Dark Tales and Twisted Verses (A Fireside Tales Collection) Dark Horror Fantasy by A.L. Butcher ➱ Book Tour with Giveaway
Dark Tales and Twisted Verses
A Fireside Tales Collection #2
by A.L. Butcher
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Horror, Dark Poetry
Dark
tales of ghosts of war, blood from the Autumn of Terror, the wrath of
nature, an unusual murder and a cynical vampire. Twisted poetry of
loss and mayhem.
Some adult themes and language.
Stories:
The
Secret of Blossom Rise - A Ghost Story
The Watcher - A Tale of
Jack the Ripper
The Last Forest - A Tale of the Wrath of
Nature
The Last Dance - An Autumnal Flash Fiction
The Sleeper -
A Yoyo Murder
So Many Nights, So Many Sins - A Vampire's Tale
Poetry:
We
Must Remember
Giving It All
Enigma
Yours Truly
End of
Days
Empty Classrooms
The Glass-Eyed Monster
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Excerpt – The Glass Eyed Monster
© A L Butcher
The Glass-Eyed Monster
The monster reaches,
To tear the poison sky.
The poet’s wife,
Weeps tears of blood within her grave
A prophesy of Promethean fire.
*
The monster’s glittering eyes, multifaceted,
Reflecting an eternal desolation.
The creatures within the steel belly,
Slaves to the god of commerce,
In the service of the damned.
*
A foul concrete skin,
Mocks the soul of the mother of creation,
Hideous spires, like claws through heaven.
A modern monster,
Born of the hand of man.
Excerpt – Secret of Blossom Rise
© A L Butcher
“Will this ever end? It seems like there is nothing but rain, rain and war,” the smaller figure said, turning her face to his, and searching, for answers no one really knew.
“It must end, one way or the other, Mabel. The world cannot endure this unrelenting horror. We will win this awful conflict or be destroyed. As for the rain – it will end, and the sun will rise,” her companion said, but the eyes which stared at the sky were not filled with hope. The man was in his mid-thirties, but his haggard face looked ten years older, such was the burden of loss he carried, and the responsibility of other men’s lives. War aged a man. She looked younger and had once been wide-eyed and innocent, but the world had seen that innocence stripped away, like skin beneath a knife.
He pulled her close, glancing around in case any onlookers should see them, but everyone was preoccupied in staying dray and their own business. “The world has gone mad, and politics with it, but we have each other. Even in the rain, you are beautiful.”
The woman held herself in his embrace for just a moment, then pulled away, “Not here, Leo. We must keep it professional.”
Reluctantly he nodded and said louder, “I am healing well enough. The doctor tells me the limp will be permanent and I’ll never be strong again, but I’ll keep my leg and live to fight another day. Men like me are needed, and there’s few enough of us these days. I can serve my country in other ways.”
`With that, he looked at something distant – perhaps a foreign land. “Living another day is all we have these awful days. Each one is precious, for tomorrow the Nazis may be at our door. And I can’t say I am keen to return to the field of war.
I love you, Mabel, for what love in war is worth. Now be a good girl and fetch my case. I’ll meet you inside, we are early anyway.” He handed her the umbrella and hiding in the shelter of the doorway lit a cigarette and looked out towards the wards filled with the damaged, the insane and the dying. Ghosts of men, some said, and it was true. Leo felt hollow, incomplete. Something other than blood and flesh had been lost in that foreign theatre of war. In the horror he’d asked God to help him, to stop this awful mess, but all he’d heard was the scream of his comrades, the thunder of bombs and silence from the Man Upstairs. Once a Catholic – he’d cursed God’s holy name when another of his men tumbled lifelessly beside him. How could a loving God allow such slaughter? Leo knew his faith was gone, shot away piece by piece, and his soul with it.
Thinking of all the friends he’d lost, all the wickedness of man, made real in a war that had shaken the world to its iron core the man called Leo limped towards the bunker, his second home now his wounds were healing. Strategy was needed, and Leo had been behind the lines, laying mines and infiltrating where he could. He was, so he’d learned, the last survivor of his unit.
“She’ll be the death of me if those bombs don’t get us first.” Mabel was the only thing of beauty he’d seen in far too long. Too many years living on the edge of a knife where fear was one’s constant companion and loss one’s daily brethren changed a person, and not for the better. Especially a man like Leo Campbell, who could not admit to his fear, and was honoured for his perseverance and bravery under fire and his cunning.
It was all a sham. All of it – civilisation, decency, morality had all been tested and found wanting.
