Eric Butler's Blog, page 21

Revisiting a story - Promises Kept

This week has been draining and filled with a number of family distractions that I didn't have anything completed in time for today's post. So instead, I thought I'd revisit a story I shared around 8 months ago...

I am sharing a stand-alone story I sent into a publication that printed stories based on the last sentence. You had to write 1880 words and use the sentence they provided...I think the theme was "end of the world" or "alien invasion". The sentence was: Jordan looked me in the eye and said, "I trust you."

This story made it to the final round but ultimately got passed up so I want to share it here.

It's the end of the world; I suppose...well the end of mine for sure. I slump down into my favorite chair, setting the rifle to the side. The explosions are getting closer and I figure there's time for one last drink. I stare at the amber liquid in the fancy glass my oldest got me for my last birthday, regretful there is no ice. Of course, you need water for ice...water and electricity. I let my first sip linger in my mouth, enjoying the burning sensation as it travels down my throat and into my belly.

I guzzle the rest, hoping the liquor dulls my senses. My eyes grow tired and I struggle to keep them open. I don't want to remember...to think of what I've done. If only the bottle was closer. Instead, I let the glass slip from my fingers and shatter on the floor as the memories rush back.

***

Sitting in the dark kitchen, I stare at the black blob I know is my useless TV. Couldn't turn it on if I wanted since there's no electricity. Even so, there's no more news anyway. They blocked all signals within the first few weeks. It was like they knew using our own news programs would stir up more panic and fear than just shutting it down. Took a week for the riots to start...fires burned soon after; you'd think we'd come together at a time like that, but the world is too divided.

Shaking my head, I take the last sip of water I'd been saving. Of course, it was the first thing to run out, not like 2020 when toilet paper was all the rage.

We were lucky; since I worked for Pure Water all those years, we had a surplus of water. Actual water you could drink...not the questionable stuff in the taps. Every weekend I brought home a case and stocked them in the garage. When the invaders appeared in the sky, I wasn't too worried...well I did have 2020 flashbacks. Wouldn't have mattered anyway, the streets were soon overrun with madmen. You couldn't get to the store if you wanted to.

My youngest son and daughter-in-law worked at the local Shop 'N Save, so they stocked up on the last day and drove the little ones out to my new place. Once my sweet Mary died, I sold the house and escaped to the country; couldn't take the memories staring me in the face daily...the little reminders that I was stuck here without her. Her dying was the true tragedy of my story, not some conquering army in the sky.

Standing, I fought the urge to go room to room and check on everyone. Not because I'm not worried, but because we ran low on batteries. Soon I'd have to make a trip out to the abandoned Academy to check if there were still any camping supplies left. Hell, maybe even some batteries.

Instead, I strolled out the back door into the darkness. I glanced at my wrist out of habit, knowing full well it would tell me the time was 3:15 in the afternoon. The watch broke damn near when my heart did. I haven't taken it off since Mary gave it to me when I retired from the company. They only handed out certificates by the time I left and Mary thought that was a shame. I smile every time I think of her eyes lighting up with pride when I opened that fancy box. I never was one for flashy things, but my heart swelled to learn how much she appreciated the hard work I put in all those years.

I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, and fighting the urge to break down right there in my backyard. Too close to the kiddos, I tell myself. I'd hate to wake them up this early. I glanced up to the sky and gauged from the darkness and moon that it was still a good three hours before daybreak. They needed their sleep...especially today.

I wandered to the barn, wanting to go over the camper one last time. Needed to make sure we had it ready to go. A loud boom sounded off in the distance. My hand froze on the door handle, waiting to see if it woke anyone, but the house stayed quiet. I released the breath I didn't know I was holding and turned the handle. I took one last look around the property to be safe and then slipped into the old barn.

I stepped carefully in the dark, focused on moving straight ahead. At the back, I found the generator waiting for me. A quick pull on the cord and a flip of a switch and its low hum filled the barn. I've run it enough to know it won't wake them up...especially if that explosion didn't. A sigh slipped out...who would have thought explosions out here wouldn't garner any more attention than a fart.

