A Lost Forest

By Scott Bailey © 2013

Bright flakes of light in dappled leaves
that float on down
where saplings grow
and settle low

And earthy scents rise in the air
As underfoot
leaves crunch and fold
red-brown and gold

The rusty fence that holds it in
it holds us too
back from that time
when we roamed free

Image from Pixabay

Originally published in A Spring of Dreams

Conversant

By Scott Bailey © 2018

I am conversant
In…

Um
Well, I am quite good at….

Hey
What the hell

Why does it matter?

Who am I trying to
Impress

Image from Pixabay

 

In response to the daily prompt Conversant

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

Permit

By Scott Bailey © 2018

Permit me to speak
Permit me to say
The truth of our lives
Maybe if we shared
The healing could begin
We could escape
The electronic cage
If we listened
If we did

Image from Pixabay

In response to the daily prompt Permit

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

Prowling Fox

 

By Scott Bailey © 2018

The fox prowls the woods
Hot on the scent of dinner
The body is close

Image from Pixabay

In response to the daily prompt Creature

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

Dominant

By Scott Bailey © 2018

 

The dominant theme
Of the modern movement
Is just that
To dominate
To be the best
No second place
No room for losers
Crush them
Squeeze them dry
That is the song
Of our age
We seem to sing it
With joy

 

Image from pixabay.com

In response to the daily prompt Dominant

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

The Heart of Mankind Limited: A Dystopian Reflection on the Price of Progress

As a writer, I’ve always been drawn to the complex interplay between humanity’s boundless ambition and the unintended consequences that often arise in its wake. My novel, Mankind Limited, explores this fragile balance, offering readers a glimpse into a world where corporate power overshadows human freedom, and technology becomes both a blessing and a curse.

The inspiration for this story stemmed from the growing influence of multinational corporations in shaping not only markets but also personal lives, ideologies, and even the fabric of society. The question I kept circling back to was: What happens when humanity’s future is no longer decided by individuals but by entities driven solely by profit and control? Mankind Limited is my answer to that question—a cautionary tale that mirrors the concerns of our present while casting them into a shadowy, dystopian future.

At its core, Mankind Limited revolves around a system of powerful corporations that hold the reins of society, manipulating everything from resources to human behaviour. It’s a world where individuality is suppressed, and conformity is rewarded—a hauntingly plausible reality for anyone who’s observed the increasing commodification of our lives. The protagonist, caught in the machinery of this corporate dystopia, is faced with choices that challenge their morality, loyalty, and humanity itself.

This novel isn’t just about the terrifying possibilities of unchecked power; it’s also about resistance, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. In crafting this world, I wanted to explore the grey areas where good intentions are twisted, and the pursuit of innovation comes at a cost that society can no longer bear.

One of the most exciting parts of writing Mankind Limited was the opportunity to delve into the nuances of human behaviour under extreme societal pressure. What would you do if your every choice was monitored? How much of your freedom would you sacrifice for comfort or safety? And, ultimately, what does it mean to be truly free? These are the questions I pose to readers, not with the intention of providing neat answers, but to spark introspection and discussion.

Since its release, Mankind Limited has sparked conversations with readers who see parallels between the fictional world I created and the direction of our own society. The world of Mankind Limited is dark, but it’s not without hope. Writing this novel reminded me of humanity’s capacity for connection and defiance, even in the face of insurmountable odds. I hope readers find themselves both challenged and inspired as they navigate the twists and turns of the story.

If you’re someone who enjoys exploring the depths of a dystopian future and questioning the direction of our own society, I hope you’ll consider diving into Mankind Limited. It’s a story that continues to resonate and urges reflection on the choices we make today and the world we want to shape for tomorrow.

I’d love to hear your thoughts as you journey through the novel. What resonates with you? Which moments linger in your mind? And, most importantly, how do you envision a better future? Let’s keep the conversation going—because change begins with awareness, and awareness begins with a story.

