Writing: 20 Quotes That Will Inspire You to Write More

Need a burst of motivation? We could all use it from time to time, especially with all the stress life throws our way. Below are twenty quotes that I think will help the writer inside you feel more inspired.

Bookmark this page so you can come back when you need that extra push.

"Pen and Paper" by Dinuraj K is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

- Mark Twain

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

- Confucius

If you can dream it, you can do it.

- Walt Disney

You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.

- Rabindranath Tagore

Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.

- John F. Kennedy

Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.

- William Butler Yeats

Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.

- Julie Andrews

Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds.

- Gordon B. Hinckley

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

- Benjamin Franklin

You can't expect to hit the jackpot if you don't put a few nickels in the machine.

- Flip Wilson

Thinking will not overcome fear but action will.

- W. Clement Stone

Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.

- John Wooden

An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail.

- Edwin Land

Fears are nothing more than a state of mind.

- Napoleon Hill

Action is the foundational key to all success.

- Pablo Picasso

Jump, and you will find out how to unfold your wings as you fall.

- Ray Bradbury

If you could get up the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed.

- David Viscott

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.

- Walt Disney

Just remember, once you're over the hill you begin to pick up speed.

- Arthur Schopenhauer

I had a period where I thought I might not be good enough to publish.

- Stephen King

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Now get out there and kick some writing ass!

Friday the 13th: Ranked Worst to Best

Anyone that knows me, knows that the Friday the 13th film franchise is my all-time favorite series in horror and has been ever since a young age. Jason Voorhees fascinated me as a kid, I always saw him as the most ruthless killer in horror. To celebrate this Friday the 13th, I thought I would rank all the films in a list from worst to best.

NOTE: I love all the Friday the 13th films, so I use the word “worst” loosely. To me, each one of them is great in their own way, but if I truly had to rank them, this is how I would do it.

12. Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)

Jason Goes to Hell will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the first Jason movie I saw in the theaters (I was 8, thanks mom!) However, it does have its flaws. Although I enjoy it, I was bummed with the whole “body hopping” concept. We want to see Jason and the hockey mask, it’s that simple. The gore in the unrated cut of the film help make up for it though.

My Favorite Kill: Deborah getting impaled with a rail spike and torn in half vertically.

11. Jason X (2001)

Jason X, or what some call “Jason in Space,” is a weird movie. To be honest, out of all the “in space” gimmick movies in horror, Jason X is possibly the most tolerable. It has some pretty decent gore and a high body count to make up for its non-camp setting. Jason X is fun to watch if you don’t take it too seriously, but compared to others in the franchise, it's pretty lackluster.

My Favorite Kill: Adrienne getting her face frozen in liquid nitrogen, then smashed and shattered on the counter.

10. Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)

The last film in the original series from Paramount, and the last one to be released in the 80's, Jason Takes Manhattan went in a different direction from the previous films. Removing Jason from the iconic Camp Crystal Lake and sending him to New York City. Although most of the scenes take place on a ship and the ending leaves you scratching your head, the movie is a fun ride.

My Favorite Kill: Eva getting strangled. The sounds she makes when landing on the dance floor after Jason let’s go of her. Brutal.

9. Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning (1985)

Jason Voorhees is not technically in this film; instead the killings are carried out by an Imposter Jason, indicated by the blue markings on his hockey mask. Despite this, A New Beginning isn’t all that bad. It still holds that 80's horror movie charm, and has some iconic scenes/kills. (Damn enchiladas!) The ending was a little out there though; glad they didn’t follow through with it in the sequel.

My Favorite Kill: Eddie having his skull crushed after a leather strap is placed around his head and twisted tightly against a tree.

8. Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)

The New Blood pits Jason against a teenager named Tina with telekinetic powers. It sounds goofy when you read it, but it gives Jason a match; that up to this point, he has never faced. We were introduced to Kane Hodder with this installment, the first actor to portray Jason more than once, going on to play him in three more sequels after this film. (I must say that Jason’s costume in this film is probably my all-time favorite.)

