P.L. McMillan's Blog, page 5

Space Horror Antho News

Hey there, cutie!

If you haven’t heard yet, I am neck deep in my first solo editing project — The Darkness Beyond The Stars: An Anthology Of Space Horror!

I am super excited about this because I absolutely love, love, love space horror!

Alien, The Thing, Event Horizon, Dead Space — these were all movies and games that inspired me, fill my little head with beautiful, wicked dreams of what could exist beyond this planet of ours, in the darkness beyond the stars.

Currently, there isn’t too much out there of it though, hence my desire to start this anthology and search out some fresh, new, and out-of-this-world horror! So I set about curating a new anthology of space horror for myself and for fellow fans. My only guideline was that I did not want any of the stories set on Earth.

And now here it is. The Darkness Beyond The Stars.

Launching August 31st through Salt Heart Press, The Darkness Beyond The Stars is available for pre-order right now. If you want some delicious swag to go with your space horror, there is a special pre-order bundle available as well!

I am also hosting a launch party! On August 26th, this party will have live author readings, Q&A, and book/swag giveaways so reserve your spot and let’s hang out! It’s totally free!

Reserve your spot now!

Every single story in this anthology is amazing and fills my little space horror loving heart with joy. From gravity-worshipping colonists, space cults, mysterious voices, alien plants, and abandoned stations—there is horror for every one of your desires.

Each story also has its own full page illustration (done by yours truly). Peep one here:

Besides the custom art inside, I was also lucky enough to get Stefan Koidl for the cover and David Wellington, author of The Last Astronaut and Paradise-1, for the foreword.

And I can’t gush about the stories enough! There are fifteen terrifying tales ranging from body to weird to cosmic horror. The list of talented authors include:

Patrick Barb

Bridget D. Brave

Carson Winter

Jessica Peter

Dana Vickerson

Joseph Andre Thomas

Rachel Searcey

Emma Louise Gill

Timothy Lanz

Lindsey Ragsdale

David Worn

Ryan Marie Ketterer

Bob Warlock

Mathew Wend

Bryan Young

Check out some of what people are saying about The Darkness Beyond The Stars:

“The old tagline claims that in space, no one can hear you scream. The stories here offer plenty of far-flung screams in a chorus of voices and cadences. Exploration, the future, the stars, the cold of the cosmos — these are all lonely concepts that are wide open to the power of horror, and this selection of familiar indie horror names and new favorites sets the coordinates of the genre to new frontiers.”

— Michael Wehunt, author of GREENER PASTURES and THE INCONSOLABLES

“THE DARKNESS BEYOND THE STARS forces us to confront the lull of the unknown, emphasizing both its dangers and allure—of wanting to know yet being afraid to know. The stories are at times claustrophobic and suffocating, yet they can also bring comfort through unease in the unfamiliar. The anthology holds tales of isolation that fester darkness within the mind and take you on journeys of which you are unsure if you might return—if you even desire return upon its conclusion.”

— Ai Jiang, Nebula finalist and author of LINGHUN and I AM AI

“The void beckons and these authors have answered forcefully, their volatile transmissions filtered through the cold unknown, burning right through the page before impact.”

— Andrew F. Sullivan, author of THE MARIGOLD and THE HANDYMAN METHOD

“Eerie, thought-provoking, and dynamically sequenced, this anthology of space horror travels light-years ahead of its time. From investigations of the liminal to the limitless, from near-Earth to far-flung exoplanets, these stories chart new courses in terror for those bold enough to go not only to the stars, but also beyond-where the edge of sanity lies.”

— TJ Price, author of THE DISAPPEARANCE OF TOM NERO

“Killer aliens, strange frequencies, and murderous space plants, oh my! This anthology is packed with unique, skin-crawly horror that’ll make you yearn for solid ground and open air. THE DARKNESS BEYOND THE STARS is a brilliant rendering of the lonely unknown waiting in the black vacuum outside our world. But it’s also an exploration inward, toward the even colder, darker unknown waiting in all of our hearts. Don’t miss it! It’s out of this world (sorry not sorry).”

— Sam Rebelein, author of EDENVILLE

So don’t miss out!

Get your pre-order in and join me for the event of cosmic proportions!

Pre-order! Reserve your party spot!

x PLM

Bleak Houses Launch Party</a#x3E;

Hey cutie!

I’m hosting another event this week! Why not come by?

Join us for an evening of sinister chills and spine-tingling thrills! At this book launch, we celebrate BLEAK HOUSES by Kate Maruyama!

I’ll bring you horror lovers an evening of fun and fear! This free online event features a short interview, readings of both tales, and THREE giveaways of signed copies of the book!

