Willy Martinez's Blog, page 37

Gothic Summer Book Giveaway of Folktale Horror

It’s hot out, and all you want to do is go out for a swim, eat some ice cream, or maybe even a beer if that’s your thing.

On your way there, you encounter the most beautiful person that you have ever seen. They immediately look away and cower into the shadows.

You try to comfort them with words and make way towards them but then you hear sobbing. You pause.

Their sobbing immediately turns to laughter.

This beauty of a person has now turned into the most despicable and vile bein you have ever seen.

Yeah, that’s what this tale, “La Siguanaba,” was derived from. But this tale unveils the mystery and the origins of such a creature.

As the title of this page says, I am giving away the eBook version for free, but only at Barnes and Noble. Amazon is the ugly creature in this story.

Simply use code BNPLEGENDS at the checkout! The print version is also available for purchase.

The Fisherman by Matt Leavitt Part 1

The Fisherman by Matt Leavitt is the first short story included in the “Mad Men” anthology. Mad Men is a collection of three disturbing horror shorts from writers from the Midwest, specifically, Illinois. The themes explored in this collection range from man versus self, man versus man, and man versus creature.

We will be releasing the full short story in three parts. If you enjoy it and want to support the author or read the full anthology, check it out at Barnes and Noble.

The Fisherman by Matt Leavitt Part 1

The boat cut a swath into the sand like a surgeon’s blade. Upside down, its nose trailed into the thick bounty of checkered grains. Black, grey, beige, probably different beaches all their own at one time, now a Frankenstein of sand mirroring a grey sky of pastels. The grey was bright. The grey was difficult to look at, as if the clouds did not hide the sun, but magnified its fire across the earth. The fisherman clenched his hairy knuckles into the small ledge of the boat and dragged it backward, his body sweating, his muscles aching underneath the denim.

Underneath the boat, an oar clung to the underside like a crustacean. It was a small canoe, it could fit one man, perhaps two if there was no choice. His boy had joined him at times, but going out into the water was serious, almost solemn. The boy’s cries were a distraction and besides, it seemed the lad would rather stay inside the warmth. Perhaps when he was older.

There was a deafening silence on the shore. The scraping of the boat’s beak was barely audible, it silently dug into the shore without a noise. The water crashed against the beach in lame, off-beat strides. When it hit, you could taste the salt in the air. Off in the distance, was the sound of wind chimes. There were some hanging from his home, not far in the distance. As he got closer to the waters, this instrument slowly faded into obscurity. The only noise one would hear is the spitting of clams, a little clap that came intermittently. Razor clams, buried underneath the surface, popping their limbs out to clap, before suddenly disappearing into the earth.

The shore was quite silent. The noise that hung over the beach was more of a lack of noise than anything, a severe droning that seemed to emanate from the clouds. The sound one might hear looking down into a manhole or gazing into a tunnel. It is a vacancy of sound, the reaching of one’s ears to work with something, instead of grasping at themselves. Humans are like little antennae, groping to make contact with something. When one reaches out into the otherness of the world, blindly, and finds nothing, a certain panic sets forth. There is a frantic drumming that bubbles up. Man must feel another, a sound, a warmth, a knowing. Without this knowing, this reassurance, man begins to warp. This droning was not a sound. It was the echo back of the antennae, something the mind must make for the ear, lest the mind fall apart completely.

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The man dropped the raft and stretched his aching limbs. He removed the oar, pushed the boat into the water, walked up to his knee, and climbed in. His eyes squinted on the horizon, and the clouds seemed to descend onto the waters like a tree growing down from the ceiling. He pierced the cold waters with his oar and the blackness seemed to consume it. When the oar resurfaced it looked submerged in oil, its dry wood being cleansed with cold waters.

If you asked if it was raining or not, yes or no would both suffice. The downpour seemed to fly around, light and electric, like fairy kisses. He felt nothing on his skin but the hairs standing at attention in the cold. Even the face of the water showed nothing, the drops to light to disturb the curtain. It was as if tiny atoms were exploding in the air, their minuscule explosions leaving a momentary zap in the air barely detectable by the skin. This was good rain to fish. A man would feel nothing, but the drops were sure to echo far past the curtains of the water face. A body of water such as this could be undisturbed for weeks, even months, but a rain like this would stir the depths and bring movement closer to the surface.

