Unique Horror Films, Unique Halloween Decorations, Toi Thomas’ Birthday Bash, Scary Good Reads, and Ninja News

Recommended Unique Horror Films

To get you into the Halloween mood, here are some horror films I recommend. Rather than go with mainstream ones you’ve probably already seen, I decided to pick some smaller, less known films.

Near Dark 1987
Starring Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen, Adrian Pasdar, Jenny Wright, and Jenette Goldstein. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this film is a unique addition to the vampire legend, and even more so that they never say the word vampire. Pasdar is bitten by Wright and then abducted by the rest of the vampire gang. Paxton really goes all out as a bad-ass vampire and it’s a great balance of action and quiet moments.

Ginger Snaps 2000
Directed by John Fawcett and staring Katharine Isabelle and Emily Perkins. This one tackles the werewolf lore and again, in a unique manner. Isabelle and Perkins are sisters with a goth streak who dabble in fake gory photos. Things go awry when Isabelle is bitten by a wolf. A mixture of horror and coming of age with some decent effects. The sequels were all sub-par though.

Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn 1987
Starring Bruce Campbell and directed by Sam Raimi, this is one of those rare sequels that outshines the original. Now a cult classic, this film showcases Raimi’s unique filming style and is still his best film. Campbell and his girlfriend happen upon a cabin where the Book of the Dead’s contents has been unleashed. Over the top and gory, this film is funnier than it is scary and filled with one-line zingers you won’t soon forget.

The Devil’s Backbone 2001
Directed by Guillermo Del Toro with English subtitles, this is one of the director’s early masterpieces. Set at an orphanage/school during the Spanish Civil War, this film is as much a drama as a horror film. There is a ghost haunting the place, but it’s the horrors of the live people that are much more frightening. Filled with symbolism and poignancy, this stylish film is filled with atmosphere.

Let the Right One In 2008
Directed by Tomas Alfredson, this Swedish film is both powerful and creepy on so many levels. Many have seen Let Me In, the American version, but this film still shines with its unnerving atmosphere and undertones. A young boy befriends a neighbor girl who is a vampire and the movie follows their growing friendship even as the violent deaths escalate. While it doesn’t push all the limits found in the book, this quiet film carries a heavy impact.

Unique Halloween Decorations

Looking for just the right decoration to scare all of your neighbors? Here are some fun ideas.

If you are on a budget, this almost foot tall moveable skeleton rat is only ten bucks.

After the recent release of It, the six foot tall hanging clown with red flashing eyes is perfect.

You could also go with the six foot tall hanging animated phantom.

The barking skeleton dog with glowing eyes would be fun.

So would the four feet wide inflatable spider with kaleidoscope light.

And if you have the cash and want to go big, how about a six foot tall skeleton T-Rex with glowing eyes?

Welcome to Jurassic Park…

It’s Toi Thomas’ Birthday!

Hi there, Toi here. October 21st is my birthday so, all my ebooks are on sale $0 - $1.99 from October 20th – October 24th + I’m offering my Top 5 Angel Books as a giveaway on Amazon.

Legend of the Boy, In the Window, and Other short stories - Collection of multi-genre stories. The first title story is that of a boy who must destroy the world so he can save humanity.

It’s Like the Full Moon - A romantic comedy; the first in a series. The mild-mannered Rebecca gets caught up in a most unlikely love-triangle and her BFF Lisa isn’t much help.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel – He’s a creature out of time. Mira’s a doctor trying to classify him. Beauty and the Beast meet Jekyll and Hyde in this paranormal romance with biblical influences. *40 Days and Nights of Eternal Curse- a nonfiction companion guide to the novel.

Eternal Curse: Battleground - A family saga that touches the past and future. Giovanni’s story brings you to tears as loss and duty blur the lines of hope for what is to come. *Battleground Survival 101- a nonfiction companion guide to the novel.

Chip and Skip Need Each Other & What Does Joe Need - Two simple, yet vibrant, stories teach young children, and those with special needs, the difference and importance of needs and wants, at home, school, and overall. Sold separately.

Plants and Animals Change Over Time & Land Changes Over Time - Two simple, yet vibrant, stories teach young children, and those with special needs, the importance and inevitability of change in living things and the world. Sold separately.

If you aren’t familiar with me yet, don’t worry; this is your chance to learn that I love Batman, Betty Boop, Star Wars, and Angels. I like all kinds of angels. Good ones, bad ones, and even creatures with wings that look like angels. I don’t think it’s just a matter of wings. There are some winged creatures I don’t like such as flying monkeys or seagulls. LOL! But seriously, I’ve grown fond of angel lore and stories about and or containing angel-like creatures. Heck, I even write about them in my Eternal Curse Series. While my books are influenced by Bible tales, a many angel stories are not. Either way, if it’s about angels, I’m probably going to like it. Here’s a list and giveaway of the Top 5 angel books I’ve read in at least the last ten years; in no particular order.

Ninja News

Just a week to go to send in your submission for the IWSG Anthology Contest!
You have until November 1…

For those who like audio books or would like to see if you’d like it, you can listen to a sample of Dragon of the Stars on SoundCloud.

New release!
Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library
Book 2: Fairday Morrow Series
By Jessica Haight & Stephanie Robinson
Middle grade mystery from Willow Press

Fairday Morrow had no clue that moving from Manhattan to the small town of Ashpot, Connecticut, would lead to an unsolved mystery. Her parents’ dream of renovating a crumbling Victorian, called the Begonia House, into a bed and breakfast had seemed like treachery at the time. But Fairday found out that her new house kept secrets, and once inside its twisted front gates, anything was possible. When mysterious notes start showing up warning that a librarian is in trouble and a bookworm is eating words, Fairday thinks the Begonia House has more skeletons in its closets. What happens to stories when their words get eaten?