Get your free ticket

BLEAK HOUSES

The Selected Papers for the Study of Anomalous Phenomena is pleased to present two tales of family misadventures penned by Kate Maruyama.

SAFER

Los Angeles is in lockdown, “Safer at home,” so Soledad, a college student, jumps at the opportunity to be live-in caretaker for Story, the son of an A-list celebrity. Solid pay and a change of scene are just what she needs in the pandemic. The parents are high maintenance, but she and Story form a quick bond. The dazzling lifestyle shows its dark underside when unsettling occurrences mount. Now it turns out the job that would set Soledad up for college might derail her life entirely if she decides to keep Story safer.

FAMILY SOLSTICE

The Massey family has a secret and Shea, the youngest, will be the last to find out exactly what’s in the basement. She’s been training hard for her 13th year when it will finally be her turn to perform the family duty of fighting. Her older siblings won’t tell her anything, but she’s excited and ready to take all comers. Even if they had, nothing could truly prepare her for what she has to face.

These compelling explorations of dark family secrets fearlessly delve into some of today’s most relevant and troubling issues. In Safer, Maruyama explores what parents will do for a child, and what happens to outsiders in unsafe houses, while Family Solstice addresses the dangers of tradition, inheritance and the sins of the father.

Grab your free ticket today and relax!

Interview with the author

Live readings

Giveaways: three SIGNED copies will be given away! (US shipping only)

Q&A

Can't wait to see you there!

Get your free ticket!

x PLM

House of Rot: Novella Review

As promised, I am back!

I actually ended up reading a bunch of books that I got at Stoker, so I have quite a few reviews now waiting to be written. Make sure to keep checking back and, if you are waiting for a review, I promise I am getting to them!

Let’s start with the newest Danger Slater book! Onwards!

The Author

Did I deliberately pick the photo of Danger Slater that had his cat? Absolutely.

Danger Slater is the Wonderland Award-winning writer of I Will Rot Without You, Moonfellows, He Digs a Hole, and other books too. He has a mustache. Or maybe he shaved it by now. Or maybe he is already dead. I don’t know when you’re reading this. — Slater’s bio

Besides his novels, he also writes short fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and has recorded audio books. You can find a complete list of his publications here. Slater can be found on Twitter, Instagram, or his website.

The Book

The pink mold growing on the walls isn’t the worst thing about Elenya and Myles’ brand new fixer upper.

There’s also the inexplicable footsteps in the night; the sealed-over windows and doors; the neighbor that hears their screams but can’t be bothered to help.

Soon, there’s no leaving at all. No hope of cleaning. And that encroaching mold? It’s practically become a second skin.

Welcome to the House of Rot. You’re never getting out. — House of Rot’s Amazon page description

Published June 14th, 2023, through Tenebrous Press, House of Rot is weird horror novella centred around a couple who has just gotten a new apartment. Hoping to save up for a house and start a family, millennials Myles and Elenya soon find the place is growing on them…. (bah dum tsh!)

The Review

Bizarre, fun, and weird would be the words I’d use to describe House of Rot.

The two main characters were brilliantly real and reading how the House of Rot treated them was heartbreaking. I feel like most of us could relate to Myles’ and Elenya’s desire to try and make a life for themselves, struggling against the money hungry place the world has become.

Besides life-like, relatable characters, Slater also has a serious talent for writing punchy, sharp dialogue and really unsettling descriptions. I won’t say of what, just read the book! At one point, my skin got itchy. That’s all I’m saying.

Another stellar point: the pacing was impeccable and the end was perfectly nutso. I read this in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down.

Overall, House of Rot gave me heavy Junji Ito vibes and you know I am absolutely a huge fan of Ito’s manga. So if you’re a fan of the weird, grotesque things happening to people just trying to get by — House of Rot is for you. If you’re a fan of Junji Ito, this book is for you. The closest story I would compare House of Rot to would be “Greased” from the Shiver collection. If you know you know.

10/10

x PLM

Stoker 2023

Hello dear reader, it’s been a while, huh?

I took a little break from blogging to deal with some life stuff and prepare for Stoker, but I am recovered from all the socializing and ready to fill you in!

First, some news! I have a space horror story coming out in the 37th issue of CHM! Aboard a colony ship fleeing a dying planet, poor Morris discovers something grisly... Get your copy of the next issue of CHM and read "The Working Conditions of Shift Three"!

Also, Confirmed Sightings: a triple cryptid creature feature is out now! This super fun collection of three novellas is cryptid-themed and contains my sci-fi horror novella, eyeofmoth.exe. Grab your copy where ever you get books!