If you are enjoying “The Fisherman,” visit our blog at The Ritual for related flash fiction.

The man craned his neck over the edge and looked into the water. The water was dark, almost black in the daylight, murky with the ashen sand. He looked up into the bright grey sky, produced his net, and flung it into the water. The boat teetered back and forth in the swaying of the waters. He was out far enough now.

The cold win caused the man’s toes to curl in his boots and his fingers to pull down at the cuffs of his flannel. He scanned the bright grey and swallowed, his wet palate making a sound much like the clams back on shore. Here, on the water, it was much more deafening, the droning unaccompanied by any clams or waves. The boat continued its wavering, the water licking at the sides like amorphous dogs.

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—————————————–

The boat stirs.

The man looks about the boat, searching for shadows beneath the waterline. The water is too dark to see beneath the curtain, something would need to break through.

He feels the anchor of the net and gives it a tug.

Nothing.

His heart has busied a bit now, the stirring of the boat insists that movement is just below. The net will snag something soon.

Keeping his hand on the edge of the net, he watches the waterline. He feels uneasy with the blackness of the water. The coverage of the thick clouds has stopped any light from penetrating the water. An old fear pops up, a fear of water, something shed in boyhood, starts poking at his mind. Perhaps, not a fear of water, a fear of the deep.

The man sits back in the boat and rolls to his side, clutching the end of the net. He would have to wait. He rolls his tongue against the front of his teeth, tasting salt and acrid breath. Sweat crawled down his face like little crystal snails.

Suddenly, the boat jerks.

The man sits up in the boat and instantly clutches the knotted end of the net. His heart was in the bowl of his throat. Manically, he shakes at the net, attempting to feel the weight of his catch. The fish seemed to be swimming in circles, not swimming against the net, causing the boat to turn about like a compass on the water. He frantically digs his boots into the first step for leverage and peers over the edge. Nothing was visible. He reaches over farther down onto the net and braces for leverage. The boat rocks more aggressively and he doesn’t want to turn over. It’s best not to fight too much in a boat this size.

If you are enjoying “The Fisherman,” visit our blog at The Ritual for related flash fiction.

He watches as the neck of the net makes small circles in the water, as if being stirred. Whatever is below him was making circles, not swimming away.

Confused, the man carefully leans over the edge of the peering into the black waters. He turns his body to the side of the canoe and tugs at the net. He fears sitting this way may imbalance the small boat, but something strange happens instead. Instead of tugging for its life against the net, the fish begins to swim towards the boat. He pulls at the net at first, but slack comes into the boat at alarming speeds. He doesn’t have to pull; the net is going limp. He realizes at once; it was swimming towards him.

The man watches the water, waiting. The net has completely stopped moving. In the shifting darkness of the water the man can only make out a warped reflection staring back at him. He reaches for the top of the net to make sure it hasn’t gotten free. He can feel the weight beneath him, just floating there. Unnerved and sensing that he is being watched, the man glances back to the shoreline. It seems farther than he remembered, the lateral dragging of the boat must have carried him farther out.

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Launching

Just a poem

Launching rockets off the coastupdate to a brighter prominenceSatellite functions set to auto trackLet me hear the sonar backTo quasar shots in repetitionwaves permeating body fluidsconstitute a fluent movement

Photo by Bill Jelen on Unsplash

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20 of The Most Unknown Ancient Mayan Legends (Part 2)

Mayan myths and legends reflect the popular culture of one of the most fascinating civilizations in history. They are characterized by having magical or supernatural aspects, these being the main reasons why they are distinguished.

