Eric Butler's Blog, page 22
June 15, 2021
Take a trip to Pope Lick
The Pope Lick Massacre is my 2nd novel. I made this ad a month or so ago and kick myself for not thinking up the tagline at the beginning. Writing a blurb is one of the hardest parts, and many times you end up with way too much information trying to promote your idea. Honestly, the blurb I did for this one was already trimmed down well enough, but I think those 6 words tell you exactly what you need to know.
The book has been a hit with fans of horror who enjoy a fast-paced read.
Find it here: Amazon, B&N, Godless
Of course, I want you to check out all of my books but the reason I'm showcasing The Pope Lick Massacre today is that one of my favorite people in Indie Extreme Horror is doing something really cool. Carver Pike, the author of Scalp, Grad Night, and so much more, is highlighting the first chapter of other Indie writers' books on his YouTube channel. He was kind enough to feature Pope Lick. Go and subscribe so you can keep up with his posts. This is going to be a very cool, and fun way to be introduced to new and exciting writers.
Go to his website to find his books
So the last 9 weeks have been showcasing an idea I had for a series of stories based in Texas. I'm still working on the name but I have 1 more story finished, and another 1/4 of the way done. At that point, I may release them as a collection or add another few tales to the pile. I want to see the word count to see which direction will be best - I want to make sure you readers get the best bang for your buck.
That said, I'm going to switch gears next week and give y'all something new to read. I haven't decided if it will be a long serial like Ephraim was at the beginning or a quick short that you can read over lunch. Hopefully, I decide before next Tuesday...
June 14, 2021
Monday Shuffle
You may have noticed the Donn, TX story for 1969 is complete. It is a part of a collection of stories that focus on this little strip of land and all the terrible things that happen there. I've completed 1865 and am in the middle of the 1926 story. Depending on the length of that tale, there may be 1 more story included in the collection when it is released.
Because of that I am shifting gears on the Wednesday stuff and will either this week or next start a new series or collection of shorts. Not sure what I'm doing just yet, but I feel most everyone has already figured that out...
So until I have an idea, here are a couple more movie suggestions...
First up is a cult classic from the early 80s, Streets of Fire - not really a musical, but music does define this movie's whole identity.
Written and directed by Walter Hill, the guy responsible for 48 Hrs, The Warriors, Southern Comfort, and one of my favorite movies you've never seen, Trespass. Streets of Fire is filled with big-name actors in some of their earliest roles. A true guilty pleasure kind of movie on Netflix.
https://youtu.be/lEOvn2IaLMMNext up...you guessed it - Trespass
The early 90s had several great urban confrontation movies, almost always starring a big-name rapper looking to break into film. This one had 2, Ice T and Ice Cube. The cast is fantastic and like all these movies, the soundtrack is killer. You can see it for free on TUBI.
https://youtu.be/3KZbRGE7-4cIf you prefer your gangsters to be British, and from the 60s, can I interest you in Legend starring Tom Hardy and...Tom Hardy?
I'm gonna be honest. I'm not sure this is the best movie about the Krays. This is, however, the best movie about the Krays with Tom Hardy playing the part of both brothers. Not sure how many liberties with the truth were taken but Hardy is great in this...on Netflix
https://youtu.be/yI3v6KfR9MwNow if you can find the 1990's movie The Krays, they cast twins to play the part of the Kray brothers. It's even more intense than this one, with a bit of the grimy feel that an independent movie can give you...so much they apparently didn't do previews without dropping a number of f-bombs
https://youtu.be/KPeje9yQga4With the rise of the splatter western in the indie horror world, I thought I's suggest one of my favorite westerns. It's not horror, just well done all around.
The Sisters Brothers is a well-adapted western that takes you on an incredible journey through the American West. The cast is fantastic and sucks you into the story. You can watch it on HULU.
https://youtu.be/AaCGqfn_qzsJune 9, 2021
House of the Dark One: Donn, TX -1969 Part 8
The final installment in this tale of the Donn, TX Motel wraps up the 1969 year with a bang.
At the bottom, you can find part 1 if you want to go back to the beginning of the story and part 7 if you want to just reread last week's installment.
This is a mature series - you've been warned.
