Category Archives: Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

June 10, 2025 · 11:51 am

StokerCon 2025

Merry meet all,

I am more settled into my boyfriend’s apartment. It was a lot of effort to sort through all the books but I succeeded. I had to accomplish the organizing of the books because I am attending StokerCon virtually in a few days. I can feel my best now. I am really looking forward to StokerCon.

‘Welcome to StokerCon 2025, the premiere horror literary convention presented by the Horror Writers Association. This year the convention is being hosted by the city of Stamford, Connecticut, at the Hilton Stamford Hotel and Executive Center–and online for all those unable to attend in-person. Starting virtually at 3 P.M. Eastern time on June 12 and running until 3 P.M. Eastern Time on June 15, 2025, virtual StokerCon will offer a wealth of new and encore on-demand programming, author readings, academic presentations, exhibitor booths, a special online screening of the Final Frame Film Competition–and live streamed panels direct from Stamford! Our guests of honor this year include: Scott Edelman, Paula Guran, Adam Nevill, Joyce Carol Oates, Gaby Triana, and Tim Waggoner. For more information, check out the StokerCon 2025 website.  StokerCon® has been a long celebrated convention for authors of the horror genre. It is an all-inclusive event where writers of all of the many subgenres the horror world may convene to share ideas, pitch their new projects, and revel in their weirdness. The past StokerCon conventions have always been joyous occasions. And we look forward to seeing familiar faces and new at virtual StokerCon 2025 convention. Please note that virtual StokerCon provides all-new and encore on-demand panels from previous StokerCons available as soon as the convention opens in the Expo Hall. Approximately 40 panels will be live-streamed from Stamford, and these will appear in the Sessions area approximately 15 minutes before they begin. These panels, which appear on the Schedule here are the only ones that will be live-streamed. Any panels listed in the Sched app but not listed here will not be broadcast.’

How can you pass that up? I am so excited. I plan to attend as many panel discussions as possible. The panel discussions sound just fascinating. I will be there with a coffee and a notebook. These discussions are amazing  and meant to insire you to write! I can’t write in all the panel discussions here but they are the biggest reason why I sign up. I also enjoy the Final Frame Short Film Competition and the Bram Stoker awards. I have already registered and signed up. I look forward to finding friends in the chat. 

Stokercon is a great place to network with like minded fans of horror in all its glory. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I enjoyed witchy mischief last night. I burned charcoal in my huge cauldron. I burned charcoal in the cauldron at the midnight hour. An open fire is illegal but witches bend the rules. Or we just would not be Witches. Now I have ash for my incense. I am happy about that. 

My altar is tucked in under the computer desk. It is a bit inconvenient but I don’t have as much space as I used to have.  So I have to think very carefully about how I will store everything. 

The next turn in the Wheel of the Year is Litha, or the Summer Solstice. I shall post more about that soon. I wish you all a magickal, exciting summer!

I attended the virtual StokerCon convention. I had a great time. I really recommend it to everyone. I enjoyed the panel discussions. It was better than the other Stokercon conventions. Also they had a moderator for the chat this time. I felt totally ignored and the other people attending virtually felt ignored too. This time there was a moederator for the chat. I am happy about that.

Blessed be Spiderwitch 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

June 3, 2025 · 10:14 am

Flesh Eating Turtles by Nora Peevy )O(

Merry meet all,

My friend’s book is published! I am so happy for her. I am so excited to tell you about her new book. Grab a coffee and let’s dive into the weird and wonderful world of flesh eating turtles!

Flesh Eating Turtles was published by Evil Cookie Publishing.  Here is the synopsis of the book: 

“The latest in lab research has wreaked havoc with the food chain and left box turtles as the apex predator. Follow Agne Labs as they fight to put things right, if they can. #splatterpunk #horror #writertok #writersofinstagram #writersoftiktok #authorsoftiktok #authorofinstagram #authorsofbooktok #turtle Nora B. Peevy’s novel has just the right amount of blood and laughter to keep a reader interested. Available today on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Google Books, Kobo, Apple Read Apps, and Smashwords. Pick up your copy today and let me know what you think!” (Nora Peevy). 

Here is the link to her fabulous book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F99PNZLJ?fbclid=IwY2xjawKql01leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNUHZXVXNwUDRNZ3ZyaFoyAR6VD24c2EI6p8-LpNt2eO6pN–O94YdSYywNOLXItT9zFpxV9IooQqXA44TmQ_aem_0de-suuimcrs5SYEBq2FqQ

Nora is my best friend and a amazing author and editor. She does both with passion and enthusiasm. I am proud of her. I am sure we all can’t wait to see more of her future endeavours. 

