For most people when you mention a family business, you might think of a furniture store or a car dealership where several generations of family members work. The Grudge family on the other hand are a little different; they hunt monsters. Their job is to protect regular people from the creatures that haunt their worst nightmares. Vampires and werewolves are only the tip of the iceberg. All of the creatures that people think are made up, are real and they have a taste for human flesh. Luckily for us, there are a few good men and women out there whose job it is to put an end to the things that go bump in the night.
This is the story behind Michael Boatman’s The Revenant Road. Michael Boatman is probably best known for his work as an actor. Some of his roles include Julius Cain in The Good Wife, Carter Heywood in Spin City and Stanley Babson in Arliss. Michael has been acting since 1987 and in his spare time he writes horror. Michael has had short stories published in Dark Delicacies 3 and in the magazine Weird Tales. Some of his other novels include The Red Wake, Her Daughter In Darknessand he also has a short story collection called: God Laughs When You Die.
The Revenant Road begins with a man and a woman being torn apart by a nine foot creature covered in hair with teeth like a shark. The woman’s name was Jeanie. After her death her story lives on, because she haunts Obidiah Grudge. Obidiah is an author who writes dark, twisted stories about death and anything else that gives people nightmares. He hears voices and sees things that inspire his writing, but he doesn’t fully understand his own powers.
Obidiah is on the road promoting his latest book when he gets a call from his mother Lenore telling him that his mostly absent father Marcus has just died. Obidiah goes to the funeral and meets friends of his father that he has never seen before, including Marcus’s partner of 30 years, Neville Kowalski. Obidiah then learns the truth about why his father was gone for most of his life. Marcus was a sixth generation monster hunter and its up to Obidiah to take over the family business.
As if his life wasn’t bad enough with his critics trying to kill him, now he has to worry about monsters trying to destroy him also. Kowalski shows Obidiah the monster hunter’s headquarters called Kalakuta. Inside Kalakuta Obidiah learns that monster hunters are called Bents and they have special abilities to help them hunt. In Obidiah’s case he can talk to the recently deceased and any weapon he shoots becomes more powerful in his hands. Bents are given their assignments and weapons by the Nolane who protects earth from a parallel dimension called The Wraithing. The Wraithing is where the spirits that give people nightmares live and they’re trying to cross over to our world.
The Revenant Road is an action packed thrill ride filled with comedy, gore and over the top characters. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Obidiah is in Kalakuta learning about the life of monster hunters and sees first hand the Nolane stopping an evil spirit from escaping The Wraithing. This book does a great job setting up a mythology of monster hunters and showing how monsters such as vampires and werewolves fit into it. My favorite part was when a popular talk show host invites Obidiah to her home to discuss his latest book and we find out that she is not human. There was also a battle scene with a minotaur that was really good. There was a lot of humor in the book as well such as when Obidiah gives a speech on why he hates bread and the interaction between Kowalski and Obidiah before the final battle is very funny.
I did have some problems with the book though, there we’re a couple of items that we’re not explained right away such as the reason why book critics are trying to kill Obidiah and no reason is given behind why an action figure is talking to Obidiah in the beginning. The author does explain who is behind the action figure talking but not how its happening. Also there are quite a few characters introduced towards the end that I would have liked more background information on including Neville Kowalski. (I’ve heard if you buy the paperback of The Revenant Road, there is a short story explaining Kowalski’s orgin more, but unfortunatley I read the e-book.)
There are some unanswered questions at the end of this book along with some new questions that get raised about the main characters after the final battle. So my guess is that The Revenant Road is going to be just the first book in a series of adventures based on Obidiah Grudge (which I think is a perfect name for a monster hunter) and Neville Kowalski. I can think of quite a few good stories that can be told within the universe that Michael Boatman has created and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 25th, at 6pm “Captain” Robert Brown will be reading from his novel
The Wrath Of Fate
at
Ada’s Techincal Books
713 Broadway East, Seattle
This is a FREE EVENT
We’ve got a bunch of super cool vests added to the market for men and women. They come in three styles:
Airship Captain Tailcoat Vest: $95
Airship Captain Vest (no tails): $95
Cropped, Detachable Hooded Vest: $45
If you’ve shopped in boutique fashion stores lately, you’ll know these are amazingly low prices. Especially for something this cool.
These designs were all taken directly from the patterns made for my stage vest.
We’ve been hard in the studio working on a new album for over a year and a half. We hope to release it in the next few months!
We actually started writing this before we started recording Off The Grid!
Here is a partial song list for the new album:
Steampunk Revolution
Automaton
The Story That Never Starts
Waiting For You
Terrible Affliction
Ancient World
Things Could Be Worse
Fix The Boat Or Swim
Tricked The Machine
Can’t talk About It
Jealousy
…and more!
Wanna hear one of the songs from it? Just click here:
The Story That Never Starts This is an early mix of this song. Its unfinished, but I thought you’d enjoy this anyway.
I am selling out all the Noise Park Activities stuff (my old DIY label, which stopped 2 years ago) to save some money for future releases on my new label Epileptic Media!
All the stuff is extra cheap (2$) and you can get it here: http://epilepticmedia.storenvy.com/
I just released some new tapes on epileptic media, covers silkscreened and all very limited – you can check it out here: Epileptic Media
All will stay DIY and non-profit and I planned some fine releases for the coming weeks… if you have any questions please contact me on Facebook/Blogspot.
Next out on Epileptic Media:
Shed For You – discography
Se Mustard Terrorists/ Amaget – Split
So many bands entered this contest and had awesome tracks,
that it was a super hard task to choose our new theme song band.
Some of the bands were so good, we asked them to be featured next season
and they will be reaching your earbuds soon.
However, the HorrorAddicts.net staff narrowed it down to
the song we thought best emulated the show’s spirit.
HorrorAddicts.net is proud to announce our newest theme song band:
Cancer Killing Gemini!
Listeners will find out more about these blokes on the
premiere of HorrorAddicts.net, Season 7
beginning in April 2012.
Until then, check out their site where you can hear a new song monthly
and listen to the new HorrorAddicts.net theme, “Horror Movie Song”.
With February being Black History Month I thought it would be nice to do a blog post talking about African American horror writers. I knew of four writers when I started this post but managed to find more as I was writing. I’m sure there are quite a few more out there that I missed, so if you know of any others please leave a comment on the end of this post.
The first author I want to talk about and probably the most popular is L.A. Banks. L.A. Banks was born in Philadelphia. She has written under several different names, has written in multiple genres and has won many literary awards. L.A. Banks is the author of the Vampire Huntress series of novels and comics. There are 12 novels in this series along with one graphic novel and a YA novel. Some critics have called her work: “fresh, hip, fantastic and far superior to Buffy.” Some of her vampire novels include Minion and The Awakening.
L.A. Banks has also written a series of six werewolf novels called the Crimson Moon series. Some of the titles include Never Cry Werewolfand Left for Undead. L.A. Banks was also the co founder of The Liar’s Club, a networking group for professionals in publishing and other aspects of entertainment. Sadly L.A. Banks died of adrenal cancer in 2011. You can find out more about her career at leslieesdailebanks.com.
The next author I want to talk about is Brandon Massey, he was born in Waukegan, Illinois in 1973 and has published three novels a year since 1999. Brandon loved watching horror movies growing up and he was a life long reader. He then decided that he wanted to start telling his own stories and became a horror writer. Some of his novels include: Thunderland and Covenant. Brandon has also edited two collections of short stories by African American Horror writers called: Dark Dreams and Voices From The Other Side: Dark Dreams 2. To learn more about Brandon Massey go to: brandonmassey.com.
Next on the list is Wrath James White. Wrath is a former MMA fighter and hard core horror author. In 2011 Wrath wrote a book of dark poetry called Vicious Romantic which was nominated for an HWA Bram Stoker award and a movie just went into production based on his novel The Resurrectionist. some of his other works include Succulent Prey and Population Zero. Wrath James White also has a great blog which I’ve been reading for the last 5 years where he talks about politics, religion and anything else that he finds worthy to talk about, to check it out go to wordsofwrath.blogspot.com.
Jermiah Jefferson is another author who like L.A. Banks has written a series of vampire novels. Jermiah grew up listening to disco music and watching horror movies. She also loved to daydream and read. She has written non fiction, erotica and has written four books in the Voice of Blood vampire series. Some of her works include Wounds and A Drop of Scarlet. For more information about her go to: jemiah.com.
The authors above were authors that have written more then one horror novel but there are also some authors that have only one horror novel or is a writer of horror flash fiction or poetry that I wanted to mention also. One writer that I have to mention is Octavia Butler. Octavia wrote mostly science fiction throughout her life but she did write a vampire novel called Fledgling. Another great science fiction writer that has written some novels that could be considered horror is Tananarive Due; one of her horror novels is called Joplin’s Ghost.
Another author I want to mention here is Angella C. Allen who edited a vampire anthology by African American Horror Writers called: Dark Thirst. I also can’t fail to mention Michael Boatman who wrote a book about monster hunters called The Revenant Road which I will be reviewing on this blog in the next week or so. Last but not least is Andre Duza who has written a book about a zombie woman out for revenge against a serial killer called Dead Bitch Army. Once again, this is an incomplete list if you know of any authors that I forgot to mention please leave a comment.
More than anything we want to thank everyone for their support, their interest, and their trust in us as we put the convention together. It was a really rough road to go but with everyone’s support we managed to pull everything together. The convention was truly a dream come true for all of us involved and we were honored to be able to work with all the filmmakers, artists, actors, and vendors.
For one day in Flint horror movies were king and we were able to show over ten hours of indie horror shorts and features, bring this region actors and filmmakers that had never been in this area, and were able to surprise Hal Delrich of THE EVIL DEAD with a Book of the Dead birthday cake and had the convention singing ‘happy birthday’ to him, something none of us will soon forget.
As for the future we are actively discussing what comes next.
We have a few things we are working on will announce them as soon as possible but for now all we can say is there is more to come.
Much more.
“Fu Man Chu’s Vampire” Marks The Latest Installment
In The Supernatural Mystery Series Featuring
Victorian-era Occult Detective Jason Dark
Thunder Peak Publishing, a division of international content developer G3 Studios, is currently in the process or preparing the release of “Fu Man Chu’s Vampire,” the eleventh, and latest installment in the Jason Dark: Ghost Hunter series of books (www.jasondarkseries.com), scheduled to arrive on February 21.
Jason Dark, a fearless and resourceful occult detective, faces supernatural adventures in the vein of the old classic monster movies and detective stories. While using familiar themes and visuals, the series also continues to put a spin on various myths and genre stereotypes. Filled with plot twist and furious action, as well as handfuls of historic and literary references, it features somewhat sensational mysteries, just the way classic dime novels used to be, and are a perfect read for fans of fast-paced entertainment on-the-go.
In his review, Fangoria editor Chris Alexander called the series ”a briskly paced pulp fiction throwback full of gothic dread and shivery intrigue” and “a cult of sophisticated fiends who like their terror full of elegant dread and Victorian charm.” High praise indeed, coming from the leading horror magazine in America!
What’s more “Ghosts Templar,” the third installment in the series won the 2010 Occult Detective Award on www.occultdetective.com!
Synopsis: When ordinary measures are no longer enough, criminal mastermind Fu Man Chu makes use of a supernatural henchman to get his way. Soon, Scotland Yard is confronted with a series of unexplainable deaths that unsettle Victorian London, and Inspector Lestrade turns to occult detective Jason Dark and Siu Lin for help.
But as they look into the case, little do the ghost hunters suspect that the evil crime lord has already made them the vampire’s next target!
Filled with enough mystery, drama and suspenseful action to transport you to the sinister streets of gaslit London, your encounter with the extraordinary awaits as a new nightmare emerges and an old nemesis returns.
When one thinks of Flint, the images of a Michael Moore film, or General Motors or homelessness on Christmas may all come to mind, And in a way, those images would be correct; much like most of the country imagined when the world “Detroit” was uttered.
While the state of Michigan is fighting its way out of a recession bigger than it has ever seen, it has some creative “come back” left in it. The west side of the state has boomed with eco tourism, Detroit has its big three car makers back in black as well as a large green movement helping it along. But Flint has taken on a reinvention of itself that is far more creative.
Flint just hosted its first ever Horror Convention and it was a successful one at that. While I am not suggesting that Horror, on its own, is what’s saving this town, its the stuff that horror is made of that seems to be giving Flint a much needed financial shot in the arm and the folks hosting the Horror Con took every scrap of it and made it work in their favor.
Horror is about theatrics. This year’s Flint Horror Con kicked off with a horror film festival that ran simultaneously with the convention throughout the day. Independent, often Michigan based film makers specializing in horror films showed their work for a film fest lasting over ten hours. Further more, many of the directors, film makers and screen writers came to Flint Horror Con to give presentations, lectures and short workshops personally. Students, horror enthusiasts, film nerds and the general public kept the theater filled. It was a fantastic element to the Con itself.
Local celebrities like Wolfman Mac from Detroit television came to the Con and MC’d while those hosting haunted forests and haunted houses advertised their local events. They gave away free posters. They had a costume contest for all ages. They put the fun back into the same old routine and highlighted new attractions for horror fans all through the state of Michigan.
Michigan’s unemployment rate is at 9% and the city of Flint in particular as somewhere near 12 or 14%. The Flint Horror Con offered vendors, store owners, writers and artists booths for rock bottom prices for the entire day (under $50 including free meals). Those who collect horror memorabilia were in heaven as vintage posters, films on DVD, grave photography, vintage comics and goth and steam punk jewelry abounded. Writers talked to film makers and artists. T-shirt stores traded information with cartoonists. And the public supported their local vendors with cash purchases; a rarity in so much of the art market.
