Lili's Lair

Review- Ministry of Zombies-The Official Zombie Handbook (UK)

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:57:00 +0000

Ministry of Zombies - The Official Zombie Handbook (UK) begins its introduction with this paragraph:

"This book is about survival. It's about staying alive when all about you have turned into bloodthirsty ghouls. It's about equipping you with the knowledge, skills and techniques to say - I will survive the coming zombie apocalypse and will not become an easy snack for the teeming dead."

What I found after reading this book, my fiends, is this: Sean Page has created something much more than a zombie handbook for the UK. If you pull out all of the zombie references, you also have one hell of a start to a great, "general purpose" survival guide, from how to get your house stocked with supplies (including what kind of supplies) to how and when to bug out to a new location if needed.

Sean has even gone into detail about what public locations are safe and unsafe and why. This book is a great asset to anyone's library who is concerned with surviving any coming apocalyptic scenario (with the exception of a nuclear war, of course) .

The information on zombie history, level of threat, and other information regarding zombies, and how to defend yourself from them - including the "90-day survival plan" - is a thrilling read, and will entertain and educate any zombie enthusiast.

This book is a must read, because - as you all know - the question is not if a zombie apocalypse will happen, but when.

Check out Sean's Website: ministryofzombies.com

Sean also has a new book coming out this summer: War against the Walking Dead

Actress Kelli Maroney

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:11:00 +0000

Question: What does Kelli Maroney as "Sam" in Night of the Comet have in common with Russ Streiner as "Johnny" in Night of the Living Dead? Give up, my misguided miscreants?

"Daddy would have gotten us UZIs," and "They're coming to get you, Barbra," are by far two of the best horror movie quotes ever, along with "If you love me, Tina, you'll let me eat your brains!" You have to hand it to zombie movies - over the years they really have given us some truly memorable dialog.

Night of the Comet was no different. Actually, it is one of my favourite horror movies.

Kelli Maroney did a bang-up job as Sam. I really enjoyed her portrayal of this hyper, Coke-drinking, cocky, kick-ass cheerleader. You just want to "ra ra" her on all the way through the movie.

Night of the Comet was not Kelli's first adventure in acting. In fact, Kelli had already been a veteran with five years under her belt. She is a dynamo, and a credit to her profession. After all, it takes a lot of determination and willpower to keep going in the entertainment industry. Hollywood can be brutal, but like the tenacious Sam, Kelli is still going strong. I admire that.

Give yourselves a treat tonight, my minions: pop some corn, and have a re-watch of Night of the Comet. It is a classic sure to please.

Now, for the interview...

Lili's Lair: How long had you been acting before you got the role in Night of the Comet?

Kelli: I started out apprenticing at the Guthrie Theater in my home town of Minneapolis, MN for the summer and had gone to NYC, did 3 years on Daytime TV on Ryan's Hope, shot Slayground and Fast Times, so about 5 years

Lili's Lair: What was your experience like working on Night of the Comet?

Kelli: I loved it--we had so much fun, but I was pretty sure we'd have to wear paper bags over our heads when it came out. The story was so different at the time than the usual teen movie.

Lili's Lair: What is the best memory you have from the making of the movie?

Kelli: Oh, there are so many. One is that every time Cathy (Reggie) held up that white loafer and said "Look--here's Chuck" I cracked up. That's why I am shutting the door so weird. Sam (me) is in denial but Kelli was actually trying not to crack up laughing.

Lili's Lair: Had you always wanted to be an actress?

Kelli: Yes, from day one.

Lili's Lair: In your personal experience what do you feel is the best thing about being involved in the entertainment industry?

Kelli: Doing what I love, following my passion, never a dull moment, either.

Lili's Lair: What advice can you give to other aspiring actors and actresses?

Kelli: If you knew you'd never 'make it' and always be struggling and eating out of dumpsters and living in your car but you still want to do it, it's your calling. If not, don't bother--it's too hard a life. Don't let your insecurities keep you from going for it, work on your self esteem A LOT.

Lili's Lair: Kelli, you are currently involved with WCTV1 Producers. Could you please explain what this is, and what your involvement is with them?

Kelli: Well, I've done some producing and plan to do more. So far I've just 'met' them on Facebook.

Lili's Lair: What projects do you have in the works?

Kelli: Quite a few--it all depends on what gets financed first. Financing is everything. Otherwise it's all just conversation.

Lili's Lair: Are there any links you would like to share with my readers?

Kelli: Sure--thanks:

www.kellimaroney.com - This is an at your fingertips site for casting and producers
www.classickellimaroney.com - This has all my reviews, interviews, photo gallery, etc.
www.Facebook.com/kellimaroney
www.Youtube.com/lovesnerds
Kellimaroneyfanclub@yahoo.com
www.myspace.com/kellimaroney

Matthew Kohnen, Writer & Director Aaah! Zombies

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:40:00 +0000

It's people like Matthew Kohnen that really make me love what I do.

Matthew really appreciates the little creeps like me, and that makes a ghoul feel especially warm inside - like I've just ingested a nice yummy pile of guts. Matthew is the example of what a filmmaker should be like: talented, intelligent, modest, and appreciative of those around him. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next, but I am sure it's going to be just as good as what he's done thus far.

Make sure to watch his brilliant Zombie flick, Aaah! Zombies. It has some very clever lines and great scenes, and I really enjoyed it. On a Lili's Lair brains scale, I give it 4 brains.

I must go now, all the talk about warm guts and brains has made me hungry, and the meat train is not just going to stop at my front door. And you, my minions, must go now as well and read my little interview with Matthew.

Lili's Lair: Did anything in particular inspire you to write Aaah! Zombies?

Matthew: There wasn't some sort of existential epiphany about 'how do Zombies see the world', if that's what you mean. 'Aaah! Zombies!!' came about because my brother Sean (Co-Writer/Producer) and I decided we'd had enough of fruitlessly developing scripts or treatments for other people to make that never happened. We wanted to make our own. We knew we had very little money, and wanted to do something genre (Horror or Comedy) that was unique. 'Shaun of the Dead' had come out, and we loved it, thought 'maybe something like that', but not the same. We started riffing, came up with the 'Zombie POV' concept, and it seemed cool. But it wasn't until we hit on the Black and White/Color shift visual thing that it really took off. We did that because I kept saying we needed some way for the audience to be very, very clear what they were watching, and when we said 'what about color?', it just clicked that we could do a real parody that riffed off classic Romero films and yet did something totally new.

Lili's Lair: How long did it take you - from inception to distribution - to create the movie?

Matthew: It was a remarkably short time frame, actually. We had gotten money for another, slightly larger project that was entirely different from this one, more of a family drama about a kid and his dad, and we were darn near ready to roll on that. We had a nice cast, locations back in the Midwest, all good stuff, but a tragedy with our main financier's family made it all go away. Or, most of it, at least. We had a little money left from some investors who still believed in us, and they said, 'You got anything else?'. To which we, of course, answered 'Yes, give us a few weeks to get it into shape.' We had NO IDEA what we were going to do, but like I mentioned above, we started riffing, wrote the script in a scant three weeks, and were up and running a few months later. Overall, I'd say from beginning to end, if we go from the Screamfest premier which ended up being a rough cut, it was about a year from conception to finish. Maybe closer to 10 months. Fast...

Lili's Lair: What was the reasoning behind switching from black and white to colour in the movie?

Matthew: It's like I mentioned before, it started as a way to work out the issues of how to visually clue the audience into what we're seeing, which POV is it, and as we started to riff, it became clear that if we stuck with that, we could parody something like the original 'Night of the Living Dead' and it's classic look of B&W Zombies, and use that not only as a visual cue, but as a real piece of the movie, something to add to the comedy not only for the average public, but for the Zombie-phile's who really know their stuff.

Lili's Lair: IMDB has Aaah! Zombies titled as Wasting Away. Why was the name changed?