***
The corn stalks whipped against them as they ran blindly. Jane held up her free hand, hoping to protect her face. Loud cries sounded overhead as the crows flew above them. They ran towards the sinking sun, the light striking Jane in the eyes and stealing her sight.
Mary cried out as she pulled free of Jane's grip. The crows' caws grew in intensity as they circled overhead. Jane slid to a stop, spinning to scramble back. Mary lay on her stomach, her face in the dirt.
"Come on," Jane said as she pulled on her sister's arms.
Mary stayed limp, shaking as soundless sobs wracked through her body. The crows' circle tightened, pulling closer to the tops of the corn stalks. Their cries coming so quickly, they began to sound like taunting laughter. Jane glanced up as she continued to tug on her sister.
"Fuck off," she howled to the birds, tears of frustration streaking down her face. "Damn it Mary, get up."
The stalks began to sway as a stiff wind blew through the cornfield. A path formed between the corn, crossing over the rows already there and allowing her to view straight to the road. The scarecrow stood with the pitchfork in hand. She froze suddenly struggling to breathe.
The scarecrow reared back and flung the pitchfork down the newly formed path. Her eyes followed the projectile as it grew closer. Move! The thought echoed in her head but she stayed rooted to the spot. A soft moan slipped out as the blood-covered prongs filled her vision.
The sun slipped lower in the sky casting shadows like a net over the cornfield. Dusk in Texas...a good time to die. The thought sent a shiver down her spine and she closed her eyes. Jane stumbled back from the force of the blow before tumbling to the ground with a grunt. Surprised filled her at the lack of pain, but there was a weight that while at first strange had a sense of familiarity that forced her to open her eyes.
"No," she whispered as Mary lay on top of her, crushing her with her dead weight.
She wore a smile on her lips, but her sparkling green eyes were flat and empty as they stared up at Jane. The shaft of the pitchfork swayed in the breeze as it stood out from Mary's back. A thin trickle of blood ran from the corner of her mouth, a drop hanging from her chin.
Jane's throat tightened as her eyes began to blur with tears but not before she realized the scarecrow was hurrying towards them and a sudden burst of panic pushed Jane to her feet. She gripped Mary by the wrist and began to drag her sister's limp body away from the approaching strawman. The crows resumed their cries, no longer sounding like laughter but screeches filled with frustration and distress.
The shadows deepened as the sun was all but gone, and Jane wondered what exactly she thought she was doing. The scarecrow was closing ground and with her sister's added weight, Jane knew there was no escape. Yet she refused to stop moving back, and the thought of letting go was unimaginable.
Her ears ached from the racket the crows were producing as they flew closer and closer to her head. She hunched down, hoping to provide a smaller target but it slowed down her backward shuffle even more. The scarecrow slowed to a walk, so close now she could see the stitched-on smile that gave its face a devilish quality. Her breaths came in large huffs as she struggled to pull faster.
"The harvest is at an end and you two will be pristine additions," the scarecrow said in a raspy whisper.
The last bit of sunlight flittered away, plunging the cornfield into darkness. Jane stumbled back as Mary's weight simply disappeared. She landed on her back, driving the air from her lungs and striking her head against a rock jutting up from the hard-packed earth. Stars filled her vision before blurring away to nothingness.
***
Jane woke to bright sunlight filtering in between slots in a set of cheap plastic blinds. Her head ached. She moved to rub at her temple, startled to discover her arms handcuffed to the bars that ran the length of the bed.
"Hello?" she called out, blinking to clear her vision.
A door opened. A man in a uniform stepped into the room. He studied Jane with a flat expression before closing the door behind him. He stepped over to the far wall, grabbed the chair there, and dragged it a few feet away before sitting down.
Jane moved to ask a question but closed her mouth when he held up a finger. He scooted to the end of the chair and leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees and his hands pressed together in front of his face. Jane found herself growing uncomfortable under the stranger's gaze but kept quiet.
"What do you remember Mrs. Lipman?"
Fragments of memories flashed through her head: the hooded man, the scarecrow, Frank and Mary's deaths. Tears ran down her cheeks as her throat tightened, cutting off any attempt at speech.
"Ah, well then we have a problem...you and I," he said softly. "The harvest is over and yet...here you are."
