How to be a Vampire/ How to be a Werewolf/ Part 1: Intro

I don't think it goes far to say that I am a pretty big fan of horror and it just so happens from time to time I purchase little goodies that help fuel my liking for spooky little things. One time I stumbled upon two books that I ended up purchasing because of how they cheap they were and because they had glossy pages that appealed to me. The first book was How to be a Werewolf  by Serena Valentino and the second one was How to be a Vampire by Amy Gray. They were both very nice books for the vampire or the werewolf enthusiast, but I've recently sold both of them. (I am currently going through a period where I'm pretty much getting rid of anything I don't love, need, or have a huge sentimental attachment to.) Of course before I sent both lovelies to their new home, I decided to scan a few pages from both books to share with you all

I will be doing a few posts where I share certain sections of each book. Of course before I do that I though I would put in a good recommendation for each book and encourage the actual purchase of either one.

How to be a Werewolf by Serena Valentino
Synopsis: Celebrate your inner beast and harness that newfound animal magnetism! with this essential guide to the lycanthropic lifestyle. Are you subject to savage moods, extreme and unexplained buffness, and cravings for meat on the rare side? Do you long for super speed and reflexes, along with rapid healing and maybe a talent for telepathy? Welcome to the pack and get ready to howl as you sink your claws into this guide to everything life as a werewolf has to offer. Among its abundant fur-raising topics: A look at good, bad, and ugly transformation styles, including an answer to the question of what happens to your clothes. A quiz to determine if you're a menace to society, and tips on taking precautions Planning your social schedule around the lunar calendar Dating hints, from the risks and rewards of cross-species romance to avoiding your sweetheart's family pet Killer fashion suggestions, from urban (leather and hardware) to a cute and foxy kitsune look Ideas, decorations, and recipes for a full-moon party Tales of real-life werewolves, plus lore and legends from around the world Juicy reading material and gems of the silver screen

Teenage werewolves are invited to celebrate their inner beast--and harness that newfound animal magnetism--with this essential guide to the lycanthropic lifestyle. Illustrations.

AND

How to be a Vampire by Amy GraySynopsisFor those who join the decadent realm of the vampire, eternal life holds juicy perks--charm and strength, shape-shifting and flying, telepathy and super-powered senses. "How to Be a Vampire" is a comprehensive guide to the vampire lifestyle that quenches newcomers' thirst for lore--and tasteful tips. Illustrations.

Welcome to the world of the undead! A comprehensive guide to the vampire lifestyle quenches newcomers' thirst for lore and tasteful tips. For those who join the decadent realm of the vampire, eternal life holds juicy perks charm and strength, shape-shifting and flying, telepathy and super-powered senses. But then again, one becomes . . . so terribly hungry. Is there an etiquette for feeding without causing a scene? How do you set up your crypt? What supernatural foes will make your blood run colder? In this elegant, edgy resource, the newly immortal will find everything they need to know, including: - a quiz to determine your true vampire persona - ways to turn into a vampire or when a kiss is not just a kiss; and why you should take a look at your family tree - a transformation checklist, including canine teeth and UV sensitivity - a makeup and fashion guide to looking damned good (or just damn ed) - knowing your weaknesses, from garlic, stakes, and sunlight to a n obsession with counting - 10 signs that your boyfriend is a vampire, including super coolness (body temperature-wise) and a habit of sleeping in - a field guide to vampiric variations around the world and through history.

-Horrorwood Doll.

P.S. The reason I decided to sell each book is because I really don't have an exact need for them  or much reason to look back at them, but they are packed full of information and pictures. I'm sure if you  are a huge fan of either monster, you'll love them. 

P.S.S.

Also check out How to be a Zombie that was also written by Serena Valentino.

 

Anne Rice's Gift to Fans

Have you ever wanted an autograph from Anne herself, but was nowhere near one of her fabulous autograph sessions? Well, I have good news! Now, you too can have a copy of her books, with her personal autograph.

When asked why she was doing this, her response was as follows.

“So we figured a way to print these out here at the house (Becket designed them and handles the software) and self-adhesive backing paper, and then we will mail to whoever sends an envelope. We'll see how it goes. The post office box is nearby and we'll start filling orders as soon as we get them.
It seems my readers really want autographs, and they like real books, and so this is my solution to getting those autographs to people all over.”