I waited a moment longer, and when I finally decided it's okay I hit the light switch. Ten bulbs flickered alive throughout the structure. Just enough light for me to work by, but not enough to grab the attention of the roving mobs or the invading force. Those first couple of days, I had the place lit like a beacon...but it attracted the wrong attention.

I stared at my hands, still seeing the blood there. No parent should have to outlive one of their children. This time I don't try to stop the tears; I'm far enough away to let the grief take me. I slumped to the ground, suddenly weighed down as I imagined holding my oldest once again, his blood gushing from the gunshot wounds. I still hear his whispered words over the roar of the mob as they pushed against our fence to get to the house and my family firing back to drive them away.

"I love you, daddy."

My cheeks now wet with tears, blew out in a huff. He hadn't called me daddy in thirty years, and then as his life slipped away...

My hands balled into fists, my nails cutting into my palm as I use the pain to steal my focus from those memories. I struggled to my feet and shuffled over to the workbench. I made them pay...the ones I caught after that day. Glancing at the wooden box at the back of the table, I resisted the urge to open it. Don't need those gruesome reminders of what I did, not today...especially not today.

A creak from the barn door grabbed my attention and I swung around, a long blade in my hand.

"Damn fool," I muttered as I realize my rifle is still by the door. Just because they haven't been back doesn't mean a new group wouldn't try again...or the invaders. Although, I'm not sure what the rifle could do to them. The little we saw before they shut down the TV was disheartening, to say the least.

"Gramps?" a tiny voice called out and I sighed in relief.

"Jordon...what are you doing up?" I said, trying to keep my voice stern but I heard the relief shine through. I slipped the knife back on the table and stepped towards my granddaughter, the apple of my eye.

The only grandkid the Lord found fit to bless our family with and the reason I didn't walk out into traffic the day Mary left. She's almost ten now and growing like a weed. I squatted down in front of her and scoop her up, hugging her so fiercely she began to giggle and squirm.

"Gramps, you're crushing me."

"I know but I'm just so happy to see you."

I loosened my grip, so she could slip to the ground. I studied her face and my chest tightened in anger. No child should bear the weight of the world, but all the troubles and worries were etched on her face. For the first time, I'm glad my Mary isn't here to witness this, and then the sadness flooded me once again.

"Are we really getting out of here?" she asked with a wide-eyed innocence that made me want to scoop her up again.

"Fraid so, hon," I said as I moved over to the truck and popped the hood. "Your parents and I realize we can't stay here any longer since the invaders landed. Without the news telling us what's going on...well we need to see for ourselves, so we make the right choices. So after breakfast, we're all going to pile in and head south to Fort Worth. After some scouting...well, we may just come back and wait them out. All depends on what we find there."

"So that means pancakes right?"

I glanced over to her and smiled, hoping the dim lights hid the sorrow in my eyes, "Sure does...once I get what I need from here, we can start."

I dropped the hood back down and moved to the cab. Leaning in, I reached to the glove box and pulled out Mary's last bottle of pain killers before the cancer took her. Slipping it into my pocket, I closed the door and motioned for Jordon to follow me outside.

The sun began to rise as we stepped from the barn and I paused, enjoying the warmth as its rays washed over us. Another boom sounded from the south and the ground shook a bit. The invaders are on the move...something I discovered the last time I slipped away looking for supplies. They moved from town to town and took everything that breathed. No one knew where to, but it can't be good.

Jordon slid against me and wrapped my arm in a hug. Her weight pressed the bottle against my leg, and I fought the urge to cry all over again. Mary will understand and if I can send her family to her in heaven...well I can only pray God forgives me.

"Let's go inside so I can start the yummy pancake mix, and we can head out of here on time."

Jordon didn't move, instead, she looked up at my face, and the heat of shame flooded my cheeks. She's only ten but she knew. The thought forced me to glance away, to stare at the sunrise and after a moment I forced a chuckle.

