The Author's Desk » The Empty Lot Next Door

The Author’s Desk is where I document the process behind my writing and projects. I explain how each book came together, what worked, what didn’t, and the decisions I had to make along the way. I also use this blog to share updates on new projects, project ideas, upcoming events, and behind-the-scenes details such as why second editions were published, why certain scenes changed, and what inspired some of the biggest twists.

3D rendering of the book "The Empty Lot Next Door" by Arthur Mills, Second Edition. The cover shows a fogged glass surface with a dark handprint, symbolizing a haunting presence. The subtitle reads "Based on true events of a haunting"

2010 KVUE Interview: The Empty Lot Next Door & Candle Face

In this journal entry, I share the 2010 KVUE News interview that brought my childhood haunting, and Candle Face, to public attention for the first time. The segment focused on...
Posted on By Arthur Mills

The Empty Lot Next Door: Is Now Available as an Audiobook

The Empty Lot Next Door: Second Edition is officially released as an audiobook, narrated by the talented Adharsh McCabe. His ability to bring suspense and emotion to the story makes...
Posted on By Arthur Mills
Promotional image for The Empty Lot Next Door: More Than a Ghost Story by Arthur Mills, showcasing the book's cover alongside an open book displayed on a laptop. The text highlights the audiobook availability with a link: https://amzn.to/40RIHH1.
Candle Face, a haunting, shadowy figure with a charred, skeletal face speaks into a metallic microphone against a dark background. The image represents the audiobook release of The Empty Lot Next Door by Branching Plot Books.

The Empty Lot Next Door: The Making of an Audiobook

I’m thrilled to share that The Empty Lot Next Door: More Than A Ghost Story, Second Edition, will be an audiobook, with a projected release date of late January 2025....
Posted on By Arthur Mills

Candle Face Debate: Reality or Imagination?

On July 11, 2024, I invite you to explore my experiences with Candle Face. Is she a real supernatural presence or just a manifestation of my childhood trauma? Through detailed...
Posted on By Arthur Mills
A haunting red-tinted depiction of Candle Face, her skeletal face twisted in a hollow, menacing expression. The deep shadows and crimson glow emphasize her terrifying presence. Related to Candle Face Chronicles.
A sepia-toned depiction of Candle Face, her skeletal face etched with deep scars and hollow eyes that stare into the void. The lifeless expression and decayed features evoke a sense of dread. Related to Candle Face Chronicles.

Candle Face Debate Part 2: Reality or Imagination?

On July 8, 2024, I continue the two-part exploration of Candle Face’s existence. This journal entry examines the possibility that Candle Face is a real entity rather than a creation...
Posted on By Arthur Mills

Candle Face Debate Part 1: Reality or Imagination?

On July 5, 2024, I began a two-part exploration into the possibility that Candle Face is nothing more than a psychological creation, born from childhood trauma and emotional turmoil. In...
Posted on By Arthur Mills
A haunting red-tinted depiction of Candle Face, her skeletal face twisted in a hollow, menacing expression. The deep shadows and crimson glow emphasize her terrifying presence. Related to Candle Face Chronicles.
Wooden blocks spell out 'BULLYING' on a wooden surface with a blurred green background. Image titled 'The Empty Lot Next Door - Self-Defense vs. Submission.'

The Empty Lot Next Door - Self-Defense vs. Submission

This journal entry reflects on the contrasting approaches to bullying between Ricky and me. Ricky’s commitment to non-violence, rooted in our religious upbringing, often left him vulnerable to relentless bullying...
Posted on By Arthur Mills

From Ray to Arthur Mills: A Story of Growth and Change

Ray’s journey in The Empty Lot Next Door revolves around his struggle to find his own identity apart from his brother Ricky. As he navigates life in a new house,...
Posted on By Arthur Mills
Ray Mills, a young boy with wavy light brown hair and a warm smile, dressed in a tan blazer over a white collared shirt. Image titled 'Ray Mills - The Empty Lot Next Door.'
Video screenshot of a puppet-like figure with a white mask, red spiral cheeks, and black hair, wearing a black suit with a red bowtie. Image titled 'The Empty Lot Next Door: Arthur Mills' Haunting Childhood.

The Empty Lot Next Door: Arthur Mills' Haunting Childhood

Arthur Mills shares his real-world encounters with Candle Face, a ghost whose terrifying presence transformed his childhood into a relentless nightmare. Through his book, The Empty Lot Next Door, Arthur...
Posted on By Arthur Mills