research, Writing

Blathnat: Irish Mythology

Goddess of the Tuatha de Danann Blathnat is an Irish goddess of abundance and tales of her appear in the Ulster Cycle describing her as the beautiful, scheming and unfaithful queen of the sorcerer Cu Roi. The intense love affair between Blathnat and Cuchulainn led to the death of her husband, Cu Roi. A common… Continue reading Blathnat: Irish Mythology

research, Writing

Mirror Folklore

In folklore, a mirror is a doorway or portal through which spirits, including ghosts and demons can gain access to the physical world where demonic infestations and hauntings occur. In prehistory, any shiny surface was regarded as a spirit doorway and used to summon spirits into the world. They also are used for seeing visions… Continue reading Mirror Folklore

research, Writing

Dullahan

The Dullahan is a headless rider on a black horse carrying carries his own head under one arm. Usually, the Dullahan is male, but there are some female versions. The mouth of the head has a rictus grin and the eyes move constantly. The Dullahan also has the power to see across the countryside even… Continue reading Dullahan

events, Writing

Conflux 16 2022 Convention

A very late post on the October 2022 Conflux 16 Speculative Fiction Convention held in Canberra. Aside from being an invited panelist for 4 seperate panels, I ran my first Dealers Table for the four days and officially launched Bluebells. I was also an invited panellist on 4 panels - each exciting to engage with… Continue reading Conflux 16 2022 Convention

research, Writing

Scottish Kelpie

In Scotland, a kelpie is a shape-shifting water spirit living in lakes and pools. Theyโ€™re defined as demons appearing specifically in the shape of horses. However, some legends say they can also assume human form. In human form, the kelpie still retains its hooves. Thus, the kelpie is seen as a malevolent entity. Almost every… Continue reading Scottish Kelpie

reads, Recent Reads

Damnation Games

*** I received an ARC in return for an honest review *** Publisherโ€™s Description Alan Baxter, editor of Damnation Games, believes horror is the genre of honesty. โ€˜With horror, thereโ€™s no shying away from brutal reality to supply a happy ending. Even when the evil is overcome, it seldom happens without cost. Survivors are rarely… Continue reading Damnation Games

Short Fiction, stories, Writing

Year Four Release

Year Four Year Four, an anthology of dark drabbles was published on January 6th by Black Hare Press. Three of my dark folklore drabbles are featured and a flash fiction piece. If youโ€™re interested in purchasing an ebook or paperback copy of Year Four, more details are available here

research, Writing

The Finnish Joulupukki

Ilari-Grohn-Art on DeviantArt Joulupukki translates to โ€œYule Goat.โ€ Yuletide, is a pre-Christian pagan festival which was held as a midwinter celebration with feasting and sacrifice taking place across many Germanic cultures. There is no certain answer as to the relate between goats and Yule. One concept links it to the Norse god Thor. He was… Continue reading The Finnish Joulupukki

Short Fiction, stories

Dark Christmas Release

Dark Christmas is the first in a series of illustrated chapbooks on various dark fiction themes. All illustrated collection is inspired by Yuletide folklore from Canada, Poland,Iceland, Australia, Germany ang England. Dark Christmas was released on ebook on 24th December 2022. If you wish you buy copies of Dark Christmas you can find more information… Continue reading Dark Christmas Release

Short Fiction, Writing

Out of the Darkness Release

This single charity anthology has donated to the American Suicide Prevention Society. It is a fantastic collection of stories by authors on topics of overcoming the darkness of depression, loss of a loved one, self-harm, self-rejection, societal rejection and chronic pain. Out of the Darkness was published by Wolfsinger Publications on 20th December 2022. My… Continue reading Out of the Darkness Release