About Curses: Chronicles of Darkness
There are all types of curses._____
Cursed places, cursed items, cursed people, cursed families.
Curses that last throughout time. Curses which can't be broken. Curses which are brought upon ourselves. Curses that will kill you and those that will only make you wish you were dead.
Eleven tantalizing tales of curses and the cursed. Includes stories by Kaye Lynne Booth, Molly Ertel, C.R. Johansson, Robert White, Joseph Carrabis, Paul Kane, Danaeka Scrimshaw, Abe Margel, and Denise Aparo.
Introduction
Welcome, this autumn we have two blog tours. The first is Curses: Chronicles of Darkness anthology of horror stories. Undawnted's author interview for the narrative, Mowhawk Monster: The Curse of the Herkimer Diamond, is Denise Aparo.
Please welcome her to Undawnted with our warm and graciously spooky hospitality.
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Interview with Denise Aparo
What is it about a Curse that inspires your imagination?A curse inspires my imagination because it is something outside the norm. Anything unusual or paranormal gets my attention! The very word, curse, incites connotations of evil, negative, and possible harmful outcomes. These emotions, sensations, and the reactions that result will make for good storytelling!
What type of Curse is your favorite to write about: blaspheme, afflict, imprecate, or torment? Hex or jinx? By spell, object, or charm?
I believe I use “imprecate” the most.
As an author, I like to write about the paranormal, where curses are invoked by a person or being. I have had my characters use charms or incantations to imprecate curses on another person or being.
I definitely use “hexes” more than a “jinx.” However, if I create a character that is either too foolish/playful or not as savvy as most, then I would consider having them use a “jinx.”
I use all three “spell, object, and charm.” My character’s recite incantations to invoke a spell or charm and I definitely use “charmed objects.” In a few of my stories I have a charmed tome and sigil that gives muse inspiration to those who know how to use them or if the tome sees fit to have the person inspired.
As an author, I like to write about the paranormal, where curses are invoked by a person or being. I have had my characters use charms or incantations to imprecate curses on another person or being.
I definitely use “hexes” more than a “jinx.” However, if I create a character that is either too foolish/playful or not as savvy as most, then I would consider having them use a “jinx.”
I use all three “spell, object, and charm.” My character’s recite incantations to invoke a spell or charm and I definitely use “charmed objects.” In a few of my stories I have a charmed tome and sigil that gives muse inspiration to those who know how to use them or if the tome sees fit to have the person inspired.
Do you use mortal, paranormal, or supernatural means to render a Curse in your creative imagination?
I have stories where humans invoke a curse, but I also have paranormal beings preform a curse on a person, being, or object. I am open to all possibilities and have many stories where supernatural means are used.
Which type of Curse or progenitor of a Curse enticed you to write your story?
I’m mostly drawn to the generational curse. It is one of the oldest curses, which are the line of descent. This is where the curse that is passed through the family line from one generation to the next. However, I don’t believe it must be only family but perhaps those connected to the family or ancestors is fascinating, too.
In my story, “The Mohawk Monster: Curse of the Herkimer Diamond,” the curse is invoked by a Native American Goddess: Komorkis, Goddess of the Moon. She is devastated when the elite warriors of her sacred people are slain by an evil supernatural tribe. She curses the land where they murdered—hence, the diamonds embedded in the earth.
In my story, “The Mohawk Monster: Curse of the Herkimer Diamond,” the curse is invoked by a Native American Goddess: Komorkis, Goddess of the Moon. She is devastated when the elite warriors of her sacred people are slain by an evil supernatural tribe. She curses the land where they murdered—hence, the diamonds embedded in the earth.
Are Curses forever?
As a writer, I can make a curse forever with only one way to break it and it is probably my most favored way of doing them. But I’m not opposed to setting limits on a curse, like a bomb! I plan to write my next curse story with a curse that is ‘set to go off’ at a certain time, or have it invoked when a certain ‘thing’ happens!
If you ever had the chance to use a Curse in real life, would you?
Definitely not. Curses are nothing to be flippant about. In life, I believe that our words have power. All words. This is why I am so attracted to words and language. This is why I am a writer. I believe that “Like attracts Like.”
In the law of attraction—the oldest law is found in the book of the Holy Bible and other ancient works like in Buddhism, Hinduism, Hermeticism, and Greek Philosophy. One bible states the following: Mark 11:24: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
Hinduism believes in Karma and “What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.”
In the law of attraction—the oldest law is found in the book of the Holy Bible and other ancient works like in Buddhism, Hinduism, Hermeticism, and Greek Philosophy. One bible states the following: Mark 11:24: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
Hinduism believes in Karma and “What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.”
Have you ever known anyone or anything (object, town, landmark) who/that was Cursed?
I believe that many people and objects can be “cursed”—on what scale is undetermined. Many call this sort of thing either misfortune, bad luck, fate, karma, or whatever. This can be believed through social conditioning, such as cultural beliefs and superstitions. Many families have at least a few of them, such as “don’t walk under a ladder!” or when a bird comes into a home through an open window it may trigger a negative event. It also depends on the color of the bird, too!
When I was in grammar school, I walked by an old, dilapidated, house each day. I would cross the road when I approached it! The windows were dark and there was always a buzzing sound that resonated from the building. I was terrified I would be cursed if I got too close. I wasn’t old enough to be cynical so I think it was an instinctive response!
