Author: Kevin A. Ranson

Film Critic & Horror Writer. Heeding a macabre calling listening to “Mother Ghost Nursery Rhymes” in kindergarten, Kevin A. Ranson wrote in grade school and filled countless notebooks with story ideas while touring the Mediterranean in the US Navy. Author of The Spooky Chronicles, the thriller series The Matriarch Vampires, and critic for MovieCrypt.com as host Grim D. Reaper #grmdrpr. Sith master of Google-Fu, Bing-Jitsu, and buttered toast (you want some toast?)

The Matriarch – The Complete Playlist

On By Kevin A. RansonIn ExistentialismLeave a comment

I’ve been featuring a number of favorite tunes that puts me into the world I’ve created and that have helped to mentally shape that world; if it was a movie, what would the soundtrack be? Most of these I’ve featured – I’ve included the song, a corresponding scene, location or character in parenthesis, and the artist. The last song, “My Songs Know What You Did” by Fall Out Boy, immediately sounded like the combination of everything, the perfect roll-the-credits song – if The Matriarch were ever made into a movie.

SkyTreeFangMoon10
Fly On the Wall (Ed’s Church) – Thousand Foot Krutch
Come Along (Weekend Plans) – Vicci Martinez & Cee Lo Green
Head Over Heels (Gramma’s House) – Digital Daggers
Sleep Alone 909S In Darktimes Mix (Late Again) – Bat for Lashes
Nightmare (Booty Call) – Avenged Sevenfold
Boom Boom Ba (The Sanctum) – Métisse
Save Yourself (Daniel’s Drive) – Stabbing Westward
Running Up That Hill (The Turning) – Placebo
Beyond the Stars (Running Away) – Evans Blue
Cry Little Sister (Louisa Revealed) – Seasons After
Through Glass (Empty House) – Stone Sour
Beauty of the Dark (Back to the Cemetery) – Mads Langer
We Radiate (Little Black Dress) – Goldfrapp
Temptation Waits (The Lounge) – Garbage
Love the Way You Hate Me (Ian’s Theme) – Against All Will
Open Letter (Louisa’s Theme) – The Amity Affliction
Wait For Sleep (Tower Window) – Dream Theater
Life Is Beautiful – Acoustic (The Funeral) – Sixx:A.M.
My Songs Know What You Did (End Credits) – Fall Out Boy

One to Watch – 5-star Review for The Matriarch

On By Kevin A. RansonIn Cemetery, Creativity, Existentialism, LiterarianLeave a comment

5.0 out of 5 stars: “One to watch” June 22, 2013
By L. Reuther (REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Matriarch (Paperback)

SkyTreeFangMoon10
Kevin A Ranson beautifully blends the boundaries of vampires and ghosts. This story of revenge takes place in the real world with a straightforward insight on stakes, sunlight and soil. Kevin creates characters with believable motives who show that vampires, just like mortals, must ultimately chose their own path in life, and decide whether it will be a blessing or a cure. Either way, these are creatures with an impact on their ecosystem. They have been present in every human civilization, and deserve to be studied both historically and scientifically. Kevin’s cars, Kias and Escalades, add an element of fun. He has written a well-balanced story with elements of action, humor, and humanity.

MovieCrypt Now Updated Weekends!

On By Kevin A. RansonIn Cemetery, Critiquery, HollywoodLeave a comment

With so many other writing and creative projects going on, I’m setting aside time specifically on weekends for one or more updates for MovieCrypt to avoid it falling into neglect. My goal is at least one review, one Reaper Rants video, and one additional post of some type.

Sadly, neither myself nor Grim will be making it to many more of our favorite conventions this year, but next year will permit more time for that kind of thing.

MovieCryptSiteCover20130615

BlueEyedLichhead2011May

See what Spooky’s been up to lately!

On By Kevin A. RansonIn Cemetery, Creativity, Literarian, ParanormalLeave a comment

Meet Spooky, a dead little boy continuing to grow up. He goes to school, likes taking pictures in cemeteries, and doesn’t breathe. Accidentally starting the zombie apocalypse is his biggest fear, but it’s not his biggest problem.

The Spooky Chronicles is a paranormal mystery horror book series about a child who comes back to life as a zombie but is still getting older. Having already overcome personal tragedy in his life, his unique condition makes him aware of (and draws him into) a secret, paranormal underworld he never asked to be a part of (but still thinks is pretty cool).