Jane continued to stare at the man, hoping her confusion reflected clearly on her face.
"Where is Mary?"
The man leaned back in the chair, crossed his arms, and sighed. "Mrs. Lipman...Jane, you know they are all gone. What you need to focus on right now is what role you'll play from this point forward."
Jane shook her head, a low wail slipping from her lips as a memory replayed. She woke up, holding her sister's arm by the wrist; a clean slice right through the forearm, and a pool of blood off to the side. She hugged the arm to her chest.
When she stood, Jane spotted the scarecrow on his perch. She turned and ran, cradling the last bit of her sister tight as she crashed through the corn stalks. The cries of the crows following after her like laughter.
"I found you walking down the center of the road holding a woman's arm and babbling about a scarecrow," the man said with a sigh. "No one is going to believe you. I know what's going on and I don't believe it. So here are your choices. You can tell your story about monsters killing everyone out there and wind up in the loony bin with your sister's murder pinned to your chest. Won't be the first person put away to stop the truth from being heard."
Jane grunted her skin crawled at the thought of being locked away in a madhouse. And yet how will I avoid it?
"Or, and this one will be hard, those with you will go down as missing persons and you will never speak about what happened. You promise to do that and I'll let you go. Do you understand?"
Jane locked eyes with the man. They were a clear deep blue, and while she might have described them as gentle or kindly if seeing them under different circumstances, today she saw only cruelty and fear. Ain't a damned thing you can do in a crazy house.
She offered the man a nod. Like he said, harvest season is over. There's time enough to figure out all this man knew about the cornfield and its inhabitants. But first I need to get out of here.
The man studied her a moment in silence before releasing a sigh. He stood and stepped closer. His hand shot out to grip her jaw tightly. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a pocket knife, pausing a moment to click it open with his thumb. A look of disappointment bloomed across his face as his fingers slipped into her mouth to grip her tongue, "I wish I could believe you, but in the end...better safe than sorry."
© 2021 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved
June 7, 2021
Monday's Mumbling
Well, the word is out that Conjuring 3 isn't all we hoped for in the horror community so I thought I'd throw out some movies that handle some of the themes of The Devil Made Me Do It way better that you can find on your favorite streaming services.
First up is Jennifer's Body, one of the most underrated possession movies out there. I know many people like to ding every movie Megan Fox is in, but she does a great job in this one. The cast is great and the script comes from Juno's writer Diablo Cody. Stream this one on HULU.
https://youtu.be/C8azftM5puI
Alternate dimensions - check, Tall Man - check, amazing late 70's style - check. You get all this and a silver ball of death with Phantasm Remastered on Prime.
https://youtu.be/xQFn0e5d00Q
House of the Devil has all the charm of an old-school horror movie. Made in 2009, this movie takes us back to 1983 and puts us in the shoes of struggling student Samantha Hughes. This is a fun slow-burn kind of horror film that reminds me of the English psychological horror films from the 60s and 70s. Catch it on Prime.
https://youtu.be/oM3NAtGR2qc
Next up is a movie that doesn't get enough love. Angel Heart has an amazing cast, including Robert De Niro back when he cared about acting. Catch it on Prime.
https://youtu.be/0iKzekw3xn8
One of the best haunting/scary movies to come out between 2000-2010, The Ring is on Prime. Directed by Gore Verbinski, before he did Pirates of the Caribbean and Rango, The Ring has the right mix of visual effects and traditional scares.
https://youtu.be/yzR2GY-ew8I
Rounding out this week's movie suggestions is House. New World Pictures wanted a horror-comedy, what they gave us was a classic haunted house story filled with amazing special effects, a killer cast, and solid laughs throughout. This movie oozes monsters and mid-80s sensibilities. You can find it on Prime.
https://youtu.be/tWcZTEo3jmwI'm finishing up a story I'm submitting to a popular anthology series and then back to Donn, TX as I work to have that collection ready by the end of the month.
See you Wednesday with the final installment of 1969.
June 2, 2021
House of the Dark One: Donn, TX -1969 Part 7
The next installment in the tales of the Donn, TX Motel focuses on 4 travelers in the year 1969. Part 7 has our 4 travelers separated - the chase is one as the stakes are raised higher than ever. This is a mature series - you've been warned.
