DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE!

MY NEXT VICTIM THIS HALLOWEEN

IS CATHRINA CONSTANTINE!

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

Presenting Cathrina'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 13^th. 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!

Call me Crista, a cute name for a wicked witch. I like being in control of those around me, and my potent incantations radiate from the pits of hell. I demand to be pampered and seduced by those of my choosing. It’s fun to watch as boys and even girls bend to my every desire. But once, Dredal tried to take what was mine. Poor Dredal.

    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?

Even though me family doesn’t believe me, I love them and can’t leave them behind. They argue, but I convince them it’s only for two days. Think of it as a mini vacation, hahahaa. And to pacify my insanity, they agree and we pack up the SUV with life saving supplies, food, water, guns, and ammo to last for 48 hours. Then we hightail it up to the remote section of the Adirondack Mountains. Hopefully away from deadly seeking Zombies. We barricade ourselves into a safe house for the long haul. We make a pact. If one of use is turned, we know what we must do. Will we live through the Apocalypse? Who knows for sure. But we’ll live and die together.

      3.  Because of the time of your birth, (see the 1^st 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?

Hatred. Being the most evil of witches, and seeking repentance, the angels have allowed me to cast a Unity Spell of Love and Peace. If hatred is banished from the world, I believe people may actually live in somewhat harmony.

     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 and all its scariness. Not precisely the bloody knife in my gut kind of gore, but suspense and spooky tales. I’d be awesome to witness a paranormal event, as long as I didn’t have a heart attack in the process.

     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 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 oozed ghastly spells. Seeping through the cracks and crevices of the weathered planks and windows. Jerry walked through the mist and breathed in evil like a tantalizing spice.

His every nerve ending fed on the despicable incantations, filling him with power. Jerry turned to look at the innocent road where families struggled to get their sugar-high monsters into bed. Again, his mouth tweaked in an untoward grin. Little did they fathom what was coming to devour them.  Although, not their souls. Souls must be freely given.

Jerry inhaled the mists fragrance to determine what was expected of him.  His body shuddered in anticipation, for the night had just begun. He mutely chuckled deciphering the intricate spells. Estelle, Crista, and Bettina planned on binding Desperation Holler: To pluck out naive children’s spirits to keep them young and immortal.

“Knock, knock. I’m here.” Jerry stood outside the door. He heard shuffling and gasps. “My lovely ladies. Please invite me in.”

“We don’t need your help this year. Go away.” He recognized Estelle’s voice.

“Estelle, dearest. It’s been centuries. I miss are little scuffles.”

Silence.

The door whipped open and Jerry was immediately speared in the chest. His hands wrapped around the lance as the witches dragged him inside.

“We were expecting you.” Cackled Estelle. “Don’t fight the potion that just entered your blood stream. Soon you’ll be all mine.”

“Not fair, Estelle,” said Bettina with disdain. “He’ll be all ours.”

“Very clever.” He gritted his teeth trying to pull out the cumbersome lance. On the floor laid skeletal remains, withered and grizzled. The clothes clearly made them teenager. “I see you’ve already started. And without me.”

“Be a good boy, Jerry, and we’ll leave you a little treat,” Crista said. The provocative witch with flowing red hair drew new. She latched onto his blood spewed lips. “Mmmm…you taste divine.” Her tongue lapped over his mouth, rinsing the blood.

“These teenagers came knocking, looking for a trick or treat. We gave them both.” Estelle chortled. “But it’s not enough to keep us in the lifestyle we’re accustomed to. You’ve been stingy, Jerry. Not letting us stay and play. This Hallows Eve, we’re prepared.”

Jerry’s knees buckled to the floor.

“Soon the children on Desperation Holler will be walking through that door and we’ll have a feast,” Estelle said over her shoulder as she scuttled to a bubbling cauldron. “One final ingredient is needed. Jerry’s head.” The witches each stirred the boiling pot while chanting. “Who wants to do the honor?”

“Me, me!” Crista jumped up and down like an exited child.

“I’m the oldest,” Bettina said. “Besides, it’s my turn.”

Crista’s bottom lip turned down into a pout.

“Why don’t you both indulge,” Estelle said, a nefarious smile carved into her face.

Bettina and Crista walked to the back of the cabin and grabbed a sickle, used for harvesting wheat in days gone by.

“Isn’t it ironic,” Estelle said, “the grim reaper will get beheaded by his own sickle.” They snickered.

“Thank you girls. I’ve been looking for that,” he said, dripping with sarcasm.

“Such a waste of man flesh,” Crista said, hauling the heavy blade. “This weighs a ton.”

“It will take the three of you to swing it.” Jerry looked up to where Estelle seemed intent to watch the furling charms flow out the windows. Blood laced his hands and again painted his lips. He didn’t know how much longer he could stay in this human condition. 

The three witches toted his sickle and hewed it towards his head. The blade spliced through his neck in one ugly stroke.

But his head remained intact.

“What kind of farce is this?” Crista spat.

Suddenly the lance melted from Jerry’s chest, he straightened with a shit-eating grin. “Ladies, it’s always a pleasure. Thank you for letting me feed off your wickedness. See you in hell.”

He raised his arms and the cabin exploded to smithereens.

*****
Thank you for your participation, Cathrina! 

Love your answers and your flash was amazing. 

Once again, Jerry had the last word. 

Readers one comment could win YOU a copy of

DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE!

Blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Leocadia arrives home from school to find her mom's body. Unaware that the killer still lingers, she rushes to her mother's side, only to be grabbed from behind and then everything fades to black.

After a year of retrograde amnesia and battling personal demons, Leo's dreams are getting worse--she's starting to remember. More bodies are discovered and they seem to be oddly linked to her mom's unsolved homicide.

When Leo allows her friend, Henry to drag her into the haunted Lucien Mansion, misty ghosts appear, ghosts that just might lead to her mother's murderer.

Will Leo let her memories threaten her into a relapse or, will she fight to find her mother's killer - only to become his next victim?

*****

Cathrina Constantine resides in Western New York with her husband, five children, two Labrador Retrievers and two cats. When not with her family, reading, or stationed at the computer, you will find her walking in the backwoods with her dogs, conjuring up a new tale.

You can find Constantine here:

https://www.facebook.com/wickedly333

www.cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com

www.goodreads.com/cathrinaconstantine.com`

Amazon Authors Page: http://www.amazon.com/Cathrina-Constantine/e/B00EPENYGE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1415978225&sr=8-1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cathconstantine

*****

CONGRATULATIONS!
MADILYN QUINN
YOU'VE JUST WON A COPY OF
DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE!

*****

The 

WEP - Halloween Flash Fiction Challenge 

is

waiting for YOU to sign-up.

Share your scary story!

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 13^th. 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

www.JPSimmons.ninja

www.instagram.com/bravegirlology

www.twitter.com/jpsimmons

www.facbook.com/JPSBOOKS

*****

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

THE AUTHOR'S SPOTLIGHT

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!

EMPTY GRAVES

MY FIRST VICTIM THIS HALLOWEEN!

IS THOM FUTRELL

AKA

THE GRIM REAPER!

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.

ThomFutrell Author/Screenwriter

*****

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!