For one free sheet only of 6 personally autographed book plates mail a self-addressed stamped 8.5 x 11 inch rigid photo mailer envelope to:
Anne Rice – 42 335 Washington St. – Ste. # F-384 – Palm Desert, CA 92211.

 

I can assure you this is legit. Each sticker is personally signed by the woman, herself.

P.S. This might be for a limited time. If you miss you chance, leave a comment and I might send one of my extra stickers to you. ^_- Just be sure to give me the proper thank you.

-Horrorwood Doll

Gifts for the Horror fan on your X-mas list (Vampires!)

The holidays are upon us, which means it's time to shop and bust your brains out over what to get that special someone on your Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Festivus list. Each will be dedicated to a certain type of horror niche and should help you narrow down the search.


Is there no other popular monster in horror than the vampire. Face it even before the Twilight vampires dominated literature,film,comics, etc. It just seems that this horror classic will just never go out of style and why not after all vampires are not just the sexiest creature of the horror genre, but they are also the most fun.
 
 
For the Vampire Romantic
 
Nothing says I love you more than matching rings. If you are familiar with the show Buffy than you'll remember the Claddagh ring Angel gave to Buffy. Why not surprise your love one with a Claddagh ring of their very own or better yet get a set for the both of you.  Is the person on your list into cosmetics? Get them something from Villainess.With soaps and perfumes named blood and bathory, how can you refuse?  If that doesn't suit their taste perhaps you can find something at Black Pheonix Alchemy Lab. Are you and your sweetie far apart? Write them a letter with the Victoria Frances stationary set. Extra points if you can write a letter by quill. Of course there is no such thing as a vampire who doesn't drink vine....I mean wine. Check out the vampire vineyards and get yourself a bottle. I've been told that such a bottle is perfect for moonlight picnics in the park or cemetery. Depends on your preference. If you really want to splurge take a trip to Transylvania, the birthplace of the romantic vampire.

Average Price:$20
 
 
The Contemporary Vampire Fan
 

Nothing quite integrated vampires into pop culture quite like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Any pop culture vampire fan will enjoy having all eight witty seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on DVD. If they are a fan of the currently popular True Blood then they'll definitely get a kick or bite out of these bottles of True Blood. Anime vampire fans would love to have the day time school uniform T-shirt based off the anime Vampire Knight or a copy of the Vampire Hunter D manga. If you have a fashionista on your list get them this darling pair of cameo earrings from the show The Vampire Diaries.Do you know someone who plays Magic: The Gathering? Perhaps, you can get them next years vampire theme event deck. If all else fails nothing says contemporary vampire like a pair of sunglasses that you can wear by night. Add a leather jacket for the coolness factor.

 

Average Price $100


For the Classic Vampire Fan

If the person on your shopping list is a fan of the more classic literate vampires than you can't go wrong with getting that person on your wish list the Barnes and Noble Anne Rice Vampire Chronicles hardback edition or Bram Stocker's Dracula in hardback. If it so happens that they've already read Dracula get them the excised section from the original known as Dracula's Guest. A cross necklace is a nice throwback to classic vampire lore. Bring some coziness into their home with a custom made coffin couch. Nothing says Christmas quite like coffins, especially when the coffin is topped with a bow. Anyone with a playful side will enjoy Edward Gorey's Dracula die cut toy theater. Dont worry, we won't judge you. If that doesn't suit their needs get them the 75th anniversary of Bela Lugosi's Dracula or better yet the Universal Studios Dracula collection.

Average Price: $15

For The Vampire Fan with a sense of humor

As of late vampire have become sort of a joke mostly due to a certain book that shall not be made. If the one on your list is a former vampire lover and currently just needs something to get them back in the vampire spirit or they just have a sense of humor then get them this marvelous vampire poster that will remind them of all the amazing things that we have learned from vampires. Only from this poster will you get pearls of wisdom such as "Immortality is no excuse not to floss". Is the person on your list a reader? Then they will enjoy the adventures of Dick and Jane in Dick and Jane and Vampires. Jokesters everywhere will enjoy this humorous T-shirt. To let your vampire fan to get in touch with their sensual side get them Vampire perfume. Oh yes now they too can smell like the undead. Greatly recommended by Maven of Evantide.Hunting vampires has never been easier then in this fun game known simply as Vampire. Yes you too can be like Buffy and Blade except without any weapons. Who needs guns and stakes when you have cloves of garlic? :D

Average Price: $20

Yep! Vampire genocide at its finest.

