We Love Lists: Five Spooky Manga to Read Around Halloween

Halloween has come and gone but we can still read stuff with those creepy Halloween vibes! I love picking up specific books that just give off creepy and monster mashy vibes all year round but I especially love reading them around Halloween. I've talked several times about some of my favorite Halloween reads but I haven't talked about my favorite Halloween manga. There’s nothing like reading some great manga to help get you in the spirit and excitement for the season! So let's talk about some of my series!



1. Vassalord

Vassalord is one of my favorite manga series of all time! It's also perfect for Halloween! There's vampires, cyborgs, devils, murder, wonderful queer relationships, and intriguing conflicts against a host of enemies. I love Rayflo and Charlie and their band of misfits they collect over the course of the manga. The sad thing is that only the first four volumes were translated into English. The last three were translated into German though and I had a good friend who did a rough translation for me so I could finish the series. I live in eternal hope that we'll get the last three volumes in English someday.

2. Tokyo Ghoul

Out of all the manga on this list, Tokyo Ghoul is the manga with the most horror in it. It's set in a world where ghouls stalk Tokyo. College student, Ken Kaneki, gets in an accident and gets ghoul organs transplanted into his body instead of human ones and becomes half-ghoul. This manga perfectly marries vampire and zombie tropes and is the most horror-filled manga I've ever read. I will say that if you don't do much horror, this isn't the series to start with. It gets stomach-turning in parts.

3. Hellsing

Hellsing has all the greatest elements of a Halloween monster manga: vampires, the undead, a corrupt church, and plenty of blood. What I like about it is it’s scary without being terrifying. It's more of a thriller with lots of intense action and violence rather than a haunting story that messes with your mind. Hellsing also has the benefit of having a great anime you can watch after you read it! The story is really good and full of intriguing characters. It's an oldie but a goodie!

4. Blue Exorcist

This series has a very Harry Potterish vibe except instead of going to a magic school the students got to school to learn how to exorcise demons. One of those students happens to be the son of Satan. This series is so great! Plus, it has one of the best sibling relationships I've ever read. It's also has super fun secondary characters.

5. Delicious in Dungeon
This series isn't a horror series but it's kind of a monster mash meets Dungeon and Dragons meets Chopped. I never would have thought I'd be loving a manga about a party of adventurers who head into a dungeon to save a friend but run out of food and money so they decide to EAT THE MONSTERS! It's a really odd mix of adventure and... cooking. And it's wonderful! I can't recommend it enough! Plus, the monsters make it a great Halloween read.

Do you have any manga series that you like to read around Halloween?

 

Halloween Guest Post: Kristi Charish on Zombie Love

Happy Halloween! We have a treat for you today - BRAINS! Wait, no that's a treat for the zombies. But we have Kristi Charish, author of the Kincaid Strange series, here to talk about why we love those zombies.

We also loved The Voodoo Killings, the first book in the Kincaid Strange series, and its unique twist on zombies and necromancy. Check out our review here. Book two, Lipstick Voodoo, releases in January but we've got a chance to win an early copy at the end of the post.

Zombie Love: Our Everlasting Obsession and Love of All Things Zombie

Ghosts, werewolves, vampires, aliens. They’ve all had their high moment in entertainment and pop culture. Teen Wolf in the 80s, Interview with the Vampire, Ghost, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer in the 90s, Vampire Academy and Twilight in the oughts and teens. But they all seem to ebb and wane in their popularity. So much so it’s become a predictable, nay, expected cycle of monster roulette.

Not so with the zombie.

From The Walking Dead to Hello Kitty Zombie parties for toddlers, it seems as if zombies have infested and infected every facet of our culture. Many have predicted their demise for what now feels like close to a decade, but much like the shambling hordes on Resident Evil, Shaun of the Dead, and Zombieland, they just keep coming…and coming…

Wait – what’s that group of people doing outside shambling along my sidewalk? They’re awfully pale…and having difficulty moving…Oh my God, is that an open head wound!? Now where did I leave the baseball bat?

