Blog
Welcome to the blog! Here, you'll get important updates on projects and other fun things!
7/7/2026
Join me and other great authors on July 18th at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Arsht Hall (2700 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington, DE 19806) from 11am - 3pm for A LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY AUTHORS! This will be an author fair in Wilmington, so where better to catch Guarded Streets?
What to Expect:
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More than 30 authors will discuss, present, and sell books in a variety of genres
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Free and open to the public
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Special author read-alouds
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Food truck on site
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Free parking
More Details Here:
5/28/2026
The Huxley & Hiro Spring Author Fair is here! This Sunday (5/31) from 1 - 3pm, come to Rockwood Park and Museum to say hi to me and other great local authors. Stop by the Undersiders table to support the new novel, Guarded Streets, and check out the Undersiders merch. As always, I'll also be selling The Undersiders and handing out chocolates brought to you by the Dare Lighthouse Inn.
General entry is free. RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/huxley-hiros-delaware-author-fair-spring-2026-tickets-1982079383793?aff=oddtdtcreator
Early admission is available. Purchase here: https://huxleyandhiro.com/p/28433244
5/15/2026
Want to drink and nerd out? Then, you've come to the right place! On May 27th from 6 - 8pm at the Wilmington Brew Works, I'll be presenting at Nerd Nite (hosted by the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science). Nerd Nite is a monthly event held in 100+ cities (like Tokyo, Miami, London, Fargo, and New York) during which folks give 20-minute fun-yet-informative presentations across all disciplines – while the audience drinks along! Must be 21 or older to attend this event.
I'll be presenting about history related to Guarded Streets: An Undersider Tale: Patty Cannon and her connection to the 1968 Wilmington occupation. If you want to learn about the history behind my new historical fiction or just want to nerd out, stop on by!
RSVP Here:
https://delmns.org/event/nerd-nite-at-wilmington-brew-works-7/
5/6/2026
Mother's Day not scary enough? Then, come to Huxley & Hiro on May 14th from 7 - 9pm for Shh Don't Wake Mother! This is a Mother's Day themed scary storytelling night. Featured authors will include me, Josh Hitchens, and Henry Corrigan. Come with a story to tell, or prepare to listen in. For, on May 14th, Scare Me returns.
RSVP Here:
5/5/2026
The Undersiders Universe has made it into Out & About Magazine! It focuses on stories, including "The Horn," and even Veyman makes an appearance. See if you can spot him. Thank you to Out & About and writer Ken Mammarella for featuring me.
Read the Article Here:
https://outandaboutnow.com/garrett-hastings-loves-to-tell-stories/
4/9/2026
Batten down the hatches! My new play, "The Horn," will be coming to Chapel Street Players in Newark, DE on May 2nd at 7pm and May 3rd at 2pm. This will be a staged reading, followed by a talkback, of a play that is a gothic horror on a ship. And yes, there will be plenty of sea shanties to go around. See a short description below:
Irish Captain Reeve just wants to make it safely around Cape Horn, but ghosts of his failed past continue to torment him. He must push his haunts behind him, lest he doom his cursed crew.
Here's what to expect:
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Sea Shanties: The heartbeat of a crew on the ocean.
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Gothic Horror: A "cabin fever" thriller where the ghosts of the past are as real as the storms outside.
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A Creative Inside Look: This staged reading is the final test before the play's World Premiere at Chapel Street Players.
Why we need you: A script only truly comes to life when an audience hears it. Your reactions and your feedback during our post-show talkback will help us navigate the final path to production.
Cost: FREE
When: May 2nd at 7pm & 3rd at 2pm
Where: Chapel Street Players, 643 Creek View Rd, Newark, DE 19711
We look forward to seeing you the first weekend of May. But beware! The sounds of the ocean toll different at night . . .
4/5/2026
Thanks to the new multimedia online publication journal based in Newark, DE, ARC Mag, one of my short stories has just been published! The story, "Storm Within," is part of their inaugural mini issue that features both poetry and fiction in the theme of home. Read it now at the link below!
Short blurb for "Storm Within": The power goes out at the height of the snowstorm, and all that Breanna is left with is a looming panic attack . . . and someone else.