***
Sheriff Smite jumped when the phone rang on his desk. His Styrofoam cup tipped over, pouring coffee all over the day's paperwork. He grabbed the cup and swiped as much off the desk as he could before ruining everything. The damp papers landed in the trashcan to the side.
Thought maintenance wasn't supposed to install the new phones until next week. The shrill ring continued. Smite reached over just to stop the skull-piercing sound. He held the receiver to his ear. Pops and crackles came over the line before a whispered voice said the sheriff's name.
"Hello?" Smite responded. "Who is this?"
A steady hiss drowned out the answer. Smite pressed the receiver tighter against his ear as he plugged his other ear with his finger. Whispered voices fought to be heard over the hiss but no matter how hard he concentrated, Smite couldn't make out their words.
"Who the hell is this?" he said his voice rising with each word.
The whispers grew quiet. What is going on with this phone? He began to move the receiver away to inspect it when a sudden and intense howl sounded from the earpiece. His head ached from the sudden blast of noise so close to his ear.
"You will stay away," a voice spoke as the howl softened to static. "Or you will join your man in this year's harvest."
The phone went dead as a knock sounded on his door.
"What?" he barked out with a quiver in his voice.
The door swung open and Janice stepped in. He moved to hang up the receiver.
"Garr called in and requested your presence at the Donn Motel," she said pausing a moment to see if he had any orders before turning to leave. As she stepped out of the room, she glanced back, "What's with the phone? They aren't scheduled to be working until Tuesday."
Smite let the receiver fall to his desk...I was just getting used to Garr.
***
The patrol car came to a stop next to Frank's car. The doors still open. Garr slipped out and stood by the car for a long moment. Why isn't he letting us out? Jane hugged her sister, hoping to give her some reassurance.
"What is he doing?" Mary asked pressing her face against the window.
The officer stepped to the edge of the corn and cupped his hand around his mouth.
"Can you hear what he's saying?" Jane asked.
Mary shook her head, "But he's coming back."
Jane pulled her sister away from the door and held her tight. Garr moved to the door, pulled it open, and motioned for them to get out.
"Okay, ladies I need you to walk me through this?" he asked as he pointed to the abandoned car.
Jane loosed her grip, letting her sister go first before slipping out and putting herself between the officer and Mary. She guided her to the middle of the blacktop.
"Someone shot out the tires. The girls went down the road to look for the motel. I stayed with Frank. He was injured. We moved to follow once he woke up, but the crows..." Jane trailed off as a crow landed on the top of the squad car.
"Yeah, they're everywhere," Garr said with irritation. "Go on."
"We ran to the cornfield...there."
Garr turned to see where she pointed before walking back to the edge. He gazed into the rows. The women began to walk backward away from the cars, their eyes locked on the four crows watching them. One hopped to the edge of the roof and let out a cry. Garr spun around.
"Where did these all come from?" he asked as he stepped back towards the road.
A shadow appeared in the cornrows and flashed towards the officer, driving a pitchfork into his back and raising him in the air. Jane and Mary screamed as the scarecrow flung the bleeding man from the prongs to the ground. The crows sprang into the air and descended onto the body. Their angry cries drowning out his pleading screams for mercy.
Jane turned to run, her hand grabbing Mary's to pull her into motion. Laughter chased them as they rushed into the corn.
© 2021 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved
May 31, 2021
Memorial Day Marathon
The wife and I have been watching Lucifer for the past few weeks. We watched it originally on FOX when it started and a few episodes into season 3, my wife decided she was done. Jump forwards a few years and we decided to give it another try. We are 1 episode from being completely caught up and one of the newer episodes from season 5 part 2 gave me an idea on pointing out movies that either were based on music or had musical performances throughout that I enjoy.
But then I sat down to write the post and it hit me, that this is going out on Memorial Day. So I've decided to do a mashup. I'm going to give you 6 movies you can stream that deal with music or the American military, a little bit of lightheartedness to go with the heavier subject of war and the men and women it affects.