Matthew: For Domestic Distribution reasons we had to change it. It's still called 'Wasting Away' in Europe, but here it's 'Aaah! Zombies!!' The old title had two things working for it. It referred to the fact that the main characters are introduced sort of 'wasting' their lives, in that hard to figure out zone between school and professional success that hits a lot of us, and the idea was that getting Zombified was actually the best thing that ever happened to them. I gave them purpose on some level. And of course, the fact that they were Undead meant they were decomposing, so that fit, too. But our Distributors felt it was too serious, and maybe a bit too intellectual for a screwball Zombie Comedy in the Domestic market, so we changed it. I like the way it works with the DVD art, showing Tim and Cindy in a loving Zombie embrace, and then the idea that we are still screaming just because they're Zombies works with the whole theme of the film. Besides, it's high on the alphabet, and we all know that when folks look at a list of Zombie movies, we will be the first one there…

Lili's Lair: Do you think that because you wrote the movie it was easier to direct it as well, or more difficult because you had created it?

Matthew: Probably a bit of both. Obviously I wrote it with my own sensibilities in mind (with help from my brother), so when it came time to direct it, there was a seamless transition of tone and style. But that said, there were some things I was too close to, and had I developed it with a writer, might have had them change it before getting to set and post-production, where it was harder to deal with some of the issues of over-writing. But generally, I like to direct what I've written, and vice versa.

Lili's Lair: Most people with brothers and sisters have a sort of sibling rivalry going on. What was your experience working with your brother Sean on the movie?

Matthew: Excellent. Good enough that he's hiring me again… We have the great fortune of being very, very similar in what we like and our vision of things, so it's kind of like having a second brain in the room when I'm working. I couldn't imagine going through all of this without him there, because it's hard to find a real confidante that you not only share a vision with, and get along with, but that you trust completely. I consider myself very, very lucky to have him to work with, and we're in pre-production on another film right now, co-written, produced by him and directed by me. Can't wait...

Lili's Lair: Are you personally a horror film? (A typo in my interview questions. I meant to say "horror film fan." Matt is a funny guy.)

Matthew: You mean horror 'fan', right? Or fan of horror films? I'm assuming so, because I'd hate to describe myself as a 'horror film'. I'm much more of a screwball comedy in my own life…
I tend to think that the genre labels we give movies are really just for Distributors, so they know what section to put a movie in. For me, it's about the story and the storytelling. If that's good, then it's a good movie, period. I like the 'Horror' genre when the focus is more on the story and characters, what tends to be called a 'Thriller'. I particularly distaste the direction Horror has taken in the last decade or so in some circles, where it's all about what I brand 'Torture Porn'. Basically, the continuing infatuation with how horrible can we show people being tortured and killed, and why exactly that should titillate us. I'm not a fan of that kind of film, and don't really consider it a challenge as a film maker. As an FX Designer, it's difficult to make that level of reality, but as a director and a storyteller, it seems cheap and rather lazy to me. So many of my favorite Horror movies tend to be the classics that stuck to the story aspect, 'Silence of the Lambs', even 'Alien' are ones that really do it for me.

Lili's Lair: Is there anyone in particular that inspired you to become involved in movie making?

Matthew: I'd love to have one of those bios that say 'he started making films with a Super-8 camera his parents bought him when he was five years old, and won a preschool Academy award…', but I didn't. I came to it all kind of late, getting into theater and them moving to film when I came out to California for school. I've been working, writing, and directing ever since, scrabbling to get up the ladder. I've met a lot of great folks since doing so, but no one who really inspired me in that way towards film making, since they all seem to realize I don't need a lot of inspiration to begin with. My brother inspires me by being awesome, my dad inspires me to be a better person, I had a great high school teacher that inspired me to continue with theater, Larry Marsh (I wonder if he'll read this), a buddy I met out here a few years ago who went on to become a big producer inspired me to do better stories, Palak Patel. Those kind of small inspirations keep you going and help push through the solid fog that is the Movie Business.

Lili's Lair: What projects are you currently working on?

Matthew: Sean and I are prepping another film right now, it's in the Horror genre (if you need such labels…), shooting in Indonesia. I'm looking forward to it a lot, keep an eye out. It's called Carrier.

Lili's Lair: Where would you like to see your career headed to in the future?

Matthew: Since the job of 'Deep Space Explorer' seems to be getting further and further off the table for me, I suppose I'd like to finish 'Carrier', and have that move me to getting another film, a bit bigger than that one, and then another, a bit bigger, etc. I'm not sure I'm interested in the Studio model (although it would be hard to turn down an offer), I like the Independent way Sean and I are working, but of course, the money is slow and small. Ideally, I could do a film every year or two, write in between and direct TV or commercials. It's slow in coming, but I think it's possible. We have a few scripts that, if we could do them right, would be great projects to break us out, but it's always about getting a chance at bat. I've got another one, and I intend to make the most of it.

I would just like to close by saying a big thanks to you and all the other Independent sites and podcasts that have embraced us. It's hard enough competing with the Majors when they have all the money and Press. Without folks like you, we wouldn't have a chance. And I hope everyone checks us out, so that more Indy films can get made and keep moving forward. Thanks much!

Ghost Hunters International's Barry Fitzgerald

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:05:00 +0000

Here's a little peek through the veil, my minions, into fellow Irishman Barry Fitzgerald's ghost hunting world:

Lili's Lair: Do you think being from such an ancient country like Ireland, with all of our legends and castle ruins, made you more keen to be interested in ghosts and the paranormal than if you grew up some place else?

Barry: No not at all, this was a calling, but I'm glad to be from Ireland. I think being from Ireland its easier to understand some of the phenomenon and also to respect other components of it.

Lili's Lair: Was there a defining moment in your life when you said: "Yes, this is what I want to do as a living?"

Barry: Not a defining point per-say but rather a subtle realization that this is where I was meant to be. About 15 years ago I did try and move off and do my own thing and after about 6 months I was gradually turned back onto the path and knew from then on I was meant to be here.

Lili's Lair: I ask this of almost all paranormal investigators I interview, but most people like to know: What was the most frightening thing that has happened to you on an investigation?

Barry: Off the show, one of the most frightening things was in Romania and nearly drowning in a deep lake. Though I should say it was what was in the lake that caused the problem and I have been afraid to return. Though I will one day and face it off, I'm not so sure of my chances :)

Lili's Lair: How did you get involved with Ghost Hunters?

Barry: The show came to Ireland and I was asked to take part then. Since the show aired GHI was spawned and I was asked to be a part and I agreed.

Lili's Lair: What has been your overall experience with the show, and do you think it has changed your life?

Barry: Travel and meeting new folks has been a trip. Also seeing similar beliefs to ours here in Ireland was amazing and has lead to four written books by me and a fifth on the way which has been able to bear fruit because of international travel. The show of course would change elements within my life, but not me as a person. I like to explore and investigate still outside of the show and bury myself in nature.

Lili's Lair: What are you working on now?

Barry: Two new scripts, a new book and planning investigations in different continents which I will be attending outside of the public eye and events circle.

Lili's Lair: What would you like to see Barry Fitzgerald doing 5 years from now?

Barry: Shooting Alien crafts with a ak-ak gun and wearing a blue vest :)

Parapsychologist Loyd Auerbach

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:18:00 +0000

Loyd Auerbach has been investigating haunted places for quite a while now. In fact, he was a paranormal investigator before it was cool and all the rage in Hollywood. He gets a gold skull for that in my book. I will give him another gold skull for being a no-nonsense parapsycholgist who takes his job seriously.

His first book, ESP, Hauntings and Poltergeists, was named the “Sacred Text” on ghosts by Newsweek. In fact, he is the author of seven books on the subject. Also, to his professional credit, he has recently taken a position developing an online MA program in Parapsychology for Atlantic University.

Hey, I give credit where credit is due, fiends.

I am also awarding Loyd two more of my coveted gold skulls. One for doing a last-minute interview for little ole' moi (which was a totally kind thing to do, considering he was about to go out of town on business). And he gets another because he loves chocolate, and I mean he loves, loves chocolate...

No, my minions, I really do not think you understand how much he loves chocolate. Loyd loves chocolate so much he is not only in the process of writing a book about it, but he also produces Ghost Drops, specialty truffles and bonbons, and is developing a chocolate fortune system/set called "The Cocoa Oracle." How original is that? If you don't like what the oracle has to say just eat it. You can visit his website on chocolate, www.hauntedbychocolate.com to check it out for yourselves.

Well, my fiends, this interview has made me hungry. I think I need to go whip up something choco-licious.

Lili's Lair: When did you first become involved in the paranormal?

