Halloween Ends (But Your Halloween Mindset Doesn't Have To)
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!
Art of the Scare: Creating the Jessica Rose x HoL-loween Collection
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.
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!
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?
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
Spooky Spaces: Decorating Tips For The Perfect Haunted Home (Part Two)
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.
Image: Jessica Rose
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!
Image: Jessica Rose
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
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.
Image: Scribner
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)
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!
Image: Jessica Rose
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.
Image: Jessica Rose
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
How To Get Unstuck - Tips To Combat Writer's Block (Part Two)
Image: Andrew Seaman | Unsplash
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.
How To Get Unstuck - Tips To Combat Writer's Block (Part One)
Image: Andrew Seaman | Unsplash
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.
