Month: March 2025

How can we help?

Hey, how are you doing? I’m willing to bet the answer is not great.

To say that my heart is breaking feels like an understatement. It feels too heavy for that. I’m scared, furious, and desperately looking for hope in my overall day.

I’m worried about feeding my family. Worried that the food I feed them won’t be safe. Worried that our medical expenses, already high, will get worse. Worried that our rent will become too expensive. Hell, I’m a little worried my rights to have my bank account and a job will be compromised. Or, you know, travel across state lines without a negative pregnancy test.

I’m also, honestly, scared as a witch. The new VP seems to believe in witchcraft, and not be a fan of it. And frankly, I don’t want Captain Couch Gagger to decide he wants to be the Witchfinder General.

And yet, I know that I’m also extremely privileged. I am white. I am in a long-term cisgender marriage. I’m 38, and not really in danger of an unplanned pregnancy. I’m probably not going to lose my job or my home. (Of course, I might look back at this post ruefully at some point.) And like a lot of people, I’m wondering what I can do to help others. What can we all do to help each other get through the next four years?

Know your community

Your local community is your first line of defense, as you are theirs. So you need to know the people in your community. I’m really bad at this because I would much rather read my books than talk to people.

But when a neighbor got herself locked out of her apartment without her cell phone, I was able to help. Just as other neighbors have helped me.

I try to greet people when I’m sitting outside. Get on a first-name basis with the people who share my building. I have at least a passing hello relationship with the people who work at the shops I frequent. These are the real communities that have always saved us.

Know the facts

There’s a lot of misinformation coming at us daily. Unless you’re on Signal, apparently. And it’s going to come from all sides. Well-meaning people are going to share incorrect information without realizing it. Bad actors are going to spread lies. So bone up on your media literacy. Check where the information comes from. Check to see if anyone else is reporting it. Check that the person sharing this information doesn’t have something to gain from you believing this if it isn’t true. And when in doubt, don’t share it. Don’t spread it. Don’t engage with it.

Be heard

There are lots of ways to be heard right now. If your politicians are still showing up for town halls, those have been a great place to scream at them. But if they’re not doing those, because of all the screaming, you can still call, email, and send letters. If your politicians are doing things you don’t like, you don’t have to be quiet about it.

Make good art

If you’re here, I’m assuming you’re a creative-minded person. Probably a writer.

This is our time to shine.

If you feel so compelled, write about what you’re seeing. Write about the American citizens being deported. Write about the way families are struggling to feed themselves. Write about the attacks on LGBTQ+ youth. Write about how you feel, watching your country bully and brutalize other countries.

Most importantly, write about your experiences during these years. How are you doing right now? What are you experiencing? What are you seeing? How do you feel about it? Write it down, even if it’s just for you. Because while we’re all experiencing this together, no one is experiencing this in the same way you are.

Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed

This is an important thing to keep in mind. Yes, there is a lot to do. Yes, a lot is going on. But you have got to take care of yourself first.

You cannot give all your money away and then starve. You cannot work every single second you’re awake. You cannot consume news all day long. You will burn out.

So take breaks. Take whole days when you don’t look at the news. Take time for things that bring you joy. Take time to rest.

I am working very hard right now. There’s a reason this post is late. I’m caring for my husband. Managing my home, which is a series of tasks that don’t get talked about enough. I’m working a full-time job, and still trying to write.

And I am not so foolish as to think that I am the only person with a similar workload.

We need to take time for ourselves. Read a book, take a bath, do some yoga, take a walk. Maybe indulge responsibly in an adult beverage. I have a standing date with myself at a local wine bar. Once a week I go, have a glass of wine, and read my book. It is delightful. And I need that time to myself.

Donate and volunteer when you can

There are so many organizations that are going to need help as our government stops, well, helping. If you have time, consider volunteering. If you’ve got some extra money, donate to organizations that matter to you. I donate to the Pittsburgh Food Bank, The Brigid Alliance, The Trevor Project and Hello Bully. I also support several artists I admire on Patreon. Because God knows the arts are going to suffer through all of this.

The point is, we’re all in this together. We need to help where we can.

I hope this list has helped you feel a little less helpless. Because we’re not helpless. We’re not powerless.

We can do good things, one step at a time.

Paper Beats World is a labor of love. If you want to support what we do here, you can do so on Ko-fi.

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An exciting announcement for Broken Patterns

Announcement time!

