Supernatural Fiction Readers discussion

We sometimes have posts, and even whole conversations, that aren't strictly about supernatural fiction, but are still things people feel like sharing; that can be part of fun of Goodreads, and help people get to know each other. As moderator, I'm not strict about saying that this or that's off-topic (it goes against my nature :-)), so I'm inclined to allow quite a bit of freedom --I'd rather have a lot of energetic posting than a lot of worry about whether things are on-topic. But, if you have something to post that does worry you on that score, this is the place where you can put it, and it'll be right at home! (I'd said something earlier about using one of the other threads for this; but I think this option is better --general chit-chat deserves a thread of its own, and it'll be much easier for people to find it this way.)

I'll read almost any supernatural, horror fiction if it's based in San Francisco. Even the detective (non-supernatural) series THE SPELLMAN'S by Lisa Lutz Weird, Huh... I grew up like an hour outside of there & spent a year of my long ago youth working some program on the Treasure Island military base.... I have many fond memories of that city & would live there if it wasn't so darn expensive. I really think it's the only place on earth where, no matter who you are, you Fit Right In...

Always, have you read any of the spin-off books from the (now-canceled, alas!) TV series Charmed? (I know there are at least three books out there.) Since the series was set in San Francisco, I would guess that most (though not all) of the books are set there, too. If you want it, I can get you the title/author information for the three I gave my wife (who's an ardent fan) for Christmas --I got them second-hand, so didn't have to memorize that information to order.

I joined this group seeking more inspiration in reading but also within the realms of my writing. I mainly stick to horror but as you can see from my odd previous posts I'm broadening my horizons!

To be Honest Werner,
"Charmed" is Not what I consider Good Anything.[hence, almost anything:] The few episodes I have seen over the years, just sort of hurt my eyes. Television does not take Women very seriously these days, if they ever did- (especially that series) -so I really wouldn't pick up a book regarding "Charmed" unless it was written by One of My more Favorite Writers.
But then I do Really Enjoy the "Supernatural" series (and Buy the books as they come out)so it does make me a bit of a hypocrite since I'm wondering about the quality this year as compared to the other 3 seasons and I still keep watching.

:)

I just read a weird but interesting book about San Francisco. Something with death... A guy becomes death, has a daughter ... Ah! A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore. The humor got old at first, but settled down & it was a pretty good book. I reviewed it recently.

LOL Jim.... I read that book a couple years ago & Really Liked it...It's Funny 2 say the Least. Christopher Moore is a GREAT Writer, however, he uses them big words & I am a high school grad...
Thank You for Thinking of Me
:)

No problem, Always --Charmed isn't everybody's cup of tea. :-) I actually rather like it (we still get reruns here), though I'd be the first to recognize that it has its flaws, and for the most part I think the earlier seasons were better than the later ones. But my schedule doesn't let me watch much TV, especially of a supernatural sort, so I grab what I can get in the genre! (I've watched a couple of episodes of Supernatural, and know the premise; but I usually work on Thursday nights, so it isn't something I can watch often.)

You mentioned that TV doesn't take women seriously (which is all too true). Interestingly, though, while Charmed (along with JAG) is my wife's favorite TV show, she's NOT a fan of the supernatural genre --more the reverse, even-- so for her that isn't the hook. In her case, the hook is that the Halliwell sisters are portrayed (at least as she sees it, and I agree with her) as very strong, competent women who care about others and stand up for what they see as right --and if they have to kick some butt in doing so, they do a pretty good job of it. :-)

I tend to read most anything based in the Pacific Northwest, primarily Seattle. Recently there have even been a few books that take place here in Spokane. There are a TON of authors living in this area and while not all set their stories around here, many do. It's always fun to read a story and recognize the places they are describing.

I feel about Seattle the same way Always does about San Francisco. I lived in San Francisco too (and Monterey, Hollister, El Sobrante, Oakland, ...) but Seattle is the place I feel at home.

Brett,
Is that your real kitty kat in the middle of being adorable or did you stage it?

Opps, wrong thread. Sorry about that.

To recap: I love Seattle. My brother, aunt and cousin live there. I'm in Florida but I wish I was in Seattle--or Spokan. From what I've read it's a great place, too.

Well, I guess I'll chime in. I was invited to join this thread since I post a bit over at the Horror Aficionados and Leisure Horror thread. I'm a published writer, as well as an avid horror reader. Just short stories so far but working on a few larger (novel) projects. I also write non-horror stuff, as well.

Washington State Rocks!

