Happy Halloween Eve!
I come bearing gifts! As promised earlier this month, I'm here to share some writing updates as well as a free horror short story.
First things first: the update. Currently, I have another novel in the works that I hope to have available sometime in 2023. The story takes place in the late Victorian period and centers around the highly sensational Spiritualist movement of the era. The main character, Thomas, is a skeptic but seeks out so-called mediums to reconnect with a deceased loved one. During one séance, he connects with someone–or something–but it doesn't seem to be the person he knew and loved. After that, life for Thomas takes a dark turn, and he realizes with growing dread that his meddling in the unknown might very well cost him his soul.
Despite the dark nature of Thomas's journey, an M/M romance grows at the heart of this story – a warm and comforting light in the darkness. (As I've said before, I'm a lover of both horror and romance. And while I can appreciate them separately, I believe they can make magic when properly brought together. In my opinion, a bit of horror can make the romance all the sweeter and more rewarding.)
Stay tuned for more updates on this novel in the future!
Now, about that free horror short story...
This is something I wrote last year, taking inspiration from a man I knew well in my childhood. He was a neighbor and "friend" of my grandparents who I spent a lot of time with when I visited them. As a kid, I like him a lot. He was eccentric and charismatic and gave me a lot of attention. It's only now that I'm older that I recognize him as the failed cult leader he was. It's only now that I'm older that I understand the quiet unease that niggled at the back of my mind when I was in his presence.
In the end, my family had a falling out with him, and he eventually moved away. However, the memory of him lingers, and we still talk about him from time to time. Those conversations always have an edge of tension about them, the kind that inspires nervous laughter. As if we'd all rubbed shoulders with true evil and lived to tell the tale.
For this story, I decided to take this character I knew from my childhood, give him a new identity, and turn him into a true monster. Rest assured, the things that transpire in the story are entirely fictional and did not truly happen. (At least, not that I'm aware.)
If horror is not your cup of tea, feel free to skip this one. And if you are feeling adventurous, please be aware that there is some violent and disturbing content in this piece.
Anyway, without further ado, here is the story.
Until next time, I hope you have a wonderful (and safe) Halloween and, as always, please read responsibly.
-Talbot
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