"Ms. Sun is a beaut...almost as pretty as you," I said before glancing down at her. "I'm gonna make all this better. I promise."

I rubbed the top of her head with my free hand, enjoying the silky softness of her hair. Her hands slipped down and grabbed my old weathered fingers, pulling my hand to her chest. A slight smile fluttered to her lips as she hugged my hand tight, and we watched the sunrise. The back door banged open and my son stuck his head out with a sigh.

"Oh thank God, we were worried when we couldn't find you," he said, the concern evident in his voice.

Jordon dropped my hand and skipped toward her father, "Gramps said we can have pancakes, and he knows how to make everything better."

Halfway to the house, she spun around. Jordon looked me in the eye and said, "I trust you."

-END-

© 2020 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved

A collection of collections for fans of quick reads.

Black Hare Publication has released a number of their 500-Fiction anthologies this year with more coming out in July and August. There are several anthologies out there for fans of flash fiction and short stories. I'm honored to have a few of my stories selected for a number of these collections.

First up is the Red Cape Publishing's A-Z of Horror anthology series: Each Letter is used to prove a theme for that collection. My story "The Hellhole" is in this volume.

Click Here

If you are a fan of extreme & indie horror, you will find many of the hottest names in this collection. These tales were limited to 100 words and whatever the writer's imagination could come up with.

Click here

Now to the Black Hare Press 500-Fiction Series: First up is a dark look at super heroes and the world they live in. 26 stories are collected in this volume, including my story "Retribution."

Click Here

The 500-Fiction anthology Watch focuses on the world of stalkers. There are 29 stories in this volume including my story "The Ride"

Click Here

Bones is an anthology that features 26 unique stories filled with the wonder and horror of voodoo. My story is "Mr. Saturday".

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Next up is Contact. This anthology will be available on July 31st, 2021. It focuses more on technology and alien contact in dark science fiction. My story "Compliance is Required" is a look at invasion by alien forces.

,Click here to preorder

Coming out August 24th, 2021 is the 500-fiction Haunt. 29 stories will focus on haunted houses, ghosts, and evil spirits.

,Click here to preorder

The first story I ever wrote for one of these series was picked up for the 500-Fiction volume Reign. With a focus on dark fantasy royals, this anthology has 45 tales including my tale, "The King Is Dead".

,Click here to preorder

The last one doesn't have a release date or a link but I wanted to share it because the cover is so cool. This was one of my favorite stories and can't wait for it to get out there.

I have a story in this Extreme Horror anthology and as soon as there is a release date and link, you can be sure I'll share it with you. This collection is going to be balls to the wall crazy fun.

The time has come to meet Hank Flynn

The new novel from Candace Nola, the creative force behind Breach and Beyond the Breach, is available now in paperback and on Kindle on July 15th. This is a new addition to one of my favorite sub-genres of horror, the horror western.

Blurb:

Hank Flynn is a tormented man.

He’s an outcast among humans, and condemned to confront evil, for as long as he lives.

Serving a higher power, Hank wanders the earth alone, until he stumbles into Protection, Kansas. Mortally wounded and delirious after a demonic encounter, Hank Flynn is desperate for help.

Wallace Bixby, a local merchant and man of faith, graciously opens his home to the broken stranger. Hank Flynn discovers the meaning of family and community, and the avenging drifter finds peace with Josie Bixby, the young woman who heals his body and his heart.

The town of Protection is exactly what Hank needs, and the town needs the man with special talents, who slays demons. He deals out a unique brand of punishment to anything breaking the law, or threatening the people he loves.

But when the Devil himself comes calling, Hank Flynn must risk everything for the town he now calls home.

Get a Copy Here

Candace was kind enough to share a bit of the beginning to give you an idea of her writing style.

Get a Copy Here

The reactions from those lucky enough to get an ARC copy have been overwhelmingly positive.

Get a Copy Here

Candace also has an incredible website where she reviews the world of indie horror writers and the news of the industry. If you are interested in finding more unique and interesting voices to read then you really should subscribe to her site.

