Having been a fan of some of the great writers of my time, I began my own misadventures as a writer when I was in high school. Unfortunately I quickly discovered how frustrating writing can be and went back to just enjoying the efforts of others.

When I discovered the world of fan fiction, through a television show entitled Forever Knight, I again revisited the art that I had long ago attempted. Through working with others I re-discovered the fun and enjoyed using a universe already populated with characters and plot possibilities.

It was the writing styles of Kelley Armstrong, Laurell K. Hamilton, and Jim Butcher which finally sparked the itch to attempt to pick up where I had left off with fan fiction writing.

What triggered this particular series?

The web magazine Twilight Tales occasionally has bi-monthly, themed story requests.
For their theme "Tales of the Weird, Wild, West", I created the town of Goblin's Toe, Wyoming to reflect how strange things could become in a Wild West town -- if the paranormal were involved.

Unfortunately, due to circumstances that often happen, their web magazine went through some changes and the story I'd submitted ("Dead Men Hanging") has yet to be accepted or published by them. Perhaps when the dust settles, who knows.

The great news, however, is that I've had most if not all of the following accepted for publication in the web magazine Bewildering Stories with special thanks going out to Editor Don Webb and the rest of the great staff there. Without his sage editorial advice, patience and suggestions, this series would not appear as it currently does.

I would also be remiss if I did not thank my wife Wendy and her father C. Raymond Beauto for taking time to proof read and comment on many of the following stories, even when Vampires are not exactly their "cup of tea".

Likewise, it is with appreciation for support shown by my parents; who long ago took time to correct an Advanced English Teacher who is only discovering now that although I may forgive ... I never, ever forget. Thanks Mom and Dad.

Extensive thanks also go out to the able assistance of fellow Kelley Armstrong On-line Writers Group (OWG) members, and in particular Michael Moore of the web magazine Descending Darkness for his patience, great advice, and the rules of a contest for which if he had not written them as he did, certain garden gnomes would not have danced.

Since then Goblin's Toe, Wyoming has become my own variation of Lake Wobegon, only in a Wild West, paranormal sort of way.

Reader Warnings

The following works are intended for mature readers.

Please consider this a warning for strong language, possible sexual content,
and violence that may be specific or implied.

In several places throughout the stories, actual historical events
have been intermixed with fiction as well as reference made to the paranormal
and other related studies.

Such content as presented should not be viewed by younger readers without
parental review.

Please be aware that what you are about to read are horror stories set in the Wild West
of the United States, which occur for the most part in the mid to late 1800s.

The genre of horror I've attempted usually ranges in content from somewhat dark to very dark and will
almost always manage to use your imagination against you.

Personally, I am a big fan of what Hitchcock did to his viewers and what Steven King did to his readers.

Please visit Kelley Armstrong's web site if you get a chance. You will get hooked...

Disclaimers

Character and locations used within these stories are often fictional.

Locations and people of historical record are portrayed as historically referenced
and may have had circumstances artistically altered for story purposes.

Any resemblance to actual people or persons, either living, dead or undead is
probably coincidence and may be unintended.

I hope you enjoy the following. If not, I won't be offended. All I ask is that you go find other writers, or genres and enjoy yourself while you read.

I'm just an amateur and am learning as I write.

Please remember that laughing at the prose of a hack is not only considered healthy,
it burns calories too...

Thank you,

Bob.

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