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Archive for September 2011

Jackson Compton: The Crucible of Happenstance

September 19, 2011 | Author

Joyce: What inspired you to write?

Jackson: Reading inspired me to write and have my dad, Robert, to thank for that. Having bizarre dreams on a nightly basis, has been the fuel for so many stories.

Joyce:  Why did you choose to write about “The Crucible of Happenstance?”

Jackson: “Crucible” is based on a Dungeons and Dragons campaign adventure that I wrote and had my college friends play. The idea for the series of books started back then. The content for this novel was supposed to be a fifty-page side note. But then the necromancer villain was so good (or not so good as the case may be), that the whole novel focused on the venture into the swamp.

Joyce:  Describe the main character in your book of, “The Crucible of Happenstance.”

Jackson: There are three main characters in this book. All three were orphaned. All three are best friends. However, the way they were brought up creates the dynamic. Vlad was raised in a church as a warrior priest, Gelantri raised by woodsmen, and Merbellum raised himself as a street urchin.

Joyce: What were your building blocks to create this story?

Jackson: Writing scenarios that my gamer friends could play was the start. Seeing how they reacted to the situations gave me in-depth knowledge of how the characters would develop on paper. Once the characters were established, they kind of took over the writing themselves. I was doing my best just to keep up with them.

Joyce: Do you have a favorite character that reminds you of you?

Jackson: Actually, none of these characters in this series are reminded of me. Vladimir is based on Chad Vanoni. Gelantri is based on Jason Hendricksen. Merbellum is based on Scott Istock. However, if you read “Night’s End,” I’d say I’m a split between Flange and Sprig. Just opposite sides of the same coin.

Joyce: Do you have an estimate of how many books or even series you plan on writing in the future?

Joyce: I have five sets of characters that will share this world together and eventually crossover into each other’s stories. At present, I’ve mapped out stories for roughly fifteen books, but could end up being more. I’m also writing a Steampunk series. I’m writing comic book projects and screenplays as well. I’ll continue writing until my dying day.

Joyce: Would you like to see your books made into movies?

Jackson: Yes and no. Yes, if it could be done right, and I had creative control. I have the writer/director mentality. It’s hard to cram a books worth of content into a two hour movie. A miniseries or series would be the way to go. However, I’m not above writing commercial content and do, but I never truly look at those projects as being mine and distance myself from them after my initial involvement. It makes it easier to deal with if they go sour.

Joyce: In each book you write, do you gain experience, not only in writing styles, but in learning about the characters, places, and the era it came from?

Jackson: I love “Night’s End” for the story, but parts of the writing are embarrassing. I’m trying to clean that up for a re-release through Literati Press, but I’m not going to rewrite the story from scratch. Have no intention of making Greedo shoot first. It is what it is and I’ll move on. So yes, those who loved the first book will love this more because it is better written. The more you write, the better you improve. As far as fantasy/horror goes, there’s not a lot of research on my end. The content is just there in my noggin somewhere. However, on the other end of the spectrum, I’m doing research for the Steampunk novels by studying the history and technology from the Civil War and World War I. Also studying historical figures to be used as fictional characters.

Joyce: Has your life changed since you started writing?

Jackson: Certainly, for the better and the worse. Circumstances have made me fiscally poorer, but knowing that I can share a story with so many people, makes a huge difference in my outlook on life. It’s an aspect of what I love doing, and when the funds/opportunity present themselves, I’ll make comic books and films as well. A nice by-product of writing is meeting so many talented people. It’s been a tradeoff.

Joyce: What are you working on now, and what is the genre?

Jackson: I have several things in the works. I’m about a third of the way done with “Fates Journey,” the sequel to “Crucible.” I’m working on the new Steampunk novel, “STEAMED! The Chronicles of Aviator Jack.” Still trying to get two SCI-FI comic book projects off the ground, “Tainted World” and “Nadir’s Zenith,” but haven’t had much luck with artists. The exception has been the cover for “Crucible” that Arne Cooper did a kick-ass job on! Kudos! Look forward to working with him again on future covers.

