Setting Things Up For the Library of the Obscure

" 'Cause, nothing ever goes as planned

It's a hell of a notion

Even Pharaohs turn to sand

Like a drop in the ocean..."

This is a snippet from the Styx song "Nothing Ever Goes as Planned", from their Paradise Theater album (one of my favorites albums I'll admit).

Anyway, what does a Styx song have to do with today's topic for this blog entry? EVERYTHING!

When we were still house hunting and came across what would become our new home,

One of the things that really attracted us was the basement. It was set up almost like an old 1980's arcade, complete with black lights, an arcade game, a projector, and a black light carpet. See image below

It was so wild when we had the black lights on, we started joking about holding 80's parties down in it.

But of course... (cue the Styx song)

That's right! You guessed it. Things didn't quite go the way we had been hoping. While we were in contract and had a home inspection done, it was discovered that some leaking had been taking place against one of the walls, and mold had formed underneath that 'cool-looking' black light carpeting. The result was...well, see for yourself.

Luckily for us, we had asked for an allowance in our offer to help offset some repairs in the place and the sellers were very agreeable. So, after closing and we moved in, for the next 3-4 weeks, that was what our basement looked like. Eventually, we got carpeting installed, and then had to wait for the painters to come and finish the room, as well as installing the new moulding around the windows and along the carpet/wall areas.

All of that was finally finished about a week and a half ago, and here was the new look for the basement room.

So, you may be wondering at this point, "What the hell does any of this have to do with the Library of the Obscure, you've been going on about for several months now?"

Well, besides having a podcast version of The Library of the Obscure, I've also been wanting to also put up a YouTube channel, which would have openings and closings, similar to what I did my unabridged reading/presentation of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol". For those who've not seen that video, I show up on screen at the beginning and ending of the story, and share information about the tale I've presented and about both the author and the story, that many people have never heard before. And it is that same kind of approach, I wish to give "The Library of the Obscure". 

And as I did in "A Christmas Carol", each tale will have imagery and sound effects, to enhance the storytelling experience for the viewer. But I also with to have different backgrounds during my appearances to add to the experience... and a few laughs. Picture something like Svengoolie or Elvira, only with stories instead of movies being presented.

But in order to accomplish this goal, I've needed a good place to do some actual filming. And that's where the basement in our new house comes in. As you can see from the images, the room is fairly long and will hopefully allow me to come up with some interesting shots, as well as putting together an opening and closing sequence that will appear in every episode (in addition to my actual appearances where I share information and introduce the story of the day). 

So when will all that start happening? Well...

As you can see I have my lights, my green screen cloth, and a couple of cameras (not in the shot). And this weekend I'm going to try making some test footage to see what I can do with backgrounds and any kind of special effects we might be able to pull off. Mind you, don't expect anything 'professional', but I hope to amuse and entertain you to the best of my abilities.

I have over 50 short stories lined up to present to you over time, 8 of which are already recorded. And six of those have already been edited and given sound effects. Just need some imagery for a couple, as well as filming my openings and closings as your host "The Curator of the Library" for each one. In time Helen will be appearing on screen as well as the LIBRARIAN, a figure who keeps everyone (including the Curator) in line.

My goal at the present time, is to release a new episode once every 2 weeks. I promise to keep you all informed as to our progress, but I am hoping to put up the first couple of videos and podcasts by late next month, or October 1st just in time for the  SPOOKY SEASON!

Finally, I'd like to reassure you all, that in addition to all this, I AM still working on writing. The 2nd book in "The Pass" trilogy which I'm doing with my friend from high school "Richard Caminiti" (who by the way has just become a grandfather for the 1st time, to a fine pair of twin boys courtesy of his son and daughter-in-law). All are doing well from what I've been hearing. And I'm constantly sending wishes for much love and happiness to them all.

Originally, we had hoped to release the 2nd book in the trilogy later this year, but with moving and life getting in the way, not a lot of progress has been made. I also have to take a crack at doing some pen and ink work for the book, as our previous artist Gabby Callan has moved on to other projects of her own and from what I've heard she's doing very well. Go Gabby!

With all that said, we're hoping to release book 2 sometime next year, and at the same time be putting the final touches on book 3 for release in the following year.

So that's where things stand at the moment. And yes, I am still working on both "The Door" and "The Vampyre Blogs - Family Ties" novels. So stay tuned for more on those fronts.

That's all for now. Wish me luck this weekend and perhaps I'll share a couple of glimpses from the upcoming screen tests for the Library of the Obscure.

Until next time, take care and keep writing and recording everyone.