Good morning, and happy Monday! I’m Grace Reynolds, and this is my newsletter where I ramble on about what happens outside of my daily routine as a stay-at-home parent turned horror author. There’s a lot to catch up on coming out of Halloween Hangover 2 at Barnes & Noble Libbie Place, so let’s jump in!
Let’s Talk about the ‘F’ Word
FELLOWSHIP (get your head out of the gutter!)
I made a reel over on Instagram (very sappy, there is autumnal acoustic music involved) where I talk about how much I value in-person events like this. Outside of selling books, they are a great way to foster fellowship. The friendships we make with other authors, readers, and booksellers, reinforce the bedrock that makes up the strong foundation of our community in horror. Together, we will endure!
I’m newer on the scene (3 years in?) and live a transient lifestyle. The value of a strong fellowship in a community is not lost on me, and I do not take it for granted. There is something to be said about going anywhere in the country and knowing you are among friends. Not everyone has that. Community is not instantaneous! But if you open yourself up and make space for others trying to do the same, chances are you will find yourself with a handful of new friends.
If you have ever wanted to branch out and go to an in-person event but are nervous, please come out! The horror community is welcoming and friendly. We are all family.
The Poe Museum: A Tale of Two Cats
Their names are Edgar and Pluto. On Thursday night, Ravven, Vaughn, Stephanie, and I, along with hater of the paranormal, the sweet doggo Constantine, went on a ghost tour of Richmond with Haunts of Richmond. Ghost tours are a great way to learn more about a city and the darker side of its history. The first location on our stop was The Poe Museum, which is purportedly haunted by the Ege family. The cats are known to see and play with ghosts, so we returned to the museum the next day.
Though Poe did not live on this specific property, he would have passed by it every day. The museum is full of his personal effects, including a bloody lock of hair and a piece of his coffin. Overall, the grounds are peaceful, and visitors are encouraged to pay their respects by leaving a token for Poe at his bust.
Cryptid Battle Royale 2023
When I tell you there was almost a complete loss of life—it all started out professional; cordial. The panelists offered their champions into the ring, and we discussed cryptid influence on horror, culture, and politics. We did not realize the magnitude of violence that would occur, the blood that would be shed. Limbs fell from the sky. The Lochness Monster swallowed the Jersey Devil whole. Mothman disappeared into a parallel plane of existence. The Snallygaster dropped a blanket on the 2-foot Mongolian Deathworm and curb-stomped it. The Thunderbird prevailed and sent a deadly shock wave of electricity and fried the Lochness Monster like burned toast.
Suddenly, a monster thought to be dead emerged from the scorched earth— THE SAN ANTONIO (SA) GHOUL, it’s last sighting was in September 2001, where it was seen terrorizing Military Highway. Enraged from losing to the Thunderbird, it took to the skies with a bazooka and blasted the store apart. The crowd dispersed in search of cover, but none could hide from the terror above. The SA Ghoul swooped down and clutched Paul Michael Anderson and Brian McCauley! It consumed them with teeth that spun like razor blades! A rain shower of blood and ribbons of skin fell on the vendor tables.
WHO WOULD SAVE US?! Hope drowned in a sea of screams! But as soon as it came, the SA Ghoul left, leaving the survivors to clean up the destruction.
1907-1955-2001-2023. All horrific encounters with the most violent of cryptids. DID YOU SEE THE SA GHOUL? Tell me about your encounter so we can add entries to this elusive creature’s lore.
HAPPY HAUNTINGS
Thanks for reading! Stay safe, stay spooky.
-G
The only time I ever wanna leave the safety of my Canadian igloo for the US is to hang out that events like this.