Stoker 2023

Stokercon was in Pittsburgh this year and I had such a great time.

This was the first year I signed up to do a reading and be on panels — My reading was on Friday and I was invited to speak on the “Sounds Weird! Podcasting, Audiobooks, and Alternate Formats” and “Contracts for Creatives” panels.

I was incredibly nervous to be honest. For my reading, I read from eyeofmoth.exe and I think I did really well, or at least I was happy that I didn’t fall over from nervousness haha. One of the main difficulties, I think, is choosing the right passage to read. It has to be interesting enough for the audience, but also fit in with the alloted time. I had a great audience too, which helped!

With the panels, my main worry was that I wouldn’t have anything of value to contribute. In the end, I do feel like I was able to bring different insight to the topics I spoke on and I would definitely sign up to do panels again. Soemthing that helped for me were the panel moderators, who did an awesome job guiding the panels with questions and prompts (shout out to Alan Bailey and Dacia Arnold!)

In addition to that, a group of friends and I went in to get a table in the vendor room to sell books and merch! This was my first time “owning” a vendor table and selling my books, let alone my art. It was a great feeling seeing people pick up my stickers or prints and fall in love though.

I also was involved in the mass author signing and nearly baked to death in the signing room.

In the end, I absolutely exhausted myself with all the fun, reuniting with old friends and meeting new ones. I really enjoy being around other writers and horror fanatics, it was invigorating talking about anything and everything horror related.

And yes, I’ve already gotten my ticket for Stokercon 2024!

Next week, I’m back at it with reviews so make sure to come back!

x PLM

Aseptic and Faintly Sadistic Book Launch

If you missed out on the live event I hosted for the Aseptic and Faintly Sadistic book launch, don’t worry! You can watch it here!

This event features amazing readings from:

Alex Laurel Lanz

Laura Blackwell

Diane Callahan

K. Wallace King

Tania Chen

Joe Koch

Sarah Pauling

Collage Macabre: Anthology Review

Hello dearest reader!

Before the review, I wanted to remind you that you can still get an amazing merch bundle for the cryptid collection I am a part of, Confirmed Sightings. This collection is all cryptid themed, with my tale — eyeofmoth.exe — being all about Mothman in space! The preorder bundle is only $20 with shipping in the US and you get the book, plus a whole lotta merch! Just click the image below and fill out the form!

   

In addition, I’m also hosting a free event this Saturday! The event is a launch party for Aseptic and Faintly Sadistic, a lovely anthology of stunning horror. Again, the event is free and will have live readings, giveaways, and games! Don’t miss out, come join me! Grab your tickets here:

Party with PLM

ONE MORE THING! I was on the We Bleed Orange and Black podcast, chatting about Murder Slurpees, the joy of unlikable characters, digital art, Sisters of the Crimson Vine, the injustice of the office costume contest, favorite yokai, and more.

Listen now!

Okay now onto the review!

The Authors

This anthology has stories by:

Demi-Louise Blackburn

Ai Jiang

Ryan Marie Ketterer

Timothy Lanz

Nikki R. Leigh

Matthew Maichen

Erik McHatton

Mob

Christi Nogle

Jessica Peter

TJ Price

Mary Rajotte

Rachel Searcey

Julie Sevens

Nina Shepardson

Andrew F. Sullivan

Joseph Andre Thomas

Alex Wolfgang

The Anthology

Your work will betray your secrets. Obsessions, hidden desires, and desperate wishes all woven into the fabric of what we make. A sculpture crafted with longing, a painting of a dream just barely articulated, the craving that cannot speak its name buried in a short film’s score. Old want only spoken aloud through someone else’s voice. Need etched on someone else’s lips for all the world to see. A false self created for the audience to claim as its own, still hiding what it knows.

Through these eighteen stories, dread is the medium of choice, winding its way through each unsettling and terrifying tale about human creation, the artistic follies and triumphs we imbue with so much meaning. You will find artists and audiences alike grappling with confrontations beyond their comprehension, works that require more than careful consideration—sometimes a little bit of blood is necessary. Art is alive if you are. Inside these pages you will be asked to open yourself up like a wound and expose your mind to the darker side of our oeuvre. — Collage Macabre website

Published April 18, 2023, Collage Macabre is a collection of dark fiction themed around art — whether it be painting, sculpting, film, acting, sugar blowing, and more. Each story has its own unique illustration and there’s a foreword by Gemma Amor!

The Review

Collage Macabre is a literary gallery of tales written by talented authors whose brushes drip with the most vivid hues of alizarin weird, cadmium despair, titanium tragedy, and cerulean terror. Horror aesthetes should not hesitate to procure a copy of this beautifully decadent anthology of artistic horror.

