Sèphera Girón's Blog, page 2

Theatre Macabre at Frightmare in the Falls!

 

This weekend, I'll be at Frightmare in the Falls!

I have two books out this month!

THEATRE MACABRE is a short collection of poetry about the theatre!

Each poem has a photograph before it. I took and manipulated all of the photos with some help from Canva and some of their graphics and photos. 

The cover was created by Dinis Freitas (as all Great Lakes Horror Company covers are created!) Dinis was also on Big Brother Canada in the 2024 (and last) season. 

Formatting was done by Kody Boye. I gave it my best shot, but Kody had to take the reins!

Thank you to all my patrons on Patreon for supporting me while I write!

Theatre Macabre is my first poetry book. I've dabbled in poetry on and off over my entire life. I've had many poems published. I've written a few songs. I've considered poetry collections before and have even assembled some incomplete ones but never published them as 1) I didn't finish writing enough poems or 2) publishing was different twenty years ago. 

Now that publishing is easier,  I thought that maybe I'd try my hand at a poetry series. I was on the last few poems when I told Andrew Robertson I was publishing a poetry book. He offered Great Lakes Publishing to put it out. Of course, I jumped at the chance. Great Lakes does a great job with my work so far! The next poetry book after Theatre Macabre will be centered around amusement parks!

The poetry in Theatre Macabre is all new and unpublished. A couple of the poems were written a few years ago, but most were written this year. 

I had over fifty photos I pulled from my photos over the past decade to use for the book, but in the end, I only used a few. It was SO HARD to decide which ones to use. That's how I knew that I would make a series. I have more cool photos to play with. 

The photos are purposely manipulated in the mouths and eyes. 

I hope you like THEATRE MACABRE!

Don't forget to leave a review. It really helps.

    I'll be reading from Theatre Macabre at Little Ghosts Books in Toronto on January 18, 2025.
The event is from 1 -3. Of course, everything is subject to change. 
Liz Worth is launching her new poetry book and invited me to be part of the presentation. When I know if more authors are added, I'll post on social media. 

Liz Worth and I are sharing a table at Frightmare in the Falls, October 25-27. 

We'll both have copies of our new books there as well as copies of our other work. 

I also have released the first few chapters of Serial Vlogger into print form for readers who don't want to click on twenty-something links to read our story so far!

Serial Vlogger is a horror story and social commentary.

We follow the lives of several characters; some are vloggers, some watch the vloggers, all crave a better life.

In the city, there's something sinister roaming the streets. Watch for the white vans...they are the first clue. 

Call for Lizzie Borden Stories! New Anthology!

 

Call for Short Horror Stories!

 Call for stories for the Lizzie Borden House Anthology

 

 

Everyone knows the legend of Lizzie Borden, especially the darknursery rhyme...

 

Lizzie Borden took an axe

Gave her mother 40 whacks.

When she saw what she had done,

Gave her father 41

 

Riverdale Avenue Books has teamed up with the Historical LizzieBorden house to put together an anthology of stories, under the direction ofaward-winning horror author Sèphera Girón,who has visited the house multiple times over the past few decades.

 

The “Official” Story of the Lizzie BordenHouse

·       LizzieBorden was born in 1860 in Fall River, Massachusetts. Since her mother had diedwhen she was young, she had been at odds with her stepmother, Abby, who she andher older sister, Emily, believed married her father for his wealth. Theirfather, Andrew, was a prominent developer in Fall River.  

·       Lizzie grewup an upstanding member of her community, being heavily involved in the churchand performing services for the poor. As Lizzie grew older, the tension betweenthe parents and the daughters grew. Lizzie and Emily remained unmarried,bringing negative attention to the family from their peers and the sisters werecritical of the way their father was distributing his wealth to theirstepmother’s family..

·       The storysays that Lizzie, blind with rage, hacked her father and stepmother to death inthe house. The trial that followed became one of the most sensationalizedcourtroom cases in American history, attracting hundreds of tourists to FallRiver. Lizzie was acquitted due to lack of evidence and reasonable doubtalthough the fact that she destroyed the clothes she wore have convinced someof her guilt. She lived the rest of her life in relative anonymity, but herlegacy still lives on to this day.  