Film makers gave away door prizes and haunted house reps gave away tickets to keep the public interested in staying. Kids ran through the building dressed as zombies in the old Masonic temple located in the heart of downtown, where the Horror Con took place. In addition, a few ghost hunters hung out in the stair wells as the old Masonic of Flint is said to be haunted. These same ghost hunters interviewed staff of the building. Both patron and vendor alike listened to the modern day ghost stories with a keen sense of enthusiasm. They passed the stories on to their neighbors. It added to the ambiance of the evening, making a trip up to the top floor for a bottle of water far more adventurous. Fewer and fewer people waited for the elevator and instead, became first time ghost hunters, hoping to have an encounter as they approached the famous second floor.
All in all, it was wildly successful. The parking was full, the local bars and taverns benefited as Horror Con patrons slipped from the warmth of the Masonic Temple to that of the pub just a few doors down; dodging the cold, half frozen rain as evening turned to night. It is the sincere hope of this horror writer and Michigan native that the folks at the Horror Con keep up the good work and keep the creative ideas coming. They are on to something uniquely Michigan…..and that’s a very good thing.
I from eleven am to ten pm I was at the front desk selling tickets. Saw no movies. Heard no lectures. Talked to a number of attendees and some vendors, and I did take thirty minutes walking the vendor section, but that’s it. The vendors I spoke to loved it. They said Chris Ringler took real good care of them and that the number of attendees were way above what they expected. My best guess from tickets sold…around three fifty, perhaps a few more. Several vendors told me that they had been to conventions that were older, better advertised, and slicker, that did not have half so many people. One fellow had been at one the week before, a weekend event, that only had thirty people. The vendors also liked the table prices, sixty bucks for a table when they often paid two fifty or more.
Several attendees arrived in costume and some were horrificly good. One woman screamed and gave me a hug after she won a raffle ticket drawing. She got red carpet tickets to The Thirteenth Deciple. One of the vendors/speakers had been involved in making The Evil Dead. He brought along a bunch of original Evil Dead movie props.
TV twenty five showed up and did some filming, the Flint Journal wrote it up, and some people were there who were working on some type of documentary.
The Flint Horror Convention ended back on 10/30/11, and those behind the event should be very proud of what they accomplished. Chris Ringler and Geary Roe pulled off a first time event that was well attended and had some great vendors and some very special guests showing that Horror of all types has a home in the state of Michigan.
The convention brought together several Independent film makers, artists, writers, photographers and more importantly fans of horror into one building. This building is Flint’s Historic Masonic Temple which I found may have been a special guest to the convention and I will get into that a bit more.
The convention had a long list of guests and vendors and they all were more than willing to take time to talk to those attending. I saw people sharing their stories, their products and many cases a handshake as people spoke together. This of course is a great sign for a convention when those involved feel welcome be it from vendor, to guest, to visitor.
The layout was special as the films featured at the convention where shown in an auditorium that served as a perfect setting for them. Those who were able to attend one of the nine films were able to view them in their own room with little to no interruptions. The panels were along the same floor but far enough way that there was no problem hearing them and those doing the panels did a great job of helping them move along, which was a rare issue.
The vendors were on a separate floor and had a large room setup in a logical manner that it allowed people to flow freely among them all. As I wondered the floor I came across some names from Horror Films fans may recognize. Tom Sullivan, Hal Dietrich, Ken Sagoes, David Hayes, and Kevin Lindenmuth to just name a few of those seen across the vendor floor as you wandered around. Horror Addicts fans would have found Michele Roger and Mark Eller among those at the convention. Actually for many they would have found Mark at the door as he was volunteering his time with the convention. Michele shared a bit more then her writing as I found out that she is an accomplished harpist.
The artists and photographers who were displaying their work had a great showing as their works displayed were stunning. It was not easy walking away from some of the vendor tables without breaking the bank to find funds to purchase some of their great works.
Now the one special guest that some may have not realized were provided by the building itself. You see, rumor has it the Masonic Temple, which has been around since the late 1800’s is haunted. In speaking to some of the convention attendees there were some similar stories coming from people. The main being the elevator stopping at empty floors with no one there and no buttons pushed. Another was odd feelings people got as they decided to take the stairs instead of the elevator. In speaking to some associated with the building there have been other events that have happened as well. Guest John E.L. Tenney may have found this very interesting. Fans of Unsolved Mysteries and Paranormal State may recognize this name as he has been a research for both shows and will be on camera when the new version of Paranormal State starts with a new team.
The convention was open from 12 to 10pm and it was great to see people coming and going throughout the day. The attendance was still there by almost 9pm that evening as there were still people walking around and looking at the vendors’ booths. I have to say as someone who attended the convention you could not tell this was their first one. There were several vendors who told me they were surprised with the turnout and the way the convention ran. Tom Sullivan shared with me a horror story of another convention he was to attend and compared it to the Flint Convention. To paraphrase what he said the differences were black and white between the two conventions.
The Flint Horror Convention is something fans of Horror not only in Michigan, but elsewhere, should keep an eye out for when future conventions are announced. I’m sure with the professionalism that this was run and some events held prior to the event there will be more. It was a privilege to attend the convention and share with people information about Horror Addicts as I made my way around the convention. The one thing I got from all my discussions was how great the convention was going. So, to all the volunteers and to the Flint Horror Con Committee great job to all and hope to see you next year. Lastly to those I spoke with I apologize for not mentioning everyone by name during this but the time you took to speak to me was greatly appreciated.
Ever wonder what happened to Cinderella after she got married? Not all fairy tales have happy endings and things aren’t going well for Cinderella. Its the late 1700′s, Napoleon is raging a war on Europe and Cinderella is about to start a journey of self-discovery as she comes to terms with her failing marriage and inability to have a child.
This is the story behind Cinderella’s Secret Diary Book 1: Lost by Ron Vitale. The story begins with Cinderella writing in her diary asking her fairy godmother to help her with her problems. She then goes on to tell a story that her mother told her the night she died about the Faerie Lord. The Faerie Lord in the form of a silver fox was walking through the woods and finds a woman who was unhappily married. The Faerie Lord tells the woman that he loves her and has followed her for years; he then takes the woman away to the land of Fey, where the two are married and live happily ever after.
It has been a few years since the prince has married Cinderella and her life has not been a happy one. The prince neglects her and has been seen in the company of other women. Cinderella has yet to have a child which upsets the queen and she has no friends with the exception of a woman named Clarissa. Despite living in a palace Cinderella feels like a prisoner.
After writing several diary entries asking her fairy godmother for help. She finally receives an answer in her diary from her fairy godmother saying that she must free her mind and look within to solve her problems. With the help of the queen, Cinderella comes up with a plan to visit France where she will meet with a witch to see why she can’t become pregnant.
In France Cinderella falls in love with another man and at this point in the story your thinking that this story is going to be just another romance novel, but then the story changes and becomes much more then that. The witch that was supposed to help Cinderella become pregnant is working with the queen to stop Napoleon from invading England. The witch also lets Cinderella know that she is more then just a princess and her fairy godmother is not working in her best interest. Cinderella is left to decide if she should follow her heart or do what she thinks is right.
If you buy Cinderella’s Secret Diary looking for a nice little fairy tale your going to be disappointed. This book is more of a dark fantasy aimed at a teenage audience. I did enjoy this book but I had a couple of problems with it. There were a couple of continuity errors and there we’re a couple of things that I felt could have been explained better, but I don’t want to mention them here, because it would spoil the story. Another thing that bothered me was the fact that the whole book is from the first person point of view. The story is told entirely from a series of diary entries made by Cinderella (with some exceptions by the antagonist in the story). I don’t mind reading a whole book from one view point and the fact that it was all diary entries didn’t bother me. In fact there is a reason given why the whole story is told in diary entries. I still would have liked it if we knew a little more about what the other characters and what they we’re thinking. I did find myself getting tired of reading about Cinderella’s feelings and hearing other character’s viewpoints would have made it better.
On the positive side I enjoyed how the author points out that Cinderella is trapped in a situation that she doesn’t like and can’t control then he goes on to show how the other characters are also trapped in situations they have no control over, such as the prince and queen. I also liked the exchanges between Cinderella and the rince. Despite both characters admitting to each other that they don’t love each other, they still show great affection for each other when Cinderella stays with the prince when he gets injured and when the prince tries to rescue Cinderella from the villain in the story. I found myself wanting the prince and Cinderella’s relationship to come to a different conclusion. I also loved the characters of the queen and the silver fox. Most of all I liked the point that the book makes that you shouldn’t wait for someone to come along to solve your problems with a magic wand, you have to depend on yourself to find what makes you happy. Though this book isn’t the kind of book that I usually like to read, I did enjoy it and can’t wait for Ron Vitale to write Book 2 of Cinderella’s story.
Since I have begun reviewing Horror Films I have found that the list has grown to account for over sixty films. These films have ranged from classics to modern movies. I have covered genres from straight horror, thrillers, psychological, b-movies to the comedic. As another year comes to an end, I thought it was about time I looked back at all those films. It’s also important to remember those films so they do not show up a second time on Horror Addicts. So below I’m sharing a blurb on what I’d consider the top ten films of those I have reviewed. There is no specific order to this list as they all could easily be the number one in my list.
Salem’s Lot is one of those Television mini-series that left people speechless after seeing the series. Now it’s available for the masses to watch through DVD rentals and other forms of media. It’s a story that came from the mind of Steven King and takes you to a small town besieged upon by a dark and ruthless vampire. This creature will turn everyone from small children to adults and this film shows the battle between those who know what is happening and those who choose to run.
This is another Steve King entry into my list and do not see this as a trend, it’s just another great film. The Shining is a film that takes you deep into the psyche of its main character. It’s a study of what a man will imagine and eventually do when he is placed in a place of solitude. In this case, the man goes insane with a little help from the local spirits. This film is set apart by the young actor and the role he plays in the film making this a stunning film.
British Soldiers are dropped into the highlands to take part in a training mission. This seems a simple enough tasks but then they discover that things are not as they seem. The troopers eventually end up finding themselves under attack from an unseen enemy who later does get revealed. They are being attacked by a pack of werewolves and then it becomes a battle of who will survive. A great survival movie with a great cast and even better great looking werewolves that scare
Fido (2006) K’Sun Ray, Billy Connolly, Carrie-Anne Moss
The world has seen a dramatic war in which men, woman and even children had to fight for their lives. Humanity eventually beat back the hordes of Zombies that were created from radiation from space and a genius found a way to control the zombies. This takes us to the town of Willard where a boy’s mother is able to get the family a zombie. Timmy befriends the zombie and names him Fido and we get a story that is quite unique. Things eventually get interesting in town and we see a boy do anything he can to save his dog, oops I mean his Zombie.
Let the Right One In (2008) Kare Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar
It’s the 1980’s and a boy lives alone with his mother in Sweden. The boy is somewhat of a loner in school and is often bullied by a group of kids. One day while out in the courtyard of his apartment complex he meets a young girl. They eventually strike up a friendship, of sorts, and at times even speak through Morse code. The girl is different and has an old man as a caretaker and after a while we find out she is a vampire. Their friendship is tested and things began to go wrong in town as she thirsts. This film was so well received it got an American remake called Let Me In (2010) staring Kodi Smit-McPhee and Chloe Grace Moretz.
This film came to the US in a straight to DVD release and was made in New Zealand with a well-known cast for that part of the world. The movie is set in a steampunk type of environment and takes place in a city that resembles Victorian London. There is a mix of cars, zeppelins, radios and black and white TVs that help to sell the world. What makes this land stand out is the fact that vampires are seen as a church and are called the Brotherhood. Their job is to help to protect humanity and aid mankind by providing medicine for disease. However, one of the Brotherhood breaks ranks and begins attacking humans and it’s up to a female cop and a brother to track down the killer. As they track him a story unravels that is unique and quite surprising.
Slither (2006) Elizabeth Banks, Nathan Fillion, Michael Rooker
A meteor crashes near the town of Woodsville and unlucky town member Grant Grant is infected by a creature that had traveled within the meteor. This creature begins to kill pets and eventually starts taking over the people in town. It’s up to the Sheriff Bill Prady to discover what is going on and save the town and anyone that has not been infected. This film is a dirty pleasure as there is plenty of humor and some interesting scenes in the film that will either have you laughing or going ick.
The Strangers (2009) Liv Tyler, Scott Speedman
A man had just proposed to his girlfriend only to be turned down by her. They return to the vacation home of his parents to relax before seeing what will happen with them. As they are there a blonde woman stops at the home and asks for Tamara. After they tell the stranger it’s the wrong house things return to normal, or they think. After James leaves to get some smokes for Kristen, the woman returns. After this we begin to see people watching her from outside and then eventually within the house. It only gets worse for the couple form that point. This film takes the fears of home invasion and turns it on its head and most of all the creepy middle of nowhere setting adds to the film.
A South Korean Horror Film that takes a unique look at the killer creature tale. The film centers around a family that will do everything it can to get their missing little girl back. She had been taken by a creature that had wreaked havoc along the waterway killing people and taking the girl back to its home. The family which has a gold medalist archer, snack bar owner, his son and an additional son do all they can to find the girl. This leads to moments of challenge within the family unit and some comedy. It’s a great film as it explores the family as well as seeing the girl try to stay alive when in the creature’s lair.
In truth I should need to write very little about The Exorcist as it’s a horror classic and has been scary audiences since its original release. The film has been followed by some conflicts and legends behind the filming of the movie. Most people remember a scene in which Linda Blair’s character tosses up enough pea soup that it appears as if it wouldn’t stop. This film continues to make it on lists of scariest films ever made and should continue to be listed for some time. The plot is simple enough a young girl becomes possessed and the exorcism that takes place to save her. The film is pure terror and one that still sticks in the mind of viewers after seeing the film years in the past.
Director James Gunn began his director debut with the comedic horror film Slither which was released back in 2006. The film had a cast of up and coming actors who should be well known to many film and television audiences of today. The cast’s ensemble included Elizabeth Banks, Michael Rooker, Tonia Saulnier, Gregg Henry and a personal favorite Nathan Fillion.
Slither starts out with Grant Grant (Rooker) out in the woods with one Brenda Guitierrez when they witness something fall to earth. Grant cannot help but go and investigate what has fallen into the woods outside of their little town of Woodsville. If it wasn’t bad enough that Grant was out cheating on his wife, this investigation would lead to a life changing event for Grant as he’s taken over by an alien parasite.
What happens after this parasitic takeover would change the life of every inhabitant of the town of Woodsville. Animals and pets begin disappearing from the town and Sheriff Bill Pardy (Fillion) begins to investigate. At the same time Starla Grant (Banks) begins to notice differences in her husband Grant and tries to get him to see a doctor with Grant avoiding the issue at every chance. As to add to confusion around town Brenda goes missing and it’s only during the search for her do we find out more on what Grant has been “seeding” around town.
Slither is director James Gunn’s directorial debut and he was also involved with the writing of the film. Gunn used much of his love for Horror films in the making of this film and his work at Troma as influence to the film. This will show throughout the film as some of the comedic lines and actions in the film may have come from Troma and other horror films.
Slither is one of those horror films that can cause a divide by those who view the film. Some would say that the comedic nature of the film is lost on viewers as there has not been a sting of comedic horror films that have really made it made stream at the time the film was released. Also there was the fact that when the expectant Brenda baby bump pops, her broad leads to a town full of zombies like creatures.
However, for those who are fans of comedic horror this film hits all marks from a witty dialogue and great scenes. Some of those scenes happen during the most intense parts of the film and help to elevate some of the seriousness of the film. Another great point is how this alien parasite that had taken over Grant is in love with his wife Starla as much as Grant is himself. It’s amusing to watch the “zombie” like town’s people show their love for Starla. Another ironic twist is fans of Rooker will know him as the zombie fighter Merle from Walking Dead, but here he is the start of the plaque.
Slither is one of those guilty pleasures that you will put on to watch on occasion just to enjoy a laugh and a creepy film. The way the parasitic children wonder throughout town in search of people in it is ingenious. You get to laugh as they will do just about anything to find a host to infect. You will find yourself cringing as you watch people attempt to escape the disaster that is befalling this small town and laugh at their attempts. Most of all you will be sure to find at least one or more characters you will relate to or cheer for during the viewing.
Slither may not have been the jumping off point for much of the cast but it’s great to watch so many actors in a film such as this. It’s not every day you get a cast like this together without the film being a major studios next blockbuster film. Along with the cast is Lorena Gale who passed in 2009 but horror fans will remember her from The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and Chronicles of Riddick. Jenna Fischer from TVs the Office is also in the film and at the time was director James Gunn’s better half. So, with all of this talent it’s hard to believe the film did not get a better reception, but as they say it’s all about the timing.
An opportunity for male horror writers, published and unpublished, to strut their stuff! You write and record your own scary story, we post it on the internationally famous HorrorAddicts.net site and let the listeners vote for the best one. The winner receives a host of prizes, most importantly the coveted “Master of Macabre” title and the privilege of organizing next year’s MoM Challenge. You can listen to last year’s stories here.
2012 THEME – CURSES!
This year’s Challenge will lure us into the dark domain of malicious hexes and inescapable afflictions. Contestants will be tasked with telling stories inspired by famous, or once-famous, curses from around the world. The real curse will be on us listeners who have to choose a winner. Woe is us!
GUIDELINES
Entries will be accepted until April 11, 2012.
Each entrant will be assigned a curse from somewhere in the world. Look here for an idea of the kinds of curses we might give you.
The entrant is to write a story of 1500-3500 words in which the assigned curse plays a central role. Stories should explain the curse for listeners who have never heard of it, but should not be merely a re-telling of the original story.
The entrant records the story. Horror Addicts will not provide readers this year. If you need help recording your story, the MoM group on Facebook is a great place to ask questions. Audio will be due in mp3 format on May 11, 2012. After your story, you may tell listeners how they can find more of your writing.
What can one say about the Stanley Kubrick film The Shining that has not been said before? The film has seen parodies in film, cartoons and even television commercials. The film has influences on many screen writers, directors and even actors due to the performances seen in the film by the cast. The Shining is a film that has seen it’s name appear on favorite horror films time after time, and continues to this day to be enjoyed by horror fans.
The question is what has made this film such a pivotal film in the Horror genre? Is it the fact that The Shining was based off of a great book by Horror writer Stephen King? Is it the great screen play written by Kubrick and novelist Diane Johnson? Did Kubrick create such a mood in his direction that fans are drawn into the film and thus thoroughly drawing the viewer in? Or was it simply the performances by the cast?
Personally it was a combination of all these things that make The Shining a horror film that will continue to scare viewers for some time to come. Jack Nicholson stars as Jack Torrance who is an ex-teacher working on a writing career when we are introduced to his character. Torrance is interviewing for a position at the Overlook Hotel which will give him the opportunity for months of peace to pursue his writing. There is however one piece of information that had been left out of his initial interview for the job. Torrance finds out what had happened to a previous caretaker’s twin girls, the wife and the caretaker himself. This tragic tail can be considered to be a bit of foreshadowing of events to come.
Wendy Torrance, played by Shelley Duvall, is at home caring for her son who is not looking forward to the temporary move to the Outlook. Young Danny, played by Danny Lloyd, may have some insight to what is to come through his “invisible” friend. We get a hint on how psychic Danny’s friend is when he predicts the phone call from his father saying he has gotten the job. Is this another piece of information that needs to be filed aware for later?
The film is full of other scenes and acts of foreshadowing that helps the viewer follow along and gain more and more interest into the story. The spirits of the Overlook seem to be after one thing as the movie progresses. Their plan appears to be to get Jack to do something terrible to his family. In one scene we find the ghost of the previous caretaker telling Jack what he must do to his family. The spirit doesn’t tell him directly what to do but if the viewer remembers the story from the interview chills may come to you.
There is one thing in this film that viewers should try and pick up on. It is that although the film appears to show us that they are interested in Jack there are scenes that drop hints that maybe Jack isn’t who they really want. Just listen to the subtle phrases and words spoken when the spirits talk about young Danny. They are quite intrigued by his gifts and at times you may wonder is there a reason they want Jack to kill his family? Do they have something in mind for Danny or that special gift we find out about?
The Shining is simply a masterful film. The plot, the acting, and the direction are equally important to any viewer of this film. Jack Nicholson’s acting as his character dives head first into madness is masterful. The is no doubt as we watch this quiet man fall to each of his own personal demons. Be it giving into his aggressive behavior or sudden wish to begin drinking again. The spirits are able to push each of Jack’s magical buttons to further his decent. Be it an agreeable ear from a bartender or the advice of a long dead caretaker. Either way Jack becomes a puppet to the wishes of the spirits and will by the end of the film is willing to do ANYTHING to show he is worth all their trouble.
The Shining is a film that Horror fans should enjoy and treasure. The DVD version of the film shows us a sneak peak into the making of the film as Kubrick’s teenage daughter shot a documentary of the making of the film. Fortunately for fans this documentary is on the DVD and should be equally enjoyed as the film.
The most interesting piece about this film is that it’s original release was slow. It was only the word of mouth that drove this film to become the success it has become. So, follow the example that was previously shared and spread the word on this film. If you, or friends, have not seen this Horror Classic then take some time and sit back and watch The Shining. Hopefully you will find it to be a film that all you want to do is spread the word and help introduce the film to a generation that has yet to see it.
Attention Wicked Women Writers (WWW). Are you ready to help horror take over a holiday? Below are the details for the 2012 WWW Challenge.
What is the WWW Challenge?
A challenge to all women horror writers, published or unpublished. To listen to the stories submitted during the 2011 WWW Challenge, go to http://wickedwomenwriters.wordpress.com/www-2011/.
2012 Theme:
Horror Takes No Holidays
What are the guidelines?
Each entrant will be given:
1.) A holiday
2.) A place
3.) An object
Entrants are then to write and record (or have another person record) a horror story about said holiday containing the other two elements. Whoever the fans vote the winner will receive the most coveted “Most Wicked 2012” award. As always, one lucky listener (voter) will win prizes from each of the entrants. Entrants can provide prizes ranging from a free book, free e-book, promotional gifts, to a simple letter thanking the voter for participating.
Story Specifications:
Podcasted stories between 15-35 minutes long (approx. 1500- 3500 words) in .mp3 format. If you need help on how to record your story, the www-facebook group is a wealth of information and the gals are always happy to explain how it works. Remember to take 30 seconds after the story to tell the listeners how they can find more of your writing. (Example: “Thank you for listening to the WWW Challenge. Remember to vote for your favorite story. To read or listen to more of my work, go to www.____ or join me on Facebook.com/_________.)
To Sign up to Participate:
1.) Email wwwchallenge2012@gmail.com by April 15, 2012. Send your entrant information (see below) in the body of that email. Then Laurel Anne Hill will email you a contract.
Entrant Information:
Name:
Email:
Website (or blog if you have no website):
Skype Name (if you have one):
Publications? Or first time writer?
2.) Return signed contract, a short bio (50 words or less) and your headshot to wwwchallenge2012@gmail.com by May 1, 2012.
3.) Laurel Anne Hill will email Holiday/place/object assignments to entrants approximately May 1, 2012.
Podcasted story audio will be due:
July 1, 2012
Other Story Dates: August 11, 2012: WWW will air and voting starts.
September 13, 2012: Voting will end.
October 6, 2012: Winner will be announced on the HorrorAddicts.net show.
The film Perfect Creature is a film that many would not equate to being a Vampire movie. This is because the plot has you watching as two brothers match wits as influenza ravages the general public. The thing is there is much more to the plot and two “Brothers”.
To start this film is set in what appears to be a combination of Victoria England and a post World War 2 time frame, and some actually consider it a steam punk type of setting. The structures in the film have a gothic feel to them and the overall look to the slum called Jamestown is really well done. You get a great sense of the hopeless of the inhabitants of this area through the look and dress. In a switch from using pure CG for the look of the film pictures were taken of buildings throughout New Zealand that would fit the setting. These images where then added to the layering of the film and thus give it such a gorgeous look.
The story is just as appealing as the setting of this film. I say this as the film makers do a great job of introducing us to the lead characters within the first 10 to 20 minutes of the film. We also learn that the word Brother has a different meaning then you’d think in this. The fact is that a Brother is actually a Vampire.
The hero Silus is introduced to his young baby brother as Edgar comes into the world. We find out then that Silus shares a mother with Edgar and that both are Vampires. I add that the scene with the baby Edgar is quite interesting as we see the young child with its fangs. The film then jumps ahead 100 years and we learn more about the background of how the Brothers came to being. Alchemy was used to create the Brothers through Genetic experimentation, but at a cost as disease was also created.
When we next see Silus he is an adult and is hunting a murder of humans. The same humans that the Brothers are there to protect as the Brothers linked to being a religion. Then we meet female police officer Lilly who is in the midst of arresting a landlord who has been stock piling influenza shots to sell on the black market instead of providing to his tenants. At this point in the film the key players have been introduced to us in some form or another and the story is about to take off.
The thing that engages one so much about this film is the different role Vampires play in this alternate society. They are not seen as blood thirsty creatures of the night only hunting for prey and to cause death. Vampires are actually seen as god like as they have churches with thousands of followers. People even go to their local Brother Church to donate not money, but blood to the Brothers.
However, as the movie’s opening script warns us something is happening to upset the balance between Humans and the Vampires. This thing is deadly and toxic not just to the Brothers but as well to Humans. The fact is the villain, Edgar, is as cold blooded as any modern telling of a Vampire. His methods maybe slightly different but the affect on society is just the same if not worse. Edgar’s methods work so well that the government gets to the point they are willing to let all in Jamestown die to protect society.
Perfect Creature is one of those films that when you stumble across it all you will want to do is share it with your friends that are horror fans. I’m hoping that you enjoy the movie as much as I have as it’s become somewhat rare to find a horror film that contains a well written story and plot.
The name Dog Soldiers does not have you picture a horror movie. Instead you may think of a Disney film where they have dogs saving the day. Another option is you may picture a film like Valiant where we get to see the struggles of carrier pigeons. A possible thought is you could think of a group of dogs that band together to save their neighborhood tree and are lead by a retired police dog. If you even think ANY of these then you would be sadly mistaken.
Dog Soldiers is a plain and simple action horror film brought to us by the director behind Doomsday and The Decent. This film has a rather simple plot. The story revolves around a small squad of British regular army who are sent into a wooded area to work with a Special Forces group on a training exercise.
The main character who is named Cooper we are shown had a run-in with the Commander of this special forces unit during a training exercise months back and had been washed out. This conflict comes in as the movie progresses as the commander is the only one to survive a massacre of the Special Forces squad.
The regulars try to call for help when they are attacked by a fast moving and unseen enemy. The enemy is relentless and an evade and escape plan begins as the regulars take wounded and some are killed.
The movie moves quickly and I have to admit the look of the werewolves when finally seen is great. They did an awesome job on the makeup and design of the creatures. The one thing I really enjoyed is how the allowed the werewolves to have a brain. There was more of one of them and they showed how they would hunt as a pack and used their intelligence when hunting the soldiers.
