Back In The Field

During the writing of my current project, BEASTS OF THE FIELD: A GUIDE TO THE SOUTHERN BIGFOOT, I've gotten the chance to speak with quite a few people already. Some of these fine folks are people that I've looked up to for a long time and actually inspired me to get into the field of Cryptozoology. I've also had the chance to sit down with a few witnesses and taken their reports. Within the coming weeks, I'll be heading out to meet some of these people in person to visit some of the sites. It'll be my first trip out to investigate in quite a few years. Needless to say, I'm pretty excited about the days ahead. Plus it'll give me a chance to test some of the techniques that'll be in the book. With luck, maybe we'll come across some solid evidence.

Wish me luck, guys. I'll keep you posted and there should be some pictures on the way soon.

Shaggletooth: Free Story

SHAGGLETOOTH
a love story

CHARLIE MORGAN

©2013 Scarecrow Fields Publishing

Celia rubbed the goosebumbs on her arms as she stared out the train window. It had rained the entire trip and most of the scenic view was obscured by thick fog.

It doesn't matter, she thought. This only adds to the ambience and mystery of my little adventure.

The details of why she had left the comforts of the city had been kept to herself. She knew good and well that everyone would be worried about her. After all, she did slip away without a word. She considered leaving a note for her mother when she stole $300 from her purse, but time was running against her. If she intended to make the train, there wouldn't be time.

In her lap sat a well worn, dog-eared copy of Bleeding Heart by Edmund Mueller. The teen romance novel was a sensation that had swept the globe. Within those pages were centuries of heartbreak that befell a youthful-looking vampire named Stephen E. Mire. Stephen had given up all hope of ever finding a partner and contemplated suicide. Everything changed when he met a beautiful, young woman who saved his life and his very soul with her love.

Like any loyal fan, Celiajoined all the fan clubs and spent hours discussing her predictions, hopes and fears for the second book in the series. She became president of her local fan club branch just as news broke of film rights being sold to a major studio.

A few months back, Celia nervously penned a letter to the author. She included an excerpt of a fan fiction piece that she was thinking of posting to the group's website. Never in a million years did she ever expect a reply, but on a windy October morning, a letter arrived from Edmund Mueller. The surprises kept coming. Also within the envelope was a signed 8 x 10 glossy of the author and a note which cordially invited her to his home for the weekend. Celia's heart nearly stopped as she read. She couldn't believe her eyes! Her hopes withered when she thought of how she'd make the trip. Unlike many of her fellow fan club members, Celia was flat broke. Another, unseen, piece of paper flopped out and landed at her feet. Her blood pressure reached an all time high as she looked upon a train ticket that had been paid in full.

Celia still had a long ride ahead of her. She tried to sleep but her brain was working at 376 miles per hour in pure excitement. Before leaving, Celia did her homework to ensure that everything was legitimate. She compared the handwriting to samples she had found online and was satisfied it was real. She had no doubt of the authenticity of the signature. It was beautiful, flowing penmabship that resembled thosethat you'd find on historical documents. That thought reminded her of the rumours. Online discussions are filled with gossip bout celebrities and Mr. Mueller wasn't exempt. His writing was filled with pain, loss and enough sorrows to last several lifetimes. The way in which he spoke of life from a hundred years ago, it was almost like he was really there at the time. It didn't take long for the question to arise. Could Edmund Mueller be a real vampire? Writing the books could be his way of coming out to the world. Maybe he's looking for his true love and this is a way to seek her out!

Celia flipped the book over to stare at the picture that adorned the rear cover. I wouldn't mind, she thought. He's certainly a handsome devil. 

At the train station, she was met by a tall, older gentleman in a,well tailored, suit. She followed him to the car and was soon on the road. The picturesque town of Spooner was just as she envisioned it. The thick forests, Swan High School, it was as if she had stepped inside the book. All she needed now was a handsome vampire to sweep her off her feet.

To her surprise, the car came to a stop at an old cemetery. In the center of the property was an ancient, dilapidated structure that had been reduced to charred timber. There was a fire at some point, but from the looks of things it was many years ago.

"What are we doing here?" asked Celia."I thought you were taking me to meet-"

"I just drive and follow the instructions given to me by Mr. Mueller. This is where I was told to bring you," the driver interrupted.

"There's nothing here!"

"He's waiting for you. Follow the path and you'll find what you're looking for." With that, the driver said no more. He hopped into the car and drove away.

"What the fuck are you doing?! Hey, you can't just leave me here!"

Frustrated, Celia started looking for the path. "What fucking path? The only thing I see is tombstones and grass."