·       Downloadvisual assets of the Lizzie Borden House via Google Drive.  

And what we are looking for:

Short stories in this anthology can spreadacross many genres and we’re very interested in new and unique takes on thelegends and realities of the Lizzie Borden story. We’d love to see time travel,science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, romance, erotica, mysteries, etc.

Stories can be reflective of the manypossibilities of the house from the rumored theatre parties at Maplecroft, themysterious disappearance of the maid Bridget Sullivan, people who came and wentfrom the house on the murder day, the ghost cats that greet the current guestsof the bed and breakfast, what happened to Michael the caretaker, and themysterious death of the estranged Borden sisters mere days apart. Maybediscover what happened during the making of the movies and TV shows about the unsolvedmurder or various ghost-hunting escapades that had taken place in the house. Let’salso be mindful of the times these murders took place where only men werejurors, we can highlight Women’s Suffrage and Prohibition. Take us on a journeyof intrigue,  mystery, and fantasy in areimaging of the Lizzie Borden story.

 

We will be publishing the anthology, inhardcover, trade paperback and ebooks in October, and it will be available inbook stores and online wherever books are sold.

 

We are looking for short stories of 1,000to 5,000 words in all genres and categories. Authors will be paid a $10 fee, and receive a copy of each edition ofthe book.

 

If you would like to send us your stories,please send them to LizzieBordenHouse@yahoo.com  and submissions@riverdaleavebooks.comor lori@riverdaleavebooks.com  with the subject “LizzieBorden.” After which,we will send you confirmation that we received your submission. If you do notreceive a confirmation from either of those three emails, you may follow upwith an email requesting confirmation.

 

Submissions will be open from now until September21st. After September 21st, we will begin sending out acceptance orrejection emails for your submitted short stories. Please, do not follow up onwhether your story has been accepted.

 

About the editor: SèpheraGirón is the author of 20 traditionally published books under various names.Her main love is horror and most of her work embraces themes of occult,metaphysical, erotica, and suspense.

As a freelance editor for over 10 years, Sèphera has helpedhundreds of authors put their best words forward. She feels lucky that she notonly can write for a living but she can help others write for a living as well.

In recent years, Sèphera has enjoyed paranormalinvestigations from as near as Casa Loma in Toronto to the Lizzie Borden Housein Fall River and a haunted mansion in California. Her most recent trip tookher to the Stanley Hotel in Colorado, the place that inspired The Overlook inThe Shining by Stephen King. Some of her adventures inspired a few of her ownbooks and stories.

Sèphera lives in Toronto.

 

Riverdale Avenue Books is an award-winning, New York-based boutiquepublisher with 15 imprints: Afraid, a horror imprint; The Binge Watchers Guides examining TV and film; Circlet, the latest incarnation of theclassic sci-fi and fantasy erotica imprint; Desire, an erotica/erotic romance imprint; Magnus, the award-winning nonfiction imprint of LGBTQ titles; Magnus Lit, our LGBTQ fiction imprint; Pop featuring pop culture titles; Quest, a science fiction fantasy line;Truth, an erotic memoir line; Dagger, a mystery thriller imprint; Sports and Gaming featuring sports and gaming titles; Verve featuring lifestyle titles; Hera, featuring both the true and fictional lives and loves ofwomen aged 35 and up and 120 Days, areprint imprint for LGB classics. Started in 2012 by industry veteran LoriPerkins, visit us at www.RiverdaleAveBooks.com.

 

Fan Expo is in two days!

 

Fan Expo, World Fantasy, and Frightmare-In-the-Falls 2024

In case you missed it, here's my appearance on Super Geeked Up! https://www.youtube.com/live/I4eKzXcS...

Sèphera Girón Upcoming Events

 

I'm off to Necon in a few hours. It's after 9 pm here and I have to get to the airport around 7 am. I'm looking forward to it. 

