research, Writing

Carmilla: Week 4

IV. Her Habitsโ€”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 languidโ€”very languidโ€”indeed, there was… Continue reading Carmilla: Week 4

events, research, Writing

New Book Release

I am super excited to announce this 6 October 2025, I can welcome Loki, Untangling A Tale into the fiction mythos. A dark fantasy Norse myth retelling follows how Loki changes throughout the myths. From brother, scapegoat to rebellious, Loki is a Trickster figure of enduring fascination! Available from all good bookstores and here

research, Writing

Slavic Folklore: Domovoj

A domovik (also called domovoj, domovoy) is from Slavic folklore and is a household spirit residing in every home. The domovik traditionally is bonded to the ancestral founder of the family and moves with them from household to household. A domovoj is typically portrayed as small old man with a gray beard. The household refer… Continue reading Slavic Folklore: Domovoj

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

reads, Writing

Carmilla: Week 1

To celebrate the approaching Spooky Season and coinciding with my deep dive research into vampires, Iโ€™ll share a chapter each week from the classic book Carmilla By Sheridan Le Fanu Prologue Upon a paper attached to the Narrative which follows, Doctor Hesselius has written a rather elaborate note, which he accompanies with a reference to… Continue reading Carmilla: Week 1

research, Writing

Reviewer Hack!

Do you prefer to read ebooks? I do because I love reading so many different books at a time and my Kindle is my portable library. But if you also like to do reviews and youโ€™ve been given an electronic ARC version? You want to support the authors youโ€™re reviewing for or judging but I… Continue reading Reviewer Hack!

research, Writing

Why ebooks? Accessibility!

I read ebooks and Iโ€™ve enjoyed the switch. Of course many textbooks are more affordable and conversely, sometimes research tomes are better suited to the physical shelf. So, why do I prefer ebooks (and Kindle preference here) is the light-weight tablets and easier physical reading process. As part of my disability, I often get cramped… Continue reading Why ebooks? Accessibility!

events, Short Fiction, Writing

Coming Soon! Australian Gothic Horror

I am very excited to announce that my Australian historical gothic horror The Devil in the Loch Ard Gorge is coming 2027 from Meerkat Press! Like your historical gothic dark? A little twisted? A Faustian bargain and oceans deep? Then youโ€™ll love this short work coming in 2027: Details: https://meerkatpress.com/coming-2027-the-devil-in-the-loch-ard-gorge-by-leanbh-pearson/?