September 6, 2016

New Dark and Horror TV Shows Premiering This Fall

Aftermath


"The Copeland family battle for survival when civilization comes to an apocalyptic end, triggered by massive storms, meteor strikes, earthquakes, a plague - and the rise of supernatural creatures." I love post-apocalyptic tropes, so I'll definitely check this out. It stars Anne Heche.

The show premieres on Tuesday, September 27.


Aftermath at SyFy.com

Aftermath on Facebook

Aftermath on IMDB

Aftermath on Instagram

Aftermath on Twitter

Aftermath on Wikipedia


Channel Zero


"Imagine a world void of people and life - a ghost planet. A shocking reality Darlan suddenly finds himself in, without understanding how or why. His journey may lead him to discover something even more sinister."

The show premieres on October 11, 2016.


Channel Zero at SyFy.com

Channel Zero on Facebook

Channel Zero, on IMDB

Channel Zero on Twitter

Channel Zero at Wikipedia


The Exorcist


As you can imagine, this TV show is based on William Blatty's 1971 novel about a priest who performs exorcisms to get rid of demonic spirits. The first episode premieres on the Fox network on September 23.


The Exorcist, on Fox

The Exorcist Series on Facebook

The Exorcist Series on IMDB

The Exorcist Series on Instagram

The Exorcist Series on Twitter

The Exorcist Series on Wikipedia


Freakish


"A group of students trapped in a high school must fight for survival when predatory mutant freaks take over after a meltdown at the local chemical plant."

The entire series will be available for binge-watch streaming on October 10.


Freakish on Hulu

Freakish on IMDB

Freakish on Tumblr


Kindred Spirits


Amy Bruni and Adam Berry from SyFy's "Ghost Hunters" star in this new paranormal reality show. They visit homes reported to be haunted by family members of the residents. Not really my cup of tea, but some of you might enjoy checking this out.

The first episode premieres October 21 on TLC.


Kindred Spirits, on TLC


The Living and the Dead


Now this show sounds very intriguing to me! Check it out:

"Set in Somerset, England, in 1888, the show finds the isle on the brink of profound and fundamental social and industrial change. Against this shifting backdrop, farmer Nathan Appleby indulges his fascination with the concept of an afterlife by investigating all manner of unexplained phenomena – with the support of the Society for Psychical Research. During the course of his explorations into the spectral plane, Appleby begins to uncover increasingly disturbing things that threaten the very basis of his sanity, his life, and that of those close to him."

BBC America begins airing this show on Thursday, October 27.


The Living and the Dead, at BBC America

The Living and the Dead, on IMDB

The Living and the Dead, on Twitter

The Living and the Dead, at Wikipedia


Midnight, Texas


This show is based on Charlaine Harris's series of books. Entertainment Weekly writes, "Ghosts, vampires, angels, psychics, and perhaps a new guilty pleasure await you in Midnight, Texas."

NBC's premiere date is not yet scheduled.


Midnight, Texas, on NBC

Midnight, Texas on Facebook

Midnight, Texas on IMDB

Midnight, Texas on Twitter

Midnight, Texas on Wikipedia


Stan Against Evil


This horror comedy premieres November 2 on IFC. "An aging police sheriff who has recently lost his position due to an angry outburst begrudgingly joins an alliance with new sheriff, Evie Barret to battle angry demons haunting their small New Hampshire town."


Stan Against Evil, at IFC

Stan Against Evil, on Facebook

Stan Against Evil, at IMDB

Stan Against Evil on Twitter


Van Helsing


I feel like this is going to be a guilty pleasure. "Vanessa Helsing, distant relative of famous vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing, is resurrected only to find that vampires have taken over the world. She is humanity's last hope to lead an offensive to take back what has been lost."

You can watch the first episode on September 23 on the SyFy channel.


Van Helsing on SyFy.com

Van Helsing Series on IMDB

Van Helsing Series on Twitter

Van Helsing TV Series on Wikipedia


--Copyright Dark Side of the Net 2016

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July 2, 2016

Dark TV to Watch on Long Summer Nights

I really, really miss watching new episodes of True Blood on summer evenings with friends. I might go back and re-watch a few seasons courtesy of Amazon Prime, which is kindly airing the first six of seven seasons.

