Posts tagged ‘horror’
RETURNING TO SHORT STORIES
CAT’S EYES
Cat’s Eyes was published Books To Go Now in 2011.
The story involves a writer going blind and, as a last resort, comes up with a bizarre solution.
CAT’S EYES, PART I
Joe Flannelly sat with his good friend, Howard Long, at their standard table in their favorite pub. The first few rounds of beer went down easy and fast. When Joe lifted his glass and said, “Here’s looking at you, Howard.” But Joe offered his toast without his usual cheerfulness. In reality, he had offered the toast out of habit putting little thought into it.
Howard shook his head and mumbled, “Shit, Joe, can’t you come up with another toast? You say the same damn thing every time we get together for some beers. Okay for shit’s sake, I’m an ophthalmologist. I got it the first time you said it years ago.”
Joe’s expression suddenly grew serious, and he yelled, “Fuck you!” This was unlike Joe who had always appeared mellow, happy.
Taken by surprise, Howard asked, “Are you okay, buddy?”
“As a matter of fact, I’m not. I thought I might need glasses, so I had my eyes checked the other day. I have the wet form of macular degeneration, the worst type. I’ll lose the central part of my vision to the disease. I’m a writer, damn it. How the hell can I write like that? I’m only fifty-five, and my career is just beginning to come together. How do I finish the work I want to do? I might as well be dead.”
You could cut the silence with a knife.
Finally, Howard said, “Shit, man, I can’t imagine a tougher break.”
“I know, Howard, I guess my career will soon come to an end.”
Howard asked, “Can’t you dictate to the computer? I hear the programs have improved.”
Joe answered, “I guess I could, but that’s not my style. I need to see my words on a sheet of paper and think about where the story is going.”
Howard looked intently at his friend. Joe sipped his beer. He could tell Howard was struggling with a thought. Joe asked, “What’s on your mind?”
Howard took a long drag on his beer.
“I’m not supposed to tell anyone this.” His tone became hushed. “I have a friend, went to school with him. He’s an eye surgeon. He’s been experimenting with eye transplants and told me he just recently had a breakthrough.”
Excited, Joe said, “That’s great, Howard. That means there’s hope for me.”
“Not so fast, Joe. So far my friend has only experimented on animals. And the breakthrough has a major drawback. The donor eyes, to be useful, must be harvested functioning not just functional before the time of death. And the recipient must still possess some vision so that the sensory apparatus is intact. It’s not like any other transplant. The donor and recipient must be in the same room for a rapid transplant to ensure a chance of success. If the method was ever used, it would raise a host of moral questions. Taking the eyes of a living subject would leave the patient blind. That is if that I had any more life to live. I can’t imagine anyone volunteering offering their eyesight unless death is certain. Just around the corner like conditions such as euthanasia.
MY PREDICTIONS
MY PREDICTIONS
I want to take a moment to point out how, purely by accident, I managed to predict the past and possibly the future.
In my short story, The Superior Species, I predicted the past. In that story the plot centered around the cloning of two Neanderthals with the use of tissue harvested from a frozen Neanderthal body discovered after an unusual snow melt.
With the birth and development of the two Neanderthals it rapidly becomes clear that they are the superior species and that knowledge spell disaster for the clones.
Since that story, which was written in early 2006, surprisingly new facts have been determined concerning our distant relative. These facts were covered in the New York Times magazine section published on January 15, 2007. Among the details described were that the Neanderthals created jewelry and specialized tools. They painted their bodies with the pigments they made. They buried their dead. And the anatomy of their trachea suggests that they may have been capable of speech. All this indicates that the Neanderthals were much more intelligent than first thought and that they were a more superior species than we give them credit for being.
Here is a link to my posts made in February 2024. You will find The Superior Species among them.
February | 2024 | Walttriznastories’s Blog
In another one of my short stories, Martian Rebirth, I describe a Martian culture existing in the core of the planet. They began living there after their atmosphere began to thin. To support their population there was an underground ocean providing water. I have not posted this story yet but soon will.
Since I wrote that story space probes have found the suggestion that water exists beneath the surface of the planet. Perhaps future probes which land on the surface of the planet will confirm this possibility.
I am a writer of science fiction and horror. I feel I have joined a long line of science fiction writers whose imagination proved to reveal reality.
Let’s hope that my horror stories remain fiction.
THE GHOST OF E. A. POE
THE GHOST OF E. A. POE
My latest published short story, The Price of Success, was published this month by Yellow Mama. Accompanying the story was a drawing by April Lafleur which capture the essence of the story.
The Price of Success reveals the unexpected results a writer of horror has when collaborating with the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe. Accepting help from the ghost the struggling writer realizes, only too late, the consequences of his decision.