Read "Storm Within" Here:
https://arc-mag.com/storm-within/
Read the everyone's pieces from this inaugural mini issue here:
3/20/2026
We are looking for actors to be a part of an upcoming, new play! Ever wanted to sail the seas and sing sea shanties but are too afraid to be seasick? Then, look no further than "The Horn!" This will be a staged reading (followed by a talkback) of a play that is a gothic horror on a ship. Performances will be on May 2nd and 3rd at the Chapel Streets Players in Newark, DE. See a short description below:
Irish Captain Reeve just wants to make it safely around Cape Horn, but ghosts of his failed past continue to torment him. He must push his haunts behind him, lest he doom his cursed crew.
If this piqued your interest, we are holding auditions at the Chapel Street Players on March 29th and 31st from 7 - 9pm. We are looking for men in their 20s - 40s, 40+, and 50+, a boy aged about 12 - 17, and a woman in her 20s-40s. Most of the cast has Irish accents, and a few have British accents. But not to worry, we are more than welcome to gender-bending characters and going easy on the accents if we find that you're fit for the role. We will ask that those who are okay with singing, please practice this shanty ahead of time. Please see the list of roles below:
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Captain Reeve: Proud captain who has seen death, and bad fortune always follows. Irish. 30+. Male. Needs to be able to carry a tune.
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Johnny O'Shane: Reeve's old first mate come back to haunt him. Vengeful but always thinking of the crew. Irish. 20-40. Male.
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Billy Curdle: Reeve's current first mate. Always thinking of the crew and has similar thinking process to Johnny. Irish. 20-40. Male.
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Aidan: Quartermaster. Billy's best friend. Loyal to a fault. Kind. Name means little fire. Irish. 20-40. Male. Sings. All voices welcome.
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Faolán: FE-lawn. Cabin boy. A shrimp. Orphan from the streets. Overly confident. Name means little wolf. Irish. 12-17. Male. Sings. All voices welcome.
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Ceollach: KEHL-akh. Boatswain. Widower who hates the British. Belligerent. Name means war. Irish. 30+. Male. Sings. All voices welcome.
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Comhghall: KOW-all. Cook. Bad with money. Hates ship life but is all he knows. Name means fellow hostage. Irish. 40+. Male. Needs to be able to carry a tune.
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Admiral Samuel Johnson: British Admiral. Cold. Once Reeve's Captain. Only cares for Britain. 50+. Male.
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Edward Green: First mate of Golden Chariot. Cold. Thinks Britain is superior. British. 40+. Male.
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Aisling: ASH-lyeen. Wife to Aidan. Determined. Loving. Hardy. Irish. 20-40. Female. Sings. All voices welcome.
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Stage Directions: They will read the stage directions of the play.
If you're interested, please reach out! We hope to see you either March 29th or 31st at CSP sometime between 7 - 9pm for the auditions.
Beware! The sounds of the ocean toll different at night . . .
2/26/2026
Looking for an entertaining evening of 10-minute plays that were written and produced in 24 hours? Then, join the Chapel Streets Players in Newark, DE for the George Cope 24-Hour Playwriting Festival! The festival is a wonderful and short way to get involved in theatre. If you'd like to be involved, the commitment is only from the evening of March 6th to the evening of March 7th. The show will be at 8pm. It's always great to see what people can accomplish in only 24 hours, so come out to show your support! I might just audition to be an actor this year . . .
General Information Here:
https://chapelstreetplayers.org/24-hour-playwriting-festival/
Audition Information Here:
https://chapelstreetplayers.org/audition-24-hour-playwriting-festival/
2/3/2026
Happy February! And to kick off the month of the launch party for Guarded Streets, I'm excited to announce that the celebration made it into the February edition of the Greater Wilmington Out & About magazine! See the blurb below.
Read the full February edition here:
Hope to see you at the launch party!
RSVP here:
1/30/2026
The official launch party of Guarded Streets: An Undersider Tale is almost here! Join us on February 6, 2026 from 5 - 8 pm at Huxley & Hiro (601 N Market Street). Stop by and say hi, ask questions, and listen to me read select excerpts at 5:30pm. And, of course, you can purchase a signed copy in person. Personal stories from those who experienced the occupation of 1968 are welcomed and encouraged.
As part of Art Loop Wilmington's first Friday event, the illustrator of The Undersiders and Guarded Streets, Eliza Fisher, is also showcasing art at Huxley & Hiro. She will be featuring artwork from the books as well as an eclectic collection of her other works in a variety of mediums.
