Tom Coombe
@calmtomb.bsky.social
Horror writer, occasionally funny
Pinned
The Clown King and Other Stories of the Pre-Apocalypse|Paperback
Something's coming...A teenage horror fan searches for the origins of a too-real, homemade slasher film. Two siblings inherit a statue that draws worshippers from around the world. A struggling restau...
www.barnesandnoble.com
Thank you to everyone who has picked up a copy of my first short story collection. Your interest is much appreciated, a rare bright spot in a grim year.
I've seen this argument a lot, and always want to know: How?
How does Guy Who Has Spent His Life Enjoying Untold Comforts suddenly find himself with a drastically reduced standard of living and turn $5 into "millions"?
How does Guy Who Has Spent His Life Enjoying Untold Comforts suddenly find himself with a drastically reduced standard of living and turn $5 into "millions"?
December 14, 2025 at 8:41 PM
I've seen this argument a lot, and always want to know: How?
How does Guy Who Has Spent His Life Enjoying Untold Comforts suddenly find himself with a drastically reduced standard of living and turn $5 into "millions"?
How does Guy Who Has Spent His Life Enjoying Untold Comforts suddenly find himself with a drastically reduced standard of living and turn $5 into "millions"?
The closing scene/credits of "Pearl."
What would be the funniest movie scene for Smashmouth's All-Star to be swapped in for the real soundtrack
December 14, 2025 at 6:26 PM
The closing scene/credits of "Pearl."
This made me realize that across nearly 100 years of Academy Awards, I’ve seen less than half the winners and truly enjoyed less than half of the ones I’ve seen.
Out of all those, you have forgettable fluff like Shakespeare in Love vs. the actually evil Gone With the Wind.
Out of all those, you have forgettable fluff like Shakespeare in Love vs. the actually evil Gone With the Wind.
Late night question for the gang: what’s your LEAST favorite Best Picture winner that’s not Crash?
December 14, 2025 at 12:51 PM
This made me realize that across nearly 100 years of Academy Awards, I’ve seen less than half the winners and truly enjoyed less than half of the ones I’ve seen.
Out of all those, you have forgettable fluff like Shakespeare in Love vs. the actually evil Gone With the Wind.
Out of all those, you have forgettable fluff like Shakespeare in Love vs. the actually evil Gone With the Wind.
Reposted by Tom Coombe
I keep laughing looking at pictures from this Say Anything reunion panel where they had John Cusack’s video call on the big screen behind everyone else and it looks like he’s a supervillain who has hacked the feed to tell Cameron Crowe there are three bombs hidden throughout Seattle
December 13, 2025 at 9:58 PM
I keep laughing looking at pictures from this Say Anything reunion panel where they had John Cusack’s video call on the big screen behind everyone else and it looks like he’s a supervillain who has hacked the feed to tell Cameron Crowe there are three bombs hidden throughout Seattle
I share this story whenever this question comes up.
December 13, 2025 at 12:20 AM
I share this story whenever this question comes up.
You’re hearing it more and more: you will see me one more time if you do good, you'll see me two more times if you do bad.
December 12, 2025 at 11:40 PM
You’re hearing it more and more: you will see me one more time if you do good, you'll see me two more times if you do bad.
You've heard of the Elf on the Shelf, get ready for the...
*posts an image of two things mashed together so inscrutable that people vandalize my car*
*posts an image of two things mashed together so inscrutable that people vandalize my car*
December 11, 2025 at 8:03 PM
You've heard of the Elf on the Shelf, get ready for the...
*posts an image of two things mashed together so inscrutable that people vandalize my car*
*posts an image of two things mashed together so inscrutable that people vandalize my car*
It would suck if someone used this tech to flood YouTube with a bunch of terrible fake movie trailers.
Disney and OpenAI sign a deal to bring 200+ Disney characters to Sora
Disney makes $1 billion investment in OpenAI and will become a "major" OpenAI customer
openai.com/index/disney...
Disney makes $1 billion investment in OpenAI and will become a "major" OpenAI customer
openai.com/index/disney...
December 11, 2025 at 5:15 PM
It would suck if someone used this tech to flood YouTube with a bunch of terrible fake movie trailers.
Warming my heart by imagining a scenario where this photo was actually real and an unusually strong gust of wind came along.
December 11, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Warming my heart by imagining a scenario where this photo was actually real and an unusually strong gust of wind came along.
Yes. It feels like something recorded in a building with a carbon monoxide leak.
December 11, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Yes. It feels like something recorded in a building with a carbon monoxide leak.
