Living Dead in Shreveport

REDIRECT!

2011-09-16T10:40:00.002-05:00

Let me FINALLY re-direct you to my much better, much lovelier, completely designed & built by me, BLOG! I will blog there from NOW ON! So, please go there and subscribe via RSS feed, drop me an email, comment, whatever! Thanks for reading this blog & I hope you will continue on my new blog!
blog.michellemccrary.com

: )

Blogging and my website.

2011-09-09T12:07:00.002-05:00

Hi folks! Sorry for the confusion, but I have decided to leave my blog here....for now. I tried to implement a WordPress theme and blog on my personal site, www.michellemccrary.com, but it didn't work out like I wanted to and I don't have time to fool around with it right now. I have several clients who are waiting on websites, so that takes precedence!

Anyhow, keep reading my blog here and eventually, I will post something awesome! Until then, go read my OTHER blog about my awesome son, Sammy! His equally awesome brother Michael, who is a teenager and would be totally embarrassed by his mo blogging about him, is also frequently mentioned on the sammyisawesome.wordpress.com blog.

Hugs!!!
XOXO

Moving my Blog!

2011-08-29T12:36:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! My blog has moved...I will now only blog at my website:
www.michellemccrary.com
You can click on the link to my blog from there.

Hope you will still read up on it, and don't forget to visit sammyisawesome.wordpress.com!

Michelle

How am I even typing this, you may wonder?

2011-08-12T12:00:00.003-05:00

I finally had the inclination to sit down and blog about the past few weeks. Let's just say THANK YOU to all the high school keyboarding/typing teachers out there who BEAT those home keys into us....if it wasn't for all of you, I wouldn't be able to do this right now.

Last Monday, well, the one before the last, anyways, I woke up with funky vision. I thought to myself, "Great, here comes a migraine." I went ahead and took Sammy to day camp, went to Starbucks and worked on a website, and now know I should NOT have been driving. It was hard enough sitting at Starbucks with my face in my Mac, fearing that any second, the pain would hit me, but I had to get this design finished for my client, like I promised.

The day went on, no migraine. My vision never cleared up. Let me try to describe it to you. Better yet, since I am a Photoshopper, let me show you a picture of what I can best filter-up for you.

I added a "frosted glass" filter and a few gray blind spots, to best show the little "spots" that block my vision, although they are everywhere, and the worst one is there on the top left, on Sammy's head in the picture. So I am not BLIND, but imagine trying to live your life with this. It is difficult, especially making you feel REALLY disoriented! I can't focus on any ONE thing, or may things, which is why driving is a no-no. I drove a day or two at first, then realized that I almost blew through a red light that I didn't even see, so that kind of woke me up.

Anyhow, I was "diagnosed" by lots of well-meaning friends and family, of having an "occular migraine" which just means you have the vision problems but no pain. I knew that wasn't it - and having Multiple Sclerosis makes you a bit more cognizant of your health and not so easy to just let vision problems go. So I ended up at the ophthalmologist, only to have them tell me there was nothing wrong with my EYES, thank God, but they didn't know what was wrong with me. I have this wonderful best friend, actually, per my neuro doc Kundo's notes, "THE best friend" who forced me to go see my neuro doc immediately after we left the ophthalmologist, even when I didn't have an appointment and was more worried about pissing off the receptionist. Luckily, it all worked out and they had a cancellation and got me in for an appointment. Didn't realize when I left the house that day I would be admitted to the hospital or I would have washed my hair.

Yep, Doc Kundo was worried I had "optic neuropothy" which basically means a new MS lesion on my optic nerves, and it can cause permanent damage, even blindness. He sent me to the hospital right away to get me started on IV steroids, the only real treatment for MS attacks. Sometimes they help, and the sooner, the better. I spent 6 days, 5 glorious night in the hospital, with several times being promised I would get to go home to next day to get that taken away when MRI results came back not good. I have exactly what Kundo was afraid of - a new lesion (pretty good size one, according to the Dr who told me the results) on my optic nerve, right where they both cross in my brain which is why it is affecting both of my eyes. BUT, Dr V, my optic neuro guy says that according to all the test he ran, it's probably not in the optic chaism, which would be bad if it was. So, what do I do now? I sit at home, not driving, trying to adjust to my vision being JANK.

I can't drive, so I rely on friends and family. I have so many wonderful ones, too. They all stepped up in ways I couldn't have imagined, from cleaning my house, bringing us food, constantly checking on me, prayers, etc...I am so lucky for everyone and I don't deserve it all one bit.

Anyhow, I might blog more later about it, but just wanted to update everyone. In the meantime, I am planning the Shreveport Zombie Walk 2011, which is gonna be kinda a big deal. hee hee hee

www.shreveportzombiewalk.com

Love yall!!!

Always wondering why? Me too!

2011-07-10T20:55:00.002-05:00

Sometimes, most of the time really, I just go go go...."just keep swimming!" as Dory would say. It's times when I stop, sit & think that I get all thoughtful about life.

I wonder why things that bother me so much don't bother other people. I wonder why there are people who constantly feel like they are biting their tongue, or apologizing for speaking their mind or feeling the way they feel.

Everyone, in this great big world, is entitled to their thoughts and opinions. I just can't stand when someone is made to feel like their words don't count, their feelings aren't worth anyone's time, and they just need to "shut up" or "drop it." It's like you can see it in their eyes...when they just give up. When they realize it doesn't matter anymore and no one is listening. What happens to those people on the inside? They don't feel worthy. They constantly second-guess themselves, and constantly wonder what it is that THEY are doing wrong. What are they doing wrong? They are questioning why they can't have a chance to speak their mind or stand their ground. Don't we teach our children to stand up for themselves, to not let anyone take advantage of them or walk all over them? If so, why do we belittle people who are trying hard to do the very thing that they were taught was the right thing to do for themselves?

I think that lots of people don't realize that they are doing this to other people - because if they did, they might not do it. Who wants to be that kind of person, that "bully on the playground?" Those kinds of people are entitled to their words and feelings also, but they really need to realize that it goes both ways. It's the old adage of "treat others as you would have them treat you."

Walk a mile in someone else's shoes. Feel someone belittling them, hear the words they say to them. Listen to people when they tell you that they don't control your feelings. You might realize that it's true: other people don't control your feelings...but they sure do have a huge impact on them. Possibly you would realize that you aren't over-sensitive, just a normal human being who doesn't know what it is like to be lifted up & respected, held in high regard, by the ones that you need it from the most.

Then when you get that feeling...what will you do? Will fighting back work? You probably will feel that it won't. You will put on your thick-skin armor, and live day to day, pretending things don't bother you. But they do bother you. You just tuck it under your armor and move on...until the armor is so tight and constrictive that it bursts from you, out of your control. Then everyone else will wonder why, and what will you tell them?

A new website and so much more

2011-06-24T12:24:00.002-05:00

Since I am now doing websites and graphic design freelance work, let me get my obligatory self-plug out of the way....check out my website at www.michellemccrary.com!

Now onto other things.

Last night was the first of the Shreveport Zombie Walk 2011 planning meetings. It was well attended (yes!) and I am so glad to have folks willing to help out! As much as I love coordinating it, it is getting bigger and better every year and I really need to delegate out some of the jobs, so that I don't get burned out! I'm really excited about some of the ideas we discussed and have planned.

On a personal note, I have to say that I am kind of bummed that Doctor Who split into 2 parts for this season. It was really cool to know that on Sunday afternoons after church, we would all sit down and watch the new episode. (Yes, Sammy & I sucked in my husband and other son, Michael. They aren't as hard-core Whovian as we are, but watch the new season with us.) It won't be back until the fall, but so will our other show, Chuck, and MY other show, The Walking Dead. I really don't have other shows. And I really don't watch anything when it actually comes on! I just don't seem to be home at the time and we only have basic cable and no DVR. For some reason, we just refuse to give into that. I'm not judging you if you do have DVR - I think it's really cool - but I don't know...it's just an added expense that my family can't really justify. Hell, we went without cable or satellite for about 9 years until last summer! Having a ton of DVDs and then later, Netflix Instant, was enough for us, and probably still would be.

But...I MISS THE DOCTOR! Even Matt Smith, as weird-looking as he is! I guess I just miss the whole world of Doctor Who. Sammy and I do watch older episodes sometimes...from the new season, because we just can't seem to get into the older, original Doctor Who episodes. Maybe someday we will, but we do have lots of respect for them . : )

If I haven't mentioned it, I do keep another blog about my son Sammy, and Michael occasionally, because what teenager wants their mom blogging about how "awesome" they are...its at sammyisawesome.wordpress.com. If you are a fan of Doctor Who, that is the place to be!

On Father's Day, my family went to see "Super 8." The boys and I absolutely LOVED it! My husband liked it, but felt it suffered a little from poor story-telling. He is certainly entitled to his opinion...wink wink...

The best part about the movie, in my opinion, is that the kids are good actors....and they act like REAL KIDS. Yes, they curse every once in a while, they pick on each other, etc...but guess what? That is what kids do when there are no adults around! That is why, growing up, we all loved "The Goonies" so much! Although as an adult, my favorite line in the movie is from Mama Fratelli: "Kids suck." Ha ha ha! Whether you agree with her or not, it is hilarious that she says that.

We also took Sammy to see "Kung Fu Panda 2" last week, while his Michael was gone to camp. You have to understand that kung fu movies hold a place in our hearts - Michael & Sammy have been practicing kung fu for 8 years. Not karate or tae kwan do (no offense to those, it's just not the same) - real, for really real kung fu, like the Furious Five do in the movies. As a matter of fact, Michael is outside right now, waiting for his ride, to leave for a 3 day kung fu camp that is very intense. He will return home with crazy, dangerous weapons the likes I have never seen....and he will know how to use them. Scary right? Not really. They also teach them to respect what they learn and to "empty their cup." In other words, don't use kung fu if you don't need to, and don't be cocky. But I digress...as usual.

Now...back to the movie...it was REALLY good! I mean, laugh out loud funny...and even one part brought me to tears! I would go see it again in the theater, I liked it that much. If you go, be sure and stay for the credits - the drawings of Po growing up during them are well worth watching.

More movies we are looking forward to are the last Harry Potter, and of course...Captain America! Michael's favorite super-hero has been the Cap for years and well...I can't deny going to see a movie about a man in uniform, being married to a super cute one myself!

Alright, my break is over. Back to work! Gotta get into Photoshop again and get lost in the world of layers and layer comps....byyyyeeeee......

So much has been going on!

2011-06-10T14:58:00.002-05:00

I hope this isn't too long, but it's been awhile since I blogged.

My mom had back surgery last week. I have been with her all this week, helping her out and such. She lives "in the country" and it has been kind of nice to get away from everything for awhile. My mom & stepdad have a nice garden and we have been eating fresh veggies all week - what a perk!

My mom is doing great, recuperating well and coming along as expected. I have been spending a lot of time learning a new program to build websites this week. My part time job stopped a few weeks ago due to the business closing, so I have now started doing web design to earn money. I have a friend that owns a hosting company - he needed someone to design websites who can use Photoshop, and lo and behold, we happened to come to an agreement that I would be his designer. I am excited about the new program, Site Grinder, and glad I was at my mom's all week so that any free time I had was spent learning it and making a website that I needed to finish for a client.

Our community got a real shock this week. I got a phone call Tuesday from one of my best friends, telling me that a fellow friend and church member, who was also my oldest son's Youth Group leader, was killed in a tragic accident. He was on a golf course and lightning struck near by, killing him by traveling through the ground. We are all still in shock that such an amazing, wonderful man is gone from us - I cried, Peanut was so shocked that he couldn't speak, and Mikey told me Sammy cried several times that night at home. The services are tomorrow for Jay, and I know it will be packed - he was a very loved man in our community and church. His family is so sweet and kind - we got to see them for a bit last night and I am in awe of how wonderfully they are holding up. His youngest daughter, Maddie, is friends with Peanut. She is celebrating her 14th birthday today, and her dad's visitation is this evening. I will be praying hard during that time for her. That has got to be rough for that precious girl.