Never mind about the horde gathering in my front yard. The point is there’s something about zombies that refuse to be beaten down. They just keep getting back up, the reincarnations are slight. They are always the walking, hungry, ravenous, and (mostly) unthinking horde.

Think back to your last monster nightmare. Was it a vampire or werewolf hunting you through a forest or abandoned warehouse? I know what monster haunts my dreams, and it’s always a zombie.

Zombies are terrifying – they can’t be reasoned with (most of the time), they’re unrelenting, and they want your brains. 

So why is it we can’t get enough of them?

Well, once you peek under the surface, there are some serious and terrifying societal parallels. Twitter, Instagram, FB, YouTube, News, Netflix – even that weather app tucked way back in your pages and pages of apps, all of them are fighting for a slice of your attention, not unlike a pack of zombies are fighting for their pound of flesh (or brains – I’m not a zombie discriminator). And they want your attention. They’re designed to be addictive, to reward some addictive prone section of everyone’s brain. Marketing execs and advertisers swarm over the big data our use creates, building a profile of marketing and sales targets around those algorithms, treating us all a little bit like a mindless horde as we’re filed away into profile boxes. It’s even been suggested that our own free will is compromised, the algorithms so accurate and effective – infectious even – that they can sway our own thoughts and opinions.

Without us even realizing it.

We’re reduced to numbers, a digital notation on an invisible ledger. Watch the people around you the next time you’re on a bus, in a store, out to dinner, even waiting for a movie to start. I’ll bet an awful lot of people are hunched over their phones, zombie like in their obsession and blank features.

Scary. Zombie virus coursing through your veins anyone?

And then there’s globalization, yet again making me feel as if I’m part of a giant, unending, and often mindless horde that’s systematically taking over the planet, eating ourselves out of existence, and burying ourselves under a mass of plastic. Devoid of personality or significant distinctions. And don’t get me started on the political and current social atmospheres. It often feels as if gone are the days of nuanced discussions, friendly discourse, and open minds that formed my youth. Everyone has a voice…provided you share the right voice. No individual descent here, only the large cries of the hordes, a construct created and now fueled by social media. I know how often I feel as if I need to pick a side. My own discordant nuanced opinions aren’t wanted, and I daresay actively discouraged by social media at large.

Pick a side, any side, but the message is clear. Join a horde. 

I find myself seeking out small bands of like-minded survivors with whom to face the onslaught of the horde together, and if the success of Left for Dead is any indication, I’d say everyone is.

Kind of like I wish I had four best friends trained in armed combat now…Oh, dear – is that man who just stepped in my flower bed – is he missing an eye?! Come to think of it a few of them are – and limbs, and patches of skin…

When I sat down to write this I wasn’t certain why zombies were my worst nightmare, but now I see why. Strip the personality and independent thought away, add a number with a digitally calculated set of algorithmic opinions neatly filed into an appropriate marketing box that when applied can alter how you perceive the world, how you react – what you think you want out of life.

Thinking about it and I feel another zombie nightmare coming on…

Or maybe it’s the horde outside. They’ve made it to my window and are banging on the glass to get in. It won’t be long now… All my greatest fears about technology, globalization, and big data rounded into a terrifying, primitive, pathogenic package that my instinctive sleeping mind can process.

I wonder if that’s why I write zombies that are thinking, ones who retain their personalities, their thoughts, their individuality, all the while at constant risk of becoming the horde. But there’s hope that they won’t. That despite the constant risk, the danger of zombifying they haven’t. Yet. They fight it. 

…Then again, it might just be that I really love a fantastic monster. One who scares the pants off me and is always good for an entertaining evening of fear, much like my cell phone is an endless source of entertainment, games, information, videos, monster plants versus zombies…

Take your pick what the zombie means to you, but no doubt about it they’re here… at your doorstep, in all their decrepit, rotting glory. And if the tone of society is any indication the horde is here for a very, very, long, camped out, siege worthy stay.

