Ever heard of the Flatwoods Monster?

In West Virginia in the year 1952, a group of boys reportedly saw a bright object streak across the sky and land on a nearby hillside and went to investigate (as you do).

Once at the site, the boys came face to face with a strange floating figure around 10 to 12 feet tall with red glowing eyes, encased in a metallic suit. They also smelled an overwhelming sulphurous smell. The mysterious entity hissed and gilded towards them, at which point they ran away (naturally).

The story spread and the US Air Force even allegedly investigated it as part of a government initiative to study UFO reports but dismissed it as a misidentified meteor. Even so, the Flatwoods Monster has become a prominent figure in extraterrestrial folklore and West Virginia culture. The town of Flatwoods has turned the creature into a mascot and source of tourism.

Possible explanations range from a psychological phenomenon or an extraterrestrial creature to simply a barn owl.

I’m fascinated by cryptids. Do you have a favourite?

#FlatwoodsMonster #Cryptid #UFO #WestVirginiaLegends #AlienEncounter #BraxtonCounty #1952Sighting #ParanormalMystery #Cryptozoology #ProjectBlueBook #MonsterSickness #MothmanConnection #InterdimensionalBeing #Folklore #AlienLore #UFOHistory #FlatwoodsFestival #HiddenMysteries #ParanormalResearch #Extraterrestrial #UrbanLegends #WestVirginiaMystery #CryptidCulture #EerieEncounters #ConspiracyTheories ...

I don’t have a Black Friday discount but I do have a free ebook!

Download A Spurned Woman now, for free, by visiting https://drmillerauthor.co.uk/free-download/.

It’s a short story about an old, world-weary recluse who is asked for help by the village that once wanted to burn her for witchcraft.

It’s from my short story collection, Victorian Gothic Tales, which you can find on Amazon.

Happy reading!

#blackfriday #weekend #writer #author #horrorauthor #fiction #mystery #writing #books #reading #booklife #bookcommunity #booklove #horrorbooks #horrorcommunity #horrorauthor #horrorwriter #gothic #goth #ebook #freeebook #freebook #freedownload #kindle #kindledeal #instabooks #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #horrorbooksofinstagram ...

The Castle in Beaufort, South Carolina, USA, which is also known as the Joseph Johnson House, was built in the 1850s by Dr Joseph Johnson and was initially used, while still unfinished, as a military hospital. The outbuilding was used as a morgue during the Civil War. The Castle took many years to build and, once completed, became Johnson’s family home.

Legend has it that it’s haunted by the ghost of a jester; a dwarf called Gauche who was brought to the area in 1562 by French explorer Jean Ribaut.

There are reports of Gauche’s ghost being spotted walking around the grounds of the Castle by Johnson and visitors, the bells of his costume being heard ringing and Johnson’s daughter said she had tea parties with the ghost. The ghost is even said to have tapped out coded messages in 16th Century French.

#TheCastle #JosephJohnsonHouse #HauntedHistory #GhostsofCravenStreet #Paranormal #HistoricHaunts #HauntedMansion #LocalLegends #GhostStories #HauntedPlaces #SpookySights #HistoricHomes #GhostHunters #UrbanLegends #CreepyCastles #ParanormalInvestigation #Gothic ...

What do Notting Hill and Love Actually have in common with a religious horror thriller? Hugh Grant.

Grant makes his horror debut in Heretic and I’m definitely intrigued by the idea of Hugh Grant in a horror film. The Guardian described Heretic as a “religious horror with a suave, dapper and evil Hugh Grant”.

Rotten Tomatoes critics said: “Hugh Grant has infectious fun playing against type in Heretic, a religious horror that preaches the gospel of cerebral chills over cheap shocks.” Sounds like my kind of film!

If you’ve seen it let me know below what you thought.

#horror #thriller #film #movie #religion #psychological #hughgrant #heretic #hereticmovie #horrorfilm #horrormovie ...

"The author has chosen a difficult method of storytelling and nailed it. The story is well told and everything you would hope for in a Gothic horror story."

