Ghost Stories For Hex-mas

December 16, 2024 Ryan Todd

‘Tis the season for ghost stories…

Gathering round the fire to share spine-tingling tales — a winter tradition popularized in Victorian England — is a seasonal staple at House at Leaves.

As a wee thank you for being part of our Undead Community during the past year, we’ve compiled some of our favorite winter ghost stories for your listening pleasure…

We hope you’ll enjoy them as part of a magical Jólabókaflóð (‘Yule book flood’); this Icelandic tradition, which involves exchanging books on Christmas Eve before sharing stories, space, and sweets with loved ones, is a beautiful continuation of this communal custom — a celebration of companionship, (horror) books, and the joy and restorative power of reading.

(Read our previous Jólabókaflóð blog posts for tips on how to celebrate on any budget (including none!), how to wrap bookish gifts like a pro, and how to curate the perfect reading experience!)

And in the spirit of giving books, we’re donating 20% of all sales from the month of December (which will be matched by our founders — the final amount will be donated when our shop closes on Thursday 19 December) to the charity BookTrust — the UK's largest children's reading charity, whose mission is to get children from low-income and vulnerable family backgrounds reading regularly and by choice.

As a small business, we couldn’t have done this without you: your support has meant that we are able to pass on the magic of reading to vulnerable children, a gift that lasts beyond the holidays as many children will be able to call a book their own for the first time.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. We look forward to 2025 and the next chapter of HoL…

Until then, we hope you have a restful and restorative holiday — as always, take care out there and stay spooky!

Rebecca, Valeska, Jessica & Ryan

“The Spirit At One’s Elbow”: Christmas Ghost Stories

December 12, 2024 Ryan Todd

Image: Bunworth Banshee, *Fairy Legends and Traditions of the South of Ireland*, by Thomas Crofton Croker, 1825

Since the Victorian Era, many have enjoyed the spine-tingling tradition of sharing supernatural tales under the glow of holiday lights…

As we move into the coldest and darkest time of the year, what better way to celebrate than by sharing a ghost story?

And not just any ghost story, but one perfect for fans of found footage horror, “presented as a real live outside broadcast, much in the way that the later War of the Worlds and Ghostwatch were executed.”

One believed lost to time until 2014, when author Reggie Chamberlain-King uncovered Denis Johnston’s script “Not One Returns To Tell” in the archives at Trinity College, Dublin.

Originally aired in Northern Ireland on Christmas Eve 1937, Johnston’s treat-or-trick ghost story was told “with the intention of giving [listeners] a good Christmas scare.” This was a full ten months before Orson Welles’ infamous “The War Of The Worlds” radio broadcast…

What inspired and connected these two trans-Atlantic radio hoaxes?

Chamberlain-King explores this question in Filtered Reality, our love letter to found footage horror.

Read on for an extended excerpt from his brilliant chapter, “The Spirit At One’s Elbow: Denis Johnston, Orson Welles And Interrupted Radio,” which sets the scene for Johnston’s play…

If you’re dying to read on, there’s still time to grab your (numbered first-edition) copy of Filtered Reality ahead of the holidays…

As the nights get darker, romanticize your reading with our Book + Burn Collection — let the intoxicating aroma of our exclusive Blair Witch-themed candle transport you to the woods of Burkittsville this winter…

And if you want to create the ultimate (spooky and cozy) reading experience, we have a couple of our seasonal Writual sets left…

Inspired by the Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflóð (‘Yule book flood’), which involves exchanging books each Christmas Eve, and the British love of winter holiday horror, our festive, reader-focused Book Night(mare) Before Hex-mas Collection has everything you need to create the perfect cozy evening by the fire. 🌲

When we read together, we connect. Together, we see the world. Together, we see one another..png

Reading Together: 3 Ways To Celebrate Jólabókaflóð (On Any Budget)!

December 5, 2024 Ryan Todd

What's more magical than unwrapping a gifted book under the glow of holiday lights? Reading books together.

Did you know that books are the most popular Christmas gift in Iceland? This is due to the fantastic Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflóð (‘Yule book flood,’ pronounced yo-la-bok-a-flot).

Each year, Icelanders gift each other books on Christmas Eve, before spending a warm and cozy evening exploring these new stories together — often while eating chocolate or drinking comforting mugs of delicious hot cocoa! It's a beautiful celebration of companionship, the love of storytelling, and the restorative power of reading. 🖤

While Jólabókaflóð is traditionally celebrated on Christmas Eve, this cozy experience can be enjoyed at any point over the holidays (or even after). From work commitments (the biggest thank you to everyone working in retail and service, you're all stars!!) to the difficulty of trying to get everyone in the same room at the same time, reading together is a wonderful way to connect over distances via video call and spend precious time together.

However you intend to share space and stories with loved ones over the holiday (or beyond), here are three of our favorite ways to celebrate Jólabókaflóð...

What's Behind Book Number Three? Blind Date (With A Book)

Most booksellers offer mystery book packages, usually grouped by genre with a clue written or drawn on the wrapping. You can also support small shops online (in time for Christmas Eve, if you're quick!) via Etsy sellers or book subscription services. The latter is our preferred method, as you usually answer a few questions to help the seller choose the perfect book (for you or your lucky recipient!) and you can also let them know what to avoid, including specific titles, which is so handy when it comes to avid readers! Plus, the books are more likely to be beautifully packaged and come with wee treats to enjoy while reading, such as tea and bookmarks.

Thrift Away

Not only is thrifting a great way to support your local charity shops, it's also a fun way to search for something unique. As a book collector on the lookout for specific titles and editions, I always have a list to hand for friends and family. You can build on this by asking for reader profiles (genres, authors, tropes etc.) or by using amusing criteria to narrow down the search (such as colors, themes, and even the title's word count) to help you find that special gift. It's also a great opportunity to spend an afternoon with loved ones; I've made some of the most cherished (and hilarious) memories hunting for book treasure using silly criteria. And you never know, you could find a first-edition copy of The Hobbit...

Book Buying Ban? No problem...

If you don't want to spend any money at all, why not arrange a book swap over the holidays? It clears the shelves (making room for more books in the New Year...) and satisfies that book-buying itch without breaking any rules — win-win! Structure the swap by asking participants to provide suggestions as to what genres to bring, or discover something completely new by wrapping the books. Make sure to keep an eye out for local book swap fairs, too!

And if you're struggling to find the perfect bookish gift for Jólabókaflóð that's as unique as they are, click HERE to explore our Book Night(mare) Before Hex-mas Collection — a cozy experience designed for spooky book lovers and reading together. (Though please note: this limited set is almost sold out!) 🖤

That's a Wrap: The Perfect Bookish Gift

November 25, 2024 Ryan Todd

Still nursing that Halloween hangover? Us too. But as much as we may want to delay the inevitable, the holidays are just around the corner.

With November almost over, making sure you’re prepared is one of the best things you can do for your mental health during the countdown to the holidays…

It’s also the best thing for your wallet, ensuring you have time to hunt down deals, tailor your thrifting sessions, or create that special seasonal experience.

Some alarming statistics as we enter the 2024 holiday season:

The average UK household will spend £1,811.70 during the holiday period, which is a whopping 80% of the average monthly UK income.

3 in 5 people (58%) in the UK — that’s 31 million adults! — report receiving an unwanted gift at Christmas.

The total spend on unwanted gifts is estimated to be £1.27 billion.

46% of holiday shoppers still haven’t recovered from last year’s holiday debt.

Which is why books will always top my list as the perfect gift.

Books Reading GIFfrom Books GIFs

They’re easily tailored to interests, budgets, and can be recycled in a number of ways (from lending to regifting to donating).

Aside from their mindful, educational, and durable potential, they also encourage us to actively slow down and spend time on and with ourselves and loved ones. Whether you’re planning to do a simple book swap, arrange a themed thrifting challenge with family and friends, or craft a blind date with a book, creating a cherished bookish experience — much like the Icelandic tradition of sharing stories and space on Christmas Eve for Jólabókaflóð — is a beautiful way to spend the holiday.

