tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71288429285600540852024-03-13T14:59:06.312-07:00The Demon Stole My PencilNora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.comBlogger265125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-61424003476881213272022-01-09T13:38:00.002-08:002022-01-09T13:38:49.676-08:00A Walk in a City of Shadows: Tales of Urban Legendry Kickstarter Video and Editor Announcement<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0lLBA0WP9oYjG3gv_JjQ3xS90HBKDvfV3dOd2SDgY6uim4rI-RC3Xn6SmryWmj7IiKAKORightjwNQ8nR00QY4Howqig9ydJBbwsrpbtdqP8mSe5DNceTSZbvM2pvfj8jy5cN8G9kgY_f5k0YlVwKBjBtSlTN1kKQbEichSEl2R0phAsVq6Yy_8KgvA=s584" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0lLBA0WP9oYjG3gv_JjQ3xS90HBKDvfV3dOd2SDgY6uim4rI-RC3Xn6SmryWmj7IiKAKORightjwNQ8nR00QY4Howqig9ydJBbwsrpbtdqP8mSe5DNceTSZbvM2pvfj8jy5cN8G9kgY_f5k0YlVwKBjBtSlTN1kKQbEichSEl2R0phAsVq6Yy_8KgvA=s320" width="288" /></a></div>I've been asked to join the Alien Sun Press editing team for a tribute anthology to Gemma Files and her masterpiece, Experimental Film. The anthology is a celebration of women authors. We've snagged some great names for the project. Stay tuned! And thank you to the Alien Sun Press team for bringing me on board and believing in me.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br />Below is the video intro for A Walk in a City of Shadows: Tales of Urban Legendry coming out by Alien Sun Press. This anthology is jampacked with an awesome group of authors. I'm in good company.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyT3sq153xaj793kPu1j5-Sb_DejSta-uG2pzXFAz4KpdPWAGh5a5_vv6RxeOdSmGVVU0Gw-zaHMUiBQmua8w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div>If you want to contribute to the<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/walkinacityofshadows/a-walk-in-a-city-of-shadows-tales-of-urban-legendry?ref=user_menu&fbclid=IwAR1svM9sFrr_VMGe-c5WxUyRnKp0PqGNQQal_GhT6ehCZubcCSjHJio2gOU" target="_blank"> Kickstarter</a> for this urban legend anthology, please do! Publishers and authors need reader support to make new books happen!Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-81323422020415625712021-12-20T17:48:00.001-08:002021-12-20T17:48:32.333-08:00Cover Reveal!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FsgwiBlEUVs/YcExVAMejgI/AAAAAAAAcsY/Epv-fE6WgV4kxGyJb14kHGvQK3m7e_qYACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1846" data-original-width="970" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FsgwiBlEUVs/YcExVAMejgI/AAAAAAAAcsY/Epv-fE6WgV4kxGyJb14kHGvQK3m7e_qYACNcBGAsYHQ/w336-h640/image.png" width="336" /></a></div>The cover reveal for the urban legend anthology I will be in! Stay tuned for the Kickstarter project. You don't want to miss this T.O.C.<br /><p></p>Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-76502205502808072442021-12-17T19:33:00.001-08:002021-12-17T19:33:41.496-08:00Be an Eighth Tower Patron<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_l41th3-8G0/Yb1T8PKYdCI/AAAAAAAAcrg/x22piiZ-A9YEXhlJ_eV0oipE1tGWplOnACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_l41th3-8G0/Yb1T8PKYdCI/AAAAAAAAcrg/x22piiZ-A9YEXhlJ_eV0oipE1tGWplOnACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="286" /></a></div>BE AN EIGHTH TOWER PATRON<br /><br /> I am very excited to announce that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/eighthtowerrecords/?__cft__[0]=AZXRwie6WyMh6HSjVU1BWnANksHhj4oWTvlK1RyV-SnEL9za9_39HuKR4u_n-DdOUBYx4xMQXdCrjDrkygPMCuN85lG9GKlLT_TqFNodVxbBaHeULcNjQ2v4XsCdBL-hN6sSNBrGy1h66khqUXjKsnXPu4OirOojQRJMEbm5GrmPcQ&__tn__=kK-y-R">Eighth Tower</a> will begin periodically publishing a magazine of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/darkculture?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZXRwie6WyMh6HSjVU1BWnANksHhj4oWTvlK1RyV-SnEL9za9_39HuKR4u_n-DdOUBYx4xMQXdCrjDrkygPMCuN85lG9GKlLT_TqFNodVxbBaHeULcNjQ2v4XsCdBL-hN6sSNBrGy1h66khqUXjKsnXPu4OirOojQRJMEbm5GrmPcQ&__tn__=*NK-y-R">#DarkCulture</a>, alongside music mixes, articles, interviews, books, dedicated CDs, printed artworks, early access and behind the scenes of artists, and many more. <br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/patreon?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZXRwie6WyMh6HSjVU1BWnANksHhj4oWTvlK1RyV-SnEL9za9_39HuKR4u_n-DdOUBYx4xMQXdCrjDrkygPMCuN85lG9GKlLT_TqFNodVxbBaHeULcNjQ2v4XsCdBL-hN6sSNBrGy1h66khqUXjKsnXPu4OirOojQRJMEbm5GrmPcQ&__tn__=*NK-y-R">#Patreon</a> makes an important contribution to helping Raffaele Pezzella stay freelancing & curating more dark culture for everyone to enjoy.<div><br /></div><div>If you value the work that Eighth Tower does in dark culture and beyond, Raffaele Pezzella needs your pride pledge now. </div><div><br /></div><div>Please support him at the level you can.<br /><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patreon.com%2Feighthtower%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0frv_nZCamXoK9BEG_s01o4Yvszd0TTzZccLtY_p6amyB17Oqn8lvjiG0&h=AT15wCjlPAdUcjt-KpGU9KDMKpxiYOBfNtoDZyKu0DrQQEmIBP_0_4yY3dBAe_hkyYiHxzERUDIAIG0XSvm1x40IwBz6_fPWZNXJAQiu9gv1eI0KRpZjH71edsuj8c0VeA&__tn__=-UK-y-R&c[0]=AT24lk2nHI-SE5p9ZZzprdu3nN-ZNIyLCbKBWzyK6EAvuZRukWh0k0Xodss0dfREsZjSLnqmlCJ2-uxBw5Vq-lHY2RJtK4Vy_aJDai6S6OQxR1UgeVDdF7ValBtYD5FEs-S84IyPHmNQSe5x74Az0e7w9rjWLVkHyE_sHe3Xnmh4yNfQhGQblay5zYj2dZF7ds6SqRjT">https://www.patreon.com/eighthtower</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Also feel free to donate directly to <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paypal.com%2Fpaypalme%2Fusggroup%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3KlIYfgonOeFWOv3sKe9czrHErsvfQL2RHJkNOHUHwVqnyByV6YRXoUFA&h=AT24fse1uzAMG0jBTKWfULRng6C10g5gjhpv_gTE_-4lzj0dHD_mxj49hrKq9O71Rq08tj_85ohAvIGFLvzpD2ZeOh8oAI-y5tNSE3bnhPs94Gvd1q6xMpOa3GLrBXF68Q&__tn__=-UK-y-R&c[0]=AT24lk2nHI-SE5p9ZZzprdu3nN-ZNIyLCbKBWzyK6EAvuZRukWh0k0Xodss0dfREsZjSLnqmlCJ2-uxBw5Vq-lHY2RJtK4Vy_aJDai6S6OQxR1UgeVDdF7ValBtYD5FEs-S84IyPHmNQSe5x74Az0e7w9rjWLVkHyE_sHe3Xnmh4yNfQhGQblay5zYj2dZF7ds6SqRjT">www.paypal.com/paypalme/usggroup</a> the amount you like.</div><div><br /></div><div>Contact me in the comments below, if you are interested in contributing to the magazine.</div>Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-80660244463702936562021-12-15T16:17:00.000-08:002021-12-15T16:17:00.705-08:00A Cold and Creative Projects<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DmhWpfX-3Jk/YbqBJg5SunI/AAAAAAAAcrI/fWFiB5Ll_IcIgPOmMKC-FgzAt2J6SooWACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1546" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DmhWpfX-3Jk/YbqBJg5SunI/AAAAAAAAcrI/fWFiB5Ll_IcIgPOmMKC-FgzAt2J6SooWACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="181" /></a></div>I've been absent with a cold or something and sleeping a lot the past week. I have lots of exciting news, but most of it is top secret, until the projects are revealed. You will be the first to hear about them, as soon as my mouth isn't taped shut! It's so hard not sharing cool news and just jumping around your living room in celebration before shambling off to bed or the kitchen for food.<p></p><p>I do have some news I can share, though. I am now a Getty Images Stock Photographer and they are much easier to work with than Shutterstock for creative types. I've been taking walks when I feel I can muster the energy and editing and submitting snaps. I've been doing small makeshift studio shots at home too. I have a few stories I am working on, which are hush hush. Sorry! I also finished reading 162 submissions for two presses and am glad to be moving onto other projects. Stay tuned ...</p><p>In the meantime, you can <a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/NoraPeevy?mediatype=photography" target="_blank">buy my photography here</a>.</p>Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-33663387591824680232021-12-06T02:04:00.001-08:002021-12-06T02:04:27.319-08:00A Walking Meditation: Relax Your Creative Monster<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiO6RefdcD7juHgh70HhiGvMcYIMvXU4eJJ5O6qtWylX3zjmNwKkzYQwQEdc-6U6_cHv5Ma6ET5I78qWrcfe2qsOkcgsx7WNBnQneXsUlyNOZIE7C44EmYEXTxBnYM2-cHQVPSEaBGTZ56X_IKWOUmPcUM3a8OJtBHgNPeObWCOLel3XpwwHgSia2VZZA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiO6RefdcD7juHgh70HhiGvMcYIMvXU4eJJ5O6qtWylX3zjmNwKkzYQwQEdc-6U6_cHv5Ma6ET5I78qWrcfe2qsOkcgsx7WNBnQneXsUlyNOZIE7C44EmYEXTxBnYM2-cHQVPSEaBGTZ56X_IKWOUmPcUM3a8OJtBHgNPeObWCOLel3XpwwHgSia2VZZA=s320" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="color: black;"><br />W</span><span style="color: black;">hen I need to recharge between projects or am working out a plot point, I walk. Walking is a great way to let my mind wander and play. It never fails to relax me and help improve my storytelling. I normally take a lot of photos, which is great because I am submitting them to Shutterstock for royalties, so my walks serve a dual purpose. I also get a really good workout because I am gone on average about an hour at a time.<br /></span><span style="color: black;"><br />Have you tried a walking meditation when your writer's mind needs space? If you take pictures on your walks, please share them below in comments. I'd love to see your art or hear about any other</span><span style="color: black;"> suggestions you have for relaxing your mind.</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiknnNNRKCcw3B3vbVd9jFIqYLaekB0xNdvfJDb8aoKpLrPeS_kzSMQqf0bzTvzz8NJ7v5ZWb2NMDhCoGsTHvb9OkAPlue_m9VfMVdSuE8YHet5QXb2Quu9NUQSGgK9E1msL-Ga21DZGYtI3fqriSfveqfBvSl0Y3AxZHaF3zjsWJcp8wBaYiXczqPwAQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiknnNNRKCcw3B3vbVd9jFIqYLaekB0xNdvfJDb8aoKpLrPeS_kzSMQqf0bzTvzz8NJ7v5ZWb2NMDhCoGsTHvb9OkAPlue_m9VfMVdSuE8YHet5QXb2Quu9NUQSGgK9E1msL-Ga21DZGYtI3fqriSfveqfBvSl0Y3AxZHaF3zjsWJcp8wBaYiXczqPwAQ=s320" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9Uz0r0qKBnwr5BNWEX7RM81tElV9GYZsPpMUR7Axmrx9VzWQsXhlcby9G2a1E0kDeq-zyGXhniqZRekqgSOR0BQ26zvzshWvDRZOY_2qXj3vf-DPVuTI2L4iERQx0DBvFAs0vG8AbjyLFK85GWK84mx-oiilsRUw9pRrSYRU2LdkukPuBneWUgYoT4w=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2009" data-original-width="2048" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9Uz0r0qKBnwr5BNWEX7RM81tElV9GYZsPpMUR7Axmrx9VzWQsXhlcby9G2a1E0kDeq-zyGXhniqZRekqgSOR0BQ26zvzshWvDRZOY_2qXj3vf-DPVuTI2L4iERQx0DBvFAs0vG8AbjyLFK85GWK84mx-oiilsRUw9pRrSYRU2LdkukPuBneWUgYoT4w=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-85887783526266461832021-12-04T12:32:00.002-08:002021-12-04T12:32:45.822-08:00The Pencil in the Eye Is Mightier Than the Sword<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yy18ztFNloM/YavHyiDEfoI/AAAAAAAAbdY/UAI_nxB2oH03zkI16TTW7Wf4u-F-oHOTQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/APC-0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yy18ztFNloM/YavHyiDEfoI/AAAAAAAAbdY/UAI_nxB2oH03zkI16TTW7Wf4u-F-oHOTQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/APC-0049.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The infamous pencil.