-Horrorwood Doll

Yeah, I know the holidays are over, but just roll with it.

Next:Werewolves

Gifts for the Horror fan on your X-mas list (ZOMBIES!!!!)

The holidays are upon us, which means it's time to shop and bust your brains out over what to get that special someone on your Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Festivus list. Each will be dedicated to a certain type of horror niche and should help you narrow down the search.

Zombies seem to be in vogue at the moment and there is just no limit on the zombie merchandise that is available to the masses. Of course you have to filter through all the strange and useless curiosities that are currently available on the market, but this list should help you find the right gift for your zombie loving amigo.


For the Survivalist!
For the more practical person on your list or the extra paranoid, you can't go wrong with The Zombie Survival Guide, Z-SAT, and The Zombie Combat Manual. You can also pair those books with a first aid kit, some MRE'S and a crowbar. Be sure to add a nice little ribbon to the crowbar to give it that extra holiday flare. You can also add this snazzy bag to this mix as well.Not only are you making your loved one happy, but you now have someone to run off with when the zombie Apocalypse happens. It's the gift that keeps on giving! ^_^

Average Price: $8.00

The Zombie Extremist Fan!

It seems odd, but some people are just hardcore zombie fans. It seems they've seen every zombie film, know every type of zombie, and have read all the zombie survival books. Any zombie fan would love The Last Night on Earth- zombie board game and if they already have that get them the expansion packs. The game is just like a zombie flick, but in you're living room. You'll have tons of fun fighting off the undead hoards with grandma. A great little book for your zombie fan is How to be a Zombie. This book is just so jammed pack with zombie goodies; including an extensive zombie film list and zombie music guide. You're zombie extremist is sure to be satisfied. If that's not good enough for them get them the How to Speak Zombie Guide or their very own garden zombie.

Average Price: $40.00
For Your Zombie Sweetheart!

Who ever said vampires were the most romantic creatures of the night never met a zombie. If you are shopping for zombie fanatic sweetie or zombie lover there is just no end to how you can show how much you care. These zombie chocolates are sure to please any chocoholic. Perhaps read to your love one the romantic words of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Zombies or write a poem using the zombie poetry kit. If your love one is familiar with Resident Evil get them these petunias that resemble the Umbrella Corp. logo.

Average Price: $9.99



The Trendy Zombie Fan

Zombies are very in right now so just about everyone is joining in on the fun. Get them the first season of The Walking Dead or better yet the graphic novel. Let them get in touch with their artsy side with this clever zombie poster or zombie coloring book. If they are the early undead type get them this flashy glow in the dark coffee mug. Nothing says flesh...I mean fresh like zombies, so get these zombie mints a try. They are sure to make excellent stocking stuffers, especially when the stocking still has a foot inside.

Average Price: $15.00


The Actual Zombie on your List!!!!!

Now this is a rare occurrence, but sometimes you'll fine that your loved one has become a zombie. You might feel that there now a bit of a gap between you and your undead counterpart, but never fear there are still things  you can get to keep that special person in your life content. Eating people is not always a picnic so your zombie chum will appreciate some hot sauce to make the raw flesh a bit more appetising. Being undead corpse and all means you are likely to stink. There is hope though, just get your zombie friend some air fresheners. These lei car air fresheners not only look stylish, but smell great too. If they are new to the zombie thing get them So Now You're a Zombie: The Handbook for the Newly Undead.

Average Price: $4.99
Next: Vampires

-Horrorwood Doll

The Dark Tales of Harry Potter: The Three Brothers/ The Warlocks Hairy Heart

Harry Potter has become a well beloved series for many, J.K Rowling has certainly proven herself to be an excellent writer. You can say that the appeal of Harry Potter steams from the well developed characters, the much detailed plot, but I think the reason why the series has become so beloved is because of the world J.K. Rowling created for her Harry Potter series. The author did not just create a memorable story, she created an entire world that has become as well known as the story itself.

J.K Rowling added to the world of Harry Potter when she created a series of fables/fairy tales for her wizards. The Tales of Bettle the Bard is a collection of Grimmsesque tales that range from whimsical and sweet to dark and foreboding. Many fairy tales have an element of horror and Miss Rowling did not leave this one element out when creating her series of fairy tales. Today, I'm going to share with you all two tales from The realm of Beetle the Bard that surly make your blood cold and will perhaps leaving you wanting more.

THE THREE BROTHERS

I'm sure the majority of you are aware of the tale of The Three Brothers, since the tale makes its appearance in the Harry Potter film Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1. There is not much I can say about the story itself, the tale obviously has to do with the fear death and how greed leads to ones very own destruction.


An interesting observation I saw in the comment section of this video, which I later found out is a theory among Harry Potter fans. Three characters in the books are believed to represent the three brothers in the story.

Voldemort :: The one who died for power.
Snape (Some say Albus Dumbledore) :: The one who died for lost love.
Harry Potter :: The one that greeted Death like an old friend.

THE WARLOCK'S HAIRY HEART

A young Warlock was embarrassed to see his friends falling in love and considered the act foolish and weak. He decided that he never wanted to fall victim to love, and secretly used Dark magic to cut out his heart.
He lived on, seeming content with his lack of emotion, not even mourning when his parents passed away. After their deaths, he moved into their home and transferred his heart, his "greatest treasure," to the dungeon. Believing in the perfection of his solitude, he was shocked to overhear one of his servants pitying him, and another thinking it funny he didn't have a wife. He decided he would go out and find the most beautiful, talented, wealthy and all-around enviable young woman to be his bride.
The very next day, the young Warlock had the fortune of meeting the perfect woman. He began pursuing her, convincing all of his friends that he had changed. She was both "fascinated and repelled" by him, and agreed to attend a feast at his home. While at the feast, the maiden asked the Warlock for proof that he had a heart. He took her down into the dungeon and showed her the magic crystal casket that held his beating heart. The woman was horrified at the sight of it, as it had grown hairy and shrunken as a result of it's separation from the Warlock's body. She begged him to replace the heart within himself, so he sliced his chest open with his wand and placed his heart back into his chest. As the woman embraced him, his heart, which had grown blind and perverse, took savage action against the young woman and killed her.
When the rest of the guests went looking for the Warlock, they found him in the dungeon, crouched over maiden's lifeless body, caressing her heart. He attempted to take her heart for his own, but his heart was too strong and would not leave his body. Determined never to be mastered by his heart again, he cut it out of his chest, and fell over the maiden's body, dead.

 

Unlike the tale of The Three Brothers there is no bittersweet ending to this story. The story has to deal with love of course and what happens to those who have no love or kindness within their heart and how those without one become animalistic in nature. In the wizarding world when someone is referred to having a "hairy heart" it means that the person is unfeeling.

Read more tales from The Bettle the Bard by purchasing the book here.

-Horrorwood Doll.

The Zombie Apacalypse: A how to for survival

We here at Dreadful Dreary all know that the zombie apacalypse is upon us and that any day it could happen. Hell, even the Center for Disease and Control know that the apacalypse is upon us and has started to educate the public on how to prepare for the catustraphic event. READ IT HERE !

The article is a good place to start when forming your zombie plan, but it will not tell you everything you need to know about how to survive the survive the zombie apacalypse. And don't think watching your extensive collection of zombie movies will help you with forming a coherent and effective zombie plan, all those movies will teach is what not to do during a zombie outbreak.

When it comes to forming your zombie plan a bit of reading is needed. Now, one can not go wrong by reading the well renowned The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks. The book is filled with loads of info and will teach mot just regular survival basics, but the best and most effective ways one can overcome the zombie apacalypse.

Another piece of great reading material is to visit the The Zombie Apacalypse Preperation facebook page. Every day information is posted on the well that informs you how to survive the impending zombie apacalypse. I highly reccomend this over any other material because not only will you get the genreal survival/zombie survival info, but you'll get the information in a more real world approach. Those who run the site will often discuss zombie plans in general and the weak points of your plan. Sense, this is a facebook page it's much more interactive then a book and you have a chance to interact with other readers and the contributers themselves. The content is also quite humorus and comes from an average Joe/Jane perspective. The facebook team is also working on creating a book, so hopefully in the future everything you will need to know about surviving the zombie apacalypse will be in convenient book form.