Recommended Halloween Reads:

Since I won’t post again until November 1, I’m sharing some good Halloween reads from my publisher.
Some are spooky, some are creepy, and some just full of tension:

Bloodwalker by L.X. Cain
Matowak: Woman Who Cries – Joylene Nowell Butler
Maski: Broken but not Dead– Joylene Nowell Butler
Parallels: Felix Was Here – IWSG Anthology
Hero Lost: Mysteries of Death and Life – IWSG Anthology

What would you recommend?

Have you seen any of those horror films? What decoration do you want in your front yard – and why? Ready to try some new books from Toi? Entered the IWSG Anthology Contest? And who is up for a scary good read?

See you November 1 for the IWSG monthly posting!

A to Z Challenge – N – Cult Classics: Near Dark, Nightbreed, Nazareth, Nirvana, 1984, and More! Plus New Mad Max: Fury Road Trailer and Other Movie News.

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – N

Movies-Music-Sci-fi Book-Bloggers-Dragon Term

Movies –

Near Dark
While it didn’t do well initially at the box office, this early effort of director Kathryn Bigelow, a Western vampire tale with a great cast, now has a huge following. Note that never once are the bloodsuckers referred to as vampires.

Nightbreed
This fantasy-horror film was directed by Clive Barker and based on his novella Cabal. Featuring director David Cronenberg in a key role, this quirky film in the style of Hellboy achieved cult status many years after its release.

Music –

Nazareth – Hair of the Dog
Released in 1975, this was the band’s biggest album and featured the hits Love Hurts and the title track, Hair of the Dog. ‘Now you’re messing with a son of a…’

Nirvana – Nevermind
Their second album, this one placed Nirvana on the map with numerous singles, including Smells Like Teen Spirit, and sold over thirty million copies.

Science Fiction Book –

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
This dystopian novel has been heralded as one of the greatest of the past century and introduced terms such as Big Brother and thoughtcrime. It’s had a huge cultural impact since its release.

Bloggers –

Mary Montagues Sikes at Notes Along the Way
Want to go on an amazing journey with an author? One who is an incredible artist as well? And she can teach you so much about both. Follow the wonderful Mary today!

Nick Wilford at Scattergun Scribblings
Want to meet an honest writer and genuine soul? Someone who will pull at your heartstrings with his openness? Then you can do no wrong in following Nick.

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Non-parallel (having no equal)
The Dragon is a ship with no equal. Only one was created. Equipped with a weapon greater than imagined, it could best any ship in the galaxy and possibly any fleet. Its power source is also unique and Hyrath’s Council would like to build more.


Dragon of the Stars is out now!
Check out the site What Are the Kargrandes? for clues as to how they tie into the story.

And thanks everyone – Dragon of the Stars has been selling very well!

Movie News

Furious 7 is now the highest money-maker of the franchise. In less than two weeks, it has grossed $807.5 million worldwide and is well on its way to breaking the billion dollar mark. It also set the opening day record in China.


Chris Pratt, star of Guardians of the Galaxy, has a busy schedule ahead of him. He’s starring in Jurassic World this summer, The Magnificent Seven, Guardians of the Galaxy II, and possibly The Real McCoy and the Indiana Jones reboot.

An interesting series is coming to Starz – Ash vs. Evil Dead. Directed by and starring Bruce Campbell, the cast also includes Lucy Lawless.




There is a new trailer for Mad Max: Fury Road that ties all of the Mad Max movies together:

Seen either movie? Remember those albums? Following those awesome bloggers. Want to know what powers the Dragon? Have you seen Furious 7? And what did you think of the new Fury Road trailer?

If you missed it, I visited Julie Musil yesterday, discussing the differences between a series and a stand-alone book.

A to Z Challenge – Near Dark and No Excuses, Plus Ninja News and Ship My Pants

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm! One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

Near Dark

A gritty and very original take on the vampire lore. (In fact, the word vampire is never uttered.) Moments of quiet atmosphere are followed by intense action. The cast is great and obviously had fun in their roles.

Mae is a quiet girl holding a secret. Her gentle spirit offsets the crass behavior of those around her. She’s consistent and devoted, doing what she can for the others.

Who is Mae?

Michelle at Writer-In-Transit!

She keeps her personal life and appearance hidden, but that doesn’t stop her spirit from shining through. Michelle is always there, quietly supporting in the background. If she were to leave though, it would leave a big hole in the blogging world.

Michelle is a writer, flash fiction master, and one awesome Ninja Minion.

To you I dedicate No Excuses by Alice in Chains. (Song title leads to YouTube.)

For the simple fact you don’t allow excuses – you are always there, always trying, always believing!

Trivia and Facts:

Near Dark was Bigelow’s directorial debut, but it was also the last film ever produced by this major studio, often symbolized by three letters – name it.

M’s trivia answer – Switchfoot is a surfing term. (The members are from California and big time surfer dudes.)

Ninja News

Anne R. Allen had an informative post this weekend about Amazon algorithms.

This weekend I received a sweet photo of Jennifer Hillier and Nancy Thompson out causing trouble. But they’re both cute, so they can get away with it.


Rachel Schieffelbein is hosting the Secondary Characters Blogfest on May 22 in honor of the release of her upcoming book.

Thanks to everyone who signed up for the Best/Worst Movie Remake Blogfest on May 17!


And I wanted to share commercial with you guys. Yes, this is a real Internet commercial.

'Ship My Pants' Kmart Ad: For The 12-Year-Old In All Of Us



Ever seen the movie Near Dark? Following the awesome Michelle? Any Alice in Chains fans? Know the trivia today? Excited about the blogfests? And after watching that commercial, what word did you hear besides ship…?