Blessings Spiderwitch 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

Tagged as , , , , , ,

May 30, 2025 · 10:30 am

In the Stacks )O(

Merry meet all,

It’s a rainy morning here in Haligonia. I’m slowly settling in at my boyfriend’s apartment. Rent costs a fortune in Halifax I hope to have my own place again but for now, I live with him. I hope the unreasonable rent rate is decreased significantly. It is causing a lot of problems  for those who can’t afford  it. I have lived in Halifax for years and it is the first time I have seen people living in tents, if living is what you could call it. 

Penny, my adorable  cat, went to the vet yesterday. She has diabetes so she has to see a vet twice a year. The vet appointment was very expensive! 

My books are all in stacks here. We hoped to assemble  a bookcase soon but unfortunately, the second bookcase was faulty. Once the books are assembled, everything will be far more organized. I can’t wait and I can’t wait to have a proper bed to sleep on. I have been sleeping on the couch for a few weeks. I finally get a new bed. I bought new 100% pure cotton linens for the new bed at Winners the other day. I can’t wait. I just can’t wait- better than a couch. I just can’t do it anymore. I look forward to a good rest tonight. 

The photo shows some of the stacked books that need to be organized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m waiting patiently for the edits from Austin, the editor in the Crystal Lake Publishing Author’s Journey Workshop I am in. I am inpressed that I completed the forty pages, considering everything that was going on in my life. 

I look foward to getting back into my herbalism studies. I planted herbs in the garden – basil, two chamomiles, chocolate mint, apple mint and spearmint and lemongrass. I also planted my elecampane, haskap berries, blueberries, mugwort, lemon balm, another mint. I have to grow nettle from seed but I checked my starter pots. The nettle has germinated, I hope. Time will tell. I ordered a lovely moss green limited edition dress from Holy Clothing. It is so beautiful. 

Photos of the  herb garden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have begun my research for the true crime project. The publisher who published my spidery novella The Cult of the Spider People: Bone Chillers #1 asked if we – me and the other writers would write a true crime book. Naturally I said yes. I admit most of it is hard to stomach. I mean I chose to write about Ed Gein. I just don’t dwell on it. I have to write it but who knows? I gather enough research it may just inspire a horror novel. I have two books about Gein: 1) Deviant: The Shocking True story of Ed Gein: The Original Psycho ( no kidding) and 2 (on order to me) The Ed Gein Files: A Psycho’s Confiession and Case Documents. I will make sure I have an empty stomach when reading. It is fascinating at the same time though. I have decided to title the my book The Devil’s Cauldron. Indeed…

I shall keep you posted about my getting settled and organized and more horror writings. For now, I have to assemble furniture and have more coffee. 

 

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

May 16, 2025 · 1:30 pm

Spring Clean )O(

My Mom’s pot of nasturtiums!

Merry meet all,

The birds’ chirping fills the air on this lovely overcast morning. I have moved out of my old apartment  and I now live with my Mom. I really hope this is a temporary arrangement. I miss having my own space. 

I am participating in  the Author’s Journey writing workshop. I have reached the recommended word limit. I still have to edit it but I am very proud of myself. I’m taking an employment workshop at Reachability. Between the move, Reachability and my writing, and unpacking I have been very busy. I am so happy the move is over. 

We have to buy extra bookcases because I need  them. I don’t have the built in shelves that held all my books before. This move has been a huge adjustment for me. I had to buy and install a wardrobe thing so I could have a way to hold all my clothes. 

I’m taking my plants from the garden and transplanting them  in my Mom’s garden. Most of them have survived the move. I still have more to transfer. I have to wait till they poke their heads above the soil. That should not be for too long. I can still have a garden! That is the best deal ever. I am very happy about that. I will get back into my herbalism studies soon. I could not do a herbalism practice in a moldy apartment though. It was unsafe to even breathe the air. I am very sensitive  to mold. 

One chapter of my life has closed and a new chapter begins. I am now closer to downtown. I no longer have to struggle up that steep hill. I no longer have to suffer in the cold waiting for the # 22 bus. I look forward to what the future holds. Unfortunately, the rent is so high it is a bit more than I can afford. Millions of people are going through the same thing right now. 

