OUR HOLY LEVIATHAN (a new short novel) by Tylor James

Friends of the Macabre,

It’s my sincere pleasure to inform you that the pre-order option for OUR HOLY LEVIATHAN is now available. This gorgeous hardcover book is a limited run of just 26 copies, each one signed and lettered, and features black and white illustrations by K.L. Turner. A truly beautiful book, as only Weird House Press can manufacture, and I’m most grateful to have yet another novel published by this formidable press.

This novel is, indeed, “a whale of a tale”, and contributes a new monster (MACCBA) to the darkest legions of the mysterious sea. It’s inspired by, and dedicated to, the following:

Herman Melville

Edgar Allan Poe

W.H. Hodgson

H.P. Lovecraft

Without these seaworthy luminaries of the Weird, “Our Holy Leviathan” would most certainly not exist. Pre-order Here: https://weirdhousepress.com/products/our-holy-leviathan-by-tylor-james

BACKCOVER DESCRIPTION:

“. . . a winged thing arises from the depths and flits its giant, savage form across the moon . . . drips sea from its veined wings like falling diamonds . . . then swoops and descends into the ocean to linger beneath the surface . . .”

Caught in a freakish storm, Brian Hodgson washes ashore on Maccba Island—a backwards isle populated by a friendly, yet bizarre Irish society that worships a legendary ‘leviathan of sea and sky’. Brian is a dogmatic skeptic, and dismisses their pious devotion as nothing more than silly superstition. His persistent nightmares, however, suggest an undercurrent of truth, and he begins to suspect he may be the recipient of a dark prophecy.

The islanders act as if they live in the nineteenth century—wearing bonnets, breeches, and frock coats, eschewing all electricity, and sailing on The Gorgon, a mighty galleon ship built for whaling. Brian finds it all strange, yet quaint, and goes so far as to adopt the islander’s antiquated habits.

The mysterious fate of Hans Gansevoort (the isle’s lighthouse keeper), a macabre ‘Church of Maccba’, the mysterious appearance of onyx statues, and other nebulous intrigues draw Brian deeper into the legend of Maccba, until, at last, he discovers the horrible truth—the creature exists, and he will have to face it at sea if he is to save himself, the woman he loves, and an infant girl offered up for sacrifice.

QUOTES OF PRAISE FOR MR. JAMES’ TALES:

“Tylor James is a writer on a journey, a decidedly dark one to be sure—one that swerves and meanders from the Gothic to the weird to the supernatural and beyond. His work has the nostalgic wash of sentiment seen in Bradbury, with the bleak ruminations of Lovecraft, and the dissective precision and questioning of Poe.”
— Joshua Rex, author of Haunted Victorian America, and The Innamorta

“To read Tylor James’ fiction is to feel all the dread and elation of getting lost in a carnival house of mirrors. Shadows, grotesque figures, swirls of melody and light; if you manage to find your way out, you’ll want to turn around and run right back in.”
— Jacqueline Holland, author of The God of Endings

“Tylor James is a modern shaman, weaving dark miracles by firelight. A writer to watch, this consummate storyteller evokes both terror and awe in poetical reworkings of classic horror themes. An author who cares about his craft . . . and hears the wisdom of shadows.”
— William P. Simmons (bestselling author of The Halloween Boy & Other October Horrors)

Ten Things About Tylor James

This photo shows me leaving out the door with an air of . . . suspicion! Or, perhaps, some foreboding for the frozen tundra outside. Anyway, it’s recently occurred to me that my few loyal readers, as well as everyone gracious enough to follow my posts, haven’t much of a clue as to who I am. Thus, with a little trepidation, I’ve penned down the following (abridged) list of ten things which provide an insight into my values and admirations. Here goes . . .

1) I work as a bookseller by day, but my greatest passion is to write—particularly short stories with a weird, supernatural, or speculative orientation. I am obsessed with the macabre because I see it as integral to the human condition. To be macabre is to be human.

2) My favorite writers are Edgar Allan Poe and Ray Bradbury, primarily for their short stories. My favorite novel is Moby Dick: Or, The Whale–the latter is a massive undertaking in literature . . . among the few that’ve paid off.

3) I enjoy coffee, red wine, and music; the latter includes everything from Bach’s Goldberg Variations all the way to 1960’s psychedelia. My favorite song-writer is Bob Dylan.