My Favorite Kill: Melissa taking an axe to the face. I love how Jason throws her across the room afterwards. Seeing her lifeless body with the axe planted in her face fly over the television just adds to it.

7. Friday the 13th (1980)

The original film that started it all. This 1980 classic is not like the others in the series. With the exception of Part V, you always know who the killer is, blatantly showing Jason dispatching his victims in glorious fashion. In the original however, you are left guessing who might be carrying out the killings, showing only close-ups of gore and the murderer's hands. This gives the movie a slightly different tone than all the others. Pamela Voorhees as we all know is the killer in the original, and the rest is history.

My Favorite Kill: Marcie getting an axe to the face. Two thumbs up!

6. Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)

Even though we caught a glimpse of Jason Voorhees at the very end in the original, it’s Part 2 where we are formally introduced to the crazed murderer. In this first outing, he dons a burlap sack as a mask. Although I think the sack mask from the 2009 Reboot is much scarier, the mask in Part 2 is still a little unsettling. Anyway, our good old sack head Jason roams the surrounding areas of Crystal Lake, picking off unsuspecting teenagers in the process. Although a grown up Jason might seem illogical since he drowned as a boy, Part 2 is still a classic in shaping what Friday the 13th is today.

My Favorite Kill: Mark taking a machete to the face and falling down stairs while in his wheelchair.

5. Friday the 13th (2009)

The consensus I see online is you either love or hate the 2009 Remake/Reboot. Well, I for one loved it, a lot. Some did not like the fact that they made Jason run again, but I felt it made Jason appear more ruthless and vicious in this film. Actor Derek Mears knocked it out of the park with his portrayal of the hockey masked killer.

My Favorite Kill: Chewie slowly being stabbed with a screwdriver in his throat.

4. Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

Freddy vs. Jason is a huge blast that every horror movie fan can enjoy. Who doesn’t want to see these two legends battle it out? For a movie that was in Development Hell for over ten years, I think they pulled it off pretty well in the end. Fans of either film series each get a little of something they like. (I still think Jason won the fight, I mean, he is holding Freddy’s head at the end.)

My Favorite Kill: Trey being stabbed repeatedly in the back with a machete while lying on a bed. And if that wasn’t enough, he gets broken backwards as Jason folds the bed up with him on it.

3. Friday the 13th Part 3 (1982)

Part 3 is probably the best 3D movie of all time. Okay, I might be exaggerating, but it’s awesome nonetheless. Part 3 took everything that was great about Part 2, and improved upon it. Molding it into what the series will become known for. The stars aligned and Jason discovers his favorite accessory since the machete, the hockey mask. Which has become a staple of the series ever since.

My Favorite Kill: Rick having his head squeezed until his eyeball shoots out at the screen. (in 3D!)

2. Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)

Ahhh, the fourth and final installment in the series. Ha, yeah right. After much thinking, I have come to the conclusion that Jason in The Final Chapter is the first time we really see Jason pissed off. Yeah, he killed a lot of people up to this point, but in this movie he is really mad, and it shows on screen. (Actor Ted White did an excellent job.) Every iteration of Jason that followed continued this trend; and in some cases, even upped the intensity. Perhaps this is why you can’t really keep the character dead?

My Favorite Kill: Jimmy getting a corkscrew stabbed into his hand and followed up with a meat cleaver firmly planted into his face.

1. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)

In Jason Lives, Jason is brought back from the dead with a bolt of lightning. It seems as though he gains more strength and power as a result. Remember that upping the intensity I was talking about? To me, Jason Lives is the best Friday the 13th film. I think it has the perfect blend of horror, suspense, and thrills, with just the right amount of comedy to not ruin its overall horror movie tone.

My Favorite Kill: Sheriff Garris being completely bent backwards and broken in half.