I have a new pretty dress. Penny loves it here at my Mom’s house and I bought cool boots from Spirit Nest. May has been a month full of merciless change for me, forcing me way out of my comfort zone. Talk about spring clean. I did not expect that that meant a move but the conditions of the old apartment forced me to move. I love Mom’s place. Her house is a Victorian and it is so beautiful in here. It will take time to sort through it all. 

The other day I harvested marshmallow roots. I scrubbed them clean in a bucket.When they are dry, I will use the roots. I would normally dry them in a dehydrator but my stuff is in boxes. The roots are drying in a brown paper bag. Marshmallow is a mucilaginous and demulcent herb. It is good for coughs and dryness. A demulcent coats and soothes tissues or a dry cough. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch )O(

 

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

May 9, 2025 · 11:07 am

Wicked Words )O(

Merry meet all,

Beltaine is here. The Wheel of the Year has turned again. Daffodills and crocuses  are in bloom  everywhere. Spring is about fertility, warmer days and change. There is plenty of change happening for me. I have moved out of my old apartment. The building is too moldy. I now live somewhere that is much cleaner and brighter!

The Cult of the Spider People: Bone Chillers #1 is now available  in audiobook format! I am so happy and the narrator Glenn Alan did a great job with his narration. Here is a link to the book on Amazon – https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0F63YM2JX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_d_asin_title_129_o00aud_?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Wicked Shadow Press is publishing my seventh flash fiction story, Mandrake Potion. I hope to get to read my contributor copy soon and also have the chance to read the stories by the other authors. That really helps me with my own writing. The covers of the books published by Wicked Shadow Press are always so beautiful. I love their cover art. My other flash fiction story is now available in Ebook and paperback  format. Here is the link to Lulu if you want to buy a copy for yourself or your friends. There were so many amazing stories they had to create two anthologies: Cosmic Hunger and Divine Wrath. The link below is for Cosmic Hunger. My story, Cat Tales, appears in Cosmic Hunger. 

Here is a description of the book Cosmic Hunger:

From the dusty depths of ancient myths to the shadowy edges of modern horror, “Who Let The Gods Out?!” is a double-volume anthology that unleashes the darkest gods ever imagined. Edited by the dynamic collectors of dark fiction Parth Sarathi Chakraborty and Rasiika Sen, this collection brings together haunting tales from both veteran authors and rising stars, each story a testament to the power—and peril—of divine intervention. Step into worlds where gods are not saviours but predators, where cosmic entities toy with mortal lives and where the line between worship and damnation blurs. Witness a mage bound to an alien entity, a woman haunted by a vampire god, and a man who bargains with ancient forces for love—only to lose everything. From the blood-soaked rituals of forgotten deities to the eldritch horrors lurking in the deep, these stories will grip you, terrify you and leave you questioning the very nature of divinity. AUTHORS FEATURED IN Who Let the Gods Out?!: COSMIC HUNGER Andrew Davison, Bill Diamond, Bissme S, Bob Moore, Chad Anctil, Chris W. McGuinness, Don Money, Donovan Thiesson, Dr. Jaswinder Challi, Eric Fritz, Heddy Johannesen, Irfaan Syyed, James Dorr, Jasiah Witkofsky, John R. Ancka, Kareem Miskel, Kay Groft III, Kaylee Petersen, Leah Sage, Lee Montgomery-Hughes, Linda M. Crate, Linda Sparks, Lucia Starkey, Lynne Phillips, Robb White, Samantha Esmond, Sarah Das Gupta, Sergio Palumbo AND William J. Connell Cover art: MythologyArt (Pixabay) “Who Let The Gods Out?!” is not just a collection of stories—it’s an invitation to confront the gods we fear, the gods we create, and the gods who were never meant to be awakened. Perfect for fans of Lovecraftian horror, dark fantasy, and mythological retellings, this anthology will leave you breathless, haunted, and utterly enthralled.

https://www.lulu.com/shop/rasiika-sen-and-parth-sarathi-chakraborty/who-let-the-gods-out-cosmic-hunger/paperback/product-9568mr9.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Who could resist that? I can’t. I have ordered a paperback copy. I look forward to reading the other authors’ stories in the book. 

We need people to create and we need authors, not AI. I will never depend on AI to help me write. I got this far on my own steam. Let’s hear it for the artists!