Anyhow, things are just moving along in life. Blessed beyond belief to have all that I have, my family and friends more than anything. I hope that now I will have more time to write - and that you may see more from me in the near future!

Angry Birds!

2011-04-25T08:49:00.003-05:00

So yes, I am addicted to Angry Birds. My 11 year old son, Sammy, is also. He won himself an iPod Touch in a fund-raiser at school and we have been playing all weekend, simultaneously, although I am way ahead of him. I just had to make these Easter eggs! Sadly, we didn't make a slingshot and bomb the green pig egg because we had an egg hunt instead...maybe next year!

Oh noes, where haz I been?

2011-04-10T14:15:00.003-05:00

I haven't blogged here in almost 2 months, I guess because I was busy writing! That's a GOOD thing, right? I became a huge fan of our new women's roller derby team, the Twin City Knockers, and wrote and article about them what will be published in the May/June issue of The Minute magazine in Louisiana! I'm so excited about that - my first article publication, and my first non-horror publication to boot! (ha ha!) Unless you count Gori Dori...she is one of the derby girls...
Any hoo.

I have been blogging, of sorts, at another blog I started: sammyisawesome.wordpress.com
After winning a contest at Neatobamino (an off-shoot of Neatorama.com) that consisted of "What funny things do your kids say?" I realized that Sammy needed a website. Many friends and family members have said to me, "That kid needs a blog" or "I would LOVE to read his Tweets!" Well, I find that an 11 year old probably won't sit down and do that...but his mama will! It's been fun writing all the funny things he says and does, because he really is a unique character indeed. I do also mention Michael, my 13 year old, because he's not getting away free and clear on the blog! I figure no 13 year old wants their mom blogging about them exclusively, but I will take times to mention how awesome he is too!

Things have been hectic in my life, per the usual. I did take my family with me, early yesterday morning, to the Walk MS event. There were a LOT of folks there, raising funds and awareness to help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. Not only do I have it, my cousin Frank and my little brother-in-law, Thomas, who is only 8 years old, has it also. It's not fun for any of us, but I am lucky that my progression is really slowwww.....that being said, I go back to the doctor tomorrow to get the results of the memory test I had to take Friday morning. Hey, I remembered to be there, don't I get bonus points for that? Last time I took it, they told me I didn't do so great and that I have ADD. Yay for me! Dr. Kundo told me that if the results aren't the same as last time, meaning if they have declined from a year ago, he is going to treat me for the memory loss and ADD. Dangit, keep your fingers crossed for me. If I can remember, I will update you all later. HA HA. (Hey at least I can laugh at myself!)

Have a good week folks, oh and one more thing...
Remember that somebody always has it worse off than you, so be grateful for what you have.

Mardi Gras Zombies...

2011-02-27T13:35:00.002-06:00

(Picture from the Shreveport Times website of Peanut in the lion)

Last night, we had the privilege of being a part of the Krewe of Centaur parade here in Shreveport. The boy's kung fu school, Lee's Kung Fu, did some awesome performances during the parade and we were happy to be a part and help out. We have several parades to celebrate Mardi Gras here, but the Centaur and the Gemini are the big ones, and last night was the first. So the crazies and the drunks were out in full force! We are so worn out today!

Most of the parade, the first half actually, was okay. The kung fu and tai chi students, kids, teenager and adults alike, entertained the crowd with lion dances, kung fu stunts and the really cool dragon that takes 9 people to operate. Meanwhile, some of us stayed on the very nicely decorated trailer and played the Chinese instruments - drum, cymbals, gong. Unfortunately, before it all started, I played around on the drum and showed them I knew the beat...so I was asked to play the drum several times during the parade. Which was fun...but DANG....my arms hurt! Not just from that, but from throwing beads to folks! I also played all the other instruments, as did Sammy and eventually, Mikey even picked up some cymbals!

Sammy was the star when he was on the drum, though. Everyone cheered and screamed for him - it was awesome! And when he saw his friends on the sidelines, he really got into it!
Several times, grown men sat on the trailer to ride along, only to be poked in the butt by a kung fu spear (once by me!) and crazy and/or drunk people tried to play instruments, take weapons, dance with the lions, take various things, etc....man...some people!

The best thing (said sarcastically) was when a crowd of crazy folks got too close and were trying to beat the gong on the trailer. Mikey was trying to break them up when someone reared back and threw some beads in his eye just as hard as they could! It actually scratched his eyeball! He didn't see who did it, lucky for them, because he might have done them a lot more damage than they did to him! It's really painful for him, on top of already having a broken arm right now!

On that note - folks watching the parade - behave! They are just plastic beads! And the people on the floats and trailers are sometimes kids and teenagers - stop trying to dance up on them!

Other than the crazy people in Shreve City and toward the end, we had fun. It was an experience, for sure, for the kids. They had never been in a parade before, whereas Mikey and I did them all the time in marching band in high school, even in New Orleans Mardi Gras in the 9th grade. Man, that's a whole other blog there! I remember somebody jumping into to hotel swimming pool fully clothed.....

Have a great week, everyone...and Happy Mardi Gras!

Cool beans...zombie beans, that is....

2011-02-21T15:50:00.003-06:00

So many cool things have been happening lately! Where to begin?

The book that I co-edited last year, with Joe McKinney, Dead Set, is on the preliminary list for the Stoker Ballot! It's not official as a nominee yet, but I think it's pretty ding-dang cool to be a prelim, right? In a few weeks, we will find out if it makes the ballot! Fingers crossed!

Also, I blogged a few weeks ago about what a wonderful time I had in Jefferson, TX at "Girlfriends Weekend," which is a yearly conference of sorts for the national book club I am in, The Pulpwood Queens. I met so many wonderful people and authors, but was truly excited to meet Carolyn Turgeon, author of best-sellers "Rain Village," "Godmother" and the upcoming "Mermaid." We chatted for a bit...I am afraid I might have gone a little "fan-girl" for a second there...hope I didn't freak her out too much! I guess I didn't because after mentioning to her that I wrote a short story about the zombie Little Mermaid, she asked for my contact info to interview me for her blog. I got the interview questions a few days ago and have sent them in to her, along with a picture that my best friend's son, Sean Adams, drew at my request. Here it is, the zombie Little Mermaid that goes along with my story!

Isn't it amazing? I love her purple hair also! Sean is an awesome artist, and only 15 years old! I have watched him grow up over the years and carry around his sketch book - I knew he was a budding talent and the one to draw my zombified Little Mermaid!
In case you are interested, the story will be appearing in "Feary Tales," from Library of the Living Dead Press this summer. It's a zombified tale of the little mermaid, from the Hans Christian Anderson original story, not the Disney version, although I do poke fun at that a bit.

What else?? Hmmmm....OH! Yes, here is a good one! My friend Chris, who works for the Louisiana Tourism and Travel Bureau, contacted me a few weeks ago with a cool offer! Family Circle Magazine, yes, that one you always see in the check-out aisle with flowers or food on the cover, contacted him and wanted to find a family to feature in their June monthly article called "My Hometown." It features a town in America, and family that lives there to represent it. Chris wanted to recommend my family, and after discussing with the hubby, we said yes! I did an interview with the article writer and a photographer will be snapping my family within a few weeks! I think it is super cool that Shreveport is being spot-lighted - and the writer was very intrigued with me being the coordinator of the Shreveport Zombie Walk! I hope we get lots of attention on that because more publicity equals more zombies equals more FOOD for the local food bank! The issue will hit stands on May 10, so be sure to pick up a copy!

Now, onto my kids. My oldest son, Michael, who is 13, is a budding film maker. He created a short film, titled "PTSA Training Video" for the PTSA Reflections contest and entered it at the regional level. He came home a few days ago and told me that it won at the regional level and is going to compete at the state level! I am so proud of him! Sammy, my 11 year old, had 2 poems printed in a local publication that is released yearly for students, called The Seedlings. It is an honor to be printed in The Seedlings, even more to get an Honorable Mention, which he did, for a poem called "Crayons." Here is his poem:

Crayons

So colorful and bright,
Making pretty images
The more ideas grow
the shorter they get.
Running on paper
Leaving a trail of color
So many to choose from
but all very colorful and bright.

Isn't that clever? "The more ideas grow the shorter they get." Brilliant, kid! Sammy also received a lot of awards and pins at his Cub Scouts Blue and Gold Banquet yesterday. Way to go, McCrary boys!

Well, I suppose that is enough gushing for now. Onto the plugging!
If you haven't read my BFF's blog yet, please do! Carey is an awesome writer and has great insight!

I also have another writing venture going on. It consists of short memoir-as-it-happens blogs of a survivor of the zombie apocalypse. It is a great way for me to write more frequently and in short bursts...which is good for my ADD....LOL! Here is the link to the blog: http://appofthelivingdead.blogspot.com/
Funny side note...I actually wrote the first post on my cell phone on a Notepad app on the way home from a trip to Dallas a few weeks ago! Hence the idea for using a smart phone to blog about zombies! Don't know if it's been done yet, but there it is! Hope you enjoy!

Thanks for reading my blog - check out the links contained for more great reading!

A story....with blood....

2011-02-03T09:29:00.003-06:00

Hi mom!
My mom is my biggest fan, so this is for her. You can read it too, you might get a chuckle out of it.
She tells me, and everyone that will listen, that ever since I was about four years old, I have been telling scary stories. I only slightly remember some of them, but they were short, like the ones currently write. Last year I was told by my neurologist, after taking a long and boring memory something, something test for my multiple sclerosis, that I show the signs of adult ADD. This surprised me at the time, but looking back at my life, I can totally see it. I will be lucky if I ever actually sit down long enough to write an actual book much less a short story that is more than five thousand words!
Back to the stories...oooohhh...something shiny, oohhh a pony!
But I digress.
Mama says all of the stories I told ended with the same four words: "...and blood came out."
Yes, even as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed elementary schooler, I was trying to shock my friends and family with minimal gore and twist-endings.
I actually remember a few of these stories, so I will give you a few of them here today. This is for you mama, for always encouraging my writing, and beaming with pride every time I sign a book to you with those four little words. I haven't made it big yet, but if and when I do, it will be because you always told me that I could do it, no matter what! You never made me feel strange or weird for liking horror, like some other people do. Thanks Mama, you're the best! I love you!

The Christmas Present

It was Christmas morning, and all the little girl wanted was a new bow and arrow. She had asked Santa for it special. She was so excited when she opened her gifts and there it was: a shiny new bow and arrows to go with it. She also got a new target with a bright red bullseye right in the middle. The little girl wasted no time and took it outside to try it out. She set the target against a tree, stood back, and steadied her bow. She shot an arrow. She walked over to look at the target to see if she hit it. The arrow had hit the bullseye right in the middle.....and blood came out.

The Vanilla Wafer

The little girl came home from school and was really hungry. She wanted a snack so badly. She kept bugging her dad for some chips, but instead he gave her some vanilla wafer cookies. She told him it wasn't what she wanted, but he made her eat them anyway. The little girl took a vanilla wafer cookie and put it into her mouth. She took a bite...and blood came out.

Hahaha! Those are all I can remember right now. The Christmas Present really stands out the most to me. But the cookie one? That's just gross! Where did I come up with THAT? Let me know what you think, and Mom, if you can remember any other ones, let me know!

Later readers!
Michelle

Stoked about Stokers!

2011-02-02T23:09:00.002-06:00

Ok...so it's not an official nomination, but a preliminary ballot, so I can't say that I am "Stoker nominated" but O. Em. Gee. The anthology that I co-edited with Joe McKinney (Dead Set: A Zombie Anthology) and also have a short-story in, is on the preliminary list!
Check it out here:
http://www.horror.org/news-2010stokerprelim.htm
This is not the final ballot, and you have to make the final cut to officially say you are a "Stoker Nominated" writer, editor, etc...
So I am not getting ahead of myself and going there, because it is not a cool thing to do. Although it is an honor to make the preliminary, among so many talented and deserving people. It's kind of overwhelming. The president of the Horror Writers Association friended me on Facebook and sent me a message inviting me to join the HWA. I had already considered it but didn't know if I fit the qualifications. After looking them over, I do fit for a supporting membership, and maybe after a few more of my short stories are published, I can move up from there.
Wow, this is inspiring. I'm off to write more scary stuff, so see you guys and ghouls later!

