European Poe

To all Poe fans across the pond: MODERN POE is now available via Amazon Europe, for the low price of £6.43 (GBP) or €7.26 (EUR)! For those in the US of A, you can still pick it up for the insanely reasonable price of $8.99 at: https://www.createspace.com/3610670

Back From The Dead

I'm back! After a long sabbatical away from the blog and the websites, I have at last returned to the dark world of the Drive-In. It hasn't been a vacation. I have spent the last several months giving my full attention to my first novel (which, curiously, isn't related to horror in any way, shape, or form). Now that the book is done, I've found there is simply too much news in the world of haunting for me to ignore any longer. Stay tuned for updates concerning some old friends like: Midnight Syndicate, Stephen King, Rob Zombie, Tim Burton, Edgar Allan Poe, Transylvania Television and more!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday EDGAR ALLAN POE!

You will be toasted tonight.

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Yule Poe

There's still time to order your copy of MODERN POE: VOL. I and receive it before December 25th! A unique present for fans of the gothic, the macabre, Poe, or poetry in general - this is a great gift you won't find anywhere else!

https://www.createspace.com/3610670

Poe Log

While it's always kind of sad to see the sun set on another haunting season, there is one aspect of it that I will not miss at all: public speaking! While I sincerely appreciated each and every opportunity I was given to speak at many fine locations in the area about my book: MODERN POE: VOL I - and met many gracious and enthusiastic supporters along the way - my month of lectures solidified my belief that there is a reason I am a writer - public oration simply is not my strongest asset.

Case in point: THE RAVEN. I have recited Edgar Allan Poe's classic poem more times than I can count. I have had it memorized for years now and, in the comfort of my own home, can recite it with little difficulty. However - standing before a room full of strangers (or worse, people that you actually know!) the once familiar poem suddenly becomes a vague, hazy memory of something that I should know but now can't quite recall (I also got to the point where I dreaded reciting the lengthy piece, sometimes opting to go with other poems of Poe's like THE CONQUEROR WORM, or THE BELLS).

Would I do it all over again? Definitely. Would I do it now if I was asked to deliver a lecture? Unquestionably. As I said, I am tremendously grateful for each an every opportunity I am given, but I definitely have a renewed respect for people who can stand up in front of an audience on a regular basis and deliver interesting, thought-provoking lectures. It's not as easy as it looks!

Still haven't ordered your copy? There's still plenty of time to grab a copy for a unique Christmas gift! Simply visit the MODERN POE e-store and pick up your copy today! Visit: https://www.createspace.com/3610670

Poe-esque

Spooky fog! - Aldermey
Originally uploaded by neilalderney123

"During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country; and at length found myself, as the shades of the evening drew on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher. I know not how it was—but, with the first glimpse of the building, a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit. I say insufferable; for the feeling was unrelieved by any of that half-pleasurable, because poetic, sentiment, with which the mind usually receives even the sternest natural images of the desolate or terrible. I looked upon the scene before me—upon the mere house, and the simple landscape features of the domain—upon the bleak walls—upon the vacant eye-like windows—upon a few rank sedges—and upon a few white trunks of decayed trees—with an utter depression of soul which I can compare to no earthly sensation more properly than to the after-dream of the reveler upon opium—the bitter lapse into every-day life—the hideous dropping off of the veil."

--Edgar Allan Poe
The Fall of the House of Usher

Wine Not?

the Harmonists and the wine-cellar
Originally uploaded by Maewynia

"The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge. You, who so well know the nature of my soul, will not suppose, however, that I gave utterance to a threat. At length I would be avenged; this was a point definitely, settled --but the very definitiveness with which it was resolved precluded the idea of risk. I must not only punish but punish with impunity. A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong.

It must be understood that neither by word nor deed had I given Fortunato cause to doubt my good will. I continued, as was my wont, to smile in his face, and he did not perceive that my smile now was at the thought of his immolation."

--Edgar Allan Poe, The Cask of Amontillado

Poe

Delivered a well received lecture to an attentive audience last night on Edgar Allan Poe, Eureka, MODERN POE: VOL. I, and poetry. While I positively loathe public speaking, I have a passion for enlightening the masses when it comes to Mr. Poe's legacy. I've always suspected that much of the public has certain ingrained misconceptions about the man's life and history (you mean to say he wasn't a drug-fueled, depraved lunatic?) that are very hard to shake. They are always amazed to learn there was so much more to the man - he was fascinated by science, astronomy, and cosmography; he had a keen sense of humor and appreciated a good hoax; and was a true gentleman with Southern manners and grace, keeping his appearance fastidious - even while his clothes were threadbare and thin.