#1 - Glory
This is one of my favorite movies. Everything about this movie is perfect - from the cast, the score, and the direction of Edward Zwick. It's an important story filled with rich and diverse characters, at times both uplifting and horrifying. You can stream it on Starz but if you haven't seen this film, it is one I would recommend renting or even buying.
https://youtu.be/0hVrYRqeT5M#2 - Scott Pilgrim Vs The World
You're going to need something silly and lighthearted after Glory and Scott Pilgram will deliver. With over-the-top antics, a stellar cast, and a great mix of music, this movie is another feather in the cap of director Edgar Wright. You can watch it on Netflix.
https://youtu.be/7wd5KEaOtm4#3 - The Patriot
During Mel Gibson's reign as Box Office King, he took on the role of The Ghost in this movie on the American Revolution. It included a young Heath Ledger and Jason Issacs showcasing just how evil he could be before squaring off with Harry Potter, this movie is a classic big-budget Hollywood spectacular. You can stream it on Netflix.
https://youtu.be/Clh5qDQ1-lI#4 - Before We Go
Captain America is a trumpet player/street musician who just might have met the woman of his dreams - the only catch is she's married. You can catch it on HULU, TUBI, and PLUTO.
https://youtu.be/vNzaiGzPoUg#5 - The Hurt Locker
Hawkeye and Falcon star in this movie set during the Iraq War. Super intense and mesmerizing. You have to have Showtime or fubo(?) to stream this one or as always you can rent or buy it at the normal places.
https://youtu.be/AIbFvqFYRT4#6 - Begin Again
I wasn't sure which one to pick for the last movie, but I think everyone should see this movie. Hulk and Pirate get together to make an album. This isn't a Rom-Com although the trailer kinda tries to color it as one. This is just a solid movie with a great cast.
https://youtu.be/uTRCxOE7XzcSee you Wednesday with the next installment of Donn, TX, and next week I hope to have some fun and amazing news about some future projects.
May 26, 2021
House of the Dark One: Donn, TX -1969 Part 6
The next installment in the tales of the Donn, TX Motel focuses on 4 travelers in the year 1969. Part 6 has our 4 travelers separated - the chase is one as the stakes are raised higher than ever. This is a mature series - you've been warned.
***
Jane spun and rushed into the cornrows glancing back one last time at Frank. A sob ripped from her chest as the hooded man slammed his hatchet into the back of Frank's head, splattering the ground with his blood and brains. She forced her attention forward as she stumbled over the uneven ground.
Don't fall or you will end up like Frank. Jane wondered if that would be such a bad thing. Of course, she feared the man wanted more than her blood. She didn't plan on sticking around to find out. Her vision blurred as tears ran freely down her cheeks. She wiped at her face struggling to keep her sight clear enough.
The cornrow ran straight through the field with new rows branching off every five to ten feet. Hopelessness flooded her as the corn seemed never-ending. Jane chanced a glance back, the hooded man walked behind but she thought she was pulling away.
Her ankle buckled, sending her face-first into the packed dirt. The air rushed from her lungs and she crawled on the ground gasping for breath. Squeals of delight came from the hooded man as he made his way closer. Jane rolled on her back, scooting away as her feet pushed against the dirt. Her eyes bulged as he unclasped the first strap of his overalls and reached for the other.
"Just watchin' ya run gets the juices flowin'," he said with a chuckle. "Nothin' makes me harder than when one of y'all think ya might escape."
Her eyes moved down to the noticeable bulge in his overalls. A whimper slipped past her lips as she slowly began to regain her breath. Just in time for him...Jane couldn't finish the thought, her stomach turning to water.
"Don't ya worry none," he said, his voice suddenly husky, "The mask stays on."
As he popped the second clasp a blur sped from the corn stalks and slammed into the man with a scream of rage. Jane scrambled to her feet as the hooded man's overalls tangled with his legs and forced his balance off enough to knock him to the ground. Jane watched open-mouthed as Mary kicked the hooded man in his exposed groin. He squealed this time in pain.
"Move it," she hissed, rushing by Jane and reaching out to grab her hand.
They ran down the cornrow, pausing long enough to glance back to make sure he wasn't following. The hooded man lay on the ground holding his crotch and screaming curses their way. Mary offered a nod and pulled Jane with her as she started to run again.
"There's more than one," she said between gulps of air. "We need to get out of this corn."