There are some surprising twists in the film and there is one scene that is blatantly obvious to this movie fan as a throw back to the movie Zulu. There is a comment by one soldier on how it’s so much like an experience that happened to the British Army back during the time of the Zulu. During this battle several men are trapped at a lone outpost surrounded by thousands of Zulu warriors. This is an actual battle from the British Army History and the way it was referenced in the film was great for this movie buff.
I will say the movie does have a somewhat typical ending but the movie itself is well worth a rental in my humble opinion. I say this especially if you’re a fan of Lycans and especially ones that are designed so convincingly. I will add this last bit about one of the chilling moments in the film. This moment comes when those remaining realize the werewolves have been let in the house and we see them slowly come into view ready to strike.
The Exorcist was made in 1973 and was adapted from a book that was written by William Peter Blatty. The book, and thus the film, were said to have been loosely based on an actual record exorcism that took place in 1949. The film stars Max von Sydow (Father Merrin), Ellen Burstyn (Chris MacNeil), and a young Linda Blair (Regan MacNeil).
The film starts and moves in a slow pace unraveling a story that comes to be called one of the scariest films of all time. This is done masterfully by Director William Friedkin as we get to see scenes of a loving mother raising her daughter. The other center plot in the film is the struggle of young Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller) who is struggling with his faith and ability to carry on in his role as a Father. Karras is actually a very brilliant man that we find out chose the church over taking a more lucrative job as a psychologist.
The movie’s opening sequence introduces us to Father Merrin (von Sydow) who finds a small relic showing a dark looking figure while on a dig in Egypt. Father Merrin later travels to a small region in Egypt where he comes across a much larger statue that resembles the relic and a bit of foreshadowing comes to us as we suddenly hear two dogs fighting nearby.
The film jumps to Georgetown where we are introduced to the actress Chris MacNeil, (Burstyn) who is working on her latest film. MacNeil seems to have a great life as she lives with her daughter Regan. Regan is an active 12 year old who like many her age has her likes and dislikes and during one scene we find that Regan would really like a horse. It’s not long after this that we find out that Regan had found an Ouija board and had actually played with the game. The problem is when Chris tries to use the game the board, well it tells her NO.
The film progresses building questions and suspense throughout as the plots unravel. We continue to see Father Karras struggle with his faith and talking about his problem with friends. Regan begins having seizures and other health problems that cause her mother to take her to several doctors. Of which some do painful medical tests and studies on Regan that in themselves are quite scary to watch. It’s only about the midway point of the film do we find out what is happening to Regan and the story that unravels to our eyes is startling. Things are made even darker as people begin to die that may have a connection to the McNeil’s.
The Exorcist is one of those films that you can talk to friends, family and even strangers about and most will have a favorite scene. People will tell you how the film has scared them and in some cases given then nightmares. The version of the film I watched included scenes that were held out of the original theatrical release as they were deemed to be too scary for viewers at the time. This just adds to the movies lore and appeal and explains why it has remained to be one of the scariest films ever made.
You’d think making this film the cast and crew would have a light hearted set and would find ways to relax as they dealt with this story. Well, that wasn’t the case for those involved in the production of the film. Actor Jack MacGrowan died during the filming of the movie due to complications that came from the flu. There are reported Urban Legends about blessings being down on the set due to technical and other problems that took place during the filming. One such incident is when the interior sets of the MacNeil home were destroyed by fire, well except for Regan’s bedroom. Linda Blair was also injured during the film as a harness used during one of her thrashing scenes broke.
Learning about the Urban Legends and that the inspiration of the story came from an actual exorcism, does not ruin the film but makes it even more chilling. To think that so much surrounds a movie released in 1973, and the fact it still chills viewers today tells you something about this film. This is one of those films that if you are a horror fan and have yet to watch it, I have to ask what are you waiting for?
The Host is a South Korean Horror Film that came out in 2006. The film saw its premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2006 before it was released theatrically in Korea. The film has won many awards and received numerous other award nominations. Although the film has received all this acclaims it only received only a limited US release and many Horror Fans have paid the film little attention.
The Host opens with a doctor telling his lab assistant that he hates dust. He prefers a clean working area and after wiping the dust off the bottle of formaldehyde orders they poured down the sink. The doctor is warned that the sink leads out to the Han River, but the doctor does not care about procedure or the river. The viewer gets to see the assistant, now wearing a mask, dump a bottle down the drain. As the camera pans we find that there is over a hundred empty bottles with more yet to empty.
The film then does some small time jumps to a more modern day Seoul, Korea. We are then introduced slowly to a rather dysfunctional family. It’s not long after this that we find the people along the bank of the river enjoying their day notice something hanging from the bridge. As the watchers start throwing food out at the shape something happens. The creature shows it true self and begins a run thru the crowds crushing and devouring people as it goes, and sadly for one family it takes their young girl with it as it leaves.
The movie follows the exploits of the family of Hyun-Seo as they try and find her to get her back. The film is full of concepts that are not often seen in many horror films today. The film does an amazing job at investigating the family dynamic and the way they interact and think of each other. The father does his best to get his oldest children to see their slow witted brother as a man.
The story takes off as we see the civil police agencies and South Korean government try to deal with the creature. It is decided by the United Nations that they are unable to contain the situation and even worse the creature maybe carrying a virus.
The Host shows us that Horror can come not just from a creature, but from the feelings we may carry for others, and our environment. We watch as this family tries to save their little girl and at the same time has disconnections and tragedy hit them through their trials. The film has moments of shock not just from a sudden appearance of the creature but events that happen when the creature is not involved. There is one big question that begins to show itself as you watch the film. Who really is the monster?
I haven’t heard of the film Fido and after some searching I was finally able to find it, and sit down and watch the movie. Fido is a surprisingly well made and the idea behind the film is also something interesting and not to far out of the zombie cliché world.
The town of Willard is like many 1950’s type of towns. You have beautiful homes, green lush lawns, a gorgeous city park and zombies. (Insert the sound of breaks squealing to a stop).
Did I say ZOMBIES?? Yes, Yes I did the town of Willard and the world in which this film takes place had the Great Zombie War. It wasn’t till the genius Dr. Geiger determines that the only way to kill a zombie is to shoot them in the head did humanity start winning the war. The great Doctor takes it one step further and develops control collars that allow the Zombies to interact with people and curb their hunger for human flesh.
We are introduced to those wonderful facts through a News Reel type of movie that plays before we get into the meet of the movie. If you’ve ever seen any of those old Atomic Bomb movies where people are told to “duck and cover” imagine that if you will. The way this film is done and spliced with some vintage WW2 film footage was quite intriguing. It was also a great way to introduce us to the world that Willard is in.
I will also say that this movie is your typical feel good family movie where a boy falls in love with his Zombie, irr I mean pet. Fido, the zombie his mother gets, becomes a family member much like a dog would in the old shows like Lassie. The fact that Timmy consistently says things like “Fetch boy”, “Good boy”, or in one seen, “I knew you wouldn’t eat me boy.”
One of my favorite comedic moments is when Fido comes home and Timmy’s mother asks where Timmy is and Fido lets out a whine and wants her to follow him. I had a laugh out loud moment when I thought back to all those Lassie jokes where a dog barks and people would ask, “Where’s Timmy boy?”.
The film also has some other small comedic pieces to help move the movie and plot along. You get to watch the zombies do everything in the town from assisting the milkman to delivering the local paper.
The movie does a great job of making you feel like your set back in the 1950’s as I mentioned before. I want to add to that point as there was some great use of automobiles in the film and even cars with those HUGE white walls. Also, the fact that Timmy’s mother felt she needed a Zombie to keep up with the neighbors as they where the only family without one. The fact she also had to take a pie over to welcome the new neighbors to the neighborhood.
Now, the movie isn’t all just laughs as there is some drama behind the movie. Timmy’s father for example has a zombie phobia because his 1 kill during the Zombie war was a family member. We also see poor Timmy stuck with a father who really doesn’t know how to relate to him and would rather be golfing. Of course there are other protagonists such as 2 local bullies, and an old lady neighbor who gives Timmy the riot act for not putting his bike away. Also in many pet/child movies something happens to Fido in which Timmy must go and rescue him.
Overall, I was pleasantly really surprised by this film and would highly recommend the film to others. The cast has some well now actors/actresses such as Carrie-Ann Moss playing Timmy’s mother. Fido is played by comedian Billy Connolly who was Uncle Monty in Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events and was in a great film called Mrs. Brown. The young boy, K’Sun Ray, did an amazing job considering this was his first movie role according to IMDB.com.
So if you’re in the mood for a light hearted movie with a bit of zombies go out and find this movie, or add it to your Netflix queue. This film actually is low enough on the blood and gore I’d recommend it as an overall family film. Just keep one thing in mind when doing this, and that it is a zombie film and you must have your flesh eating and shots to the head.
Four (4!) San Francisco events at The Regency Ballroom
1300 Van Ness at Sutter, SF CA 94109
Fri Jan 20 – The Edwardian World’s Faire, 8pm-2am
A little more rambunctious and endlessly colorful, Friday night’s World’s Faire presents an interactive night of Barbary Coast themed Midway Games, bicycle powered Carnival Rides by Cyclecide, Steam-powered machinery, circus sideshows, burlesque, and this year, a foray into “Chap Hop” with headliner Professor Elemental direct from the UK! Also featuring Delachaux, Sour Mash Hug Band, Flynn Creek Circus, Vau de Vire Society, DJ Fact.50, Cyclecide, KSW, and the Vendor Bazaar & Piano Saloon featuring the John Brothers Piano Company.
Sat Jan 21 – Daytime Shopping at The Vendor Bazaar, 12-5pm (FREE!)
Our now-legendary Vendor Bazaar, open both nights during our events, is open from noon til 5pm, free to the public for your shopping delights. Keep an eye on our VENDING page for a complete listing of participants.
Sat Jan 21 – “Afternoon Tea with Professor Elemental”, 3-5pm
In addition to Professor Elemental’s Friday stage appearance, we are pleased to announce a special Saturday afternoon event, “Afternoon Tea with The Professor,” wherein a limited number of guests may purchase tickets for “proper tea” with our esteemed guest inside the “Museum of Wonders.” While guests enjoy their tea and pastries, The Professor will entertain each table and offer a ‘menu’ of rap subjects, the selection will then be accommodated by a unique, acapella performance, followed by a bit of whimsical chat and capricious banter.
Sat Jan 21 – The 12th Annual Edwardian Ball, 8pm-2am
This is the night of The Ball itself, a slightly more formal affair where the games, rides, cabaret acts, and steam machinery are cleared away to make room for a costumed floor of ballroom dance, roaming performances, and the tales and characters of Edward Gorey brought to life on stage and throughout. Each year, in the depths of the night, Edwardian Ball founders ROSIN COVEN & their co-hosts VAU DE VIRE SOCIETY bring a featured Gorey story to life onstage with original music, choreography, narration, circus acts, and many surprises. This year’s feature is “The Iron Tonic”. The Vendor Bazaar is of course open this night as well, saunter down and peruse the delights, enjoy a hand of cards at the Gaming Parlour, sip an absinthe cocktail, and dance the night away…
And don’t miss…
THURSDAY JANUARY 19th…
Colonel Kingfish’s WILD WEST BURLESQUE!– Astonishing entertainments, dancing & revelry throughout at The Edwardian Ball Weekend’s Official Opening Night Jubilee!
Every three seasons, HorrorAddicts.net chooses a new theme song.
Bands/ Musicians are now welcomed to submit their song for possible use on the show. If chosen, your song will be played as the theme song every show for three seasons. Your band name will be mentioned on every show to thousands of listeners across the globe. HorrorAddicts.net is an international podcast with our largest fan bases located in: UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and South Africa.
The song submitted must be in mp3 format.
Send us an email to: emzbox@sbcglobal.net
Email must include:
*Your band name
*Short (100 words or less) bio.
*An mp3 of the song you’d like considered
*Contact email
*Picture of the band in png, or jpg format.
This contest closes Dec 31st, 2011 and winners will be announced publicly in 2012.
The new theme song will debut on Season 7 of HorrorAddicts.net starting in 2012.
By entering this contest, you are agreeing to allow your song played for three seasons of HorrorAddicts.net.
Deck the halls
with bloody monsters!
Bloody bloody blood
blood blood blood!
Give me some
vampires and aliens!
Bloody bloody blood
blood blood blood!
This Christmas, don’t forget to look for the bestselling books and ebooks by our friend Jeff Carlson, the first-ever BEST IN BLOOD LISTENERS’ CHOICE AWARD on Horror Addicts.
Jeff has a new short fiction collection called LONG EYES. The stories are mostly sci fi and tech thrillers, but there are also some weird horror and fantasy stories in it.
Jeff is also the author of the bestselling Kindle novella THE FROZEN SKY, which is a story like ALIENS crossed with THE THING. It’s dark, it’s relentless, and it’s really cool. Check it out!!!
Civilization is over as we know it, most of the planet is a scorched wasteland. Only three human cities remain standing: London, Moscow and Hong Kong. They are now shells of their former selves and have become places where humans hide in fear from creatures that want to enslave or eat them. This isn’t the Mayan prophecy come to life or the zombie apocolypse. The year is 2020 and bugs have taken over the planet.
It all started with an eruption at Yellowstone park followed by an army of bugs emerging from beneath the earth’s crust . Their leader is The Great Maurr, a giant ant-headed creature who has brought hell to earth and made all of North America into the City of Hell. The Great Maurr has taken over the planet and his bug army has laid waste to everything. Humanity has never known anything like this. There is no more religion, no more rules, just pain and suffering.
This is the setting for Master of the Macabre participant Collin Barnes’City of Hell Chronicles Volume 1. City of Hell Chronicles is the first release from Anachron press which was founded by Collin Barnes. Anachron Press’s goal is to produce timeless books that stand on their own. Anachron has already scheduled 3 anthologies for 2012 and is accepting submissions from authors who have great stories to tell.
