Author: Jennifer Vasquez

I'm a writer and an avid reader. I was classically trained in voice years ago and once aspired to become an opera singer. I enjoy immersing myself in music, from classical to goth rock tunes. I'm fascinated with vampires, all things spooky, vintage style and old Hollywood films. My website covers events, people, places and topics that embody all that is odd and macabre.
halloween, holidays, Lifestyle

Countdown to Halloween 2026 Guide

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on Countdown to Halloween 2026 Guide
Photo credit: Photo by Steven Van Elk via Unsplash
Photo credit: Steven Van Elk via Unsplash

It’s that time of year here in the U.S. where there’s a holiday lull after the Fourth of July until October 31st. There are no other major holidays happening in this part of the globe during this period, so for us macabre folks, it’s already spooky season. Also, July 23rd marks the 100-day countdown to All Hallows’ Eve, which is a big deal in the Halloween community. To mark the occasion, I release a special guide annually to help you prepare for and immerse yourself in the spooky season. Here, I share my recommendations for shopping, music, costumes, and more!

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Literature

‘Vampire Verses’ by LindaAnn LoSchiavo Delivers Poetry to Sink Your Fangs Into

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on ‘Vampire Verses’ by LindaAnn LoSchiavo Delivers Poetry to Sink Your Fangs Into
Cover of Vampire Verses by LindaAnn LoSchiavo
Cover of Vampire Verses by LindaAnn LoSchiavo

While I’ve read plenty of vampire novels, I must admit that I haven’t come across much vampiric poetry. Poet LindaAnn LoSchiavo has released a short anthology called Vampire Verses: Poems that’s inspired by these fanged, nocturnal creatures. It includes poetry written in different styles and presents vampires in a variety of interesting scenarios that are fun to delve into. To quote the title page, it’s “your portal to the immortals.” 

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Dining & Drink

Blackcraft Coffee Is the Occult-Themed Café You’ve Been Waiting For

by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments on Blackcraft Coffee Is the Occult-Themed Café You’ve Been Waiting For
Blackcraft Coffee Los Angeles
Blackcraft Coffee Los Angeles

Blackcraft Coffee has made its way to the West Coast. The witchy café has been serving guests in Salem, Massachusetts, for a few years. Early in 2026, they opened their second location in the City of Angels. Its wicked ambiance and delicious coffee make it a must-stop when you need your caffeine fix.

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Events, horror

Inside HorrorCon Los Angeles: Where Evil Never Dies

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Inside HorrorCon Los Angeles: Where Evil Never Dies
HorrorCon Los Angeles 2026: 5th Anniversary
HorrorCon Los Angeles 2026: 5th Anniversary

HorrorCon LA is a relatively new horror convention that started in 2022. It happens in Los Angeles annually, typically around the fall. But this year, the event moved up its dates and took place during summerween. While it’s been going on for a few years, this was my first time checking it out. Here’s a closer look at the frightful festivities!

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Literature

Gothic Horror Novel ‘Muñeca’ by Cynthia Gómez Delivers Latine & Queer Representation

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Muñeca by Cynthia Gómez
Muñeca by Cynthia Gómez

Muñeca introduces a new age within the gothic horror genre. While the novel has classic gothic elements, the plot focuses on a queer, Latine working-class witch. Author Cynthia Gómez delivers a story that’s filled with surreal and real horrors and calls out societal injustices committed against marginalized communities. This is not your typical tale of horror, and it’s one that needs to be told.

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entertainment, Events

The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans Tour of Terror

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Dracmorda and Swanthula Boulet during the Dragula: Titans Tour of Terror
Dracmorda and Swanthula Boulet during the Dragula: Titans Tour of Terror

The queens of darkness, The Boulet Brothers, recently went on tour with the finalists of Dragula: Titans season 2. They were joined by Abhora, Jay Kay, Jaharia, and the winner of S2, Evah Destruction. The Titans Tour of Terror traveled across the U.S., and I attended the show in Los Angeles. What a night of drag entertainment!

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music

Hurtsfall’s New Track “Memento Mori” Reflects on the Impermanence of Life

by Jennifer VasquezLeave a Comment on Hurtsfall’s New Track “Memento Mori” Reflects on the Impermanence of Life
Hurtsfall (Photo credit: Heidi Helliwell)
Hurtsfall (Photo credit: Heidi Helliwell)

UK-based band Hurtsfall has come out with a new single titled “Memento Mori.” The darkwave/post-punk group is no stranger to macabre subject matter when it comes to their music, and their latest release confronts death head on. It’s brooding, introspective, and, oddly enough, pulsing with life.

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Culture, Film, spirituality, TV

New Series ‘BRUJITAS’ Highlights Women of Color Coming Into Their Power

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on New Series ‘BRUJITAS’ Highlights Women of Color Coming Into Their Power
BRUJITAS series panel
BRUJITAS series panel

BRUJITAS (Spanish for “little witches”) is an upcoming sci-fi dramedy series centering on a group of women of color who are discovering their inner powers. Created and written by Natalie Garcia, the series stars a Latina cast and weaves the magic of culture and spirituality into the narrative. Recently, La Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Los Angeles hosted a panel called Mujeres Taking the Lead: A New Era in Film and TV. It brought together the cast and crew for a fascinating discussion about the project.

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Culture, Lifestyle, Travel

La Carmina on Her Alternative Fashion Blog & Gothic Adventures

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on La Carmina on Her Alternative Fashion Blog & Gothic Adventures
Photo credit: La Carmina
Photo credit: La Carmina

La Carmina has established herself as an authority when it comes to alternative subcultures and eccentric adventures. She launched her travel and fashion blog La Carmina in 2007, making her one of the pioneers of blogging, particularly in the goth space. Over the course of nearly 20 years, she’s worked on amazing projects and earned many accolades.

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Dining & Drink

Burnt Umber Coffee & Tea Room Brims With Victorian Vibes

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on Burnt Umber Coffee & Tea Room Brims With Victorian Vibes
Burnt Umber Coffee and Tea Room in Garden Grove, CA
Burnt Umber Coffee and Tea Room in Garden Grove, CA

If you want to feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to the Victorian period, head to Burnt Umber Coffee & Tea Room. Located in Garden Grove, California, this cafe is beautifully decorated and has a delightful beverage selection. They’ve been open for a few years, and I finally stopped in. 

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