Friday, October 9, 2015

BLOODY MARY

MY NEXT VICTIM THIS HALLOWEEN

IS JULIA PRESS SIMMONS!



Thanks, Julia, for agreeing to be part of the fun.

Without further ado presenting Julia's

Halloween Interview & Flash Fiction Challenge

1.  You're born on Halloween and have the ghostly evil super powers of one of the following: The Ghost from Poltergeist, The Frankenstein Monster, The Mummy, The most Evil of Witches, The Devil himself, Freddy Kruger, Pumpkin Head, Michael from Halloween, or Jason from Friday the 13th. Alternatively, if you prefer, pick one of your own. Otherwise, tell us which one you would choose and why? No friendly ghosts allowed! You're to wreak havoc in this scenario!
“My name is Marana I am the vampire regent of The First clan of The First Men. You may know me as Bloody Mary. Marana smiled. You may have unknowingly had a drink in my honor.” She ran her sharp black nails down the throat of the crying man kneeling before her. She pricked the nape of his neck, and then bent over to lick the blood that sprouted there.  “I was turned on All Hallows’ Eve two thousand years ago by a weak twaddle of a vamp named David. He had designs on ruling The First Clan. He sought to turn as many people in to succubus as he could in order to overthrow the former regent. He was my first kill.”
The line of newly turned vampires writhed with excitement from seeing the blood of the weeping man. Their fangs descended and their eyes morphed into reptilian slits, but their fear of Marana kept them in place.
Marana wrapped her hand around her prey’s neck and lifted him off  his feet. She turned to the newborn vampires. “David's plan was sound, but his ambitions were paltry. Why seek to rule a clan when you can rule the world?” She threw the man at the feet of her newborns, and launched herself into the air. *Feed now, my children, you will need all the strength you can muster in the days ahead.*

