Kate M. Colby's Blog

In the dark corners of New Orleans, beware of the vampires…

Whether they sparkle or bite, vampire mythology runs deep in the veins of these storytellers. A group of extraordinary writers gathered in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the heart of the French Quarter to collaborate on a bloodcurdling anthology for the “Vampires of New Orleans” writer’s retreat hosted by J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon. These talented writers wrote a collection of short stories in a co-created world that will satisfy even the biggest fans of vampire lore.

Vampires of New Orleans is the new paranormal dark fantasy anthology published by Molten Universe Media. All proceeds will be donated to Covenant House, a non-profit organization in New Orleans, dedicated to helping at-risk and homeless youth.

Stories by: J. Thorn & Zach Bohannon, Kate M. Colby, Catherine Spader, Michael Axe, and S.A. Schneider.

I’ve contributed “Another Dead End.” It follows a woman’s search for the truth behind why her mother abandoned her. Read below for how the anthology came about then get your copy on Amazon.

The Story Behind the Stories

In my pre-motherhood life, I and the anthology’s other authors traveled to New Orleans for a writer’s retreat. As they did for the Salem witches retreat, our mentors, J. and Zach, went all out. They arranged a Zoom conversation with Dacre Stoker, the great-grandnephew of Bram Stoker (yes, as in Dracula). Dacre shared stories about his uncle’s work, how Bram created his legendary vampire, and his personal family research.

After hours, we slipped away to a vampire speakeasy. Without giving too much away, you have to get the password then head to the back of a nondescript bar and up a hidden set of stairs. The atmosphere was laidback, yet a little spooky, but I couldn’t drink. I was around two months pregnant at the time…

That’s why I included a pregnant character in “Another Dead End.” Motherhood is the central theme of the story. What does it mean to be a good mother? How much do we owe our parents? What are the limits of parent-child love?

I can’t say much more without spoilers. But I hope you enjoy it.

If you’re a fan of vampires and dark fantasy, then this anthology will be right up your alley. Your dark, moonlit, New Orleans alley.

Get your copy on Amazon and support a wonderful local charity today.

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In the shadows of Salem lurks more than just witches…

Curse of the Spiral: Witches of Salem Short Story Collection is the new paranormal dark fantasy anthology published by Molten Universe Media. It features over a dozen short stories about witches, magic and a mysterious spiral shape that spells order or chaos.

All proceeds will be donated to House of the Seven Gables, a non-profit organization in Salem, Massachusetts, whose mission is to be a welcoming, thriving, historic site and community resource that engages people of all backgrounds in our inclusive American story.

I’ve contributed The Hanging Tree, about a Puritan-born witch who returns to Salem and isn’t exactly pleased with the “witch tourism” industry. Read below for how the anthology came about then get your copy on Amazon.

The Story Behind the Stories

Back in July 2021, I and the collection’s other authors traveled to Salem, Massachusetts, for a once-in-a-lifetime retreat.

Under the mentorship of best-selling authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, we attended a two-day writing workshop, explored the city and created a shared concept for our stories.

Not only were the other authors awesome people (I mean, Salem people are my kind of people), it was humbling and inspiring to work alongside them. Some of them were far ahead of me in their publishing careers, so learning from them was such an honor. I like to think I contributed a bit of wisdom to the bunch, too.

I also got to check off more sites from my Salem tourist list. Daniel (my husband) and I visited Proctor’s Ledge, where the victims of the Salem Witch Trials were hanged. We also stopped by the local Satanic Temple.

If you enjoy dark fantasy, paranormal fiction, and (of course!) witches, you’ll love the stories in Curse of the Spiral. Each author has brought a totally unique take on magic, ranging from devout Puritans to cursed, has-been rockstars.

Get your copy on Amazon and support a wonderful local charity today.

And to see all the anthologies to which I’ve contributed, check out the short fiction page.

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Ground Fiction Volume 2, Issue 1 is out now! Get your ebook or paperback copy on Amazon today.

What is Ground Fiction? And how did I get involved with it?

Ground Fiction is a bi-annual literary journal and writing collective. I was invited to join by editor Seth Harwood (who is also my thesis supervisor at Harvard Extension School and a best-selling crime fiction author). He’s brought together a talented group of 16 writers, who write everything from science fiction to action-packed thrillers.

For the second issue, I’ve contributed “A Hex on Hallowed Ground.” It’s an excerpt from my upcoming paranormal fantasy novel set in modern-day Salem, Massachusetts. You’ll meet Lorena Rivera, a psychic and former monster hunter who’s just trying to run her psychic shop … until something wicked comes to Salem.

I’m honored to have my writing featured alongside works from so many talented writers. I’m even more honored to call some of them friends. Their work is truly groundbreaking, and I can’t wait for you to read all the fabulous stories.

The next issue of Ground Fiction will come out in the fall. Stay tuned to the blog or sign up for the Kate’s Coven email list for updates. (You also get a FREE paranormal fantasy short story when you sign up.) As always, I’ll let you know my writing progress and when the next issue publishes.

You can learn more about Ground Fiction and the featured writers at www.groundfiction.com.

Check out the Amazon page for more on Ground Fiction Volume 2, Issue 1 and to order your copy.

*Note to fellow authors: Ground Fiction is currently not accepting submissions. Please do not contact our already over-worked editor and manager!

The post Ground Fiction Volume 2, Issue 1: Available Now on Amazon appeared first on Kate M. Colby.

Every family has legends and sacred objects passed down through the generations. The stories get warped over time. The items gather dust and scratches. But the feelings of pride and love remain.