RSVP here:
12/26/2025
Join us on February 6th from 5-8pm for the launch of "Guarded Streets", a new novel set in Wilmington (and at the Huxley & Hiro building!) during the 1968 riots. Join us in celebrating the release of historian G.R. Hastings's second novel, this time set in 1968 Wilmington. This free event will be held upstairs at the Prose Parlor during downtown's monthly Art Loop. Reading by the author at 5.30pm, followed by a signing.
On exhibit for February Art Loop: The art of Eliza Fisher "A Rose for the Undersiders"
The illustrator of The Undersiders and Guarded Streets is showcasing art featured in the books as well as an eclectic collection of her other works in a variety of mediums.
RSVP here:
10/25/2025
Let's keep spooky season going by bringing scary stories to Huxley & Hiro's new store on November 13th at 7pm! Sign up to either tell a story or listen in. The theme for this Scare Me is the Victorian Era, so bring your Dickens and the like. The period lends itself to plenty of haunts. I'll even be telling a selection from my upcoming novel, Guarded Streets, An Undersider Tale. Get excited and RSVP before all the spots run out.
RSVP here:
10/15/2025
Start November off right with Kent County Public Library's Local Author Showcase! On November 2nd, from 2 - 4 pm, stop on by to say hi, grab a copy of "The Undersiders" and other books from great Delaware authors, and learn about what's brewing in the Undersiders Universe. We might have a few special surprises for you. So, come by to support local authors and eat some chocolates brought to you by the Dare Lighthouse Inn.
Details Here:
10/5/2025
Don't go anywhere because the same weekend is Huxley & Hiro's Delaware Author Fair! On October 26th from 12 - 3pm, come to the Queen in Wilmington to say hi and meet a whole slew of great writers. Tickets are going fast, so make sure to claim yours today. And they are ticketed times, so be aware of that. So, stop on by to support local authors and maybe check out what's new at the "Undersiders" table (TBD on details)!
Details Here:
https://huxleyandhiro.com/c/events-2d30d23f-18a0-486a-accd-785fdb21ff65
9/15/2025
To the undersiders in the quad state area, there are plenty of great events to look forward to this upcoming October and November! First, I want to highlight a Scare Me taking place on Saturday, October 25th at the Hockessin BookShelf, starting at 7pm. This will be like your tradition Scare Me. If you'd like a theme, it will be Creature Feature. I'll be bringing Halloween candy, and we'll sit in a circle, passing around stories. Bring your scary stories, or prepare to listen in. For this fearful show is about to begin . . .
If you plan on attending, please reach out to the Hockessin BookShelf by phone (302-235-7665) or email (hockessinbookshelf@gmail.com) to RSVP.
Details Here:
5/21/2025
To my friends in Delaware and Maryland, I will be returning to Sussex County this July! On July 26th, from 11am - 1pm, I will be at Milford Public Library for their Local Author Sign & Sell. Me and a select number of authors will be showcasing, so get excited! Click the link below for more details!
Details Here:
3/30/2025
After all these great events up in the New Castle County and Philadelphia areas, it's time to go a little south to Sussex County! As you plan for that beach trip before the real tourist season begins, stop on by at Browesabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware on April 26th at 11am! Come by to support the local bookstore and grab a copy of "The Undersiders"! And yes, there will be inn chocolates.
Details Here:
https://browseaboutbooks.com/event/2025-04-26/garrett-hastings-undersiders
3/2/2025
To the good people of the Quad State Area, get ready for this spring's Delaware Author Fair, hosted by Huxley & Hiro! On Sunday, March 30th, from 12-4pm, I'll be tabling at Rockwood Museum & Park with many other great writers. Stop by to say hi, buy some books, and (as always) grab some chocolates brought to you by the Dare Lighthouse Inn.
Reserve your free tickets online at the link below! Space is limited.
More Details Here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2036143400193788/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-2025-delaware-author-fair-tickets-1242664816919?fbclid=IwY2xjawIxkKVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWpqMQWhZiRHImt5Ux8yCS6DagIh6K5Og9I53QFyfpdrCWMlA96EDF5Gow_aem_PCied_F4aanfhXDHFK7I8g
2/21/2025
To all my friends in the Quad State Area, let's finish off February with another fun event! The Chapel Street Players in Newark, DE are putting on a 24-Hour Playwriting Festival and invite you to act and direct! And you can also spectate if you prefer, as the short plays are performed the very next day. I'm one of the writers and hope to see you participate or join in the fun of what we come up with. Auditions are on February 28th, and the show is on March 1st. Mark out 24 hours on your calendar, and prepare for some fun!