The Dwarf of Uxmal: The legend tells the story of an old lady who worked in the village oracle and who could not have children, so she asked the God Chic Chan and was granted a son, who was born a dwarf, with red hair and green skin. This dwarf built a large jícara (a kind of vessel) that he used as a kind of rattle. According to legend, whoever played a similar instrument and its sound was heard in the Mayab (Mayan region), would be made king. The then enraged king challenged the dwarf to a duel who passed all the tests. But in the last one he asked that the king also do it and he did not survive. So the dwarf was proclaimed king.The Punishment of Vanity: The Mayan legend tells that the earth was left in darkness when the sun and the moon went to rest, but by then, the vain king wanted to demonstrate that with his jewels he could illuminate the entire city. To do this he climbed a tree with them, and the gods punished him by throwing him out of it, leaving him muddy and covered in dirt, he was then warned.The Myth of the Owl, The Wise Counselor: This myth tells the story of an owl who was advisor to the peacock, the king, and was punished for wanting to withdraw from a party that all the birds had prepared in his honor, the king forced him to dance in front of all the guests and the owl felt ashamed and humiliated, so he did not want to go out in public anymore. In his period of confinement he read the sacred book of the Mayans and discovers a secret about a betrayal. Leaving to tell the story, he discovers that he could no longer read as his eyes had become accustomed to the dark.When the Tunkuluchu sings: The legend tells the story of a mysterious and lonely bird that flies over the ruins of Mayab, which they call Tukulunchú. With its song it announces death, for which everyone fears it, the cause of this was a desire for revenge of this bird towards the Mayan, who had ridiculed it at a party. In order to take revenge, he took advantage of his sense of smell, which was his strength. He approached the cemeteries to recognize the smell of death and, in this way, be able to announce to the Mayan the proximity of his death.Water and Love: Legend has it that a warrior from Bolochen, a town that grew around nine wells but suffered from drought, falls in love with a maiden, her mother, for fear of losing her, locks her up under a grotto. El guerrero y su gente la encuentran, y junto a la gruta siete estanques, el Chacha, el Pucuelba, el Sallab, el Akabha, el Chocoha, el Ociha y, el Chimaisa.The Cocay: Cocay is the name by which the Mayans call fireflies. And the legend tells how this insect created its own light, in the Mayab lived a man capable of healing the sick with his green stone. One day he discovers that he has lost her in the forest and asks the animals to look for her. It was the Cocay who tirelessly searched for her and before finding her, due to his dedication and perseverance, he obtained his reward, his own light. The Quail: According to this Mayan myth, the quail called Bech, was the favorite bird of the gods, so it enjoyed many privileges, envied by the rest of the birds. But not satisfied with it, in his selfishness, the quail wanted a world for her and her family. On one occasion, the Great Spirit together with Yaa Kin, the prince of the sun, visited the earth. This news made Box Buc, the Prince of Darkness turn black with envy. What prompted his desire for revenge for the travelers.Zamna and Henequen: So he entrusts him with the task of taking some families from the kingdom and three Chilamanes of greater wisdom so that they can carry the writings that narrate the history of the town. Also commissioning him that he must found a new city and that under the main temple he must keep those writings in order to preserve them.The Creation of the Earth: According to the Mayan legend about the creation of the earth, before its existence there were only two gods: Tepeu and Gucumatz. They were the ones who came together to create the world, from their thoughts, everything they thought was created. This is how the mountains, the valleys, the sky, the water and all the life forms inhabiting the Earth were created.Creation of Life on Earth: The gods Tepeu and Gucumatz made the beings they created to be the ones who take care of their creations and praise them, but until then there were no beings capable of speaking, so they undertook the task of creating them. On their first try, the clay men they brought to life were still unable to speak. Then, the wooden men could do it but they were not capable of thinking or loving. So they caused a great flood to destroy them. In their last attempt they created four corn paste men with all the characteristics they desired. Later they created four women for them. And these eight human beings were the ancestors of all men today.

20 of The Most Unknown Ancient Mayan Legends (Part 1)

The Siguanaba / La Siguanaba

Delve into an ancient tale of the Spanish conquest of the Mayan lands in Latin America and discover the truth behind La Siguanaba. Experience a story full of suspense, mystery, and adventure as you uncover the secrets of this mythical being.

La Siguanaba is a mysterious figure in Central American folklore that has captured the imagination of many. She is a supernatural woman figure who appears to men in the night, often with a beautiful face and long hair, but hides her true form behind it.

Available in paperback and eBook at Barnes and Noble.

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The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger – Synopsis and Summary

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger – is a coming-of-age novel that follows the story of a teenage boy struggling with his identity and place in the world. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is an enthralling coming-of-age novel that delves into the complexities of teenage life and identity.

The Catcher in the Rye Summary

The story follows the journey of a teenage boy as he grapples with his sense of self and struggles to find his place in a world that often feels overwhelming and confusing. Salinger’s masterful storytelling captures the nuances of adolescence with incredible depth and sensitivity, painting a vivid portrait of teenage angst, rebellion, and yearning for connection. As readers follow the protagonist through his adventures, they are drawn deep into his inner world, experiencing all the highs and lows of navigating this tumultuous time in life.