Loyd: In high school. I’d been interested in Parapsychology since I was about 12, and I was able to start a Parapsychology Society in my high school in Elmsford, NY, with the help of the Earth Sciences and Physics teachers – and a really good letter of recommendation from J.B. Rhine. Through a neighbor, who was a Yoga instructor, I got to meet/talk with well known parapsychologists Dr. Montague Ullman (co-author of DREAM TELEPATHTY) and Dr. Gertrude Schmeidler (who did some of the first research on the Sheep-Goat Effect and pioneered some true scientific protocols for researching hauntings). Later in high school, I also got to visit with Hans Holzer at his residence in Riverdale, NY.

Our club did not do any ghost hunting. We did, however, conduct ESP and PK experiments, and created some basic computer programs to test ESP (real time and precognitive).

Lili's Lair: How did you get involved with paranormal research?

Loyd: See above for my first “paranormal research.” In college while at Northwestern University, I volunteered at Dr. J. Allen Hynek’s Center for UFO Studies, then at his home in Evanston, IL. I was fortunate to have conversations with him about parapsychological topics – I started as an Astrophysics major, actually, and he was head of the Astronomy Department. However, I switched over to Cultural Anthropology at the end of my freshman year, and ended up with an advisor who subscribed to the Journal of Parapsychology and numerous courses in that dept. dealing with supernatural beliefs and practices (and observations of odd happenings we’d call “paranormal”). In my senior year, I stumbled across a mini-course on Parapsychology offered by Dr. John Bisaha and Brenda Dunne at Mundelein College in Chicago. That led me to the just started Masters in Parapsychology program at John F. Kennedy University outside of California.

I entered that program in September 1979, and did my first field investigation shortly thereafter as part of my coursework.

I went through grad school generally intending to end up in a research lab somewhere doing more traditional psi research, though I knew I’d certainly continue doing field investigations. By the end of the program, I was as interested in education and media outreach (to promote the field) as I was in lab research.

After getting my M.S. in Parapsychology, I came back to the NY area and began teaching adult ed courses in Parapsychology and considering my employment options in the field. Through a lucky happenstance, on a visit to the American Society for Psychical Research (ASPR) in New York City to offer some suggestions for connecting with the news media, I was shuffled in to meet with the new executive director who, upon hearing my ideas, offered me a job on the spot. In January, 1982, I became the ASPR’s Public Information and Media Consultant.

While there, besides my media outreach/promotional work, I also aided on occasional research conducted by Dr. Karlis Osis and Donna McCormick, and did a number of field investigations that came into the ASPR. I learned an enormous amount from Dr. Osis, along with research psychic Alex Tanous, about investigations and the phenomena – essentially a post-grad education in itself.

In 1983, I headed back to California to join the faculty of JFK University’s Graduate Parapsychology Program, doing media outreach for the program and conducting investigations as cases came in to our department – as well as supervising students on investigations. When the program ended in the late 1980s (after my first book had been published), Christopher Chacon and I founded the Office of Paranormal Investigations to pick up the slack for investigations left by the university program’s end.

All in all, I come to this subject with an education and experience.

Lili's Lair: In the history of your career what has been your most exciting investigation, and why?

Loyd: There have been so many, most of which are in my book A PARANORMAL CASEBOOK (Atriad Press, 2005). Three cases leap to mind…

First, there was one in 1985 where an entire family was seeing the same ghost – with their 12 year old son conversing with the ghost on a daily basis, but until just before they called had not even discussed this amongst themselves. My visit led to an odd conversation with the boy as intermediary/”translator” between us and the ghost (Lois). We were provided with specific information that let us confirm a number of things about the ghost (when she was living) that the family could not possibly have known, as well as some very interesting perspective from Lois as to what it was like being a ghost.

Second, the Moss Beach Distillery’s Blue Lady case is a favorite of mine. From the first visit, when the ghost opened a door for us on request 6 times, I knew the case would be different. Over the years I’ve had my own personal experiences with her (Cayte), including her apparently following me (and being seen at) some conferences around the country.

Finally, we had an exciting case where the family had numerous phenomena happening, from a “bad” spot in the home that caused headaches and dizziness, to shadows being seen out of the corners of all four inhabitants’ eyes, to floating noxious odors to mysterious fireballs popping up out of nowhere. What was most exciting was how none of it was paranormal – all of it was related to a confluence of environmental conditions (manmade) from the “bad” room being slightly slanted, to low frequency sound from overhead high tension wires, to seeping methane gas (from a nearby landfill) and high static electricity combining to create both the noxious odors and the fireballs (methane on fire because of the static electricity).

Lili's Lair: What is the most frighting experience you have ever had in an investigation?

Loyd: It had nothing to do with the paranormal. Early in my career, before I really recognized it was not a good idea to go on a case alone, I was called in by a woman claiming that some invisible force was beating her up. She also said her husband also witnessed this. When I arrived, she was alone – definitely bruised, and her story raised some serious questions. While I was there, her husband came home, a bit drunk, and immediately was furious I was there – she hadn’t told him she’d even called me, or why. He got a gun and began waving it around (though never pointed it at me).

With explanation, he calmed down. But I have to say it was frightening – and it was clear to me this was a case of spousal abuse. Later she admitted that she knew that there was nothing paranormal, though at first she tried to say her husband was possessed when he beat her (yes, but by “demon rum” not actual demons). I was able to convince her to bring the authorities into it and get help.

An important lesson: Ghosts don’t carry guns and knives. It’s living people you have to be afraid of!

Lili's Lair: Do you consider yourself to be more of a skeptic or believer, and why?

Loyd: First of all, the two terms are not opposites. The term “skeptic” should be applied to those who have not made up their minds, who also examine all sides of an issue. Unfortunately, groups like CSICOP and folks like the Amazing Randi co-opted that term, though they are mostly DIS-believers, not actually skeptics.

I like to call myself a “situational skeptic.” I believe in the phenomena, but take each situation, case, experience, etc. separately AND examine all reported events in a single case separately. One must look at the events and consider any and all alternative explanations before declaring “it’s paranormal!”

Lili's Lair: What projects are you currently working on?

Loyd: Right now, promotion of my latest book co-authored by Annette Martin, the psychic I’ve worked with the most over the last 15+ years: THE GHOST DETECTIVES’ GUIDE TO HAUNTED SAN FRANCISCO. It’s not a typical haunted location book, but more one that gives you a real look at what a parapsychologist and psychic do together on an investigation. We will soon be working on our next book dealing with locations in California’s Gold Country.

I’m also teaching an online Parapsychology course for Atlantic University (next semester to start in late August) and helping promote their Parapsychology and Consciousness Conference happening October 14-16, 2011, in Virginia Beach. It’ll be presenting some of the best researchers from around the country (actual parapsychologists and related scientists) and I’ll be speaking as well. I’m developing a few other courses to teach online for the university as well.

I’ll be back to working on a one-stop website to take folks to the most reliable organizations and websites on the paranormal and Parapsychology, the Psi Portal, quite soon.

I’ll be revamping my two websites over the summer (see links below) and beefing up my online chocolate shop for re-launch in the early fall (after the heat of the summer) with more chocolate products I’m making, including the Cocoa Oracle Chocolate Fortune System. I’ll also be producing special chocolates for the Forever Family Foundation and speaking at their conference on Long Island in November. And hopefully I can finally finish my book on chocolate.

Finally, I’m working towards a replication of Dr. Dean Radin’s experiment in putting intention into chocolate. Think of it as researching chocolate with a special message! Once I get all my (chocolate) ducks in a row, I’ll open it for volunteers.

Lili's Lair: Do you have any links you would like to share with my readers?

Loyd: My paranormal website: www.mindreader.com (note: due to shifting servers, it may be down for a week or two in early July)

My Haunted By Chocolate website: www.hauntedbychocolate.com

Atlantic University for info on my Principles of Parapsychology course (and info on the upcoming conference): www.atlanticuniv.edu

My parapsychological studies courses and certificate program, local and distance learning, through HCH Institute: www.hypnotherapytraining.com/parapsych.cfm

The Forever Family Foundation: www.foreverfamilyfoundation.org

And for excellent info on Parapsychology:

1) The Rhine Research Center, www.rhine.org

2) The Parapsychology Foundation, www.parapsychology.org

3) The Parapsychological Association, www.parapsych.org

Breaking News

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:14:00 +0000

So creeps a couple of news-related matters to tell you all about, and then you may go back about your business.

