Initially, this feature was going to be called Deserted Graveyard Reads, the reason for this was that I simply reworked the idea initially set up by Roy Plomley for the long-running Desert Island Discs.
I want this to be a platform for EVERYONE within the horror community; authors, publishers, bloggers, reviewers, actors, directors, artists. I could go on, if you work in the genre then you are more than welcome to apply for the job.
For the sake of Twitter characters and in looking for something a little more punchy, I’ve now decided to call this feature The Graveyard Shift. (#GraveyardShift)
The rules are quite simple…
You are invited to imagine yourselves as warden for an old graveyard, and choose eight books, preferably horror/dark genre, to take with you to cover your shift; here you can discuss why you chose the books.
As well as the books, wardens are allowed one song/album to listen to. Again, an explanation for this choice is required.
You must also discuss one luxury item you can bring, which must be inanimate and not allow communication.
If you’d like to take part in The Graveyard Shift then please submit an application to gavin@kendallreviews.com
A new shift is about to start and the warden is…
Fiona Dodwell
Let me set the scene for you: imagine that I have been invited to become a watchman of an old graveyard at the edge of town. First of all, if this happened, I’d be excited (because I am a very weird, rabid horror fan who feels that this would probably be my ideal job – sort of!). However, I’d panic if I was informed that part of my new job contract meant I could only bring with me eight books, one album and one luxury item. How on earth would I survive that? But still, if the money is good enough (KR: OOPS) and the ghosts around the graveyard are plentiful, how could I refuse? So, I’ve taken up the challenge. Soon it will just be me, the graves, the ghosts and my little cottage. I have packed my eight books, the one album and a luxury item…are you curious about what I chose? If so, read on…
BOOKS
The Woman In Black by Susan Hill
This book has been one of my all-time favourite ghost stories since I was a teenager. I adore it. It always manages to unsettle me, and despite having read it several times, it never fails to creep me out. I couldn’t imagine losing this book forever, I’d definitely have to have a copy of The Woman In Black with me… and what better setting to read it than by a graveyard?
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
It’s a classic, isn’t it? Since it was first released in the 70s, this tale of one innocent girl becoming possessed by Satan himself has haunted readers (and cinema-goers). It’s dark, atmospheric, gritty and haunting. A perfect horror story.
The Graveyard Apartment by Mariko Koike
This book by Japanese author Koike is just superbly creepy… It’s about a haunted apartment near a graveyard and it hits all the perfect pitches for me when it comes to tension, creepiness and great characters. I definitely need this with me on my new job.
Hostage to the Devil by Malachi Martin
This book is non-fiction, but it’s creepy as hell. It’s written by a priest as he explores 5 contemporary cases of possession that he took part in across America. It’s weird, it’s frightening and it’s a solid, interesting read. I’ve read it a couple of times and it never fails to creep me out. I’d rank it as amongst my favourite books ever.
The Last Days of Jack Sparks by Jason Arnopp
This has become one of my favourite scary reads. It’s a tale about an egotistical sceptic who decides to prove that ghosts and demons aren’t real (for his huge number of social media followers)… let’s just say, that plan goes horribly wrong. It’s a fun, creepy, beautifully written book.
List of the Lost by Morrissey
Am I allowed Morrissey in two categories? I have loved this book since it was released. It’s one of those tales I can gladly read over and over, and I seem to take something new away from it each time. I was surprised by just how dark and unsettling this book was. Beautifully written and very foreboding.
The Mall by S. L Grey
A book written by a combination of two authors about a character who becomes trapped inside a…. you guessed it – a shopping mall. But this is no ordinary shopping centre and things quickly turn into something disturbing and hellish. I love this fun yet frightening read. It’s just so brilliantly written and original.
No One Gets Out Alive by Adam Nevill
This book would HAVE to come with me – no negotiation. I absolutely adore Adam Nevill’s work (his novels rank easily amongst my favourites) and I’d have to say that No One Gets Out Alive is just fantastic. It’s about a character who rents a flat in a cheap block, and things quickly turn sinister. It’s simply one of the creepiest books out there. I love it.
SONG/ALBUM
Ringleader of the Tormentors By Morrissey
If I could only bring one album with me, it would have to be one by Morrissey, who is my favourite artist of all time. Choosing just one is a little like torture, because…well, he’s my favourite for a reason and I love his entire back-catalogue of work. Still, the rules are the rules, and if I can only pick one, it would be Ringleader of the Tormentors. This album is a masterpiece to me, with a range of majestic, deeply emotional and compelling tracks, including Life is a Pigsty, Dear God and To Me You Are A Work Of Art. Although his work has been strong throughout his career – and remains to be so – this gem of an album is extra special to me.
LUXURY
How can I pick one item? Just one? This is difficult. I did consider picking chocolate, as it’s my favourite “junk food” however, for how long would one bar or box last me? One night? One week? No, it has to be something long-lasting. So, for my luxury item I would bring a laptop. Is that cheating? I’m not sure. But if I’m allowed to bring it, it would mean I could keep up with my writing which means a lot to me.
KR: I’m really not sure about that Fiona.
Fiona Dodwell
Fiona Dodwell has been writing fiction for almost 10 years, with several horror/paranormal titles released under various publishers. Alongside this, she is a freelance writer for various websites and magazines. She has written features for Warner Music, Made In Shoreditch Magazine, Music-news.com and Tremr.
Fiona has studied Psychology, Film Studies, Theology and Health & Social Care.
Her biggest passion is reading dark fiction, as well as creating new stories of her own – the creepier the better!
To find out more about Fiona:
Twitter: @Angel_devil982
Books: Amazon Store
Kendall Reviews Cemetery – List Of Applicants
Alan Baxter
Alyson Faye
Bo Chappell
BP Gregory
Brennan LaFaro
CC Adams
Chris Sorenson
Christopher Henderson
Cody Luff
D.K. Hundt
Daisy Lyle
Daniel Gooding
Dean Drinkel
Elizabeth Vinton
Fiona Dodwell
Frazer Lee
HP Newquist
Israel Finn
Janine Pipe
Jay Bower
Jay Rohr
Jon Black
Jon O’Bergh
Jonathan Janz
Jude Reid
Madeleine D’Este
Mark West
Matthew R. Davis
Megan Hart
Michael Clarke
Nathan Ballingrud
Pamela Morris
Ramsey Campbell
Ross Jeffery
Roxanne Middleditch
Sam Richard
Sonora Taylor
Steve Stred
Steve Toase
Tony Earnshaw
Zachary Ashford
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