Spyder's ridiculously short movie review: Mortal Instruments

Waaaaaaay to much hype over this film - dooms it. Not horrible but not worthy all the talk or attention. It is the direction of the genre lately (horror) not really horrific, mostly teen oriented. Never the total potential as advertised - worthy a RedBox buck.

In case you missed it: Icon for Hire

Music for many writers is an influence or something that stimulates, calms or irritates the muse and from this comes the words that we place on paper . Music, much like writing, has a ton of genres and subgenres and each stimulates each writer in a different way. Though it is true not all writers write to tunes, some prefer the quiet, while others enjoy the sound and feel at their local coffee shop or deli but music can truly provide a catalyst for the muse. 

Here however we are going to talk a little about a band who calls themselves ‘Icon for Hire.’ Their debut studio album, 'Scripted' is an exceptional example of a multi-genre set. 

Icon’s eleven track CD is one of those rare offerings from bands today that provide a near perfect track list, where near every tune is a deck hit. For writers, recommendations heavily point to tracks 2, 3, 6, 8, and 11.

1."Overture" (Instrumental)
2."Theatre"
3."Make a Move"
4."Get Well"
5."The Grey”
6."Off With Her Head"
7."Fight"
8."Up In Flames"
9."Iodine"
10."Only A Memory"
11."Pieces"

Another point of interest with this CD is the lyrics. There are some very solid verses that add to the appeal of Icon For Hire’s appeal:

Iodine:

“I say I wanna be happy but I quickly forget.
When I sabotage all the good I've got left.
Depression's like a big fur coat.
It's made of dead things but it keeps me warm.”

Theater:

“I'm gonna burn this theater down

And pray to God for the strength to help me face the crowd,

I wanna live like I lost the script

And scream every line like "this is it!"”

Icon for Hire’s Scripted is well worth a listen and an impressive addition to any writer’s iTune (or MP3) library.

Spyder's ridiculously short movie review: The World' End

If you enjoyed Hot Fuzz or Shaun of the Dead, you will enjoy - The World's End. Same fun, familiar faces - worth a look.

Small Town Evil - Ken Berglund

Small Town Evil is a smoothly written tale of horror with a human twist vice the supernatural component that seems to dictate the direction of the genre. There are components here that seem familiar like I have read or seen it before on film. However, one could say that about most things we read.

The tale really starts after a father and his young daughter are involved in a traffic accident. The horror of the situation is exemplified by his daughter psychosis after the accident and seems to be getting worse. The events run through his mind as guilt riddles him as does worry for his daughter. 

Jack find himself at odds with himself and the events that occurred outside the small town where the accident occurred and the disturbing nightmare that grips him. He returns to unravel the events, his sanity in hopes of finding the answers to his daughter's growing psychosis. 

Intense, creepy, eerie are a few words very well placed when describing this well crafted short horror story. The pacing fits the story well, as does the storyline in relationship to Jack and his daughter Jennifer. There is much 'feeling' in the story and it brings attention to the basics of writing - character and setting development.

For the reader,  Small Town Evil is a tale of human terror that tugs at the heart as it races you through unfortunate events. The story while not unique, is entertaining and a great read - check it out. 

On the writer's iPod – Dead Kennedy’s

Perhaps the most epic punk album ever, yes – one guy’s opinion but I am sure there are many purest out there that do agree -- The Dead Kennedys Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (circa 1980). I stumbled upon The Dead Kennedys through an old school odd movie entitled “Neighbor’s” which started John Belushi and Dan Akroid.

The tune Holiday in Cambodia specifically. If you were to ask me about the movie … ? … but the song, hell yes I remember that. The rift haunting and the vocals were enigmatic, simply awesome. I have never really listened to anything quite like it before and frankly since. I hit the internet in search of more data on “DK” and the song.

Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables brings a sense of angst to ignite your muse in a disorderly and unkempt manner. Of course, if this is not what your muse needs it is still a great listen.

Kill The Poor

Forward To Death

When Ya Get Drafted

Let's Lynch The Landlord

Drug Me

Your Emotions

Chemical Warfare

California Ueber Alles

I Kill Children

Stealing Peoples Mail

Funland At The Beach

Ill In The Head

Holiday In Cambodia

Viva Las Vegas

Holiday In Cambodia and California Ueber Alles are classics of the genre but I Kill Children, Ill In The Head and Kill The Poor all deliver powerful messages that can influence the horror muse in sinister discord. Don’t let the titles fool you, listen to the message each song presents – cut right off the front pages of your local paper.

The Dead Kennedys are one of punk rock’s greatest bands and perhaps the best the USA had to offer at the time. This California based band delivered the sociopolitical message like no other.

First Activation: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller - DA and MP Wearmouth

Ho-Hum, just kidding. First off, as a writer (of sorts), I can attest it is very difficult to collaborate a story with another writer - period. Add in it's your brother and I could not imagine, perhaps it was in fact a simple task - only the brothers can say. 

The world has ended, come and gone once again and two brothers find themselves in the midst of apocalyptic zombie land or perhaps complex trickery? The story flows well, actually. Never feeling rushed or pushed to get a point across or get to the end. The characters were likable enough, mainly Harry and Jack. They were believable and likable chaps. The overall plot begins quite interesting but filters to "reaching for a end."

It really is well-written and depending on what you are looking for you can find a great read in First Activation. What is annoying, in my mind, is the rash of books that are open-ended. Certainly, one would suspect that the author's intention is to write a Second Activation … but why not conclude, First Activation?

New York is the setting, British blokes making their way across the pond to realize that all is what it seems. cold, sinister, evil or just a conspiracy theory of a post apocalyptic New York. New York is the Tokyo of these types of books, I suppose. Nothing wrong with that … like I mentioned, I liked this book minus the open end. 

I do figure I will be keeping these authors in my virtual back pocket and check for the sequel from time to time. I will too, be hoping for a more definitive ending to the next book, even if there is a Third Activation. 

For the writer, nothing here other than some good dialog and sharp characters. For research purposes you won't get much out of it. For the reader, if you dig this genre, then by all means spend the penny less than a dollar and enjoy.

Spyder's music notes: Butcher Babies

Here is something interesting, some may not agree but ... what caught my attention

First: Band name
Second: Dual female fronted

I listened:

Third: Dual female fronted
Forth: Mr. Slow Death

What I liked:

Really, I love the song and on top of that the short tale that surrounds the song is horrific in a horror loving genre sort of way. Judge for yourself of course - not for the youngsters (in my opinion):

Spyder's ridiculously short movie review: Your Next

Typical slasher film - perhaps darker and more creepy ... not bad on the entertainment scale. No Oscar here or over the top suspense/horror. 

Indie Art Stop: Kelly Walker

I loved this piece from Kelly Walker:

Find her on:

Blog

Enjoy some art: (and of course all art is the property of the owner, in this case Kelly Walker shared as a post not commercially used) -

The Third Floor (An Angel Hill novel) - C. Dennis Moore

I have been a fan of this author since back in the day (as they say). Perhaps, he was one of those writers that set me on my way. Beginning as a short story author and winding up a ghosting script and novel author … odd but nonetheless. This particular book however is not one of my favorites. I am certain that Mr. Moore's feeling are not hurt, nor is this my intent to hurt them but Third Floor just doesn't do it for me.

This is mostly because I am a fan and as such have read his works to include Preparation and Again. Also, Patches has a permanent spot on my 'Best of … ' folder on my desktop. His is works that I refer to or read again and again. His is the work that I look over to see how far off I am from being a 'real' writer. He is, in many ways, my muse's professor.

So, a ghost story set in a haunted house amongst - I suppose a haunted town is just to cliche for me. No question the tale is well written, deep with atmosphere and attitude. Creepy, dripping with sinister delight but still …

The writer will learn quite a bit from this story. Pace, plot, characterization and mood are all front and center. Mimic the experience in your own writing will definitely put you in the right place. Such talent and ability not to write a story but tell a story, this is huge for those of us (me included) who want to succeed as Mr. Moore has … hats off to you, sir. 

As a reader, most will come to love this story but not I. Indeed, I appreciate the story, the words and imagination that brought it to life. Just not a ghost story fan, I suppose … 

On the writer's iPod – Fireflight

There are many influences musically to the writer’s muse. In Fireflight, you find a rock authority to push your muse perhaps a little deeper or harder in the direction you want to take your writing.

Fireflight is an establish band formed in 1999 but in my humble opinion hit it big with their 2008 offering and third album Unbreakable. There is plenty to be excited about with Fireflight – the vocals are delicious and the rifts strong. The overall feel and tone of the band really lends itself for a variety of writing styles and moods.

Some tunes to check out or add to your collection include (but certainly not limited to):

Stay Close

Desperate

For Those Who Wait

Unbreakable

Brand New Day

So Help Me God

You Decide

Recommend Fireflight for a definite spin -

Spyder's ridiculously short movie review: Gravity

... Um Sandra is nice to look at ... I didn't find it all that compelling. From a purest perspective there are holes which the experts have mentioned, that said - who cares? From a entertainment perspective I found it at times a visual wonder but the storyline and believability run short.

Night Chill - Jeff Gunhus

Night Chill by Jeff Gunhus is one of those novels by a writer that is not "mainstream" that leaves one excited for the future of the genre. There are allot of talented writers in the horror genre, many waiting in the wings to be noticed and many more struggling to find their voice. Gunhus has that voice, talent and ability to show a story versus lecturing one to the reader.

The story follows Jack Tremont, as he moves his family to the quiet mountains of western Maryland. His intent is to start anew and leave his troubles behind. Of course, he finds new and more sinister ones. Sure, the storyline is worn … man moves family to start life over, hit the reset button and begin with a clean slate. I agree, done time and time again but you can claim that about most any storyline. What sets Night Chill apart is the presentation.

Tightly written with some human horror where his daughter Sarah is concerned. Night Chill is a darkly written horror story that tugs at the very fiber of personal horror. The characters are well developed, believable and most importantly you care about Jack and Sarah. Heck, even the antagonist Nate draws in your dark side.

Overall this is a well-written story and is a elevator ride in the levels of the plot. There is something for everyone in the horror genre .. intense suspense, dark brooding atmosphere and human horrors. This is a long book but doesn't seem as such, which is another indication of good writing. The author claims likeness to King and Koontz, I say Koontz more than King but in any case, well done.

For the writer - read Night Chill and tuck it away for reference material later. This is in my top stories folder on my desktop and it truly belongs.

For the reader - hit that button and pay the nominal fee for a great story.

Off the track - Lindsey Stirling

Every so often I stumble on something that makes me stop and listen. Not much to say here but - amazing. Recommend a listen and perhaps a wander about the site to get to know a tad more about Lindsey Stirling and her amazing talents ... breathless.

Web Lindsey Stirling - here

Blog Lindsey Stirling - here

The Tree of Bones - J. Bryer

The Tree of Bones is just as author J. Bryer advertises, horror for the young adult. I should learn to read author profiles before purchasing. That aside this isn't by any means a poorly written tale, just not the "graphic supernatural chill fest" I was looking forward to. So, here we go with thoughts on The Tree of Bones. By the way, if you know anything about RTS and me then you know the Ukraine twist on this tale caught my eye, as well.

Right from the start, I did not care for the prologue. It seemed like fodder to boost word count more than anything else. Angeline Stevens is seventeen and about to embark for Eastern Europe on a month long excursion. She doesn't want to go — rather hang at home with the boyfriend, seeing how she is so mature and all. I found this a bit unbelievable that she would not be thrilled with the opportunity. I let it go because I don't know how every teen would respond to such an opportunity.

I didn't care for Angeline as a character. She was shallow, petty and a brat. So, when she became held up in the salt mine, I rooted for the spirit to terrorize and eventually succumb her will. It did of course and then the real nightmare ensues once she is rescued and returns home to Logan Falls. She is of course a different person. In many parts of the tale it seemed rushed if not forced to complete. The scant 145 pages easily could have blossomed to 245 with some more detail and attention to Angeline, Melinda and her family — not to mention the spirit. You know the supernatural part of the story. 

Basically, for me this was a story with great potential that wasn't fully flushed out. I would love to think that the author will tackle this tale again sometime in the future and tighten it up and explore the plot so nicely begun. It may easily be that it is a young adult horror story ad I was still wandering in the more mature scare? Also, the Ukraine angle was a little flat, sad to say. 

Latest news on the Razor This Studios (RTS) front

With Nicole no longer controlling the direction of the company we have sorely wandered off the path and basically come to a halt.  RTS was heavily involved in various artistic ventures - 

Musically, our musician contracts have all been sold off or run to closer. Our ghosting for bands and musicians has come to a halt as has our marketing of demos and our promoting has also come to an end.

Artistically, our artist representation and gallery shows both local and touring have been closed or the rights sold to partners or to other interests. Our international artistic endeavor (which never got past NZ) is dead. 

Writing, our representation, publishing and other activities are on hiatus. This means everything … sorry.

As for our staff -

Victoria Arkoski is back in the Ukraine temporarily (since summer) tending to business and awaiting the release of her work visa. Funny how one can follow the rules and find themselves in a bind but not follow any rules and all is forgiven? She will be back and as such will be engaging in RTS business to include writing and sharing her unique thoughts.

Myth Spinner continues to spin tales of dread as a ghost. His works have appeared in Cemetery Dance and Dark Decadence, most notable and ghostly. His own works continue to oddly struggle … we believe and are working with him to move from the Myth pen name and come clean or at least find a pen name that is somewhat "real."

Odbal - speaking of pen names … so, this one is busy trying to make a living in the real world … i.e. paying rent. His work was included in a  traveling comic and anime gallery that moved along the west coast but has since halted based on the redirection of RTS. His works will remain on the back burner but his work is still a large part of who or what RTS is to become.

Brilee-Ann Cooper is also learning what it is to be an adult. She is away at college and we expect that in time she will come out of her dorm room to snap some pictures for us - soon. It is more important for for her to engage in her studies, of course. So, we all patiently wait and look forward to her re-introduction to RTS.

Behind the scenes -

Emma (Aims) Kiera will continue to provide editing and support to our ghost writers.

Hannah (Tweeks) Dzubenko will continue to provide editing and support to our ghost writers.

Nikoli Emersen will continue to consult and support web growth

as for me … I will continue to struggle to keep it all together, for Nicole.

Along the Northern Oregon Coast

It's been a spell since the wife and I have found some time for an actual vacation. On the heels of the untimely and tragic death of 'Kiwi' a.k.a. Nicole "Jak" Jackman and the inevitable decline of Razor Thin Studios (not going away but redirecting (again)), life has been somewhat of a whirlwind. 

So, to the amazing coast of Oregon we went. I want to share a few 'very nonprofessional photos' with you and tell you that if you ever have the opportunity to ride along and stay along the coast of Oregon, you should. The views are spectacular and the ocean air is nothing short of soothing. If you are a beach traditionalist, you know - the crowds, sand and posers then you will be disappointed. The Oregon cost does offer "beaches" but it offers mostly history, breathtaking views and serenity.

Cannon Beach was our primary stomping grounds. It is quaint "town" close to Ecola State Park which is a fascinating and spectacular attraction all on its own. Off the coast you will see the most amazon lighthouse ever (in my opinion), Tillamook Lighthouse. I would love to spend a few hours out there, the solitude and soul-searching one could do is so inviting. There are no tours there, or overnight stays but what a site!

Alas - the time away is so fleeting and before you know it you are back where you started … waiting for the hours, days and months to tick away for the next opportunity. The wife and I have agreed that we will make the time for some "short getaways" to reset and enjoy one another's company.  We do so enjoy each others company regardless of where we are at but those 'away' times just make it that much more special (I am sure most of you would agree).

Until then - back at it.

Tick ... tick ... tick.

Princess: A Disturbing Psychological Thriller - Jeff Menapace

Jeff Menapace's short story Princess: A Disturbing Psychological Thriller is true to it's name. An interesting tale that follows a somewhat deranged (but in many case, sadly normal but not to the extreme) family where mom lives though her daughter and daddy will do whatever it takes to make his princess happy. 

All that said, there isn't much to say (unless you just give the entire book away) - a crazed mother, psychotic dad and the stolen boy set for his little princesses prom. Keep in mind this is a very short story. Not much space for setting development or real character development. Nicely written, concise and clean. For me it was a thriller, gruesome and odd at times but not anything to lose sleep over.

I'm not "getting" the book jacket by the way?

For the writer, this is a clean and well written piece. Concise in that it gets a atmospheric vision across in just a few words. 

For the reader, this is horror or a thriller or a psychological tale of odd and filled with sick people. For some it may be over the top but others will certainly enjoy.