#1) There is a new dark and unholy location on the web for us creative types to go hang out, network, and whore our wares and services. It is free, but you do have to wait a wee bit for approval. It is a good thing to be approved, however: this way there will not be peeps who are not involved in such things sneaking on to irritate us.

The site is open to those who are in the following fields: Writers, Actors, Actresses, Musicians, Models, Film Makers, Artists, Photographers, Jewelery and Clothes Designers. If you feel you belong, just send me a message and I can find out if you do. Please join, as it is a great opportunity to network with those of like minds in similar fields. Trust me, there are not many opportunities that come along like this. http://brimstoneandash.proboards.com

#2) Lili's Lair will be getting a few tweaks over the next few weeks. I have wanted to include links and resources to related sites and such, and now we are going to finally be doing it. If you have a business or service you feel should be included, please let me know. I will not be charging 1 penny to include your link, as long as it's relevant to this site. As always you may contact me at Lili@LilisLair.com

You may go now.. Go on - shoo...

Author Christopher Golden

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:07:00 +0000

Greetings my fiends. Today I present for your dissection an interview with award-winning author Christopher Golden. After being so entranced with the Ghosts of Albion, I cannot wait to gobble up all of Christopher's literary genius. I would suggest you all do the same. Grab a few books and curl up next to a fire with a nice brandy. You won't be disappointed.

Lili's Lair: How old were you when you began writing?

CG: I dabbled as early as the age of twelve or so, but I believe the first time I wrote a full-length short story with actual intent was as a freshman in high school.

Lili's Lair: When did you decide that writing was what you wanted to do for a living?

CG: I took creative writing classes all through college. My senior year, I started writing my first novel, OF SAINTS AND SHADOWS. It was while writing that that I realized that not only did I want to be a novelist, but that I was capable of it.

Lili's Lair: What advice would you give up-and-coming writers?

CG: I always say "write as much as you can and read as much as you can." There are other things I commonly say as well. But my advice is changing. If you really want to be a writer, do two things immediately. Find a group of people whose opinions about writing you trust and who seem to have some idea of what they're talking about...be it a book group, a library group, an online writing circle, something. Take their criticism to heart, even if it's negative (though don't take any ONE person's response too heavily...take the aggregate). Then...start writing, and go digital. Use every online resource to post, promote, and later hopefully sell your work. The rest will come. That's the new world of publishing.

Lili's Lair: How did you first get involved with Ghosts of Albion?

CG: Amber Benson and I had written several Buffy comic books together and the BBC contacted me to ask if we would be interested in writing an online animated series for them. What they wanted was, essentially, a Victorian Buffy. But we passed on that. What they asked for was too close to Buffy and we knew people would accuse us of ripping it off. Instead, I talked to Amber about an idea I'd been working on ("Ghosts of Hollywood") that could easily be adapted to Victorian times. She loved it. We worked up a pitch for it together, and the BBC loved it. The rest is history.

Lili's Lair: Did you find working with a co-writer difficult?

CG: Not at all. I've collaborated many times on stories, scripts, and novels. Amber and I are good friends and creatively are very simpatico.

Lili's Lair: Ghosts of Albion is a multi-faceted project. Which aspect of it did you like working on the most?

CG: The best part of all was being in the studio in London, working directly with the actors, watching them perform, and watching Amber interact with them as director.

Lili's Lair: Is there a particular piece in the series that you liked working on more than the others?

CG: Similarly, it would have to be the first serial. Much as I loved writing the novels, the whole experience of inventing the thing from the ground up, creating the characters, casting the actors, and being in the studio with Amber, Jasmine, Emma, Anthony, the rest of the cast and the great BBC production team...that was one of the best creative experiences of my career.

Lili's Lair: Did you have any inspirations in the writing of the Ghosts of Albion series? If so, what were they?

CG: I've always loved Victorian fiction, particularly Sherlock Holmes. Taking my love of magic and the supernatural and monsters and putting it into that setting was a natural. There was no single inspiration, but my frame of reference for monsters and magic is fairly extensive. :)

Lili's Lair: Are there any other types of projects you would like to see the world of Ghosts of Albion taking on?

CG: There will, at some point, but more fiction. And, of course, we'd love to see a film or TV series someday.

Lili's Lair: What other projects are you working on at the moment?

CG: Hmm. The third book of THE SECRET JOURNEYS OF JACK LONDON with Tim Lebbon. A new novella with Mike Mignola. A trilogy of graphic novels with Charlaine Harris. And a brand new dystopian YA novel about which I can say nothing yet.

Timothy Brannan - Ghosts of Albion RPG Co-Writer

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:51:00 +0000

Lucky for me, and for you as well, my carnivorous cadavers, I was able to have a lovely chat with Tim Brannan with regards to Ghosts of Albion, gaming, some of his other projects, and, well, just some general life stuff.

I have decided that I like Tim, and as a gamer myself I appreciate his work. Plus, he likes witches. (As I am one, that's an instant "He's cool in my book.) Hmmm... No, "like" is too weak of a word. "LOVES witches" is more like it. You don't have to believe me - just visit his blog. There is a whole section devoted to Willow and Tara from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I guess the folks at Eden Press picked the right guy when bringing in writers for their Buffy RPG book.

Tim happens to also be from one of my favourite cities in the world: Chicago. I do not love Chicago because of the hot dogs or the pizza (although I have to admit, I have been all over the world and nothing - I mean nothing - comes close to a Chicago style hot dog) but because the people are like none I have ever encountered, anywhere. Down to earth, sarcastic, tell it like it is even if it makes you cry, hard working, proud, Cubs fans to the death (even if they never win), "That's the Chicago way" kinda people. The kind of people you would like to have as friends and neighbours. People like Tim. I remember asking the Mr. after I spoke with Tim: "Why can't we have cool friends like Tim around here?" Oh, well - maybe I can make a person out of spare bits from my local morgue and then hijack Tim's brain.

Oops, did I just really say that? Where was I? Oh, yes, I was gushing about how cool Tim is.

Tim has been gaming forever, and his love of the hobby truly shows in the craftsmanship he has put into his work. It was through my love of gaming that I was introduced to the Ghosts of Albion. From my love of the world that was created I discovered the novels of the Ghosts of Albion as well as the BBC web series, and have come to love them just as much. People like Tim inspire gamers, and give them the opportunity to truly love the game they play because of the care and thoughtfulness they put into the crafting of the game itself.

Thank you, Tim, from those of us who seldom think about what it takes to create a great RPG book.

Gushing is over, now read the interview about Tim's involvement with the brilliant world that is Ghosts of Albion. After all, it is Ghost Month here at my Lair.

Lili's Lair: What were the turn of events that led you to write gaming books?

Tim: I have always written game stuff for my own use. Back in 1999 I self-published a book on witches. That lead me to Eden Studios where I did some work on their d20 line then that lead to working on Buffy.

Lili's Lair: How did you first get involved with Eden Studios?

Tim: Basically? I pestered them till they gave me a job! I first worked on "Liber Bestiarus" a d20 monster book. I then was asked to work on the Buffy RPG line. I wrote the first adventure for the game, The Dark Druid, focusing on my two favorite characters Willow and Tara.

Lili's Lair: When and how did you get involved with the Ghosts of Albion role-playing game?

Tim: Back in 2002 I was getting really burned out on Buffy. I didn't enjoy the show much anymore, but I loved the game system and wanted to do something new. I was working on a charity event that also included Chris Golden. I had approached him about taking one of his properties and making a game. He had also approached Eden at the same time to inquire about something similar. Ghosts of Albion was his newest thing and we, Chris, George Vasilakos (Eden #1 guy) and me decided that was the way to go. Which was fantastic for me since I knew I'd
get to work with Chris and Amber Benson.

Lili's Lair: What was your exact role in the development of Ghosts of Albion?

Tim: I was head writer and lead game designer. I wrote all the game material and designed all all the playable material. I worked with Chris and Amber very closely to make sure that what I thought needed to be in the game worked with their world view.

Lili's Lair: What was your experience collaborating with Amber Benson and Christopher Golden?

Tim: Awesome! I got to sit on phone calls with Chris and we talked about magic and horror and all sorts of great things. Then I got to meet up with Amber and we went out for her first ever Chicago style pizza. Through out the project we all worked together and they wrote the adventure, Almasti, that comes in the back of the book. Which is kinda cool if you think about it. I wrote the first Buffy adventure that feature Amber's character and Amber wrote the first adventure in the game I wrote.

