Deborah Sheldon's Blog, page 7
November 17, 2023
Contributors to SPAWN 2 anthology
IFWG Publishing is very pleased to announce the contributors to Spawn 2: More Weird Horror Tales About Pregnancy, Birth and Babies following a long and complex submissions period. Editor Deborah Sheldon has come up with an amazing list of contributors with their stories, and we would like to add that many great stories had to be rejected for various reasons, including how the final slate hangs together.
The Australasian-only contributors (and their story titles) are as follows (in alphabetical order):
Dmitri Akers—’Punch in Hell’
Emma Darcy—’Mother of Horrors’
Matthew R. Davis—’Water is the Womb of the World’
Rachel Denham-White—’The Green Woman’
Jason Franks—’Grizzle’
Rowan Hill—’Leach/Leech’
Samuel M. Johnston—’Chop_Shop’
Carole Kelly—’Respect’
Ben Matthews—’Flesh of My Flesh’
Lily Mulholland—’Body of Work’
Anthony O’Connor—’We Have Children Now’
Robyn O’Sullivan—’Two Sides of a Coin’
Leanbh Pearson—’These Bloody Lanes’
Kat Pekin—’The Stranger in My Yard’
Deryn Pittar—’Too Full’
Danielle Ringrose—’Bitten: A Love Story’
Carol Ryles—’In War with Time for Love of You’
Deborah Sheldon—’The Tea and Sugar Train’ (reprint)
Em Starr —’Stale’
H.K. Stubbs—’Latch’
Matt Tighe—’Envelopes’
Pauline Yates—’The Tenth Life’
Spawn 2: More Weird Horror Tales About Pregnancy, Birth and Babies will be globally released, in print and ebook formats, on 25 November 2024.
https://ifwgpublishing.com/2023/11/15...
The Australasian-only contributors (and their story titles) are as follows (in alphabetical order):
Dmitri Akers—’Punch in Hell’
Emma Darcy—’Mother of Horrors’
Matthew R. Davis—’Water is the Womb of the World’
Rachel Denham-White—’The Green Woman’
Jason Franks—’Grizzle’
Rowan Hill—’Leach/Leech’
Samuel M. Johnston—’Chop_Shop’
Carole Kelly—’Respect’
Ben Matthews—’Flesh of My Flesh’
Lily Mulholland—’Body of Work’
Anthony O’Connor—’We Have Children Now’
Robyn O’Sullivan—’Two Sides of a Coin’
Leanbh Pearson—’These Bloody Lanes’
Kat Pekin—’The Stranger in My Yard’
Deryn Pittar—’Too Full’
Danielle Ringrose—’Bitten: A Love Story’
Carol Ryles—’In War with Time for Love of You’
Deborah Sheldon—’The Tea and Sugar Train’ (reprint)
Em Starr —’Stale’
H.K. Stubbs—’Latch’
Matt Tighe—’Envelopes’
Pauline Yates—’The Tenth Life’
Spawn 2: More Weird Horror Tales About Pregnancy, Birth and Babies will be globally released, in print and ebook formats, on 25 November 2024.
https://ifwgpublishing.com/2023/11/15...
October 18, 2023
Terrific review of my novella THYLACINES
Robin Knabel, of Inky Bones Press and Unsettling Reads, has posted a terrific review of my sci-fi/horror novella Thylacines. Published in 2018 by Severed Press, Thylacines was shortlisted for the "Paul Haines Award for Long Fiction" in the Australian Shadows Awards.
In part, Robin writes, "Once the action starts, it never lets up. I even jotted in my notes that I had to force myself go to bed when I was 86% through the book. It’s that exciting! The characters in this story are given varied personalities and abilities. I love that it has female characters who are powerful in their own rights, both mentally and physically. I also love that Sheldon didn’t allow ageism to play a role in this action-packed thriller. What she does allow is a lot of intense action, palpable character fear, and deliciously gory violence that will grip readers and have them on the edges of their seats until the last page."
Here's a link to the full review:
https://robinknabel.squarespace.com/r...
And here's the Amazon link for Thylacines:
https://www.amazon.com/Thylacines-Deb...
In part, Robin writes, "Once the action starts, it never lets up. I even jotted in my notes that I had to force myself go to bed when I was 86% through the book. It’s that exciting! The characters in this story are given varied personalities and abilities. I love that it has female characters who are powerful in their own rights, both mentally and physically. I also love that Sheldon didn’t allow ageism to play a role in this action-packed thriller. What she does allow is a lot of intense action, palpable character fear, and deliciously gory violence that will grip readers and have them on the edges of their seats until the last page."
Here's a link to the full review:
https://robinknabel.squarespace.com/r...
And here's the Amazon link for Thylacines:
https://www.amazon.com/Thylacines-Deb...