She wandered aimlessly among the headstones. The ground felt softer under her feet as she continued forward. The ground gave way with the next step. She tumbled forward into a dark pit. It seemed like she had been falling forever when she finally hit the ground below. She wheezed trying to recapture the air that had been knocked from her lungs. Dirt had blinded her eyes. She sat in the dark for several long minutes and wanted to cry; not because of being tricked by a mean old man or pain, but because she was certain her Bleeding Heart t-shirt was ruined.

"Ah, there you are," a voice said from the dark.

"Who's there?" Celia asked, filled with renewed fear.

"You must be Celia. I'm Edmund Mueller."

"Oh, my gosh!" Celia squealed, hauling herself to her feet. The pain and anger long forgotten. "It's such a pleasure to finally meet you!"

"The pleasure is all mine. My fans mean everything to me. You keep me young."

Edmund struck a match, filling the chasm with flickering, orange light. Once Celia's vision cleared, she was appalled by the sight in front of her. She was in a dusty, old room that was lined with skulls. To her left was a moldy table that held an antique typewriter. The biggest shock was the man standing before her. His face was not youthful or handsome. It was pale and had the features of a bat. Edmund opened his mouth, revealing two fangs similar to the teeth of a rat. He jerked her close and sank his teeth into her jugular. Within seconds of his feeding, Edmund's face had changed. He now looked like a healthy, young man. The blood of the youth had replenished his body, filling him with life and strength.

He licked the blood from his fingers and sat down at the table. He ften thought about writing the truth about vampires in one of his novels.  He could tell the entire nasty truth. Instead he typed away on the Bleeding Heart sequel. It was what he needed. It got the widespread attention and attracted the youths of America. It was them he needed most. His fans kept him young. They loved him. This is a love story, after all, and love bites.

In Search Of... Witnesses

As many of you know, I'm currently in the process of writing a book called BEASTS OF THE FIELD: A GUIDE TO THE SOUTHERN BIGFOOT. If you live in the south and have had an actual Bigfoot encounter, I would really like to hear from you. Also if you have any photographs I would really like to see them. They may even be featured in the book. I would just be asking publication rights for this book. Once the book is published, the rights return to you. Sadly, I won't be able to pay for the pictures (I'm an indie author and still poor) but you'd get credit in the book. Really I'm looking for people to interview in each state. No hoaxes, please. Only serious information. I look forward to talking with you guys soon.

My email is cgmorganhw@gmail.com

Official Update on the Doohickey

So how's everyone doing on this night? Have you frozen your ass off yet? I haven't been around much because I've had so many things keeping me busy. Not in a good way. Anyhow, I have been working on something in my spare time. Had to go the old fashioned way with pen and paper, but it's really coming along much faster than I ever expected. It's a departure, in ways, from what I typically do. Some of you already know what I'm talking about and I'm above and beyond excited to finally be working on this. It's a book that has been brewing in me for almost twenty years and I feel that the time has come. I'm ranting, aren't I? I'm bad for that.

Anyway, enough dragging it out. I'm in the process of writing The Southern Bigfoot Field Guide (title pending).

I've got an awesome artist working up some illustrations and a fellow Bigfoot fanatic working on the forward.

Lots of history, stories and techniques. It's been a huge undertaking but I've had more fun doing this than anything before it.
}:-)~
Rant/ramble complete.

Breaking New Ground

The past couple of weeks have been really difficult for me. There was a small fire for starters. It didn't cause any real damage to the house but my dad was hospitalized for smoke inhalation along with a few more medical issues that were fairly serious. Today he was finally able to come home and, fingers crossed, he won't have to go back to the ER anymore. That hospital is a nightmare in it's own right but that's another story for another time.

I needed to focus on something. Anything to take my mind off of all the stress about him and losing some stuff due to a power surge. So I sat down with pen and paper to work on something different. Something that has been a lifelong dream. (For those who've been asking about the other projects I've been working on, they're being delayed due to to computer dying in the surge. RIP, you electronic bastard.)

I started assembling a team of people to assist me in this venture. I've called upon a very talented artist (and musician) by the name of Kris Taylor, Eric S. Brown and a few cryptozoologists and will be working on my own Bigfoot Field Guide. The plan is to have something that will provide budding cryptozoologists with all of the information they'll need when venturing into the woods.

I'm trying to get things up and running on this pretty fast so watch this space for updates. If there's anything you'd like to see covered in the book, feel free to drop me an email and I'll work it into the research.

cgmorganhw@gmail.com

Since the accident that damaged my back, I haven't been able to spend as much time in the woods as I'd like. This is a way for me to do something productive in the field that I have loved for so long.

