All posts by philgiunta@ptd.net

Articles, Blog, Book Reviews, New Releases, Opinion

The Healing Power of the Written Word

Testing the Prisoner Front CoverRegardless of genre, several of my stories present a protagonist forced to confront repressed pain in order to overcome it and move on. As its heart, Testing the Prisoner is about the trauma suffered by victims of child abuse and the emotional damage they carry into adulthood.

I’ve been told by more than one reader that the book has aided in their healing process and for that, I cannot be more grateful. Most recently, fellow horror writer Carson Buckingham opened up about her experiences in her review of Testing the Prisoner on Hellnotes, a horror review site.

“I think the reason this book is so easy to get into and easier to continue with is the fact that the plot highlights the trauma, psychological chaos, and human feet of clay that makes it so relatable, even though it is about child abuse and letting go of hatred toward the abusers. Being a victim myself, though initially bothered by similarities to my childhood through some strongly-written abuse scenes, I stayed with it and am happy to report that this book turned out to be one of the most uplifting novels I have read in a very long time. If you have been a victim, it might do you good to read it. I found that, after I did, I was able to let go of a large negative burden that I’d been carrying for years… so thank you, Mr. Giunta. For your writing to be able to do that—to cause readers to step back and take inventory of their own lives and to improve them by acting on what they see is nothing short of miraculous.”

You’re welcome, my friend.

Blog, Book Reviews

Book Review: Too Late for Prayin’ by Carson Buckingham

Too Late for Prayin by Carson BuckinghamIn this collection of 18 stories, Carson Buckingham adds her own unique flavor to many familiar horror tropes and the result is a delicious buffet of nightmare fuel covering a diverse array of themes including body horror, cursed objects, black magic, living dolls, imaginary friends, and much more.

My top five favorites include: 

“Oil King” – A seven year old’s imaginary friend becomes an increasing source of concern for her single mother, who consults a psychiatrist for help. The situation seems harmless enough at first—until the imaginary friend reveals itself, much to the psychiatrist’s horror. 

“Red Squares, Black Squares” – A young man enlists in the military just before his wedding. The problem is, he failed to tell his wife. During his absence, she proceeds with planned renovations to their home and finds an old G.I. Joe doll hidden behind a wall. The doll happens to be dressed in the same red and black flannel shirt worn by her husband, but that’s just a coincidence… right? 

“For Number 11” – An epistolary tale told through a letter written by William H. Taft, 27th president of the United States. Upon Taft’s death, the letter, along with a mysterious book, is delivered to his close friend Charles Evans Hughes, 11th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. During his time as governor of the Philippines, Taft encountered a cult that practiced black magic in the name of St. Rita of Cascia. One of Taft’s guides gifted him with a book of spells, but as the would-be president soon learned, using it for personal gain resulted in dire consequences.

“CU239” – A woman finds herself in a parallel reality, where her job makes no sense at all and society at large is populated by strange, eccentric characters with bizarre habits and little regard for the value of life. How did she arrive here? More importantly, how will she return to her world?

“Lemminaid” – A cruel and cunning businessman becomes stranded in a town where he once purchased, and subsequently closed, a chemical plant that was also the area’s largest employer. While waiting for a tow truck, the man observes an enterprising young boy selling “Lemminaid” for two cents per glass and decides to give him some pointers. Impressed by the kid’s business acumen, the man buys a cup of lemonade—a decision he soon regrets. 

 

Blog, Opinion, Retrospective, Tribute

You Didn’t Come This Far Only to Come This Far

Despite recent bouts of COVID, depression, and elevated stress, I had occasion over this holiday season to reflect on everything for which I’m grateful, and the list is long.

Yes, 2023 was a challenging year. I struggled with severe anxiety attacks that began in September 2022 and continued until mid-August 2023. They left me debilitated for the first hour or two every morning and were often accompanied by bouts of depression, some lasting weeks. There were days when I thought they would end me, but I live by two mottos: “life might knock me down, but it can’t keep me down” and “you didn’t come this far only to come this far.”

