Eric Butler's Blog, page 24

Expanding the Naked Cat Universe

Plans are in the works to expand all my titles to Barnes and Noble. I had a big write up but 5 of the 6 options are still behind closed doors as B&N does its thing. So instead I'm going to let you know for sure you can get ,The Shadow Within on the Nook.

The Pope Lick Massacre is building up some steam. If you like stories involving Half-man/Half-goat ax-wielding maniacs...this might be the book for you.

The last three reviews have been fantastic and show the excitement that makes me proud as the author.

The Sins of the Past is my less extreme novel but still filled with creepy crawlers and supernatural horror to make you question the things that go bump in the night.

The last few reviews have been short but sweet.

A quick reminder this Wednesday will include the conclusion of the first story of Donn, TX. The plan is to share a series of shorter works on here that kind of give the reader an idea of what might be going on and introduce you to some of the characters that will make future appearances.

Once there are enough, they will be packaged into a collection for people to get, and then a series of novels/novellas that showcase the area/characters will be introduced. In a perfect world, there will be longer work out around the same time as the collection but we will just have to wait and see.

I can't lie...my process can be described only as "by the seat of my pants". With these stories, I will hopefully work out the kinks while pushing the narrative forward. Hopefully, this will be a fun look into the process of story-telling without bogging down too much. However, the moment I feel like it's not working or is boring everyone to death...I will pull the plug.

I'm in the middle of seasons right now so I don't have any new suggestions but I did notice one of my favorite movies is back on HULU. Identity has a stellar cast and is a fun mix of tension and mystery. Cusack is great in this one...

https://youtu.be/TQkG2x3qTf4

Donn, TX: House of the Dark One

Okay, so this is going to be a work in progress. I have a rough idea where I want this story to go, but as this first attempt will attest - stories have a life of their own. I planned on this being a short 500-word story; kind of an introduction to this world I'm building. Instead, I'm still writing and I'm not sure if the end to this part is close to done. So I am going to share the first 1000 words or so today and from there?...We will have to see.

I envision this as a series of shorter works collected in several volumes. You will read some here as I work on the feel and vibe I'm searching for before switching over to eBook and paperback editions.

As I said before, this is more in line with my first 2 books and will contain mature content. Does that mean every post will be mature? No, but I'm not looking to edit some parts to match it up to the less gruesome parts. Skip it if you are easily offended...

Somewhere in Texas, 1952...

"Jerry, pull over," Debbie said with a groan.

"Not again," he growled but came to a stop on the side of the road.

She fumbled with the handle as her stomach clenched. Sweat ran down her face, stinging her eyes. Debbie tumbled out as the door swung open. She crawled away from the car, the sand hot to the touch until she made it to the dying grass. Her stomach heaved as her fingers clenched at the ground.

The dry wind blew the stench back towards her forcing her stomach to heave once again. A sense of relief washed over her as nothing else came up. Jerry's hand rested on her shoulder. She patted it, thankful he was with her.

"Okay?"

She nodded; suddenly afraid speaking may cause another wave. His hands slipped under her arms, lifting her to her feet and holding on until she offered another nod. He stepped to the passenger door of the car. He returned to her with an open bottle. Debbie grabbed it, filling her mouth with the warm liquid before swishing it around and spitting it out.

"Thanks," she murmured, her stomach settling down.

"Maybe we should stop now," he suggested, pointing to the top of the rise. "I see a motel sign. We could get some sleep and hopefully, you'll feel better."

Debbie bit her bottom lip. She was anxious to get to her mother but the doctor did say she had a few weeks left. She glanced at Jerry and sighed. His worry was plain. Reaching to place her hand on his cheek, she offered him a grateful smile.

"Okay, honey," she said. "Some stationary rest might just do the trick."

He led her to the car and helped her in before hurrying to his side and pulling back on the lonely road.

***

"So do you think it's open?" Jerry asked as they pulled into the parking lot.

The motel was a simple one-story structure. He counted nine doors, but he was pretty sure only six or seven led to actual rooms. Only need one. He tapped the steering wheel, studying for any signs of life.

"Oh God," Debbie mumbled, her left hand coming up to cover her lips as her right gripped the handle.

Jerry sighed as his wife scrambled from the car and began vomiting again. Last time I agree to stop at just any roadside diner. He slid out and started around the car. Debbie held up her arm, waving him off.

"Okay... I'll go check if anyone is here," he called out as he hurried to the first door.