About the Author

Kristi is the author of OWL AND THE JAPANESE CIRCUS, an urban fantasy series about a modern-day “Indiana Jane” who reluctantly navigates the hidden supernatural world, and THE VOODOO KILLINGS, an urban fantasy/mystery about a voodoo practitioner living in Seattle with the ghost of a deceased grunge rocker. She writes what she loves; adventure heavy stories featuring strong, savvy female protagonists, pop culture, and the occasional RPG fantasy game thrown in the mix.

Kristi is also scientist with a BSc and MSc from Simon Fraser University in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and a PhD in Zoology from the University of British Columbia. Her specialties are genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology, all of which she draws upon in her writing.

Facebook | Website

Twitter: @kristicharish 

Instagram: @charishkristi

Kristi's got an ARC of Lipstick Voodoo for one lucky winner!

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Announcing Goldilox and the Three Scares Photo Challenge

If you've been following us for a while, you're probably familiar with our Halloween event, Goldilox and the Three Scares. We'll be doing a lot of our spooky posts on Instagram this year and we're having a photo challenge. Post your pics using #threescares. Remember your account needs to be public so we can see your photos. Follow us @goldiloxandthethreeweres and we'll share some of our favorite pics throughout the week.

Here are the prompts for the challenge:

Sunday 10/28 Costume Shopping - Which character would you want to be, either for Halloween or in real life.

Monday 10/28 Oh, The Horror - What's your favorite scary story?

Tuesday 10/30 Candy Corn Colors - This one probably doesn't need much explanation but in case there's someone out there who hasn't seen candy corn, it's usually white, yellow, and orange. (If you love one of the other flavors though, go with that. We won't judge.)

Wednesday 10/30 Trick or Treat - What book (or series) wasn't what you expected? It could be a Trick, a big let down or a Treat, a pleasant surprise.

Thursday 11/1 I Want Candy - What's your favorite sweet story or character?

Friday 11/2 Monster Mash - What's your favorite supernatural creature? 

Saturday 11/3 Creepy & Kooky - Which fictional family (biological or found) would you want to join?

You have until 11:59 Eastern on November 4 to post photos with #threescares. We'll choose one random winner shortly after to receive a paperback copy of City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab in a pretty fall book sleeve. For all of you who like to read in the bath, there's a candle and a bubble bath. And it wouldn't be Halloween without some treats like these Ouija board mints and some chocolates.

(This prize is available for those with a US address. For an international winner, we'll substitute a gift card.)

We're looking forward to seeing everyone's photos!

Goldilox and the Three Scares Event and Giveaway: Kristen Painter!

 

Welcome! 

 

Here at Goldilox and the Three Weres we love Halloween! So we wrangled up some willing authors and put together some fun posts and giveaways for you all!

 

Our theme for the event is What Scares You?

 

Check back every weekday between October 20th and October 31st to see which authors are visiting and the awesomeness they are each giving away!

 

Today's author is:

Kristen Painter 

 

 

 

Reapers are generally scary figures. Sin City Collector Ares is no exception. Here's one character's first impression upon meeting him: "Pale as moonlight and dressed in head-to-toe black leather right down to a pair of gloves, he appeared the personification of death with the visage of a skull and red-ember eyes. She blinked and the image disappeared, leaving the man behind. . . If he was death, death was also strikingly handsome in a cold, European way."

 

As the Collectors' Cleaner, he's often feared even by his colleagues. But in Kristen Painter's latest Sin City Collectors novella, Dead Man's Hand, Ares gets a chance to be the hero. I got to ask him some questions and try to get to know this enigmatic Collector a little better.

 

 

Gretl: Most of us are familiar with Reapers, but what exactly is a Wraith?
Ares: I'm the son of a vampire and a reaper. A rare breed to be sure, but from what I understand, there are a few of us.

G: How do your powers differ from a full-blooded reaper's?
A: They don't actually. I have the powers of both a reaper and a vampire. I don't need to drink blood to survive, however.

G: What can you tell us about the Sin City Collectors and why you joined?
A: The Collectors are an elite group of supernaturals who keep order in the various cities where they reside. I joined them because of the unique opportunities to use my skills. Also, they pay well.