Joyce: What other goals do you have as being an entrepreneur?

Jackson: Nothing major… Just make a living at writing and to rule the galaxy as Father and Son until Dante’s old enough for the mantle of Galactic Emperor of the Universe!

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Peter Cushing, The Gentleman Of Horror

September 19, 2011 | Author

Peter Cushing, The Gentleman Of Horror

By Alan To

With his prominent cheek bones, sunken cheeks and aquiline nose, Peter Cushing is undoubtedly one of the most striking and iconic faces in the history of horror films. Coupling his dapper physical appearance with his quiet, well-spoken manner, Cushing has often been described as “the gentleman of horror.” As a lifelong Peter Cushing fan, I would certainly agree with that appellation, as I believe he brought a certain kind of class and inherent quality to each role he played, be it a horror part or otherwise.

My earliest memories of watching a Peter Cushing movie go back to the late sixties, when I first saw him in the Hammer horror movies I grew to love so much. As a small boy staying up late to watch Appointment With Fear every Monday evening at 10.30 pm, I was instantly struck by this fantastic British actor with the compelling face, a man who could play either Baron Frankenstein or Dracula’s arch nemesis, Dr Van Helsing, with equal charm and charisma. In those far off days, I had to be content with an old black-and-white TV set, so watching Mr Cushing in that context was thrilling enough in itself. But then, when we finally got our colour telly in 1975, and I was then able to view all those wonderful Hammer horror movies in glorious technicolor – well, that was an even bigger joy than my initial exposure to them on my old black-and-white set way back in the sixties!

It wasn’t just the Hammer movies that I loved Mr Cushing in, for he did make some excellent appearances in the Amicus films too. Amicus were the main rivals to Hammer when it came to producing top-quality horror movies, and my favourite Cushing role in these portmanteau films was that of the tragic ex-garbage man Arthur Grimsdyke in Tales From The Crypt (1972), who is hounded into committing suicide by the cold-hearted actions of a snooty neighbour, who takes exception to the way Grimsdyke befriends local children and harbours dogs in his house, picking dirt out of what is, after all, just a simple case of a lonely, harmless old man playing the kindly uncle to the local kids. This is, without doubt, one of Cushing finest roles, and I really felt sorry for Mr Grimsdyke when his tormentor finally drives the poor old man to hang himself. But of course, this being a Cushing horror movie, and one where the character has been tampering with a Ouija board, it didn’t all end there, for one year later, the rotting corpse of Grimsdyke rises from the grave to exact a grisly revenge on his ruthless neighbour, ripping out his heart and leaving it for his shocked father to find the next morning, wrapped up in a blood-soaked cloth bearing a Valentine’s poem written in blood. Classic Amicus stuff!

Next to all his Hammer movies, the Cushing Amicus films take special pride of place on my DVD shelf. Whenever I look at my DVD collection, I often think to myself that when I used to watch Peter in all those fantastically creepy films years ago, I never once thought that one day I would actually own them all in this format, always there to watch whenever I want to.

It wasn’t often that Peter Cushing played a baddie, but when he did, he could really impress, just as unforgettably as he could when he played the kindly gentleman roles. The movie that sees Mr Cushing at his most ruthless and nasty is, for me, the 1969 classic Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed. In fact, of all the Frankenstein films he starred in, this is the one that really portrays the Baron at his darkest, stooping to such shocking acts as rape and murder. He blackmails a young couple to assist him with his ever-fanatical experiments, and when the girl, Anna (played by the lovely Veronica Carlson), inadvertently sets the monster free, he cold-bloodedly knifes her to death. Alongside the tragic image of poor Mr Arthur Grimsdyke hanging by his neck in Tales From The Crypt, the scene where poor Anna is lying dead with Frankenstein’s scalpel protruding from her stomach in Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed certainly ranks high in my list of Cushing movies which have the most shock value.