 

Blessed Be, Spiderwitch

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

April 22, 2025 · 11:37 am

The Magick of Spring )O(

Merry meet all,

Beltaine is almost here! Signs of spring are everywhere. Crocuses are blooming and birds chirp to welcome the return of spring. It is a time of renewal. The chill in the air feels invigorating. The frost will change to the warm beckoning days of summer. It is a time of change for me personally. 

I’m moving out of my apartment. The conditions there are so bad it is impossible to live there. I am so excited. I will miss having my own garden but my mother is willing to care for my plants. That’s not a real loss. 

I am excited to participate in the Author’s Journey with Crystal Lake Publishing. Here is a description of the workshop from the website:

Unleash Your Novella in Just 13 Weeks!

Crystal Lake Academy presents our fourth Author’s Journey workshop (all online), and we’re proud to say that many of our students have gone on to receive publishing contracts.

Dive into the thrilling challenge of crafting your own novella with direct guidance from Joe Mynhardt, founder and CEO of Crystal Lake Publishing (as well as an award-winning editor and story coach), and a professional editing team by your side. This 13-week workshop is designed to transform your eerie ideas into a gripping novella, ready to chill the spines of readers worldwide. Preferred genres include Horror, Thrillers, Dark Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, and Suspense.

What You’ll Get:

  • You’ll start off with a one-on-one story coaching session with Joe before the course launches May 1st. You’ll receive personalized guidance from a publishing/marketing veteran to help you navigate the challenges of novella writing.
  • Each editor will present a Zoom session throughout the 13 week workshop covering everything from opening scenes and plot development to character creation and building suspense.
  • We’ll have voluntary check-ins every second Saturday via Zoom to keep you motivated and on track. There will be deadlines for your first 10k words and so on.
  • Accountability deadlines, which is so important for any author’s journey.
  • Benefit from multiple rounds of feedback on your second draft, with input from at least two different editors and a fellow author/student during the peer assessment.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or need help finishing your first novella, this workshop is your gateway to bringing your stories to life. Secure your spot and start your journey to novella success today!

I plan to write a sequel to the Cult of the Spider People: Bone Chillers #1. This workshop will help with that. This will force me to write it! That push is sometimes just what I need to motivate me to write. I’m also editing my other horror novel, The Ghost of Windswept Bay and I have to write a true crime book about Ed Gein. I may change that though. He was a truly horrid monster. 

I will be busy, that’s for sure. I have more good news: Wicked Shadow Press published my sixth flash fiction story, Mandrake Potion, for their Flash of the Dead: Reloaded anthology. I am very happy about that. They gave me a complimentary digital copy.  

I will be back with more good news and updates on the workshop. I hope you are all enjoying spring. 

Blessed be, Spiderwitch 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

Tagged as , , , , ,

April 6, 2025 · 2:40 pm

Canadian Pride )O(

Merry meet all,

Dark and uncertain days are ahead of us. The tariffs are now imposed on the world thanks to the American presidency. I refuse to say his name in my blog post.  I do not hate the American citizens, I know it is because they voted a certain orange-haired lunatic in and now they are suffering the consequence of that action. The tariffs bring disaster and uncertainty with them. Now jobs are threatened and the auto industry and very likely other industries are threatened. This is unbelievable. He is in power for four years and that is enough time for him to ruin the world. That’s exactly what will happen. 

Today the rain’s pouring hard on the grey streets of Halifax. The whole world has plummeted into uncertainty, now more than ever before. I am extremely glad to say I am Canadian. I have never been so proud to be Canadian as I am now. We are standing strong in response to the pointless and vapid tariffs the orange haired president inflicted upon us. I will never stop being proud. I will support Canadian businesses. I know we as a nation will always stand strong, defiant and united against these threats. 

In other news Wicked Shadow Press published my flash fiction story, Cat Tales, in their anthology Who Let the Gods Out? My flash fiction story is in the anthology Cosmic Hunger. They had so many stories to publish that they created two anthologies at the same time. That is a lot of talent. I am proud and grateful to be included. 

From the dusty depths of ancient myths to the shadowy edges of modern horror, “Who Let The Gods Out?!” is a double-volume anthology that unleashes the darkest gods ever imagined. Edited by the dynamic collectors of dark fiction Parth Sarathi Chakraborty and Rasiika Sen, this collection brings together haunting tales from both veteran authors and rising stars, each story a testament to the power—and peril—of divine intervention. Step into worlds where gods are not saviours but predators, where cosmic entities toy with mortal lives and where the line between worship and damnation blurs. Witness a mage bound to an alien entity, a woman haunted by a vampire god, and a man who bargains with ancient forces for love—only to lose everything. From the blood-soaked rituals of forgotten deities to the eldritch horrors lurking in the deep, these stories will grip you, terrify you and leave you questioning the very nature of divinity. AUTHORS FEATURED IN Who Let the Gods Out?!: COSMIC HUNGER Andrew Davison, Bill Diamond, Bissme S, Bob Moore, Chad Anctil, Chris W. McGuinness, Don Money, Donovan Thiesson, Dr. Jaswinder Challi, Eric Fritz, Heddy Johannesen, Irfaan Syyed, James Dorr, Jasiah Witkofsky, John R. Ancka, Kareem Miskel, Kay Groft III, Kaylee Petersen, Leah Sage, Lee Montgomery-Hughes, Linda M. Crate, Linda Sparks, Lucia Starkey, Lynne Phillips, Robb White, Samantha Esmond, Sarah Das Gupta, Sergio Palumbo AND William J. Connell Cover art: MythologyArt (Pixabay) “Who Let The Gods Out?!” is not just a collection of stories—it’s an invitation to confront the gods we fear, the gods we create, and the gods who were never meant to be awakened. Perfect for fans of Lovecraftian horror, dark fantasy, and mythological retellings, this anthology will leave you breathless, haunted, and utterly enthralled.

I can’t wait to read the anthology! I plan to buy a copy soon and the other anthology too. I signed up for a novella writing workshop Author’s Journey with Crystal Lake Publishing. This will guarantee I write the novella – the sequel to The Cult of the Spider People: Bone Chillers #1! I don’t want to lose my momentum. This will be a good thing. The course is expensive but I see the value. I haven’t done this type of thing before but I am sure that I will survive. 

I wrote the Cult of the Spider People: Bone Chillers #1 by hand. I am not sure how I will get the story down. I could hand write it then transcribe it to the computer. I have deadlines to meet but I am sure I can handle it. I just have to write it. This will definitely be challenging! 

I am proud that my novella The Cult of the Spider People: Bone Chillers #1 is now available at my local library. This librarian was a real bitch to me. She believed that no one would borrow my book. I will prove her wrong. She didn’t think I would even get my novella into circulation. Well she is now wrong. My book is entered into circulation. It shows up when I do a search on the library website. It makes me proud to see my book there! The novella is still being put into audiobook format. Wow I just checked with my publisher and the book is done being put in audio format! I am so excited. 

I have more good news: Jill Girardi has interviewed me for her blog. I am very happy about that and I shall post the link here when it goes live! I never expected all this success but it does warm my heart! 

I want to sew a Viking dress. I am just waiting for the green sewing fabric to arrive. I bought the fabric on Etsy and it is going to take a while. It hails from Latvia! That should be interesting. The pattern is a pdf which I have never done before. I figured out how the pattern is assembled. That was a real brain scratcher! I always find a way. 

I have to buy milk today. I don’t want to go out in that maelstrom but I need to. I need a giant umbrella/ poncho thing to keep me dry. Or maybe a yacht or an ark.! I wish you all a magical weekend! Mercury goes direct in the next day or two. That’s good news! 

A lot of horror novels and movies are saturating the media right now. We all know though that truth is stranger than fiction. We can close a book or turn off a Netflix movie if we don’t like it. The reality we all face in the next several years on this planet is the scariest horror of all. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

March 27, 2025 · 7:03 pm

Spring Song )O(

Merry meet all,

Spring has finally arrived… technically. The weather is still cold and I heard rumours of snow. The Wheel has turned again. We look now to Ostara. I hope we don’t get snow and instead get crocus blossoms. They have popped their colourful heads out of the soil in my Mom’s backyard. 

I am obsessed with green lately. Spring has hit me hard. I did paint my dresser green and add rub on transfers to the dresser. Faeries, butterflies and flowers adorn the lovely dresser. I’ve already sewn myself a dress but I need to wait till it is summer to wear it. The dress is not warm enough. I see signs of spring everywhere. It won’t be long till I return to working in the garden. I can’t wait! I have ordered a few meters of green linen from Etsy. I want to make a chemise type dress with it. I was originally thinking of sewing myself a green Nordic apron dress but I realized in time that is too expensive. The fabric store here did not carry the fabric in the colour I wanted. So I am sure the fabric on Etsy will suffice and now I have to find a pattern. That should not be too hard. 

I have returned to editing my novel I wrote prior to The Cult of the Spider People: Bone Chillers #1. I haven’t read it or even glanced at it in 2 years. It is like greeting an old friend but one full of errors! I don’t think there is much edits left to do on the manuscript. I have already cut scenes, changed the cute cat’s name and a few other edits. 

I find it also much easier to study herbalism when it is spring and summer. The bounty of nature is more plentiful. I am studying how to identify plants and that is much easier when they are a vibrant verdant green, not faded brown and worn from the winter rest. It may take me longer than I planned to finish Unit 2. 

I am ok with that. There are a lot of big ideas and philosophies they are expressing in the lessons. I don’t believe in becoming a herbalist in a weekend. It will take much much longer than that. I can wait. I want to truly earn it. The course is far more demanding and it cannot be done within a weekend. There is far too much material to cover. 

This morning there was snow on the ground but the snow has melted. Now the rain rinses the street and nourishes the plants.  I do believe spring is the victor season. I hope that is the case. 

This is just a quick post here today. I promise to get more in depth in future posts. I hope you are all enjoying the early spring season. Have you spotted robins or crocuses yet? I hope so. 

Blessed Be, Spiderwitch

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

March 10, 2025 · 4:07 pm

Painting an old dresser new

Merry meet all,

Today’s post will be about my latest creative project. I am painting my bedroom dresser green. It was a much bigger project than I anticipated. So get yourselves all cozy and let me tell you all about it. 

The dresser was relocated to the kitchen. I set down a drop cloth beneath the dresser and a drop cloth over the kitchen table. Paint can be messy. I had a lot of work to do. First off, I had to clean the dresser. I think scour is the correct word here. I can’t remember when the last time was that the dresser was ever cleaned. For as long as I can recall, the dresser lived in the hard to get to corner of my bedroom, covered in dust and dirt and cat hair. I cleaned, dusted and washed the dresser to the very best of my ability. The clothing that was stored in the drawers are stored in garbage bags in the bathroom. My apartment is a mess! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second task is sanding. I sanded the dresser to make sure the primer and the paint would adhere well. I sanded the dresser too to remove the ‘shine’ of the glaze. The wood was natural but it had a shine which the sanding removed. I tried my best to fill in any cracks with wood filler too. Then I wiped down the dresser with a vinegar cleanser and lots and lots of paper towels. It is amazing how many paper towels I have used during this project. I let it air dry then my cat decided to sit on the dresser top. No! My cat is now visiting at my Mom’s place until I am done painting. She will be thoroughly spoiled! I also cleaned and sanded the dresser drawers. That was a task I want to do my best to forget all about. I was exhausted after all that hard work. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next step was priming. I cleaned and sanded again and painted the dresser and drawers with the white primer. I did two coats on the dresser and the drawers. Finally most of the preparation work was done. I let the dresser and drawers dry overnight. Yesterday I managed to paint the dresser green. The color is called Dried Thyme! Trust me to find a paint color named after an herb! 

The forest fairy rub-on transfers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I bought the new hardware for the dresser and the fairy themed rub on transfers a couple months ago. I can’t wait to see how it will all look together. I also bought Country Chic natural furniture wax made with beeswax.  I also bought a bottle of Country Chic hemp oil. I plan to seal in the lovely green paint – which makes me think of spring, to the paint once it is fully dry. I will use a lint free cloth and rub the wax on. I can’t wait to see how that looks. The project cannot be rushed. It is hard to wait and wait for the paint to dry. But having patience means that this project will turn out beautifully. I want to use the hemp oil on the interior of the dresser drawers. The paint on the dresser and the drawers will last much longer once the wax sealant is applied. I have yet to decide where I shall apply the fairy rub on transfers. I am so excited to see how it will all look. I couldn’t take seeing the way the dresser looked for one more minute. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The screws that came with the new hardware for the dresser drawers are a slightly different size than the older pieces. I did clean up the older hardware and I will store those pieces somewhere. The above photo is just me testing how the hardware will look on the dresser drawers. I think it looks beautiful and pretty sharp!  There is one coat of paint on the drawer but I still say it looks great. I am sure something can be worked out so that the hardware will fit snugly. I have to sand the inside of the dresser that I painted or the drawers won’t go back in right. I may go for the ‘distressed’ look. 

