Dark Tales and Twisted Verses – Short tales of blood, murder, war, the wrath of nature, a very cynical vampire; dark and twisted poetry of loss and mayhem.
https://books2read.com/DarkTalesTwistedVerses
Available as an ebook at all the usual ebook stores, and the print edition on Amazon.
A short collection of dark poetry about the horrors of war, political folly, nature, the vagaries of life and twisted introspection. https://books2read.com/BeyondShatteredMirror
Poésie traitant de guerre, de politique et des caprices de la vie. Commémoration des soldats tombés, vers aux accents fantasy sur la folie des politiques humaines, l’ennui, et poèmes plus légers sur la nature et l’environnement. https://books2read.com/ShatteredMirrorFrench
#Poésie, #Politique ,# guerre, #deuil , #nature, #vie
Uma pequena coleção de poesia sombria sobre os horrores da guerra, a loucura política, a natureza, os caprichos da vida e a introspecção distorcida.
https://books2read.com/Beyond-ShatteredM-Port
#poesia, #europeia, #geral
Excerpt – So Many Nights, So Many Sins – A Vampire’s Tale
From Dark Tales and Twisted Verses (c) A. L. Butcher
Amber firelight flickered in the small grate, casting a dancing pattern on the grubby walls of the cellar-bar known as The Cavern. It was, some said, hypnotic; others said the fire heard and saw all – for even in summer it was never truly out, merely banked to embers. Fire had been the friend and enemy of man since Prometheus snatched it from the gods, and this particular blaze had been smouldering for years. Some said decades, even centuries, and that it watched all that went on. Whether this was true Wolfgang had no idea, but it was not a normal fire, and such tales served his purpose.
The Cavern had stood on this spot for at least three hundred years, and before this, various structures from longhouse to army tent to inn had been in the vicinity. This land was old, saturated with history. And blood. Battles had been fought, lives taken, lost and even given and through it, all the Cavern stood in one form or another, and its fire burned. Creatures who lived in the twilight world of the undead were drawn to this place. Perhaps it was the blood, perhaps there was something special here. Life was a lure, to those who possessed a parody of it, but in truth, no one really knew or dared to discover. It was the sort of place no one asked too many questions or expected honest answers and so those patrons with things to hide and enemies aplenty caroused in The Cavern in an uneasy truce. The fire saw all, and so did its current keeper. For now, both the fire and The Cavern had Wolfgang’s undead patronage, and both knew it.
Wolfgang Feuerleiben turned his bright hazel eyes despondently towards the blaze and shivered; as usual, he could not seem to get warm even close as he was to it. This place, generally, was cold, as old buildings often were, even with the impressive blaze. Wolfgang had no internal heat, nor did any of his kind; but habits are hard to shake and even a vampire likes to be warm. Bodies with no inward heat found themselves stiff and slow and it wasn’t like a vampire could bask in the sun. Wolfgang surmised it was a throwback to his human past. Memories faded, became corrupted or were forgotten; it was a curse and a blessing – an elder had told him. Wolfgang considered this – ‘memories went with morality. One could not be haunted if one had no memory of past sins and past transgressions’ the Elder had said. Yet almost all his kind suffered nightmares – or rather daymares and the Vampire Scholar who’d propounded his theory had died raving in a fire of his own making. Driven mad by the guilt of split blood. It was hard to be a monster. And much, much harder to be a monster pretending to be a man.
Synopsis
Dark tales of ghosts of war, blood from the Autumn of Terror, the wrath of nature, an unusual murder and a cynical vampire. Twisted poetry of loss and mayhem.
Some adult themes and language.
Winner of the NN Light Book Heaven Award for Short Stories 2021
https://books2read.com/DarkTalesTwistedVerses
Author name:
Andrew P. Weston
How did you become involved with this project?
I saw the project advertised on social media, and decided to offer a poem or two to help out.
Tell us a little about your work in this book?
I have two poems in the book: The Science of Communication, and Lodestone.
The Science of Communication highlights how volatile the world we live in is. Every day, we see tragedy after tragedy, many of them instigated by bigots who act without thought or consideration of consequence. It also stresses that change will never come, not until society as a whole adopts a different mindset and a willingness to see the good in others; instead of the colour of a person’s skin or the dialect they speak.
Lodestone addresses a similar theme, but this time from the perspective of the damage social media can inflict, especially when the moral compass of the world is set to ‘fit in’ and be popular, instead of doing and saying what’s right. As before, it highlights the need for change, before hatred runs rampant, like an out of control virus.
Please tell us about your other publications/work.
My poetry has appeared in the likes of Muse Pie Press, The Screech Owl, Penny Ante Feud, The Fib Review and The Shot Glass Journal . . . to name a few.
Do you think the written word (or art) brings power and freedom?