Reposted by Tom Coombe
need to pitch Capcom MEGA OLD MAN a brutal M-rated Mega Man game where he’s old and can’t move or jump like he did plus his rusted suit malfunctions limiting weapons so he has to rely on brute strength
Person on other end of Tim Hortons drive thru speaker: sir what the fuck are you talking about
Person on other end of Tim Hortons drive thru speaker: sir what the fuck are you talking about
December 11, 2025 at 12:29 PM
need to pitch Capcom MEGA OLD MAN a brutal M-rated Mega Man game where he’s old and can’t move or jump like he did plus his rusted suit malfunctions limiting weapons so he has to rely on brute strength
Person on other end of Tim Hortons drive thru speaker: sir what the fuck are you talking about
Person on other end of Tim Hortons drive thru speaker: sir what the fuck are you talking about
Significant other and I after finishing the Netflix series on James Garfield:
Her - It’s not realistic but I kind of wanted them to show him eating lasagna.
Me: He DID die on a Monday, so…
Her - It’s not realistic but I kind of wanted them to show him eating lasagna.
Me: He DID die on a Monday, so…
December 11, 2025 at 2:18 AM
Significant other and I after finishing the Netflix series on James Garfield:
Her - It’s not realistic but I kind of wanted them to show him eating lasagna.
Me: He DID die on a Monday, so…
Her - It’s not realistic but I kind of wanted them to show him eating lasagna.
Me: He DID die on a Monday, so…
Reposted by Tom Coombe
Thank you, Erin #HorrorWritersChat is always fun and inspiring. Makes my fingers all tingly 😁
Now the promos
storyoriginapp.com/to/jHRiLui
books.bookfunnel.com/indiehorror/...
books.bookfunnel.com/midnightwhis...
claims.prolificworks.com/gg/UtIUqsxSJ...
books.bookfunnel.com/allthingscre...
Now the promos
storyoriginapp.com/to/jHRiLui
books.bookfunnel.com/indiehorror/...
books.bookfunnel.com/midnightwhis...
claims.prolificworks.com/gg/UtIUqsxSJ...
books.bookfunnel.com/allthingscre...
December 10, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Thank you, Erin #HorrorWritersChat is always fun and inspiring. Makes my fingers all tingly 😁
Now the promos
storyoriginapp.com/to/jHRiLui
books.bookfunnel.com/indiehorror/...
books.bookfunnel.com/midnightwhis...
claims.prolificworks.com/gg/UtIUqsxSJ...
books.bookfunnel.com/allthingscre...
Now the promos
storyoriginapp.com/to/jHRiLui
books.bookfunnel.com/indiehorror/...
books.bookfunnel.com/midnightwhis...
claims.prolificworks.com/gg/UtIUqsxSJ...
books.bookfunnel.com/allthingscre...
Reposted by Tom Coombe
Thank you for another fantastic #HorrorWritersChat! Here’s the dirt on me. I'm a horror writer and Media Director for The Horror Zine.
Web Site:
trishwilsonauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook (pen name Elizabeth Black):
www.facebook.com/elizabethabl...
The Horror Zine
www.thehorrorzine.com
Web Site:
trishwilsonauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook (pen name Elizabeth Black):
www.facebook.com/elizabethabl...
The Horror Zine
www.thehorrorzine.com
December 10, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Thank you for another fantastic #HorrorWritersChat! Here’s the dirt on me. I'm a horror writer and Media Director for The Horror Zine.
Web Site:
trishwilsonauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook (pen name Elizabeth Black):
www.facebook.com/elizabethabl...
The Horror Zine
www.thehorrorzine.com
Web Site:
trishwilsonauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook (pen name Elizabeth Black):
www.facebook.com/elizabethabl...
The Horror Zine
www.thehorrorzine.com
Reposted by Tom Coombe
#HorrorWritersChat Thanks Eryn!
2 links today:
1) I’ll be one of the Locals in the Limelight at next year’s Granite Noir Festival in Aberdeen, reading my poem The Witch’s Hat at this event: www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/gra...
2) My end of year playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/2Si...
2 links today:
1) I’ll be one of the Locals in the Limelight at next year’s Granite Noir Festival in Aberdeen, reading my poem The Witch’s Hat at this event: www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/gra...
2) My end of year playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/2Si...
December 10, 2025 at 8:09 PM
#HorrorWritersChat Thanks Eryn!
2 links today:
1) I’ll be one of the Locals in the Limelight at next year’s Granite Noir Festival in Aberdeen, reading my poem The Witch’s Hat at this event: www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/gra...