Welcome to Dark Corner

So this year I've decided to do NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). It's just the first day but I'm feeling pretty good about it. I don't have a whole lot to divulge about the project just yet but parts of it are based on local history. It is horror and there is a big, bad, beastie. This one will not be about Bigfoot but it IS considered a cryptid around here. I will also say that it is one very bad mother! Probably the nastiest and most vicious thing I've written about to date.... oh, and moonshine!
}:-)~
Here's the cover. I'll have a synopsis and some samples in the coming days.

Speechless

As of this writing, I am truly speechless. I'm a poor country boy from a small town in North Carolina that nobody's heard of. I grew up reading the Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark books by Alvin Schwartz (they're still my all time favorites) and R.L. Stine. That was my youth. Naturally, the time came when I began writing my own stories to scare people. The first, that I can remember, was called The Halloween House. It was basically a ripoff of Night of the Demons but more tales followed. I pulled an old typewriter from the barn, bought a new ribbon and off I went. I always felt best when I was writing. Still do.

Doing this was never about money. I knew the chances of me becoming rich from this stuff was pretty slim. I just wanted to tell my stories and share them with the world. Today, I get to live that dream. As of right now, my first ever young adult horror story, A Cold Night In Fouke is sitting at #3 on Amazon's YA Horror best seller list and has broke the top 50 of general horror. I honestly never thought I would write those words. Ever. It's also selling in countries I've never reached before.

Not bad for a hick from the mountains that was told it would never happen.

To all of those who have supported me, been there for my ups and downs, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It really does mean everything to me.

I couldn't ask for a better group of people. Thank you.

A Cold Night In Fouke - OUT NOW!

A while back, I decided to try an experiment. The idea was to write a few, cryptozoology-themed, young adult, horror stories. Depending on how they're received, more would follow and be collected into a paperback edition. I'm happy to announce that the first story is now available on Amazon and is my take on the legendary Boggy Creek creature.

Emmett is a young boy who craves adventure and excitement. He dreams of going hunting with his father through the wild swamps of southern Arkansas. The dreams soon become nightmares as something comes hunting for him.

For years, legends of giant creatures have haunted the area around Boggy Creek. Most dismiss the tales as bogeyman myths. For Emmett, the legend is all too real.

"Charlie Morgan delivers the goods with this one. Both fun and terrifying, it's a masterpiece of its genre."
-Eric S Brown, author of the Bigfoot War series.

More to come soon!

Click HERE to get your copy now.

Book Review: Autumn Aftermath by David Moody

David Moody's writing is definitely something different. That is shown very clearly in his apocalyptic AUTUMN series. These are not your typical zombie novels. Its difficult to really explain without giving away too much. These books have a great deal of heart amidst the carnage and bleakness but they're not fluffy either. There's plenty of violence and stomach churning muck to go around. The zombies themselves evolve much like the characters. It all leads up to the fitting conclusion, AFTERMATH. The tensions are white hot as everything draws to a close but there's plenty of hope and heartbreak ahead as the last of the living struggle to survive. This book reads like an old medieval adventure as survivors from an island clash with others who have taken shelter within the walls of a castle. A siege of both living and dead make this a nail biting finale all the way up to the very last page!

Once again, David Moody has hit a home run. I was wide awake at a ridiculous hour in the morning just to finish it. I really can't wait to see what he has in store next.

Click HERE to get it now

Creepy for Charity

For those who believe that horror fans and creators are a bunch of heartless, evil degenerates with no heart, let me say right now that can not be further from the truth (although there is a certain werewolf guy that makes me wonder sometimes)!

For those of you who don't know, there is a wonderful, horror themed charity called SCARES THAT CARE. These guys are legit and awesome with the things they do for people in need. A lot of their work is to help children and they even have a new breast cancer program.

They have auctions to raise money and let me tell you, they have some fantastic stuff! They also take direct donations.

Check them out and help do some good while being delightfully spooky!

Click HERE to go there now

There's also a banner on this page that will take you to the site. It will be there for as long as this page is active.

BIGFOOT WEEK: Day 5

So, after a delay or two, Bigfoot Week is coming to a close. That means that something is coming up really fast. Yesterday I shipped off A COLD NIGHT IN FOUKE to my editor. This is an experimentation into new areas. What that means is this story is young adult. I've done it before with a free flash story called SKITTER and that worked pretty well. This is also a chance for me to delve into the legends of southern Arkansas - specifically the small town of Fouke that has been featured in movies like THE LEGEND OF BOGGY CREEK and SOUTHERN FRIED BIGFOOT. You can also find a detailed history of the town's encounters with an unknown creature in Lyle Blackburn's awesome book THE BEAST OF BOGGY CREEK. All of this has been one of my ever present interests over the years and obviously it continues to this day just as strong as its ever been.