Scott Andrew Bailey

Sunny

By Scott Bailey © 2017

Sunny
She was
And the shadows she cast were long
We long for her
Now the winter is here
And the long long night descends
Bright was her smile
White and bright her smile
Deep and black her skin
And we wanted in
From afar
Memories of sun
In the dusk

In response to the daily prompt Sunny

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting

 

The Presentation

By Scott Bailey © 2016

The pie chart tells all
How our future is planned out
While dreams turn to dust

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #107 Pie&Dust

Pie Chart

#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge

Sometimes

By Scott Bailey © 2013

Sometimes the things we are due
do not arrive
Sometimes that precious parcel
is lost
Sometimes the blows
are more than we think
we can survive
But we do

It is the ancient sadness
of humanity
Happiness has such
frailty

 

Originally published in A Spring of Dreams

Thunder

Arise
To the thunder
The raging of the skies
Rain, that splits the drought asunder
Rejoice

Tremble
Beneath the aweful majesty
Of nature’s might roar
Making your heart
Thunder

 

Image from Pixabay

In response to Colleen’s 2018 Weekly #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge No. 76: JOY & FURY, #SnyonymnsOnly

Had a go at a reverse cinquain this time.

#Cinquain #reverse-cinquain #CinquainPoetry

Change

By Scott Bailey © 2013

Shouting into the hole that is the whole
Nothing back.
Raging against the system that is all
Nothing changed.
Staring at the box with the box.
Nothing gained.
Justifying every move you make
Not explained. 

Time to change.

Image from Pixabay

Originally published in A Spring of Dreams

Blush

By Scott Bailey © 2018

See the sky blush with
Golden fire heaven sent
And then the darkness

Image from Pixabay

In response to the daily prompt Blush

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

Soundbox

By Scott Bailey © 2013

There are empty spaces
left as people move on,
of the spaces of places long gone,
of times gone by

There is a link between present and past
an energy, a potential,
strung between the memories gone
and the living yet to roll on

The link hums with the tension
and the empty spaces echo back the thrum
deep rich reverberation
layered on the past, the present, the future

Such is the music of life.

 

Guitar sound box
Image from Pixabay

 

Originally published in A Spring of Dreams

Nature

By Scott Bailey © 2018

Nature
Claws back its realm
Over many ages
Verdant fingers prying apart
Even
The strongest of our creations
With persistence of growth
Old and fertile
Mother

Car Reclaimed by Nature
Image by Scott Bailey

In response to the daily prompt Patience

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

Chasing Sunbeams

By Scott Bailey © 2016

See the argent moon
Chasing the brightest sunbeams
Moments slip away

Image from Pixabay

Incubate

By Scott Bailey © 2018

Ideas buried deep in the mind
Forgotten, beneath the rubbish
The everyday detritus
Fermenting
Until one day
The green shoot
Of inspiration

Image from pixabay

In response to the daily prompt Incubate

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

Continue reading

Wrinkle

By Scott Bailey © 2018

A wrinkle by the eye
With a twinkle in
And that’s all you need to know

Image from Pixabay

In response to the daily prompt Wrinkle

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

A Small Note for Big Dreamers

By Scott Bailey © 2016

Dreaming
Alone
Is not enough
Dreaming together
Greatly to be desired
But
Giving dreams substance
That is what’s required

Image from Pixabay

 

Silence

By Scott Bailey © 2013

Silence is Golden
Because it’s so very rare
Grab it while you can

 

Image for Pixabay

In response to the daily prompt Noise

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

Reclamation

Nature
Claws back its realm
Over many ages
Verdant fingers prying apart
Even
The strongest of our creations
With persistence of growth
Old and fertile
Mother

Car Reclaimed by Nature
Image by Scott Bailey

In response to COLLEEN’S WEEKLY #TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 75: “PATIENCE & GREEN” #SNYNONYMSONLY

Had a go at a butterfly cinquain this time – and I had the perfect picture to go with it – one I took myself for a change.

#Cinquain #butterfly-cinquain

COLLEEN’S WEEKLY #TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 75: “PATIENCE & GREEN” #SNYNONYMSONLY

Slim Pickings

By Scott Bailey © 2018

A chance glance of light
Reveals the heron hunting
Slim pickings below

 

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #192 Slim&Chance

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

The Winding Path

By Scott Bailey © 2018

Be yourself
Be true
Be uncompromising
We are told

Be open-minded
Listen to others
Find the common ground
We are told

Find the path
Through those
And you will be sorted

Or go mad
Trying
Simple

Image from Pixabay

In response to the daily prompt Uncompromising

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

Thaw

By Scott Bailey © 2018

I watch the snow melt
The green shoots of grass rise up
To greet the new dawn
Taking a bracing shower
In glistening morning dew