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>In middle of September, I got up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. I was staying at a friend's house and was unfamiliar with the layout of the place in the dark. I ran into a tray with a lamp and a pencil cup. I tripped and imbedded the pencil shown on the right in my left eye. My head slammed into the tray and I acquired lovely bruises. I was rushed to the emergency room because my injury wouldn't stop bleeding and I was worried I would lose my eyesight.</p><p>The pencil to left is the one that broke off in my eyeball. I've included my original injury pics, along with some pics as it is healing. </p><p>It was point down and unsharpened, but it still caused a lot of damage. I honestly don't know how I fell that hard. It looked like someone invisible pushed me. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWn1mzDWNBIGe-GL4p48o6aWvLHTWIWHh6m6VN5yks-pgIk-DvF6HgKTA6pYt4p3XHgwTFBZqK1TLQ6telcoPTaYEEGH0YGIGkqlBNFmy5Kw7BajCE8Qa697-MFmAzEYllBW1tLiNwd42I-4ZKofLUVSEWq_i0ARtAZSQ_E1K0498qBIzeLIXBoK5V1Q=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWn1mzDWNBIGe-GL4p48o6aWvLHTWIWHh6m6VN5yks-pgIk-DvF6HgKTA6pYt4p3XHgwTFBZqK1TLQ6telcoPTaYEEGH0YGIGkqlBNFmy5Kw7BajCE8Qa697-MFmAzEYllBW1tLiNwd42I-4ZKofLUVSEWq_i0ARtAZSQ_E1K0498qBIzeLIXBoK5V1Q=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the emergency room.</td></tr></tbody></table>Getting stabbed in the eye fucking hurts like Satan's poker is spitting your eyeball in hell. No amount of pain killers makes this okay. I had about eight stitches. I was in the ER for 13 hours. I have had many follow-up visits because I have ongoing headaches, double vision, nausea, and an infection that took three antibiotics to heal. A few months later and I still suffer from double vision, headaches, and nausea. I have a cyst underneath my lower eyelid I am having removed right before Christmas. Yes, I can definitely use this horrific experience in my own horror stories. No, I don't recommend stabbing yourself in the eye with a pencil.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9ODJszG80Y/YavH4OxRaFI/AAAAAAAAbeA/ErWxFYvfZCAaEsTxBDMcoAuyemaJDRoUQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-6627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9ODJszG80Y/YavH4OxRaFI/AAAAAAAAbeA/ErWxFYvfZCAaEsTxBDMcoAuyemaJDRoUQCNcBGAsYHQ/w474-h320/IMG-6627.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More bruised leg pics.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB-hHf41_XWULflEy6I563Fm3tBqWeNrQkUKNrprHLAATXeK334dhq0XwLj49UpRhNEqatvog-KG7o2b4K1y7a3zDKU7V5nzbTwXgGmmqAXPXRZNuH_S-lO91hQpizUTJkw0rSQysm3YlW-27dqBJMrU-LHzSRCnBlqgEaTu8_h2IBTWaXHj6d5gCeJA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB-hHf41_XWULflEy6I563Fm3tBqWeNrQkUKNrprHLAATXeK334dhq0XwLj49UpRhNEqatvog-KG7o2b4K1y7a3zDKU7V5nzbTwXgGmmqAXPXRZNuH_S-lO91hQpizUTJkw0rSQysm3YlW-27dqBJMrU-LHzSRCnBlqgEaTu8_h2IBTWaXHj6d5gCeJA=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Healing slowly</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPwO3ASzX3c/YavIc87zdLI/AAAAAAAAbeY/WxVJpcp2jIIUNL_jhMXUprgmycymwoy2wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-6625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPwO3ASzX3c/YavIc87zdLI/AAAAAAAAbeY/WxVJpcp2jIIUNL_jhMXUprgmycymwoy2wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-6625.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bruised leg.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieYxx4rsZ95mSyKM8imX8ZGoErB99c3PUL_yHxRSt7sVagk6umdQMTJGwUoc3LZinHux4WUua6rzaoGP6hC7JNr1Bux5n56C0VPHvDCNOQgM2e_JiMaYKQ3rJvBJfCQEj7OF7gzyUXfxxNPCCmwVDFORYfRIV-P8VXsF_q95YbV0sB9aJlRgt_y2cJ4g=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1817" data-original-width="2048" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieYxx4rsZ95mSyKM8imX8ZGoErB99c3PUL_yHxRSt7sVagk6umdQMTJGwUoc3LZinHux4WUua6rzaoGP6hC7JNr1Bux5n56C0VPHvDCNOQgM2e_JiMaYKQ3rJvBJfCQEj7OF7gzyUXfxxNPCCmwVDFORYfRIV-P8VXsF_q95YbV0sB9aJlRgt_y2cJ4g=w216-h261" width="216" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eye exam chair.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisjqZdagbCUaV7_EGpbDUmkMD98at80l-83rhCFrPLm_sjy7CzTTlOb9ICqVeelsWSoVqXofFNdQwmBTxTUiP9xdHY7Ql2dTPd_QA6Ny27JezpgogT1MZlh4SjKWU3gM7xTZYCk_qyuqBzTL2aYIIgAsPAlJP8u0eKTKJbDJSuT4eTlfRmErqyUUJTIA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisjqZdagbCUaV7_EGpbDUmkMD98at80l-83rhCFrPLm_sjy7CzTTlOb9ICqVeelsWSoVqXofFNdQwmBTxTUiP9xdHY7Ql2dTPd_QA6Ny27JezpgogT1MZlh4SjKWU3gM7xTZYCk_qyuqBzTL2aYIIgAsPAlJP8u0eKTKJbDJSuT4eTlfRmErqyUUJTIA=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty gnarly healing.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6ZdK78J0wL6zHgTRIeAWBHWRxuGpdR5drgbIDJob-CMtzpfInf26cngkE2RsLAojwgLClQLNRMsBs2c4oZAud-1G7K0yzNNszatj4b5DLF_XBvFQhDIZ1JtNOxvMMzNpvqHuPDmkL7q-7EWF2nvIkN99KNUogpRP1OF5nXen1_s_2pFrfVU50rGaKaQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="946" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6ZdK78J0wL6zHgTRIeAWBHWRxuGpdR5drgbIDJob-CMtzpfInf26cngkE2RsLAojwgLClQLNRMsBs2c4oZAud-1G7K0yzNNszatj4b5DLF_XBvFQhDIZ1JtNOxvMMzNpvqHuPDmkL7q-7EWF2nvIkN99KNUogpRP1OF5nXen1_s_2pFrfVU50rGaKaQ=w296-h640" width="296" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scary pencil injury facts you didn't know.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have you injured your eye? Did it hurt like a motherf? Tell me in the comments. Share your pain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-81697155182712172362021-12-03T19:12:00.000-08:002021-12-03T19:12:22.975-08:00What Have You Been Watching?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJgxUAlCLIM/U8msZcanOCI/AAAAAAAAD-E/hRYAB6qLnv0QYXKp-1JopwuYOYJ_uPZSwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/_MG_2974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1636" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJgxUAlCLIM/U8msZcanOCI/AAAAAAAAD-E/hRYAB6qLnv0QYXKp-1JopwuYOYJ_uPZSwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/_MG_2974.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In between my writing and editing projects, I need to relax. I've <span style="text-align: left;">been watching some great cinema with excellent storytelling. Here are my top three from the past month:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">1) The gnome to the left agrees with me that <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13231962/" target="_blank">(Nisser) </a></span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13231962/" target="_blank">Elves (TV Series 2021)</a><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13231962/" target="_blank"> </a>is an awesome mix of folklore and holiday fun. It follows the journey of a family Christmas vacation when an ancient creature on the island seeks vengeance. I'm sure a lot of you have seen the previews and thought, "This looks terrible," but I assure you it's wonderful. It follows the ancient advice of respecting the forest and is a grim tale with a really cute puppet. And one of the best holiday films I've seen in years!<br /><br />The puppetry in here is great fun. It is an homage to <a href="https://wepa.unima.org/en/jim-henson/" target="_blank">Jim Henson</a>. The film has an <a href="https://www.imdb.com/list/ls006952832/" target="_blank">80s horror</a> feel. The opening credits and the music suit the storytelling. I would say more, but then I would give away my absolute favorite character, since <a href="https://gremlins.fandom.com/wiki/Gizmo" target="_blank">Gizmo</a> in the 80s.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">2) <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10574558/" target="_blank">Midnight Mass</a> is the second Netflix series I recommend. It plays on the old trope of a vampire priest, but the writing and the acting are beautiful. I enjoyed this little seaside island turning into monsters. And the last speech about death at the end of the series makes me cry. I don't cry at movies very often. This one is worth bingeing and I promise it's not "just" an old trope. There's a bit of a twist.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">3) The last one is a new release on HBO, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10293406/" target="_blank">The Power of the Dog</a>. This film's cinematography, the acting, the writing, the music, and the tasteful ending are trademarks of Jan Campion. She's made another beautiful film and it's a western! Let me know what you think of the ending, if you've watched it. <br /><br />Please be sure to share your movie recommendations in the comments. I love a good flick. Also feel free to steer me away from a horrible choice. It would be much appreciated. What have you been watching?</span></div></div> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-85030391401648964322021-12-01T15:04:00.003-08:002021-12-01T15:04:53.360-08:00Welcome to Shutterstock!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qnpe5alUz-A/Yaf-hO2HU-I/AAAAAAAAbaw/D_uY2OeWfaUeUVJLsyL43VpGILuX_dUZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/shutterstock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1104" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qnpe5alUz-A/Yaf-hO2HU-I/AAAAAAAAbaw/D_uY2OeWfaUeUVJLsyL43VpGILuX_dUZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/shutterstock.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>I have been accepted to sell my photography on Shutterstock! I finally took the plunge and submitted. Wish me luck. They have very strict guidelines, and I haven't had a photo accepted, yet. I am going to apply to Getty. I think they might be more open to my artsy style.<p></p><p>What have you been doing lately?</p>Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-57312184723080974852021-11-30T12:34:00.000-08:002021-11-30T12:34:02.148-08:00Do You Still Play?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fuO7JGZggo/YaaE5V0IpnI/AAAAAAAAbaM/BRDlHD99_b0C8bFXWH-u6gChq94vlLf8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/IMG-7203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fuO7JGZggo/YaaE5V0IpnI/AAAAAAAAbaM/BRDlHD99_b0C8bFXWH-u6gChq94vlLf8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-7203.JPG" width="240" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">I do. I find it therapeutic. There are so many stressors since the coronavirus lockdown of 2020. I find it essential as a writer to have other outlets. It lets my mind relax and ideas flow. Sometimes there are no words for the feelings I have at the moment, but they come to me when I use my hands. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since early 2021, I have picked up two new art mediums; I am working on <a href="http://www.kerismith.com/popular-posts/how-to-be-a-guerilla-artist-2" target="_blank">guerilla chalk art</a> and also the <a href="https://www.thekindnessrocksproject.com/" target="_blank">Kindness Rocks</a> campaign. I've painted over 400 hundred rocks and guerillaed a few parks, used my driveway as a canvas, and drawn outside of places where friends live. It's been a lifesaver. It helps me to have another creative outlet to feel less isolated and keep me sane. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope this post finds you healthy mentally and physically. The pandemic has altered our world forever. We are living in a time of cultural, social, and media whiplash. Sometimes I tune out for my own sanity. I'd like to share some pictures of my artwork with you. I hope it brings you joy. It does for me. You can find more of my chalk work <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chalkitup76" target="_blank">online.</a> Please share your own work in the comments. It brightens my day.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMYmk0Mn8Tc/YaaE5azUM3I/AAAAAAAAbak/_aylm8tu1-4YvnDstvzte8tzrLdogZKbACPcBGAYYCw/s960/IMG-7202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="960" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMYmk0Mn8Tc/YaaE5azUM3I/AAAAAAAAbak/_aylm8tu1-4YvnDstvzte8tzrLdogZKbACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG-7202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25IA4rpxxdg/YaaE4kzqmuI/AAAAAAAAbac/SjyYoFhv-5wTilEy4E1oeA3UOh7keqZ0QCPcBGAYYCw/s960/IMG-7201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="960" height="196" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25IA4rpxxdg/YaaE4kzqmuI/AAAAAAAAbac/SjyYoFhv-5wTilEy4E1oeA3UOh7keqZ0QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG-7201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bw5b1_UcJrU/YaaE6FFcBmI/AAAAAAAAbao/sDqpIZFpGgg7WsZWSD2DPtzKaA4F95ZygCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG-7195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2046" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bw5b1_UcJrU/YaaE6FFcBmI/AAAAAAAAbao/sDqpIZFpGgg7WsZWSD2DPtzKaA4F95ZygCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG-7195.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9tGutLGzWU/YaaE4hS7aHI/AAAAAAAAbaY/ioC2pSXcsxYmNoXy4CQOwMGT-wRC_rrCACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG-7191%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="2048" height="184" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9tGutLGzWU/YaaE4hS7aHI/AAAAAAAAbaY/ioC2pSXcsxYmNoXy4CQOwMGT-wRC_rrCACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG-7191%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-We9XRKn-Fq0/YaaE3egUbNI/AAAAAAAAbao/BWvEYh3uhyQVmIf1GUSxeHiGYmdZxIryQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG-7193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-We9XRKn-Fq0/YaaE3egUbNI/AAAAAAAAbao/BWvEYh3uhyQVmIf1GUSxeHiGYmdZxIryQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG-7193.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-68438809654831945162021-11-29T17:41:00.000-08:002021-11-29T17:41:40.542-08:00Rejection Isn't Bad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5xCOM_7Y3c/YZZvA0eCrnI/AAAAAAAAbXQ/eDUjiad-KOcbQ0IMVDctSpDx1cwBYmxGwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/1809-2017-1045103018955998280.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="1600" height="71" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5xCOM_7Y3c/YZZvA0eCrnI/AAAAAAAAbXQ/eDUjiad-KOcbQ0IMVDctSpDx1cwBYmxGwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/1809-2017-1045103018955998280.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />What? You're thinking I'm crazy or had a momentary lapse in judgement. Why would I embrace a failure? Well, it's not a failure, if you put your work out there and one publication rejects it. There could be a number of reasons your work was rejected:<div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>They got slammed with great submissions and didn't have room to publish them all.</li><li>You might have misjudged the market and have a great story that would fit better with another press.</li><li>Not everyone has the same taste as you.<span><a name='more'></a></span></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Rejection is not bad. You can learn valuable information from rejection. Sometimes an editor will take the time to tell you how to improve your writing. They may also steer you towards another market, if they really enjoyed your story and think it would fit better with another press. You learn how to research markets, write better letters, and write better stories from submitting to an editor and being rejected. You learn how to accept a rejection. It's just one letter. There are plenty of markets.</div><div><br /></div><div>My chapter of the <a href="https://horror.org/about/" target="_blank">Horror Writers Association</a> asked members to share their favorite rejection letter or their most recent letter. I think this is a valuable learning tool for any writer, so I am going to share my latest rejection letter here. Enjoy! *snickers* Seriously, read your rejections. They won't bite you. They're just words. They're not a reflection of you as a person. Rejection isn't scary; it's an opportunity. I've deleted the editor's name and the publication for professionalism, but here is the exact email:</div><div><br /></div><blockquote>Dear Nora,<br /><br />I greatly appreciate you sending in your story for consideration in --; unfortunately, I will not be using it for the anthology, though I did enjoy reading your work and I wish you all the best in finding an excellent home for your piece.<br /><br />Take care and keep writing ...</blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Guess what I have been doing? I've been writing and you should too.</div><div><div><br /></div></div>Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-64777827311405949382021-11-22T07:00:00.001-08:002021-11-22T07:00:00.202-08:00My Latest Publications and Podcasts <p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I realized since I've been gone awhile, I better update everyone on what I've been up to during Coronapocalypse. I've been busy writing and also picked up a few new art hobbies. Last month, my short story, The Witch of Fox Point, debuted in The Beyond: Stories Inspired by the Lucio Fulci Death Trilogy: Curated by Raffaele Pezzella. Taken directly from the Amazon description:</div><p></p><p>Nora B. Peevy’s darkly comedic ‘The Witch of Fox Point’, which features a cast of memorable characters including a plucky teenager who, along with her witch grandmother and the ghost of a young girl, battle against a veritable swarm of the undead (and zombie cows) in order to save the world.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fvvkhcLJbI/YZqK5uCoiBI/AAAAAAAAbY0/6iL0vGDAvYAba-D9sZyNNDIqis100YGVwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/the-beyond_Mockup_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="2048" height="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fvvkhcLJbI/YZqK5uCoiBI/AAAAAAAAbY0/6iL0vGDAvYAba-D9sZyNNDIqis100YGVwCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h275/the-beyond_Mockup_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>I am in great company in this anthology. If you are interested, you can purchase it, along with the music composed specially for the collection from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Stories-Inspired-Lucio-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B09GVRSC5R/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+beyond%2C+pezzella&qid=1637529653&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or from <a href="https://eighthtowerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-beyond-music-inspired-by-the-lucio-fulci-death-trilogy" target="_blank">Eighth Tower Publishing</a>.</p><p>If you haven't seen the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/list/ls020376702/" target="_blank">Lucio Fulci trilogy</a>, check it out first. I love all his work.</p><p>In February of this year, I joined a group of talented women for <a href="https://www.womeninhorrormonth.com/about/" target="_blank">Women in Horror Month</a> on <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-wicked-library/episode/wihm-2021-wicked-women-in-horror-special-six-sinister-stories-81818207" target="_blank">The Wicked Library podcast.</a> I wrote a short story, Dirt and Iron, about the hodag, a cryptid from <a href="http://explorerhinelander.com/" target="_blank">Rhinelander, Wisconsin</a>. My dad is from Rhinelander, so this story is very close to my heart.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOzumwS2vSw/YZrISI5O6MI/AAAAAAAAbY4/8Tg8v98NpjwKq8BXgeFEAPXjxzTM-y1kQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/hodag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="2048" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOzumwS2vSw/YZrISI5O6MI/AAAAAAAAbY4/8Tg8v98NpjwKq8BXgeFEAPXjxzTM-y1kQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/hodag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>You can read more about the hodag here: <a href="http://explorerhinelander.com/what-is-the-hodag/">What's the Hodag? - Rhinelander, Wisconsin (explorerhinelander.com)</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>And then on April 22, 2021, I was a guest on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH_KeYdkuz8" target="_blank">Michael Brightside's Podcast</a> where I discussed Dirt and Iron, writing, current events, and other topics. </p><p>I also discussed Hodags, other cryptids, hauntings, the paranormal, and ghosts on <a href="https://www.blogtalkradio.com/wickedlittlethings/2020/11/14/women-know-horror" target="_blank">Wicked Little Things</a> in November of 2020 with <a href="https://daroberts.net/" target="_blank">DA Roberts</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/catt-dahman/e/B007N5843K%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share" target="_blank">Catt Dahman</a>. They co-run <a href="https://www.haguild.com/" target="_blank">The Horror Authors Guild</a>. <a href="https://daherrmann.smugmug.com/" target="_blank">DA Hermann</a>, a talented photographer, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ashley-Dioses/e/B00ME9N2D2%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share" target="_blank">Ashley Dioses</a>, a horror poet, also joined the podcast. We had a really good time and it's worth a listen.</p><p>Later this week, I will blog about the new art projects I've been working on, so check back for some pretty pictures.</p><p>Thanks for reading, my demon hunters.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-46522132526318795032021-11-21T10:19:00.001-08:002021-11-21T11:32:02.634-08:00Eighth Tower Publishing News<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewCFXCeQ3AE/YZqK8N20LNI/AAAAAAAAbYw/jOKTkozkxSEge9mb22h0VRpV4O32V7EpACLcBGAsYHQ/s564/logo%2BEigth%2BTower%2BPublications.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="564" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewCFXCeQ3AE/YZqK8N20LNI/AAAAAAAAbYw/jOKTkozkxSEge9mb22h0VRpV4O32V7EpACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h193/logo%2BEigth%2BTower%2BPublications.