A COLD NIGHT IN FOUKE is the first in a series of cryptozoology themed shorts. Depending on how things go, it may continue and become a paperback collection. We'll just have to see how it goes from here.

Check out the synopsis below. It won't be long, I promise.

Emmett is a young boy who craves adventure and excitement. He dreams of going hunting with his father through the wild swamps of southern Arkansas. His dreams soon become nightmares as something comes hunting for him.

For years legends of giant creatures have haunted the area around Boggy Creek. Most dismiss the tales as bogeyman myths. For Emmett, the legend is all too real.

Zombie Syndrome

Its been a while since my last release of original material. Some Other Time is a year old this October and since then, there has been a kindle release of my short story BIRTHDAY WISH to go along with the movie that's in the works. That's pretty much been it. Its not from lack of material. As I type this now, I have two novellas and a short story in various stages of completion. They will all be along soon.

So why the delays?

The universe, it seems, has spent a lot of its free time in attempt to kill me. What I mean by that is that my health has been beating my ass like an out of tune drum. My back, as always, is to blame for a large portion of things but now that I have came under the care of a great doctor, that hasn't been as rough.

Like an old car, one thing is fixed while another breaks.

A couple of days ago, I awoke in the early morning hours and was scared to death. I couldn't breathe. That passed. The next morning, it happened again. I couldn't breathe, I was shaking and had no earthly idea just where the hell I was. After sitting in a freezing emergency room for several hours, the news came. Asthma. Today has been much better and I've only used my inhaler once.

For now (crosses fingers, toes and ass cheeks) everything SEEMS to be under control and with any luck some of these will start flowing out soon along with the rest of the Bigfoot Week posts that got caught in the middle of the chaos.

For Amanda, Laura Tbone and all the others who helped me with advice and keeping me calm last night, thank you very much. It is highly appreciated.

BIGFOOT WEEK Day 4

There's been a rise in Bigfoot related films over the past few years. Some of them have been great like Jonas Quastel's 2002 film Sasquatch (originally titled The Untold). Others had potential and blew it like The Lost Coast Tapes and some just flat out sucked (take your pick of any from SyFy)!

In my opinion, one of the best to come along during this time is a very cool documentary called Southern Fried Bigfoot. It features the big boys of the south like The Fort Worth Monster, Fouke Monster, Honey Island Swamp Monster and Skunk Ape. This film is very well done and I will go on record by saying its the best Bigfoot doc since the original Legend of Boggy Creek.

Check out their website for more info.

Click HERE to get your copy

If you like this film then you can also check out Legend of the Honey Island Swamp Monster. The production value is low and its not the best but it is a nice little documentary to have for collectors. It contains actual footage of a creature filmed by Harlan Ford.

I know I fell behind. More to come soon!

BIGFOOT WEEK Day 3

Eric S. Brown has taken Bigfoot in some brave new territories with his Bigfoot War series. Each installment consistently ups the ante and is nothing short of a full blown, gore soaked spectacle from the opening page to the last. Now we venture even further with Planet Sasquatch and Planet Sasquatch: Retaliation. Brown keeps to his fast paced action with thrilling sci fi and military war machine and kicks it into overdrive! Where can he take this ride next? All I can say is, it'll be one hell of a ride!

Click HERE to get your copy now!

BIGFOOT WEEK Day 2

Its been a long day today and as a result, its been rough. But I wanted to give you this before passing out.

The Gulf Coast Bigfoot Research Organization has been around for quite some time. They have a huge database of reports throughout the United States as well as other countries. I love this site and check it once a month minimum to see what's been going on. Give them a look and see if there's anything in your area. If so, I would love to hear about it. Odds are pretty good you can find something close.

They also have some other cool stuff as well as reports of other strange animals and places. They even have a couple of books listed that look pretty good and I'm going to track them down.

Click HERE to visit their site

If you're a fan of Finding Bigfoot, here's a link to the BFRO as well.

BIGFOOT WEEK Day 1

Sasquatch Field Guide (Folding Pocket Guide):Amazon:Books
So yeah, its no big secret that I'm a Bigfoot fanatic. It started when I was four and there hasn't been any let up since then. Over the years I've met some wonderful, like minded, people and even had an encounter or two that I can't really explain. I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. I've also written a few fictional tales and I promise there will be more on the way. One very very soon.