***COMING SOON***

2.  The Zombie Apocalypse is going to occur this Halloween and for 48 hours, the world is thrown into chaos. Live through it and consider yourself lucky, you've been warned. What is your first step, especially as no one else knows or believes you? Do you leave family behind and seek shelter to ride it out, or do you try to save your family? How and why?
I’ve actually played the Zombie apocalypse scenario in my head many, many times. (I’m a huge Walking Dead fan) If it actually goes down this Halloween I would definitely save my family, all of my family. Some would be saved because I love them dearly and others will be used as zombie fodder. I will accomplish this by using all of the techniques I’ve learned from Rick and Darrel from the show.
3.  Why is Halloween a favorite holiday, or not a favorite, and if it isn't why did you participate in this query? Come on; tell us your biggest most secret Halloween fantasy!
Sadly Halloween is not my favorite holiday, but it is in the big three… Christmas, and Thanksgiving being the first two… obviously. Even though All Hallows’ Eve doesn’t take the top spot, it remains near and dear to me wee little heart. I love every stinking thing about it. Costumes and Candy, man, what’s not to love??? And, if you think about it, Halloween is the most generous of holidays. It is the only time that you buy things for complete strangers, and that’s sweet ß Do you see what I did there?
Now the fun part: Finish the story. I've given you the first 100 words. Provide us with the rest, but please hold the number to 750 words or less unless the restriction is just impossible then no more than 1000 words. The winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. The contest will be judged by another lover of the horror genre, the person to be announced later. The winner will be posted no later than a week after Halloween!
DESPERATION HOLLER
Jerry sauntered along Desperation Holler Road that earlier echoed with the excited shouts of ghosts and ghouls as the children scrambled from house to house in colorful and frightening costumes.
Dusk dissolved into the blackest of nights as the little monsters disappeared into the shelter of the brightly lit houses with their chocolate goodies.
Jerry smiled, even suppressed laughter, because he knew there was no refuge, not in Desperation Holler on this most evil of Halloweens.
Concealed by the dark limbs of deformed trees and invasive ivy, the innocuous little cabin looked abandoned, but Jerry knew better. 
The witches abode . . .
He stared at the house in disbelief, pulled a pack of Newports out of his breast pocket, and fished out a smoke. Putting the cigarette in his mouth, he patted all of his pockets for his lighter, and then rolled his eyes when he remembered giving it away to a pretty lady who needed a light.
That’s just great, Jerry, he thought while spitting the cigarette onto the street. You get to face another evil witch without nicotine, caffeine, or whiskey. You’re batting a thousand tonight.
Crossing himself, he murmured a little prayer and then walked towards the witch’s lair.
The front door swung open as he walked up the porch steps. Jerry smirked slightly and pulled his crossbow from his back pack. “Looks like someone is expecting me,” he said softly. He walked in the house slowly raising his bow. “Honey, I’m home,” he shouted as he entered the foyer.
          The lights flickered and died just as the front door slammed and locked behind him. Jerry sighed. This is going to suck, he thought while straining to make out the room he was in.
          “This is no way to treat a slayer,” he shouted into the darkness. “Why don’t you come on out in the open, and take this bow to the heart like a good little witch?”
          A maniacal laugh sliced through the air.
          Jerry raised his bow and took the stairs two at a time, following the sound of the witch’s voice.
          “You are no match for me, slayer.” The witch stepped into the hall, and Jerry stopped dead in his tracks.
She was stunning.
Her skin was as smooth and as delicate as porcelain. Her thick black hair fell in waves to her waist. She wore a blood red gown that hung to the floor, hugged her curves, and showed an impressive amount of cleavage.
Jerry smiled. “Did you get dressed up for me, sweetheart?”
“Time to die, slayer,” She hissed. She threw her hands up in the air and lightning bolts streaked from her fingertips.
Jerry frowned up at the streaks of lightning as they hit the ceiling and ignited into flames. “Now, that is impressive.” He shot an arrow straight at the witch’s heart.
The witch flicked her wrist and sent the arrow sailing back. Jerry swatted it away with his bow. The witch screamed and let the lightning shower down on him. It had no effect.
A slow smile spread across his lips as he watched the realization of what he truly was wash over her. “Your spells don’t work on me, dear,” he said as he took an arrow out of the bow, and rushed her.
She turned away from him, hiked up her skirt, and tried to make a run for it, but he caught her by her hair and yanked her off her feet. She clawed at his hands, but could not break his hold. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as she began the ancient incantation to summon a daemon to fight for her.
“Oh, no you don’t, sweetheart” Jerry said. He smashed his fist into her mouth, breaking several of her teeth, and then savagely plunged the arrow in her heart. She grunted once, gripped the arrow sticking out of her chest, and then faded away into nothingness.
Jerry stood up, wiped the sweat off his brow. One down, twelve more to go… 
*****

Meet Julia
I love the written word more than cooked food, and that's saying a lot. I write because I have too (It's the only way to silence the voices). There is always a story going on in my head, so if you see me in public I'll probably be scribbling furiously in a notebook. Strawberry Mansion, my first novel, is semi-autobiographical (I am Tabitha in the story). It was a very painful part of my life that I felt an overwhelming need to give voice to. I've changed a few things to protect the guilty, and to add a bit of distance from myself and the story. I love that book. It's a sort of snapshot of my journey into adulthood. Although the characters are young, it’s filled with adult content, bad language, sex, drugs and rock and roll. You're gonna love it, or at least I hope you will! 
Begonia Brown, my sophomore novel, is street fiction at its finest. I am very proud of this book. It is the hood as I recognize it, minus the glitz and glam... I pushed the envelope with Begonia. I felt free to tell ugly truths, because the book isn't about me, It's about where I come from. Begonia Brown, although it was hard to write, is one helluva ride as is the follow up, Violet Strawberry Mansion 3. My latest novel, Fornication Volume One takes place in the heart of North Philadelphia on a small block in a run-down house. It is the tale of five dangerous women. They are part of an elite prostitution ring that has run its course. I aim to tell you how the ring was broken. What else is there to say about me? I am a mom, a poet, a nurse, a playwright, a scifi geek, a lover of all things fantasy, a junk food junkie, and a facebook addict. until next time Julia



*****
So awesome, Julia!
I can see Hugh Jackman right now, uh, I mean Van Helsing.
Leave a comment for Julia and you could win a copy of one of her books!
Thanks so much for providing us with some new frights!
Congratulations on
The Bloody Mary Coven! 

