When it comes to dolls, few are creepier than a ventriloquist dummy.
These dolls are presented like they’re alive. It speaks in a voice we all know is fake, but we play along anyway. They’re often sarcastic or even mean-spirited when paired with the ventriloquist as part of the gimmick.
I wanted to play with the idea of a spirit that found its power not in anything physical, but something mental. A spirit that shows you your dreams, your heart’s desire, and speaks to you in a voice you long to hear.
And like a spider on a web, once it has you lured in, there’s no escape.
Baskin is such a spirit, a being with no real face or voice of its own. It’s just a person’s memories and desires being used against them until their very soul has been devoured.
The idea that people would be happy and complacent while they die—all because of an illusion—seemed very terrifying to me.
Much like the illusion of a ventriloquist dummy.
Come see your own fears in this story. See how your hopes and dreams can leave you vulnerable.
After all, if you want something bad enough, you’ll endure almost anything to have it.
Missed Book 1 of the series? Click here to download Clown in the Dark (The Dollmaker’s Curse Series Book 1).
See you in the shadows,
Ian Fortey