....and blood came out....

Contest!

2011-01-25T15:53:00.002-06:00

I am having a contest over at my Shreveport Zombie Walk Facebook page!

Go check it out - the prize is REALLY awesome!
I wanted to give one of these away soon, so I used my birthday as an excuse to have a contest.
Go enter and good luck!

Tasty Slice of Life

2011-01-19T13:55:00.002-06:00

I promised I would blog more. I was off today and wanted to give you all (14 of you) so much! Alas...I was chopping fresh garlic last night and mistook my left pointer finger for a clove. It's difficult to type this with a band aid, so I am keeping it short. But I felt like I just had to write something today, even just a short blog about my finger-flavored pasta sauce. Just kidding, I threw it out and used garlic powder instead.

On an awesome note, I did finish reading "Godmother" by one of my new favorite authors, Carolyn Turgeon. If you like fantasies told from a different perspective - like "Wicked" and others, you NEED to read this one! I met her over the weekend and she is a cool person indeed! Can't wait to read her new book "Mermaid" that comes out in March of this year.

Well, that's all I can do for now. Later taters.

More fabulous things to come once the cut has healed...

Run and tell that....

2011-01-17T16:49:00.002-06:00

Consider an early birthday present for me!

If you haven't already, please go vote for the Black Quill Awards.

In the Best Dark Genre Anthology, vote for "Dead Set: A Zombie Anthology" edited by Michelle Suhar McCrary and Joe McKinney. Vote however you want in all the other categories, but just please vote for the book I co-edited! Voting ends Jan. 21st!

http://www.darkscribemagazine.com/reader-voting-ballot/

You can vote from your home computer, work computer and cell phone; heck, any computer you can get your hands on!

So, tell your kids, tell your wife, and tell your husbands, cause they voting everybody up in here! You don't have to enter any personal info or your email address, they won't be looking for you, they won't find you. So you can run and vote now, run and vote now, run and vote now, please friend, please please please friend!

Gonna try to blog more...with reviews! The Walking Dead!

2011-01-11T18:44:00.009-06:00

Hi everyone of you! All 13 of you! That's right, I have a "lucky" 13 followers on my blog! Woooooo! In an effort to try to keep up my writing, I am going to try to blog more. And what better thing to write than reviews of stuff that I read/watch/hear? Maybe there are some folks out there that care what a *&^tysomething year old horror fan lady has to say about the genre, specifically zombie related stuffs....if not...well then, you can just hit "next blog" and move along. No harm, no foul!

I was trying to decide what to review first. Well, since it is over and done with for Season 1, I will attempt to tackle AMC's "The Walking Dead." I will just say SPOILER ALERT because I don't think that I myself can properly review it without spoiling the ca-rap out of it...and the comics. So consider yourself warned!

First of all....I am a HUGE fan of the comics. I have read up to trade #12 probably all the way through at least twice. And yes...I am one of those people who will say that the "book is way better than the show." That's because IT IS.
Not to say the show is horrible...but it's also not that...great either. Before I really get started, I just hope that Season 1 was just like a 7-hour-long pilot and Season 2 will blow us all away with its awesomeness.

Episode 1 started out pretty solid. The opening scene alone probably turned off a lot of viewers; I mean....a child zombie getting shot in the head right out? I can handle it, but I'm a hardcore zombie fan. It still makes me shudder though...cause I'm a mommy. : (

The zombies are amazing. Nothing was spared on gore. They look pretty real, aside from a few small things like obvious latex work on faces. But, whatcha gonna do? Go really kill some folks and reanimate them? Probably not.

They did a pretty good job telling the story...but they added some things in there that I could have done without, and from what others have said...lots could have also. They added racial issues, domestic abuse, etc...it just all made me say yuck. I know its a drama and it needs to be amped up...but come on. If I wanted to watch that, I would watch Desperate Housewives or some other crap.

I want to see people surviving. I want to see the characters that were in the comic. If I am not mistaken, they blended a few together, cut out one or two, and definitely added some! I know some things that work in a comic doesn't work so well on screen...but why did they have to put the whole "scientist in a lab trying to find a cure" story arc in? That is SO overdone! If not in TV, then in movies and definitely in books! And it all had to end with a huge explosion, right? Where were the zombies? In the comic, Rick and crew come upon a gated community and think they have found their safe haven, only to have that hope crushed. They move on to discover a prison, and why, oh WHY!?! couldn't that have been the season finale? It would have been PERFECT! They could have added some drama/action to that somehow. Certainly we could have done without Shane being an even BIGGER a**hole and trying to sexually assault Lori! Really with that?

(Side note: I say "Really with that?" a lot. That is my way of saying that I can't believe that actually happened. I might shorten it to RWT when I don't fell like typing so much.)

Basically, I will try to sum it all up. My favorite episode was #2 - Guts. It was pretty gross, and a lot like the comics in style. It made me have hope for Season 2. I will continue to watch for Season 2, which will not come out until (rumored) October 2011. I hate to wait, but being a recovering Lostie, I know what it means to wait if I want to receive a quality series. Plus, what other TV series do I have to look forward to this year that is all about zombies, huh? None. RWT?

Friends & Family...and Forgiveness

2010-07-08T19:48:00.003-05:00

There are days that I look at my life and realize how lucky I am to have such wonderful friends and family. Not all of my friends are as close to me as I would like them to be...and some of my family is difficult for me to deal with sometimes.

The point is...I love them anyway. We (in general) do what we can for them, and we hope that they will do the same and love us as much as we love them. Remembering that everyone makes mistakes in life, we have to forgive. It's hard to forget...but we have to try. But then again, there are some things that we shouldn't forget, so that we don't put ourselves in a position to get hurt in the same way again.

It's hard when you try to do the right thing: for others, for yourself, for everyone involved. You might come out looking like "Miss Perfect" or "Self-Righteous" or just a plain-old "B*#ch!" So I sometimes wonder...why do I even bother? Why? I think it's because I do care so much. Because I can't just sit by idly and not at least SAY something. I always know that, in the end, I will probably be the door mat. I will be the one used and walked over...and maybe that is a little self-righteous in and of itself. But you know what? At least I can rest easy at night knowing that I did the right thing. If someone, anyone, is being horrible by doing ugly things to me or mine, would I not forgive, and do the same to them? No. That would make me just as bad as them. And what kind of example would that set?

Whether or not someone, friend, family, etc...who has wronged me has asked for my forgiveness or not, I have decided to give it anyway. It helps me to deal and to move on. Anything else they do, is their decision and they have to live with the consequences.

Nothing has happened recently to bring this post of mine on. I know that usually when I write something like this, a lot of people in my life start to think I am writing about them. Rest assured, I am not. This is all me preparing myself to face future experiences in a better way that I have faced them in the past. It just feels good to write this all out.

That is all, folks. The end!

Catching flies

2010-06-18T14:13:00.002-05:00

Hello my readers, all two of you! I have had one heck of a week and feel the need to write about it - in particular my attempt to "catch more flies with honey than with vinegar" as the old saying goes.

The week started out okay. Michael began film camp; the movie they made this week titled "Deady Bears" will premiere today and I cannot wait to see it! I had the privilege of being the make up lady on set (yes, there were zombies!) so it is close to my heart.

Wednesday was the day. I was off of work, and had a check up appointment with my neurologist. In case I haven't ever said so on my blog, I have multiple sclerosis. Well, it's not like I go around introducing myself "Hi, my name is Michelle and I have MS!" So, it's not like you could have known. I do okay most of the time; it's in the early stages and I am on injection therapy to slow the effects of it. Dr. Kundo had told me at my last appointment that I didn't do so well on my memory test and probably have adult ADD. ME, ADD! I would have never guessed it! He says that it manifests differently in everyone, especially adults. It could explain why I a) don't sleep well b) can't focus sometimes c) stress out over little things d) have OCD over minor things and other various things I have never even thought about. So...to make a long story short, he has decided to treat me for it with a low dosage medication and see how I do. Yay. Not really. Well, if it helps....we'll just see, now won't we?

So, I left the doctor's office. On my way through a neighborhood to miss traffic, I was pulled over for going 11 miles over the speed limit. It was 25, but I honestly thought it was 35. So, now I have to pay a ticket and take defensive driving to keep it off my record and insurance. At this point in my day, I was ready to crawl into a dark hole and never emerge.

Michael and I grabbed a quick lunch at a Chinese buffet and headed down to artspace for his film camp. I had a great time doing zombie make up on the kids. I got to meet some great kiddos and one girl in particular, Hanna, was a great assistant and a smart, sweet girl.

Michael and I left at 5 PM. I walked to my truck, where I had parked in the parking lot for the Robinson Film Center, which sponsored the camp. There was a vehicle parked behind me, blocking me. There was also a business card on my window with the words "Private Parking" written on it. I had apparently parked in an area that was not for the Robinson. It was really confusing, but definitely all my fault.

As soon as the lady came out, I apologized profusely and told her it was a mistake. I told her that I honestly thought that the parking was for the Robinson Film Center. She was really mean to me. She told me I had been in her spot all day (not true, only 1 PM - 5 PM) and that she pays for her spot. She also said that next time, she will have me towed. I explained to her again that there will not be a next time and that I was really, really sorry. I didn't know what else to say. I was ready to cry at this point - I was so stressed out. We finally left, and I did cry. Poor Michael, my 12 year old. He had been with me all day and seen me go through all of it, even when my doctor told him he needed to cut me some slack, he felt bad. He tried to make me feel better, and I really love him for that.

I picked up Sammy from my friend's house and went home. The next morning, I got to work and before clocking in, I had an idea. I still had her business card. And you know, I really was grateful she didn't get my truck towed. Had I walked out and my truck had been gone, I would have had a break down right there in the middle of downtown Shreveport. So...I wrote her a note thanking her for not towing my truck, and I also apologized again, explaining to her how stressful my life is; my husband being deployed, health and family issues, etc...without going into detail. Then I walked next door to Edible Arrangements and sent her an arrangement with the note attached. I hope she enjoys it. I really do. I also hope that she will think twice about being so mean to someone who is honestly sorry for doing something wrong, like I was. But I am, once again, thankful she didn't have my truck towed. And like they say, I hope that I caught that fly. Because she left her business card on my truck with all of her information, if I had been an evil person, I could have easily swatted her.

Little Library of the Living Dead!

2010-05-09T20:48:00.002-05:00

The Library of the Living Dead Press proudly presents –

“Little Library of the Living Dead”
edited by Michelle McCrary
with assistant editors Michael & Sammy McCrary

Submissions are open to all youth authors, age 17 and under.

The last day to submit is December 31, 2010.

Stories must be about zombies and be written by children and for children!
Since the subject matter is zombies, some mild violence is expected, but no ultra-graphic violence, sexual situations, or extremely mature situations will be accepted.

It is acceptable for parents/guardians to assist with the submission process, but a story will not be rejected for not following these guidelines exactly:

RTF attachment
Courier Font
Double Spaced

Please include name, address, phone number, email, and the word count on the title page. Submissions MUST also have parent/guardian name and contact information.

In your email please mention where you found the submission call.

Most submissions will be accepted until the book is full. Rejections will be based on content not being appropriate for children, at the editor’s discretion.
The editors will also be happy to work with the author on their submission to make it publishing ready!

Before the book prints, a parent/guardian will be required to sign a consent contract for the youth author to be published by Library of the Living Dead Press.

Payment is 1 contributor copy.

Please send submissions to: littlelibrarydead@gmail.com

Texas Frightmare Weekend!

2010-05-04T14:38:00.004-05:00

I spent an entire weekend in Irving at the Sheraton Hotel for a horror convention, Texas Frightmare! It was amazing! I met SO MANY stars...including two of my all time favorites, George A. Romero and Cassandra Peterson AKA Elvira!
I met so many other stars and got pictures with them and autographs. Check out my Facebook page and friend me if you would like to see them! And while you are there, you can "like" my author page...woo hoo.