So I figured that it would be fun to dedicate an entire week of blog posts to the big guy! There will be some cool stuff floating around so keep your eyes peeled.

To kick things off, there is this offering from Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum.

This thing is pretty cool and I highly recommend it for those of you who wish to take to the woods and do some research of your own. There's plenty of information and scales to help you along. There's even a ruler on one of the pages to help show scale for photographs. Its heavy duty, laminated and compact for light, easy storage. Grab this and bring it along on your next camping trip. You never know what you'll come across out there.

Click HERE to get yours (also available on Kindle)

More coming up tomorrow so keep checking back.

Death is Coming!

My friend, Darren Barker, has a new novel that has just been unleashed unto the world! Check it out. It includes cover art by me.

Briggs looked like your normal everyday person, but he had dark hidden talents and the lust to use them. His cravings were for death and the hunt to a kill. His knowledge of his surroundings and what mistakes to avoid stands him ahead of anyone trying to discover his whereabouts. Using his time wisely the deaths roll in quickly. His serial killer status will show that it’s in batches as time allows. When he kills once he kills again it will be fast and furious. An individual who is smarter than the average man, and a talented expert in the ways of murder.

Grab your copy by clicking HERE!

THE WILDS: A Sticks and Stones Prequel

THE WILDS

Copyright ©2013 Charlie Morgan

NORTH CAROLINA BACKWOODS
1749

A shrill cry ripped through the cold, mountain air and echoed through the fog shrouded valleys. The creatures of the forest felt a collective chill in their blood as the mournful sounds resonated. It was something that they knew all too well. It was the sound of a new hunter ripping its way into the world.

The Alwa made their way to the mountains centuries ago. It was a place where they could remain safe and hidden from the rest of the world, where they could make their home in the seclusion of thick forest, away from the hairless. Locta, the elder, feared the hairless creatures. They were a pale, violent breed who always took without ever giving. Locta watched two of their males in a clearing. His eyes were old but he could still see the look on their faces when the cries came. There was fear in their eyes. He knew these creatures were crazed. They would attack without warning or provocation. Another cry burst forth and the two figures ran, heading for the far treeline to, no doubt, return with more of their kind.

Locta dropped from the tree he had been perched in. He listened for a long minute, sniffing the air to ensure he was alone before making his way back to the others. Clouds drifted over the face of the moon, plunging the land into darkness. For this to happen during a birth was a sign that the elder knew well. He raced up the steep hill, his joints popping with the signs of age and pain shooting through his legs. Without slowing, he reached Miku, his granddaughter. In the faint light he could see that that the child was coming. Miku spread her legs and howled once more. Finally, a blood-soaked ball of fur spilled forth. The girl collapsed to her back, breathing hard. She eased herself up to take the first look at her child but was stopped by Locta's heavy hand. She stared back with confusion at first but soon the reality of the situation had set in. Her face contorted into that of a new pain. She tilted her head to the sky and shrieked with hurt and rage. Why had this happened to her? What wrong had she done to the Gods to deserve this punishment?

The clouds parted and soft moon glow illuminated the abomination. The malformed child was an appalling sight to Locta. He lifted it by the leg and examined it. Without a sound, the elder slipped away further into the forest as his granddaughter cried.

The child was of the Arook, a cursed offspring. When the first one arrived, it had been born with feet that resembled clubs. It would've never been able to be a hunter like the rest. As it grew, it was overcome with violent fits and the hostility only increased with age. The Arook had been banished from the tribe. With the passing seasons, more Arook were born and similarly banished, each child taken away. But the Arook did not die. They flourished as their own people.

Locta had reached the mouth of the cave. It rested just in front of the edge of the world, an overlook that stood high above the valley. He placed the infant at the entrance and left without a sound. Soon the baby would cry out and dark, hulking figures would take it inside and welcome it. 

New Interview with Spooky Sean

Recently I got to sit down and be interrogated.... I mean interviewed, by, the very talented, Sean M. Thompson over at his dungeon of depravity. We discussed books, movies, breakfast cereals and satanic family reunions. Click HERE to read it.

Real Horror Update and the rest

Okay, I know that a while back I posted something on my Facebook page about visiting a local area that has quite a bit of spooky history. With the way things have been with my health, I haven't been able to make it out there. The urge to go has been there for years but the bad back kept saying, "NO! You're going to sit here and suffer!"