*****
Today I'm visiting Julia on her

Blog






Have you signed up for the WEP Flash Fiction Challenge
Sign-ups are open!
Youthful Frights vs. Adult Fears
What's your scary story?

*****

Christine Rains is the winner of Julia's Book!

CONGRATULATIONS CHRISTINE!

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

IWSG - PERFECTIONISM

The Purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.

As Alex says, let’s rock the neurotic writing world!





PERFECTIONISM

I've been dealing with issues of perfection, and how far from perfect, I seem to fall. It's something I, and many of you (be honest) strive for, and often to our own detriment. 

What I've decided is that perfection is a great goal to have, but one I'll never actually achieve. 

BUT the journey toward it means learning, doing, listening, learning, accepting, and above all learning and trying again and again, because just the effort means I'm doing my best. And doing my best may not always work out the way I intended, but each step forward is a step closer to my dream.

At least that's what I'm telling myself this week. Hey no one is perfect! :)

For your pleasure a few quotes on 

perfectionism
.
Which one is your favorite?

Do you suffer from perfectionitis?


“They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds.”

“The artist who aims at perfection in everything achieves it in nothing.”

“People throw away what they could have by insisting on perfection, which they cannot have, and looking for it where they will never find it”


A Halloween Treat
Author Interviews and a Flash Fiction Challenge
This is a group of amazing writers. 
And it started with
&
Each author is hosting a giveaway
and the postings continue all month.
All you have to do is comment.

*****
TODAY all my books are free via 
Kindle Unlimited
including
my latest
and just in time for Halloween!

When Zombies Attack
Tales of Horror & Romance!



After all romance and horror are just so combatible, I mean compatible!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!


Sign ups for the
is now open!
Get your scare on!




Monday, October 5, 2015

OF BLOOD & SORROW

MY SECOND VICTIM THIS HALLOWEEN is


And it's her birthday!

Happy Birthday, Christine!



Thanks for agreeing to be part of the fun.

Without further ado here is Christine's


Halloween Interview & Flash Fiction Challenge

1.      You're born on Halloween and have the ghostly evil super powers of one of the following: The Ghost from Poltergeist, The Frankenstein Monster, The Mummy, The most Evil of Witches, The Devil himself, Freddy Kruger, Pumpkin Head, Michael from Halloween, or Jason from Friday the 13th. Alternatively, if you prefer, pick one of your own. Otherwise, tell us which one you would choose and why? No friendly ghosts allowed! You're to wreak havoc in this scenario!

I would have the powers of the most evil of witches. I have the bump in my nose and the mole. I should get the powers to go along with it! Witches look just like the every day person. I'd blend in and none would suspect a timid woman of such awesomely wicked deeds!


2.    The Zombie Apocalypse is going to occur this Halloween and for 48 hours, the world is thrown into chaos. Live through it and consider yourself lucky, you've been warned. What is your first step, especially as no one else knows or believes you? Do you leave family behind and seek shelter to ride it out, or do you try to save your family? How and why?

I would save my family, of course. I must have a child to pass on my awesome witchy powers to! Real zombies are slow and I have a strong stomach. Chop, chop, chop! I'd find us a secure place with lots of food stuff to hold up like a school cafeteria. The most frightening part of this question is that I have thought about it before and made a plan!

3.    Because of the time of your birth, (see the 1st question) the angels have decided to forgive your sins and are offering to remedy one evil that now exists in the world, but only one! Which would you choose and why?

I don't know if this counts as one, but I'm making it one because the angels won't argue with me about it: crimes against children. No person may ever commit any horrible act upon a child ever again. How much better would our world be if our children were truly cared for and safe? Then imagine those children growing up and what wonderful things they would do without the weight of childhood horrors upon them.