Lili's Lair: What aspect of the creation process of Ghosts of Albion did you enjoy the most?

Tim: Creating new magical systems for the game was great. I loved coming with new material and helping Amber and Chris extend their world. I really grew to enjoy the Ghosts of Albion world much more than any other RPGs I had worked on before or since.

Lili's Lair: Were there any aspects of the creation of Ghosts of Albion that you found difficult?

Tim: A couple of things. First I have to give major kudos to Garner Johnson who helped me with first the playtests then the history chapter of the book. The playtesters were great, but they picked apart everything I did. As they should. But making them happy was sometimes difficult.

The other thing was translating into a playable form the things Amber and Chris wanted. That is not unique to them or this project, but I still spent some time going over somethings scratching my head and going "what did they want again?"

Lili's Lair: Is there a certain creative process you use when you write?

Tim: For Ghosts I wanted to really capture not just the feeling of the Victorian era, but of all the horror games I loved. So for me that meant a steady diet of Hammer Horror and Black Sabbath. I'd get motivated by watching an old horror movie, then I'd spend a couple of hours writing while listening to some Black Sabbath or something else English, metal and from the 70s. I'd review my notes, check in on the playtesters and then do some more edits before going off to teach at
night.

Lili's Lair: Are you currently working on anything new that you can tell us about?

Tim: Yeah. I have been working on a new book on witches for the old Basic D&D game, the one that came out in 1981-82. There has been a resurgence in popularity in these "old school" games and I wanted to make my contribution to it all.

Also my son Liam and I will be working on a book of dragons for a bunch of different games. He loves dragons and I was looking to doing something a bit different. Plus it will be a good summer project for us both. The witch book is called simply "The Witch" and the dragon book will be called "...Here There Be Dragons".

Lili's Lair: What would you like the future to hold for you in the gaming world (or beyond)?

Tim: I am going to run some Ghosts of Albion games at Gen Con, "Obsession" and "Dinosauria!". I am going to keep on working on my books and putting out free stuff on my blog, The Other Side:

http://timbrannan.blogspot.com

On the more personal side, just playing a lot of D&D games with my kids!

Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc - Ghost Hunter, Empath, Skeptic

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:50:00 +0000

Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc is not your everyday ghost hunter. She is someone who can "feel" the presence of these other-worldly creatures. These types of people are known as empaths. Andrea has known for a very long time that she is an empath, but like most other "real" empaths she was not out looking to exploit her gifts. She buried them and dealt with creepy personal happenings as they came along.

Some - if not most - of the time, an empath finds the flood gates open wide and there is nothing else to do but to accept what you are and embrace it. And embrace it Andrea has! She is now a paranormal investigator, but if you are looking for someone to tell you straight away "Yes, you have ghosts," or "Your place is haunted," you are barking up the wrong tree. You see, Andrea is a skeptic. I respect that about her and those like her because to them not everything that goes bump in the night is a ghost. The orbs that showed up on your camera are more than likely bugs or dust. The scratching in your walls is probably a mouse, not some demon wishing to posses your soul as so many would have you believe.

No, Andrea is a straight-shooting, tell-it-like-it-is-even-if-you-don't-want-to-hear-it, maybe even drive-you-to-tears kind of investigator. Andrea is nothing if not honest, and deserves nothing but respect for that very fact alone.

However, when there is a real spook about, it better beware! Keep reading my paranormal peeps to find out more about Andrea, and what happens when she visits a haunted opera house in Ohio.

Lili's Lair: When did you first get involved with the paranormal and ghosts?

Andrea: Hi Lili and first off, let me say, “Thanks for the interview I’m honored!”

Now…as for the paranormal, I guess you could say I’ve been involved my entire life. I come from a long line of REAL Witches and gifteds, so the paranormal in my life has never been anything cool, mysterious, trendy or even remotely exciting. It’s as normal a part of life, as breathing.

Lili's Lair: What was your first other-worldly encounter?

Andrea: Hmm, I’d say my first memory was as a small child (about 5) with the entity that haunts my parent’s house. He used to like to open the bathroom door, as at one time, it was the door leading outside to the outhouse.

My parent’s house is very old and historical and when built, didn’t have indoor plumbing. The old man was simply doing what he’d done numerous times a day, for his whole life.

Lili's Lair: Have you ever had any dangerous or very scary encounters with paranormal entities?

Andrea: Not really either…some unsettling occurrences, but nothing scary. My most unsettling was with whatever it is that haunts the Cigar Bar in St. Augustine. It’s pure evil and quite powerful.

Lili's Lair: How does being an empath affect your experiences whilst investigating the paranormal?

Andrea: I’m not very popular with the paranormal world due to my ‘no bullshit’ views. I use my empathic ability to bust fakes and to ascertain or deny the existence of anything supernatural.

It’s as I tell investigators and even tour guides… “Church up this tour to make it something it’s not and as sure as I’m standing here, I’ll bust you.”

I despise Hollywood drama-show-whores who crave their 15 minutes of fame without regards to who they might hurt in the process. Fakes and frauds are the reason people with real gifts, like myself, aren’t taken seriously.”

Lili's Lair: Do you need to do anything special when preparing for an investigation?

Andrea: No…I don’t need to. I’m extremely powerful (proven time and time again) so all I have to do is walk into wherever and I can confirm/deny the existence of “something.” I can’t tell you what “it” is that I feel, I can simply tell you it’s there or it’s not.

I’m not interested in honing my skills for exact knowledge of what haunts a place. My idea/way of thinking is, unless whatever it is, is pitching you out windows, beating you over the head with skillets or shaking your bed day and night, does it really matter? Knowing what they are isn’t going to make them leave.

Lili's Lair: Do you consider yourself a believer or a skeptic, and why?

Andrea: I’m both. I believe, because I have my own experiences and being a skeptic, after eliminating the improbable, what was left, I had no choice but to admit that my experience was supernatural and unexplainable any other way.

I am (and will continue to be a sceptic) because I use that to bust fakes.

Lili's Lair: How did you get involved with The Great Appalachian Spookshow?

Andrea: Mary Jay Meyers has had me on his radio show, Four Horsemen Paranormal Radio, numerous times and when he and Eric Glosser kicked off the first annual Great Appalachian Spook Show, they asked me to be a guest.

I’m hoping that is just the first of MANY paranormal events, to come for me. I’ve already been asked back (and accepted) for next year, too.

Lili's Lair: Can you describe what initially took place when you went on the investigation at the opera house?

Andrea: Marty took me on a tour of the Opera House and of course I went to the infamous basement and felt something…just a feeling of being unwelcome. I got the same thing on the catwalk…as if I was being watched (I’ll get to that in your next question) and didn’t feel comfortable anywhere, really.

Felt something unsettling in the ballroom. On the stage, I felt as if I was being crushed (as a former stage performer myself – in my youth - I knew all too well what that feeling was…nerves!!!) Apparently, many an actor has been a bundle of them, on that stage.

I’d recognize that feeling anywhere, as I used to be the same way. Not sure it really ever leaves you.

I wasn’t afraid, except for one place, and that was the room where the little boy used to light the chandeliers (which at one time, held candles.) That room terrified me so I was glad that there was no way to go in it. I wouldn’t have, anyway.

I also wasn’t fond of one set of steps leading up to the catwalk, which I’m glad were sealed off. I wasn’t going to walk up those either.

All in all I enjoyed the presences.

Lili's Lair: You then encountered a spirit named "Charlie" - can you tell us what transpired during that encounter?

Andrea: Ahhh yes…Charlie. What an ass. Apparently he’s a nasty sort who likes to make people sick and scare people half to death.

He also apparently had his sights set on me while I was there. According to Robert (who was afraid of me – not sure why) who is a helpful and sweet spirit who likes red wine, Charlie had been watching me since I walked into the building.

Apparently it had been him I felt on the opposite side of the catwalk, as that is supposedly where he lives, stays, whatever he does.

Eric (the leader of the group I was with) was very upset and worried that Charlie had targeted me because supposedly he is a very nasty customer.

Couldn’t prove it by me! Keep reading…he was all talk and NO action.

He made it clear (via Robert) that he didn’t like me because I’m powerful, he thought I was there to usurp his power (basically give the other spirits hope that there was someone more powerful than him that would kick his ass) and that I’d better not leave the group for my own safety.