Image from Pixabay

In response to COLLEEN’S WEEKLY #TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE, NO. 74: “RENEW & FRESH,” #SNYONYMSONLY

#Tanka

Bird on a Branch

By Scott Bailey © 2018

Bird on a branch
Are you resting
Are you watching
The world below
The people rushing here
And there
Along their crowded roads
With all their forks and cul de sacs
Fly on little bird
Fly on

Image from Pixabay

In response to the daily prompt Branch

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

Switch it Off

By Scott Bailey © 2018

Oh
For a restart button
A ctrl-alt-del
For some days
Some situations
Sometimes
For life
Must be the geek in me
I want to switch it all off
And back on again

 

Image from Pixabay

In response to the daily prompt Restart

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

Astral Light

By Scott Bailey © 2018

Astral light guides
Cold and passionless
Cargos through the ages
Wood and steel
Fruit and bread
Flesh
To be sold
Along with the souls
Of the seller

Galaxy

In response to the daily prompt Astral

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

The Song

By Scott Bailey © 2018

Plainsong
Rolling, chanting
Granting the air a form
Bestow shadow and light purpose
Singing
The crafting of ancient wisdom
To bear us something new
Brightly shining
Lyric

Image from Pixabay

In response to my daily prompt Craft

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

Temptation

By Scott Bailey © 2018

Tempting like a tart
Sweet nectar awaits inside
So the dance begins

Image from Pixabay

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #190 Tart&Sweet

#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge

 

The King of the West

By Scott Bailey © 2018

The King of the West
With his golden crown
Encrusted with jewels and finery
Refuses to let it go
When the waters rise
So he is dragged
To the deep

Image from Pixabay

In response to the daily prompt Encrusted

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

Assay

By Scott Bailey © 2018

Where is the litmus test?
The assay
Of our leaders
Mettle
Why must I strive
To prove
My worth
When they
Enjoy
No scrutiny
In their ancient
Empty halls
With their ancient
Empty way

Image from Pixabay

 

In response to the daily prompt Assay

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

Stars Sparkle

By Scott Bailey © 2017

Stars sparkle
Planets shine
Celestial bodies far from reach
The solars tantalise
Go for the shiners
Whose light is constant
The stars will ever taunt you

In response to the daily prompt Constant

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

365 Days of Verse: The Journey Behind A Spring of Dreams

Embarking on a journey to write a poem every day for an entire year was both a formidable challenge and a deeply rewarding experience. The result of this endeavour is my collection, “A Spring of Dreams,” which comprises 365 poems that capture a wide spectrum of human emotion and thought.


Throughout this year-long odyssey, I explored various poetic forms, including haiku, sonnets, katauta, lanturnes, and free verse. Each poem became a reflection of my daily mood and experiences, resulting in a tapestry of themes that range from joy and love to sadness and grief.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the constant demands on our time and attention. My hope is that these poems offer readers a brief respite—a moment to pause, reflect, and view the world from a different perspective. Whether you’re seeking solace, inspiration, or simply a moment of contemplation, I believe there’s something within this collection that will resonate with you.

I invite you to delve into “A Spring of Dreams” and discover the diverse emotions and stories woven throughout its pages. May it provide you with a small but meaningful escape from the stresses of daily life, offering a chance to reconnect with the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

Unveiling the Hauntings of Thirteen Tales of Ghosts

Even as the days begin to stretch a little longer, there’s something timeless about the allure of ghost stories. They remind us that some mysteries linger, regardless of the season. Thirteen Tales of Ghosts has always been a collection close to my heart, a book that invites readers to explore the spaces where the living and the dead overlap. These stories delve into the questions that have fascinated us for centuries: what remains when we’re gone, and what might return?

Each tale in this collection offers a glimpse into a different kind of haunting. Whether it’s the unnerving repetition of Cycles, the poignant encounters in The Lost, or the quieter, creeping unease of other stories, I wanted to create experiences that aren’t just eerie but deeply human. Ghost stories, after all, aren’t only about fear—they’re about the emotions and truths that surface when we’re faced with the unknown.

