It’s back to school we go!

On September 3, 2023 By Willow CroftIn Uncategorized14 Comments

Even if you’re not actually going back to school, you can make believe you’ll be in attendance with the best and the brightest…or the most evil and depraved!

Learn what your fate will be at the posh private academy of your dreams…

https://horrortree.com/september-2023-horrorscopes-how-youll-die-at-a-posh-private-academy/

I’m still trying to find ways to flee the state of Kansas to a safer, supportive, inclusive locale, but it’s slow going.

What’s going good (or so I think) is my first week(s) of my latest academic endeavor! The assignments are quite challenging, but fascinating.

Aside from that, things are pretty dreary in my part of the world, but I’d love to hear about all ya’ll’s quirky adventures.

Horrorscopes, Heartbreak, and Horrifying Book Reviews

On August 6, 2023August 6, 2023 By Willow CroftIn Uncategorized19 Comments

One of the most difficult parts of living in small-town Kansas is dealing with the overall attitudes here towards the nonhuman animals we share our world with.

I have been trying to help animals since I moved here, and every day is a new level of heartbreak and agony.

It hurts me more than I can possibly describe to bear witness to the things that go on here.

I used to think I was pretty resilient, but most days I worry about even getting through the day. I keep trying to fight for the animals here, especially the cats. But to say things are rough going is an understatement. It feels like a living hell–for animals and the people that care about them and their welfare. And I say that even after my experience in working with animals and animal rescue back in my hometown, and getting up close and personal with the ways people mistreat animals.

My experience residing in my current locale has definitely the stuff of “real-life horror” where animals are concerned, I tell ya.

This weekend was especially hard in regards to local animals, so I’m still not as present in the blogsphere as I usually try to be.

I did start a citizens’ advocacy discussion group for animals, and I got interviewed by the local paper (it should be coming out soon, and maybe if I feel brave enough, I’ll post the link in the comments), and I’m attempting to get an item on the agenda at the local city commission meeting. I’d like to help my fellow animal advocates that have joined the group start a nonprofit to have an official platform from which to launch the ideas we’ve been discussing, but that’s a little ways off.

In other, lighter news, August’s horrorscopes and the tarot reading for writing inspiration are up over at Horror Tree.

And I’m still taking a stab at writing reviews over there…hopefully they aren’t too horrifying!

https://horrortree.com/august-2023-horrorscopes-how-youll-die-in-a-national-park/

https://horrortree.com/august-2023-tarot-cards-for-writing-inspiration/

Book Reviews (I’m still kinda new at this):

https://horrortree.com/epeolatry-book-review-the-midnight-lullaby-by-cheryl-low/

https://horrortree.com/epeolatry-book-review-the-ghost-of-laurie-floyd-by-courtney-lynn-mroch/

https://horrortree.com/epeolatry-book-review-maskerade-6-by-kevin-smith-and-andy-mcelfresh/

https://horrortree.com/comic-book-review-miss-truesdale-and-the-fall-of-hyperborea-3/

https://horrortree.com/comic-book-review-conan-the-barbarian-1/

I hope everybody’s weekend is fabulously spooky!

Beware the Beach!

On July 4, 2023 By Willow CroftIn Uncategorized27 Comments

And not just because of the higher temperatures!

July’s horrorscopes promise to drag you down to the depths of pure zodiac terror…

https://horrortree.com/july-2023-horrorscopes-how-youll-die-at-the-beach/

And, slightly less terrifying is my tarot card reading for writers/creatives:

https://horrortree.com/july-2023-tarot-cards-for-writing-inspiration/

In other news, I’ve started doing book reviews for The Horror Tree. Simply search the HT website for “Epeolatry Book Review” to access tons of great book reviews from myself and others–a perfect opportunity to find your next summer (or midwinter) read!

Lastly, I may be more of a ghost around the WordPress world, at least while I transition into a new schedule (and, perhaps, even after that).

I’ll be working full time, going back to school full time, and making sure my kitties get enough attention (not that they’d let me forget!), and I’m trying to organize a concerned citizen advocacy group here to act on behalf of nonhuman animals here in small-town Kansas–with the hope it will turn into a nonprofit someday. Because this place has an abysmal track record when it comes to animals and animal welfare–as some of you may remember from the heartbreaking owl incident.

So, yes, apologies in advance if I’m not as active over the coming months on here as I should be.

Summer is Abuzz with Horror!

On June 6, 2023June 6, 2023 By Willow CroftIn Uncategorized12 Comments

One of the few things I actually like about summer (I’m an autumn aficionado!) is the return of the insects and other creepy crawly life forms.

For the set of June horoscopes I did over at Horror Tree, I wanted to attract attention to insects that are threatened/endangered by the activities of people.

Hope you enjoy, and remember to look where you step…there’s a whole world of amazing lifeforms at your feet!

https://horrortree.com/june-2023-horrorscopes-the-creatures-that-skitter-in-the-night/

As I’ve been trying to figure a lot of stuff out over the past few weeks, I drew upon that energy for June’s tarot reading as well.

https://horrortree.com/june-2023-tarot-card-reading-for-writers-and-creators/

I’m sadly still playing catch-up and not quite back into my usual schedule yet, and 99.9% of the time I’m not even sure what day it is, much less anything else. But I’m making progress, however slowly.