With its timeless themes and unforgettable characters, The Catcher in the Rye is a true literary classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Whether you’re looking for an engaging story or seeking deeper insights into the human experience, this novel is sure to captivate you from beginning to end.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger – Synopsis of 1st Half

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is a classic novel that follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a sixteen-year-old boy who has been expelled from his prep school, Pencey Prep. The first half of the novel is primarily a reflection of Holden’s thoughts and experiences during a few days before Christmas vacation.

Holden is a complex character who is struggling with feelings of alienation and disillusionment. In the beginning, he leaves Pencey Prep early and heads to New York City, where he plans to spend a few days before returning home. He stays in a hotel and spends time wandering the city, reflecting on his past experiences and trying to make sense of his present situation. Holden is an unreliable narrator who often contradicts himself and seems to be in a state of constant confusion.

He is critical of the people around him and often feels isolated and misunderstood. He encounters several characters during his time in New York City, including a prostitute, a former girlfriend, and his little sister, Phoebe. Each encounter provides Holden with new insights into his own life and the world around him.

In the first half of the novel, Holden struggles to come to terms with the fact that he is growing up and must face the challenges of adulthood. He longs for the simplicity of childhood and is afraid of losing his innocence. He is also grieving the loss of his younger brother, Allie, who died of leukemia several years earlier.

The first half of The Catcher in the Rye is a powerful exploration of the complexities of adolescence and the struggles of growing up. It is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers of all ages.

If you are gaining value with our synopsis of “The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, please check out our other reviews at The Ritual.

FacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedInGoodreadsThe Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger – Synopsis of 2nd Half

The second half of The Catcher in the Rye is where Holden’s life starts to unravel even further. Holden’s interactions with various characters in New York City cause him to have a mental breakdown, and he is eventually hospitalized after a physical altercation with his former roommate. Holden’s experiences in the second half of the novel highlight his deep-seated feelings of alienation and confusion.

He struggles to connect with others and often feels like an outsider in social situations. He also continues to grapple with the loss of his brother Allie and the meaning of life in general. In the second half of the novel, Holden’s interactions with various characters, including a cab driver and a prostitute, further illustrate his inability to connect with others. He becomes increasingly disillusioned with the world and the people in it, feeling that everyone is “phony” and lacking in authenticity.

His relationship with his little sister, Phoebe, provides a glimmer of hope and a sense of connection, but his inability to understand her desires and needs ultimately leaves him feeling even more isolated and alone. The novel’s climax occurs when Holden sneaks back into his family’s apartment to visit his little sister, Phoebe. The encounter is both heartbreaking and hopeful, as Phoebe tries to understand Holden’s struggles and urges him to find a way to move forward with his life.

Holden ultimately realizes that he cannot save everyone from the harsh realities of adulthood and must face his own challenges and responsibilities as he grows up. The Catcher in the Rye is a powerful novel that explores the complexities of adolescence and the struggles of growing up. It is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers of all ages.

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Introducing Medusa: The Power of Enchantment – Joke Post

Prepare to be amazed. Brace yourself for the incredible power of Medusa. With just one captivating gaze, she can turn mere mortals into statues. Yes, you read that right – statues! Medusa is not your ordinary enchantress; she is the epitome of mesmerizing beauty and indomitable strength.

Unleash your inner goddess with Medusa. Channel her unparalleled allure and become the center of attention wherever you go. With Medusa by your side, you possess a weapon no other woman has – the power to leave men breathless and frozen in awe.

Experience the thrill of being irresistible, with Medusa as your secret weapon. Whether it’s a special occasion or just another day out on the town, let the world witness your astonishing charm.

Beware though, dear goddesses – with great power comes great responsibility. Use your enchantment wisely and remember that you hold the fate of those who dare to cross your path.

Dare to embrace the extraordinary? Embrace Medusa today!

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“Flora” Part 3 – Short Story by Willy Martinez

Mad Men is a collection of three disturbing horror shorts from writers from the Midwest, specifically, Illinois. The themes explored in this collection range from man versus self, man versus man, and man versus creature.