I challenged him, cussed him like a drunken truck-driver and told him to bring it on, that he better hope he packed his jammies because he’d be in it for long haul.

Let’s just say, he didn’t have the balls to back up anything he claimed because he did NOTHING to me while I was there…and I mean nothing.

He did make one member of the group, sick and that pissed me off. It was apparent that he attacked her because she is a new fan of mine, bought a truckload of my books and he thought he’d get at me by getting at her.

I still have more to listen to on my EVP recordings I made, but so far…he didn’t have the balls to say anything, as I have heard nothing from him, no matter what I said to him.

Chicken shit.

I’m ready for round two next year and he better bring it for sure, if he’s going to talk big, otherwise, I’ll spiritually kick his ass again!

Lili's Lair: All in all how would you sum up your experiences in the opera house?

Andrea: I loved it and can’t wait to go back, though it appears that with the exception of Charlie and the presence in the basement, most of the ghosts are scared of me. They shouldn’t be.

Lili's Lair: Will you be initiating any group investigations now or in the future? If so, could you please elaborate?

Andrea: No…I don’t initiate investigations, but I’m more than happy to attend them to lend authenticity to whatever findings might present themselves.

Lili's Lair: Is there anything in particular that you would like to accomplish on a professional or personal level as a paranormal investigator?

Andrea: Yes. I’d like for all the fakes in the industry, your Hollywood types, to explode, implode or just otherwise crawl off and die somewhere.

I am out to make a dent in the ruination that has become the world of the paranormal…and set things right.

Can I do it? Supposedly some of the groups have SOMETHING to fear from me because I make it no secret that I’ll go on any investigation anyone wants me to, to ANY place and yet how many supposedly “professional” groups have taken me up on my offer?

Just Marty and Eric at the Great Appalachian Spook Show and I verified everything they have found.

So I KNOW they are the real deal. Everyone else…if they have nothing to fear, they shouldn’t mind having me along.

The fact that no one has contacted me, (not to appear at their paranormal event/convention or to go on their investigation) that tells me something right there.

Lili's Lair: What advice would you give a would be investigator who is just getting started?

Andrea: STOP WATCHING TV!!!! Leave the Hollywood and theatrical CRAP at home. If you’re going to jump at every noise you hear and freak out over every cold draft you feel or piss your panties when you challenge a spirit and then are answered, STAY HOME!

You aren’t cut out for the business and if you’re not careful…I’ll be there to bust you for your lack of discretion and I WON’T do it pretty.

As I said…I DESPISE fakes.

Go in with a scientific mind, go in to DISPROVE what you can and whatever you can’t…well, then you’re probably on to something.

Lili's Lair: Can you please tell my minions what, if any, projects you are currently involved in?

Andrea: Wow…what projects am I NOT involved in. Ha ha! I have recently re-released my true ghost story and superstition books as one book (for those pinching pennies) have a plethora of new releases on the market (in addition to being an Empath, I’m also a best selling and award winning Horror Sinisteria author!) the June issue of my magazine, Twisted Dreams is out, and I have recently started my own business called Paranormal Empathic Verification.

Basically, if you want authenticity on your investigation (rather than Hollywood fakery and TV crap) contact me.

Here is the link to my site:

http://thedarkapostle.blogspot.com/

For those who may be interested in my Horror and other goodies, visit me here:

http://thelosttheforgottenthedamned.com/

Lili's Lair: Any closing remarks?

Andrea: Come visit all my websites for a taste of the world just outside the light! Thanks for having me, Lili!!! It’s been to die for… ;)

Re-Launch Update

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:32:00 +0000

Lili's Lair will officially re-launch next Wednesday the 8th of June. I have many surprises in store for you my freaky fiends!!

Re-Launch Details

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Mon, 16 May 2011 16:31:00 +0000

Lili's Lair has been MIA for a while now due to personal and health reasons. I am however, happy to report my minions that the Lair will definitely have a big re-launch the first week of June. I am working on interviews, stories and other spooky surprises as we speak.

There will be some minor changes. I will be posting only once or twice a week instead of everyday, and I'm hoping this summer to ad MP3 interviews as well as a video web series. I am also messing around with a little shoppe of horrors which would offer up some creepy concoctions. Of course everyone's input for ideas is welcome any time.

So, until then I will retreat back to my lair to finish my rituals and sacrifices.. Oops, I mean work.

Interview: Musician, Model, Personality Lilith Astaroth

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:57:00 +0000

Lilith Astaroth is not your "average" personality, my little fiends. Not only is she a highly sought after performance artist, she is also a model, actress, voice talent, and singer for the band Sorrowseed.

Her performance art work includes go-go dancing, live fashion modeling, hostessing, spokes modeling, and burlesque.

Jeesh, and I thought I was busy!

Lilith is not just another pretty face however - she is also quite intelligent. After all, not everyone gets into Harvard.

Some of the things I like most about Lilith (besides her name, of course) are her individuality, colour-changing hair, fab fashion sense, and the fact that this girl can scream like no one else. I like Lilith, and you should too. She is one cool kitten. Make sure to visit her at LilithAstaroth.com after you read the interview, my minions.

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News

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:22:00 +0000

New posts starting next Tuesday!!!

Mark Macready And The Archangel Murders Strikes Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:25:00 +0000

Well my fiendish followers, my friends over at Mark Macready And The Archangel Murders have done it again. I can't believe it has been a year since I first came across the amasing talent that created the world of the supernatural detective Mark Macready. Since that time it has not only become a huge success in the UK, but also in the colonies as well. Mark Macready And The Archangel Murders have garnered many awards, and a loyal cult following both online and off. I have said it numerous times over the past year and I will say it again. Everything, and I mean everything about Mark Macready And The Archangel Murders is Brilliant, and to top it off I have never "met" such lovely people as those involved with this project. It is with great excitement and pleasure then that I get to share with you all here at the Lair the following bulletin hot off the presses.

Mark Macready and the Archangel Murders: Interactive Online Release

'Mark Macready and the Archangel Murders' is the horror comedy short film that has taken the world by storm since its release in June 2009.

Over the past twelve months the film has screened across the UK and US film festivals, winning the award for 'Most Original Film' at the prestigious Horror UK Film Festival and receiving both audience and critical acclaim. Gorezone the world’s biggest selling horror magazine hailed the film as 'Truly independent British film at its best' and gave the film five stars.

After twelve hugely successful months screening for audiences across the world the film is now set to reach its biggest audience yet as it debuts online for free at the official website (www.archangelmurders.com) on June 19th. With a huge amount of forever growing online interest from avid fans on Twitter and Facebook the film is set to find a new lease of life online.

To celebrate the release of the short film online an Interactive VIP Launch Party is being held in Manchester, the first of its kind for an independent film. 100 guests have already won a place to attend the Launch Party being held at Base Bar Cafe in the heart of Manchester on June 19th. For those who weren't able to win entry the entire event will be streamed live via the official website and hosted by local radio DJ Adam Brown. Viewers to the live stream will be able to watch the film for free and then pose questions about the production to the films cast & crew in what is set to be a revolution for interactive filmmaking.

The film was shot on the back streets of Manchester in early 2009 with an independent budget of £5,000 raised solely by the filmmakers selling their worldly possessions on eBay after the film failed to receive industry funding. Since its humble beginnings the film has screened across the globe from New York to Canada and most recently at the Cannes International Film Festival Short Film Corner where it proved a huge hit with audiences.

Written, produced and directed by Paul Feeney, Ryan McDermott and Sean Candon, three friends who met at college in 2002 where the concept for the project was conceived by writer creator Paul Feeney. It was several years later when the idea resurfaced and was developed into the now award winning short film.

The film is set in Manchester ‘The supernatural crime hub of the 21st century’ and is home to the officers of the G.M.P.I.D (Greater Manchester Paranormal Investigations Department) it is their job to fight the forces of evil that plague the city. Amongst these fine officers is hero cop Mark ‘Mac’ Macready. When Macready’s wife is kidnapped by a creature known as ‘The Archangel’ it’s a race against time for Macready to find his missing wife, solve the case and bring the merciless Archangel to cold blooded justice.