4) Growing up, I was often referred to as an “old soul”, due to my dated tastes in art. My girls (despite my being only 29) refer to me as their “old man”—Well, I can’t deny it! I’m very intrigued by 19th century literature and print-culture, and often see myself drifting back into that time—delusionary though it certainly is.

5) I am blessed with a supportive and (very) patient wife and daughter. They are the greatest source of meaning in my life.

6) I love midnight walks to my local graveyard—particularly on a warm summer or fall night.

7) I write stories because, growing up, my grandfather wrote stories and told me tall tales. I still have his rejection letters from publishers zipped away in a black suitcase. He inspires me to this day. I lost him when I was thirteen.

8)I’m a lover of black and white films; everything from The Old Dark House to A Streetcar Named Desire.

9) In my early twenties, just prior to taking up writing during every spare moment, I played solo-gigs as a singer-songwriter at local bars and cafes.

10) I have many acquaintances, but very few close friends. I’m grateful for those who are close to me.

If you’ve made it thus far in my post, I thank you for reading. Perhaps it has given you a glimpse into my strange mind. Perhaps it has encouraged you to buy one of my books, or take up walks to your local graveyard—either way, I hope so!

Best,

Tylor James

Book Announcement: “OLD DARK HOUSES: A HALLOWEEN NOVEL” by Tylor James Available for PREORDER late September!

It is my sheer thrill and delight to announce that my debut novel, “OLD DARK HOUSES: A HALLOWEEN NOVEL” shall be available for preorder this late-September. It is described, quite accurately, as “a love letter to Halloween”, and features glorious, full-color illustrations from the talented artist, Luke Spooner. It’ll be published by WEIRD HOUSE PRESS, in a hardcover deluxe edition (Signed and Lettered, with THREE additional Halloween tales and one Halloween poem) all of which is housed within a most elegant slipcase . . . with, of course, a trade paperback to follow!

Here’s a brief description of the whimsical, macabre tale readers are in for:

Beware—the Dark Three!

Bannatyne House lurks in the East, Morton Manor lies to the West, and the legendary Vallancy Mansion looms beyond the Northwoods. All are fated for immediate demolition—that is until Charles Vallancy, a vengeful and vainglorious ghost, returns from the grave to preserve what is rightfully his—the Vallancy Mansion.

On Halloween night, he creates a glorious supernatural effulgence to beam from out every window of the houses. Tragically, trick-or-treaters are drawn like moths-to-flame . . . soon lost inside the houses, all the little devils and demons, witches and warlocks, ghosts and ghouls are sapped of youth—their flesh wrinkles and sags, their hearts slow, and their memories fade . . . meanwhile, The Dark Three refurbish themselves into Gothic Perfection.

Decrepit walls stand a little taller. Fractured windows miraculously mend into polished glass. The old dark houses return to life—even growing brains, hearts, and harboring blood beneath their faded Victorian wallpaper.

Concerned parents flood the streets and police arrive with battering rams—yet no window shall break, and no door shall unlock. Now, it is up to local town historian, Patty Keepwell, to team up with her neighbors in the desperate attempt to rescue the children of Sweet Hollow.

Old Dark Houses is a love letter to Halloween. So put on your masks and make-up, and open wide your candy bags. You’re in for a treat . . . and many a trick!

******

The preorder shall be up in a few weeks! In the meantime, here is some very kind praise for my Work:

“There are transportive and transformative powers in Tylor James’s writing. No matter when you’re reading, you’ll hear the crunch of multicolored leaves under foot, smell warm mugs of piping hot cocoa blending with campfire smoke, and feel a chill breeze across the back of your neck. This autumnal summoning reaches its apex in Old Dark Houses, a Halloween-time love letter that will have you seeing Jack O’Lanterns on every corner. As it should be.”
Patrick Barb, author of Pre-Approved for Haunting and Other Stories.

“To read Tylor James’ fiction is to feel all the dread and elation of getting lost in a carnival house of mirrors. Shadows, grotesque figures, swirls of melody and light; if you manage to find your way out, you’ll want to turn around and run right back in.”
Jacqueline Holland, author of The God of Endings.

