Blog
Notes from the haunted side.
This blog is a place for updates, thoughts, and occasional dives into the ideas behind the stories. That may include folklore, writing process, music, poker logic, Southern mythology, afterlife bureaucracy, or whatever strange thread decided to pull at the author that week.
Some posts will be reflective.
Some will be observational.
Some may wander slightly off-script.
All of it feeds the work.
This space will continue to evolve as new books, projects, and experiments come to life.
How Dark Fantasy Explores Human Nature Through Supernatural Worlds
Dark fantasy is more than just dark settings or supernatural features. What makes it interesting is how it shows familiar behavior in strange situations. Even
5 Best Dark Fantasy Books for 2026 That Are as Hilarious as They Are Horrific
Dark fantasy isn’t always serious. Many of the best dark fantasy books today blend unsettling ideas with humor in a way that feels natural. These
That Newbie Knocked Snarky Mark out of the Tournament.
I walked into the Pensacola Dogtrack followed by two young men. One of the guys looked big enough to play tight end in the NFL.
That Ouija Board Really Pissed Me Off. So we had a Serious Discussion.
I made the money Friday night finishing 5th in the $120 tournament. However, I did lose 3 times on Saturday starting with one entry in
The Ouija Board, Snarky Mark, and the Funky Bunch of Poker games
As the author of a book about ghosts who play poker and drink beer, my new friend, Paul, who I discussed in my previous article
A Dark Fantasy Book That Blends Horror and Satire: The Trained Ghost Gimmick
Dark fantasy as a genre often works best when it reflects human behavior through unusual situations. In many cases, the setting may be supernatural, but
How Dark Fantasy Uses Horror and Satire Together
Dark fantasy is different from traditional fantasy because it doesn’t aim for a perfect or ideal world. Instead, it focuses on discomfort, flawed choices, and
A Superstitious in Poker Player
Okay, I admit I am a bit superstitious when I play poker. I’ve totally changed my wardrobe to accommodate my superstitious predisposition, right down to
There’s a Doctor in the House!
After Three-Year Layoff from Poker, Dr. Mark Burtman Returns and Wins Bayou Tournament Dec 08 2008 11:56 AM EST The sixth event on the 2008
Poker Player Ray versus Snarky Mark at The Pensacola Greyhound Track. Who won? Neither.
Neither of us, because Jeremy won. Let me set the stage. I like to put people I know into my books. I borrow the names.
Taunting Tommy comes a taunting Snarky Mark
Look, I don’t mind a little banter. Let’s make that clear. I said as much to Tommy when he singled me out as I sat
Poker rankings are misleading.
Mark Burtman’s GPI Rankings Live Best Cash$63,180 All Time Money$201,695 Don’t I look like an accomplished poker player? People look me up on the internet,