Blog Archives
Turned Them Into Monsters
Reckonings follows a college student seeking a carefree night at a Halloween party who must confront a rising tide of the undead and the haunting shadows of her past. Were there any particular books or films that influenced the tone and style of Reckonings?
There were a few films that influenced “Reckonings.” The western references come from the film “Near Dark.” I think this film has a great story line and its well done. I had a little fun with the truck explosion scene. That was a quick reference to several 80’s films. I’ve had several readers take guesses at the films being referenced. They are having fun with it. So far, all of their guesses have been correct.
When I write the All Hallows’ Eve Tales, I try to base them loosely on legends I heard growing up. In “Reckonings,” I used the Casket Girls from New Orleans. In reality, these were women, often young girls, who were brought to New Orleans from France to be married off to men in the French colony. They often came in different groups. According to the legend, several vampires managed to penetrate the city in one of these groups.
How did you approach developing Jessica’s emotional arc alongside the supernatural horror elements?
We’re always tempted between doing the right and wrong things. It’s a conflict everyone faces every day even if it seems unfair. Each of the vampires had a grudge, or reckoning, which Antonia used against them and turned them into monsters. Each of these vampires obviously gave in and made the wrong choice. Jessica at one point could have easily given in and went to their side. But she didn’t, even with all the wrongs that had been done to her. She made the right choice therefore she is the bigger person.
How did you balance the fast-paced action with the deeper, introspective moments to keep readers both thrilled and emotionally engaged?
When I started the “All Hallows’ Eve Tales” series, I wanted to make a series of short stories. I knew I would need to cover a lot of ground in a limited amount of time. In “Reckonigs,” I try to give each character their moment so the reader can learn about their pasts and struggles. In between all of this, Jessica and her friends are facing their own struggle (fighting to survive) throughout the course of the story.
The theme of unresolved trauma is central to Jessica’s journey. What message were you hoping to convey through her confrontation with both inner and outer demons?
I think we all face demons every day. Some more than others. It’s a constant struggle, but you can’t give up. If you give in, it could make you a monster.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website | Spring
Local Legends
The Beast of Talbotton follows a man as he returns to the town he ran from years ago who now has to face the ramifications of his past choices while the town deals with werewolf attacks. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story opens with David leading cavalry into Talbotton during the American Civil War. I thought the Civil War would be a great metaphor for David. While the nation was tearing itself apart, David was tearing himself apart internally with constant flashbacks to his past mistakes in town.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
I think what intrigues me about the horror and paranormal genres is the mystery surrounding local legends I heard growing up. The Beast of Talbotton is loosely based on a werewolf legend that took place in Talbotton, Georgia. From the first time I learned about it, I always wondered what started the legend. Did someone see a wild animal that they could not identify? Was this just an accusation to smear someone? Or was there something we truly can’t explain? Like many legends, who knows what really happened.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme I explored in this book was what happens if you don’t confront problems quickly. If David had spoken up about how he truly felt about his arranged marriage to Elizabeth, things would have never escalated to the point that they did at the conclusion of the story. Sure, his father and Elizabeth’s father would have been angry with him, but everyone would have moved on quickly and the horrible events that take place throughout the story would have never occurred.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
I’m still working on the outline for my next book in the series. I plan for it to involve ghosts and deal with subjects such as greed. It should be out by next October.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Spring | Amazon
Readers seeking chills and thrills to go along with their Southern Gothic historical novel will find just that in this intense tale of tragic star-crossed lovers and a werewolf stalking a town.
In Talbotton, Georgia, American Civil War soldier David Cantwell scorned marriage for true love-and now must confront the monstrous consequences of his choice.
Furred and fanged terror grips the night as a werewolf attacking his cavalry leads to dark secrets being revealed. By choosing love, has Cantwell doomed himself and others?
A supernatural story during the American Civil War that perfectly blends Southern Gothic and monster legends, The Beast of Talbotton makes for a one-of-a-kind pulse-pounding adventure for fans of history and horror alike.
Recipient of the Literary Titan’s Book Award in October 2024.
Searching for the Origins of Halloween
Facing Demons: An All-Hallows’ Eve Tale follows the town constable who is approached by a young girl accusing an esteemed family of being involved in witchcraft, leading to an investigation that reveals a darker truth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I enjoy watching horror films each year in October and I’m a big fan of the “Halloween” franchise. I was up late one night watching AMC and they had “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” airing. I had never seen the film before because many of my friends told me it wasn’t that great. I decided to watch it and I thought the concept was very interesting. After it caught my interest, I began researching the origins of Halloween which go back to the ancient Celts. I thought if I set the prologue in Ireland and used some aspects of Samhain, it would be a great way to pay homage to the ancient roots of Halloween even though much of it is still debated to this day.
Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrops for your story?
When I write the stories for the “All Hallows’ Eve Tales” series, I try to base them on old legends that I heard growing up. Most of the time, my stories are loosely based so I can take liberties with the storyline. In regards to “Facing Demons,” the story is loosely based on South Carolina’s forgotten witch trials which occurred almost 100 years after the Salem Witch Trials. Several of the towns I use in the story reference the final case of witchcraft in South Carolina. In this case, a woman from Chesterfield named Barbara Powers was accused of witchcraft around 1813-1814.
What draws you to the horror genre and makes it ripe for you to write such a great mystery story in it?
I think what drew me to the horror genre was the mystery surrounding local legends in the Southeast. For example, “The Beast of Talbotton” is loosely based on a werewolf legend that took place in Talbotton, Georgia. From the first time I learned about it, I always wondered what started the legend. Did someone see a wild animal that they could not identify? Was this just an accusation to smear someone? Or was there something we truly can’t explain? I tried to portray the same thing in “Facing Demons.” If a magical or mysterious event occurred, I wanted a possible rational explanation as well. Like many mysteries, who knows what really happened.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m currently working on a western-style story that takes place in south Florida in the 1850s. It involves outlaws, gunmen, soldiers on assignment from the Florida Militia, and the wilds of south Florida in an era sometime around the 3rd Seminole War and just before the American Civil War. I’m hoping to have it out in 2-3 months. I’m also working on a new addition to the “All Hallows’ Eve Tales” series which will be released by next October.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website | Spring | Book Review
At the start of the nineteenth century, a girl approaches the town’s constable, William, and accuses the powerful O’Neill family of witchcraft. She is quickly dismissed, but Bridget, a bright nurse and William’s love interest, soon convinces him that the girl is telling the truth. An investigation commences, and William and Bridget join forces to unravel the mystery.
As they navigate the increasingly sinister facts, the duo finds out what evil is. They are soon forced to keep secrets to stay safe…only to learn that others will pay the price. Confronting their own terrors, William and Bridget discover that not everything is what it seems-sometimes, it’s darker.
This haunting story revels in our fears and the strange things we can’t explain.
Recipient of the Literary Titan’s Book Award in October 2024.
Facing Demons: An All Hallows’ Eve Tale
Set in the early 1900s in a quiet South Carolina town, Facing Demons: An All-Hallows’ Eve Tale by Kevin Matthew Hayes offers a gripping blend of gothic horror, mystery, and historical detail. The story opens when a young girl approaches William, the town constable, with an alarming accusation: the esteemed O’Neill family is involved in unspeakable satanic rituals. Skeptical at first, William dismisses her claims. However, his companion Bridget, more attuned to the unusual, urges him to investigate. What begins as a reluctant inquiry soon spirals into a terrifying descent into the darkest corners of their seemingly peaceful community. William and Bridget, drawn ever deeper into the investigation, uncover a sinister reality lurking beneath the town’s façade. The evil they face is no fleeting malevolence—it is ancient and pervasive, threatening to unravel the very fabric of their world. As they inch closer to the truth, the stakes become higher, revealing secrets that could forever alter the town’s tranquil existence.
Hayes masterfully weaves this chilling narrative with a rich gothic atmosphere reminiscent of H.P. Lovecraft and Ray Bradbury. His writing evokes the eerie charm of the era, with echoes of Poe’s C. Auguste Dupin stories adding a layer of mystery. The horror builds subtly but relentlessly, grounded in the detailed depiction of period-specific dialogue, accents, and mannerisms that lend authenticity to the characters. William, the level-headed, pragmatic constable, provides a steady contrast to Bridget, whose intuitive curiosity drives much of the investigation. Their dynamic keeps the story engaging as they confront not only external dangers but also their own doubts and fears. Together, they uncover unsettling truths about the O’Neill family, an aristocratic clan whose behavior might not be so far removed from the power-hungry elites of the modern world. While their methods may be different, the underlying thirst for control and secrecy rings disturbingly familiar. The novel’s strongest asset lies in its atmospheric detail and the tension that mounts as the investigation unfolds. The O’Neill family, with their aura of decaying grandeur, serves as the perfect embodiment of hidden corruption. Hayes ensures that each element, whether it be the gothic horror, historical setting, or creeping dread, coalesces into a gripping narrative. The final twist is both satisfying and haunting, delivering a payoff sure to please fans of horror, history, and mystery alike.