Of course if your unable access such reading material then you can't go wrong with general survival books. Amazon has created a list of 10-must-have survival books. Try and see if there's any military/army survival books lying around and load up on any information they have to offer. Some other great choices for reading material is any Girl Scout/Boy Scout manuals. I don't think these books will teach you everything you need to know about survival, but they're a start. If you can't find any of these reading materials on hand maybe try rummaging througuh your younger brother/sister/childrens book case for any of those Daring book for Girls/Dangerous book for Boys book. Those books are filled with tons of practical information and the books are sure to keep one entertained as well during the apacalypse.

For more extensive survival how-tos check out the Survival Cache website. The site provides on extensuve amount of information to survive about any situatuion. If you live near an REI, I highly suggest you check out the classes/programs they have to offer. Classes offered at the REI are more often then not free and even then the classes usually don't cost more than $30.

-Horrorwood Doll

Barnes and Nobel's Leatherbound Classics

    If you are like me and have a life ambition of creating a fantastical library filled with beautiful books, then you'll love the Barnes and Nobel's Leatherbound Classics Collection. Surprisingly, horror literature seems to be a huge staple of their collection, which means that now you can own that edition of Dracula that will make your friends,family, and neighbors envious because they are stuck with some crappy paperback version.

 Originally, each book of their collection was a compilation if an artist's work. For example one book might have the complete works of Edgar Allen Poe or the most notable works of an author like Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles.

    I can not praise the overall look of these books enough. They are simply gorgeous with their specially designed cover,gilded pages, and ribbon bookmarks. These books are not just pretty, they're well made as well. I can tell you from personal experience that these books were built to last and are so well made that you'll most likely be able to pass it down for future generations.

 The only drawback to these books is that they can be pretty hefty, especially if the book happens to be three books in one.  You can pick up each book up for around $20 or so, which is a phenomenal price considering the quality you are getting. The books are often on sale, especially during the holiday season or you can purchase one of the bundles or the boxed sets for a fraction of the price. It aslso seems that new books are added every so often so be sure to check out the Barnes and Nobel website or the nearest store location ever so often.

Just recently, Barnes and Noble came out with single leatherbound novels, which you can purchase for around $14.

You can view and purchase the rest of the leatherbound collection on the Barnes and Nobel website. If you want to see more beautifuly crafted books, check out the Penguin's Hardcover Classics Collection. They are just as good visually, but the overall value and quality of the books just don't seem to match up to B&N's classics. Each book is around $20 and unlike Leatherbound Collection being a compilation of works, the Penguin classics are divided up to a single novel.

-Horrorwood Doll

The Delightfully Chilling Children's Books of Denna Molinaro

     I am not ashamed to admit that I'm a fan of children books. I just find their simple stories and illustrations to be delightful. More often than not writer's get the idea to make horrific little books for children and because children seem to have fascination with getting scared they always seem to leave an impact. Deena Molinaro writes and illustrates children books as a hobby and currently has them all on her website for your viewing pleasure. If you have a little squishy (cute child) in your life or just like demented little childrens tales check it out. http://www.deannamolinaro.com/Stuff_That_I_Made/Books/BookTitles.html (If you plan on reading these to your own child, I suggest you read them before hand. Some of these tales might be to grim for some children.)

      My favorites That Story about the Rabbit and As an Alligator (Even though it's not strictly horror) If you really like her books check out her online shop and purchase one of her books. http://www.deannamolinaro.com/GeneralStore.html

-Horrorwood Doll

Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy of Horror

I had the opportunity to rent Universal Studios Monsters:A Legacy of Horror from the library. I thought it would be a great resource of inspiration for my classic horror theme Halloween/birthday party. (Yes, I plan my Halloween party a year ahead of time.)

The book covers the early years of Hollywood and how Universal Studios got started and what led them to do the Horror films we know and love to this very day. Universal's main horror films get their own special section and even some lesser known horror films get a chance to be in the limelight. The book provides many facts and trivia that the everyday horror fan might not know, but they should. For example the actress Gloria Stuart the actress who played the old Rose in Titanic got her start in Universal Horror film?

There are many gorgeous pictures featured within the book, which really is the best part of the book. You'll also get a chance to learn a little more about your favorite horror actors such as Bela Lugosi and Barlos Karloff. My only complaint with the book is the synopsis that is given for each movie, but I suppose if you have yet to see some of the films it can help you to become interested in the films and go out and seek them.

This book would be perfect for the coffee table or it can make a great gift for an upcoming horror fan.

-Horrorwood  Doll