Who is HDKingsbury?

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my profile. That you came here suggests that you are at least a little curious about me, so here goes...

In another life, I am a retired telephone company supervisor. Now that I am no longer constrained by such mundane things as work, I divide my time between two great passions – history and literature. I am actively involved in the Civil War community and am past-president of the Greater Toledo Civil War Roundtable. I am also fascinated with Ancient and Medieval history and am a card-carrying member of the Richard III Society, American Branch. In fact, my Richard III stories (both posted on this site) were published in the journal of the Richard III Society of Canada.

In addition to a passion for history, I am also a voracious reader whose tastes range from non-fiction to fiction, from first-hand accounts of Civil War soldiers, to Gothic Victorian literature, historical mysteries, and modern-day paranormal romances. I am particularly fascinated by the Phantom of the Opera phenomenon (as you no doubt figured out by the stories I've written). My love of all things Phantom began many years ago when, as a teenager, I fell in love with Claude Rains as Erique Claudin.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Phantom Variations, Volume II

A few years ago, The Write Stuff published a Phantom of the Opera anthology, a collection of stories titled Phantom Variations: Tales of the Opera Ghost.

For more than a century, the legend of the Opera Ghost has thrilled readers around the globe. But there’s much more to his story than the brief chapter of his life written by Gaston Leroux at the end of his book. Phantom Variations (which is still available) offers readers an exciting assortment of tales based on Leroux's tragic character -- Erik, the mysterious man who lives beneath the Paris Opera. Contributing authors are members of this board, and many names will be familiar to most readers of "phan phiction.” Stories varying from romance to horror, from fantasy to action and light comedy. Use the links below to check out previews, prices and to purchase.

Hardcover http://www.lulu.com/content/2720229
Paperback http://www.lulu.com/content/2719510

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sales of this book have gone to the American Porphyria Foundation. Our goal is to raise one thousand dollars for the APF. To date, we have raised over 600 dollars.

And now the great news -- Phantom Variations, Volume 2: Further Tales from the Worlds of the Opera Ghostis here! In this anthology, The Write Stuff is offering further tales about Erik, Christine, Raoul as well as some new characters, too. There’s something for everyone, from drabbles, ficlets and one-shots to short stories as well as a couple novellas. Genres range from humor to horror, from drama to romance, from 19th century Paris to Occupied France of World War II, with ALL proceeds benefitting the American Porphyria Foundation. As with the first volume, ALL the proceeds from the sale of this book will be given to the American Porphyria Foundation. So sit back in your favorite comfy chair and join us on a journey to the many worlds of the Opera Ghost, and help some good people at the same time.

The book can be purchased from Lulu, and is available in paperback, hardcover and ebook formats. Just use the link for the version you'd like.

Phantom Variations, Volume 2: Further Tales from the Worlds of the Opera Ghost - Paperback
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/phantom-variations--volume-2/18403508

Phantom Variations, Volume 2: Further Tales from the Worlds of the Opera Ghost - Hardcover
http://www.lulu.com/product/hardcover/phantom-variations--volume-2/18403457

Phantom Variations, Volume 2: Further Tales from the Worlds of the Opera Ghost - Ebook
http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/phantom-variations--volume-2/18403341

Happy Birthday, Erik!

On September 23, 1909, a writer by the name of Gaston Leroux published the first installment of Le Fantôme de l'Opéra in Le Gaulois. The story ran through January 8, 1910, and was not much of a success, even when it came out in book form. There were times when it even went out of print. Then a man by the name of Andrew Lloyd Webber came along and wrote a musical based upon Leroux’s book. From that time on, sales of the book skyrocketed.

This year, Erik—the mysterious Phantom of the Opera—observed his centennial anniversary. To help celebrate this auspicious occasion, the members of The Write Stuff, an online community of readers, writers and lovers of all things Phantom (and of which I am a member), held a writing contest. This small book is the result of this contest, and a labor of love by all involved. Inside, you will find drabbles, ficlets and short stories that celebrate Erik in all his incarnations—from mysterious and monstrous, to romantic and fluffy. All you are asked to do is read and enjoy!

The book is available in paperback format or as an downloadable e-book. To order your copy, go to Happy Birthday, Erik! All proceeds from the sale of this little book go to support TWS.

T-shirts, Books and Greeting Cards...Oh My!

Visit A Touch of History, my Zazzle gallery. Products feature historic and patriotic themes, and you are invited to drop by for a visit. In time for the holiday season, I have created a number of t-shirts, greeting cards and mugs featuring vintage Victorian Christmas and holiday designs.

My Phantom Books on Lulu

I have also published several of my Phantom-based stories and they are now available on Lulu.com. Visit Books by HDKingsbury (www.lulu.com/hdkingsbury) to see them all. I would also like to announce that my book Variations on a Theme of Leroux is now being offered on Amazon.com! To say that I am excited about this is putting it mildly! I also plan on making Treasures of Egypt available soon, hopefully sometime in the first or second quarter of 2011.

The Write Stuff

My good friend, MastersofNight has a private discussion board, the primary purpose of which is to help and encourage writers. Though many of us are Phantom enthusiasts, it is not strictly a PotO board. The board is called "The Write Stuff." The Write Stuff Forum (http://writestuff.invisionzone.com/index.php) is built around the idea of writers and readers coming together to discuss and encourage the written word. We are an open community, not limiting ourselves to any one genre, and welcome fiction, poetry and other original works. We also engage in literary discussions, book, movie and stage show reviews; we crack jokes, share rants, try to solve the world's woes, and generally have a good time. If you have any questions about our community, PM me and I’ll be happy to answer them. Also, as we manually approve all members, please PM me if no one activates your membership right away. Sometimes...we just forget to check! Oops!!

The Write Stuff: Home of the original, the only Ninja Death Beta Readers™. Accept no imitations!

Updated January 31, 2012