Expressing your love and appreciation for that special someone by taking time and care when wrapping their gift is a huge part of curating the perfect cozy reading experience. Which is why we’re sharing our favorite book wrapping tutorial from Effective Spaces. Aside from the beautiful presentation, this method will have you wrapping bookish packages like a pro in no time. It also includes creating paper pockets (what every girl really wants) for you to fill with cards, tea, chocolate — whatever your bookish recipient desires!

Top tips
Double-sided tape is the key to creating that seamless finish.
We recommend 80 gsm wrapping paper to get the crisp lines just right.
And for that extra special touch, we love to decorate the paper with stickers (a fun way to hint at the theme or book title!)

And if you want to gift the perfect bookish experience — to yourself or the lucky horror-lover in your life — but don’t know where to start, click HERE to explore our Book Night(mare) Before Hex-mas Collection. 🖤

Working with ADHD: Find Your Focus (Part Two)

November 20, 2024 Ryan Todd

In my last post, Working With ADHD: Find Your Focus (Part 1), I shared three simple productivity hacks that have helped me improve my concentration. Below, you’ll find my final four tips.

Please note: this advice is NOT one-size-fits-all. Depending on your unique flavour of ADHD or other neurodivergence, some tips may be more helpful than others. The key is always to find what feels good for you, and adjust as needed!

#4: Practice time-blocking

Look… the idea of working nonstop for hours is extremely outdated. These days, even neurotypicals lack the necessary attention span, so take a more realistic approach to your time management. Many people find the Pomodoro Technique® helpful, as it breaks time up into manageable periods of focused work followed by timed breaks. Experiment with different work-and-break combinations to find what works best for you.

#5: Honour your energy

Scheduling tasks based on your energy can be very effective. If you tend to hit your creative peak after the sun goes down, tackle creative tasks in the evening. If your concentration levels are highest in the morning, use that time for copy editing or research. Mapping out your energy throughout the day, week, and month will help you plan your work accordingly.

#6: Keep your workspace organized

Clutter is the enemy of focus for many of us, so be proactive and nip those potential distractions in the bud. Before you sit down to start working, give the room a quick tidy and clear your immediate workspace of clutter. If visual distraction is an issue, try out a storage system that keeps smaller objects hidden from view, like a small chest of drawers or a couple of lidded baskets.

#7: Hide your phone

Confession: I am addicted to my phone. If I were Gollum, my phone would be my precioussss. The sweet dopamine hit of an Instagram like, the thrill of the reddit scroll, the endless supply of topical and hilarious memes… I can’t say no. If my phone is within reach, I‘ll inevitably reach for it. That’s why I keep my phone in a designated box when I need to focus. Out of sight, out of mind, out of my grubby little paws.

Have fun with it—grab a cheap wooden box at the dollar store and decorate it to match your aesthetic. If hiding your phone feels too extra, the Brick app temporarily disables distracting apps and notifications until you’re ready to end your work day.

Your Accursed Librarian,

Valeska

Jólabókaflóð: The Book Night(mare) Before Hex-mas

November 15, 2024 Ryan Todd

Winter is the season of slowing. Of silence. In the United Kingdom, snow blankets the ground as animals sleep and nature sheds last year’s skin.

And yet, even as the world reminds us that this is a time to pause — to reflect, recharge, remake — this is the busiest period of the year.

Caught in the seasonal surge, we push ourselves to the limit to meet expectations and craft the perfect holiday. By unintentionally allowing the holiday to steal what little time we have to rest and regroup, we’re left even more exhausted (with depleted energy and cash reserves…) as we enter the New Year — a time when we should be rejuvenated and ready for the next chapter.

Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, the holiday period has such potential to be a spiritual experience: spending time with loved ones, getting outside and finding magic in the world again, and protecting your peace.

The simple truth is: you can’t do any of this without slowing down. Which makes the Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflóð (‘Yule book flood,’ pronounced yo-la-bok-a-flot) so special: it involves the giving and receiving of books on 24th December, before spending the evening reading together in a group (usually with mugs of delicious hot chocolate).

Jólabókaflóð originated during World War II (1939–45). As paper was one of the few materials that wasn't rationed during this period, books became a valued gift in Iceland. The tradition was officially born in 1944 with the release of the first book bulletin, a catalog of new publications released in the months before the holiday, which continues to circulate today.

From the moment we learned about this tradition, it's been a seasonal staple at House of Leaves. Pairing perfectly with our beloved Victorian tradition of sharing spine-tingling ghost stories under the glow of holiday lights, Jólabókaflóð is a beautiful communal practice — a celebration of companionship, (horror) books, and the joy and restorative power of reading.

In the spirit of both traditions, we wanted to share this seasonal holiday with our wonderful Undead Community, so we’ve curated a very special festive Writual set, lovingly designed with readers in mind.

The set includes:

📖 keepsake bookmark exclusively designed by Jessica Rose
📓 sleek bespoke book sleeve
🫖 luxury vegan-friendly hot chocolate
🖤 and more!

Limited to just 15 sets, our reader-centric Book Night(mare) Before Hex-mas Collection is the perfect gift to create a Jólabókaflóð experience for a horror-loving friend… but if you want to keep it for yourself, we won’t judge!

This collection is intended to be a present — whether that's a promise to yourself to be more present, to give the joy of reading to loved ones, or a mixture of the two as you come together over the holiday to share space and stories.

It’s our intention to take this mindful practice of ritual reading into the New Year, and we hope you will too. No matter how stressful things get leading up to and over the holiday, remember to pause, protect your time, and be present.

We hope you’re taking care of yourselves and each other out there. Stay spooky. 🖤

The HoL Editorial Team

Working with ADHD: Find Your Focus (Part One)

November 4, 2024 Ryan Todd

The ADHD experience can be a lot of things: frustrating, embarrassing, creative, joyful, challenging, and sometimes hilarious. But it’s not often easy when it comes to productivity. When your attention span is fun-sized, knocking tasks off your to-do list can be a daunting endeavour (unless the tasks relate to your special interests, of course, in which case you’ll probably happily go into overtime).

While each neurodivergent individual is different and there really aren’t any one-size-fits-all solutions, I’d love to share a few actionable tips that have helped me improve my focus and productivity. These tips can be used alongside any medication or techniques recommended by your doctor. Your mileage will almost certainly vary, but learning how we work (and work best) is part of our ongoing journey.

#1: Stay hydrated
If you’re rolling your eyes right now, I get it. I too am annoyed when people offer overly simple “solutions” for neurodivergent (and mental health, for that matter) concerns. But stay with me, because studies have shown that even mild dehydration negatively affects cognitive performance, including concentration, memory, and critical thinking. And when your attention span is already below average, every second counts. If you experience dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches frequently, consider investing in one of those jumbo refillable water bottles.

#2: Eat the frog
Task paralysis is no joke. Identify your most challenging task of the day—the one you’re most likely to push off until tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that—and really push yourself to do it first. That task is the frog, and procrastinating will just ramp up the dread. You’ll thank me later!

#3: Make use of multiple desktops
If you’re anything like me, you probably have multiple active browser windows that have collected dozens of tabs each—and the temptation to click through them (and away from your current task) can be irresistible.

Windows 11 users can and should take advantage of Microsoft’s game-changing multiple desktops feature, which allows you to set up separate desktop instances for different areas of focus. Creating a desktop devoted to deep work or research allows you to work within an environment free of distracting tabs and notifications.

Thank you for reading. Stay tuned for Part 2!

Your Accursed Librarian,
Valeska

Halloween Ends (But Your Halloween Mindset Doesn't Have To)

October 28, 2024 Ryan Todd

As Halloween approaches, we count down the days as our excitement grows. For horror fans, it's one of our favorite (formative) holidays, its eerie enchantment shaping our lifelong love of things that go bump in the night. That nostalgia, the magic of Halloween, never truly leaves us — and we savor its seasonal charm each year by immersing ourselves in our celebrations.

Sadly, around the concentrated commerce of the spooky season and increasing commitments in our distracted lives, the holiday is here — and over — before we know it.

Halloween Ends, but your Halloween mindset — pausing to be present in the moment — doesn't have to.

While horror fans continue the spooky aesthetic, ambience, and content during the rest of the year, how often do you truly slow down (like you do at Halloween) to engage with and enjoy daily tasks — especially as readers and writers?

Around the grind, our love for and enjoyment of reading and writing often takes a back seat when we're under pressure to deliver a deadline. As a self-confessed distracted writer, finding time to read for research or sit down and smash that wordcount is hard enough, let alone that elusive golden egg — taking time to actually rest, and read or write simply for pleasure (without feeling guilty as hell).

One small change that's truly transformed my system is creating a reading and writing (W)ritual. As unique as each reader and writer, your Writual is your routine to consistently nurture your writing in order to get results. (What's Your Writual? Read here to outline yours (and see mine!))

In addition to enhancing focus, an integral part of my Writual is romanticizing: drawing on my Halloween mindset by reading and writing mindfully, both of which are greatly helped by implementing spooky stationery and practical tools to help me focus and manifest. A reflective and conscious commitment to slow our pace, quiet our minds, and immerse ourselves in the act itself, mindful reading and writing allows us to press pause and romanticize the experience — to savor the atmosphere, soak up every word, and actually enjoy it.

Even if you don't have an unhealthy obsession with beautiful seasonal stationery (*cough, cough*), taking time to physically mark passages that resonate, to regularly record your thoughts in a journal, or to take research notes by hand are all mindful acts that encourage you to engage fully with the words on the page.

In addition to improving your relationship with the text itself — whether that's retaining knowledge, sparking creativity, or simply an emotional connection — this practice of slowing allows you to pause and not only appreciate the small moments but participate in them.

As the world spins madly on, taking time for ourselves will only become more difficult. Romanticizing your reading and writing — invoking the spirit of Halloween in your creative and practical endeavours — is a simple way to take care of yourself.

Don't just take my word for it; the benefits of mindful reading have been noted by medical professionals, from promoting mental health to cognitive improvement in adults, and a range of developmental advantages for children.

And that's the ethos behind our Writual set. It's designed to help you practically implement the intentions of our Hex Libris blog: to romanticize regular reading sprints (for both research and pleasure, encouraging mindful reading as part of your self-care routine), and to enhance your writing focus and enjoyment to build productive writing habits. (To manifest your own Writual, click here!)

Our first-ever Writual set — the Jessica Rose x HoL-loween Collection — was named after the nostalgia and magic of Halloween, a joy and mindset intended to be invoked and experienced all year round. It was so special to curate this collection, and knowing that so many of our readers and writers share our excitement is amazing!

If you love your collection, we'd be grateful if you’d share a pic on Instagram and tag us. And if you're ready to romanticize but haven't ordered your Writual set yet, we still have a few available!

Happy Halloween!

As ever, stay safe and spooky,

Rebecca, Jessica, Ryan & Valeska

Art of the Scare: Creating the Jessica Rose x HoL-loween Collection

October 21, 2024 Ryan Todd

When I was first asked to design some spooky artwork for a Halloween stationery collection, my first thought (aside from an enthusiastic, “Hell yes!”) was: “What does Halloween look like at House of Leaves?”

Using my personal drawing technique — as well as employing the practical purposes of the collection and invoking what I love about Halloween imagery — I wanted to create pieces that would enhance the terrific tools included in our first-ever Writual bundle, from the handy book-band down to the adorable pumpkin paperclips.

In this special collection, you’ll find three items I drew by hand after collaborating on some ideas with fellow Accursed Librarian, Rebecca: custom House of Leaves pumpkin stickers, zombie bookworm bookmarks, and seasonal (haunted) library book trackers. Each is created with the collection’s intention of promoting mindful habits, practicality in function, and enhanced focus — all with a thoughtful, signature style.

Pumpkin Sticker

The pumpkin logo design was the easiest to draw. I didn’t want to complicate the look with too much texture on the pumpkin itself so as not to distract from the logo. I wanted House of Leaves Publishing to stand out, so I centered it within the shape and added a little more line design to the stem. We often associate pumpkins with an autumnal pale orange; however, I gave it a stand-out shade as a grown-up nod to the nostalgia and magic of Halloween: the bright, rich, semi-red orange color of vintage Halloween paper decorations and blow molds. Wherever it’s placed, it’s sure to pop!

Undead Bookworm

For the zombie bookworm design, I knew it would be something I could really have some fun with. When I think of a worm, I think of squirming; I wanted the design to ultimately look like something crawling around within the book in which it resides. These little creatures have a lot of movement to them and I tried a few different sketches that played with capturing their physicality (without the design looking too snake-like). I toyed with drawing the worm bursting out of the ground, adding some background detail etc. (which you can see in my process reel), but we settled on a die-cut bookmark item to suggest movement. I stripped out any extraneous details and focused on the worm itself squirming around the Print Is Undead tombstone. Being a zombie worm, I did a little research into what the insides of their bodies look like (and I now know more about the anatomy of a worm than I ever thought I would…). Their insides are unfortunately not as complex as humans, which left me with little to display on that front, so I added a few tears and bites into its epidermis, as well as a sickly green color to the exposed areas, to achieve the zombified look. Isn’t it just the cutest decomposing worm you ever did see?

Haunted Library Book Tracker

Creating the book tracker was a real treat. I basically thought of what my ideal bookshelf would look like — which meant lots and lots of books! I wanted users to have a generous number of spaces to fill in so that each print they receive would last as long as possible. Using my own library shelves as inspiration, I made a point to vary the sizes of the spaces’ spines to give the scene a realistic look. The bookshelf itself is modeled on pieces I’ve admired while shopping for antiques: big, bold, and beautiful. I knew I didn’t want to just square the top — because where’s the fun in that? — so I gave it a simple arch to brandish the Hex Libris logo and some chunky, regal gothic scrollwork. To give it a seasonal feel, it had to have pumpkins, cobwebs, and the cherry on top: a human skull. These little details are drawn from core designs in my spooky home décor (which you can see for yourself, alongside my tips to trick out your house this Halloween, here: part one; part two). You’ll see little thoughtful additions like imperfect cobwebs, knots in the floorboards, and dripping wax that give the tracker a special charm and dark academia vibe.

All of these designs keep with my line drawing artwork, a style I have always found to be my most comfortable outlet. They’re easy on the eye and match most aesthetics. Being able to contribute artwork for something like this, a bundle of stationery goods that I would personally find at my own desk, has been such a tremendous reward. My hope for all those that get their hands on this exclusive Writual collection is that they find just as much joy in using each item as we did in pulling it all together. There’s both tricks (the good kind) and treats in this seasonal set. Use them wisely… tour the Jessica Rose x HoL-loween Collection and get yours while you can!

Happy Halloween!

Your Accursed Librarian,
Jessica

What’s Your Writual?

October 14, 2024 Ryan Todd

Writers are in many ways a product of the literary savage garden. We cannot grow or thrive without sustenance, nurture, and the optimal environment for our individual needs.

Which is why your writing (W)ritual is as unique as you are. Taking time to recognize what serves you (and what doesn’t) is an integral part of your process: your Writual is sacred.

Once you’ve created your optimal environment, it’s simply a matter of sustaining and nurturing your writing — training your brain to manifest magic through (W)ritual.

Which sounds way more complicated than it actually is — the hardest part is sticking to it!

Your Writual can be broken down into three acts or affirmations:

Focus
Your set writing goal, organizing and protecting your time, and using the correct tools to ensure maximum productivity...

Romanticize
Your reflective and conscious commitment to slowing down and immersing yourself in the act itself — from mindful ambience to spooky stationery...
Manifest
Curating your optimal environment — your sanctum — to inform your mindset and habitually craft a routine that not only produces results, but allows you to fully engage with and enjoy the experience.

Your homework this week is to outline your Writual — what ingredients do you need to curate your sanctum?

Top tip
If there’s something new you'd like to incorporate into your Writual — a beautiful fountain pen, organizational software, visiting that new cosy coffee shop with your work in progress — add this as a reward for sticking with your routine for a month. Having this goal gives you something tangible to focus on, and the reward will be even sweeter knowing you've habitually worked to build a strong Writual with real results.