Necon is in a new place this year and going back to the old college dorm style the old timers remember. I'm looking forward to seeing how the new dorm situation works out. I'm looking forward to being outside and talking to friends and making new ones. 

I'm looking forward to walking everywhere, I've been a big old sloth since I returned from Cedar Point. Between the heat and working, it's been a lot to just keep going, let alone get my steps in!

I'm happy to be on a panel at Necon. This is a very small convention with one track of programming and you don't always get included. I'm lucky that I've always been included and don't take it for granted. 

My panel is on Friday at 4 pm and will be about writing horror NOT in the US. I have lots published that doesn't take place in the US. I have a monster story set in the Yukon. I'm working on a novel that takes place in Northern Canada. 

Canada has some unique monsters, cryptids, and creatures if the panel goes that way. I'm not sure what we'll be discussing and I'm ready for anything. 

 There will be an author signing on Friday night and I'll have copies of books with me. 

Specimens collected stories by Sèphera Girón and Andrew Robertson

Weird Tales of Terror collected stories and an early novel by Sèphera Girón 

Dearly Departed by Sèphera Girón and Andrew Robertson

On July 24 at 10 pm, I'll be on the YouTube show Super Geeked Up. I'm sure they'll make me do some weird games like they do to the other guests, so be sure to tune in and throw in your comments and votes for the games and polls. 

What's Going On?

 Super busy times!!
But at least here are a few new-to-most-of-you titles to check out! All of these titles are available on Amazon and many other platforms in both ebook and print. 
Except for Specimens. 
Specimens is a sampler containing six stories from Sèphera Girón and Andrew Robertson, published by The Great Lakes Horror Company. 
This collection was created as a free treat for those who are attending Stokercon San Diego 2024. 
If you're attending the convention, make sure you don't leave without one! The book is short as it's just a taste of some of our work so you can slip it into your laptop case or knapsack. 





Have you picked up a copy of Weird Tales of Terror Volume One yet? I know it's been through a few changes but this edition from The Great Lakes Horror Company looks fabulous! Hot off the press!


DEARLY DEPARTED is a collection from both Andrew Robertson and myself. Although the book contains reprints, some are slightly different in this version. Also, bet you can't find half of them in the wild even if you wanted to! So grab your copy today with this real cool cover of a Jackalope!



BLOOD GAMES is a vampire anthology risen from its old incarnation HIGH STAKES and has gathered up a few new authors to add to the collection! Hot off the press! Released March 2024!




SERIAL VLOGGER is my love letter to people who like to read my work. Every week I add a new slice to the SERIAL VLOGGER pie. By the end of it all, there will be a complete novel. As of this writing, there are 31 slices already published with many to go. It's free to read and free to sign up so that new slices go directly into your inbox. There is also a place to pay for a subscription if you wish to support my efforts and for that, I'm super grateful! But you can read for free!


   I'm always available to give tarot readings. Right now I'm pushing video readings. How does it work?
You send me $20 on Paypal along with your question. Or maybe you have no question and that's fine as well. You don't have to send a question, I can just see what I can see. If you know it, please include your birth information: day/month/year time/place 
Once I receive your information and payment, I will make a little video with your reading and email it back to you. If there's a specific email you want it sent, include that in the notes. You can also get video tarot card readings as a gift for someone else. 
I'll be able to give in-person readings at Stokercon. You can book an appointment in advance. Just send the $20 and then we'll together pick a good time for both of us at the con. 
Tarot Readings are a large part of my income right now, so I super appreciate your support!
If you don't have Paypal, you can pay on stripe or e-transfer. 










Thank you for your support!
See you at Stokercon!

The Narcissist and the Holidays

As some of you already know, I've started writing on Substack about many things that concern me. 

I'm writing a novel for FREE on Substack. 

Now, I'm starting a podcast that will be weekly that will tackle a few different topics that interest me. The very first podcast is about The Narcissist and the Holidays. 
 If you've ever tangled with a narcissist, you know what a special kind of hell the holidays can be! 

