What have I been up to lately? Several things, as it happens. Here’s a quick rundown.

The Hobbford Giant

As of today, eight chapters of the above horror mystery novel are available exclusively to paying Substack subscribers. The Hobbford Giant concerns young journalist Mira Webb, who, against the wishes of her parents, moves in with her estranged uncle after getting a job at the local paper in the southwest England town of Hobbford. Her first assignment involves a piece on archaeologists digging in the grounds of a children’s home closed years previously in the aftermath of an abuse scandal. Their discoveries may shed light on the legend of a giant that once menaced the area, but after she experiences ghostly visitations, and the archaeologists start winding up in comas, Mira comes to believe an ancient curse may be at work; a curse to which she has a horrifying personal connection.

This story explores, among other things, repressed memories, childhood trauma, and what happens when lies are covered by more lies. The ultimate revelation of the truth is far from a blessing. Indeed, it results in horrible moral quandaries and even worse. The first chapter can be checked out absolutely free here. I hope it whets your appetite for me. To read later chapters, and for full access to the rest of my archive on Substack (including several novellas, short stories, film retrospectives, top tens, exclusive videos, and more), upgrade from being a free subscriber to a paid subscriber at $5 per month.

Short horror stories

Further to my updates last month, I’m still writing short stories at the moment. Most of these are horror. Four are completed, and three are pretty dark. One is a ghost story of the kind I’ve written before, and two get into body horror territory, which is a little bit of a new area for me. The fourth story isn’t horror, but that one is top secret at present. I shan’t give titles or say any more yet, but these will eventually appear on Substack, I expect. Probably next year.

The next novel

In addition, I’m still planning my next novel. It’s the second in a supernatural mystery series. Having completed the first draft of the first novel earlier this year, I’m excited to return to this world. I love the returning characters and I’m enjoying introducing new characters. I hope to have a completed outline, character profiles, and completed research by the end of November. I plan to write the novel in earnest from January of next year.

Dillon on Film is back

Due to technical problems and subsequent illness from both me and my co-host Michael Kenny, Dillon on Film has been absent recently. However, we are now back with more reviews of new cinema releases and other film-related discussion. Click here for the most recent episodes on Spotify.

That’s about it for now. Look out for another update next month.

(Image created by author in Canva.)