Dear readers and listeners,
October has swept in with its usual mix of chaos and charm. School is back in full force, and various admin things for living here have come up with its mountain of paperwork the French system holds so dear. It’s been… a lot. Stressful, yes, but also strangely hopeful. I have a feeling that some of this administrative madness might just lead to better, brighter things.
In between forms and lesson plans, we’ve kicked off our annual horror movie marathon, and this year we’re diving into the world of John Carpenter—from eerie synths to slow-burning dread, it’s been a nostalgic, deliciously spooky ride.
I’m also looking forward to carving a Halloween pumpkin, just like last year. Simple rituals like that always help me reconnect with the season’s magic.
And speaking of magic—scroll down to read a free prose poem story I’ve written for this month. It’s yours to enjoy, no tricks, just a little treat.
Ongoing Projects
Just a reminder I have re-published my poetry chapbook Offerings to Selene translated into French through The Book Edition, ensuring French libraries can have the book in the system. Offrandes à Séléné. I am about half-way through my 2nd moon poetry chapbook collection. With all the lunar events happening recently my inspiration is flowing.
I have designed a French book cover for my novella “Between the Living and the Dead” as well as had the trailer redone in French!
I have composed a new instrumental piece in my “Shades of Sorrow” series, with glockenspiel and strings.
I have been working for years on a prose poem re-telling of the ballet Giselle. It has always fascinated me and I got it in my head to write an adaptation of the ballet into a piece that fuses historical elements from another era, located in Florida where I grew up. The location in the story is a place I frequented as a child, a lonely skate park in Clermont. I’m happy to have finalized the story as it was challenging to write. My editor cut out quite a few of my darlings ; so as a bonus I am providing the video and 2 versions of the story: 1 being the original, and the 2nd one after edits.
This month I’m choosing to feature my friend James Bryant. A talented poet who also in his own words : is a writer, musician, comedian, actor, audio engineer, freelance agent, event coordinator and promoter.
He writes deliciously dark haikus and he is the author of Dark Haiku series. He is also the founder/host of SpoFest, and host of In Other Words and The Muse's Mic. Check out his works here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/James-Bryant/author/B0BPTJVTXN?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=275596ba-a995-46d3-af11-75626d0f2f36
Final Thoughts
October always feels like a liminal space—caught between acutely blue sky afternoons and long, foggy shadowy nights. For me, it's been a month of deep breaths, to-do lists, and the hum of things shifting just below the surface. Even with the paperwork mountain and daily stress, I’m holding onto the idea that change—real, lasting change—often begins in seasons like this.
If you enjoyed the free prose poem, or the music composition, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Or just hit reply and tell me:
🕷️ What’s your favorite spooky movie?
🎃 Are you carving pumpkins too this year?
💬 Or how’s October been treating you?
Your messages always make my day—and sharing these little creative pieces with you makes it all worth it.
Until next time, may your month be full of strange wonders, small victories, and stories that linger like candlelight.
With gratitude,
“The scariest moment is always just before you start.”
—Stephen King