The death of a loved one is always a trial. Physically and emotionally the experience affects us profoundly. However, it is a very necessary step in our living relationship (or lack thereof) with the person. Through death, we come to terms with the deceased and begin to see them in a new light. We somehow understand them better. Given, the experience is not always a happy one. Many lose someone they would otherwise, given the opportunity, happily get rid of. (This is one of the many things which the Chadhiyana series will focus on.) However, in most cases, after death, we come to realise something about the person we hadn’t been cognitive of when they were still alive. And thus, we equally learn something about ourselves. (Read more…)

A big thank you to everyone who responded to last week’s post. If you didn’t, you can still leave a comment. I’m always appreciative of feedback, on any level. For those who did, I’ve reflected on your comments (both those posted and those which were said to me privately). What some felt I should blog about, whether it be restricted to writing and art or to include all aspects of my life and interests, differed from person to person; however, there were more important things I learned from this exercise than whether anyone would be interested in reading blogs about my love (since boyhood) for the Castlevania series–a major inspiration for me. (Read more…)

Over the past few weeks I’ve thought a lot about what more I could be doing with my blog. Typically, I’m either writing about whatever is current in the day-to-day of my career or promoting some publication or public event. However, I’m uncertain if I’m getting the most out of this (relatively) new section of my website, and more importantly, if those visiting my site are getting the most out of it as well. So I thought I’d pose the question to all of you: what would you like to read about on my blog?  (Read more…)

Last week was rough. I had little motivation on account of dealing with the deaths of my grandmother and grandfather within three weeks of each other, and so, for the first time in years, I got very little done. It happens to us all, but the important thing is to pick ourselves back up and keep moving. I’m doing just that. I’m back to work this week, recharged and refocused, with new plans for 2014. Unfortunately, after last week, I’m little behind. (Read more…)

As some of you may have read in my post on December 18th (Reflections on 2013), amidst the final weeks of a wonderful year, I was very recently dealing with the death of my grandmother, Patricia J. McCabe. On Sunday, January 5th, my grandfather, Carl Melillo Sr., passed away. Under the circumstances, I am taking some time to come to terms with and grieve both losses. That said, I will still do my best to get page 1 of Chapter I of Chadhiyana: In the Company of Shadows completed for next week (the title page posted just yesterday on chadhiyana.com). Please be patient. Your understanding is appreciated during this difficult time.

Happy New Year J. M. DeSantis fans! Stay tuned for new stories, art and projects from the writer and artist this year. Also, don’t forget to check out J. M.’s graphic novel, Chadhiyana: In the Company of Shadows on chadhiyana.com as it moves into Chapter I. Let’s all make 2014 an amazing year!

Merry Christmas, to all those who, like me, celebrate it! And Happy Holidays to those who do not! Just a brief message of well-wishes to each and every one of you this holiday season. Enjoy the coming days. A New Year is just around the corner.

All the Best,
J. M. DeSantis

I’m not a particularly superstitious man. I’ve never been sensitive to black cats, broken mirrors or Friday the 13th, yet I was never able to shake the sense that the day on which I graduated from Pratt Institute had somehow cursed my career as a writer and artist. May 13, 2005 was a sunny day, but it was a Friday. Since then I heard many say how much they enjoy my writing or my art, but it never seemed the vast majority were catching on (especially editors). Given there have been successes along the way, but nothing that I would consider substantial. That said, if ever the curse existed (and if one believes in numerology), the year 2013 has at last broken it. (Read more…)

As I wrote last week, it’s not often I have a show or public appearance between the months of December and March (though, perhaps November and March would be nearer the mark). There doesn’t seem to be much offered in the way of events during the cold months, and so I often work through the Winter in quiet hibernation. However, a few weeks ago I was contacted by artist Teresa DeFabrizio from the Art Garage in Montclair, New Jersey about exhibiting in their latest gallery show, Fan-Tastic. Having previously enjoyed the experience of participating in their Pet-icular Poses show in June of this year, I was quick to say yes, despite my very busy schedule of late. The show runs all month long, and this past Friday was the opening reception for the show. (Read more…)

Typically, I don’t see much activity between the months of December and March (that is, as far as conventions, shows and events are concerned). Thus it was I decided to take the time to update some of my galleries and the writing section of the site during the months of November and December. However, as it would happen, an event has presented itself: my work is being featured in the Fan-Tastic gallery show at The Art Garage in Montclair, New Jersey. (Read more…)