K.M. Alexander's Blog, page 53

The Stars Were Right for 99¢ FINAL WEEK

An Egg McMuffin costs $2.79, a latte is about $3, going to a movie will set you back $15. Buying a hardcover book is $35, easy. This is the last week you are able to nab eBook copies of my first novel, The Stars Were Right for only 99¢! The sale ends on Saturday, January 7th. Start your new year with an adventure in the seedy warrens of Lovat. Links to purchase below.

Kindle • Kobo • Nook • iBooks • GooglePlay • DRM-Free ePub

The holiday season is nearly over, but if you’re interested in gifting a copy (which is a brilliant idea, I must say, you’re very smart), there are a few stores that make it really easy. I’d recommend consulting my post from earlier in December: Gifting the Bell Forging Cycle for the Holidays. It has details on how one can buy eBooks as gifts.

Filed under: Shop, the stars were right Tagged: 99¢, christmas, eBook, gifts, new year, sale, the stars were right

Dreamers of Dreams

The late Gene Wilder quoted the first two lines of Arthur O’Shaughnessy’s poem Ode in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Google happened to use that line in the audio for their Year In Search 2016 video (see below and bring a tissue.) Inspired, I decided to share the full poem. It’s fitting for the ending of a tumultuous year and anticipation that always builds with the beginning of the new.

✷ Ode ✷

We are the music-makers,

And we are the dreamers of dreams,

Wandering by lone sea-breakers,

And sitting by desolate streams;

World-losers and world-forsakers,

On whom the pale moon gleams:

Yet we are the movers and shakers

Of the world for ever, it seems.

With wonderful deathless ditties

We build up the world’s great cities,

And out of a fabulous story

We fashion an empire’s glory:

One man with a dream, at pleasure,

Shall go forth and conquer a crown;

And three with a new song’s measure

Can trample an empire down.

We, in the ages lying

In the buried past of the earth,

Built Nineveh with our sighing,

And Babel itself with our mirth;

And o’erthrew them with prophesying

To the old of the new world’s worth;

For each age is a dream that is dying,

Or one that is coming to birth.

And as promised, the video…

So here we are, one year ends and another begins. Keep loving. Keep fighting. Keep dreaming. And above all keep creating. The world needs your voice.

Have a safe and happy New Year.

Filed under: Inspiration, Quotes Tagged: 2016, arthur o'shaughnessy, gene wilder, google, new year, poetry, Video

My Reading List for 2016

We’re nearing the end of the year, and as tradition dictates now is the time when I compile a list of the books I have read (to see previous years: 2013, 2014, 2015). I’m not the fastest of readers, but I try to remain consistent. This usually correlates alongside my Goodreads reading challenge. The books in this list are books I read for pleasure; I don’t count research material. Likewise, graphic novels and short stories get counted separately in their own list.

This year I was offered up another challenge, this time by my friend and fellow author Steve Toutonghi. He challenged me to read more classics than anything else this year, and I accepted. By the time I had finished, over two-thirds of the novels I had read where from the classic or modern classic category. Not bad!

Since this list tends to be long, I forgo reviews, but you’re welcome to follow me on Goodreads where I do occasionally review books. At the end of each list, I will call out some of my favorites of the year. As before, all links will go to Amazon as a default, but if one of these books sound interesting to you, then I would encourage you to visit your local independent bookstore and purchase through them. It’s important for your local economy to buy local whenever you’re able.

Novels:

Join

by Steve Toutonghi
Partials (Partials Sequence, #1)

by Dan Wells
The Great Gatsby

by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Slaughterhouse-Five  …again.

by Kurt Vonnegut
Wise Blood

by Flannery O’Connor
Brave New World

by Aldous Huxley
The Aeronaut’s Windlass (The Cinder Spires #1)

by Jim Butcher
Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse #1)

by James S.A. Corey
The Old Man and the Sea

by Ernest Hemingway
Beta Reading

by REDACTED
Life on the Mississippi …again.

by Mark Twain
Beta Reading

by REDACTED
Dracula …again.