Here’s my Writual:

💯 Having a clear goal before I start the session is paramount. Whether I’m researching (annotating a chapter), writing (hitting my word count) or editing (checking references), I frame each task around the time I have available that day...

⏳ …which is why organizing — and protecting — a regular slot of time allows me to create a routine. Consistency here is key; you can absolutely be malleable and move your allocated writing slot as needed, or amend your goal to work on something more manageable during a shorter session, but your Writual won't work unless it becomes a habit. Nurture your writing.

💧 I always make sure I have water to hand (as well as way too many coffees, but I'm working on that...). Keep those big, beautiful brains hydrated, people!

🎵 Horror film and videogame scores create the perfect atmos(fear). Aside from the usual suspects (Carpenter, Korzeniowski, Morricone, Ortolani, Resident Evil, Silent Hill etc.), for a change I’ll stick on the score from the film, TV show, or game I'm writing about or that's mentioned in a piece I'm editing.

🎧 On that note, noise-cancelling headphones are the MVP in my arsenal, allowing me to adjust my ambience in order to minimize distractions and slip into the correct headspace. Into the further you go...

🕯️ As I work from home, I use scents to help segment spaces — including getting myself in the ‘write’ headspace. My Writual scents include woodsy, moody, green notes (our Blair Witch-inspired candle is perfect for this...).

✒️ As a lover of spooky stationery, it’s a great way to inject some personality and fun into my research, writing, and editing. Plus, putting pen to paper — annotating by color, and writing notes by hand — has been scientifically proven to enhance knowledge retention. This is one of the reasons behind our curated Writual set...

🖥️ …and is also why I use a hybrid paper-digital system (which I'll explore in another post...). Even if I’m still at the paper stage by the end of the session, I end each Writual by digitally recording where I’m up to — along with next steps so I have a clear plan for the next session.

☕ Well, almost. I always end my Writual with a treat, no matter how small. Very mindful, very horreur.

And that’s all there is to it. If you outline your Writual, curate your sanctum, and consistently nurture your writing with a bespoke routine that serves you — I can guarantee that you will not only see results, you’ll make magic.

And what better way to start curating your sanctum than with our first-ever Writual set? Featuring 15 tools designed to help you focus, romanticize, and manifest (three of which have been exclusively designed by featured artist Jessica Rose) our Jessica Rose x HoL-loween Collection — named after the nostalgia and magic of Halloween, a joy and mindset we believe should be invoked and experienced all year as part of your Writual — is a super-limited drop! Tour the collection here (but you’ll have to be quick, there’s only a few left)!

Spooky Spaces: Decorating Tips For The Perfect Haunted Home (Part Two)

October 7, 2024 Ryan Todd

Welcome to the second part of my series on spooky season decor! If you haven’t read part one, be sure to do so first for more tips and tricks!

Avoid The Games

So many people are apprehensive to ask others where they purchased their pieces of decor, especially online! I say go ahead and ask someone if it’s not an item you can find yourself. I have so many attractive pieces in my home that I love and never would have if I didn’t ask someone where they could be found. A quick, gracious message never hurts anyone and you won’t have to play the guessing game, or worse… the can't-find-it game.

Don’t Fear The Thrift

When I was younger and severely unaware of budgeting, I never considered thrift, antique, and consignment stores to be a source for great decorating. Now, they’re my go-to when I’m looking for something to give my home spaces unique character. I’m not above houseware basics, but I use them to supplement my one-of-a-kind items. Antique stores are not only awesome places to find a deal, but they almost always have something older and spooky that you won’t find in a Target. Plus, there’s always a chance you’ll hit the jackpot and bring home a haunted piece…

It’s All A WIP

One of the biggest mistakes I made as a homeowner was expecting to decorate my entire house from top to bottom. Quickly learning that was impractical and, quite frankly, impossible, I embraced the accumulation process. Decorating takes time, especially if you are looking to turn your blank canvas into a creepy canvas. I keep my budget in mind, splurge on the rare items once in a while (when I can), and purchase over time. The days just before and after Halloween are some of the best times to take advantage of clearance sales at their highest and stock up for the following year!

Until next Halloween, thank you for reading — stay safe and spooky.

Your Accursed Librarian, Jessica.

It Came From the Shelves... On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

September 23, 2024 Ryan Todd

When it comes to literary craft, and those who have made an impact on the world of words, the modern audience cannot deny the title bestowed upon the Master of the Macabre, Stephen King. Having written over 65 novels, 200 short stories, many of which have been adapted into films or television series — including directorial efforts from the man himself — King continues to be a lasting influence among those who seek scares. For many who gravitated to his stories from an early age, those words held on tight and turned them into lifelong bookworms, lifelong fans; a Constant Reader. At the beginning of the new millennium while dealing with a real terrifying brush with death, King put his pen to paper to discuss just that: how he does it.

Originally published in 2000, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King is an easy read at around 288 pages (give or take depending on edition and printing version) and details the author’s perspective on the language and tools he personally uses to draft his work. The book detours from King’s usual tales of terror and instead offers a more bare-bones approach to how it all comes to life. Currently sitting at 4.3 out of 5 stars on Goodreads, 4.8 out of 5 stars on Audible, and a 90% Google User Rating, On Writing is a worthy writing companion that offers thoughts and insight from one of the most well known names in the business.

So, what exactly does the Stephen King have to say? On Writing, that is…

The Man

It is first important to note that the word “memoir” in the title should not mislead readers into thinking this is an autobiography. While the book is dedicated to how King manages and maneuvers his written pieces, a significant portion of On Writing does give us a glimpse inside his real life from early childhood to literary stardom, including his humble beginnings and downward spirals. On Writing evenly mixes personal anecdotes with solid writing advice through a straightforward, honest side of King that is rarely seen. Like a conversation between good friends, this read is peppered with humor and blunt criticism as King fleshes out the complexity that is turning ideas into fully realized compositions. King does not pretend to know it all which seems to add even more credence to his account on the subject. His commentary, whether it be on his family, publishing, his concepts, and even his addiction, makes for a very candid expression of a true artist who honestly loves and respects his craft and encourages readers to do the same.

The Basics

Where King’s personal narratives provide familiar sentiment, his basic rules of writing turn out a valuable toolbox full of important mini-lessons and useful examples on everything from vocabulary and grammar, to style, form, and pace, to narration and dialogue. He gives grounded feelings on critical review and rejection as well as preaching the importance of reading while briefly dissecting common writing standards, including structure, theme, symbolism, meaning, and more.

On Writing never shies away from sharing the help and support King received from others, particularly his beloved wife, Tabitha, which adds a comforting level of understanding from one so popular. Each section proves he has a competent assessment of writing mechanics resulting in a simplistic way of relaying them to the reader. King knows what makes good storytelling and he assures that no part of it, especially the process itself, is perfect.

The Nuance

Being written over 25 years ago, it's excusable that some of the material and commentary from King is slightly dated. There are pieces of pure gold and few that may be deemed obvious and possibly irrelevant, it truly depends on the reader. The overall insight focuses more on the language itself, the persistence, commitment, and creativity, subject matter that can be applicable to the broadest of audiences.

On Writing is not strictly for fans of the horror genre, as it can be enjoyed by anyone, readers and writers, beginners and the accomplished. While there are plenty of handbooks, biographies, analysis texts, and other articles out there detailing the art of writing, King’s flair makes this book a special and equally comprehensive guide. It’s a book full of masterful bits begging for annotation (I own a spare copy specifically for highlighting). Following the turn of the last page, readers will find themselves with a newfound appreciation for and confidence in their own writing abilities, as well as those of others.

In summary, you won’t find a paragraph on instant success; there is no Dumbo’s magic feather within these pages (King will let you know that himself); however, what you may discover is an encouraging hand of inspiration, honest guidance, and some noteworthy lines to motivate your own work.

On Writing is an essential addition to all writers’ shelves, haunted or otherwise.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft Rating: 4/5 highlighters

Pages: 288
Publisher: Scribner
Price: Anywhere from $10.00 to $30.00
Publication Date: 2000

I’ll be back soon with another of King’s books on writing. Until then, thank you for reading.