Anyway things are doing a little better and I'm up and moving a lot more. I'm still not 100% (and probably won't be ever again) but a rare opportunity has presented itself and quite frankly I would be a fool to pass on it. The location itself is a pain to get to in its own right and for years there has been debate on the location of the graves (if you have no idea what I'm talking about I will fill you in a little later). A neighbor of mine has claimed to know exactly where they are and the plan is that him, my great uncle and myself, will go with him to the location. The plan is to attempt to get some pictures and document the location and so forth. The area is supposedly haunted therefore I will be in high hopes of snapping some pictures of the creepies that call the place home. They may show and they may not. Either way its a rare chance to get back up there after twelve years.

If the trip for some reason doesn't happen, I will still be doing an in depth article on the history of the place for this page. If things go really well, it may be compiled together and made into my first non-fiction release.

As always, I shall keep you fine folks posted on whatever happens.

As for books, I'm getting back into the swing of things after taking some much needed time off from just about everything under the sun (a huge thanks to David Edney and Renee Torres for their help on that). The extended edition of Sticks and Stones is coming along pretty well, as is the sequel. My next release looks to be Misery Machine - a ghost story that involves a young man in a muscle car being tortured by his past as well as an angry spirit. That should be out this summer. I'm also tinkering with something I can't really talk about just yet since its not confirmed. I will say that if it does pan out, it will be really cool!

If parts of this are screwy, I apologize. Its 5:17 am and insomnia has kicked in. Some people drunk text, I insomnia blog!

Keep watching this space. Things will start to trickle in shortly. Until then, g'night, sleep tight and all that.

Special thanks to the following people for their support recently. Its been a huge help.

Glen Morgan, Elizabeth Veezer, Laurief Peterson, David Edney, Renee Torres, Red, Mayela Herrera, Sandy Shelonchik, Jim Mavity, Sean Thompson, T Bone McGraw, Robert Butt and Steven Seay. 

Still here

Its officially May 24. Made it one more year.

So who the hell is this guy?

Taking a page from one of my absolute favorite authors, Brian Keene. If you haven't checked him out, I highly recommend doing so. Click HERE to visit his site and tell him I sent you. He will more than likely say, "hey, how are you? Thanks for dropping by. Who the hell is Charlie Morgan?"

Well here's the answer for the newer folks.

My name is Charles Glenn Morgan Jr. I'm 28 years old, I live in a small corner of Western North Carolina and I scare people for money. For the past ten years I have been a volunteer fireman for Green River Fire and Rescue - Station 13 (pretty appropriate, don't you think?) I was raised by my father, grandmother and great uncle on our farm. Living in the rural south, you are going to grow up hearing all sorts of ghost stories and legends. I can remember my grandmother telling me about a place, not far from the house, called the "Devil's Footprint." I've actually heard of a couple of these footprints. One is said to be a place where nothing will grow. The other is supposedly an actual footprint in a stone that looks rather demonic in nature. I've never seen either and had to use my childhood imagination to conjure up the required imagery. Perhaps that's where my interest began with the world of horror. It was then fueled by my father who grew up on healthy doses of Shock Theater. I spent countless hours watching scary movies with him. I still do today. One of my favorite haunts was a little video store called Video King which was owned by Pam Travis. At any given time you could probably find me floating around the center of the store in the horror section looking for the scariest thing I could get my hands on. The store is gone now. I can't begin to tell you just how much I miss it.

Naturally the time came when I began to create my own tales of monsters. I can't tell you how many stories I wrote and thought they were the scariest things around. At some point I got my hands on a typewriter, then they really started to churn out.

After picking out my favorites, I put them all together, drew a cover of a horned beast hovering over a cemetery, packed them into an envelope and shipped them off to a publisher. I just knew my collection "Tales From The Demon" was going to be a hit! I never heard back from the publisher. Sadly I had sent the only copy of the stories. I wish I had kept them. It would be nice to see them again and travel back to that point in my life.

In junior high, after an argument with an English teacher, I was asked what I wanted to do when I grew up. My answer was that I wanted to be a writer. The teacher laughed and said in a voice that could shatter paper, that it would never happen.

Four years later, I was published for the first time. Several times, in fact. I had found a publisher looking for poems and had to try my luck. You can imagine my shock and the thrill when I got that first letter saying that my poem, Black Hills, had been accepted in a book called From The Mountaintop. For the next month I strutted around in an over-the-top display of manliness with a permanent grin on my face. After a while, I moved away from writing. I would still pen the occasional story here and there but it was never seriously sought after at that point.