Some other great news is that while I was there, I got to spend a lot of time with fellow authors from the Library of the Living Dead Press, and the publisher himself, Mike...AKA Dr. Pus! We chatted Saturday morning by the pool before the con opened and he graciously gave me an editing job! It will be an anthology of zombie short stories for AND by kids/young adults! My own kids will be working on this with me, helping with cover art and contributing their own stories and art. Our goal is to publish everything that gets submitted (within reason) so that no child gets a rejection. I am super excited about this!

So, that is all for now. I will blog more later when I have more time. May the 4th be with you!

Being a writer and stuff

2010-04-25T22:56:00.003-05:00

I have to say that I am really happy that I started writing. I haven't really written much since high school. I think it's because I could never write about anything that interested me. It's true when "they" (whoever they are) say to write what you know. I may not know everything about horror and zombies, but I just write what I DO know!

Most of the time, I have to force myself to sit down and write. It's not that I don't enjoy it; I just have SO much other stuff to do. Deadlines are an amazing thing, let me tell you. I have never been such as a procrastinator as I have been as a writer. I'm trying very hard to build up my collection of short stories. I don't feel like I'm to a point yet where I could actually write a full book. My goal is possibly a novella-length before the year is out. Until then, I'm trying to pump out the short stories! I just need ideas and motivation!

I did finish a story and submitted it to an anthology about phobias, that will be coming soon from the Library of Horror Press. It is about a lady with a fear of frogs. If you know me, you know that I really have that phobia! Yes, let's all laugh at the lady who loves zombie movies, books, etc...but cannot STAND frogs and toads! The story, called "Hoppers," isn't about me, but I did use some of my life experiences and feelings on the phobia to write it. Well, the lead character is named Diane, which is my middle name...and that and the phobia is about all we have in common!

I'm still waiting on the rejection or acceptance for "Hoppers," but even if they don't accept it, I am still very proud of it. The deadline was looming and I forced myself to sit down and finish it in one night. It took me a good 2 hours - I finished it, printed it and edited. The next night, I did another edit and finalized it, then...I submitted it! Scary! I'm sure all you other writers know that feeling well! So, the wait is on...

On the home front, things are busy as usual. I am really missing my husband, of course. This is his second deployment to Iraq, and we hope to have him home around Christmas time this year. He assures me he is in a much calmer, peaceful section of Iraq than last time, but I still worry. If you've never spent an entire day cleaning your house for your husband's return in 6 months, only to get the phone call that evening that he is coming home sooner than expected thanks to a VBIED, then you probably wouldn't understand. (and that is my little homage to "Breathers: A Zombies Lament. dah-dah-ching!) Gotta keep a sense of humor about this folks, or I might lose my mind.

Well, you should be able to walk into any book store and ask them to order a copy of "Dead Set" now. Of course, it is on Amazon always. We're getting copies out to reviewers to spread the word, and so far the folks who have read and reviewed have given positive ones! I will try to keep my blog updated with links to any reviews we receive. It really is a great, classy book. I am just so honored to have been involved - plus have a story in it!

Thanks everyone (all 7 of you!)! Have a great week!

The books are here!

2010-04-06T21:53:00.005-05:00

I came home today to find a wonderful box on my front porch full of wonderful things:

I've never known such a feeling, as a writer (and now editor) than to open a box full of fresh-from-the-publisher books with my name on the cover. It is a great feeling. Thank you Mitchel at 23 House Publishing!

Fried Night: A Film by Michael & Sammy McCrary

2010-03-28T11:45:00.004-05:00

Several weeks ago, my sons, Michael & Sammy, created a film titled "Fried Night" and entered it into the 2010 Louisiana Film Festival. It was screened in it yesterday; we had a great time watching it and the 29 other movies involved - all made by K-12 students around the United States.
Although their movie didn't bring home one of the cash prizes, it was an honor for their film just to be shown in the festival. The films that did win were truly deserving; those kids have great talent and imagination!

So...congrats to them...but...this is my blog so I am going to brag on my kids! Let me give a little background on "Fried Night" before I give you the link to watch it online.

Sammy is obsessed with French fries. Really. This is not a joke. My child can have an entire plate of fresh fried potatoes placed in front of him, and he will literally be sneaking around your back to steal the fries off of your plate! This kid loves nothing better. We have often joked that he eats so many French fries that if we cut him open, he would bleed ketchup! (Look for that joke to be played out in the movie!)

Michael & Sammy have recently been called "the youngest cinephiles I know" on a much-read blog here in Shreveport by a good friend at the Robinson Film Center, Chris Jay. He is so right. What he also doesn't know is that even if they haven't actually SEEN a movie, they know all about the plots because their mama has broken it down for them! Why? Oh, I want them to watch SO many movies....but I just can't let them watch the rated R stuff, not yet anyway. They want to watch "Dawn of the Dead" so badly. They yearn for "The Blair Witch Project" and other such stuff that their friends parents supposedly "let them watch" (but I probably think they just didn't know that little Johnny was watching it in his room late at night...because little Johnny promised mom & dad he was watching Curious George! Case in point as to why we only have cable on one tiny TV in the computer room in my house, and that's only to watch Lost on Tuesday night....but I digress...)

Back to my point. Michael & Sammy know a lot about cinema but are still sheltered...but somehow it all works out. Why? Because I am their filter. I am the great MOMMY FILTER! YAY! Okay, so yes, we have the internet, and I know for a fact that they have read all about the Blair Witch and Paranormal Activity movies in Wikipedia, but I don't mind. It's better than them actually watching the movies, which are full of language I would rather they didn't hear and adult situations I would rather they didn't have to process. I just want them to be kids, dagnabbit!
So in being kids, I very much encourage them to use their wonderfully creative imaginations! And they have such a great opportunity to do something awesome with it: make films! They have been making goofy little shorts and posting them on YouTube for awhile now. Michael got a Flip video camera for his birthday, which makes it easy and takes me out of the process completely! One thing that they love to do is make spoofs. After finding out about the film festival via Chris Jay while having dinner with him and his wife Sara one night, the drive home was filled with talk of what kind of movie would be made.

They had all of their usual silly little boy ideas:

"Okay, I can be a ninja and you can be a zombie!" and the like...then they trailed into making a documentary...then maybe a mockumentary. The whole French fry idea came about while we were waiting in line for cold medicine at Walgreens. It was going to be a very serious family intervention to get Sammy some help for his addiction. I can't quite remember how it turned into the whole plot that you will soon see, but I love the fact that it did, because it really works! I did help the boys a tiny bit. It was allowed for the film festival. Basically, all I did was show them how to storyboard it before they filmed, and how to polish it up in post-production. They did all of the filming, all of the lines, all of the props, camera work...the only prop I provided was making a 9:55 pm trip to McDonalds for the last cooked batch of fries for the night (they close at 10 pm.) I bought 3 large fries and they were the greasy gross ones. Do you think Sammy cared? Watch the movie for an answer to that question.

A couple of people asked me if the boys had seen the movie "Paranormal Activity" before making this movie. I told them all that no, they had not. I have seen it, and can definitely see where "Fried Night" would come off as a spoof of it. But to me, it is just a great little film straight from the imagination of two wonderful, talented & creative kids that I love more than anything in this world!

I hope you enjoy "Fried Night!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwcKXtPmBBo

Dead Set: A Zombie Anthology

2010-02-24T21:38:00.003-06:00

So....edits are pretty much finished on Dead Set and the release date is April 5, 2010! I am super excited and super proud of this book! Check out the website here to read all the details and watch the awesome trailer put together by one of the authors with a story in the book, Steven W. Booth.

Did I ever explain how I came to be one of the editors of this anthology?
Last year, I had my first short story published by "Library of the Living Dead Press." It was called "Every Rose." It wasn't my best story ever, but I was proud of it. I found out that there was a small book festival in my town; authors had the opportunity to have a table and sell their books. I applied - somewhat anxiously, knowing that with only one published short story under my belt, I was pretty amateur in comparison to most of the authors involved. I soon found out that they accepted my application and were excited to have me involved! I called my publisher, Mike (aka Dr. Pus, LOL) and ordered 25 books at cost to sell at the festival. I crossed my fingers to at least make back what I paid for the books!

The weeks zoomed by and the day came. With help from my crafty & creative aunt, I set up an attractive table with goodies and info about my upcoming writing. I even did a reading at the festival - an excerpt from "Every Rose" and a zombie poem I had written. It was a good day; I sold seventeen books and even autographed and took pictures with people! It was a little overwhelming - I mean, I'm not famous or anything! The best part of the day was getting to meet, get my book signed and get a picture with Charlaine Harris, of Southern Vampire fame. Well, I also ended up chatting with one of the book festival organizers who is now one of my very best friends, Carey, so a lot of good came out of that day.

Okay, back to the anthology...
I got home that evening and relaxed with a satisfied smile on my face and a content feeling in my soul. I slipped into my ratty old house dress and checked my email. I saw something very interesting...Mitchel Whitington of 23 House Publishing had a table at the festival...and he picked up a copy of the anthology with my story in it...and he had recently been thinking of doing a zombie anthology with author Joe McKinney....and was on the lookout for another editor...and would I be interested? He said it just seemed to all fall into place so perfectly. I replied almost immediately; Mitchel mailed to me a proposal and a copy of a previous vampire anthology he had published called "Nights of Blood 2" (which is excellent, by the way) and of course, I said YES YES YES!!!

The entire editing process with Joe, Mitchel, everyone, has been phenomenal. From choosing the title of the book, to choosing the stories, to choosing the cover art and to every little thing in between...it has been such a great first editing experience for me.

I don't know what doors this may open for me, but if anything, it has been so fun! I can't wait to walk into the bookstore and see that anthology sitting on the shelf knowing that Joe, Mitchel, the contributing authors & I put a lot of work into that and that the readers will enjoy it. The stories are wonderful; not a stinker in the bunch!

If you are interested in buying, the pre-order on the link above is a great deal and I suggest doing that! I hope you enjoy it!

Picture It...Sicily...1942...

2010-01-21T18:18:00.002-06:00

To my loyal readers (hi if you actually exist!) I am trying to keep my blog updated more frequently. It's been over 2 weeks now and I guess we are doing okay. Luckily, I have plenty to occupy my time and thoughts. Dealing with the 12 year old has been a constant battle, but I think we have come to some sort of middle ground for now, at least.

I've been spending every little minute of free time at home editing "Dead Set." The other editor, Joe McKinney, is a fast worker! He already finished his half and I am about a fourth of a way into mine! Alas, the sooner we get this part finished, the sooner the book will be published - so I am lighting a fire under my butt tonight!

I have several ideas for short stories and even for a book. My cousin and I have talked about collaborating on a journal-type book about a zombie invasion, but I have to wait until this editing job is finished. Scouts is taking up a lot of my time, and I have also just been informed by the boy's kung fu teacher that I will be in the Chinese New Year demo in Dallas, performing Tai Chi. Wow, thanks for the heads up! That's what I call being "voluntold!" I haven't done the 13 Golden Postures in almost 2 years, so I better dust off the "wave hands like clouds" and get on the ball!

On top of everything, I have a sick kiddo at home and I am still recovering from another ear infection! Something has got to give, man! These ear infections are kicking my butt! Antibiotics don't seem to doing their job. I might have to go see an ENT doctor...ugh...and by that I mean "ear, nose and throat" NOT a giant talking tree.

That's all for now, folks. I will try to update again next week. Hopefully I will have more interesting things to say by then.

Knitting and knitting and knitting....

2010-01-11T22:44:00.002-06:00

The mind plays tricks on you. You play tricks back! It's like you're unraveling a big cable-knit sweater that someone keeps knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting...

Well, here I am almost a full week after the husband has left for training to Camp Shelby. He will be there 2 months before heading to Iraq. I almost didn't post this info, but it's in the local paper. It's not like my loose lips will sink any ships there!

Anyhow, I had a major pity party on New Year's Eve when he was still home. He popped fireworks outside with the boys and their friend while I stayed in bed and moped. He finally came in the bedroom to keep me company. I think I was crying in his shirt when I heard that familiar "beep beep" of his wrist watch to let us know it was indeed 2010. I wasn't happy; this is going to be a tough year for me.