Look at the cute lil blurb! Is it egotistical to start a review with a blurb I wrote? Haha, hopefully not.

Needless to say, I did enjoy this anthology. I went into it thinking the stories would be about painting mainly, but then was so surprised to see the breadth of creativity the authors went to, exploring and addressing all kinds of art. Along with the wide array of art used in the fiction, the type of horror showcased was also highly varied — weird horror, body horror, cosmic horror! Along with every story is an illustration too, which I really enjoyed — I think it added a lot to the general vibe of the anthology.

Okay, let’s look at my favourite stories!

“A Study in Umber” by Jessica Peter — some snobby artist friends decide to take an unconventional method to getting a new colour and inspiration: an ancient Egyptian mummy! This story was masterfully done with Tales of the Cryptkeeper vibes: fun, crazy, and chilling!

“The Preparator” by Joseph Andre Thomas — a medical student, stressed by assignments and classes, takes a new drug to relax and finds out more than he bargained for, lurking in the shadows of reality and his mind. At times trippy, terrifying, and tortured, this story gaves me the same vibes as those amazing 80s horror films like Hellraiser.

“The Children’s Ball” by Ryan Marie Ketterer — a man spots an old painting by the side of the road and it takes hold of his reality. This story was like another Tales of the Cryptkeeper — bizarre, tense, and with an end that left me shocked (in the best way).

“Lack” by TJ Price — a man’s partner becomes obsessed with a new paint found in a “weird little art store” and the man begins to suspect the paint is staining more than just canvas. Absolutely haunting, this story ties together a possibly unreliable narrator, intrusive thoughts, and artistic obsession into a creepy little tale.

“Darned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t” by Nikki R. Leigh — desperate to pay her beloved cat’s vet bills, a woman takes on a huge crochet commission which takes quite a twisted turn. The themes of grief, guilt, and the ending were so beautifully woven together (yes I know this is a terrible pun, I won’t stop. In fact, I think Leigh would appreciate it considering their title!) This story will haunt me, I think, it was definitely my favourite of the book!

Overall, the whole anthology was very unique and each story stood strong on its own, so definitely grab a copy if you want to be whisked away to a very strange and sinister art gallery of horrors!

8/10

x PLM

Interview: Rebecca Harrison

Welcome back!

Today on PLM Talks, I chat with Rebecca Harrison about her writing process, inspirations, and her novella, The White Horse. Rebecca didn’t want her camera on, so Zoom does that weird thing where it bounces around to whoever is talking rather than a static view, so apologies in advance.

Still, it was so fun chatting with Rebecca, check it out:

The White Horse: Book Review

Hello dear reader! I have another double trouble combo for you this week! That’s right, another review and interview!

But before that, don’t forget that I am hosting two book launch events. these events are free and will have live readings, giveaways, and more. Click on the images below and check out more information.

The Author

Rebecca Harrison sneezes like Donald Duck and her best friend is a dog who can count. She was chosen for the WoMentoring Project by Kirsty Logan, and long listed for Wigleaf’s top fifty. Her gothic novella, The White Horse, is out now through Spooky House Press. — Bio provided by Rebecca Harrison

Rebecca Harrison is a very mysterious English writer, who may or may not be a fairy, sorceress, or woodlands queen. Follow her on Twitter!

The Book

Born a peasant, raised a Lady, Charlotte does not know which she is, but she does know what she wants to be: a great composer.

Her talent is remarkable, but when she turns eighteen, her dead father's wife sells her piano and throws her out. Charlotte becomes a governess in a gothic mansion, where a handsome and mysterious widower grieves his dead wife.

The mansion looks upon the White Horse of Uffington where Charlotte had a strange vision as a child. A haunted place of folktales and fog and memories. Memories of wives who died young, generation after generation.

And a White Lady who haunts the mist. — The White Horse Amazon description

The White Horse follows the eerie adventure of Charlotte who attempts to make a living working as a governess for a mysterious widower and his bratty daughter. Things are not as they seem though — ethereal shadows on the moor, terrifying encounters, and a local legend about the White Horse of Uffington all come into play.

The Review

I have always been a fan of classic Victorian literature and folk horror, so The White Horse really pulled me in. It’s been compared to Jane Eyre and The Wicker Man and I absolutely agree. Harrison expertly weaves the mysterious, eerie tropes of classical Gothic literature with the heady, terrifying themes of folk horror for a roller coaster ride of a novella.

I also need to call out the very unique way Harrison wrote Charlotte, the main character, who lives every aspect of her life through music — she uses musical terms to describe people, emotions, and more. I really loved this unique way of building the character.

