Charlie Morgan's Blog, page 13
March 18, 2012
VHS Horror Memories
They say that once you start with the"back in my day" rants, you're getting old. So, on that note, I'mgoing to embrace my inner old fart and look back at something thatmeans a lot to me. I was four years old when I watched myfirst horror movie (HP Lovecraft's The Unnameable). Since then, Ihave been addicted to anything spooky and scary. I can remembernights when I couldn't sleep and would sneak out of bed and watchmovies like Hellraiser, Dr. Butcher MD, Pieces, Return of the LivingDead, Gates of Hell, Evil Dead, etc. Before long, I didn't have to besneaky anymore. I could watch these great movies with the rest of thefamily. I liked them, I was going to watch them anyway, what would bethe use in stopping me? Then I got to venture into the video storesand seek out the movies of my choice. These trips introduced me toanother of my favorite childhood memories. At one time, Hendersonville NC hadgobs of small mom and pop video stores (Video King, Cinema One, TRVideo, Movie Stop were my main haunts). They all had thick horrorsections that were off to the side in dimly lit areas. It was likelight wasn't permitted into such areas. I loved it! It is thoseplaces that helped mold me into the wonderfully warped individual Iam today with movies such as Devil's Rain, Sleepaway Camp, Madman,The Burning, Deathstalker, I Spit on Your Grave, Last House on theLeft, movies by Lucio Fulci, Dario Argento, Mario and LambertoBava... it was my home away from home. I can still remember snooping throughthe shelf and being in awe of the horrific artwork that adorned eachbox. Today, there are very few of thesestores left (if any). And movie covers are fifteen minute photoshopjobs that have nowhere near the skill of the "good ol' days." Themovies themselves were a whole new breed as well. If you watch ahorror movie from the 70's or 80's, even the bad ones are still goodand have merit. Even the really really bad ones are good to make funof! There are a few people who are tryingto keep these wonderful things alive. Many director's are trying tocapture the look and feel of the old greats and there are people whoare working hard to preserve old VHS tapes and the cover art. If you're an old tape fart like me,then you understand this little tribute and the pictures above aremaking you smile.
}:-)~
Also be sure to check out the guys at VHShitfest
March 11, 2012
A Tribute to a Legend Behind The Camera
The Legend of Boggy Creek (1972)
When I was around four or five years old, I sat down and watched a movie with my family that scared the living hell out of me, yet it had a powerful effect on me. To this day that movie remains my all time favorite and I even keep a copy of the DVD in a locked case. The movie was The Legend of Boggy Creek. Now this wasn't you average, run of the mill horror flick. It was a documentary which chronicled numerous sightings of a large, hairy, bipedal creature that haunted the small town of Fouke Arkansas and surrounding areas.
The film was directed by Indiana native,
Boggy Creek went on to gross around $25,000,000 and spawned the sequels: Return To Boggy Creek (1977) and Boggy Creek II ...and the Legend Continues (AKA The Barbaric Beast Of Boggy Creek part II) in 1985
Charles Pierce died in March of 2010 of natural causes.
Rest In Peace
June 16, 1938 - March 5, 2010
For more info on Boggy Creek, click HERE or to buy a copy of The Legend of Boggy Creek on DVD, click HERE
March 9, 2012
Why Do You Write That Stuff?
Had a conversation a while back with someone I haven't seen in years. She asked what I was doing now and I told her that I'd been doing a lot of writing, that I'd been published several times and that I had a new story in the works.
"Really?! That's so cool! What did you write?"
"A few scary stories."
The person in front of me looked as if she'd swallowed a whole lemon caked with shards of broken glass.
"Oh, eew. I don't like scary stuff. Why don't you write something serious?"
At this point, Evil Charlie is barking at the door and revving his Leatherface approved chainsaw. I calmed myself and continued.
"Horror is just as serious as anything else. In fact many people consider horror to be the perfect genre because in a well crafted horror tale, you can laugh, cry, fall in love and go through a plethora of powerful emotions other than just fear. Horror also serves as a safe way to see the dark sides of humanity and for us to learn lessons from the characters. It's also a good way to relieve stress. Basically, horror is the miracle drug to cure a shitty day."
I got a few odd looks.
Horror has, and always will be, my first choice. It allows me exorcise my personal demons so they are kept under control. At the same time I am also providing a (hopefully) entertaining romp for someone to enjoy. Something to make them laugh, cry, fall in love, get an adrenaline rush from a scary scene and mabe even make them think. It provides an escape from the rough day with an element of fantasy and guilty pleasures minus the guilt.
You wake up with a cold, stubb your toe against a sneaky chair, you boss yells at you for something that may, or may not, have been your fault and you get a flat tire on the way home.
You take a few minutes and read a short, scary story. Suddenly you feel a little better. You think, 'hey, maybe my day wasn't so bad after all. It could be worse. I could have a ravenous zombie werewolf with six heads trying to eat my ass!'