Click the link to check it out: ,Uncomfortably Dark.

Monday Music Musings

I love music, all types. I listen to a little bit of everything and am open to giving all music genres a chance. I am a child of the 80s and 90s though and have a special place for artists that imprinted my youth. One of my favorite things about getting older is looking back and discovering the stories behind the music I loved and continue to enjoy to this day. Especially because back then there was no internet to drown you with information in real-time. Netflix has a new series of documentaries and I've included a few others that you can stream on other platforms.

This is Pop is an 8 episode series that covers some of the biggest names and movements of Pop music. Each is self-contained so if you hate a genre or know everything, you can skip it.

Watch it on Netflix - Trailer is NSFW so wear headphones when you check it out.

https://youtu.be/4-J1oN5XYvY

An older documentary focusing on one of Hip Hop's pioneering acts, A Tribe Called Quest, from the late '80s and '90s. Find it on HULU and Prime

https://youtu.be/izT2Xmw1X3M

This is an interesting look at how the surviving members of Queen found a singer in Adam Lambert to carry on Freddie Mercury's legacy. This has a good mix of Adam's initial rise as a solo act and Queen moving forward after their lead singer died.

The last 2 documentaries are available on Prime with ads(though IMDB). First up is one of the greatest albums of the '80s: Peter Gabriel's SO.

The documentary looks at what came before, and then they break down how each song was crafted. It's a fascinating look at how this album went from idea to completed project.

https://youtu.be/iICiUXQFXdU

"Phil Collins first enjoyed international success as the drummer of Genesis, and subsequently as lead singer after Peter Gabriel left the band. However, in 1981, his album "Face Value" launched him as a solo artist and immediately became a worldwide hit. Including several previously unseen performances and rare home movies, this documentary explores the making of this classic album."

Inching closer to Donn, TX completion and some new movies

Donn, TX is my next book project. It's unique from my other novels because instead of one tale taking place at a specific time, this is a collection of stories where each tale focuses on a specific year. I've done this for a few reasons. The first being, not every story that takes place in Donn, TX will be novel-length. The other is to allow for a foundation to be laid for future stories.

There will be 3-4 stories in the first arc, covering 1865, 1926, 1951, 1969. Once these stories are complete, we'll have the main components of all future stories explained or at the very least hinted at. As I get closer to completion of 1926, I'll start sharing the blurb, cover(s), and other material to get everyone ready for their trip to Donn, TX, the city that doesn't exist.

So Part 1 came out last week - 1994. This Friday Netflix gives us Part 2.

https://youtu.be/eR2KSY1fipo

Also coming to Netflix, July 14th, is an Italian horror movie that you might have to read. There are times in the preview they speak English, but the majority is in Italian - nothing says there won't be a dub, but get your mind right with it...just in case. Either way, A Classic Horror Story looks like they take bits and pieces from our favorite horror movies to create a new classic.

https://youtu.be/PHqyFhrb3uU

With Black Widow on the horizon, are you ready?

Stan Lee allegedly said, "Comics are like boobs. They look great on the computer but I'd rather hold one in my hand." Although these are wise words (even if he didn't say them), there are times I embrace technology to get my comic fix.

Reading comic books on a kindle screen, or any tablet really, is pretty cool as you can control how you read them - by page or by panel. Some comics have even incorporated motion in the presentation to add to the reading experience. The other cool thing is they take up nothing but memory, your bedside will not be covered in stacks of individual issues or collections.

Sidenote - this is important in my house as Kittle enjoys snacking on books and paper.

Another thing I enjoy is the constant sales Amazon and Comixology hold to move digital issues. I've grabbed out of print collections going for hundreds on the secondary market for pennies on the dollar in digital form. Sometimes I just want to read the stories and don't mind not having the originals. Other times, I have the original single issues but would rather read the story without fishing out however many issues I need. Digital helps with that the most.

So all that said I have a few digital collections of Black Widow you can check out from Amazon and depending on your membership status, might not cost a thing.

