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

Writing

Carmilla: Week 6

VI. A Very Strange Agony When we got into the drawing room, and had sat down to our coffee and chocolate, although Carmilla did not take any, she seemed quite herself again, and Madame, and Mademoiselle De Lafontaine, joined us, and made a little card party, in the course of which papa came in for… Continue reading Carmilla: Week 6

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

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

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

research, Writing

Avoiding Vampire Creation

Vampires, Burial and Death by Paul Barber includes a chapter which has been part of my current research rabbit-holes. This chapter looks at the various methods of body disposal and the cultural beliefs surrounding death and corpses particularly to the prevention of creating vampires or revenants. A summary of the relevant points: Summary The importance… Continue reading Avoiding Vampire Creation