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The tragic and unexpected loss of Psymon (Moon) Marshall has rocked the publishing community. I was fortunate enough to work on one project with Psymon. He was an easygoing, friendly person, a lover of good stories and good music. I know he has many friends and will be missed by everyone in the writing community. While I could never fill Psymon's editorial shoes, I am going to be the editor for the next three writing projects Eighth Tower Publishing curates. I feel honored to have worked with Psymon on Raffaele's last project, The Beyond: Stories Inspired by the Lucio Fulci Death Trilogy. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fvvkhcLJbI/YZqK5uCoiBI/AAAAAAAAbYs/oMj7TIvSU1ktcYHQ_CC1jfpsjc7dmkMEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/the-beyond_Mockup_1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="2048" height="138" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fvvkhcLJbI/YZqK5uCoiBI/AAAAAAAAbYs/oMj7TIvSU1ktcYHQ_CC1jfpsjc7dmkMEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h138/the-beyond_Mockup_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p>Because of his sudden passing, Moon's family has not prepared for his funeral. There is a <a href="https://gofund.me/8cf1b831" target="_blank">gofundme page</a> and anyone can contribute.</p><p>I hope Raffaele Pezzella and I can help Moon's passion live on through our works and this brings his friends and family love and peace.</p><p>The Beyond: Stories Inspired by the Lucio Fulci Death Trilogy can be purchased through <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Stories-Inspired-Lucio-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B09GVRSC5R/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+beyond+pezzella&qid=1637523048&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or at <a href="https://eighthtowerrecords.bandcamp.com/merch/the-beyond-book-cd" target="_blank">Eighth Tower Records</a>.</p>Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-62450689050995137702021-11-19T07:00:00.001-08:002021-11-19T07:00:00.253-08:00Guest Bloggers Wanted!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HF-197Vprf8/YZZyhn-lq6I/AAAAAAAAbXk/VrV-N6dYqc0P9b0oH7WJXdCC--4VBlq4ACPcBGAsYHg/s1500/IMG_6300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HF-197Vprf8/YZZyhn-lq6I/AAAAAAAAbXk/VrV-N6dYqc0P9b0oH7WJXdCC--4VBlq4ACPcBGAsYHg/w300-h400/IMG_6300.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are a writer, poet, book illustrator or designer, playwright, reader, actor/actress, songwriter, performer, publisher, blogger, or work in publishing, I want to hear from you! I am looking for guest bloggers for The Demon Stole My Pencil. Your guest post must be on the writing industry in one of the subjects listed. I am looking for artists of all genres, but horror/sci-fi/fantasy artists are my main focus, though I am open to other genres.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Comment below, if you are interested. Leave your email like n o r a w i n s t o n at gmail.com, so you are not picked up by filters. I will contact as you soon as I am able. Serious inquiries only. I will provide guidelines in the email I send you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks, demon hunters!</div><br /><p></p>Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-34820429312080068782021-11-18T07:07:00.000-08:002021-11-18T07:07:26.987-08:00The Scenic Side of the Spooky Witch's Tower - Dayton, Ohio Hike<p> As promised, my demon hunters, here are the pretty nature photos I took on my hike to <a href="https://norabpeevy.blogspot.com/2021/11/welcome-back-haunted-witchs-tower-in.html" target="_blank">The Witch's Tower</a>. Enjoy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrTx7AZnjsE/YZZkcVCP0oI/AAAAAAAAbVk/Uo8iR1r_yPMClowZ_O47YScdZvCBJTbsACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/witch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrTx7AZnjsE/YZZkcVCP0oI/AAAAAAAAbVk/Uo8iR1r_yPMClowZ_O47YScdZvCBJTbsACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/witch1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn-rGEaskuw/YZWwuinpEJI/AAAAAAAAbUA/7sxN2sUCTA4gv4tLoiC3bUARi3CDCZulACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witchtower12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2022" data-original-width="2048" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn-rGEaskuw/YZWwuinpEJI/AAAAAAAAbUA/7sxN2sUCTA4gv4tLoiC3bUARi3CDCZulACPcBGAYYCw/s320/witchtower12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wufJkdyMrGc/YZWpdVbJOMI/AAAAAAAAbTc/EppVkkSf-i0SH3s61Lx7BnwnKXvVQ9ZNwCPcBGAYYCw/s712/withtower0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="712" height="295" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wufJkdyMrGc/YZWpdVbJOMI/AAAAAAAAbTc/EppVkkSf-i0SH3s61Lx7BnwnKXvVQ9ZNwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/withtower0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySz1GGxNVI8/YZZkchrlrgI/AAAAAAAAbW8/99XrdoqqBWwULS0aHsfcpy6wIchv6fL_wCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witch12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1927" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySz1GGxNVI8/YZZkchrlrgI/AAAAAAAAbW8/99XrdoqqBWwULS0aHsfcpy6wIchv6fL_wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/witch12.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheldon and Larry Hiked with Us.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hsu5IK7GiA8/YZZknXnC0qI/AAAAAAAAbXE/WrH91lhpNNIq54aBj2z9angu7SYTjEM6wCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hsu5IK7GiA8/YZZknXnC0qI/AAAAAAAAbXE/WrH91lhpNNIq54aBj2z9angu7SYTjEM6wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/witch2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roadside memorial for 21 year old, Tony</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgpJOYXRbiw/YZWw1GNl2BI/AAAAAAAAbUM/71g8JcKHZfMUikouHx9LI_Du4Jj4xgzGACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witchtower17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1802" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgpJOYXRbiw/YZWw1GNl2BI/AAAAAAAAbUM/71g8JcKHZfMUikouHx9LI_Du4Jj4xgzGACPcBGAYYCw/s320/witchtower17.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4a5_evndo8/YZZkoxbYqZI/AAAAAAAAbW8/MpM02tGnanAijHZ_OpawC_0aVn8jH99UgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witch20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="2048" height="135" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4a5_evndo8/YZZkoxbYqZI/AAAAAAAAbW8/MpM02tGnanAijHZ_OpawC_0aVn8jH99UgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/witch20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K264jDVIUXo/YZZkx3sjZII/AAAAAAAAbXI/GFWjSxU4XDcGAR5wIUxW4aHzb4-kYqE7QCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witch9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1801" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K264jDVIUXo/YZZkx3sjZII/AAAAAAAAbXI/GFWjSxU4XDcGAR5wIUxW4aHzb4-kYqE7QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/witch9.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wwC9MiKR9T4/YZZkv-wHirI/AAAAAAAAbXE/hxvIAOBtn9ECBpw30JM-SsNNYGiYUO4HwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witch8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1621" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wwC9MiKR9T4/YZZkv-wHirI/AAAAAAAAbXE/hxvIAOBtn9ECBpw30JM-SsNNYGiYUO4HwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/witch8.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzyRoyhZBGg/YZZkqcrxfZI/AAAAAAAAbXM/6Cq8mIS8dAAcH32Z-ZMrrK3m2_5bZkQ4gCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1745" data-original-width="2048" height="273" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzyRoyhZBGg/YZZkqcrxfZI/AAAAAAAAbXM/6Cq8mIS8dAAcH32Z-ZMrrK3m2_5bZkQ4gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/witch3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pw2L5OXqFd8/YZZksESA0LI/AAAAAAAAbXM/tgzdE7NVfKodjYqJHa1W4efFjFGN82LqQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witch5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pw2L5OXqFd8/YZZksESA0LI/AAAAAAAAbXM/tgzdE7NVfKodjYqJHa1W4efFjFGN82LqQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/witch5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0Sjd0u1Cek/YZZksKFhvEI/AAAAAAAAbXA/Wn-uguhqzyMq7nkkxOmpTS6S4i7cx9aYACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witch4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1839" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0Sjd0u1Cek/YZZksKFhvEI/AAAAAAAAbXA/Wn-uguhqzyMq7nkkxOmpTS6S4i7cx9aYACPcBGAYYCw/s320/witch4.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VUNMC8K0vgU/YZZkZZA8_-I/AAAAAAAAbWQ/6Q1X9lMoAt0X4MFYLcsPOc0YLeNno2T2wCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witch10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1328" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VUNMC8K0vgU/YZZkZZA8_-I/AAAAAAAAbWQ/6Q1X9lMoAt0X4MFYLcsPOc0YLeNno2T2wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/witch10.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Box Elder Bug</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRrrnj2bZCE/YZZkjMKrZhI/AAAAAAAAbXI/kZPfQ1bVPBUt8UcldKnmlYV3VYHNZoTYQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witch17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="2048" height="145" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRrrnj2bZCE/YZZkjMKrZhI/AAAAAAAAbXI/kZPfQ1bVPBUt8UcldKnmlYV3VYHNZoTYQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/witch17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kissing Bug</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0Dt-zQmYeg/YZZkmgjCZhI/AAAAAAAAbXA/7WvwO2hPhpEWazl2CEm6th2f_t4nFYjDQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witch18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1777" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0Dt-zQmYeg/YZZkmgjCZhI/AAAAAAAAbXA/7WvwO2hPhpEWazl2CEm6th2f_t4nFYjDQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/witch18.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kissing Bug</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSryt4hIdyQ/YZZkchS18qI/AAAAAAAAbXA/94y_-ui-OlYCN2pO6D9b6hL8HyM13OTQwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witch11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1660" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSryt4hIdyQ/YZZkchS18qI/AAAAAAAAbXA/94y_-ui-OlYCN2pO6D9b6hL8HyM13OTQwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/witch11.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-przB0cn9914/YZZkdBcO3YI/AAAAAAAAbWo/Ql01R5klhnI4UOpxluRCQh2dqncL0bkagCPcBGAYYCw/s1008/witch13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-przB0cn9914/YZZkdBcO3YI/AAAAAAAAbWo/Ql01R5klhnI4UOpxluRCQh2dqncL0bkagCPcBGAYYCw/s320/witch13.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at the Witch's Tower.