Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Since 2010, Square Pig in a Round Hole has been rewarding five favorite band names each week. Winners are (usually) listed alphabetically.

Selection is wholly unscientific and subject to whim, with a bias toward wordplay, humor, and local flavor. In most cases, I won’t know anything about the bands at the time of selection. Thanks to the Stranger’s Everout nightlife listings for abundant source material!

Happy Halloween! Because it has a lovely, slightly spooky cover, I might as well promote my new book, Promise Stones and Granny’s Bones (Tales from Deep River Book 3), one more time! Having had their magical coming-of-age adventure in book 1, main characters Crane and Ketty now must discover how to be independent adults. Ketty’s side of the story includes a skeleton character. If you like cozy fantasy adventure with low-spice romance, I hope you will check it out!

Also on the writerly side, this weekend I am joining some of my author pals for the third Anti-Fascist Write-athon. Most of the group will gather tomorrow, November 1, either on Zoom or in person at BOLD Coffee & Books in Portland, OR, but I’m busy all day tomorrow, so I’m doing my writing today. We spend the day adding words to our works-in-progress (including this blog post), then add up a total group word count at the end of the event. I’ll be sharing my individual progress throughout the day and asking for donations in support of Antifa Lit Journal and the non-profit organizations it promotes. I’ve had stories in two previous issues and just got my acceptance for issue #4! To learn more about the write-athon, get on the participant list for the next one, and/or donate to support the cause, go HERE.

And if you’re only here to fill your treat sack with band names, you are most welcome! If you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch. Also, check out the Battle of the Bands my pal Chantel is doing at The Swamp, picking new competitors each week from Square Pig. And…hit the subscribe button at the bottom to never miss a post.

Gravelface
I like how the addition of one letter takes it from a serious (or deathly?) expression to a rocky mask. Reminds me of that one bike crash when I was 13.

horse laugh
Neigh! Whinny!

HVLK HANDS
Beloved, ridiculous toy given gravitas by being carved in stone.

smush
When you bump the jack-o-lantern that’s been on the porch for a month.

Young Scientist
Mad or not, an easy costume: lab coat, nerdy glasses, fright wig optional.

Two last things before you go:

1. I run The Rage Brigade, a Facebook group for conversation about fantasy, science fiction, superheroes, and music (and the intersections thereof). If that sounds like fun, come join us here.
2. I share highlights from this blog in my monthly author newsletter, The Storypunk Report, as well as news of what I’m writing and reading, upcoming events, and other goodies, including “Wizard in the Mosh Pit,” an exclusive short story just for subscribers. Click the link to check out the archive and subscribe below for future issues.