Mark Peters
@markpeters
Stories matter. Empathy matters. Editorial Reader at Gavagai.
“Once upon a time there was a silence that dreamed of becoming a song, and then I found you, and now everything is music.” - Laini Taylor, Muse of Nightmares (2018)
“After a pause she said, ’I see your magic is not good only for large things.’ ’Hospitality,‘ he said, ’kindness to a stranger, that's a very large thing.’“ Ursula K. Le Guin - The Tombs of Atuan (1970)
”’I love whom I love,‘ Prince Lir repeated firmly. ’You have no power over anything that matters.’” - Peter S. Beagle, The Last Unicorn (1968)
"I wish you were small again, so I could hold you in my arms and comfort you. But you are grown, and you know that for some things there is no comfort." - Patricia A. McKillip, The Forgotten Beasts of Eld (1974)
Argh, yes. That was a rough one. For me, it was a comic book. Ilyana’s death in Uncanny X-Men #303 hit me HARD. It was the first time I could recall a fictional death being given so much emotional weight, and also my realization that stories could be told for more than entertainment purposes alone.
***Short Story Rec!*** (horror/weird fiction): “I Have Seen Seven Bad Things” by @sjtownend.bsky.social . Thoughts gravitating between “that was so weird” and “that was brilliant”. I’ve read this one probably half a dozen times, never gets old. You can read it in any one of these three books:
I just bought THE HAUNTING OF VELKWOOD (ebook currently on sale for $1.99US on various sites). Gwendolyn Kiste has written some of my favorite short stories, and so I’m excited for this novel!
Ebook version of THE REFORMATORY by @tananarivedue.bsky.social is currently only $2.99 on various sites. If you’ve not yet read this horror masterpiece, now is a great time to do so!
Post a perfect album from the 90s that isn’t Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, or Alice In Chains.
What poster did you have hanging in your room as a kid? (I wasn’t a very popular kid - not sure why.)
Can we take a moment to appreciate this amazing cover artwork from the new issue of The Dark? (art by Tithi Luadthong)
Out now! YOUR FINAL SUNSET is the 2nd short story collection by the eminently talented @sjtownend.bsky.social . Includes “I Have Seen Seven Bad Things” as the lead tale, a haunting story you won’t soon forget.
I'm a few stories into THE WISHING POOL (my third Tananarive Due book, but first of her short fiction I've read) and this is so good. I'm not surprised. I consider @tananarivedue.bsky.social my favorite horror author based on the novels I've read, and these stories further solidify that feeling!
I’ve been wanting to read this for years (waiting for an ebook version, to no avail). Finally caved and bought the paperback. I’m especially excited to dive into this after reading the wonderful introduction by @kellylink.bsky.social !
Possibly I’m biased because it was my gateway to becoming a fan, but I’ll still have to go with:
I truly believe this collection should be considered among the all-time greats in the realm of dark fiction. I read it for the first time last year, and have re-read several stories since. Unique and emotionally moving work. @gwendolynkiste.bsky.social #WomenInHorrorMonth
Just started this one. I’m familiar with Gardner Dozois as an editor, but I’ve never read his own stories before. Looking forward to it!
I just started reading NIGHT FILM by Marisha Pessl and I'm intrigued so far. Anyone have thoughts on this one?
Rewatched a favorite. What are some other movies (or books) with a similar vibe?
Dance Moms meets Carrie, steeped in 1990s nostalgia. A quick read, and a lot of fun. I’ll be posting a full review soon for @wendydalrymple.bsky.social brand new novella, PAGEANT!