Hemp Oil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow I shall do a third and final coat of paint on the dresser using a roller and a paintbrush. I want to use the roller so that the paint is spread over the dresser top as smoothly as possible. A paintbrush is ideal for the more detailed sections. I shall do a second coat of paint on the drawers and determine then if they need a third coat too. Then I will wax the dresser once the paint has fully dried. Paint takes time to properly cure. It is also a good idea to sand and clean the paint blobs off the wood so the paint can go on smoothly. Yes, even after you have added the paint. I sand very gently and that way there is minimal damage. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I might even line the drawers but I am not sure yet. I want to protect the top dresser surface from scratches. I shall do a grand reveal once it is all done. I can’t wait.  I guess that there is no telling when I shall wave my magic wand to transform something as mundane as an old dresser into a fairy dwelling! I want the faeries to appear like they really just landed on the dresser. I think I shall try arranging the transfers at odd angles or in unexpected ways on the surfaces of the dressers instead of something boring like perfectly straight. The question is do the transfers go on the sides of the dresser where they won’t be seen or the front of the drawers or the top dresser surface? I guess I will know soon enough. 

Today I added a third coat of paint to the dresser and a second coat of paint to the drawers. I just love how it is all turning out. The dresser will look beautiful. I am not sure if the drawers need a third coat of paint. My apartment is a mess. I am eager to start cleaning but first I have to wait for the paint to fully dry. Then I can put in the new dresser hardware and wax the dresser. The waiting is the hardest part right now. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have to wait for the paint to fully dry before I can wax and add the rub on transfers.  Yes this is the hardest part- the waiting. It is the most important step in this big project. The waiting is the hardest because if I add the wax and the transfers too soon, the paint will rub off, ruining all my hard work. I can take as long as I want to wait. Tomorrow I am sure I can add the transfers and the wax. The wax seals the paint. I also have to apply the transfers before I apply the wax. The transfers will not stick if the wax is added at the wrong stage. I have to decide where I want the transfers and how I plan to add the transfers before I wax the wood. I can’t wait for tomorrow. First I have to be 100% certain the paint is dry. I can even wait a week to add the transfers but I know I can’t wait that long. I found a beautiful brush for adding sealants and stains to wood at my fave local hardware store. I sanded the drawers and cleaned with vinegar and a lint free cloth. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today I was able to apply the rub on transfers. It was way more effort than I thought. I used a spray paint adhesive to make the transfers stick. First I made sure the surface was clean and dry. Then I peeled off the backing of the transfers and decided where I wanted the transfers to go since this is permanent. I sprayed the transfer with the adhesive, laid it on the wood and wiped it several times with a damp cloth. Then I used the wooden stick to rub the transfer onto the wood. It took patience and a lot of effort. I switched between the damp cloth and the stick often as I pressed. The transfer adhered way better. Then I waxed the dresser and the drawers save for one. I saved that drawer for last. I waxed the rails of the dresser till they were so smooth and I waxed the bottom rails of the drawers. The drawers will go in more smoothly now. 

Now the hardware for the dresser is the next step. I want to clean the area of my bedroom where the dresser will go. I have to install the hardware for the drawers and then the clothing can be put back in the drawers and the drawers can be put back in the dresser. I can’t wait. It will be stunning.  The hardware has been added to the dresser. I put the small cat scratching post back on the dresser. I laid a towel down on the dresser next to the post and put the big jewelry chest on top of the towel. I want to avoid scratches. 

The dresser looks beautiful! I can’t believe it is the same dresser! Here’s a photo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The dresser has new life breathed into it! My hands and arms have paint on them. I wore sweatpants and an old shirt for this. Sweatpants are perfect for painting. I am off soon to visit my cat at my Mom’s. I am sure she is being spoiled.  I hope this project inspires you to create something fresh for spring!

 

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

March 6, 2025 · 8:16 pm

Being a Neurodivergent Author )O(

Merry meet all,

Being a horror author today has many challenges. I face a harder challenge in that I am a neurodivergent horror author.

