William Cook's Blog, page 12
June 23, 2013
James Joyce - The Search for Meaning in Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:"Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Book Antiqua"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; letter-spacing:.1pt; mso-font-kerning:1.0pt; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB; font-weight:bold; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;} p.MsoFootnoteText, li.MsoFootnoteText, div.MsoFootnoteText {mso-style-link:"Footnote Text Char"; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:"Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Book Antiqua"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; letter-spacing:.1pt; mso-font-kerning:1.0pt; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB; font-weight:bold; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;} p.MsoFooter, li.MsoFooter, div.MsoFooter {mso-style-link:"Footer Char"; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; tab-stops:center 216.0pt right 432.0pt; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:"Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Book Antiqua"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; letter-spacing:.1pt; mso-font-kerning:1.0pt; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB; font-weight:bold; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;} span.MsoFootnoteReference {vertical-align:super;} span.MsoEndnoteReference {vertical-align:super;} p.MsoEndnoteText, li.MsoEndnoteText, div.MsoEndnoteText {mso-style-link:"Endnote Text Char"; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:"Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Book Antiqua"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; letter-spacing:.1pt; mso-font-kerning:1.0pt; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB; font-weight:bold; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;} span.FootnoteTextChar {mso-style-name:"Footnote Text Char"; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Footnote Text"; font-family:"Book Antiqua"; mso-ascii-font-family:"Book Antiqua"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Book Antiqua"; letter-spacing:.1pt; mso-font-kerning:1.0pt; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB; font-weight:bold; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;} span.EndnoteTextChar {mso-style-name:"Endnote Text Char"; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Endnote Text"; font-family:"Book Antiqua"; mso-ascii-font-family:"Book Antiqua"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Book Antiqua"; letter-spacing:.1pt; mso-font-kerning:1.0pt; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB; font-weight:bold; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;} span.FooterChar {mso-style-name:"Footer Char"; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:Footer; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Book Antiqua"; mso-ascii-font-family:"Book Antiqua"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Book Antiqua"; letter-spacing:.1pt; mso-font-kerning:1.0pt; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB; font-weight:bold; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;} @page Section1 {size:595.45pt 841.7pt; margin:72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt; mso-header-margin:72.0pt; mso-footer-margin:72.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1; mso-endnote-numbering-style:arabic;} </style></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RX-688RzL-4..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RX-688RzL-4..." width="459" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(C) William Cook</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;">The narrative style, of James Joyce’s <i>A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, </i>involves the reader in the search for meaning. While there may seem to be no definable authorial presence on the surface, the narrator is a creation of the author’s and speaks the language of modernism. Our understanding of Stephen’s character is more explicit and yet more complicated, because of the style of narration, which uses a vivid stream-of-consciousness dialogue. The apparent lack of “narrative cues” is what distinguishes Joyce’s novel as different, to the standard format and narration style of conventional fiction, and characteristically difficult, a common trait of modernist literature. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;">The difficulty of such a novel is that we (the reader & critic) have to read meaning by our own comprehension of the interior (and exterior) world of Stephen, with our own intellectual perceptions, beliefs, preconceptions, and experience. The problem with this is explicitly emphasized by Wayne Booth in his essay on <i>The Problem of Distance</i> between author, character, and reader in <i>Portrait</i>:</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;">Whatever intelligence Joyce postulates in his reader – let us assume the unlikely case of its being comparable to his own – will not be sufficient for precise inference of a pattern of judgements which is, after all, private to Joyce . . . many of the refinements he intended in his finished <i>Portrait</i> are, for most of us, permanently lost.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blog..." name="_ednref" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference">[i]</span></a></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ4bKyLNzSQ..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ4bKyLNzSQ..." width="435" /></a></b></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>(C) William Cook</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;">The language and words Joyce uses are not foreign to most literate English readers, yet the style and the complexity of the meaning of the prose, is what makes it difficult. Moreover, because we are effectively in the mind of the narrator, we also presume that meaning will come from within the language of his speech and thought. This sense of anticipation preludes the reader’s understanding of what the meaning signifies to and within Stephen’s world. In other words, we expect to find meaning through the narrator, yet until we find our way through the labyrinth of allusion and metaphor that is Stephen’s narration, we can not begin to comprehend the state of Stephen’s consciousness. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;">Making reading difficult, as it does, <i>Portrait </i>lends itself to many forms of criticism. Its difficulty has extended its critique beyond the realms of modernism into contemporary post-modern analysis and debate. The structural coherence of the narrative depends on the type of reading practiced. For instance, a psychoanalytical (or Freudian) reading would envisage <i>Portrait</i> as a densely coherent structural novel, due to the narrator’s ‘stream-of-consciousness dialogue and psychological elements that dominate the text. Whereas a feminist critique, would assume it was incoherent or misogynist due to the negative or apparently disempowered portrayals of women in the novel. This reading is difficult because it is hard to prove whether Stephen is a factually autobiographical portrait of Joyce.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;"> The ‘problem of distance’ makes it hard for critics to determine the author’s involvement/responsibility in his character’s beliefs and actions. It is also hard to determine whether his depictions of women are stereotypically patriarchal, and therefore negatively depicted according to general feminist critique, in character (are beautiful girls that are transformed into birds, being oppressed by the male visionary oppressor?). </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;">By writing a complex and evocative work that seems to defy definition, Joyce effectively works the text so that the reader seeks meaning, and distances himself from criticism that lacks definitive judgements due to the difficulty of the text. While this elusiveness works well for Joyce, and promotes criticism and ‘art for art’s sake’, it also generates a negative reaction to the difficulty of<i> Portrait. </i> This negative (pessimistic may be a better term) interpretation is essentially a reaction to the exclusiveness of modernism and its practitioners, Joyce being the head of the house. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;">What most readers (and critics) of fiction enjoy is a work capable of appreciation and intellectual stimulation, for having a story with a coherent message, meaning, or ‘portrait’. What <i>Portrait </i>proposes, is a scholarly interpretation requiring more than mere involvement and more like devotion, in order to salvage meaning from the depths of Stephen’s mind and the text. There is a danger of the work being too abstract and mutually exclusive, almost a work of inoperative fiction, or mere curiosity, to the general reader. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;">While this may seem a presumptuous view of <i>A Portrait </i>(depending on the reader response), it must be remembered that because of the demands it places on the reader, we are forced to make these critical assumptions regarding authorial intent, in order to understand the text more completely. In my view, this is the intention behind Joyce’s style and the reason why his work is so amenable to different critique and debate, yet considered difficult and obscure by the average reader.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa7KC-xYg0E..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa7KC-xYg0E..." width="520" /></a></b></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>(C) William Cook</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;">Like anything that challenges the intellectual faculties, <i>Portrait</i>provokes an element of frustration and satisfaction with its many levels of difficulty. The apparent simplicity of the first chapter drags us into Stephen’s labyrinth of memory and experience. The increasingly complex narration and imagery disorientate the reader; just as Stephen seems to have a deep ambivalence toward all things, so too do we (those of us still reading). Whether it is ambivalence toward Stephen, Joyce, or that which is related (the content of the narration), a certain amount of mistrust and caution guides us through the dichotomous corridors of narrative. As ambiguous as it may seem, because of its perceived difficulties and lack of authorial direction, there is still a story within the structure that seeks the eye (and ear) of the astute reader. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;">There is a strong relationship between the aesthetic and the character. The novel is after all a <i>Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man</i>, and as such, he displays characteristics of the aggressive ideology of youth and artistic temperament. Stephen Dedalus’s life advances from childhood to adulthood, in a continual odyssey for meaning and vocation that differs from convention, tradition, and expectation of his peers and guardians. We see the world through Stephen’s perceptions, rebelling against reality and looking for a deeper truth that seems to prove as elusive for him as it does for the reader. A sense of isolation and subjective relativism envelops his character and his sense of pilgrimage. He searches for camaraderie in other like minds, envisioning other young artists on the same spiritual/artistic journey, he hears their voices calling him “making ready to go, shaking the wings of their exultant and terrible youth” (p.253). </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;">He sees himself as “their kinsman”, the embodiment of all artists, yet with an egotistical difference that still sets him apart from all the others. Stephen’s project is the height of allusion: he wants to create what he feels has never been created. With an abundance of self-generated inspiration and confidence he states, “I go to encounter for the millionth time the reality of experience and to forge in the smithy of my soul the uncreated conscience of my race” (p.253). </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;">It is not a self-less personal identity that is to be created from Stephen’s experience, but the “uncreated conscience” of his “race”, a universal paragon that will set him up as the mythological figurehead of his people. Stephen’s ‘soul’ is exposed and opened to the reader, his soul being essentially the novel itself. Stephen has been creating (epiphanies, aesthetic objects, and artistic theories) throughout the novel; his ultimate objective is to create a work of art and experience that is of a genius previously unheard of. The genius being in the creation of an aesthetic object that represents more than itself, that embodies a moral sense of responsibility, as a production of an artistic breed that has historically pursued art for its own sake. He believes that he is the artist to accomplish this unconventional task, seeing his ‘art’ as something striving toward genius. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;">Two main questions need to be asked of this proposal: is “the reality of experience” such that it is unique or essentially different from that which has been experienced and recorded before, enough so to create a new “uncreated conscience”? In addition: what “race” is Stephen referring to? Is it the human race, the Irish race, the race of time and space<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blog..." name="_ftnref" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[1]</span></a>, the idealized race of artistic ‘kinsmen’, or the ‘race’ of family that he now hopes to give some moral fortitude and imagination to? </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;"> The first question is answered with a single word: no! No individual mortal being, or subjective experience, could hope to create an entirely new moral being (conscience that has not been ‘created’ before) free from the influence of that which has come before, within themselves, let alone in a whole ’race’. The aesthetic object (or work of art) can not create and impart a wholly original sense of being, or moral sensibility, by itself, that is capable of embodying the collective “conscience”, of whatever race it is that Stephen claims as his own. Stephen’s success depends on his understanding and involvement, in a totally anthropological (not self-justified, or assuming, about the universal nature of humankind) manner, with humanity and reality as a consequence. Leaving a reality behind that is dealt with by the imagination, rather than the heart, does not suggest that Stephen's project will be successful. Yet, it does imply that his naivete will be confronted by similar archetypes of experience that will force him to confront reality, which defines the human condition, with his heart. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;">The second question of ‘race’ can only be answered definitively by Joyce himself. I personally feel that Stephen’s race is that of the artist and that he is looking to blow apart artistic convention and tradition by ‘forging’ a new style that will act as a paragon to the rest of the art-world. Stephen may not do this himself, with his attempts at poetry and vision, yet Joyce <i>does </i>create this uniquely influential work of art and style (apparently original & incomparable in style, except maybe to Blake’s visionary works), in <i>A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.</i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;">There seems an element of hope about Stephen’s intended voyage: an elation that exudes life and dreams. However, the final sentence reeks of impending doom and mythological regression (rather than looking to the future and a new “conscience”): “Old father, old artificer, stand me now and ever in good stead”(p.253). Stephen is looking to a role model; it is not his biological father, but the mythological “artificer” – Daedalus. Will he stand Stephen in good stead? Not if Stephen is Icarus (son of Daedalus), rebelling against his father’s requests and flying too close to the burning sun of freedom, melting his wings and drowning. Nor will he, if Stephen is the son of Daedalus’s sister, whom Daedalus killed by throwing him off Minerva’s sacred citadel. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;">So, why use an analogy that ends in tragedy to represent Stephen. Myth and biology are as much “nets” of the soul as is convention, tradition, and expectation. Because his character is doomed to failure from the beginning, he can not escape the past and be the great creator. His own philosophy on acquiring knowledge neutralizes his aspirations with its contradictions: “he was destined to learn his own wisdom apart from others or to learn the wisdom of others himself wandering among the snares of the world”(p.167). How can you learn wisdom from others if you are “apart” from others, and amongst all the negative things (‘snares’) that you are trying to differentiate from? </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: normal;"> There remain, no firm answers to our questions. Conjecture and uncertainty, is as much a part of our reading, as it is of Stephen’s idealistic and seemingly unrealizable aspirations. He yearns for fulfillment and completion in destructive ideals that he still takes seriously. His name denotes the path he takes, it is all pre-planned, vocation and all, and not by Stephen or Daedalus, but by the “artificer” who is Joyce. The spelling of Stephen’s last name is significant; the changing from Daedalus to Dedalus distances his surname enough from the myth to imply alternative meaning. As we find out, Stephen’s journey is a bit of a ‘dead-loss’, his aspirations to an immortal (‘dead-less’) state of created conscience proving unfounded and invalid in its reliance on myth and guidance from influential guidance. Like other critics such as Caroline Gordon<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blog..." name="_ednref" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference">[ii]</span></a>and Marguerite Harkness<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blog..." name="_ednref" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference">[iii]</span></a>, I feel that Stephen is set up to fail. The difficulty of the novel works to meet this end with much invention and intellectually challenging alternatives. My opinion is that it is Joyce’s intention to do this with Stephen’s character, so that once we have reached our conclusion we can concentrate on the text. Stephen’s character acts as a foil to the testimony of artifice and creation, of the text as a work of art, a novel of artistic dexterity, genius, and vision, and a masterpiece of words. In this respect, the difficulty of Joyce’s text does what it sets out to do.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UbfnR5jD75w..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UbfnR5jD75w..." width="482" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(C) William Cook</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="all" /></span></span></b> <br /><hr size="1" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;" width="33%" /><div id="ftn"><br /><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blog..." name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB">[1]</span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all”(Ecclesiastes 9:11). A biblical reminder that human events do not always turn out in the way men expect them to, which is poignant in the light of Stephen’s impending flight from the isle, paralleled with Icarus who burnt his wings and drowned in the seas of his unnatural aspirations (mortals cannot aspire to the height of the God’s).</span></span></span></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="all" /></span></span></b> <br /><hr size="1" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;" width="33%" /><div id="edn"><br /><div class="MsoEndnoteText"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blog..." name="_edn1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB">[i]</span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> See <span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>James Joyce, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Text, Criticism, & Notes</i>, ed. by Chester G. Anderson, <i>The Problem of Distance in A Portrait of The Artist</i>, by Wayne Booth (New York: The Viking Press, 1968) pp. 466-467.</span></span></span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoEndnoteText"><br /></div></div><br /><div id="edn"><br /><div class="MsoEndnoteText"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blog..." name="_edn2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB">[ii]</span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> See <span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Joyce’s Portrait, Criticisms & Critiques</i>, ed. by Thomas E. Connolly, <i>Some Readings and Misreadings</i>, by Caroline Gordon (New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1962) p. 144.</span></span></span></span></div></div><br /><div id="edn"><br /><div class="MsoEndnoteText"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoEndnoteText"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB">[iii]</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"> See <i>A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Voices of the Text</i>, by Marguerite Harkness (Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1990.) p.110. </span></span></span></span></b></div></div></div></div>
June 10, 2013
True Crime Serial Killers Anthology
The True Crime Serial Killers Anthology (Author Roster)
The True Crime Serial Killers Anthology roster of ten authors is finalized. This is going to be an exciting project where each author will write a couple of short case files on lesser-known serial killers from around the world. It is also going to be an annual book, this being the first year. Publication will be November or early December in eBook, Paperback and Audiobook.
The authors are:
PETER VRONSKY
Peter is an author, filmmaker and investigative historian. He holds a Ph.D. in criminal justice history and espionage in international relations from the University of Toronto. He has written a couple of serial killer books:
Serial Killers: The Method and Madness of Monsters Female Serial Killers: How and Why Women Become Monsters
Serial Killer Chronicles (Coming 2013)
RJ PARKER
RJ is an author most well known for his books, TOP CASES of The FBI (Winner of the World Book Awards 2012), Unsolved Serial Killings and Women Who Kill. He has two professional designations in Management and Finance. His true crime books include:
Top Cases of The FBITop Cases of The FBI Volume II (Coming 2013)
Case Closed: Serial Killers CapturedDoctors Who KilledRampage Spree KillersWomen Who Kill - The Bitches from HellUnsolved Serial Killings
LEE MELLOR
Lee is a published author, musician and enrolled in the PhD program at Concordia University. Besides writing music, he has written two true crime books.Cold North KillersRampage - Canadian Mass Murder and Spree Killing
MICHAEL NEWTON
Michael has published 260 books under his own name and various pseudonyms since 1977. He began writing professionally as a "ghost" for author Don Pendleton on the best-selling Executioner series and continues his work on that series today. He has written numerous true crime books, including:
The FBI Most Wanted
The Encyclopedia of Unsolved Crimes
The Encyclopedia of Gangsters
The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers
Armed and Dangerous
CATHY SCOTT
Cathy is a graduate of the University of Redlands, is an author and award-winning journalist who's received more than a dozen awards from news organizations in California and Nevada. She is also the author of several true crime books, including:
The Millionaire's Wife: The True Story of a Real Estate Tycoon, his Beautiful Young Mistress, and a Marriage that Ended in Murder
Death in the Desert: The Ted Binion Homicide Case
The Killing of Tupac Shakur
The Murder of Biggie Smalls
Murder of a Mafia Daughter: The Life and Tragic Death of Susan Berman
SYLVIA PERRINI
Sylvia studied history and law at Manchester University and developed a particular interest in women who live outside the common boundaries of society. She has written numerous books on female serial killers from different centuries, including:
Women Serial Killers of the 17th Century
Baby Farmers of the 19th Century
Damsel for Sale - The Tragic Tale Of Aileen Wuornus
Angels of Death - Nurses Who Kill
Women Serial Killers of Britain
Women Serial Killers of Austria and Germany
DANE LADWIG
Dane holds an ABS in Biblical Studies degree in Theology, and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Philosophy and English Creative Writing. He has a wealth of knowledge of Herman Webster Mudgett a.k.a Dr. H. H. Holmes and Jack the Ripper, as he's been studying the Ripper case for more than forty years and will be publishing a book later this year on Holmes/Ripper. His work include:
Dr. H.H. Holmes and The WhiteChapel Ripper (Coming 2013)
Piercing the Veils of Death
KIM CRESSWELL
Kim has been a story-teller all her life but took many detours including; working for a private investigator, running a graphic design business, and teaching computer classes at a local business school. She has one fictional book published with its sequel coming out this year. This is Kim's introduction to true crime writing. Reflection
Lethal Journey (Coming 2013)
KAREN SCIOSCIA
Karen is a is a Journalist, author, SAG-AFTRA member, and corporate executive speech writer. She recently published her novel "Kidnapped by the Cartel" which is a fictional tale based on a true story. This will be Karen's breakthrough into non-fiction.Kidnapped by the Cartel
WILLIAM COOK
William is a writer of the macabre from New Zealand who also designs book covers, including all of RJ's. He has several Horror books published as well as a few dark poetry books. He spent many years researching serial killers for his book "Blood Related" which has a family of ruthless male serial killers. This Anthology will also be a breakthrough into true crime for William. Some of his work include:
Blood Related
Blood Trail (Coming 2013)
Fresh Fear (Coming 2013)
Serial Killers Iterum
Songs for The Raven
Devil Inside
Temper of the Tide
Moment of Freedom
Another quality True Crime book from RJ Parker Publishing
The True Crime Serial Killers Anthology roster of ten authors is finalized. This is going to be an exciting project where each author will write a couple of short case files on lesser-known serial killers from around the world. It is also going to be an annual book, this being the first year. Publication will be November or early December in eBook, Paperback and Audiobook.