So Many Nights, So Many Sins – A Vampire’s Tale Excerpt
© A L Butcher
Amber firelight flickered in the small grate, casting a dancing pattern on the grubby walls of the cellar-bar known as The Cavern. It was, some said, hypnotic; others said the fire heard and saw all – for even in summer it was never truly out, merely banked to embers. Fire had been the friend and enemy of man since Prometheus snatched it from the gods, and this particular blaze had been smouldering for years. Some said decades, even centuries, and that it watched all that went on. Whether this was true Wolfgang had no idea, but it was not a normal fire and such tales served his purpose.
The Cavern had stood on this spot for at least three hundred years, and before this, various structures from longhouse to army tent to inn had been in the vicinity. This land was old, saturated with history. And blood. Battles had been fought, lives taken, lost and even given and through it, all the Cavern stood in one form or another, and its fire burned. Creatures who lived in the twilight world of the undead were drawn to this place. Perhaps it was the blood, perhaps there was something special here. Life was a lure, to those who possessed a parody of it, but in truth, no one really knew or dared to discover. It was the sort of place no one asked too many questions or expected honest answers and so those patrons with things to hide and enemies aplenty caroused in The Cavern in an uneasy truce. The fire saw all, and so did its current keeper. For now, both the fire and The Cavern had Wolfgang’s undead patronage, and both knew it.
Wolfgang Feuerleiben turned his bright hazel eyes despondently towards the blaze and shivered; as usual, he could not seem to get warm even close as he was to it. This place, generally, was cold, as old buildings often were, even with the impressive blaze. Wolfgang had no internal heat, nor did any of his kind; but habits are hard to shake and even a vampire likes to be warm. Bodies with no inward heat found themselves stiff and slow and it wasn’t like a vampire could bask in the sun. Wolfgang surmised it was a throwback to his human past. Memories faded, became corrupted or were forgotten; it was a curse and a blessing – an elder had told him. Wolfgang considered this – ‘memories went with morality. One could not be haunted if one had no memory of past sins and past transgressions’ the Elder had said. Yet almost all his kind suffered nightmares – or rather daymares and the Vampire Scholar who’d propounded his theory had died raving in a fire of his own making. Driven mad by the guilt of split blood. It was hard to be a monster. And much, much harder to be a monster pretending to be a man.
Stuff about you:
Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I’ve been writing stories and poems for as long as I can remember. At school I would often get asked to write a short story or poem for a class event. I used to run roleplaying games – mostly fantasy or scifi at university, often making up or adapting plots and storylines for the players. My first published novel game out of one of these adventures – we didn’t use the idea I’d had as the group unfortunately had to break up and my friend convinced me to adapt the story to a world I’d created for something else. That lead to the novel.
The short stories in the book I’m featuring here are not related to that world but came out of other inspiration or projects. I guess poetry is my way of dealing with things that move me, upset me, inspire me or bring a lot of emotion. Most of it is quite dark – I have been told I’m cynical – and I get depression and anxiety so to an extent that’s in there too. Often it’s inspired by political events – war, social upheaval, the wrath of nature, that sort of thing.
What is something unique/quirky about you?
When I was little I was totally obsessed by squirrels and wanted to be a squirrel when I grew up. Sadly that didn’t happen, but I do live in a house bordering woodland and we get several squirrels in the garden everyday. It drives my dogs bonkers.
Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
I worked as a dresser at the local theatre for ten years, dressing actors. It’s quite a bizarre job, really. A lot of fun but can be odd. I worked on a production of Winnie the Pooh, and was backstage having a discussion about philosophy with a depressed donkey and an owl. I also worked on Scooby Doo. I spent at least a fortnight after saying ‘Scooby Dooby Doooo!’
What are some of your pet peeves?
Arrogance. Hatred. Willful stupidity.
What are some of your favourite things?
Books, music, animals, history, science, writing, the Phantom of the Opera. And cheese. I really love cheese.
If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
Reading, writing, cuddling my dogs and listening to really loud music. Probably Oh Fortuna, Nessum Dorma, Disturbed’s cover of Sound of Silence, War of the World (Jeff Wayne), Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera and a bit of Meatloaf.
Who is your hero and why?
Sir David Attenborrough. Why – he’s been a driving force for the environment and the love of animals for 60 years. He’s awesome.
What kind of world ruler would you be?
Cynical and sarcastic, I dare say.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
Reading, listening to audiobooks, walking my dogs, gaming with my partner, writing, watching movies.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Lyrical, cynical, creative, tired.
