The PineBox Pickings (2)
To the community I died for, into infinity.
I knew you would be back my soft and supple-skinned companions. By now — you should be used to the chattering teeth and echoing bones of my visage. But if you are new, I suggest you get used to it because I am very happy to have you among the rising dead.
As per last visitation, you do not get a say in what your selection is — this is mine and you will look into it whether you like it or not because every single entry deserves it. I’d hand over the keys to the crypt if I could — but alas, darker things are at work.
Now, into the pit you go, just follow the blue bulbs that bloom from the crosses. No need to be scared, we offer all of it, just be prepared because the trail is long. WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT. Oh and don’t forget the special offer at the bottom — blood is only worth so much. (Soul required)
PINEBOX PICKINGS:
Aurelian is what I would like to aptly name a true wandering Sage amongst us gnats of knowledge. His words are full of soul and blood, mixed in with the dirt of the earth that hugs itself to your fingernails. Proper grime, improper subjects, and unseen voices that often get overlooked are his specialty. His experience shines through in the way he carries himself throughout this space.
Like I mentioned, a hooded sage who often manifests from corners to drop some game and drop off the earth again, until next time. Someone who I could call a constant inspiration and voice of pure reason. He is cherished on this side.
As before, listed below are two of my favorites from him, but please, GO LISTEN to whatever you can from him.
Yael Lost Her Name -
A tragic tale of wanting to believe that people hold the best version of themselves, while the reader realizes that simply isn’t true. Especially with the backdrop of the 1940’s. Terror is reality.
The Stars † -
A reading of a poem that transcends time. A reading only the smoking sage could bring to life. True artistry.
Sana’s expertise in the craft is not appreciated ENOUGH! Every piece I have read from her far exceeds anything I could even imagine and each piece feels wholly unique. Sana is TOO underrated and YOU need to go subscribe NOW.
Every piece fantastically toes the line between the said and unsaid, which allows the reader to wallow in what is next. From her flash fiction to her poetry, it is all so good.
Here are my two favorites:
Two Plastic Bags -
The definition of a psycho-horror. You get to watch a car crash, forcefully, horrifyingly, and into ruin.
Nebula -
A fantastic and flowing piece of poetry that shifts between our minuscule contrast to the cosmos. Emotions expand beyond.
Do you want consistently GREAT and macabre writing? Look NO FURTHER. Every piece I have consumed from them has contained INSPIRATIONAL prose that elevates me into another stratosphere. Its the type of horror writing that hooks you from the depths of your terror and lifts you up into surreality. From flash to poetry.
Every piece feels like that, in its own unique and twisting ride. Artemis’ support has been consistently amazing and they have been putting in major work — they deserve any and all eyes.
Song of Suffering -
A flash fiction that uses sound and imagery to its maximal effectiveness. Everything is to die for in this piece. It shifts between dream-like imagery and terror so well.
The Interviews -
THIS ENTIRE STORY IS SCARY AS SHIT.
The Lost Boys -
A truly thoughtful and dreadful reimagining of something I am sure you yourself can guess. I just HAD to include this.
Another young fiction writer on the stack and absolutely out there killing with every piece I have read from him. It is inspiring, a little scary, and overall just dope ass work. His fiction is like no other and for that, we can all be grateful. A new voice that pushes the line forward while maintaining a high edge of quality is no easy feat.
Fantastic work all around, and I am excited to get to see his journey.
Walking with Moss -
Profound and full of wonder. It brims with hope and comfort. Brought on by the magic of nature personified.
Antara 003;Transubstantiation -
Full of AI mischief and evil using the words of divinity to twist it into decay. Amazing all around.
As I have mentioned before — this is a horror writer’s favorite horror writer. All of Dylan’s work that I have read and bought has been nothing but fucking bangers. Boom, bam, pow all explosions within the HORROR genre. It’s grimy, unique, and tightly written — all of it.
Not only that, but the man is running on four equine legs with the way he is working and supporting others in this space. I am glad to have found him.
SYLKWVRM -
Dark fantasy that FUCKS. From the violence to the evil undertones of the narrator, it all works.
Becoming -
A horror story I still think about when my foot slips from the covers. A slow burn into recoiling madness. Lovely.
READ ALL OF JACK AND THE BEANSTALK CAFE NOW OR I WILL USE YOUR RIBS AS SPIKES TO PIN YOUR BODY TO THE SOIL — ahem — okay — I need to calm down. The crypt-keeper found me for a second there. Forgive me.
What I mean to say is that for this novel to seemingly be the first Happy has released, I am in awe of the effectiveness of every single chapter that does NOTHING but drive the plot forward. It is fantastically put together and it holds characters that already feel iconic in their own right. What a dream —
So go READ:
Jack and the Beanstalk Cafe -
Jack and the Beanstalk Cafe -
Jack and the Beanstalk Cafe -
CATACOMB LIST! FOLLOW THEM. ALL FICTION AND MORE.
FICTION IS CULTURE!!!!
(Below each name will be a piece of work that I enjoyed personally.)Every single one of them is amazing and deserve to be supported for their work. I know it is a lot of effort.
Well peeps, that is another PineBox Pickings to be had. Again, we are past the juicy bone marrow and now enter into the stuff Edward is within for the stack itself, as well as some self-promoton at the bottom. But also — make sure to take a look at the first PineBox Pickings right underneath here, it includes more names that deserve the spotlight:
The PineBox Pickings:
Hello again! Don’t mind the queer reverberation of the voice bouncing around the stone. Just listen, and — you should be used to the disembodied bones at this point, anyways. Well... I must admit, I am very happy you are back.
A podcast episode where I RAMBLE BEYOND BELIEF. Check it out if you want insight into my journey so far.
A place of wonder and imagination.
Short story and Poetry highlights. Submit some work!
And that will conclude the pickings. If you made it to the end, I love you, forever. The cryptkeeper is simply here to present a way to shove gold into our eye sockets. I’m offering half off and both the monthly and yearly subscription. You will find both links below.
In short, it is a simple way to support the work I do here. Especially in terms of what I can offer in the future. I am currently gathering materials for a proper recording spot and will be offering even more accessible fiction very soon.
Oh — and yearly members get special shit — such as sneak peeks into WIP, my fantasy project I have been working on for years and years, personalized stories, and hopefully personal readings once I get set up.
Song Spotlight:
Lines that I envy and admire all the same, so maybe you can too:
“Living Silent, Under Wraps.”
“The moment that you tell them/The end of where you’re at”
“Will uncover a beauty there/They never could expect.”
God I love your writing voice and the images you pick
Absolutely beyond thrilled to see Happy there 🥹💛 Jack and The Beanstalk is one of my absolute favourite things on this app, just like PineBox Readings, so having both of them in one post is always a reason for me to giggle excitedly
And the list is awesome! Some more people for me to take a peek at 😏
This has literally inspired me to keep writing and posting, thank you so much for the glowing review! I’m so glad my stories have resonated with you. It’s an honor to be a part of pinebox pickings 🙏🙏🙏