All through the months leading up to his deployment, I have had the idea that it should "hurry up and get here so it can get over with!" Man, I was dumb! I should have used my time more wisely. I mean, it's not like I will never see him again...but then again, anything can happen to anyone at anytime. I need to cherish my time with Mikey and my loved ones much more than I do. You never know when it's their time - or your time, for that matter.

This week started off great (said sarcastically) with Peanut waking up on Sunday morning to let me know his social studies project was due on Monday! Of course, the fact that he didn't have it finished was my fault because "he told me about it last week!" UM, I think I have a 6th grader for sale if anybody wants one...Sunday couldn't have been any worse, right? Oh no, add one of those headaches...you know, the one where it feels like someone is pushing your eyeballs out from the inside of your skull? Yeah, that kind. Somehow I made it through the day and today, Monday, has been exceptionally better, believe it or not!

I miss my husband sorely. It's funny how we take advantage of someone being right there all the time and not thinking anything of it, then when they aren't there...man, you miss them immensely. That's the case here! Peace of mind goes a long way when you don't have it. Plus, I don't have that companionship in my lonely times. Late at night, long weekends...those will be the worst for this year, I can see it now! My birthday weekend is coming up and both of the kids will be gone for Scouts camp outs. Is it totally lame that I planned my own birthday dinner - just so I won't be alone and bored? I mean, friends have told me they will "take me out for my birthday" and that's fine and I look forward to it, but I wanted to opportunity to get all of my friends and family together, not just the ones who will "go out" whatever that means (probably drinks and karaoke, I imagine.)

One awesome thing today is that I got the first file of stories to edit for "Dead Set!" My first editing job, wow! That will keep me very busy when I get bored, I imagine! I get to read over 65,000 words and make sure they are just right. How am I even qualified to do that, I wonder? We shall see! Hopefully Joe McKinney (my co-editor) will be better at this than I am; as a matter of fact, I KNOW he is better than me! Please don't let my loose words and punctuation on this blog be an example of my editing skills - I just relax and type what comes to mind here. I promise, I am better than this malarkey!

Christmas was great! The boys got all they wanted and more! Mikey got me a Sony Reader, which I LOVE way more than I thought I would. He also got me 2 tickets to see "The Wedding Singer" musical on stage in February. I am SO excited about that!

Now that I am just rambling, I shall stop. Please pray that this years ZOOMS by and that Mikey and all the other soldiers in his unit stay safe and come home to their families in one piece. We weren't so lucky last time - Mikey left some teeth in Iraq and probably some pieces of bone! Hmmmm.....maybe he can get those back this time. To quote him in the hospital after getting blown up by an IED, "Nobody makes me bleed my own blood." I have to love this man and his sense of humor about such serious issues. And his love of Dodgeball.

You use up all the glue on purpose!

2009-12-17T22:47:00.002-06:00

So, here I am more than a month later after promising my 2 readers that I would keep up with this more often. My crazy life has made a liar out of me! Seriously, I have to keep going all day because when I sit in my recliner for a second, I pass out cold. I have to make sure EVERYTHING is done and the kids are in bed before I do that or I am in big trouble.

Good news! I have a 12 year old and a 10 year old now! Why is that good news? I have managed to keep them alive! A wise older woman I used to know once told me that after you have kids, you spend the next 18 years trying to keep them from getting killed. That makes sense seeing as that I sometimes make them go to their room and shut the door for their own safety. But seriously folks, you know I love my boys...they are just a handful sometimes, especially that little clone of my husband! What to do with a hormonal 12 year old with a cell phone and an infatuation with a little girl who looks like Ginny Weasley? Don't gripe at me about the cell phone; I like being able to know where he is at all times - especially since Daddy is leaving for Iraq soon. It's peace of mind and I am willing to deal with consequences to get it. I am even thinking about adding a line for Sammy.

Now it's Christmastime again and all of the wonderful stress of the holidays! Well, I am thankful that the National Guard is giving my husband a 2 week leave and that I have a wonderful boss who is pretty much letting me take 2 weeks off to spend it with my family. I am looking forward to sleeping in until 10 am and rolling over in the bed to see his face, because it won't be like that for long. A whole year of a lonely bed - I hate that. I guess Sammy will have to start sleeping with me again. He didn't mind last time Daddy was deployed; he was 4 years old! I hope he doesn't mind now because having him sleep in the bed with me sometimes just makes me feel better. Am I weird for that?

I am trying to come up with things to keep me occupied - well, my brain occupied - while the husband is gone. It's not like I don't have enough things to do already; work, taking the boys to kung fu and Renzi, volunteering enormous amounts of time with Cub Scouts and various other things I always seem to get myself into. I just need an itellectual thing to do. I have decided to TRY my best to write my first book in 2010 or enough stories to fill a book. Okay, maybe a novella length book. I have written lots of short stories and I need to cross that line and go more than 10k words, people. I think that after "Dead Set" is released and I see that "editor" mark on my list of accomplishments, I will get motivated. Plus, I have another scheme cooking up in the ol' brain here.

Another thing I keep thinking about is Texas Frightmare in April. I REALLY want to go - George Romero will be there and I will get to meet him if I attend! It just won't be as much fun without my Mikey there. We went to Pittsburgh in Sept. to our first horror convention and he was so awesome. I know he is not as much into the horror and zombie genre as I am - but he did so much for me and just for me. I really appreciated that and love him so much for it. Plus, he knows who Bruce Campbell is now and that rocks! I hope to attend; I just want to wait a little longer before making plans. Lots of my friends are already talking about Horror Realm in Sept 2010 in Pittsburgh again so that is another thing to think about. Do I really want to go that far without Mikey? If not, should I go by myself - or can I find someone to go with me? I guess we shall see when it gets closer.

Fun times tomorrow night! Mikey, the boys and I are going to see "Gremlins" in the theater at the Robinson Film Center - one of my favorite places in Shreveport! I think I saw it in the theater as a kid but can't really remember for sure. I do know that Peanut and Sammy LOVE that movie and it will be a great family outing! I wish I had a Gizmo shirt to wear - dang it!

Okay, that is enough of my rambling for now. I hope that my 2 readers have a Merry Christmas, Happy Channukah, Happy Kwanzaa, or whatever they celebrate, and most definitely and Happy New Year! I will try my best to make it good even though I will spend 2010 without my better half. Wah.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes....

2009-11-11T16:23:00.002-06:00

It's been a really busy few months for me and I just realized I haven't blogged in awhile! So much to catch my 2 readers up on! (LOL)

I took a wonderful trip with my husband to Pittsburgh in September. We attended the Horror Realm convention, where I got to meet so many good friends and fellow zombie authors, not to mention some horror movie icons! Ken Foree, Tony Todd, Bill Mosley, and lots of zombies from the original Dawn of the Dead movie were there, and I got pics and autographs! I also ate my dinner in the hotel restaurant while sitting at a table right next to THE Tom Savini! How cool is that?
The best part was finally meeting all the Permuted and Library of the Living Dead authors and fans who I have been friends with online now for almost 2 years! It was great to hug Dr. Pus, give Zombie Zak a cookie and and put a face to the "user name" of everyone else! And man, Jacob & Matthew from Permuted are TALL! Mikey and I went to the Monroeville Mall and the Evans City Cemetery, must see places for zombie movie fans!

After all that, it was rehearsals every night for a month and a half for the "Night of the Living Dead" play where I played the part of Barbara! It was my first ever acting experience and I loved it! We had 3 shows at the end of October; it was probably one of the most fun and different experiences of my life.

October 11th was the Shreveport Zombie Walk, of which I am the coordinator! It was such a huge success this year; we had almost 200 zombies in attendance and we raised 734 pounds of food for the local food bank! The local indie theater, Robinson Film Center, also did a "Zombie Weekend" in conjunction with the walk. They showed on the big screen Dawn of the Dead (the original), Shaun of the Dead and Night of the Living Dead. The whole weekend was an absolute blast and made significantly better by the fact that my cousin Sara and her kids came in and stayed with us the whole weekend!

So, now I am just working part time and writing when I can. I am still reading submissions for "Dead Set" which is the zombie anthology I am co-editing with author Joe McKinney. It's coming in Spring 2010 from 23 House Publishing. Man, the stories that will be in it are awesome! We got a couple of big names and lots of other great new authors - it will be sure to please! I will also have a story in it called "Pierre and Remy Hatch a Plan," and let's just say.....it's about LSU, redneck Cajuns and zombies!

Mikey is getting ready to deploy to Iraq (again) on Jan. 5 (his birthday - BOO!) It seems like I forgot what it was like to do this and it is starting to all come back to me - and hitting me pretty hard with today being Veterans Day. I am so going to miss him. Please keep him in your prayers; please keep all service members in your prayers. I just worry so much about him coming home safe. We had a REALLY close call last time and I will not take his safety for granted.

Anyhow, that's about all for now. I hope to update this more regularly, especially when he is gone. It will give me something more to do and maybe take my mind off of things sometimes. Oh, and that fact that I have a hormonal pre-teen living in my house now who will become a teenager while his dad is deployed. Yay me. God, help me.

Journey still rocks.

2009-08-05T00:54:00.002-05:00

I took my 9 year old son, Sammy, to see Journey tonight. When I say he is Journey fan, it is probably the biggest understatement of the year. We had very good seats right near the stage, but not on the floor (I didn't want Sammy's view to be blocked.) We had an awesome time and my ears are ringing voraciously. A roadie and a police officer thought Sammy was something special, I suppose, banging his head and rocking out, so they both brought him some band guitar picks for a total of seven! Night Ranger opened and they were pretty good! Sammy chatted with one of the guitar players for Night Ranger, telling him he did a good job on guitar. He shook Sammy's hand and said "Thanks for saying that!" All in all, we had a blast. Sammy got a tour shirt and tour bandanna as souvenirs (as well as the picks.)

Dead Set:: A Zombie Anthology

2009-07-17T16:36:00.003-05:00

Great news! I am now co-editing a new zombie anthology called "Dead Set" from 23 House Publishing! My co-editor is the great Joe McKinney, a fellow author, and surprisingly, a homicide detective with the San Antonio Police Department. I have a well-worn copy of his novel "Dead City" on my bookshelf. We have started getting submissions and are reading and reviewing them. Want to submit? Go to http://www.23house.com/zombie
for the guidelines and submission information.
I also contacted author Steve Alten about submitting, and he said that he would! Well, we will see how that goes! It's not a paying publication, so he might change his mind once he reads that on the submission page...let's hope not...I would love to get him in there!
We have a submission by David Dunwoody, another excellent author!
Things are getting great and I am having a blast with this!

On a personal note, we got a little dog and named him Fang! He is the best dog ever!

Great News!

2009-06-20T22:46:00.003-05:00

After selling a copy of "Zombology" to the senior editor at 23 House Publishing (one Mitchel Whitington) he contacted me about sending me a complimentary copy of "Night of Blood 2," a vampire anthology. Well, I received it in the mail along with a proposal to co-edit an anthology of zombie short stories with author Joe McKinney! Imagine my surprise! After reading over the guidelines and expectations, I accepted! So, in the next few weeks, I will begin putting out the call for submissions. Joe and I will also have stories in the anthology. I am VERY excited about this and feel like doors are opening faster than I ever expected. I have been writing more, and just submitted a short story titled "River Runs True" to the Ladies of Horror Anthology that Library of the Living Dead Press will be publsihing. I am very glad to be writing; it give me a creative outlet, and it lets me tell my stories to whoever will read them.

None of this would be possible without Michael West, aka "Dr. Pus." What a great guy - don't let the nick name fool ya!

www.libraryofthelivingdead.com
www.23house.com
www.permutedpress.com

The Festival!

2009-06-13T23:13:00.003-05:00

I had a great time today, met Charlaine Harris and lots of other GREAT authors! The Author! Author! Festival was really awesome! There will be one next year, so keep a look out!

My Shameless Self Promotion....ugh....