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I hope you all enjoyed this list as much as I did making it.
Disagree with my list? Feel free to post your list in the comments below.

Now time to get back to writing.

P.S. Hurry up and release another Friday the 13th already!

Writing: How I Handle Writer's Block

"Road Closed" by ricky montalvo is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Writer’s block happens when you least expect it. It can be most troublesome, and can really throw a monkey wrench into your progress.

Here are three techniques I use to handle writer’s block.

Make an outline.

When I first started writing, I never really made outlines. I had many ideas; they were all in my head, so I just started writing. This might work for some people, but not for everyone. What I found out fast was that eventually I would find myself stuck somewhere with no clear direction on where to go next. My project would stall.

Then I started making outlines.

Ever since I started making outlines, I barely ever found myself stuck anymore. In these detailed outlines, I will map out every scene of the story. Therefore, I always have the outline to look at for reference to keep me moving along. I might find myself stuck on how to word something, but I hardly find myself stuck on what to write next.

Write out of order.

You are in the middle of writing and you find yourself stuck. You are at a loss for what to write. However, you have tons of ideas brewing in your mind for a later part in your story. The solution is simple, skip the part you are on, jumping ahead to the part you have ideas for, and writing there instead.

This has worked for me many times. Here are two main reasons I recommend this…

One, if you jump ahead and write the ideas you have in your mind right now, you will not forget them. If you wait, some of the ideas you have could be hard to remember and could get lost forever.

Two, although it might be out of order, at least you are writing. You are still moving along on your story regardless of where you are.

Take time away.

The last way I handle writer’s block is taking time away from my writing. Do something else to clear your mind of everything. Watch a movie, catch up on a television show, play some video games, read a book, anything that will get you away for however long you need to relax and clear your head.

When I return to my writing, I am much more refreshed and less stressed about being stuck. This creates a perfect recipe to get the creative juices flowing again.

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In conclusion, I wish you luck with whatever it is you are writing. I am not an expert, just a guy with a passion for writing, but hopefully some of the things I stated here can help you get past that pesky writer’s block.

More of My Writing Advice

Have any other ways to handle writer's block? Tell me in the comments below.

Why I Love Horror

Although I pretty much enjoy all genres of film, my passion for the horror genre is like no other. Ever since I can remember, I have been addicted to watching horror movies.

When I was young, I use to hang out at my grandmother’s house as she would babysit me during the day when my mom was away at work. My uncle still lived there at the time, and he was into horror movies. He would end up showing me many films, most of which I can’t even remember. However, I have a distinct memory of watching The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. I turned it off after the opening bridge scene, because I was so freaked out.

I’ll never forget watching the Friday the 13th series and loving the brutal force of Jason Voorhees. He became my favorite and to this day, it has never changed.

My uncle had a huge stack of Fangoria magazines under a table in his bedroom. In the land before the internet, Fangoria, a monthly horror publication, was possibly the only way to learn about upcoming horror releases or get a behind the scenes look on your favorite horror movies.

When most kids my age or older would sneak into bedrooms to look at nudie magazines, I was sneaking into his to look at the photos in Fangoria. It was there, flipping through those pages, that I first got an intimate glimpse into the world of horror filmmaking.

With my young eyes, I saw the makeup process that transformed Robert Englund into the iconic Freddy Krueger, or some of the men behind the mask of Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers. I believe this is where my fascination with horror really blossomed into more than just a love for the movie, but a love for the craft of horror filmmaking and the grotesque special effects that are designed to terrify the viewer.

Growing up over the years with separated parents, I have the fondest memories of going to the local video store when visiting with my father. I always went to the horror section and tried to pick something out. Although he would not let me rent everything I wanted to see, it was still fun to go there and see all the VHS tapes standing on the wall. I discovered a lot of new (to me) horror movies this way. Sadly, this is something that the new generations will never be able to experience, but I am grateful that my dad took me and gave me that experience. Thanks Dad!

