I am excited to share the cover of my upcoming novel, The Doom Town Dummies, illustrated by Milena Bragina!

Colette Planchette talks to the dead using a supernatural sense of smell. This comes in handy, considering her best friend Lucian is a ghost. When the pair find themselves in a village of eerie shop-window dummies, the stench of danger becomes ever closer. Someone, or something, is watching...

OUT 19th SEPTEMBER 2023!

https://www.liamrfindlay.com/

COVER REVEAL!

After 7 years of writing, I'm excited to share the cover of The Doom Town Dummies!

A supernatural adventure for ages 8+, fully illustrated by Milena Bragina (who also made this beautiful cover)

Out 19/09/2023!

More info: http://liamrfindlay.com

Beloved Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation

Phantom Manor is my most favourite attraction in the mortal world. I’ve been considering its storytelling elements over the months, in the interests of giving its recent refurbishment a fair critique. Few major changes were made during its closure, but many small visual and musical details have been altered in a way that swaps emotional impact for a more generic, spooky experience. Specifically, this comes from the way in which guests are distanced from the ride’s protagonist, Melanie. Her character has become more of a victim of haunting by the Phantom than a victim of personal tragedy. Any sequences that once triggered an emotional response towards her have been diluted and changed in a way that prevents one from feeling particularly moved by her plight (which in itself is now more ambiguous than before, as analysed in the stretching portrait part of this article).

The contemporary Phantom Manor can still be enjoyed as a unique haunted house with beautiful artistry, but I find that its sad story – a leading factor that made it unlike any other attraction in the world – became a ghost of its former self during the refurbishment.

In the spirit of the New Year, the '20s and one year since Netflix's A Series of Unfortunate Events ended, I present these artefacts. Here are two masks recovered from the now ashen VFD headquarters.

I met Lemony Snicket, otherwise accused of being Daniel Handler, at an entertaining interview by @neil-gaiman! Daniel was presenting his new book, Bottle Grove, and was very generous with his time. It was a pleasure to meet him, because since childhood, he has had a significant influence on me and my work.

I took my sugar bowl - the product of an exciting project to authentically replicate the prop in Netflix's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Thanks to Red Model Design for listing the same paints he used when painting the originals, and thanks to Susan Spohr for her artistry!

I am lying, of course. I stole the sugar bowl.

Thanks @adrianhorihoro for the illegal interview photograph.

Esmé Squalor by Brett Helquist

Here are more artefacts snatched from the tales of Lemony Snicket! These photographs show the beginnings of the Volunteer Fire Department. A noble volunteer was murdered just below them.

I have a new house, which I am renovating into a mansion of mystery and adventure! Follow its progress here - this will be no ordinary dolls house: https://www.instagram.com/mansionrenovation/

I don't animate for a living, but studying the craft helped me to develop the design and storytelling skills that I use in the attractions industry, novel writing and other projects! Here are some stop-motion performances from my time at university. @baanimationbournemouth

Darwin: https://www.instagram.com/p/BySrPy-g-s8/

@essence-of-bohemia

Robin Arryn, whose character development was compelling to all.

Continuing my documentation of findings from Mr. Snicket's studies, I present photographs and creatures salvaged from the derelict home of Dr. Montgomery Montgomery. See if you can spot where the pictures came from...

This grim grinning ghost can be found at Disneyland Paris’ Phantom Manor. I've always been especially captivated by her face.

After its monumental refurbishment, this May, Ravenswood Manor's classic stretching portraits will have been permanently replaced. I shall value these relics, 'til death do us part.

In honour of Phantom Manor’s refurbishment, a sketch of Melanie Ravenswood

A favourite book from childhood: Disney's Haunted Mansion Pop-Up Book, which allows you to explore, interact and have your own adventure. What more could you want?