Your Accursed Librarian,

Jessica

Spooky Spaces: Decorating Tips For The Perfect Haunted Home (Part One)

September 16, 2024 Ryan Todd

Welcome to the first part of a two-piece series with some decorating tips for the Halloween season.

I love to share the inside of my home on social media with friends, especially on Instagram. Being extremely visual, the space I surround myself in has to be particularly aesthetic, and reflect what I find appealing. While I wish I had my mother’s eye and knack for decorating quickly and painlessly, I’ve found that gradually tailoring the inside of my home to make me happy has created the best environment I could dream of over time and… it’s an ironically scary house all year long. I’m far from an interior design expert, but if you want some of my advice on how to turn a regular home into a spooky space, follow these simple tips:

Make It You

While the majority of people bust out the ghosts and pumpkins once October draws near, they’re annual fixtures in my house. Though I do have my designated Halloween decor (and a specific room for all of my horror goodies and paraphernalia), I decided that I would decorate my home interior exactly as I wanted it: spooky. I think the most important part of choosing your kind of look is to go with a theme you want to live in all the time. For example, I love a good gothic, vintage horror look so I was sure to stock up on tapered candles, aged hardcovers, bats and skulls of all kinds, witchy-inspired pieces, and all the dark furniture I could find when I decorated my living room. Make your house part of you!

Make A Statement

I go weak in the knees for statement pieces. I can’t tell you exactly what kind of statement pieces I love because they’re so eclectic, but I enjoy having a conversation starter in each room of my house. Whether it’s the dark horse painting in my living room that I am slowly putting together with a The Ring theme in mind, a standout headless horseman statue I have in the center of my kitchen table, a big ceramic hare and Xenomorph cookie jar I have on my kitchen counter, or a giant wooden skull candelabra I keep at the front of my fireplace, I always have something noticeable in each room that represents the things I love.

Support Small Shops

Like the local antique and thrift markets in my area, I find the best pieces from small businesses that I follow online. I spend a lot of my time on social media looking for inspiring artists, crafters, and sellers of all sorts to curate house decorations that are truly special. A lot of the time when it comes to purchasing from a small business, you’re receiving something limited in quantity but not in quality. There are so many talented creators out there so I follow accounts, favorite shops on Etsy, put together design boards, and always keep an eye open for things that grab my attention. (Let me know if you want the list, and I’ll share in a later post!)

On that note, thank you for reading; stay tuned for part two!

Your Accursed Librarian, Jessica Rose

Essential Horror Film And Fiction Books For Every Shelf: Summerween Special [Part Three]!

June 23, 2024 Ryan Todd

Spoofing The Vampire: Essays On Bloodsucking Comedy

We could have included any number of Simon Bacon's comprehensive list of books analyzing vampires across visual culture, but Spoofing The Vampire is not only the first book dedicated to dissecting the vampire comedy on film and television, it's also a real treat to read.

Distinguishing between parody, satire, and serious-spoofing, it covers everything from defanging Nosferatu in children's media to "Mocking Masculinity" via subversion in women-directed vampire films to "Vampires Clashing with the 21st Century."

Varney The Vampire; Or, The Feast Of Blood

Fans of Penny Dreadful (let's just pretend the show ended before the abysmal final showdown...), this one's for you! Varney The Vampire (often attributed to James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett) is a popular example of the penny dreadful, notorious Victorian gothic literature serialized in illustrated pamphlets.

Pulp-Lit Productions collects several issues across two volumes, including original woodcut illustrations and presented as they would have appeared in the 1840s, albeit with larger print for reading ease.

The Horror Sensorium: Media And The Senses

Angela Ndalianis' The Horror Sensorium analyzes how storytelling practices, emotional experiences, cognitive responses, and physicality ignite the sensory mechanics of the body and its connected intellectual and cognitive functions.

The Five Senses Of Horror

This unique anthology, edited by Eric J. Guignard, offers sixteen horror stories exploring how our impressions of the world are formed by the five senses.

Each entry is accompanied by cognitive, cultural, and literary insights by psychologist Jessica Bayliss, which, in addition to further academic and fiction reading lists, makes this an essential book for writers of psychological or sensory horror.

Killing For Culture: From Edison To Isis

David Kerekes and David Slater's Killing For Culture offers a detailed history of death on film, broken into three sections: the depiction of death in conventional or feature films (focusing on Roberta and Michael Findlay's exploitation film Snuff — originally filmed in 1971 and loosely based on the Manson murders, later released by Alan Shackleton in 1976 with a new ending and marketed as an actual snuff tape), mondo films (shockumentaries purporting to show real death, often containing real animal cruelty), and death captured on film (focusing on the live broadcast of State Senator R. Budd Dwyer's suicide).

This was the first book in the Critierion Cinema series (see part one of our list for another entry, The Satanic Screen), which has since been expanded in a reprint by Headpress — highly recommend getting both editions if you can!

Autumn Gothic

An extreme horror novel involving the gods of death, Brian Bowyer's Autumn Gothic is an unrelenting read that takes you on a violent race across America.

After guitarist Mark learns that ritual murder is to thank for his bandmate Delilah’s musical success, she lets him scram rather than become her next sacrifice — before changing her mind and hunting him down.

As she carves her way from LA to a haunted mansion in West Virginia, arriving just in time for Halloween, she discovers Mark and the mansion’s former resident aren’t alone.

Terror Tracks: Music, Sound And Horror Cinema

Focusing on the post-War period, Terror Tracks, edited by Philip Hayward, explores patterns and inflection in a range of scores — orchestral, popular, rock, and electronic — and how these relate to non-musical sound.

Out Of Tune

Edited by Jonathan Maberry, Out Of Tune is an anthology series split across two volumes that creatively reimagines folk ballads as short dark fiction.

Accompanying each story, folklorist Nancy Keim Comley comments on each source ballad in this wonderful blend of folkloristics, storytelling, and ethnomusicology.

Also had to mention George R.R. Martin's 1983 novel The Armageddon Rag, in which a journalist’s investigation into the death of a rock promoter reveals that his favorite band, Nazgûl, has returned to the music scene with a little help from a demonic force...

Reservation Reelism: Redfacing, Visual Sovereignty, And Representations Of Native Americans In Film

While not horror-specific, Michelle H. Raheja's Reservation Reelism is the first book-length text to explore how the contributions of Indigenous actors, filmmakers, and spectators helped to shape the representation of Indigenous peoples in Hollywood.

A comprehensive study that fully embraces the complexity of this relationship, it attempts to create positive representations in film that reflect the influence and experiences of Native peoples and communities in Hollywood and beyond.

Never Whistle At Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology

Edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr., Never Whistle At Night is bursting with 26 stories from Indigenous North American authors.

Featuring a foreword by Stephen Graham Jones, who introduces and frames the importance of the book's Native perspective when he speaks to a specific fear of the "colonized body" in possession narratives, the breadth and range of subjects, style, and sociocultural themes explored resonates beyond literary representation.

Thank you for reading! If you haven’t already, check out part one and two of our Summerween special!

We’ll be back next week with the final installment.

Until then, stay spooky!

Essential horror film and fiction books for every shelf: Summerween special [part two]!

June 16, 2024 Ryan Todd

Beyond Terror: The Films Of Lucio Fulci

Stephen Thrower's Beyond Terror is an exhaustive examination of the filmmaker's life and career.

Published by FAB Press in 2018, the revised and expanded edition — with a whopping 120 extra pages! — is a thing of beauty.

Produced with the blessing of Fulci's daughter Antonella, who also pens the foreword, the tome boasts the largest collection of Fulci posters, stills, press-books, and lobby cards in print. With 1,100 illustrations and 80 color pages, the book also contains substantial appendices — including complete filmographies for all actors.

At the time of writing, a special edition of the book is still available from FAB Press. Housed in the Eibon box, it includes a bonus interview chapter and comes with a free bonus DVD containing Fulci trailers.

Lindsay King-Miller's The Z Word is a fun blend of horror, humor, and heart.

As the LGBTQ+ community in San Lazaro, Arizona celebrates Pride week, Wendy is not only thrust into the drama of coming face-to-face with her ex but must also face a deadly outbreak turning members of the queer community into violent hordes resembling zombies.