First up I will do the free ones with a Prime subscription. One of the things I love about being a Prime member is all the free stuff you can get as a member.

From 2010 -

Collects Black Widow #1-5. Natasha Romanoff is the Black Widow, longtime Avengers and a spy for even longer. But now someone has tried to kill Natasha…and almost succeeded. Injured gravely, almost beyond her ability to recover, Black Widow sets out to find her attacker

From 2009-2010: Black Widow: Deadly Origin

Collects Black Widow: Deadly Origin #1-4.

Trained from a young age to become a razor-sharp weapon, the Russian girl named Natalia Romanova was honed into the world-class secret agent and sometime super hero known as the Black Widow. Throughout her chaotic life of espionage and double-crosses, only one thing remained constant: her relationship with Ivan, the enigmatic man who raised her as a daughter. But when the mysterious "Icepick Protocol," suddenly strikes at her beloved father figure, the stakes of Natalia's dangerous work become even higher. With this mysterious conspiracy threatening everyone she loves, the Black Widow must untangle the decades of treachery and betrayal that have plagued her life since childhood. Racing around the globe, Natalia must confront former lovers and allies including Daredevil, Hawkeye, Hercules, Nick Fury and the new Captain America. But even with powerful allies like this, can she act quick enough to prevent her past from destroying her future?

From 2019: Black Widow: No Restraints Play

Collects Black Widow (2019) #1-5.

Jen and Sylvia Soska — the Twisted Twins — tell a story of vice, violence and vengeance! Natasha Romanoff was trained to kill. For years now, she's tried to overcome that programming to side with the angels — to be a hero. And where did that get her? Killed. By one of the few true friends she allowed herself to have. Now the Black Widow is back from the dead, angry as hell and finding those better angels harder and harder to hear. Natasha cuts a swath through the island underworld of Madripoor, and she has a party to crash — one filled with ruthless villains. But soon Natasha will be trapped in someone else's dark web! The true enemy is revealed. Lines are crossed. There is no turning back!

From 2020: Black Widow: Widowmaker

Collects Black Widow: Deadly Origin (2009) #1-4, Black Widow (2010) #1-8, Widowmaker (2010) #1-4, Fear Itself: Black Widow (2011) #1, Black Widow Saga (2010) #1; material from Enter the Heroic Age (2010) #1, Iron Man: Kiss and Kill (2010) #1.

Thrilling adventures of Marvel’s deadliest superspy! Natasha’s shadowy past once again threatens all she holds dear in a globe-hopping thriller! As the Black Widow’s house of cards comes crashing down around her, what will she do to keep her deepest secret buried? When a senator is seduced and assassinated, why does the trail followed by his journalist son lead back to Natasha? Meanwhile, espionage agents around the world are being assassinated by an all-new Ronin! The next two targets: Black Widow and Mockingbird! But Hawkeye is determined to unmask the killer! Let the spy games begin!

These next are free to read with Kindle Unlimited but are also on sale if you don't do KU.

Early stories: Black Widow Epic Collection: The Coldest War $7.99(39.99reg) or free on KU

Collects Bizarre Adventures (1981) #25; Marvel Fanfare (1982) #10-13; Solo Avengers (1987) #7; Black Widow: Coldest War (1990); Punisher/Black Widow: Spinning Doomsday's Web (1992); Daredevil/Black Widow: Abattoir (1993); Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #135; Daredevil Annual (1967) #10; Fury/Black Widow: Death Duty (1995); Journey Into Mystery (1951) 517-519.

Author note - I love Marvel Epic collections. They are my favorite way to read Marvel stories these days.

The Black Widow goes solo in adventures that defined her as one of Marvel's greatest heroes! In one of the most beloved Black Widow stories of all time, enter a web of intrigue as Natasha navigates a complex maze of international espionage orchestrated by an old foe! Then, a revelation regarding the Red Guardian draws Black Widow back into a Russian spymaster's crosshairs. Plus: Natasha teams with the Punisher to take down a rogue former government agent, reunites with Daredevil to investigate the murder of S.H.I.E.L.D. psychics and returns to post-Soviet Russia with Nick Fury!