Dido I’ve been grappling with the demons of depression and anxiety for over 45 years. For most of that time, I’ve been alone in my fight, but on this occasion, I had the help of three amazing women—my wife, my therapist, and my favorite singer on the planet, Dido (never say music doesn’t heal a broken soul). They are all my heroes.

‌‌My wife planned and booked every step of our June trip to Niagara Falls and the Thousand Islands, culminating in a visit to Boldt Castle on my birthday. It was a fantastic week. Travel does wonders for mental health.

Canadian Horseshoe Falls and Table Rock      Evon and Phil at Niagara Falls

Phil at "Famous Boldt Castle on Heart Island" sign   Boldt Castle

It was also in June when my detective tale, “Pearl of Great Price,” was published in Hard-Boiled and Loaded with Sin by Hawkshaw Press. That also helped loosen anxiety’s grip on me.

Hard-Boiled and Loaded with Sin Book Cover

Testing the Prisoner Front Cover

At the same time, plans to release the second edition of Testing the Prisoner were coming to fruition. By early June, the book was fully re-edited by yours truly and two months later, artist pal Scott Barnett produced a cover that not only popped but exploded.

The book was released on September 18th. What happened next was nothing short of amazing.

First, I ran an Early Reviewers giveaway on LibraryThing, which resulted in five stellar reviews from the happy winners.

Best Book Award Finalist LogoIn October, after purchasing a copy of Testing the Prisoner from my table at the Easton Book Festival, writer and publisher Angel Ackerman—current president of the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group—praised the book on her blog as well as Amazon and Goodreads. By this time, Testing the Prisoner had been named as one of five finalists in American Book Fest’s 2023 Best Book Awards (Horror Category).  Wow!

I was then contacted by horror writer Carson Buckingham who offered to review the book for Hellnotes.com. I sent a paperback to her in mid-November and shortly after Thanksgiving, she posted her effusive review, giving Testing the Prisoner six out of five stars!

As of this writing, I’m on the final round of re-edits to By Your Side, the second edition of which is slated for release on February 5, 2024 with a new cover by the aforementioned brilliant artist, Scott Barnett. The official launch will happen at Farpoint SF Convention in Pikesville, MD.

As I sit here on December 23rd, the house decked out for Christmas, anticipating a glorious week off from work and all of the writing and editing ahead of me, I do indeed have plenty to be grateful for. I hope you do as well. If you’re struggling, remember that you didn’t come this far, only to come this far. Life will knock you down at times, but problems and setback are temporary. Please don’t let them keep you down.

I wish you peace, love, and joy this holiday season and throughout the new year!

Blog, Book Reviews, Opinion

Best Books About Ordinary People Thrown into Bizarre and Extraordinary Circumstances

There’s a new book recommendation site in town and its name is Shepherd. They aim to give Goodreads a run for its money and to help build their site, Shepherd has been reaching out to authors for their top five book recommendations based on a theme of their choice.

In my case, I created a list of the best books about ordinary people thrown into bizarre and extraordinary circumstances. It’s an honor to be featured on Shepherd and join the ranks of so many incredible writers!

Phil Giunta-Shepherd Top 5 Books

Blog, Book Reviews, New Releases

Six out of Five Stars for Testing the Prisoner!

This, ladies and gents, is the kind of book review that every writer dreams about. Thank you to fellow writer Carson Buckingham for giving Testing the Prisoner 6 out of 5 stars on the horror review site, Hellnotes.

“…Testing the Prisoner is so much more brilliant than just a terrific piece of fiction. It’s about the crossroads that we all eventually end up at and the decisions we make when we get there. The book takes an old trope and imbues it with complexity and new life… The character development is masterfully done, with character growth of not only the protagonist, but almost every single character in the story…”

Click here for the full review.

Click here for more info on the book. 
Testing the Prisoner by Phil Giunta