Bad Decision | AstraDaemon

DEBBIE'S OLD PLACE by Sandy Lender is an odd piece of flash fiction. The narrator flashes back to someone from his past, as he and his husband drive out to the middle of nowhere to relive an old memory. Instead of enjoying themselves, they are drawn into an old house by cries of small child.

The storytelling is rough and disjointed, as if the narrator isn't quite sober. I reread this twice, but the ending is still fuzzy. Very random.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Clark Roberts | INTERVIEW | AstraDaemon

In the movies or TV shows, horror authors are often portrayed as creepy-looking folks who lack social skills, get excited about murders, and have hidden rooms devoted to worshiping some ancient evil. In real life, horror authors are often the people you least suspect of having terrifying creatures roaming around in their heads, plotting another apocalypse scenario. They walk among us, baking bread, painting happy trees, knitting, etc., while listening to 1980s rock and drinking locally brewed beer.

CLARK ROBERTS is one of those authors hiding among us, looking as if he is preparing to film a fishing show for PBS. I stumbled upon his short stories randomly on Amazon, while searching for new terrors. After a few small conversations with Roberts, behind the scenes, I decided to bring him into the Lair for a proper introduction to readers...

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How did you first get into writing, and why did you choose the horror genre?

Along with sports, reading was a big part of my childhood. My mom always made sure there were plenty of books on hand to pick up when I was a child. She encouraged me to read without limitation, and I think the most important thing is she let me read what I wanted. When I wanted Sports Illustrated, she purchased a subscription; when in middle school I carried around Clive Barker’s The Books of Blood she didn’t scream and wrestle it from my hands. Then, when my teachers called home to discuss some of the possibly alarming shit I’d written in class, she didn’t pull her hair out and scream. Instead, she bought me a word processor and said, “Have at it.” I don’t mention that to dog on those teachers, because really they were only doing their job and showing concern is not the same as censorship. Anyhow, Mom’s acceptance gifted me a lifelong love of reading and writing.

Then I remember my dad giving me his beat up copy of Stephen King and Peter Straub’s collaboration The Talisman. To this day I can still smell the pages from when I first cracked that book; I’d bet all book lovers know the familiar smell I’m talking about. I stared at the cover, and knew right then I wanted my own cover some day. Man, I love that book.

I owe a lot to my parents. They’ve always been good to me even at times when I was a prick in my twenties. I don’t thank them enough for the love and support they’ve given over the years. Not only that, but they’re also great grandparents.

Why do your stories always seem to involve children?

It’s funny, because I never recognized that connecting thread in many of them. It’s true all of the stories I’ve published as singles on Amazon up to this point do have children as major characters, but my collection Led By Beasts contains many stories devoid of children. I guess I’m not sure how to answer that other than mentioning kids are a part of everyday life for many of us.

I’ll say this, there are only a handful of stories I’ve written intentionally with a kid in mind. “The Whole World in Their Hands” which is published in Led By Beasts at its core is about my daughter, and I think it’s the best story I’ve written to date. “Fire Tires” which can be purchased as a single on Kindle is about my son, and I think it’s the most fun story I’ve written. My son is a pretty fun kid. “Costumes”...another story appearing in Led by Beasts is about both of those rascals. People look at me a little funny when they hear that, but I shrug and think “Ehhh… it’s a story.”

Are any of your stories based on a childhood experience or personal fears or are they just products of your imagination?

Not to date, but there is one in my mind that I haven’t yet written that my younger brother and a few of my childhood friends will recognize when I finally put the ink to paper. “Yellow Eyes” will be a dark story and it will essentially be about me, my brother, and the neighborhood kids I ran with and sometimes fought with.

Who or what influences your writing style?

Stephen King, Bentley Little, Laird Barron, Peter Straub, Clive Barker. I devoted a section of Led By Beasts to each of those horror Gods and explain the impact they had on particular stories. Led By Beasts Volume II will pay homage to Kealan Patrick Burke, Andy Rausch, Neil Gaimon, and Dennis Etchison.