Also, despite being a huge fan of the genres this book resides in, Harrison still managed to take me by surprise by a few twists and turns! I won’t mention what as it would be such a spoiler, but I would definitely recommend this to horror fans who love a good cozy horror book ripe with Gothic and folk horror flavour.

Harrison builds the suspense slowly, through the hostility of the manor’s residents, to the strange local traditions, and strange sightings and sounds — all this leading up to a wild and satisfying end.

I would definitely recommend The White Horse for people who are looking for a cozy, suspenseful Gothic read. I really enjoyed this book and I hope Harrison continues to write more in the horror genre!

9/10

x PLM

p.s. don’t forget to check back on Thursday for my PLM Talks interview with Rebecca Harrison! We talk local legends, first writing projects, and more!

Lots of New News

Hey there, reader!

A little update here on a bunch of new stuff going on with me!

First, I have a new book coming out! Confirmed Sightings is a triple cryptid creature feature, coming out June 1st!

Horror fans and cryptid lovers unite! Grab your popcorn and candy, settle into your seat, and make sure to silence your phone for this triple creature feature!

A Piasa for Christmas by Bridget D. Brave Kaycee has returned to her hometown and finally found her soulmate in the most unexpected package: a transdimensional, all-powerful creature once trapped in a temporal prison. Can true love prevail between this headstrong aspiring influencer and an ancient immortal god?

eyeofmoth.exe by P.L. McMillan When the crew of the CRS Piasa encounter a space station drowning in madness caused by a creature from Pre-Calamity Earth, they become desperate to get back to their ship and warn the Company in a race against the clock.

Once Upon a Time in Turu by Ryan Marie Ketterer When a jackalope from the good part of town ends up dead, Policefoot Orli is tasked with solving the bizarre murder before the already tense town of Turu erupts in cryptid fury. But it won't be as easy as it looks when all the usual suspects are very unusual themselves.

With full page illustrations for each novella and a foreword by Laurel Hightower, this is one anthology you don't want to miss.

Right now, special preorder swag bundles are available! Only $20 and you get a bunch of goodies, along with a paperback copy of the book! Get it here:

get your swag bundle today! Events

I am also hosting new upcoming events! Both are book launch events featuring love author readings and giveaways. Check it out:

Grab your smelling salts and settle in for a wild night of dark fiction. On Sat, May 27, 2023 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM MDT, this free event features live readings from:

Alex Laurel Lanz

Laura Blackwell

Diane Callahan

Tania Chen

Joe Koch

Sarah Pauling

Along with these readings, you'll also have a chance to win one of three giveaways:

Giveaway 1: ebook copy of Aseptic and Faintly Sadistic and stickers/bookmark

Giveaway 2: physical copy of Aseptic and Faintly Sadistic and stickers/bookmark

Giveaway 3: physical copy of Aseptic and Faintly Sadistic, t-shirt, stickers, and bookmark

Get your free ticket

Your Tuesday night is about to get steamy with some erotic horror fiction! On Tue, Jun 20, 2023 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM MDT, this free event features live readings from:

Rae Knowles

Jessica Peters

Kelsey Christine McConnell

Joe Koch

K.P. Kulski

S.T. Gibson

Sonora Taylor

Along with these readings, you'll also have a chance to win one of three giveaways:

Giveaway 1: ebook copy of Les Petites Morts

Giveaway 2: ebook copy of Les Petites Morts

Giveaway 3: physical copy of Les Petites Morts, with signatures

Get your free ticket

And that is all my news! Thanks for checking in, see you next week!

x PLM

Interview: TJ Price

Today I chat with TJ Price about the joys and struggles of writing, as well as his upcoming novella: The Disappearance of Tom Nero.

TJ's work has appeared or is forthcoming in Nightmare Magazine, Pidgeonholes, The Bear Creek Gazette, The NoSleep Podcast, and various anthologies.

He can be invoked at either tjpricewrites.com or via the blue bird @eerieyore. Failing that, one can make a circle of chalk on the floor, stand in the center, and burn a photograph of a loved one until all that remains is ashes. Then, listen for a murmuring from within the walls. Leave your message after the sound of the ş̷̛͚̣̼̝̲̯͖̦͔̅̽͗͒̔͌̐̚̚c̷̢̠͚͙̞͇̞̤̰̯͖̬̍̽̔̉̃̄̊̈͒̒̚͠͝͝ŗ̴̜͉̮̥̯̪̮́̃̾ȩ̸̦̙̝̪̲̓͑̐b̵̮̪̲͂̾́̏̎̾͌̈͆̊̔͛̌͘͜͠.