Howdy, readers! Yeah, I’ve been pretty lax over here at Roads Lesser Traveled, and being busy is no excuse, but that’s all I’ve got. I appreciate the steady stream of traffic I’ve seen continuing to float through as you all have been awaiting new stuff from me. I can only say thank you for your continued patronage, bless you.
After my big writing explosion from September into October, I took a moment to breathe other than marketing myself and doing a lot of networking. I have written two new horror stories over the past couple weeks, and I have my next two planned out; thus, I have a lot of words out there seeking a home. So, what better way to follow that prompt than with this opening announcement for a long overdue Five Things Friday!
One: I’m pleased to announce my horror story, “Psychocandy” has been accepted by DrekxDeathxDoom for their next Halloween anthology, to be released in 2026. This is a quickly rising indie horror and dark fantasy imprint run by Dylan Bosworth, whom I’m happy to be working with. I can’t wait for you to dig into this story next year! If you’re thinking the shoegazing alternative band Jesus and Mary Chain has something to do with it, you’d be correct. More so as musical cues to shriek over my folk horror tale set in 1989.
Two: The rumors are still speculative, and I put myself out there stating I’d do a public walk of shame if I’m wrong about it. John Carpenter has claimed to be making a sequel to his own sequel with Kurt Russell possibly on board, The Thing 2. Allegedly stating at Fax Expo Philadelphia, Carpenter was quoted as saying, “We’re working on it now,” although I offer the possible double-down caveat which followed, “I don’t know. We’ll see.” Hopefully that doesn’t equate to development hell. Come on, John, save me a sucker schlep, if you please!
Three: My appearance on the 37th episode of my man Jack Mangan’s SLAM (Support Life and Music) Summit is live. We got to talking about music, horror, writing and other topics including whiskey, ha! To my co-panelists, Ryah Deines, Mark Pruett, Bert Edends and host of the festivities, Mr. Mangan, what a badass time we had, didn’t we? New friendships staked, the knowledge and passion we shared for our guests? What a privilege.
Here’s a link to the fun:
Four: For the fourth time this year and sixth overall, I had my letter published in a comic, this time Cruel Universe Vol. 2 Issue 4, released last week. To get my name in a comic book as a writer, THAT’S the mission. Still, beyond grateful to the industry for kindly printing my thoughts. Meanwhile, look at that sick cover from Lee Bermejo, probably the top talent cover artist in the game.
Five: We have reached the final wave of our new house build! I am already mapping out my Godzilla and horror paraphernalia in my new office. TJ is already landscaping. Settlement’s in a month. We are blessed.
And there you go, friends. I will do my best to keep a steady flow here at Roads Lesser Traveled while I continue bashing my head into the grain trying to make a name for myself. I’m off to Philcon in a week, SKREEEEOOOONK!
Until next time, may your days be awesome and you even more so.
–Ray Van Horn, Jr.
Roads Lesser Traveled 