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Dina James

Chronicler of the Paranormal

I Come Into The Out Now

For those who don’t get the title, go see this.

IT’S SEPTEMBER! IT IS IT IS IT IS! I have my Scensty warmer going with a gorgeous scent (discontinued one…WHY?!?!) and am kicking back welcoming the start of fall.

It’s been an interesting few weeks. I had a little adventure with appendicitis and that’s over now. I’m fine – all is well. I’m sans appendix now, that’s all. But that’s neither here nor there. I have RANT FODDER to kick off my return to the darkness.

Cut here for length and those who aren’t ready for a Dina!Rant quite yet. [Read more…]

So Done With This Already

I made it to the middle of June. I DID! And the only reason I made it this far is because we finally gave in and had air conditioning installed last month. After last year’s summer endurance trial, it was a priority.

But that’s all I can stand. I go now to hibernate for the summer.

Actually I just have a mega-uber-shit-ton of things that are about to happen all at the same time and my online time is going to be seriously curtailed. I’ve got a lot on my plate already and it’s about to get piled even higher, so if you need something from me, e-mail is going to be your best bet until…oh…say…September. That ought to do it.

I’ll try to update the blog at some point, but really, you all pretty much know about me and summer by now. Like I said, you’re lucky I’m still here this late in the year. I usually hibernate/bugger off between Memorial Day (end of May) and Labor Day (beginning of September) because I despise the hot season and everything that comes with it.

I am still over at the Evil League of Evil Writers every other Monday – I don’t give that up for summer.

See you all in a few weeks. Like…twelve or so.

DOg Drags Blankie Bed

In Memoriam

My dear friend Skyla Dawn Cameron lost her aunt this week.

My contribution to the Evil for Judy tribute was to write a short story using Judy’s favorite character of mine. She was a huge fan of Billy and the Stranger Things series, so before she passed I wrote her a Tuckerization vignette that Skyla took to the hospital and read to her. I’m told Judy enjoyed the story.

Judy passed away shortly afterward, but the thing about stories is that they are forever. Judy the human may have gone on to the next adventure, but her memory lives on. Now, through fiction, that memory will continue to live. That’s one of the cool things about fiction – it can immortalize someone as much as eviscerate them.

I debated awhile about offering this story for my readers. I talked with Skyla about it, and she tells me Judy would appreciate it. I didn’t want to share it without approval – it was a personal thing; meant to be read only by those directly involved. But if no one else ever reads it, they won’t know Judy.

This story was written for her, but I offer it here for everyone to read. The only thing I ask in return is that it not be uploaded anywhere for sale. Other than that, share away. Spread her memory far and wide. I have immortalized her in fiction. Share her with the world.

Best,
Dina

Click the pic to download the PDF. This is the only format this story is going to be available in, and it will always be free. Cover art and formatting by Skyla Dawn Cameron of IndigoChick Designs.

LastRide-draft

A Friend In Need

I SUMMON THE POWERS OF DARKNESS! (Hint: That would be you, my darklings.)

A dear friend of mine needs help. His story is here. If you can help in any way (signal boost in lieu of funds if you don’t have any pennies in the couch cushions!), it would be very much appreciated!

Thank you to all in advance for your aid. Let’s blow this out of the water!

Pic!Spam

Those who have followed me for awhile know I’m not the best at taking pictures or sharing them. Mostly because it involves tech and I’m not only horrible about taking pics, but I’m crap at getting them off the camera, then resizing, then all the other crap that goes along with it. As such, I don’t update with pics much (though I did pretty well during the De-Gothening).

Having said that, you’ll understand why these pics date back to September and I’m just now getting them posted. Because reasons, okay?! I do take pics with the intent to share them with you all, but I’m crap about it, so that’s why you get these pic!spam posts. They even have their own tag, so yay for that! [Read more…]