A great review for Victorian Gothic Volume 1: The Uncanny Death of Katherine Kramer.

Have you read it? What did you think?

If you haven’t and you have a Kindle, it’s currently only £2.99!

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

#weekend #writer #author #horrorauthor #goth #fiction #mystery #writing #books #reading #booklife #bookcommunity #booklove #horrorbooks #horrorcommunity #horrorauthor #horrorwriter #gothic #goth #kindle #instabooks #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #horrorbooksofinstagram ...

In Medieval times, books were exceptionally precious due to the length of time it took to produce them, with each one being meticulously handcrafted over a period of months or even years.

They were rare commodities and owned only by a limited few with the resources or need to possess them, such as the church, scholars and royalty.

As security options were limited, to deter thieves, medieval scribes added curses to their books. These threatened physical or supernatural punishment that would be fulfilled by God. This is the curse inscribed on a 15th century manuscript:

Whoever steals this book
Will hang on a gallows in Paris,
And, if he isn’t hung, he’ll drown,
And, if he doesn’t drown, he’ll roast,
And, if he doesn’t roast, a worse end will befall him.

If you’ve got any overdue library books, this is your sign to return them!

#MedievalHistory #BookCurses #RareBooks #HistoricalCuriosities #MiddleAges #Manuscripts #Bibliophile #BookLovers #HistoryFacts #Books #Reading #Library #BookWorm #HistoricalBooks #MedievalMysteries #CursedBooks #LiteraryHistory #Bookish #SacredTexts #MedievalLore ...

Did you know that the world’s oldest bookshop is still in operation?

Livraria Bertrand is a Lisbon, Portugal-based bookshop that was opened back in 1732.

It was recognised as the oldest bookshop in the world by the Business Book of World Records in 2011.

It has quite the history, having been destroyed in the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755. It relocated to Rua Garrett where it remains to this day. It’s now a nationwide chain, with 59 branches.

Customers are asked if they’d like a stamp in their book, stating that it was purchased from the oldest bookshop in the world. A special souvenir.

I’d love to visit. Have you?

#WorldsOldestBookstore #BookstoreLove #LiteraryHistory #BookNerd #BookLoversParadise #TravelAndBooks #HistoryLovers #BooksAreLife #ExploreLisbon #OldButGold #Books #Reading #LivrariaBertrand #Lisbon #Portugal ...

Happy Friday, All!

I have five words for you…Victorian Gothic: Volume two audiobook.

I can’t say too much more than that at this stage but just know that I’m very excited!

For now, a reminder that Volume 1: The Uncanny Death of Katherine Kramer is available to listen to via Audible and Spotify. If you haven’t got Audible, they are currently offering a free trial - 99p a month for three months!

It’s expertly narrated by the esteemed Jonathan Keeble and the reviews are in: “Jonathan Keeble brought every character to life with his amazing range of voices!” and “Jonathan Keeble is amazing, the way he brings each character to life is a testament to his skills.”

Chilling Shorts, one of my short story collections, is also available in audio form.

Have a great weekend!

#weekend #writer #author #horrorauthor #goth #fiction #mystery #writing #books #reading #booklife #bookcommunity #booklove #horrorbooks #horrorcommunity #horrorauthor #horrorwriter #gothic #goth #audiobook #listennow #audible #spotify #instabooks #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #horrorbooksofinstagram ...

I wanted to give a shout out to a fantastic small business I recently discovered, Hannah Kate Makes.

Hannah Kate creates whimsical fantasy art that draws on folklore and mythology. There’s some unique Christmas themed pieces on her Etsy shop right now (I especially love the Krampus greeting cards!) and she also takes commissions. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Hannah Kate and can tell you that as well as being a talented artist she is also a lovely human being!

She’ll be at the NightFair Brighton market along with more than 40 other creatives this Saturday so go and say hi if you’re around!

#Art #Artist #Creative #Christmas #ShoutOut #SmallBusiness #Whimsical #Fantasy #Folklore #Surrealist #Krampus #HannahKateMakes #TheNightFair #NightFairMarket #NightFairOnDukeStreet #Brighton #BrightonEvent #ChristmasMarket #AlternativeMarket ...