Of course, everybody knows that Peter Cushing did play many other roles outside the horror genre, and has appeared in countless stage productions portraying such literary characters as Mr Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. Oh yes, and who could forget his occasional guest appearances on The Morecambe and Wise Show, where he persistently harassed the two comedians for his “money.” However, it is for his awesome performances as Baron Frankenstein and Abraham Van Helsing, along with all his other horror roles, that I shall mostly remember him. He made those parts his own – just as his great friend Christopher Lee did with Dracula and Boris Karloff did with the Frankenstein Monster – and nobody, but nobody, could fill his shoes in that respect.

The horror movie industry of today is, sadly, a much poorer place without Peter Cushing, the “gentleman of horror.”

http://www.trueghoststories.co.uk

 

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Darkfaery Girl Handbill: All you need to know about becoming and being a Darkfaery Girl.

September 7, 2011 | Author

Written by TristaLou

First off you might be wondering, “What is a Darkfaery Girl?”.

Simply put, they are spokesmodels for Darkfaery Subculture Magazine. Their goal is to get the word out about DFSM and let everyone know about this local almost underground magazine. I say almost just because once you step into our world it’s not so underground. It’s actually a pretty prominent magazine in the goth/alternative scene locally, and what’s best is we are just getting bigger.

So now you know what a DFG is, but what do they do?

Well DFG’s are entitled to make it to events to do the promotions and help out at the booths. Promotions basically mean handing out flyers, going on stage and even on camera to promote the magazine. While handing out flyers I would like for you to talk about the flyer and/or talk to them about the magazine. I know you can’t talk to everyone, but at least some of the people would be nice. Helping at the booth can include watching the booth, helping setting it up, and/or tearing it down.

Darkfaery Girl Events

Most events are local Oklahoma Events, here in the OKC area, but we also have a lot in the Tulsa area as well. We want all girls to try to attend every event possible, but we are also understanding about family and financial obligations. Say your a Tulsa girl and you can’t make it to the OKC area event because you just don’t have the finances….Just let us know and we will be understanding. But please make it to every event you can. Missing multiple events can result in suspension or even asked to leave the DFG’s. This is especially true when you do not let us know why you could not make it.

Most events are conventions and concerts. Conventions are usually SciFi and/or Horror related; even some Steampunk conventions. Concerts are usually rock, dance, techno, goth, and many other types of music.

Perks to being a DFG.

The first big perk is getting to attend the events. We try to have at least one event each month, but some months there could be more or even none. We need 3 to 4 girls to attend these events and which girls will be determined on a first come first serve basis. As for the cost of these events, we strive to get the DFG’s in at a cheaper rate or even sometimes free. This, however, is not always the case and should not be expected at every event as some events just won’t allow it. But for me, I love the excuse to go to the events. I am the type that I will sometimes miss events I really want to go to just because I choose not to mess with it. But when I have the excuse of, “The DFG’s need me” it get’s me motivated to go when most likely I wouldn’t have.

As I have mentioned before, there are also booths at most events. As a DFG you are allowed to sale items that you have that you do not want anymore or have made at the booth. Just be sure to pay for some of the cost of the booth, those costs can get rather expensive at times. Also please be sure to only sale new and lightly used items. The booth is not to be looked at as a garage sale.

In addition, there are photo opportunities. You will have many pictures taken of you at these events and when possible we will set up photo shoots for you.These photos will become the sole property of the magazine and can only be used in other publications with the permission of Duvy (editor and owner of the magazine). You can, however, use these pics how you choose on social media sites of your choosing.

Are you a writer? You can also submit any of your work to Duvy to be published in the magazine. This for me is another one of my favorite perks. I have been writing for the magazine for quite some time and love having this creative outlet. It gives me great pride to open up the magazine I promote and see a story or article written by me. Same rules apply to these written works as well. Once published in the magazine they cannot be used in any other publications without permission. Deadline for content to be sent in is the 27th of every month.