City of Hell Chronicles is an anthology of 8 stories that shows how the Great Maurr enslaved the planet and how the last few survivers of the human race try to stay alive. The first story in this book is Genesis by Collin Barnes and tells how the end of the human race began. The second story by Victoria Griesdoorn, called Medical Report, tells what happens when a giant centipede is brought into a hospital and infects the hospital staff.
The third story is The Door From Below by Ren Warom which is about a group of three people who encounter faceless creatures called the stock takers that collect bodies to be turned into bug hybrids. Up next is London Calling by Kendall Grey which is about a woman who meets a group of strange monks that are not what they seem. Fifth on the list is The Lucky Ones by Anne Michaud. This one is a tragic love story about a woman trying to find her boyfriend after suffering a great loss.
The Final Passage by Belinda Frisch goes into how the bug society works and follows the story of a group of slaves trying to escape the city of hell. Expanding on the bug society is The Nursery by Amy L. Overley which follows a woman named Otter who is forced to become a part of a bug breeding program and becomes what she hates most. The last story is by Victoria Griesdoorn again and tells the tale of a woman living in a hospital that has to search for fuel to keep the building running and her patients alive.
Three words to describe this book are dark, disturbing, and disgusting. I really enjoyed it. This book is exactly what a hard core horror novel should be, it creeps you out because each story presents characters that you can’t help fall in love with and you can’t put it down because you wonder if these people are going to survive the harsh conditions they are in. My only problem with the book was that after reading four stories and seeing how dark it was, I felt I knew how the rest of the stories we’re going to go, but I guess with a book called City of Hell you shouldn’t expect happy endings. What you do get to see in this book is stories of humans suffering great losses and doing whatever it takes to survive.
Despite the fact that it is an anthology, I thought the City of Hell Chronicles read like a novel. In each story you see how the conditions get progressivly worse, the bugs get stronger and the humans start to turn on each other. I found myself wondering if the writers talked to each other on how each story would go and how they would relate to each other. The writing in this book was much better then I expected and in the future and I would love to read more from each of these authors. There is a Chronicles Of Hell Volume 2 that will be coming out in 2012 and I can’t wait to see where they go next. If your not too scared of bugs and you like your horror dark and scary, give Chronicles Of Hell a try. You won’t be disappointed.
This is an opportunity for aspiring horror or like-genre writers to have their work critiqued by professional writers based on story structure, plot, style, and character development. One lucky writer will have their work produced for a HorrorAddicts.net show for Season 7 in 2012.
Submission criteria:
1) This workshop is free
2) You must state you if you are under 18 at the time of submission. If you are a minor, you will be entered in the junior league workshop. We will not accept stories from children younger than 15.
3) By submitting to the workshop, you are stating this work is yours and yours alone and that you may submit it legally without publication ties. The work cannot be previously published in any form.
4) Stories must be Gothic, Horror, Steampunk, Clockpunk, Fetish, Dark Fantasy, Horror Romance, or have a horror element of some kind.
5) All submissions must be emailed to horroraddicts@att.net no later than December 31st, 2011, 11:59pm PST.
6) Submissions can be excerpts from a novel, up to 4,000 words, or can be a complete short story, no more than 4,000 words. Excerpts from a novel, must include the first chapter.
7) Manuscripts must be presented in the following format:
a) Font size 10 or 12 point
b) Font style Courier or Times New Roman
c) Double spaced
d) 1st page header to state: author name, email address, type of story, and word count.
e) Following pages header to state: author name, story name, and page number.
f) Your manuscript must be in either PDF or RTF Format.
g) No more than 4,000 words.
h) In the body of the email, give us 100 words or less about you – a bio.
i) In the subject of the email state: HA WRITER’S WORKSHOP
8) We will review the first 20 manuscripts absolutely, after that, it is based on the number of pros available. Manuscripts are first come, first serve. If you do not receive an email stating your manuscript was received within two weeks, please send a polite query to:emzbox@sbcglobal.net.
9) For any other questions, please leave a comment here or email: horroraddicts@att.net
Captain Robert’s novel, The Wrath Of Fate, which is the backstory for Abney Park, goes on sale January 1st. You have heard the stories in Abney Park’s songs for years, and wondered how they all fit together. Here is the adventure novel that explains it all!
First Addition Paperback: $15
Numbered and Autographed First Addition Paperback: $30 (These early release first additions will be only available as a trade paperback. e-book, and audio books available later in 2012.)
This is the story of a young and destitute musician, who through a series of failed heroics changes the history of the world. Expect time travel, clock work men, floating cities, apocalyptic wastelands, and of course Airship Pirates!
This story is told in 26 chapters, each beautifully illustrated by Juan Pablo Valdecantos Anfuso (one of the brilliant artists who works on the Abney Park RPG). Here are a few of his illustrations to wet your appetite.
Now, doesn’t that sound like a fantastic book?
(on sale January 1st)
The Chiller Television network has brought us another list of horror staples and in this instance it’s not movies, but instead its kids. The television special used guests and clips to show the viewer what they believe to be the thirteen creepiest kids in movies. The list below shows the movie referenced and the main kid from each film. So take a look and share your thoughts.
Now without further commenting let’s get to the list.
13. The Sixth Sense / Cole Sear
12. Children of the Corn / Isaac and Malachai
11. Interview with a Vampire / Claudia
10. Poltergeist / Carol Anne Freeling
9. The Shining / Danny Torrance
8. Let Me In / Owen and Abby
7. The Addams Family / Wednesday
6. The Ring / Samara
5. The Exorcist / Regan MacNeil
4. The Good Son / Henry Evans
3. Orphan / Esther
2. Pet Sematary / GageCreed
1. The Omen / DamienThorn
Who better to play Death, than our friend Ruby Ruin?
Gaiman vs Moore: Fanageddon
Kimo’s Penthouse Lounge
San Francisco, CA
Saturday, December 31st
Who’s your favorite, Neil Gaiman or Alan Moore? This New Year’s Eve, vote with your costume and party like it’s the end of the world!
Representing Mr. Moore, up from LA in their first Bay Area appearance since they rocked the Ball of Cthulhu in 2010, Unextraordinary Gentlemen.
And representing Mr. Gaiman, fronted by Death for one night only, the hometown favorite, San Francisco’s own Saints of Ruin!
PLUS, just added: Unwoman!!!
Festivities will begin with dance lessons by Swing Goth. Followed by the Portishead inspired three part harmonies of Blue Rabbit, who show us that even lost girls can be found.
A limited number of early bird tickets are available, for the steep discount of $15. Get them while you can, because once they’re gone, pre-sale is $20 and tickets are $25 on the night of the event.
I wasn’t going to do a blog post on this book originally because I had mentioned it in a previous post and thought it would be overkill to mention it again. At that time though, I had just started reading the book and really didn’t have high expectations for it. As I got more into it, I realized that this was a really good horror novel and I needed to talk about it.
Jack got the idea when he was looking at the Kindle best seller list and he noticed how many books were classic novels in the public domain. Among them we’re several different versions of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Vampires are always popular and he came up with the idea of vampires in a hospital and humans trying to survive. He didn’t have time to write the book himself so he enlisted the help of other authors to write part of the book. Each author wrote 15,000 words from the point of view of one human and one vampire.
Jack also noticed that most vampires in todays literature we’re teen heartthrobs or romantic leads and he decided he wanted to make vampires scary again. Edward (from Twilight) would run in fear if he saw the vampires in Draculas. These vampires have no feelings and are not sex symbols. They wan’t one thing from humans and that’s blood. Also the vampires in this story don’t have just 2 fangs. They have a mouthful of 6 inch long fangs. They can also see in total darkness and are stronger and faster then humans.
The story for Draculas is about a retired millionaire, Mortimer Moorecock, who is dying of cancer. In order to survive his disease, Mortimer has bought a skull found in Romania that is believed to have belonged to Count Dracula. When Mortimer gets the skull, he clamps its jaws on his neck and goes into convulsions. He is rushed to the hospital where he dies and rises again as a vampire.
From that point on its complete chaos with Mort killing six people in the ER. They all come back as vampires and the patients and faculty of the hospital have to escape or be turned into the living dead. The story for Draculas is simple, what makes it a good book is the characters. In addition to the doctors and nurses, you have a gun crazy sheriff, a lumberjack with a chainsaw, a married couple about to have their first child, and a vampire clown named Benny.
Benny the clown is one nasty vampire and despite the fact that he was evil, he was my favorite character in the book. Every scene he was in I found myself thinking of the theme to Killer Klowns From Outer Space. If you are afraid of clowns you may want to avoid this book because Benny is one sadistic clown. There are some scenes in the book where all he does is stand and stare at his victims which is scary in itself, but when he performs some obscene acts for a captive audience, the book gets really interesting.
Though Draculas is loaded with violence and action, what really makes it good is that the authors make you care about the protagonists. A part that had me on the edge of my seat was when a young husband has to go to the blood bank in the hospital to get blood for a transfusion to save his wife who had a hemmorage after child birth. There is also a couple of touching scenes where a divorced couple reconciles and a young couple tells each other how they feel in the face of what looks like certain death. The only part of the book that I didn’t like was that sometimes the vampires seem too much like zombies and I didn’t like that they constantly called the vampires Draculas, but they do give an explanation for that in the story.
The ending in Draculas was a perfect end to a wild ride and was a total surprise to me. Draculas is everything a horror novel should be, it has humor, plenty of gore, good characters, suspense, and a decent love story. If thats not enough to get you to want to get it, the E-book version is loaded with extras. You get three short stories, deleted scenes, and it includes all the emails that the authors sent to each other as they we’re working on the book. If you are an aspiring writer and you we’re thinking of collaborating with another author, this book gives you a good look at the creative process of co-authoring a book. The extras in the e-book are like getting the director’s cut of a movie along with commentary. This is something I would love to see more authors do for their novels. (Emz are you reading this? We want a director’s cut of Night’s Knights. Make it happen.)
Tom Brokaw called the people that lived through the Great Depression and then went on to fight in World War 2 The Greatest Generation. In his 1998 book called The Greatest Generation he recounted stories of how soldiers and families in America were effected by the war. Life in the 30′s and 40′s wasn’t easy and some families were torn apart by the financial struggles of the Great Depression in the 30′s and young men having to go off to war in the 40′s.
Overtime, I’ve read quite a few accounts of American families during the war years, so I was happy to find a fictional novel that centered around two families in Scotland during World War 2. The book is called Roses of Winter by Murdo Morrison. Roses Of Winter was originally a podiobook and was released in print in July 2011. The two families in the story are working class families who are greatly effected by the war.
The first family is the Burns who live in Maryhill. In September of 1939, Mary and Charlie sat in their home reading the paper and wondering when the Germans would attack Scotland. The Burns have three kids, Alastair, Elspeth and their teenage daughter Ellen. In the evening, they go to church where the Reverend announces that the country is now at war. The congregation is in shock. They had hoped the Great War that ended in 1917 would be the last, but things didn’t work out that way.
Things get worse for the Burns. Ellen is not getting along with her mother Mary while Charlie who is in the Merchant Navy has to sail away on a ship called The Jasper to deliver petroleum to the British army in France. The ship gets bombed by the Germans en route, causing the crew to abandon ship and head for land where things aren’t any better. Back in Maryhill, Mary has to leave her family to attend the funeral of her mother in Glasgow. On her return she finds Ellen is dating a man who is headed off to fight in the war.
The second family is the McIntyers. Bessie and Murdo have two sons, Donald and Alec, who are off fighting in the war. The couple lives in Scotstoun where Bessie dreams of a better life. Bessie has no friends and her life was turned upside down when she was a teenager when her family lost all their money in the Great Depression. Bessie has had to work hard ever since and her life gets worse when one of her sons is killed in the war. One of her neighbors: Ella reaches out to her, giving Bessie the opportunity to talk about her sad life.
Ella has a daughter that lives near by Clydesbank. One night in March of 1941, Scotland’s worse fears come true when Clydesbank is bombed by German forces. Fearing for her daughter, Ella leaves the safety of her apartment and takes the tramcar to find her daughter. As she gets to town there are explosions and people screaming all around. There is no safe place to turn but she can’t leave the war-torn town until she finds her daughter.
Roses Of Winter has vivid descriptions of naval battles along with cities getting bombed into rubble, but its more then just a war story. What really makes Roses Of Winter a great novel is how the characters in the story react to the chaos around them. The characters change during the course of the story and you feel for them. When I read a book, I like to bookmark parts that I really enjoy. I bookmarked 20 different scenes in Roses Of Winter that I felt were examples of great writing.
For example, I liked when Mary is at her mother’s funeral and while grieving makes the realization that someday her kids will have to attend her funeral and feel the same way she feels. I also liked when the ship Charlie is on is under attack and as he sees the bombs dropping, he imagines being on a picnic with his wife. Other things I liked in this book was how Bessie and Ellen changed throughout the story. There is also a good scene where Andy finds the people he works with are more then they seem and there is a good commentary on how its the working class that really pays the price in a time of crisis.
Murdo Morrison put a lot of work into the research of Roses Of Winter and should be commended for it. He read several accounts of people in Scotland who lived through that period; also the ships in the story we’re based on real ships from the era. The tenaments that many of the characters lived in were based on the place where the author’s mother grew up and was very similar to where the author used to live in.
Roses of Winter is kind of like a journey through World War 2, where you will find a little bit of everything. The book has a couple of love stories, there is loss, suspense, a suicide and some good battle scenes. At its core, the story is about how families and friends pull together to survive in the face of disaster. Roses Of Winter is a great human drama and an excellent read.