They sped up as howls of anger followed them through the stalks. Jane glanced back but the hooded man was still tangled up on the ground. She let out a yelp as Mary suddenly changed direction and pulled her along.
They crashed into the stalks, forcing Jane to slip behind Mary as they pushed through the tighter rows. After a few crossings, they turn back onto a wider row and slowed to a trot. Mary spun in a circle, staring through the corn.
"Maybe we lost him?"
Jane wrapped her arms around Mary and buried her face against her shoulder. Her body shook as she sobbed in relief. Mary held her tight, rubbing her back, and offering soothing noises to calm her down.
"Honey, we need to move," Mary said after a few minutes. "No telling just how far away those things really were."
Jane pulled back with a nod, "Thanks...he was going to..." She didn't finish as she began to tremble. After a moment, she blew out a long breath suddenly realizing they were missing one, "Where's Cindy?"
All Mary could offer was a shake of her head as tears flooded her eyes. She grabbed Jane's hand and started walking. After a few feet she picked up the pace, and Jane moaned. She couldn't remember the last time she ran this much.
***
Mary squeezed Jane's hand tighter, worried she was pulling away. She knew she should slow down, but those monsters were still out there. As she scanned the tops of the cornstalks she spotted a large rectangle. The setting sun blinded her a bit, keeping all but the outline in shadows.
"Jane," she said as she slowed down and shielded her eyes. "Hey, I think that's a sign...like for a motel or restaurant."
Jane could only nod as she struggled to catch her breath. Mary slipped an arm around her and offered a quick hug. The two hurried forward as Jane continued to glance back every few steps. They came to the edge of the field and stopped, hiding in the shadows.
The large rectangle read The Donn Motel. It flickered on and off as if someone couldn't decide if it was dark enough. Mary shuddered as she studied two large crows perched upon the sign. They cried out as their heads turned this way and that giving the appearance they were searching for someone. Searching for us.
"Crows attacked Cindy and me," she whispered to Jane motioning with her head towards the birds.
Jane looked at the sign and then to Mary with wide eyes, "I think we can handle some fucking birds...there's a rapist and murderer searching for us. We need to find a phone...we need help for Cindy and Frank."
Mary bit her bottom lip. There was no help coming that could do anything for Cindy except bury her. The thought blared in her head, but instead, she only nodded and stepped from the field's edge. The crows picked up their cries and began to hop around the sign. The women's steps quickened as they rushed towards the motel's lobby.
As they crossed the road, Mary tensed up, expecting the birds to fly at them at any moment. They continued to cry out but they stayed on the sign, watching the women move closer to the motel. Once they stepped on the parking lot, the crows grew quiet.
"Maybe those are different ones?" Jane offered as they stepped out of the birds' view and moved to the main door.
Mary shrugged, her body tight with fear. They could still attack...still carry one of us to the scarecrow. Cindy's severed head flashed in front of her and she stumbled into Jane who had come to a stop.
"Welcome weary traveler. Your journey nears its end...it fucking better," Jane said as she read the sign in the window out loud. She moved to open the door but found it locked.
"What? No...is it closed down?"
Mary stepped back and studied the building hoping for any signs of life.
"Can I help you ladies?" a voice called out.
They spun around, Jane pushing her sister behind her. Sighs of relief slipped out as they saw the police cruiser. Mary suspected the driver was studying them as they reflected back in his sunglasses.
"Some...people attacked us," Jane said. "My husband and my sister's friend are in the cornfields."
The officer opened his door, stepped from the vehicle, and stood with his hands in his hips, "So two are out there with the scarecrow?"
Jane nodded.
"Hold on," he said stepping by the women to open the door. "Why is it locked? There should be at least a couple more hours before the lockdown."
Mary glanced at Jane before returning her attention back to the officer. What is he talking about? She moved to ask Jane but he spun around and pointed to his vehicle.
"Okay, ladies I need you to show me exactly where this happened so hop in."
He held the back door open, waiting for the two women to slide in.
The officer grabbed the microphone to his radio and held it to his mouth, "Dispatch, this is Officer Garr. I have..." he glanced back at Jane and after a moment she responded.
"Oh...Jane and Mary Lipman."
"Jane and Mary Lipman," he repeated before continuing. "We have a 10-91. Can you have the Sheriff head out to the Donn Motel?"