2) My end of year playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/2Si...
2 links today:
1) I’ll be one of the Locals in the Limelight at next year’s Granite Noir Festival in Aberdeen, reading my poem The Witch’s Hat at this event: www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/gra...
2) My end of year playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/2Si...
Reposted by Tom Coombe
Thank you for another fantastic #HorrorWritersChat! Here’s the dirt on The Horror Zine. I'm a horror writer and Media Director for The Horror Zine.
The Horror Zine
www.thehorrorzine.com
THZ (Facebook):
www.facebook.com/thehorrorzine/
THZ - BlueSky
bsky.app/profile/theh...
The Horror Zine
www.thehorrorzine.com
THZ (Facebook):
www.facebook.com/thehorrorzine/
THZ - BlueSky
bsky.app/profile/theh...
December 10, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Thank you for another fantastic #HorrorWritersChat! Here’s the dirt on The Horror Zine. I'm a horror writer and Media Director for The Horror Zine.
The Horror Zine
www.thehorrorzine.com
THZ (Facebook):
www.facebook.com/thehorrorzine/
THZ - BlueSky
bsky.app/profile/theh...
The Horror Zine
www.thehorrorzine.com
THZ (Facebook):
www.facebook.com/thehorrorzine/
THZ - BlueSky
bsky.app/profile/theh...
Reposted by Tom Coombe
Thanks again #HorrorWritersChat!
As this was a music-themed evening I'm sharing By the Blood, a Catholic Vampire novella
It started as a thought experiment born of listening to Powerwolf's Blessed and Possessed album enough to consider taking the theological implications of undead clergy seriously
As this was a music-themed evening I'm sharing By the Blood, a Catholic Vampire novella
It started as a thought experiment born of listening to Powerwolf's Blessed and Possessed album enough to consider taking the theological implications of undead clergy seriously
December 10, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Thanks again #HorrorWritersChat!
As this was a music-themed evening I'm sharing By the Blood, a Catholic Vampire novella
It started as a thought experiment born of listening to Powerwolf's Blessed and Possessed album enough to consider taking the theological implications of undead clergy seriously
As this was a music-themed evening I'm sharing By the Blood, a Catholic Vampire novella
It started as a thought experiment born of listening to Powerwolf's Blessed and Possessed album enough to consider taking the theological implications of undead clergy seriously
The “making balloon animals” sound I referenced earlier comes from the title story in my collection.
#HorrorWritersChat
#HorrorWritersChat
December 10, 2025 at 8:07 PM
The “making balloon animals” sound I referenced earlier comes from the title story in my collection.
#HorrorWritersChat
#HorrorWritersChat
The song is a "We Didn't Start the Fire" style tune that includes events that the main character is not aware of. But every time the song plays, they become part of the historical reality.
#HorrorWritersChat
#HorrorWritersChat
December 10, 2025 at 7:58 PM
The song is a "We Didn't Start the Fire" style tune that includes events that the main character is not aware of. But every time the song plays, they become part of the historical reality.
#HorrorWritersChat
#HorrorWritersChat
Reposted by Tom Coombe
Radiohead's Kid A album blew my mind the first time I heard it. It was just so different from anything I'd heard before - such an innovative, weird, beautiful sound. Horror's goal is always to "ruin the nerves," isn't it? #horrorwriterschat
Q3, #HorrorWritersChat.
Us writers are weird creatures. We can't help but shake and quake over a perfect line, but all the senses will get you, if you're open to it.
And music is a story in the ears. Just like a perfume is a story for the nose.
But can you translate it into writing? Do you?
Us writers are weird creatures. We can't help but shake and quake over a perfect line, but all the senses will get you, if you're open to it.
And music is a story in the ears. Just like a perfume is a story for the nose.
But can you translate it into writing? Do you?
December 10, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Radiohead's Kid A album blew my mind the first time I heard it. It was just so different from anything I'd heard before - such an innovative, weird, beautiful sound. Horror's goal is always to "ruin the nerves," isn't it? #horrorwriterschat
There are many, many song that fit this bill, and I have yet to be successful in channeling ANY of these, but:
- "Birdland" by Patti Smith
- "Hamburger Lady" by Throbbing Gristle
- "In the Pines" (various)
- "Pyramid Song" by Radiohead
#HorrorWritersChat
- "Birdland" by Patti Smith
- "Hamburger Lady" by Throbbing Gristle
- "In the Pines" (various)
- "Pyramid Song" by Radiohead
#HorrorWritersChat
Q3, #HorrorWritersChat.