Meanwhile, I am looking for a nice dark show or two to keep me occupied during these long hot summer nights. I want something new to watch, not just reruns of old dark shows (other than my foray into re-watching True Blood).

Here are a few of the current dark options open to us this summer:

Scream, the Television Series

Scream, MTV's television series based on the Scream movie franchise, premiered its second season on May 30. New episodes air on Tuesdays. There appear to be about seven new episodes remaining. This probably won't be my #1 pick for something to watch, but if I need to kill time or need some background noise while I'm blogging, I might go for it.

Let's check out the Season 2 trailer:

Scream, Official MTV Website

Scream, the TV Series Official Facebook Page

Scream, the TV Series at IMDB

Scream, the TV Series, on Reddit

Scream, the TV Series Official Twitter

Scream, the TV Series at the Scream Wikia


Stranger Things

Stranger Things Season 1 premieres on July 15, on Netflix. It stars, among others, goth poster child Winona Ryder. The show is being compared to a cross between Stephen King and Steven Spielberg. It seems to be getting a lot of good press and buzz, so I'm eager to check it out.

"When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one strange little girl."

Stranger Things Official Page at Netflix

Stranger Things Official Facebook Page

Stranger Things, at IMDB

Stranger Things, on Reddit

Stranger Things Official Twitter

Stranger Things on Wikipedia


Dark Matter

This Canadian science fiction show is apparently getting even darker. It doesn't venture too far into horror territory, but definitely has some creepy moments. Season 2 premiered tonight, July 1. It's often compared to Stargate, apparently.

Dark Matter Official Page at SyFy.com

Dark Matter Official Facebook Page

Dark Matter, at IMDB

Dark Matter, on Reddit

Dark Matter Official Twitter

Dark Matter, at Wikipedia

The Dark Matter Wiki


Dead of Summer

"It's the 1980s, school is out for the summer, and when Camp Stillwater's dark, ancient mythology awakens, what was supposed to be a summer of fun soon turns into one of unforgettable scares and evil at every turn." Dead of Summer Season 1 premiered on June 28. New episodes air on Tuesdays on the Freeform cable channel (formerly ABC Family). If you (surreptitiously, of course) liked Pretty Little Liars, you'll probably enjoy this. Initial reviews say it's "campy horror," which works for me!

Let's check out the trailer:

Freeform's Official Dead of Summer Page

Dead of Summer Official Facebook Page

Dead of Summer Fan Site

Dead of Summer Fan Site

Dead of Summer on IMDB

Dead of Summer Official Twitter


Thirteen

The first season of Thirteen premiered on June 23 on BBC America. I checked it out and was really intrigued. I'm looking forward to watching the second episode later tonight when I'm done with this blog post. The main actress is doing a fabulous job. This is more a miniseries than a series - it has only five episodes.

"26-year-old Ivy Moxam steps out of an ordinary house, on an ordinary street, on an ordinary day. Ivy hasn't been seen for thirteen years, she was kidnapped in 2003 at the age of thirteen." Peek at the trailer and see what you think:

Thirteen Official Page at BBC America

Thirteen on IMDB

Thirteen, at Wikipedia


American Gothic

Ok, there's nothing "gothic" about this show. It is, however, a bit dark. It's a murder mystery drama - not particularly my favorite genre, but perhaps some of you enjoy this sort of thing. I do like serial killer shows and films, though, and admire actress Virginia Madsen, so I will give this a try.

"American Gothic enters on a prominent Boston family reeling in the wake of the chilling discovery that someone in their midst is linked to an infamous string of murders. As shocking secrets from the past and present are revealed, their mounting suspicion and paranoia that one of them is a killer threatens to tear the family apart."

American Gothic Season 1 premiered June 22 on CBS. New episodes air on Wednesdays.

American Gothic Official Page at CBS

American Gothic Official Facebook Page

American Gothic at IMDB

American Gothic Official Twitter

American Gothic at Wikipedia


Preacher

I had a nerdy friend who simply adored the Preacher comics, talking about them often over the years. I wonder what he thinks of this show - I should chat with him and ask! Preacher Season 1 debuted on May 22nd on AMC, and new shows air on Sundays. Dominic Cooper stars.