It certainly has the power to. Edward Bulwer-Lytton wasn’t kidding when he coined the infamous phrase in one of his plays:
“…Beneath the rule of men entirely great
The pen is mightier than the sword.”
The written word is a far more effective tool for communicating than mindless – or premeditated, come to that – acts of violence. And rightly so, for the power of words is eternal and can stand the test of time. I often recall certain passages or stories I’ve read, years – sometimes decades – ago. Something that moved me. Inspired me. Got me thinking. Its value can be just as precious now as it was when I read it. Now that’s power. And many have used such power, down through the centuries, to bring about change for the better.
If you could have dinner with any literary character or author who would you choose, and what would you eat.
That would be Edgar Allan Poe, a man whose mind – and imagination – worked on an entirely different level from those around him. And of course, the meal would centre around his works:
Starters would be Hop-Frog Legs washed down with Ligeia wine.
The main course would be built of a choice of The Purloined Steak Letter and Pit and the Pendulum Pie.
And for dessert, we’d round off with Tamerlane Tiramisu, complimented by his favourite cognac.
How influential is storytelling/poetry to our culture?
I don’t think storytelling or poetry will ever lose their influence, no matter how ‘instant meme fix’ society becomes. Stories have adapted to meet the modern ‘rushed off our feet’ culture by becoming shorter. Many publishers now want submissions which are half the length – or less – of what they used to be.
Poetry doesn’t have to do that. I’m not talking about ‘epic prose’ here, but those cleverly crafted shorter poems that can tell an entire story in just a few verses, or even lines. It’s just a question of adapting to need, and keeping what you produce current and popular.
If you could be any fantasy/mythical or legendary person/creature what would you be and why?
I’ve always wanted to be the Silver Surfer. I can’t imagine anything more profound than surfing the cosmos, and experiencing the majesty of the universe firsthand, up close and personal, for all eternity.
Which authors/books have influenced you the most?
That’s easy. Stephen R. Donaldson, Raymond E. Feist and Neil Gaiman. I’ve loved the sheer inventiveness of their stories for decades, and always will.
What’s your next writing adventure?
Believe it or not, I’m branching into horror. And so far, I’m rather enjoying it.
What is your greatest success?
Becoming an expert nuisance. It took years of dedication and application, but at last, I’ve done it! According to my wife, that is. . .
What’s your favourite quote, who said it and why?
That will always depend on my mood, as there are several I really like.
However, the one that has a definite edge is:
“Of all things, I liked books best.” ― Nikola Tesla.
As to why?
It sums me up perfectly. I could read before I went to school. I prefer books to films, video games and a lot of other pastimes. I always have my head in a book, even now, when I’m busy, busy, busy, writing.
Tell us a silly fact about yourself?
I love marmite! It is, without doubt, an exceedingly nomilicious food product that compliments just about anything.
What did you want to be when you ‘grew up’?
An astronaut. Something I began to actively pursue when I was younger – (educationally and vocationally) – and then life got in the way. Bummer!
Author name:
Joe Bonadonna
How did you become involved with this project?
Alex L. Butcher, who put the project together, and I are Facebook friends, have worked together before, and are also involved in Janet Morris’ Heroes in Hell™ series.
Tell us a little about your work in this book?
I’d been writing short stories since fifth grade, and then I started playing guitar. Inspired by Edgar Allen Poe, Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison of The Doors, Peter Sinfield who wrote lyrics for King Crimson, and Emerson, Lake and Palmer, and Keith Reid, who wrote lyrics for Procul Harum, I started writing poems and then soon afterwards, song lyrics. A couple of years ago I started dabbling in haiku.
Please tell us about your other publications/work.
I’ve written three books thus far in my sword & sorcery, heroic fantasy series, Mad Shadows. I’ve also written a space opera and a sword & planet novel, co-authored two children’s books with Erika M Szabo, and co-authored a pirate/horror novel with David C. Smith. I’ve published a number of short stories and novellas, and have appeared in six recent volumes of the Heroes in Hell™ series.
Do you think the written word (or art) brings power and freedom?
Yes! The pen is indeed mightier than the sword. Fascist, authoritarian governments fear the power of the word. They fear any artform they think is harmful to their “regimes,” to their plans: art is transformative, it teaches and enlightens us, it makes us hope and dream. To “them,” its greatest threat is that it makes us think, and gives us ideas. Art is truth, and oppressors the world over would bury Truth beneath the dirt of propaganda, censorship and book burning.
If you could have dinner with any literary character or author, who would you choose, and what would you eat.
I’ll pick an author, and not to offend anyone still living, I’ll pick a dead author: Raymond Chandler, because he was the key to my writing my Mad Shadows Triad. Oh, maybe we’d eat pizza or steak, drink whiskey and/or Guinness Stout. Since he lived in California, maybe we’d eat seafood and drink wine.
