Category: Literature

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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Literature

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

by Jennifer VasquezLeave a Comment on Gothic Horror Novel ‘Muñeca’ by Cynthia Gómez Delivers Latine & Queer Representation
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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Comics, Literature, News

John Carpenter Announces His First-Ever Graphic Novel: ‘Cathedral’

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on John Carpenter Announces His First-Ever Graphic Novel: ‘Cathedral’
Cathedral by John Carpenter via Storm King Comics
Cathedral by John Carpenter via Storm King Comics

Horror film director John Carpenter is coming out with his first graphic novel titled Cathedral through Storm King Comics. It’s set to debut this summer and will divulge a whole new tale of terror. Here’s what’s been announced so far!

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Literature, occult, spirituality

Achieving Self-Alchemy in Cherry Parra’s ‘The Left Hand Path of Tarot’

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on Achieving Self-Alchemy in Cherry Parra’s ‘The Left Hand Path of Tarot’
Vamp Jenn's copy of The Left-Hand Path of Tarot by Cherry Parra
Vamp Jenn’s copy of The Left-Hand Path of Tarot by Cherry Parra

As I’ve navigated my spirituality over the years, I tend to align with teachings from the Left-Hand Path. I was intrigued when The Left Hand Path of Tarot by Cherry Parra was brought to my attention. It’s my first time coming across a book on tarot presented from the Left-Hand Path perspective. It’s a text that encourages practitioners, from novices to advanced readers, to lean into the shadow to ignite self-growth.

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Culture, Events, Literature

Remembering Vampire Author Anne Rice at the All Saints’ Day Celebration

by Jennifer Vasquez12 Comments on Remembering Vampire Author Anne Rice at the All Saints’ Day Celebration
Anne Rice: An All Saints' Day Celebration
Anne Rice: An All Saints’ Day Celebration

I first got hooked on (or shall I say sucked into) Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles when I was a teen, and ever since then, I’ve wanted to visit New Orleans. This city is Anne’s birthplace and a significant location in her notorious vampire novels. Because of this, the city has become synonymous with these nocturnal creatures. I dare say, it’s as much a vampire capital as Transylvania! I had the great fortune of being able to finally travel to New Orleans to attend a special event commemorating the author—Anne Rice: An All Saints’ Day Celebration. It was an experience that had a remarkable effect on my soul.

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Culture, holidays, Literature

‘A Marvelous Mexican Misunderstanding’ Teaches Kids About the Day of the Dead

by Jennifer Vasquez9 Comments on ‘A Marvelous Mexican Misunderstanding’ Teaches Kids About the Day of the Dead
Woman holding a kid's picture book
Vamp Jenn reading A Marvelous Mexican Misunderstanding

El Día de los Muertos is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and other Latin American countries between November 1st and 2nd. It’s believed that the spirits of loved ones come back to visit the living. The occasion, which has roots in indigenous Mesoamerican traditions, is meant to honor the memory of the deceased and embrace death. While many adults look forward to the Day of the Dead, the concept behind it can be difficult for children to grasp, especially when they believe death is meant to be feared. However, a children’s book titled A Marvelous Mexican Misunderstanding sets out to change that.

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Culture, Literature

Inside Spinal Dread: A Horror Literature Festival

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Inside Spinal Dread: A Horror Literature Festival
Anaheim Public Library presents Spinal Dread: Horror Literature and Culture Festival
Anaheim Public Library presents Spinal Dread: Horror Literature and Culture Festival

As a bookworm and horror fanatic, I was thrilled to hear that the Anaheim Public Library in Orange County, CA, was going to be hosting a horror literature festival called Spinal Dread.  The free event featured presentations, workshops, and vendors. It was a wonderful way for fellow horror enthusiasts and bibliophiles to connect and explore the horror genre.

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Culture, History, Lifestyle, Literature

9 Books on the Goth Subculture

by Jennifer VasquezLeave a Comment on 9 Books on the Goth Subculture
Photo credit: Sierra Koder via Unsplash
Photo credit: Sierra Koder via Unsplash

Much has been written about the goth subculture, ranging from scholarly literature to pop culture reads. I must admit that I have not read many books on goth. When I first started getting into goth as a teen in the late 90s/early 2000s, I got most of my information from the internet and personal experiences and observations. At the time, there weren’t many books published about the subculture, so I learned about it by browsing the web via goth chat rooms and websites that were around then. 

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Culture, Literature, occult, spirituality

Inside ‘Mexican Magic: Brujeria, Spells, and Rituals for All Occasions’ by Laura Davila

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Inside ‘Mexican Magic: Brujeria, Spells, and Rituals for All Occasions’ by Laura Davila
Vamp Jenn reading Mexican Magic by Laura Davila
Vamp Jenn reading Mexican Magic by Laura Davila

“As a bruja, you grow to realize that occult forces are always preparing us and positioning us for divine appointments.” –Mexican Magic by Laura Davila

In her newest book, Laura Davila makes Mexican folk spirituality accessible to a wider audience. Mexican Magic places the power to initiate personal transformation in the hands of the reader. I had the privilege of being gifted with a copy by the publisher Red Wheel/Weiser. The fact that this book has come into my possession is an act of magic to me. Over the past few years, I’ve been strengthening my spiritual connections and have begun researching the spiritual customs of my Mexican ancestors. Davila’s latest work resonated with me on many levels, and I believe others who are on a mystical journey can benefit from it as well.

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Literature, music

Unmasking The Haunting, Gothic Melodies of Morbus Tenebris

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on Unmasking The Haunting, Gothic Melodies of Morbus Tenebris
Benjamin Fouché of Morbus Tenebris
Benjamin Fouché of Morbus Tenebris

I enjoy losing myself in gothic melodies and if you do too, then you’ll take great delight in listening to Morbus Tenebris. This music project is the brainchild of Benjamin Fouché who embarked on this venture in 2018. Since then, he has released a trio of albums, as well as books to accompany them. Here, I give a closer peek at the artist’s work.

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