The authors are:
PETER VRONSKY
Peter is an author, filmmaker and investigative historian. He holds a Ph.D. in criminal justice history and espionage in international relations from the University of Toronto. He has written a couple of serial killer books:
Serial Killers: The Method and Madness of Monsters Female Serial Killers: How and Why Women Become Monsters
Serial Killer Chronicles (Coming 2013)
RJ PARKER
RJ is an author most well known for his books, TOP CASES of The FBI (Winner of the World Book Awards 2012), Unsolved Serial Killings and Women Who Kill. He has two professional designations in Management and Finance. His true crime books include:
Top Cases of The FBITop Cases of The FBI Volume II (Coming 2013)
Case Closed: Serial Killers CapturedDoctors Who KilledRampage Spree KillersWomen Who Kill - The Bitches from HellUnsolved Serial Killings
LEE MELLOR
Lee is a published author, musician and enrolled in the PhD program at Concordia University. Besides writing music, he has written two true crime books.Cold North KillersRampage - Canadian Mass Murder and Spree Killing
MICHAEL NEWTON
Michael has published 260 books under his own name and various pseudonyms since 1977. He began writing professionally as a "ghost" for author Don Pendleton on the best-selling Executioner series and continues his work on that series today. He has written numerous true crime books, including:
The FBI Most Wanted
The Encyclopedia of Unsolved Crimes
The Encyclopedia of Gangsters
The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers
Armed and Dangerous
CATHY SCOTT
Cathy is a graduate of the University of Redlands, is an author and award-winning journalist who's received more than a dozen awards from news organizations in California and Nevada. She is also the author of several true crime books, including:
The Millionaire's Wife: The True Story of a Real Estate Tycoon, his Beautiful Young Mistress, and a Marriage that Ended in Murder
Death in the Desert: The Ted Binion Homicide Case
The Killing of Tupac Shakur
The Murder of Biggie Smalls
Murder of a Mafia Daughter: The Life and Tragic Death of Susan Berman
SYLVIA PERRINI
Sylvia studied history and law at Manchester University and developed a particular interest in women who live outside the common boundaries of society. She has written numerous books on female serial killers from different centuries, including:
Women Serial Killers of the 17th Century
Baby Farmers of the 19th Century
Damsel for Sale - The Tragic Tale Of Aileen Wuornus
Angels of Death - Nurses Who Kill
Women Serial Killers of Britain
Women Serial Killers of Austria and Germany
DANE LADWIG
Dane holds an ABS in Biblical Studies degree in Theology, and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Philosophy and English Creative Writing. He has a wealth of knowledge of Herman Webster Mudgett a.k.a Dr. H. H. Holmes and Jack the Ripper, as he's been studying the Ripper case for more than forty years and will be publishing a book later this year on Holmes/Ripper. His work include:
Dr. H.H. Holmes and The WhiteChapel Ripper (Coming 2013)
Piercing the Veils of Death
KIM CRESSWELL
Kim has been a story-teller all her life but took many detours including; working for a private investigator, running a graphic design business, and teaching computer classes at a local business school. She has one fictional book published with its sequel coming out this year. This is Kim's introduction to true crime writing. Reflection
Lethal Journey (Coming 2013)
KAREN SCIOSCIA
Karen is a is a Journalist, author, SAG-AFTRA member, and corporate executive speech writer. She recently published her novel "Kidnapped by the Cartel" which is a fictional tale based on a true story. This will be Karen's breakthrough into non-fiction.Kidnapped by the Cartel
WILLIAM COOK
William is a writer of the macabre from New Zealand who also designs book covers, including all of RJ's. He has several Horror books published as well as a few dark poetry books. He spent many years researching serial killers for his book "Blood Related" which has a family of ruthless male serial killers. This Anthology will also be a breakthrough into true crime for William. Some of his work include:
Blood Related
Blood Trail (Coming 2013)
Fresh Fear (Coming 2013)
Serial Killers Iterum
Songs for The Raven
Devil Inside
Temper of the Tide
Moment of Freedom
Another quality True Crime book from RJ Parker Publishing
June 7, 2013
New Review up for Moment of Freedom - by William Cook
News, views and reviews.First of all, apologies for the lack of posts lately. I have been extremely busy with my other projects and have been neglecting poor old poetry a bit! You can see what I've been up to at my main website http://williamcookwriter.com.I will be migrating this site to the main one above shortly but will leave a forwarding address so to speak. I recently received the best critique of my poetry that I have ever received. Please check it out below and make sure to visit Anthony Servante's excellent site about Literary Darkness - always something interesting and well-written to consider there. Enjoy!*************
Click here to purchase.
William Cook joins the Modernism School of Poetry. From Wiki: “For the modernists, it was essential to move away from the merely personal towards an intellectual statement that poetry could make about the world.” Thus William combines a writing style of prose and poetry to weave an intellectual tapestry, slipping his words in and out of subjective and objective observations, pulling and pushing the reader to envision the completed tapestry while savoring the in’s and out’s of the words themselves, much as we watch a movie without thinking about the camera work or actor interpretations of the screenplay. As Peter Gabriel points out in The Cinema Show regarding the use of cosmetics: “Concealing to reveal.”
Let’s consider the “The edge of the night” from MOMENT OF FREEDOM: Selected Poetry. First off, two notes: the title Moment of Freedom is ironic in that the title indirectly states, a lifetime of slavery to the “moment of freedom”, much as the term “a cloudless clim” from Lord Byron, must incorporate “cloud” to denote an empty sky: an image to convey emptiness rather than simply using the unpoetic “empty” to state such. Second, the poem’s title capitalizes the article but not the noun or prepositional phrase, combining poetic license with standard grammatical rule (namely “The”, the first word in the line, must be capitalized). The intellectualizing has begun; William flaunts the world’s rules by obeying them as he pleases, this, a moment of freedom.
To the work:
The edge of the night
I
A table spread in a tomb, dinner for the dead
the dead! Why did you pay a visit to my eyes last night?
Night is the time for angels of dreams
we who, each of us, will one day return
to our hungry mother the grave. The darkness comes
from knowing nothing is ours, except death
takes bites out of my heart. O Asclepius pupil
teacher Chiron, please bring medicine
to my dead love, and I forever understudy
will attempt some sort of attainment
to wake with a sore splitting back from the cold floor
in borrowed clothes and eyes, lent by a saint
giving at the same time an encompassing embrace
‘Friend,’ is all he said in tears, heart big enough to feed
this dead world. To wake up and see the sun
if not the glare from beyond, glittering
on broken glass, beside stretched roadside
where some had sprayed symbolic worlds and signs
scars full of flowers – to wake is to see
again this unusual world, whose secret cannot be known
until we enter the sky, or the earth
takes the edge off the night, the memory of your smile
II
Judging this town of sleep, I found it had already been judged
the Lord on his axe-cut cross of cypress
he is an incurable domestic bore
a family man, who never swore a word
an only child with a hollow mother
full with the carved cares of a household
wearing his poverty as a coat of arms
for eyes to look upon that beheld no bravura of vision.
The crisp grass rattles and shakes ripely, dryly
and all of this in fidelity to death
it was the same old same old, the hard husk of the ego
won’t ever resolve, yet grinds down hard internally
into the swirl, the wine bitter-soaked seed
labouring lie -- vice is kindled, burned in loins that melt
peculiar smiles alive, of all hope
has gone to explore the forlorn desert all alone
far away from the security of grim towns
where a girl is safe searching numbly in the comfort of fear.
You have gone or strayed away, never to be found
I sit and hear sour hiss of traffic calling
this burned and gutted ghost, vague semblance of time
on and off like one long sick light-switch
electric dream/confused state of everyone
greedy for dead love, drain her life, her soul
from every side for me. Greatest dribbling cannibal
tired Bolshie future, sleep . . . with disease.
III
Torn in two, I stand between, the idol and the grave
I do not know anything, I do not know. I do not
of this world, know anything – nor do I want to
but I have misled the past and will do so again
bring the teachers to the fore, let them stand
and be accounted as emperors of their own disease
and demise. As the sky claps the earth -- wrings blood
from all rocks and far away I fly, every day
from the storm in the brain. The science of the mind
corroded the body, blinded every mile I ever burnt
in this life and the next if there ever were such a thing.