The next few years were spent dating, raising hell and being a typical teen in a small town. On May 23, 2003, I was on my way to work when I got out of school. I took the back way through the country and suburbs because the drive was peaceful. I was within sight of town and the mall where I worked when a drunk woman (with her 13 year old daughter) pulled out from Forest Lawn cemetery, fishtailed into my lane and hit me head on. I wasn't seriously injured but I took a hell of a hit. The accident even made.the paper. This was my first real close call, but it would not be the last.

May 23, 2005. Two years later to the day and one day after my grandmother's birthday. I had bought her a necklace as a gift. It was a mother's necklace with the birth stones of my father and I. The day before her birthday, she had joked and tried her best to get me to give it to her early. Finally I caved. She had said jokingly that she may be dead the next day. I brushed the comment off and handed over the loot. Little did I know her prediction was accurate. She just missed it by a day.

We had to go to the grocery store. She decided to drive and off we went. We just made it through the deep curve passing Lake Summit when a speeding car slammed into us at around 75 mph. When I awoke, I was facedown in cold water with no memory of what had happened. I was the sole survivor. My grandmother had been killed along with the man who hit us. I came away with a broken back, eye socket and nose.

The following years were rough as hell. The pain in my back kept getting worse and working a regular job became less and less feasible. Then, like an old friend, the writing came back. I wrote as a way to occupy my mind and it became my therapy. I decided to pursue publishing again. Within a few months, my first short story "Isolated Incident" was published by Knightwatch Press for the Rhonny Reaper's Roadkill Cafe anthology. As time passed, more stories came. My first novelette, Sticks and Stones, was about overcoming the pain of a failing marriage to an unfaithful partner (with bloodthirsty monsters thrown into the mix). It went on to become my first international best seller, topping out at #19 in the US for horror (just behind Max Brooks' World War Z). It even won an award.

Today my time is still spent writing. I have a few lined up over the next few months, including the possible collaboration with one of my literary heroes (no details yet. Not set in stone).

My time has also been spent talking with someone very important. Earlier this year, my short zombie story, Birthday Wish, was picked up by Robber Ant Productions and is currently in the stages of pre-production. All I will say right now is that I've read an early draft of the script and am as pleased as can be. It was initially supposed to be filmed as a short but things may shift towards a feature. You'll see details as they come in.

Well that's me in a nutshell. You can find links to my books in the section above. If you are new here then stop by my FACEBOOK PAGE and say hello. I always welcome meeting new people, especially horror fans.

And as always, to the junior high English teacher.... fuck you.

- Charlie

Scarecrow Fields Publishing

I would like to formally introduce my new publisher, Scarecrow Fields. It is mine. From now on, all of my books will be published under this banner instead of eBook Nightmare. Its something I've wanted to do for quite a while and the time felt right. What this means is that there will be new stuff on the way very soon.

First of all, there will be a paperback reissue of Sticks And Stones. It will be the extended cut that contains a storyline that was initially removed and will have Just In Sight at the end. Parts 2 & 3 will follow soon. There will also be a reissue of Campfires: A Collection of Horrors with some new stories thrown in for good measure. Finally there will be what looks to be my first novel called SWAN POINT.

SWAN POINT is a mix of 1930's crime noir and Lovecraftian gothic horror. I'm really excited about all of this and hope to be churning them out soon!

At this time I am not taking on new authors for SF. That day may come in the future but not now. If it does, I may start with a charity anthology and see how it goes but its too early to be thinking of that.

That's all for now. In the words of the great George A. Romero, "stay scared!"

Full Moon classics

Any horror fan from the late 80's - early 90's has more than likely heard of Charles Band's Full Moon Films. The company has produced tons of films in the horror/sci fi genres. Here's the thing, they're great! Full Moon was the Hammer Films of my youth. They hold a special place in my little black heart.

The one series that stands out most to me is Ted Nicolaou's Subspecies. Thus far there are five films
Subspecies
Bloodstone: Subspecies II
Bloodlust: Subspecies III
Bloodstorm: Subspecies IV
and The Vampire Journals ties into them. There is rumors that a part 5 is in the works (Ted, if you read this, please say this is true. The fans desperately want it!)

The films follow the vampire Radu (Anders Hove) through the beautiful Romanian setting as he tries to capture, the equally beautiful, Michelle Morgan (played by Denice Duff).

I found the complete chronicles on Amazon.com for a very reasonable price. All five films on five discs complete with the behind the scenes segments on each. The transfer, picture, sound is all very well done. If you're like me and remember these gems, this is well worth the price. All of these films are cult classics. I should know... I'm one of the cultists!
}:-)~

Click HERE to get your copy

There is also a pretty cool FACEBOOK page you can check out as well

Nightmare at the Movies!