What I love most about writing in this genre is its versatility. A ghost can be a symbol of regret, a lingering love, or even a warning. Each spirit has its own story to tell, and through their whispers, we learn something about ourselves. These tales aren’t just about the supernatural; they’re about the connections we make, the choices we regret, and the things we leave unsaid.

Thirteen Tales of Ghosts

Since Thirteen Tales of Ghosts was first published, I’ve been fortunate to hear from readers who have shared their thoughts and experiences. Some have mentioned how a story reminded them of their own brush with the unexplained; others have simply told me how they had to sleep with the lights on after reading. It’s those connections that make writing worthwhile—knowing that these tales have found a home in someone’s imagination.

If you’ve yet to dive into the collection, now is as good a time as any. Ghost stories are for all seasons because the questions they ask are timeless. What lingers after us? What can’t we let go of? Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or simply a fan of atmospheric storytelling, I hope these tales offer you something memorable. They’re best read in the quiet hours, with the world hushed around you, when every creak of the floorboards might just make you pause.

For those who have already read Thirteen Tales of Ghosts, I’d love to hear from you. Which story stayed with you? Did any of them evoke chills, or perhaps even tears? Your feedback means the world to me—it’s through your eyes that these tales truly come to life.

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported my work, whether by reading, sharing, or simply recommending the book to a friend. Every reader who steps into these stories helps to keep their ghosts alive, and I can’t thank you enough for that.

So, if you’re ready to journey into the unknown, I invite you to pick up Thirteen Tales of Ghosts. These stories are more than just a collection—they’re an exploration of the things that haunt us, in every sense of the word.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. I hope these tales linger with you long after you’ve finished reading—after all, the best ghost stories always do.

Unlock the Depths: Exploring Andervayne’s Dream and Other Poems

In an era dominated by instant gratification and fleeting attention spans, I’ve endeavoured to defy the norm with my collection, Andervayne’s Dream and Other Poems. This anthology comprises five extensive poems, each crafted over time and for varied purposes, yet unified by their length and depth. Each piece presented a personal challenge: to maintain a high quality of writing over an extended narrative while adhering to strict structural constraints, all the while weaving compelling stories.

The collection includes:

  • Andervayne’s Dream: The centrepiece of this anthology, it’s the longest and most intricate work. The main body adheres to a stringent format, with the Prologue and Epilogue intentionally deviating to add layered meaning. The challenge lay in crafting a narrative within these confines, rich with symbolism and allegory.
  • The Tales of the Star Dancer: A more whimsical and lighthearted poem from my earlier writings. It features a unique structure of twinned verses, allowing my imagination to soar freely, creating a fantastical and magical journey.
  • The Golden Man: Originally intended as a libretto for an opera, this piece evolved into an epic poem. While it doesn’t follow a strict structure beyond rhyme and melody, it offers an allegorical tale for readers to uncover.
  • Will You Follow the Knight: An allegorical narrative of a knight’s journey, this is the shortest poem in the collection, yet still substantial at over 1,200 words. It mirrors themes from Andervayne’s Dream but conveys a more straightforward message.
  • Consciousness Cubed: Departing from storytelling, this stream-of-consciousness piece flows freely within a strict form, channelling thoughts into structured patterns.

In a world that urges us to hurry, hurry, hurry, this collection invites readers to slow down, immerse themselves, and find depth beyond the surface. It’s not a quick fix but a rewarding journey, encouraging contemplation and revisitation to uncover layers previously missed.

Embark on this poetic voyage and discover the depth and breadth of Andervayne’s Dream and Other Poems. Available now.

Discover The Colour of Dreams – A Journey Into Poetry

As a writer, I’ve always been fascinated by the way words can capture the intangible—the fleeting emotions, the vivid moments, and the dreams that linger just out of reach. My poetry collection, The Colour of Dreams, is my attempt to explore these themes, to paint pictures with words and evoke emotions that resonate deeply.

This collection is a celebration of imagination and introspection. Each poem invites you into a world where reality blends seamlessly with the surreal, where the ordinary is transformed into something extraordinary. It’s a space where dreams take shape, emotions come alive, and the unspoken finds its voice.

In The Colour of Dreams, I’ve delved into the beauty and complexity of the human experience. The poems touch on themes of love and loss, hope and despair, joy and melancholy, all viewed through the lens of vivid imagery and lyrical expression. My goal was to create a collection that feels both personal and universal, offering something that each reader can connect with in their own way.

