Weird Missouri byline

[raycastile]

Is anyone familiar with the Weird U.S. book series?  It is pretty mainstream, sold in major bookstores, etc.  They are trying to do individual volumes for every state.  The Weird Missouri book came out a few months ago.  The publisher sent a copy to the newspaper where I work, hoping we would promote an appearance by the author at a local Barnes & Noble this Saturday.  I was surprised to find two of my newspaper stories reprinted in the book! 

At first, I thought they just ripped me off.  Then I remembered getting an e-mail about two years ago asking permission to reprint some of my stories.  I forwarded it to the editorial director, saying it was OK with me if it was OK with him.  He gave them clearance and that was the last I heard of it.

Well, here it is.  They have my name on both stories.  One is about the Equadome, an abandoned weapons factory that became a hub of Satanic cult activity.  The other is about Molly Crenshaw, a legendary witch that was cut in half and buried in two graves. Her body is supposed to be trying to reassemble itself so she can carry out her revenge.  Both the stories are on my web site, State of Horror. http://www.stateofhorror.com

Here is the cover:




Here is the Equadome story with a photo by Jason Pettus:




Here is the Molly Crenshaw story:




I really like that painting of Molly coming back to life in the woods.  That is spooky.  It would be nice if I could commission original art like that for my web site.

Molly was a real person, though the legend surrounding her is pure myth.  I've been to her real grave site.  The headstone was removed to protect it from vandalism.  A member of her family contacted me just a few days ago and asked if I wanted to see her headstone.  He has it in his barn!  I said I would get back with him after the election and arrange for a visit.

[MadCow]

That's awesome!

I'm a huge fan of the Weird NJ magazines (which are from my state) and have just started to get into the books. I'll have to check out the Missouri one...

[mjaycox]

NICE. Wow. What a year for you it has been.

You going to remember your friends?

[typhooforme]

That is purely cool, Raymond!  I love the WEIRD books--and will have to pick up a copy of the Missouri one to have you autograph for me!

[mjaycox]

Though, to be honest, I would have thought you'd merit a whole chapter all to yourself!

;^P

Love,

Matt and Nancy

[Daimajin]

I've never heard of this series before, but I love these local legends (I grew up less than a mile away from Blood Road -- you can imagine the stories of how it got its name).

I'm going to look into this series.

[Josh]

Very cool Ray, now I have to see if there is a Weird Texas book coming out.