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0fzDPynUZM/YZZkhuh9rkI/AAAAAAAAbW8/wZ-376DMJ2ws0EyeHzeh2riP9zaGzi_7QCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witch15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1401" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0fzDPynUZM/YZZkhuh9rkI/AAAAAAAAbW8/wZ-376DMJ2ws0EyeHzeh2riP9zaGzi_7QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/witch15.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96l2q3Du3IM/YZZkioWanNI/AAAAAAAAbXE/bQdY2bN0yxQp3l_w_qUexS6rCGqnMnHbQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witch16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1444" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96l2q3Du3IM/YZZkioWanNI/AAAAAAAAbXE/bQdY2bN0yxQp3l_w_qUexS6rCGqnMnHbQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/witch16.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvFWV1qHgis/YZZkmvJsHxI/AAAAAAAAbXE/vx08mG-8mDU6jsg1yjfeKjPRSBUe0ChdgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witch19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="2048" height="146" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvFWV1qHgis/YZZkmvJsHxI/AAAAAAAAbXE/vx08mG-8mDU6jsg1yjfeKjPRSBUe0ChdgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/witch19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-21042136304670530412021-11-17T19:25:00.000-08:002021-11-17T19:25:07.149-08:00Welcome Back & The Haunted Witch's Tower in Dayton, Ohio<p style="text-align: left;">It's been a long time, my demon hunters, but I am finally back and ready to share a new tale of terror with you!</p><p>Yesterday, I visited Five Rivers Parks and hiked to the infamous Witch's Tower, also called the Lookout Tower, Patterson's Tower, and Frankenstein's Castle. This site is reportedly haunted and a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the USA.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nd4wl9QuRRw/YZWoQ7YPP5I/AAAAAAAAbTA/B1rwwt83JOkwWw1OlWzHmHI7qJGbR9RNQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witchtower4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1801" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nd4wl9QuRRw/YZWoQ7YPP5I/AAAAAAAAbTA/B1rwwt83JOkwWw1OlWzHmHI7qJGbR9RNQCPcBGAYYCw/w176-h200/witchtower4.jpg" width="176" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LyttSa9zlgg/YZWoP6R8DwI/AAAAAAAAbTA/HYpVqHbkIdcTvhcVBkvFCXuNEOxvQo56gCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witchtower5.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="2048" height="84" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LyttSa9zlgg/YZWoP6R8DwI/AAAAAAAAbTA/HYpVqHbkIdcTvhcVBkvFCXuNEOxvQo56gCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h84/witchtower5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vy_q5NisGRw/YZWoNWmEOFI/AAAAAAAAbS8/VBALqN4FprUhPOG-Uqdj-oRcu8rCzT6jQCPcBGAYYCw/s667/witchtower2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="667" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vy_q5NisGRw/YZWoNWmEOFI/AAAAAAAAbS8/VBALqN4FprUhPOG-Uqdj-oRcu8rCzT6jQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/witchtower2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The tower, built in 1941 by the National Youth Administration, is made out of salvaged stone and stands 30 feet tall. The walls are more than three feet thick and an impressive spiral staircase with fifty steps leads to the lookout at the top. Unfortunately, due to a tragic accident in the late 60s and vandalism in the 80s, park officials decided to block entrance to the exquisite tower, removing and sealing the doorway forever and adding iron rebar to all the accessible windows. If you watch YouTube footage, you will see that some enterprising people have gotten around these obstacles, though.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">In 1967, 16 year old Peggy Ann Harmeson from Bellbrook and her 17 year old boyfriend, Ronnie Stevens, were caught in an evening downpour in the park. The young couple sought shelter in the tower. Lighting struck the tower and Peggy was found dead on the 11th step; half her body covered in horrible burns. Ronnie was the lucky survivor, though I am sure he didn't feel so lucky losing his girlfriend.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aL2NHmQXYjk/YZWwzss4JfI/AAAAAAAAbUI/nEQFpe4v-WkJhuM8GH6OvP7KQBLzGAU1QCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witchtower15.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aL2NHmQXYjk/YZWwzss4JfI/AAAAAAAAbUI/nEQFpe4v-WkJhuM8GH6OvP7KQBLzGAU1QCPcBGAYYCw/w300-h400/witchtower15.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">There are reports of shadow figures seen dancing atop the tower and a lady in white has been seen. Peggy Harmeson also haunts the tower where she died.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I went to investigate for myself with a friend and wasn't expecting the ghosts to put on a show for me, but I got more than I bargained for that afternoon. The hike to the tower was a normal one, though it is a rather steep climb. It is very scenic in the woods. The forest is bustling with squirrels and bird life, even in the fall and the changing tree colors were beautiful to photograph. </p><p style="text-align: left;">As I approached the tower from below, I felt a shift in the air, but I told myself this was just my imagination. Upon reaching the tower and walking around it, I noted however, that all the normal forest noises I heard on the way up were gone. It was like being in a soundproof bubble. I put my hand on the stone of the building and felt it vibrating, which again, could just be psychosomatic, but with what happened on the hike down, I am going to say it was the lasting effect of visiting the tower.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4I7j-QdyLoU/YZWwwxGIZKI/AAAAAAAAbUE/ClPXsyGopIUB-rYZrfZ1Lw_wX4kbUWEBQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witchtower14.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4I7j-QdyLoU/YZWwwxGIZKI/AAAAAAAAbUE/ClPXsyGopIUB-rYZrfZ1Lw_wX4kbUWEBQCPcBGAYYCw/w300-h400/witchtower14.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I wasn't able to see much inside the windows, even though, I snapped a few shots. I didn't see Peggy or hear any ghosts and there were no dancing shadow figures present on top of the tower, much to my disappointment. After photographing for a while, I headed back down the steep trail and this is when I started to get woozy and develop a wicked headache. I also noted the forest sounds had returned, after leaving the tower. Thinking to check my blood sugar, I recorded that my sugars had dropped by 60 points, which is unusual for me because my blood sugar usually climbs when I am working out, even if it is just walking. Also, I had made sure I had a snack before I went out to hike the location. The further down the path to my car I went, the more sick I became. I felt terribly nauseous and my head was pounding.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8-srrOZrmA/YZWpDfLK8zI/AAAAAAAAbTU/hbH0M7Vj5hQdC38H0Stt9jcDgl8le5TeACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witchtower7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1762" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8-srrOZrmA/YZWpDfLK8zI/AAAAAAAAbTU/hbH0M7Vj5hQdC38H0Stt9jcDgl8le5TeACPcBGAYYCw/w344-h400/witchtower7.jpg" width="344" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tower windows.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6AaG_zr2t4/YZWoWboHkfI/AAAAAAAAbTE/iNj8bpcyuFY_PyR6DB2t_AvvcLZUWwQBQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/witchtower6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1878" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6AaG_zr2t4/YZWoWboHkfI/AAAAAAAAbTE/iNj8bpcyuFY_PyR6DB2t_AvvcLZUWwQBQCPcBGAYYCw/w366-h400/witchtower6.jpg" width="366" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The missing door handle.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"> Upon reaching the car, my friend noticed the driver's side door was locked, but none of the passenger doors were locked. If he had locked the car, all the doors would have been locked, but he left his 20 year old car unlocked that afternoon. He too experienced the same sound bubble, the headache, the dizziness, and the extreme nausea. We both concluded it was the tower drawing off of our energy. We started to feel much better after leaving the park and heading to lunch. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Can I truly say The Witch's Tower is haunted? Well, I have no factual evidence, only what I and my friend experienced together that day, but I believe there is some unusual activity at the site and it is worth investigating. It is also interesting to note that Dayton is home to many prehistoric Native American mounds, some of which were desiccated by white settlers in the 1800s and a prominent ley line runs through the city. There is also a source of fresh running water in the woods and water is known to be conducive to active paranormal sites. Others have captured EVPs and floating orbs and had their own experiences. It's a haunting and ethereal place and if you have the time and money, I invite you to explore The Witch's Tower for yourself, my demon hunters.</div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Here are some links for more information on The Witch's Tower:</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.dayton.com/what-to-do/the-ghostly-tales-behind-hills-dales-witchs-tower/M55XOSN3I5CTJKSAAITLOOPG4E/?outputType=amp" target="_blank">The Ghostly Tales Behind the Witch's Tower</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://daytonunknown.com/2014/05/16/hills-and-dales-lookout-tower-the-real-story/amp/" target="_blank">Hills and Dales Lookout Tower: The Real Story</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://youtu.be/XK2zSlfu7f8" target="_blank">Tolloween Tales</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://youtu.be/2H6zX7mVvS8" target="_blank">Ghoul Scouts Present: Specter Inspectors Patterson's Tower</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/vLj3_x-oh4Y?feature=share" target="_blank">Top of Witch's Tower, Dayton Ohio</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Have you ever explored a haunted location? Do you believe in the paranormal? Have you had any interactions with ghosts? I would love to hear from you in the comments below. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Check back tomorrow for some more scenic nature pics of the surrounding woods.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Stay safe, my demon hunters, until next time.</p></div>Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-6732052591353397462014-07-24T20:29:00.000-07:002014-07-24T20:29:56.526-07:00Still Time To Sponsor Writers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now your Write-a-thon sponsorship can go even further!<br />
