research, Writing

Carmilla: Week 8

VIII. Search At sight of the room, perfectly undisturbed except for our violent entrance, we began to cool a little, and soon recovered our senses sufficiently to dismiss the men. It had struck Mademoiselle that possibly Carmilla had been wakened by the uproar at her door, and in her first panic had jumped from her… Continue reading Carmilla: Week 8

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

Recent Reads, research, Writing

2025 Favourite Reads…so far

This year has been a whirlwind of amazing books by established voices and incredible works from new authors. Enter Shepard to save the day! readers 👉🏻 I’ve read 63 books so far this year but wantrd to share my favourite ones so far which have had the greatest impact on me. Writers 👉🏻 Shepherd are… Continue reading 2025 Favourite Reads…so far

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

research, Writing

Carmilla: Week 4

IV. Her Habits—A Saunter I told you that I was charmed with her in most particulars. There were some that did not please me so well. She was above the middle height of women. I shall begin by describing her. She was slender, and wonderfully graceful. Except that her movements were languid—very languid—indeed, there was… Continue reading Carmilla: Week 4

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

research, Writing

Carmilla: Week 2

I. An Early Fright In Styria, we, though by no means magnificent people, inhabit a castle, or schloss. A small income, in that part of the world, goes a great way. Eight or nine hundred a year does wonders. Scantily enough ours would have answered among wealthy people at home. My father is English, and… Continue reading Carmilla: Week 2