I recently discovered there’s a word for the fear of running out of books: abibliophobia.

It’s not an official medical term. In fact, it doesn’t even exist in the English dictionary but it sure is a relatable feeling. Could this explain my book buying addiction?!

I also have a fear of running out of time to read all of the books I want to read.

Anyone else?!

#books #reading #booklover #bookcollector #abibliophobia #bibliophile #bookaddict #bookcommunity #bookworm #readers #TBR ...

I finally got round to watching Longlegs and while I enjoyed it overall I can’t say that I found it particularly scary.

Nicolas Cage was…interesting. A Joker-esque character and the film itself felt like a mix of the Zodiac Killer and Silence of the Lambs.

Some very cool, creepy shots and Maika Monroe’s performance was excellent.

Is it overhyped? Probably. Should you watch it if you like satanic serial killer movies? Also probably.

Have you seen it? What did you think?

#Longlegs #MaikaMonroe #ItFollows #NicolasCage #Horror #Thriller #Horrorfilm #movie #review #scary #goth #supernatural ...

One of my favourite short horror films is Curve. If you haven’t seen it, I’d recommend checking it out. You can find it on YouTube.

It’s a 2016 short horror thriller written and directed by Tim Egan. A woman wakes up to find herself trapped on a completely smooth, almost vertical concrete surface. Despite her impossible situation, her survival instinct kicks in and she begins trying to claw her way (with bloody fingertips) to safety. The alternative? Falling into a gaping chasm.

So much is unknown and it is this fear of the unknown that the film preys on.

Egan said the film was inspired by being in a life-threatening car accident and by discussions with people dealing with strong psychological problems and serious depression.

#curve #timegan #horror #horrorshort #film #filmrecommendation #thriller #movie #youtube #depression #grief #mentalhealth #survival ...

Had a great time at the Whitby Autumn Goth Festival. It was a really good weekend catching up with friends and readers alike, with some fantastic feedback on my books.

Thanks to everyone who came and said hello, it’s always very much appreciated. One lovely lady told me how she read volume one in five hours!

Here’s a picture of my stall at the event.

Roll on the next one!

#goth #gothfashion #steampunk #steampunkfashion #gothfestival #gothevent #steampunkevent #author #horror #booksigning #whitby #weekend #autumn #tuesday #smallbusiness #event ...

Happy November, everyone!

A reminder that I’m at the Whitby Autumn Goth Festival today through to Sunday.

You can find me in the ballroom of the Royal Hotel where I’m selling and signing books!

Entry is free and there are so many talented creatives selling their wares, including the fantastic Totally Different, which sells alternative clothing and accessories.

Come along to support small businesses, meet some fantastic people and treat yourself to some new goods - you deserve it!

Don’t miss it!

#goth #gothfashion #steampunk #steampunkfashion #gothfestival #gothevent #steampunkevent #author #horror #booksigning #whitby #weekend #autumn #friday #smallbusiness #event ...

It’s nearly here! Tomorrow is Halloween, traditionally known as All Hallows’ Evening. Who’s excited?!

Now for some Halloween facts:

🦇Halloween originates from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a night during which the boundary between the living and the dead was believed to be blurry.

🦇Back then, turnips were carved instead of pumpkins as pumpkins weren’t commonly grown. The ancient Celts would carve the face of Stingy Jack, a wandering spirit, into their turnips.

🦇The term ‘witch’ comes from the Old English word ‘wicce’, which means wise woman.

🦇An old German tradition called belsnickeling may have preceded trick or treating. Belsnickel is a companion figure to Santa Claus in German folklore who knocked on windows or doors and handed out treats or smacks!

🦇In Hong Kong, Halloween is known as the festival of the Hungry Ghosts, stemming from the belief that hungry ghosts and wandering spirits roam the earth.

If you’re celebrating Halloween, I’d love to know what you have planned. Let me know in the comments below.

#halloween #allhallowsevening #ghosts #costumes #belsnickel #witch #wicce #samhain #tradition #folklore #trickortreat #horror ...