by Bram Stoker
This Census-Taker

by China Miéville
Prince of Thorns (The Broken Empire #1)

by Mark Lawrence
Labyrinths: Selected Stories and Other Writings

by Jorge Luis Borges,
The Illustrated Man

by Ray Bradbury
Great Expectations

by Charles Dickens
Iron Council (New Crobuzon #3)

by China Miéville
The Scar (New Crobuzon #2) …again.

by China Miéville
Hondo

by Louis L’Amour
The Hell Bent Kid: A Novel

by Charles O. Locke
Ravencroft Springs

by Logan L. Masterson
Perdido Street Station (New Crobuzon #1) …again.

by China Miéville
Dark Matter

by Blake Crouch
True Grit

by Charles Portis
Animal Farm …again.

by George Orwell
Lord of the Flies  …again.

by William Golding
The Handmaid’s Tale

by Margaret Atwood
Kindred

by Octavia E. Butler
The Gunslinger  …again.

by Stephen King
To Kill a Mockingbird  …again.

by Harper Lee
Call of the Wild  …again.

by Jack London
1984  …again.

by George Orwell
Wuthering Heights

by Emily Brontë

When selecting my favorites, I decided to disregard any books I had previously read from the running. (Twain’s Life on the Mississippi, Miéville’s The Scar, and King’s The Gunslinger are some of my favorite books of all time and it’s really not fair to compete with those.) I read so many good books this year it made picking my faves tough. While there were many I enjoyed, I settled on three. All were new to me, and they all not only challenged me but lingered in my mind long after I had finished.

Favorite Novel of 2016:

[image error]Kindred

by Octavia E. Butler

This book is stunning. Bulter is one of the preeminent science fiction writers of our time. Her prose is sharp, her plot intense, the portrayal of the slave/master relationships in antebellum South shook me. I found myself dwelling on Kindred weeks after I finished it.

Favorite Novel Runners-up of 2016:

[image error]The Handmaid’s Tale

by Margaret Atwood

There is an art to writing a book so captivating and yet so simple. The regressive dystopia of Gilead is terrifying in its believability. It’s strange to think this book was written in ’85 yet its criticisms of gender relations, religion, and power are still as poignant as ever.

[image error]Join

by Steve Toutonghi

My friend Steve’s debut novel, like the others, stuck with me long after I had finished. His examinations on individualism, mortality, gender, and consciousness were thought-provoking, engaging, and whip-smart. I knew when I finished that Join would end up here.

Short Stories:

Last Boy in Aster

by Drew Gerken
Binti (Binti #1)

by Nnedi Okorafor
Ravencroft Springs: The Feast of ’69

by Logan L. Masterson
A Study in Emerald (Currently available in Fragile Things )

by Neil Gaiman


Graphic Novels:

Prophet Volume 2: Brothers

by Brandon Graham (Author & Illustrator), Simon Roy (Author & Illustrator), Farel Dalrymple (Illustrator), Giannis Milonogiannis (Illustrator),
Black River

by Josh Simmons (Author & Illustrator)
Wytches, Vol. 1

by Scott Snyder (Author) and Jock (Illustrator)
Bitch Planet, Vol. 1: Extraordinary Machine

by Kelly Sue DeConnick (Author), Valentine De Landro (Artist)
Saga Volume 6

by Brian K. Vaughan (Author), Fiona Staples (Illustrator)
Penultimate Quest Vol. 1

by Lars Brown (Author & Illustrator)
Penultimate Quest Vol. 2

by Lars Brown (Author & Illustrator)
Penultimate Quest Vol. 3

by Lars Brown (Author & Illustrator)
Catbeard Vol. 2

by Matt Nelson (Author & Illustrator)

Favorite Graphic Novel of 2016:

[image error]Bitch Planet

by Kelly Sue DeConnick (Author), Valentine De Landro (Artist)

From the get-go, Bitch Planet sets out to be subversive, and it’s not apologetic. Playing off the women-in-prison exploitation films the comic twists the genre to be a smart satire about modern culture, feminism, and humanity.

Favorite Graphic Novel Runners-up of 2016:

Penultimate Quest Vol. 1[image error]

by Lars Brown (Author & Illustrator)

See! I don’t always read serious/dark comics. Occasionally, I step outside of my comfort zone and read something lighter. Lars Brown’s writing is witty and fun, and the characters are memorable. A must for role-playing game fans and people who like jokes.