What sets this collection apart is its versatility. Whether you enjoy poems that tell a story, evoke a mood, or simply offer a moment of reflection, there’s something here for you. I’ve poured my heart into these pages, striving to create poetry that lingers in the mind and stirs the soul.

Writing this collection has been an incredible journey. Poetry, for me, is about discovery—not just of the world around us, but of ourselves. Through these poems, I hope to share that sense of discovery with you, to invite you to see the world through a different lens and perhaps even find new meaning in your own dreams and experiences.

If you’re looking for a collection of poems that speaks to the heart and sparks the imagination, I’d love for you to give The Colour of Dreams a place on your bookshelf. It’s a work I’m incredibly proud of, and I can’t wait for you to experience it.

Your support means so much to me, and I’d love to hear your thoughts after reading the collection. Whether a particular poem moves you, surprises you, or stays with you long after you’ve closed the book, I hope this collection offers you something special.

So, step into the world of The Colour of Dreams and let the journey begin. Discover what lies at the intersection of reality and imagination, and let the poetry take you somewhere new.

Discover the Depths: ‘The Well of Sunken Dreams’

What lies beneath the surface of our waking lives? What secrets does the unconscious hold? These are the questions I explore in my poetry collection, The Well of Sunken Dreams. Writing this collection has been a journey through verses and a descent into the layers of human emotion, memory, and imagination.

Each poem in this collection represents a fragment of a greater whole, a shard of a mirror reflecting dreams both vivid and forgotten. Through these words, I’ve delved into universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, while striving to offer unique perspectives that challenge and inspire readers.

The Well of Sunken Dreams

Why I Wrote This Collection

In a world dominated by fast-paced content and fleeting moments, I wanted to create something that invites readers to pause and reflect. The Well of Sunken Dreams isn’t meant to be hurried through; it’s designed to linger, to be reread, and to offer new discoveries with each visit.

My goal was to craft poetry that feels both accessible and profound, connecting deeply personal themes with universal resonance. For anyone seeking an emotional or intellectual escape, I hope this collection becomes a source of inspiration.

Highlights from the Collection

While every poem holds its own meaning, here are some of the aspects I’m particularly proud of:

  • Atmospheric Imagery: I aimed to create vivid pictures with my words, transporting readers to dreamscapes and the shadowy corners of memory.
  • Emotional Depth: These poems come from a raw and unfiltered place, offering moments of catharsis and connection.
  • Timeless Themes: From love and longing to identity and mortality, this collection touches on ideas that have always fascinated me and, I believe, resonate with us all.

Sharing My Journey

Writing The Well of Sunken Dreams has been one of the most rewarding creative experiences of my life. Through my website, scottandrewbailey.com, I’ve shared this collection and other works that reflect my passion for exploring the depths of the human experience.

An Invitation to Dive In

For me, poetry isn’t just about words on a page; it’s about the emotions and thoughts they evoke in the reader. With The Well of Sunken Dreams, I invite you to join me in exploring a world shaped by imagination and insight.

Are you ready to take the plunge? Visit scottandrewbailey.com to order your copy today and let yourself sink into the depths of my dreams.

Breathing

By Scott Bailey © 2018

Only hear the stream
Babbling toward the ocean
The breath of the air

Image from Pixabay

In response to https://ronovanwrites.com/2018/02/19/ronovanwrites-weekly-haiku-poetry-prompt-challenge-189-zennoise/

#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge

 

Present

By Scott Bailey © 2018

The past is hazy but warm
The present cold, hard and discontented
The future unsure
The goal
The route
Hidden

Image from Pixabay

In response to the daily prompt Present

#DailyPrompt, #amwriting, #postaday

The Cock

The resplendent cock
Struts and crows, feathers rich red
While the hens scatter

Cockerel
Image from Pixabay

In response to Colleen’s Weekly #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge, No. 71: Character & Affection, #SnyonymsOnly

#Haiku

Chunks

By Scott Bailey © 2018

Break it down
Into smaller chunks
The homework
Your daily work task
Your project
Your life
Until it is bits
Digital
And you never see
The whole again

Image from Pixabay

A Spring of Dreams (Words)

Words

By Scott Bailey © 2013

Wherever words roam
Over fantastical lands
The heart rests at home.