Interview: Vampirates Author Justin Somper

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Thu, 13 May 2010 13:25:00 +0000

I remember it like it was yesterday, my maniacal minions. Well, actually, I don't, but here is what I do remember about finding Justin's book Vampirates at the bookstore:

It was late 2006, early 2007 (I am bad with dates and names) that I found myself in the young adults' section at our local chain bookstore (I also do not give free advertising to corporate America) looking for more Harry Potter paraphernalia. Yes, I hate to admit it, but I was a wee bit obsessed with Harry Potter at the time. So shoot me.

Anyway, I was looking at the books and out popped the title Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean. I picked it up and read the back cover before doing what I always do before purchasing a book, especially a hardcover book: I read the first chapter, a middle chapter, and then the end. After all, I have to make sure it's worthy of a purchase and not just the dust bin. I am Irish and thrifty, after all.

After the quick go-over I was elated to find it was absolutely bloody brilliant!

I called the mister over and said: "Check this out - how cool is this?"

You see, we both love pirates. We love to play pirate-based games, and even took a sail on a restored pirate sloop one year at our anniversary.

I also thought to meself: Wow! This is a bonus. Not only do I get pirates, but I get vampires as well. (See, I liked vampires before Anne Rice, and before the glittery wankers). Naturally, the book had to come home with me, and I have been hooked ever since.

Justin Somper does a remarkable job at sucking us into the story, and making us feel as though we are a part of it. His idea alone is brilliant in and of itself, but his writing makes it even more so. Personally, I have come to like the Vampirates universe more so than the Harry Potter universe.

Justin Somper is also a nice, reachable guy. I love that. Too often, people become "untouchable" or "pretentious" when they come into their own, but not Justin. I love his writing and I respect him. His books are a great, easy read that will leave you wanting to consume them all at once.

So do yourselves a favour after reading the interview, my freaky followers, go out or go online and buy Justin's books. Once you start you won't want to stop!

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Interview: Author, Actress, Personality Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:14:00 +0000

What can one say about Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc except that she is definitely a unique and talented woman.

I met Andrea through FaceBook, and let me tell you something: her no-BS behaviour is a breath of fresh air. She is a wonderful person, one whom I like to consider my friend. She is one busy woman as well; with her books, magazines, appearances, and voice-overs, it is a wonder she has time to even take a breath.

If any of you ever have the opportunity to see Andrea live at a convention, make sure to stop over and say "Hi." She loves her fans to the Nth degree and would be nothing but overjoyed to meet you. With that said, my minions, make sure to read this enlightening interview, then check out Andrea's books and magazines.

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Worlds Within Worlds Beyond

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You can find Andrea's work here:

Amazon

Lulu

Interview: Cryptozoologist Nick Redfern

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:35:00 +0000

Nick Redfern's love affair with creepy creatures began when he was a small boy, and is still going strong to this day. With many books to his credit (not just on cryptozoology, by the way), Nick Redfern in my opinion is the go-to-guy if you need to find something out with regards to the strange and unusual.

The great thing about Nick as compared to other cryptozoologists I have seen on the tele, or whose books or articles I have read is this: Nick is not full of shite. Plain and simple. He actually does proper research and digs for the truth. Nick does not just say something exists just because he wants it to exist. I admire him for this, as well as for his seemingly vast knowledge of many unexplainable topics. Topics, for example, that I was pretty sure only myself and a very small handful of people were familiar with. Now that is impressive.

Nick Redfern is what a research investigator in any field should strive to be like: thorough.

Do yourself a favour, my creepy creatures, visit Nick's web site, and buy a few of his books. The information you will glean because of his knowledge and research alone is worth every bob you spend.

You may go now. Read the interview and try not to get eaten by the unknown beasties lurking around your house.

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Interview: Malifaux Creator Nathan Caroland

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:59:00 +0000

From the first moment I read the synopsis of the wargame Malifaux, I was hooked. I loved the idea of a game that brought together three of my favourite things: Victorian horror, steam punk, and the old west. Mix that with the back story that the world of Malifaux is scary and dangerous as hell and I get to play steam punks, monsters, and zombies - well, you have just described my version of heaven.

Malifaux is a beautiful story-driven game with exquisite miniatures, and a rule book with artwork to drool over.

The game is fun and deadly. It's card- not dice-based which my husband likes because I can't warp the bell curve with my dice rolls. (Don't worry my sweet, I'll kill all your forces in this game as well.) Malifaux is well thought out and well put together, and I want every single Neverborn and Archanist model I can lay my grubby little fingers on.

All gushing aside, please make sure to visit the Malifaux link at the end of this interview with the game's creator, Nathan Caroland.

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www.wyrd-games.net

Lili's Lair Re-Launch News

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:00:00 +0000

Greetings fellow miscreants - it has been awhile. Last year found myself and my family undergoing a lot of life's ups and downs, including illnesses and several deaths, but this is a new year and I have put much thought into what I want Lili's Lair to be and where I want it to go. With that said, I am pleased to announce a grand re-launch the first week of April.

As for changes, my minions, I will be posting less due to several books I am writing, and my foray back into a couple of personal passions of mine: jewelery design and music. I will also be posting about a few games I play, like the miniatures-based steampunk/horror-esque Malfaux, and several horror, steampunk, and fantasy RPG's and boardgames I play. Also being added to the lineup is more on the paranormal and my up-and-coming mini webisodes on paranormal activity (once the weather clears up and is not snowing every bloody day), and the goth, horror, occult, and steampunk genres.

There will, of course, be old standbys: interviews of indie movie companies, bands, authors, and personalities; my original stories; contests; vids; and obnoxious quips.

If any of you have any requests or suggestions, please feel free to drop me note.

I'm looking forward to the return and I hope you all are as well.

Cheers,
Lili

My Tribute To Hocus Pocus

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:55:00 +0000

[I forgot about this post... better late than never?]

Believe it or not, fellow ghouls, my all time favourite movie to watch at Halloween is Hocus Pocus. Yes, I know: there are no zombies, vampires, foul language, or gore.

For some reason, it has grown on me since it came out in 1993. I saw it at the theatre, and there is just something about it... Perhaps it is all of the time spent in and all of the happy memories I have of Salem MA. Or perhaps I'm just a sap... lol

I love the costumes and have wanted copies of the sisters' outfits for years now - and you know what? I would actually wear them out to do the grocery shopping. Maybe next year I will hire someone to make for me, at the very least, sister Sarah's costume.

At any rate, here are some clips and other bits and bobs from the movie that I watch all year round, but especially at Halloween.

Here are a couple of the spells used in the movie and some cute quotes:

All Three Sisters: Twist the bones and bend the back. Yitta cappita magica mystica. Trim him of his baby fat. Yitta cappita magica mystica. Give him fur black as black. Just.. Like.. This...

Winnifred Sanderson: Unfaithful lover long since dead. Deep asleep in thy wormy bed. Wiggle thy toes, open thine eyes, twist thy fingers toward the sky. Life is sweet, be not shy. On thy feet. So sayeth I!

Sara Sanderson: Come little children, I'll take thee away, into a land of enchantment. Come little children, the times come to play, here in my garden of magic.

Quotes:

"Think soothing thoughts: Rabid bats, black death, mummy's scorpion pie."

"I smell children.."

"I've always wanted a child; now I think I'll have one. ON TOAST!"

"Oh, look: another glorious morning. Makes me SICK!"

Hmmm. Maybe I can get a few members of the cast to do an interview or two. Well, my maggoty mouthed minions, have a spooky holiday. I know I will...

The Life and Times of Lili DeGhoules, Intro

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:30:00 +0000

31 October 2006

Some bloody little idiot just woke me up. Funny the things you remember when you are trapped for a little over 200 years.

I guess starting the French Revolution was the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back. Though it is possible the plan to imprison me began a millenium before that.

They said my imprisonment would be painless.

They said in my imprisonment I would sleep a dreamless sleep.

They said in my imprisonment I would feel not hunger, nor thirst.

They said in my imprisonment I would feel nothing...

They lied.

The following is a journal of all the little things one remembers in a so-called "endless sleep."

[To be continued...]

Interview/Review: Filmmakers , Fever Night

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:45:00 +0000

[Disclaimer: this post is rated R for some nudity and bad fucking language.]

And now for something completely different. This little piece of weirdness is a cross between a movie review and an interview, but not one of my typical interviews. It's a video interview-kinda-weird-bastard-child-thing-a-ma-jig.

Hmmm... For once I'm speechless, so just move along and read, and watch the bloody thing, my creepy little creatures.