BlueEyedLichhead2011May

I Want More – New 5-Star Review for The Matriarch!

On By Kevin A. RansonIn Creativity, Literarian, ParanormalLeave a comment

5.0 out of 5 stars: “I want more.” May 21, 2013
By windigo98
This review is from: The Matriarch (Paperback)

SkyTreeFangMoon10
Like usual when I find a book I want to read and enjoyed, I want more. The story was engaging. I couldnt put it down! Great character building. Good reasearch, background, and forshadowing. Loved what was done with the villian and humor. It leaves me wanting more. Pick it up now you can be like me waiting for the author to put out his next book!

“Come Along” – The Matriarch Soundtrack (Music to Write By)

On By Kevin A. RansonIn Creativity, Existentialism, LiterarianLeave a comment

SkyTreeFangMoon10I use music – often an entire playlist – to create a mindset and mood when I construct a scene.

At the beginning of the story, the main character is angling to fix or finish an on-again, off-again romance. When I first heard “Come Along” by Vicci Martinez and Cee Lo Green, it immediately struck me as a seduction, someone taking the lead and yearning to move past whatever the roadblock is in their relationship, all without assigning blame.

Come along now, come along and you’ll see
What it’s like to be free
Come along now, come along with me
And I’ll ease your pain
Come along, come along with me
And lets seize this day
Oh, come along with me

It has a hopeful, eclectic, sexy yet laid back sound with a bit of a country twang. I didn’t own this song when I originally wrote the chapter I’ve paired it up with, but I did have it while editing.

Read more about the vampire novel The Matriarch…

“Save Yourself” – The Matriarch Soundtrack (Music to Write By)

On By Kevin A. RansonIn Creativity, Existentialism, LiterarianLeave a comment

SkyTreeFangMoon10I use music – often an entire playlist – to create a mindset and mood when I construct a scene.

The boyfriend/best friend often pops up in stories where the female main character is struggling and may need support. Sometimes they step up and sometimes they drop the ball, but the most they can hope for is to help in only a small way because, frankly, it isn’t their story. That said:

I know your life is empty
And you hate to face this world alone
So you’re searching for an angel
Someone who can make you whole
I can not save you
I can’t even save myself
So just save yourself

Stabbing Westward’s “Save Yourself” is a great step-up-and-believe-in-yourself anthem because help isn’t coming. Is it ironic that this is my supporting character’s favorite song or am I just being cruel?

Read more about The Matriarch…

“Fly On the Wall” – The Matriarch Soundtrack (Music to Write By)

On By Kevin A. RansonIn Creativity, Existentialism, LiterarianLeave a comment

SkyTreeFangMoon10I use music – often an entire playlist – to create a mindset and mood when I construct a scene.

The opening chapter to The Matriarch was actually one of the last I wrote into the first draft. “Fly On the Wall” by Thousand Foot Krutch was what I was thinking of as I wrote about a solitary old man who took it upon himself to do the only thing he still could: exactly what he was told.

If I could just see it all, Just like a fly on the wall
Would I be able to accept what I can’t control?
And would I share what I saw? Or just sit back and ignore
Like nothing never happened, I haven’t seen you before?

To me, the song suggests a struggle between standing against something wrong or living with the regret of deciding to do nothing about it. How would you feel knowing something terrible happened because you didn’t act? And before anyone points it out, yes, that’s Spider-Man’s back story and not Batman’s, and no, you don’t get to become a superhero as a result.

Read more about the upcoming novel, The Matriarch…

15 Stars on Amazon! Sure, you have to add all 3 reviews together, but…

On By Kevin A. RansonIn ExistentialismLeave a comment

5.0 out of 5 stars The Matriarch April 26, 2013
By Shells
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice twist on the vampire story. Well thought out and detailed. Not quite what I expected from reading the synopsis but was pleasantly surprised. It’s a story that will appeal to teens and adults. Will also appeal to guys and gals.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book April 29, 2013
By aanandi
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Loved it a must read for vampire lovers. A can’t put it down page turner. Can’t wait for the next one. 😉

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read! April 26, 2013
By Drexell W. King II
Format:Kindle Edition

I knew this book involved Glenville, WV, but I didn’t know what the plot would be. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Kevin has me begging for a sequel. He knows how to spin a great vampire story. The way he portrays how vampires use their powers, with a little bit of twist on their weaknesses, will keep you glued to each page.