Emerian Rich
H. E. Roulo
Dan Shaurette
Steve Merrifield
Mark Eller
Laurel Anne Hill
Tim Reynolds
Ed Pope
Jennifer Rahn
Chris Ringler
Philip Carroll
AND MORE
NYX (not to be confused with NYC) shadows and powders
Liquid black eyeliner art – don’t be afraid to paint outside the lines
Glitter plunger – to spray a favorite glitter onto wet eyeliner– instant glitter glue
Prosthetic glue - to glitter up your eyes without worrying about it coming off
Sparkle nail polish to add small dots on eyeliner dots – not directly on face and not too close to eye… that hurts!
Clothing Items:
Stripey knee socks (black and white are kinda out, choose another color or go with a non-striped pattern)
Wrist warmers or fingerless gloves
Scarves – all different textures… but must be soft to the skin
Awesome boots of all kinds
Layered, multi-textured skirts of all lengths
“Emz has her own unique style. I’ve known some very fashion conscious people, but they’re usually dressing to impress others. Emz dresses to express herself. I especially noticed the creativity of her eye make-up. The two siides were deliberately coordinated but not identical. They were unique– like Emz.” ~Heather Roulo
College student Marian Kitt is terrified to discover that she has the power to see into the “other side.” Word of Marian’s vision spreads to Professor Miles Ballard, a student of paranormal and psychic phenomena. He introduces Marian to “the others,” a group of individuals with the ability to vicariously experience the feelings, thoughts and experiences of others, and to help them understand paranormal phenomena. Famed medium Elmer Greentree is their spiritual leader and a mentor figure for Marian, whose potential to see “all of the light” is strong. With Marian now among them, they will help each other understand their abilities as they encounter otherworldly, often frightening, alternative dimensions. And all the while, a dark force looms over them - IMDB.com
No, this is not the movie with Nicole Kidman. This is the awesome (though short lived) series The Others about a group of people who can feel/see spirits. Awesome show. Cancelled. And UNBUYABLE!!! What a tragedy! All I have left is recorded VHS’s which when my VHS breaks… will be of no use to me.
Series based on the White Wolf role-playing game, Vampire: the Masquerade. Julian Luna, the undead Prince of the City, leads the Vampire Clans as he falls in love with Caitlin, a human reporter. - IMDB.com
I’ve already talked so much on the show about how I love this series. Julian Luna is perfect as Prince of the City. Lily is super sexy, Sasha is hard core sex on wheels, and Cash is the bad wolf boy out for revenge. Love it!
A newlywed with the ability to communicate with the earthbound spirits of the recently deceased overcomes skepticism and doubt to help send their important messages to the living and allow the dead to pass on to the other side.- IMDB.com
This show is a bit tame for this crowd I suppose. A little touchy feely and yes, I’ve been known to cry whenever someone feels or senses their loved one and finally knows Melinda is not full of crap. However, I’ve enjoyed these shows for their spooky, witchy content.
Victoria Winters comes to Collinwood, an isolated mansion in coastal Maine, to work as a governess, but soon finds herself drawn into a strange, Gothic world of vampires, ghosts and a family curse that dates back centuries. - IMDB.com
This is not the old original, but I like this one better. It carries all the mysterious gloom with it, but the scripts seem to be tighter than the old version (probably because it’s not filmed as so much of a soap opera… but like a mini-series). Also, it can be watched in a weekend, unlike the 1966 version. If you’ve tried to watch the old version and just can’t get into it, this one might be a good alternative for you. I can’t wait for the 2012 release of Dark Shadows the movie with Johnny Depp. I hope they don’t mess it up.
An idiosyncratic FBI Agent investigates the murder of a young woman in the even more idiosyncratic town of Twin Peaks. - IMDB.com
Can this be called a horror series? Maybe. Maybe not. But if you’re like me and wake in a cold sweat from visions of BOB at the end of your bed, then yes… yes it is!
“I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so sad.” ~Sound of Music
When I was a kid, that song from the Sound of Music was so cool to me. It seemed scary, but bright. The way the thunder roared outside and she spoke about how she would just think of her favorite things to make all the badness go away seemed to speak to me. Especially when nights were rough and I was hiding in my room after a particularly traumatic fight with my step-dad.
MY FAVORITE THINGS… it’s such a strong personal statement. It’s something that no one can take away from you no matter where you live, where you work, what crappy town you’re stuck in, or hurtful relationship you’re involved in. No one can get inside your brain and pull them out. No one can say they aren’t your favorite things because even if you are in solitary confinement (or had a childhood that was similar to that) and have not a stitch to call your own, your favorite things live inside your mind like old friends. You can think about them and smile about them and repeat their words, phrases, or melodies in your head.
So let’s talk about some of My Favorite Things, and you can post some of your favorite things. I bet we have some similarities. Maybe you can show me some things I’ve not seen and maybe I can open your world up to some new things too.
We’ve talked a lot about movies this season, but I thought I’d bring up five more of my favorite horror movies that didn’t make it onto my Halloween viewing list.
In 18th century France, the Chevalier de Fronsac and his native American friend Mani are sent by the King to the Gevaudan province to investigate the killings of hundreds by a mysterious beast. - IMDB.com
Not only are their beautiful babes (and guys) in this movie, but there are some awesome shots. I love the feel of the movie and the fighting scene in the rain has got to be my all time favorite fighting scene in any movie – EVER.
Jane Hardy decides to stay the summer in the house her aunt left her when she died, to try and recoup from a bad divorce. Little does she know, her aunt practiced witchcraft and is still thought of very badly by the town’s citizens. As soon as she moves in, she is haunted by a old black hearse and it’s creepy driver. Is she going insane or is she truly being menaced? She meets a friendly young man and becomes involved with him, but is he and the creepy driver one and the same? - IMDB.com
This is an old, corny haunted house movie that I absolutely love. I saw it first when I was about eight years old. I was lying on our couch next to a huge glass window while it stormed outside. The story was really getting interesting… She’s falling for a man and reading her aunt’s journal about falling for a man… is he the same man? And who’s the mustache guy following her around in the hearse? Suddenly… the window above me shattered, showering down on me. I wasn’t hurt, but I will remember the terror in my little adolescent heart for the rest of my life. Is this the reason I love this movie so much? Perhaps… but I love it! There is another movie very similar to this one in time period and corniness, so if you like this one, check out The Watcher in the Woods.
A man struggles with memories of his past, including a wife he cannot remember, in a nightmarish world with no sun and run by beings with telekinetic powers who seek the souls of humans. - IMDB.com
When I first saw this film, I thought it was the coolest thing I had seen in years. The feeling and mood set by this “fake” city in an attempt to make humans feel “normal” was just awesome. Sure, we had a few laughs about Keifer and my husband still jokes that Rufus Sewell looks like the lead singer of my favorite band, A-ha, but overall the film was just awesome. I think this film was the precursor to the Matrix movies, which I also dig. I love movies where the human population is tricked into thinking they are living a real life. I think my obsession with movies like this stems from my childhood when we moved alot and met people and saw things that looked really familiar… just different. My mother always used to say, “There are only a thousand people in the world and they just change to make us think we’re in a different town.” Maybe in this case, mom was right! She didn’t mention the bald men in black coats trying to eat our souls though. Hum…
Set in 19th Century Canada, Brigette and her sister Ginger take refuge in a Traders’ Fort which later becomes under siege by some savage werewolves. - IMDB.com
So, I watched this Ginger Snaps movie first and I’m glad I did. This is by far the best and more interesting. The girls, who are beautiful and look like porcelain dolls, wander into a camp full of whacked out men who have been alone way too long. My favorite parts of this movie are when they are in the snowy woods. The feeling the director got here is so real, you feel like you are there with them. The Indian dude coming to the rescue is nice, but the sisters and how they relate to one another is the real thrill to watch. I think this movie is just beautiful from start to finish.
A small group of Catholics led by an ailing priest believe that Satan intends to become man, just as God did in the person of Jesus. The writings of a possessed mental patient lead them to Peter Kelson, a writer who studies serial killers. They think it’s his body Satan will occupy. The youngest in the group, a teacher named Maya Larkin, goes to Peter to investigate further and to convince him to believe in the possibility of Evil incarnate. Other signs come to him as he and Maya them take a journey full of strange occurrences, self-discovery, and an ultimate showdown - IMDB.com
No one else I know likes this movie… no one! It even has a 4.6 on IMDB! I mean, Look Who’s Talking Now is even rated higher than it. And I just don’t get it. For those of us who enjoy religious conspiracy films, this one is one of the best. Perfect boy, raised in the church by his uncle who is a priest suddenly realizes they are servants of Satan and have been raising him as a vessel. It’s all supposed to commence at this certain time on this certain date… I love the look in his eyes when the clock changes. And Winona Ryder is actually dramatic in this role. For me, it’s only surpassed by Prophecy in my list of religious conspiracy films.
Now tell me about your uncommon favorites, be they corny, old, or just unknown, I want to know.
Posted by Horror Addicts Guest on November 15, 2011
For this final holiday horror treat, we have another visit from Marvelous Madame BienVenu in…
The Marvelous Madame BienVenu: The Main Course
by Michele Roger
Catherine had been arguing with her mother telepathically. “I can see what you’re planning and you know its not a good idea.”
Agatha raised an eye brow while staring back from across the table. “And who is the crone here?”
Catherine sighed. She turned her gaze momentarily to the handsome Henry and then quickly averted her eyes. Agatha’s voice rang inside her head. “He is very handsome isn’t he? And smart. And subject to suggestion when the spell hits him just right….”
“Stop it, Mother! He’s old enough to be your son!”
“And since when has that ever stopped me….besides, I have our dear Henry here at this table and not in my bed for a reason. He will be far more useful in my plans for this evening with his clothes on rather than the alternative. Watch him in action as I prompt him to drive the tip of the knife just a little deeper into the skin of our Mr. Croswell……”
Henry filled Linda’s glass with a generous amount of wine and smiled at her. “Well of Dan doesn’t want to go on record to clear his good name regarding his warehouse dealings perhaps you have something to say?” He pushed the recorder a little closer to her plate.
Linda played up her doe eyes and replied innocently. “I only work for Mr. Croswell as his secretary. I don’t handle any of his other business transactions or accounts.”
Agatha passed him the platter of roasted beef with jalapeno and garlic glazed root vegetables. Henry hungrily at several bites and Catherine watched as the spellbound aromatics began to take effect. The spiciness inspired Henry’s tongue to be sharp while his questions delved into hotter topics. “Are you sure that is true Linda?” Henry asked with the tape still rolling. “I mean, everyone in town knows you are more than the average secretary. Officer Franklin has written you two more citations for indecent exposure in your car and in the park than any citizen has been written in the entire history of this town. Isn’t it more likely that you are really protecting not only your job but your lover?”
At this, Kim gasped but said nothing. It was as if Henry had cast his own spell and unknowingly rendered her speechless. Henry immediately felt bad. “I’m sorry Kim. I thought. Well, I thought you knew. The whole town thought you knew with you working late at the school so much lately.”
“The school open house is in two weeks” Kim was able to eek out quietly while she sat across the table in shock staring at her husband and his would be lover. Catherine quickly placed some of the spell bound food on Kim’s plate and cut a piece, feeding it to her in an awkward display of over zealous hospitality. Madame BienVenu ran her pearl necklace over the edge of her bottom lip ever so casually. Kim seemed to draw strength from somewhere inside herself. “You said you were working!” Kim spat and tears welled up in her eyes. “You’re nothing but a…a…a….a dog! “ Outside, the howling of several wild dogs was heard. Dan tried to argue but with the twisting of Agatha’s pearls, he spat more dog fur from his mouth in place of words. Kim stood up as the tears ran down her cheeks, turning to Linda. “And you’re nothing but his bitch!”
To everyone’s surprise, Dan Croswell leapt on to the table; knocking over candle sticks and sending dishes crashing to the floor. He crawled on all fours and lunged from Kim’s throat with his mouth that he sprouted large elongated teeth. In reaction, Pastor Dave put himself in between the dog man and the small framed school teacher. Catherine reacted without thinking and with a wave of her hand seemed to knock Dan down to the floor with effortless ease all the while shouting, “Bad dog!”
Linda began shouting at everyone and no one all at once. She took a handful of the tiny cheese pastries that Agatha had served along with the meat and tried to give them to Dan in an attempt to calm his rage. When she looked him in the eyes, she screamed all the louder. Kim put her hands to her mouth in horror. Henry gulped down his glass of wine and hurriedly poured himself a second and then a third as he stared in disbelief at the scene transpiring at his feet. Pastor Dave put his arms around Kim and shielded her eyes, allowing her to look away into the safety of Dave’s strong shoulder.
In all of the chaos, Catherine stood angrily with her arms crossed over the two humans who were beginning to change shape on the floor. Agatha too stood cool and calm while wearing a look of disdain. Her strand of pearls twisted in her gnarled fingers and her lips moved ever so slightly without uttering a word. Soon, the two scheming lovers were more dog in appearance than anything.
“Sit” Agatha commanded and everyone but Catherine did as they were told. “Now, you will answer my questions directly and immediately. Do you understand?” Agatha asked curtly.
Dan yelped a “yes”.
“Good”.
“Did you coerce several of the new residents in the assisted living facility out of their homes in less than honorable real estate deals?”
Dan nor Linda said anything. The two just cowered, holding on to one another.
“Yes or no?!” yelled Agatha and her gnarled finger pointed straight at Linda who immediately sprouted a dog’s tail from under her dress.
Henry gulped a fourth glass of wine and with fumbling hands, checked and rechecked to make sure his recorder was still working. Linda screamed out in pain and Dan yelled “Yes.”