2009-06-06T20:02:00.002-05:00

Okay, here it is:
PLEASE come to the Author! Author! Festival on June 13th if you are in the Shreveport area!
www.authorauthorshreveport.com is the website. It's at the Municipal Auditorium from 9 am to 7 pm.
I will have a table set up and will be selling copies of "Zombology," which has my story "Every Rose" in it. I will also be promoting myself (har har) and Library of the Living Dead!
Also, from 5:00 till 5:25 PM, I will be featured in the "Reading Alcove," where I can chat and answer questions to my many fans that have yet to exist! (hee hee!)
If that's not enough to get you there, author Charlaine Harris will be there and will sign books and do a panel, etc...if you don't know who she is, I have two words for you: True Blood! She is the author of the books that the HBO series is based on (which takes place in Northern Louisiana and a lot about Shreveport!)
SO....friends, family, countrymen....can I count on you to stop by and see me? You can get free tickets from the website, so money isn't an issue. It lasts almost all day, so can you squeeze in a little of time for your best zombie-lovin' and writing girl?
I will have freebies at my table, and so will a lot of the other authors...so come by, won't you?

Author! Author! Festival

2009-05-05T20:34:00.003-05:00

Check out the website: http://www.authorauthorshreveport.com
Click on the "Authors" link and see that.....
I will be one of the featured authors! I will have a table and will be selling copies of "Zombology" and, if anyone is actually interested....signing books. LOL! That just cracks me up.
I am REALLY excited about this, and I hope all you locals out there can make it. I am also excited about getting to meet so many other authors! One of my favorite ones, Charlaine Harris author of the Sookie Stackhouse series among other things, will be in attendance. I can't wait to meet her and get an autographed book. Even though I love to write, deep down, I am still just a huge bookworm/fan girl!

NONE of this would be possible without Dr. Pus (aka Mike West) and his press, Library of the Living Dead. I owe him so many thanks for all the support and kindness he has given, not to mention for publishing me! Rebecca May, you are an AWESOME editor and I owe you thanks!!!
Check out the website! www.libraryofthelivingdead.com The website is undergoing a makeover, but you can still link to the forum and find out about the awesome Podcast!

Oh, and I also should thanks all my forum buddies over at Permuted Press. Matthew, Doug, Robin, Zombie Zak, Buttertup, Rhia, Kody, JJ, BBM, Victorya and many others I am forgetting but not on purpose!.....I'm just a fangirl there, but everyone is so kind and supportive, and the owner/forum admin/THE BOSS, Jacob, is just as nice as they come! Check out the website to order books and join the forum! www.permutedpress.com

My friends and close family....you know who you are and what you have done. I so appreciate your love and support, and putting up with my "unhealthy obsession with the undead."
; )
You know I'm weird, but you love me anyways!

Coming Soon from....me.

2009-04-16T10:04:00.008-05:00

I have been on a kick lately. I punched out a story and sent it in to Dr. P at Library of the Living Dead Press for Zombology 3, and he accepted, so I am thoroughly excited about that! So, maybe for my own vain purposes (because I just can't believe it, maybe?) I wanted to post what stories will be coming out soon that were written by me.
In Zombology 2, my story titled "Release" will be printed. It's written from first person, which is new to me. I have trouble figuring out if I am any good at that, so if you read it, let me know what you think.
In Zombology 3, my just accepted story will be "Urgent Matters." I wrote this one from the heart - let's just say it's about a common problem that I face....and those of you who know me know this. : )
I can't remember which Zombology will have only flash fiction (which is 500 words or less) but it is either 4 or 5. I will have a story in it titled "The Neighborhood."
I submitted a poem for the Poetry Anthology, but I am not sure what's happening with that.
Anyhow, I really need to get cracking on a novel. A few people have shown interest in me fleshing out "Every Rose" and continuing Rose's "adventures," so to speak. That is definitely an option, I am just waiting on that inspiration bug to bite me in the butt, I guess! So, hopefully when school is out for my kids this summer, I will have a little more free time in the evenings to work on my writing.

On another note, we recently found out that my oldest son, Michael -
was accepted into Caddo Middle Magnet, which is the BEST middle school in the state of Louisiana. Just to brag for a second...he is definitely a smart-ASS, but he is also VERY smart-brained! He scored in the 95% percentile on the admission test. Wow. I am very proud of him.

Second, my Sammy -
is going to be a Munchkin in "Oz the Musical" on June 2 at The Strand Theatre here in Shreveport! He is super excited about getting to sing and dance on stage. This is the kid who knows every word to every Journey song. He also likes Rocky movies, walks in the woods, and farting.

Also a note for me as a proud mama....both of my boys will be performing their own kung fu duo demonstration called "Big Trouble in Little China" next week in our local Artbreak Talent Show. They had to audition to be in it, and of over 80 groups of kids who tried out, only about 20 were picked. So I am defintely proud of them. They will be doing a traditional Chinese Lion Dance (in this:and then will do a choreographed (sp?) fight sequence, and then Sammy will do his sabre form, and Michael will follow up with his staff form. I will be video-taping, so I will probably post somewhere and let everyone know. I am so proud of them for sticking with kung fu for 5 years now. It takes a good 10 -12 years for someone to get a black belt in kung fu, and Michael is already halfway there. Sammy is trucking along and getting ready to test for his green belt. (proud mama moment) I would much rather be a kung fu mom than a soccer mom ANY day of the week!

So, that is enough of my gushing over my kids. I have tried not to on this blog, but I can't help it, they are my life!
Ciao!

"Zombology" now available for purchase.

2009-04-13T10:13:00.002-05:00

The anthology "Zombology" by Library of the Living Dead Press, with my short story "Every Rose..." in it, is now available for purchase at Amazon! Here is the link: Zombology@Amazon
From what I have read so far, everyone's stories are just awesome! I am impressed. It is very exciting to see my name and story in print. Please go purchase if you can!

Getting paid!

2009-03-06T12:41:00.003-06:00

I just found out that Dr. Pus will be able to pay all of the authors for their stories being published in the Zombology books! I am having 3 published! Although it's not much, in my mind, being a PAID author is a bigger deal than being an unpaid author! Wow!!! The first Zombology book will be out the end of March, says Dr. Pus, so I will keep everyone updated on when it's available! YAY!!!

Update!!

2009-03-05T13:09:00.000-06:00

Dr. Pus accepted my flash fiction submission "The Neighborhood" for Zombology IV - The Quick and the Undead! YAY!!! That will be 3 of my stories published my LotLD! YAY!

2009-03-05T12:23:00.002-06:00

The Scribbler
Thanks to my friend, Matthew Baugh for awarding me a Superior Scribbler Award! I get the honor of passing this on to five deserving folks, so I have picked these:

1. Matthew Baugh! Right back at ya, buddy! Matthew is so nice and so encouraging! He is one of my new 'net friends and I think I am better for knowing him! Go read his blog "Fantasic Frontiers!" It's...fantastic!

2. Jorge Garcia from Lost and his blog "Dispatches from the Island!" Jorge is a great, funny, down to earth guy. Plus, he sent my two kiddos autographed pics! That just made our day.

3. Dark Wing Mantis and his blog: http://hiveofhorror.vox.com/library/posts/page/1/

I love reading his opinions and thoughts on all kinds of things, and especially horror!

4. Robert R. Best - author of some of my favorite short stories, "All Kinds of Things Kill." He is such a great writer, and I had the privelege of having him write a short story about me, "Kill Dead Mama!"

5. Patrick Rutigliano - also known as "Prutig" at Permuted forums! He and I are appearing in Library of the Living Dead's "Zombology" anthology soon, so I had to give him props!

Of course, as with every Bloggy Award, there are A Few Rules. They are, forthwith:
Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.
Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.
Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.
Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!
Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

Waiting...

2009-02-19T13:35:00.002-06:00

I submitted a flash fiction zombie story to Dr. Pus at Library of the Living Dead yesterday, for the soon to be published "Zombology IV" which is nothing but flash fiction. That means 500 words or less. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be! I had to do some MAJOR editing!!!! So, I am just waiting to hear back on whether or not he accepts it....nervous nail biting here, people.

On another note, I am in the process of reading Volumes 1-9 of "The Walking Dead" comics again, for the third time! They are just awesomely (new word there) good and well written! I have never bought the single issues as they come out, I just wait for the Volumes, which is hard to do! Volume 10 comes out in August, so that's my month, I guess. If you have never read them, drop what you are doing and go to the local comic store and get them, now! Be prepared to sequester yourself for about a day to get them read, if not more than that to re-read them again immediately after!

Geekin' Out

2009-02-16T00:59:00.002-06:00

I am still totally hyped about getting a couple of my short stories published. One of my ambitions in life has always been to get something published. Now that is happening, I feel the need to bump it up a notch and start working on a book. I am just waiting for that idea or inspiration to come along. A lot of my ideas, as silly as it may sound, come to me in dreams! It's like my subconscious imagination works while I sleep and plants these seeds in my mind. Sometimes I forget them, so I am keeping a journal on my nightstand - just in case.
The thing is, I really need to devote time to writing. I mostly do it in spurts, just whenever I feel like it. I need to set aside time from my already horrendously busy schedule and just focus on writing. I also need to exercise, so ha ha, let's see how that goes!
Anyhow, I had a great busy weekend. I love living in Louisiana - Mardi Gras parades are so awesome! It's an all day party just to act crazy for 2 hours to try to get people to bean you with cheap pieces of plastic! Where else can you do that? You tell me.

Zombology!!!!

2009-02-08T11:22:00.003-06:00

Be on the lookout for "Zombology" from Library of the Living Dead Press, in late March/early April 2009! It will be available on Amazon.com as well as some other online booksellers! Not only will there be lots of great zombie short stories, yours truly will have one in there! Yep, Dr. P decided to put "Every Rose..." in it! He will also be releasing a "Zombology 2" later, and that will have "Release" in it, which is another short story I wrote.
I am super-duper excited about this - my first published work! It's really motivating me to write more.
I don't know what kind of response I will get, because it is my first published work and probably not all that great. I can already hear the criticisms....I guess I am just being a pessimist. Ugh!

Busy times!

2008-12-05T13:45:00.002-06:00

SO, it's been awhile, but rest assured, I am writing a few things! I am working on a short story on my lunch breaks at work, and also trying to come up with some ideas for continuation of "Every Rose..." which lots of people have said they would like to read more of. It's just crazy busy, of course, with Christmas and New Years, and not to mention both of my kids birthdays! So, I will post another complete story when I complete one. Thanks!

News.....

2008-09-05T19:24:00.001-05:00

Bad news guys...I can't post "Release" here because Dr. Pus accepted it! WOO HOO!

Submitted a new short story...

2008-09-05T16:19:00.001-05:00

I submitted a new short story I wrote called "Release" to a "Zomblology" that is being published by Dr. Pus at Library of the Living Dead. He said he loved "Every Rose" but it was too long! He wants to possibly put that one into a book of novellas he will publish later. So, I don't want to put "Release" on here just yet. If I get a rejection, I will publish it here. If not...then I will tell you when the book is coming out so you can buy a copy!

Wonderful News!

2008-08-14T18:46:00.003-05:00

Just found out today that Dr. Pus at the Library of the Living Dead wants to present my story on his weekly podcast! This is so amazing and wonderful to me - my first short story and everyone is loving it and Dr. Pus wants to read it on a podcast! WOW! I will post more details later when I find out!!

Every Rose....(Short Story)

2008-08-12T12:18:00.004-05:00

Part 1

Rose was tired. She was more tired than she could ever remember being. Sleep was elusive right now; it was just beyond her, yet she could not grasp it. It was one of those kinds of tired where you could fall down from exhaustion, yet no matter what, you couldn’t get to sleep.

Having a gaping wound on her right upper thigh probably didn’t help either. Rose looked down at the blood as it pooled around her feet on the cold, cement floor. The rope that bound them was so soaked in blood that it looked black. Her hands were also bound with the same skin-cutting rope, tied behind her back to some sort of pole. Her head hung forward with her dark hair lank and dirty in her eyes.

