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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.
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Rituals & Revelations
Horror doesn’t just dwell in the shadows of monsters and killers—it also thrives in ritual, tradition, and the unsettling truths buried...
Oct 27, 20252 min read


Monsters & Madness
As an author, reader, and watcher of horror, one of my favorite sub-genres has always been the creature feature. There’s something...
Oct 20, 20252 min read


Haunted History: The Curse of the Pharaohs
For as long as humans have walked the earth, they’ve whispered about curses. Tales of misfortune, strange accidents, and unnatural deaths...
Oct 13, 20253 min read


Book Review: The Resurrectionist by Kathleen S. Allen
Kathleen S. Allen’s The Resurrectionist is a gothic blend of science, obsession, and horror that draws readers into the shadowy...
Oct 7, 20252 min read


Shadows & Legends: The Green Man of Pittsburgh
Every town has its ghost stories—the ones whispered on dark nights, passed from teenager to teenager as a rite of passage. In Pittsburgh,...
Oct 6, 20253 min read


The Heroines: Women of Power and Ritual in Ancient Greece
In the world of ancient Greek myth and ritual, gods often dominate the spotlight, but the stories and festivals of Greece also...
Oct 6, 20252 min read


The Thesmophoria: Ancient Greece’s Festival of Fertility and Renewal
Among the most significant women’s festivals in ancient Greece was the Thesmophoria, a sacred three-day celebration in honor...
Oct 3, 20253 min read


Book Review – Hazelthorn by C.G. Drews
Anyone who knows me has heard me rave—probably more than once—about Don't Let the Forest In . It was hands-down the best book I read in...
Oct 1, 20252 min read


The Ancient Festival of Stenia: Women, Laughter, and Renewal
The ancient Greeks celebrated a wide array of festivals tied to their gods, agriculture, and community life. Among the lesser-known but...
Oct 1, 20252 min read


Chalkeia: The Festival of Bronze Workers in Ancient Athens
In the many ancient Athenian festivals, Chalkeia stood out as a unique celebration dedicated to craftsmanship, particularly honoring the...
Oct 31, 20243 min read


Sequel's Book Nook Book Review: Siege - The Boy In The Iron Box, Book 5 by Guillermo del Toro
Siege: The Boy in the Iron Box continues to deliver high-stakes tension in its latest installment, Siege, penned by Guillermo del...
Oct 31, 20242 min read


Worldbuilding for Epic Fantasy: Unleashing Creativity Beyond Boundaries
Creating a world for an epic fantasy novel can feel like embarking on an adventure of your own, where the only limits are your...
Oct 29, 20245 min read


Mastering Portrait Techniques to Capture Fear and Anxiety: A Guide for Artists
Portraits have long been used to convey human emotions, from joy and triumph to sadness and despair. Among the most challenging emotions...
Oct 28, 20245 min read


Sequel's Book Nook Book Review: Risen – The Boy in the Iron Box , Book 4 by Guillermo del Toro
Guillermo del Toro continues to captivate with the haunting atmosphere and rising tension in Risen , the fourth chapter of The Boy in the...
Oct 24, 20242 min read


Behind the Scenes: The Evolution of Maya Stone's World
Hey Tech Fund subscribers! I’m thrilled to finally share some long-buried history behind one of my most personal projects—my fantasy...
Oct 22, 20242 min read


Painting Haunted Landscapes into Your Portrait Paintings: Adding an Eerie Element to Traditional Art
In the world of fine art, portrait painting has long been a way to capture not just the likeness of a subject but their essence, emotion,...
Oct 21, 20244 min read


Symbolism in Dark Romanticism: Exploring Art Through Shadows and Emotions
Dark Romanticism, a subset of the larger Romantic movement that flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, is a fascinating genre of...
Oct 17, 20245 min read


Sequel's Book Nook Book Review: To Find a Killer by Leah Brewer
To Find a Killer by Leah Brewer offers a twist on the traditional detective thriller, serving up a quirky, small-town mystery with a...
Oct 17, 20242 min read


General’s Mid-Month Update: A Rough October for Your Favorite Feline - Brush Fund Subscribers
Greetings, loyal Brush Fund subscribers, It’s me, General—your noble, long-suffering feline correspondent. I know I’ve been quiet lately,...
Oct 15, 20242 min read


Crafting a Spooky Atmosphere in Portraits Through Color and Texture
Creating a spooky atmosphere in portrait art is all about tapping into the emotional depth of the viewer, evoking feelings of unease,...
Oct 14, 20244 min read
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