Writing, "The Unwritten"

My book, "Death of Heaven", won the 2024 New York City Big Book Award for Horror. I also submitted it to this year's Readers' Favorite awards in September 2025 and received so far, a 5-star review from them. 

I thought this might make a good Friday blog leading into Memorial Day weekend. You know, something to read? I'm not your usual sci-fi or horror author, if you want something different, well?

From Death of Heaven art by Marvin Hayes

I've written before about the formation of Death of Heaven and how it came into being back in 2012, then I did a re-edit in 2014 with Ilene, a very good editor and wife of another very good author and friend, Kurt Giambastiani. and then re-released it. It was my second book that year, the first being my first ever collection of my published and unpublished short stories up to then (including the end of book novella, Andrew, which became the foundation of Death of Heaven. 

Andrew, was originally written for my university intro to fiction class, then worked on over the years until finally it got published. It was a great experience, having read it in class and pretty much blowing away my class and professor with it. A complex story to base a very complex book on.

As for Andrew, it is also now available on Apple Books as an AI read audiobook. Always being on the bleeding edge of tech, I thought I'd give it a try. I may cancel it, I may not (probably will though).

I released my latest collection of published and unpublished short stories in 2020, in a second and third volume of my "Anthology of Evil" series, as: Anthology of Evil II Vol. I and Anthology of Evil II Vol. II The Unwritten.

As for the first of those two books...

Anthology of Evil II Vol. I is a collection of horror and science fiction short stories that delve into the darker aspects of humanity and the concept of evil. The book features a variety of narratives, each exploring different themes such as the consequences of technological advancements, the complexities of human relationships, and the moral dilemmas faced in extreme situations. Through stories like "Red Rain," "Expedition of the Arcturus," and "Simon’s Beautiful Thought," Murdock emphasizes the subtle manifestations of evil in everyday life, encouraging readers to reflect on the implications of their choices and the nature of good and evil. Overall, the anthology serves as a cautionary exploration of ambition, connection, and the duality of technology.

It also includes the poem from my award-winning WWI filmic poem and historical documentary (63 national and international film festival awards), "Pvt. Ravel's Bolero."

But today I'm writing here about my second fiction book from that sequel, I usually refer to as just, The Unwritten. I've also written about the creation of this book before (blog: I Had Far Too Much to Dream That Night...

That's my photograph of a Bremerton moon (enhanced by Marvin Hayes).

The Unwritten is a horror anthology (more so a portmanteau) that delves into themes of fear, memory, and the unknown through a multi-part narrative. It follows Tom, who finds himself trapped in a cabin with a sinister woman named Alice and a malevolent shadow that feeds on fear. The story also explores the perspective of the shadow, born from the suffering in Hell, and two scientists whose experiment inadvertently opens a connection to this dark realm. 

A portmanteau novel is a novel that is structured as a collection of interconnected or independent short stories, often with a unifying theme, character, or setting. It can also refer to a novel where a new world is formed by blending two or more existing worlds.

As the narrative unfolds, it reveals the chaotic consequences of their actions, culminating in a violent confrontation that highlights the dangers of pushing scientific boundaries and the fragility of reality. Overall, the book serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of ambition and the mysteries that lie beyond human understanding.

The Unwritten is a chilling horror story that explores themes of fear, memory, and the unknown. The narrative unfolds in three distinct parts, each offering a unique perspective on the unfolding events.

Part I - Tom: The story begins with Tom, a man bound and unconscious on a kitchen table. He awakens to find himself in a dilapidated cabin, the victim of a mysterious woman named Alice. Alice, a captivating yet terrifying figure, reveals her intention to "learn to love" Tom, but only after he's dead. Tom endures a brutal attack, being cauterized with a heated blade, and subsequently passes out.

Upon regaining consciousness, Tom finds himself alone in the cabin, his memories fragmented and his name a distant echo. He discovers a strange shadow lurking in the ceiling, which seems to feed on fear and disintegrate objects around him. As the shadow intensifies, Tom manages to free himself and escapes the cabin, encountering a monstrous man who is also attacked by the shadow. The man is killed, and the shadow disappears, leaving Tom alone in a silent, eerie cabin.

Part II - The Darkness: This part delves into the perspective of the shadow, a being born from the accumulated negative energy of souls in Hell. It describes the horrifying reality of Hell, a place of endless suffering and torment. The shadow, however, experiences a brief moment of freedom when it escapes Hell and enters the cabin, but is quickly pulled back. It grapples with the concept of "Out There," a place beyond Hell that it can only glimpse.

Part III - The Scientists: The story shifts to a scientific laboratory where two researchers, Cotanrz and Miuccia, are conducting a groundbreaking experiment involving pandimensional displacement and communication. They attempt to establish contact with beings in another universe, but their efforts are disrupted by an unknown energy source. The experiment goes awry, resulting in the death of one of the beings in the other universe.

The scientists are left bewildered and fearful, realizing they may have inadvertently opened a connection to a terrifying, unknown entity. They are forced to shut down the experiment and face the consequences of their actions before the High Council.

