Favorite Horror Films: 2: The Phantom Of The Opera

A little something seasonal, for fans of the Seen Through the Phantom’s Eyes series.

charles french words reading and writing

(https://en.wikipedia.org)

The Phantom of the Opera (1925) starring Lon Chaney Sr. is based on Gaston Leroux’s novel and was a huge success. This movie was a Universal Pictures production and was directed by Rupert Julian, although some film historian offer the possibility that Chaney himself was an uncredited director also.

Chaney played the deformed writer who falls in love with a singer and who becomes her kidnapper. This tale of horror and love has been redone numerous times, including the well known stage musical, but none of those productions have reached the sterling height of this extraordinary film.  If you are a fan of any of the more recent productions, you certainly should take the time to view this extraordinary movie. It is a piece of cinema history.

As with the Hunchback, Chaney created this makeup, and his performance is sublime.  The unmasking sequence, in which the imprisoned…

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#5onFri: Five Steps to Write an Art World Novel – Linda Moore

The popularity of novels with an art world theme continues across the decades, with new bestsellers like The Art Forger and The Goldfinch being released every year. For readers who enjoy learning about art and history while being engaged with a good story, the art world appeals as the perfect setting. What separates excellent narratives from those that fall short? Like any book set in a specialized setting, such as a medical setting or a police station, solid research of the environment, specialized vocabulary and the internal motivation of the characters is required.

#5onFri: Five Steps to Write an Art World Novel – Linda Moore

My own In The Eye of The Storm touches on the art world, since Gilbert Rochambeau becomes one of the prominent Fauvists. Some great research tips here.

Upcoming Projects

Hi, everyone. I’m working on large print editions of both In The Eye of The Beholder (my debut novel) and its award-winning sequel, In The Eye of The Storm. My day job is in the eye care business, and I’ve learned that there is quite a need for large print works.

For a little blast from the past, here’s the book trailer for In The Eye of The Beholder, from the days when it was published by Treasureline Books. Enjoy!

After-Action Report: Smashwords Summer/Winter Promotion 2022

Well, this report will be easy.
In The Eye of The Beholder: 1 copy

Yep, that was it. I gave away one book during the promotion in July. I offered the entire Seen Through the Phantom’s Eyes series. In The Eye of the Beholder was free, and the rest of the series heavily discounted.

So now you know.

Sample Saturday: “In The Eye of The Beholder”

Hi, everyone. Today’s snippet is from my debut novel. Part of the award-winning Seen Through the Phantom’s Eyes series, In The Eye of The Beholder is available free of charge on Smashwords for the entire month of July.

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“You like beautiful things,” he whispered.

“Of course,” I responded in surprise. “Most people do.”

“Then how can you bear to look on me,” he responded, still whispering. As the carriage moved away, he opened the drape to let the light in and reveal his unmasked face to me.

The left side of his face, his entire mouth, and jaw … all were so handsome that they would take the breath away from an angel. The right side, though, was discolored and twisted. A port wine birthmark discolored skin so thin and fragile that lumps of misshapen bone and delicate blue veins could be seen through it. His left eye was fringed with thick black lashes; the right was barely lidded and sunken in the socket, but was the same soul-filled green-gold as its twin. The right side of his nose was also damaged, the soft nare non-existent.

“Look on this monster, and tell me again how you care more for the soul than the face,” he said in a ragged voice.