“And the food your warehouse provided is contaminated?”
Dan whimpered. Henry interrupted. “That’s really not necessary. I mean I already have proof of that and the crime lab team is already filing the paper work with the judge to get a warrant for Mr. Crowell’s arrest…”
Agatha turned on Henry. Her old grey eyes were jet black. “How dare you interrupt me when I am making justice in my own house!! I care nothing for your laws!” The old woman pointed a finger at him and opened her mouth. Instead of words puffs of tiny grey feathers flew out from her lips as Catherine stomped her foot and pointed her finger back at her mother shouting a defiant “No!”
Catherine opened a bottle of what looked to be home made liquor from the cabinet to her right. “Quick!” she told Henry, Pastor Dave and Kim. “Drink this!” and she handed each of them a tiny glass. They looked skeptical of the strange red liquid in the glass looking oddly more like blood than any wine. Agatha cackled and stretched her arm out into the air. Catherine flew backwards into the kitchen, through the swinging door and the bottle in her hand could be heard smashing into shards.
But Agatha hadn’t considered the one element that she had spoken so fondly of when it had come to her cooking. Somehow, when the old woman had traded justice for revenge and good magic for that of the dark side of spells, she had forgotten herself.
The three remaining dinner guests quickly downed the shots and suddenly a warm glow filled inside of them. Kim was no longer cold. Pastor Dave stood again between Agatha and Kim and Henry had a clear head despite his too many glasses of wine. Agatha tried to curse him again and her grey hair began to sprout feathers in place of silvery strands. Picking herself up from the kitchen floor, Catherine re-entered the dining room with a small tin in her hands.
“Mother, you must and you know it.” Catherine handed Agatha the tin but the old woman shouted and cursed Catherine in furry. Feathers turned and swirled into a mini tornado at the end of the table. Catherine begged and begged as the insane storm of metamorphosis continued. “Just give them each one of these and the spells will be broken! Mother please! If you don’t ….” Suddenly, the chandelier in the room tangled into the spiraling vortex of black magic and old age and defiance and revenge. Shards of crystal and electrical current flew out into every direction. Henry and Catherine dove under the table for cover while Pastor Dave and Kim hit the floor and pulled his coat over the two of them.
Windows burst throughout the house. Catherine would later discover every wine bottle in the cellar had exploded. Pipes in the kitchen burst. The electricity finally collapsed in the surge of energy that was balled up and destroying everything it could. Every scrap of spell bound food was sucked into the vortex and as if it required more room than the house could provide, the Marvelous Madame BienVenu and her raging spirit spiraled at the window where she grew into a gale force wind like the storms that blew over the Great Lakes, sinking ships and twisting the waters. Like all storms, she blew herself out. All that remained was that of a tiny little, newly planted tree in the back yard where a grey little sparrow sat perched on a branch.
While the others sighed in relief, Catherine burst into tears……
Six months later, an invitation for Thanksgiving dinner arrived at every household in town. Henry had slowly helped Catherine to restore the old mansion to an elegant but conservative Victorian love nest. It seemed that with the help of some clever feature stories, the deceased Madame BienVenu had become a local legend and hero once she was gone. Catherine found comfort in that. She often said to Henry that she thought acceptance and respect were all that her mother had ever wanted.
The local paper had also suggested that the missing Dan Croswell and his secretary Linda were suspected of running off together to Ohio. Meanwhile, the new talk of the town was Pastor Dave and Miss Kim the school teacher. They made vows to each other in the next town over in front of the entire school assembly as well as the church congregation.
As the town gathered into the gardens of the BienVenu mansion where tables were strategically placed for optimum seating, Catherine looked out her dining room window. Henry joined her. There, just like every afternoon since for the past six months, two dogs came out of the forest and took an afternoon nap under the small but quickly growing tree where a sparrow sang until night fell. Henry pulled Catherine from the scene and kissed her. “We have a lot to be thankful for this year” he said to her as he popped an appetizer from one of Catherine’s many platters. Catherine looked up at him with slight alarm.
“How many of those have you had?” she asked.
“I don’t know, six or seven, why, what are they?” smiled Henry, not waiting for Catherine to answer as he leaned in and kissed her passionately.
Catherine giggled and pulled away. “You’re eating Kim and Dave’s honeymoon present….pastries filled with aphrodisiacs and a fertility spell.”
Henry reached over to the platter and quickly shoved two in Catherine’s mouth. “Wanna skip dinner?”
“But the whole town is here….”
Henry kissed Catherine again and she let the spell take over. As she let Henry take her hand to lead her up to the bedroom, she asked. “How did you know to eat so many off of THAT platter?”
Henry laughed. “A little bird told me.”
Michele Roger is the author of “Dark Matter” and “The Conservatory”; both horror novels. She also hosts her own podcast of short stories called “Something Wicked This Way Strums”. When Michele isn’t writing, she is performing as a solo harpist as well as in the ensemble “Bellissima Musica”. You can find both her writing and her music at www.micheleroger.com
Posted by Horror Addicts Guest on November 15, 2011
Handsome and Regrettal
by Michele Roger
Handsome and his idiot brother Regrettal find that their parents have given the two grown up brothers a Chrismas gift…hunting rifles. With a hunting lesson from their dad, they are kicked out of the house and sent into the woods of Michigan’s Upper Penninsula to fend for themselves. The two look for shelter as a winter storm blows in and find a small house to take shelter……
Michele Roger is the author of “Dark Matter” and “The Conservatory”; both horror novels. She also hosts her own podcast of short stories called “Something Wicked This Way Strums”. When Michele isn’t writing, she is performing as a solo harpist as well as in the ensemble “Bellissima Musica”. You can find both her writing and her music at www.micheleroger.com
Posted by Horror Addicts Guest on November 15, 2011
Santa CLAWS
by Michele Roger
Santa returns after his Christmas Eve night of delivery. But Mrs. Clause discovers that something terrible has happened… somone on the naughty list has turned Santa into a werewolf!
Michele Roger is the author of “Dark Matter” and “The Conservatory”; both horror novels. She also hosts her own podcast of short stories called “Something Wicked This Way Strums”. When Michele isn’t writing, she is performing as a solo harpist as well as in the ensemble “Bellissima Musica”. You can find both her writing and her music at www.micheleroger.com
Posted by Horror Addicts Guest on November 15, 2011
The Christmas Eve Monster
by Michele Roger
A short holiday story about a young girl who doesn’t want pink guitars or ballet lessons for Christmas. Instead, she would rather have a monster to call her very own. Here is what happens when Christmas wishes come true….
Michele Roger is the author of “Dark Matter” and “The Conservatory”; both horror novels. She also hosts her own podcast of short stories called “Something Wicked This Way Strums”. When Michele isn’t writing, she is performing as a solo harpist as well as in the ensemble “Bellissima Musica”. You can find both her writing and her music at www.micheleroger.com
Posted by Horror Addicts Guest on November 15, 2011
The Marvelous Madame BienVenu: Course 1
by Michele Roger
Madame BienVenu hasn’t lost her touch in the kitchen. She has created some of the most delictable and dellish dishes for her guests. But it isn’t food she’s interested once everyone sits down at the table. Her prodical daughter watches in amazement as her elderly mother charms a handsome news reporter, defends the battered preschool teacher, and begins to cast her spell that will bring a lifetime of justice to a table. Her unsuspecting dinner guests have no idea that Madame BienVenu plans to have one last night of revenge mixed with black magic……
Michele Roger is the author of “Dark Matter” and “The Conservatory”; both horror novels. She also hosts her own podcast of short stories called “Something Wicked This Way Strums”. When Michele isn’t writing, she is performing as a solo harpist as well as in the ensemble “Bellissima Musica”. You can find both her writing and her music at www.micheleroger.com
Posted by Horror Addicts Guest on November 15, 2011
The Marvelous Madame BienVenu: Amuse Bouche
by Michele Roger
Our good friend Michele Roger is going to help us celebrate the holidays in wicked style. Today she will share several holiday horrors with us!
First up, The Marvelous Madame BienVenu: Amuse Bouche
Madame BienVenu is an old woman and an even older witch. She has spent a lifetime trying to make friends and peace with the folks of her small town. She’s been helpful in the community. She has made remedies for the sick. She’s cooked for the bake sale fund. Nothing seems to have worked. Now that her adult daughter and second generation witch has returned home, Mrs. BienVenu has decided to invite a few key townsfolk over for a large holiday meal.
Michele Roger is the author of “Dark Matter” and “The Conservatory”; both horror novels. She also hosts her own podcast of short stories called “Something Wicked This Way Strums”. When Michele isn’t writing, she is performing as a solo harpist as well as in the ensemble “Bellissima Musica”. You can find both her writing and her music at www.micheleroger.com
Episode 2: Meet the Goths / Full Cast / Episode #47 of Horror Addicts
Meet the six goths that will be living in the haunted GothHaus.
They talk about the creator Beelzebub James.
Episode 3: Goth Sweet Goth / Full Cast / Episode #48 of Horror Addicts
The goths meet each other at the house.
Episode 4: Goth Decor / Full Cast / Episode #49 of Horror Addicts
The goths discuss unpacking and where the 6th member might be.
Episode 5: Resident666 / Full Cast / Episode #50 of Horror Addicts
The 6th resident appears.
Episode 6: The Eyeliner Incident / Full Cast / Episode #51 of Horror Addicts
Fang and Jez get in heated fight about eyeliner.
Episode 7: The Top Hat / Full Cast / Episode #52 of Horror Addicts
Jez gets back at Fang by having a performance and ruining one of his possessions.
Episode 8: Happy Horror Daze / Full Cast / Episode #53 of Horror Addicts
The residents exchange gifts.
Episode 9: Resolutions Smezalutions / Full Cast / Episode #54 of Horror Addicts
The residents talk about resolutions for next year.
Episode 10: Hair Don’t / Full Cast / Episode #55 of Horror Addicts
Star tries to dye everyone’s hair and Jez teaches her about “Adios My Friend”.
Episode 11: Bloody Valentine / Full Cast / Episode #56 of Horror Addicts
Valentine’s day on the horror side. Two housemates are missing and there is blood in the basement.
Episode 12: Penultimate Goth/ Full Cast / Episode #57 of Horror Addicts
Creepy things are happening in the basement. Someone is possessed!
Episode 13: Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow / Full Cast / Episode #58 of Horror Addicts
The demon possession comes to a head. Will there be anyone to survive for next season?
Music for GothHaus on Podiobooks.com, was provided by Midnight Syndicate.
Midnight Syndicate Halloween Music
Gothic Fantasy Horror Soundtracks
ABOUT MIDNIGHT SYNDICATE
For more information on Midnight Sundicate, go to: MidnightSyndicate.com
Since 1995, dark music pioneers Midnight Syndicate have been creating gothic, horror, fantasy soundtracks for the imagination. Formed by composer/director Edward Douglas in 1995, their music has become staples of the Halloween, gothic music, haunted attraction, and role-playing game industries. With a catalog of CDs that blend dark, orchestral horror and fantasy movie score-style music with sound effects, the band consisting of Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka has had its soundtracks to imaginary films featured in everything from Hugh Hefner’sinfamous Halloween parties, Dungeons & Dragons, Barbara Walters specials and Monday Night Football to X-Box games, tracks by the Academy-Award winning rap act, Three Six Mafia, and Twiztid as well as concerts by dark music pioneers The Misfitsand KingDiamond. The music has also been featured on countless television shows and documentaries relating to horror films and the supernatural.
GothHaus started as a suggestion from one of my staff, David. He mentioned that he thought it would be cool to have a continuing story on HorrorAddicts.net that the listeners could follow. At first, I was against doing anything like this, because it would mean a lot of extra time and work for me which I didn’t have to give. But, about two months prior to the start of Season 5, I had a revelation. What if we did a spoof of a reality show like Real World on MTV? They never have goths on those shows – not sure why – but I thought it could be really funny of six goth characters had to live in a house together and get along. I had written about six episodes when I asked Camellia Rains (voice of Jez) to come over and record the episodes I had. By the end of the recording session, we had ad-libbed almost all of the rest of the episodes. I asked a few more friends to fill in voices, including the multi-talented M. J. Hahn, podcast powerhouse Rhonda R. Carpenter, and podnovelist Kirk Warrington, and GothHaus was born. I find it funny that Star is the most requested character because she was just one I threw in for comic relief. I thought listeners would really embrace the dark and lovely Lord DarkBlood and Mistress Raven, and they did, but nothing thrills listeners more than the most popular episode – #6 The Eyeliner Incident – which includes the big fight between Fang and Jez. Later today, you will be able to listen to this episode and the entire first season of GothHaus on an upcoming post. Until then, here are messages from some of the cast and links to find out more about their work:
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“I have done alot of things in the podcasting world but GothHaus is the most fun I have ever had. I love the show!” ~Rhonda R. Carpenter
Rhonda R. Carpenter is the founder of Lifefirst.com. She is an Author, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Handwriting Expert, Dream Analyst, and Professional Psychic. Her first novel, “The Mark of a Druid” is available in audio, Ebook and print. Rhonda is the co-founder of www.Podioracket.com where you can learn all about the new Podiobooks.com authors and Indy-Authors from all over the world. Rhonda was awarded the coveted Wicked Women Writer’s Award in 2010 for her Sexy short horror story, “Barring Lilith” She lives on a secluded ranch in Southeastern Oklahoma where she enjoys raising chickens and cows. She is happily married and the mother of 4 boys, all grown and on their own and recently a first time Grandmother.