4.    Why is Halloween your favorite holiday, or not your favorite, and if it isn't why did you participate in this query? Come on; tell us your biggest most secret Halloween fantasy!

Halloween is absolutely my favorite holiday. I love dressing up, and even more so, I love seeing other people in costume. The one day of the year where we can haunt our neighbors and run alongside our supernatural friends in the dark. My biggest Halloween fantasy is to have my whole family wear themed costumes. But too bad my husband has no interest. He's the Scrooge of Halloween! Can I zap him with my witchy powers?

  Now the fun part: Finish the story. I've given you the first 100 words. Provide us with the rest, but please hold the number to 750 words or less. The winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. The contest will be judged by author, Nancy Lynn Jarvis. The winner will be posted on Halloween!


DESPERATION HOLLER

Jerry sauntered along Desperation Holler Road that earlier echoed with the excited shouts of ghosts and ghouls as the children scrambled from house to house in colorful and frightening costumes.
Dusk dissolved into the blackest of nights as the little monsters disappeared into the shelter of the brightly lit houses with their chocolate goodies.
Jerry smiled, even suppressed laughter, because he knew there was no refuge, not in Desperation Holler on this most evil of Halloweens.
Concealed by the dark limbs of deformed trees and invasive ivy, the innocuous little cabin looked abandoned, but Jerry knew better. 
The witches' abode . . . never changing. The roof sagged as if a giant had sat upon it and fetid fungus grew between the poorly stacked logs. Home.
Jerry pushed open the front door and strode in. “Hello Mom! I'm back.”
A tiny flame flickered in the darkness followed by a dozen more. A squat woman with tangled red hair and a long dress made of skins rushed forward. She hugged him around the middle. “My boy! So happy you came. So happy... What happened? You looked wretched. Too clean.”
Chuckling, Jerry gave his mother a squeeze and gestured to his clothes. “What these? Clothes of the mundanes. Thought I'd dress up as one of them tonight.”
His mother cackled and a raspier laugh joined in. A second woman shuffled out of the shadows to embrace Jerry. “You always make me laugh, darling. We miss you.”
“Nana.” Jerry hugged her and swung her around like a child. Her frizzy white hair tickled his chin. “I miss you too. But there is so much misery to make in the world. This town is too small for me.”
“Not tonight, though, eh?” Nana coughed and flicked her hand to the great stone fireplace. A roaring fire ignited, heating the contents of the cauldron. The witches hurried to gather ingredients from a nearby table.
“I couldn't miss tonight. Not this Halloween.” Jerry rubbed his hands together and knelt before the fire. All those children thinking the monsters were just make-believe. Tonight they would learn otherwise.
“We counted on it.” His mother raised a cast iron pan and smashed it down upon Jerry's head. A sickening crunch was followed by a meaty thud as he toppled over to the floor. She nudged him with her toe to make certain he was dead. “He's too clean.”
“Don't matter. Rub some grave soil and spider venom on him if you want. It'll be all the same when we cut him up and put him in the pot.” Nana handed her daughter a butcher knife. “Our desperate soul.”
“So desperate to wreak evil, to please us, and yet never quite making it. I blame his father. He tasted too much like chicken.” Jerry's mother sighed. “At least he's good for something. Tonight his soul will release the fiends that will bring living nightmares to Desperation Holler.”
“Stop yakking and start cutting.”  
*****
CHECK OUT CHRISTINE'S LATEST!

Blurb:
Erin Driscol works the perfect job consoling fellow demons by feeding off their grief at Putzkammer & Sons Funeral Home.

When fledgling vampire Nicolas Reese comes to Erin for help, she learns the truth behind the legends and hides him from his sire and the vampire hunters who seek him. But when the Putzkammers begin to die one by one, Erin is caught between her act of kindness and the need to save her adopted family. Only by facing her own personal demons can she stop the slaughter and still rescue Nicolas from his dark fate. 
*****
Christine is a writer, geek mom, and ghost hunter wannabe. She grew up in a tiny, creaky house beside a cemetery. She spent her days playing amongst the gravestones and battling the closet monster at night. When her little monster is in school, she hides in her cave writing. She's a proud member of Untethered Realms and S.C.I.F.I. She has one novel and several novellas and short stories published. Find out more about Christine at http://christinerains.net/


THANKS, CHRISTINE!
Excellent answers and what a
great flash - Poor Jerry!