 

[image error]

Catbeard Vol. 2

by Matt Nelson (Author & Illustrator)

Yep, it’s back! I picked up and thoroughly enjoyed the second Catbeard book. Attentive readers remember that the first book was one of my favorite graphic novels from last year and Vol. 2 was even better than the first.

So there is my list for 2016, a lot of amazing books and some fantastic short stories and graphic novels. For the next year, I’m returning to my roots and focusing on primarily science fiction and fantasy. In particular, books I’ve passed by in my stack on my quest to read classics. I could use a little escapism right now, and it’d be therapeutic to get lost in another narrative for a time.

Are you looking for a good book? Want to see my reading lists from previous years? Check any of the links below and see what I was reading in bygone days.

• 2013 • 2014  • 2015 •

Next year, why not join me? Goodreads does a reading challenge every year, and I am an active participant. First, follow me on Goodreads (leave me a review while you’re there), and once the New Year arrives, participate in the Goodreads Reading Challenge for 2017.

Filed under: Reading Tagged: 2016, bitch planet, catbeard the pirate, join, kelly sue deconnick, kindred, lars brown, margaret atwood, matt nelson, octavia e. butler, penultimate quest, Reading List, steve toutonghi, the handmaid's tale

Joyeux Noël

Today is Christmastide, and I wanted to take a moment to extend holiday greetings to my readers. I hope you’re having a splendid day with your friends, family, pets, or the hushed whispers emanating from your closet. I want to thank you for supporting me and my work, for buying, reading, and reviewing The Bell Forging Cycle, and helping spread the word. I’m hard at work making more stories for you to enjoy, it’s going to be an interesting 2017.

[image error]

The artwork above was created by Les Edwards in 2007 and is entitled Christmas for Cthulhu. While the original artwork has sold, you can still buy prints from his site. He’s a fantastic artist and has an enormous quantity of work, see more pieces at lesedwards.com.

Filed under: Random Tagged: 2016, christmas, cthulhu, les edwards, santa claus

H.P. Lovecraft’s Creepy Christmas Poem

Over the last few years, I’ve shared Lovecraft’s fondness for writing cheesy Christmas poetry. But apparently, that didn’t keep him from getting all morose and writing a darker ’80s metal poem about the holiday.

Originally published in Weird Tales December 1926 under the title Yule Horror you can also find this piece titled Festival in recent collections. I have no idea why. Conceivably it could be inspired/a companion to Lovecraft’s short story, The Festival (commonly considered to be his first work in the Cthulhu Mythos); both pieces draw from similar themes and visuals. That’d be the simplest explanation, right?

But what if that’s not it at all! Maybe there is a whole “War on Yule” conspiracy, and we didn’t even realize? What if cosmic horror figureheads and weird fiction publishers are in on the plot? What if they’re rewarded handsomely for squelching references to “Yule” by the powers of Big Christmas. I mean, who can really say? *Audible gasping.* Thusly, #YuleGate began.

Oh yeah, the poem. Let’s get back to it. If things are just a bit too cheery for you this holiday season, if verse written for Frank Belknap Long’s cat just isn’t cutting it right now, then settle in and enjoy…

❅ Yule Horror ❅

There is snow on the ground,

And the valleys are cold,

And a midnight profound

Blackly squats o’er the wold;

But a light on the hilltops half-seen hints of feastings unhallow’d and old.

There is death in the clouds,

There is fear in the night,

For the dead in their shrouds

Hail the sun’s turning flight,

And chant wild in the woods as they dance round a Yule-altar fungous and white.

To no gale of earth’s kind

Sways the forest of oak,

Where the sick boughs entwin’d

By mad mistletoes choke,

For these pow’rs are the pow’rs of the dark, from the graves of the lost Druid-folk.

And mayst thou to such deeds

Be an abbot and priest,

Singing cannibal greeds

At each devil-wrought feast,

And to all the incredulous world shewing dimly the sign of the beast.

