THE BIRDS

So have I said recently that I was so happy we scuttled our television? If I didn't I am. Now I can read more crap rather than watch it. With the exception of life interrupting these past few days I have flung myself headlong into the controversy that became Hitchcock's THE BIRDS.

My wife hates the movie. I find it amusing yet the genesis for the flick is under dispute. Okay maybe not but yeah really. Alfred Hitchcock's THE BIRDS is purportedly loosely based on Daphne du Maurier's 1952 short story. Hitchcock supposedly told screenwriter Evan Hunter to expand the plot and create new characters. What he came up with reads quite closely to Frank Baker's 1936 novel THE BIRDS.

I am two thirds through and the parallels are amazing.

Or in the immortal words of the immortal Keith Richards, and I am paraphrasing, 'there are just so many chords a lot of things sound alike.' 

Editor's Notes Part Five : IT IS TIME FOR MY CLOSE UP MR. DEMILLE

I am amazed how many writers and publications are now looking for author/writer photos. Generally writers, being the creative types they are generally will shoot their photos in a handful of overly staged poses including: standing outside smiling; while reading a book looking studious; attempting to replicate some long lost album cover from some long forgotten band; wearing a stupid hipster hat; etc.

Why is a photo necessary? Why is important to get to know the writer from how attractive or unattractive he/she is/isn't.

Photos concern me and they should concern writers looking for substance over fashion, that is style.

Also, photographs steal your soul.......

Classic Book Review: GRAVEYARD by Ed and Lorraine Warren

Fun read covering some classic New England landmarks by New England's legendary ghost hunters. This is a slim book that can be read in just a couple hours meant to keep you up all night.

COOL has been published on Microhorror

We are happy to announce that my short story COOL is on Microhorror today.

http://www.microhorror.com/microhorror/author/joseph-j-patchen/cool/

"Santa Claus Saves The World" reviewed on Lurid-lit.com Now!!!!

Okay so he's a little late for Christmas -- but I wouldn't this guy in my chimney anyway. Check it out.

Classic Book Review: NEW ENGLAND'S VISITORS FROM OUTER SPACE by Robert Ellis Cahill, 1985

Mmmm, sounds like a family reunion. Seriously, this slim volume is fascinating and packed with legendary tales that have followed many of us since childhood. From colonial times forward, if you enjoy a good solid 'unexplained' tale laden in innuendo this is a book for you.

ACCORD has been accepted by SMASHED CAT MAGAZINE

Thank you E. S. Wynn. ACCORD will be on SMASHED CAT on March 4th. Link to follow.