Jan Wrap-Up: Absurdism, Witch Hunts, & Body Horror

The truth about Napoleon's night in the pyramid, a Pentagon conspiracy, and my new book is finally here.

Mind on Fire Books Merchant of Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Hello, passionate readers. Can you believe the first month of 2026 is already in the rearview mirror? While the holidays are behind us, the winter chill is still doing its job: forcing us indoors, under blankets, and into the pages of strange and wonderful books. At Mind on Fire, we didn't hibernate this month. We went dark. We explored the razor's edge of existentialism, debunked historical myths about emperors, and looked at how 100-year-old sci-fi is predicting today's headlines. If you missed anything in the whirlwind of January, I've curated the very best for you below. Pour a coffee (or something stronger). Let's dig in. Albert Camus Quotes & Philosophy: Strength in the Absurd January 28, 2026 Explore Albert Camus's most powerful quotes and philosophy. Discover how absurdism, rebellion, and poetic clarity can help you live with strength and purpose. Read more... The God Complex and the Void: Did Napoleon Really Sleep in the Great Pyramid? January 27, 2026 Napoleon's fabled night in the Great Pyramid is a captivating myth; however, the truth reveals a mundane reality—he never stepped inside at all. The allure of power and legend often… Read more... If You Loved Pan's Labyrinth and Midsommar, You Need to Read My New Book, Folklore and Flesh January 26, 2026 I don't just write books; I craft cinematic dreams! My latest, Folklore and Flesh, blends the beauty of magic with a hefty dose of body horror. Think of it as… Read more... Review: Why 'Wake Up Dead Man' is a Masterpiece of Faith and Deception January 23, 2026 In this Wake Up Dead Man review, we explore why Rian Johnson's third Knives Out mystery is a perfect 5/5 coffee mugs. From Daniel Craig's return as Benoit Blanc to… Read more... 7 Best 1984 Quotes from George Orwell's Dystopian Classic January 21, 2026 A curated look at the most iconic and haunting quotes from George Orwell's 1984. We break down the themes of surveillance, power, and the manipulation of truth that make this… Read more... Bury Me With the Lies I Told January 20, 2026 The mirror always reflects a shattered me. This week I'm joining the @dVersePoets community for their Prosery challenge. The task? Use the lyric "Bury me with the lies I… Read more... Did the Pentagon Just Plagiarize H.G. Wells? The Venezuela Raid and the Fiction That Predicts Our Future January 18, 2026 Did H.G. Wells predict the 2026 Venezuela raid? We analyze the eerie link between 'Havana Syndrome' tech and the sci-fi that described it Read more... 13 Best Dark Books to Ignite 2026 January 15, 2026 We're diving into 13 titles that define "Mind on Fire" reading, featuring: ✅ The return of Stephen King ✅ Gritty grimdark from Joe Abercrombie ✅ Sumptuous gothic vampires by V.E.… Read more... Purrfectly Bookish: Dress Your Pet as Famous Literary Characters for National Dress Up Your Pet Day January 14, 2026 January 14 is not just about sartorial splendor; it's National Dress Up Your Pet Day! Unleash your literary imagination and transform your pets into iconic characters. From Sherlock Bones to… Read more... The Weight of a 44 Word Smile January 12, 2026 In a revelatory twist on the dVerse Quadrille, I embrace the complexity behind a mere "smile," juxtaposing joyful facade with hidden turmoil. Is that grin a playful cheer or a… Read more... Why This Hidden Bensenville Gem Is Still My Favorite Escape (A Nostalgic Tour) January 12, 2026 From escaping the summer heat at the outdoor water fountain to getting banned from the computers for printing 'Wu-Tang propaganda' in 8th grade, the Bensenville Library was more than just… Read more... Exploring Intimacy and Creativity Through Dreams January 11, 2026 A party in a war zone, a girl who finishes my drawings, and an alarm that pulls me away—what this dream taught me about being seen, creating, and answering duty. Read more... A Witch's Tale Review – When Witch Hunts Outshine Witchcraft January 7, 2026 Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale isn't your typical spell-slinging fantasy—it's a gripping mix of murder, mystery, and messy motives. In this witty review, I debate critics, dissect themes, and reveal why… Read more... Why The Stranger by Albert Camus Still Resonates: A Personal Reflection and Critical Insights January 5, 2026 Revisiting The Stranger after 20 years reminded me why Camus' masterpiece endures. Here's my personal take, plus what major critics say about its themes and style. Read more... What are you reading right now? I want to know what's on your nightstand. Hit reply and tell me the one book you plan to crush in February. I read every email. Stay curious. Stay inspired. Keep your mind on fire. Visit Mind on Fire Books Merchant of Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy             Unsubscribe   |   Manage your subscription   |   View online Mind on Fire Books

Rochford Street Review - Brigid the Bard 2026 Festival Supplement

Poetry and art celebrating the Celtic Goddess/Catholic Saint

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View this email in your browser Rochford Street Review Brigid the Bard Festival 2026 – Supplement Brigid of Faughart Mural, created in Bridge Street, Dundalk, by Bangor, Co. Down based artist Friz. The mural incorporates many aspects of Brigid as both Christian Saint and Pre-Christian Goddess.  The Prankqueans and Poetry Sydney are running a series of events over the coming days in Sydney and Katoomba to celebrate Brigid, the Irish Celtic Goddess/Catholic Saint. To support the 2026 Festival of Brigid Rochford Street Review is publishing a special Festival Supplement featuring poetry about Brigid in Irish and English from Australia, Ireland and around the world. The Supplement includes a program of Festival events with the opening scheduled for tonight, Friday 30 January at Waverly Library, 32-48 Denison Street, Bondi Junction, NSW. The Festival concludes with the Prankqueans celebrating Irish Australian female creativity in Katoomba at the Carrington Hotel's beautiful Baroque Room at 4pm on 7 February. The Supplement currently contains the following work, but we will be loading further content up until 7 February, so keep checking the Contents Page: Brigid the Bard Festival 2026 Program Celtic Christian Brigid the Bard – The Prankqueans celebrate Brigid Áine de Paor agus an 'Midnight Court' le Brian Merriman 'Season of Brigid' by Anne Casey, Performed by Davog Rynne 'Creidim, 1579 AD' & 'Imbolc Incantation'. Poems by Jennifer Liston 'No Matter. It is the Truth'. A poem by Robyn Rowland 'I Wear the Polka Dot Dress Inside Me' a prose poem by Margaret O'Brien 'Bríd na mín fhocal / Bríd of the soft words'. A prose poem by Julie Breathnach- Banwai Don't forget you can still access the current issue, Issue 43 here and all previous issues here. Copyright (C) 2026 Rochford Press/Rochford Street Review. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have shown interest in the work of Rochford Press in the past Our mailing address is: Rochford Press/Rochford Street Review PO Box 7008 Leura, NSW 2780 Australia Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe