Chateau of Shadows #1 - Why I Love Monsters
"Since childhood, I have been faithful to monsters. I have been saved and absolved by them, because monsters, I believe, are patron saints of our blissful imperfection." - Guillermo Del Toro
When I was in first grade, I discovered the Crestwood House Monster Series in my school library. If you're also a child of the '80s, you may remember them - the orange monster books. There were fifteen in total, although I never found a library that had a full set. They were dedicated to classic black and white horror films; mostly the Universal Pictures monsters, but also Godzilla, King Kong and a couple of '50s sci-fi horror joints like the Blob. I fell in love with monsters the moment I read them.
The orange monster books followed a simple, consistent format. The first chapter summarized the first film's plot. The rest followed any sequels, then dove into the source material, then described various other adaptations over the decades. I think the later chapters were most important - with respect to queer icons Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley and Bram Stoker, these books taught me at a young age that there was no one, true version of a story.
Sadly, the Crestwood House Monster Series has been out of print for years. You'll know I've made it for real when I dig up a complete set. I'll settle for the Frankenstein volume, though!
Upcoming Work!
The Amelia Temple Series continues! I'm working with my awesome publisher, Blue Fortune Enterprises, to put Book Two out in March 2024. My amazing wife and cover artist, Frankie, is creating an incredible cover illustration. I can't wait to share it with you!
Speaking of Amelia Temple, I'm currently writing Book Three! The first draft is between 80% and 90% complete, using the previous two volumes as a guide. No release date yet, but I'm hoping for early 2025.
My short story "It's Really For The Best" is included in The Book of Queer Saints Volume II, coming this month from Medusa Publishing Haus. I received the Advanced Reader Copy two weeks ago, and this anthology is all killer, no filler. You can get both volumes from Medusa Publishing Haus' online store.
Upcoming Events!
Speaking of Blue Fortune, we'll be tabling at Yorktown Market Day on October 14 from 9 am to 3 pm. Stop by to buy books, get personalized signatures and chat with your favorite glamour ghoul. I believe this will be the last Market Day we have scheduled for the 2023 season, so don't miss out!
I'll be participating in the Billsburg Book Club along with fellow Blue Fortune authors E. Compton Lee and Marielle Living! Beginning November 1, Billsburg Brewery will be hosting a different local author on the first Wednesday of each month. I'm scheduled for May 1st, but don't hesitate to check out the other authors.
Available Now
Beneath Strange Lights, Book one of The Amelia Temple Series, is available to order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and wherever books are sold!