The One Who Watches (When the Monster Isn’t the Real Problem)

Some stories begin with fear.

Others begin with curiosity.

The One Who Watches started with a question that wouldn’t leave me alone: What if the creature in the woods isn’t evil—but isn’t safe either?

Growing up, I was fascinated by campfire legends and local myths—the kinds of stories that made the forest feel alive after dark. Sasquatch stories, in particular, always walked that uncomfortable line between wonder and dread. Something ancient. Something watching. Something that might notice you noticing it.

This story follows a twelve-year-old girl who prides herself on being logical and science-minded—and who is forced to confront the fact that some truths don’t fit neatly into data and evidence. It’s a story about friendship, responsibility, and the realization that protection can quietly turn into obsession.

Middle grade horror has always felt uniquely powerful to me. Kids in these stories aren’t shielded from fear—they face it head-on, often without fully understanding the consequences. That’s where real tension lives. Not just in what’s lurking in the woods, but in what happens after the secret is discovered.

If you enjoy eerie mysteries, unsettling folklore, and stories that trust younger readers with emotional complexity, I hope The One Who Watches finds its way to you.

Just remember—some legends are better left unseen.

The One Who Watches is currently available on Amazon for 99¢: https://tinyurl.com/5ywcc9un

 

It Waits at the Lodge — My Solo 40-Minute Found-Footage Horror Film is Now Online

Some guests never leave…

I’m excited to finally release It Waits at the Lodge, a 40-minute found-footage horror film I shot entirely solo. At a remote retreat meant for solitude and self-reflection, a man begins documenting his stay—only to capture unsettling evidence that he’s not alone, and that something—or someone—is determined to unearth what he’s buried deep inside.

This project was a personal experiment in psychological horror and isolation, blending elements of identity horror with the slow-burn tension of films like Creep, Lake Mungo, The Taking of Deborah Logan, Hell House LLC, and The Blair Witch Project. I wanted to see if I could sustain atmosphere, dread, and tension for a full 40 minutes on my own — writing, directing, performing, and filming every shot.

I’m thrilled to finally share it with you all. If you enjoy atmospheric, unsettling horror, I hope It Waits at the Lodge leaves you thinking about what lurks in the corners long after the credits roll.

Watch the full film here: https://youtu.be/cISCaaHyL6I

Genre: Found Footage | Psychological Horror | Thriller
Written, Directed, and Performed by: Chris von Halle

20K KENP This Year!

Check out my books here: https://tinyurl.com/44bf7vpj

OMG, You're, Like, Totally Haunted! Officially Selected for Indie Short Fest!

I’m thrilled to share that my comedy short film OMG, You're, Like, Totally Haunted! has been officially selected for Indie Short Fest’s December 2025 season!

This selection means the film has been recognized by the festival’s judges for its merit and is now in the pool of projects being considered for nominations and awards. Even if it doesn’t advance further, it’s an honor to have the film stand out in such a competitive festival environment.

Attached is the film’s poster, and I’m also excited to share the official Indie Short Fest laurel—a small but meaningful badge of recognition from the festival.

A huge thank you to the Indie Short Fest team for this opportunity, and to everyone who has supported the film along the way. Fingers crossed as it moves forward in the competition!

Learn more about Indie Short Fest: indieshortfest.com

The Mire Witch Earns Five-Star Review from Readers' Favorite!

I’m thrilled to announce that The Mire Witch, the fifth book in my nonconnected Between Dark and Light series, has earned a five-star review from Readers' Favorite! The review highlights the book as 'gripping and atmospheric,' capturing the magic and suspense that fans of dark fantasy crave.

Whether you’re a longtime follower of the series or new to it, this story offers mystery, supernatural intrigue, and unforgettable characters. Check out the full review here, and grab your copy today!

The Official Trailer for "It Waits at the Lodge" Has Arrived

Horror fans, the wait is over. The official trailer for my upcoming found-footage horror film, It Waits at the Lodge, has just dropped—and it’s not for the faint of heart.

At a remote retreat meant for solitude and self-reflection, a man begins documenting his stay—only to capture unsettling evidence that he's not alone, and that something—or someone—is determined to unearth what he’s buried deep inside.

The found-footage style gives the story its raw, unnerving authenticity, placing viewers directly in the middle of the terror. Every creak of the floorboards and flicker of the camera light feels inescapably real, blurring the line between documentary and nightmare.
Watch the Trailer Here:

👉 https://youtu.be/3hhSaTLeoQk

Stay tuned for updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and more as the release approaches.

If you’re a fan of The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity, Creep, or the kind of horror that lingers long after the screen goes dark, you won’t want to miss this.

Dare to watch. But remember… it waits.

Amnesia Juice – A Chilling New Middle-Grade Horror Release

Do you love Goosebumps-style books, eerie mysteries, and scary adventures for kids that keep you turning the pages late into the night? If so, I’m thrilled to share the release of my brand-new novella: Amnesia Juice — the latest entry in my Between Dark and Light series of middle-grade horror books.

An Old Favorite, Reimagined

Amnesia Juice is a story close to my heart. I first wrote an early version of it back in college, and it has remained one of my longtime favorites. Recently, I decided to re-fashion it into a fast-paced novella that fits perfectly into the eerie world of the Between Dark and Light series.

Now, after years of sitting quietly in the background, it’s finally ready to find its readers.

---

What’s Amnesia Juice About?

The story follows a 12-year-old who wakes up with no memory of who he is or how he got there. Everything about his school—and even the planet itself—feels off. Students are handed mysterious “amnesia juice” as if it’s standard procedure, but our young hero quickly realizes it will take much more than that to escape and uncover the truth.

This novella blends spine-tingling suspense with a fast-paced adventure, making it perfect for:

• Readers ages 10 and up

• Fans of Goosebumps, Fear Street, and creepy middle-grade horror

• Adults looking for a nostalgic, fun-yet-chilling read

At around 60 pages (14,000 words), it’s the perfect bite-sized scare.

---

Why You’ll Love It

If you enjoy:

• Spooky books for kids and teens

• Creepy mysteries with twists

• Scary middle-grade adventures that feel both familiar and fresh

…then Amnesia Juice will be right up your alley. It’s written in the tradition of R.L. Stine but with its own unique voice and unsettling edge.

---

Part of the Between Dark and Light Series

This novella joins my growing Between Dark and Light series, which includes middle-grade horror and adventure stories designed to both thrill and unsettle. Each book stands alone, so you can jump into Amnesia Juice without having read the others.

---

Where to Find It

Amnesia Juice is available now in Kindle eBook and audiobook formats.

👉 Check it out on Amazon here

---

Final Thoughts

Bringing this story back to life has been incredibly special for me. To think that an old tale I wrote in college has now become a published part of the Between Dark and Light universe is both surreal and exciting.

If you’re looking for your next spooky read, I hope you’ll give Amnesia Juice a try—and let yourself get lost in the eerie, unforgettable world it creates.