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An anonymous donor has offered to match donations from now to the end of the Write-a-thon, up to a total of $1000. Your $10 sponsorship will become $20, and your $50 sponsorship will become $100. This fantastic opportunity will make every dollar you give go twice as far.<br />
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You can double your support for Clarion West by sponsoring a writer today. Now is the time!<br />
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To find a writer to sponsor, you can go to the writer list on the Write-a-thon site and search or browse. http://www.clarionwest.org/groups/write-a-thon-2014/members/<br />
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Too many choices? Visit our Facebook page to browse our past Write-a-thon writers of the day. Any of these fine writers would love your sponsorship.<br />
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Or visit http://www.clarionwest.org/writeathon/ and use the PayPal button to sponsor several writers at once—or even a whole class. It takes less than three minutes to donate via Paypal.<br />
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With a little over a week left in the Write-a-thon, the Clarion West Writers Workshop truly needs your support. Help us meet our fundraising goals and keep the workshop strong today and into the future.<br />
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Keep well and write on!<br />
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Kris Millering<br />
Clarion West Communications Specialist<br />
Class of 2009<br />
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<br />Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-44525137573264172822014-07-18T16:32:00.000-07:002014-07-18T16:32:21.000-07:00Name That Gnome!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Still going strong on the Write-a-thon. I'm working tonight on dusting off a short for submission and then hopefully, if I still have juice left, working on my newest short. I'm still recovering from my bout in the hospital and the latest round of meds and tests, but determined to keep my commitment to my sponsors that donated to the fundraiser! You guys and gals are my rock right now. <br />
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In the meantime, I've been outside enjoying another nice day and photographing The Gnome again. Have to name him. Anybody got any ideas for names? If so, leave them in the comments section and I'll respond.<br />
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Also, if you'd like to support future workshops for writers through Clarion West Writer Workshops, please <strong><a href="http://www.clarionwest.org/members/sekhautet/" target="_blank">click here</a></strong>. As always, happy writing and happy reading! And happy gnaming too! LOL<br />
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Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-6550413350569695762014-07-15T16:32:00.000-07:002014-07-15T16:32:06.975-07:00Gnomething to Write About!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After another eventful doctor's visit, I headed outdoors to huddle behind my camera before settling into my mermaid noir story for the evening. (After dinner of course! Can't write on an empty stomach.) <br />
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The Write-a-thon is still going on through the end of July. There is still time to <strong><a href="http://www.clarionwest.org/members/sekhautet/" target="_blank">sponsor me</a></strong> and help raise money for Clarion West Writer Workshops, the speculative fiction workshops every budding writer dreams of attending. 100% of your donation goes to the foundation. (Hey, that rhymed!)<br />
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While I deftly maneuver my fingers over the keyboard, please enjoy some gnome photos. Another favorite character you can pop in a fantasy story any time. As always, happy writing and happy reading to all! And please check out the <a href="http://www.clarionwest.org/members/sekhautet/" target="_blank"><strong>fundraiser page</strong></a>!<br />
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Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-45896467107951395082014-07-14T18:29:00.001-07:002014-07-14T18:30:32.087-07:00Writing Beauty With Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I'm not writing, I've talked about my other love, which is art and photography. Pictures tell stories too and often inspire my writing. I'd like to share something beautiful with you because I've had an ugly day at the doctor's office talking about more tests and surgery. <br />
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As always, happy writing and happy reading to all! And enjoy the photos!<br />
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Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-64290510099367113682014-07-11T14:27:00.001-07:002014-07-11T14:27:50.194-07:00And Things Continue ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, in the midst of the Write-a-thon 2014 I ended up in the hospital again. And it seems I cannot get a break. I went in for a CT scan and had a terrible reaction to the contrast, which has never happened to me before. I'm sure I'm one of the most memorable patients, since I managed to puke on the machine, the staff, and everything in sight. And then my face swelled up like a puffer fish. I made quite the dramatic exit in an ambulance and was forced to stay overnight for observation in hospital. They found a three inch ball of unidentified flesh pressing against my intestine. I'm meeting with a surgeon next week to discuss treatment options and further testing. This Write-a-thon seems to be the glue holding me together at this point. It's the one thing that is not full of drama in my life.<br />
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My elderly father just came home from rehabilitation today and the house is crazier than a rat on crack. Everything is F.U.B.A.R. In the midst of acclimating dad and his new handicap accessories to the house, the cats adjusting to the chaos, as well as all of us, there is a lot of tension amongst the family. But words are orderly and comforting and reassuring. And while I normally don't get very emotional on my blog, it's mainly just about writing, there is so much going on outside of my writing that it is really hard not to discuss it. But I can't let myself get sucked into a black hole. I am at least glad I can lose myself in a good book or the mermaid story I am writing. I hope all my readers are finding peace and comfort in their lives. And I wish you all the best. If there's one piece of advice I can give you, it's to never give up on your dreams. Hold onto them. Sometimes they will be your life jacket when you feel you're going under. They can save you. And I hope they save me.<br />
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If you'd like to follow my progress during the Write-a-thon, you can find me here or at the link below. Donations for the fundraiser are appreciated. 100% of your donation goes to the foundation for their speculative fiction workshops. Thank you for your support.<br />
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<a href="http://www.clarionwest.org/members/sekhautet/">http://www.clarionwest.org/members/sekhautet/</a><br />
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As always, happy writing and happy reading to all!<br />
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Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-41211244226426172672014-07-06T18:42:00.001-07:002014-07-06T18:42:41.428-07:00The Dark Side of the Mermaid<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There's a darker side to mermaids, Virginia. Yes, there is! As I've found out since I started work on goal #3 for the Write-a-thon, creating a few new short stories. My romantic love story started out with the paramour of the main male character being a mermaid and he discovers this, after imagining what the woman attached to the beautiful singing voice looks like. But then, without warning, my darker side struck. And now I'm writing a mermaid murder noir! LOL It's very different from anything I've written thus far. <br />
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And yesterday, I was visited by my muse. She gave me the perfect names for the two female leads. As I woke up, I heard a female voice whisper, "Magda. Delphine." I rushed to look up the meaning of both, knowing the former is a religious name, but discovered it also meant: One who comes down from the tower. Now this is absolutely perfect symbolism for a succubus, but completely unplanned. As is Delphine, which means "dolphin" in French and is the name of the lovely murdered mermaid. Splendid! Thank you, my muse! Thank you!<br />
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As promised, I'll share with you my work in progress, unedited. Here's an excerpt from my untitled short:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0in;">
“There’s a dead mermaid in
the bathtub. N-not in my apartment, but in the one above mine. I didn’t even
know there were such things as mermaids, until today. And I-I’m still not sure
what I really saw, but I took a picture of it with my phone.”<o:p></o:p></div>
He slid his phone to me across the desk, which is when I
saw his perfectly manicured nails and that got me thinking about other things,
but I didn’t have time for that now. I had a client to serve, not myself,
though if I had my way, he’d end up in my bed before this investigation was
over. I stared at the photo of the young mergirl curled up in a fetal position
in a dirty white bathtub filled with water and what looked like sea salt,
pounds of sea salt soaked in blood, but it wasn’t hers. There wasn’t a mark on
her. Her dark brunette hair spun through with streaks of bright poppy, had been
trimmed recently, it looked, from her blunt bangs. Though judging by how
translucent her skin looked and the fact that I could see her veins and tendons
and muscles, she’d been out of the sea for more than three days, so perhaps,
her killer had cut her hair after abducting her.<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in right 6.5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> "</span>You say you took this photo today?”<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
“Yes. She’s in the apartment above mine.”<o:p></o:p><br />
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I raised one arched eyebrow at him.<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
“I know what you’re thinking and I don’t normally
go sneaking around my neighbors’ apartments, but she was special.”</div>
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“Special how?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
“She had this voice. This amazing singing voice.