The most satisfying part of the evening was seeing all the young faces in the crowd. As the event was put on by The Friends of the Public Library, I expected the audience to be skewed slightly older, so I was delighted to see one of our local English teachers who had enticed her 8th Grade class with extra credit for attending and taking notes. As gratifying as it is to set the record straight with people who think they know Poe, it's even more rewarding to give accurate facts and information on the great poet to a generation that knows little about him. Read more here:

https://www.createspace.com/3610670

Update: Poe

Gave a grueling lecture yesterday in support of MODERN POE: VOL. I called: Edgar Allan Poe and the Short Story. It was over the course of four hours and in front of one of the toughest crowds I've ever faced: my hometown's middle school 8th Graders! In all honesty, other than being hoarse today with a slight sore throat, the talk went surprisingly well and I'm very proud at how attentive the kids were and of the intelligent, insightful questions they asked regarding Mr. Poe and the short story process. Yes, there were a couple 'class clowns,' but I even tried to answer their questions thoughtfully and somehow tie it back to Poe - who liked a good laugh himself and was certainly no stranger to humbugs and hoaxes. My gratitude and thanks to the English Department for putting the program together - let's do it again sometime! (I am in fact in talks to return for their Poetry section in a month or two - exciting! Well...for me, maybe not the 8th Graders!)

In other MODERN POE: VOL. I news, I received a short blurb in the Post Bulletin - which is the biggest newspaper in SE Minnesota with the largest circulation around. Unfortunately, the reporter who contacted had me convinced that I would have a lengthy, in-depth article discussing the book - but in the end it was simply a blurb. Doubly unfortunate is the fact that they spelled Mr. Poe's name wrong. If nothing irritates a Poe disciple more it's when someone misspells his name as Edgar ALLEN Poe, and not ALLAN. Triply unfortunate is the fact that they misspelled MY name too. Quadruply unfortunate (is that even a word?) is the fact that they failed to include the link to my e-store.

I guess bad press is better than no press at all right? Well, for the sake of journalistic integrity, here's the link: https://www.createspace.com/3610670

Respects Paid

-----------------------------EDGAR ALLAN POE-----------------------------
----------------Born: January 19th, 1809 in Boston, MA. ----------------
----------------Died: October 7th, 1849 in Baltimore, MD----------------

--------------------Deep in earth my love is lying--------------------
-----------------------And I must weep alone.-----------------------

-------------------------------IN MEMORIAM--------------------------------

All Things Edgar

Things are about to get seriously kicked into over-drive in the world of MODERN POE: VOL I in the next few weeks. As I make my notes and collect my thoughts, I feel a curious combination of both nervousness and excitement: excitement because I have a passion for Poe and revel in the opportunity to speak at length about the man and his works. Nervous because I dread the idea of speaking in front of a crowd. Nevertheless - with a book comes book promotion, so I will summon my courage and (hopefully) let the excitement of the subject properly motivate me.

My scheduled E. A. Poe engagements thus far will all be of the local variety. I recently got a mention in our city's monthly newsletter; I've been asked to speak to our middle school and high school English classes, the local Art Guild has scheduled a book signing; a nearby Opera House has requested a brief performance of 'The Raven' in support of my book; and the Public Library is promoting a Hot Reads program which spotlights regional authors - with me being their October selection. Like I said, all small-town fare, but I am tremendously honored and grateful for all of these organizations for choosing to have me and help support their local Poe researcher.

I hope to do them all proud in what is sure to be, with all of the rest of the haunted happenings that occur around our home, one of the most memorable and thrilling months of October of all time!

To purchase your own copy of MODERN POE: VOL. I, please visit my e-store at: https://www.createspace.com/3610670

Flash Poe

"Mr. Poe, I presume?"

This is what happens when I get a hold of my wife's camera...

Nevermore

Another sign of mine. Poe themed, natch.

http://www.eapoe.org/works/poems/ravena.htm

Poe Speak

So I recently booked my first speaking engagement for MODERN POE: VOL I. I'm actually pretty excited about it, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't more than a little nervous. Many people do not know that Edgar Allan Poe was actually an excellent orator who gave popular lectures (or not, depending on his mood) later in his life. This is something we do not share. Like the majority of the American public, the thought of public speaking sends my knees knocking. There are about a thousand other things I can think of that I'd rather be doing than standing in front of a crowd of strangers and talking for approximately an hour.