Nearly 10 years ago, I wrote “It Began With a Car” about the moment my parents met and the relic, a 1970 Chevy Nova SS, that represents that fateful day. The essay was the highlight of my undergraduate writing career. Not only because it won a creative nonfiction award at the international Sigma Tau Delta conference, but because it is the story of our family. And the beginning of my life’s story.

Here is the essay in its original form, followed by a little update:

It Began with a Car

She was a 1970 Chevy Nova SS. On the drag strip at Topeka’s Heartland Park, they called her “Black Panther.” She wasn’t the fastest car or the most expensive. Garrett Colby didn’t have the money to soup up her engine to the first division of racing, and she couldn’t keep up with her older, more-popular sister, the 1969 Camaro. But she had enough horsepower to hold her own in the slower divisions, and her engine growled at just the right tone to catch Sheila Bell’s attention – and that’s what really mattered.

The whole thing began with the Nova. It also began with a 7-Eleven, a bold co-pilot, and probably a few dozen ounces of liquid courage.

On Friday nights in 1987, the only worthwhile activity in the sleepy town of Olathe, Kansas, was to “Cruise the Fe.” This ritual consisted of driving casually from one end of Santa Fe, the city’s main drag, to the other – then repeating the process until someone came up with something better to do.

When no suitable alternative could be found, the cruisers would begin to converge on gas station and convenience store parking lots. Once the cars were parked, girls with piles of perm-induced curls would wander into the stores for cans of Diet Coke or Budweiser. The guys would lean against their driver’s side doors, unroll tucked packs of Marlboro Reds from their shirt sleeves, and light up for a smoke.

The Friday night when Garrett and Sheila met was in no way exceptional. Garrett had spent the day framing a house for his grandpa’s construction company, and he could not wait to jump into his Nova with his buddies and cruise for chicks. Sheila, on the other hand, had just finished an eight-hour cashiering shift at Dillon’s, and she and her friend Julie couldn’t wait to meet up with the rest of their gang on the Fe.

As with every other serendipitous meeting in history – Benjamin Franklin’s kite and the lightning bolt, peanut butter and jelly in a World War II trench, John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier at a dinner party – Garrett and Sheila’s meeting was a simple matter of right place, right time.

Garrett saw Sheila first. He had just turned his Nova into the parking lot of the Fe’s busiest watering hole, the 7-Eleven. He didn’t know what it was about Sheila (maybe her tight jeans or her spiraled golden hair or her smile), but whatever it was, he felt instantly attracted to her. Garrett’s co-pilot, Dean, who was much bolder than he, leaned out the window and began whistling at Sheila and Julie as they passed. When the two women turned their heads to stare at the rowdy boys, Garrett revved the Nova’s engine, honked her horn, and added a few whistles of his own to his friend’s cheers. Sheila and Julie grinned, shook their heads, and sauntered into the 7-Eleven.

It could have ended there. After Sheila disappeared into the gas station to buy her Diet Coke, Garrett drove off and rejoined the other muscle cars to cruise the Fe. Their meeting was nothing more than that of two birds perched on a telephone wire, meant to sway in the breeze for a few seconds and then fly back to their separate nests.

But it didn’t end there.

A few hours later, when the grey parking lots were lit only by the orange cones from streetlights and the yellow beams of headlights, Sheila saw Garrett again. Julie insisted they go over to talk to the group of guys smoking next to the black Chevy Nova, the ones who had whistled at them earlier.

“Come on, Sheila,” Julie groaned, grabbing Sheila’s elbow and pulling her to the other side of the parking lot. “They were cute, and besides, that’s a cool car.”

Secretly glad for Julie’s pushiness, but feigning reluctance, Sheila allowed herself to be dragged over to the whistlers. The backseat passengers were busy talking to a cluster of high-school girls whose eccentric outfits were obviously inspired by Madonna videos and gathered from secondhand stores. Julie immediately engaged the passenger, Dean, the one who had started the cat-calling. That left Sheila with the driver, Garrett.

“Hey, I’m Sheila,” she offered.

Garrett flicked his cigarette to the ground and meticulously stubbed out the ember with the toe of his cowboy boot. “I’m Garrett.”

“Your friend’s pretty, uh, loud,” Sheila laughed. “I think the whole parking lot heard him earlier.”

Garrett chuckled. “Yeah, he’s kind of an idiot around girls.”

“Your car’s pretty loud, too, but not in a bad way,” she said. “It’s a gorgeous car. I can tell you’ve put a lot of work into it. It’s a Nova, right? 1970?”

Garrett raised his eyebrows, impressed. He proudly looked over the Nova, admiring her sleek hood and her glittering, aluminum wheels. He took care of her, his Nova, washing her four or five times a week and polishing her wheels by hand at least twice a month. Most girls didn’t notice all of this effort. In fact, they identified the Nova as “a black car” or “one of those muscle-y cars.” No girls ever knew the year by sight.

“Yeah, she is,” he replied. “Thanks.”

***

I don’t know exactly what happened after that night. I know that Garrett and Sheila began dating: going out to house parties, seeing drive-in movies, and cruising the Fe whenever there was nothing better to do. I also know that Garrett insisted they stop to wash the Nova on the way to every date, even if they were just going over to his parents’ house for dinner. I know that one of Garrett’s housemates borrowed the Nova without his permission, which made him move out of their house in a rage and into a tiny rental home with Sheila. But most importantly, I know that one summer night, as they were driving the Nova home from dinner, Garrett looked over at Sheila and asked, “So when are you gonna marry me?”