From 2016-2017: Black Widow by Waid & Samnee: The Complete Collection $5.99(reg 26.99) or free on KU

Collects Black Widow (2016) #1-12.

A knockdown, drag-out tale of action and espionage! The award-winning creative team supreme of Mark Waid and Chris Samnee takes Natasha Romanoff to new heights — by forcing her out on the lam! The world’s greatest superspy has a lifetime of secrets — and when some of the darkest ones are made public, nobody is safe. As S.H.I.E.L.D. turns on its once-greatest asset, the Widow seeks out her own answers. But will Natasha’s hunt for the Weeping Lion send her back to the one place she never wanted to go? There’s an all-too-familiar room with a dark new name in the Widow’s future. And there awaits the deadly Recluse — who’s fixated on proving her worth by killing Natasha!

All these are great looks into what makes the Black Widow tick, and at a price that can't be beat.

If comics aren't your bag, don't forget I have 3 novels looking for a new home.

There have been some great reviews lately...

Grab your copies here:

The Shadow Within

The Pope Lick Massacre

The Sins of the Past

Fridays are made for movies

We are getting closer to a return to normalcy, which in my younger days meant a trip to the movie theater every Friday to catch the new releases and chow down on popcorn. I haven't been to a movie theater since Tenet came out in 2020 and I'm pretty sure Black Widow is going to scratch the blockbuster itch.

But that's for another post...

Instead, let's talk about this Friday and how all three of the major streaming sites have "new" movies for you to check out.

First up we will go with HULU as its new movie is actually just new to watch on a service, not a brand new movie - if that makes sense.

Bill & Ted Face the Music is hitting the site on July 2nd and while it was available for you to buy or rent in 2020, I think there are quite a few people who missed it. Well, now's the time to make up for that if you want to see what these 2 knuckleheads look like 30+ years later.

https://youtu.be/1gPGeAYo3yU

Next up is on Netflix and is the 1st part of a new horror trilogy based on R.L. Stine's series of the same name.

The premise is simple: A circle of teenage friends accidentally encounter the ancient evil responsible for a series of brutal murders that have plagued their town for over 300 years. Welcome to Shadyside.

A perfect movie to watch with your horror-loving friends. The best part is parts 2 & 3 will be out in the same month so you won't have to wait long for the full story.

https://youtu.be/clZK2PqLWpI

The last one up is on Prime and would have been just what the Blockbuster Movie Doctor ordered...if that was a thing.

This is the type of movie popcorn was made for.

Aliens attack in the future, the humans go back to the past and recruit more people to help in the fight. The potential for sucking is high with these movies, but if it's done right...well, then it might be one of those summer action movies we go back to every year. Fingers crossed.

https://youtu.be/QPistcpGB8o

Now I know some readers are likely getting frustrated with the lack of a weekly serial every Wednesday, but there's hope on the horizon. I'm working hard to finish my 4th book - which will include the 1969 Donn, TX story - and to script out a new horror series for a weekly run within the next few weeks.

We are getting close, and I'm excited to share the title, cover, and blurb for the next book. See you Monday and have a great weekend.

So I hear you like to experiment...

Then do I have a collection of poetry for you to check out.

From the book's Amazon page:

What is contained within this book is a collection of experimental poems spawned from one of the most vocal imaginations in Indie horror and science fiction over roughly one year of his life. Some are vivid, and graphic. You have been warned. Others are ephemeral and almost playful. Stilted rhymes are okay here.

This isn't the poetry rammed down your throat in grade school or even high school. This poetry is a raw stream of consciousness where Hempseed rips open his chest to show you his beating heart. More importantly, it's the kind of stuff where you don't need to be a fan of poetry or even understand the nuance to appreciate what is being shared on the page.