A sapphic survival story with a timely serious message, the book's queer lens — from the importance of found family to socio-political commentary surrounding the targeted infection — feeds into an interesting approach to classic zombie lore.

In tribute to Fulci's Gates Of Hell trilogy, another couple of fiction pairings we had to mention are directly inspired by the films: The Beyond: Stories Inspired By The Lucio Fulci Death Trilogy, an anthology curated by Raffaele Pezzella, and David Sodergren's And By God's Hand You Shall Die.

Corpses, Fools and Monsters: The History and Future of Transness in Cinema

The wee caveat here is that we're including an unpublished book (preorder via the above link); however, we're super excited for this title, which will be on our shelves as soon as it's out!

Corpses, Fools and Monsters by Willow Maclay and Caden Gardner is "[a] radical history of trans images in film, and an exploration of the political possibilities of the new trans cinema movement.

Analysing the work of trans cinema directors Isabel Sandoval, Silas Howard, and the Wachowski Sisters, it also discusses the trans film image in everything from pre-talkie films and Ed Wood B-movies to Oscar-winners, body horror and slashers.

Going beyond reassessing notable films, performances, and portrayals, Corpses, Fools, and Monsters instead brings to light films and artists not given their due, along with highlighting filmmakers who are bringing trans cinema out of the margins in the twenty-first century."

Bound In Flesh: An Anthology Of Trans Body Horror

Bound In Flesh, edited by goop maestro Lor Gislason, presents a collection of 13 body-horror stories as diverse as the trans and non-binary voices behind them.

Ranging from the graphic to the surreal, each immersive entry pushes boundaries in every sense; from (sexualized) surgical transformation to shape-shifting across gender and species; a parasitic plague to dysphoria surrounding reproductive challenges; and the most satisfying reverse exorcism to the symbiotic relationship between sadist and masochist in the dance of perpetual death.

An incredibly nuanced and articulate anthology, Bound In Flesh will both shock and stimulate — staying with you long after you turn the last page.

In Shocking Representation, Adam Lowenstein explores how horror films engaged the haunting social conflicts left in the wake of World War II, Hiroshima, and the Vietnam War.

From Georges Franju to Michael Powell to David Cronenberg, Lowenstein reveals how such directors' work allegorically challenged "comforting" historical narratives and national identities intended to soothe public anxieties in the aftermath of national traumas.

Encompassing the emerging field of trauma studies, the book examines the relationship between the genre and real horror — both past and present.

Emil Ferris' My Favorite Thing Is Monsters is a hauntingly beautiful coming-of-age graphic novel, illustrated in the crosshatched ballpoint style.

Set in 1960s Chicago, the novel is presented as the notebook of 10-year-old horror-obsessed Karen. As she attempts to solve the murder of her upstairs neighbour Anka, a Holocaust survivor, her investigation unravels a complex neighborhood network of stories — exploring class, sexuality, race, and gender — that connect past and present.

Karen is half-Mexican and queer, and her love of horror is used as a lens to navigate her identity and personal and sociopolitical experiences; she draws on horror's subversive power of representation in her art, inking herself as an androgynous werewolf detective and her gay Black friend, Franklin, as Frankenstein's monster.

Written over a six-year period — though she would eventually regain motor function, Ferris was left paralyzed from the waist down, with loss of movement in her right hand, after contracting West Nile fever from a mosquito bite — it's not only a testament to her resolve and talent, but an award-winning masterpiece.

Horror Noire: A History of Black American Horror from the 1890s to Present

You've no doubt watched the superb documentary Horror Noire: A History Of Black Horror, but the source book by Robin Means Coleman is required reading.

Horror Noire: A History of Black American Horror from the 1890s to Present chronologically charts the representation of Blackness in horror, from Hollywood to Blaxploitation to Nollywood.

The second edition, released in 2022, is expanded to include participation and roles behind the camera, with new sections dedicated to the 2000s and 2010 onward.

With a particular focus on films from the past decade, the book explores fears and anxieties surrounding race, and how race relations are represented and challenged onscreen.

The Black Girl Survives In This One: Horror Stories

Featuring 13 stories led by Black girls who come face-to-face with monsters — both mundane and supernatural — and survive, this YA anthology is a celebration of Black women in horror.

Edited by Desiree S Evans and Saraciea J Fennell, the collection is crafted entirely by women of color, led by a foreword exploring the history of Black women in film and literature by award-winning author and educator Tananarive Due.

Each story is immersed in Black culture and showcases the resilience, vulnerability, and strength of its protagonist, as the Black heroine saves herself in tales with themes ranging from generational curses to witchcraft to afrofuturism.

As the title states, each story demolishes the historical trope of Black characters being sidelined in supporting roles in horror, reclaiming and commanding this space for central Black heroines in a key evolutionary text that goes beyond literary representation.

Recreational Terror: Women And The Pleasures of Horror Film Viewing

Isabel Cristina Pinedo's Recreational Terror analyses how the contemporary horror film produces recreational terror as a pleasurable encounter with violence and danger for female-identifying spectators.

An incredibly important book that explores the enjoyment of watching horror, challenging the argument that violent horror films only degrade women and incite violence, and instead discussing the ways the genre is a cultural outlet to express rage and terror in the midst of social upheaval.

From race horror to culture politics, Recreational Terror not only comments on the complexity and contradictions inherent in confronting violence onscreen, but makes every single female-identifying horror fan feel seen.

Medusa: The Girl Behind The Myth

Jessie Burton's Medusa retells the titular character's story, focusing on feminism, sisterhood, and the power and connection of stories.

This horror-adjacent work is full of foreboding, charting Medusa's lonely existence after being cursed for her beauty — transformed into a 'monster' by the jealous Athena — and her relationship with Perseus.

Complemented by full-color illustrations by award-winning artist Olivia Lomenech Gill, Medusa's heartbreaking story is reclaimed and humanized in this breathtaking book.

As ever, thank you for reading. If you missed part one, you can read it here.

We’ll be back next week with part three of our bumper book list; until then, stay spooky!

Essential horror film and fiction books for every shelf: Summerween special [part one]!

June 7, 2024 Ryan Todd

Happy Pride! Summer is officially here and whether you're a spooky sun bunny or longing for autumn darkness, I think we can all agree that Summerween is a perfect excuse to make that horror TBR pile a little bigger...

Throughout the month of June, we're taking over the blog with a three-part It Came From The Shelves... Summerween special!

Each week, we'll add to a list of recommended horror books from the Hex Libris stacks, pairing essential film theory books with fiction faves.

Grab your drink of choice and let's go!

The Satanic Screen: An Illustrated Guide To The Devil In Cinema

Nikolas Schreck's The Satanic Screen is a fabulous compendium of Satanic films.

A practitioner of magic, Schreck draws on his own spiritual and occult knowledge to explore the symbiotic relationship between the films and leading occultists.

Originally published in 2001, Headpress released a revised and updated edition in May 2024.

At the time of writing, special edition hardback copies are available directly from the website!

Between Two Fires

The depiction of the devil can be interpreted in so many ways, but I went with Christopher Buehlman’s Medieval horror Between Two Fires for this pairing — mostly as I don't hear it talked about too often, and also as I felt it a bit of a cop-out to recommend source material for films covered in The Satanic Screen.*

Set in France during the Black Plague, Between Two Fires follows a former knight and orphan girl as they travel across a world (and even Hell itself) blighted by Lucifer and his band of fallen angels as they wage war on Heaven. The episodic structure of this historical horror (heavy on the Christian iconography and themes, with a dash of fantasy) plays like a horror video game, resulting in something of a poetic mash-up between Dante's Inferno, The Seventh Seal, and Constantine.

(*Though I have to include Arturo Pérez-Reverte's The Club Dumas; while The Ninth Gate was loosely (it removes the eponymous Dumas connection for a start...) based on the book, the film doesn't hold a candle to it. The Club Dumas is a book about a cursed book. With a book detective. Occult bibliophiles. Literary murder mysteries (with bookplates). Plus, Satan. Seriously, what more do you need?)

Blood Money: A History Of The First Teen Slasher Film Cycle

Horror film scholarship’s complex history with dominant psychoanalytic models, specifically in relation to the slasher film, traditionally posited that the violence and misogyny within these formulaic films catered to a young male demographic.

Richard Nowell's Blood Money — a meticulously researched study that draws comparisons with post-classical Hollywood films and viewership — shifts this focus to demonstrate how North American filmmakers and marketers went to extraordinary lengths to make early teen slashers attractive to girls.

You’re Not Supposed To Die Tonight

"Final girl" Charity has landed her dream summer job at Camp Mirror Lake, recreating scenes from the 1983 cult slasher film, Curse of Camp Mirror Lake.

But as life starts to imitate art when one of her co-workers is found dead, she'll have to become the final girl in order to survive the night and discover Camp Mirror Lake's secrets.

A sapphic slasher with a summer camp setting that’s laced with 80s nostalgia, Kalynn Bayron’s YA novel has all the feels and is perfect for both younger audiences — as well as 'classic' horror fans (shout out to my 80s babes) of Fear Street, Point Horror, and Christopher Pike.

The Cult Film Reader

The Cult Film Reader, edited by Ernest Mathijs and Xavier Mendik, collects essays on the canon of cult cinema and its trends, icons, auteurs, and periods of global film production.

Divided into four areas — The Conceptions of Cult; Cult Case Studies; National and International Cults; and Cult Consumption — the book features seminal essays such as Susan Sontag's "Notes on Camp" and Jeffrey Sconce's "Trashing the Academy."

It Was All A Dream: An Anthology of Bad Horror Tropes Done Right

As a bit of a fun antithesis to the comprehensive survey of cult cinema traditions in The Cult Film Reader, It Was All A Dream is an enjoyable and inventive subversion of horror tropes across 26 short stories. While the writers are clearly having a blast — detailing the existential crisis of being the final final girl; why being possessed by a good entity is just as bad; and legal loopholes when making a deal with the devil — it's a real rollercoaster of emotions (as ever, do check content warnings).

With original cover art by Evangeline Gallagher and original interior illustrations by Christopher Castillo Díaz, it's also beautiful to read.

New Queer Horror: Film and Television

Edited by Darren Elliott-Smith and John Edgar Browning, New Queer Horror is an anthology studying the form, aesthetics, and representations of LGBTQ+ identities in an emerging subgenre of film and television (post-2000) termed ‘New Queer Horror.’

Building on existing scholarship surrounding queer monstrosity, the collection features twelve essays exploring how this subgenre portrays contemporary anxieties within LGBTQ+ subcultures via character representation and narratives, examining how “New Queer Horror has turned the focus of fear on itself, on its own communities and subcultures.”

Queer Little Nightmares: An Anthology Of Monstrous Fiction And Poetry

Queer Little Nightmares examines the figure of the monster in horror — typically demonized, marginalized, and outcast — through a queer lens, celebrating and reclaiming these characters as queer icons.

Across 32 pieces of short fiction and poetry, the collection creatively explores themes such as identity, belonging, and coming into queerness. The diversity of LQBTQ+ voices contributing to this anthology — depicting 'monstrous' creatures from Eve to kaiju to the ghosts of Pride past — creates a beautiful melting pot of deeply human stories about what it means to "be (and to love) a monster."

Folk Horror: Hours Dreadful And Things Strange

Adam Scovell's Folk Horror: Hours Dreadful and Things Strange explores folk horror from a hauntological and topographical perspective, as the book's Shakespearean subtitle beautifully illustrates.

Covering an astounding body of films and television series — ranging from depictions of ancient Britain to modern Europe, and encompassing both ruralism and urban spaces — the book is a painstakingly researched study on the representation of the esoteric arts in the latter half of the twentieth century.

Maggie's Grave

As four young friends contemplate their bleak futures in the isolated, decaying town of Auchenmullan, which lies forgotten in the shadow of a mountain in the Scottish Highlands, they learn the hard way that the town is actually cursed when they take a tourist to the local haunt 'spot' — Maggie's Grave.

Falsely accused as a witch, Maggie has returned to claim what was taken from her...

A modern folk-tale, David Sodergren’s Maggie's Grave is a punchy, cinematic ride that packs in the body horror (perhaps the best character entrance ever?), comedy (who knew James Blunt's "You're Beautiful" could be more horrific?), and so much heart (believable small-town characters, social commentary, and an ending that will break your heart — before ripping it out).

As ever, thank you for reading.

We’ll be back next week with part two; until then, stay spooky!

It Came From The Shelves... Found Footage Book Recs

May 30, 2024 Ryan Todd

Welcome to the latest edition of It Came From the Shelves..., our tried-and-tested series where we recommend books from the Hex Libris stacks across three areas:

—writing, mindful reading, and personal development (such as R.L. Stine’s There Is Something Wrong With My Brain);

—reading resources (such as Productivity Game);

—collected titles by topic, notably (horror) film analysis / theory.

As this is the first entry in our collection series, where else to start than with our beloved found footage horror? Read on for recommended reference books, epistolary fiction, and a couple of open access publications...

Open Access

Horror Homeroom, run by Filtered Reality contributor Dawn Keetley, Elizabeth Erwin, and Gwen Hofmann, covers all aspects of horror and publishes digital collections, such as Issue #7 (Spring 2023): Found Footage Horror.

Edited by Ellen Boyd, Lauren Gilmore, and Keetley, this open access collection approaches its topic from a variety of engaging and refreshing perspectives, from the archival horrors of Y2K websites to digital existentialism to the horrors of influencer culture in Deadstream (2022).

Grab your drink of choice and read here!

Grim journal, showcasing the voices of women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC writers and creators, is an open access publication from Anatomy of a Scream — founded by HoL's Accursed Librarian, Valeska Griffiths.

Issue #11 (September 2022), Reel Fake: Hex, Lies & Videotape, sets the tone with a searing editorial note on the horrors of navigating increasing digital consciousness in the current landscape, with pieces covering analog horror, narcissism in online culture, and the frightful intimacy of forced perspective in relation to true crime. "Welcome to the age of perpetual visibility..."

Read here!

Found Footage Fiction

Found: An Anthology of Found Footage Horror Stories, edited by Andrew Cull and Gabino Iglesias, presents eighteen shorts that capture the cinematic beats of found footage horror -- just look at that cover...

Each contribution is strong, with the bar set high by a beautiful introduction, and the seamless yet well-rounded selection flows easily through tales of the supernatural, stalkers and serial killers, and clever approaches to urban legends.

I'm very excited to hear that a sequel is in the works, especially as "What was found cannot be forgotten, cannot be unseen, cannot be undone..."

Episode Thirteen, by Craig DiLouie, is one for lovers of ghost hunting shows.

The book follows the crew of one such show, Fade to Black, as they tackle their biggest location to date, the derelict site where the Paranormal Research Foundation conducted mysterious experiments in the 1970s before vanishing.

The story unravels piece by piece across tapes, journals, and digital correspondence, and, without saying too much, is a nuanced approach to the subject that covers a variety of perspectives across the team and goes to some unexpected places.

Highly recommend listening to this on Audible, as it's a full cast production and plays perfectly to the book's multimedia format.

Mister Howl is a found footage illustrated novel from T.W Burgess, who also created Early Haunts, a graphic novel collecting four forgotten ghost stories and incorporating augmented reality to bring them to life.

Mister Howl is a supernatural take on Rear Window, with our protagonist, Jay, confined to a wheelchair and documenting a shadowy figure in the opposite residential block — the titular Mister Howl — via analog recordings.

Burgess is a master of the immersive horror experience, and the haunting, grainy images accompanied by ephemera such as short-hand diary entries, audio logs, and reference papers invite you to solve the mystery with Jay.

Although out of print at the moment, there are plans for another run. Be sure to follow T.W. Burgess on socials to keep up to date.

Found Footage Film Theory

Found Footage Horror Films: Fear and the Appearance of Reality, by Filtered Reality contributor Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, offers a comprehensive overview of found footage.