G: Have you ever met the Boss and do you have any inside info about him?
A: Never met him. Few have. He's a mystery to most of us.

G: I understand you collect cars. Do any of them represent something special or commemorate certain moments in your life?
A: Not really. I just like nice cars. They're an outlet of sorts for me.

G:  How has your life changed since you met Seraphina?
A: In so many ways. Let's just say I don't feel the need to add any more cars to my collection. She is the best thing that's ever happened to me.

 

 

 

Here's a little more about Dead Man's Hand:

 

Demi-goddess and muse Seraphina Kostos has been tasked with bringing her employer’s wayward teenage daughter home. Not the hardest job Seraphina’s ever had. Until her boss calls in a favor in the form of extra help. The man who arrives is unlike any she’s ever encountered.

Sin City Collector Ares rarely goes on typical Collections. Mostly because his skill set involves taking lives, not saving them. As the son of a vampire and a grim reaper, his touch holds the ability to reap souls. Sure, it makes for a lonely existence, but he’s learned to deal with that. Or has he?

Beautiful Seraphina has him questioning everything he’s ever known. Living the rest of his life alone suddenly seems impossible. But what kind of future is there with a woman he can’t touch or hold or kiss?

Read my Review here.

And you can meet Kristen Painter, along with 49 other spectacular paranormal/fantasy authors at Coastal Magic Convention in Daytona Beach, FL next February!

Click the Coastal Magic button to check out the event!

Kristen Painter is giving two winners each their choice of one of her Sin City Collectors e-novellas, Queen of Hearts or Dead Man's Hand. This giveaway is international. (Winner must be at least 13 years old and able to receive the e-book.)

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Goldilox and the Three Scares (5) - Stacey Jay

Welcome to

Goldilox and the Three Scares!

 Author Interviews and Guest Posts

Character Interviews

Giveaways

I love Halloween! So I wrangled in some of my favorite authors and asked them to participate in this event. And they said yes! Plus, each day each author has a wonderful giveaway for you!

Day 5: Stacey Jay

     

      

Author Stacey Jay is here today to talk about monsters and redemption! 
Read on for her post, then enter to win some cool prizes inspired by her new release, Romeo Redeemed!

Redeeming the Monstrous 

   Halloween is a time for monsters. I love monsters. I love dreaming up wicked beings who do very bad things and get their just desserts at the end of the story. Recently, however, I was tasked with redeeming one of those monsters…

   Unlike many of my Romeo and Juliet-loving friends in drama school, I never did care for Romeo Montague. I thought Romeo was a creep—a boy so in love with love that he threatens to kill himself for love of Rosaline at the beginning of Shakespeare’s play only to fall madly in love with Juliet all of two hours later, and then proceed to lure an innocent girl into a dangerous relationship, and later, death—so it wasn’t much of a stretch to turn him into a monster.

   As Shakespeare drew the character, Romeo is an impulsive, charismatic, pretty boy who doesn’t care who he hurts in his pursuit of the next crush-induced-high. I simply took those traits and made them more extreme, then put a supernatural bad guy in Romeo’s path to lure him into true darkness.

   Making Romeo a villain in the first book in my two book series, Juliet Immortal (Aug 2011), was the easy part. The hard part was redeeming the murderous, lying, violent, psychopath I’d created. But thankfully, Romeo isn’t without admirable qualities. He does feel regret for his more evil deeds and care for Juliet in his own twisted way, which he proves at the end of Juliet Immortal. That gave me a place to start, but I knew I couldn’t move too quickly. I had to remain true to the monster I had created.

   And so the Romeo we meet at the beginning of Romeo Redeemed (Oct 12) is the same ruthless, lying, self-serving jerk that we left at the end of book one. His evolution is a slow one, but a sweet one, and was great fun to write. By the end of the book I was pleased with his transformation from monster to lovable bad boy (he was never going to be a nice guy, I gave up on that before I finished my first draft). I hope my readers will be pleased with it, too.

Thank you so much, Stacey, for stopping by the blog today!