Available as

Kindle

or hardback

from Amazon

 Three hundred and sixty-five poems in all shapes and sizes, sprung from dreams and emotion. Published day after day for a year. There are haiku, sonnets, katauta, lanturnes and many other forms – including free form. The moods are as varied as the forms and often reflect my mood on the day. There is sadness and grief, joy and love.

If nothing else – these can provide a small moment in everyone’s stressful lives to stop and contemplate the world in a different way.

 

Peace

By Scott Bailey © 2018

Peace is the echo
Of the voice of the songbird
Across the still lake

 

Image from Pixabay

 

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #185 Sing&Peace

#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge

 

Big Brother is Dead

George Orwell’s

1984

Showed us the nightmare vision of socialism gone to extremes

It didn’t come to pass.

Instead – we welcomed in something far more insidious.

Capitalism unmarked.

Welcome to

Mankind Limited

Welcome to the rebellion

Welcome to The Secret

In response to Scott Daily Prompt – 1984

Unearthing the Shadows in Thirteen Tales of Ghosts

Haunted by Blood – A Glimpse into Mother

In Thirteen Tales of Ghosts, each story peels back the layers of human fragility, fear, and rage, revealing the spectral echoes of the past that haunt our present. Among these chilling tales, Mother stands out as a visceral exploration of guilt, possession, and the deep-seated wounds of family and betrayal.

At its heart, Mother delves into the fractured psyche of Connor, a man haunted not just by a ghost but by the lingering scars of his late mother’s domineering love and venomous accusations. Her voice—sharp, biting, and relentless—invades his thoughts, poisoning his mind against the people he loves. The story’s brilliance lies in its ambiguity: is Connor truly possessed by his mother’s vengeful spirit, or is she a manifestation of his own unravelling sanity?

The narrative grips the reader with its raw, unfiltered emotion, pulling us into Connor’s spiralling descent. From the suffocating filth of his apartment to the white-knuckled climax of his confrontation with his wife, we’re forced to grapple with the unsettling question: how much of what we do is truly our own?

Through vivid and haunting prose, Mother exposes the horrors of unresolved trauma and the destructive power of unchecked anger. It’s a story that lingers like a spectre, its shadow following you long after you’ve turned the final page.

Discover the rest of Connor’s tale—and twelve more chilling stories—by diving into Thirteen Tales of Ghosts. Each story is a doorway to a world where the past refuses to stay buried, and the dead have their say. Will you listen?

mother
Thirteen Tales of Ghosts Cover

Discover the Chilling Secrets of Thirteen Tales of Ghosts

Ghost stories have always been a window into the unknown—a place where fear, mystery, and imagination collide. My collection, Thirteen Tales of Ghosts, brings these elements to life, weaving haunting tales that will linger in your thoughts long after you’ve finished reading. Today, I want to share with you one of the stories that epitomize the eerie essence of the collection: The Valley.

A Glimpse Into The Valley

Andrea’s story begins innocently enough—stepping off a late train and making her way through the silent, rural darkness to her isolated home in the valley. She’s no stranger to solitude, and the familiar glow of her bedroom light offers comfort amidst the inky black. But something is different tonight.

What follows is a masterful descent into paranoia—or perhaps reality—where the boundaries between the ordinary and the supernatural blur. From unsettling scuttles in the dark to the sinister movement of her childhood doll, Andrea is pulled into an escalating series of strange occurrences. And just when she thinks the night’s terrors have peaked, she encounters a mysterious girl by an ancient monolith—a girl who asks for her help but vanishes as quickly as she appears.

The atmosphere of The Valley is thick with tension, combining the oppressive silence of rural life with the creeping presence of something otherworldly. As Andrea’s mind unravels under the weight of her fear, readers are left questioning: Is this an overactive imagination—or is the valley alive with something far more sinister?

Why Thirteen Tales of Ghosts?

Every story in this collection, including The Valley, is crafted to play with your sense of comfort. It invites you to explore fears that lurk in the back of your mind—the ones you don’t always dare to name. Each tale features unique characters and settings, drawing you into worlds where the unknown feels dangerously close to home.

Whether you’re a fan of psychological chills, classic ghostly encounters, or eerie folklore, Thirteen Tales of Ghosts has something to offer.

Dare to Read?