“Tylor James is one of the most exciting new authors working the field of speculative fiction. His prose is smart, scary, witty, and often threaded with the florid idiom of the classics while keeping a keen eye on the pitfalls and struggles of contemporary life. James is one of those rare, honest storytellers always seeking the truth at the core of experience, and his characters and narratives reflect the journey of a discerning and intelligent author. A true poet of the weird, and a writer I greatly admire.”
Joshua Rex, author of The Inamorta, and The Descent & Other Strange Stories.

“Tylor James is a modern shaman, weaving dark miracles by firelight. A writer to watch, this consummate storyteller evokes both terror and awe in poetical reworkings of classic horror themes. An author who cares about his craft . . . and hears the wisdom of shadows.”
William P. Simmons (bestselling author of The Halloween Boy & Other October Horrors).

It’s Book Release Day for “BENEATH THE JACK O’ LANTERN SKY”

Fellow Friends of the Macabre,

I’m happy to say my latest collection of thirteen tales, Beneath the Jack O’ Lantern Sky: Tales of Sweet Hollow, is available in ebook and paperback as of today!

This is a damn fine book. I’m very glad to have written it, and even more proud that Weird House Press has published it. I hope you’ll consider picking up a copy:

https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Jack-Lantern-Sky-Hollow-ebook/dp/B0BCVS222H/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

You’ve just entered Sweet Hollow, where everyone has a horror tale to tell…

Strange are the secrets harbored in Sweet Hollow … A Midwest town luminous with legends, morbid with monsters, and crazed with killers. Its hills and houses are haunted, its graveyard gales are billowed by bats, its citizens creeped upon by cemetery skeletons. Encompassing all—a hallowed, Jack O’ Lantern sky serves as the backdrop for the terrifying tales within this harrowing horror-collection.

In the town of Sweet Hollow, one must prepare themselves to encounter:

• A Cult of Immortals Eager for Human Sacrifice.
• A Haunted “Manor” That Is Not What It Appears.
• A Fisherman Reincarnated into His Prized Catch.
• Giant Mosquitos!
• The Formative Years of a Serial Killer.
• An Old Dance Hall Waltzing with Corpses.
• A Haunted House Mystery Bank (Coin-Operated).

And that’s only a few of the curiosities one may discover in the shops, streets, houses, and cemeteries of Sweet Hollow. If you long for a scare, then open your mind, and prepare yourself for a dark descent into madness and horror.

An old fantastic stone castle with a church in the sunset orange light of the sun. There are thick clouds in the sky, and sparks are flying. in the foreground is a frozen, icy, snow-covered lake. Cover art by Cyrus Wraith Walker.

Book Review – Matters Most Macabre by Tylor James

What This Maliciously Macabre Writer Has Been Up To . . .

Fellow readers, writers, and friends,

I’ve been quiet lately, but I assure you it’s only because I’ve been up to no good.

First, a few successes I’d like to share:

My utterly strange and fun tale, “Billy’s First Haircut”, will appear in the June 2022 issue of COSMIC HORROR MONTHLY. In addition, my tale, “Out Beneath the Jack O’ Lantern Sky” has now been published in the gruesome new anthology book from Hellbound Books, titled, Madame Gray’s Vault of Gore. Many more short story publications are on the horizon as well, I hope.

Now, as to why I’ve been silent — All through October and November, I’d written a gigantic gothic novel of 114,000 words. I’d never written a novel before, only stories, poems and essays. Is my first novel any good? I’m honestly uncertain, although it served as excellent writing practice. Now, I know better than ever what it takes to write an epic novel.

However, as soon as I completed that first draft, an entirely new novel-idea emerged, as they do, from the recesses of my subconscious. I’ve now begun writing it, believing this novel will be shorter, tighter, and better. I won’t give anything away, save to say that it’s a Halloween-themed novel that takes place in the very strange Midwest town of Sweet Hollow.

In the meantime, what might readers expect of me? Fans of my story collection, MATTERS MOST MACABRE, will be pleased to know I’ve compiled an entirely new book of short stories featuring a strange, eclectic nature — to be published, I hope, sometime late next year (2022). I also have a marvelous book of dark poetry and essays in the works, as well as this novel I’m just now delving into.

Before these exciting books will hit the shelves, however, my books MATTERS MOST MACABRE, and two novelette-length works, GATOR HOUSE, and WEIRDSMITH: NUMBER ONE, are all available for purchase on Amazon in paperback/hardcover/kindle.