Filed under: Random Tagged: christmas, h.p. lovecraft, poetry, the festival, weird tales, yule, yulegate [image error]

2016 in Ten Awesome Photos

For the past few years, I’ve assembled a post looking back via photos and reflecting on my experiences over the course of a year. The rule is to do it in ten photos, no more, no less, no excuses. (Check out 2015 in Ten Awesome Photos or 2014 in Ten Awesome Photos if you’re so inclined.) It’s a good way to reestablish what actually happened compared to my own perception. It also slows time down. A lot happens in a year.

After you do something long enough, it becomes a tradition. 2016 has been a tough year for me both creatively, and personally. But for every failure, there has been a success. Moments of dispair have been countered by moments of peace. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize those. Going back through these photos always grounds me and forces me to reflect.

So, with all that said, let’s take a look at my 2016.

[image error]The start of 2016 was cold and foggy. I took this picture on a long walk near my house early in the year. The themes of this image inadvertently became my themes for this year. If you read The State of the Cycle last December you know that in 2016 I was breaking from The Bell Forging Cycle for a bit and was planning to focus on some new projects. Solitude, contemplation, and a refocusing on my work and my writing were central for me throughout the year.

[image error]New year, new projects; I dove right in. For those who have followed this blog from the beginning, you’ll recognize the title Coal Belly. It was the first manuscript I tried to shop (and ultimately failed at selling) but the world and the characters never left me. This year I began it anew, refreshed and stripped down and I’m really excited where it’s going.

[image error]In the spring I returned to Norwescon for my second year. As before, It was a blast. This year I was busy. I spent my time running my table, sat on a few panels, and even managed to do a reading from Red Litten World. You can read a full breakdown in my Norwescon 39 Debriefing post. I will be returning in 2017, I can’t miss the 40th Anniversary.

[image error]Throughout the year, Kari-Lise and I would occasionally spend a few hours exploring antique stores and junk shops. These forays into the past inspired me to start collecting historical objects from American fraternal organizations and secret societies. It hits a sweet spot for me a blend of Americana, fading history, folk art and the fact some of the objects are just bizarre. I’m sure I’ll gather together a post soon.

[image error]My friend Steve Toutonghi launched his debut novel Join! He spent some time with me at Norwescon sharing his book, and I was able to go to a reading and signing of his at a local bookstore. It’s been great to watch him meet readers and share his work with the world. If you haven’t read his novel Join, you need to rectify that now. Check out my review on Goodreads and use the links on his site to pick it up for yourself. (It makes a great Christmas gift.)

[image error]I was lucky enough to meet Magnus Nilsson, the head chef at the remote two Michelin star restaurant Fäviken in Sweden. It’s no secret Kari-Lise, and I love to cook and were those people who consider ourselves foodies. I really respect Nilsson’s approach to cooking, his focus on simplicity, local ingredients, and the return to basics. He was super gracious. Now we need to plan a trip to actually visit Fäviken.

[image error]Lilac City Comicon was a smashing success and a bit of a whirlwind. It’s a fun romp full of wonderful people and cosplayers. The community in Spokane is really warm and welcoming. It was great hanging out with my fellow creators, meeting new people, and talking with readers. I’m planning a return this year. Make sure to read the Lilac City Comicon debriefing. I’m happy that it’ll be two days this year.

[image error]This summer Kari-Lise and I took two weeks to explore the National Parks of California. When I returned, I put together a little trip report detailing the journey. It was a fantastic excursion, full of hiking, marmots, and incredible vista and views. Traveling in the US, and especially in our National Parks, always reminds me that we live in a pretty great place.

[image error]As with every year, mountains were a reoccurring theme. I find them invigorating creatively and forever humbling. They’re a good place to reset and realize how small and petty my problems tend to be. With the help of some friends, Kari-Lise and I found our favorite trail on Mount Rainier. We liked it so much we returned to it again a month later with some family.

[image error]My Seattle Sounders won the MLS Cup! It was an incredible comeback season that began abysmally but ended with a run that took them to the playoff and eventually allowed them to win it all on penalty kicks! Also, my favorite player did this. Sounders ’til I die. I can’t wait for the 2017 season.

So, there was my 2016. Narrowing it down to ten photos was difficult, it’s always difficult. There are always things I left out: sporting events, craft fairs, new books, art openings, other hikes, time spent in the mountains, time spent in the desert, time spent on the coast (we went to nine National Parks this year). I took pictures of my food, my research work, my dogs, my rabbits, and so much more. Most of these images came from my Instagram account, if you’re not following me, please do! It’s usually a running record of my weekly activities and pictures of my adorable dogs.