The primary location of this story is Baldwin’s Book Barn one of my favorite bookstores located in West Chester, PA. Home of one of the finest used bookstores in the country.
LITERARY AGENTS
MY QUEST FOR A LITERARY AGENT
I have a novel, The Beast Awaits, for which I am seeking a publisher. I have used Duotrope to compile a list of publishers but so far I have found none that I deem satisfactory. Therefore, I am now looking for a literary agent for which Duotrope also provides a listing.
For many publishers having an agent is the only way your work can be reviewed. The fact that you have an agent encourages publishers to look at your work for they know that the only way a REPUTIBLE agent makes a penny is if they sell your work.
I filled out a Duotrope questionnaire for agents and received a list of 124 agents. Daunting. But through my use of another website, I was able to reduce this to a list of seventeen agents I feel secure in pursuing.
In a future post will describe how I accomplished this.
WRITER’S FORUM
WEBSITES HELPFUL TO WRITERS
This is a series of posts which, I think, will be beneficial to writers.
But first, I would like to include my usual warning about using websites.
Whenever you check a website you are, in my opinion and I talk from experience, being put on a list for sale. So, expect the possibility of being bombarded by ads from companies you, perhaps, have never heard of and have no interest in.
By the same token, I feel that once you call a business for information you are also put on a list, for sale, of similar companies to the one you have called.
That’s just how it is in today’s society.
I hope you find the information offered in these posts helpful.
Anyone familiar with my blog is aware of the area, Writer’s Forum, which already offers a host of websites important for writers.
Horror Writers Association
Horror.org
Has over 1,400 writers and supporters of ‘dark fiction’.
Publishes a blog and offers other material for booksellers, facilitates readings and signings for horror writers.
Organizes StokerCom annual convention.
Yearly membership range in prices.
WRITER’S FORUM
WEBSITES HELPFUL TO WRITERS
This is a series of posts which, I think, will be beneficial to writers.
But first, I would like to include my usual warning about using websites.
Whenever you check a website you are, in my opinion and I talk from experience, being put on a list for sale. So, expect the possibility of being bombarded by ads from companies you, perhaps, have never heard of and have no interest in.
By the same token, I feel that once you call a business for information you are also put on a list, for sale, of similar companies to the one you have called.
That’s just how it is in today’s society.
I hope you find the information offered in these posts helpful.
Anyone familiar with my blog is aware of the area, Writer’s Forum, which already offers a host of websites important for writers.
The Horror Tree
HorrorTree.com
Lists up-to-date publishing opportunities for horror writers.
Shares calls for submissions for fiction, nonfiction, novellas, and novels.
Provides information on compensation authors can expect.
EMMET ROBINSON AND THE POINT
In my previous post I shared a newsletter published by my good friend, Emmet Robinson, where he introduced my novel, The Beast Awaits, which is now looking for a home. In this post I want to reciprocate to that generous act.
In the course of a very interesting and productive life Emmet was manager of The Point. The Point was a coffee house which began business in 1964 outside of Philadelphia. This was a venue where today’s celebrities, in the music world, were on the road to success while they were still people. People you could easily approach. Think celebrities like Joni Mitchell and John Denver.
Emmet relates a story when on evening Jackson Brown was performing and in from the backdoor walks Bruce Springsteen and begins playing the piano. At that time no big deal.
Emmet has published a book describing this incident and many more just as interesting. The book’s title is Little Boy Found: One Man’s Search for Lost Self-Esteem. If you need something to read this summer, and who doesn’t, I suggest this book as a purchase. Here is a link for that purpose.
Little Boy Found: Robinson, Emmet: 9781984580368: Amazon.com: Books
EMMET ROBINSON
ANNOUNCES
THE BEAST AWAITS
Here is a newsletter published by a writer friend, Emmet Robinson, mentioning my upcoming novel, The Beast Awaits.
I am currently looking for an agent so hope to soon change upcoming to soon to be published.
Scribbles
By Emmet Robinson
Writer and Editor
Helping You Express Yourself More Effectively
610-647-4341
What’s New?
Science Fiction
Current editing assignments include a new novel by Walt Trizna. Walt’s wildly creative imagination makes him a treat to work with – every chapter is another surprise. The general theme of The Beast Awaits leads one to consider a real possibility as to the end of human society. Scary? Yup! Gross in spots, too! A great read!
In working with other writers’ creative efforts, the original work is carefully preserved, uncut. Suggestions are provided separately. Also carefully preserved are both the author’s original intent and voice.