Chris,
Don't knock your talent at Shorts... I Love them when I really don't have good enuff time for a regular novel...
Tell us what where some of your works are?

Always,

I enjoy writing short stories but most of my focus has been on novels for the past few years. I've got one mammoth 632-page first draft novel in revision and late last year I banged out 100+ pages of a new project. My short stories that have been published aren't current and all appeared in various small-press publications, print and online.

Always wrote: "Brett,
Is that your real kitty kat in the middle of being adorable or did you stage it?
"

That's just her (Niya - a Native American word for life). She never hesitates to tell me what she wants. Taking a photo means there is a 50/50 chance of catching her with an open mouth! -grin-
She is one of 4 rescues that currently rule my home.

My female kitty cat "Koro" is a big talker too.... Especially in the middle of the night when her dish is empty. The boy "Brutus" just acts cute to get what he wants.

Niya walks back and forth on top of me when she wants food or attention and she will NOT go away until you get up.
Zoe yowls, especially if the litter box is dirty. The first cat I have ever seen that makes sure I keep the box cleaned out. She flat won't use it if I ignore her and will make a mess elsewhere. Other than that, she is a huge baby.
Synder will pace and meow LOUDLY, non-stop when she wants to be petted.
Finally, Junior, who is a monster of course, gets grumpy and starts picking fights with the girls if he doesn't get his way.

Aren't cats fun? In all reality, they are the best therapy/calming I have ever come across.

We have two cats...one male (who we firmly believe is an alien sent her to gather information about humans to someday soon begin the eventual invasion and enslavement of said human race) who is insane and a female who acts like the princess she is. Cats are great, though!

We've had cats, but don't have any now. We'd like to get a barn cat but with 5 dogs, 4 of them Jack Russell Terriers (terrors) it's tough. We also have an old Welsh pony, Speedy & 3 Thoroughbred, ex-racehorses. That's enough, especially since they're all considered family. The dogs sleep in bed with us, whoever they fancy, under the covers half the time. Molly, my daughter's Australian mutt, never gets under the covers, thankfully.

I've heard Jack Russells are Terrors...I guess the nicest 1 worked on that show Frasier

They're like little kids. Full of energy & if they don't have enough to do or get enough attention, they get bored & MAKE you give them attention because they find all kinds of horrible things to do.

Our backyard is pretty big, probably 1/3 acre, but it's not big enough for them. My wife takes them riding with her or at least we take them out for a walk around the fields & woods twice a day. Occasionally a stray cat, skunk or something will wander in. Rabbits, squirrels, deer & cats usually run fast enough & go through/over the fence or up a tree. Twice this year skunks have decided they didn't need to run. Really bad decision for everyone.

Jim wrote: "They're like little kids. Full of energy & if they don't have enough to do or get enough attention, they get bored & MAKE you give them attention because they find all kinds of horrible things to ..."

My Cat does that too. She'll mew, bang cabinets, mew some more, bang, start running & jumping to get attention, especially in the middle of the night. :/

Our male cat hates closed doors. He likes to lay in bed with us at night and if we're in there and the door is closed he will literally ram the door (or bump into it and reach for the doorknob, sometimes) and meow until we let him in.

Has anyone seen or tried this new book format?
http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2006...

Jim, this is the first I'd heard of that format. My initial reaction is that I wouldn't like it as well -- I'm used to wider books, and (especially if I'm reading for pleasure) speed isn't the primary consideration. It remains to be seen whether it will become popular with readers. (Of course, if Big Publishing decides that this format lends itself to economies of scale, we can figure that it will be forced on us whether we like it or not. From the perspective of an oligopoly, consumer preferences don't have to figure largely in their decisions.)

Werner, I hold a book one handed when reading. My thumb & pinky hold the pages apart while the other 3 cup the spine. I'm not sure this new format will be good for that. It's one reason I don't like hardbacks or big trade paperbacks. I have to wear reading glasses now so a few inches can make a huge difference in how well I can see the page.

I'm not sure I really want to read a leisure book any faster. It's not like reading a newspaper where time counts. Enjoyment does.

I think you're right on the economies, though. I've noticed that self published books have limited sizes & trade paperbacks seem to be the least expensive. Does anyone know why that is, specifically?

Right now I'm reading Dark Demon, one of the books mentioned in the new format article. I really don't find it much different from the usual size.

I am also a horrorbook reader and am always drawn toward the horror section of the bookstore.

Hi Rob.
It's good 2 meet you. And you know what EVERYBODY SEZ...
Everybody has 1.

