Monthly Archives: April 2014

Bad movie night, cinematic history, and “Salem”

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Brian Bixby

We have a tradition in my household of holding “bad movie nights.” These are evening when we bring together a number of friends of humorous (or at least sarcastic) disposition. Once together, and properly provided with food and alcohol, we … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

Chapter 11 of Prophecies and Penalties, and a musical interlude

Posted on April 25, 2014 by Brian Bixby

Not everything among the Children of the New Revelation is benign, and even benign things can sting, as Emily Fisher finds out in “Hazards,” chapter 11 of Prophecies and Penalties, my weekly serial about a murder investigation set in a Vermont … Continue reading →

Posted in Prophecies and Penalties, Writing fiction | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

A birthday, a discovery: Elaine May

Posted on April 21, 2014 by Brian Bixby

Elaine May (born April 21, 1932) is one of those people I’d heard about, but didn’t really know about. Which is not surprising, because her career was at its peak when I was very young. By the time I grew … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Chapter 10 of Prophecies and Penalties

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Brian Bixby

You ever have one of those days when you don’t seem to be making any progress, and nothing comes out right? Well, that’s been Emily Fisher’s day so far. She’s encountered a half-sister she’s not sure she wants to have, … Continue reading →

Posted in Prophecies and Penalties, Writing fiction | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

Hangsaman by Shirley Jackson

Posted on April 13, 2014 by Brian Bixby

There seems to be a rule that “popular” writers are disdained by critics, if not in their lifetime then shortly after they die. After a few decades, if they’re lucky, some influential critics says, in effect, “Although I’m not supposed … Continue reading →

Posted in Reading fiction, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Chapter Nine of Prophecies and Penalties

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Brian Bixby

Stephen Nash is dead, and the Prophesied One, Alex Bancroft, is the main suspect. How does one question a religious leader named in an age-old prophecy? Especially when he denies being the Prophesied One? Emily Fisher would like to know, … Continue reading →

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New Additions to the Zombie Reading Shelf (TM)

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Brian Bixby

The Zombie Reading Shelf® is pleased to announce the following new titles for release in Spring, 2014: Obese Americans: Health Hazard or Hunting Opportunity? by Dr. Gwen Ross (deceased) — Zombies have found the increasing number of overweight Americans to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Chapter 8 of Prophesies and Penalties, and maps

Posted on April 4, 2014 by Brian Bixby

Emily now has a base of operations from which to conduct her investigation of Stephen Nash’s murder. So it’s time for her to take stock of her situation, and start planning her investigation. And maybe pump her new servant Tanya … Continue reading →

Posted in Prophecies and Penalties, Writing fiction | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments