Hello!  It's been a terribly long time since I added anything to this site.  It seems I'm too often popping in weeks apart to reference some excuse for delays, while promising to be more attentive.  Yet, I can't help certain distractions of late.  For instance, I recently sold my home.  Although everything went as smoothly as one could hope that still meant an incredible amount of work getting the place ready and empty.  After a month of straight effort every day I'm finally getting the first few minutes to relax... which I'm using to let everyone know what's fresh on the menu.

First off, I penned another set of articles for Horror Obsessive and 25YL.  Those fine folks are still letting me write for them and last month I got to do a double set of thrills.  Due on the same date, I put together articles about the history of jack-o'-lanterns and a sort of memoir, nonfiction reflection on the Judas Priest song "Night Crawler".  Both perfect topics for spooky season. 

Personally, I think the history of jack-o'-lanterns may spice up the tradition for those unfamiliar, since it injects a little horror into the practice.  Plus, myself and two friends got together to carve pumpkins for the piece.  Not to mention I got to use my own art for the feature image.  

The Haunting History of the Jack-o’-Lantern - Horror Obsessive

When I pitched the piece about "Night Crawler" I didn't realize I'd be in the middle of packing up my childhood home at the same time.  However, maybe there's a bit of serendipity in this chaotic universe because the timing certainly fit.  I actually got to sit in my basement reflecting on what it was like listening to the song, having that first visceral experience of music.  Although, I think I should let the article speak for itself.  

"Night Crawler" is a Thrilling Terror by Judas Priest | 25YL (25yearslatersite.com)
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The fabulous thespians associated with BYOT (Bring Your Own Theater) asked me to put together a Halloween ghost story for them this season.  In grand BYOT tradition I penned, recorded, and made a quick ultra low-budget DIY video all in one day.  I had a lot of fun writing this one, though I wish I hadn't been so swamped with other matters.  Mainly, although I think the video is solid, I saw so many things I could've added given more time.  That's on me, but I still think, if nothing else, the story provides a chill. 

Turn the lights down.  Perhaps put on a set of headphones.  And give it a listen.
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Last but nowhere near least, my story "The Adventure of Human Beasts" is now available in the anthology Sherlock Holmes:  Further Adventures in the realm of H. G. Wells Volume 2.  Released by Belanger Books, this imaginative compilation features stories in the Sherlock Holmes style infused with elements of H. G. Wells particular brand of science fiction.  Writing this story was a labor of love and getting it published checked something off the old bucket list -- my own Sherlock Holmes story.  I think any fan of Holmes will be pleasantly surprised not only by my story but the other mysteries in this volume. Click the link below to grab your copy today.

Sherlock Holmes: Further Adventures in the Realms of H.G. Wells Volume Two: Belanger, Derrick, Davis, C. Edward, Siverling, Michael, Magnini, R. Micheal, Hogan, Liam, Marcum, David, Hiscock, Paul, Svec III, Joseph, Matteis, Jen, Altabef, Gretchen: 9798493418044: Amazon.com: Books     

That about wraps it up for now.  I won't make promises.  Things are still a crazy mess.  However, I'm still making things happen.  Check in here or the Facebook page to see when things are available or on the way.  If nothing else, maybe think of the space between posts as content building up for a binge.  Meanwhile, thanks for stopping by--cheers!

Been a busy couple of days.  I recently put together this simple DIY visualizer for the song "Evening Jug" off the latest Beerfinger album "Chicago Day Drinkin'"  Lyrics are in there as well since the vocals are a bit rough.  It's a solid jam, as far as I'm concerned, but I do insist y'all turn it up loud when you listen. 

Besides that, last week was Friday the 13th.  The site I've been writing a bit for went ahead with 24 articles about the horror franchise Friday the 13th.  One piece for each hour of the day.  Mine is linked to below, a look at how Jason Voorhees is unique among slashers since he's the only one to ever change his appearance over time.  What it means, well, you'll have to read the article.  Additionally, they let me put together my own featured image, so that's my art on screen. 

Anyway, back to the grind.  Hope you enjoy!

