For those who are not currently in Michigan, the weather went from high 70s to high 50s overnight. It’s finally beginning to feel like fall, something that the leaves have been hinting at for a little while now.
And yes, The Mrs did have a fire yesterday.
The past week has been split fairly evenly between Halloween stuff and mead stuff. I have a whole skelly family up, including two dogs, and both of the Reapers are wearing the correct clothing now. I put up the big clown and a tent which I will be making into a circus. I also started putting up some of the indoor decor.
Even the Spooky Town video store is closing
As for the meads, I back-sweetened and pasteurized three of the ones I already had going and started a new blueberry mead. I’ve been wanting to do this ever since we lost a few bottles to popped corks.
Last weekend was fun. I spent the day at the Historic Howell Theater (more on that below) on Saturday, then managed to wake up in time for the Local Author Showcase at the Brighton Library. It’s been a while since I’ve done a signing at a library and this is the first time I’ve done one as a solo act.
Listening To: I finished The Reformatory by Tananarive Due (excellent) and moved on to Play Nice by Rachel Harrison. I’ve enjoyed all of Harrison’s books so far and expect this to be more of the same.
Currently Reading: After a brief time away, I am back to reading She Was Here First by Cherie Priest. Sure, it might get a little confusing reading two haunted house books at once, but I love a challenge.
Current Obsession: Speaking of challenges, I set a goal to read 75 books this year and blew through that last week.
Dragon’s Roost Press News
The author showcase at the library was fun. I met some interesting people and got to talk to quite a few of the authors.
Next up, convention-wise, will be the Spooktastick Book Fair in Flint a week from Saturday (the 18th).
Friend of DRP Doug Gwilym, created a cool promo for Frank Oreto’s It’s Dark In Here. Check it out here.
Ken MacGregor was recently interviewed by WEMU radio in Ypsilanti. Click here to listen and/or read the transcript.
Tune in to Otherworldly Culture tomorrow for Dead On Movie Reviews where I will be doing double duty. I’ll be talking about the classic 80s film Night of the Creeps and the soon to be classic The Long Walk.
This Week’s Rambling: Twelve (plus) Hours of Horror
Every year the Historic Howell Theater presents its 12 Hour Horror Movie Invasion. Unfortunately, October is a notoriously busy month for me so I often miss it, or at best get to catch a few of the films. This year I was able to attend the entire show.
It was hosted by David C. Hayes, author, criminal psychologist, and horror expert. He brought humor and insight to each of the films.
First up was Horror Express (1972). Lee and Cushing on the same side. A number of passengers trapped on the Trans-Siberian Railway, terrorized by a recently thawed out creature. A truly wacky twist. And, of course, Telly Savalas absolutely devouring the scenery. Classic.
After a break for pizza lunch it was time for Popcorn (1991). This is one of my faves and it was great to be able to see a movie which takes place in a movie theater in an actual movie theater.
The movie theater in a movie theater experience continued with Demons (1985). Again, a great one to see in the theater.
Shivers (1975) was an interesting choice for the five o’clock spot. Nothing like a little Cronenberg right before dinner. IMHO, this is a fairly un-Cronenberg Cronenberg movie. Sure, there are body invading slugs, but that’s about the extent of the body horror. Plenty of sex, though.
We took a break for dinner, and then continued with the sex theme with Jennifer’s Body (2009). Still more sex and violence with the last “official” movie of the 12 hour marathon with American Psycho (2000).
At this point the 12 hours were up, but there was still one surprise movie left. Slumber Party Massacre (1982). I always conflate this with the wacky sequel, but still a good flick.
All in all it was a great time. Seven movies in one night. I did learn my lesson from the Noir City film festival at The Redford a few weekends ago and brought a pillow for my back (and butt).