When I first picked up the pen to start writing, my original intent was to write screenplays and work on short films. Somewhere along the way I found myself writing literary fiction. I'm not complaining, mind you. Not at all. I love writing these stories and hearing from all of you. But there has always been that part of me that has nagged, "hey, when the hell are we finally going to do the movie thing?!"

Well I am VERY happy to report that a movie IS in the works!

Many of you have told me before that you enjoyed my zombie story BIRTHDAY WISH. Since its initial release by Knightwatch Press in 2011, its became a reader favorite. Today I have been told that work has begun on the screenplay and is being produced by Robber Ant Productions.

It will be written and directed by (HUMAgeddon comic book author) Robert Butt. I've seen a clip from his current film project (The Divine Wraith) and am confident that my story is in good hands!

I will continue to provide updates as they come. In the meantime, its back to work on Sticks and Stones 2.

Have a look at the first teaser poster as well.

There is also a facebook page. Please swing by, give it a like and get all the goods first!

CUT AND RUN: STICKS AND STONES PART II BOOK TRAILER

Watch "Sticks and Stones 2 Book Trailer" on YouTube

Broadcast of the Apocalypse

So Friday was my first ever radio interview. The show was ZOMBIEPALOOZA: DEAD AGAIN and I couldn't be more pleased with how everything went.

Everything was very professional. The host, Jackie Chin, had some great questions and some interesting information to pass along. Anyone looking for a really good show to go on, I highly recommend this one. I have been invited back for a vampire show, a general horror show and a return to zombies to do a show with, the one and only, David Moody! So there's some awesome stuff coming up. Thank all of you who were able to tune in and for the great feedback I've received. If you missed it, its okay because the show will be uploaded to the Z Talk Radio site. I will post that link when I can.

I also uploaded the Sticks and Stones 2 book trailer on YouTube today! It has an exclusive excerpt. That will be posted in just a sec.

Oh! And eBook Nightmare broke 100 posts!

Hell is just warming up

Cover sneak for CUT AND RUN: STICKS AND STONES PART II

The original Sticks is still very dear to me. It helped me through a marriage that was on its last legs and long periods of depression were spent pounding away at the keyboard to churn out what I thought was going to be just another story. In ways, I was.right. In others...so very wrong!
Sticks and Stones went on to be a beast. Ravenous and vicious as it moved up the amazon.com horror top 100. In the end, it reached a peak of #19 in the US and won an award for best novella. I was floored!
There has always been plans to continue the story. I could have left it as it was, with the hulking beasts staring down RJ Laymon's logging crew, and never looked back. But it wouldn't leave me. No matter what story I worked on, the creatures of the Lowe Road were always there glaring at me with fire in their eyes and begging for another round. Well... their time is coming. Welcome back to the Lowe Road, ladies and gentlemen. And prepare yourselves.
HELL IS JUST WARMING UP.

ZombiePalooza - Dead Again radio interview!

Hi, guys. Big announcement that I'm pretty excited about.
On friday, February 22, I will be a guest on the ZombiePalooza - Dead Again radio show from 9 - 10 pm. I will be discussing zombies, books, my time as a volunteer fireman and even talking about the issues of PTSD and how I dealt with things after my accident. Its gonna be a fantastic show with several other guests and I hope you fine fiends will tune in!
Click HERE for their website

Hello there, my favorite fiends!

I know its been a while and EBN has been quiet. After Some Other Time, I decided to take a little time off to work on some other things that I needed to do. I'm still working on a few but I'm also back to writing. I have a few things coming along in the near future.

THE WHISPERING KINGDOM - is a very TRUE tale of horror that I have started. It will tell of a mysterious location not far from my home. There have been brief hints of it in some of my stories already but this will be the first, full account documenting the strange history of a place tucked away deep within the mountains of North Carolina, simply known as "The Kingdom."

CATHEDRAL - an upcoming short story with a Lovecraftian influence. The subject matter of this one makes MY skin crawl! I can't wait to see what it does to you guys }:-)~

CARCASS: NECROPOLIS - maaaayyyyybe

CUT AND RUN: STICKS AND STONES PART II - a young woman is kidnapped by a deranged psychopath and taken into the woods. Already in a fight for her life, the night's events take a vicious turn as massive, hairy creatures descend upon the two. If they are to survive the night, the psycho and the victim must join forces in this carnage-filled sequel to the Amazon.com best-seller, STICKS AND STONES!

I will update further as soon as I can. I want to thank all of you for your continued support for all of these twisted little tales. You guys keep it fun and make it worth doing.

That's all for now. Happy Valentine's Day! Be sure to eat.someone you love.
Blessed be.