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Hey Star, how about a spritz of SuperShinySpray on my parasol? I calculate that would raise the reflective quotient exponentially. ~ Dan Shaurette as Professor Pendulum From the first episode of GothHaus season one I was hooked. I used to watch reality competition shows so the concept it posed to poke fun at goths in said genre was pure awesome. I was incredibly psyched when I was given the chance to give voice to a new character for season two, the profound and prolific (and potentially pompous) Prof. Pendulum. With Pendy, M.J. Hahn seemed to channel me and created a clever caricature. I actually found it difficult to ad-lib because I thought he did such a great job scripting essentially a spot-on parody of myself. (I got in one ad-lib though, which was the sonic screwdriver bit inspired by Fang’s asking for a Doctor.) I am thrilled to hear about season three and so glad to be involved again.
Dan is a goth-geek and has been a fan of horror (especially vampires) ever since seeing Bela Lugosi’s “Dracula” as a young child. He recently podcasted his vampire novel, LILITH’S LOVE, and also hosts the Out Of The Coffin podcast. While vampires are his horror addiction of choice, Dan does not limit his preternatural proclivities to them. He is a fan of most sub-genres but prefers those that have a dark tale to tell versus pure shock-schlock. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. You can find him online at DanShaurette.com.
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Tristy Taylor (voice of Kat an Aneshka) hails from Sonoma County, where she lives with her big bear of a husband and two tuxedo kitties. She was overjoyed to be a part of Goth Haus, as it was the perfect outlet for her inner Russian supermodel. She truly enjoyed playing a role in M.J. Hahn’s fantastic tale and hopes she can always play a part in future M.J. productions. When not recording weird and wonderful character voices, you can find Tristy doing improv with various Bay Area troupes or accosting people with puppets. You can find out more about her work atwww.createwithspirit.com.
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“I really enjoyed playing Baz. I like him, and I liked being him. And if he’s ever set to make a comeback in GothHaus, I look forward to being him again. I only hope next time he does something truly dastardly!” ~ Mike Bennett
Mike Bennett grew up in London and Windsor and spent many years in Brighton where he wrote his first novel, ‘One Among the Sleepless.’ He published ‘One Among the Sleepless’ through his own company, Seed Publishing, in 2002. He podcast ‘One Among the Sleepless’ from 2006 – 2007, then his short story collection , ‘Hall of Mirrors’ from 2007 – 08. He is currently writing and podcasting his second novel, ‘Underwood and Flinch’. He is married and lives in Sussex,England. Underwood and Flinch has been running for nearly two years and is currently on it’s 39th Episode from Mike’s sites and iTunes. Also Underwood and Flinch has just started at Podiobooks.com. To find out more about Mike, go to: www.MikeBennettPodcast.com / www.UnderwoodAndFlinch.com
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“I enjoyed working on GothHaus. It really brought out the inner BUM in me.” ~Kirk Warrington
To find out more about Kirk Warrington, go to: www.kirkcast.com
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GothHaus was a great idea. When Emerian brought it up to me I loved the idea of giving the whole reality tv bit a gothic make over. I was always good with coming up with charactors and plots and when we got together to record the first parts of season one, the rest just flowed out naturally between us and we know we had something good. I loved having the chance to play Jez. It allowed me to channel my inner bitch and criminal and say and do the type of things that I wouldn’t do in my everyday life. I had mentioned the show to a couple of friends right before we did those first sessions and one of them who is a big reality tv buff said we had to do it. She thought and still thinks, that there should be a real GothHaus show. LOL! If only…
Camellia Rains earned her BA in Philosophy and Religion at SF State. She is a San Francisco born, lifelong resident of the Bay Area and has always had an interest in the darker side of life. She’s been a part of Eastern Contra Costa’s first Roller Derby team- The Undead Bettys since shortly after its inception in 2008. She lives in the East Bay with her beloved black cat Voodoo and is currently the resident office goth at her work. When not trying to emulate her heart throb hero Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller, she can be found playing with her vast make up collection, hanging out with her derby team or at the local watering hole The Red Hat in Concord making friends and listening to very loud punk music.
To find out more about GothHaus and get a full listing of cast and characters, got to: www.gothhaus.wordpress.com
HA: What inspired you to enter the Masters of the Macabre contest?
Shaunessy: The Wicked Women Writers Challenge, of course! I became a fan when Kimberly Steele, an author I admire very much (check out her cool vampire novel Forever Fifteen), participated in 2010. Each writer had to write a story about one of The Seven Deadly Sins and thought that would be so much fun to do. You can imagine how elated I was when a year later I saw that there was going to be a challenge for the lads.
HA: What did you think of the items you were given?
Shaunessy: I thought, “Score!!!”
HA: When you listened to the other stories, who did you think would win?
Shaunessy: As soon as I heard Michael Burns speak his first words, with that fun-loving voice of his, I thought, “Oh, this is gonna be good.” and I was not disappointed. I have to also mention Colin Barnes’s very intelligent story. Both of these authors did an excellent job of putting the phobic protagonist in a situation where her/his phobia is cranked up to maximum volume, so to say. I didn’t quite manage that in my story and so I was honestly quite jealous.
HA: How did you feel when you were told you won?
Shaunessy: Like I’d been kissed by Elvira!
HA: What will this contest mean to the future of your writing?
Shaunessy: Who can say? I feel very encouraged to write more fiction and to record it, and to do more challenges. Does anyone out there have any for me?
HA: Where can listeners find out more about you and your writing?
Shaunessy: Well, if you Google my name, all you will find is a lot of schoolbooks I’ve written for English lessons in Germany/Austria—not exactly what horror addicts are looking for!
I wrote a couple pieces here that are quite personal in nature. They might be of interest to someone who is dealing with addiction or just struggling through their 30’s. I published them anonymously in 2007-8 but I think now it’s safe for me to reveal myself as the author.
Any schoolteachers out there should please watch my video which gives suggestions for helping queer victims of bullying.
Heather and I had an awesome time listening and chatting about the entries these guys made in the first ever Masters of Macabre Contest! When I asked Heather if she enjoyed herself, she had this to say, “In a challenge based around phobias and masculine activities, the MMM writers brought stories breathtaking in their diversity and originality. What fun to judge and weigh the individual stories, beautiful like cut stones, against each other. And how impossible not to have a favorite! I’m thrilled with the selection the listeners made, but the collection should be enjoyed all together.”
If you happened to miss the Masters and their stories, now is your chance to catch them again! Even if the contest is over, you can listen and vote with friends in the privacy of your own home with the links below. Are you interested in being in the contest next time? Check out our contest page for updates here: http://horroraddicts.wordpress.com/writer-contests/
1. Chris Ringler
Agyrophobia – fear of crossing roads
Graduation
Golf clubs
2. R. Michael Burns
Ailurophobia – fear of cats
Parade
Stereo or sound system
3. Jerry J. Davis
Technophobia – fear of tech
Y2k
Computer
4. Rish Outfield
Entomophobia – fear of insects
Luau
Hang Glider
5. Colin Barnes
Necrophobia – fear of death & dead
Gallery opening
Hunting Knife
6. Tom Andry
Osmophobia – fear of smells
Outdoor Picnic
Telescope
7. Shaunessy Ashdown
Spectrophobia – fear of mirrors and one’s own reflection
Bachelor Party
Motorcycle
The Masters of Macabre group is a recent addition to HorrorAddicts.net. After years of our Wicked Women Writers battling against each other to become the “Most Wicked”, our men wanted a stab at it! This year was our first Masters of Macabre Contest! Our first Master of Macabre is Shaunessy Ashdown. There will be more on him to come, but first, meet some of our Masters of Macabre with these encore interview excerpts.
First up, a name Horror Addicts are sure to recognize is Season 4′s Best In Blood, Chris Ringler!
Ringler’s phobia for the challenge is Agyrophobia (which is the fear of crossing roads), his place – Graduation and his item – Golf Clubs.
Born in Flint Michigan, Chris was raised in nearby Linden where he lived and attended school. He fell in love with writing as a teenager when he started writing short stories and began working on fanzines with friends. In 1999 Back From Nothing, a short story collection, was published by University Editions. Since that time Chris has finished writing a novel, a children’s series and has been published in Bare Bone and Cthulhu Sex Magazine. He has also received Honorable Mention in THE YEAR’S BEST FANTASY AND HORROR twice.
His latest book is Noches De Corazones De Negros. Along with writing, Chris is also an artist and photographer and he currently resides in Flint and battles invisible space beasts in his free time. In October he and some friends will be bringing Flint their first horror convention.
Also by Chris Ringler: Back From Nothing, This Beautiful Darkness, The Meep Sheep, Red Dreams, and The Kreep Sheep.
Our next spotlighted author is Don Pitsiladis whose phobia Astraphobia (the fear of lightning & storms). His place and boy toy are a Sporting Event and Riding Mower.
Don Pitsiladis is a married 35 year old with 4 boys, 2 dogs, and 2cats. He has been writing off and on since the 7th grade, but only seriously started looking at trying to make it a career, even a small one, within the past two years. “The Problem With Neighbors” will be his very first story ever presented to a large audience.
In Don’s words, “What better way to debut than sharing one’s own fear with the world?”
Next up is author Jerry Davis. Jerry was given the fear of technology, Technophobia, as his phobia. With Y2K being his place (or in this case time period) and his toy, surprise, surprise…a Computer.
Jerry J. Davis is a writer and photographer in the Chicago area. During the day he’s a mild-mannered webmaster and digital marketing specialist who works for a large international corporation. At night, however, he lives in a small cottage at the edge of an enchanted forest preserve, and spends time dodging mosquitos and searching for the fabled Stonehenge made of old refrigerators which is rumored to be somewhere behind his porch. For more info on Jerry check out this site: http://jerryjdavis.com/
Failed writer, failed actor, and failed human being, Rish Outfield can be found hosting The Dunesteef Audio Fiction Magazine (www.dunesteef.com), a podcast presenting genre stories performed with a
full cast, followed by lengthy geekcentric chatter. When he’s not working on that, he can often be found thinking of you and feeling sorry for himself.
Rish’s phobia for the MMM Challenge is Entomophobia (the fear of insects). His story will take place during a Luau, and his boy toy…a Hang Glider!
Our next Master of Macabre contestant hails from Germany.
Shaunessy Ashdownlives in Berlin, where morbidity is mother’s milk and horror lurks round every corner. His job is fashioning insidious instruments of torture known as schoolbooks. These are deployed in institutions throughout Germany and Austria for the purpose of traumatising and corrupting the youth there.
Ashdown has the challege of writing about Spectrophobia, which is the fear of mirrors and one’s own reflection. Take that and mix it in with a Bachelor Party and a motocycle and you can expects crazy things to happen!
Next on out list of MMM contestants is R. Michael Burns. His challenge was to create a horrifing tale center around Ailurophobia, the fear of cats, as well as a Stereo or Sound System, and a Parade.
R. Michael Burns is an October child with a background in philosophy, theater and other occult arts. He is a member of the Horror Writers Association, the Colorado Springs Fiction Writers Group, and the Gainesville Fiction Writers Group.
His fiction has appeared in various magazines and e-zines, including Dreams of Decadence, City Slab, Dark Regions, Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine, Dark Recesses, Lovecraft’s Weird Mysteries, The Shroud, and Arkham Tales, as well as in the anthologies Orphans of the Storm, Bell, Book & Beyond, Cthulhu Express, Extremes 5, Goodbye, Darwin, Bound for Evil, and Horror Library III. He has other fiction forthcoming in the e-zine Heroic Fantasy Quarterly. His article “Creative Writing 301″ was picked in a Predators and Editors poll as the second-best non-fiction article of 2006.
A Colorado native, he lived for the better part of five years in Japan, where he taught English to Japanese students from 1 to 70. He currently resides in the dark swamps of Gainesville, Florida, where he teaches high school English, runs the Creative Writing Workshop an the Japanese Pop Culture Club, and coaches speech and debate.
For more informations about R. Burns, be sure to check out these sites:
Colin F Barnes herds words in an often random order; not unlike a room of monkeys battering away at typewriters with their poop covered paws. (Do monkeys have paws or hands?). The usualoutcome of this seemingly random plucking of words is a glimpse into a dark world of psychological malopropisms, dystopian nightmares, and fluffy children’s stories. *one of those is a lie.
The basics of Colin’s story reminds me of the movie/game Clue. At the Gallery Opening with the Hunting Knife, throw in Necrophobia (fear of death & dead) and you’ve got one twisted story coming your way!
And last but certainly not least is author Tom Andry who was given the task of basing his story around Osmophobia (fear of smells). His short story takes place at a picnic and involves a telescope.
Tom Andry is the Associate Editor of Audioholics.com and host of the AV Rant podcast. He’s been writing mostly reviews but has lately returned to his prose roots. He has written many unpublished short stories, poems, and a few screenplays that may still be produced. Tom the father of three boys, is happily married, and currently resides in Perth, Australia. His background is in drama, creative writing, and research psychology which basically means his kids are in for a pretty rough time. His wife, Tanel, doesn’t have it so easy either. His first work for public consumption is an eBook titled Bob Moore: No Hero. The followup, Bob Moore: Desperate Times, is scheduled for release October 2011.
For most people when you mention a family business, you might think of a furniture store or a car dealership where several generations of family members work. The Grudge family on the other hand are a little different; they hunt monsters. Their job is to protect regular people from the creatures that haunt their worst nightmares. Vampires and werewolves are only the tip of the iceberg. All of the creatures that people think are made up, are real and they have a taste for human flesh. Luckily for us, there are a few good men and women out there whose job it is to put an end to the things that go bump in the night.
PRESS RELEASE
The song submitted must be in mp3 format.
Jeff has a new short fiction collection called 
Failed writer, failed actor, and failed human being, Rish Outfield can be found hosting The Dunesteef Audio Fiction Magazine (www.dunesteef.com), a podcast presenting genre stories performed with a