Part IV - Darkness Redux: The shadow, now back in Hell, is drawn back to the crack in the ceiling that led to the cabin. It yearns for the freedom and lightness it experienced in the other world, but is trapped in the suffocating reality of Hell. It witnesses a surge of souls, including some of the most notorious mass murderers in history, and is overwhelmed by the influx of energy.

Part V - Tom Redux: Tom, now alone in the cabin, attempts to escape. He discovers a hidden stairwell that descends into a dark, silent abyss. He ventures down the stairs, encountering strange inconsistencies and a sense of déjà vu. He realizes the stairs are leading him nowhere, and eventually decides to return to the cabin.

Part VI - The Scientists Redux: The Minister YashThiago, the head of Dimensional Research, informs the High Council of the incident. The AI, Artelect, reveals that the scientists have inadvertently tapped into Hell, a small but powerful pocket universe. The council is stunned and alarmed, realizing the potential consequences of their actions.

Part VII - Darkness Redux: The shadow, once again pulled through the crack in the ceiling, finds itself in the cabin. It is drawn to the beings in the cabin, who are now filled with a dark, violent energy. The shadow touches them, sharing its knowledge of Hell and triggering a bloody massacre.

Part VIII - Tom Redux: Tom returns to the cabin to find a scene of utter carnage. He realizes that the beings in the cabin have killed each other, and is left to ponder the horrifying events that have unfolded.

Part IX - The Scientists Redux: The scientists, with the help of Artelect, discover that the energy from Hell has created a feedback loop, causing a temporal anomaly. They realize that they have inadvertently opened a connection to Hell, and that the situation is far more dangerous than they initially thought.

Overall Significance: "The Unwritten" is a chilling exploration of the unknown and the consequences of pushing the boundaries of science and knowledge. It highlights the fragility of reality and the potential for chaos and destruction that lies beyond our understanding. The story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of respecting the mysteries of the universe.

And, there it is. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT

Val Kilmer: A Legacy Of Talent & Resilience – Mamet, 'Spartan'...& A Spy’s Game

RIP to Val Kilmer.

"Kilmer died Tuesday night in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends, his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, said in an email to The Associated Press. Kilmer died from pneumonia. He had recovered after a 2014 throat cancer diagnosis that required two tracheotomies. The New York Times was the first to report his death." - AP

My introduction to Val Kilmer was in Top Gun (1986), and I did not like him (that character, anyway, as I came to realize later). Then I saw him in Real Genius (1985). I liked him a bit more. Then I saw him in Top Secret (1984) and I thought, yeah, he's much more likable here. 

​Val Kilmer, the versatile actor known for his roles in films like Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65 due to pneumonia. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed his death, noting that he had previously battled throat cancer since 2015, which had significantly impacted his health. 

Kilmer's portrayal of Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991) showcased his dedication to his craft, as he immersed himself in the role by singing all the concert sequences himself. His performance as Iceman in Top Gun (1986) and as the titular character in Batman Forever (1995) solidified his status as a Hollywood leading man.

Throughout his career, Kilmer was known for his intense approach to acting, which sometimes led to a reputation for being difficult to work with. Despite these challenges, his commitment to his roles left a lasting impact on the film industry. ​

Kilmer has narrated a few films. One of the notable projects he narrated is The American West (2016), a documentary series that explores the history of the American West. Kilmer’s deep, distinctive voice adds a powerful layer to the storytelling, making his narration a memorable part of the series. Additionally, Kilmer has lent his voice to various other projects, both in narration and voice acting.

In addition to The American West, Kilmer also narrated The Mutant Chronicles (2008), though it is more of a feature film with a documentary-style approach. However, for a more documentary-specific project, Kilmer is also known for narrating Cinema Twain (2015), a rather good documentary that focuses on the life and legacy of Mark Twain.

"The Mutant Chronicles universe was first a Pen and Paper role-playing game published by Swedish game studio Target Games. There were also several boardgames, a set of tabletop wargaming rules (with associated lines of miniatures), as well as comic books." IMDb

In his later years, Kilmer became more politically active and even considered running for governor of New Mexico. He also authored a memoir titled I'm Your Huckleberry: A Memoir in 2020, providing insights into his life and career.

Kilmer is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack, who have both followed in their father's footsteps in the entertainment industry. 

But I don't want to talk here about those films that have been discussed so much.

One of his, if not standout performances in a film for me, but one of my favorites is Spartan (2004) from David Mamet. Their only collaboration and a film kind of panned by reviewers, but still one of my favorite Kilmer flicks. But then I have an orientation that leans into espionage, both non-fiction for most of the first part of my life, and the fictional. But I've always preferred as realistic as possible. Either in its reality or in the feel for that. Which was why my favorite spy novelist long was books by Len Deighton. 

While I was not in my father's life, or he in mine, I was given the last book he was reading when he died, and it was Deighton's spy series, Game, Set, Match. Which, rather oddl,y when I received that book, I had just finished what I thought was a very good BBC series of the same name with Ian Holm as the inveterate character of Bernard Sampson (pronunciation of his first name BERNard, forever misspoke by "Yanks").

