On Writing Horror Revised edition of the handbook with contributions from Stephen King, Harlan Ellison, Joyce Carol Oates and many others. Exploring everything from what horror is, to how to avoid falling into the trap of rehashing old tropes, there’s something here for everyone. I originally bought the paperback version of this, but due to…
Month: November 2019
‘Home Work’ by Julie Andrews
Home Work (Audiobook) This is the second volume of the actor’s memoirs, beginning with the story of Julie’s arrival in Hollywood and the movies that made her famous: Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. It details the ups and downs of her marriages, the growth of her family as well as her work as…
‘The Hellbound Heart’ by Clive Barker
The Hellbound Heart Clive Barker’s superlative novella tells a gruesome tale of greed, love and desire, as the hedonistic Frank determines to explore the intricacies of a strange and magical box. Given that the book prompted a great movie series (Hellraiser et al) which Barker also directed, I’m puzzled that it’s taken me this long…
‘Stasis’ by Ernesto San Giacomo
Stasis After spending years living as a Libertarian refugee, Kurt Williams returns to his former community. But what he finds is not what he expects. This is another of Ernesto San Giacomo’s short stories and like his story collection Ragged Souls, the author’s use of language and style is a real treat. Painting a kind…
‘In the Woods’ by Tana French
In the Woods As a twelve-year-old, Adam Ryan played in the woods with his pals, Peter and Jaime. But Adam was found later, traumatised and alone, and his friends were never seen again. Now an adult with a new name (Rob) and a different accent, detective Adam enjoys a close relationship with his work partner…
Indie Author Interview – Claire Buss
Fantasy and sci-fi author Claire Buss explains how she juggles Peppa Pig and creative play with her kids to make time for writing, marketing and everything else… As you write in several genres, do you start each new book with a specific genre or style in mind, or does it evolve naturally? I don’t write…
‘Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead’ by Owen Mullen
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead When whistle-blower Gavin Law goes missing, Glasgow PI Charlie Cameron sets out to track him down. But Charlie soon discovers there’s a lot more to the mystery than he first thought. Could a surgeon who left a woman brain-damaged have killed Law to keep him quiet? Or has the…
Indie Author Interview – Jean Lee
Wild West fan and author Jean Lee explains how she got into horror, fantasy and sci-fi, and why she writes pretty much what she wants to write… Thinking back to when you started writing, were you always interested in fantasy, or have you dabbled in other genres? While I was always drawn to fantasy and…
‘Couples who Kill: Elytte and Miranda Barbour’ by Kathryn McMaster
Couples who Kill: Elytte and Miranda Barbour Personal ads on Craigslist cover a whole range of subjects, but for Troy LaFerrara who enjoys casual sex, the young couple who answer his advert are seeking more than a bit of adult fun. After agreeing to meet Elytte and Miranda Barbour, LaFerrara is found in a dark…
‘The Haunting of Hill House’ by Shirley Jackson
The Haunting of Hill House Unhappy with the way her life is going, Eleanor jumps at the chance of helping out when Dr Montague invites her and two others to stay at the mysterious Hill House. Along with Theodora and Luke, she soon discovers the initial cheerful atmosphere in the house becoming oppressive. Famously inspirational…
Colin Garrow 