Wishing everyone a merry, and most macabre, holiday.

Best,

Tylor James.

2020: Reading, Writing, Publishing & Covid-19 — A Tally of Achievements & Failures.

Well, folks. It’s that time of year again! Grab yourself a cup of coffee, OK? Perhaps some tea, a glass of Merlot, or a can of beer — whatever is your preferred comfort, and let’s have us a visit. 
Late December is a fine time for self-reflection, and to tally what has gone on these previous twelve months. A tally of achievements, as well as failures — we can learn from both.

By my side, a cup of steaming black coffee. In the background, John Coltrane wails on his saxophone, heading somewhere for Heaven on that Immortal Blue Train. Outside, snow flurries in the wind and I am reminded we are all snowflakes, each and every one of us, blown by the wild, random gusts of the universe and one day to fall, one day to melt, then become new again.

That’s the Order Of Things, and I’m perfectly cool with it. 

QUICK NOTE ON CURRENT EVENTS OF 2020

2020, in particular, has been a challenging year for the individual, the nation, the world. Every person who lived through this year (and lived to tell the tale) knows exactly what I’m talking about. I will only say that I have experienced first-hand — the panicky ransacking of grocery store shelves during the first months of the pandemic, a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest, legendary incompetence in leadership within the U.S. government, and I’ve even managed to contract Covid-19, a virus which has killed nearly 300,000 Americans, and well over a million people worldwide. 

Highly unpleasant lower-back aches, chills accompanied by goosebumps covering every inch of one’s flesh, typical congestion, and absolute weariness are among the charming symptoms I experienced. Thankfully, I pulled through just fine, as did my fiancé and daughter. As for those who are immuno-compromised, for those who are not as well equipped to handle this virus, they have my sincere empathy. Take care of yourselves out there, friends. Be kind, and be courteous.

WRITING

With those unpleasantries out of the way, let us get to my favorite part of this whole thing —- the joy of writing, reading, and publishing. 

I wrote a lot this year, and this is about what it adds up to:

Forty-nine stories (including three 20,000 word novellas).

Fifty poems. 

Half a dozen essays (not sure if they’re any good at all).

LOTS of vignettes (or, my term for them — musings).

Two journal books featuring personal reflections, 4AM rantings, and a writing progress log. 

In total, an approximate word count of well over 300,000 words.

Now, for some writers that’s not so much. But for me, that’s quite a damn lot. I’m rather proud of the work I’ve done this year. I’ve grown significantly as a writer, and continue to grow every day, word by word and page by page.

Yet remember what I said about tallies at the beginning of this essay? We must tally our achievements as much as our failures. Not so that we may shame ourselves — oh, no. Only so that we may be honest with ourselves and see things clearly.

For example, the majority of the stories I wrote this year are downright awful. They are stories which, for one reason or other, just do not work. They are incomplete worlds, shallow characterizations, badly phrased, naively stylized pieces of junk-prose which will never see the light of day. 

However! My personal view is, our failed stories pave the way for the really good ones. Therefore, thousands of wasted words, are not necessarily wasted. Just so long as we are learning — grueling page after grueling page. 

Now, some exciting news: I have written a book this year!

MATTERS MOST MACABRE is my latest collection of short stories. It’ll be released in June of 2021. How’s that for exciting?! I’m quite proud of these tales, and I am absolutely thrilled to share them with you. The thirteen macabre tales herein will hopefully entertain you, have you turning the pages with that pleasurable and intense need to FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS, and of course, the book may just weird you the hell out. That is my goal. That is my pleasure. 

Now, before Matters Most Macabre comes out, I have a charming little book of just seventy-six pages available on New Year’s Day —- WEIRDSMITH: ISSUE ONE, courtesy of Too Much Weird press, contains two of my short stories. My talented friend, Terry M. West, aside from being a hell of a great horror writer, is the Editor-in-Chief over at TMW Press, and he’s set up a brand new series for readers who enjoy everything weird and horrific in literature. Weirdsmith will be a multi-volume series, each issue featuring one talented author doing great work in horror fiction. If interested, Issue One is available for pre-order now at only $.99, or you can even pick up a lovely paperback: (https://www.amazon.com/Weirdsmith-Magazine-Number-Tylor-James-ebook/dp/B08Q1WHZRQ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1609162936&sr=1-1)

PUBLISHING

Let’s talk publishing. Hold on a sec, lemme check my tally . . . all right, here we are! Ahh, yes. Allow me to start with one of my total failures.