Deighton was famous for his books into films starring the late Michael Caine: The IPCRESS File (1962), Funeral in Berlin (1964), Billion-Dollar Brain (1966). Caine's character of spy Harry Palmer was my favorite fictional spy after James Bond and before the satirical Derek Flint (James Coburn). I loved those films and Michael Caine ever since them.

Oddly enough it took me forever to find the DVD set of the Game, Set, Match series because writer Deighton hated Holm's performance and he tried to kill their existence. I finally found a copy in Australia. That Game Set Match series is a trilogy of a trilogy of books: Deighton later wrote two more trilogies continuing Samson’s story:

• Game, Set, Match (Berlin Game, Mexico Set, London Match)

• Hook, Line & Sinker (Spy Hook, Spy Line, Spy Sinker)

• Faith, Hope & Charity (Faith, Hope, Charity)

But I (quite obviously) digress...

I've been a fan of Mamet's since my playwriting class days at university, and full in after I saw House of Games (1987). But even before that, with The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981), The Verdict (1982) with Paul Newman, and definitely with The Untouchables (1987).

How can I justify my appreciation of Spartan?

I don’t really need to justify liking Spartan—but if you want me to defend it against its lukewarm reception, there is plenty to work with. 

Here’s why I think it stands out:

1. Mamet’s Signature Dialogue & Tight Script

• Mamet’s stylized, clipped dialogue can be divisive, but it gives Spartan a unique, almost poetic rhythm. It’s efficient, stripped down—no wasted words.

• The storytelling avoids spoon-feeding the audience, trusting them to piece things together, which makes rewatches rewarding.

2. Val Kilmer’s Performance

• He’s at his best here—intense, understated, and believably lethal. Unlike a typical action hero, he plays Scott as all business, which fits the tone perfectly.

3. Unconventional Spy Thriller

• No over-the-top set pieces or glamorized espionage—this is a brutal, procedural look at special ops work, where success often comes down to ruthlessness, not flash.

• The film’s twists feel earned rather than forced, and it respects the audience’s intelligence.

4. Dark, Political Edge

• It subtly critiques power structures, government corruption, and the expendability of even high-profile individuals.

• The conspiracy at the film’s core isn’t outlandish—it feels frighteningly plausible.

5. Rewatchability & Cult Status

• Like a lot of Mamet films, it’s aged well. Its methodical pacing, sharp dialogue, and ambiguous moral compass make it more rewarding the more you watch it.

The fact that critics weren’t all on board actually makes it more of a hidden gem. Some of the best films aren’t universally loved at first but develop a loyal following over time—Spartan is one of those.

Val Kilmer’s career is celebrated for his iconic roles in films like Top Gun and The Doors. Known for his talent and charm, Kilmer has faced personal challenges, including a battle with throat cancer. Despite these hurdles, his legacy continues to inspire, leaving a lasting mark on both Hollywood and his fans.

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT

Hollywood Girl Goes Author!

You may remember my Hollywood Girl blog on a web series created and starred in by the amazing Courtney Zito. Check that blog out for more about her and her show. Or you may remember my blog: Just why is Courtney Zito crashing the SuperBowl?  Both obviously about the same lady.

What this blog here and now is about is that she has just turned her talents to being an author and writing a book. What kind of book would this dynamic, attractive and talented actress, and comedic producer of a very funny show... write?

Well, a supernatural thriller of course! Titled Peripheral Vision, it's available now to pre order on Amazon. Check out her new video book trailer for it. It's pretty sweet! Drop by her Facebook page and let her know you hopefully pre-ordered the book. Coming out as an ebook first, it will later be released in print format. Teaming up with her in writing this book is writer Timothy Hammer.

See the Amazon description below at the end of this blog.

Courtney's an amazing talent (just watch an episode or a season (or three) of Hollywood Girl) who has been lost not only to the single crowd (she's married), she has also entered the role of parent. It seems like only yesterday she was a free and crazy Hollywood Girl and now she is branching out into a multitude of endeavors as only she can.

Far beyond the triple threat many fear as competition, just get out of her way and see where she goes!

Hollywood Girls has broken the bonds of videohood and entered the international realm of the novel.

Cheers, readers!

From the Amazon page:

Sometimes the deepest secrets hide in the the darkest corners.

As a little girl, Sarah suffered a horrific tragedy that would forever change her. She saw it coming before anyone else, but she could only describe it as the feeling. From then on, she always considered herself an “extra sensitive”. It was as if her mind knew something was going to happen, but she wasn’t able to fit all of the pieces together until after the fact. At night, while she dreamed, her visions played out both the past and the future, and sleep was often elusive. But with the help of doctors, and sleeping pills, she was able to silence the feeling for the better part of her life.

Now, as a thirty-something, “living the dream” in Los Angeles, she’s built a solid life for herself and put the tragedy behind her. But when she’s met with unexpected news, it causes a cataclysmic shift in everything she thought she knew about herself, and her family. Sarah’s estranged Aunt has died, and she has inherited her old farmhouse in the small Nebraska town of Homewood. Deep within the house, she discovers some very dark secrets. What she finds, opens up some frightening doors to the small town's past. Doors that were better left closed.

Oh yeah...this should be good!