correlation between mercy and death and treachery of the human heart. I'm thinking of calling it "Angel of Mercy, Servant of Death".

New Story Finally Completed!!

I'm so ecstatic to announce that after one month, one week, and one day I have completed my 32nd short story 'The Book of Shadows'! Just like every other of my other stories, this one also basically wrote itself. The themes of this story took on many different paths as did the timeline I gave myself to complete it. When all is said and done, I can honestly say that, once again, it's a story that went far beyond my expectations. I can also appreciate the degree of enjoyment I felt while writing it. Now, of course, comes the question that always seems to follow me whenever I complete a project and just like every time prior to this I don't know if I can answer it at the moment "What now?"

 

Progressing on new story!

It's only been a few weeks since I started my new story 'The Book of Shadows' and I am so ecstatic with the progress I've made. Just like all the others, this story has grasped me by my short hairs and forced it's will upon me. I've made so much progress with it, that it's probably only going to be a few more weeks until I'm finished with it. The last six years have been extremely progressive for me! I've completed five short stories, three novellas, three novels, and two parts of a dark fantasy series. When your busy, time seems to fly by and that statement is especially true for writers!

Messages from beyond

It seems like only yesterday when I recollect the time I went to an abandoned house equipped with a Ouija board, looking for messages from beyond. Most of the inquiries I had, had to do with the direction of my writing career and though I wasn't totally satisfied with the level of information I received, it was adequate no doubt. The one instance that stands out is when I asked which of my books was going to be the most popular. As my hands were on the Obelisk, it began with the letter 'B'. Since I had two books that began with that letter, I was rather excited but my expectations were sullied when instead of the book I conceived to be the desirable one was overlooked. As the name of my other book was spelled out, I found myself in a way not at all surprised, since I've had a connection to the Occult from the beginning of my writing career. Yet that, like so many other instances to me, is simply another example that there are forces at work which I cannot explain nor do I care to. Perhaps, the main question to be asked is not whether I 'make it' or not but rather when all of my aspirations come to light. And in that sense, I'm extremely thankful. For such a process goes far beyond any sour tongue from critics, and passes completely from the concept of obscurity. It would be very interesting to know whether other writers feel the same way about their own work.

No time limit for passion

I feel that true passion is the most effective force of motivation. It moves one passed hopelessness, desperation, exhaustion, and lack of purpose. To me, it truly is the difference between the very select few that achieve anything and the multitudes of the obscure. But even I must admit that even passion has one set back: There truly is no time limit to it. While I have seen some artists gain fast-tracked success, it takes others sometimes decades before they're even noticed. It is for those persistent souls that I salute dearly. I know there are many out there who probably have been trekking along with whatever aspirations they feel aligned to for who knows how long and haven't lost focus nor conviction. For such souls, I wonder what their definition of success would be, if it would be anything at all like what they thought it would be when they started such an endeavor. And, if they do ever achieve it, would they savor it like the forbidden fruit, or feel it extremely over rated? I definitely know what my answer would be to such an inquiry.

E'ferries once again!

Behold, through the cracks of pitch darkness and transgression shall one of my old characters reveal himself again in my new story. The demon E'ferries hasn't been seen since my second novella 'Further Passage', and to say he is eager to make yet another appearance is an understatement. With him, I shall bring his signature penchant for sadism and suffering and shall add several connections to other scenarios he has partaken in. While the story itself is rather in it's initial stages, the addition of such a character was one of much urgency indeed. No other could fit the role so well of Antagonist. And, usually with the demon, no one really can compete with the amount of such

exuberance!

New story to be started soon!

The demon inside me again has taken root of my imagination and forced my pen to paper. I have the usual images flooding my restless mind and when that happens, the only way to aspire peace is to heed it's bidding. The next story I'm going to work on is going to based on the mythologies of the 'Devil's Bible' the Codex Gigas. It's a mythology I've been interested in for some time, so naturally I should try my hand at a fable in it's honor. The title of this new project is going to be "The Book of Shadows'.

The Goblin Tale part 2 is Complete!!

Alas, after roughly five months and three weeks I have done it again! Today I completed part two of my dark fantasy series, 'The Goblin Tale: A Rebellion in Fairyland'. I must say that this story went pretty smooth considering that I had absolutely no direction as to plot development or anything in between. I know my stories have a habit of basically writing themselves but this was ridiculous. It was almost like the story was possessed! I am absolutely elated with the final result and, I must say, when I re-read the story start to finish, to say that it all fits together is an understatement! For now, as always when I finish one of my works, I have no idea what comes next but there is always another project be it a short story, novella, novel, article or anything. Idle time is the Devil's handy work!!

Using different viewpoints and plot twists

The use of plot twists in some of my works sometimes happens by coincidence. It's not always something that I plan to use. Rarely, there can be more than one viewpoint narrative which can take different characters different places. I feel that as long as all of the narratives involved contribute to a magnificent tale, then it shouldn't really matter. It's especially true with the current story I'm working on now. I'm actually surprised at how many viewpoints take shape but they all seem to coalesce quite nicely. In truth, this project is my take on creating the epitome of a masterpiece in regards to the structure of the classic fairy tale. I never really thought I would be able to complete the first one the way I did, much less another one as well! And, when all is

said and done, A third part is also creeping rather deeply into my subconscious.