To discuss William’s deliberate misuse of grammar would be folly as it is part of the pursuit to reach the reader. Note also his use of metaphor and litotes. To say simply: “a corpse” is not in his vocabulary; he metaphorically says “dinner” and the diner, death (“the dead!”). Knowledge is life, and life is accepting death: “The darkness comes from knowing nothing is ours, except death….” The first slip into litotes comes from a shift into prose from the metaphor: “…to wake with a sore splitting back from the cold floor in borrowed clothes and eyes…” and with the “borrowed…eyes” shifts back to poetry and metaphor. These are very aesthetic acrobatics.
Furthermore, in the line “To wake up and see the sun if not the glare from beyond” we see additional shifts with the sun at once literal and figurative (as that solar body we find upon waking and as a metaphor for the afterlife). William maintains the balance between shifts throughout the work and ultimately “time” becomes a “cannibal” eating us as we sleep and wake, with varying degrees of metaphoric intents. Thus, the final line of Part II captures this fatality of cannibalism of the self as William becomes the “I” of the poem and states the thesis with the “if”, bringing together the personal and the intellectual in Part III: “The science of the mind corroded the body, blinded every mile I ever burnt in this life and the next if there ever were such a thing.”
A work in three parts, “The edge of the night” is representative of the poetry throughout MOMENT OF FREEDOM. Think of the book as a complete poem with each individual poem making up the whole. I do not recommend jumping around reading individual works, but rather beginning to end, as one would read James Joyce’s Ulysses or William Burroughs’ Naked Lunch. It is a work worthy to be mentioned with these modernist authors.
William CookWilliam Cook is a writer of the macabre from New Zealand, a small antipodean island group in the South Pacific. When not writing, he looks after two small daughters and designs book covers that are designed to scare the hell out of people. He can be reached at:http://www.amazon.com/William-Cook/e/B003PA513I/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1Reposted from: http://servanteofdarkness.blogspot.com/
More info here: http://www.williamcookwriter.com/p/po...
Click here to purchase.William Cook joins the Modernism School of Poetry. From Wiki: “For the modernists, it was essential to move away from the merely personal towards an intellectual statement that poetry could make about the world.” Thus William combines a writing style of prose and poetry to weave an intellectual tapestry, slipping his words in and out of subjective and objective observations, pulling and pushing the reader to envision the completed tapestry while savoring the in’s and out’s of the words themselves, much as we watch a movie without thinking about the camera work or actor interpretations of the screenplay. As Peter Gabriel points out in The Cinema Show regarding the use of cosmetics: “Concealing to reveal.”
Let’s consider the “The edge of the night” from MOMENT OF FREEDOM: Selected Poetry. First off, two notes: the title Moment of Freedom is ironic in that the title indirectly states, a lifetime of slavery to the “moment of freedom”, much as the term “a cloudless clim” from Lord Byron, must incorporate “cloud” to denote an empty sky: an image to convey emptiness rather than simply using the unpoetic “empty” to state such. Second, the poem’s title capitalizes the article but not the noun or prepositional phrase, combining poetic license with standard grammatical rule (namely “The”, the first word in the line, must be capitalized). The intellectualizing has begun; William flaunts the world’s rules by obeying them as he pleases, this, a moment of freedom.
To the work:
The edge of the night
I
A table spread in a tomb, dinner for the dead
the dead! Why did you pay a visit to my eyes last night?
Night is the time for angels of dreams
we who, each of us, will one day return
to our hungry mother the grave. The darkness comes
from knowing nothing is ours, except death
takes bites out of my heart. O Asclepius pupil
teacher Chiron, please bring medicine
to my dead love, and I forever understudy
will attempt some sort of attainment
to wake with a sore splitting back from the cold floor
in borrowed clothes and eyes, lent by a saint
giving at the same time an encompassing embrace
‘Friend,’ is all he said in tears, heart big enough to feed
this dead world. To wake up and see the sun
if not the glare from beyond, glittering
on broken glass, beside stretched roadside
where some had sprayed symbolic worlds and signs
scars full of flowers – to wake is to see
again this unusual world, whose secret cannot be known
until we enter the sky, or the earth
takes the edge off the night, the memory of your smile
II
Judging this town of sleep, I found it had already been judged
the Lord on his axe-cut cross of cypress
he is an incurable domestic bore
a family man, who never swore a word
an only child with a hollow mother
full with the carved cares of a household
wearing his poverty as a coat of arms
for eyes to look upon that beheld no bravura of vision.
The crisp grass rattles and shakes ripely, dryly
and all of this in fidelity to death
it was the same old same old, the hard husk of the ego
won’t ever resolve, yet grinds down hard internally
into the swirl, the wine bitter-soaked seed
labouring lie -- vice is kindled, burned in loins that melt
peculiar smiles alive, of all hope
has gone to explore the forlorn desert all alone
far away from the security of grim towns
where a girl is safe searching numbly in the comfort of fear.
You have gone or strayed away, never to be found
I sit and hear sour hiss of traffic calling
this burned and gutted ghost, vague semblance of time
on and off like one long sick light-switch
electric dream/confused state of everyone
greedy for dead love, drain her life, her soul
from every side for me. Greatest dribbling cannibal
tired Bolshie future, sleep . . . with disease.
III
Torn in two, I stand between, the idol and the grave
I do not know anything, I do not know. I do not
of this world, know anything – nor do I want to
but I have misled the past and will do so again
bring the teachers to the fore, let them stand
and be accounted as emperors of their own disease
and demise. As the sky claps the earth -- wrings blood
from all rocks and far away I fly, every day
from the storm in the brain. The science of the mind
corroded the body, blinded every mile I ever burnt
in this life and the next if there ever were such a thing.
To discuss William’s deliberate misuse of grammar would be folly as it is part of the pursuit to reach the reader. Note also his use of metaphor and litotes. To say simply: “a corpse” is not in his vocabulary; he metaphorically says “dinner” and the diner, death (“the dead!”). Knowledge is life, and life is accepting death: “The darkness comes from knowing nothing is ours, except death….” The first slip into litotes comes from a shift into prose from the metaphor: “…to wake with a sore splitting back from the cold floor in borrowed clothes and eyes…” and with the “borrowed…eyes” shifts back to poetry and metaphor. These are very aesthetic acrobatics.
Furthermore, in the line “To wake up and see the sun if not the glare from beyond” we see additional shifts with the sun at once literal and figurative (as that solar body we find upon waking and as a metaphor for the afterlife). William maintains the balance between shifts throughout the work and ultimately “time” becomes a “cannibal” eating us as we sleep and wake, with varying degrees of metaphoric intents. Thus, the final line of Part II captures this fatality of cannibalism of the self as William becomes the “I” of the poem and states the thesis with the “if”, bringing together the personal and the intellectual in Part III: “The science of the mind corroded the body, blinded every mile I ever burnt in this life and the next if there ever were such a thing.”
A work in three parts, “The edge of the night” is representative of the poetry throughout MOMENT OF FREEDOM. Think of the book as a complete poem with each individual poem making up the whole. I do not recommend jumping around reading individual works, but rather beginning to end, as one would read James Joyce’s Ulysses or William Burroughs’ Naked Lunch. It is a work worthy to be mentioned with these modernist authors.
William CookWilliam Cook is a writer of the macabre from New Zealand, a small antipodean island group in the South Pacific. When not writing, he looks after two small daughters and designs book covers that are designed to scare the hell out of people. He can be reached at:http://www.amazon.com/William-Cook/e/B003PA513I/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1Reposted from: http://servanteofdarkness.blogspot.com/ More info here: http://www.williamcookwriter.com/p/po...
June 4, 2013
Latest Review for Blood Related
William Cook ‘Blood Related’ Review Posted by Matt Molgaard on June 5, 2013 in Authors A-L
Written by: Drake Morgan
William Cook’s Blood Related delves into the mind and dark psychology of a serial killer named Caleb Cunningham. The story centers around Cunningham and his family who have all been connected to a series of brutal murders over a number of years. The story begins with a psychiatric overview and then progresses to Caleb’s version of events.
The format of the narrative is interesting in that it makes not two shifts, but several. The first chapter is a first-person perspective from a court appointed psychiatrist. Through her, we get a very rough overview of the Cunninghams. We learn that there are twin brothers, both deeply psychotic and sinister. The psychiatrist examines Charlie during the course of a trial, but then becomes heavily involved with Caleb. We learn that Caleb is the true monster and the bulk of the narrative then becomes Caleb’s diaries, journals, and psychiatric sessions. Later chapters shift again to a series of newspaper articles giving the reader a final summary of the events that Caleb’s first-person account misses. The novel closes with a series of letters from Caleb explaining his motives and leaving the reader and his doctor with a cryptic goodbye.
Caleb’s story is fairly straightforward. Abused as a child, he’s described as “evil,” “one of the most dangerous men alive,” and the like. Cook’s writing is fluid and descriptive, but Caleb’s exploits take on mythological proportions as the story progresses. Cook goes to great length in his research of abnormal psychology. He skillfully uses the terminology and psychiatric evaluations to create an authentic element to the narrative. Caleb’s excesses are in stark contrast to the realism in other areas and it’s a jarring juxtaposition at times.