Rose felt like enough was enough. The stranger that kidnapped her had held her prisoner in this basement-like prison for what felt like ages, but was realistically three days now. She knew that it was going to happen soon; she would die. Her best bet was that it happened before he could get to her again. The last time he was down here with her, he teased and tortured her with a sharp bowie knife. She got the feeling that he wasn’t going to actually use it at the time. When the stranger grazed the dull side of the knife along her left thigh, he received somewhat of a shock when she purposefully squeezed her right thigh against. It easily sliced through her flesh, causing damage, but not hitting the artery like she had hoped. The stranger looked at her in shock, called her a crazy bitch and stormed up the stairs. Now she watched as the blood ran lighter out of the flayed skin and started to clot somewhat.

Hunger and dehydration began to get to Rose the day before. She started to hallucinate. She had always heard about the secrets of her family tribe, but now it seemed those ancestors were before her validating everything she never believed. Rose knew that her grandfather had been the chief of a small tribe of Native Americans. She never paid much attention to any of it, but her grandmother told the tales to anyone who would listen. Grandmother was the one who came to Rose in what she assumed to be delirious images. She spoke of the old traditions – the letting of blood and the trials to be become a man. She spoke of how the members of the tribe would name their young – at two weeks old, the baby was left in a woven cradle outside the ring of teepees, and that night a spirit would come to the mother and whisper the child’s name into her ear during her sleep. If the baby lived and was not taken by the spirits, the mother would wake the next morning and gather up her child, and all the tribe members would look upon it and forever call it by the name the mother dreamed. If the baby was not there or not alive in the morning, then the spirits loved it too much to expose it to the evils of the earth and took it back to the spirit world. The tribe must never forget the baby, for it still has a name. They must forever send up smoke in remembrance, lest the spirit of the child get angry and take another newborn.

Rose never knew if she believed all of this, but at this point, it seemed to make sense to her. After all, Grandmother always told her that her name meant so much more than anyone could imagine. Looking down at her wound, trying to will it to bleed more, she thought about the story of her naming. Her mother had always told her that she was named after an old family friend, but Rose never knew of this other person who shared her name. Grandmother told her that it was whispered in her mother’s ear, even though as a two-week old baby she was never left in a woven cradle outdoors. She told her that since she was the first baby of their tribe to not be put through the ritual, things would be a little different for her. As far as what that difference was, Rose never knew. Grandmother died before Rose was a teenager and she never finished the tale.

Rose looked up when she heard the whispering. She shook her head from side to side to clear it a little, but Grandmother still stood in front of her. She was smiling peacefully and moving her hands around as if telling a story. Rose saw her lips moving and just faintly heard her voice. It grew louder, though still faint.

“Rose, Rose….you must listen….you must learn….” Grandmother said in her soft, soothing voice.

Not knowing what else to do, Rose answered

“I’m listening, Grandmother,” she sighed, “I’m listening.”

Part 2

The urge had been in him for awhile now. It started some years ago, but he ignored it. Always muddling through life, working crappy part-time jobs, just barely getting by; he was never happy. He tried to figure out what it would take to make him happy, though deep down, he knew. The first time he shed another person’s blood, the stress and hopelessness of his meager life melted away. That girl was his first – he was no longer a virgin to blood-letting. He drank their blood, thinking himself some kind of vampire, though not in the usual sense. The peace lasted a few weeks, maybe a month – and then the urge came back stronger than before. He was mad with desire to be more than he really was – a homicidal maniac who was merely human.

He found ways to get around being caught – homeless girls, hookers and the like quenched his thirst for a time. After about a year of killing them, he started to feel like their blood was a waste. It wasn’t good enough for him; it tasted spoiled. He needed more – girls with good blood. Those who were pure, untouched by the evils of this world. He needed innocence.

He almost got caught when he went after a local co-ed. She was a little too popular, and that being his first time with a wholesome girl, he was sloppy. Luckily, a few months after her body was discovered, a recently imprisoned inmate confessed to the crime. The cops were ready to close the case and the prisoner was tried and convicted. He knew he got off easy and vowed to never make the same mistake again.

He had to get a little bit craftier. He had to look around, find a good girl who wouldn’t be missed. The urge was getting stronger and he couldn’t wait much longer. Driving down the highway one night, he saw a sign for the local science museum. He made it a point to visit the next day, knowing that all sorts of people worked at those kinds of places. He couldn’t believe it when he went, it couldn’t be this easy – his first trip in and he found the perfect good girl. She worked the counter at the tiny gift shop in the museum. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. He knew his staring would be ominous, so he stood in front of a display that sold rocks and minerals by the bag. It had a reflective backing, so while pretending to choose his selections wisely, he watched the girl intently.

She was obviously part Native American. She had dark, thick hair, and large eyes that were darker than the night. Her skin was naturally tanned without a blemish to mar it. She looked young, nineteen or twenty, maybe. She was working alone. He walked to the counter with his bag filled, pulling out his wallet. She smiled and asked him the usual, “did you find everything okay?” type of questions. He noticed that she had a beaded necklace on – one of those hand-made, colorful items that you could only get at these kinds of shops. It was in the shape of a rose, formed with tiny seed beads. She noticed him eyeing it and she put her hand on it.

“Do you like it? We sell them here.” She twirled it around her finger. “None other like this, though.”

“It’s nice,” he commented. She smiled at him and pointed at her name badge.

“Rose,” she said, “Get it?”

“Ah,” he stammered, “very nice. Pretty name for a pretty girl.” The girl blushed a little and he knew she was the one.

He pulled his car around back after he left the museum. It closed at nine o’clock, so at eight thirty, he started to get anxious. He watched intently, waiting for her to step out, hoping he would get lucky and she would be alone again. A few minutes after closing, several employees came out, but she wasn’t among them. After waiting almost half an hour, he almost gave up, thinking he had just missed her. He reached for his keys to turn over the ignition when the back door opened and she stepped out – alone. He heart raced and hammered his ribs. After first making sure no one was around, he stepped out of his car. She kept walking, not paying any attention to the slamming car door. More proof of her innocence. He walked towards her and she suddenly turned towards him.

“Oh, it’s only you.” she said, looking relieved. “Was something wrong with your purchase? Because we’re closed for the night.”

She never even saw it coming. He had been hiding a rope behind his back – he jumped at her and wrenched himself behind her. She never had a chance to even scream – he wound the rope around her neck and squeezed until he was sure she had passed out, but wasn’t dead. There would time for that later. After shoving her into his backseat, he tied her up with the rope – hog-tied, really – and stuffed the bag of rocks that he had purchased earlier in her mouth. The drive back to his home was pure torture; he fought the desire to pull over and slice her just a little to taste her. But he wanted to wait, to make this one last.

He got her home and set her up in the basement, tying her ankles and wrists together separately and binding them to a pole. She was still out cold, so he decided he revive her. He left the bag of rocks in her mouth, so he could talk without listening to her screams, for he knew she would scream. They all did. He grabbed a spray bottle that held water for his ironing, and sprayed her in the face. After a few squirts, she started to move, and she slowly came around. Surprisingly, she didn’t make a sound, much less try to scream. She picked her head up and looked straight at him. Those eyes were so dark – he almost couldn’t resist. He thought he could smell her dark, sweet blood pulsing through her veins.

“No screams for me?” he asked her. She just looked at him, boring her eyes into his forehead.

“Well, Rose, we are going to be spending a little time together, it seems. You are quite an impressive girl…but didn’t anyone tell you not to talk to strangers?”

He picked up a sharpened bowie knife off of a near by table. Rose’s eyes grew huge, but she still managed to keep quiet. He was impressed; she didn’t even try to get out of her bonds. He pushed up the sleeve on her t-shirt, revealing a dark, muscular upper arm. He moved to the back of her and slowly brought the knife to her flesh. She jerked a little when he made a small incision – not too deep. He didn’t want her to bleed to death – yet. The blood welled to the surface quickly, and he could restrain himself no longer. He first stuck out his tongue and tried a small lick. It was delicious, just like he knew if would be. He grabbed her arm and attached his lips to the area around the cut. He suckled just like a baby kitten. He moaned while his sucking drew out more blood, caressing the cut with his tongue. This did make the girl whimper a little. Slowly but surely, the urge ebbed. This was the best tasting girl he had ever had; he knew he had to stop, so he could have more later on. He pulled away reluctantly and grabbed a bandage he had stuffed in his pocket. He wrapped this around her arm as best as he could and walked back around so she could see him. She looked a little defeated now, and this made him smile. Her head drooped forward and her chin almost touched her chest. She slowly raised her head, then her eyes, to look at him. What she saw was the smile of a psycho, teeth and lips red with her blood. She blacked out again and he laughed, fleeing up the stairs, locking the bolt on the door behind him.

Part 3

“You were the first, my dear. The first to not be put outside. The first to not truly go through the ritual.” Rose listened to the embodied voice of her grandmother, her head hanging, her eyes closed, just listening.

“We knew that you were special. On the exact night of your two week birthday, your mother woke up screaming, crying for me. I was there to help with you, and you were in my arms when she cried for me. I put you in your cradle, and ran to her. She was sitting up in bed, shivering and sweating all at once. Her eyes were wide and blazing, like that of a mad woman.

“What is it, little du'u'?” I asked as I came to her and sat down on the bed. I called your mother du'u' from when she was small, she was always hopping around like a little rabbit!

“Mother, we have to change her name.” she told me. “It can’t be Rose. I should have put her through the ritual mother, I should have!”

“What is all this talk? Rose is a fine name! Do not believe these stories and rituals,” I told her, to try to put her at ease. In reality, I was concerned and needed to know what she meant.

“Tell me, du'u', why do you say this?”

“The dream, mother, I had the dream. The spirit came to me. It told me that because I named her Rose on my own, and did not put her through the ritual, that she will embody her name and it will be her curse.”

“Nonsense, daughter! You are having nervous dreams, what do the doctors call it? Post-pregnancy parting something or another…there is nothing wrong with that precious baby girl!”

“Mother, it was so real. I know it was real. I am so scared for her. Where is she?” Your mother started to look frantic, so I reassured her and told her I would go get you. When I walked into your room, you were sleeping peacefully in your cradle. I walked towards you and noticed something that wasn’t there before. You had a necklace around you – one shaped like a rose, made with tiny beads. I didn’t know how it got there, and I didn’t want to scare your mother anymore. I took you into her room and when she asked where it came from, I lied and told her I made it and placed it around you. I see you still wear that necklace. It is your namesake. In life I never knew what curse your name holds, but if I had known, I would have done what your mother wanted instead of talking her out of it. Your name would not be Rose, but it is and that will never change. When you die, my dear granddaughter, your spirit will not re-enter the realm where all others dwell. This is as a punishment from the spirit that was taken from me, the baby whose name I forgot and did not remember. That spirit became angrier when I didn’t make my daughter put her daughter through the ritual. Such continues the sad consequences of the future generations paying for the mistakes of the past generations. I am sorry, my granddaughter, for my mistakes and for having to say goodbye. I am not allowed to dwell here with you any longer. Do not fear death, for when you die, you will not truly be dead. You can have your revenge on this stranger. Goodbye granddaughter…..goodbye, Rose.”

Part 4

Rose listened to her grandmother – or the words of what might just be her own delirium. She felt like she had nothing to lose at this point, having decided shortly after the stranger first drank her blood that she would rather die by her own hand than by his. Now, if what her grandmother said was true, then the key to her escape and her revenge was to die.

Rose had always been strong-willed. She hated for anyone to know that she was in pain. As a girl, she remembered breaking her wrist after falling off her bike. She had picked herself up from the ground, looked at her wrist bent into a funny shape, and simply walked into the house, holding it in front of her. Her mother had her back turned, washing dishes.

“Mom,” Rose said. Her mother turned around, took one look at the wrist and screamed. It always seemed that when everyone else was frantic over something, Rose was calm and serious. She was a sweet girl, never bad enough to warrant serious discipline; and as she became a young woman, those qualities stayed with her. Being raised with her mother and grandmother didn’t help – Grandmother was caring but overbearing and used every opportunity to smother Rose with her advice and old stories.