When I was in grammar school, I walked by an old, dilapidated, house each day. I would cross the road when I approached it! The windows were dark and there was always a buzzing sound that resonated from the building. I was terrified I would be cursed if I got too close. I wasn’t old enough to be cynical so I think it was an instinctive response!
Have you ever visited a Cursed place?
I have had negative feelings or vibes from places, in the past. I was in South Carolina several years ago and went on a tour to an old prison. One room gave me chills and it was a hot summer night. I left it immediately! I usually avoid those places if I am able.
Another time, I did a tour of a Nantucket Mansion and I remember that one bedroom gave me bad vibes. I went outside after that.
Another time, I did a tour of a Nantucket Mansion and I remember that one bedroom gave me bad vibes. I went outside after that.
Do you believe that in order for a Curse to work that the target of that Curse has to believe in it?
That’s a good question. Maybe not, because I believe in the ‘power of attraction,’ so a curse, negative energy, or bad mojo can definitely surround or overwhelm a person and possibly cause a negative reaction. However, again, I believe that we as humans can protect ourselves from negativity by attracting the positive! I suppose this means we are able to counter the curse, block or repel a curse with our positive thoughts…maybe these are our own spells or invocations? Many of the basic and predominant religions use invocations. Prayer or to pray is to make an earnest request to invoke a desire. Many holy people, shamans, ministers and priests use prayer or invocations.
Do you believe that a Curse is inevitable, and works no matter anyone's belief system?
No, I don’t believe they are inevitable. I think that a curse or bad mojo can affect a person, but how they handle the situation or deal with the negativity is up to them. I believe that we can protect ourselves much of the time. If someone is determined to do harm in any manor, then they probably are able to affect another person in some capacity. But again, I believe that we all can counter those negativities with our own will. This is why that when I write a curse story, the person, object, or being, can eventually break the curse.
What swear word is your go-to Curse?
A “curse” word or phrase I always say is, “oh, crap!” I suppose all ‘curses’ are the most negative thing or word a person calls to mind!
Anything else that you would like to add about yourself, your story, or books?
I think that most occurrences, objects, places, or thoughts in the horror genre, need either a curse, hex, jinx, or other adverse paranormal thing to create a good scary, or thought-provoking story.
I hope to publish my first novel, Crossbows, soon. It is a story with many curses, counter-curses, and supernatural gifts.
I think that I will always insert the paranormal in any story I write!
I hope to publish my first novel, Crossbows, soon. It is a story with many curses, counter-curses, and supernatural gifts.
I think that I will always insert the paranormal in any story I write!
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About Denise Aparo
Denise Aparo is an author with four published short stories in the horror/supernatural genre in the WordCrafter Midnight Anthologies. All of her stories are written under Denise Aparo and are edited by Kaye Lynne Booth, through WordCrafter Press.
As a native New Englander, she lives with her husband Joe, spending much of her time writing, reading, gardening, making crocheted blankets, and crafting with her grandchildren. She loves the paranormal historical fiction genre and has recently completed edits on her first novel, a historical fiction titled Crossbows, which will be self-published in the near future.
As a native New Englander, she lives with her husband Joe, spending much of her time writing, reading, gardening, making crocheted blankets, and crafting with her grandchildren. She loves the paranormal historical fiction genre and has recently completed edits on her first novel, a historical fiction titled Crossbows, which will be self-published in the near future.
She has a Master's Degree in English - Fine Arts/Creative Writing with concentration in Fiction from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). And a member of five honor societies with leadership recognition. CURSES: CHRONICLES OF DARKNESS.
She is published in several newspapers and magazines—special interest articles, along with poems and short stories that have been published in print and digital format. She is a member of the Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association (CAPA) and the author of a WordPress writing blog, The Write Voice. Denise has three short stories in the horror/supernatural genre in the Midnight Series, through WordPress. These short stories are published under Denise Aparo and the third and last of the Midnight Series will be released on September 30, 2025.
Social Links:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/denise.aparo?_
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/denisea-
paro/?ref=xav_igxfb_comet_ig_book-
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WordPress - https://gravatar.com/
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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-
aparo-63038747/
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This
tour, we’re giving away digital copies of Curses: to 5 lucky winners. Follow the tour and comment at each
stop, so we’ll know you were there. You’ll be entered for another chance
in the giveaway at each stop. Winners are chosen through a random
drawing by WordCrafter Press. We’ll be watching for your name.
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Support Great Artists
Writers of the stories in this dark fiction anthology deserve your support!
Make a purchase and keep creativity alive during this Halloween season.
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Tour Schedule
Day 1Stop 1 – Writing to be Read – About the Curses Anthology & Meet Denise Aparo
Stop 1 – Robbie’s Inspiration – Kaye Lynne Booth & Joseph Carrabis with Readings of “It’s a Man’s World” & “Grafton’s Ghost-Child”
Stop 1 – Poetry by Mich – Meet Abe Margel & Paul Kane with a guest post about the inspiration of his story “The Weeping Man”
Stop 1 – Roberta Writes – Meet C.R. Johansson & Robert White with a guest post about the inspiration for “The Longspeth Curse”
Stop 1 – Writing to be Read – Meet Kaye Lynne Booth, Danaeka Scrimshaw & Molly Ertel with Inspiration Video about “Clover’s Mirror Box”
Stop 2 – Undawnted – DL Mullan interviews Danaeka Scrimshaw
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