Garrett and Sheila were married on October 29, 1988 in the wooden gazebo beside Garrett’s grandparents’ house. They drove away in the Nova, bumper dragging tin cans and light pink streamers and back window (which Garrett would scrub for three hours the next day) announcing JUST MARRIED in white shoe polish.

***

Today, the Nova sits in the grey, metal barn next to my house. In the 25 years my parents have been married, the car has deteriorated from “Black Panther,” the sleek drag racer, into the “summer project” that my dad never has the money, the time, or the will to piece back together. So she sits, broken and scattered, and waits.

Her transmission needs to be rebuilt. Her hood hangs on the wall, and her engine dangles precariously from a metal contraption. Her windows are cracked open, wide enough so she doesn’t get too stuffy, but narrow enough so the cats can’t crawl in and scratch her leather seats. Her ebony body is covered in so much dust that her fenders look brown. Her doors, surrounded by ATV parts and toolboxes, cannot be opened. When they are pried ajar, it is only so my dad can use her for storage: a place for unneeded motorcycle helmets, deflated inner tubes, and ripped cardboard boxes.

In my 16 years of solid, cognizant memory, I have never seen the Nova peel out onto the highway, leaving streaks of rubber and smoke in her wake. I have never heard her engine purr, like my mom did on the first night she met my dad. I have never sat in her leather seats and blared AC/DC, watching as cow pastures and stoplights and 7-Elevens whoosh by.

I will never live in the 1980s, that golden age of bad perms, almost-cancer-less cigarettes, and cruising the Fe on Friday nights. I have accepted that. What I cannot accept is the idea that the Nova will never run again.

My parents don’t understand why I sigh every time we walk past the Nova on our way to feed the horses. They roll their eyes when I suggest that my dad sell his 2006 Chevy truck – a move which would leave him with enough money to resurrect the Nova and buy the 1970 Chevy truck he’s always wanted. And God forbid I propose to buy her from them, or more radically, ask for her (broken transmission and all) as my graduation present.

I can’t seem to make them understand that, while the Nova is worth next-to-nothing in her current dilapidated state, she is worth the world to me. For me, the Nova represents American engineering in its best era: the age of roaring engines and street-racing (before the streets were taken over by plastic, Japanese cars with ridiculous neon lights under the axles). She stands for my family’s racing heritage, for my desire to drive a real car when I’m older, and for general bad-assery.

But more than that, the Nova represents my life. If it weren’t for her, my dad might not have been out cruising the Fe that Friday night. My mom might not have given him a second thought or recognized him later, which she did, because of the Nova. They might not have begun talking in that parking lot.

I might not exist.

It all began with a car. The shadow of my existence began with a car. With that car. With that 1970 Chevy Nova SS.

And I’ll be damned if it all ends before I see her restored.

Epilogue

A couple years ago, my dad finally started restoring the Nova. She has become a he, affectionately named “Omar” after the scarred and surprisingly likable villain in HBO’s The Wire. He needed, and still needs, a lot of work.

Last year, I visited home, and Dad took me out to his workshop. He put the key in the Nova’s ignition and fired him up. When I say that it roared, I cringe at the cliché. But damn, the engine did roar. It was raw and guttural and louder than any rock concert I’d ever been to. The rumbling rattled my sternum and made my eardrums ache. It was one of the most beautiful sounds I’d ever heard.

Dad turned the Nova off and admitted, with a boyish grin, that it might be too loud even for him.

Fast forward to late February 2021. The Nova was up and running. Dad had converted it from a drag car to a street cruiser. He’d even driven it to work, taking the side streets all the way since the Nova wasn’t, and still isn’t, quite up to highway speeds.

On the 26th, Dad got home from work and announced that he was taking the Nova to the gas station to test out his new tires. It was the first time he’d driven the Nova (and I was also free) since I moved back to Kansas. Every bit a dork, I raced down to my room and put on the “Black Panther” t-shirt I’d stolen out of my parents’ closet a decade ago. Then, I ran out to catch my ride.

Sitting inside the Nova was like entering a different world. The world of motor heads and car guys and mechanics. My grandpa’s old jacket was draped over the passenger seat behind me. The unfinished interior left the car’s skeleton exposed. There were no seatbelts. Without a radio, that roaring engine filled the cabin, along with every pop and creak and clink the Nova made.

As we drove, Dad explained what he still has left to do to fix up the Nova. At the gas station, he showed me where the gas goes – in the trunk – and how to fill it. On the way home, Dad stopped in the middle of the road, then gunned it like we were on the drag strip. The Nova’s front end lifted up – or at least it felt that way – and I was plastered back against the seat. I haven’t laughed like that, from pure fun and joy, in years.

We decided to do one more lap up and down the road. About a quarter mile from home, Dad looked over and asked, “Do you want to drive?”

We pulled over and Dad turned around in our neighbor’s driveway. I’m embarrassed to admit, I literally skipped over to the driver’s door. As we settled into each other’s seat, Dad showed me how to work the custom gear shift. Then, I put the Nova in drive and turned toward home.

I drove slow. Embarrassingly slow. But I wasn’t about to risk the health and safety of that precious car. The Nova glided down the road – a little loose, almost squirrelly – and I could feel the untapped power with every nudge of the gas pedal. With great care, I turned into our gravel driveway and parked.

I ran my fingers over the steering wheel and smiled. Something akin to joy and relief settled around my shoulders. Though the Nova still needs work, the story was complete. Dad had gotten him running again. I had seen him run, and even better, driven him myself. And when it’s my turn, I will do everything in my power to keep him running for future generations.