How influential is storytelling/poetry to our culture?
It’s not only influential, it’s important: it is life affirming. We need poems and literature, music and paintings, and all forms of art. It keeps us sane and healthy. Storytelling and poetry reveal what’s in our hearts. Every art form reveals what we think and dream and hope for. It reveals the depths of our souls. Once again, it teaches and enlightens, as well to help ease the burden of our worries and our troubles.
If you could be any fantasy/mythical or legendary person/creature, what would you be and why?
I’ll go with being a vampire. They dress well, only go out at night, have superhuman powers, and if they invested wisely during their natural lifetime, over the long years of their afterlife, they could live quite handsomely, indeed.
Which authors/books have influenced you the most?
Once again, I’ll stick with dead authors: JRR Tolkien, Fritz Leiber, Edgar Allen Poe, Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, Ross Thomas, Larry McMurtry, and the list goes on and on ….
What’s your next writing adventure?
I’m hoping to write a fourth and perhaps final volume of novellas for my Mad Shadowsseries — making it a quartet instead of a trio. I’m also working on my seventh novella for the Heroes in Hell™ saga.
What is your greatest success?
That I’m still alive at age 70! Seriously, I’d have to say my Mad Shadows Triad, my, The MechMen of Canis-9, and the stories I’ve written for the Heroes in Hell™ saga are my greatest success stories, and my personal bundle of pride and joy.
What’s your favourite quote, who said it and why?
I actually have two, if I may: “Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. That’s because inside a dog it’s too dark to read.” — Grouch Marx. Why? Because he was a comedian, and his sarcastic wit often had truth and deeper, more subtle meaning. And: “I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.” — Anonymous. Why? Well . . . wouldn’t you?
Tell us a silly fact about yourself.
I collect Halloween knick-knacks and cheap snow globes.
What did you want to be when you ‘grew up’?
A rock-star guitar god. When I started growing up and growing older, I just wanted to be a kid again. I think a lot of us would like that.
Thank you for everything about this project and for asking me to take part.
https://books2read.com/StandTogetherUkraine
I am delighted to announce the release of a poetry and short story anthology for Ukraine.
An eclectic collection of poetry and short prose for Ukraine. Poetry about war, warriors, hope, and sunflowers; multi-genre stories.
https://books2read.com/StandTogetherUkraine
Print https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B14N27TW
Donations from this book will go to Ukraine charities.
Part 1 Poetry
The War That Was Not a War – A.L. Butcher
Maybe Then – Roman Nyle (Marta Moran Bishop)
Hope – Charles Yallowitz
Sunflowers – Vickie Johnstone
The Science of Communication – Andrew P. Weston
Courage Personified – A.L. Butcher.
The Sunflowers Will Rise Again – Rebecca Miller
Wounds in Ukraine – Michael H. Hanson
Civilized Humanity – Charles Yallowitz
Shadows On Faces – Victoria Zigler
Where is the Line? – A.L. Butcher
War Dance – Joe Bonadonna
Those Who Divide – Charles Yallowitz
Sorge* – Richard Groller
Ruins Hall – KL Rhavensfyre
Lodestone – Andrew P. Weston
The Vikings – Joe Bonadonna
Rape in Ukraine – Vickie Johnstone
Pray for Ukraine – Rebecca Miller
Haiku – Joe Bonadonna
Four Horseman – Rebecca Miller
Part 2 Short Stories
The Tree of Fate and Wishes – Anthea Sharp
The Secret of Blossom Rise – A.L. Butcher
War and Beyond – Marta Moran Bishop
The Eleventh – Colene Allen
The Day After Twilight – J.C. Fields
Outside the Walls – A.L. Butcher & Diana. L. Wicker
Dark Lies – Inge – Lise Goss
The Letter – Sean Poage
The Book of Ruth – Rebecca Lacy
The Moon on the Water – A.L. Butcher
Postcard to the Bomb Shelter Babies – Colene Allen
Always Read the Fine Print – Joe Bonadonna
A dark poetry duology: war, politics, life, loss, nature and the vagaries of life feature in this special two-book collection.
Featuring – Shattered Mirror – A poetry collection & Beyond the Shattered Mirror
Only available on Amazon
Dark Tales and Twisted Verses is a finalist in the NN Light Book Heaven awards for 2021, for the short story category.
https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/2021-book-award-finalists
Check out the awesome books here.
Dark tales of ghosts of war, blood from the Autumn of Terror, the wrath of nature, an unusual murder and a cynical vampire. Twisted poetry of loss and mayhem.
Some adult themes and language.
https://books2read.com/DarkTalesTwistedVerses
Library of Erana 