Posts Tagged ‘2024 Presidential Election’

Looking Back at 2024, Looking Forward to 2025

Posted: November 25, 2024 in Living and Life, Reflections
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This feels appropriate for this year.

Every year, I do this post. Every year, you guys seem to like it. I imagine it’s because I make sure to get good graphics for it. Anyway, with only 36 days and a few hours left in 2024 (yeah, where did this year go?), it’s time for my annual assessment of the year and what I hope will happen in the coming year.

And let’s start by being honest: 2024 was a shitty year.

Yeah, I had hoped roaring at it like a tiger would make the year too scared to fuck with me, but I think it either got mad at me or my roar had no effect. Either way, this year sucked. The war in Ukraine continues on, with no sign of an end anytime soon; the war in the Middle East continues, and that’s not likely to end anytime soon soon, either; the 2024 presidential election ended in a way most people in the world feared it would; riots occurred in England in response to a stabbing in Southport; several countries experienced unrests, coups, and God only knows what else; hurricanes pounded the US and other nations mercilessly; prices have continued to rise on necessities like food, gas, and housing; and do I need to go on?

Overall, a rough year.

Granted, there were some nice things that happened this year. From July till earlier this month, I felt intense hope for the future of our nation thanks to a certain leader whom I hope we haven’t seen the last of. And the solar eclipse, as well as the northern lights being seen farther south than usual, was cool (I only saw one of those, but still cool). But all in all, it was a really shitty year.

On a personal level, yeah, 2024 was also quite shitty at times. The return to the office three days a week at my workplace had a ripple effect which caused my office’s workload to triple, leaving us stressed and struggling to stay on top of it. As a result, several times my performance suffered, which has had far-reaching consequences. I was unable to get Hannah and Other Stories into paperback, which was a major goal for me this year, and because of the economy and some other factors, I did not do as well at certain events as I expected. I was diagnosed with diabetes in August, which was a huge upset for me and has required me to make major adjustments to my lifestyle (don’t worry, I’m doing okay, but it still sucks); and it looks like my trip to Israel is in jeopardy because every airline is cancelling flights into the country due to the war (God forbid I get to visit my people’s homeland!).

Yeah, it’s been bad. I had to actually start attending therapy due to the huge amount of crap and stress I’ve been through this year. And I doubt I’m the only one.

Life was rough, but at least I got some good writing done this year.

Still, there were some highlights, and I try to focus on them:

I wrote some of the best stuff I’ve ever written this year, including a new novel, The Shape of Evil, which I plan to pitch at StokerCon next year; my first adaptation, a radio play of “Hannah” from Hannah and Other Stories, was released on Halloween (you can check that out here); my short story, “White Leaves” was released on the same day on the Tales to Terrify podcast (you can listen to that here); and despite underperforming at certain events, I did very well at others, and will probably make a profit this year instead of a loss.

Also, I started work on a new collection, and I plan to put it out in spring next year. More to come on that later.

Outside of writing, my health has improved thanks to all the changes I’ve made in my lifestyle; I’m still in a well-paying job that allows me to cover my expenses (and hopefully I’ll stay in the job or something similar until I’m able to write full time); I was able to do some traveling and even visited a few haunted locations; I had a couple of vacations over the year that were really restful and relaxing; my sister got married, and we got to do a little celebrating with her and the new in-laws; I got two new, really awesome tattoos; and I might still be able to travel to the Holy Land later this year.

So yeah, shit year, but I still have things to be thankful for (and right before Thanksgiving, too).

And what will happen in 2025? Well, like I said, I plan to release another collection and pitch The Shape of Evil to agents and editors at StokerCon (expect me to start editing later this week); hopefully I’ll get some more stories written and published, and maybe even (finally!) get back to writing my mummy novel Crawler; I’ll be seeing some amazing Broadway shows and a few ballets; hopefully I’ll get closer to writing full time; I plan to get another tattoo in the spring; and maybe I’ll do some more traveling. I do want to go back to Vegas or New Orleans again, if I can afford them, or even go abroad.

And I expect I’ll be resisting certain things from our incoming government, but sadly, life can’t be trouble free.

In any case, I hope 2025 comes with the resolution of certain world conflicts, and that any new troubles are mild compared to what they’ve been these past few years.

How was your 2024? And what are you hoping or expecting for 2025? Let’s discuss in the comments below.

One more thing, my Followers of Fear: as you know, the holiday season is upon us. And if you’re looking for some good horror to read, or you’re looking for a gift for that horror-loving friend in your life, why not try some of my books? From plant/human hybrids and strange gods to Mafia-hunting serial killers and carnivorous horses, I have something for every horror fan. I’ll leave a button below so you can check out my bibliography.

Book Links & Excerpts

And if you like what you read, please leave a review online so I know what you thought. Positive or negative, I love reader feedback, and it helps other readers, as well.

And until next time, my Followers of Fear, good night and pleasant nightmares.

A Message for Writers in the Wake of the 2024 Election

Posted: November 7, 2024 in Living and Life, Reflections, Writing
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In the wake of many current events, including current events, especially ones that leave us reeling and afraid and horrified by the state of the world, it’s not uncommon for many writers to wonder something: what’s the point? What’s the point in writing a fiction story when there’s so many horrible things happening out in the world today?

I especially hear this regarding horror. Sometimes from horror writers and horror fans, but more often from people who may not be fans. They may ask, “Who needs horror when all this horrible stuff is happening out in the world?”

