From the Hollow

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

Art has long been a window into the soul of its creator. Each brushstroke, color choice, and composition reflects a deeper intention, a story waiting to be told. As I explore the creative world, I find myself drawn to the core of what drives an artist - the essence of their vision. This vision is not merely about aesthetics; it is a profound expression of identity, emotion, and perspective. Understanding this essence enriches the experience of art, transforming it from a simp

As the chill of November rolls in, there’s something magical about curling up with a steaming bowl of something cozy. This Harvest Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Soup is smooth, earthy, and rich in fall flavor — with a touch of spice and sweetness that warms you from the inside out. Simple, naturally gluten-free, and beautifully autumnal. Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced 1 ½ cups pumpkin purée (canned or

The Haunting of Emily Grace  marks Elena Taylor’s foray into eerie suspense with a story that blends grief, isolation, and a touch of the supernatural. Emily Grace, the protagonist, is grappling with immense loss—her home, career, and social connections gone—when she takes a job at a remote mansion on a secluded island. The mansion’s owner is eccentric, the locals whisper about a curse, and the environment is as unforgiving as it is mysterious. Taylor crafts a story with a so

November has always felt like a deep exhale. After the rush of Inktober sketches and the thrill (and exhaustion) of the 31 Days of Horror challenge, there’s finally… silence. The studio is calmer. The tea cup lingers a little longer in my hands. The to-do lists start to shrink—if only for a moment. This is the quiet between. Between autumn’s chaos and winter’s calm. Between finishing and beginning. And in that quiet, I always find myself asking: What now? That lull between pr

Art has always been a reflection of human experience, evolving alongside culture and technology. In the modern era, the way artists express themselves has become increasingly complex and varied. Understanding how to define artist perspective in this context is essential for appreciating contemporary works and the intentions behind them. This exploration offers insight into the creative process and the factors that shape an artist’s unique outlook. Defining Artist Perspective:

The Pompaia is an obscure yet fascinating festival from the ancient Athenian (Attic) calendar, celebrated during the month of Maimakterion (roughly mid-November to mid-December). Though few records of it survive, scholars and modern Hellenic practitioners have pieced together its likely purpose: a ritual of purification and protection held at the onset of winter’s storms. The name Pompaia  derives from pompe  (πομπή), meaning “procession,” suggesting a ceremonial parade of sa

The shadows peak and the veil thins as we approach Halloween’s crescendo. This week in The Hollow, brace yourself for the ultimate finale...

Horror doesn’t just dwell in the shadows of monsters and killers—it also thrives in ritual, tradition, and the unsettling truths buried...

October’s magic is strongest when rituals are observed and mysteries revealed. This week, The Hollow delves into Halloween origins, Samhain traditions, and the eerie practices that echo through time. Your exclusive recipe is part of this week’s spell—Ember’s Circle. Check your inbox for your recipe card, and let the enchantment begin!

In ancient Greek religion, Hekate—goddess of crossroads, magic, and the night—was often accompanied by a mysterious spiritual companion...

As an author, reader, and watcher of horror, one of my favorite sub-genres has always been the creature feature. There’s something...

From shadowy forests to dark corners of the mind, monsters of every kind lurk this week in The Hollow. Explore the creatures that embody...

For as long as humans have walked the earth, they’ve whispered about curses. Tales of misfortune, strange accidents, and unnatural deaths...

The past isn’t dead—it haunts us still. This week in The Hollow, we explore haunted history, cursed objects, and tales of things that...

Kathleen S. Allen’s The Resurrectionist  is a gothic blend of science, obsession, and horror that draws readers into the shadowy...

Every town has its ghost stories—the ones whispered on dark nights, passed from teenager to teenager as a rite of passage. In Pittsburgh,...

In the world of ancient Greek myth and ritual, gods often dominate the spotlight, but the stories and festivals of Greece also...

Among the most significant women’s festivals in ancient Greece was the Thesmophoria, a sacred three-day celebration in honor...

Welcome to the first week of October in The Hollow, where shadows lengthen and whispers of the past stir the imagination. This week,...