Do you have a favorite movie?
Lots – 9, Wall-e, Lord of the Rings, Lost Boys, Dead Poets Society, Schindler’s List, Star Wars (not the recent onces), anything with Ironman in,
Stuff about Writing/ Reading:
What are your top 10 favorite books/authors and why?
Not in any order:
I, the Sun – Janet Morris – not only is this an amazing biography of a remarkable man but through this book I was lucky enough to meet Janet and Chris Morris, and become friends with these lovely, talented people, and write for Perseid Press.
Watership Down – Richard Adams – it’s a beautiful, enchanting story that’s both simple and complex
The Count of Monte Cristo – A Dumas – possibly the greatest revenge story in the world. It’s exciting and the antihero is awesome
Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte – same reason as Monte Cristo.
Phantom of the Opera – I love this story – it’s tragic, exciting, mysterious and has spawned one of the things I love most.
The Odyssey – I love mythology – especially Greek and Roman myths. It’s great adventure, filled with mischief, monsters, morals and more.
Lord of the Rings – I love the mythic storytelling – the grand adventure and that in the end it’s the simple folk who save the day – Samwise and Frodo. It’s a tale of friendship, courage, magic and a rich lore that permeates British culture.
Thud – Terry Pratchett – I love all of the Commander Vimes stories. He’s a complex character – a good man who knows it’s a fine line between being a good man and a bad one and that he could easily go down the dark path and become what he seeks to fight. He hates rules and bends them whenever possible.
Schindler’s List – because everyone should read this book
What book do you think everyone should read?
Schindler’s List
What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?
Depends on the book. I’ve researched flora and fauna of various terrains, weapons and the damage they do, myths, the potential chemical composition of dragon fire, the potential of dragon flight, poisons, medieval food, weather, the victims of Jack the Ripper and all sorts of other things. I usually research as I go along.
Do you read yourself and if so, what is your favorite genre?
I read a lot. I tend to read true crime, mystery, sci-fi, fantasy and history, but recently I’ve got into biographies.
Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
I usually have several stories at any one time. Currently I have the fourth novel in my series and at least half a dozen short stories on the go. I’ve been known to write a short story in a weekend, but then again sometimes I go for months without writing anything story-related.
Pen or type writer or computer?
Definitely computer. I have awful handwriting – so much so I used to get detention at school for handwriting practice. It didn’t help. I hold a pen between my first and second fingers with my fingers wrapped around it. That is a comfortable writing position for me. Because I rarely write anything freehand now my handwriting is barely readable anyway. Writing freehand also makes my hands hurt – I have a neurological condition called fibromyalgia and I get pain and pins and needles in my hands. Typing on a keyboard doesn’t hurt as much.
I also have a spellchecker, delete, and a whole host of info near to hand if I use the PC or laptop. I haven’t used a typewriter for…maybe 30 years.
What made you want to become an author, and do you feel it was the right decision?
A writer is something you are, I think. I’d say the same for an artist or musician. It’s in your soul and if you don’t let it out then it’s there poking you everyday saying, ‘Let me out… let me be free.’ Of course one can be a writer, artist or musician and not be very good at it. That doesn’t stop one being those things or enjoying them, just in private.
I’ve been storytelling as long as I’ve been able to write and make up tales. As a child I had an invisible friend who was a squirrel – and we used to go on all sorts of adventures. My late father and grandmother used to make up stories for us, my eldest sister teaches drama and English, and my other sister is an artist and dressmaker. My late mother was a dressmaker and awesome cook. We all had a little bit of muse in one form or another.
I assume what you mean is when did I decide to publish? 2012. My mother had been fighting cancer for a number of years and it was a very stressful time for the whole family. My best friend persuaded me to adapt a short story I’d written for a game we played into a novel, I combined it with a world-setting I’d created for something else and the first novel was born. I released it in June 2012 – when my mother was in the last stages of her cancer.
Was it worth it? Hell yes. Mum was so proud and pleased. Holding my book brought her so much joy in the last months of her life. She told everyone. I mean EVERYONE – nurses, the doctor, the neighbours who called, all my relatives – including the elderly neighbour across the road. This lady wanted to read it, I told her it had saucy bedroom scenes and I wasn’t sure she would approve. She laughed and told me she’d been married for 40 years and doubted it would shock her. I don’t regret a single day of writing – it’s brought me joy, taught me loads, and I’ve met some great people.
Do you have any advice to offer for new authors?
Write what you want to write, and what you want to read. Don’t give a damn what anyone else thinks. Write for yourself, for the joy of it, for the worlds and people you create.
If you want to self-publish – then go for it. There are pros and cons to it, of course. But that’s true of traditional publishing as well. Do what is right for you. Keep in mind self-publishing is hard work – you don’t have the backing of a publishing house – so the marketing, editing, getting cover art etc. is your responsibility. That said, you can publish the quirky stuff, the non-mainstream stuff and have some success with it.
Read the FAQ and the Terms of Service or contract. Seriously. Especially if you decide to self-publish. It’s a business, and it really helps to understand the rules, what is covered and not covered, when you are likely to get paid, and what to do and not do. KDP (Amazon’s self-pubbing platform) has good FAQ but many, probably most, new authors/publishers don’t read them and get in a tizz when their money doesn’t appear instantly, they’ve had their book blocked because they did something daft or sneaky and got caught. We think it’s at least 500 authors who have had their accounts terminated for transgressing the rules this year.
Find others to read and critique your work. Most authors think their work is great and it’s hard to see (and admit to) any criticism or issues with a story. You, as the author, may know the entire history of these characters and why they are doing whatever they are doing but a reader doesn’t. I’ve read books with little to know character or world building and I hated them. I do not care for a character I know nothing about, in a boring world of nothing. Others may see something you don’t – or not see something you do. On that note – if you can afford it get an editor. There are some who will accept instalments. You don’t see your own errors. The mind fills in the gaps. Editors – depending on the type – will look for inconsistencies, typos, developmental issues and a host of other things.
What makes a good story?
Engaging characters and a rich world that can be believed in, even if it’s alien or fantastic. Without at least engaging characters people won’t care about the plot.
Think about the books you enjoy, what makes them enjoyable for you?
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading a book about sex and sexuality in Stuart Britain. And I’m listening to the Definitive Sherlock Holmes in audiobook.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Getting stuck, writer’s block, confidence, inspiration.
If you get stuck on a particular point, then skip it and come back to it (just don’t forget). I’ve written my story into a corner more than once and had to change tack, and I’ve frequently skipped over parts and written further along and then once I’ve worked that out – the getting there resolves itself.
Writer’s block – listen to music, read, watch a movie. Try not to stress. The writing will come or it won’t.
Confidence. Yeah, that’s a hard one.
Inspiration. Don’t force a story to be something it’s not. It will show. If the muse doesn’t strike you then go away from the story for a bit. It will come back.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I write what I want to write. If people read it, then that’s great. I cannot write to formula, or what’s popular at any given moment. I take a while to write anything, unless I’m having a really creative burst, so by the time I’ve written that popular thing, it probably won’t be popular. I can write fantasy and historical fantasy, poetry and a bit of horror – I can’t write contemporary romance, Westerns or Chick Lit so I don’t try – it would be rubbish.
Top Ten -
Some of these are tricky and have more than one answer.
1) Favourite Book
Count of Monte Christo/Phantom of the Opera/I, The Sun/Lord of the Rings/Dune/War of the Worlds/Watership Down
2) Favourite Movie
Dead Poets Society/The Empire Strikes Back/Lord of the Rings
3) Favourite Colour
Purple
4) Favourite Animal
Monkey/Squirrel/My dogs
5) Favourite Food
Cheese
6) Favourite Place
Home/Scottish Highlands
7) Favourite Cartoon Character
Bugs Bunny
8) Favourite Drink
Earl Grey tea
9) Favourite Play/Musical
Phantom of the Opera/Les Miserables
10) Favourite Mythological Creature/Entity
Dragon
British-born A. L. Butcher is an avid reader and creator of worlds, a poet, and a dreamer, a lover of science, natural history, history, and monkeys. Her prose has been described as ‘dark and gritty’ and her poetry as ‘evocative’. She writes with a sure and sometimes erotic sensibility of things that might have been, never were, but could be.
Alex is the author of the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles and the Tales of Erana lyrical fantasy series. She also has several short stories in the fantasy, fantasy romance genres with occasional forays into gothic style horror, including the Legacy of the Mask series. With a background in politics, classical studies, ancient history and myth, her affinities bring an eclectic and unique flavour in her work, mixing reality and dream in alchemical proportions that bring her characters and worlds to life.
She also curates for a number of speculative fiction themed book bundles on BundleRabbit.
Her short novella Outside the Walls, co-written with Diana L. Wicker received a Chill with a Book Reader’s Award in 2017 and The Kitchen Imps won best fantasy for 2018 on NN Light Book Heaven.
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