Monthly Archives: May 2013

Chapter 15 of Martha’s Children, and the Vampire Bureau’s star

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Brian Bixby

Sherlock Kammen may now be a vampire, but he’s still a detective, and detectives rely on building up information to support their plans and actions. In chapter 15 of Martha’s Children, “Aye, marry, I’ll be gone about it straight,” Kammen works … Continue reading →

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Review: Spencer Kansa, Wormwood Star: The Magickal Life of Marjorie Cameron

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Brian Bixby

N.B.: A revised and enlarged edition of this book has been published in 2014. The author informs me the new edition addresses some of the issues I raised. (This does not mean the author agrees with or endorses my review.) … Continue reading →

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Chapter 14 of Martha’s Children, the ’45, and the new blog background

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Brian Bixby

In “If Fortune be a woman, she’s a good wench,” chapter 14 of Martha’s Children, we get to meet the woman Sherlock Kammen trusts the most. Yes, she’s dead. No, this is not just some cynical joke of Kammen’s. Ivy … Continue reading →

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The false prophet of Leyden, Massachusetts

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Brian Bixby

My recent post on cities reminded me of a curious story from the town of Leyden, Massachusetts. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (for that is the official name of this state, a peculiarity shared with Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Kentucky) is completely … Continue reading →

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Part 2 of Martha’s Children begins, and on city boundaries

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Brian Bixby

Martha’s Children takes a sharp turn as part 2 begins with chapter 13, “He sleeps by day, more than the wildcat.” And like a wildcat, Sherlock Kammen dislikes being bothered, unless it’s for a darned good reason. Being turned into … Continue reading →

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Art show/art sale: Rebecca’s walking stick drawings

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Brian Bixby

As readers of The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge know, Rebecca Farnsworth Maxwell got her nickname from the fearsome walking stick she carried. Now all three of the original drawings of that walking stick are going on sale. E. J. Barnes, the artist, … Continue reading →

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Chapter 12 of Martha’s Children, and blog changes coming

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Brian Bixby

If Ned’s ever going to be a cop again, he’s going to need the list of cops Martha turned into vampires. Because Love told him it was the only way, he’s risked his life, and come close to killing Martha, … Continue reading →

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The writer’s happy lament; or, writer’s block as an aid to writing

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Brian Bixby

I have been suffering from writer’s block for a month. It’s not that I couldn’t write. I just couldn’t write anything that felt good. That, as it turns out, was a valuable warning sign. It told me I needed to … Continue reading →

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Chapter 11 of Martha’s Children, and vampire lust in “The Hunger” (1983)

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Brian Bixby

“The gentle art of persuasion,” chapter 11 of Martha’s Children, is now up and available. Ned and the sorceress Love try to remove the diminutive vampire Martha from Chicago before she gets out of hand. Maybe they’re a bit too late? … Continue reading →

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