Jerry paused, his hand holding the doorknob. He stared at the sign in the small window to the side. The sign itself was dark black but it was the words that held his attention. Welcome weary traveler. Your journey nears its end. He studied the red letters a moment before shaking his head. God, I wish. They'd only been on the road a day, and he expected after this break, it would be another day before they arrived at Debbie's mother's house. That's when the fun really begins.

Jerry turned the knob and entered.

***

Debbie leaned against the car. The sun beat down on her, but she welcomed the distraction. At some point, she assumed her stomach would simply run out of contents. Hope it's soon. She studied the door Jerry left open, but couldn't make out anything past the frame. Debbie crossed her fingers. Please have clean sheets and running water. A cold shower was just what she needed.

A loud caw grabbed her attention and she glanced around. Three of the largest crows she'd ever seen stood on the arm of a scarecrow across the street. Debbie stood straight, shielding her eyes to see clearer. The crows hopped around the scarecrow, moving from arm to arm, occasionally resting on its head. They turned to stare at her, offering more cries as if calling her over.

The scarecrow stood on a pole that towered a few feet over the cornstalks that filled the field across the way. It wore all black, bits of graying hay sticking out at the collar and waist. A burlap sack covered the place its head would be, shiny black eyes sparkled in the sunlight. Are those onyx?

Debbie shuffled towards the road, pausing long enough to check both ways before continuing to the other side. The crows grew agitated, hopping up and down and crying at her approach. She paused, hesitant to leave the safety of the road. She stood on the shoulder and shielded her eyes once again.

The crows settled down, returning her stare. A chill ran through Debbie causing her to shiver. The largest crow jumped into the air, spread its wings, and floated to the ground. It landed in front of her and clawed at the ground. Dry laughter floated on the wind. Debbie's head snapped up, searching through the corn to find the owner. Her eyes fell on the scarecrow and froze.

Its head was turned, both dark eyes locked on her face. A wicked smile decorated the burlap skin as the laughter grew in volume. A sharp jab of pain tore through her leg, and she looked down with a gasp. Blood glistened on the crow's beak as it moved to peck at her once again. Her foot slammed out, connecting with the bird and sending black feathers into the air.

Debbie spun to run back to the car when an eighteen-wheeler rushed past, its horn blaring a warning. She stumbled back, losing her balance and tumbling to the hard-packed soil. Blinking against the dying sunlight, Debbie struggled to raise her hands as a shadow passed above her. The laughter began anew as the crow landed on her chest with a caw. A sob slipped from her lips as her blood dripped from the beast's beak.

...end of part 1

© 2021 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved

Why doesn't Warner Bros. take a page from their TV shows?

But first I want to update you on my post from Wednesday. There are still going to be weekly stories, but the idea of incorporating those stories with others to make a flowing story-line between each group has evolved. I'm still working out the bumps but I am for sure going to share the process with everyone who wants to check it out.

However, since this is just out there, I have to be careful giving too much away. Someone a bit faster may take an idea and run with it before I have enough down. So I'm going to play it by ear each week to see just how much info will make it out.

The first story and info dump this Wednesday...

So, it's simple...whoever is messing things up for the DC Movie Universe - STOP! Just appoint someone to be in charge of the broad picture and then that person picks who gets to do what.

The people who do the TV and animated movies know what's what as they are consistently entertaining if not always good. Batwoman anyone?

So imagine my surprised delight when I get HBOmax for The Snyder Cut and find an ocean of other DC material. The original Justice League Animated series, the Batman Animated series from the 90s, Young Justice - one of the best takes on Teen Titans, and a number of the Batman animated films from the last decade.

The Animated Harley Quinn is everything they wanted the live-action movie to be but failed to deliver. It's filled with cursing, colorful characters, witty and hilarious writing, incredible and over-the-top violence, did I mention cursing, and a story-line that delivers growth and character development. Now season 2 may suck, I'll let you know when I check it out.

Worth watching for Clayface, Doctor Psycho, and Kiteman alone.

The other example of WB's television people getting it right is Titans. With 2 seasons out and a 3rd coming - delayed because of COVID of course. They have another well-thought-out and developed superhero story just crushing.

Side Note - I've only watched Season 1 and Episode 1 of Season 2 but so far so good.

I'd be surprised if anyone didn't know the Titans is a reference to Teen Titans - either the amazing comic from the 80s or the fun and entertaining Teen Titans Go! franchise on Cartoon Network.

The only character missing from the lineup is Cyborg of course since DC saw fit in the most recent comic reboots to move him to the big leagues - He's Justice League or bust, baby!