​The Evolution of Jason Voorhees | Horror Obsessive
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Some of my latest work up over at popping up places.  The first is an exploration of Clive Barker's Hellraiser, how the film franchise is more disturbing because of its representation of humanity rather than as a gore show.  The other is both retrospective review and a touch of memoir, a look back at Pantera's album The Great Southern Trendkill.  Specifically, the way the record influences a person listening to it.  At least, a person like myself.  Finally, my short story Witnesses is now available from the magazine ParABnormal magazine.  Grab the latest issue and dive into this weird tale of autopsies, magic, arson, and murder.

Working on these as well as other projects prevented me from completing a fresh Books & Shit.  While that series isn't done, it is on hold for a short while.  As much as I like doing them, there are only so many projects I can do at once.  The risk of burning out is an obvious concerns, but there's also a worry about lack of quality.  I'd rather release nothing than put out some pile of shit I can't get behind.  Rest assured, though, plans are in place to do another as soon as things settle down.  

Meanwhile, depending on your taste -- horror, music, fiction (or all three) -- enjoy the reads below!

   

Not too long ago I mentioned getting a new gig writing for Horror Obsessive.  So far, it's been working out nicely.  Penning the occasional article for them has helped keep me from burning out on my own material.  It's a chance to break away from certain projects but to keep writing about things I find interesting.  On that note, allow me to drop below my two most recent articles. 

The first is about an odd spot in Siberia known as Whale Bone Alley.  Regarded by some as the Siberian Stonehenge, this mysterious location is a remarkable site.  A haunting locale that stirs the imagination.  

Welcome to the Oddity of Whale Bone Alley | Horror Obsessive

The other article is a bit of an op-ed.  It's about the Japanese horror film Audition.  While partly a look at what makes the film excellent and uniquely disturbing, it's also an argument why one shouldn't watch it on a first date.  Based partly on personal experience, this is a fantastic glance at an amazing film as well as a darkly humorous peek at one of my romantic blunders. 

​Audition: the Worst Movie for a First Date | Horror Obsessive

Today saw the release of the neo-noir anthology 4:20.  A Hoosier Noir special edition, it contains several stories by a variety of fabulous fiction writers as well as my piece "Starlight."  The description says:

"Hoosier Noir editor J. Travis Grundon has compiled eleven smokin' stories about the Devil's Weed. As with any issue of Hoosier Noir, there is crime, deception, and general bad behavior. This time, however, each tale is tinted with the pungent odor of burning herb. So give thanks and praise and feed your mind with dark joints by the likes of Rex Weiner, Alec Cizak, Serena Jayne, BF Jones, Patrick Whitehurst, Don Stoll, Stephen J. Golds, and many more."

I can only speak for my piece, but this presented some interesting twists as far as composing crime fiction.  To whet your appetite, here's the opening to "Starlight"

No doubt, greasy fingers held the paper like a promise.  The assurance of elevation.  Sprinkling shredded buds guaranteed the pledge.  Delicate deft motions rolled the slip, swaddling the green within. 

Touching it to a candle flame got it smoking.  Lungs filled with that ghost train haze.  Riding on to parts unknown. 
Bullets arrived like curses cutting through the mist.  The opaque air stirred, and a warm spray added color to the room.  Head like an aerosol can painting the walls red.

Richard tossed the phone aside.  Willie winced at the sound of his screen audibly cracking. 

“This doesn’t tell me shit,” Richard said.

“A picture’s like a thousand words, though,” Nelson said straightening his tie.

“I don’t see a thousand words,” Richard said.  “I see about 81, and that’s milking it.  Plus, these don’t tell the story I want to hear.”

He waited for a response though expected none.  The other men in the room, certified predators, all glanced at each other nervously.  Richard shook his head in disgust.    

“What happened to my product?” he demanded. 

To find out what happened to the weed as well as where the story goes -- a road through blood, weed, strippers, and death -- you'll have to buy 4:20 NOIR.

4:20 Noir: A Hoosier Noir Special Edition: Weiner, Rex, Cizak, Alec, Golds, Stephen J., Jones, BF, Jayne, Serena, Whitehurst, Patrick, Stoll, Don, Lester, R. Daniel, Grundon, J. Travis, Krauss, Richard: 9798503942736: Amazon.com: Books

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