The radio squawked and Officer Garr put the car in drive and pulled onto the road. As they drove away, Mary turned to look at the motel. If he was having the Sheriff come here, why were they leaving? Jane pulled Mary close, wrapping her arms around her.
Leaning closer, Jane brushed her lips against her sister's ear, "I'm not sure this guy is on the up and up. You see a chance, you run. Find help, but most importantly...get away from here."
Mary glanced at her, eyes wide and shiny with tears. Jane made a shushing noise, warning her sister to stay quiet. The car picked up speed as they rushed down the road. Officer Garr stayed quiet, glancing at his mirrors every few moments. What is he looking for?
© 2021 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved
May 24, 2021
Monday mumbling and help for all you writers out there.
Naked Cat Press is branching out but doing so eats up a lot of writing time. I have big news on the horizon and because I'm not ready to share just yet, I don't have much for today's post - a suggestion and help for all you writers out there.
So Marvel's M.O.D.O.K. is finally here. One of Marvel's most bizarre and underrated villains now has a show that focuses not only on his war with the superhero community but his struggle with day-to-day family life. I haven't watched it yet but have high hopes. I love the stop motion format, the comedy aspect of the show, and Wonder Man - an Avenger that doesn't get enough love. Fingers crossed...
https://youtu.be/oSEWdhHBlYU
Horror writer Candace Nola is offering help for writers looking to get their book published. In her new series, So, I wrote a book, now what?, Candace will help fill in all the massive gaps and pitfalls that the indie writer will face in their publishing goals. For the cost of a cup of coffee a month, or a discounted yearly rate, you will be able to access her checklist and all the articles that take you step by step through the process.
Candace gave me a breakdown earlier and it sounds like it will pay for itself rather quickly.
"I’ll be going down the checklist and detailing various websites, tools, resources, some of my experiences and successes. Highlighting some good cover artists. Editors."
You can check out the first 2 posts for free. Head over and get ready to learn some tricks of the trade and what it takes to get published the right way.
Check out Wednesday's post with the next installment of Donn, TX 1969...
May 19, 2021
House of the Dark One: Donn, TX -1969 Part 5
The next installment in the tales of the Donn, TX Motel focuses on 4 travelers in the year 1969. Part 5 has our 4 travelers separated - Mary is chasing after Cindy as the crows take her away. This is a mature series - you've been warned.
[image error]***
Cindy slammed into the hard ground knocking the breath from her lungs. Her shoulders ached from the gouges left by the crows' talons. Blood soaked into her shirt causing it to stick to her skin. She struggled to rise but something slammed into her back, driving her to the ground. One of the crow's eyes came into her peripheral vision. It studied her a moment before driving its beak into her shoulder.
Cindy cried out weakly before slumping into the dirt. Her body shook with silent sobs as she continued to fight for breath. The crow pulled back, its beak shiny with her blood. It released a cry and sprang into the sky. She rolled to her back, grateful for the shade that protected her from the setting sun.
The crow circled above, moving so lazily it seemed more a dream to Cindy. She followed its path until it flew out of her view. It issued another cry, pulling her attention behind her to the scarecrow suspended in the air on a thin platform. Its shiny black eyes seemed to be watching her lay on the ground.
Cindy struggled to her knees, her eyes locked on the stuffed man. The scarecrow wore all black with a tight burlap sack acting as its face. Someone had stitched a wide mouth in a crooked grin that gave those black eyes a sense of mischief that left Cindy unsettled.
The crow landed on the scarecrow's shoulder. It studied her a moment, before hopping closer to the head, smearing its beak against the stitched lips of the scarecrow. The stalks of corn began to sway as a strong wind blew through the cornfield. Cindy stared at the scarecrow, unable to break eye contact with the shiny black circles.
As the wind died down, Cindy realized she could hear laughter. It was soft, a weak raspy noise, but it was building in strength as it went on. She glanced around searching for the source. As the laughter grew louder, her eyes moved back to the scarecrow. That's not possible...is it? The laughter stopped abruptly leaving Cindy in absolute silence.
"Anything is possible with enough blood," the scarecrow said, its voice as dry as the earlier laughter.
