To help keep my hands off the Halloween candy, I pick up a pen and write -- or grab a book and read.
If you're looking for some scary short stories to read by the fire on a chilly October night, here are two collections to check out.
Shameless plug: Did I mention I have stories in each of these collections?
My story about the haunted Bissell Mansion in North St. Louis "Ghost in Celestial Blue" is included in the collection, along with tales from blogger buddies, Missouri author Val the Victorian from Unbagging the Cats and Canadian author and travel writer Sean McLachlan of Civil War Horror.
I haven't received my contributor copies yet, so I haven't read all the stories, but I know what great writers Val and Sean are because I am a frequent follower of their blogs.
If you're curious about who else is in the anthology and want to purchase a copy, visit the RHP website.
If you're a frequent visitor to my blog, you might remember the title of the book Shadows After Midnight. The e-book was published late last year by Welkin Press, but editor Patricia B. Smith has redesigned the cover and reduced the price, just in time for Halloween.
The Shadows After Midnight e-book is now available for a limited time on Amazon.com for less than a dollar. The collection of "12 Spooky Tales for Halloween" includes my short story "Stairway to Heaven."
How about you? Do you have any scary books to recommend reading on chilly fall evenings--that is, when the Cardinals aren't playing in the World Series?
Thank you for the plug. I am indeed included in the Spirits of St. Louis collection, under my real name and not my blogging alias. Last time I checked, the title on my story was "Things That Go Bump in the Gym." Don't go into a dark gym alone after 9:00 p.m. Seriously. That's my public service announcement.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite books of ghost stories is: Haunted Heartland: True Ghost Stories from the American Midwest, by Beth Scott and Michael Norman. There's a tale about a knocking table that raises the hair on the back of my neck.
Donna--Congratulations on yet another notch in your publication belt.
ReplyDeleteOh, and the scariest thing I've read lately is Joe Hill's "NOS4A2." I inhaled it, despite it being quite terrifying, and I was sad when it ended.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you, Donna! You are a multi-talented writer. I love ghost stories, and I'm wondering (beyond the setting) what inspired you to write yours. Do you have others planned?
ReplyDeleteThe perfect time of year for spooky stories. Congrats on another publication, Donna!
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
Hi Val,
ReplyDeleteI recognized your name but didn't want to mention it on my blog in case you're remaining incognito. Thanks for the book recommendation.
Hi Sioux,
I read another of Joe Hill's books and liked his style. I'll have to check your recommendation out, especially with such an intriguing title.
Hi Clara,
Thanks!
Beyond the setting, I was inspired by a memory. There is one story that keeps demanding my attention, so I'll see what happens with it.
Hi Pat,
Thanks. This time of the year is inspiring--at least for spooky stories.
Congratulations! Another notch in your writing belt! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shout out! I'm looking forward to getting my contributor's copies and reading the rest of the stories.
ReplyDelete