My story, Box of Chocolates, was all set up to be published. The story was to be published on the press-in-question’s website. I would received my measly $10 and that would be that. Then, after my story was accepted, I decided investigate some of the Editor-in-Chief’s work. I had a passing curiosity about the guy and, well, why not? 

My simple Google search revealed racist and homophobic statements on behalf of the editor. Therefore, it became my moral obligation to retract the story.

So, that’s what I did. I politely apologized, explained my reasons for retracting the story, and that was that. 

Now, here’s the good news:

“Box of Chocolates”, a strange tale about a man’s fiancé and mother-in-law turning into chocolate statues, was published just a few months later in issue #27 of THE LITERARY HATCHET.

I got my ten bucks, folks! And the story was published by a decent and reputable publisher. I’ve learned my lesson — always perform a cursory background Google-check on the people you plan on working and associating with. It’s a sad task, but one which we must commit ourselves to just the same — for the sake of our personal reputation, and for the moral quality of our friendships, business partners, ETC.

Okay. Here’s some successful publications from this year:

1. Box of Chocolates — published in The Literary Hatchet.

2. Independence Day in Holebrim, Texas — published in SCARE ME, a wonderfully creepy anthology from UK-based, Esskaye Books.

3. Behind the Door (Originally titled, “The Drip”) — published in HYPNOS MAGAZINE.

4. Old Dance Hall and Mosquito Summer — sold and soon-to-be-published in “WEIRDSMITH: ISSUE ONE” from Too Much Weird press.

5. Godly Business — sold and soon-to-be-published (in Jan 2021) by Penumbric Speculative Fiction Magazine. 

6. A Skeleton Reads Shakespeare — published as a podcast by THE OTHER STORIES PODCAST (which you may listen to here, if you’d like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fja9JZklAZI

All tallied up, that’s seven tales published (or soon-to-be). Hey, that ain’t bad, Charlie!

Okay, enough gloating! — back to my failures tally.

In This Year of Our Lord, 2020, I have received . . . drumroll please? thank you . . . !

Over ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY SHORT STORY REJECTIONS.

Rejections aren’t fun. They never are. But they are part of the process of being a writer. In 2021, I hope to secure a hundred and fifty more . . . And maybe a few more story acceptances too, while I’m at it.

Another failure: I tried to write a novel. Tried is the operative word.
The novel was to be titled, Come Back, Grandma Jean. I got a third of the way through, and then I burned out. I found no inspiration in the characters, hadn’t a clue where the plot was going, and had written in way too many sex scenes. The book was turning into sheer smut — which is fine and dandy, just not the book I wanted to write. Hence: 20,000 words chucked down the garbage chute! Ahh, well. Maybe 2021 will see the creation of my first full-length novel. Maybe!

READING

As anyone who’s even relatively acquainted with me knows, I love to read. It is among my very favorite things to do. I read fiction and non-fiction books alike, always doing my best to balance the two. As you can see by my reading list from this year, I ended up reading a bit more fiction than non-fiction.

The Books I Read in 2020:

1. In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto by Michael Pollan

2. How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression and Transcendence by Michael Pollan

3. The Institute by Stephen King

4. Abarat by Clive Barker

5. Long After Midnight by Ray Bradbury

6. Sunburst Woman & Poems by Jack Ontair

7. Braincheese Buffet by Edward Lee

8. Hamlet by William Shakespeare

9. On the Night Border by James Chambers

10. Borderland (story anthology, edited by Tom Montelleone).

11. Cry Down Dark by T.J. Tranchell

12. Strange Wine by Harlan Ellison 

13. Where Nightmares Come From: The Art of Storytelling in the Horror Genre

14. Asleep in the Nightmare Room by T.J. Tranchell

15. The Resurrectionist by James Wrath White

16. I Sing the Body Electric! By Ray Bradbury

17. Of Foster Homes and Flies by Chad Lutzke

18. Transfer by Terry M. West

19. The Devil’s List by Terry M. West

20. The Midwives by Duncan Ralston

21. When You Find Out What You’re Made of by Michelle Kilmer

22. Stuck on You & Other Prime Cuts by Jasper Bark

23. Ceremony of Ashes by Robert Ducharme

24. The Cellar by Richard Laymon

25. God Bless You, Doctor Kevorkian by Kurt Vonnegut

26. Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier by Neil deGrasse Tyson