My mom jokingly refers to the Nova as my “inheritance.” Meaning that, after Dad’s done fixing him up, all their money will be in the car. (Ha.) Or that he’s the only thing of value they will leave me. (Double ha.) But she’s right.

The Nova is my inheritance, their legacy, one crucial piece in the story of our family. After all, it began with a car.

If you’d like to read more of my writing, join Kate’s Coven. You’ll receive The Witch, an exclusive short story about a witch who must save Salem from the devil, plus excerpts from my upcoming paranormal fantasy series.

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Located in San José, California, the Winchester House is a historic Bay Area landmark. Drawing thousands of visitors every year, it’s an architectural wonder and also one of the most haunted houses in the U.S. Last October, I visited the Winchester House with my husband and parents. In this article, I’ll share the house’s history, the debate about its haunting, and my experience as a visitor.

A Brief History

The Winchester family owned the Winchester Repeating Arms Company and manufactured the famous Winchester rifle. William Wirt Winchester and his wife, Sarah, lived in New Haven, Connecticut. (Fun fact: their original estate on Prospect Hill is now the site of the Yale Divinity School.) In 1866, the couple had a child, who subsequently died at just over one month old. In 1881, William died of tuberculosis at the young age of 43.

Since the couple had no surviving children, Sarah inherited the Winchester family fortune. As legend has it, she was despondent after William’s death and went to a psychic for help. The psychic told Sarah to move across the country and build a house that never ended to protect herself from the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles.  

In 1884, Sarah bought a farmhouse and orchard in San José, California. Starting in 1886, Sarah ordered the house to be expanded. Construction occurred 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, until her death in 1922. The next owners turned the house into the museum and tourist attraction it is today.

What’s so weird about the Winchester House?

The Winchester House is an architectural wonder. Originally, the farmhouse had only eight rooms. By the end of Sarah’s renovations, it sprawled over 24,000 square feet and contained 160 rooms. That doesn’t include the 13 bathrooms and six kitchens, mind you.

Beyond its size, the mansion is even more famous for its architectural oddities. Sarah rarely used a blueprint in her renovations. She had the construction workers build walls right over existing windows. She put in staircases that wind like mazes and doors that lead to deadly drops. Nothing about the floor plan makes sense.

Is the Winchester House haunted?

According to legend, the house’s peculiar layout was meant to confuse vengeful spirits and protect Sarah. The explanation makes some sense, especially when you consider Sarah’s spiritualist practices. Each night, Sarah held two-hour séances in her private séance room (inset). The servants rang the tower bell at midnight to call the spirits, then again at 2am to send them away.

However, no records exist to support this theory. Sarah did not write about the reasoning behind her renovations in diaries, letters, or even construction blueprints. In fact, the story was actually invented by local tabloids.

Tour guides at the Winchester House maintain that Sarah had a passion for architecture. Her father was a carpenter, and she subscribed to several American and European architecture magazines. Additionally, considering the grief she felt over the loss of her infant daughter and her young husband, it seems logical that she would throw herself into a never-ending project. Still, given her knowledge of architecture, it’s strange that Sarah defied standard construction practices.

What it’s like to visit the Winchester House

Today, the Winchester House is formally called the Winchester Mystery House. It’s located right in downtown San José, next to a major highway. It feels like a historic oasis in the middle of modern chaos. You enter through the gift shop at the rear of the property. Alongside souvenirs, it has a café and a small room with artifacts from the house. When my family and I visited, this artifact room also had a gingerbread replica of the Winchester House created by Christine McConnell. (You can learn more about her Netflix show in this post.)

While waiting for your tour to begin, you can also wander around a courtyard area. It contained a spooky shooting gallery (my dad loved it!), a hatchet throwing range, and more activities. As our tour began, the guides had us take group photos in front of a poster of the Winchester House. Then, we entered the mansion.

Over the course of the tour, the guides lead you through the house’s main rooms. Each one still has much of Sarah’s original furniture. It felt like being inside a historic dollhouse—the furnishings and woodwork were so luxurious and intricate. As our tour guide led us through the rooms, they shared much of the history I’ve written about here, as well as additional details about the house’s renovations.

My family and I also opted to do the bonus ‘hardhat’ tour. This gave us access to the barn, garage, and unfinished areas of the house, such as the upper floors and basement. As a carpenter, my dad appreciated that this tour gave even more insight into the house’s creation. We also got to walk through the gardens (so many beautiful flowers and fountains!). Our tour ended, ironically, by having us walk into the front door. Apparently, Sarah rarely used the front door, so we had an experience that most of her family and guests did not.

The Guides’ Ghost Stories

Of course, the tour guides dedicated a lot of time to whether the house is haunted. One of our three tour guides didn’t have any supernatural stories to share with us. However, the other two relayed personal paranormal experiences.

Story 1: When the tour guides are cleaning the house and a group walks by, they are supposed to step out of sight. One of the guides claimed that he and a coworker heard a tour group coming and hid behind a wall. They heard footsteps and voices go by and left their hiding spot. As they looked down the hallway, they realized that no one was there.

Story 2: Another tour guide was supervising the self-guided flashlight tours that the house offers every Halloween season. While in the basement, she swears she saw one of Sarah’s former workers. He’s rumored to push a wheelbarrow up and down the hallway leading to the furnace.

Story 3: When she first started working for the Winchester House, one of our tour guides kept seeing a woman in black at the back of her tour groups. She thought she was imagining things … until the visitors asked about the woman in black. Apparently, Sarah remains a dedicated hostess and still chaperones her guests!