As a study in dark psychology, Blood Related is an interesting tale. Cook does an excellent job grappling with the disturbed mind. Psychiatry struggles with the abnormal that goes beyond the human comprehension of evil. Cook takes on the challenge of this struggle and handles it well. A more subtle handling of Caleb’s story would have added a great deal to the psychological framework. Definitely worth a read for the insight into a twisted mind.
Grab it here!
Rating: 3.5/5
SOURCE:
Written by: Drake Morgan
William Cook’s Blood Related delves into the mind and dark psychology of a serial killer named Caleb Cunningham. The story centers around Cunningham and his family who have all been connected to a series of brutal murders over a number of years. The story begins with a psychiatric overview and then progresses to Caleb’s version of events.
The format of the narrative is interesting in that it makes not two shifts, but several. The first chapter is a first-person perspective from a court appointed psychiatrist. Through her, we get a very rough overview of the Cunninghams. We learn that there are twin brothers, both deeply psychotic and sinister. The psychiatrist examines Charlie during the course of a trial, but then becomes heavily involved with Caleb. We learn that Caleb is the true monster and the bulk of the narrative then becomes Caleb’s diaries, journals, and psychiatric sessions. Later chapters shift again to a series of newspaper articles giving the reader a final summary of the events that Caleb’s first-person account misses. The novel closes with a series of letters from Caleb explaining his motives and leaving the reader and his doctor with a cryptic goodbye.
Caleb’s story is fairly straightforward. Abused as a child, he’s described as “evil,” “one of the most dangerous men alive,” and the like. Cook’s writing is fluid and descriptive, but Caleb’s exploits take on mythological proportions as the story progresses. Cook goes to great length in his research of abnormal psychology. He skillfully uses the terminology and psychiatric evaluations to create an authentic element to the narrative. Caleb’s excesses are in stark contrast to the realism in other areas and it’s a jarring juxtaposition at times.
As a study in dark psychology, Blood Related is an interesting tale. Cook does an excellent job grappling with the disturbed mind. Psychiatry struggles with the abnormal that goes beyond the human comprehension of evil. Cook takes on the challenge of this struggle and handles it well. A more subtle handling of Caleb’s story would have added a great deal to the psychological framework. Definitely worth a read for the insight into a twisted mind.
Grab it here!
Rating: 3.5/5
SOURCE:
May 17, 2013
2013 Writing Projects - Update
2013 is shaping up to be my busiest year yet (in terms of writing projects).
The Fresh Fear Anthology is going well and the submissions have been of an exceptional standard. Publishing date of September (possibly earlier) is well on track for an achievable outcome. Money has been raised for the payment of contributors and is set aside until contracts have been received and the submission deadline (May 31st) has been reached.
I have had favorable reviews for my latest Kindle release, 'Creep'. If you're quick enough you can get it for FREE today only.
CREEP, is the first story in an exciting and gritty new psychological thriller series. Cassandra: Hunter of Darkness, is a hero to the victim and a merciless angel of death to the evil ones. A killer of killers, she strikes fear into the hearts of those who get their kicks off hurting others. Join Cassandra on her quest for justice and revenge as she begins her journey into the dark underbelly of serial murder and takes care of business as only she knows how. 8,500 word short story + novel extract from Blood Related.
Another exciting project I'm involved with is the upcoming True Crime Serial Killers Anthology, an annual collection of non-fiction serial killer cases from some of True Crimes top authors. To be published by RJ Parker Publishing.
I have been lucky enough to be asked to write two case studies for the first anthology; the cases I will be analyzing are those of Carl Panzram and the unsolved Original Night Stalker. I also did the following cover design:
The True Crime – Serial Killers Anthology, is the first in what will be an annual publication. It consists of 18 short stories/accounts on various serial killers who are not well-known or notorious.
Here is the line-up of contributing authors:
Michael Newton – Over 260 books published, many True Crime Encyclopedias
RJ Parker – Bestselling and award-winning True Crime Author
Peter Vronsky – True Crime writer, historian and filmmaker
Lee Mellor – True Crime Author, musician
Cathy Scott – True Crime Author and award-winning Journalist
Sylvia Perrini – True Crime Author and Historian
Dane Ladwig – True Crime Author and Historian, Chaplain
Karen Scioscia – True Crime Author, Journalist
Kim Cresswell – Fiction Author, breakthrough into True Crime
William Cook – Fiction Author, Graphic Artist, breakthrough into True Crime
In addition to the great line-up there is also in Indiegogo fundraising campaign to help people get involved with the book in return for great rewards for contributing donors.
Please donate if you can, and spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, G+, Pinterest, Tumblr, LinkedIn, even smoke signals if it doesn't violate your city's ordinances. Tell your friends, foes, your family and strangers. We are truly grateful for any support you can offer.
Finally, James Ward Kirk Fiction has asked to publish a collection of my short horror fiction and poetry which will be finished by the end of this month and hopefully available for release in the coming months. I also have three stories included in Black Bed Sheet Books first author anthology - due for a Summer (States) release this year. Here is the cover design which I did for the anthology:
. . . and, for those of you interested in news of my sequel to Blood Related, 'Blood Trail' is half complete and should be finished by the end of August/beginning of September. I had a recent health setback (pneumonia) which put me behind schedule by about a month unfortunately.
Anyway, thanks for reading and please check out the links and repost/share in as many places you can. Thanks and have a great week. Until next time.
Will
RJ Parker, Dane Ladwig, Kim Cresswell, Sylvia Perrini, Karen Scioscia, Cathy Scott, Lee Mellor, Peter Vronsky, Michael Newton, Indiegogo, Amazon, CREEP, William Cook, RJ Parker Publishing, Kindle, Blood Related, Black Bed Sheet Books.
The Fresh Fear Anthology is going well and the submissions have been of an exceptional standard. Publishing date of September (possibly earlier) is well on track for an achievable outcome. Money has been raised for the payment of contributors and is set aside until contracts have been received and the submission deadline (May 31st) has been reached.
I have had favorable reviews for my latest Kindle release, 'Creep'. If you're quick enough you can get it for FREE today only.
CREEP, is the first story in an exciting and gritty new psychological thriller series. Cassandra: Hunter of Darkness, is a hero to the victim and a merciless angel of death to the evil ones. A killer of killers, she strikes fear into the hearts of those who get their kicks off hurting others. Join Cassandra on her quest for justice and revenge as she begins her journey into the dark underbelly of serial murder and takes care of business as only she knows how. 8,500 word short story + novel extract from Blood Related.
Another exciting project I'm involved with is the upcoming True Crime Serial Killers Anthology, an annual collection of non-fiction serial killer cases from some of True Crimes top authors. To be published by RJ Parker Publishing.
I have been lucky enough to be asked to write two case studies for the first anthology; the cases I will be analyzing are those of Carl Panzram and the unsolved Original Night Stalker. I also did the following cover design:
The True Crime – Serial Killers Anthology, is the first in what will be an annual publication. It consists of 18 short stories/accounts on various serial killers who are not well-known or notorious.
Here is the line-up of contributing authors:
Michael Newton – Over 260 books published, many True Crime Encyclopedias
RJ Parker – Bestselling and award-winning True Crime Author
Peter Vronsky – True Crime writer, historian and filmmaker
Lee Mellor – True Crime Author, musician
Cathy Scott – True Crime Author and award-winning Journalist
Sylvia Perrini – True Crime Author and Historian
Dane Ladwig – True Crime Author and Historian, Chaplain
Karen Scioscia – True Crime Author, Journalist
Kim Cresswell – Fiction Author, breakthrough into True Crime
William Cook – Fiction Author, Graphic Artist, breakthrough into True Crime
In addition to the great line-up there is also in Indiegogo fundraising campaign to help people get involved with the book in return for great rewards for contributing donors.
Please donate if you can, and spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, G+, Pinterest, Tumblr, LinkedIn, even smoke signals if it doesn't violate your city's ordinances. Tell your friends, foes, your family and strangers. We are truly grateful for any support you can offer.
Finally, James Ward Kirk Fiction has asked to publish a collection of my short horror fiction and poetry which will be finished by the end of this month and hopefully available for release in the coming months. I also have three stories included in Black Bed Sheet Books first author anthology - due for a Summer (States) release this year. Here is the cover design which I did for the anthology:
. . . and, for those of you interested in news of my sequel to Blood Related, 'Blood Trail' is half complete and should be finished by the end of August/beginning of September. I had a recent health setback (pneumonia) which put me behind schedule by about a month unfortunately. Anyway, thanks for reading and please check out the links and repost/share in as many places you can. Thanks and have a great week. Until next time.
Will
RJ Parker, Dane Ladwig, Kim Cresswell, Sylvia Perrini, Karen Scioscia, Cathy Scott, Lee Mellor, Peter Vronsky, Michael Newton, Indiegogo, Amazon, CREEP, William Cook, RJ Parker Publishing, Kindle, Blood Related, Black Bed Sheet Books.
May 15, 2013
CREEP (Cassandra: Hunter of Darkness) [Kindle Edition]
Today marks the release of another exercise in self-publishing. CREEP, is the first story in an exciting and gritty new psychological thriller series. Cassandra: Hunter of Darkness, is a hero to the victim and a merciless angel of death to the evil ones. A killer of killers, she strikes fear into the hearts of those who get their kicks off hurting others. Join Cassandra on her quest for justice and revenge as she begins her journey into the dark underbelly of serial murder and takes care of business as only she knows how.