Double the Fun
Jim McCusker’s newest novel, The Edge, is now published and available in hard copy and on line. At over 400 pages, it took me a while to go through it, adding my suggestions to each chapter as I received it. It was a special treat to receive an autographed copy with my name listed as editor.
When Jim decided to create the audiobook version, he was able to record the narrative on his own, then asked me to provide four different character voices. That put me back in the studio again as a voice actor, something I greatly enjoy.
His previous novel, New Jersey Nights, first appeared in print, then was recorded here as an audiobook where I provided all of the voices. The hardest part was keeping track of what voice went with which character. Fortunately, being a story about organized crime, there were frequent murders. Whenever a character was killed off, I could recycle the voice by using it with a new character in following chapters.
Endless Variety
In addition to my own creative efforts*, I enjoy helping other writers with theirs.
Over the years, the range of assignments has provided a broad variety of work that keeps my days interesting. From business cards and newsletters for area businesses to full-length novels and literally everything in between.
What are you working on now that could use a professional review?
Reach me at www.emmetsemail@aol.com.
Emmet Robinson
(See next page)
* Useful Articles: https://emmetrobinson.com/Reading-Room/
Books
Non-fiction
How to Prosper in Business Regardless of the Economy
Coping with Competition: How to Tilt the Playing Field in Your Favor
Little Boy Found: One Man’s Search for Lost Self-Esteem
Fiction – For publication this fall
The Adventures of Dave and Dani: A personal trainer and a florist find success and true love.
THE WAR OF THE WORLDS
COMPARING THE 1953 MOVIE TO THE NOVEL
Of the movies two movies made using
the novel as a guide in 1953 and 2005, my favorite is the movie made in 1953.
Yet that is the movie, of the two, which least resembles the book.
The premise of the movie is an
alien invasion from Mars. This nails down where the invasion originates, of
course, the title serves the same purpose. I say this premise follows the novel
for an alien invasion could come from any planet or any solar system.
One nice touch in the 2005 movie
was to include Gene Barry who plays Dr. Clayton Forrester and Ann Robinson who
plays Sylvia van Buren in the 1953 movie as the grandparents at the end of the
2005 movie.
To begin with, the Martians arrive at
what, at first, appears to be a meteorite. After a short period of time men
guarding the object detect a unscrewing at the top of the object and a device
appearing which destroys the men. What is never explained is how the Martian
machines make their exit with only the small aperture revealed.
In the published description of the
movie, it is said that heat rays are used to cause destruction. But if memory
serves, there were two types of rays. One was a heat ray which caused most of
the destruction and set fires. But initially a ray was used causing men and
vehicles to disappear and is described as a ray which destroys the energy which
joins molecules. Hence, the ray causes whatever it hits to fall apart.
Another difference between the book
to both movies is that the entire planet is under attack. In the novel only
England is involved, the home of H. G. Wells.
In the 1953 movie the machines
arrive already constructed whereas in the novel, upon arrival of the cylinders,
the machines must be firs constructed. Also, the machines in the movie do not
appear as described in the book. The machines in the novel walk on three
extended legs whereas the machines in the movie appear to hover with the theory
that they are manipulating gravity. The machines in the movie are protected by
a force-field. In the novel they can be destroyed.
In both movies and the novel there
is a scene where the characters are hiding in a farmhouse. In the 1953 movie
the characters escape with a rag soaked with Martian blood. In the novel and
the 2005 movie what occurs in the farmhouse is similar with the final result
being the death of a character.
The blood collected and analyzed
reveals that the Martians are anemic and have a poorly developed immune system
which leads to their demise. This failure for the Martians to survive is true
in both movies and the book.
Here is a link to the published version of the 1953 movie.
The War
of the Worlds (1953 film) – Wikipedia
ANNOTHER STORY ACCEPTED
A break from my The War of the Worlds posts.
I just recently learned that YELLOW MAMA has accepted my short story, The Price of Success, for publication. It will appear in issue #106 on October 15, 2024. This is a first for me for this story has been previously published.
I want to share with writers who follow my blog of some trends I have notice concerning publishers.
More and more publishers are considering and accepting previously published work from writers. If you own the rights. Also, many publishers now accept simultaneous submissions. In the past you would submit a work and sometimes wait nearly a year to be told whether it was accepted or rejected. From some publishers, you would never hear from them. Of course, this means rejection. But in the meantime, you sat on the work waiting for an answer. Now you can submit your work to multiple publishers at the same time which increases the odds of getting published and can serve to reduce the waiting time.
Finally, another recent trend is the existence of podcasts looking for stories.
I hope this discussion helps writers to find a home for their work.
I must mention that the setting for The Price of Success is Baldwin’s Book Barn. This was my second published short story which took place at this location. My next post will discuss this fantastic store of used books.
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