Unless, of course, I'm passionate about the subject matter. And - as anyone who knows me can attest - I am extremely passionate about the life and times of Edgar Allan Poe. This should make for a fun and enlightening night of conversation as we talk about MODERN POE: VOL I, the man, his legacy, and his words. More details to come as the date approaches! To pick up your own copy of MODERN POE: VOL I, simply click on the link below to visit my e-store: https://www.createspace.com/3610670

Word

The first month's sales numbers are in and I couldn't be happier with how my book: MODERN POE: VOL. I has done. My sincere thanks to all who purchased a copy, and a plea to ask you to help get the word out to friends and family. Modern Poe makes a great gift just in time for Autumn and just in time for Halloween! Thank you for your support, and thanks for spreading the word!

https://www.createspace.com/3610670

Glass Raven

An amazing Poe-inspired stain-glassed window created by my crazily talented sister-in-law. This beauty is hanging in our entry-way just inside the front door. The design is actually based off a logo by The Poet Oatmeal Stout, one of my favorite seasonal brews. I think it turned out fantastic - worthy of hanging all year round!

http://newhollandbrew.com/beer/mainstays/the-poet/

One Sheet

THE RAVEN is a gritty psychological thriller in which famed author Edgar Allan Poe joins forces with a young Baltimore detective to hunt down a mad serial killer who’s using Poe's own works as the basis in a string of brutal murders.

Starring John Cusak, Alice Eve, Luke Evans, Brendan Gleeson, Dave Legeno, Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Pam Ferris. Coming to theaters on March 9, 2012.

Support

I suppose a bit of explanation is in order.

The book that is 'Modern Poe: Vol. I' is a project that actually had its genesis several years ago - almost three years to be exact - while I was working at a local newspaper. A co-worker of mine happened to be an amazing artist, and we started talking about doing a project together: my words and her illustrations. The idea initially started out as a children's book - an offbeat history lesson for kids on the life and times of Edgar Allan Poe. What you see in the picture is a very different book indeed.

The main theme of our children's book was utilizing the alphabet and finding important people, places, and things regarding Poe to match those letters. Well, as you can probably guess, the subject concerning the letter 'E' was Poe's 1848 scientific treatise he called 'Eureka.' As I was studying up on 'Eureka' and trying to muddle my way through it so that I could write something about it in our book - I was immediately taken by the beauty of the language within. I read it again a little more carefully (but still didn't really understand it). Poe had been known to say that this would be considered his greatest work - and, while I wasn't sure I agreed, or even still to this day completely comprehend it - it definitely stands as a remarkable piece of writing that deserved more attention.

Slowly, the subject of our little book became overwhelmed by 'Eureka,' and what was once 26 letters became paired down to ONE (and important number to remember if you've ever read 'Eureka.') Once that decision was made to focus on this one piece of writing, I forged ahead with great ambition and never looked back. The book took on a life all it's own, practically assembling itself. Over the course of the past year, from August 2010 until now, 'Modern Poe: Vol. I' has been pieced together, page by page - and now it is finally complete.

It is with a great sense of relief, and a fair share of pride, that I announce the release of my first book. I send out a huge THANK YOU to Katie Aguado, my fabulously talented illustrator, and Brenda Stilson, my tireless editor, for helping this book be the best it could be. It is my hope that this book will intrigue readers of Poe - at the very least it would make an excellent gift for those who like to give something spooky or macabre during the Halloween season. Please help spread the word about this book - considering buying one for yourself - and remember that we are all within the Spirit Divine.

https://www.createspace.com/3610670

Modern Poe

My first book. Please visit my e-store to pick up your copy today! Your support and feedback is appreciated!

https://www.createspace.com/3610670

Quote of the Day

“America has been found out; and Poe had not; that is the situation. How did he live there, this finest of fine artists, this born aristocrat of letters? Alas! he did not live there: he died there, and was duly explained away as a drunkard and a failure... He was the greatest journalistic critic of his time... His poetry is exquisitely refined... In his stories of mystery and imagination Poe created a world record for the English language: perhaps for all languages... unparalleled and unapproached... Poe constantly and inevitably produced magic where his greatest contemporaries produced only beauty... There is really nothing to be said about it; we others simply take off our hats and let Mr. Poe go first.”

- George Bernard Shaw