Spooky Stories

Spooky
Now that we're getting close to Halloween, my kids have been asking me to write another batch of spooky stories. I'll write a short story and have each of my children write one that I print out and bind with tape and staples. We call this "Laughing Ghost Press." It's cool seeing their storytelling improve each year we've done this. From the tale of a computer come to life to a monster from the underworld, it amazes me the imagination a child has. That's something I hope I never lose.

Grave Intent
I have to say this book by Deborah LeBlanc was a fast-paced, terrific read. If you like Stephen Kind, Dean Koontz, and Bentley Little, you'll love this book. I'm looking forward to her next book.

Cemetery Dance Magazine
I received my first issue of Cemetery Dance Magazine and I love the short horror stories. Bev Vincent gives a thorough rundown on the latest of Stephen King. I'm glad to hear the master has picked his pen back up and is releasing a novel next year. The rumors of his retirement have been greatly exaggerated. His novel Salem's Lot is still the only book that has given me nightmares, although I did have a ghost dream while reading Grave Intent but it wasn't a sweat-inducing dream.

Detective Novel
Well I finished the first draft of my detective novel that takes place in Utica, NY. I still have a lot of work ahead of me. The second draft has to be done then my first readers Linda and Evie have to provide feedback then my editor friend Blair has to throw her eagle eye across it then a few more rewrites before I dare show it to any editor or publisher. If you want to be a published writer you have to place your but in the chair and prepare to put in long hours. I haven't met a writer yet who didn't succeed without putting a lot of time.

Publication!!!

A Book on the Way
I met with North Country Books the other day and it's hard to contain the excitement that Daisy Daring and the Quest for the Loomis Gang Gold will be released very soon. This is something that all writers dream of: publication. I'm looking forward to the feedback from readers along with the chance to have book signings. An independent publisher like North Country Books is great to work with because they allow the author input on cover design and content. Everything I've read about the large publishing houses is they're totally corporate, provide little marketing support and dump authors if they don't sell containerloads of books.

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
I loved this book as a child and adored the Gene Wilder version so I was cautious going in to see the Tim Burton / Johnny Depp version. Well I was blown away. I loved it, my kids loved it. Tim Burton's the man when it comes to creativity. Deep Roy as the Ooompa Loompa's was fantastic and the sets were real creepy and cool.

Sin City
Wow was I blown away by this movie. I have no clue how this thing got away with an "R" rating because it was the most violent movie I've ever watched. Mickey Rourke was the standout with his portrayal of "Marv" and Jessica Alba impressed as "Nancy." This had the look and the feel of a graphic novel come to life. I love watching creative work.

Camping Out
Well I slept in a tent last night and froze. I don't know why I do the crazy things I do. I did enjoy listening to the crickets and I awoke around 4 a.m. to the sound of some animal walking the perimeter of the tent. I was afraid to move in case it was a skunk.

Katrina Aftermath

My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of Hurricane Katrina. It's been rough watching all the suffering on the television. The lootings and criminal activities are a shame but I feel that our country is the best in the world because of the generosity and caring we give to each other when the chips are down. I have no doubt that we'll rebuild and learn from this tragedy.