"Really?! That's so cool! What did you write?"
"A few scary stories."
The person in front of me looked as if she'd swallowed a whole lemon caked with shards of broken glass.
"Oh, eew. I don't like scary stuff. Why don't you write something serious?"
At this point, Evil Charlie is barking at the door and revving his Leatherface approved chainsaw. I calmed myself and continued.
"Horror is just as serious as anything else. In fact many people consider horror to be the perfect genre because in a well crafted horror tale, you can laugh, cry, fall in love and go through a plethora of powerful emotions other than just fear. Horror also serves as a safe way to see the dark sides of humanity and for us to learn lessons from the characters. It's also a good way to relieve stress. Basically, horror is the miracle drug to cure a shitty day."
I got a few odd looks.
Horror has, and always will be, my first choice. It allows me exorcise my personal demons so they are kept under control. At the same time I am also providing a (hopefully) entertaining romp for someone to enjoy. Something to make them laugh, cry, fall in love, get an adrenaline rush from a scary scene and mabe even make them think. It provides an escape from the rough day with an element of fantasy and guilty pleasures minus the guilt.
You wake up with a cold, stubb your toe against a sneaky chair, you boss yells at you for something that may, or may not, have been your fault and you get a flat tire on the way home.
You take a few minutes and read a short, scary story. Suddenly you feel a little better. You think, 'hey, maybe my day wasn't so bad after all. It could be worse. I could have a ravenous zombie werewolf with six heads trying to eat my ass!'
March 6, 2012
Sticks and Stones RELEASE DATE!!!!!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 will finally see the release of my novelette Sticks and Stones. I have to say that I'm just a wee bit excited. It will be a deluxe edition that contains Halloween On The Lowe Road and The Legend Of The Mountain Devils. I'll have the purchase link up ASAP. For now, here's the cover.
and a cover blurb...
"A splatterpunk, creature feature hybrid that mutates into one vicious, blood soaked beast."
- Spooky Sean
For those of you who haven't read it yet, Just In Sight is a prequel to Sticks. But more on that later...
and a cover blurb...
"A splatterpunk, creature feature hybrid that mutates into one vicious, blood soaked beast."
- Spooky Sean
For those of you who haven't read it yet, Just In Sight is a prequel to Sticks. But more on that later...
November 9, 2011
New Releases, Contest and a Review or Two
Soul Survivors: Hometown Tales Volume 1 is now on sale! You can get it in PAPERBACK as well as KINDLE EBOOK. You can also enter the CONTEST over at Good Reads and try to win a free copy!
Next up is a review of ERIC S. BROWN'S LAST STAND IN A DEAD LAND
THE MAD SCIENTIST OF HORROR IS AT IT AGAIN... AND IT'S AWESOME!
Eric S. Brown is quite mad! Please know that I mean that in the absolute best way possible. Last Stand in a Dead Land is one of those rare books that will make monster fans cheer with demented glee! The action is fast, hard hitting and constant. Don't let the length of this one fool you, it packs a hell of a punch and all builds up to a finale that is sure to make it's mark on anyone who dares to make their stand in the macabre world that is the genius of Mr. Brown.
And finally we have IAIN McKINNON'S REMAINS OF THE DEAD
Iain Mckinnon's Domain of the Dead was a massively entertaining thrill ride. It's sequel, Remains of the Dead, turns up the intensity several notches. It takes place during the same time as the events in Domain and aims the attention on the remaining group of survivors. What follows is a harrowing journey into a dark, writhing pit of rotting flesh and survival. Remains is fast paced with jolts a plenty and, above all, it's scary as hell! Pick this one up. You won't be sorry.
More to come soon. I'll be reviewing Timothy W. Long's Beyond the Barriers and David Moody's Them or Us. Trust me, you won't want to miss these two.
Also I'll have a few more announcements to tag on.
See y'all later.
OH! One thing I forgot. I created the BOOK TRAILER for Soul Survivors Volume 1. I am happy to announce that (barring a computer f*ck up of some sort) I will also be doing the trailer for Volume 2! Keep your eyes peeled for that too.
Next up is a review of ERIC S. BROWN'S LAST STAND IN A DEAD LAND
THE MAD SCIENTIST OF HORROR IS AT IT AGAIN... AND IT'S AWESOME!
Eric S. Brown is quite mad! Please know that I mean that in the absolute best way possible. Last Stand in a Dead Land is one of those rare books that will make monster fans cheer with demented glee! The action is fast, hard hitting and constant. Don't let the length of this one fool you, it packs a hell of a punch and all builds up to a finale that is sure to make it's mark on anyone who dares to make their stand in the macabre world that is the genius of Mr. Brown.