Stacey Jay is a recovering workaholic (or at least working hard at recovering) with three pen names, two small children, and a passion for playing pretend for a living. She’s been a full time mom-writer since 2005 and can't think of anything she'd rather be doing. Her former careers include theatre performer, professional dancer, poorly paid C-movie actress, bartender, waiter, math tutor (for real) and yoga instructor.

Enter below to win some Romeo Redeemed inspired prizes:

5 tattoos
4x6 frame worthy art 

There will be TWO winners!

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Goldilox and the Three Scares (4) - Kendare Blake

Welcome to

Goldilox and the Three Scares!

 Author Interviews and Guest Posts

Character Interviews

Giveaways

I love Halloween! So I wrangled in some of my favorite authors and asked them to participate in this event. And they said yes! Plus, each day each author has a wonderful giveaway for you!

Day 4: Kendare Blake

   

I asked author Kendare Blake if she could put me in touch with Anna - the Girl of Nightmares herself - so I could ask her some questions. 

Read on for my interview with Anna!

Goldilox: Anna, when you were alive the world was very different. Tell us what your world was like back then.

Anna: It was.....not so different. Simpler. Slower. When I remember it I remember it being very quiet. But not safe. Never safe.


Goldilox: I know your death was really tragic and untimely. If you had lived instead of died, what would be the one thing you would want to do?

Anna: I wanted to travel. Lots of places. Across the ocean. I wanted to do lots of things.


Goldilox: How does it feel when you transition from regular Anna to that terrifically scary Anna?

Anna: Better now that Cassio broke the curse. It feels like power now instead of rage. It feels warm.


Goldilox: What were you thinking the first time you saw Cas? Was it love at first sight? Or kill kill kill at first sight?

Anna: Love at first sight? No. It was..."What" at first sight. I could hear that knife of his, singing in my ears. He looked like someone I didn't recognize, but had been waiting for.


Goldilox: Okay, tell us the truth, is Cas a good kisser? Give us the details!

Anna: I don't suppose I'm a very good judge. But yes, he is. He's very tender. I don't think he's done it much either. But don't tell him I said so.


Goldilox: What do you really think about Carmel? Did you ever think she might be competition?

Anna: No, I.....She's so pretty. So different from me. I might have wished I was alive like her, but what use was that? It felt stupid to envy her, or wonder how he felt about her. It was something I didn't have any business with. And now, well...now, she's the closest thing I have to a girl friend.


Goldilox: Let's say you got to be a normal teenager. What yummy junk food would you just 'die' to eat (forgive the pun...)?

Anna: There are these bags of cut potatoes. In all different flavors. Sour Cream and Onion. Dill Pickle. Avocado Ranch. They sound so strange. I'd love to try them.


Goldilox: What do you think of this Kendare chick who is telling your story? Is she pretty cool or are you going to have to go all 'scary Anna' on her pretty soon?

Anna: That fact that she's still alive says a lot. I've never had to frighten or threaten her. Not even once. We're on the opposite sides of the looking glass. As long as Cas trusts her, I'll leave her alone.


Kendare: Anna and her veiled threats. Ridiculous. She knows on which side her bread is buttered. Thanks so much for having her by for the Halloween Event!

Thank you to Kendare and Anna for stopping by the blog today!

I tire of writing these things in the third person. So. I write fiction, apparently mostly YA. I didn't know this, but like Stephen King says, writers are the last ones to know what it is they've written. My first novel,Sleepwalk Society is a college story. I guess it falls into that no man's land they call, "New Adult". Anna Dressed in Bloodand Girl of Nightmares are teen horror. My short fiction can be found online in numerous places.

But enough about that. When I am not writing or reading, you can generally find me sitting around wondering what the hell I'm going to do with my life. That, or being a gastronome, plotting a new recipe. Perhaps on a run or hike, playing tennis or watching Big Cat Diaries with my feline. This summer I have saved a total of three turtles during attempted road crossings.

Enter to win a signed copy of GIRL OF NIGHTMARES below (US only please)!