Now with all the talk of permissions you might be freaking out, but Duvy is a very easy going person and will most likely give that permission with no problem. I, myself, have had an article or two published in another magazine that was originally published in DFSM. You will come to find out that Duvy and even I are not too hard to work with. We do not deal in drama and avoid it at all costs.

Now this is the best perk of all for me: When you become a DFG and do your part you become part of the DFSM family. We stick together and help each other out. We even get together and do birthday parties and such. We are no strangers to having a good time and love to just relax and hang out. It is so great to have this group of friends that you can truly call family as well.

Other perks include, your own Darkfaery-Girls.com email address and your own page on Darkfaery-girls.com.

Regulations to be a DFG.

*You must be 18 or over

*You must live in Oklahoma (some exceptions).

*You have to be willing to show up to most events for the promotion of DFSM. This does not mean just a few! You have to be reliable!

*You have to be yourself! This is very important. We want you to have fun and be comfortable in who you are. We take all shapes in sizes of women. Tattoos are a plus! Also make sure you really have a love for this lifestyle!

Okay so if all that sounds good to you then we will need you to add us as friends on Facebook and send us a message with the subject being “Application” or send this information to TristaLou@Darkfaery-Girls.com. In the application you will need to include…….

*2 or more pics for us to view. If you are chosen, one of these pics will be posted into the Darkfaery Girls album. No pics of complete nudity! Semi nude is fine as long as it’s done with class and not exposing all of your goods. Also, the pics need to be somewhat professional quality. No normal “myspace” pics.

*Your name and age

*Darkfaery Girl Name you have chosen to use (you can use your real name if you want)

*A short bio of yourself. This will be posted on the site as well, so make sure this is something you want others to know about you.

*Why you want to be a Darkfaery Girl

An application will also need to be filled out at your first meeting and must be filled out before your first event.

Now for the Rules…..

There really aren’t many rules and most are rules that should be obvious when you are representing a business.

When at events please dress appropriately. If it is a themed event it would be great if you dress in that theme. But really we are not to picky in this area, just do your best to match that theme and you will do fine. If it’s not themed we just ask that you don’t look a mess or God forbid dressed like a preppy. :)

Most events are over 21 events and there will be a lot of drinking and partying. You are allowed to have fun, but please do it in moderation. We don’t need girls that get too drunk to be of any use or help. It also makes the DFG’s look bad, so just don’t do it. Drugs are not tolerated. I don’t want the DFG’s associated with drugs at all.

There are some events that we attend that are all age’s and even family friendly. We ask that you be mindful of the kids and be respectful.

When you become a DFG I will add you to the DFG Facebook group. You must check this often!! I can not stress this enough. This is our lifeline to the DFG’s.

Information and Sites to know.

Duvy is a name you will hear a lot. She is the owner, editor, and creator of the magazine. You will send her any content you might have for the magazine at her email address.

Duvy’s email: duvy.dfsm@gmail.com
Duvy’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/duvy.dfsm

TristaLou

, I am the Manager of Promotions as well as head Darkfaery Girl. I run the DFG’s and any questions and concerns can be sent to my email address or even on Facebook.

Trista’s email: TristaLou@Darkfaery-Girls.com
Trista’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/TristaLou

Darkfaery

Girls Sites:

Darkfaery Girls main page: www.Darkfaery-Girls.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/darkfaerygirls
Facebook: www.facebook.com/darkfaerygirls
Facebook Group: darkfaerygirls@groups.facebook.com

Darkfaery Subculture Magazine sites:

www.darkfaery-subculture.com
www.magcloud.com/user/duvy
www.issuu.com/darkfaerysubculture

Thanks for taking the time out to read this information and Welcome to the Darkfaery family!!

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Quick Notes:

Please try and remember that the deadline for DFSM is the 27th of every month and let me know if you are going to make submissions. If you have something you've been wanting to write or photograph this would be a great issue to do it with. Submit your ideas and suggestion or work to duvy.dfsm@gmail.com

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