October 16, 2023
THE BLACK BEACON BOOK OF HORROR is out now
Black Beacon Books is an independent publisher founded by author and anthologist, Cameron Trost. It began in Australia in 2013 and is now based in Brittany. They publish gripping and intriguing fiction that falls into the genres of mystery, suspense, post-apocalyptic, psychological horror, and folk horror.
Their latest anthology, The Black Beacon Book of Horror, is out now and includes my story "Cameo".
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C8J3DP9K/
Back-cover blurb:
The Black Beacon Book of Horrorfeatures dark and disturbing tales from some of the most original and imaginative authors writing in the genre today. These tales of psychological, supernatural, folk, gothic, and cosmic horror will usher you into the darkest of realms and leave you there to fend for yourself. You'll lose your way in abandoned houses and hospitals, and be trapped on stormy beaches and along foggy country roads. There are haunted dolls, creepy-crawlies, malevolent spirits, creatures of legend, Lovecraftian terrors, and the demons within our own minds. But as varied as the settings and themes are, each tale has that one essential trait; the power to make you glance over your shoulder just to be sure the terror hasn't found a way to leave the page.
Their latest anthology, The Black Beacon Book of Horror, is out now and includes my story "Cameo".
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C8J3DP9K/
Back-cover blurb:
The Black Beacon Book of Horrorfeatures dark and disturbing tales from some of the most original and imaginative authors writing in the genre today. These tales of psychological, supernatural, folk, gothic, and cosmic horror will usher you into the darkest of realms and leave you there to fend for yourself. You'll lose your way in abandoned houses and hospitals, and be trapped on stormy beaches and along foggy country roads. There are haunted dolls, creepy-crawlies, malevolent spirits, creatures of legend, Lovecraftian terrors, and the demons within our own minds. But as varied as the settings and themes are, each tale has that one essential trait; the power to make you glance over your shoulder just to be sure the terror hasn't found a way to leave the page.
October 10, 2023
ILLUMEN MAGAZINE publishes my poem "Amazon Warrior"
Edited by Tyree Campbell, Illumen Magazine publishes original poems in the genres of sci-fi, fantasy and horror. Each issue also features artwork, articles, reviews, and interviews.
Illumen Magazine Autumn 2023 includes my poem, "Amazon Warrior". To write this epic-style piece, I played with the Spanish decima poetic form and opted for the espinela rhyming scheme.
https://www.hiraethsffh.com/product-p...
Illumen Magazine Autumn 2023 includes my poem, "Amazon Warrior". To write this epic-style piece, I played with the Spanish decima poetic form and opted for the espinela rhyming scheme.
https://www.hiraethsffh.com/product-p...
October 6, 2023
My novel CRETACEOUS CANYON is available as an audiobook
Severed Press has released my action-packed novel Cretaceous Canyon in audiobook format. The narrator is Khai Lannor.
https://www.amazon.com/Cretaceous-Can...
The 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://www.amazon.com/Cretaceous-Can...
The 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.
October 4, 2023
Unsettling Reads review of my novel CRETACEOUS CANYON
Unsettling Reads posts a terrific review of my action-packed horror novel, Cretaceous Canyon (Severed Press).
In part, Robin Knabel writes,
"As for the humans, Sheldon does a fantastic job showing us the reasons why they behave the way they do. I enjoyed getting little snippets of their life stories here and there, a personal glimpse at the emotional baggage and damage they’re carrying. In some scenes, it made my heart break. There were a few moments in this novel where I hurt for the characters and felt their sorrow and fear. It was gut-wrenching, and it kept me engrossed in the book.
"This story also has intense moments of suspense and terror. Talk about having bated breath! I definitely stayed up too late reading this book, because I needed to know what was going to happen next. I highly recommend Cretaceous Canyon, especially if you’re a creature feature lover like me!"
For more information about Cretaceous Canyon:
https://deborahsheldon.wordpress.com/...
In part, Robin Knabel writes,
"As for the humans, Sheldon does a fantastic job showing us the reasons why they behave the way they do. I enjoyed getting little snippets of their life stories here and there, a personal glimpse at the emotional baggage and damage they’re carrying. In some scenes, it made my heart break. There were a few moments in this novel where I hurt for the characters and felt their sorrow and fear. It was gut-wrenching, and it kept me engrossed in the book.
"This story also has intense moments of suspense and terror. Talk about having bated breath! I definitely stayed up too late reading this book, because I needed to know what was going to happen next. I highly recommend Cretaceous Canyon, especially if you’re a creature feature lover like me!"
For more information about Cretaceous Canyon:
https://deborahsheldon.wordpress.com/...