And I’m sure we’re going to hear plenty of that in the weeks and months and years to come. What is the point of writing fiction when everything seems to be spiraling in the real world? And isn’t there enough real horror out there without fictional horrors making their way in there?

My fellow writers, and even those non-writers who may be asking these questions: this is exactly the time we need new fiction stories. Over the next several years, and far beyond, past every bad thing that will happen in our future, we’ll need fiction to get through it. Stories heal us. They offer us an escape from the bad things happening in our world and allow our minds to heal. That way, we can face the world, and whatever might happen to us in our lives, with new strength and determination.

Just look at the pandemic. For many people, streaming new shows and movies, or reading new books, or rewatching the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe up until that point (like I did), gave us the means to deal with our anxieties and loneliness. Sure, it didn’t help with everything, but God, did it give us a much needed boost.

That’s the power of story. It heals. So don’t put down your pen, asking what good your story does. It’s doing more good than you would think possible.

And to the horror writers: your work also heals. I did a whole talk on this subject at the Scary Saturday event the other day (you can watch that video HERE), but to summarize my points, horror can be therapeutic for many people. There’s even been studies on the subject, and those studies show that fictional horrors help heal fans by reminding them of how good their lives can be, as well as how bad.

It’s also true for the writers, who can find horror helpful in dealing with their own anxieties and traumas.

Not to mention fiction is a great lens to help you study, understand, and recontextualize the events of the world, with speculative fiction like horror and science fiction doing this especially well. Maybe that’s because those genres are such present and forward thinking genres that we can’t help but look at the world and put our thoughts into the stories we create in those genres.

So, to summarize: WRITERS! Your work is needed now more than ever. AND HORROR WRITERS! Don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t be filling the world up with fake horrors when there are enough real ones. Instead, let those people know that now is the best time for fictional horrors. Because your fake ones will give somebody the strength to fight the real ones. Whether that be on the national or international stage, or just getting through a very rough day.

Thank you, happy writing, and pleasant nightmares. I look forward to seeing what new stories you all produce.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Posted: November 6, 2024 in Living and Life, Politics and Leadership, Reflections
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(The following post is a rare political post from yours truly. If you disagree with me on my political beliefs, feel free to skip. I do welcome calm, friendly, and constructive dialogue, so if you want to talk, we can talk. But if anyone gets abusive in the comments, you will not only get deleted, but you may end up in a story. And not in a good way.
Not that I expect such a thing. After all, the Followers of Fear are not the type to be abusive online. Not by a long shot.)

I normally don’t get political on my blog. I used to, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve cut back on that. I haven’t even discussed the situation in the Middle East, even though that topic is very near and dear to me. But, as much as I would rather go down a YouTube rabbit hole or something, this is something we need to talk about. This is something I need to talk about.

Right now, many Americans are reeling from the election results, as are many people around the world who are aware of the effect the US (and its leadership) has on the world. Those, like myself, who were rooting for and voted for Kamala Harris are in shock, despair, depression, and yes, grief.

Not to mention we’re also afraid. We’re afraid that our democracy is going to weaken to the point of no return, that our rights are going to get stripped, and that a lot more awful stuff will happen.

And we’re wondering: where do we go from here?

First off, there’s something I want you to know: your feelings are valid and you have every right to feel them. So take your time. There’s still two and a half months till Inauguration Day. Take the time you need to wrap your head around this and accept it.

Because that’s what it means to live in a democratic nation. When we lose an election, we feel the pain, but then we accept and move on. And after we’ve moved on, we prepare for the work.

Yes, there are going to be tough times ahead, and possibly very horrible policies coming from America’s leadership. But that’s exactly why we have to keep fighting. When we see something we don’t like, we protest. We write our elected leaders. We march and campaign and let our voices be heard. If we roll over and let Trump do whatever he wants, then the full Project 2025 playbook goes into effect and everything we value as Americans and patriots is lost.

Again, take your time to process your feelings. Because afterwards, we have to fight to preserve the America we not only love, but want to see: one where everyone is accepted for who they are, where they all enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as citizens, and where those rights and responsibilities are respected and protected. So we may all have our shot at life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

And the fight is going to be tough, no doubt about that. And we won’t win every battle. But it’s better to fight and lose, than to never fight and regret doing nothing.

You know, when I got home today, I asked my Tarot cards what I needed to know in light of the election. Here’s the response I got:

Here’s my interpretation for the non-Tarot familiar out there: enjoy what has brought you happiness in the past (Six of Cups, Present Card). The past four years have been a time of hope and healing (The Star, Past Card). Obstacles that we will have to overcome have beset us in the past, they beset us now, and in the future (The Chariot, Cause Card). And yes, there will be strife and conflict for the next four years and maybe beyond, no doubt about that. (Five of Wands, Future Card). But there is still the chance that we will triumph over adversity and create the happy future we wish to see (The World, Potential Card). A new venture for us all awaits (Ace of Wands, Shadow Card).

Sounds a lot like what I’ve been saying above, doesn’t it?

So, one last time: take care of yourself. Allow yourself to feel your feelings and do what you need to do to heal, so long as it isn’t hurtful to your health. Because soon, we’ll have a new fight ahead of us. And while it may not be easy to stand up for what we believe in, it is necessary. And perhaps, someday, we’ll come out of this to a brighter future.

Take care of yourselves, my Followers of Fear. Good night and pleasant dreams.