I plan to release companion stories/volumes at the end of each month so stay tuned for the next installment. Available FREE to Kindle Prime members otherwise for under the price of a coffee you can get this now for $1.99 (includes 8,500 word short story + novel excerpt from Blood Related.)
"Be careful who you get into a car with, even if that car is a taxi! A dark story of a young girl's date with death. CREEP is a story that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the gripping climax which is unexpected and will leave the reader cheering for more. Serial Killers don't always get away with murder, no matter how hard they try."
William Cook, Kindle, Short Fiction, Horror, Thriller, Suspense, Amazon, New Release
I plan to release companion stories/volumes at the end of each month so stay tuned for the next installment. Available FREE to Kindle Prime members otherwise for under the price of a coffee you can get this now for $1.99 (includes 8,500 word short story + novel excerpt from Blood Related.)
"Be careful who you get into a car with, even if that car is a taxi! A dark story of a young girl's date with death. CREEP is a story that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the gripping climax which is unexpected and will leave the reader cheering for more. Serial Killers don't always get away with murder, no matter how hard they try."
William Cook, Kindle, Short Fiction, Horror, Thriller, Suspense, Amazon, New Release
May 9, 2013
Book Cover Design
When I'm not writing and looking after my kids I design scary book covers (and not-so-scary ones too!). Here are a few recent covers I've designed and sold.
If you need a cover please consider my work. I'm affordable and reasonably quick and will provide you with a cover that will look professional and eye-catching. Here are some testimonials from satisfied clients:
Client Recommendations:
“When it comes to cover art, William Cook’s got the goods. He’s quick, resourceful, easy to work with, and if you’re smart enough to hire him, you’re gonna fall in love with your next cover.” - Peter Giglio, author of SUNFALL MANOR (cover by William Cook) http://petergiglioauthor.blogspot.com/
“When I saw what William Cook had cooked up with the cover to my novel LIFE RAGE, my jaw hit the floor. Here’s a guy who lives up to his name. A master chef when it comes to illustration, I can’t praise this guy enough. Having the novel come out was sweet. Having a killer cover to show it off to the world made it even sweeter. “- LL Soares, Writer/editor/film critic and Stoker Nominated co-writer of the movie column CINEMA KNIFE FIGHT. http://www.sff.net/people/llsoares/ “William Cook’s artwork and graphic designs are instantly captivating and evocative. His cover art not only catches your eye, it drags it around the corner and assaults it. William’s work is just that good. I couldn’t be happier with the work he produced for my novel.” - Peter Dudar, author of A REQUIEM FOR DEAD FLIES. http://www.amazon.com/Peter-N.-Dudar/e/B007PFMBQO
“I loved his cover art so much for my forthcoming novella ‘Down & Out’ that I hired him again to produce the cover for the Science Fiction novella I’m currently working on, ‘Providence.’ As a self-published author, I’m always looking for an angle to increase sales. The cover is probably the most important tool in your arsenal when it comes to leaving a first impression. If you want a cover that is both beautiful and horrifying and catches a potential reader’s eye, you can’t do better than William Cook.” – Jimmy M.F. Pudge, author of BAD BILLY and THE DICK. http://www.amazon.com/Jimmy-Pudge/e/B008AEZW10/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1347769397&sr=1-2-ent
“William Cook took my compilation PELICAN BAY RIOT to the next level with a captivating book cover like no other. He’s a master at taking the content of your story and putting a face on it that forces a second look and a buy.”- Glenn Langohr, author of PELICAN BAY RIOT and Roll Call. http://www.amazon.com/GlennLangohr/e/B00571NY5A/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_2 “William Cook’s cover art blew me away from first glance. Not only does he provide a quality cover, but he also has a gift for giving you exactly what you want - even if you are not sure what that is. The cover for the forthcoming anthology “Rigorous Mortis: A Mortician’s Tales, from Scarlett River Press,” told a story all of its own. I plan on hiring him again, and again.”- Jo-Anne Russell, author of THE NIGHTMARE PROJECT, and Publisher at Scarlett River Press. http://www.amazon.com/JoAnneRussell/e/B0078JJL7E/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1347774352&sr=8-2, http://www.scarlett-river-press.ca Author RJ Parker - “William has designed all my Serial Killer Series book covers as well as my FBI book and two other books that I published for Bernard DeLeo. This guy does amazing work and is passionate when it comes to graphic design. The book cover is what catches a potential buyer and it’s the first impression of the book. All my books are in the top 100 in several genres and I firmly believe a huge part of that success is due to having captivating book covers. I wouldn’t entertain using another designer, ever.”
- RJ Parker, Best-selling True Crime authorhttp://rjparker.net
“Working with William Cook has been a pleasure. He is open to any input from an author concerning the cover, and tries to capture the essence of the novel. I look forward to working with him in the future as he continues to strive for quality cover art.”
- Bernard Lee Deleo, author of The Protectors and Hard Casehttp://www.amazon.com/Bernard-Lee-DeLeo/e/B005UNXZ04/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
“William Cook is easily one of the most talented artists I’ve had the pleasure of working with. The coverwork he did for “Putrid Poetry & Sickening Sketches” was perfect for setting the tone for the entire book.”
- Matt Nord, Editor and Authorhttp://www.amazon.com/Matt-Nord/e/B003OEYPC8/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
“As a publisher, finding dependable artists can be tough. William Cook is an absolute joy to work with. I give him an idea and he uses his creative mind to mold a masterpiece. He is hard working, and always willing to work on a book cover until it is perfect. I highly recommend him.”
- Mark C. Scioneaux, Publisher Nightscape Presshttp://www.nightscapepress.com/
“William Cook is a fabulous creative force, and we were excited to work with him. He works fast and captured the exact essence of our project. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Room-with-a-View/349239111791714”
- Lin Rhys, Editor - ‘Room With a View’
Most of my prices range between $70 (Ebook) up to $150 for full wrap-around covers etc. More information can be found at my design website here:
BOOK COVER DESIGN, HORROR BOOK COVERS, FANTASY BOOK COVERS, BOOK COVER ART, HORROR, BLOOD SOAKED GRAPHICS, AFFORDABLE BOOK COVERS, EBOOK COVERS, PRINT COVERS
If you need a cover please consider my work. I'm affordable and reasonably quick and will provide you with a cover that will look professional and eye-catching. Here are some testimonials from satisfied clients:
Client Recommendations:
“When it comes to cover art, William Cook’s got the goods. He’s quick, resourceful, easy to work with, and if you’re smart enough to hire him, you’re gonna fall in love with your next cover.” - Peter Giglio, author of SUNFALL MANOR (cover by William Cook) http://petergiglioauthor.blogspot.com/
“When I saw what William Cook had cooked up with the cover to my novel LIFE RAGE, my jaw hit the floor. Here’s a guy who lives up to his name. A master chef when it comes to illustration, I can’t praise this guy enough. Having the novel come out was sweet. Having a killer cover to show it off to the world made it even sweeter. “- LL Soares, Writer/editor/film critic and Stoker Nominated co-writer of the movie column CINEMA KNIFE FIGHT. http://www.sff.net/people/llsoares/ “William Cook’s artwork and graphic designs are instantly captivating and evocative. His cover art not only catches your eye, it drags it around the corner and assaults it. William’s work is just that good. I couldn’t be happier with the work he produced for my novel.” - Peter Dudar, author of A REQUIEM FOR DEAD FLIES. http://www.amazon.com/Peter-N.-Dudar/e/B007PFMBQO
“I loved his cover art so much for my forthcoming novella ‘Down & Out’ that I hired him again to produce the cover for the Science Fiction novella I’m currently working on, ‘Providence.’ As a self-published author, I’m always looking for an angle to increase sales. The cover is probably the most important tool in your arsenal when it comes to leaving a first impression. If you want a cover that is both beautiful and horrifying and catches a potential reader’s eye, you can’t do better than William Cook.” – Jimmy M.F. Pudge, author of BAD BILLY and THE DICK. http://www.amazon.com/Jimmy-Pudge/e/B008AEZW10/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1347769397&sr=1-2-ent
“William Cook took my compilation PELICAN BAY RIOT to the next level with a captivating book cover like no other. He’s a master at taking the content of your story and putting a face on it that forces a second look and a buy.”- Glenn Langohr, author of PELICAN BAY RIOT and Roll Call. http://www.amazon.com/GlennLangohr/e/B00571NY5A/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_2 “William Cook’s cover art blew me away from first glance. Not only does he provide a quality cover, but he also has a gift for giving you exactly what you want - even if you are not sure what that is. The cover for the forthcoming anthology “Rigorous Mortis: A Mortician’s Tales, from Scarlett River Press,” told a story all of its own. I plan on hiring him again, and again.”- Jo-Anne Russell, author of THE NIGHTMARE PROJECT, and Publisher at Scarlett River Press. http://www.amazon.com/JoAnneRussell/e/B0078JJL7E/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1347774352&sr=8-2, http://www.scarlett-river-press.ca Author RJ Parker - “William has designed all my Serial Killer Series book covers as well as my FBI book and two other books that I published for Bernard DeLeo. This guy does amazing work and is passionate when it comes to graphic design. The book cover is what catches a potential buyer and it’s the first impression of the book. All my books are in the top 100 in several genres and I firmly believe a huge part of that success is due to having captivating book covers. I wouldn’t entertain using another designer, ever.”