My mother used to let me stay up late, much later than my proposed bed time, just so I could watch new episodes of Tales from the Crypt. As you could tell, I was not like most kids my age. I do not believe I was even ten years old yet, but I loved the hell out of that show and the Crypt Keeper. Thanks Mom for letting me watch it.

I attended my first horror convention in 2003. (My uncle took me.) The first celebrity I met that day was Gunner Hansen (RIP), the actor that portrayed Leatherface in the 1974 classic, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I was nervous, and I did not talk to him for very long, because meeting him was so surreal. I could not even tell you how many times I have seen The Texas Chainsaw Massacre growing up.

From that first time in 2003, until now, I could not even tell you have many conventions I have attended. Before I started regularly going to conventions, my love for horror movies was high, but not as high as it is now after attending dozens of them. Having the pleasure of meeting almost all of my favorites has pushed my love for horror to new heights.

So why do I love horror?

People ask me this from time to time. I never actually sat and thought about it, until I wrote this.

Perhaps it’s all of those family connected memories growing up. I believe they slowly molded me into the fan of horror that I am today. What started as a taboo by simply viewing a movie that your parents did not want you to see because of your age, has matured into a passion. One that arguably grows as each new day passes.

Since 2012, I have compiled a top ten list of what I think are the best horror movies of the year. Not only is it fun, but it also gives me an excuse to watch as many new films as I can. Although the newer ones don’t scare me as much as the older ones did when I was younger, because every horror fan undoubtedly grows a tolerance, I still enjoy every minute of them.

Horror sometimes gets a bad rap. People periodically think differently of you, just because you’re a fan. Well, say what you’d like about the horror genre, but it’s my genre, and I love everything about it.

- Matt

Do you love horror? Leave me a comment and tell me why.

The idea for this post came from reading this post.

Book Update #2 – Winter 2016

It has been almost an entire year since my previous Book Update. As you can see from the fancy progress bar above, I am now 60% complete the writing portion of my book. What does that mean? That means I have finished two more short stories since my update last Spring.

I know it seems like it is taking forever for me to finish my book (or at least it does to me), but I think I am progressing pretty well considering I have a full-time job and go to the gym four days a week after work. No matter how busy I am, I try to find the time to at least plop down in my chair for one hour a day and put some words on the screen.

Sometimes I wish I could do this full-time. Wake up each day, and just write. I wouldn't even have to change out of my pajamas. Okay, maybe not that last part, but one can daydream.

Also, still contemplating on a title. I have a few ideas, but not set on anything just yet.

In Other News...

I have made Official Facebook page that everyone can follow. facebook.com/officialmtsmith
Also if you are on Twitter (which I tend to post more) you can follow me @mtsmith85

This past September and November I filmed yet another short for the anthology feature film Terrortory, (Movies also take a long time to make.) A teaser trailer is online for your viewing pleasure. If you are interested, I have posted a link to it on my Facebook page.

Stay tuned and keep writing!

- Matt

My Top 10 Horror Films of 2015

Here it is, my illustrious list of the Top 10 Horror Films of the year. 2015’s horror releases were much better than 2014. Last year I had a hard time compiling ten worthy films, and this year I had a hard time bringing it down to ten films, but I am not complaining. Here is hoping that 2016 brings us even more!

(Although I am still upset that the new Friday the 13th got pushed until 2017.)

Disclaimer: I would like to add that although I watch a lot of horror films and I try to see everything, I didn’t get to see every single horror film that was released this year. This is not my job; it’s just a hobby of mine. So if you don't see something great on this list, it’s most likely because I did not get to see it yet. Also, this list is my opinion and my opinion only. If you do not agree with it, then that is okay. Feel free to post your top 10 in the comments, but please, let's not start a war over this. It is just a list.

That being said, here is my list...