Preacher Official Page at AMC

Preacher Official Facebook Page

Preacher at IMDB

Preacher Official Twitter


Wayward Pines

I've been (mostly) enjoying Wayward Pines. It's sci-fi, not horror, but definitely has dark and depressing moments. Also, the "Abbies" growl a lot and my dogs get scared and run out of my living room! I watch it while working on blog posts or developing classes for Dark Side University. Season 2 of Wayward Pines started on May 25th. It airs on Fox.

Check out the "First Look" at Season2:

Wayward Pines Official Page at Fox

Wayward Pines Official Facebook Page

Wayward Pines at IMDB

Wayward Pines on Reddit

Wayward Pines Official Twitter

Wayward Pines Wikia


Outcast

Outcast Season 1 premiered on May 23rd on Cinemax. It's a horror drama series based on the comic by Robert Kirkman (of The Walking Dead fame). TV Guide calls it "the rare horror series that's actually scary."

Check out the trailer:

Cinemax offered up the first episode on YouTube:

Outcast Official Page at Cinemax

Outcast Official Facebook Page

Outcast on IMDB

Outcast on Reddit

Outcast Official Twitter

Outcast on Wikipedia


The Strain

The Strain is a vampire series based on the book by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan. It returns (season 3) to FX on August 28. This show is actually too scary, violent and gory even for me! I can't watch it!

Here's the trailer for Season 3 of The Strain:

The Strain Official Page at FX

The Strain Official Facebook Page

The Strain at IMDB

The Strain on Reddit

The Strain Official Twitter

The Strain at Wikipedia


Happy viewing!

--Copyright 2016 Dark Side of the Net

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May 22, 2016

10 Best Writers Retreats for Dark Authors in 2016

Lately I've been ruminating over my failed attempt last year at NaNoWriMo. (To be fair, I was super busy teaching and administrating over at Dark Side University so had little time to write!)

I still have a fiction book I'd love to complete, and a non-fiction book or two sketched out. With my busy family responsibilities, business, Internet blogs and related hobbies, friends to socialize with and pets to care for, my writing time often gets interrupted. I've been fantasizing about taking just an old typewriter (no phone! No laptop!) with me to a cabin somewhere and sitting down and just WRITING.

Whether or not this is a realistic fantasy, I've been enjoying daydreaming about some of these fabulous locations. Writing in a castle? Could I afford it? Would I actually write, or just gape at the gorgeous decor and stroll about the beautiful grounds instead of writing? Nonetheless, let's enjoy an afternoon of fantasy and check out some of the darker available writing retreats available this year. None of them are geared towards dark or horror authors, but the locales would certainly lend themselves to darker inspiration.

1. Creativ Castle, Europe


"Write your next book in a castle." Sounds lovely, doesn't it? They advertise their castles as "a luxurious space for creatives and writers." Derek and his wife are attempting to raise funds through a Kickstarter to purchase a castle to be a permanent retreat location. For now, you can join them at a rented French castle in November during NaNoWriMo.

http://www.creativcastle.com/


2. The Horror Writer's Workshop - Transylvania


August 7-14, 2016 in Bran, Transylvania.

This would be incredible!

"THE HORROR WRITER’S WORKSHOP, TRANSYLVANIA is honoured to invite Brian Evenson as guest instructor for the seven day workshop and retreat in Transylvania, Romania from August 07-14, 2016. The workshop will take place in the a quaint, award-winning hotel situated in the mountains of Bran, overlooking Bran village and Dracula’s castle. Along with daily lectures and workshops, you will be given personal attention to your writing, including one-on-one tutorials and comprehensive critiques by our guest."