Help Christine celebrate her birthday, 
leave a birthday comment
and you could win a copy of 
Of Blood & Sorrow!

*****

Just curious, have you signed up for the 
Youthful Frights vs Adult Fears
Why not - you'll miss all fun!







CONGRATULATIONS!
SHANNON LAWRENCE
YOU'VE WON A COPY
OF BLOOD & SORROW!


Friday, October 2, 2015

EMPTY GRAVES

MY FIRST VICTIM THIS HALLOWEEN!
AKA

Thanks, Thom, for agreeing to be part of the fun.

With out further ado a

Halloween Interview & Flash Fiction Challenge

     1. You're born on Halloween and have the ghostly evil super powers of one of the following: The Ghost from Poltergeist, The Frankenstein Monster, The Mummy, The most Evil of Witches, The Devil himself, Freddy Kruger, Pumpkin Head, Michael from Halloween, or Jason from Friday the 13th. Alternatively, if you prefer, pick one of your own. Otherwise, tell us which one you would choose and why? No friendly ghosts allowed! You're to wreak havoc in this scenario!

I open my eyes to an empty room. I hear voices in the distance, angry voices calling for the death of Frankenstein. My Father. The wooden platform is eaten with rot and age, a simple lifting of my arms and I am free. The room fills with a loud thud. They must be using a battering ram. I stagger across the concrete floor and head towards the door. I will be spending my first birthday protecting my father from the evil that is the human race.


   2. The Zombie Apocalypse is going to occur this Halloween and for 48 hours, the world is thrown into chaos. Live through it and consider yourself lucky, you've been warned. What is your first step, especially as no one else knows or believes you? Do you leave family behind and seek shelter to ride it out, or do you try to save your family? How and why?

 I load the family into the minivan, hoping they didn’t notice the couple staggering towards us from down the street. I knew they would never believe me, I was surprised they fell for my “let’s visit the in-laws” suggestion. As we pulled away I noticed Mr. Connors walking out of his house. That is bad because he died a week ago.

  3.   Because of the time of your birth, (see the 1st question) the angels have decided to forgive your sins and are offering to remedy one evil that now exists in the world, but only one! Which would you choose and why?

The human race. In horror, they tend to be worse than the monsters who haunt them

  4. Why is Halloween a favorite holiday, or not a favorite, and if it isn't why did you participate in this query? Come on; tell us your biggest most secret Halloween fantasy!

I love Halloween! Greatest Holiday ever!

 Now the fun part: Finish the story. I've given you the first 100 words. Provide us with the rest, but please hold the number to 750 words or less unless the restriction is just impossible then no more than 1000 words. The winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. The contest will be judged by Nancy Lynn Jarvis. The winner will be posted on Halloween!

DESPERATION HOLLER

Jerry sauntered along Desperation Holler Road that earlier echoed with the excited shouts of ghosts and ghouls as the children scrambled from house to house in colorful and frightening costumes.
Dusk dissolved into the blackest of nights as the little monsters disappeared into the shelter of the brightly lit houses with their chocolate goodies.
Jerry smiled, even suppressed laughter, because he knew there was no refuge, not in Desperation Holler on this most evil of Halloweens.
Concealed by the dark limbs of deformed trees and invasive ivy, the innocuous little cabin looked abandoned, but Jerry knew better.
The witches abode . . .