“Flora” by Willy Martinez is the author’s first short story written for publication. It is included in the Mad Men anthology. Mad Men is a collection of three disturbing horror shorts from writers from the Midwest, specifically, Illinois. The themes explored in this collection range from man versus self, man versus man, and man versus creature.

We will be releasing the full short story in three parts. If you enjoy it and want to support the author or read the full anthology, check it out at Barnes and Noble.

Flora Part 3:

In his younger days, the man whom is now a boy, played alone during recess. Having his back turned to the other kids he sat at the end of the swing set, playing with his toys in a bed of yellow Taraxacums, or dandelions, under the warm sun and cloudless green sky.

“Hey fat boy, whatcha playing?” – He froze.

“My friend is talking to you” barks another boy as they closed in on him. He turns to notice three boys and a girl are now at his feet, smirking that evil smirk with their sharp little teeth. Just as he begins to push himself up to standing position, one of the mean boys runs up to kick him hard in the gut – his stomach was exposed. The pain shoots throughout his body, freezing his movement upwards and forcing him down in agony. He wants to cry for help but nothing. Gasping for air, he can barely let out anything more than a strenuous gust of a moan. He wants to place his hands on his stomach to comfort the physical pain, but he can’t. Two of the boys are now holding his arms down.

“Are you hungry, boy?” asked the girl sarcastically as she pulled weeds from the earth. “I’ll help you,” she says as the boys laughed hysterically. She shoves a handful of yellow dandelions into the boy’s mouth. Then another, and another, until she just couldn’t fit anymore without the boy spewing them out in self-defense.

Weeping now, with tears running down his face, the mean kids finally let him go and he drops down. Embarrassed and angered, he balls up his fists and turns to the tallest boy and swings with all his might. It’s blocked. The boy was just too slow. The tall kid takes the balled-up fist, grabbing it from the arm with both of his own arms and brings it closer to his face. Opening up his mouth widely, his small sharp canine teeth are on display as he surrounds the fat boy’s fist with his mouth. With swift action, he chomps down onto the boy’s hand like it’s a ham sandwich, piercing the flesh and tasting his blood. It looks sweet to him, like when you first take a bite of your favorite chocolate bar after a stressful day.

If you are enjoying “Flora,” visit our blog at The Ritual for related flash fiction.

*****

The stinging pain in his right hand brings him back to reality. He’s being dragged by his feet and legs, and his shirt is riding up his back. Only being able to look up and view the sky, he notices the clouds have mostly cleared and the moon is full. At the lower end of his peripheral he could see the tops of the grapevines. ‘I’m still in the fields’ he thought to himself.

The moon was full and shone bright blue across the clear sky and clearly lit the happy grimaced faces of the vineyard employees as they undressed the battered sack of limbs and meat. They dashed him to the earth- tore him up some more – flung him into the air – tossed him from one mandible to the next. The scent opened up, after a minute or so, to what can be strangely described as a sulfurous wet dog, wearing gym socks that had been stuffed with rotting meat.

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A couple of them broke out cigarettes, unbothered by their moist red hands, and continued to smoke until their blood-drenched cigarettes could no longer burn.

As he lay there, a helpless and delirious pile of battered lard, he wondered if the beautiful flowers in the small axillary clusters near him were of the amaranthus hybrids or amaranthus spinosus family.

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The Best Literary Magazine I Have Ever Read

I’ve got to say,  this is probably the best literary magazine I have ever picked up.  The poems are good,  the fiction is stellar,  and even the essays have been profound. 

Who would have thought that the Alaska Quarterly Review would be this good? 

I picked it up in Kentucky on a whim while on a road trip.  And now I sit here at home this Sunday morning soaking in the contents, wondering where this literature has been all my life.

#literary #litmagazine #zine #alaska #alaskaquarterlyreview #amreading #read #poetry #fiction #essay #prose #inspiring #readingcommunity #booklovers #bestfiction

The best literary magazine I have ever picked up!

The best literary magazine I have ever picked up!

16 Things I’ve Learned From Self-Publishing 16 Books

#1 People aren’t waiting to buy your book. The shock. The horror! I’m joking. I think it’s common when you’re first starting out to imagine people are as excited about your books as you are. I remember thinking my books would make me a stable income one day. In reality, your book release day is […]

16 Things I’ve Learned From Self-Publishing 16 Books