If you’re ready to immerse yourself in stories that linger like shadows on a moonless night, I invite you to explore Thirteen Tales of Ghosts. Each tale is a portal to the strange and unsettling—and The Valley is just the beginning.

The Valley
Thirteen Tales of Ghosts Cover

Unveiling the Suspense of Thirteen Tales of Ghosts

Dive Into the Fog with “Suspense”

Ghost stories have always had a knack for pulling us into the shadows of the unknown. Among the thirteen chilling narratives in my collection Thirteen Tales of Ghosts, one story stands out for its relentless tension, psychological depth, and unforgettable twist: “Suspense.”

In this haunting tale, a man finds himself dangling between life and death—quite literally—hanging from a bridge above a misty gorge in Switzerland. But his plight is far from an ordinary accident. His predicament is the result of a chance encounter with a pale-faced woman who seems to know far more about him than she should.

As the mist thickens, so does the mystery. Who is she? Why does she hold such deep-seated anger toward him? And what role does his sordid past play in his current nightmare? With every line, Suspense grips the reader tighter, leading them toward an ending as shocking as the fall itself.

This is not just a story about supernatural vengeance. It’s a journey into guilt, memory, and the lingering ghosts of the choices we make. It’s a story where karma isn’t just an idea—it’s a chilling, vengeful presence.

If you love ghost stories that play on both the psychological and the supernatural, “Suspense” is a must-read. And it’s just one chapter in the larger anthology of Thirteen Tales of Ghosts, each story offering its own unique brand of horror.

Are you ready to step into the fog and face the spectres of the past?

Suspense
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Playground Laughter – A Haunting Tale from Thirteen Tales of Ghosts

If you’ve ever walked past an abandoned schoolyard and felt a strange chill in the air, you’re not alone. In Playground Laughter, one of the standout stories from Scott Bailey’s haunting collection Thirteen Tales of Ghosts, that eerie sensation is brought vividly to life.

This story takes us deep into the countryside, where three friends seek refuge from the prying eyes of the world. Their camping trip starts with lighthearted banter and playful antics, but their plans for adventure soon take a sinister turn. When a detour leads them past a seemingly deserted school, something unseen begins to stir—something that turns laughter into dread and transforms their carefree getaway into a chilling ordeal.

“Bailey’s masterful storytelling creates an atmosphere so vivid you’ll feel the prickling unease of being watched. With every turn of the page, the story draws you deeper into its unsettling mystery, making you question what lies beneath the surface of the familiar.”

What makes Playground Laughter so unforgettable is its ability to weave together nostalgia and terror. The innocence of childhood games is juxtaposed with the dark secrets of the past, leaving readers haunted long after the story ends.

Curious to explore the full collection? Thirteen Tales of Ghosts is brimming with supernatural encounters, psychological twists, and eerie landscapes. Each story is a doorway into the unknown, daring you to step through and uncover the mysteries within.

Dare to read Playground Laughter and see if you can hear the echoes of children playing… or something else entirely.

Playground Laughter
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A Ghost Sighting – An Unforgettable Chapter from Thirteen Tales of Ghosts

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to haunt your own story? In A Ghost Sighting, one of the haunting tales in Scott Bailey’s acclaimed collection Thirteen Tales of Ghosts, the boundaries of time, identity, and reality blur in a chilling exploration of love, betrayal, and the afterlife.

This gripping story follows Thomas, a man caught in a web of forbidden passion, jealousy, and violence. What begins as a clash of emotions soon spirals into an uncanny journey across centuries. Thomas awakens to a home both familiar and unrecognizable, confronting strange apparitions, eerie transformations, and unsettling revelations about his fate. With each awakening, the world around him shifts, taking him further from the life he knew and deeper into the realm of the spectral.

Bailey’s evocative prose captures the profound isolation of a soul untethered from its time, as well as the creeping horror of uncovering one’s own tragic end. The narrative builds with relentless tension, leaving readers questioning the nature of hauntings—are they echoes of unresolved emotions, or is there something far more sinister at work?

What makes A Ghost Sighting particularly powerful is its layered storytelling. Beyond its supernatural elements, the tale serves as a poignant reflection on guilt, justice, and the consequences of our choices. By the end, readers are left not just with chills but also with a lingering sense of melancholy and wonder.