Join me! Why not look back through your own year and narrow it down to ten awesome photos? Post those on your blog and leave me a link here in the comments. I’d love to see what happened in your year as well.

Filed under: News Tagged: antiques, california, Coal Belly, Fäviken, hiking, join, lilac city comicon, magnus nilsson, mt. rainier, national parks, norwescon, seattle, solitude, sounders, steve toutonghi, writing

You Could Prove Nothing

“Sometimes indeed, you could put your finger on a definite lie. It was not true, for example, as was claimed in the Party history books, that the Party had invented aeroplanes. He remembered aeroplanes since his earliest childhood. But you could prove nothing.”

—1984, George Orwell

I’m finishing up my year of reading classics and George Orwell’s 1984 has been striking close to home. Especially regarding our recent election here in the United States, the fluid nature of truth as it pertains to facts, and the interplay of old and new media. It’s still a poignant read.

Filed under: Quotes Tagged: 1984, facts, george orwell, new media, post-truth, Social Media

Project Tracker Shifts

For those who pay attention to such things, you may have noticed that there have been some shifts in my project tracker. (See sidebar.) I have a couple of thoughts I wanted to share.

I’ve gotten great feedback for my fantasy project (I’m still keeping the name quiet), but I wanted to let it rest a bit before I roll up my sleeves and start to rework it. It’s a regular part of my process that allows me to return not only refreshed but with a critical eye. So for now, it’s been moved to the infamous back burner.
Coal Belly has moved up to the top slot. It’s been my major focus lately. It’s also becoming huge, currently sitting at 92k words. When I initially listed it, I targeted 100k words since that’s the goal for all The Bell Forging Cycle novels. However, as I’ve written it, I’ve started to realize that it’s going to be much bigger, so I have readjusted my target to 200k words. Which means it’s about halfway (the actual final number is fluid, the book will be done when it’s done.)

Whenever I make changes like this, I tend to see questions from readers. So I figured a small post like this would help explain some of my decisions. Progress continues to chug along, and I’ll soon have new stuff for you all to read.

In the meantime, eBooks of The Stars Were Right are on sale for 99¢! If you’re looking for something Lovecraftian for yourself or as a holiday gift, check out the 2016 Lovecraftian Gift Guide. Loads of fun stuff.

Okay, time to get back to writing.

Filed under: News Tagged: Coal Belly, project tracker, projects

The 2016 Lovecraft-Inspired Gift Guide

It has started snowing on my blog, which means it’s time for my annual Lovecraft-themed gift guide! A big ol’ list of Lovecraftian items I’ve found throughout the year and gathering into one place. Here you can find gifts for the mythos-lover in your life or for yourself. There’s a lot of great stuff, something for all ages. Enjoy! (Thanks to those who sent in submissions!)

As before, I’ve organized the list by category and ordered them by price making it easy to browse. Have a favorite New Weird or mythos-themed item I left off? Leave a comment at the bottom and let everyone know!

❅ Quick Jumps ❅

Books – Music – Apparel – Games – Housewares – Miskatonic

[About the Art:] This year’s Featured Image was created by the artist Rebecca Kemp. Check out the full-color version on Deviant Art. You can see more of her work and shop her store on her website. (Some great Lovecraftian art there as well.)

❅ BOOKS

The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle

$9.99 + Free Shipping (Paperback) $2.99 (eBook)

Jazz Age New York is a dangerous place for a man like Charles Thomas Tester. It gets even more dangerous after he runs a quick delivery job involve sorceresses and occult tomes. Written as a response to Lovecraft’s own, The Horror at Red Hook, LaVelle writes a novel of intrigue that is as engaging as it is subversive.

The Stars Were Right by K. M. Alexander

$14.00 + Free Shipping (Paperback) $0.99 (eBook)

In celebration of the holidays, eBook copies of my first book, The Stars Were Right, are on sale everywhere for only 99¢! Join Caravan Master Waldo Bell as he tries to clear his name in the coastal megalopolis of Lovat. Mysteries and monsters, chases and cults, fights and food trucks, and a whole lot more.