I can't imagine how much it would change one's life, not just as an author, to participate in this. I can only think it might take me quite a while, once I was back home, to process what I'd just experienced on this trip!

http://www.workshopwriters.com/

Horror Writer's Workshop - Transylvania, on Facebook


3. Ardtornish Estate


Located on the West Coast of Scotland. Not a writer's retreat, but how fabulous would it be to rent one of the Victorian apartments or cozy cottages while writing your novel? One would be there to write, not engage in the diving, snorkeling or sports pursuits on offer. However, the walking opportunities surely would be conducive to deep and inspiring reflection.

http://www.ardtornish.co.uk/

The Ardtornish Estate, on Facebook


Stanley Hotel Writers Retreat


October 20-23, 2016 at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado.

This Indigogo-funded writer's retreat is apparently a go! (It makes me a bit nervous that the event doesn't have an official Facebook page as of yet!) You could stay overnight and write at the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining! This is meant to be an informal, casual writing retreat where you can get lots of writing done, not a convention or conference with tons of meetings.

Stanley Hotel Writers Retreat at IndieGogo


4. La Muse Artists and Writers Retreat


One, two, three, or four week retreats in the mountains of southern France. You can rent an individual room, book rooms for a group event, or stay in the Mews or a cottage. They try to keep rates affordable so writers and artists can afford to stay long enough to get a good amount of work done. This place is not a castle or chateau, but is surrounded by so much picturesque countryside, it makes up for it.

http://lamuseinn.com/


5. Camelot Castle


Stay in a private family home in Cornwall, England. You can rent a room with a four poster bed, desk, and a view of the Atlantic and the ruins of King Arthur's Castle at Tintagel. Sounds fabulous to me! Then again, I might fall prey to staring dreamily out the window all day instead of actually writing.

However, Buzzfeed claims this castle is owned by a Donald Trump superfan who is also a Scientologist. Thought you should know!

http://www.camelotcastle.com/


6. Winchester Mystery House Writers Retreat, San Jose, CA


August 11-13, 2016.

R.J. Cavendish put together this Indiegogo funded writers retreat. Note that you wouldn't be staying overnight at the actual Winchester house, but at a mansion about 20 minutes away.

Winchester Mystery House Retreat, at Indiegogo

Winchester Mystery House Writers Retreat, on Facebook


7. Rocaberti Castle Writers Retreat


October 7-12, 2016, in Figueres, Spain (near Barcelona).

This writers retreat especially emphasizes screenwriting. "You’ll be part of a small and exclusive group of a maximum of 16 writers at the retreat. Through focused, practical presentations in the mornings, afternoon mentoring sessions, evening social events—and with a mentor/writer ratio of approximately 1:4—you’ll learn how to tell your story on the page and on the screen, and be one step closer to seeing your dream come to life!"

http://rocabertiwriters.com/

Rocaberti Castle Writers Retreat, on Facebook


8. Writeaway in France


September 25-October 2, 2016, Chateau du Pin in France.

Nothing particularly dark about this writer's retreat - I probably wouldn't bring a bloody or gory horror novel to read aloud from in group sessions.. scaring off the poor other writers. However, how cool is this locale? Writing in a 15th century chateau.. I am swooning!

http://www.writeaways.com/writeaway-in-france/


9. Ballyhannon Castle, Ireland


If castles in France and Spain don't tempt you, how about this one in Ireland?

The castle sleeps 10 people. It's not a hotel, so you have to cook for yourself. Unless you're rich, you probably don't want to rent this all by yourself. What a fabulous writer's retreat you could concoct here to share expenses and inspiration with likeminded authors!

http://www.ballyhannon-castle.com/

Ballyhannon Castle on Facebook


10. St. Peter's Abbey, Saskatchewan, Canada


At these three-week writers retreats, held by the Saskatchewan Writers Guild, you stay in the guest rooms of the abbey. This is another instance of a writer's retreat not specifically seeking out dark authors, so you won't be comparing notes on your gothic romance or horror novel with the other authors. As a bonus: "A reference library specifically designed for writers and artists is set up in the lounge of the Abbey Guest wing."

St. Peter's Abbey

Saskatchewan Writer's Retreats


Hope you enjoyed daydreaming about writing as much as I did today! Now I really need to go sit down and do some actual work on my novel, retreating merely to my quiet backyard today!


--Copyright 2016 Carrie Carolin, Dark Side of the Net

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