Interview about my story in THE BLACK BEACON BOOK OF HORROR
Black Beacon Books is an independent publisher founded by author and anthologist, Cameron Trost. It began in Australia in 2013 and is now based in Brittany. They publish gripping and intriguing fiction that falls into the genres of mystery, suspense, post-apocalyptic, psychological horror, and folk horror.
Black Beacon Books, on the cusp of releasing its anthology The Black Beacon Book of Horror on Friday October 13, interviewed me about my story, "Cameo".
You can read the interview here:
https://blackbeaconbooks.blogspot.com...
The anthology is available to purchase here:
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Beacon-B...
Black Beacon Books, on the cusp of releasing its anthology The Black Beacon Book of Horror on Friday October 13, interviewed me about my story, "Cameo".
You can read the interview here:
https://blackbeaconbooks.blogspot.com...
The anthology is available to purchase here:
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Beacon-B...
September 12, 2023
Interview with the Horror Tree about my novel CRETACEOUS CANYON
The Horror Tree is a resource for writers, offering submission information on all the latest horror anthologies and publishers. The Horror Tree also posts articles, news and interviews.
The Horror Tree has posted an interview with me about my latest title, the action-packed horror novel Cretaceous Canyon, recently published by Severed Press.
In part, interviewer Robyn O'Sullivan writes:
"I could not put this book down, so I was pleased to be able to speak with Deborah about how this scintillating story came to life."
You can read the full interview here:
https://horrortree.com/deborah-sheldo...
For more information about Cretaceous Canyon:
https://deborahsheldon.wordpress.com/...
The Horror Tree has posted an interview with me about my latest title, the action-packed horror novel Cretaceous Canyon, recently published by Severed Press.
In part, interviewer Robyn O'Sullivan writes:
"I could not put this book down, so I was pleased to be able to speak with Deborah about how this scintillating story came to life."
You can read the full interview here:
https://horrortree.com/deborah-sheldo...
For more information about Cretaceous Canyon:
https://deborahsheldon.wordpress.com/...
September 10, 2023
Calling all horror book bloggers!
Silver Dagger Book Tours will be running a promotion for my action-packed horror novel, Cretaceous Canyon, recently published by Severed Press. The week-long blog tour is scheduled from September 27th to October 4th. If you're a book blogger/reviewer and would like to take part, please feel free to register your interest with Maia. The more the merrier!
https://www.silverdaggertours.com/tou...
The back-cover blurb for Cretaceous Canyon:
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://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTQW636
https://www.silverdaggertours.com/tou...
The back-cover blurb for Cretaceous Canyon:
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://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTQW636
September 2, 2023
Short story in crime anthology ILLICIT MOTIONS
Out now from Unnerving Books is the crime anthology Illicit Motions, which includes my noirish story, “Fork in the Road”.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7FCY2JY
The back-cover blurb:
Behind closed doors, down quiet streets, through the night fog rolling along the coasts, and deep within thick shadows the world over, criminals, opportunists, and maniacs roam; their hands, feet, and minds busy with Illicit Motions. Within these pages are fourteen crime stories; take a trip through the seedy side of the everyday world, the violence of professional hits, the chances to break away from the tedium of normalcy, and much more.
Illicit Motions includes stories from Charles Ardai (winner of the Shamus, Edgar Allan Poe, and Ellery Queen awards, and founder and editor of Hard Case Crime), Michael Bracken (winner of the Edward D. Hoch Memorial Golden Derringer Award), Nick Mamatas (author of I Am Providence and The Second Shooter), Deborah Sheldon, (winner of an Australian Shadows Award), as well as Joe Allegretti, Serena Jayne, Chris Kuriata, Justine Gardner, Armand Rosamilia, P.M. Raymond, M.E. Proctor, Robert Petyo, Tom Milani, and Eddie Generous (founder and editor of Unnerving).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7FCY2JY
The back-cover blurb:
Behind closed doors, down quiet streets, through the night fog rolling along the coasts, and deep within thick shadows the world over, criminals, opportunists, and maniacs roam; their hands, feet, and minds busy with Illicit Motions. Within these pages are fourteen crime stories; take a trip through the seedy side of the everyday world, the violence of professional hits, the chances to break away from the tedium of normalcy, and much more.
Illicit Motions includes stories from Charles Ardai (winner of the Shamus, Edgar Allan Poe, and Ellery Queen awards, and founder and editor of Hard Case Crime), Michael Bracken (winner of the Edward D. Hoch Memorial Golden Derringer Award), Nick Mamatas (author of I Am Providence and The Second Shooter), Deborah Sheldon, (winner of an Australian Shadows Award), as well as Joe Allegretti, Serena Jayne, Chris Kuriata, Justine Gardner, Armand Rosamilia, P.M. Raymond, M.E. Proctor, Robert Petyo, Tom Milani, and Eddie Generous (founder and editor of Unnerving).