Do people ever try to stereotype you when they find out you write horror stories?

Not that I’m aware of, but they do stereotype me because I’m Irish. Now excuse me while I go drink this fifth of whiskey and get angry.

Are you working on any new projects? Where can fans find out more about you and your creations?

To find more about me just friend me on Facebook or follow me at my Amazon page.

Currently I’m revising/editing a crop of stories for Led By Beasts Volume II. I have to wait for publishing rights to revert back to me on a handful of stories before I can collect them all into one volume, but it’s gonna be one helluva ride when I can publish that book. I’ve also started writing a sequel to my kid’s horror book Halloween Night on Monster Island. Part 2 is tentatively titled Independence Day on Monster Mountain.

There are also a couple projects I’m very excited about, VERY EXCITED, but right now don’t want to mention.

...pssst, alright I’ll let you guys in on my little secret but you have to promise not to say anything. Pinky promise? Alright, good. In my backyard shed I’ve built a time machine, and I’m planning to reverse all the negative effects man has had on our great Earth. Sounds nuts, right?

Haha! Just kidding. I haven’t stored a time machine in my shed. How crazy would that be?

It’s actually a nuclear warhead.

Thanks for stopping by the Lair! *pushes him out and locks the gate*

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I encourage horror fans to check out this author's stories for themselves...Roberts has already shown quite a range within the genre.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Powerful Thoughts | AstraDaemon

DOUBLE FEATURE by James Loscombe is a fantastic two-for-one:

MIND READER is told through the POV of a teacher who can read thoughts, and realizes something bad is going to happen among her students.

ALIEN VIRUS is another story about the power of minds, but not as entertaining as the first one.

In any case, the first story is an excellent reason to pick up this title.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Halloween Reading: Consumption Week | GIVEAWAY | AstraDaemon

To get into the Halloween mood, every week in October, the Lair will be giving away autographed copies of horror paperbacks. These are stories which have been featured as top picks in the last couple of years.

Each week will have a different theme. The first week is all about consumption...being eaten...devoured. The prize will be a copy of BIG CAT, signed by Bowie Ibarra.

In order to enter, all you have to do is leave a comment on one of the (Blogger) posts dated Oct 1st to Oct 4th. The comments can be about the stories, the themes or Halloween. A winner will be selected and announced on Sunday, October 4th. Unfortunately, due to postal issues, only U.S. residents will be allowed to enter.

There will be a total of five October giveaways, with each corresponding to the weekly Halloween theme. There will also be daily reviews of horror novels, short stories and series, and a couple of author interviews, so check back often.

If you have any questions, just ask.

As always,
AstraDaemon

The One Who Slipped Away | AstraDaemon

DEATH COMES FOR THE PICKUP ARTIST by Adam Vine is a flash fiction piece about a guy who realizes too late what he has lost. At first, I thought Paul might be a vampire, but the truth turned out to be much worse. Great dialogue between characters.

One of my current favorites by this author is APRIL 29, which I highly recommend.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Bonding With Birds | AstraDaemon

In a village on the distant colony of Kiruna, the outcast Aino has worked hard to created a life for herself. The fragile status quo is upset when the offworlder Petr arrives and insists on becoming a part of her life. But he has no idea what it will cost him, and has cost Aino, to belong to the people who sing with inhuman voices.

SING by Karin Tidbeck is a strange science fiction story about a world with a parasitic ecosystem. Petr wants to learn more about the process which changes the humans, but Aino is reluctant to tell him, since she is one who did not pass the test. Over time they develop a relationship, but both of them want something the other is not willing to give.

While I remained interested throughout the story the ending is very ambiguous, and somewhat disappointing.

As always,
AstraDaemon

The Logic of Fairy Tales | AstraDaemon

Dark fantasy about a kitchen girl obsessed with fairy tales, who upon discovering a ragged woman outside the castle during a storm, takes her in--certain she’s a princess in disguise.