This took a little longer than I planned, for many reasons. I’m still caring for my husband, who had a stroke in December. February is hard for me emotionally. The news depresses me every day. And I forgot to uncheck a box on my Amazon listing. Such is the life of a writer in today’s world.

But today, I’m proud to announce that Broken Patterns is going wide on April 25th!

In Devon and Lenore’s world, magic is as common as turning a pot or fletching an arrow. What isn’t common is a man with thread magic. When Devon starts weaving prophetic tapestries, his royal family tries to keep it a secret.

But the family can’t stay in the shadows when Devon’s uncle is assassinated and he becomes second in line for the throne. Especially when he weaves a vision of destruction for the dragon lands.

This means that instead of being an Amazon exclusive, Broken Patterns will be available wherever you buy e-books. And over the next few months, the other books in the series will join her.

And yes, this is the third time Broken Patterns has had a launch day. So this is technically a relaunch of a relaunch.

Broken Patterns is always going to be an incredibly important book to me. It’s the first book I ever finished and published. And I think it’s a great story.

And this is the first time it’s been available outside of Amazon ever! I think it’s about time she was available to people who aren’t huge fans of the massive site.

So I hope that if you’ve always wanted to read Broken Patterns but didn’t have access to it, this allows you to grab it. I’m sure you’ll love meeting Devon, the boy who weaves visions, and Lenore, the girl who spins light.

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What I’m reading, Spring 2025

Spring is here. And for once, I’m not mad at it. Winter was kind of long, kind of cold, kind of dark.

Kind of full of me helping my husband to heal from a stroke that had him out of the house in intense medical care for two months and even now has him debilitated, unable to move his right side or speak.

I’m done with Winter. And, it should surprise no one that I’m behind on my reading list for the month.

Like, real behind.

But the books I’ve read so far have left me with a deep passion to read more. Specifically, more horror. So today I’m sharing the books I plan to read this Spring. Hopefully, I can get them all in, because there are some great books here by some great authors.

As always, this is a jumbled collection in no particular order. You’ll find fiction and nonfiction. You’ll find old books and a few new releases. I am a writer, witch and horror content critic and all three of those elements of myself are on display with this reading list. Hopefully, you’ll find something on this list that will catch your fancy and make its way onto your own TBR.

Who Holds The Devil by Michael Dittman

This is the book I’m reading right now. But as I probably won’t finish it before the first day of Spring I feel alright listing it.

A tree brought down under mysterious circumstances on Halloween lets loose a horrible demon in the town of Butler. One that has been there before.

This one is fun for me because I’m from Butler. I’m sitting in Butler right now. But even if you’re not a native, it’s a damn good story.

HorrorStor by Grady Hendrix

Imagine a haunted house, but bigger. Much bigger. Like maybe a giant furniture store with funny-sounding names and demonic possessions. That’s HorrorStor.

Also, if you get a chance, this is a great book to listen to in audiobook form. It’s fun.

Fairy Herds and Mythscapes by Kerry E.B. Black

I have long said that fairies are not something to be trifled with. This collection seems to agree with me.

Incidents Around The House by John Malerman

The cover and the title caught my attention, and I couldn’t move away from it. I am a sucker for haunted houses.

By the way, I’ve never read Bird Box or seen it. If I like this one, I might check that one out. Should I? Let me know in the comments.

The Cabin at The End of The World by Paul Tremblay

If I’m being honest, I got this book from the library just because it was written by Tremblay, who also wrote Horror Movie. And that was one of the smartest books I’ve read in years. But the description of little Wen being menaced by a stranger just pulled me in. I cannot wait to read this.

The Spirit Collection of Thorn Hall by J. Ann Thomas

This feels from the description like a blend of Thirteen Ghosts and Haunting of Hill House. And I am here for it.

Sunrise on The Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Do I really need to explain why I want to read this? It’s the story of Haymitch, the drunk mentor/freedom fighter from the astounding Hunger Games series. I am currently 17 on the list for this book at my local library. I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

An Apostates Guide To Witchcraft by Moss Matthey

This is a book about growing from a toxic upbringing in a high-control religion and finding oneself in witchcraft. Gee, wonder why I want to read that.

Poetry As Spellcasting by Tamiko Beyer, Destiny Hemphill and Lisbeth White

Writing is magic. Poetry is doubly so. I’m sure this book has a lot to teach me about both.

