It is finally October, and I couldn’t be happier.

I mean, with all the scary stories I write and horror movies I consume year-round, I guess one could argue that I rarely wait ’til the leaves turn to celebrate Halloween. But I always try to amp things up when October rolls around.

I’ve got a few tricks and treats to share today: a new story that you can read for free, if the mood strikes you; an announcement or two; ominous warnings; and some social media self-promotion (the scariest thing of all!).

Read on, children of the night: