Happy Easter the backdrop to the paranormal and ghost story

And on the third day he rose again...

Okay, don't anybody get their knickers in a bunch but why don't we approach the crucifixion of Jesus Christ like any other haunted tale? A man died and was raised from the dead. His spirit was seen by others in the context of a message he brought to them.

Is it because of the context of religion or is it because Christ made for a friendly visitation?

Whatever your take the question should be raised. Historically we knew the man existed. Historically we know about some of his activities and his associates.

I argued this once as a child during catechism. Sister was not amused. But if someone, rises from the dead and someone is called The Holy Ghost...I mean you have to have the discussion.

Classic Book Review: PHILADELPHIA GHOST STORIES by Charles J. Adams III, Exeter House Books, 2006

Nice history of 'true' and historical hauntings. The text at times is difficult to read and this is stylistically, but a good and interesting read.

Classic Book Review: MORE GHOST STORIES by M. R. JAMES

What can be any better? The master of the Victorian ghost tale and more of them.

Classic Book Review: THE INTOXICATED GHOST by Arlo Bates, Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1908,

Arlo Bates died in 1918 and to many his writings died with him. Thank God for used book stores. From his most famous of ghost story and his most famous volume of ghost stories you will not find a better written, more humorous, more serious work.

I dare to invite the wrath of others; here it goes----I'll take Bates any time, any day; you can keep Lovecraft who I still believe gets too much credit.

Big news coming....

At least for me and I am excited. An anthology of my own is in the works. Details to follow. More info to come. Stay tuned. And I just ran out of clichés....

My Ghost Stories on Saugus.Net

I haven't publicized these as much as my ezine and print appearances but you can find two funny/satirical ghost stories of mine at the Saugus.net Ghost Story contest site. In 2011 we placed third under the Adult category with "A Visit" and this passed 2012 contest we finished second with "The Death Knell" a satiric look at writing, at ghost and horror stories, death, yes death and even Edgar Allan Poe himself. Stop by...more news to come about Saugus and their long running and world renown juried contest. Stay tuned....

'Hesitation' is published on The Carnage Conservatory

Yes it is the second place Campfire Ghost Story is there. Give it a read. Thanks guys.

"WHEELS BUNDLED IN RUBBER" is now on SLIT YOUR WRISTS EZINE

I am honored to have my tale about war and ghosts on this fabulous site with some amazing writers. Give it a read.

'WHEELS BUNDLED IN RUBBER' to be published In SLIT YOUR WRISTS

My short story 'Wheels Bundled in Rubber' has been accepted by SLIT YOUR WRISTS, the literary e-zine. It should be up shortly. Thanks guys!!!

A new medium is opening

Stay tuned for live readings in your area. Details to follow.

A NIGHT IN THE COUNTRY Bumped to July 1st

So nothing surreal or grotesque will happen until July 1st. For those of you already in contact with me know we were not in issue 2 as we were originally slotted. We have been bumped back to the month of my birth July. Somehow that is more fitting. See you July 1.

You Are Not A Writer....

Maybe not. Even if a literary critic agrees I won't believe it anyway. I am happy with our progress but unhappy with those who insist I shouldn't attempt this because of my day job. Recently a sales person told me she pulled up my name online and found my law office website and my writing website. How dare I have a writer's website after all -- "You are an attorney not a writer!" Yeah, great way to make a sale. I realize we live in an era where people find it abhorrent to break form the pack. I realize it is easier to stay in my little box and not dream for more. Hey sheep, don't include me. I can do both. While we are on the subject I am also not happy with those, some of them close to me, who are bothered about this. 'Why would anybody want to do this?' Well that is a pure insult. Look, we have had some success; we are a little ahead of schedule; and we have a long way to go. But I enjoy writing my stories; I enjoy entertaining and scaring people; I enjoy when someone writes or calls or tells me they enjoy my work. This is why we do what we do and if someone has a problem, then get out of my way. Frankly I enjoy writing more than anything else. It is the hardest work I have ever done. It is the most challenging work I have ever done. It is angst driven. It is tiring, physically, psychologicall and emotionally; but I love it. I love being around other writers; I love talking about writing; I love being challenged to write. Again, if you don't or can't understand this, I am sorry, but please get out the way.

We Have A New Website.......

Come and visit and read JOSEPHJPATCHEN@WEEBLY.COM for a more in depth look at this blog.

We Missed Everyone

It sure has been quite. I have had pneumonia and my desk and email is piling up. Stay tuned.

A STORY ABOUT FLIGHT IS ON TERRIBLY GOOD THINGS!!!

I am a finalist in the CREEPYPASTA CONTEST and I would appreciate views and comments. A STORY ABOUT FLIGHT is what it says and I bring the shadow man back for a highjacking far creepier than D B COOPER. Thanks guys for the points and the opportunity to reach the finals!!!

Surreal Grotesque to publish A NIGHT IN THE COUNTRY in issue 2

Issue 2 due out soon of SURREAL GROTESQUE will have my horror short story A NIGHT IN THE COUNTRY. This is the story set in the old west, with a gunfighter and a monster you have never dream of. More details to follow.

Terribly Good Stuff dot com

A Story About Flight is in the finals....give it a read and comment. Thank you.

Terribly Good Stuff, Yes it is.............

Well we made the finals of TerriblyGoodStuff's Creepypasta contest thanks to A STORY ABOUT FLIGHT. This is a tale utilizing the supernatural form known as the shadow man in the hijacking of a passenger plane more chilling and mysterious than that of D. B. Cooper. I want to thank those who read it and compared it to a Twilight Zone and I have to laugh now at the editor who turned it down saying it was 'cute'. Yeah, she got it right. A STORY ABOUT FLIGHT WILL BE POSTED SHORTLY and keep your fingers crossed and vote on it to win.

Hype? Oh What the Heck.....

Good For Many retitled to A Spectre Stalks Our Shadows is not yet released but getting a good initial buzz. More news forthcoming.

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