Tag: Horror

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Welcome to My World

“The Black Dust fell, and the world changed…”

Welcome to the world of THE JUNGLE SERIES.

As an author I followed one of the main tenets in writing, and that is, always write about what you know. Though the JUNGLE SERIES is a work of dystopian fiction, all four novels are set in the “real” world, the world I grew up in.

Southeast England is a beautiful part of the United Kingdom, the places I write about are real places, though some of the names have been changed. The same with the third novel, [LINDA’S STORY] which is mainly set in Ireland. The fourth novel [GENOCIDE] incorporates most of the U.K. especially Scotland, a wild, exciting land.

A lot of the characters are based on people I have met, people that have stuck in my memory. I have a lot of fun giving them new personas, making them dance to a new tune. Turning them into heroes or villains, colourful, whimsical characters that inhabit a real world, my world.

The world[s] I create have to be real, they have to resonate, give the characters stability, a purpose, and a home. It gives them a reason to fight. 

You are invited into my world, come meet Adam Blake, Linda Stephens, Charlie… They’re just ordinary people like you and me, in an extraordinary situation. You probably already know people who are just like them, everyday people, until they’re not.

This new world is a dangerous place, every day is a fight for survival, death lurks behind every tree, every bush. Real monsters lurk in the woodlands, in the forests, the plant life seeks your death, sentient, evil, patiently waiting for the unwary.

It’s also a beautiful place, where true friendships are born, where everyone comes together with one purpose, one goal, working together, for the common good. Love blossoms, bonds are forged, despite the terror that continually assails them. They are strong in the knowledge that whatever challenges they face they will face together, as friends, as brothers and sisters, as a family.

Welcome to my world, make yourself at home, I will tell you a story….

Follow Alan at: 

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The World of Lizardville

I’m frequently asked how I came up with the Lizardville Ghost Story series idea. The answer is simple: I lived it, well, sort of.

I’m grateful to my mom and dad for buying the damkeeper’s house in 1969. I grew up in Mill Hall, Pennsylvania. We lived on Lizardville Road in a historic four-story home built in the early 1900s, complete with a full basement, first floor, second floor, and a spacious attic.

Our house was nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. Across the way, we had the ruins of a dam and the remnants of the Axe Factory along Fishing Creek. As kids in a small town of just a thousand people, we often thought life was boring. So, we made the best of it. But now, as an adult, I realize how fortunate I was to grow up in such a close-knit community.

I want to thank my older brother and a small group of neighbor kids—though I use the term “neighbors” loosely since most houses were a quarter mile apart or further. We would walk or ride bikes to visit each other. That was our only way to spend time together. We loved fishing, camping, and hiking in the woods. We used our imagination, or at least I did. Growing up in the seventies was a different experience than what the children of today face. Many of my childhood memories inspired the stories I write.

About half a mile from our house was a motorcycle shop. Back then, motorcycles were shipped in wooden crates lined with large pieces of Styrofoam, and the shop would pile all the foam out back. We would drag these large pieces of foam to Fishing Creek during the summer and float down the river, turning simple summer days into memorable adventures. We would spend a lot of time on the creek swimming and fishing. 

Wildlife thrived in the woods, creek, and the dried-up lake bed where the dam once held back the water. From swimming in the creek to fishing and encounters with various animals, these experiences became the foundation for many of my stories. I often get asked if the scene on the bridge was real. Yes, it was, and you will find many of our adventures in The Camping Trip were real, except for me talking to ghosts. 

The remains of the Axe Factory, mostly destroyed in a flood before my time, provided a fascinating area to explore. People often ask if we ever had any ghostly encounters as kids. I have to say no, but there were unexplained occurrences that left us puzzled. Our parents or older kids usually say animals or other explanations caused these events.

I encountered all sorts of wildlife in the woods—snakes, muskrats, beavers, deer, and even the occasional black bear. No matter the season, I loved the outdoors. As we became teenagers, our adventures evolved from overnight trips to full weekend excursions. Learning to live off the land was a part of life. We spent more time outside than inside. I look back now and think, what were my parents thinking. But I must mention that times were different back then. 

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Haunter’s Tale: Where Terror Comes to Life

The sun sets earlier, and the chill in the air grows sharper as we approach October 31, 2024 – the release date for Haunter’s Tale. Published by Accomplishing Innovation Press, this anthology promises to be a haven for horror enthusiasts, filled with spine-tingling tales, real-life ghost encounters, haunting artwork, and more. Curated by none other than the legendary mastermind of Halloween events, James-Michael Roddy, Haunter’s Tale is set to become the ultimate horror anthology series.

