Just in time for Halloween, a thematic video showcasing some of the finest raw talent on YouTube.
(AH GOD IT’S STUCK IN MY HEAD, GET IT OUT!)
Enjoy (?)
Author: Stefanie Snider
Novelist, wife, vengeful harpy.
Cholera: Before and After
“1831 engraving of a young Venetian woman, aged 23, depicted before and after contracting cholera. Photograph: Wellcome Images”
This image was part of a collection called “Dirt: The Filthy Reality of Everyday Life”, which sounds both revolting and fascinating. I’m sorry I missed it. Click here to read a detailed review of the collection by Laura Cumming, of the Observer.
The 12 Stages of Writing a Book
(via my friend Eva; image from Eat Sleep Read on Facebook)
Frightening Short: “Real Urban Legend…”
Sleep tight!
The Pomodoro Technique for Productivity
“The Pomodoro technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s.[1] The technique uses a timer to break down periods of work into 25-minute intervals called ‘Pomodoros’ (from the Italian word for ‘tomato’) separated by breaks…” – Wikipedia
I just came across this technique today, after falling down one of the endless internet rabbit holes the technique itself should help combat.
The basic idea is this: set a timer, work (write) for 25 minutes, take a five minute break, repeat. You get the reward of a quick break just when it’s most likely that your mind has started to wander.
I bought a timer (digital, though manually-wound is recommended) and gave it a shot. Other than the fact that I cut out early to watch a show about Voodoo, it worked well. Knowing that I had a break coming up freed me to concentrate on my story without feeling like I was glued to the chair all night. It’s a simple thing, but it seems to be working so far. And hell, I’ll take all the help I can get.
PS – The technique is called “Pomodoro” because its inventor used a tomato-shaped timer. I like to think of each of my “pomodoros” as being one of the mutant tomatoes from Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!. Take that, lack of focus. I WILL DESTROY YOU.
The Library Book Sale
This weekend was my city’s annual library book sale (well, there’s one in the spring, too, but that one sucks and no one goes to it). What it means is that thousands of withdrawn library books and books donated by the community get hauled into a giant warehouse-style building at the fairgrounds and put up for sale. Cheap books. Books for a dollar. The sale runs for three days, and on the Sunday anything you can cram into a plastic shopping bag is yours for three dollars.
Let me reiterate: a bag stuffed with books for three dollars.
It’s like the best garage sale ever — you have no idea what you’ll find. Some years are better than others. Having broad interests helps: you’re bound to find something. I picked up books about hypochondria, Afghan women’s rights, and disappearing languages. I got one about the Muslim middle class that may turn out to be propaganda; if it is, I’ll toss it into the recycling. When books average out to something like fifty cents, you can do that.
Every time I go it brings out my primal instincts. There’s only one copy of most titles, and you’d better hope that you’re not reaching for the same book that I am. I’ll throw elbows. I have no shame. I get tunnel vision, eyes skimming quickly over spines, heart soaring as I find that one book I’ve been looking for forever, stomach sinking as I find a pristine copy of a book I only just bought last week. It’s a huge rush if you’re a book-obsessive like me.
The score? 24 books, easily worth a couple hundred bucks, for 11 dollars. I love today.
“Dark Side” Winners!
My first giveaway has officially closed! Thanks to everyone who participated!
The winners are:
Ava, from Journey of Jordanna East
Mark
The Comedian
and Clawberry Shortcake
I hope the four of you enjoy Dark Side!
I’m off to watch Cabin Fever and work on my skull scarf. Have a great night everyone!
Dark Art: Kate MacDowell’s Human Animals
According to the artist’s website, these porcelain pieces are hand-sculpted, often by hollowing out a solid form. Absolutely stunning.
See more at katemacdowell.com.
(via Visual News)
Super Creepy Short Film: “Eel Girl”
Very bizarre, unsettling short film which contains nudity. Enjoy!
(Looking for real-life creepy eels? Go here. FYI, the real eels are also naked.)
“Dark Side” Giveaway!
SniderWriter has now reached 10,000 hits!!
You guys, you don’t even know. You’re fabulous, the whole lot of you. I came home just now, saw this, and instantly my crappy day turned awesome again. Thanks so much!
I want to give you something back, so I thought I’d hold a little draw.
I’m giving away five digital copies of Dark Side: Seven Repulsive Stories, my first collection of horror shorts. There’s a little something for everyone: zombies, a psychopathic child, a naked Boogeyman, and of course blood and guts everywhere, just like we like it.
Comment on this post and tell me your favourite horror movie to enter. That’s it. That’s all. And even that’s only so I know who wants in. You have until 8PM EST Saturday October 20th to enter. I’ll pick winners at random and notify you by 11PM EST Saturday, so you can stay up late and get your scare on. Please make sure I have some way of contacting you: email, twitter, blog address, SOMETHING, because I’ll be sending the winners an exclusive code for the free download.
Good luck! I hope you like it!
sniderwriter 