31 Days of Spooky - Day 26

Abbeys and apocalyptic antiques

Welcome to Beware of Creepy Houses: 31 Days of Spooky, where I’ll be celebrating Spooky Season with my thoughts on books, podcasts, films and spooky activities to get you in the mood this Halloween season.

There will also be a free writing prompt every day to get your spooky creativity flowing, which you can use to build a collection of 31 flashes, begin 31 short stories or stitch together into a great big spooky novel. Or maybe some poetry. Whatever floats your spooky spirit!

Apologies that this is later than usual today. Last night I was at Formby Little Theatre to see 3 Women, which isn’t spooky (boo!) but is set in a hotel, so there probably is a ghost, they’re not just part of the plot.

There are limited tickets left for tonight, if you want to go and see it.

How to fall in love in a time of Unnameable Disaster by Muriel Leung

This is a post-apocalyptic novel set in New York with comedy and heartwarming themes, against the backdrop of the horror that acid rain has transformed one of the most famous cities in the world into.

The city that never sleeps has become unexpectedly lonely, but we are in a surviving family’s apartment; and some of the family members are ghosts. There are also nightmares, both real and the sleepy kind. If you make it to the end of world, you need to find meaning in both life and death, especially if you’re already dead.

Honestly, I’m often disappointed by post-apocalyptic books (the book club meeting where everyone gushed over The Girl with All the Gifts was rather awkward…) but this sounds like a really unique twist on it and it has ghosts, so will definitely be picking this one up.

Plaza Presents | Halloween Family Special | The Nightmare Before Christmas

The Plaza Community Cinema, Waterloo, Liverpool are celebrating Halloween this year with The Nightmare Before Christmas.

The classic story of Jack Skellington, the King of “Halloween Town”, stumbling upon “Christmas Town” and scheming to take over the holiday, leads to a disastrous festive season for children all over the world. This is Halloween, this is Halloween.

There will be a DJ and themed set, and fancy dress is fully encouraged with a prize for best dressed!

National Trust: Mysterious objects in our collections

This article from the National Trust talks about some of the magical items they care for in their properties, including a witch’s garret with a ceremonial magic circle.

There are also beautiful artworks such as the An Allegory of Death painting by Frans Francken II and a tiny coffin snuffbox, both of which serve as memento mori.

The information about death masks and their purpose is fascinating as well.

Illuminated Whitby Abbey

Until 2 November, Whitby Abbey are casting a light on the dark history of Halloween.

This unforgettable evening at the illuminated remains of  Whitby Abbey features Time Will Tell theatre group taking you on a journey into the nightmare world of new creation If these Stones could Talk.

Dr. Luca promises treatment at his sea air sanitarium will transform you. Forever. Will you dare explore the life changing effects of this Victorian Gothic story? And of course, this is Whitby, so there’s a good chance you will spot Dracula as you explore.

There are plenty of photo opportunities as well as spooktacular food and drink from local vendors.

Writing prompt - Strange situations

A newlywed couple are spending their wedding night in a country house hotel. Just the two of them and a bottle of chilled champagne, a bowl of strawberries, and the ghost of a bridesmaid who was in love with a devious groom. Time to propose a toast!

I’d love to see anything you write over 31 Days of Spooky and hear about anything you are doing to celebrate Spooky Season!

Sending tricks and treats and haunted hotels,

Donna

Beware of Creepy Houses is free to read, but if you would like to support my work, you can buy me a hot chocolate