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Horror And Paranormal Stories

L.T. James Author Interview

Twisted Tales from the Darkside – The Devil’s Playground is a collection of short stories that involve characters who have encounters with the devil or demons. Where did the idea for this collection come from?​

I have always loved horror anthology TV shows, I had roughly six chapters of a novel written which had mixed ideas in it that did not make sense together, and I was having trouble with having enough material for a full novel at the time so I decided to pull two of the ideas out from those chapters and write short stories from them instead and add more into a published collection. All six of the stories in the collection followed the same theme, so that is why this one is subtitled.

What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?

Horror and paranormal hold a place in my heart and mind and have since I was very young. What intrigues me about these genres is the way one can make the unknown familiar and then rip us out of our comfort zone and creep us out or scare us enough to resonate with the memories of horror and paranormal stories told well whether on paper or onscreen.

What were some books or movies that you think were your main sources of inspiration for this novel?

My inspiration for this collection came from the quirky horror anthologies on TV: Creepshow (Shudder series and movies of the 80s), Tales from the Darkside, Tales from the Crypt, Twilight Zone, and Outer Limits.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next collection?

Yes, this is the first book in a series of 3 that I have planned. The second book is scheduled to be completed and published in October 2024.

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Twisted Tales from the Darkside – The Devil’s Playground is the first installment of a new collection of themed horror shorts showcasing a blend of quirky, creepy, gory, and comedic tones. The stories are written as an homage to the TV series Tales from the Darkside and the Creepshow movies produced by George A. Romero and written by Stephen King.

All six of the shorts in this collection installment involve characters who in some way, shape, or form brush elbows with the devil or demons.
Titles include:
Evil Rises
You Better Watch Out
The Devil’s Playground


In Evil Rises, the sole beneficiary of a funeral home uncovers a strange key in the office of his recently deceased father and learns a deadly lesson.

In You Better Watch Out, a spiteful twelve-year-old is kidnapped by a horrific Christmas Demon who puts Krampus to shame!

In The Devil’s Playground, a petty burglar happens upon an unlocked house in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen district and finds himself fighting for his life against a three-headed beast.

Twisted Tales from the Darkside – The Devil’s Playground

This is a collection of riveting short stories nestled within the horror genre. A fascinating array of characters emerges within its pages, each with distinct quirks and personalities. As they embark on their journeys, they navigate the delicate boundary between the mundane and the supernatural, delving headfirst into the enigmatic realms of the spiritual unknown.

In a remarkable blend of modernity and the supernatural, our everyday heroes grapple with the challenges of contemporary life, unexpectedly finding themselves entwined with malevolent demons and even the Devil himself. Readers will find themselves teetering on the edge of anticipation, eagerly awaiting the resolution of each character’s harrowing encounter. The tales are easily digestible and provide a delightful fusion of darkness and amusement, intertwined with ingeniously crafted plot twists that keep you guessing. One can’t help but appreciate the infusion of dark humor that adds an unexpected layer of enjoyment to the narrative.

L.T. James, the mastermind behind these tales, demonstrates an uncanny knack for building suspense, weaving together a tapestry of relatable lives that resonate with our struggles in today’s complex world. The portrayal of demons and devils within these stories carries a certain familiarity drawn from popular culture, replete with the iconic horns and fiery gazes that have long sent shivers down our spines in films and books. It’s a delightful dance between the known and the unknown, as the author’s imagination paints vivid images that are both impressive and wonderfully peculiar. Comparable to timeless classics like Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected, this collection holds a special place for aficionados of the genre. While some stories might lean a tad towards the whimsical for personal tastes, it’s worth noting that the artistry in crafting the spiritual worlds cannot be denied. The tapestry of familiar elements from the darker side of fiction is undeniably present, yet the opportunity for even greater originality beckons.

While the horror factor might not induce bone-chilling terror for everyone, it’s a testament to the author’s skill that there’s an undeniable appeal to the narrative. Twisted Tales from the Darkside – The Devil’s Playground is a fantastic collection for readers who relish a fantasy escapade without the burden of excessive analysis. If you’re ready to plunge into a world where the line between the ordinary and the supernatural blurs, this book promises an enticing journey that’s well worth the read.

Pages: 146 | ASIN : B0CBHZFZ6F

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