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Goldilox and the Three Scares (3) - Sandy Williams

Welcome to
Goldilox and the Three Scares!

 Author Interviews and Guest Posts

Character Interviews

Giveaways

I love Halloween! So I wrangled in some of my favorite authors and asked them to participate in this event. And they said yes! Plus, each day each author has a wonderful giveaway for you!

Day 3: Sandy Williams

The Curse of the Nalkin-Shom

In the Shadow Reader novels, the fae live in a world separate from ours. They have their own history, traditions, superstitions, and terrifying legends. Not all of those legends are old. The most recent one arose suddenly and spread across the Realm quicker than a fae can fissure across a room.

 Fae have always been uncomfortable around humans - their touch is drugging and their tech poisonous - but no human has ever been feared as much as the nalkin-shom, the shadow-witch. The first whispers of her existence began ten years ago.

 Fae are able to open fissures in the atmosphere. They step into slashes of white light, disappearing then reappearing any place that’s not protected by silver. They use this ability to travel, to fight, to escape anyone who might be pursuing them, but they can rarely escape the shadow-witch. She’s an extremely rare human. Not only does she have the Sight, but she’s able to track fae by reading the shadows their fissures leave behind.

 When her dark-eyed gaze locks on someone’s shadows, few are able to escape detainment or death. But some meet worse fates. Rumor has it a single touch from the nalkin-shom will drain a fae’s magic, and not even the most noble of fae are immune to her lightning struck beauty.

 Some say the Realm’s ruler can control her, wielding her like a weapon against his enemies. Others claim that it’s she who controls him, entrancing him as easily as she entrances wild kimkis. Those who believe she’s a plague and a poison say that she was brought to the Realm by a false-blood, one of the ruthless fae who have tried to overthrow the king. That, they say, is evidence that she’s evil. She doesn’t belong in the Realm any more than a fae belongs on Earth.

 In the Realm, parents warn their children that the shadow-witch will sneak into their rooms at night if they’re disobedient - or if they don’t eat their veggies - and not even walls laced with silver will keep her out. She’ll slip in and steal their magic, cursing them for life.

  People fear what they don’t understand, so the nalkin-shom has gained many enemies in one short decade. Some want her dead and others want to use her powers for their own gain, but no shackles can hold her. She’s as elusive as the shadows she draws.

Thank you Sandy!
Hmm.....does the shadow-witch sound like someone familiar.....?

Check out Sandy's giveaway below!

About Sandy: Sandy graduated from Texas A&M University with a double major in political science and history. She thought about attending law school. Fortunately, before handing over her life’s savings, she realized case studies weren’t nearly as interesting as novels and decided to get an MA in Library Science instead. She worked as a librarian until her husband whisked her off to London on an extended business trip. She’s now back home in Texas, writing full-time, raising newborn twin boys, and squeezing in time to play geeky board and card games like Settlers of Catan, Dominion, and Runebound.

Enter to win a copy of either THE SHADOW READER or THE SHATTERED DARK below (US only please)!

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Goldilox and the Three Scares (2): Carolyn Crane

Welcome to
Goldilox and the Three Scares!

 Author Interviews and Guest Posts

Character Interviews

Giveaways

I love Halloween! So I wrangled in some of my favorite authors and asked them to participate in this event. And they said yes! Plus, each day each author has a wonderful giveaway for you!

Day 1: Carolyn Crane

   

Carolyn Crane is here today to help you out in case you ever get stuck inside a UF or PNR book, which coincidentally are the same rules one should follow for Halloween!

Take it away Carolyn!


6 Rules to follow for Halloween…or if you ever get stuck in a UF or PNR book!

One of the things about Halloween is that hidden things get to run free, and ‘what-ifs’ can be played out in a fun way… What if the dead walked? What if my neighbor is burying bodies in his yard? What if spirits are real? Who wants to be a sexy freaking witch? Needless to say, urban fantasy and parnormal romance are very Halloweeny genres.

Because of that, the world of Halloween and the world of urban fantasy and paranormal romance have a number of rules in common – take it from an authority: me! I feel it is my duty to point out what those are.

Top 6 rules that apply to BOTH Halloween ~and~ the worlds of UF and PNR

1. Go ahead and dress however weird or sexy or crazy you want!
That’s the great thing about Halloween - it’s an excuse to wear what you normally wouldn’t wear. Go ahead, be the sexy witch. The hot vampire slayer. The zombie. Who cares if it’s cliched, it’s Halloween!

The same thing goes for UF and PNR heroines. I let my heroines wear what they want. My heroines frequently have occasions to wear lavish gowns. Have you noticed? I create those especially because I personally love dress up. I spent a ton of time dreaming up Justine’s many gowns, especially her wedding dress, though it turned out suspiciously similar to the ballgown Eliza Dolittle wears in My Fair Lady. In Mr. Real, when my heroine discovers her computer has a virus that brings anything to life, what does she order first? Aweome boots. To go with her amazing ruby necklace.

2. When you have sex with the hot werewolf you pick up, he will definitely be in his human form.

And aren’t you so glad this is a rule in both UF, PNR, and real life? Because, you know. Eww, otherwise. Okay, I guess partly shifted hands could be sort of interesting but please, no more!

3. When people are moaning and gyrating while covered by a sheet, leave the sheet there.

Do not by any means pull off the sheet! Because, look, maybe it’s somebody’s costume and they are being a ghost, or maybe it’s something else. Do you really need to find out? Land sakes, leave the sheet! And if it’s a UF or PNR book, well, you know what that means.

4. Go ahead and pig out, people!

If the Halloween dress code isn’t awesome enough already, why, never fear, because the candy is flowing free! Woohoo!! People are giving it out at their houses. There are bowls of it at your friends places. Personally, I like to overbuy mini chocolate bars. Oops, not enough kids came to the door…what will we do with the leftover mini Butterfingers?

In UF and PNR, people are always eating like crazy—especially those high-metabolism werewolves. And even the vampires. I mean, yes, it’s blood, and okay, blood isn’t that appetizing, but most writers make the whole drinking-of-blood sexy, so that makes up for it. I also believe firmly in letting my characters feast like crazy. Have you noticed my Disillusionist characters spend half their time in restaurants or at dinners? lol. There’s food in Mr. Real, too. One of the first decisions my heroine makes once she realizes the TV superspy will be materializing on her doorstep is what to feed him. She decides he might enjoy olives.

5. Don’t interrupt people’s conversations with invisible entities.

If it’s Halloween and somebody seems to be having a conversation with the empty space beside her, she’s probably on the phone. However, in a UF or PNR environment, it’s more likely an invisible or tiny supernatural entity is involved. Either way, don’t interrupt!

6. Not a good idea to drink the punch with steam coming out of it.

I’m sorry, that is just never a good idea in a fantasy world or a real world. In a fantasy world, smoke coming out of liquid signifies sinister and potent magic, and doesn’t something always go wrong when the heroine drinks that sort of stuff? And in the real world, it means dry ice, which is bad to ingest, or meringue-powder-based foam, which somehow just doesn’t sound as delicious as, say, a nice cold beer!

Okay, aren’t you so glad I figured out these rules? Live it up!

And guess what? I’m holding a contest! Because, Halloween week is also MR. REAL release week, and I’m crazy excited about this book. And I’m giving away one ebook ARC copy of MR. REAL below!

Thank you Carolyn!

Check out her giveaway below!

I’m a writer living in Minneapolis with my husband and two daring cats.

I work a day job as a freelance advertising writer, and have for years. I’ve also waited tables at a surprising number of Minneapolis restaurants and bars (though not as many, incidentally, as my writer husband has). I’ve also been a shop clerk and a plastics factory worker, which I was dismal at (think I Love Lucy).

Also, I can relate almost any life experience to one or another Star Trek episodes, and if you invite me to your party, your cheese plate will be in grave danger.

During rare moments when I’m not at my computer, I can be found reading in bed, running, helping animals, or eating Mexican food.

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