This still leaves us with a very impressive lineup and the showrunners with the ability to pluck lesser-known characters from different books and sprinkle them in. The main team is Dick Grayson's Robin(leaving it open for Nightwing), Starfire, Raven, and Changling-i.e. Beast Boy.

The Teen Titans have a solid run of comics to pull from and the creators get it right focusing on Raven and her heritage. Each hero starts alone or at the very least lonely, and soon we have a loose team of crime fighters looking to come together. Raven's father is a demon from another dimension looking to come to Earth to enslave it. He then would move to another, and so on until the whole universe is his. Raven is the key to his success.

Unlike the other DC shows, which I've enjoyed on and off over the years, Titans pull no punches. The show is violent, full of cursing, and adult situations. Add in cameos by Hawk and Dove, Wonder Girl, and Jason Todd's Robin, and you have a season filled with fun Easter eggs and strong storytelling. There is also a crossover with Doom Patrol to give superhero fans a taste of the crazy characters making up that Vertigo classic.

My only issue was how season 1 ended...but you won't have to deal with this as both seasons are up on HBO. Episode 1 of season 2 is the climax of season 1...makes no sense to split it as they did.

I've enjoyed geeking out and pointing out all the little hidden gems and making predictions of what will happen next or who will become what character. Season 2 looks to include a lot of story from the 2000 Johns' run so I'm expecting Aqualad and Conner to be showing up!

Don't forget to check out my books on Amazon. I'm looking to expand to Barnes and Nobles so hopefully, I'll have a big announcement about that soon.

A new project and can I interest you in a heaping serving of Berserk?

After finishing the last Ephraim Godwin serial I wasn't sure what direction I wanted to take the Wednesday serial. I thought about going with individual stories to highlight each week but honestly, that seems like an impossible feat. Especially since while working on that I would also be attempting to finish the Ephraim Godwin sequel as well as 1-2 extreme horror novels I've been outlining.

I've set the goals for 2021 high, in the hopes that if I can't get it all done whatever does get finished will still be pretty cool. Fingers crossed.

So back to the Wednesday plan...one of the books I'm working on is a collection of stories that loosely tie together. Starting next week I will be sharing one story a week for 4-6 weeks, depending on the story count. After I have the final count ready, I will incorporate the stories from here into the book. If you enjoy the tales you read over the next month or so, you can get them and others in the book. If not, know that it's not going to last forever.

Once I'm a bit farther along, I'll share more about the whole lineup and what the book itself is all about. I think it's a fun idea, and I'm excited to share this with y'all. Oh, and FYI it will be in the vein of The Shadow Within and The Pope Lick Massacre - Extreme horror 18+. I'll tag the stories with the same warning to remind you.

I was searching through HBOmax some more and discovered what I hope is a home run series.

I was first introduced to the character Guts and the world of Berserk when I came across an ad for the first movie of the Golden Age trilogy in 2012. It was billed as an animated sword and sorcery movie similar to Lord of the Rings. This of course was a complete and total undersell of one of Japan's most extreme horror mangas.

https://youtu.be/ZXjaTICqRf8

You can watch all 3 movies on Netflix

After watching the first movie I was blown away by the scope of story and art that inspired the film series and started checking out the books by Kentaro Miura. I also dug around and found there was a series of episodes that came out years before and were available on DVD if you were lucky enough to find them.

I'm not sure if these are streaming anywhere but if I find out, I will let you know. It's the same as the 3 movies but with more depth and a bit more of the original story from the manga.

So that leads us to HBOmax...they have the newest series available to stream. I have yet to watch it because truth be told, I am cheap. I've heard mixed reviews on the newest Berserk animation and wasn't ready to plop down my hard-earned cash in hopes that it stood up to the previous material.

https://youtu.be/QcT9N-0xDEg

I'm excited about this version since it takes place after the movies, and takes us down the road the manga version follows. I'm excited to see these characters come to life on the flat screen. I'll start watching when time permits and update if it's worth the watch. Although I'm telling you now if you are a fan of extreme horror you should be watching the movies on Netflix.

FYI - I just turned in the final edits to my story The Ride for April's Black Hare 500-Fiction Anthology about stalkers. I'll provide links and more info when we get closer to the release.