- RJ Parker, Best-selling True Crime authorhttp://rjparker.net
“Working with William Cook has been a pleasure. He is open to any input from an author concerning the cover, and tries to capture the essence of the novel. I look forward to working with him in the future as he continues to strive for quality cover art.”
- Bernard Lee Deleo, author of The Protectors and Hard Casehttp://www.amazon.com/Bernard-Lee-DeLeo/e/B005UNXZ04/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
“William Cook is easily one of the most talented artists I’ve had the pleasure of working with. The coverwork he did for “Putrid Poetry & Sickening Sketches” was perfect for setting the tone for the entire book.”
- Matt Nord, Editor and Authorhttp://www.amazon.com/Matt-Nord/e/B003OEYPC8/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
“As a publisher, finding dependable artists can be tough. William Cook is an absolute joy to work with. I give him an idea and he uses his creative mind to mold a masterpiece. He is hard working, and always willing to work on a book cover until it is perfect. I highly recommend him.”
- Mark C. Scioneaux, Publisher Nightscape Presshttp://www.nightscapepress.com/
“William Cook is a fabulous creative force, and we were excited to work with him. He works fast and captured the exact essence of our project. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Room-with-a-View/349239111791714”
- Lin Rhys, Editor - ‘Room With a View’
Most of my prices range between $70 (Ebook) up to $150 for full wrap-around covers etc. More information can be found at my design website here:
BOOK COVER DESIGN, HORROR BOOK COVERS, FANTASY BOOK COVERS, BOOK COVER ART, HORROR, BLOOD SOAKED GRAPHICS, AFFORDABLE BOOK COVERS, EBOOK COVERS, PRINT COVERS
May 1, 2013
Songs For The Raven: Out Now in Paperback
Songs for the Raven
Another James Ward Kirk Fiction quality product that I'm proud to be included in. I have some poems, Flash, and two short stories included, and I did the cover art. There are some good writers included in this collection and lots of talented up-and-coming writers to watch out for. Primarily a non-themed Horror anthology, there is a great range of styles and stories to whet the appetite of the most discerning reader with an eye on a 'literary' element to the work selected. It is what I'd call a Dark Fiction anthology with an obvious nod to the influence of the master himself, Edgar Allen Poe (although it is not a homage to him nor is it in the style of). The invocation of the spirit of Poe's dark masterpieces, is alive and well within the covers of this collection and as such, provides many enjoyable and chilling hours of reading. Ebook version to some soon.
From the back cover:
“Songs for the Raven” investigates the human condition and establishes a literary approach to horror by bringing together stories and poetry that show us thoughtful perspectives of the painful truths that humanity tries to hide from itself, the deep, subconscious currents that run through our collective minds.
We express emotion in many ways, often caused by our mood, following established patterns handed down through generations and reinforced in the myriad literary works that we all read at one point in our lives. In many works these emotions seem manufactured, trite even, carefully constructed veils that distract us from the deeper feelings that life itself imparts.
This anthology examines those deeper emotions, tries to analyze the feelings through poetry and prose that digs deep into the human condition and that reflects the unsavory aspects of our very souls, bringing shadows to the light or shrouding them in even darker shadows.
For where there is light, there is shadow and the authors wonder, at all times, what lies beyond the shadow, what really drives and motivates their characters, uncovering the awkward and uncomfortable facts of our lives and our very existence.
Can anyone say they live life truthfully, guileless, free from the burden of little and bigger lies? The authors dare ask these questions and in the ensuing silence they tread on the delicate shards of broken souls, grinding them beneath their stone cold heels, hoping that the feeling will evoke emotions real and raw that spill forth like a song of bitter anguish.
And from the shadows, the raven observes, ponders, waits, listens to the songs, selecting the right moment to show painful, blinding truth
Authors/Table of Contents
POETRY
Rich Orth, Josette!
In The Beginning!!
Pretentious She . . . I Adore!
Lion All the Time!
Crafted Story!Vincent Bilof
The Poet's Deliberate Dream: Part 1
The Poet's Deliberate Dream: The Sequel
The Poet's Deliberate Dream Part Three: Untitled
Poet's Discourse
Memento of Truth
Moments of You
Sonnet XMatthew Wilson
The Human ElementDavid Frazier
Hungry
The Veteran
Wicked Eyes
A Funeral
Permanent SleepA. B. Stephens
InfidelityMichael Lee Johnson
Prisoners of Mind and Soul
From My Grave
I Work My Mind like Planet Earth
Michigan City State Prison Poem
Leroy and His Love Affair
Lilly, Lonely Trailer Prostitute
Manic is the Dark Night
I’m the Shadow Shredder
Depression’s Darkness
Spirits of the Schizophrenic DeadWilliam Cook
We Stand Accused
Parabolic Dream
Blood MealDavid S. Pointer
Sartre’s Freedom Fighters
Post Altar Fermentation
Constitutional Rebirth
Dust Buster Ritual
Oak Ridge Area Case WorkerRo McNulty
The Salt GardenGreg McWhorter
Kingdom FlagitiousMike Meroney
Thirteen
FLASH FICTION
Greg McWhorter, An Abstract of Measures
Ken Goldman, A Comforting Thought
Marija Elektra Rodriguez, The Temple of Sepia
William Cook, Anomalous Perigee
Julienne Lee, Danger to Society
A.A. Garrison, Life is Good
Greg McWhorter, Light
Scathe meic Beorh, Annalisa!
The Burning of David Bailey
The Witch in Albert’s Back Yard
The Great Marbella Hutchins
SHORT STORIES
Mike Jansen, Master Pricklylegs
Paula D. Ashe, Bereft
Timothy Frasier, Red on the Head
Julienne Lee, The Gate
Steve Bates, Straw Man
Richard Farren Barber, Brunswick
Stephen McQuiggan, The Wretched Blessed
Ro McNulty, Extinguishing the Flame
Amy K. Marshall, Lluvia cae . . . The Rain Is Falling
Rocky Alexander, Steel-Toed Boots
William Cook, ‘Til Death Do Us Part
Chantal Noordeloos, Soulman
Vincenzo Bilof, Friends with Benefits
William Cook, Aspects of Infinity
Buy your copy now!
Another James Ward Kirk Fiction quality product that I'm proud to be included in. I have some poems, Flash, and two short stories included, and I did the cover art. There are some good writers included in this collection and lots of talented up-and-coming writers to watch out for. Primarily a non-themed Horror anthology, there is a great range of styles and stories to whet the appetite of the most discerning reader with an eye on a 'literary' element to the work selected. It is what I'd call a Dark Fiction anthology with an obvious nod to the influence of the master himself, Edgar Allen Poe (although it is not a homage to him nor is it in the style of). The invocation of the spirit of Poe's dark masterpieces, is alive and well within the covers of this collection and as such, provides many enjoyable and chilling hours of reading. Ebook version to some soon.
From the back cover:
“Songs for the Raven” investigates the human condition and establishes a literary approach to horror by bringing together stories and poetry that show us thoughtful perspectives of the painful truths that humanity tries to hide from itself, the deep, subconscious currents that run through our collective minds.
We express emotion in many ways, often caused by our mood, following established patterns handed down through generations and reinforced in the myriad literary works that we all read at one point in our lives. In many works these emotions seem manufactured, trite even, carefully constructed veils that distract us from the deeper feelings that life itself imparts.
This anthology examines those deeper emotions, tries to analyze the feelings through poetry and prose that digs deep into the human condition and that reflects the unsavory aspects of our very souls, bringing shadows to the light or shrouding them in even darker shadows.
For where there is light, there is shadow and the authors wonder, at all times, what lies beyond the shadow, what really drives and motivates their characters, uncovering the awkward and uncomfortable facts of our lives and our very existence.
Can anyone say they live life truthfully, guileless, free from the burden of little and bigger lies? The authors dare ask these questions and in the ensuing silence they tread on the delicate shards of broken souls, grinding them beneath their stone cold heels, hoping that the feeling will evoke emotions real and raw that spill forth like a song of bitter anguish.
And from the shadows, the raven observes, ponders, waits, listens to the songs, selecting the right moment to show painful, blinding truth
Authors/Table of Contents
POETRY
Rich Orth, Josette!
In The Beginning!!
Pretentious She . . . I Adore!
Lion All the Time!
Crafted Story!Vincent Bilof
The Poet's Deliberate Dream: Part 1
The Poet's Deliberate Dream: The Sequel
The Poet's Deliberate Dream Part Three: Untitled
Poet's Discourse
Memento of Truth
Moments of You
Sonnet XMatthew Wilson
The Human ElementDavid Frazier
Hungry
The Veteran
Wicked Eyes
A Funeral
Permanent SleepA. B. Stephens
InfidelityMichael Lee Johnson
Prisoners of Mind and Soul
From My Grave
I Work My Mind like Planet Earth
Michigan City State Prison Poem
Leroy and His Love Affair
Lilly, Lonely Trailer Prostitute
Manic is the Dark Night
I’m the Shadow Shredder
Depression’s Darkness
Spirits of the Schizophrenic DeadWilliam Cook
We Stand Accused
Parabolic Dream
Blood MealDavid S. Pointer
Sartre’s Freedom Fighters
Post Altar Fermentation
Constitutional Rebirth
Dust Buster Ritual
Oak Ridge Area Case WorkerRo McNulty
The Salt GardenGreg McWhorter
Kingdom FlagitiousMike Meroney
Thirteen
FLASH FICTION
Greg McWhorter, An Abstract of Measures
Ken Goldman, A Comforting Thought
Marija Elektra Rodriguez, The Temple of Sepia
William Cook, Anomalous Perigee
Julienne Lee, Danger to Society
A.A. Garrison, Life is Good
Greg McWhorter, Light
Scathe meic Beorh, Annalisa!