Behind every horrific creation lies a dark mind. In the case of Haunter’s Tale, that mind belongs to James-Michael Roddy. With his impressive background in crafting fear-inducing experiences, Roddy brings a unique perspective to this anthology. Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of Haunter’s Tale, curious to see what horrors he has in store for them within its pages.

Haunter’s Tale promises to be more than just a book; it is an immersive experience. Each volume will feature:

  • Original Stories: Terrifying tales that push the boundaries of horror.
  • True Ghost Accounts: Real-life hauntings that will make you question the safety of your own home.
  • Haunting Artwork: Stunning visuals that perfectly complement the stories.
  • Backstories and More: A behind-the-scenes look at the creation of these terrifying tales.
  • Interviews: In-depth conversations with the creators, offering insight into their dark minds.

Volume One, Haunters and Hauntings, kicks off the series with an introduction from none other than horror legend Tom Savini. Known for his work in special effects and makeup on some of the most iconic horror films, Savini’s foreword sets the tone for the rest of the anthology. His unique insights and experiences add an extra layer of terror to the collection.

The Haunter’s Tale Podcast

To further engage with the horror community, a podcast will be launched alongside the book series. This hour-long show will feature:

  • Interviews: Conversations with the creators featured in Haunter’s Tale.
  • Genre Discussions: Deep dives into various aspects of horror, from literature to film.
  • Readings: Dramatic interpretations of the original works, bringing the stories to life in a new way.
  • Enter the World of Haunter’s Tale

Dare to enter the world of Haunter’s Tale, where every shadow conceals a story and every whisper is a warning. This anthology is not for the faint of heart. Prepare to be terrified!

www.haunterstale.com

www.michaelroddystoryteller.com

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A True Story of Cosmic Horror

Let me tell you a true story of cosmic horror. 

It’s a story from my childhood. 

I used to be so afraid of lightning storms. A long time ago now, I lived in Illinois, in a small town—I’ve basically always lived in small towns—and the weather in that state can be extreme. It’s got tornados, yes, and I have some memorable moments hiding from those—but that’s not what I mean. Illinois doesn’t mess around. 

The summers aren’t as hot as Florida, where I currently live, but they certainly weren’t pleasant. Springtime brought rain that would last for hours. The wind during fall was enough to make you step backward. And the winters…there’s a reason Chicago is famous for its winters. To my now Florida-acclimated self, the idea of the outside being that cold is truly scary. 

But what scared me was the lightning storms. The sound of them. The wind. Loud noises didn’t usually scare me. But the thunder did. I would try to sleep, try to rest, but each and every thunderclap would keep me awake. The usual childhood fears often didn’t find me, but the storm was real. I’d seen the damage storms can do. I can’t recall now, but I have to imagine I even feared that the house’s walls would not hold back the storm. That the world, at least where I was, was ending.

If you’ve read my first book, Nothing Will Be Left, the idea of something in the sky destroying things might sound familiar. The very first part—and still one of my favorite things I’ve written—of the book is about an event where hands from the sky take thirteen people. I gave it the name Murder Sky. 

One of the things I’ve always liked about exploring cosmic horror—and science fiction, too—is the idea of scale. Going back to my time in Illinois, I would marvel at the scale of a city. Skyscrapers are impressive, yeah, but it was thinking of each of those massive buildings being full of people that really got the mind going. Being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic is unpleasant—to put it mildly—but even seeing that sea of cars hinted at how many people there were. Even to this day, I get a sort of existential vertigo when I consider that things are happening everywhere at all times. The stores are open all day, the restaurant makes hundreds of orders, and cars are constantly carting people to more locations than I can know, visit, or understand. 

It’s honestly kind of shocking it took me until my late twenties to really start writing cosmic horror, given all this. Sure, I haven’t been scared of lightning storms in a long time. Sometimes the arcing lighting is amazing, and the rain helps clear away the heat. I think I like storms now. But the sky is a different matter. I think about the night sky and the space between planets and it does, in a way, still scare me. 

Follow October Kane on social media:

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Series Catch Up: The Aestrangel Trilogy

Do you love diving into an amazing series?

We have the ultimate Horror series for you: 

There are 3 books so far in this complete series.

Check out book one Aestrangel the Fallen here:

Hell hath no fury like an angel scorned!