Yeah, I can vouch for what Rob says. He's an opinionated jerk, all right! ;)

Rob wrote: "Hi. I'm Rob. And I'm an opinionated jerk.


I've loved horror movies, books, and what have you ever since I was old enough to watch movies, read, and what have you. I've gone through several pha..."

Twoina wrote: "Right now I'm reading Dark Demon, one of the books mentioned in the new format article. I really don't find it much different from the usual size."

That's good news. Thanks. I tend to be conservative with old favorites.

Just wanted to share some information on my newest braided novel, Weird Horror Tales. I would enjoy hearing some comments on the concept.



Weird Horror Tales is a psychological horror, SF and fantasy braided novel set in a fictional town on the coast of Maine. Its over-riding theme is the condition of the human heart. Its assumption is there is something Other, larger than man and greater than our narrow view of reality. Each story, written to stand on its own, is related by setting, history, several prominent families, and a macro plot that is not the principal focus of the individual stories.

It encompasses the Azrealites who work tirelessly to reinstate that something Other back on Earth through the manipulation of science and the occult, but the book(s) will not include that incarnation.

My Light's End stories are full of broken hearts and lies, of self-deception and greed, of power and weakness, loneliness and pride. It is a town that has commercialized its eldrich ruins, doors in cellar floors, flying saucers, nasty secrets and the cult of the Azrealites. This series of suspenseful, macabre tales begins when the town was founded in 1630, and ends in the 22nd century.

I have graciously been called “Tulsa’s Master of Suspense” (Infinity Press and these stories have been characterized as “ meshing of myth and reality, [of:] stack details of place, and...unromantic vision of horror...”.

Synopsis: Weird Horror Tales and (soon to be published) Weird Horror Tales: The Feasting

Light’s End is about two prominent families—the Azreals, who own the town, control its politics, and are cornerstones of the Azrealite Church of Tenebrae, and the Elliott’s, who founded Light’s End but live in obscurity and poverty. It also concerns “unrelated” horrors in the dirty little berg. Schlomo Nantier, a poet, world-famous mathematician, and Christian, and Jake Horne, the Azrealite’s High Priest and the real power in the city, are prominent characters, although they do not appear in every chapter Both men symbolize the cosmic battle fought behind the white picket fences of Light’s End.

The Azrealites work tirelessly to reinstate the Other back on Earth through the manipulation of religion, politics, science and the occult played out not only on the stage of Light’s End but in the world.

Light's End is full of broken hearts and lies, of self-deception and greed, of power and weakness, loneliness and pride. It is a town that has commercialized its eldritch ruins, doors in cellar floors, flying saucers, nasty secrets and the cult of the Azrealites, hiding its dirty laundry out in the open.


1653 Picked Clean
Caleb Elliott flees England for Maine only to sire an abomination on a horror in Dead Bay. Caleb, and Ezekiel and Hiram Azreal, all inadvertently found Light’s End and leave a monstrosity that writhes under the cliffs of Dead Bay. Or do they?

1838 The Well Sunk In The Sky
Does a lighthouse warn ships of a deadly reef or welcome ships from the stars? Under the watchful eye of Jake Horne, is it the site of an Azrealite prenuptial ritual for Charlotte Elliott and Obediah Azreal, or a human womb for The Other?

1928 Billie Hell
Raised in the notorious red-light district of Light’s End, Billie is a cut below the rest.

1949 Off the Hook
Senator (and Azrealite) David Block goes fishing on a lake over the town and dirty secret he buried there.

1957 Wishful Thinking
Sara Lagle sets a fire under her lascivious Azrealite husband and his lover and decorates her home with childish memories.

1959 Blind Faith
An old vaudevillian and a psychologist encourage Faith Williams to develop her imagination by attending the State Theater. They had no idea that what would attend Faith there would wear hooves.


1984 The Lighter Side
The First Emanation of the Blind God and Master of the Material Universe, Pat Azreal, saves Light’s End from the Girlie Gang, but almost loses her soul.

1998 Dirty Angels
Why do bad things happen to good people? It is a wrong answer to the truth that festers and bursts in Archie Killingsworth at the 24/7 convenience store. There are no good people according to Jake Horne.


1934 Unhinged
A young boy named Schlomo Nantier discovers an old lie about relativism when his best friend reaps what he doesn’t sow.


2012 Random Pairings
Herbert Wells must perform a final ritual to enter the High Priesthood of the Azrealites and trigger the reincarnation of The Other, the murder of Schlomo
Nantier.