And I heard her singing.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
“And you fell in love.” Typical story. Guy hears a
little mermaid sing and instantly she becomes his paramour. I nodded my head
and pinched my lips together, trying very hard not to focus on the intoxicating
heat rolling off his body and the sound of his heartbeat in my ears. I needed
an energy boost and soon. I shifted in my chair, tucking my tail tighter
beneath me. It was almost undetectable in the skirt I wore. I don’t even think
this delicious human recognized me as a succubus, he was so shocked at
discovering a mermaid in a bathtub. Better to not reveal myself to him. This
poor whelp had seen all he could handle for today.</div>
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“She’s dead.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
“Yes, I can see that.” I set his phone down on my
desk and took another sip from my mug. “I’d offer you some coffee, but as you
can see, I can’t afford a secretary and there’s no coffee machine in my office.
My apologies.” I flashed my best apologetic smile and uncrossed my legs. “Have
you shown this photo to anyone else? Your friends? The police? Your girlfriend,
perhaps?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
“No. No one. I live alone and I thought about
going to the police, but I-I wasn’t sure they’d believe me. Since that
mockumentary on television and everything …”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I hope you've enjoyed this as much as I've enjoyed writing it. Tune in to see what happens. I'll be posting more excerpts as I continue. If you like what you've read here, please consider sponsoring me for the Clarion West fundraiser. It runs through August 1st. 100% of your donation goes to keeping these wonderful speculative fiction workshops by Clarion West going. Just to be clear, I am not participating in a workshop, this is just me plodding away at my keyboard and raising a little money for a foundation I believe in.<br />
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<a href="http://www.clarionwest.org/members/sekhautet/">http://www.clarionwest.org/members/sekhautet/</a><br />
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As always, happy writing and happy reading!Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-17128439512408821712014-06-28T18:07:00.000-07:002014-06-28T19:34:23.245-07:00A Big Thank You to All My Write-a-thon Sponsors So Far!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I want to extend my gratitude to all the wonderful people that have sponsored me so far. Your belief in my dedication and talent mean the world to me. It's like having your own personal cheering squad rooting for you to accomplish your dearest dream! Not only have you supported me in my writing, but you've also supported the Clarion West Writers Workshop and are helping them continue to offer quality workshops to the speculative fiction writers of tomorrow. So far my donors have generously helped me raise $434! My goal is to get to $500. <a href="http://www.clarionwest.org/members/sekhautet/" target="_blank">Sponsor me here</a>.<br />
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There are 261 writers participating in this amazing Write-a-thon. We've got 108 sponsors and have raised $4,970 so far. Let's make it past $5,000 soon!<br />
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My Sponsors (in no particular order):<br />
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1) Reverend Mary Miller - Ms. Miller <a href="http://www.tarotcrossroads.com/index.html" target="_blank">runs Crossroads Tarot Consulting</a>, offering Tarot and Psychic readings.<br />
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2) Terrie Schultz - Ms. Schultz is an artist and runs the blog, <a href="http://throughthechaosgate.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Through the Chaos Gate</a>, on art, myth, and writing.<br />
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3) Jonathan Maberry - One of today's Top Ten Horror Authors, A New York Times Best Seller and multiple Bram Stoker Award Winning Author. Check out his <a href="http://www.jonathanmaberry.com/" target="_blank">official site</a>.<br />
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4) Patti Larsen: The award winning YA adult author of the paranormal. <a href="http://www.pattilarsen.com/welcome-page-for-patti-larsen/" target="_blank">Read more here</a>.<br />
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5) Julianne Snow: The author of Days With the Undead. <a href="http://dayswiththeundead.com/about-julianne-snow/" target="_blank">Check out her work here</a>.<br />
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6) Maureen Albertson: Fellow cat lover, and lover of mythology, art, and books.<br />
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7) Matthew Duckworth: fellow writer, English Professor, ceramics artist, and Tour guide and Salvage Expert at Commonwealth of Letters. <a href="http://mattduckworthunderwater.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Read his blog here</a>.<br />
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8) Erin O'Riordan: blogger and author of erotica novels. <a href="http://www.aeess.com/" target="_blank">Visit her site</a>.<br />
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9) Lisa Morton: Bram Stoker Award Winning Author. <a href="http://lisamorton.com/zine/" target="_blank">Find her here</a>.<br />
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10) Gina Koo: fellow animal lover and bearded dragon owner.<br />
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11) Rosalie Peevy: My lovely mother.<br />
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12) Christopher Billington - fellow animal lover and law student.<br />
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13) Craig Wallace - fellow animal lover and bearded dragon owner.<br />
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14) Stacey Turner - author and owner of Angelic Knight Press. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AngelicKnightPress" target="_blank">Visit here</a>.<br />
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15) Adam Peevy - My lovely brother.<br />
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Thank you all so much! <br />
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As always, happy writing and happy reading!Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-48974567641436569492014-06-24T20:22:00.000-07:002014-06-24T20:22:31.336-07:00A Tisket, a Tasket, a Nora in a Basket!Well, not really, *grins* but hopefully, one of my short stories will be in an editor's inbox soon, after some market research. I've spent the better part of tonight working towards my second Write-a-thon goal, which is to submit works previously written. Soooo ... I dusted off my external hard drive. And I still haven't found the pencil that pesky demon stole from me, so it's a good thing my laptop is working again. The computer gremlins walloped it the other night and I ended up with a blinking purple screen. Pretty, but not conducive to writing. *chuckles*<br />
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I pulled out an oldie written a few years back. Ironically, this is before I was diagnosed with PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), which Karen, the mother in my story, suffers from. I hadn't left my second husband or learned how PTSD can affect someone, so I used my good, old, reliable imagination, along with my previous experiences from my first marriage, and came up with a story called: <em>I'll Always Be With You. </em>PTSD flashbacks come on unexpectedly when you're first diagnosed, before you learn to identify what "triggers", as therapists call them, bring them on. For Karen, her trigger is her husband's cat, Paddington, an orange tabby, which her son, Henry, is very attached to after his father dies tragically.<br />
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<strong>Here's a teaser from the beginning of the short story:</strong><br />
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What was he going to say to her? What if she’d catnapped Paddington? How would he get her back? He punched the rusty doorbell with a shaky finger. Beethoven’s Symphony #5 in C Minor rang out and Henry jumped. He should have expected something dark and dramatic, but he hadn’t. The door opened, revealing a late twenty-something woman, about five six with short black hair. Her smooth skin glowed in the loose, ivory gunnysack dress she wore, a pale pink ribbon tied in a bow around her fragile throat. She cradled an orange taxidermy cat in one arm, posed like a flamenco dancer with its front paws above its head. The cat wore a flamboyant red and black dress with layers upon layers of ruffles and lace. <br />
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If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence please call the <a href="http://www.thehotline.org/" target="_blank">National Domestic Violence Hotline.</a> This link also offers more information about abuse and what to do about it.<br />
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I'm also providing a link about <a href="http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder" target="_blank">PTSD</a>.<br />
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And if you'd like to read more about me on my Write-a-thon page or sponsor me, you may do so here: <a href="http://www.clarionwest.org/members/sekhautet/" target="_blank">My Sponsor Page</a>.<br />
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As always, happy writing and happy reading!<br />
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Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-84742573950673576002014-06-23T19:09:00.000-07:002014-06-23T19:09:11.227-07:00What Write-a-thon 2014 Means to Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I want to take a moment to share how precious my this Write-a-thon and my sponsors' and readers' belief in my writing ability is to me. It is one of the best gifts I have ever gotten. Writing and reading have always been my secret place, my safe place, my escape place. When I was five years old, my parents moved from our neighborhood where robberies were becoming commonplace and out into the suburbs. I was a quiet child and never minded being alone. My mother read to me all the time and when I learned to read and write and got my library card, a whole new world opened up to me. Suddenly, I was reading about mice riding motorcycles and taking trips in boats and other fantasies, which was a blessing because I was severely picked on in school. I was the shortest and the youngest AND the new kid with glasses AND asthma. And I also wasn't Jewish, like most of my classmates, so I couldn't go to all their celebrations. I never even got invited to one party. To make matters worse, I dressed like Punky Brewster and had half my hair long and the other half short. And I wore boyish clothes and was often teacher's pet because I was so well behaved. Girls did not dress like boys in the suburbs, as I soon learned from my classmates' teasing. Nor did they have hair like mine. And while I certainly wasn't as poor as kids in the inner city, I quickly realized something I never had before, I <em>was</em> the poor kid in the neighborhood now, wearing second hand clothes and hand me downs, eating the same cheap lunch every day, and never going on cruises or vacations over school breaks or getting expensive jewelry and toys as gifts or even twenty dollars or more allowance in the second grade! I didn't feel poor, but I was called poor and teased for being different. I retreated to my safe place, books. I loved the school library.<br />
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In the third grade I had the most wonderful teacher, Mrs. Krahn, whom I give credit to setting me on the path of becoming a writer, as this was the first time in class I was ever given the opportunity to create my own stories as homework. From the first day of creative writing, I knew I wanted to be a writer and nothing else. Writing became the way I expressed myself.<br />
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By sixth grade, the teasing had gotten so bad, I didn't want to go to school any more. My mother would have to pry me from my sheets and I screamed and cried and begged her not to make me go. I discovered the trick of holding a thermometer to a light bulb to fake a fever, which was the only way mom would let me stay home. She told me I couldn't watch television or play and I had to promise to stay in bed. That was fine by me. I spent the entire day safe, reading and reading and reading. I even used to sneak out of bed at night and sit in the hallway where there was light to read, when I should have been sleeping. Sometimes my mother caught me, sometimes not. I unwisely used to hide my books under my bed, where she always found them.<br />