10. Knock Knock

Eli Roth has not directed a film since Hostel: Part II, so I was really looking forward to seeing The Green Inferno. After seeing it however, I was pretty disappointed with it. Knock Knock, which was released within the same month of The Green Inferno, is the better of the two films, in my opinion. The movie is completely messed up on a psychological level.

9. The Atticus Institute

The Atticus Institute was a straight to video surprise. The film is presented in a documentary style and follows a group of researchers looking to find people who have supernatural abilities. With a lot of bad luck, they eventually find someone who fits the bill, but there is more going on with her than they initially are led to believe. The only reason this film is not higher on my list is because it did have a small area where it dragged a tiny bit before reaching the climax. Other than that, this movie was crazy.

8. Tales of Halloween

Tales of Halloween is an anthology horror film comprised of ten short films revolving around, you guessed it, Halloween. Although this movie was not as enjoyable as Trick 'r Treat, it was still a blast to watch. Out of the ten shorts, I think only two of them I did not like.

7. Dark Summer

This movie had a similar vibe to It Follows, even the main character of Dark Summer was one of the actors from It Follows. For being a low budget horror film, it did a perfect job at building great creepy atmosphere. Something big budget horror movies tend to forget even exists. The surprise ending was even something I did not see coming.

6. Insidious: Chapter 3

As many people I know, I was kind of let down with Insidious: Chapter 2. I felt it was not as strong as the original, as some sequels usually go. I did not hear good things going into Chapter 3, but I gave it a shot anyway. After the movie finished, I felt it was better than Chapter 2. The whole dynamic of the girl being unable to walk around due to having broken legs added to the creep factor. It’s nice to see Leigh Whannell getting into the director’s chair. (Saw VIII next?)

5. The Lazarus Effect

This movie received a lot of negative reviews when it was first released, but when I finally got to see it, I really enjoyed the hell out of it. The story follows a group of researchers experimenting on reviving the dead. I find subjects like this very intriguing. That being said, these researchers find out the hard way why you shouldn’t play around with death.

4. The Last Shift

This movie kind of came out of nowhere for me. I did not hear much about it until after it was released. One look at the cover and I thought it was going to be another cheesy throwaway horror film, but as they say, never judge a book by it’s cover. Well, in this case, a blu-ray cover. This movie is creepy and weird from start to finish with elements reminiscent of the Manson Family. Definitely worth a top five spot.

3. I Spit on Your Grave III: Vengeance Is Mine

I honestly was not expecting much from this film going into it. Although it brings back the female lead of the 2010 remake, I was a little skeptical that the director who helmed the first two films was not doing this one. Oh man, did I sure have a surprisingly good time in the end. Not as much gore as the first two, but the gore it did have did not hold back. Also, the story had a lot more substance to it than just a typical revenge flick.

2. Deathgasm

Dethgasm is bat shit crazy, but that is a good thing. The story follows a couple of black metal fans who form a band in a garage. They accidentally release a demon onto the town by playing music written by a mysterious musician. Anyway, chaos ensues and they must fight for their lives against the now zombified townspeople. If you are a metal fan, a zombie fan, or just a horror fan, this is worth checking out. (P.S. Deathgasm is the possibly the best name for a metal band.)

1. It Follows

I know some people are not going to agree with this, but hey this list is all for fun, calm down. There were not any horror films this year that really blew me away like It Follows did. Sure, you might argue the movie has flaws, but that could be said about any film on this list or in the history of time for that matter. The concept, the music, and the execution of this film all come together into something truly amazing. An eerie atmospheric instant classic.

Honorable Mention: POD

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So there it is, my Top 10 Horror Films of 2015. If you haven’t seen or even heard of any of these films, then I suggest you really look into them. If you’re into horror, then you should at least give them a rent.

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Check out last years list, Top 10 Horror Films of 2014.

Check out the rest of my lists on my page A List of Lists.

Writing: Distractions During Writing - Part 1: The Internet

When thinking about what could possibly be a distraction when writing, many things came to mind. So much so that trying to fit them all into one blog post would have been a nightmare. Therefore, this will be a multi-part series focusing on distractions. Who knows how long it will actually go for? As long as there are distractions, I will keep posting them.

That said; let us get into the first distraction that can halt the writing process.

The Internet.

"No Internet" by Marcelo Graciolli is licensed under CC BY 2.0

I think we all have done it from time to time. You sit down at your computer, trying to get yourself into gear to write. You open up your word processor of choice, but then open up your internet browser and start going to your favorite websites. Before you know it an hour has passed, and you still have not started your writing.

Maybe you have started your writing, but jumped online "real quick" to check something out. Then got side tracked, and never really got back to your writing. Either way, the internet can wait. It will still be there when you are finished.

Here are three ways to distance yourself from the internet in order to focus on your writing.

1. If possible, dedicate a computer or laptop to your writing, one that does not have any internet access whatsoever. That way even if you are tempted to hop on the internet, you will not be able to.

2. Write by hand in a notebook or on a legal note pad, far away from a computer. The downside to this option is that you will eventually have to go back to your computer to type the things you wrote. The upside however, at least the writing aspect is complete. In addition, you will be able to edit some of your writing as you go through and type it up.

3. If the other two options just do not work for you then the last step to rid yourself of the internet is simply shutting off your internet modem or home wifi connection. With this option, you will not have access to the internet throughout your home, until you turn it back on. It may sound drastic, but if it allows you to get some writing finished, then so be it.

Click here for more posts that will help you with your writing.

Top 10 PG-13 Horror Films of All Time

I am not a fan of Horror movies that receive a PG-13 rating, and I sure do hate it when Hollywood cuts an R rated film down just to get a PG-13 rating. PG-13 rated Horror films are mostly, for a lack of a better term, crap. However, there are a few diamonds hidden within the huge Mt. Everest sized rough.

Here is what I think are the Top 10 PG-13 Horror Films of All Time.

10. The Sixth Sense

Everyone remembers the famous line, “I see dead people.” The Sixth Sense, known for its twist ending, is a fun chilling horror film without all the blood and gore. Staring Bruce Willis, the film became almost an instant classic among horror fans. Unfortunately, for director M. Night Shyamalan, The Sixth Sense seemed to be a one hit wonder for him as none of his later horror films captured the essence this film delivered.

9. Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Killer Klowns from Outer Space… I mean, the name says it all. This classic film from the 80’s is weird, creepy, and hilarious. Another film that shocked me that it was PG-13 when researching this list. The special FX’s makeup for the Klowns look superb. This one is sure to give kids nightmares for weeks. Shorty is my favorite clown in the film.

8. Tremors

A horror movie from the 90’s about giant underground worms eating people in a remote town, starring Kevin Bacon and Reba McEntire. Yes, you read that right. All joking aside, this film is a classic. It started a franchise that is still going to this day. (Four sequels and a television show.) Although I am not a fan of any of the sequels, the original Tremors is great PG-13 horror.

7. Cloverfield

Cloverfield is a found footage monster film. That being said, it is one of the better found footage films. (Perhaps I should make a Best Found Footage List?) They do not show the monster a whole lot, but that is what happens in most monster movies. The film hides many strange secrets. What is up with the splash in the water at the end? The rumblings of a sequel seemed to have died, but oh well. This film is good enough by itself.

6. Drag Me to Hell

Drag Me to Hell is another movie that surprised me. By the looks of the trailer, I did not feel I was going to like it, but after viewing it, I thought it was great. I am not usually a fan of gross out horror, but this movie was fun. It is interesting that this movie is PG-13 with all the sick things in it. This one is sure to make you flinch or gag.