City Witchery by Lisa Marie Basile

I’ve actually read this one before, but I feel like I need a refresher. Especially as Spring blooms and I’m going to get out into the city more. It’s easy to feel like a witch in the middle of the forest or sitting by the ocean. But in an apartment in the middle of Downtown? That’s magical too, just in a different way.

The Witching Year by Diana Helmuth

I’ve also read this one before. But it’s the sort of book that you need to read a few times to really soak it all in. It is the memoir of a modern woman who starts practicing witchcraft out of curiosity and finds a world of joy, empowerment and spiritual fulfillment.

If you’re thinking of witchcraft and wondering if it’s for you, read this book.

Sisters In Hate by Seyward Darby

I’ve been meaning to read this one for a while. It’s about the women of the alt-right, without which they wouldn’t be able to survive. They are the homemakers and cheerleaders of this dark movement. I want to understand them, so I can hopefully reach them. Maybe help them.

Writing on Empty by Natalie Goldberg

I’ve also been meaning to read this one for a while. It’s the memoir of one of my favorite writing teachers about her experience during the Covid lockdowns. While I was perfectly happy hunkering down at home, Goldberg is a traveler. I can only imagine how this impacted her. I want to see how she survived it.

Never Flinch by Stephen King

King wrote another Holly book. That’s all I need to know.

But it’s also about a serial killer, threatening to kill fourteen people if the police can’t stop them. Since we have some time before this book comes out, I highly suggest reading the other books Holly appears in. That would be the Mr. Mercedes trilogy, The Outsider and Holly. They’re all great.

Let The Whole Thundering World Come Home by Natalie Goldberg

Oh good, a book about chronic illness by Goldberg. That won’t feel very personal at all. This one might emotionally break me.

So now it’s your turn. What are you reading this Spring? Let us know in the comments.

Also, keep an eye out for Haunted MTL. There soon might be a brand new way to hear about the horror books I’m reading.

Paper Beats World is a labor of love. If you want to support us, please like and share this post. You can also give financial support on Ko-fi.

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My review of Inspiring Creativity Through Magick

Writing and magic seem to go hand in hand. When I started my witchcraft practice, I was shocked by how many witches were also writers.

Well, not just writers. Singers, painters, dancers, actors. Witches seem drawn to art.

That makes sense to me. Writing has always seemed to me a tangible form of magic. To be able to experience other worlds while lying on your couch. To be distracted in stressful times and invited to another place or time. To hear the thoughts and musings of people long dead, but still here in ink and paper. To write something, and have it read by people all over the world.

That’s magic.

Many books have been written about writing from a magic perspective. I’ve read a few. But, I’ve never really talked about them here. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because the witch part of my life still feels like something very private. I’m slowly getting over that. I even posted a whole Modern Witch review series on Haunted MTL. So I think it’s time to introduce you to my favorite writing books for witches. Because if there’s one thing that’s universal, it’s that we all want to be better artists.

Today, we’re talking about Inspiring Creativity Through Magick, by Astrea Taylor.

Published in 2023, Inspiring Creativity Through Magick is a firsthand guide to creating a fulfilling ritual around your art. It walks the reader through each step of the creation process, from inspiration to the final product. And it is delightful.

The book starts with a conversation about creative spirits. Muses, and the like. This was great fun, and I actually learned about spirits I hadn’t heard of before.

The thing I appreciated most about this part was the discussion of the unnamed creative spirits that many artists say they’ve come in contact with. Taylor even mentions Stephen King talking about his muse in one of my favorite writing books of all time, On Writing. There he talks about his muse being a short man with a cigar that might show up and start working his magic if King puts the work in and all the conditions are right.

Taylor also talks about Big Magic, another book I’ve talked about here. This book also talks about feeling as though the artist is a partner in the act of creation. We are all capable of tapping into the creative flow of the universe and inviting spirits that want to help us bring our creations to life.

And we know this is true. Every artist has those moments when it doesn’t even feel like we’re on the same plane of existence anymore. When the words are coming or the paint is flying with no effort. When all the pieces fall together, or that subplot now makes sense and is exactly what the main story needed, or the character says just the right (or wrong) thing at just the perfect time. When you write a poem that just smacks you between the eyes because it’s so true, and you hadn’t even thought of those words before they were in front of you on the page, somehow coming out of your own hand.

Clearly, this was my favorite part of the book.

We then delve into the step-by-step process of creating a finished art piece. Not the technical details, of course. This book is for all artists, after all, and that would be a bit much. Instead, it explores the basic stages of creation. The inspiration phase. The first pass phase where we create our rough drafts and start telling ourselves our stories. The edits, and revisions. And of course, the eventual release of the work out into the world.

