Swords, Specters, & Stuff
Welcome to My World
I started this blog in January 2012 for one simple reason: I love to write. I named it “Swords, Specters, & Stuff” because I especially love to write about writing, about books and movies in my favorite genres, about authors that mean a great deal to me. But there’s more to it than that, which is why I included “Stuff” in the title. It is “Stuff” that gives me carte blanche to write about anything, which is why you’ll see stories about special trips to Cooperstown, Sedona, and other places; about getting older; about baseball; about the otherworldly way in which I met my soul mate; about the loss of good friends, and so much more. Enjoy! And feel free to leave a comment.
Throwback Thursday: Blowing Shit Up—Tornados Can Do That Too
Yes, in case you didn’t know, tornadoes are responsible for blowing lots of shit up. Mother Nature does get pissed upon occasion. And nowhere is this better illustrated than in the two disaster movies, TWISTER (1996) and INTO THE STORM (2014).
R.I.P. Graham Greene
It saddened me to learn of the passing of Graham Greene last week at the age of 73. He was, to put it simply, one of my absolute favorite actors, and he will be greatly missed.
Throwback Thursday: Christmas At Nakatomi Plaza
DIE HARD, a very merry Christmas movie? This post first ran in 2022
Joy? Or ENjoy?
It is nearing a year-and-a-half since I lost Jacqueline, my beloved bride, to insidious cancer. I swear, it seems as if it happened last week. My grief, while somewhat manageable at this point, will last until the Mother Ship comes to take me back to her.
Throwback Thursday: Guilty Pleasures—THE BLOB (1988)
THE BLOB: a real Guilty Pleasure, but a fun remake. This post first ran in 2022.
Who Played Hannibal First?
Most people think of Anthony Hopkins when they hear the name Hannibal Lecter, and rightfully so. Hopkins won an Academy Award for portraying the incarcerated psychiatrist/serial killer in the Best Picture of 1991, SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, and two subsequent films. But he wasn’t the first.
Throwback Thursday: Going To The Dogs
I often amuse myself by writing crazy scenes like the one you’re about to enjoy. This post first ran in 2022.
My Women Of Horror, Part Two
To reiterate what I wrote last week, I absolutely love and respect strong women! Heck, I had a fabulous one as my life partner for over three decades. I try to impart that same strength and resolve to the female characters in all of my two dozen+ books, and that is especially true in my four horror novels. Let me introduce you to my next two women of horror.
Throwback Thursday: Guilty Pleasures—CONGO
It must be Strong Woman Week, because Laura Linney really kicks butt in CONGO. This post first ran in 2022.
My Women Of Horror, Part One
I absolutely love and respect strong women! Heck, I had a fabulous one as my life partner for over three decades. I try to impart that same strength and resolve to the female characters in all of my two dozen+ books, and that is especially true in my four horror novels. Let me introduce you to my four women of horror.