C is for Cthulhu by Jason Ciaramella & Greg Murphy

$15.00 + Shipping (Board Book)

Kids need to learn their letters, so why not have them learn with this absolutely adorable alphabet book featuring the mythos from Lovecraft himself? Make sure you check out the C is for Cthulhu Coloring Book and other goodies as well.

Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff

$15.99 + Free Shipping (Paperback) $7.99 (eBook)

A Lovecraftian horror set during the tumultuous period of Jim Crow America. The story follows Atticus Turner, his Uncle George—publisher of The Safe Negro Travel Guide—and a childhood friend as they embark on a road trip to New England.

HPL’s Call of Cthulhu for Beginning Readers by R.J. Ivankovic

$19.95 + Shipping (Hardcover)

What if Dr. Seuse told stories of ancient evils slumbering beneath the waves? In this adaptation of Lovecraft’s most famous work, The Call of Cthulhu, R.J. Ivankovic explores that very idea. Charmingly illustrated this is a must for any Lovecraftian fan.

Codex Seraphinianus by Luigi Serafini

$91.99 + Free Shipping (Hardcover)

Not really weird fiction, but certainly weird. Last Christmas, Kari-Lise bought me this gorgeous art book, and I instantly fell in love. Imagining an encyclopedia of a strange and surreal world, Serafini asks questions about literacy (as of yet the book is unreadable) and the sharing of knowledge. It’s weird, hypnagogic, and absolutely beautiful.

Not finding a book you like? Check out one of the previous guides.

2014’s Books • 2015’s Books

❆ MUSIC

The Shadow Out Of Tim by The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets

$10.00 CAD + Shipping

I don’t really know how to describe The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets. On the surface, it’s surf-rocky alternative music, but it’s also a love letter to H.P. Lovecraft, cosmic horror, and weird fiction as a whole. This 2007 rock opera follows Dr. Timothy Vess descent into madness. It’s fun and real weird.

Shoggoth on the Roof by HPLHS 

$15.00 + Shipping

What do you get when you mix one part H.P. Lovecraft mythos with one part Fiddler on the Roof? You get one of the strangest (and hilarious) cast albums available on the market. It’s funny, familiar, and perfect for musical fans in your life. Wait until you hear If I Were A Deep One.

Nyarlathotep by Cryo Chamber Collaboration

$15.00 + Shipping

Dark ambient is my go-to music for when I work on the Bell Forging Cycle, and at the top of my list is the label Cryo Chamber. Once again, they have released a Lovecraftian themed soundscape album. This time influenced by chaos himself. It’s good stuff, haunting and mysterious.

Not finding any music that interests you? Check out one of the previous guides.

2014’s Music • 2015’s Music

❅ APPAREL

Bell Caravans Patch

$5.00 + Shipping (Order by Dec. 9th for Christmas Delivery.)

This beautiful 3″ patch, designed by illustrator Sean Cumiskey, is the perfect way of declaring your loyalty to your beloved caravan master. Put it on your backpack, a tote, or display it on the sleeve of your jacket, just make sure the world knows who you roll with.

Elder Sign Lapel Pin

$10.00 + Shipping

This protective and yet incredibly classy lapel pin comes from Dagon Industries and is fancy enough for cocktail parties, investigative archeology, or even on fancy boat trips to the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Whatever you end up doing, make sure you do it in style.

Cthulhu Cardigan

$79.99 + Shipping

It’s said, that in his house at R’lyeh, dead Cthulhu waits dreaming. So why not don a fancy cardigan until he wakes up? Perfect for your holiday parties or for reading ancient and leather bound books while you smoke a pipe. Whatever floats your boat, or… yacht, I suppose.

Not finding any apparel you like? Check out one of the previous guides.

2014’s Apparel • 2015’s Apparel

❆ GAMES

Crawl

$9.99 on Steam

In this delightful (and violent) dungeon crawl, you take on the role of the hero while your friends try to best you playing as a variety of horrific Lovecraftian monsters. A fresh take on a classic game Crawl is intense, hilarious, and loads of fun for groups.