RED AS BLOOD AND WHITE AS BONE by Theodora Goss is a strange short story with a mix of fantasy and historical fiction. I love the way Klara approaches her life with logic based on fairy tales. The best part is how well that logic gets her through the dark times in her life.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Two Wrongs | AstraDaemon

BURNING FOR REVENGE by Victor Vilestone didn't elicit one bit of sympathy from me for Vince, which is surprising because my dog is considered one of my babies. Vince should've just fed Jack to some pigs...in fact, Vince should've been a pig farmer to give the story a little something extra.

I think this story is too much like the crap in the news this year, and I look for stories to entertain me in some way, not remind me how much people suck.

I recommend THE WEEKEND COTTAGE by Vilestone instead, for a better story of revenge.

As always,
AstraDaemon

The Deepest Cut | AstraDaemon

TRIQUETRA by Kirstyn McDermott is an epilogue of sorts, taking place after Snow White has been married for several years, now with a daughter of her own. The author reveals some dark secrets about Snow's husband, and her interactions with her step-mother are equally disturbing.

The ending is more or less the beginning of a new story, which I hope the author might write one day.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Horror Hound | AstraDaemon

MAMA BRUISE by Jonathan Carroll is a short story full of supernatural suspense. I didn't know whether to be afraid or relieved when the couple discovers the source of their dog's new "tricks."

I can honestly say I've never read anything like this, and I'm really impressed with the author's originality. The ending gave me a sinking feeling in my gut. Perfect horror story.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Interesting Interlude | AstraDaemon

THE GIRLFRIEND'S GUIDE TO GODS by Maria Dahvana Headley is not something I would normally read, but I really enjoyed the message. I love how the author uses Greek mythology to make some interesting points. As someone in my 40s, I can relate to a lot of the BS addressed. If I had read this when I was in my 20s, I would have considered it advice from the big sister I never had.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Clever Mix of Legends | AstraDaemon

Sir Magnus Holmes, cousin to the more famous Sherlock, is asked to investigate the appearance of an otherworldly knight carrying a legendary sword in the cellar of a Victorian London pub.

THE CASE OF THE SOMEWHAT MYTHIC SWORD by Garth Nix mixes bits and pieces of two legends, from different time periods, and throws in his own unique creation to create a supernatural crime drama.

I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this short story, and I'd love to see a mini-series centered on Sir Magnus and his keeper Susan.

As always,
AstraDaemon

MORE, PLEASE!!! | AstraDaemon

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY by Naomi Kritzer is a flash fiction fantasy story, and I am BEGGING the author to write more. I love this story. I love all the details, the suspense, but the ending is too abrupt...the interaction is too fleeting.

Definitely making my Top 2020 list. Recommended to everyone who loves books, as well as sharing them.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Flat As A Deck of Cards | AstraDaemon

OF ROSES AND KINGS by Melissa Marr is disappointing. Not much happens. I thought it would be interesting to read a new twist on a classic, but the story is seriously lacking character development. Even the relationship between the maid and Alice lacks any real depth...more or less Beatrice/Rose rambling about her obsession, and yet never showing any real passion.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Believing Your Own BS | AstraDaemon

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE by Sarah Pinsker is somewhat similar to Channel Zero: Candle Cove, but singularly focused on one person, Stella. She offers to help a friend from high school clean up his brother's house after the funeral. She randomly stumbles upon a forgotten memory of a creepy TV show, but she thought it was just something she made up for conversation...until the show becomes all too real.

This short serves as a cautionary tale about lying, and losing one's self in a false persona. The author could turn the children's stories into a series of Uncle Bob follow-ups.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Scraps | AstraDaemon

THE NIGHT SOIL SALVAGERS by Gregory Norman Bossert is a literary quilt, with random bits and pieces stitched together to form something resembling a story. The lack of any single method of storytelling is a shame, the author could have presented this a historical fiction, if some organization had been applied.