Conclusions

Personally, I didn’t experience anything paranormal during my brief visit to the Winchester House. However, haunted or not, the house is definitely worth a visit. Sarah Winchester was a strong, eccentric woman who defied the gender expectations of her time. Her house is an architectural wonder, with new oddities being discovered to this day. It was fascinating to learn about her, see the house, and hear the ghost stories. Check it out if you’re ever in the Bay Area!

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Ground Fiction Volume 1, Issue 1 is out now! Get your ebook or paperback copy on Amazon today.

What is Ground Fiction? And how did I get involved with it?

Ground Fiction is a bi-annual literary journal and writing collective dedicated to entertaining, high-quality fiction. I was invited to join by editor Seth Harwood (who is also my thesis supervisor at Harvard Extension School and a best-selling crime fiction author). He’s brought together a seriously talented group of 16 writers, who write everything from science fiction to action-packed thrillers.

For the inaugural issue, I’ve contributed “The Harrow.” It’s the first two chapters of my upcoming paranormal fantasy novel set in modern-day Salem, Massachusetts. You’ll meet Lorena Rivera, a psychic and former monster hunter who’s just trying to run her psychic shop … until something wicked comes to Salem.

I’m honored to have my writing featured alongside works from so many talented writers. I’m even more honored to call some of them friends. Their work is truly groundbreaking, and I can’t wait for my copy of Ground Fiction Volume 1, Issue 1 to arrive so I can read the stories in print!

Another issue of Ground Fiction will be published in late spring or early summer of 2021. I’ll either be featuring another excerpt from the Salem novel or a related short story. Stay tuned to the blog or sign up for the Kate’s Coven email list for updates. (You also get a FREE paranormal fantasy short story when you sign up.) As always, I’ll let you know my writing progress and when the next issue publishes.

You can learn more about Ground Fiction and the featured writers at www.groundfiction.com.

Check out the Amazon page for more on Ground Fiction Volume 1, Issue 1 and to order your copy.

*Note to fellow authors: Ground Fiction is currently not accepting submissions. Please do not contact our already over-worked editor and manager!

The post Ground Fiction Volume 1, Issue 1: Available Now on Amazon appeared first on Kate M. Colby.

When I’m between writing projects (or procrastinating), I love watching fantasy TV shows for inspiration. If you’re looking for your next fix, these are the best supernatural TV shows to binge. 

Before we dive in, I want to make three notes. First, I’m only including shows that I have watched and enjoyed in their entirety. Second, I’m putting the shows in chronological order, starting with the oldest. And finally, this is just my opinion! Please share your thoughts on the list and say which you think are the best supernatural TV shows. I want to add to this post over time and would love recommendations!

Best Supernatural TV Shows (aka, Kate’s Faves)

Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996-2003)

Fun family comedy that’s nothing like the recent reboot. Sabrina Spellman, a teenage witch, must navigate learning magic and surviving high school while keeping her identity a secret. Throw in two eclectic aunts and a talking cat, and hijinks ensue. Both this show and the Netflix version are based on the Sabrina the Teenage Witch comic book series published by Archie comics.

 

 

 

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

One of my favorite monster hunting shows! When she becomes the Slayer, Buffy must slay vampires and demons while balancing high school drama. What really shines about this show is friendships. The entire “Scooby Gang” have significant character arcs, and Buffy’s romantic relationships are deep and moving. There’s a reason fans still argue about who her true OTP (“One True Pairing”) really is. Once you embrace the 90s cheese, this show is fire.

 

Charmed (1998-2006)

The three Halliwell sisters, known as the Charmed Ones, discover that they are witches destined to fight evil. With the help of their White Lighter (basically, a guardian angel), they learn about their powers and the supernatural world. Of course, they also have to juggle their careers and personal relationships. This is the first adult show on the list, but still full of family and romantic drama. Note: I wasn’t a fan of the recent reboot, so it’s not featured on the list.

 

 

 

Angel (1999-2004)

Angel is a spin-off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While it takes place in the same world and features many of the same characters, it has a much different vibe. Angel runs a detective agency in Los Angeles, giving the show a “cop drama” tone and the ability to tackle slightly more adult themes. If you’re going to watch both of them, I highly recommend watching in the order the episodes were released (alternating between Buffy and Angel), as events from each show affect the other in a really satisfying way.

 

 

Supernatural (2005-2020)

The Winchester brothers grow up as monster hunters, and the show begins with their quest to find the monster that killed their mom. Over time, the show becomes so much more, with all kinds of monsters, a cast of fascinating hunters/helpers, and many thrilling apocalypses. Supernatural is the show that helped me realize that I wasn’t alone in my love for the paranormal. It will always be special to me, and I’m proud that Sam and Dean are Kansas natives like myself. Full disclosure: my dad and I even have matching tattoos like Sam and Dean’s!

 

True Blood (2008-2014)

True Blood is a total guilty pleasure, but I maintain it’s worth watching for the concept alone. In this world, vampires have developed synthetic blood, eliminating their need to kill humans. Therefore, they’ve decided to “come out” and live among humans in society. The main action revolves around Sookie Stackhouse, a young waitress from Louisiana who has the ability to read minds … but not vampire minds. This leads her to develop a relationship with a local vampire and get dragged into the paranormal world. Be warned: there’s lots of sex and even more soap-opera-style drama.