Solar Opposites is back and HBOMax

If you like Rick and Morty or Futurama, I think you'll find Solar Opposites not only funny but entertaining. Throughout season 1 they had a secondary storyline that was surreal and worthy of its own show. Hopefully, they continue that with season 2.

https://youtu.be/UN7OH4d3CEw

You may remember I got HBOMax so I could watch the amazing Snyder Justice League. I've been looking into the DC shows, more on those at a later date, but mostly I've been disappointed with the choice of movies. It might be that every major franchise they are offering, I already have, or maybe it's because nothing is coming out because of COVID. Either way, most of isn't worth much. That said here are a few to chase down to watch on HBO...

First up is The Comebacks. It's brainless over the top raunchy comedy, but if you are a fan of the sports movie genre, you will find a lot of laughs here.

https://youtu.be/SPquANwCfJg

Not sure how honest to his life the movie Tolkien really is but I found it to be a well-made character study. The cast is superb and gives you a glimpse into the WW1 time period. If you want to watch this one, you need to hurry. It leaves HBO on 3/31.

https://youtu.be/wZ1vn85iQRE

One of my favorite movies is Diggstown. It's a great boxing movie, con-man movie, and study on life in a small town. James Wood, Louis Gossett Jr, Bruce Dern, Oliver Platt, Heather Graham, and a young Jim Caviezel. I'm a sucker for under-the-radar movies, and this was just that in 1992.

https://youtu.be/QUSoEh_-src

My last suggestion may fall into the under-the-radar movie because it came just as the lockdown began, but The Way Back is a powerful movie with one of Ben Affleck's best performances. While they hammer the main idea with the trailers, I was taken aback by the backstory as it hits close to home for me. It's one of those movies I love while it's ripping my heart out...

https://youtu.be/VzNJVSsjE-I

Awesome post from within the Books of Horror Facebook group from a big fan of the genre. Really cool to see people's reactions to my little Goat-man horror novel.

Get a copy here...

I'm in an anthology and other stuff

Black Hare Press has a series of anthologies that limit each story to a theme and a 500-word limit. This month's release is Avenge - Dark Superhero/Supervillain tales.

If you’ve only ever exposed to mainstream superheroes and supervillains, or this is your first foray into fantasy cape-wearers, you’re bound to love these authors’ takes on the genre—adventure, horror, and wonder fiction in five hundred words.

You can read my story and many more on Kindle for $3.99 or on Kindle Unlimited. Click here to check it out.

So I had to get HBO for at least a month to watch Justice League. I'm not impressed with the movie selection but I've stumbled across some gems...

The best Harley Quinn is the animated show HBO is putting out. Capturing all the fun of the comic and ramping it up to 11, this is a who's who of comic book villain greatness. NSFW in any way, even the trailer is full of over-the-top violence and f-bombs.

https://youtu.be/mT7A5-oxR3o

I'm 6 episodes in and loving it. I'll be shocked if it's not a top 5 show for me by the time I catch up.

This show I watched on Demand but Directv pulled it before I finished so I was excited to see HBOMax has all the episodes of Tacoma FD. From 2 of the guys from Broken Lizard, the brains behind Super Troopers, this show tackles the ins and outs of being a Firefighter. And since it's on HBO, they've got all the uncensored footage you didn't get if you watched it on TRUtv.

https://youtu.be/jpQRFLUF0bY

Finally a show I probably could have watched on Demand at any time if I remembered it existed, Final Space. An animated space comedy epic that looks interesting enough to try. It has 3 seasons so it shouldn't be terrible. I'll let you know once I get a little bit deeper into it.

https://youtu.be/4EHbt_kSkG8

The reviews are coming in and people are digging The Sins of the Past. Click here to get to my Amazon Author Page to see all my anthologies and novels. Also if you have read any of these and wanted to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads, they really help. You can us the above link for Amazon. Click here for Goodreads.

If Warner Brothers would just get out of the way...

We can only hope that Warner Brothers executives come to their senses and get out of the way. Blows my mind how much that Snyder shot was just thrown away and that everyone who had a say was okay with what Whedon came up with.

Full disclosure, I am the most forgiving moviegoer. Making a movie isn't easy...making a movie with multiple big wigs constantly giving their 2-cents is darn near impossible. So when Justice League came out, it was exciting enough to see these characters on the big screen. The movie as a whole was pretty blah, but I found little gems that made the movie special for me. I grew up in the 80s. I never imagined seeing these characters presented in such a way. More importantly, this was going to be a springboard and we would get better, more well-rounded, stories with these characters. Little did I know, the better story was left on the cutting room floor.