Cindy began to scream as the scarecrow dropped from its perch.
***
Mary crept through the corn. There was laughter in the wind and it filled her with dread. She shuddered at the thought of blindly running into someone out there. Just find Cindy and make it back to the road.
She scanned the tops of the corn, looking for any movement. Her eyes fell upon the upper body of a scarecrow. A chill rushed through her, as she pulled up. It was looking directly at her. Don't be silly. But she was unable to pull her eyes away from the shiny black circles staring in her direction. The wind picked up, swaying the corn back and forth, while the laughter returned gaining in volume causing the hairs on Mary's neck to rise.
She glanced back, needing the confirmation no one was there. Releasing the breath she didn't realize she was holding, she returned her attention to the scarecrow. It was looking straight ahead, studying something on the ground.
A huge crow appeared from the corn, circling over the scarecrow before landing on its arm. Mary wondered if it might be one of the birds who took Cindy. Definitely big enough. She started moving forward, scanning the ground for any holes.
A scream pulled her attention from the ground in time to see the scarecrow disappear into the stalks. What's going on? As the laughter began again, she picked up her pace until another scream had her running. Her ankle buckled as her foot landed on a dirt clod forcing her to stumble forward into a clearing.
Mary regained her balance, skidding to a stop. A gasp slipped out as the scarecrow glanced back before returning its attention back to Cindy. She knelt before the being, her arms outstretched with tears streaming down her face. The scarecrow raised its arm high, a sickle clutched in its gloved hand.
"NO," Mary cried as the sickle slashed down catching Cindy on the side of her neck and slicing through with a spray of blood.
Cindy teetered a moment, her gaze shifting from the scarecrow to Mary before her head rolled from her shoulders to the dusty ground below as her body fell backward with a gush of blood. A wordless howl tore from Mary as she stepped toward her friend. The scarecrow bent over to grasp Cindy's head by her hair and turned to hold it up for Mary to see.
"Such a bountiful harvest," it said in a raspy voice as it lifted Cindy's head above its own letting her blood drip onto its burlap face.
Bile rose in Mary's throat before she spewed vomit on the ground. She gave one last look at her friend's body in the dirt before rushing back into the corn. She pushed herself harder as the dry raspy laughter followed her through the stalks.
© 2021 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved
May 17, 2021
Repeat of last Monday Musings - More Movies from HULU
* So it looks like the new post emails haven't been going out. I'm testing it with a repeat of last Monday's post as these are movies I think you should be checking out.
With a new month comes more movies added to an already impressive collection of films on HULU(and many times also on Prime). I wanted to showcase a few more just in case you missed them originally or didn't know they finally are a platform to stream.
First up is one of my favorite movies, A Perfect Getaway. If you don't know, I'm a big fan of Timothy Olyphant, so already I'm interested but then they add in Steve Zahn, Milla Jovovich, and Chris Helmsworth and I would watch this sight unseen. I watch this movie all the time on Blu-Ray and was happy to see it pop up on one of my favorite streaming sites. If you like thrillers, this movie should check all the boxes.
https://youtu.be/FYw_OUresioNext up is a movie I haven't seen yet. It came out during the pandemic shut down. Shadow in the Cloud stars Chloe Grace Moretz and I'm a fan so I'm willing to give it a chance.
https://youtu.be/d041Wa7LJfsNext up is Lucky Number Slevin - Outstanding cast and directed/written in a mimic of a Guy Richie gangster movie. If you like 3 Card Monty, you just might enjoy this film.
https://youtu.be/mGQmSCQrKKQ
If you haven't seen it and don't have a hard-line stance on Polanski, The Ninth Gate is a mesmerizing slow burn of a horror film. Johnny Depp is terrific in this role that doesn't require him to carry the whole movie by being weird or colorful.
https://youtu.be/IKc1n-nIIx0If you haven't seen The Dead Zone from 1983, you really should. Walken is fantastic as the psychic.
https://youtu.be/P5zc6ZLNCekYou also need to watch him spoof himself in SNL - back when it was funny.
https://youtu.be/h-xz0z1gU1MAll three of my books are available for the Kindle and paperback on Amazon and the Nook at B&N. They are being difficult on the paperback, but don't let that stop you from checking any of them out.