 

Penny Dreadful (2014-2016)

Where are my classic literature nerds at? Penny Dreadful features so many of your favorite gothic characters (Dr. Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, etc.) and puts them together in Victorian London. The show is gorgeously stylized and deliciously dark. While a bit of a slow burn, it has fascinating character arcs and a bewitching mixture of magic and religion. Definitely recommend if you like a slightly more high-brow style of paranormal.

Lucifer (2016-2021)

Imagine if the devil got bored of ruling Hell and decided to open a nightclub in Los Angeles. If that’s not enough to sell you, Lucifer also becomes enchanted with a detective who’s immune to his charms and starts assisting her with her cases. Everyone knows I have an unhealthy obsession with the devil, and this is probably my favorite portrayal of him. (The character was created by Neil Gaiman in his Sandman comic series—which I strongly recommend!) Lucifer, the character, is honest, complex, and completely captivating. The show is fun, full of action-packed mystery, and brimming with romantic tension. It starts out like a formulaic cop show, but grows to be much more.

 

The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell (2018)

Why does know one know about this brilliant show? Christine McConnell lives in a spooky mansion with her reanimated animal friends and a sultry ghost played by Dita Von Teese. The story follows Christine’s attempts to be a good neighbor and strike up a relationship with a mysterious man. In between scenes, Christine (a professional artist and dessert chef) teaches you how to make drop-dead-fabulous creepy crafts. Christine herself is a ray of light and positivity in a humorously dark and menacing world. A true hidden gem.

 

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018—)

Another take on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Netflix’s recent show is definitely a drama with a much more sinister vibe. The premise is the same: Sabrina must balance her life as a witch and high school student, but everything else is different. In this version, Sabrina also attends a dark academy for witches and belongs to a Satanic coven. This is another guilty pleasure of mine, as the teenage angst is in full force, but holy hell are the aesthetics gorgeous and the plots fun!

Supernatural TV Shows on My To-Watch List

The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)

This looks a bit too teen angst for me, but I figure I can’t knock it until I’ve tried it.

American Horror Story (2011—)

I hated the first episode. But since this show is an anthology, every season is a different story. So many people have told me I’d love the Coven season, so it stays on the list.

The Originals (2013-2018)

A spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, but I’m told it’s pretty good. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Salem (2014-2017)

I watched the first season when it aired, but I never continued for some reason. Honestly, I think my cable package changed and no longer had WGN. I’m interested to finish the series, but I have to admit, it does kind of annoy me when Salem Witch Trials fiction has real witches. It degrades the tragedy and the deaths of innocent people.

The Magicians (2015-2020)

Literally everyone: Kate, you have to watch The Magicians. Me: What’s it about? Everyone: Just watch!

Wynonna Earp (2016—)

I watched the first three episodes of Wynonna Earp but struggled with the camp/cheesy vibe. I’ve heard it gets better as it goes on, so I want to power through one day. I love the concept of Wyatt Earp’s descendant fighting demons!

Motherland: Fort Salem (2020—)

Another teen drama of which I’m skeptical. But I like the idea of witches being weaponized in the military. I think it deserves a try just for that.

What do you think are the best supernatural TV shows? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments!

If you’re a fan of these supernatural TV shows, I bet you’ll enjoy my writing too. Join Kate’s Coven to read The Witch, an exclusive short story about a witch who must save Salem from the devil. You’ll also receive updates on my upcoming paranormal fantasy series.

The post Best Supernatural TV Shows to Binge appeared first on Kate M. Colby.

It Starts with Paying Attention

One of the most common questions authors get asked is “How do writers get their ideas?” As a writer, I both love and hate this question. I love it, because it means readers are interested in my creative process and want to know more. I hate it, because it implies that authors and other artists are somehow creatively superior to ‘ordinary’ readers.

Don’t get me wrong. Authors, painters, photographers, and other artists are beautifully creative. They’ve learned to express their creative talents through hours of practice and dedication. The key word there is learned. All humans are born creative and are natural storytellers. You tell stories all the time—about the stupid thing your boss said at work, about the adorable trick your dog did, about your great-great-grandmother’s steamship voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.

The difference is that writers have chosen to make storytelling a hobby or profession. When your joy or livelihood depend on generating ideas, you start to notice them all around you. And coming up with ideas for exciting worlds and fun characters is one of the things I love most about writing. The more ideas you notice, the more you have.

Here’s a simple example: my husband has decided he wants to buy a Tesla one day. I never paid attention to Teslas before, but now I see them everywhere. Why? Because I’m primed to look for Teslas over other types of cars. If you condition yourself to look for ideas, as most writers do, you’ll find them everywhere too.

 Where Writers Find Their Ideas

Unfortunately, there’s not a universal answer. Every writer finds inspiration in different things, and I personally never know what will spark a story. But here are some places I turn to when I’m seeking a story idea:

Books, TV shows, or movies in my genre – Fifty Shades of Grey was originally a Twilight fan fiction
Paintings, music, or other artforms
Historical events
Religious beliefs – apocalyptic floods helped inspire my Desertera series
Myths, legends, and fairy tales
People watching ­– try to be discreet, y’all!
Old journals or letters
Travel – seeing Salem, MA, in person deeply shaped my upcoming paranormal novel

… Or Where Ideas Find Their Writers

Readers might ask, “How do writers get their ideas?” But many times, the question should be, “How do ideas find their writers?” After all, most of the time, I don’t actually search out story ideas. Instead, they come to me, and it’s my responsibility to notice their existence and decide whether or not they’re worth remembering. That one step separates people who are recognized as creative from those who aren’t. (Remember, we are ALL creative.)