 Go take a look and let me know what you think!The Narcissist and the Holidays

Give a Unique Gift of a Tarotscope!

 

Reading tea leaves at a corporate function on Bay Street in Toronto.
"Wow. F**king. Wow. You were dead on. Now I know what to do. Your reading was mind-blowing." - Client Jeanna
"The tarot reading was super awesome and spot on!" - Client


Rates for Online Tarot Card Readings Details: For the two special Holiday Tarotscope Special Written Reports, I will prepare them as quickly as possible to get them out for you to send as gifts or for your own purposes. You can print off the report on nice paper and roll it up into a scroll and tie it with a ribbon to make it a special gift. Or you can just email it to the person you're giving it to if you're not buying it for yourself. 
Video Tarot Readings: I will prepare them as quickly as possible but it might be up to 48 hours. You will receive your reading by email. 


Holiday Tarotscope Special Basic
This is a written report where I pull thirteen tarot cards. The report consists of one short paragraph for each month of the year. The report will begin January 2024 unless otherwise specified. This is a limited sale.
 



Holiday Tarotscope Special
This is a written report where I pull thirteen cards. The report contains more details than the basic report. The report will begin January 2024. This is a limited sale. 
 


Get a Short Video Tarot Reading – No Question
I will email you a video tarot reading. If you can include your birthdate, time of birth, and place of birth, that will be helpful, if you have the information. But if you don't, I can still read for you. 
 


Get a Short Video Tarot Reading – Ask One Question
If you have a question, ask the question. Also include birthdate, time of birth, and place of birth of people involved in the question, if you know it. If you don't know, that's okay too. I will email you the video. 
 


Book an Online Tarot Reading – One Hour 
This is interactive where we speak on Skype or Facetime etc. You buy the appointment and then email me at sephgiron @ gmail.com to set up a time and platform that works for both of us. We can talk on the phone if you prefer that way to the video calls.





IN-PERSON: PARTIES
Private and Corporate

Tarot readings or tea leaf readings can provide a unique experience for guests.

Book a reader for private parties and corporate events in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, or Oakville.
Email me with your inquiry: sephgiron @ gmail.com 
Bridal
Stag and Doe
Baby Showers
New Baby
Birthday Parties
Anniversary
Divorce Parties
Girls Night Out
Staff Appreciation
Customer Appreciation
Spa Days


Tarot Readings (seated or strolling)
Astrology Readings
Numerology Readings
Tea Leaf Readings (allow fifteen minutes minimum per person)




IN-PERSON: ONE PERSON

If you want me to meet you somewhere for a one-on-one tarot card reading, email me before paying to make sure we can hook up. 



Email me with the subject heading In-Person Tarot Reading Details for more details at sephgiron  @ gmail.com


Here are a few places that have hired Sèphera as a fortune-teller. This is by no means a complete list:

Selected Corporate Events  Royal Ontario MuseumColumbian Wine TastingGoogle PromoSanctuary Vendors MarketDance Competition Appreciation for TeachersYork University Student Federation EventsSheridan College Student Federation EventsLaw Office Halloween PartyPackagers Holiday PartyToronto Comicon
Fan Expo
Niagara Falls ComiconFrightmare in the Falls
Eeriecon
1st Annual Something Strange Circus Sideshow
2nd Annual Something Strange Circus SideshowSomething Strange Marketplace
Festivus
Fan Days
Guelph GenreCon
Limestone GenreCon
Ad Astra
World Horror Convention
Horrorfind
Haunted Houses
Bar Mitzvahs
Rock Concerts
Shopper's Drugmart Corporate Office
Shopper's Drugmart Stores
Ontario Lottery Corporation
Design Exchange Gala
Big Brothers
Sherwood Group Mortgage Brokers
Winter Magic
Ice, Wine, Dine
Humber College (both campuses)
Magnum Food Brokers
Periodontal Associates
This Is London Club
Maritz
Four Villages Community Health Centre
TPC Entertainment Company
Media Brands Canada
Central Eglinton Community Centre
Great Lakes Schooner Company
Black Box School Theatre
Your Events Etc.
Travel Alberta
Tucows
Nice Agency
Jumbleberry
Allergen
Ryerson Commerce Society
OPSEU Woman's Conference Diva Night
YMCA Toronto Bergamat Apartments
Psychic Brunch
Nine of Cups
Carnival Diablo
Edgefest
Ed the Sock
Port Credit Moonlight Madness
Port Credit Festivals
Ladybug Harbor
The Source Within