I knew from the Batman V Superman extended cut, that what was released for theaters was nowhere near complete. So I expected it with Justice League, little did I know Whedon and company would massacre the film the way they did. I don't watch previews for films I know I want to see. Nothing annoys me more than a movie trailer showing a hidden nugget, or spoiling a grand reveal. I haven't seen more than 5 seconds of the Godzilla v King Kong trailer for instance. I don't read reviews or actively search for information about a movie beforehand. So if you are like me...from this point forward, there may be spoilers so please don't read if you don't want to know...

https://youtu.be/0QmSF7WUyN0

As we get started I have to admit I love the darker universe Snyder decided to showcase. It's the direction the comics have been going for a while now, and it better mirrors the world today - a world filled with mistrust, anger, and hate; a world searching for heroes to step up.

After providing the world with a savior, a super-being capable of providing the world with hope and potentially peace, Superman makes the ultimate sacrifice and gives his life to save the world. It was one of many Christ comparisons Snyder ramrodded home during the first 2 Superman films and it was the final act to prove to Bruce Wayne he was wrong about the alien. This theme of sacrifice and redemption makes it way back into the Justice League extended cut, with more than one heavy-handed visual representation.

And yet this portrayal of Superman is important to the character of Batman. The Batman we meet in Batman V Superman is not the same Batman we get to follow in Justice League.

I was listening to a football podcast that went on a rant against Affleck's Batman saying he didn't understand the character and the importance of the loss of his parents shaping the character's purpose and very nature. To that I say, this person doesn't understand the Batman he's watching in Snyder's universe. This isn't newly formed Batman, with a mission and a set of rock-solid beliefs. Affleck's Batman is the Dark Knight. The man who's suffered tragedy after tragedy and has watched his beloved Gotham sink further into the darkness.

This is a Batman who knows nothing but despair; a Batman going through the motions because he knows just how bad things will get if he stops. This is what brought Clark's attention to him in Batman V Superman, he saw the brutal, inhuman way Bruce was beginning to deal with the villains of Gotham. Yet at the end, as he battled next to Superman and Diana, we begin to see something ignite in Bruce. Something he hadn't experienced in a long time, hope. Even after Superman dies, he still has it.

It's with this little bit of hope, and a warning that something terrible is coming that Bruce begins to do the improbable. He searches for other super beings to unite. The ultimate loner becomes the recruiter. Here Snyder does the thing Whedon just glosses over or gets flat wrong. He shows us why we should root for these heroes, better yet, why we should care about these people.

Snyder gets something Whedon didn't have when putting together his Justice League. He gets an audience who's seen the Aquaman and 2 Wonder Woman movies. Because of this, he can reinforce the characters' situations and opinions in joining the League but not need to go all in on their motives. He does this way better for Aquaman than Whedon did. Most of Wonder Woman's scenes are the same, just edited in a way to tell a better story.

What Snyder excels at is showing us the characters of Cyborg and Flash, warts and all. You really get into both characters' minds and see what is making them tick. This is so important as they begin with the group and grow into the heroes Batman believes they can be. Side note - The best thing Snyder did for Flash was getting rid of the stupid pep talk where Flash needs it explained why and how to be a hero. Snyder shows us early on, that Barry Allen knows exactly how to be a hero.

He also gives weight to Cyborg's family situation and the changes he's experiencing after being introduced to the mother box. Throughout the movie, we aren't being told just how useless everyone is since they aren't Superman. Instead, we are being shown just how important they are since the world lost Superman. Batman knows this, he knows it will take a team of super-powered individuals to make up for the loss of the Kryptonian.

The other aspect of Snyder's cut that is important is the villain. Steppenwolf is no longer a one-dimensional unstoppable force. There's depth given to the character, depth and a sense of loss almost as strong as Bruce's. Better yet, Snyder doesn't just throw a five-minute montage at us to try and show us how desperate the situation is now that he's on the planet. Instead, he allows for the story to naturally unfold, showing us not only how powerful Steppenwolf is but how powerful the man he serves is.

You get a real sense of the danger the Earth is in with both Diana's retelling of the story of the 3 boxes and the way Darkseid reacts to the news of the antimatter being on Earth. It also hammers home just how important Superman is to the Earth's protection.

Another thing handled 100 times better is the idea of resurrecting Superman. In Whedon's version, it's there the whole time as Batman's idea. An idea so irredeemable that it almost breaks the team before they can do any good.