Aestra, favorite teenaged angel of The Lord, has been sent to Earth to ensure that high school senior, Jake Parker, pursues the correct path. He is teetering between two options that may seem innocuous, but only one will lead him to positively impact the lives of millions of humans.

But what happens when the heart chooses love over responsibility? For Aestra, one fateful night will set into motion a chain of events unforeseen by even her infallible Creator.

You can order this book  in all formats directly from our 4HP Website and receive 10% OFF using coupon code 4HP10!

Aestrangel the Fallen (The Aestrangel Trinity #1)
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Haunter’s Tale It’s Alive!

As the clock ticks down, dear fiends and phantoms, the veil between the living and the dead grows thinner. Soon it will be October 31, 2024, the day when Accomplishing Innovation Press unleashes the first volume of Haunter’s Tale upon the world. This spine-chilling anthology promises to be a ghastly delight, overflowing with ghoulishly original stories, eerie true ghost accounts, haunting artwork, and much more. For those who revel in horror, this is one book you won’t dare to miss!

At the helm of Haunter’s Tale is none other than James-Michael Roddy, a name that evokes images of some of the biggest Halloween events around the globe. With his diabolical genius and extensive experience in the horror genre, Roddy ensures that this anthology will be a masterpiece of terror. He has brought together the most talented horror/haunt designers and fans to create an unforgettable reading experience. The anticipation for its release date is palpable, with horror enthusiasts everywhere eagerly awaiting their chance to delve into the darkness.

Haunter’s Tale Volume One is no ordinary collection; it is a plunge into the depths of horror and hauntings. Each volume will feature:

Ghoulishly Original Stories: From twisted minds come new and terrifying tales that will leave you unable to sleep at night.

True Ghost Accounts: Chilling real-life encounters that will make your blood run cold.

Haunting Artwork: Visually stunning pieces that capture the essence of each story’s eerie atmosphere.

Backstories and More: Gain insight into the inspiration and creation of each spine-tingling tale.

In-Depth Interviews: Take a peek into the dark worlds of these masterminds as they discuss their creations.

Keep Repeating, It’s Only a Book

Volume One, titled Haunters and Hauntings, will kick off the series with a bang. Featuring an introduction from the legendary Tom Savini, a revered figure in the horror community, this volume sets the stage for what’s to come. Savini’s unique insights and experiences add an extra layer of depth and terror to the collection, ensuring that readers are in for a truly immersive experience.

Haunter’s Tale goes beyond simply showcasing stories and artwork; it celebrates the talented and dedicated creators behind them. The ultimate goal of this series is to provide a platform where horror enthusiasts can come together, share their work, and inspire one another. Every creator has a unique perspective on the genre, and Haunter’s Tale aims to give them the opportunity to share it with the world.

To complement this terrifying new book series, an hour-long podcast will also be launched. This podcast will serve as an extension of the Haunter’s Tale platform, offering in-depth interviews with horror creators. Take a deep dive into the minds behind the madness as they engage in thought-provoking conversations about all things horror, and read spine-chilling renditions of the stories featured in the anthology.

So brace yourselves, dear readers. The world of Haunter’s Tale is dark, twisted, and waiting to be explored. Enter if you dare, but remember to keep repeating: it’s only a book… or is it?

www.haunterstale.com

www.michaelroddystoryteller.com

Haunters & Hauntings (Haunter’s Tale #1)
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Series Catch Up: The Quill Point Chronicles

Series Catch Up: The Quill Point Chronicles

Do you love to dive into an amazing series?

We have the ultimate Thriller, Horror, LGBTQIA+ series for you: 

There are 2 books so far in the complete series.

Check out book one Nothing Will Be Left here:

Albert Turner was only supposed to be visiting Quill Point, but now he may never leave.

Quill Point, Illinois, used to be like any other small town. Most of its citizens have lived there their entire lives. Each of them is a part of a larger community of friends, neighbors, and coworkers.

When the sky changed, no one saw it for what it was: the beginning of the end. Now, as horrors and monsters rise, and the population of Quill Point dwindles, the remaining citizens must try to survive the evil machinations at the heart of this new apocalypse. They are in the middle of something beyond human understanding. Something primal and hostile.

Nothing Will Be Left is the first book in the terrifying Quill Point Chronicles. A cosmic horror anthology series told from multiple perspectives. It’s full of existential terror, body horror, and unknowable destruction waiting to be unleashed.

You can order this book  in all formats directly from our 4HP Website and receive 10% OFF using coupon code 4HP10!

Nothing Will Be Left (The Quill Point Chronicles #1)