27. The Collection by Bentley Little

28. Beyond Where the Sky Ends by DS Ullery

29. Full Throttle: Stories by Joe Hill

30. The History of Philosophy by A.C. Grayling

31. If It Bleeds by Stephen King

32. An Edge in My Voice (columns) by Harlan Ellison

33. Alessa’s Melody (A Novella) by R. Ducharme

34. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

35. Ethics in the Real World by Peter Singer

36. Voltaire’s Revolution: Writings From His Campaign to Free Laws From Religion by GK Noyer

37. The Private Lives of Nightmares by T.J. Tranchell

38. Highway 181 by DS Ullery

39. Scare Me (anthology, edited by M. Leon Smith)

40. Quiet Places by Jasper Bark

41. The Road by Cormac McCarthy

42. The Believing Brain: From Ghosts to Gods to Politcs and Conspiracies — How We Construct Beliefs & Reinforce Them As Truths by Michael Shermer

43. The Grand Design by Stephen Hawking & L. Mlodinow

44. Island of the Flesh Eaters by Thomas S. Flowers

45. Radigan by Louis L’Amour

46. Needful Things by Stephen King

47. The Writing Life: Reflections, Recollections & A Lot of Cursing by Jeff Strand

48. Ashes and Wine, Book One: The Extraoridinary Lives of Intimacy & Love by Jack Ontair

49. Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell

50. Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury

51. The Yellow Wallpaper & Other Stories by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

It was a great year for reading, and I thoroughly enjoyed the majority of these books. I learned quite a lot, both from the educational science books, as well as from the storytelling techniques employed by the likes of fiction-writers like Bradbury, King, McCarthy, and my contemporaries in the independent horror market.

However, my favorite book that I’ve read this year is undoubtedly, THE HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY by A.C. Grayling (British philosopher and Master of New College of the Humanities, London). This book was eloquent, accessible, and fascinating. It’s also over 700 pages. Quite the tome, but really well-worth the time and effort. I read it on summer evenings, cup of coffee by my side and Bach’s Goldberg Variations trickling into my ears.

As for books/authors I’d like to read in 2021 . . . Here’s just a few:

Letters to A Young Contrarian by Christopher Hitchens.

Anything by Ursula K. Le Guin

Anything by Sylvia Plath

Enlightenment philosophers, such as: David Hume, John Lock, Diderot, Rousseau.

Asimov on the Bible, and “Extraterrestrial Civilization”.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari.

Anything by my Contemporaries-In-Horror: Duane Ullery, Terry M. West, Jasper Bark, Duncan Ralston, Michelle von Eeshen, T.J. Tranchell, ETC.

I’ll have to leave it at that . . . because there’s a million more books I’d love to read!

DAMN GOOD FILMS

I don’t watch a lot of films these days. Hence, this list will be short. However, I assure you, these films are among the very best. Some are new, some are black and white classics. Without further ado, the films I most enjoyed this year:

1. The Seventh Seal (1957, Dir. By Ingmar Bergman)

2. The Lighthouse (2019, Dir. Robert Eggers, starring incredible performances by William Dafoe & Robert Pattinson)

3. Night of the Hunter (1955, Dir. by Charles Laughton)

4. Jason & the Argonauts (1963, Dir. Don Chaffey, w/ effects by Ray Harryhausen)

5. Modern Times (1936, Charlie Chaplin)

6. The Thing From Another World (1951, Dir. Howard Hawks)

7. Paris, Texas (1984, Dir. Wim Wenders, starring Harry Dean Stanton)

8. Hereditary (2018, Dir. Ari Aster)

9. Midsommar (2019, Dir. Ari Aster)

10. Tideland (2005, Dir Terry Gilliam)

A FEW LAST WORDS

In conclusion: While I’m proud of my writing/publishing achievements, in a somewhat perverse sense, I’m even more proud of my failures. Those 150 story rejections, for example, are evidence for how much I care about this craft, and this business.

I’m also happy to have made many new writer friends. We may’ve only met each other via online interactions, but it’s been a pleasure getting to know you, chatting with you IM, working with you, and reading your works. You know who you are.