The Burning of David Bailey
The Witch in Albert’s Back Yard
The Great Marbella Hutchins
SHORT STORIES
Mike Jansen, Master Pricklylegs
Paula D. Ashe, Bereft
Timothy Frasier, Red on the Head
Julienne Lee, The Gate
Steve Bates, Straw Man
Richard Farren Barber, Brunswick
Stephen McQuiggan, The Wretched Blessed
Ro McNulty, Extinguishing the Flame
Amy K. Marshall, Lluvia cae . . . The Rain Is Falling
Rocky Alexander, Steel-Toed Boots
William Cook, ‘Til Death Do Us Part
Chantal Noordeloos, Soulman
Vincenzo Bilof, Friends with Benefits
William Cook, Aspects of Infinity
Buy your copy now!April 27, 2013
Proud to have a story and some poems included in James Wa...
Proud to have a story and some poems included in James Ward Kirk Fiction's latest anthology release: Serial Killers Iterum.
SERIAL KILLERS ITERUM - Edited by James Ward Kirk Reviewed by D. L. Russell
Serial Killers Iterum is a collection of poetry, flash fiction pieces and short stories, all edited by James Ward Kirk, under the umbrella of his publishing company of the same name. Kirk has brought together some of the darkest works I have encountered in a very long time and many of the pieces, can only be described as sinister and taboo.
Poetry
From the first poem, which is The Rebel, by Brian Rosenberg, the reader fully understands what is at the heart of this anthology. Rosenberg brings us the facts, fast and honestly; a serial killer, a successful one that is, will hide in plain sight. He will be in the cubicle next to ours, and be the model employee until he goes home and removes the mask of John Q. Public, to become a killer with multiple victims.
Of the twenty-six poems in the anthology, my favorites were Rosenberg's The Rebel, William Cook's Killer, A. B. Stephen's Serial Killer's Ditty, and Three in Me by David Frazier. All the poetry ranged from good to great and all are worth your time.
Flash Fiction Pieces
Like the poetry, the Flash Fiction is dark and menacing in its tones and variety. Being the father of an 8 year old daughter, I could identify with the main character and his motives, right up until the end in Stephen Alexander's Grey. But the ending does leave the door of uncertainty open, just a crack.
There are 9 pieces here and Grey is one of the best. Brian Barnett's Business is Murder and Allen Griffin's Pretend Pain were excellent reads that weigh on the mind long after consumption.
Short Stories
As for the short stories, William Cook's Return of the Creep, a tale of a sadistic cabby and his slow torture of a beautiful young girl, was by far the fullest, most well rounded story. Many of the other pieces read like flash fiction, but here, Cook offers the reader one of the best stories I have read in to this point in 2013.
Zach Black's His Father Before Him,is another fine tale about a second generation serial killer who wants to be just like his dad, in every way but one. Also good is Mark Fewell's Amy's Last Dance.
After reading the material here, I felt as if I'd been given a different view of the psycho serial killer than can be found anywhere else. This isn't true crime fiction, and it isn't Investigation Discovery, this is a group of writers taking on one of the most difficult sub-genres of speculative fiction, and doing an excellent job at it!
Summary
Overall, I'd call Serial Killers Iterum a winner! After reading the material here, I felt as if I'd been given a different view of the psycho serial killer than can be found anywhere else. This isn't True Crime Fiction, and it isn't Investigation Discovery, this is a group of writers taking on one of the most difficult sub-genres of speculative fiction, and doing an excellent job at it!
It's one of those anthologies you should not read in one setting, but over a long period of time. Theme fiction can sometimes be overwhelming when read straight through and, each Poem, Flash Fiction Piece, and Short Story deserves its own moment in the dark!
DLR
Buy now from Amazon in Print and Ebook
Visit this site: [image error]
SERIAL KILLERS ITERUM - Edited by James Ward Kirk Reviewed by D. L. Russell
Serial Killers Iterum is a collection of poetry, flash fiction pieces and short stories, all edited by James Ward Kirk, under the umbrella of his publishing company of the same name. Kirk has brought together some of the darkest works I have encountered in a very long time and many of the pieces, can only be described as sinister and taboo.
Poetry
From the first poem, which is The Rebel, by Brian Rosenberg, the reader fully understands what is at the heart of this anthology. Rosenberg brings us the facts, fast and honestly; a serial killer, a successful one that is, will hide in plain sight. He will be in the cubicle next to ours, and be the model employee until he goes home and removes the mask of John Q. Public, to become a killer with multiple victims.
Of the twenty-six poems in the anthology, my favorites were Rosenberg's The Rebel, William Cook's Killer, A. B. Stephen's Serial Killer's Ditty, and Three in Me by David Frazier. All the poetry ranged from good to great and all are worth your time.
Flash Fiction Pieces
Like the poetry, the Flash Fiction is dark and menacing in its tones and variety. Being the father of an 8 year old daughter, I could identify with the main character and his motives, right up until the end in Stephen Alexander's Grey. But the ending does leave the door of uncertainty open, just a crack.
There are 9 pieces here and Grey is one of the best. Brian Barnett's Business is Murder and Allen Griffin's Pretend Pain were excellent reads that weigh on the mind long after consumption.
Short Stories
As for the short stories, William Cook's Return of the Creep, a tale of a sadistic cabby and his slow torture of a beautiful young girl, was by far the fullest, most well rounded story. Many of the other pieces read like flash fiction, but here, Cook offers the reader one of the best stories I have read in to this point in 2013.
Zach Black's His Father Before Him,is another fine tale about a second generation serial killer who wants to be just like his dad, in every way but one. Also good is Mark Fewell's Amy's Last Dance.
After reading the material here, I felt as if I'd been given a different view of the psycho serial killer than can be found anywhere else. This isn't true crime fiction, and it isn't Investigation Discovery, this is a group of writers taking on one of the most difficult sub-genres of speculative fiction, and doing an excellent job at it!
Summary
Overall, I'd call Serial Killers Iterum a winner! After reading the material here, I felt as if I'd been given a different view of the psycho serial killer than can be found anywhere else. This isn't True Crime Fiction, and it isn't Investigation Discovery, this is a group of writers taking on one of the most difficult sub-genres of speculative fiction, and doing an excellent job at it!
It's one of those anthologies you should not read in one setting, but over a long period of time. Theme fiction can sometimes be overwhelming when read straight through and, each Poem, Flash Fiction Piece, and Short Story deserves its own moment in the dark!
DLR
Buy now from Amazon in Print and EbookVisit this site: [image error]
April 14, 2013
I'll Never Go Away II - Rainstorm Press
Rainstorm Press’s recent release of “I’ll Never Go Away–Vol. II”
features 22 creepy tales, including a story of my own .
Click on the pic for the Amazon link to the Kindle edition. Print to come soon! Some friends of mine are in this anthology, check out the table of contents:
Breaking In Two by Tracy L. Lyall, Dead Memories by William Cook, Danny in the Dark by Tim Reynolds, Julie by Joshua Skye, Her Laugh by Clint Smith, Daughter’s Prey by Dale Eldon, Perpetual Pill by Tom Barlow, She’s The One For Me by Vincenzo Bilof, Second Wife by Rob Bliss, Protector by Rasmenia Massoud, Dance With Me by Rocky Alexander, The Art of Angling by Rebecca Jones-Howe, She Could Be The One by Philip Harris, The Refrigerator by Jonathan Lambert, Stranger Calls by Tyler Miller, Njord’s Daughter by Christina Morgan, Watcher In the City by Derek Muk, She Likes Surprises by Nathan Robinson, Cold Like Dead by William Andre Sanders, Dear Susan by Holly Day, Biggest Fan by Tammy A. Branom, Till My Death Do Us Part by Rob M. Miller,
features 22 creepy tales, including a story of my own .
Click on the pic for the Amazon link to the Kindle edition. Print to come soon! Some friends of mine are in this anthology, check out the table of contents: Breaking In Two by Tracy L. Lyall, Dead Memories by William Cook, Danny in the Dark by Tim Reynolds, Julie by Joshua Skye, Her Laugh by Clint Smith, Daughter’s Prey by Dale Eldon, Perpetual Pill by Tom Barlow, She’s The One For Me by Vincenzo Bilof, Second Wife by Rob Bliss, Protector by Rasmenia Massoud, Dance With Me by Rocky Alexander, The Art of Angling by Rebecca Jones-Howe, She Could Be The One by Philip Harris, The Refrigerator by Jonathan Lambert, Stranger Calls by Tyler Miller, Njord’s Daughter by Christina Morgan, Watcher In the City by Derek Muk, She Likes Surprises by Nathan Robinson, Cold Like Dead by William Andre Sanders, Dear Susan by Holly Day, Biggest Fan by Tammy A. Branom, Till My Death Do Us Part by Rob M. Miller,