And finally we have IAIN McKINNON'S REMAINS OF THE DEAD
Iain Mckinnon's Domain of the Dead was a massively entertaining thrill ride. It's sequel, Remains of the Dead, turns up the intensity several notches. It takes place during the same time as the events in Domain and aims the attention on the remaining group of survivors. What follows is a harrowing journey into a dark, writhing pit of rotting flesh and survival. Remains is fast paced with jolts a plenty and, above all, it's scary as hell! Pick this one up. You won't be sorry.
More to come soon. I'll be reviewing Timothy W. Long's Beyond the Barriers and David Moody's Them or Us. Trust me, you won't want to miss these two.
Also I'll have a few more announcements to tag on.
See y'all later.
OH! One thing I forgot. I created the BOOK TRAILER for Soul Survivors Volume 1. I am happy to announce that (barring a computer f*ck up of some sort) I will also be doing the trailer for Volume 2! Keep your eyes peeled for that too.
October 23, 2011
Sometimes... you just need to have some f***ing zombies! - Kingdom of the Dead cover and synopsis
[image error]
Earlier I announced that my Z-Poc story, "Birthday Wish" would be appearing in the anthology "Soul Survivors: Hometown Tales Volume 1."
Now... I've taken some time to percolate and let the dark muses whisper their rants (and a few dirty jokes here and there) and weave their spell upon me. I started working on a sequel-ish installment that digs a bit deeper into the world of "Birthday Wish" that introduces some new characters and new dangers.
Here's a synopsis:
Deep within the ruins of Lakewood North Carolina, a young boy emerges from a dilapidated elementary school. In search of his family, he sets off across the dead, hungy landscape with the help of an almost etherial friend who may be more than he seems.
Soul Survivors: Hometown Tales goes on sale October 31st
Kingdom of the Dead should be available before the end of the year.
Sticks and Stones is still being tweaked and polished. I'll announce the release date as soon as I can.
Earlier I announced that my Z-Poc story, "Birthday Wish" would be appearing in the anthology "Soul Survivors: Hometown Tales Volume 1."
Now... I've taken some time to percolate and let the dark muses whisper their rants (and a few dirty jokes here and there) and weave their spell upon me. I started working on a sequel-ish installment that digs a bit deeper into the world of "Birthday Wish" that introduces some new characters and new dangers.
Here's a synopsis:
Deep within the ruins of Lakewood North Carolina, a young boy emerges from a dilapidated elementary school. In search of his family, he sets off across the dead, hungy landscape with the help of an almost etherial friend who may be more than he seems.
Soul Survivors: Hometown Tales goes on sale October 31st
Kingdom of the Dead should be available before the end of the year.
Sticks and Stones is still being tweaked and polished. I'll announce the release date as soon as I can.
October 20, 2011
October 3, 2011
Sticks and Stones FREE SAMPLE!
Just to whet you appetite, here's a little preview! }:-)~
Thirty seven minutes had passed before Matt heard light footfalls coming from behind him. He craned his head over his right shoulder, careful not to startle the animal. He caught a brief glimpse of something light brown traipsing toward his position.
He took a quick inspection of his crossbow, making sure it was cocked, safety off and the bolt was in place. The light sounds of cautious movement drew closer. Soon, Matt could hear it just under his feet. He looked down just as the large buck stepped out into full view.
Matt's heart raced. It wasn't the monster buck but it was an impressive trophy. He took a long, deep breath, raised the weapon and trained its sights on the kill zone.
Just a few more steps. C'mon. Just a little closer...
To the left of the trail, a flash of movement caught in Matt's vision just in time to see a thick stick swing out in a wide arc. The stick caught the buck square in both front legs. The bones snapped with an audible crack. The deer collapsed to the cold ground. It thrashed and howled in agony as it tried to flee in vain.
From the tree stand, Matt sat in stunned silence as a massive figure rose from the other side of a thick oak. It was dark, covered from head to toe with thick, matted, reddish brown fur. The thing was slumped over as it rushed toward the broken deer. In a matter of seconds it took the buck's head in its thick hands and snapped its neck in one fluid motion. Then, the creature stood to its full height and examined the kill. Matt's jaw fell slack. The thing was impossibly huge, standing well over seven and a half feet tall.
It retrieved the stick from the ground and slapped it against the trunk of the oak several times. It bellowed out a series of deep, guttural grunts and in moments the forest was flooded with movement.
Six other creatures had stepped from the thickets. Some were female with young ones riding on the mother's backs. Others were varied in size with mild deformities but all looked as if they were built of solid muscle.
Matt felt a growing pressure build in his bladder. What he was seeing was not possible. A nightmare of which he could not wake. He watched as the beasts ripped into the carcass, eviscerated it and ate.
The crossbow shook in his hands. If he was spotted there was no way he could kill them all. If they could climb he was as good as dead. Matt tried to hold his breath and keep silent. He was close to hyperventilating and felt like a small child on a playground surrounded by some of the biggest bullies the world had ever seen. He whispered a silent prayer in hopes that some form of higher power existed and felt the need to be merciful.
