Darkened Tales and Ghost Lahars
Welcome to my site. Here you can find links to my work, contact information and blog posts. Enjoy your visit!
Featured Posts
Books Read in 2019
How do you discover the books you read? Some thoughts and questions as well as short reviews covering the books I read in 2019.
A Triptych of Ambiguity and Tension: Rambling About Three Novels by Paul Tremblay
Three novels by Paul Tremblay—The Cabin at the End of the World, Disappearance at Devil's Rock and A Head Full of Ghosts—form a clear triptych, telling distinct stories but linked by their approach regarding ambiguity about the supernatural.
Burn the Season
Start by burning the season. Take the keys; there is just enough gas to get far enough up in the hills. The road will turn from gravel to mud, the ruts will be deep and the axles will protest.
Twelve Things You Never Said To Me
“This room is empty.”
“We are in this together.”
“I’ll make the coffee today.”
“I believe in ghosts.”
“We could sell.”
“If the body is never found, they cannot truly be dead.”
“I can’t seem to get warm.”
“Winter is the worst time.”
“I need help.”
“I can’t sleep.”
“I want to stay in the room.”
“The next time you open your eyes, I will be gone.”
A Teaching Moment
In that simple, two-sentence reply, Laird taught me how a real author should conduct oneself. It’s a lesson I’ve never forgotten.
Books Read in 2018
In 2018, in a hyperspeed soundbite social-media driven and oftentimes toxic culture, what does it mean to read fiction? Some thoughts as well as short reviews covering all the books I read in 2018.
The Blue Door Incident
I’ve seen the blue door just once.
Jessica: Perception, Identity and Quiet Horror
Confronting the questions and limits of perception, while disquieting and often scary, can be a transformative experience.
Books Read in 2017
Some thoughts about finding the time to read and the current ability of fiction novels to reach across the cultural spectrum. Plus short reviews of all the books I read in 2017.
My annual Reader's Journey and some thoughts on reading fiction during periods of cultural anxiety.