That take makes no sense in this version. Batman brings the team together because he knows something is coming and there is no Superman to turn to. It isn't until later while they discuss the properties of the box that they all come to the same conclusion...they might be able to bring back Superman. There is no gnashing of teeth or push back since they all understand what he represents...hope. They know that providing hope to the world is as important as providing protection.

Now the rebirth scene goes about the same, and that's fine. You would expect that reaction from a dead man. It drives home the fact Superman is more powerful than everyone. Although it can be argued that Bruce wasn't going to fight him, so they weren't particularly ready to take him on. This also allowed for Snyder to remind the audience that when Superman isn't bound by the lessons of his human parents, the emotional attachments he's formed on Earth...well he's borderline brutal.

Now to the final point. With everything Snyder did to get us to the final hour, he made the battle at the end have weight. The audience understands how important and borderline insane it is for these heroes to push forward without Superman's help. We have spent all this time being told that the only reason the Earth is under attack is there is no one powerful enough left to help. Yet here stands 5 individuals who are willing to take on overwhelming odds to save the planet.

So in the final battle what stands out...

They make a plan, and let us in on it. We have a clear picture of what each hero needs to do for it to work. Every hero has a purpose. Whedon's version of Flash pushing the truck of people out of harm's way feels even more ridiculous after watching just how important Barry Allen is to the plan...and the team as a whole. We see just how much Batman cares. That podcast guy was also mocking Batman's powers - recalling a line Bruce says himself when asked what his powers were, "I have money." And yet we see that really what Bruce has for a superpower is his willingness to do whatever has to be done to protect the people of Earth. He is willing to sacrifice himself to make the plan work because he knows that the beings with power have a greater chance at stopping Steppenwolf's plan. Snyder reinforces the idea that although Bruce Wayne is just a man, he is the right man to gather and lead the super-powered folk. We may not know just how powerful Superman truly is as he is obviously holding himself back most of the time.

The movie ends with some feel-good moments and promises of more to come. I think the Deathstroke/Lex Luther interaction is a great setup for a Ben Affleck Return to the Cowl. Fingers crossed it happens.

And more importantly, the movie gives us a taste of what might happen if Superman does turn to the dark side - so to speak. It's worth it for the Jared Leto Joker interaction with Batman alone.

My last thought on the futuristic storyline that shows Superman as a villain...

We are told a few times that Lois Lane is the key. By the end we, the audience, understand it is the key to keeping Superman on the side of the angels. I think this is important because it shows us just how human Superman is. While many - including Lex Luthor - see him as a God or a savior or a threat to our way of life...he is, at the heart of it, just a man. As a fan of the Injustice game/comic, I like to think of a world where even the best of us can stumble off the chosen path. I know not everyone agrees and that's what makes this so fun.

Well hopefully this didn't come off as the mad ramblings of an Arkham patient. I didn't take notes or even order my thoughts, but I wanted to get something down for tomorrow. I'll have more on my books and stories Wednesday.

Shadow, Sins, a Goatman, and Saint Patrick

Happy Saint Patrick's Day. I'm still working on a serial idea so instead, I'm going to share 2 stories of my younger days that deal with the holiday. Then I'll provide links to my books because what goes better with green beer than horror novels?

For those who don't know, I majored in history at the University of Texas in Arlington during the 90s. To do so, you have to take a course on writing a full research paper. It taught you all the ins and outs needed to write a successful paper, footnotes, and all. It's boring and I only remember 2 things about the class. One was a Dallas Cowboy fan who daily ranted about Troy Aikman (the Cowboy's Quarterback) being gay, and the other was not all research could be done in the University's library.

Now while I realize this sounds like I'm rambling and nowhere near the subject of Saint Patrick, don't worry I'm not about to dive into the Skip Bayless theories of Aikman's sexuality. It's my 2nd point that ties in and the true power of laziness.

You see I selected the birth of Scotland Yard as the subject for my 25-page paper. I was excited, the teacher was excited, and Scotland Yard was excited...maybe...possibly...not really but they didn't decide the final grade so it didn't matter. Now for you whipper-snappers out there, this was before people used the internet for anything. You had to go to the library and look everything up on microfilm or in books. So I walked to the library and after looking for the books I would need, ran into a wall.

For you see, UTA kept all the books and files on Law Enforcement in another building. A building that I had no idea existed, let alone where to find it. So I weighed my options and decided to ask for directions involved contact with too many people and was a bit of a hassle. Instead, to my teacher's disappointment, I switch the topic of my paper to Saint Patrick and the pursuit of the Church to convert Ireland. I can only guess that Saint Patrick's Day was close to the topic selection deadline. For those curious, I got a B(points taken off for a format issue) and have no idea what I wrote or how I was able to get to 25 pages...

