“Ballad of the Broken Hearts at the Danse Macbre” by Kevin Lucia

It’s publication day for Kevin Lucia as Crystal Lake Publishing releases October Nights, his collection of Halloween-themed short stories. To celebrate, Cemetery Dance is proud to share “Ballad of the Broken Hearts at the Danse Macabre,” a Halloween-themed short story that is NOT included in October Nights. Think of it as a bonus story, a companion … Continue Reading! ““Ballad of the Broken Hearts at the Danse Macbre” by Kevin Lucia”

My First Fright featuring Scott Thomas

The works of Ray Bradbury have inspired countless horror and dark fantasy writers over the years, myself included. Bradbury’s vivid imagery and dreamlike, poetic prose is something to behold. But how do his works translate to the screen? Is it possible to capture the thrills and magic of Bradbury’s work in television or film? I … Continue Reading! “My First Fright featuring Scott Thomas”

Exhumed: “Better Than Breadcrumbs” and “Pelingrad’s Pit” by Ronald Kelly

Welcome to Exhumed, my humble attempt to read and review every story and novel excerpt ever published in Cemetery Dance magazine. Each month I’ll summarize and analyze a pair of related works. Usually this means comparing one “older” and one “newer” piece by the same author. In their 29+ years of publication, CD has already … Continue Reading! “Exhumed: “Better Than Breadcrumbs” and “Pelingrad’s Pit” by Ronald Kelly”

“The Sanctuary” and “In the Room”

In its illustrious 29*-year print run, Cemetery Dance magazine has published no less than 560 short stories and novel excerpts in 75** issues. As the super fan that I am, Exhumed is my humble attempt to read and review them all in monthly double reviews. *and counting! **there were also two “double issues” (#17/18 in 1993 and #74/75 in … Continue Reading! ““The Sanctuary” and “In the Room””

“Save the Last Dance for Me” and “Slippin’ Into Darkness”

In its illustrious 29*-year print run, Cemetery Dance magazine has published no less than 560 short stories and novel excerpts in 73** individual issues. As the super fan that I am, Exhumed is my humble attempt to read and review them all in monthly double reviews.  *and counting! **there were also two ‘double issues (#17/18 in 1993 and #74/75 … Continue Reading! ““Save the Last Dance for Me” and “Slippin’ Into Darkness””

“The Hounds of Hell to Pay” and “Martyr and Pesty”

In its illustrious 29*-year print run, Cemetery Dance magazine has published no less than 560 short stories and novel excerpts in 73** individual issues. As the super fan that I am, Exhumed is my humble attempt to read and review them all in monthly double reviews. This the eighth such installment.

Al Sarrantonio: The Weird King of Halloween

I first encountered Al Sarrantonio the same way others most likely did; in his Orangefield Cycle, which regales the tale of the strange Pumpkin Capitol of Orangefield, New York, through the novels Halloweenland, Hallows Eve, Horrorween and the novellas The Pumpkin Boy and Hornets. In Orangefield, strange things happen around Halloween. People die mysteriously, create … Continue Reading! “Al Sarrantonio: The Weird King of Halloween”

The Dungeon of Count Verlock

“The Dungeon of Count Verlock” (A Budget Studio Production) edited by Norman Prentiss This previously unpublished story, an anonymous “novelization” of a movie written and directed by Bud “Budget” Preston, was scheduled to appear in issue 101 of Monster Project magazine. For more information about the history of this story, and how I uncovered it, … Continue Reading! “The Dungeon of Count Verlock”

WHC Part 2: Spirits

WHC Part 2: Spirits The first time I ever went to Utah, it was to meet with some producers who wanted to option my novel, The Rising. It didn’t work out because we had conversations like this: THEM: “We see The Rising as sort of a buddy road comedy starring Chris Tucker and Gary Sinise.” … Continue Reading! “WHC Part 2: Spirits”

"Snakehandler" by Ronald Kelly

Cemetery Dance Online Exclusive Fiction “Snakehandler” by Ronald Kelly Unlike the others of his congregation, Old John wasn’t all that shocked and surprised when the preacher just up and quit the way he did. “I know this is sudden,” the pastor had told them at the end of the Sunday service. “But I feel like … Continue Reading! “"Snakehandler" by Ronald Kelly”