Necronomicards

$25.00 + Tax and Shipping

In this competitive card game for 2-4 players, you work to summon Lovecraftian monsters and other creatures from myth and legend and pitch them against your opponent. The art is incredible, and the gameplay is fun and fast-paced.

A Study in Emerald

$65.00 + Free Shipping (Price can vary)

Based on the Neil Gaiman short story of the same name. There’s a secret war brewing. In this game, players build decks and either work with the Restorationist towards freeing humanity from the Old One’s reign or siding with the Loyalists and fighting to preserve the kingdom.

Mansions of Madness 2nd Edition

$150.00 + Free Shipping (Prices can vary.)

The newest version of my favorite boardgame of all time removed the work of the Keeper and replaces their role with an app. The benefits are immense, games can be saved, set up time is significantly lessened, and the app handles a lot of the rules. A must for fans of the original.

Not finding a game you like? Check out one of the previous guides.

2014’s Games • 2015’s Games

❅ HOUSEWARES (New!)

Funko Cthulhu Figure

$10.00 + Free Shipping

The most adorable little horror you’ve ever seen. Funko’s stylistic take on the Great Old One is available for locations other than the sunken city of R’lyah. Also comes in an exclusive glow-in-the-dark version as well. Terror has never been so cute.

Cthulhu Tree Topper

$19.99 + Shipping

I mean, this is a Christmas gift list after all, so we have to include something festive, right? I think it’s a rule. Why not adorn your Christmas tree with this scary Cthulhu tree topper! It’s a nice way to add a little more terror to your holidays. Angels are so passé.

Squishable Cthulhu

$42.00 + Shipping

It’s winter in the northern hemisphere, and during the cooler months it’s always nice to cozy up to a pal. Especially if that pal happens to be a plushie version of everyone’s favorite Great Old One. Adorable and enormous (15″) he’s perfect for both companionship and cuddles.

Cthulhu Stein

$70.00 + Shipping

Steins are the cool way to store beverages. Cthulhu steins are even cooler. Enjoy not only your delicious drink of choice (a nice oatmeal stout is fitting for this time of year) but the gorgeous relief work on the side of this stein. Madness-inducing and yet so delicious.

Housewares is a new section this year, so I don’t have any links to previous years. However, I am planning on making this a regular category going forward.

❅ MISKATONIC UNIVERSITY

Miskatonic University Parking Permit

$3.00 + Shipping

It has been said that campus security is notorious for cracking down on illegal parking. So why spend all your time worrying? Get yourself a student parking permit! Besides, you have more important things to fret about, non-Euclidean geometry isn’t going to study itself.

Miskatonic University Pin Collection

$6.49 + $2.25 Shipping

This fun little set of four 1″ pins commemorates all manner of Miskatonic-centric events that never happened, from the ill-fated Antarctic expedition to class and alumni reunions. Great little stocking stuffer for those Miskatonic fans in your life.

Miskatonic University Antarctic Expedition Kit

$30.00 + Shipping

This wonderful little prop set comes with all manner of goodies recovered from the doomed Antarctic expedition, a field journal, a star stone, a photo taken by Professor Dyer, a page from Professor Lake’s notes, and more! It’s a great little collection.

Not finding any Miskatonic stuff you like? Check out one of the previous guides.

2014’s Miskatonic Goodies • 2015’s Miskatonic Goodies

❅ Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! ❅
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It’s a Festivus Miracle! Buy The Stars Were Right Only 99¢

No sense delaying the announcement so let’s get right to it. From today until January 7th (Auseil Day in Lovat) you can purchase eBook copies of The Stars Were Right for only 99¢. Yup, less than a buck. So telegram your friends, shout it from the rooftops, add it to your wish-lists, and tattoo it onto your pets. (Also, go leave a review.) Links to purchase below.

Kindle • Kobo • Nook • iBooks • GooglePlay • DRM-Free ePub

If you’re interested in gifting a copy (which is a brilliant idea, I must say, you’re very smart), there are a few stores that make it really easy. I’d recommend consulting my post from earlier this week: Gifting the Bell Forging Cycle for the Holidays. It has details on how one can buy eBooks as gifts.

Not bad, eh? Happy Holidays, roaders. Remember, Look West.

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