Go Out in a Blaze of Glory
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Fellow writers, how about this lesson in patience: 27 years after publication, one of my books snagged its first Amazon review. The book is long out of print, but now it has 5 stars. Its lover never bought it, having first photocopied it from the library and then having found a used copy after cockatiels ate the pages.
I first discovered this book in my federal agency's library; I was so impressed with its plain spoken wisdom regarding taking responsibility in the workplace, I photocopied the book in its entirety! Then, unfortunately, my cockatiels got hold of the photocopy and destroyed it! That sent me looking for the book again, which I felt extremely fortunate to find on Amazon!
This book was originally part of a larger series of book on work related topics. Out of the series, this is, by far, the most compelling one! As I say in the headline, if you're fortunate enough to find it, read it to yourself, then share it with your children! It communicates so well, and so succinctly, the importance of taking personal responsibility, one would be hard pressed to find a better articulation, and the fact it's written in plain language, at the 5th grade reading level, actually makes it even more compelling; I liken it to the way Ernest Hemingway might have written it, for he was so plain and straightforward in his writing style!
In closing, I'm glad I have my own version now, and in hardcopy. Every once in a while I take it off the shelf just to revisit its ageless and timeless wisdom.
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A shout-out to all the pros who have offered amazing clips to Grave Mood Rings, including: Count Gore de Vol, Dr. Sarcofiguy, Unkle Spooky, Count Cat, Count Drahoon, Mikey Sevier, The Dark Showman, Scufflemöss, Gordon Meyer, Psychotronic Squirt Gun, Paraspooky, Larry Hass, Wunderfish, Scott Baker Graham, Sigfus of Sweden, George Parker, James K Ultra, Jeff McBride, Edwin Z. Canary, Al Omega, Gary Barwin, and Ghoul Lewis.
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We're honored that our Magic Words: A Dictionary is cited in "Charms, Talisman and Amulets in Contemporary African Christianity" by Edward Agboada, in The American Journal of Biblical Theology.
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"Human Sacrifice":
"Illumed by Lightning":
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We're honored by this review over at Dabodab: Video Series Review: Grave Mood Rings
by Briyan Frederick
In an unexpected yet delightful twist of nostalgia and absurdity, Jonathan Caws-Elwitt has introduced us to “Grave Mood Rings,” a web series crafted alongside Craig Conley and Michael Warwick (of Captive Audience and Mystery Arts fame). This series is a carriage ride of humor that blends vampire lore with the most iconic clichés of the 1970s.
For a bit of personal context—as someone who was once nicknamed Barnabas Collins by schoolmates due to my hair—this show resonates on a unique level. Watching “Grave Mood Rings” feels like revisiting a beloved, albeit twisted, chapter of television history.
Each “emptive” episode runs just a few minutes but is packed with layered seventies tropes presented through gauze-lensed scenes. You can viscount on each episode to deliver absurd twists and puns forced through plastic teeth. The Viscount playing an invisible organ and singing with said teeth quickly became my favorite recurring element. His character embodies the blend of humor and homage that makes this series so engaging.
The artist or label describes the show as a mix of vampire humor and 1970s elements such as pet rocks, lava lamps, disco music, bell-bottom pants, mirror balls, and mood rings. (And that’s just the credits preface). “Grave Mood Rings” cleverly parodies slow-moving Gothic soap operas like “Dark Shadows” and the Canadian series “Strange Paradise.” This creative concoction culminates in a series that is both a satire and a love letter to the past.
The setting—a castle—hosts a colorful array of characters, including:
- A Groovy Doctor: A phlebotomist who adds a tongue-in-cheek nod to the show’s vampiric theme.
- A Jolly Housekeeper: Complete with her own laugh track, she brings a meta-comedic touch reminiscent of classic sitcoms.
- A Werewolf Vicar: Infusing the Gothic atmosphere with humorous howls.
- An Arch-Nemesis Riddler: Donning a Sphinx mask, he adds an aura of mystery and mischief.
Corny wordplay, bizarre sing-alongs, and even haunted doughnuts punctuate the proceedings. The humor is in line with sketch comedy classics like MadTV, Kids in the Hall, and SCTV, making “Grave Mood Rings” a refreshing addition to the genre.
Jonathan’s invitation to explore the series led me to the Grave Mood Rings playlist on YouTube. It’s a surreal journey into a world where vampires groove with werewolves and laugh-tracked housekeepers. It’s an experience replete with humor, nostalgia, and a touch of the absurd. Whether you have a penchant for Gothic soap operas or a soft spot for 1970s kitsch, this series offers a uniquely entertaining escape.
So, if you’re intrigued by the idea of witnessing a Viscount sing through plastic teeth or simply crave a good laugh, “Grave Mood Rings” is well worth your time. Dive into this wonderfully off-the-wall sendup and prepare for a nostalgic, yet refreshingly original ride.
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Original Content Copyright © 2026 by Craig Conley. All rights reserved.
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