In Facing Demons, Hayes captures the essence of classic gothic storytelling while offering fresh, unsettling insights into the darker sides of human nature. The result is a richly layered tale that will leave readers both unnerved and enthralled.
Pages: 56 | ASIN : B0DCDKM3GH
The Beast of Talbotton: An All Hallows’ Eve Tale
In The Beast of Talbotton by Kevin Matthew Hayes, Captain Dave’s return to Talbotton, Georgia, stirs up a storm of unresolved pasts and supernatural dangers. Once, he left Elizabeth, Mr. Baron’s daughter, at the altar to elope with his true love, a decision that defied family expectations and broke hearts. Now, as he heads back to intercept a supply wagon before joining the Confederate army, he’s forced to face the ghosts of his past. But his homecoming coincides with a series of gruesome werewolf attacks, raising questions about whether this is mere coincidence or part of a darker, more personal sabotage.
Hayes masterfully weaves together themes of love, duty, and the supernatural, creating a narrative that explores how fate, past mistakes, and personal redemption intertwine. The story’s depth lies in Dave’s emotional journey as much as the external horror. As he grapples with the terror of the werewolf threat, he also comes to a painful realization: the hurt he inflicted on those he left behind runs deeper than he ever imagined. This internal reckoning sets the stage for whether Elizabeth and her father can offer him forgiveness, adding a layer of emotional complexity that enriches the plot. One of the standout elements of The Beast of Talbotton is the seamless blend of historical and horror elements. Hayes strikes a perfect balance, allowing both aspects to enhance the story without one overshadowing the other. The result is a tale that feels immersive and engaging, where the Civil War era provides a rich backdrop for the chilling werewolf narrative. The novel’s twist is another highlight. Hayes keeps it hidden until the very end, delivering a shocking and satisfying conclusion that lingers long after the final page. It’s this unexpected turn that elevates the book, leaving readers with a memorable experience.
Short and easy to read, The Beast of Talbotton is packed with intrigue, historical richness, and spine-tingling suspense. Fans of horror, fantasy, and historical fiction alike will find this book to be a gripping, enjoyable read. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a captivating blend of the supernatural and historical drama.
Pages: 50 | ASIN : B0DDW5Y4DZ
Reckonings: An All Hallows’ Eve Tale
Reckonings: An All-Hallow’s Eve Tale delivers a captivating horror story that lures readers into the eerie depths of a seemingly innocent Halloween party. Jessica, a college student, craves a night of escape from the pressures of school and decides to attend an off-campus celebration with a Western theme. The ranch setting, complete with horses and a lively host, promises lighthearted fun, but the night soon spirals into a nightmare. As the revelry unfolds, Jessica and her friends are horrified to discover that some among them have transformed into the undead. What starts as a carefree evening turns into a desperate fight for survival. Time is running out, and Jessica finds herself thrust into a battle not only against a rising tide of evil but also with the shadows of her own unresolved past. With danger closing in, she must confront the traumatic events she’s long buried, discovering a resilience she never knew she had.
While the theme of vampires may feel familiar, Hayes infuses the narrative with fresh energy, evoking comparisons to classics like The Lost Boys or Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot. The undead menace, while a staple of the genre, is handled with an urgency and dread that quickly escalates from discomfort to outright terror. Hayes doesn’t simply rely on the lore of vampires, he uses them as a springboard for a deeper exploration of personal demons and unresolved grief.
At the heart of the story is Jessica, who initially appears well-adjusted but is soon revealed to be carrying emotional scars from a tragedy she hasn’t fully faced. Her personal journey, intertwined with the horrific events of the night, is both compelling and transformative. The terror she witnesses becomes a catalyst for her to confront her inner turmoil. This makes her evolution feel both natural and powerful. Over the course of the night, Jessica undergoes a striking metamorphosis. Once introverted and hesitant, she emerges as a fierce protector of her friend Ashley. This transformation feels earned as a result of both the physical horrors she endures and the emotional catharsis she experiences. Her unexpected clash with the supernatural forces on the ranch becomes a metaphor for her own emotional reckoning and forces her to confront the pain she’s been avoiding. Hayes deftly balances action with introspection, crafting a story that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
Reckonings has written a horror story that takes readers on a journey of personal growth. A journey that is wrapped in an intense and nerve-racking battle against supernatural forces. Hayes combines psychological depth with classic horror elements to create a gripping and multi-layered tale that will leave readers scared and satisfied.
Pages: 45 | ASIN: B0DCCLZLHH