The other event that revolves around Saint Patrick's Day involves my wife. It was our first official date. I took her to an NBA game, Celtics vs Mavericks. I spent the whole game telling her what was going on since she wasn't a fan. At the end, she told me she appreciated it since the last time she went to a game on a date, the guy shushed her when she asked questions. Who does that? After that, we went to Bennigan's for their celebration since my sister worked there and they were an "Irish" restaurant.

9 months later, she accepted my proposal, and my only request was we get married on the 17th. Television and movies had pounded into my head that I was destined to forget our anniversary so I figured this way I'd at least never forget the date...

For your Saint Patrick's Day enjoyment...

https://youtu.be/OCbuRA_D3KU

The Sins of the Past is Victorian supernatural horror. It has action, adventure, mystery, bad guys, fun characters, and tentacle monsters...find it here.

The Shadow Within is a story about a terrible spirit, trapped but looking for a way to escape. It finds it in a young boy, who grows up to be a terrible man. It's also about a woman, who thinks she might be in love with the "one". To find out she braves a trip to the country with his teenage children. As this family is trying to feel each other out, they run into the terrible man. This is my Richard Laymon homage - lots of sex and violence. Find a copy here.

The Pope Lick Massacre is about a young woman forced to give up everything to help with her family. One day her little brother disappears on a camping trip. She races out with a group of friends to try and find him and his troop. Little does she know they were found by the Goat-man of Kentucky. Find a copy here.

A The Pope Lick Massacre Review

A The Shadow Within review

Indecision Island...what to do?

If you are a fan of Resident Alien, Rick and Morty, or both then you need to check out Solar Opposites on Hulu. Season 1 is waiting for your eyeballs with season 2 coming out this March 26th.

A team of four aliens escape their exploding home world only to crash land into a move-in ready home in suburban America. They are evenly split on whether Earth is awful or awesome. Korvo (Justin Roiland) and Yumyulack (Sean Giambrone) only see the pollution, crass consumerism, and human frailty while Terry (Thomas Middleditch) and Jesse (Mary Mack) love humans and all their TV, junk food and fun stuff. Their mission: protect the Pupa, a living super computer that will one day evolve into its true form, consume them and terraform the Earth.

https://youtu.be/UN7OH4d3CEw

If you like slick-looking thrillers, then head over to Amazon Prime and watch Grand Piano. It stars Elijah Wood and John Cusack with a surprising appearance by Alex Winter. Is it the best thing ever? Well, no. I had the movie figured out in about 5 minutes but the back and forth between the 2 main actors was well done, and the director has a sharp eye for visuals. From the reviews people left, it's one you will either love or hate.

https://youtu.be/nEoM7bM7KVw

Afterward, you can slide over to Cooties, also on Prime, and watch Woods as a teacher who must battle infected children. This is a fun take on the zombie theme.

https://youtu.be/G_he1HiLy0A

I've been enjoying Ioan Gruffudd in Harrow over on Hulu and I wanted to point out a great 1 season show that was on ABC a few years ago, Forever. Using the CW app or going to the CW website, you can find it on the CWseed.

Doctor Henry Morgan, New York City’s star medical examiner, has a secret. He doesn't just study the dead to solve criminal cases, he does it to solve the mystery that has eluded him for 200 years—the answer to his own inexplicable immortality. This long life has given Henry remarkable observation skills which impresses his new partner, Detective Jo Martinez. Each week, a new case and their budding friendship will reveal layers of Henry’s long and colorful past. Only his best friend and confidant, Abe knows Henry’s secret.

Best part is they must have decided to pull the plug early enough or only have 1 season because you get a complete story here. If you liked Bones, Law and Order, or any of these types of shows I recommend this one.

https://youtu.be/-JmVnyJ16d4

While you are on the CW you can also check out the newest animated movie they have on Slade Wilson, aka Deathstroke, in Deathstroke: Knights and Dragons. They have the complete movie in 2 episodes on CW the seed. You can also watch it on HBOmax.

https://youtu.be/MsdVLe2xi9g

If you like Richard Laymon type horror, check out The Shadow Within:

A relentless evil possessing an already depraved man... gruesome and perverse acts of brutality... Will anyone survive?