A teacher once told my mother that I would never be able to read. That cruel statement from that malicious teacher feels like a lifetime ago, and since then, I have achieved the impossible.  My older brother taught me how to read. By the time I was in grade six, I read at a high school level. I was placed in the university stream in high school instead of the regular stream because I fit in culturally with the university stream. I have written three novels- one of which is published on Amazon. I have composed under one thousand blog posts. I have eight short stories published- one of which has been published five times, several poems published and thirty-two nonfiction articles published in various magazines, books and Ezines. I have taken many workshops and courses. I am a member of the Horror Writers Association. I read anything I could get my hands about how to write novels and how to write poetry, short stories and query letters. I have been reading Writers Digest magazine since I could stand. I am the only one of my three siblings to have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Neurodivergence means a difference in the way that the brain works. There are different types of neurodivergence which include autism, ADHD, etc. I hope that it is taken more seriously today. For a long time and I know well from personal experience, there was no understanding. Everyone has a different way of learning. There is no one right way no matter what anyone might say.

People who are autistic excel at recognizing patterns and thinking creatively where others who are neurotypical would not. Neurodivergent people can be hyper-focused on a project, especially when it aligns with their passions and talents. For example, I am not suited to work retail but I love to write and I am exceedingly creative. I became a writer because I am not suited for most common mainstream employment. Most writers and true creatives have no choice but to express their creativity, whatever the chosen medium of their creativity is- be that in poetry, short stories or novels.

Unfortunately, those who are neurodivergent are met with struggles when trying to find work. They are forced to fit the mold and if they require certain accommodations, they are ignored. They earn less income or no income at all. It’s estimated that 15% of the population is neurodivergent- dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism and Tourette Syndrome.

Many who are neurodivergent are overlooked in favor of those who are neurotypical. Bright lights and very noisy environments are harsh. A quarter of people who have ADHD or who have autism in the UK are incarcerated at twice the rate of their percent of the general population. Many who are autistic or have ADHD are more likely to live in poverty and die young. They are the first to be laid off by companies and end up very burnt out or depressed. Some who are neurodivergent are trapped in psychiatric hospitals their entire lives simply because their brains function differently than neurotypicals.

 The majority of neurodivergent are not harmed by neurotypicals but by a capitalist, market-oriented system that forces conformity. It locks out those who are different or else are seen as a profit to be made off of. We feel unheard or invisible in the workplace and in the classroom and never feel understood. Neurodivergent people struggle harder than most at what comes easily to others. I can’t do math but I can pitch an article for an editor. I would love to see a raise of hands on how many others hate math.

At times it feels like I am the only one who is neurodivergent in the world. That is of course not true but it can be isolating and lonely. People who are neurodivergent try harder than most, feeling like they have lots of catching up to do to function the same as everyone else in the classroom or the workplace. I can submit a short story cover letter and story to an editor for a magazine but it took years of practice. I have improved my math skills but it was an uphill battle.

I am reluctant to share that I am neurodivergent with others. From an early age, I was abused by a parent. Teachers and students were unbearably cruel. I withdrew and learned fear. I was taught that being neurodivergent was a very bad thing. The way I learned to deal with it was to hide it from my teachers and peers. It was not till years later that I was professionally diagnosed. By then the damage had been done.

I hope it is taken more seriously not for me but for others who are neurodivergent. I know the struggle that many face in life. I hope that their struggles are understood by others and made easier for them to deal with. People who are autistic or ADHD do achieve great things but that is only possible when they are understood and embraced instead of rejected and taught fear.

The real horror is the misunderstanding of neurodivergence. We face many issues today such as war, crime, racism, genocide, immigration, poverty- indicative of a destructive capitalist system that brutally victimizes minorities in financial, social, educational and cultural areas of life.

Neurodivergent people to hug you if you are having a bad day. They understand the struggles. Many of my main characters in my horror stories are the outsiders, loners and/or rebels. I identify with them and portray them in my stories. I relate to them on such a deep and intimate level.

The movie and the novel It by Stephen King excellently portray a group of kids who don’t fit in but who experience the horrors of that clown and save the day. Another example is the novel and movie Carrie. Many people can relate to Carrie gifted with a telekinetic power yet given no understanding of how to harness it properly and perform well in society. She remains a tragic figure and a hero. She is a hero to me.

Neurodivergence should be viewed as a strength, not a weakness or a debilitation. Neurodivergent should be embraced, not cast out in the cold, a symptom of a much bigger problem and by no means a solution. Horror fiction, plays, movies or poetry reflects the horrors of our society today and display our fears. When you read a horror novel, you can close the book when you’re finished. For some of us, those horrors are experienced every day in our waking life. We cannot close the book when we are finished reading it or turn away. Neurodivergent people are resilient.

 

Blessings, Spiderwitch

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,