Here are some situations in which ideas have unexpectedly come to me:

Meditating
Showering – cliché but true
Driving alone at night
Kissing my high-school boyfriend – you can tell that relationship was doomed
Reading tarot cards
Daydreaming during boring meetings or dinners
Proofreading student assignments – seriously, proofing Wiki articles on 1,001 Nights inspired the Desertera series

The Ultimate Idea Generator

Perhaps the easiest way writers get their ideas? Asking one oh-so rich question: What if? Seriously, thousands of books have been written because of those two little words.

What if … an orphaned boy found out he was a wizard?

What if … children from around the country had to fight to the death in an annual competition?

What if … the people on this packed commuter train started turning into zombies?

You get the idea … or you will, if you just start asking “What if?” No matter where you are, what you’re doing, or who you’re with, those two words will spark a story idea for you.

TL;DR

Every writer gets their ideas from different places. In many cases, the authors don’t even come up with the ideas on purpose. Instead, ideas spring themselves upon writers, and the writers must notice, remember, and build upon them. If you want to be an author or tap into your own creativity (because yes, you’re creative too!), simply start asking “What if?” It’s practically an idea mating call, and you’ll have tons of inspiring ideas in no time.

How do you exercise your creativity? How do your favorite writers (or you!) get ideas? Tell me the story in the comments.

The post How Do Writers Get Their Ideas? appeared first on Kate M. Colby.

After not thinking about the Twilight Saga for years, I’ve had a Twilight-heavy year in 2020. This week, Midnight Sun (Twilight from Edward’s point of view) will be published. Back in March, before COVID-19 shut down the world, my husband and I traveled to Forks, Washington. so he could give a lecture at Peninsula Community College. So, of course, I had to see the Twilight sights. In this post, I’m sharing my experience with the Twilight Saga Self Tour.

Getting Your Guide

During our free day in Forks, Daniel sweetly indulged my inner fangirl. We hopped in our rental SUV and drove to the Forks Visitor Information Center. Parked outside are Bella Swan’s two trucks—the one from the books and the one used in the movies. After posing with them (for the Gram, y’all), I popped inside the Visitor Information Center to pick up a FREE Twilight Saga Self Tour map. You can also buy Twilight-related souvenirs and take photos with cardboard cut-outs of the characters.

Before I share more about the tour itself, I want to applaud the map. It gives you a visual layout of the town, as well as step by step instructions for driving to each site. The directions were easy to follow and took all the stress out of figuring things out. And yes, I definitely recommend that you drive. Forks is a small town, but the sites are a bit spread out, and there are only sidewalks on the main streets.

The Main Sites in Forks

Map in hand, Daniel and I drove to the first stop on the Twilight Saga Self Tour, the Swan household. Located in a residential area off Fork’s main street, it’s a cute white house with light blue trim. It is privately owned, though, so there are signs asking you to be respectful of the residents and not park outside. I snapped a photo from the driver’s seat and moved on.

Next, we stopped by Forks Community Hospital, where Dr. Carlisle Cullen works. He has a private parking spot at the administration building, as befits his status. Luckily, Carlisle wasn’t there, so we stole his spot and grabbed a photo with the sign. At this point, I’d gone from feeling kind of silly about the whole tour to absolutely loving the experience. It felt so cool to be “in the world” of a paranormal romance series I’d loved as a teenager. As an author, I can only dream that my readers will have a similar experience one day.

After the hospital, we drove through Fork’s downtown. If you haven’t yet seen the Forever Twilight Museum, the tour will lead you there. (You can read about my visit to the Forever Twilight Museum here.) This section of the tour also takes you past Forks High School, the police station and city hall, and other sites. You can check out a few tourist attractions there, but Daniel and I kept going to the next stop.

Our last stop in Forks itself was the Cullen household. In reality, the Cullen house is the Miller Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast, but the owners play along with the Twihards. It was raining when Daniel and I arrived, but I still went up to the front porch to pet a friendly cat and read the note from Esme. Unfortunately, the Cullens were on vacation when I was there, so I couldn’t visit them. Honestly, it was the for the best, as I didn’t need Edward pining over me now that I’m a married woman.

The Treaty Line

After seeing all the in-town Twilight Saga Self Tour sites, Daniel and I drove out toward La Push and werewolf territory. It’s about a 16-mile drive from the Cullen residence out to the beach. The roads are twisty, but the forest scenery is gorgeous.

After about 10 or 15 minutes of driving, we reached the Treaty Line, the boundary of the Quileute territory that the Cullens have agreed to respect. We parked at a nearby convenience store and took a photo with the Treaty Line banner. At this point, the rain had turned into sleet. As much as I wanted to say hi to Jacob and the pack, I wasn’t too keen about driving on icy roads. So, we skipped the beach and opted to get a nice warm lunch instead.

The Truth Behind the Tour

Given the weather conditions—ideal for sparkly vampires, not so ideal for us mortals—our Twilight Saga Self Tour only lasted a couple hours. However, if you drive all the way to La Push and take more time at the stops, you could spend half a day or more on the tour. Luckily, it’s entirely up to you!

Now, you may be wondering, as I was, how the Swan and Cullen households got on the tour. Did Stephanie Meyer have specific houses in mind while writing the books? Yes and no. I learned from a member of the city council that Stephanie did call them to research Forks. Although she didn’t pick an exact house for the Swan residence while writing the books, she did select a Cullen house based on one she found on a real estate website. However, that house is a bit outside of Forks and privately owned.