More Details Here:
https://chapelstreetplayers.org/24-hour-playwriting-festival/
1/24/2025
To all my friends in the Delaware area, there are some exciting events to look forward to, and better yet, they're on the same day: February 15th!
Start your February 15th off at 10am in the Hockessin Book Shelf. There, I'll be signing, selling, handing out inn chocolates, and answering any questions. So, come over to say hi!
Then, finish off the day at Huxley and Hiro from 7 - 9pm "for an evening of bawdy, hilarious, and downright horrifying dating disaster stories, told by the area’s best and most entertaining storytellers." I've got some stories to tell, and I hope to see you there with some of your own!
10/25/2024
Calling all Philly friends! Can't get enough scary stories? Have a weird craving for chili? Then stop on by to Chills & Chili on November 1st at 6pm in Northwest Philadelphia. We'll have free chili, and me and other spooky people will be telling chilling stories. All puns intended! Oh, and there just might be a Veyman sighting.
If you are interested, please reach out to Michael Sanchez at (312) 607 - 4767. He's creating a guest list and will provide the address.
10/21/2024
Calling all Delaware friends! Before the scary story night at Huxley & Hiro, come this Wednesday to the Delaware Author Fair. Stop on by from 5 - 8pm at the Queen to meet some great Delaware authors and grab a few drinks while you're at it. I'll be tabling, so come say hi to Veyman and I on October 23rd at 5pm.
10/10/2024
Calling all Delaware friends! At Huxley & Hiro, in Wilmington, DE, I'll be telling scary stories with other Delaware playwrights and story tellers. Miss Scare Me? Want to hear a brand new Veyman story? Grab your candy, and stop by on October 24th at 7pm.
Register Here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV48X1g-oZgXv8lGpww3bU3k9T2wTBxQVZMrfTCZSSTiHokw/viewform
10/1/2024
If you're by Wilmington, Delaware this Saturday, head on over to Rockwood Park! I'll be making an appearance at a Haunted Delaware event, hosted by Huxley & Hiro and featuring Josh Hitchens. I'll be selling a few copies and having a good time. Oh, and don't forget the spooky stories! Stop by on October 5 at 4:30pm. Details in the link below.
6/17/2024
Get excited for June 22nd! I'll be there from 1:00 - 2:00 pm, but I'm not the only event that day. From 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is coming to explore underwater archaeology and shipwrecks of Lake Champlain with you! A whole day of fun with books and archaeology.
To help you get excited, see the GNAT-TV interview discussing The Undersiders, how the book got started, and the importance and thrill of research.
6/11/2024
Vermont friends, save the date! On June 22 at 1pm, I'll be having an event at The Manchester Community Library. I'll be reading, holding a Q&A, signing, and having a good time, so stop on by!
3/17/2024
If you're by Manchester, Vermont, stop on by to the Northshire Bookstore on March 24th from 2 - 4 pm. Me and 5 other Vermont authors will be signing, selling books, and hanging out. Details in the link below.
EDIT: The event has been postponed due to weather. Date TBD.
12/3/2023
Thanks to all who came out and supported! Even got some of the cast from the original staged reading! Stay tuned for information on the next Undersiders event!
11/18/2023
If you're in the area, stop on by the Chittenden Library in Chittenden, VT on December 2nd!
10/10/2023
9/22/2023
If you want a quick teaser trailer for The Undersiders novel, look no further. No spoilers, but it is something to get you in the right mood. And be warned, the teaser is very indy. Enjoy!
9/18/2023
Welcome to the G. R. Hastings blog! Here, important updates and more will be posted. Stay tuned for all the fun things we'll be exploring here. Right out of the gate, let's talk about the upcoming project: The Undersiders!
More on The Undersiders can be found the Novels page, but if you like Roanoke Island, the Lost Colony, and mysteries, this may very well be for you. Most of the story takes place in and around a lighthouse inn known as the Dare Lighthouse Inn. I've searched high and low for the perfect real-life match, taking me to all kinds of cool lighthouses, but I thought it was time to act as if the Dare Lighthouse Inn really existed.
I created a fun (not real) website for the Dare Lighthouse Inn! Check it out, and get excited for the paperback release of the novel, The Undersiders, on October 16th!