I'm almost done with story number 3, formerly known as Fantome Fatale. It's now called the Red River Murders, and while that's a worse title, it is the better title for this story. The Fantome Fatale trick does happen, but the trick is not the focus of the story. This thing has taken me forever… Continue reading February 10 — update
I kinda like it.
I'm still working on Fantome Fatale. No worries -- things are going well, just slower than usual. I haven't mapped out Rowan's exact path to solving it yet. This is unusual for me -- I always know that before I start writing. This fact has caused me to think more carefully about the direction of… Continue reading 1/25/2026 update
Another year, another step toward death. I'll be 50 next year. Maybe this will be the time I finally get my shit together. It's doubtful, but a man can dream. There is fantastic news on the horizon. Besides my second book of short stories (which will be published sometime in 2026) there is a secret… Continue reading Happy New Year
The old Visitor House crouched at the edge of the woods like something half-forgotten. Cloudy windows, rafters lost in shadow, and brittle November light that died a few feet past the threshold gave the place the air of abandonment. It smelled faintly of dust and cold stone—an emptiness that made every footstep sound too loud.… Continue reading Fantôme Fatale first scene rough draft
James Scott Byrnside 