What are your summer plans? Reading anything good so far?

Getting Away From It All…From the Comfort of Home!

On April 5, 2023April 5, 2023 By Willow CroftIn Uncategorized10 Comments

Let’s settle down in the comfort of our (dream) homes, or find the gateway to the world of our dreams!

[I started a new day job, but somehow things are more chaotic than ever. I’m running behind on blog-reading and such, and, unfortunately, my prediction is that’ll have to continue for the next couple of weeks, as there’s some big changes (hopefully!) coming over the next few weeks. And, holy heck, am I tired as all get out. I’m gettin’ too old for that pesky thing called work! Ha!]

But here’s my “Tarot Cards for Inspiration” for April…as well as my mock horoscopes!

I’d love to hear what dream home you’ll lay your pen in!

https://horrortree.com/april-2023-tarot-cards-for-writing-inspiration/

https://horrortree.com/april-2023-horoscopes-home-is-where-the-pen-is/

I heart pigs…

On March 1, 2023 By Willow CroftIn Uncategorized27 Comments

Happy National Pig Day!

https://nationaltoday.com/national-pig-day/

Because I love pigs (okay, okay, I love ALL animals), I did some nonhuman animal-themed horoscopes over at Horror Tree! (Also, check out my Spooky Six interviews both past, present, and future–for WIHM! I’ve also added a Fantastical Five set for sci-fi and fantasy, as well as a “Four Red Herrings” for mystery/thriller genres. If you, or any other authors, want to join in, feel free to use the blog contact form to get in touch!)

https://horrortree.com/march-2023-horoscopes-the-fur-has-started-to-fly/

Give the Groundhog Lots of Love Today!

On February 2, 2023 By Willow CroftIn Uncategorized27 Comments

Groundhog

Happy Groundhog Day! Doesn’t this groundhog look adorable? Or at least in need of a hug*!

Speaking of affection, you don’t have to wait another six months for the “romantic” holiday known as Valentine’s Day (Or Galentine’s Day)!

So, yes, I did create some lovey-dovey themed horoscopes, and did a tarot card reading…Horror Tree style, of course!

Hope you enjoy–with one click, and a happily-ever-after can be yours…or for your literary characters!

How will you be celebrating Groundhog Day or Valentine’s Day in your realm?

*Giving random wildlife hugs is not a good idea, in real life. Just in case.

Lollygagging into 2023…

On January 7, 2023January 7, 2023 By Willow CroftIn Uncategorized31 Comments

Recently, I wrote an article over on LinkedIn about how 2023 could be the year of the slowdown (in a proactive way). I’m not slowing down much myself, but I am taking some time out here and there for some fun things that don’t really accomplish anything useful. *gasp*

The pressure is on, though, to get the income needed to help me escape what I’m now calling the Nightmare Hell Zone* (and not in a fun way), so I’ve been applying for jobs in brick-and-mortar locations as well as online remote-work locations. One thought I’ve recently had was that I could maybe get a job with a chain and then use that to transfer to another location in the United States, or, perhaps even more wishful-thinking, transfer to a Canadian locale!

Anyway, until I go figure things out (or win the lottery–the HGTV dream home–Travel Channel Sweepstakes), I’m sharing some links for you to stroll through as you, yourselves, meander into 2023.

(Unless, of course, you just want to stop reading here, and go write a snail mail letter or take a day off next week to hang out with your houseplant BFFs. That’s fine too!)

Here’s January’s “Tarot Card Readings for Inspiration”: https://horrortree.com/january-2023-tarot-cards-for-creative-inspiration/ and their snarky horoscope sidekick: https://horrortree.com/january-2023-horoscopes-tempting-fate-in-the-new-year/.

And if another bomb cyclone is bearing down on you again, check out my “Cultivating Winter Magic” post as well: https://horrortree.com/cultivating-winter-magic-for-writers/. Who says you can’t go out in style, right?

*Want to exercise your creative muscles? Feel free to share (in the comments) your own wild and wacky names for a terrifying town in rural U.S.A.!

Pretend You’re a Time Traveller Day: Winter Post Redux!

On December 8, 2022December 8, 2022 By Willow CroftIn Uncategorized8 Comments

Today is “Pretend You’re a Time Traveller Day”!

(Read more about this fun day, and ways to celebrate, here: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/pretend-to-be-a-time-traveler-day-december-8/)

So, what does this have to do with the redux of my post? I realized I’d meant to wait for my other winter-themed post to show up at Horror Tree, but I simply forgot what with all my busy job-hunting-and-geographical-escape madness.

I did add the link to the other post, but just to give it some extra winter sparkle, I’ve included the links below. Just click on the images to travel to another dimension! (Or a festive winter destination to get you into the “spirit”–yes, pun intended!)

(Also, I’ll just insert another shameless plug here–if you’re looking for editorial or other coaching services, or even a tarot reading of your very own, check out my cozy new website! https://kirsten-lee-barger.mailchimpsites.com/)