J. Hempseed shared a poem that isn't in this particular volume but will give you an idea of what you will find.

let me in! open the door,i can make you feel better, you whore,the voice in my head, sounds like the monster under the bed,

as it whispers in my ear,all the dirty things i don't want to hear,so i turn to the bottle,a surefire model,

for self destruction,or maybe it's just obstruction,what do i really know?i'm just a moron, going with the flow,

a Clown with no circus,and bile in surplus,trying my hardest to entertain,while also trying to maintain,

some semblance of who i am,i know you don't give a damn,but to me this is everything,my legacy, dangling by a string.

J. Hempseed – the voice in my head

You can get the eBook on Amazon - it's free if you have Kindle Unlimited, and in paperback. Click ,Here

Don't forget to go to Carver Pike's Youtube channel and subscribe. He already has 4 videos up. Don't miss your chance to have an amazing writer read you a chapter or 2 of books that just may become your new favorites.

https://youtu.be/mygLnoMejLU

Here is Carver reading my book, The Pope Lick Massacre. It's a fun idea and will introduce you to new styles and writers.

Here is the link so you can subscribe - First Chapter Freakshow

Just wanted to give everyone an update on my next book. I'm almost 12k words into the 3rd tale and think when it's all said and done, there will be more than enough in those 3 stories to have a completed volume.

This will include the story I shared here, Donn, TX 1969 but will also have a tale in the 1800s and the 1920s. I may include the original story 1951 that started the whole project but I might save that for another volume. The goal of Volume 1 is to give you an overall idea of the mythos of the location and the monsters involved.

I already have several years thought out, so once I get the ball rolling, I hope to give you guys a roller coaster ride of gore and mayhem. Keep watching the page for more information.

Extreme Horror Wednesday

Do you like blood? Squeamish stories of extreme horror? Children raised by serial killers? Then I have several books for you to check out.

Sea Caummisar writes about all these things and more. She's one of the nicest people I know and my go-to for advice in the horror indie world. She released 7 options this week for fans of horror to check out.

Sanger Entertainment #4 Max: Amazon

Sanger Entertainment is more than an event planning business. It covers up many evils for another business which is more profitable. There are four original partners of Sanger Entertainment. Are these men as evil as the business they conduct? Sanger Entertainment Event Planners : No party too big or too small. Max, the fourth partner this series explores. Warning: This book contains extreme violence It is not necessary to read the Games Series prior to reading Sanger Entertainment. However, this is the business that employed Donny throughout the Games Series

Sanger Entertainment #5 Paulie: Amazon

Sanger Entertainment is more than an event planning business. It covers up many evils for another business which is more profitable. There are four original partners of Sanger Entertainment. Are these men as evil as the business they conduct? Sanger Entertainment Event Planners : No party too big or too small The conclusion of the Sanger Entertainment Series. Paulie, technically not a Sanger partner, but the employee the partners depend on the most. Warning: This book contains extreme violence It is not necessary to read the Games Series prior to reading Sanger Entertainment. However, this is the business that employed Donny throughout the Games Series.

Sanger Entertainment Complete Series: Amazon

Sanger Entertainment now available as a complete series. All five books for one low price. With an easy to navigate table of contents. 1. Thomas Sanger Entertainment is more than an event planning business. It covers up many evils for another business which is more profitable. There are four original partners of Sanger Entertainment. Are these men as evil as the business they conduct? Sanger Entertainment Event Planners : No party too big or too small

Raised By a Killer Age 4: Amazon

The story of a daughter being raised by a single father, who happens to be a serial killer. As the series progresses, Deicide will grow older. In this thrilling first book, experience the sights, smells, and sounds through the eyes of four-year-old Deicide. The formative years of any child's life are crucial. In this time frame, she is curious and innocent. With each book, Deicide will grow older, giving us an inside look at how her life has been affected due to her upbringing. Warning: Graphic scenes that may disturb some readers

Raised By a Killer Age 10: ,Amazon

The story of a daughter being raised by a single father, who happens to be a serial killer. As the series progresses, Deicide will grow older.

In this thrilling second book, experience the sights, smells, and sounds through the eyes of ten-year-old Deicide.