On a significant note, I would not be able to write if I didn’t have a night job which allowed me to do it on the clock. As a writer, I find myself in a nearly ideal situation. I sit up in the lonely clock tower, making sure nobody comes round to steal anything, and I chew my nails, drink gallons of black coffee, listen to scary sounds in the night, and I write books. I also have the utmost support from my lovely and wonderful fiancé, in all matters of endeavor. For her, I am absolutely grateful.

And now, for another cup of coffee, some music, a few more books, and whole lot more stories . . . 

Wishing you a most happy and fulfilling New Year, fellow readers, writers, and friends,

Tylor James. 

The Other Stories Podcast: A Skeleton Reads Shakespeare & Other Publications! — Tylor James

Greetings friends,

Consider the following a bit of a newsletter. There’s been a bout of good news lately, writing/publishing wise, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t share it with you. First, this awesome podcast:

The Other Stories Podcast has published my short story, “A Skeleton Reads Shakespeare” as a fifteen minute dramatic narration. I think they did a stellar job. The narrator (Justin Fife) is spot-on and the sound effects are chilling. All of their episodes are of high quality, and I highly recommend checking them out. “A Skeleton Reads Shakespeare” is a fine episode to start with. You can listen to it here, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fja9JZklAZI

Or, one can access “The Other Stories” via Acast, Amazon Music, Spotify, or iTunes.

In other news:

My eerie, poignant tale “Behind the Door” has been published in Vol. 9, issue 2 of HYPNOS MAGAZINE. I was impressed by the accompanying illustrations. If you’re a fan of dark fiction/strange tales, you will not go wrong picking up one of their slick, hefty issues! Trust me on this: https://radiumtownpress.com/store.html

“Box of Chocolates”, possibly one of the strangest tales I’ve written, is a feast for the imagination. It’s now published in issue #27 in The Literary Hatchet. I’m honored to have been included in a publication alongside so many talented writers: https://lizzieandrewborden.com/HatchetOnline/LiteraryHatchet/

Last bit of good stuff: “Independence Day in Holebrim, Texas” begins as an unnerving slow-burn type of story . . . then utterly explodes with mayhem and horror! It’s one of the favorite stories that I’ve written, and if you’d like, you may read it alongside many other great tales in SCARE ME, the new book anthology from Esskaye Books. I read through this volume in a day or two — that’s how good these stories are! Check it out here, https://www.esskayebooks.com/scare-me.html

And that concludes some thrilling, recent publications. I had a good time writing these tales, and can only hope readers have just as good a time.

If you enjoy short stories, keep an ear out for my upcoming book, MATTERS MOST MACABRE, which will be out in mid or late 20201. Until then, you might enjoy my debut collection, DAYDREAMS OF THE DAMNED: TALES OF HORROR & ODDITY, available in paperback/kindle via Amazon at reasonable prices: https://www.amazon.com/Daydreams-Damned-Tales-Horror-Oddity/dp/B08732MN1J/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=daydreams+of+the+damned&qid=1606327066&s=books&sr=1-2

Well! That’s all I have to report for now. Thanks for tuning in, fellow readers and writers. I’m grateful for your readership.

All the best,

Tylor James.

A Few Poems For You

I spent a few early mornings bent over an ancient typewriter, one I purchased for $15 at a thrift shop two years back. I cleaned the thing up and replaced the ribbon. I’ve been good to it.

In turn, it has been good the me — the typewriter, that is.

Heck, I even wrote my first professional story sale on the thing, before typing it into Word Doc. I call my typewriter “the poetry machine” because it’s perfect for writing poetry, especially at 4 AM, when my analytical mind dissolves and the subconscious takes over. The following poems are a result of a few uneasy, restless mornings. Writing them provided me comfort and joy, and I hope they do the same for you.

BEATING THE CLOCK

I am enraged by death;

I was born with a desire

to go on living beyond my years.

I am an absurd man;

A contrarian to this insensitive universe

which does not take my feelings

into account.

I am the universe.

I take my feelings into account.

My feeling is,

I don’t wanna die.

Life is a fading polaroid —

soon there will be no family

or even very distant relatives

to appreciate it.

Why do people

even take pictures?

Because they think

they’ll be remembered —

but nothing is remembered.