5. The Possession

There are many horror films about someone getting possessed and then having an exorcism to save that person. The Possession is one of the better possessed/exorcism films, especially for PG-13. The crazy things that happened once Emily gets possessed are truly terrifying. Instead of the demon performing weird contortion acts, it seems to display true power over its surroundings.

4. 1408

I really enjoyed 1408. Based on a short story by author Stephen King, the film is weird, freaky, and best of all; it is about a writer. I love seeing all the writing aspects of the film. It is inspiring, in an odd way I guess. The third act tricks you into thinking one thing, but goes somewhere else, straying from the cliché horror trends. Do not go in room 1408.

3. The Ring (2002)

The Ring is a U.S. remake of a Japanese film called, Ringu. There is enough imagery in the film to make you uncomfortable and scared without throwing gore all over the place. The sense of dread throughout the film collimates into an eerie finale.

2. Insidious

Insidious is one of those horror films you think would be rated R from the looks of the trailer. However, it is not, and just like the rest of the films on this list, it is scarier than most R rated films; which comes as no surprise from director James Wan (The Conjuring) and Leigh Whannell (Saw). The incorporation of astral projection into the story always intrigued me.

1. The Monster squad

The Monster Squad is, in my opinion, the definition of what PG-13 is. The film follows a group of kids that create a club about monsters, but end up having to save the town/world when Dracula and the rest of the Universal monsters threaten to kill everyone. The practical special FX’s in this film are top notch. (The Wolfman always terrified me as a child.) Monster Squad is a horror classic, and deserves the number one spot on this list.

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Honorable Mention: The Woman in Black

This movie really surprised me. A cheesy looking horror movie staring the kid that played Harry Potter, yeah like that will be any good. Well, I was wrong. Daniel Radcliffe does a great job and The Woman in Black creates a creepy atmosphere (which some horror movies lack these days) within its haunted house, which is sure to scare you. The same cannot be said for its sequel however.

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Disclaimer: As with all my lists, this is of my opinion and my opinion only. If you do not agree with this list, then that is okay. Feel free to post your top 10 list in the comments below, but there is no need to start an argument over this. It is just a list.

Writing: Finish What You Started – Setting Yourself Up for Success

There is nothing more discouraging than being passionate about writing, yet never able to truly finish anything; having it always lurking in the back of your head as just another unfinished project. I will get to it eventually, or one day I will work on it, you say to yourself.

Here are some of my tips to help set you up for writing success.

Set a deadline for yourself and strive to reach it.

It was not until I entered a contest that I found what a beauty a deadline could be. Yeah, deadlines can stink, but if you are writing for yourself, deadlines can be a blessing. The contest deadline kicked me into gear to write every day in order to complete it in a timely fashion.

Now when I write, I give myself a deadline. A realistic due date that works for me. This lingering date ultimately motivates me to write more often in order to meet that deadline.

You know your schedule; you know what you are writing, look at a calendar and decide for yourself how long you think it will take to write it. If you are writing a novel, maybe break it down by chapters, having a deadline for each one. Small steps are better than no steps.

Create an outline.

Some people write without outlines, and that is fine, but for others, like me, they can help you stay on the right track. I never use to create outlines, but I also never finished anything I wrote either. Now I create a bullet style outline of every scene before I even get into the writing.

When I begin the writing process, I will keep it close by, crossing off the bullets as I go. Not only does this keep me on track, but following the outline clears my mind of thinking about what is next in the story. This lets me think solely on the scene I am currently writing, helping me put as much detail into it as possible.

Find time to write every day.

I wrote a couple of months back on How to Write on a Daily Schedule. In there I talked about how you can get yourself into the habit of writing every day.

Even if it is just for an hour a day, every little bit of writing will help you reach your deadline goal.

Do not edit as you write – just write.

One of the big mistakes I made early on was trying to edit my work as I moved along. I constantly went back to parts I had written and tweaked them repeatedly. Not only did I try to make the writing flawless, but I also kept trying to add things in to make it better.
 