This is the timeframe of her life where she is getting old enough to understand the events happening around her.

With each book, Deicide will grow older, giving us an inside look at how her life has been affected by her upbringing.

Warning: Graphic scenes that may disturb some readers

Scatology: Amazon

Scatology: An interest in or preoccupation with excrement and excretion. Coprophilia: Abnormal interest and pleasure in feces and defecation. Meet Luke. This is the tale of his quest to find love and acceptance despite his unique sexual desires. Warning: There are some scenes of the sexual nature. There are some gross scenes and a mild level of violence.

With Child: Amazon

After three pregnant patients go missing after last being seen at Dr. Marsh's OB-GYN office, he becomes a prime suspect in the missing person cases. Dr. Marsh prides himself on being an upstanding citizen. Not only does he donate time and money to several charities, he is also a caring doctor. Is he a nice person? Or is he as evil as the police suspect?

EXTREME HORROR: There are multiple scenes of violence, blood, gore, and torture. Most of the torture is against a pregnant woman, being held captive against her will.

Just in case I screwed up any links here is her author page: Sea Caummisar

Also if you didn't go and check out First Chapter Freakshow on Youtube done by Extreme Horror's own, Carver Pike...what are you waiting for? He just released episode 3 where he shares a bit about his own novel Scalp. It's about parasitic head lice and will make you itch for days.

Just in case you missed it, Carver read from my 2nd novel, The Pope Lick Massacre.

So go to his channel, hit subscribe, and you might find a new extreme horror writer to read. I think this is a great idea, and just think how cool you'll be when you can say you were there at the beginning.

,Carver Pike's channel: Click here

Father's Day Hangover

I write Monday's posts on Sunday...usually. Every once in a blue moon, I might get it done earlier but honestly, I seem to enjoy writing with a "gun" to my head. Not really, but a little external pressure does get the fingers moving. That said, I don't have anything planned for today's post.

Sometimes, when I sit down an idea will hit me or I'll stumble across something I want to expound on. Not really today...I enjoyed a pleasant time with the family and celebrated Father's Day.

Now I did score Shout! Factory's Collector's Edition of King Kong(1976).

I most likely will bore you with a best Kong Movie list at some point, but not yet. I need to re-watch this gem.

If you are a fan of special features and are a fan of the original Doctor Who series(1963-89), you should check out their complete season collections on Blu-Ray. My Doctor - the only one I've watched - is Tom Baker. I still remember the excitement of waiting for those Saturday showings on my local PBS station as they reran the BBC hit series years later. I came into the series in season 3 and was hooked...until my local PBS couldn't afford to play them and they stopped or I moved to Panama (don't remember which came first).

Back in the day, you couldn't just pull up a season and stream if you were interested. If you were really lucky, a video store may have the episodes for you to rent, but that was rare. So when I noticed the BBC put out full seasons on Blu-ray, I was excited. Then I got season 1 of Tom Baker's Doctor Who...it blew me away. The episodes were fun to revisit, but the special features they included made the set worth every penny spent. There are just hours and hours of information and hidden gems that you can't find anymore.

The only issue I have is they are releasing them in a weird order. Every year they've mixed up which doctors get out there and even more bizarrely which seasons. For example, Baker went Season 1, Season 7, and then Season 3. If you are a fan, I'd suggest scooping these up before they go out of print.

If you have HBO MAX, check out Tacoma FD. You can also stream season one on the trutv app. It's a funny sitcom from the 2 of the guys from Broken Lizard - the group who gave us Super Troopers. Plus you get it unedited for the most part on HBO.

https://youtu.be/jpQRFLUF0bY

This is a blind recommendation and I have no idea how long it will be available but Amazon is letting you buy the VOD version of Psycho Goreman for $.99 - usually $12.99. I've heard good things but have been waiting for it to move to a streaming service. If you have Shudder, you can watch it for free but otherwise, it's pay-to-play. For a buck, I'm willing to take a chance.

https://youtu.be/cl13Y-xd0Tk