What have I been doing?!

Hey people,

Recently I've picked up my trusty old camera again and tried to get back into what once was my day job: photography. And since it highly interferes with my usual regularity of posting, I figured it was only fair to show you what I've been up to.

My idea is to get a small collection together of these and to get an exposition somewhere here in Holland. Maybe, somehow, I can get back to doing something that I really love, instead of just making money to feed my family and fund my time-consuming hobbies.

Of course, writing will always be a great love of mine, but in the past I've noticed that the two can co-exist peacefully.

From time to time, I'll be posting some of my photos here as well. Maybe, it can even give the blog some extra depth and personality.

Let me know what you think!

Regards,

Marcel

Flash Fiction: In Darkness by Marcel Admiraal

'Flash' Fiction... Get it? Huh?

Recently, I've been trying my hand at flash fiction. And this is what came out.

A short synopsis would probably run longer than the actual story, so let's just say it's horror, it's got blood and a twist at the end.

Enjoy! And if you feel the overwhelming urge to tell me what you think, please do! I can only learn...

Open publication - Free publishing

The highly inspirational, but blatantly superfluous speech of Sgt. Tough!

You bunch of whining maggots!

Okay, listen up, you bunch of nagging maggots! Gather around, take a knee. That means you too, Jenkins! Stop fiddling around with the crossbows. You're gonna shoot yourself in the foot if you keep that up!

Men, I know things look bad right now and I bet you'd like to be at home with the warm fireplace and your mom baking one of her warm apple pies, but instead we're stuck in this dark and evil forest with those monsters! SO SUCK IT UP!

These fricking monsters have been going at us for the last week or so and so far we've kept them at bay and fully intend to keep it that way! We've taken this hill and we're going to keep it! Some fine men died taking it and I for one are going to honour their memory!

So when we see one of those bloodsuckers coming our way, we're going to aim our crossbows and sent them straight back to the hot place where they came from! We're not going to whine and we're not going to nag! Johnson, even with one arm you can still fire a crossbow! Jenkins, help him load it and do it fast. I know he's only got one eye, but he's still the best damn shot we've got.

So men, keep looking for the skies, keep an eye on every dark shadow and look behind every tree and rock you can find. If you see two of their red, shiny eyes, put a silver-tipped arrow right between it. DID YOU HEAR ME, JENKINS?!

Men, I'd like to tell you that all of us are getting out of here, but to be honest, I don't know! I'm not going to lie to you! But I don't care if they bite you on the neck, tear out the flesh from your sides or cut the legs right from under you. I want every man with a working trigger finger on the ready! As long as you can scream, you're not dead yet! ARE YOU WITH ME?!

Sshhhh, what's that over there?

Jenkins, take the crossbow, move Johnson towards the trees. Smith, stop staring at your feet! Porky, move your fat body towards that treeline over there. Their a-coming, boys, this is it. Jenkins, didn't I tell you to stop fiddling around with the crossbow? Jenkins... JENKINS!

Jenkins, what's wrong with your eyes... their all red and shiny! This way they'll notice us for sure!

Oh damn...

Places of horror: the Chapel of Bones!

Chapel of Bones, Evora, Portugal

A holiday tip for this year (if you happen to be in the area) for all of you who like solemn, but slightly weird and horrible, attractions, is the Chapel of Bones in Evora, Portugal!

Situated right next to the St. Franciscus Church, the Chapel was built around 1500-something by a Fransican monk when they accidentally uncovered a mass grave believed to be victims of an earlier battle. Instead interring the victims, the monk decided to create a chapel dedicated to life being transitory.

At the doorstep, you automatically halt!

The chapel is entirely built out of the bones of these victims. Walking in, there is a warning in Portugese reading: "We bones, lying here bare, are awaiting yours". Despite yourself you feel a chill going down your spine and your mouth falls open as you halt at the doorstep.

Stepping over the threshold is an exercise in overcoming some instinctive fear of death. The whole chapel is beautifully lit and around you the empty sockets of the skulls are staring down at you. You have to be silent, but that's no problem since the view will take your breath away.

If you are in Europe and if you are in Portugal, please go and visit this more than impressive landmark building. Portugal, in itself, is full of culture and history and definitely worth a visit, but this chapel will be the crown on the whole trip. 

Photos by me!

Yes, these are all human skulls.

Sample time: The Art of Bullying: Blooper sample!

Hey people,

Over the past weeks I've been editing my new audio book The Art of Bullying. And since this can be a long and boring part of the production process, here's something to lighten the mood! I'm sure it makes you crack a smile! I hope to have the whole thing up in about two/three weeks!





For another sample from The Art of Bullying: click here!