Gig Salad
If you would prefer to book me in person for events through a third-party app, I completely understand that it's safer for both of us. I'm on Gig Salad. Here's a form where you can contact me. var gscqForm;(function(d,t){var s=d.createElement(t),options={path:'181692',maxWidth:'100%'};s.src='https://www.gigsalad.com/js/quote_wid... rs=this.readyState;if(rs)if(rs!='complete')if(rs!='loaded')return;try{gscqForm=new GsContactForm();gscqForm.initialize(options);gscqForm.display();}catch(e){}};var scr=d.getElementsByTagName(t)[0],par=scr.parentNode;par.insertBefore(s,scr);})(document,'script');

What Is Serial Vlogger?

 SerialVlogger is a horror novel written in tiny slices!

What doesthis mean?

It meansthat I’m serving up a slice of a novel every week.

SerialVlogger is a complete novel, a horror novel.

Since it’sbeing written as I go along, it’s akin to a first draft!

I have morethan half the book written, and I know how it ends. This isn’t really a pantserexperiment in case you're worried! This is a full novel. 

The ideafor Serial Vlogger has been in my head for many years.

Thecharacter of Lenore (and a lot connected to her) has shown up in a couple of pitches,drafts, and ideas for other horror novels and screenplays but now she’s in Serial Vlogger.

The moretime passes, the more urgency I feel about getting Serial Vlogger out as it’s acomment on YouTube culture and social media. Since these cultures change ratherrapidly, I decided it’s time to just get the book out before things changeagain so much that people won’t “get” Serial Vlogger.  This is why I’ve decided to write it for freeon Substack. It’s timely and I don’t want to wait a couple of years for it toget published.

The slicesare presented for free on Sundays on Substack.

There areweeks that I miss for whatever reasons, so I make up for the absence by addingextra installments during the week to catch up when I get them prepared. Forinstance, there’s a slice today (December 8), tomorrow, and then we’ll be backon track by Sunday’s slice. I don't expect to miss any more weeks for a couple of months. I'm planning to preload them over the next few days.

The slicesare smaller than chapters which is why I call them slices. Several slices willmake a chapter. I likely won't do the chapter indicators until the book is finished and then goes through some revisions.

SerialVlogger is my gift to you! I appreciate all my readers over the years. WhileSerial Vlogger is being serialized on Substack, it is free. Once it’s finished,we’ll see what comes next.

What is the Content?

You canexpect a Sèphera Girón work, uncensored. Readers of my work know that they canexpect social commentary, murder, ghosts, body horror, insanity, and more. SerialVlogger will touch on ideas such as cults, serial killers, feeders, andobsession.

This is a FICTIONAL work of horror and I’m not known for playing nice or making my readercomfortable. Consider this your trigger warning or disclaimer!

Now that we’regetting up to the teens in the slice count, I expect more people will be inclinedto read as they can read more of the work all at once. Some readers like their stories doled out in bits, and some like to binge. I get it!

Patrons on Patreon

All paid levels of Patrons on my Patreon get to see the work first. In fact, they've already seen a super rough version of a big chunk of what will be published over the next few months. But they also get the little slices at least one day (when possible) before it's published on Substack. 

It's FREE!

I hope you enjoythis free novel. Please subscribe for free or you can join the paid subscriber tier as a tip if you're enjoying my content. 

Please share Serial Vlogger as I’m writing it for all horror fans!