Whitby Autumn Goth Festival 2024 is THIS WEEKEND!

More than 60 traders will be selling their wonderful wares. Entry is free and dogs are welcome!

PnP alternative will be selling their steampunk and goth inspired bespoke headwear and accessories.

Uke n Craft will be selling their unique crafts, including glass blocks and bottle lights, notebooks, fairy and pirate doors and houses and embroidery.

I’ll be selling and signing books - please stop by for a chat!

#goth #gothfashion #steampunk #steampunkfashion #gothfestival #gothevent #steampunkevent #author #horror #booksigning #whitby #weekend #autumn ...

Today is Frankenstein Friday!

It’s a day to celebrate Mary Shelley and her classic horror novel.

It was founded by Ron MacCloskey in 1997 to celebrate Shelley’s 200th birthday.

It’s worth reflecting on the fact that Shelley began writing Frankenstein when she was just 18 years old! She apparently came up with Frankenstein’s character after dreaming of a doctor capable of creating a living being using dead body parts.

The book has hugely influenced literature and popular culture and is worth celebrating.

So, happy Frankenstein Friday!

#FrankensteinFriday #Frankenstein #Halloween #Friday #Horror #GothicHorror #MaryShelley #Reading #Writing #Books #FrankensteinsMonster ...

Have you heard of masklophobia?

It’s an overwhelming fear of masks and costumes that mainly affects children but can also occur in adults.

Halloween is a tricky time for those with this phobia due to the abundance of costumes.

A related phobia is xenohabilzoophobia, which is the specific fear of people in animal costumes.

Time to rethink this year’s costume plans?!

#wordoftheday #phobia #masklophobia #halloween #scary #Thursday ...

I love a haunted house film and choosing a favourite is hard.

Here’s are five that I highly rate:

The Sixth Sense

A chilling ghost story that plays on the idea that children are more receptive to seeing ghosts than adults. This film has one of the best twists ever!

The Conjuring

Who doesn’t like a demonic doll?! The film is (loosely) based on experiences of the real-life ghost hunters behind The Amityville Horror investigation…more on that shortly.

The Shining

It’s a classic. It’s unique. It’s unsettling. It’s Jack Nicholson. It’s Stanley Kubrick. And, of course, it’s Stephen King.

The Amityville Horror

A supernatural film based on a true story. A house in Amityville was the scene of a horrific mass murder and when the house was purchased 13 months after by the Lutz family they reported intense paranormal activity.

Hereditary

This is a clever and shocking film that delves into grief, trauma, ancestry and occultism. Director Ari Aster is a genius!

What’s your favourite haunted house film?

#HauntedHouse #HorrorMovies #GhostStories #ParanormalActivity #SpookyVibes #HauntedMansion #HalloweenMovies #CreepyAtmosphere #SupernaturalHorror #GhostsAndGhouls #ScaryMovies #HauntingSeason #SpineChilling #FrightFest #HorrorAddict #Hereditary #Amityville #TheShining #StephenKing #TheConjuring #TheSixthSense ...

Getting excited for the Whitby Goth Weekend in a couple of weeks (1st-3rd November).

If you haven’t been before, it’s an alternative festival incorporating the Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market which features over 100 indoor stalls. It was founded in 1994 and has grown to become one of the world’s premier Goth events.

I will have a stall there alongside some amazing sellers, one of which is Steampunkdotglobal.

The global steampunk clothing brand makes incredible clothes, including waistcoats, shirts, corsets and coats and offers a nearly bespoke service to customers. It’s owned by Rob Maybin who, as well as being a good friend of mine, is also hugely talented and a real gent! Check them out!

Check your diary and if you’re free on the weekend of the first of November, come along to Whitby Goth Weekend!

#WhitbyGothWeekend #GothicVibes #WhitbyGoth #GothWeekend #WGW #GothCommunity #VictorianGoth #SteampunkStyle #AlternativeFashion #GothFestival #DarkAesthetic #GothStyle #GothicCulture #WhitbyLife #GothInspiration #Friday ...