From the Hollow

Welcome to the Cabinet of Curiosities—a collection of gothic history, strange traditions, haunted places, forgotten folklore, dark symbolism, and the stories hidden behind art and books.

Here you’ll find ancient festivals, eerie legends, Victorian oddities, supernatural inspiration, book reviews, collector features, and the beautifully strange details that shape my worlds. From haunted Pittsburgh to poisonous gardens, from ravens and roses to old rituals and whispered ghost stories, this is where mystery, history, and art meet.

If you love gothic atmosphere, dark fiction, and the allure of the unusual, you’re in the right place.

From the Shelves of The Hollow: The Scourge, Part 2

From the Shelves of The Hollow our story continues with The Descent, the next chapter in this ongoing horror series - The Scourge… “Ah… you’ve returned. How are you enjoying your stay in The Hollow.” The Librarian runs her fingers along the worn spine of a book. “You must want to continue our tale if you are here at this hour.” She pulls on the edge of the tome, yet the shelves seem reluctant to let it go. “Granton wastes little time with hesitation. Men who make their living

Mar 296 min read

Eleanor's Garden Collector's Edition

I began writing Eleanor’s Garden during a time when Amazon was piloting a new serial novel platform called Kindle Vella. If you have been following me for awhile, you will be familiar with the time I spent writing there. The platform called for episodic fiction. Other novels that were created during that time were The Witching and The Island . I was experimenting with length of episodes (i.e. chapters) and kept this story short per word count while publishing weekly. This a

Mar 282 min read

Gathering and Glow: Finding Warmth in Creativity This November

As the days grow shorter and the crisp November air nudges us closer to winter, there’s a special kind of magic in slowing down, gathering, and letting ourselves bask in the glow of creativity and connection. Whether it’s around a cozy table, a flickering candle, or the glow of a computer screen as you write your next story, this is the season to celebrate the things that light up our hearts—and our homes. Gather Around Your Passions Gathering doesn’t always mean a crowded ro

Nov 17, 20253 min read

The Art of Gratitude

Gratitude has been a trend for years—mantras, journals, daily social media reminders. But for me, it’s never quite stuck. Not because I’m ungrateful—far from it. It’s just that the idea of performing gratitude like a ritual feels…off. There’s a subtle, almost invisible pressure that comes with the “practice of gratitude.” If you’re not sharing it every day, somehow it suggests you don’t appreciate what you have. It’s an unspoken layer of guilt. And I’ve realized that guilt is

Nov 10, 20252 min read

Behind the Scenes of Trust: A Slaughterhouse Story

When Slaughterhouse was first born, it came from a place of experimentation—and necessity. Back then, I was publishing on Kindle Vella,...

Apr 22, 20252 min read

Why We Love to Be Betrayed - The Psychology of Suspense

Suspense thrills us. It grips us in the pages of a book, the dim glow of a movie screen, or the unraveling of a carefully spun television...

Apr 14, 20253 min read

Can You Trust Your Mind? Exploring Sci-Fi & Horror Paranoia

In the haunting corridors of science fiction and horror, one question echoes louder than screams or sirens: Can you trust your mind? ...

Apr 10, 20253 min read

HEART by Jen Sequel — Coming Soon from the Slaughterhouse Series

There’s something poetic about writing a story like Heart in the middle of a genre wave I wanted no part of. At the time, I was deep in...

Apr 7, 20252 min read

Tech Fund Exclusive: Creating a Suspenseful Mystery – A Behind-the-Scenes Look at My Writing Process

Growing up, I was no stranger to fear. Every Saturday night, I’d stay up late to watch Chiller Theater with the legendary host, Chilly...

Mar 27, 20252 min read

April’s Madness: What’s Next in the Slaughterhouse Series?

Hey Slaughterhouse fans, April is shaping up to be a wild ride, and I’ve got something fresh and twisted coming your way! This month, I’m...

Mar 24, 20252 min read

Sneak Peek! Behind the Scenes of Trust

Hey, readers! I’m so excited to share a sneak peek and some behind-the-scenes details about Slaughterhouse 4: Trust , the newest addition...

Mar 18, 20252 min read

The Weirdest March Holidays You Didn’t Know Existed

March isn’t just about St. Patrick’s Day and the first day of spring—there’s a whole world of bizarre, wacky, and downright strange...

Mar 10, 20252 min read

Greedy Characters You Love to Hate – Inspired by Slaughterhouse 3: Greed

Greed is one of the most insidious and intoxicating vices in storytelling. Unlike the sheer malice of wrath or the eerie inevitability of...

Mar 4, 20253 min read

Tech Level Exclusive: How I Develop Complex Characters

Whether I'm crafting a short story or diving into a multi-book series, I need to know everything about my characters—down to what's in...

Feb 27, 20251 min read

Romance in Horror: Unlikely Pairings or Unnecessary Distractions?

Valentine’s Day is here, bringing with it an inevitable deluge of romance across every genre imaginable. Chocolates, roses, and...

Feb 14, 20253 min read

The Psychology of Greed: the Monster Within

Greed. It’s a word that conjures images of hoarded wealth, ruthless ambition, and the insatiable hunger for more. But greed is more than...

Feb 10, 20252 min read

Reflecting on Progress: It's Okay to Adjust Your Goals

Setting goals is a cornerstone of personal and professional growth. They give us direction, purpose, and a sense of accomplishment when...

Jan 20, 20253 min read

The Power of Journaling for Writers and Artists

Journaling is often seen as a simple pastime, a place to jot down fleeting thoughts or catalog daily events. But for writers and artists,...

Jan 13, 20252 min read

Crafting Strong Emotional Climaxes in Holiday-Themed Stories

Holiday settings offer an incredible backdrop for emotional climaxes in storytelling. Whether you’re writing a romance, mystery, or...

Dec 23, 20243 min read

Writing Prompts for Crafting Chilling Holiday Horror Tales

The holiday season often conjures up images of cheerful carols, festive lights, and cozy gatherings. But beneath the twinkling veneer...

Dec 9, 20243 min read