Long story short, the re-writing did not move me forward, which never allowed me to finish what I was trying to write. All I ended up with was a pile of random pages and an unfinished story.

Save all the edits for when you are finished with a rough draft. That is why they call a rough draft, because it is not complete yet. Getting the whole story down is the first major step. Afterwards, you can go back and sweeten things up. If you think of something new to add, jot it down on a piece of paper and add it in after you have your rough draft completed.

….

In conclusion, I wish you luck with whatever it is you are writing. There is nothing more frustrating than having something you started writing months, sometimes even years ago, but have never been able to finish. I am not an expert, just a guy with a passion for writing, but I hope that some of the things I shared here can help you finally start finishing rather than just beginning.

I will leave you with this quote...

“If you really want to do something, you'll find a way.

If you don't, you'll find an excuse.”

– Jim Rohn

- Matt

Bring Back the 'Tales from the Crypt' TV Show

From 1989 to 1996, HBO aired a horror show called Tales from the Crypt. With 93 episodes spanning over 7 seasons, each half hour episode had its own story and followed a different set of characters. A rotting corpse known as The Crypt Keeper hosted the show, setting up each episode’s story before it began and closing the episode out after it finished.

Television shows revolving around horror are very popular right now. There has been a surge of horror themed shows in the last few years. Shows like Bates Motel, Hannibal, American Horror Story, and The Walking Dead. I know there are many more on the air right now, but these are the ones that I try to keep up with and enjoy. They are all brilliant in their own way. Some are even pushing the boundaries on how much gore they can show on cable.

New seasons of Tales from the Crypt could capitalize on the growing trend of horror television shows. However, I believe Tales from the Crypt would still stand out from the crowd, not only from its history, but also from the intrigue of each episode having a different unique story. That way there could always be something for everyone.

This is why I think now (as I write this in 2015) is the best time to bring back the Tales from the Crypt television show. I say the television show, because Tales from the Crypt appeared first in comic book form back in the 1950’s.

Tales from the Crypt not only had one of the most memorable theme songs (I am humming it to myself as I write this), but it also had one of the most memorable show openings. The camera slowly moving its way inside a mansion, down the stairs to a dungeon, all the way to the coffin The Crypt Keeper rested in. To this day, I think it is the coolest thing. People who remember the show know what I am talking about, if you do not, then take a trip on over to YouTube.

The show’s host, The Crypt Keeper, was a puppet operated by a six-man crew and voiced by John Kassir. According to his IMDb page, John Kassir is still very active. He also makes appearances at conventions. Having him come back to the show is a no-brainer. I know they are many talented voice actors out there, but having the original voice actor come back to voice The Crypt Keeper once again, would be amazing.

The story part of each episode (the tale) were always written and/or directed by someone new and featured an all-new cast. Theoretically, they could film multiple episodes simultaneously.

There are a lot of up-and-coming horror directors and writers with tons of fresh ideas just waiting to be tapped. I am sure most of them would kill to make an episode of Tales from the Crypt, not only for nostalgia purposes, but also for the chance to have their work shown on cable for millions to see. This opportunity could very well be the thing some of them are looking for the advance their careers.

I myself would die if I had a chance to write an episode. Once I got up off the floor, I would begin writing immediately.

In my opinion, I think the best time of the year to air any new episodes of Tales from the Crypt would be October. Starting in September, they could air a small season run of about eight episodes, going throughout October, and finishing up around Halloween. What is a better way to celebrate Halloween, than with the Crypt Keeper?

In conclusion, next year (2016) will be twenty years since the show has been off the air. I think it is about time The Crypt Keeper came back to tell us all some more tales.

That said, I think HBO, or whoever, should really consider bringing back Tales from the Crypt. I say "whoever," because I do not know who owns the rights to the television show anymore. To me, it does not really matter. Please, just bring back Tales from the Crypt.

- Matt