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The bullying made me so sad; I told my mother I wanted to die. I didn't know the word <em>suicide</em> in the sixth grade, but that's exactly what I meant. I used to skip my gym class, where I was often bullied because of my severe asthma, glasses, and small stature. I escaped to the library. I think my gym teacher and the librarian knew what I was doing and took pity on me because I always got good grades and never got in trouble. My mother pulled me out of that school the end of that year and sent me to counseling. And then I got to go to Roosevelt Middle School of the Arts, where I majored in drama and art, and found my self esteem.<br />
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And that's where I also found Mr. Silver, my eighth grade English teacher. Mr. Silver had long silver hair and a puffy biker beard. He was a leftover relic from the 60s, a rebel, the cool teacher everyone loved. And he introduced me to interpreting literature, symbolism and hidden meanings. I couldn't get enough of that class!<br />
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I took this inspiration with me into my freshman year of high school, beginning to write poetry, most of it the angst-filled, cliché teenage writing you would expect, but I enjoyed myself so much. I still read all the time too. I was never without a book. And when I was just sixteen, I had my first poem published. I remember how it felt to get that acceptance letter in the mail. I was invincible! I was a <em>published</em> writer! And I'd been bitten by the writing bug.<br />
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In college, I majored in Creative Writing and English. And I graduated with honors in May of 1998. I never gave up on my dream of being published with the big dogs. I remember writing at my desk in my cubicle during my lunch hour, getting up early before work to write, at night, working on the work laptop my boss generously let me take home, in front of <em>Law and Order,</em> on the couch with my family. That writing bug was still in blood. I also read more than I slept and I didn't mind being tired when I got up for work at 5am.<br />
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Then in 2003, after being laid off in the recession of 2000, I became severely ill. The pain was unbearable, as were the tests the doctors performed. I couldn't dry myself off from the shower, I couldn't drive, I could hardly walk. I cried and cried, consumed by a fiery pain that baffled doctors. I finally saw a rheumatologist who diagnosed me with fibromyalgia, a very severe case. I didn't even know what this disease was, hardly anybody did in the early 2000s. All I knew was my life had changed forever and after two years of living with this disease and going through thirty different medications, I finally accepted fibromyalgia and filed for disability in 2005.<br />
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Since 2008, I've had ten operations, survived a tornado, been hospitalized for a colon perforation, which resulted in an iliostomy bag temporarily and the removal of my colon. I've had multiple pulmonary embolisms from an undiscovered blood clot in my left leg, due to a broken foot in a cast, gotten diagnosed with a blood clot disorder, discovered I have extra ribs connected to my collar bone, which resulted in two of those six surgeries, and survived a semi truck totaling the car I was a passenger in, resulting in an entire year of therapy and more procedures for herniated discs. I got the swine flu in 2008, a severe case that landed me in the hospital in isolation. Between 2012 and the middle of 2013, I spent four months in the hospital, thanks to the blood clots and the colon operation and reconstruction on my small intestine, so I could digest food and use the bathroom again without my intestine sticking out of my stomach, covered by a bag of shit pasted to my side. <br />
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And then I left my abusive husband last year, after eight years of marriage. I've been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and PTSD from the emotional and mental and physical abuse I suffered. I learned that physical abuse included more than just being punched, which thankfully, I left before that started happening. I moved back home at 36, almost 37 years of age, and am living with my pets in my parents' living room for now. <br />
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But through it all, my one pleasure that could not be taken from me is the gift of story. When I laid in my hospital room late at night not sleeping or I've laid in my bed now, feeling sorry for myself, I stop and think about my writing I want to work on or the book I'm reading.<br />
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I still read voraciously. Sadly, I haven't really written much since 2008, when my run of illnesses began. Before that I had just begun getting my stories published online and in print. And I was blogging regularly. Then everything came to a halt. Until, one day, I read about the Write-a-thon online. And I decided that now was the time for me to get off my butt to enter the world of publishing again. Because damn it, if a tornado could blow right by my block, leaving my place undamaged, and I could survive without a colon and live through a severe case of swine flu and multiple pulmonary embolisms and all the other crap, and could find the strength and courage to leave an abusive marriage with no job, on disability, with no savings, and my good credit ruined, then I could certainly sign up for this fundraiser and get writing again!<br />
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I'm still struggling with health issues and learning to live with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, but I have hope because I'm at this keyboard again, writing to you, my faithful readers and generous sponsors. I'm going to live up to the goals I've set for myself because this is all I've ever wanted. I may be having another back surgery soon, but I'm feeling pretty good about signing up for the Write-a-thon. And I've enjoyed getting back to my blog. And I'm looking forward to the future and the opportunity to share with you all the stories I have inside my head. And to be honest, I'm looking forward to that high of seeing my name in print and getting another writing contract to sign. But most of all, I'm looking forward to finding myself again through this experience because I've been lost for a long time.<br />
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So thank you, my readers and sponsors. Thank you for believing in me. For cheering me on and always having my back. <br />
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And if you haven't sponsored me and would like to, I'd really be happy to get your donation. 100% of your donation goes to Clarion West to keep their foundation running, so they can continue to offer quality speculative fiction workshops. And if you can't sponsor me, but would like to follow me on this six week journey, you can read about my progress here and on my <a href="http://www.clarionwest.org/members/sekhautet/" target="_blank">sponsor page</a>.<br />
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As always, happy writing and happy reading!<br />
<br />Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128842928560054085.post-72215145924465312772014-06-22T18:15:00.000-07:002014-06-22T18:15:09.841-07:00Write-a-thon 2014, Day OneI'm sitting in my kitchen with my laptop looking out at our backyard and the pool, thinking about mermaids. <br />
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I watched the new special, <strong><em><a href="http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/mermaids/videos/the-new-evidence-are-mermaids-real.htm" target="_blank">Mermaids: The New Evidence</a></em></strong>, on Animal Planet. I'd enjoyed the first mockumentary too and was excited to see this one. It did not disappoint. My writer's mind went whirring and then tonight, I looked up mermaids in this book I have, <strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fabulous-Creatures-Other-Magical-Beings/dp/190325891X/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403482722&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Fabulous+creatures+and+other+magical+beasts" target="_blank">Fabulous Creatures and Other Magical Beasts</a></em></strong>, written by Joe Levy. This beastiary is filled with a plethora of creatures. I adore beastiaries and snatch them up whenever I can afford to do so. They are excellent inspiration for story ideas.<br />
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I've been kicking around the idea of doing a short story or novella about a young man who falls in love with a woman he's never met. She lives in the apartment above his and spends a lot of time in the shower and has a beautiful singing voice, but he's never laid eyes on her. And yet, he's fallen in love with her, tucked in his bed, late at night, imagining her face, her beautiful face that surely must be as enchanting as her voice. This is what I'm going to start writing. <br />
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Mermaids are dear creatures to me for two reasons. First, I've always loved the water and felt at home there. My mother had me swimming before I even entered kindergarten. I remember fondly taking lessons at the local YMCA in the summer. I was fortunate enough when I moved at age five to have a pool in my backyard. I swam every day in the summer and often imagined myself as a mermaid with perfect, long flowing tresses. Of course, that never happened, but I did learn the joy of swimming laps and have found that to be not only great exercise, but a good stress reliever as well. When I'm in the pool, the entire world melts away and my busy monkey mind is soothed. It's become a form of meditation to clear my head. I always feel better after going for a swim. <br />
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My second reason is a beautiful family legend. When my great grandmother, Babushi, came over from Poland on a ship, she claimed to see a mermaid nursing her babe on a rock before they reached Ellis Island. Babushi took this as a sign that coming to America was a good choice. And it was. My grandparents owned their own butcher shop for awhile and later my grandmother ran her own catering business after they moved from New Berlin to Whitefish Bay. Grandma Lesniak worked hard and saved her money. And she helped my father go to college. She strongly believed in education. My mother, Rosalie, was the first child in the family to graduate with a college degree. And she did it with a 4.0 average at fifty! I am the second generation of our family to have graduated from college, with honors as well. Sadly, my grandma passed away a few months before I turned six, but I know she watched me walk across that stage to collect my diploma that sunny day in May. She would have been proud to read the stories and poetry I've had published. I know she would have been so happy to see my first anthology I got featured in. I was too!<br />
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Two hundred and twelve other people are participating with me. So far I've raised $394, not counting the new donations made after this last week's report. I'm more than thrilled to be sponsored by anyone for any amount. Every penny helps Clarion continue to provide speculative fiction workshops. All of your donation, every cent, goes directly to Clarion. I am just a writer plodding along faithfully on my laptop. *grins* What do I get for taking on this six week fundraiser feat? Well, I get more motivation to write and I get to meet new people in the industry and network. Maybe, I'll get a few stories written and a few published, alone the way. And I know I'll get a lot of blog entries done too. <br />
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If you'd like to sponsor me or read about my writing goals and follow my progress on here or my nifty sponsor page, that'd be just ducky. You can also sponsor other writers or even a whole zoo of writers on the sponsor page!<br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.clarionwest.org/members/sekhautet/" target="_blank">Click here.</a></strong><br />
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And don't forget to check in with me. I'll be posting more about my experience and sharing a new story too.<br />
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As always, happy writing and happy reading, my demon hunters! And a big thank you to everyone cheering me on and everyone that's generously sponsored me!Nora B. Peevyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00726206041488220699noreply@blogger.com0