Deborah Sheldon's Blog, page 5

Wonderful review of my novel DEVIL DRAGON

Author, anthology editor and book blogger Robin Knabel of Inky Bones Press has posted a wonderful review of my creature-horror novel Devil Dragon (Severed Press, 2016). In part, Robin writes, "I was on the edge of my seat so many times, and I actually caught myself holding my breath during some of the more intense action scenes. It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for creature stories, and when the plot is pulled off so well that your mind can fathom the creature existing, that’s a win..."

You can read the full review here: https://robinknabel.squarespace.com/r...

For more information on Devil Dragon: https://deborahsheldon.wordpress.com/...

Pre-orders available for my crime-horror novel BODILY HARM

The Undertaker Books store is open... Purchase paperbacks and eBooks (non-KU titles) direct from the publisher. All paperbacks will come with FREE ePub versions.

Pre-orders are now available for my crime-horror novel Bodily Harm, which Undertaker Books will release 11 October 2024:
Paperback - https://undertakerbooks.myshopify.com...
Ebook - https://undertakerbooks.myshopify.com...

Back-cover blurb of Bodily Harm:

Survival has a price... Is Cara ready to pay it?
From the moment she feels a gun barrel shoved into her back, Cara Haynes is thrown into the brutal world of vicious criminals and the police officers tough enough to pursue them.
Cara has lived in Melbourne just a few weeks when she survives an armed robbery at her local pizzeria. Traumatised, afraid and alone, Cara’s lifeline is Mick Thompson, a detective from the Armed Offence Squad, whose compulsion to find these violent offenders keeps him awake at night. But soon, Cara doesn’t know the difference between safety and danger…
Written by award-winning author, Deborah Sheldon, Bodily Harm is a fast-paced, savage and disturbing read where one woman’s nightmare becomes a detective’s obsession.
WARNING: MATURE CONTENT

Cover reveal for my novel BODILY HARM

Undertaker Books has released the cover for my crime-thriller/psychological-horror novel, Bodily Harm, and what a beauty!

https://deborahsheldon.wordpress.com/...

The cover design is by James of GoOnWrite. Bodily Harm will be published October 2024 in both paperback and digital formats. Presale details will be available soon.

Based in the US, Undertaker Books is a new horror publisher founded on the principles of integrity, professionalism, honesty, and transparency.

https://www.undertakerbooks.com/

ILLUMEN MAGAZINE publishes my poem "Galérien”

Edited by Tyree Campbell, Illumen Magazine publishes original poems in the genres of sci-fi, fantasy and horror. Published quarterly, each issue also features artwork, articles, reviews, and interviews.

Illumen Summer 2024 is out now, and includes my poem “Galérien”. Its poetic form is the triplet; in fact, this is the first triplet ever published by Illumen!

https://www.hiraethsffh.com/product-p...

AHWA Mentorship Program 2024

Every year, the Australasian Horror Writers Association assembles a team of award-winning and award-nominated industry professionals to help emerging writers better their craft through the AHWA Mentor Program.

I will be a mentor again this year, along with Alan Baxter, Kaaron Warren, J. Ashley-Smith, Eugen Bacon, and Shayne Armstrong.

The program provides the opportunity to work closely with highly qualified mentors on an approved project. Successful applicants will be matched for a three-month period of one-on-one development and guidance. Be quick! Applications close 15 July.
https://australasianhorror.com/mentor...

Contract signed for my crime-thriller novel BODILY HARM

I'm happy to announce that I've signed a contract with US press, Undertaker Books, to publish my crime-thriller novel Bodily Harm. The release date will be late October 2024.

From the signing announcement on the Undertaker Books website: "Bodily Harm is a work that is hard to pin down to a single genre,” Project Editor D.L. Winchester said. “As I read the draft, I was struck by the thought that it would appeal to a broad range of audiences, particularly those of my generation who grew up on The Crocodile Hunter and The Wiggles (and now watch Bluey with their kids) who want something more grown up from the land down under. Given the way Deborah has woven elements of horror into a brilliant crime and thriller narrative, I’m confident they will not be disappointed.”

You can read the full announcement here:
https://www.undertakerbooks.com/signi...

Wonderful review of my novel CRETACEOUS CANYON

Aurealis #169 includes a wonderful review of my action-horror novel Cretaceous Canyon (Severed Press, 2023). In part, reviewer Chris Foster writes, "Cretaceous Canyon highlights Sheldon’s consistent strengths as a writer—fast pace, clear language, rapid depth of character and a swell Aussie sense of humour... It’s a little Jurassic Park, part Alone and even a hint of Deadpool..."

Here's a link to Aurealis #169: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Cretaceous Canyon's back-cover blurb:
Australia’s outback holds a mysterious canyon. Hidden deep within is a forest of pine tree that dates from the Cretaceous Period. A megacorporation sends in a team of experts to research this canyon for botanical riches.
The expedition enters a no-man’s land formed 100 million years ago when Australia was still attached to Antarctica, and dinosaurs ruled the super-continent. But the canyon has more prehistoric and dangerous species than anyone could have possibly imagined.
Trapped and terrified, unarmed and unable to communicate topside, the team’s extraction deadline is six long hours away.
The frantic race for survival is on.

https://deborahsheldon.wordpress.com/...

Fabulous review of my novella REDHEAD TOWN

Author, anthology editor and book blogger Robin Knabel of Inky Bones Press posts a terrific review of my dystopian-vampire novella Redhead Town. In part, Robin writes, “Chock full of suspense and intriguing characters, it’s a quick and enjoyable read. This is definitely not your everyday vampire story…”

Here's a link to the full review: https://robinknabel.squarespace.com/r...

And here's a link to Redhead Town's Amazon page:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXS5MC6D/

My novella REDHEAD TOWN is now available in paperback

In March, PsychoToxin Press published my dystopian/vampire novella Redhead Town. It's now available in paperback.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXS5MC6D/

The back-cover blurb:

“LIFE IS BLOODY GOOD”
In Australia, vampires are a protected class.
Twenty-two towns are picked to siphon vampires, aka ‘redheads’, out of capital and regional cities. When polled, most Australians agree with this strategy. But most Australians don’t live in a ‘designated area’. Don’t have to step over drowsing redheads during the day. Or live in terror of marauding redheads during the night.
Mark Murphy is a nightshift worker in the designated area of Oleg’s Creek. His house is now worth nothing, and he can’t afford to leave. He’s heard rumours of The Refusal. Desperate, will he risk a grab at freedom?
Written by award-winning author Deborah Sheldon, Redhead Town is a dark tale of government overreach, societal breakdown, and one man’s love for his wife and son.

Here are a couple of links:

https://deborahsheldon.wordpress.com/...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZJFXC5L

Three nominations in the Australian Shadows Awards!

Fabulous news! My work has been shortlisted for three Australian Shadows Awards!

First up, my villanelle "The Broonie" (Nightmare Fuel Magazine) is shortlisted for Best Poem. You can read "The Broonie" here for free: https://nightmarefuelmagazine.com/202...

Next, the anthology I conceived and edited, Killer Creatures Down Under: Horror Stories with Bite (IFWG Publishing) is shortlisted for Best Edited Work. Find more info about the anthology here: https://deborahsheldon.wordpress.com/...

And finally, my action-horror novel Cretaceous Canyon (Severed Press) is shortlisted for Best Novel. Find more info about the book here: https://deborahsheldon.wordpress.com/...

I'm thrilled to be nominated alongside so many talented authors! Here's the full list of nominees for the 2023 Australian Shadows Awards: https://australasianhorror.com/austra...