2040 Face Off
Doctor Carla Ashe invents a substitute for human flesh but not for the human heart out of love for her lonely, ‘odd child’.

2231 Fall Guy
The man who “jumps from buildings and gets up” comes to Light’s End. Jake Horne is his manager.

3180 The Zoo
A monster lurks behind the genetically sculpted, mythological animals at the Doolittle Zoo in Light’s End.

I hope this generated some interest and conversation about the novel.

Thanks.
Michael Vance

Michael, I've just added your book to our "written by group members" shelf. Having read two of these stories --"Off the Hook" and "Fall Guy"-- in the two Sky Songs anthologies edited by Steve Stanton, I can vouch for their quality, and Weird Horror Tales is on my to-read shelf!

I have no idea where to post this, so I figured here would work...

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Head on over to the Webby site and cast your vote for Goodreads! Voting ends on April 29, so hurry!

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Thanks for the heads-up on this, Jim! I've already voted for Goodreads --we're currently in second place, but there's time to catch up.

I read supernatural fiction, plus I write it too--fiction and nonfiction. Newest fiction is a collection of short horror stories (no slasher stuff--monsters and supernatural stuff), Spectre Nightmares and Visitations. I found out that it will be coming out soon this month in print--right now it is an eBook only. Latest nonfiction is Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales. And I write erotic paranormal romance under Sapphire Phelan.
I am reading a fantasy right now--guess you call it YA urban fantasy. Now will be an Jim Butcher Dresdan Files novel I have. When you're writing a lot I don't read as fast as I used to.

Does anyone know anything about what's going on with our former member, Always? Late yesterday evening, I discovered that she's referred to as "deleted member." When I went to my friend list to message her, I found she was missing. Goodreads apparently no longer has the feature that allows searching for people by name, or I've forgotten how to boot it up; but I looked at all the list of people who added The House That Jack Built, and her rating is missing there, too. I'm concerned that she may have dropped out of Goodreads altogether --or worse, that something untoward may have happened?

She's off my friend's list & groups too. I have no idea, Werner.

:-( I sure hope nothing's happened to her...

I'm hoping the same, Henrik! I'd try e-mailing her, but I don't know her e-mail address, or even her real name.

I thought I had her name & address in one of the books she sent me or an email, but I don't. Yeah, I hope she's OK, too. It's been a while since I've heard from her at all.

My wife and I try to go up to the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia as often as we can in the summer, since she doesn't get to see her family up there much during the rest of the year. So, we're planning to take off shortly for another trip up there, and won't be back until this Sunday, June 27. While we're gone, I'll have to be mostly offline. But I know you'll all carry on just fine without me while I'm gone; and I'll look forward to catching up when I get back!

Have a nice trip, Werner!

Thanks, Henrik; we did! It would have been nicer if one of my brothers-in-law (the one we stayed with) hadn't had the flu almost the whole time we were there; but it was a good visit otherwise.

Early tomorrow, my wife and I will be hitting the road again for a week visiting her side of the family. So I'll be offline again until late on Aug. 15 (we stay with relatives who don't own a computer :-( ). I'll miss you all in the meantime, but I'll hope to post some ghost story reviews when I get back. :-)

We sure will look forward to 'em, Werner!

Have a nice trip:-)

Thanks, Henrik! We did have a good vacation, and got back this past Sunday --but as you can tell, it's taking me awhile to get caught back up. :-)

While I was gone, I finished reading The Oxford Book of English Ghost Stories, and started on The Oxford Book of 20th Century Ghost Stories. I've now finished reviewing the first one, and posted a partial review of the second one covering my reading so far. For anyone interested, these reviews can be viewed at: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... and http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... .

Danielle, I've just posted your new book to our "written by group members" shelf (your first one was already there). And I see you've already discovered our "Group Members Who Write" discussion folder! Best wishes with your writing career.

I am a huge fan of my public library. I know my library card # like my phone number and children's birthdays. One of hte best gifts my library has given me is access to Ebsco Host and thru that Novelist. Has anyone ever used Novelist? I loved it because if I really enjoyed a book I could, with just a click or 2, find hundred of other similar books.

Then...bah, bah, bah...they updated it. Now I can't just click on the subjects I want to find like "Paranormal" and "Detective" and "Psychic" and find a book with all 3 elements. Or look at the book I've just read and click on "find similar books".

I was wondering if anyone was familiar with the website and could help me navigate.
Thanks...