We are doomed to amnesia, and then

there is no ‘we’.

I am enraged by death —-

Can’t you drink to that?

Can’t you understand?

Mortality burns

and we are demanded to love it,

or deny it.

I am writing myself

into the grave,

only hoping to beat the clock.

I am pitting against

Grim Reality;

but at least for now,

you are reading this, gentle reader —-

And I have temporarily stolen Death’s scythe.

DRUNK ON POEMS

A good poem

gets you drunk

without even a stiff beverage

to touch your lips.

That is why

the best poems

are written with spirits.

Multitudinous

One moment,

I am a logical skeptic

without patience for your

silly wool-eyed superstitions.

The next,

I am a devoted mystic,

summoning spirits

at the typewriter

and cursing the muse

when she does not sprinkle her dream-dust

upon my weary, aching, grasping mind.

Restless Writers

Restless energy.

I overeat.

Chew fingernails.

Drink ten gallons of black coffee.

Devour myself.

Yet the best method

for dispelling this slow torture

of displaced being

is to write out the pain —

write out the numb agony

the solitude

and the jitters —

write until

my nerves cease to quake

my brain ceases to boil

my legs cease to kick

and a smile of ease breathes

satisfaction upon my face

and my heart whispers to me,

‘thank you’.

Feeding the Monster

There are nights when I feel

that weary ache in mind and flesh

and am only soothed

by feeding another piece of paper

into the typewriter’s bale.

And I get that sick, lovely feeling

I am feeding a monster.

Can you not hear this

feral growl of my soul?

This poem stares back at you

with hungry crimson eyes.

Unbeknown to you,

gentle reader, you have fed

this crazed, lonesome 4AM poet.

This is fine —-

For we all have monsters to feed.

Productivity

The sound

of

productivity:

CLICK CLACK

CLACK CLICK

CLACK CLICK

CLICK CLACK.

Soothing

as the swell

of ocean tides.

Perfect

as a three-part

harmony:

my hands,

my typewriter,

my open, boundless heart.

A Clever State of Mind

Good writing

is just a clever state of mind.

A shame writers are stupid

most of the time.

But they try, damn it.

I try too, however —-

cleverness, for most

is fleeting at best.

I can feel it leaving already.

And for those who will say

‘you never had it’,

I respond in kind —-

to Hell with you!

After I die,

they can weigh my soul

in the pages I wrote.

Bet it’ll weigh a damn ton.

A Confession About Poets

Poets are liars.

I don’t mean to sound

dramatic — it’s just true.

I know because

I used to be a poet.

What you are reading now,

is simply honesty and

an attempt at humanness.

It may or may not be poetry.

Most poets are liars.

They try to tell the truth, maybe,

but they just don’t know how —

and they end up writing stuff

that looks like poetry

but isn’t.

Being honest is being human.

Notice how the best poems are honest.

The best poems are vulnerable.

They read like beautiful blood —

Someone’s soul dancing upon the page.

That is poetry,

and for those daring enough

to share themselves —-

not just a pose of themselves,

is a poet.

Someone bring out

those lush green Laurel leaves,

and be prepared to wait

a long, long time.

Full Throttle: Stories by Joe Hill (a book review!)

My first hardcover edition of Full Throttle, signed by Joe Hill, is among the treasures of my personal library.

I utterly adore Joe’s writing and have yet to come away disappointed. Full Throttle is no exception. I enjoyed every tale in this collection, but especially fell in love with By the Silver Waters of Lake Champlain. It is a take on Bradbury’s The Foghorn. It may arguably stand the test of time on its own literary merits, much like its predecessor.

Dark Carnival is also excellent, as is Faun, a Hemingway-esque safari tale which turns into an otherworldly fantasy, a la C.S. Lewis. In the Tall Grass, co-written with Stephen King, perfectly blends Joe and Stephen’s writing styles, producing one effectively creepy hybrid.

Out of everything in this fine collection, what sticks with me (though not quite as much as “Lake Champlain”) is a tale called Late Returns. I identified completely with the narrator’s voice, finding his encounters with ghostly book readers to be thrilling, intriguing, and more than a touch creepy.

In summary, all I want to say is — Great work, Mr. Hill. I can’t wait to read the next!

Thanks for reading.

Your friend and fellow book-dragon,

Tylor James.