The first is Dark Dreams, Pale Horses by Rio Youers. There is a real problem with this book. It is so deliciously gorgeous that I only allow myself a few pages at a time so I can make it last for as long as possible. I know it seems silly to mete it out in bits and pieces but it is the kind of book that is totally engrossing for its poetic language and stark stories. It is beautiful in its darkness, language I want to linger and get lost in, and the style of writing I aspire to.

The second book is a Kin by Kealan Patrick Burke. Kin is written as an absolute page-turner. The first chapter has a brutality that drew me in and made me NEED to know what was going to happen next. So did the 2nd chapter. And the 3rd. THAT’S the type of writing we all try to achieve, isn’t it? With this book, I am instantly hooked and unable to (or perhaps not willing to) stop myself from being dragged along for the ride.

2 very different books, 2 reading experiences that I hope my writing, one day, is able to achieve.

I’ve mentioned before that my grandmother, Bernadette Rajotte, was also an author.

She wrote many short stories, a number of them appearing in various Canadian school textbooks and children’s magazines, and I recently found a used copy of one of the books online.

Just seeing the cover was like stepping back in time. I remember the illustrations of her story (The Moonlight Dance of the Whooping Cranes) so vividly that it was such a treat to open the book and see her story after all these years.

While I obviously write in a very different style and on very different subject matter than my Grandma, I know that I adopted my love of writing from her, so getting this book and adding it to my collection has me over the moon.

It also has me inspired to get going on the 2nd month of Write1Sub1. It is no surprise that I am way…waaaaay behind on my self-imposed schedule of ALL THE STORIES but as long as I am actually actively writing, I can’t complain or feel guilty about it. All I can do is vow to do better.

I give to you a couple of house-themed covers to discuss.

Book: The Blackstone Chronicles by John Saul

Okay, my love of creepy small towns and even creepier old houses is no secret.

So this cover immediately drew me in. In fact, quite a few of Saul’s covers have some form of looming house.

Not sure what it is about houses but think about it. If you could name one house that sticks in your mind and immediately calls to mind a feeling of terror, what would it be?

The Amityville house, perhaps? With it’s windows like eyes that PEER INTO YOUR SOUL!

I will never tire of stories about creepy houses. There are so many opportunities to explore the idea of past experiences, trapped memories, residual feelings.

Everyone loves a good haunted house story, am I right? And this cover certainly entices me.

Book: Dark House by Theresa Monsour

Nothing is up my alley quite like a book titled Dark House. But this cover lets me down a bit.

I get it, though. It has atmosphere. Gives off a proper chilling vibe. I’d just like a little more of a teaser as to what the house looks like. A little more fuel to fire my overactive imagination before I get to immerse myself in the story.

Not to say it would stop me from buying this book. I know one shouldn't judge a book by its cover. It’s what’s between the covers that counts. This is purely for my own entertainment as I judge what appeals to me and trying to figure out what might appeal to my readers.

 All in good fun, kids.

But I feel the text sort of obscures the image too much. So, what do you think about these 2 covers? Does one appeal to you over the other? Why or why not?

Photos: copyright of their respective owners

I mean, I’m still surprised when people I don’t know sign up for my writing page on Facebook. I can tweet and blog and invite people to buy my books on Amazon all day long but, being relatively new to the publishing scene, I get why people would be wary to take a chance on me.

Who would buy an anthology or magazine with one my stories in it if they have no idea who I am? Is it worth it to take a chance? Who the heck is this Mary Ra-whatever anyway? Well, I’m hoping to remedy that this Spring with some new short stories that you won’t have to shell out for an entire anthology to read.

I know – this isn’t groundbreaking news for those who have been self-publishing for a while now. Truth is, I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time but haven’t been able to find the time. So I’ve gotta make the time. Stay tuned for updates here and on my Facebook page & Twitter. There will be tales! Frightful tales!

Hopefully, formatting for various eReaders won’t make me want to strangle someone.

Clouds began to build in the sky,
Up and up and up,
Thunderheads as purple as bruises.
Rain was coming.

Across the sky
The light seemed to evolve.
Filtered, almost pearly.

Our shadows grow long again,
Sail in and out of coppery shade.
The thunderheads lumber closer.