This story is just one of the thirteen chilling narratives in Thirteen Tales of Ghosts. Each tale invites readers to explore the mysterious and the macabre, from shadowy figures in abandoned places to the unexplainable forces that linger long after the living have moved on.

If you’re ready to uncover the secrets of A Ghost Sighting and more, step into the haunting world of Thirteen Tales of Ghosts. But be warned—these stories may leave you questioning what lies hidden in the walls of your own home.

A Ghost Sighting
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The Church – A Tale of Terror from Thirteen Tales of Ghosts

Some dares should never be taken. In The Church, one of the chilling stories from Scott Bailey’s haunting collection Thirteen Tales of Ghosts, a simple Halloween challenge spirals into a descent into the unknown, where fear becomes reality, and the line between life and death vanishes.

What starts as a harmless night out among friends quickly transforms into a nightmarish ordeal. Five sceptics venture into a ruined church, full of bravado and dismissive of its dark history. Armed with candles and ghost stories, they aim to stay until dawn—but the restless dead have other plans. As the group’s laughter fades and the cold mist rolls in, an eerie presence begins to stir, and one by one, their courage is tested.

Bailey masterfully captures the tension and terror of The Church, crafting a tale that is as much about existential dread as it is about supernatural horror. Readers are drawn into the narrator’s descent—first into darkness and then into the terrifying realisation of what lies beyond the grave. The ruin, with its toppled altar and broken crucifix, becomes a grim reminder of the fragile boundary between the living and the dead.

Through atmospheric descriptions and a relentless pace, the story leaves readers with an uncomfortable question: what if death is not an escape but an eternal, inescapable prison? The chilling whispers and the narrator’s growing panic create an immersive experience, making The Church one of the most memorable and unsettling stories in Thirteen Tales of Ghosts.

If you’re seeking a ghost story that lingers long after the last word, The Church is a must-read. It’s a stark reminder that some doors should remain closed and that respect for the dead is more than a quaint tradition—it might just be a lifeline.

Dare to uncover the rest of the tales in Thirteen Tales of Ghosts. But be warned: once you enter Bailey’s world of shadows and spectres, you may never look at the dark the same way again.

The Church
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Introducing “A Ghost Scene” from Thirteen Tales of Ghosts

Step into a world where the afterlife meets amateur dramatics, and Shakespearean tragedy takes on a spectral twist!

In my short story, A Ghost Scene, you’ll meet a group of misfit actors—united not by their lives, but by their untimely deaths. Philip, their long-suffering director, has his hands full wrangling this ragtag cast of ghosts for their most ambitious production yet: Shakespeare’s Hamlet. But this isn’t your typical haunting of a theatre. It’s a humorous and oddly heartwarming tale about teamwork, second chances, and finding purpose—even after life itself.

Behind the Scenes of “A Ghost Scene”

The story brings together ghosts from across eras, each with their quirks and egos. From the sixties rebel in denim studs to the Victorian gent who might just be distantly related to Charles Dickens, the characters are as varied as the costumes they conjure. Add a confused newcomer fresh from the afterlife and a director with a mysterious plan, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for ghostly chaos.

But the heart of this story lies in the play within the story—Hamlet‘s infamous ghost scene. The group must rehearse around a live actor who doesn’t know his fellow cast members are spirits. What unfolds is a hilarious blend of missteps, misunderstandings, and the occasional sword conjured from thin air.

Why You’ll Love It

A Ghost Scene is a playful departure from the traditional ghost story. While it retains the otherworldly charm of my Thirteen Tales of Ghosts collection, it leans into the comedy of its concept. Imagine Hamlet as performed by ghosts, where the line between reality and performance blurs in surprising and delightful ways.

It’s also a story about connection. Despite their spectral status, these characters feel deeply alive—grappling with questions of identity, purpose, and what it truly means to belong. And amidst the laughter, there’s a quiet poignancy as the ghosts reflect on their lives and legacies.

Discover A Ghost Scene and More

A Ghost Scene is just one tale in my Thirteen Tales of Ghosts collection. Each story explores the theme of haunting in a unique way—sometimes eerie, sometimes heartfelt, and, as in this case, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny.

If you enjoy stories that blend humour with the supernatural, where quirky characters take centre stage and the unexpected is always around the corner, this is a tale you won’t want to miss.

A Ghost Scene
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