research

Carmilla: Week 10

X. Bereaved It was about ten months since we had last seen him: but that time had sufficed to make an alteration of years in his appearance. He had grown thinner; something of gloom and anxiety had taken the place of that cordial serenity which used to characterize his features. His dark blue eyes, always… Continue reading Carmilla: Week 10

events

2024 Australian Shadows Awards

The Australian Horror Writers Association annual 2024 Shadows awards were held at Conflux 19 Convention in Canberra. A list of the winners below and nominees here: Short Fiction Winner: “Archive of the Dead” by Pamela Jeffs (SNAFU: AI Insurrection, Cohesion Press) Shortlist: “The Absolute” by Aaron Dries (Grimdark Magazine)“The Gift” by Chuck McKenzie (Daft Notions,… Continue reading 2024 Australian Shadows Awards

research, Writing

Carmilla: Week 9

IX. The Doctor As Carmilla would not hear of an attendant sleeping in her room, my father arranged that a servant should sleep outside her door, so that she would not attempt to make another such excursion without being arrested at her own door. That night passed quietly; and next morning early, the doctor, whom… Continue reading Carmilla: Week 9

reblog, Writing

HWA Halloween Haunts blog

I contributed to the Horror Writers Association “Halloween Haunts” blog celebrating horror authors this spooky season. Check out my “Halloween Haunts blog post” on the inspiration behind my Australian gothic horror novella Bluebells (In the Devil’s Garden, # 1) and the historic town of Berrima, Australia.

research, Writing

Carmilla: Week 7

VII. Descending It would be vain my attempting to tell you the horror with which, even now, I recall the occurrence of that night. It was no such transitory terror as a dream leaves behind it. It seemed to deepen by time, and communicated itself to the room and the very furniture that had encompassed… Continue reading Carmilla: Week 7

research, Writing

Carmilla: Week 5

V. A Wonderful Likeness This evening there arrived from Gratz the grave, dark-faced son of the picture cleaner, with a horse and cart laden with two large packing cases, having many pictures in each. It was a journey of ten leagues, and whenever a messenger arrived at the schloss from our little capital of Gratz,… Continue reading Carmilla: Week 5

reads, Recent Reads

Spirit Level

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Description A haunting collaboration between renowned editor & photographer Ellen Datlow, award-winning horror writer Kaaron Warren, and book artist Monica Carroll, Spirit Level transforms ordinary antique tools into vessels of dread.  This book, based on a limited edition artist's book, presents ten mysterious objects, from a 1930s German camera timer to corroded iron pliers, photographed… Continue reading Spirit Level

reads, Recent Reads

Drowning in the Dark

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ **I received an ARC for an honest review** Description A beach that wipes people from memory. Aliens that just want to help humanity along a little bit. Monsters who love their fight club. A woman who trades a piece of her future to help a child. Guilt that serves as a door to dark… Continue reading Drowning in the Dark

Writing

Carmilla: Week 3

III. We Compare Notes We followed the cortege with our eyes until it was swiftly lost to sight in the misty wood; and the very sound of the hoofs and the wheels died away in the silent night air. Nothing remained to assure us that the adventure had not been an illusion of a moment but the… Continue reading Carmilla: Week 3

reads, Recent Reads

American Rapture

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ** I received an ARC for an honest review ** Description A virus is spreading across America, transforming the infected and making them feral with lust.  Sophie, a good Catholic girl, must traverse the hellscape of the midwest to try to find her family while the world around her burns. Along the way she… Continue reading American Rapture