M.J. Downing Sometimes, when Halloween comes and the barriers between the worlds grows thinner, we get caught up in the changes, in the colder air, the falling leaves, in how those around us just aren’t like they used to be. It’s hard to see the changes in ourselves, too. Ghosts and monsters become just... Continue Reading →
“Ray Grider’s Communion.”
M.J. Downing Some time ago, now, Ray Grider sat at the front of his cardboard castle in the quiet alley behind the shoe repair shop, wondering of Mr. French, the owner, would bring him a meal tonight, not that he wanted one. His hunger faded after the diagnosis given him by young doctor, earlier that... Continue Reading →
Origin Story
M.J. Downing Ed came in from work, grabbed a cup of coffee and the paper, and sagged down on the sofa. His small, brown-haired son played on the floor with quiet energy, doing something with his little trucks and cars, making them follow the circles in the rag rug. Ed patted him on the head... Continue Reading →
“The Holly Witch.”
M.J. Downing [Please note that the action here begins immediately following a previous story call “Obits,” found on this website. MJ] “Tom?” Albert asked as they cleaned up from the Halloween party. “How come nothing happened to you, you know, when we first went to the Stanzic house?” “What do you mean, nothing happened to... Continue Reading →
“O-bit”
M.J. Downing Sometimes, when fall finally wins out over summer in Louisville, its cold, victorious rain plaits the fallen leaves into a silent carpet, chills bones, and stirs strange ideas in boys cooped up in houses and classrooms. Finn McCoy was such a boy. He had his mother’s strong nose and chin, along with... Continue Reading →
“White Lights.”
M.J. Downing It might have been on the fifteenth of December this year, or maybe the year before—or a hundred years before. Edward McKinney, in his heavy Irish sweater and flat cap against the chill, leaned toward his computer screen in the darkest corner of a coffee shop on Eastern Parkway. Lean and angular... Continue Reading →
“The Man Who Hated Lovecraft.”
M.J. Downing “But, surely, to make such a statement, you’d need to read the entire Lovecraft canon, Jared, which you haven’t,” Peter Hundt said as he and Jared Barlow walked through the crisp, wintery sunshine of early November, making their way back to their adjacent offices in the Humanities building. “I’ve read all... Continue Reading →
New Halloween Story!
“An Eye to See.” M.J. Downing When the wind kicks up dried leaves in your path and the night grows longer, the walls between the worlds grow thin. The last sere breath of summer rattles though nature’s parched lips, and the year makes ready to die. It still dreams, though, the old year does, and... Continue Reading →
“Of Giants and High Places.”
M. J. Downing. Leaving aside his famous ancestor, Bandobras, Hildifons Took numbered amongst the boldest of Hobbits in any era. However, as courageous as he was, dread accompanied his thoughts about crossing the Misty Mountains with Stapa. Though he never mentioned this to Stapa, Hilds noticed that the big lad bent wary eyes on the... Continue Reading →
For those who need a bit more Scrooge–And Marley…
“Scrooge, In the Time of Cholera.” M.J. Downing. Stave Six: Marley’s Return. “Bob, my lad,” Scrooge said, as he stood in his countinghouse before the desk of his new partner, Mr. Robert Cratchit, “we must do something about the mill conditions in this country.” Grim faced, Scrooge shoved wool mittens, socks, and hats,... Continue Reading →
MJ Downing’s Place 