Therefore, when putting together the Twilight Saga Self Tour, the city council made their best guess of which house should be the Swan house. And instead of using the Cullen residence that Stephanie had in mind, they agreed that the Miller Tree Inn would house the Cullens. Honestly, I think the city council nailed it. The Swan house looks so much like what I pictured while reading the books. And it was way more convenient to have the Cullen house be in town and public, so that I could go up to the door without trespassing.

If you’re a current or former Twihard, I highly recommend checking out the Twilight Saga Self Tour. It and the museum are fantastic fan experiences, and the people of Forks are so welcoming. Plus, you cannot beat the beautiful nature of the Pacific Northwest.

Have you ever traveled somewhere because of a book? If you’ve been to Forks, what was your experience like? Share in the comments.

If you love paranormal fantasy books and movies, you’ll like my writing too. Join Kate’s Coven to read The Witch, an exclusive short story about a witch who must save Salem from the devil. You’ll also receive updates on my upcoming paranormal/urban fantasy series.

 

The post Taking the Twilight Saga Self Tour in Forks, Washington appeared first on Kate M. Colby.

In honor of next week’s release of Midnight Sun, I want to share my history with Twilight and my recent trip to Forever Twilight, the Twilight Saga Museum in Forks, Washington. My husband and I visited Forks in early March 2020, right before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world. I’m so grateful we had that opportunity, and I encourage any Twihards to travel to Forks when the pandemic ends.

Discovering the Twilight Saga

I have a confession to make. Like many women my age, I adored the Twilight Saga in high school. My friend Jaime introduced me to the books during our freshman year. Jaime didn’t talk about books much, so when she couldn’t stop raving about this new vampire romance series, I knew I had to read it. She let me borrow her well-worn paperback during homeroom. Three chapters later, I joined, and would faithfully remain on, #TeamEdward.

Over the next few years, I devoured all the Twilight books and eagerly watched the first movie in theaters. Twice. But as I got older and Twilight became too “juvenile,” my passion dwindled. I turned to other vampires for my schoolgirl daydreams, namely the Sookie Stackhouse series and its HBO adaptation True Blood. #TeamEricForever

No matter when or how we outgrow our teenage obsessions, a part of them remains with us. After all, they help shape our values and personalities at a key time in our lives. So, when my husband received the opportunity to give a lecture at Peninsula College in Forks, Washington, the home of Bella Swan and the Cullens, I had to go with him. I owed it to 15-year-old Kate.

The Pilgrimage to Forks

As Daniel and I drove along Highway 101, I couldn’t help envisioning the opening of the Twilight movie. The road wound through snow-capped mountains and past giant evergreen trees. Being a Kansas native, I’d never been to the Pacific Northwest, and the nature captivated me. My favorite part of the drive was Lake Crescent. The water is so clear that the mountains reflect off it as though it’s a mirror. The photos cannot do it justice.

When we arrived in Forks, Daniel and I drove through town to get our bearings. As a country girl, I felt right at home. The local businesses and restaurants sit mostly along the main street, and there’s only one stoplight. People stroll along the sidewalks, and big trucks rumble down the road. If it weren’t for the Twilight souvenir shops and the mountains, we could have been in Kansas.

After refueling at a diner, we headed to the Twilight Saga museum. Inside, we met Gaye and Marcia, two of the volunteers who run the museum. If you think you know a serious Twihard, wait until you meet these ladies. They both know everything about the books and movies, every detail about the museum’s artifacts, and have even been to Volterra, Italy, where the Volturi reside.

Gaye, especially, lives and breathes Twilight. She left behind a successful veterinary career to help run the Twilight Saga museum. At the Twilight film auctions, she spent over $10,000 of her own money to purchase artifacts for the museum. And they’re proudly on display to this day, along with some of her rare editions of the Twilight books. Most importantly, Gaye and Marcia are both #TeamEdward too.

The Forever Twilight Collection

Although the Twilight Saga museum consists of one room, it’s crammed full of artifacts. During my private tour, Gaye and Marcia showed me dozens of copies of the Twilight books from all around the world, original movie scripts, cast costumes from all five movies, fan-made t-shirt quilts, and so much more. Two of my favorite pieces were Jacob’s wolf (the cardboard werewolf used during filming before CGI is added) and the original Renesmee doll (loving called Chuckesmee). Apparently, the filmmakers were going to use this doll instead of a real actress, but the actors hated it and found it creepy.

They’re not the only ones. According to Gaye, the Renesmee doll used to be positioned next to Jacob’s wolf. Every night, Gaye and Marica would leave the wolf with its head upright and the doll standing straight in her case. When they returned in the morning, the wolf’s head would be lowered to the doll, and the doll would be leaning against her case, as though trying to touch the wolf. After a few weeks of this, Gaye placed the Renesmee doll on the other side of the museum. Neither prop has moved overnight since.

If you travel to Forks, Washington, be sure to stop by Forever Twilight to ask Gaye and Marcia for more fun stories. Admission is 100% free, and a visit is the perfect way to refresh yourself on the Twilight Saga (if it’s been a while, as it had for me) and learn more about the books and movies. Then, you’ll be ready to head to the Forks Visitors Center and take your Twilight Self-Tour. I’ll share about my self-tour experience in the next post.

If you love paranormal fantasy books and movies, you’ll like my writing too. Join Kate’s Coven to read The Witch, an exclusive short story about a witch who must save Salem from the devil. You’ll also receive updates on my upcoming paranormal/urban fantasy series.

The post Visiting the Twilight Saga Museum in Forks, Washington appeared first on Kate M. Colby.