About Sinister Tidings

Here you will find a collage of likes and dislikes from RTS’ Spyder Collins. The primary focus is to bring fun and indie flashes of art and not so mainstream artists. There is nothing fancy, revealing, political or otherwise world shaping. Just things, introductions, reminiscing and fun in the world of literature, art and music, to which I hope you enjoy and find some pleasure in.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Soon: Four Chilling Tales - Abby Goldsmith

Here we have four short-shorts in the genre of horror. Well, I can say that these fit into the horror genre, in my opinion (which once Victoria told me was worth a shit, so I will share it). That said, don’t expect that sleep will elude you or you will be checking under the bed before you turn out the lights. In fact, you might find yourself walking about the house in the dark and nude.

A side comment, the cover was pretty darn nifty in me estimation. What was troubling is, I dare say the gentleman in the suit is better looking than me! Okay, seriously, four tales of horror from four separate peeps gives you four unique stories.


I enjoyed, ‘Handicapped’ out of the lot. Maybe it is cause I like the whole weird murderous people angle. Shadow Man has some credibility to it but overall I was not excited about anything I read. This is not to say that the tales don’t have their moments, they do. Overall however, it really isn’t that well of a “anthology.”

For the reader, perhaps place author Abby Goldsmith into your memory bank. I feel this may have been more of a showcase of her art, then writing. The art I liked. Maybe Ms. Goldsmith will shoot me a note for a story/art collaboration?


For the writer … need some art for your story? Look up Abby Goldsmith; she might be able to add a little artistic fun to your tale.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Indie Art Stop: Liran Szeiman

Art that is macabre, out of the ordinary and down right frightening is what attracts my attentions and certainly the art of Liran Szeiman caught my attention for that very reason. The art is simply amazing.



I love the colors and the sinister look of the characters created. It is simply wonderful art that is colorful, defined and visually gorgeous. The talent of Szeiman is unchallenged.

“Me encantan los colores y la siniestra mirada de los personajes. Es simplemente maravilloso arte que es colorido, definido y visualmente impresionante. El talento de Szeiman es indiscutible.”



There isn’t much to complain about and the visions lend themselves to many a story idea. I enjoyed every single piece of art I looked at. Each had something to say and each was as unique as the last.

For me, I wonder how such a talent can seemingly be so silent. Perhaps it is my small world that I am not exposed to true art as on display here. I don’t know about you, but I simply love it.



Hat’s off to the talent and vision of Szeiman, I am in awe.

“Hat el talento y la visión de Szeiman, estoy asombrado.”

(I certainly hope the translation is true … ) 

ALL ART IS THE SOLE PROPERTY OF Liran Szeiman 




Saturday, May 10, 2014

Justice League, Vol. 1: Origin (The New 52)

Hit reset Justice League fans! For those who don’t know, this button was already been struck and a mass universe of “New 52” comics have taken the world by storm. Fan or not, certainly you have seen or heard about the New 52 and the dynamic DC Universe.

Volume 1 - will bring out tales of your favorite Justice League heroes – Batman, Green Lantern, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg as they take on evil like no other. I especially enjoyed the introduction of Green Lantern and Batman – funny and very true.

For those who need paper, good news, you will be able to thumb through the large six comic compilation graphic novel. If electronic media is your game, then take Justice League for a spin on your Kindle.

For the reader, this is a standalone series, meaning you can jump on here and not worry about backstories or other histories. It is a great way to introduce yourself or re-introduce yourself to the Justice League.


For the writer, if this is your genre, then read the pros, study and dream about your time. This is a competitive and hard business to crack but the rewards are historic.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

The Biting Cold: A Survival Horror Short Story - Graeme Clark

Here we have a little tale about survival in the biting cold of Scotland. I can attest that it does get pretty darn cold in Scotland about that time of the year, generally. It is a wet cold, the kind that soaks your bones and causes your entire body to tense. Much better to stay inside and enjoy a pint of ale.

Peter is an old guy who takes on winter work driving a snow scrapper or if you prefer a snowplow about the roads of Scotland. There you go, from here the story pretty mush follows that line. The horror surrounds a threat and the question to the protagonist, fight or run. Naturally, he fights for the honor and good of a threatened small community.

The threat comes in the way of hungry ‘beasts’ that the biting cold has driven from their shelters to find food during this cold and desolate time. Nothing extraordinary really and it is quite an ordinary tale.

For the reader, perhaps a nice afternoon read – if you have Prime. Otherwise you might want to push off elsewhere.


For the writer, nothing really to glean here, except the need to proofread. Sadly, I know all to well about that pitfall.

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Spyder’s reminiscent minute: The Clash

“We all grew up with different influences and marveled or enjoyed certain aspects of the “era” in which we discovered … life." For me it was much about music, more than any other art form. Certainly, females, sports, experimenting with ‘things’ and general trouble making were a part of it but as I remember those times – music was always a part of it.”

The Clash, in my opinion is one of those bands that have stood the test of time. Their songs are still played today from their mid-seventies roots. Sure, they are not the Elvis, Rolling Stones or Led Zeppelin but one must acknowledge their influence on the rock genre.


I jumped on The Clash bandwagon long after their hey-day but still enjoy the contributions they have made to my personal walk down memory lane. Somehow music triggers those fond memories of a youthful time when the world had so many fewer worries.

London Calling


Guns of Brixton