October 2, 2011
Woohoooo! I'm back online! NEW UPDATES
STICKS AND STONES
Computer problems have prevented me from keeping up with this page. Now it seems that all of the problems have been resolved and I can get back to work.
So, first up is an update on my novelette "Sticks and Stones." I'm hard at work doing edits and fixing goofs (considering the entire story was written on a cell phone office app, there was a ton). Anyway it will be released on Amazon in the near future (hopefully before Halloween) as a deluxe edition which will contain "The Legend of the Mountain Devils" which are the true accounts which inspired "Sticks and Stones" and "Just In Sight."
Also, I've decided to do something a bit different with this one. In the past I have designed my own covers (Carcass, Just In Sight, Night Owls, and a new cover for Carcass II which is floating in some sort of limbo at the moment). This time the cover is being designed by, the very talented, Jason R. Fowler. Keep your eyes on this page for that in the near future.
SOUL SURVIVORS
[image error]
Here is a promo poster for the upcoming anthology Soul Survivors: Hometown Tales Volume 1
If you would like a high resolution copy to print off and pass around, you can download the image on Knightwatch Press' main page by clicking HERE
The book will feature my zombie apocalypse tale "Birthday Wish" and is slated for release on October 31, 2011 with Volume 2 to follow in Spring 2012
dieTUNES
I have been asked several times, "what do you like to listen to when you write?" Well, it really depends on my mood, location and what's going on in the story. There are certain songs that always play in the background before writing to help me relax and focus. So I decided that I would compile a list of my 'writing soundtrack.'
Sully Erna's Avalon is a great choice to get relaxed and it really does get the juices flowing nicely.
Type O Negative is really a jack of all trades band when it comes to writing. During the course of one of their albums you can find fuel for atmosphere, emotional scenes, action, humor, dark humor and utter doom.
Otep is perfect for working on high energy scenes and dark subjects.
Murderdolls/Wednesday 13 for the "cut loose, give it Hell and have fun" kind of story.
Tool/A Perfect Circle for the dark and brooding apocalypse type.
Blackmore's Night is good for adding elements of fantasy.
Godsmack I'm a Godsmack fanatic therefore there is always room for Godsmack!
All That Remains is good for characters who need to build courage to power forward. Fear Factory is good for this as well.
Well, there you have it. Those are my most frequent plays while writing.
That's all for now but keep your eyes peeled for more updates soon!
Computer problems have prevented me from keeping up with this page. Now it seems that all of the problems have been resolved and I can get back to work.
So, first up is an update on my novelette "Sticks and Stones." I'm hard at work doing edits and fixing goofs (considering the entire story was written on a cell phone office app, there was a ton). Anyway it will be released on Amazon in the near future (hopefully before Halloween) as a deluxe edition which will contain "The Legend of the Mountain Devils" which are the true accounts which inspired "Sticks and Stones" and "Just In Sight."
Also, I've decided to do something a bit different with this one. In the past I have designed my own covers (Carcass, Just In Sight, Night Owls, and a new cover for Carcass II which is floating in some sort of limbo at the moment). This time the cover is being designed by, the very talented, Jason R. Fowler. Keep your eyes on this page for that in the near future.
SOUL SURVIVORS
[image error]
Here is a promo poster for the upcoming anthology Soul Survivors: Hometown Tales Volume 1
If you would like a high resolution copy to print off and pass around, you can download the image on Knightwatch Press' main page by clicking HERE
The book will feature my zombie apocalypse tale "Birthday Wish" and is slated for release on October 31, 2011 with Volume 2 to follow in Spring 2012
dieTUNES
I have been asked several times, "what do you like to listen to when you write?" Well, it really depends on my mood, location and what's going on in the story. There are certain songs that always play in the background before writing to help me relax and focus. So I decided that I would compile a list of my 'writing soundtrack.'
Sully Erna's Avalon is a great choice to get relaxed and it really does get the juices flowing nicely.
Type O Negative is really a jack of all trades band when it comes to writing. During the course of one of their albums you can find fuel for atmosphere, emotional scenes, action, humor, dark humor and utter doom.
Otep is perfect for working on high energy scenes and dark subjects.
Murderdolls/Wednesday 13 for the "cut loose, give it Hell and have fun" kind of story.
Tool/A Perfect Circle for the dark and brooding apocalypse type.
Blackmore's Night is good for adding elements of fantasy.
Godsmack I'm a Godsmack fanatic therefore there is always room for Godsmack!
All That Remains is good for characters who need to build courage to power forward. Fear Factory is good for this as well.
Well, there you have it. Those are my most frequent plays while writing.
That's all for now but keep your eyes peeled for more updates soon!