Rose did realize that she was very lucky, in some ways. Growing up without a father, or any male role model at all, was difficult. Grandmother was there to help, but she never talked about Rose’s father. Once, she told her that the reason was that it was too hard for Rose’s mother to hear about it. Rose did know that her father was a good man, quiet and kind, just like she was. He died when Rose’s mother was seven months pregnant - falling from a building he was doing construction on. Sometimes Rose wondered if her mother’s depression during those last months of pregnancy made her the way she was.

Now, as Rose hung from that pole, desperate for either rescue or death, she thought about all these things and more. In the last three days, the stranger had come down to the basement every few hours, made a small cut somewhere on her upper body, drank her blood for a few minutes, then bandaged her up and left. Twice he took the bag out of her mouth and gave her water. The last time he came, he toyed with opening a wound on her thigh, but she helped with that. His shock at this caused him to forget to gag her again, fleeing up the stairs. Rose got the idea that not being in control of that situation caused him to lose sight of what he was doing. She dreaded his return, not knowing if he would be crazier than before with anger at her. Rose knew what she needed to do, though after deciding earlier that she wouldn’t let him kill her, it was going to be very difficult. After being tied up for days with barely any water and not given a chance to relieve herself properly, Rose made the choice to not be made to feel ashamed and weak. If her grandmother had really been here and what she said was true, Rose would have her revenge, and this stranger had no idea what was in store for him. If she had to be honest with herself, she had no idea either.

Part 5

When he bolted the door after leaving the girl, his mind reeled. He did want to cut her thigh, but he wanted to do it! That girl had purposefully pushed her thigh on his knife! What was she doing? This was his game – he made the rules and he moved the pieces – not her! Even though the urge to drink her blood was strong after she opened the wound, he had to flee. He had to think. He remembered that he forgot to gag her, but she wasn’t a screamer and he knew it would be alright. He so wanted to make this one last, but it seemed that maybe she needed to go sooner, so he could concentrate on finding another. After getting his fill of this girl, he knew he would have plenty of time to hunt and find the right one.

He made up his mind that he would do it tonight. He was full of anticipation of draining her of her sweet blood. Never had he had so much of such a good thing. He wondered what it would be like. Would he feel a sense of peace like he had never had? Would it be different from all the other girls when the last of her life was squeezed out of her, and into his wanting mouth? Would the urge abate for longer this time? That is what he hoped for, so he could have as much time as he needed to find his next girl.

He went to the garage to gather what he needed. The bowie knife was no longer an option; she had ruined that for him. He wanted to be in control of this last moment with her. Grabbing a pack of blue shop towels, he remembered the razor blades that were stored in his medicine cabinet. They had never been opened and he knew they would be sharp. Before leaving the garage, he grabbed a plastic mopping bucket. He headed for the bathroom. After gathering the last of his supplies, he saw his CD player out of the corner of his eye. Yanking the plug from the wall, he gathered it in his free arm. He knew what CD was in it and that made him even more confident. He crossed the kitchen and unbolted the basement door. His sick smile as he descended the stairs was a testament to the sadistic game he was about to play.

Part 6

Rose heard the bolt being unlocked. She knew this was it and she made a quick, silent prayer to those who went before her to the spirit realm. She had to be brave; she had to do what must be done.

The stranger came down the stairs with various items in his arms. She watched him as he carefully set them down on the table, one by one. A CD player stereo, a pack of blue shop towels, a plastic bucket, and a small package wrapped in paper that she didn’t recognize. This is it, she thought to herself, I won’t give him the satisfaction of hearing my voice or knowing he is hurting me. The stranger turned and smiled at Rose.

“Well now, first things first,” he said as the picked up the bucket and towels, “Wouldn’t want to make a mess or waste anything, now would we?”

He bent down and lifted her feet. He loosened the ropes just a little, enough to fit them inside the bucket as it sat on the floor. Rose began to shake; she was getting an idea of why he was doing that. The stranger tore open the pack of towels and bunched them around the bucket.

“There now,” he said. “Waste not, want not!”

Rose panted in an attempt to calm her nerves – she didn’t want to shake. She didn’t want to give way to her fear. She settled down a little bit when he turned back to the table. He was fiddling around with the stereo and she presumed he was finding a plug behind the table. He leaned up and pushed a button on the display. Skipping through a few songs, he found the one he wanted. The stranger pushed play.

The opening chord of the guitar immediately gave away the song to Rose.

“People are strange, when you’re a stranger….” The lyrics began and he turned to face her. He was holding something in his hand, though it was too small for Rose to see.

“Wondering what this is?” he asked her. He opened his hand to reveal a single, small razor blade. She made no reaction to this and he was beyond being surprised. The bag of rocks he had used to gag her lay on the table next to his supplies, but she had never uttered a word. He moved toward Rose, examining her for places on her body that he had not cut yet. He was planning on starting slow and working his way up to the finale. Moving behind her, he raised the blade to the back of her neck where her hair had parted to fall on either side of her face. He made a horizontal slice, not minding if he cut her too deep this time. The blood flowed, dark and rich. As it cascaded down her neck, it ran down her back in small rivulets and soaked into her shirt and skirt.

“What was I thinking?” he wondered aloud. With a few deft slices of the blade, he had all of her clothes off. Rose shivered in the cold, dank air that surrounded her. Not being dressed allowed the blood to flow freely down her back, over her buttocks and eventually into the bucket she stood in. The only thing left on her body was the beaded necklace. Rose felt a tug as her reached around to pull it over her head, and she was totally naked. She wondered to herself if he meant to sexually assault her, but something inside told her that all he wanted was her blood, not her virginity. The slice in her neck didn’t hurt much; none of the cuts he made really did at first. Only later when they began to heal did they throb and sting – but this time she was sure there would be no later for her, or for him. She closed her eyes and silently left him to do his work, with The Doors blaring from the speakers of the stereo.

Part 7

He knew he had to slow down; he was getting too anxious. He had already made several slices along her neck and back, watching the blood flow and slurping his fill as he did. He decided it was time to move to the front of her body, the area of her he had cut sparingly. It was smooth and free of wounds over most of it, unlike her back. As he looked at Rose and pondered where to cut next, she stood there, head drooped, and body sagged. He had to admit to himself that she did have a quite beautiful body – but he had no stirrings of lust for her. His satisfaction came from the peace he felt from devouring her very life essence.

He finally decided on making a straight cut down the center of her torso, from the bottom of her neck to her navel. It wouldn’t be too deep, just enough to start the flow. He placed the blade on her skin and slowly moved it down, watching the garnet drops appear along the edges of the cut. The blood started to flow faster and it collected in her navel before spilling out and over the rest of her, into the bucket. The stranger placed his tongue at the bottom of the wound and let some of her blood flow into his mouth before moving his tongue vertically to the very top where the incision stopped. The girl picked her head up as he moved up, to give him the room he needed. When he came to a halt near her face, he looked into her eyes and smiled, her blood staining his teeth deep crimson. It was time.

The stranger moved away. Rose kept her head up, now interested in what he would do next. His back was turned and when he came back around, he held a new, fresh razor blade in his hand. He lifted it up in his fingers and moved toward her neck. She knew it was coming, so she tilted her head back slightly. The stranger wondered if he would ever find a more delicious, willing participant ever again. His hand shook ever so slightly as he pushed the blade into her neck. He made an angled slice on each side, under her jaw. Rose’s eyes bulged slightly and her head drooped as her life began to drain out of her. The stranger stepped back and watched as the bucket slowly filled. The girl picked her head up one last time, looked at him and whispered the words

“See you.”

Part 8

“Don’t you love her madly? Wanna be her daddy? Don’t you love her as she’s walking out the door….like she did one thousand times before…”

There was a feeling like everything coming back at once. Like being at the fair, and all the sounds of the rides, children, and hawkers were very faint, then they are suddenly rushed into being extremely loud. It was like being at one end of a dark tunnel, then in the next instant being at the other lighted end, without even moving. She stirred without thinking. She sat up gingerly from lying in a heap face down on the cold floor of the basement; the rope that bound her wrists was cut, but her ankles were still tied to the pole. She looked around and found a razor blade on the floor, red blood crusting to it. She used this to saw through the rope that bound her ankles. Standing up, she looked around. It was almost completely dark and it was quiet, only the sound of Jim Morrison crooning his poetry. She looked down and noticed she was completely nude. She wondered why, then it all started coming back to her. Rose’s fingers flew to her throat. She felt the wounds on each side, her fingers entering them slightly. Pulling her hand away, she saw that no fresh blood was on her fingertips. The realization of what she was – what the curse was – suddenly dawned on her. Grandmother was right; she did embody her name. She rose.

She looked around for her clothes, and then remembering that they were cut and torn, she decided that that could wait. Rose turned towards the stairs that led out of the basement. The door at the top was slightly ajar; a small bit of light shining down. She climbed slowly. She reached the door and opened it, peeking around the edge. It was a small kitchen, outdated and slightly messy. No one was in it, so she moved forward, trying not to make a sound. Tip toeing across the tile, she moved to the entry way of the living room. A light showed in the hallway behind it and she headed that way, leaving flakey, dark brown foot prints on the carpet.

When she got close to the door where the light was, she paused, listening. She heard a strange slurping sound. Thinking of what it probably was, she furrowed her brow in anger. Quickly, Rose took her place in front of the door. It was a bathroom, and there, on the floor, sat the stranger, with his back turned to her. He didn’t even know she was there yet. He held the bucket, the one that her blood had flowed into, in his hands. He had his head back and his mouth on the rim of it, tilting it like a child drinking juice from a cup. Anger welled up in Rose. She had been quiet. She didn’t scream when he cut her. She didn’t make a sound when he sucked the blood from her opened flesh. She held her breath and bit her tongue when he sliced her throat with the razor blade. But she was tired of being silent.

With all her might, with every ounce of energy in her cold, dead body, Rose screamed. She screamed like a thousand panthers in unison. This was not a scream of anguish, but a scream of pure and utter rage. The stranger turned quickly, dropping his bucket, eyes wide and unbelieving. What stood before him was like nothing he had ever seen. The girl – she was here – she was alive, but that couldn’t be. He watched her die. He knew he had drained every drop of her blood, yet here she stood, screaming. She had never screamed before. Rose came for him, arms out and ready to attack. The stranger cowered and covered his head with his arms. He felt the searing pain of the girl’s finger nails clawing at him to pull his arms away. She finally had them in her grip and she pulled them away so hard that the stranger heard his wrists snap. Now his screams began, and hers stopped. She looked him in the eye while he fought against her and she smiled, and said to him, “First things first. We wouldn’t want to waste anything, now would we?”

Rose brought his fingers to her mouth, and without fully understanding why, she bit down and chewed. The stranger screamed louder as she made deft work of devouring the flesh from his bones. The more she gnawed, the more she realized that she actually hungered for his flesh. He fought against her constantly, but Rose had a strength she didn’t have in life. He would never be able to free himself from her grip. She squeezed his broken wrists harder and using her teeth, she began to peel away the flesh from his hand, a hand that still had her own dried blood on it.

It took Rose about an hour to devour the flesh off the parts of him that she wanted; his hands, feet, neck, and finally his back. She abandoned what was left of him in the bathroom, and licking her fingers, she headed back down to the basement. She heard the music still playing as she descended the stairs.

Rose walked over to the table and saw where he had set her rose necklace. She picked it up and placed it back around her neck. When she did, a feeling came over her. It was warmth and a kind of sadness, but familiar…she felt alive again. She wondered for a moment, and then removed the necklace. The feeling went away, replaced by a feeling of strength and a hunger deep in her stomach. Rose smiled to herself. Maybe this curse wouldn’t be so bad after all. This was going to be very interesting.

“Shake dreams from your hair, my pretty child, my sweet one, choose the day and choose the sign of your day, the day's divinity.”

Welcome!

2008-08-12T12:15:00.003-05:00

Welcome to my blog! I am using this blog strictly for posting my writing. I have always wanted to write but never really knew what I wanted to write about. I have recently discovered a liking to books about zombies - and I thought I just might try my hand at that! Thanks to some very talented writers that I have met through Permuted Press (www.permutedpress.com) I have been inspired! You know who you are!