Jerry didn’t bother trying to sneak in. They knew he was coming. The door creaked open as he reached for the bell. He crossed himself before entering.
Two women were seated around a large wooden table, eating something from a bowl. One of them waved for him to join them.
“This is unusual, considering the reason for my visit.” Jerry sat down and a third woman brought him a smoking bowl and spoon.
“It’s Halloween,” one of them said. “No need to be at war on this night.”
“Halloween is the very reason I had to come here tonight. The Arch Bishop said-“
“Hush now, and try your soup,” the one on his left said. He complied and took a bite.
“What do you think of the new Arch Bishop?” The one on the right asked.
“He seems nice,” Jerry replied, taking another bite. The third woman returned.
“Are you sure he’s not too spicy?” She asked, folding the Bishop’s gown.
Jerry looked down into the red liquid that was in his bowl. He heard the women cackle and closed his eyes. He knew he was next on the menu.


Ah, poor Jerry, sucks to be dinner!



Within these pages exists a world of horror and mystery, a realm where the macabre comes alive and bites back. Journey into the horrific and unsettling world of Empty Graves and enjoy a collection of tales that will chill your blood, and send a shiver down your spine. For just a small taste of what this book holds in store for you:
v  You'll find an apartment complex with a bloody history-
v  An office worker that just won't die-
v  A city with a demon mascot-
v  An actual road to Hell –
v  A rendition of the Three Little Pigs that just can't be missed-
All this and more await you in a story collection written especially for those who aren't afraid of what evils may be lurking in their refrigerator. Nothing is what it seems in these frightening tales, each one a twisted look into the mind of T.G. Reaper-a mind that belongs in a padded cell.


Thom Futrell (T.G.Reaper) is the best-selling, award winning author of EMPTY GRAVES, FRESH GRAVES, MEAT PUPPET and several other books. He has been included in over fifty anthologies including the 2014 GENTLEMEN OF HORROR. Many of his books are written with royalties going to charity organizations such as ASPCA, AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, ST.JUDES, and several others. He has written several screenplays, one was picked up by LMN, and another was produced and is now showing on over 60 theaters in 21 countries.

Thom Futrell lives with his family on the outskirts of Jackson Michigan with his wife and two daughters.

*****

For one lucky commenter, 
Thom will create a character in his 
WIP using your name. 

Just answer one of the 4 questions above in a 
 comment and you could be in 
Thom's next horror story!



Thank you, Thom, 

Happy Halloween!

*****


Have you signed up for the WEP - Halloween Challenge 
Youthful Frights vs Adult Fears?
What are you waiting for?



*****

THE WINNER FOR THIS POST
IS THE AMAZING 
CHRYS FEY
CONGRATULATIONS!

Thursday, October 1, 2015

A WITCHES WRATH

Welcome to October & Halloween!
I'm thrilled to announce that for the month I have 

a selection of authors who've agreed to a

Halloween Interview / Flash Fiction Challenge.



Starting October 2nd. The authors participating are, Thom Futrell, Christine Rains, Julia Press Simmons, Shannon Lawrence, Cathrina Constantine, DeAnna Knippling, Tara Tyler, Walter P. HonsingerAnn M. Noser. and Nancy Lynn Jarvis.
With special guest judge Editor, Wendy Ely!
Wait til you read these horror stories!

Today I thought I'd start the month off with a witches tale using a prompt from the

Brought to you by Priceless Joy!
Flash Fiction of 100 to 150 words based on the photo
provided by and copyright to The Storyteller's Abode.
Don't forget to add your story to the InLinkz Link-up via the
(Blue Froggy button).

© The Storyteller's Abode

A WITCHES WRATH

Mirabella's anger grew and the clouds darkened, swirling winds caused the waves to surge and roil. Lightening ripped the sky open, and thunder shattered eardrums. Mirabella watched the ships struggling to port.

Waves overwhelmed most, but the yacht Abandon still floated. How apropos, she thought, abandon me to sail into your new life with my sister. "Not today," she roared!

Finally, the Abandon disappeared under a monstrous wave, Mirabella smiled. Vengeance is so sweet, she thought.

Nevertheless, the winds grew. A Hurricane formed. The gates to hell opened and Mirabella knew the indisputable power of wrath and her sister Isabella.

100 words
Yolanda Renée © 20015

*****

*****