Us writers are weird creatures. We can't help but shake and quake over a perfect line, but all the senses will get you, if you're open to it.
And music is a story in the ears. Just like a perfume is a story for the nose.
But can you translate it into writing? Do you?
Us writers are weird creatures. We can't help but shake and quake over a perfect line, but all the senses will get you, if you're open to it.
And music is a story in the ears. Just like a perfume is a story for the nose.
But can you translate it into writing? Do you?
December 10, 2025 at 7:40 PM
There are many, many song that fit this bill, and I have yet to be successful in channeling ANY of these, but:
- "Birdland" by Patti Smith
- "Hamburger Lady" by Throbbing Gristle
- "In the Pines" (various)
- "Pyramid Song" by Radiohead
#HorrorWritersChat
- "Birdland" by Patti Smith
- "Hamburger Lady" by Throbbing Gristle
- "In the Pines" (various)
- "Pyramid Song" by Radiohead
#HorrorWritersChat
Reposted by Tom Coombe
Sound is something I struggle with a little in my stories - I'm always trying to describe scenes using as many senses as possible, but sometimes the sound just isn't distinctive to the action. I do try to find unique ways to describe sound when it's relevant though. #horrorwriterschat
Q2.
How do you use sound, music, or the absence of it?
And if we're speaking of the absence of it, Disturbed's Sound of Silence (with Myles Kennedy) is way better than the original of it and you'll just have to accept that.
I will die on this hill!
#HorrorWritersChat
How do you use sound, music, or the absence of it?
And if we're speaking of the absence of it, Disturbed's Sound of Silence (with Myles Kennedy) is way better than the original of it and you'll just have to accept that.
I will die on this hill!
#HorrorWritersChat
December 10, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Sound is something I struggle with a little in my stories - I'm always trying to describe scenes using as many senses as possible, but sometimes the sound just isn't distinctive to the action. I do try to find unique ways to describe sound when it's relevant though. #horrorwriterschat
It's something I struggle with. I obsess over the exact right phrasing and it tends to fall by the wayside when I can't find it.
One sound-image I'm proud of is describing a character's voice as "someone making balloon animals," which is maybe the worst noise I can think of.
#HorrorWritersChat
One sound-image I'm proud of is describing a character's voice as "someone making balloon animals," which is maybe the worst noise I can think of.
#HorrorWritersChat
Q2.
How do you use sound, music, or the absence of it?
And if we're speaking of the absence of it, Disturbed's Sound of Silence (with Myles Kennedy) is way better than the original of it and you'll just have to accept that.
I will die on this hill!
#HorrorWritersChat
How do you use sound, music, or the absence of it?
And if we're speaking of the absence of it, Disturbed's Sound of Silence (with Myles Kennedy) is way better than the original of it and you'll just have to accept that.
I will die on this hill!
#HorrorWritersChat
December 10, 2025 at 7:24 PM
It's something I struggle with. I obsess over the exact right phrasing and it tends to fall by the wayside when I can't find it.
One sound-image I'm proud of is describing a character's voice as "someone making balloon animals," which is maybe the worst noise I can think of.
#HorrorWritersChat
One sound-image I'm proud of is describing a character's voice as "someone making balloon animals," which is maybe the worst noise I can think of.
#HorrorWritersChat
Greetings #HorrorWritersChat
Tom Coombe here, writer of various short horror stories. I don't often listen to music when I write, but when I do it tends to be a bit more moody/melancholy. In the last few years the Canadian band Timber Timbre has been my go-to on that front.
Tom Coombe here, writer of various short horror stories. I don't often listen to music when I write, but when I do it tends to be a bit more moody/melancholy. In the last few years the Canadian band Timber Timbre has been my go-to on that front.
Q1.
#HorrorWritersChat, you know what to do.
No links. Not till the end. No sneaky promo. Just lots of lovely lovely chat.
#HorrorWritersChat, you know what to do.
No links. Not till the end. No sneaky promo. Just lots of lovely lovely chat.
December 10, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Greetings #HorrorWritersChat
Tom Coombe here, writer of various short horror stories. I don't often listen to music when I write, but when I do it tends to be a bit more moody/melancholy. In the last few years the Canadian band Timber Timbre has been my go-to on that front.
Tom Coombe here, writer of various short horror stories. I don't often listen to music when I write, but when I do it tends to be a bit more moody/melancholy. In the last few years the Canadian band Timber Timbre has been my go-to on that front.
This is correct, making your name inaccurate.
December 10, 2025 at 6:15 PM
This is correct, making your name inaccurate.