This is wonderful for many reasons. First, sometimes it’s hard to feel the creative magic in the later phases. Writing a rough draft is all creation. Making something from nothing. There are no rules, we’re just throwing words on the page and seeing what sticks. But editing? Revising? Grammar checking? That’s not creative.

It very much is. Honestly, I find that I’m far more creative in the second and third passes of my stories. It doesn’t feel as immense anymore. I have a better idea of what I’m trying to say, and how I utterly failed to say it the first time. So I can fix this bit here, and rewrite that part there. I know what doesn’t work, and now I can figure out what does work. And this is a process that is clearly explained in a far better way than I ever could in this book.

It’s also wonderful to have this breakdown of steps, especially as a beginner. Looking at a finished project, it’s impossible to see all the work that went into it. And if you’re starting at the other end, looking at a blank page, the thought of turning that blank page into a whole book is incredibly overwhelming.

Breaking this process down, step by step, is more manageable. And it’s something I still do. Today, I’m not writing a book. I’m just writing this scene or this chapter. I don’t need to worry about the edits or the rewrites. Or even the next chapter. All I need to worry about is writing this page right now.

One thing I will say is that Inspiring Creativity Through Magick does feel like a beginner book. If you’ve been creating art for a long time, it might feel redundant. I already knew the steps of creating, I didn’t need them drawn out for me. So there might be parts that a more experienced artist finds a bit boring.

Overall, though, this was a really useful book. I think every artist can take something useful and uplifting away from this book. Whether you’re a witch or not, it’s well worth a read.

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To write a long novel

If a book is well written, I always find it too short.

-Jane Austen

Let’s hear it for the long novel. There is just something about a big, hefty book that feels delicious.

Of course, I am a fan of Stephen King. I’ve read The Stand no less than seven times. I loved Strange The Dreamer by Laini Taylor. And Phillipa Gregory isn’t exactly short-winded either. Then of course there’s the holy grail of my childhood fantasy reading, Mists of Avalon.

A long novel is what you write when you want to explore sweeping expansive descriptions. When you want your readers to see the jeweled beetle sitting on the windowsill. In short (rim shot) writing a long novel takes a much different skill set than a short one.

Rich descriptions

If a short novel is like a sketch, a long novel is a wall-sized oil painting. The details in long novels are rich.

Consider a long novel you’ve read. I bet you feel like you could step into some of the most iconic rooms. You might be able to see the bedspreads or picture the garden bench.

Not everyone loves this sort of description, but some fans eat it up. I personally think it’s a great place to flex a more literary style of writing. This is a great place to get symbolic and poetic.

Large cast

Wheel of Time, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter. All of these have massive casts that span far beyond the main character. And most of those characters are fully formed. They have likes, dislikes, families, desires. We can see how changes in the world will impact these different characters in different ways.

This is a fantastic way to expand the world. To show different points of view that might challenge your main characters.

And yes, large books often have more than one main character.

Having the space to explore your world from multiple points of view is one of the benefits of writing a long book. It’s not an easy task. It’s difficult to juggle a large cast with their varying details and desires. So you’ll probably want to start a book bible as soon as possible.

Worldbuilding

Writing a large novel gives you space to really explore the world. If you enjoy creating different countries and communities, this is ideal for you.

Especially if you’re incorporating a large cast, you can establish as many communities as your heart desires and the story will support.

However, here’s a word of warning. Don’t get so lost in building your world that you forget to tell your story. Because the most beautifully crafted world can only hold someone’s interest so far. Remember, the story comes first. Everything else is just a stage setting.

Subplots aplenty

In a long novel, there is space to tell many stories. There can be subplots. There can be side quests. There can be love stories between secondary characters.

And that kind of feels more real, doesn’t it? There’s rarely a time when your life is just revolving around one thing. Even at the height of my husband’s stroke recovery, we were still dealing with other things. It’s never just one thing, is it?

Take my book, Station 86. While the characters are dealing with the Hollow Suits, they’re also falling in and out of love. They’re working on their careers and businesses. They’re trying to keep peace and keep food on the table. They’re running for office. They are living complex, complicated, messy, wonderful, horrible, realistic lives.

In the end, a large novel is all about space. It’s having space to stretch out and make sweeping and grand stories that are an investment of time. But that’s not going to deter people if you’ve done you’re job right. In fact, it might well be a great selling point.

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