As always,
AstraDaemon

If 2020 Was Flash Fiction | AstraDaemon

EVERYTHING'S FINE by Matthew Pridham is a terrifying satire. The world has turned into a living nightmare, complete with chaotic horrors on every street, but Eric and his companions are determined to convince themselves, "Everything is fine."

This flash fiction piece is somewhat similar to the mindset in Demons by John Shirley, with people struggling to carry on with life, as the world becomes a collection of abominations. The perfect story to release in 2020.

As always,
AstraDaemon

The Price of Elevation

FLIGHT by Claire Wrenwood is told in a backwards timeline. A memory is revealed, and then the POV falls back the previous significant memory. What happens to Maggie is hinted at, not described, and somehow I felt her violation as if it happened right in front of me.

I am left with many questions about the Sisters and Brothers. How have wings become a thing? Why would Brothers do something so savage and treat it as a game? What world is Maggie living in? I hope the author writes a novel about this ritual.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Tunnel of Terror

YOU KNOW HOW THE STORY GOES by Thomas Olde Heuvelt is a new twist on an old urban legend theme. The mention of Reddit is the perfect touch to freak out readers even more. Driving through tunnels can be scary enough for some, but the author has given horror fans another reason to fear being on the road in the darkness of night.

As always,
AstraDaemon

The Human Equation

SKINNER BOX by Carole Johnstone is a great sci-fi story, but not getting the recognition it deserves. Evie is on a scientific mission, studying nanites, while trying to survive the physical abuse from her husband Don, who is also part of the mission. She takes comfort from her lover Mas, and they decide it's time to get rid of her tormentor, but Evie changes her mind at the last minute.

Her confrontation with Don in his lab exposes the true nature of the mission, and the author finally reveals Evie's personal history, which is nothing less than shocking and horrifying. As she reluctantly come to terms with her past and accepts what is expected from her in the future, she changes her plans yet again.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Ships Passing Through Time

THE GIRL IN THE BLUE DRESS by Adam Vine is a flash fiction piece about a Watcher falling for another Watcher, as they travel to various disasters throughout human history to observe the deaths of many.

This is an interesting twist on time travel, especially with the explanation of payment for "bricks."

As always,
AstraDaemon

Angel of Death

WE CALLED IT RAPHAEL by Travis Liebert begins with a young man looking back on an event which takes place during his teenage years. Knowing he survives the horrifying experience doesn't make it any less frightening.

The description of their discovery is similar to something one might find in a movie by Guillermo del Toro, but far more threatening. I don't know why the narrator would ever return to the shed.

Definitely a must-read for all horror fans. I also recommend Liebert's  BADWATER.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Below The Surface

WAIT FOR NIGHT by Stephen Graham Jones is a fantastic twist on a popular legend. The characters are so well-written, the author had me hooked long before the action began. The details and descriptions are quite impressive, especially considering this is a short story. Jones spends every sentence luring readers deeper into this dark tale.

I would love a prequel with Burned Dan. If you enjoy this one, I also recommend THE NIGHT CYCLIST.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Supernatural Sci-Fi Short

There is witchcraft in science and a science to witchcraft. Both will conspire against you eventually.

HELLO, MOTO by Nnedi Okorafor is a flash fiction piece about a woman who regrets her creation, and tries to prevent any further suffering. The story takes place in Nigeria, centered on three female characters who carry themselves as modern-day goddesses, with all the drama you'd expect from any mythos.

Okorafor has created such a powerful supernatural thriller, Rain deserves an entire novel devoted to her storyline. In fact, I think if each woman were given their own novel, this would make a great trilogy!

As always,
AstraDaemon

Milk Monster

THE WHOOL by Scott Donnelly is reminiscent of classic horror, with a suspenseful blend of mystery, folklore and terror. Foreshadowed by an ominous interview in the beginning, readers experience the death of entire town through the eyes of Felix, in the span of three days.

Hunted by a demonic creature, with apparitions haunting him, Felix tries to make sense of the evil slaughtering the townsfolk. The ending is sinister, and written in a way which has me hoping for a sequel.

I'd love to learn more about the Milk Boy and the Whool, and I think Erick should be the one to put everything to rest, once and for all.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Sci-Fi Nightmare

He came to the city for a better life. His parents came to find out what happened to him.

Harlan Potts has the answers but do they want to hear them? Harlan knows that what he has to tell them may break their hearts but they have paid him to do a job and he is a man of his word. No matter what the cost, he intends to tell them the truth.

THE FORGOTTEN by James Loscombe takes place in a dystopian future, in which people use cranial implants to connect to The Network. A young man leaves his off-the-grid commune to live in the tech-driven city. When he goes missing, Harlan is hired by the parents, who want to know what happened to their adult son. What the private investigator finds instead is the victim of a virus.

The POV switches between a Network feed, a handwritten journal, news bulletins, and Harlan's meeting with his clients. The similarities between Loscombe's sci-fi creation, and our current reality make this short story quite frightening.

I also recommend Loscombe's short story, VISITORS.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Regret and Revenge

Charlotte died to shore up her master's house. Her bones grew into the foundation and pushed up through the walls, feeding his power and continuing the cycle. As time passes and the ones she loved fade away, the house and the master remain, and she yearns ever more deeply for vengeance.

LULLABY FOR A LOST WORLD by Aliette de Bodard is a gruesome piece of flash fiction, leaving me with several unanswered questions. I'm not certain, but I think this story takes place in the Dominion of the Fallen, a series by the same author. In any case, the POV is chilling, told from the rotting corpse of a girl who has been sacrificed. The ending is a sinister surprise.

As always,
AstraDaemon

A Price For Everything

THE WEEKEND COTTAGE by Victor Vilestone is a frightening twist on the haunted house theme. Phil doesn't think to question why a co-worker would offer a cottage up, free of charge, while Gerry notices more and more wrong with the entire situation.

When Phil disappears outside, Gerry must search for him. What he finds is a memory which refuses to stay buried. Perfect ending.

This is my favorite Vilestone story, but I also recommend The Drain.

As always,
AstraDaemon

For Cat Lovers

Nineteenth century poet Christopher Smart has been committed to St. Luke's Hospital for Lunatics believing God has commissioned him to write The Divine Poem. But years earlier, he made a bargain with Satan and the devil has come to collect his due--a poem that will bring about the apocalypse.

Saving Smart's soul, and the rest of the world, falls to Jeoffry, the poet's demon-fighting cat and a creature of cunning Satan would be a fool to underestimate...

FOR HE CAN CREEP by Siobhan Carroll is told from the POV of the cat, Jeoffry, which is absolutely delightful. More so, when the Devil shows up appearing cat-like and promising catnip and fish heads. Jeoffry maintains his attitude, even with Satan, which is very amusing. Unfortunately, the Devil cannot be killed by a cat...so Jeoffry does the unthinkable: he asks for help.

I highly recommend this tale of suspense to anyone who ever loved a cat, especially those who are blessed enough to be guarded by a feline. (On a more personal note, this story made me cry over the three cats who stole pieces of my soul: D, O, A...RIP my little warriors. I hope you're giving Satan hell.)

As always,
AstraDaemon

Hooked

A team of psychic investigators are assigned to examine the grisly death of a night watchman in an abandoned fish processing plant.

GO FISH by Ian Rogers is begging to be made into a SyFy movie. The psychic team must do battle with the ghost of a creature. Even though very little is revealed about the characters, the interaction between the team members is very entertaining.

I love the references to the history of the fishing plant, as well as the corporation the team works for. I hope the author writes a short story for each of "the Eight."

As always,
AstraDaemon