Not only does it provide a blueprint for the stylistic, historical, and thematic development of found footage as a contemporary framework, it focuses on pivotal milestones such as public safety films, “snuff-fiction” films, and faux-factual television from the 1980s and 1990s, with a focused section on Ghostwatch (1992).

Found Footage Horror Films: A Cognitive Approach, by Filtered Reality contributor Pete Turner, focuses its lens on mediated realism in found footage horror.

Exploring how such films are intentionally constructed to appear as nonfiction, it applies a theoretical framework that incorporates mimesis and narration to examine how the diegetic camera technique and point-of-view perspective affects viewers' cognitively.

Blood on the Lens: Trauma and Anxiety in American Found Footage Horror Cinema, by Shellie McMurdo, explores the relationship between found footage narratives and significant traumatic events and anxieties across the American socio-cultural landscape — both historical and contemporary.

Found footage horror's unique ability to thematically and aesthetically confront and comment on this trauma and anxiety is discussed in terms of the wider context of the format's innovative and pervasive nature, and how it continues to endure even as we enter a post-cinematic age.

In Digital Horror: Haunted Technologies, Network Panic and the Found Footage Phenomenon, edited by Linnie Blake and Xavier Aldana Reyes, Aldana Reyes notes that found footage is a framing device undefined by genre, rather than a subgenre of horror.

Along with Blake, Aldana Reyes uses the term “digital horror” in this anthology to accommodate several categories, including found footage, technological hauntings, and snuff films — all of which perpetuate a contemporary anxiety around surveillance that leads to social alienation and security paranoia.

And we couldn't leave without mentioning our own tribute to found footage, sixteen chapters dedicated to the progenitors (including epistolary novels like Dracula (1897), radio shows such as The War of the Worlds (1938), grand-guignol theater, television (Ghostwatch)) and evolution of the contemporary found footage horror film (including the rise of digital folklore in The Blair Witch Project (1999), an anthropological analysis of Cannibal Holocaust (1980), and post-cinematic horror in Host (2020) and beyond).

Read more about Filtered Reality here.

We hope you enjoyed reading, fellow found footage fiends!

This is far from a complete list so do let us know what titles you would add, and we’ll include them in any further installments!

Until next time, stay spooky!

How To Get Unstuck - Tips To Combat Writer's Block (Part Two)

May 23, 2024 Ryan Todd

Welcome to part two of our (w)rite of exorcism — simple steps to banish the demons of writer's block!

(If you haven't read part one yet, or want a refresher, here it is!)

Freewrite

We often get ourselves caught up in the logistics of writing; the strategies, the grammar, the outline, the mechanics, the order.

For some, that pressure can cause the block to expand. Sometimes the best thing we can do to motivate our creative spirit is to just let it flow.

Write anything, whatever comes to mind. Take a moment, take a deep breath, and write down the first sentence that comes to mind.

Segment

The particular sense of dread that accompanies the looming writing deadline when you have no clear outline or plan is practically an invitation for writer's block to manifest — and keep on growing.

Dismantle the wall created by writer's block one brick at a time, breaking the process into manageable chunks you can sink your teeth into.

If you work in focused stages — research, outline, freewrite, edit etc — and break these into as many smaller steps as you need, you'll find your rhythm.

Set yourself a goal, whether that's a word count or time limit, and chip away. Before you know it, the wall will start to crumble.

Collaborate

I can always rely on my good friends in the writing community to help me when I’m stuck elaborating on an idea.

Calling on trusted sources is a great way to get past a tricky part in your piece.

Fellow feedback helps give you a secondary perspective and can aid in driving your writing from concept to completion.

Revisit The Material

I’ve written about films I’ve seen many, many times, but I always revisit the material before starting every respective project.

I always discover new points and details that will support my current prompt.

A fresh view, listen, or read of a particular subject yields a relevant product.

You’ll waste less time trying to recall scenes, quotes, plot details etc. by giving the material a solid once-over prior to writing with it in mind.

Celebrate

Treat yourself when you reach big points in your process! Listen to your favorite song after you flesh out an outline.

Indulge in your favorite candy when you’ve reached half of your word count.

Reward yourself with a small gift when the piece is finally finished.

Celebrating incentivises your brain and keeps you fulfilled as you work toward meeting the next goal.

Did your tried-and-tested methods for battling writer’s block make this list?

Let us know how you get on in the comments below or via our socials!

And one last thing — technically, this counts as research, so here's your incentive to treat yourself today...

Thank you for reading. Your Accursed Librarian, Jessica.

It Came From The Shelves... Reading Resource: Productivity Game

May 16, 2024 Ryan Todd

“The difference between where you are today and where you’ll be five years from now will be found in the quality of the books you will read.”
—Jim Rohn (via Productivity Game)

With a how-to book on everything these days, how do you quickly sort through the pile to find the one that speaks to you?

Productivity Game, created by Nathan Lozeron, distills the premise of new and bestselling books on personal and professional development via animated videos.

Broken into three general areas — Business & Innovation, Influence & Leadership, and Personal Development & Peak Performance — each video delivers "actionable insights" that you can implement immediately, while the succinct overview allows you to quickly discern what titles suit both your current schedule and desired routine.

As a distracted writer, the Productivity Game YouTube channel has become an essential reading resource to enhance my productivity and manage my time more effectively — by allowing me to gauge which books cater to or offer transferable takeaways for creative endeavours such as writing, especially balancing this output with work and home life.

If you’re ready to up your productivity game but are unsure where to start, the Productivity Game website catalogues all of the book titles covered with a link to each video.

I also highly recommend subscribing to the Productivity Game newsletter to receive notifications when a new video is released; this includes one-page PDF book summaries, along with a free ebook: 5 Steps to Finding Your Workflow.

Happy watching and reading! Let us know any titles covered by Productivity Game that you'd recommend by leaving a comment below or on socials...

Thank you for reading. Your Accursed Librarian, Rebecca.

How To Get Unstuck - Tips To Combat Writer's Block (Part One)

May 9, 2024 Ryan Todd

Writer’s block can be a real pain in the you-know-what.

Most times it’s a difficult hump in the process that many writers fear, but that can be easily alleviated through using a few simple tricks.

When you find yourself stuck, and even before you start writing, bust out the inspiration and take a few notes from the following bits of advice that will minimize the complicated blocks in your craft.

Acceptance

The best way to approach current or impending writer’s block is to face it directly.

It’s a moment in time, certainly not forever, and should not keep you from crossing the finish line.

So many writers allow the fear of writer’s block to control their project, whether that be it keeping them from moving forward, finishing, or even starting one to begin with.

Face this particular problem head-on and simply accept it for what it is: a blank spot that can be filled; a fleeting part of the writing process.

Keep A Schedule

Time management is key. If you don’t usually keep a weekly schedule, plan out your writing in increments.

Whether you use a calendar app or keep a written planner, budget your time realistically and try to maintain this.

There’s no fun in pushing deadlines and it’s sure to improve your quality of work.

Research

Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Many writers often sacrifice personal time for writing time, so keeping a schedule also allows you to take time for research into consideration.

It’s so important to have a strong knowledge of the subject matter well before starting to write. This will help you plan focused (and scheduled!) writing sessions.

You never want to be doing the majority of your planning research while in the middle of the project, as you run the risk of spending too much time searching for null points or stretching your theme too thin.

On A Roll? Stop!

When I was in the 4th Grade, my teacher taught writing through a Roald Dahl unit (a fantastically memorable one).

In a film about the writer, Dahl had some advice that resonated with me: If you’re on a roll, stop.

Though it sounds a bit counter-productive, he explained that you’ll have something to start from when you return. You’ll never be stuck!

Take A Break

As a follow-up to the previous point, a short break goes a long way — especially if you’re experiencing a tough spot while writing.

There is nothing wrong with stepping away from your project and doing something different for a while to recharge. In fact, the break often helps to allow your brain to work through the problem. When you come back, you’ll be ready to go.

I hope this list inspires you to look for new ways to say RIP to writer’s block in your own routine!

Our posts are designed to be quick, focused reads that get you thinking about practical steps to take in your own writing journey, so don't miss the rest of my tips to beat writer's block in part two...

Thank you for reading. Your Accursed Librarian, Jessica.