The Horla: A Descent into Invisible Terror
The Horla by Guy de Maupassant is a chilling 1887 tale of invisible forces and unraveling sanity. A perfect read for this spooky time of year!
-
-
Pennhurst: Structures that Speak
In my second post about Pennhurst Asylum, once known as the Eastern Pennsylvania State Institution for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic, I discuss the architecture and how its abandonment affects visitors.
-
The Dark and Dangerous Allure of Love Potions
Readers of dark romance and fantasy novels know the truth about the fiction of love potions. They’re metaphors for love’s darkest desires and are a potent element of these stories.
-
October Book Fairs and Reading Events
October is here and it’s finally cold enough to wear sweaters and drink hot chocolate. So that means it’s a great time to download lots of free books!
-
The Vampire Before Dracula
Carmilla, a gothic story by Sheridan Le Fanu written in 1872,is a haunting vampire tale that inspired Dracula and other vampires in literature.
-
Rough Draft Preptober: Part 3
I am a longhand plotter, but as a working writer, that’s not fast enough. So here is a brief review of the systems I use, just in time for Rough Draft November.
-
The Sharp Fire of a Celtic Halloween
The forgotten Celtic legend of Teine Biorach, the Sharp Fire, tells of a mysterious light that glows on Samhain night to guide travelers between worlds.
-
The Gothic Heart of Romance
Romance has always had a gothic heartbeat. And today’s essay explores why readers—and writers—are drawn to moody, windswept love stories where passion and fear intertwine, and love survives the storm.
-
The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Creamy Crockpot Chicken & Leeks
It’s one of the first fall weekends where the weather is chilly and I have the fireplace on, and this is a perfect meal to start off a fall weekend.
-
Rough Draft Preptober: Part 2
If you’re looking forward to writing a new rough draft in November, I’ve compiled some resources that can help you prepare for your next writing journey.
-
Prepping the Fall Garden
Let’s prepare our vegetable garden and flower beds for fall and early winter. From soil care and mulching to planting cool-season crops, these garden prep tips will keep your plants healthy and ready for spring.
-
Pennhurst: A Place of Memory, Decay, and Reckoning
Step inside the haunting history of Pennhurst Asylum, once known as the Eastern Pennsylvania State Institution for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic. In this first installment of my Pennhurst series, I explore the asylum’s dark past and its legacy as an International Site of Conscience.