Fever Night Aka Band of Satanic Outsiders has to be one of the most WTF (in a good way) kind of movies out there at the moment. It's acid horror at its best, reminiscent of a Dario Argento, Susperia-type movie.

It's the perfect example as to why you should never listen to the friend who says: "Hey - let's go into the spooky woods that have a bad rep, practice some satanic ritual using 'substitute' ingredients, raise the Devil, and try to get away in that piece-of-shit auto we know is going to die on us. Sound cool?"

Then, as one of the idiot friends, you say:"Sounds stupid, isn't going to work, but OK."

DUH.

Then they wonder why very bad shite happens. Weird, and very bad and weird. Did I forget weird?

Everything about this movie from the acting, to the lighting, to the cinematography was brilliant, but you had to get it. If you don't get what these two young brilliant film makers are trying to do, you won't like the movie. You have to take it as a romp on the WTF side. Go with it, let it get under your skin, and you too will see how truly amazing and talented Andrew and Jordon are.

I can't wait to see what they come up with next, and I seriously hope they get "discovered," because the horror film industry in particular needs a new influx of super-creative and talented individuals with a vision to the future like Andrew and Jordon have.

Interview first in two parts, and then the trailer to the movie Fever Night:

Interview: Michelle Belanger

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:16:00 +0000

Do vampires really exist?

If you ask Michelle Belanger you would hear a resounding "Yes."

You see Michelle is a real vampire. A "psi-vampire" to be more specific.

She is the founder of House Kheperu, noted occult author, singer, frequent guest on the television show Paranormal State, and she lectures around the country.

Michelle took time out of her busy schedule to do an interview with us here at the Lair. Oh, and by the way: she is a very real, intelligent, and cool person to have a conversation with. Michelle is a five star personality to say the least, and I hope to feature her again here at the Lair.

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You can find out all about Michelle at her web site

Interview: Nathan Head, Mark Macready and the Archangel Murders

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:45:00 +0000

Nathan Head is not just another actor. His outside interests run deep, obscure, and intellectual.

Nathan is the quality-type character actor who could easily pull off playing Sir Anthony Hopkins' role of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, or any A-list cast character actor's part for that matter.

The mainstream film industry in my opinion needs to stop casting no-talent A-list actors who make millions for no good reason , and turn to undiscovered talent like Nathan who, if given the right script, would be a definite box office draw.

Nathan Head is one of the actors from Manchester UK's own horror movie phenomenon Mark Mark Macready and the Archangel Murders. He is also one cool guy, and one hot talent.

Make sure to visit Nathan's personal website after the interview, my minions; and if you happen to bump into him some foggy night, go buy him an ice cream and have a chat about the Lost City of Atlantis.

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You can check out all things Nathan by clicking here: http://www.nathanhead.tv

Movie Review: Mark Macready and the Archangel Murders

Interview: Ryan McDermott

Interview: Paul Newbery

Interview: Scott Benzie

Interview: Ashleigh Edwards Pitt

Visit http://www.archangelmurders.com to order your very own DVD and to have a look-see at all things Macready.

Facebook Fan Page Mark Macready and the Archangel Murders

Interview: Gina Ramsden, Zombies Anonymous

noreply@blogger.com (Lili Des Ghoules) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:42:00 +0000

Classically-trained Gina Ramsden has been in the "industry" since she was 11, and she not only acts but is a dancer as well. She is much more than the two-dimensional characters she has portrayed over the years. She is humble, funny, and very passionate about any endeavour she gets involved with.

Gina and I had a lovely chat last week, and if my respect for her acting abilities was not enough, my respect for her as a human being rose like cream to the top.

Although Gina is currently working on other projects at the moment which do not involve the film industry, I still stand behind the statement I made in the review of the movie Zombies Anonymous: Gina has more talent in her little pinky than most A-list actresses have in their entire plastic-and-silicon bodies. Gina deserves to be cast in a well written, major motion picture.

Oh, and by the way, minions: When the Zombie Apocalypse does happen, I am going to make sure my little band of survivors heads over to rescue Gina, because it is a toughtask these days to find decent people out there lurking about.

Go, my devilish deviants, read the interview and build shrines to worship Gina Ramsden.

Lili's Lair:When you were a little girl did you imagine you would be an actress?

Gina Ramsden: Ever since I can remember I knew Iwanted to be an actress and NOTHING could deter me.

Lili's Lair: Many actors and actresses have other actors and actresses whom they admire, and try to emulate. Do you find that to be true in your case as well? And if so, whom?

Gina Ramsden: I have actors who inspire me and careers I admire, but I do try to stay true to myself and what I can bring to a role that no one else can. Johnny Depp, if I had to pick one person - I think he is fearless. Helen Mirren comes to mind as well.

Lili's Lair: How old were you when you got your start in acting?

Gina Ramsden: I have danced since I was 3 but started acting at age 11.

Lili's Lair: Did you always know you wanted to be an actress?

Gina Ramsden: As far back as I can remember. I was very ambitious at a young age and always knew what I wanted.

Lili's Lair: You are a very good actress. Did you have professional training, or is acting something that comes naturally to you?

Gina Ramsden: Thank you so much. My first acting class was Musical Comedy when I was 11 but I quickly became more serious and started taking the Meisner technique at age 14. I was doing professional musical theatre as a teenager but decided to focus on stage & film for college. I have a B.F.A. in Theatre from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. I continue to take class from Allen Savage and Master Scene Study with June Stein in NYC.

Lili's Lair: I'm not so sure about everyone else, but I have often wondered what the audition process is like from start to finish. Could you tell us about that please?

Gina Ramsden: I LOVE auditioning... really... it's kind of thrilling and it gives me a chance to act even if it's only for 30 seconds. The whole scene makes me laugh actually - there are the quiet ones who look scared shitless. Or the ones openly rehearsing, which I despise!! Or the over-the-top ones who chat with everyone. I'm like: "Really?! Can't we just cut the bullshit? It's all just going to come down to the color of our hair!"

Lili's Lair: What is your favourite genre to act in, and do you consider yourself a specific genre type of actress?

Gina Ramsden: Well... I have the most success and experience with Horror... which is funny considering most of my life I couldn't watch it. But I have had the time of my life shooting Horror films but I have to give that credit to Marc Fratto & Insane-o-rama because they are the best to work for. I love them. I am a stronger actor because of them. But I do not consider myself a specific genre actress at all. I love comedy, especially physical comedy; drama; you name it, really. It's about the story - if I want to tell that story & I care about the character I don't care what genre it is.

Lili's Lair: How did you find out about the part for Zombies Anonymous?

Gina Ramsden: Marc Fratto the director/writer wrote the role for me after doing a small role in his previous vampire film.

Lili's Lair: Was there anything special you had to do mentally or physically to prepare yourself for the role?

Gina Ramsden: I had to lock myself in a room before we would shoot, listen to my iPod, and go to really dark places. Music really triggers it for me. My character Angela in ZA has to buy into some crazy shit & doing take after take at that level of intensity takes enormous preparation if it's going to be believable.

Lili's Lair: Parts of the movie were very action driven. Did you do your own stunts?

Gina Ramsden: LOL... First time I have ever been asked that question. The answer is yes, of course, but I loved that aspect of ZA because I have a very physical background having danced my whole life.

Lili's Lair: What did you enjoy most about making Zombies Anonymous?

Gina Ramsden: NOT the BLOOD!! Actually, my peeps at Insane-o-rama! They are like my film family. I have known them it feels like forever. Working with Marc Fratto is an actor's dream. He just knows how to get my performance out of me.

Lili's Lair: What appeals most to you about the acting profession? And which direction would you like to see your career move into?

Gina Ramsden: It's not so much the profession I love, it's the acting itself. I get to see life through other people's eyes, tell stories that inspire or move people... I get to play!
As far as my career goes, it will always be film. I am starting to write my own work -I want to make my own films... indie all the way!

Lili's Lair: Is there anything new we can expect to see you in?

Gina Ramsden: I just turned down Insane-o-rama's next film which was heartbreaking for me - it just wasn't the right role for me at this time... Reading Series at HBO Theatre in NYC... My manager and I have a few film scripts on the table, so we'll just have to wait & see!

Lili's Lair Reviews Zombies Anonymous
http://www.insane-o-rama.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/insaneorama