Centuries ago the natives captured and imprisoned a life force of pure evil and unending hunger. Thirteen years ago an eight-year-old boy woke the darkness. It grows in strength every day and now the boy is a man. A man skilled in terror and violence, the very things the darkness needs to finally break free.

Jill, a city girl at heart, was surprised when the car came to a stop. Jack wasn't kidding when he said they were going to the boonies. A family vacation, her with Jack and his teenage kids, was not her idea of fun but Jill was ready to take the next step. She wondered if this trip was Jack’s way to say he was ready as well.

As the man stalks through the countryside, unleashing panic and dread, will Jill be able to escape with Jack and his children? Or will the man soak the ground in blood and release…THE SHADOW WITHIN

If you like monsters mindlessly killing, check out The Pope Lick Massacre:

There are two types of people in Jefferson County: those who know the legend of the Pope Lick Monster and those who believe it. Before the night is over, Sam will have no choice but to join the believers.

Since their mother’s death, Sam’s sole focus has been taking care of her younger brother, Kenny. Now Kenny’s Scout troop is missing, having never returned from the woods around Pope Lick. Sam gathers a group of friends to search for the boys and their Scoutmaster. With each step, they get closer to discovering the scouts aren’t the only ones in the woods this night.

“The Pope Lick Massacre is a bold, brutal horror story that’ll remain in your mind long after you read it. This book is not for the faint of heart.” –Independent Book Review

If you like supernatural horror with a Cthulhu feel, check out ,The Sins of the Past:

Once an ancient race of supreme beings ruled over the earth. Banished by the light centuries ago, one has returned. With the help of its disciples, it desires to plunge the world into a new age of darkness and horror.

Ephraim Godwin is searching for the truth about his family's disappearance. After conventional ways failed, he turned to the world of spiritualism, only to discover it filled with charlatans and tricksters. As a known skeptic, Ephraim fights to shine a light on those who prey upon others as he searches for the truth.

As Ephraim attends another séance, he discovers not everyone is a fraud and is drawn deeper into the world of the supernatural. With the help of noted spiritualist Zona Whitlock and famed explorer Doctor Livingstone, he hopes to stop this evil from consuming the world.

HULU is killing it

Well, I've been overrun with stuff for The Sins of the Past - get it on Amazon to see what you've been missing - so I haven't decided what to write for the next serial or if I will do a series of short stories. So instead I wanted to share some things you can watch right now on HULU...

First off, You're Next is back and fans of horror need to watch this.

https://youtu.be/Ez0YcXsWL8I

Second, not every superhero movie is Marvel or DC...or even about heroes...Check out Push

https://youtu.be/Pl3KNqCEtQ4

Third, it's time you saw one of the best sword/Viking movies made in the 90s, The 13th Warrior - based on Michael Crichton's The Eaters of the Dead(that's right the Jurassic guy). Antonio Banderas and a bunch of blond Vikings kicking butt in the middle of nowhere.

https://youtu.be/Ui7GUCzlBTM

Fourth, if you are a comic book fan and a fan of DC specifically, you have to watch Teen Titans GO! vs Teen Titans. Filled with humor, action, and a ton of Easter eggs...

https://youtu.be/1XPG2xEEOmo

I'm going to pivot with my next two suggestions and slip into the world of TV.

If you like procedurals then you should watch Australia's Harrow. Starring Ioan Gruffudd and a bunch of Australians, it already has 2 complete seasons and the third is ongoing right now...

https://youtu.be/XasPsHQzZuc

Next up we have Dicktown. There is no trailer I can find but think of it as adult Scooby-Doo. Except they don't have a dog, it's only 2 guys in their late 20s/early 30s, and only one is really a detective - except he only works for kids so it's embarrassing and a bit creepy. It's well written and takes a good jab at today's society. The episodes are only around 15 minutes so it's a tight series.

Last I want to remind you to check out Prodigal Son. Season 2 is going strong and while most of the show is past the point of believable, the actors make up for it by diving in and embracing the roles. Michael Sheen is killing it as the serial killer, The Surgeon. Season 2 is just ramping up and looks like they are going for straight looney tunes in the coming weeks. Get caught up...

https://youtu.be/I-VY-_iHcT0

If anyone is looking to help out their favorite indie writer...or even me, the best way is to remember to leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. They don't need to be long, but a star rating and a few words - even something like "I liked it" - helps. If you want to leave a longer bit, that's great also.

I need some help. The Sins of the Past is in a cover contest. If you want to help, I could use a vote. If you voted in round 1, you can vote again as we are in round 2. Click here to vote.