Stephen Kozeniewski's Blog, page 3
December 11, 2024
TOC Announcement - STRANGE NEW MOONS
(a.k.a. the Tim Lebbon Appreciation Hour!)
STRANGE NEW MOONS, an anthology of odd and offbeat werewolf tails (ha!) will be coming at you from French Press Publishing in January, 2025. But today we'll be announcing our complete table of contents publicly for the first time ever. The whole FPP crew will be here...plus special guests Mary SanGiovanni, John Durgin, Somer Canon, Amanda Headlee, and Matthew R. Davis!
STRANGE NEW MOONS Table of Contents
1. "Vargsången" by Mary SanGiovanni 2. "Seamus" by Keawe Melina Patrick 3. "Agonies of the Flesh" by EJ Sidle 4. "That Time of the Month" by Kayleigh Dobbs 5. "It's All For the Best, Sweetie" by Rose Strickman 6. "The Pit" by John Durgin 7. "Expose the Fur Below" by Rebecca Rowland 8. "Who Keeps Shitting on the Memorial Fire Tower?" by Somer Canon 9. "Lark" by Amanda Headlee 10. "March of Night, Scratch of Claw" by Tim Lebbon 11. "Blackfish" by Stephen Kozeniewski 12. "Bit Part" by Matthew R. Davis 13. "Red in Tooth and Law" by Simon Clark
November 29, 2024
French Press Publishing Mega-Sale!
Hey everybody!
French Press Publishing is having a massive sale for Black Friday/Cyber Monday. How long will it go? Probably for as long as I forget that I made all of these changes, but that could be any old time, so don't sit on this.
$0.99
Braineater Jones by Stephen KozeniewskiMillionaires Day by Kit PowerThe Ghoul Archipelago by Stephen KozeniewskiYou're Mine by Somer CanonBilly and the Cloneasaurus by Stephen KozeniewskiIllusions of Isolation by Brennan LaFaroBroken-Down Heroes of the Western Night by Stephen KozeniewskiThe Perfectly Fine Neighborhood edited by Dobbs, Kozeniewski, and YoungWe All Live in A Fascist Police State Now, Thanks to This One Fucking Guy by Stephen KozeniewskiRazortooth by Stevie Kopas and Stephen KozeniewskiYes, I am a Vampire by Stephen Kozeniewski
Free!
The Thing Under Your Bed by Stephen Kozeniewski
French Press Publishing is having a massive sale for Black Friday/Cyber Monday. How long will it go? Probably for as long as I forget that I made all of these changes, but that could be any old time, so don't sit on this.
$0.99
Braineater Jones by Stephen KozeniewskiMillionaires Day by Kit PowerThe Ghoul Archipelago by Stephen KozeniewskiYou're Mine by Somer CanonBilly and the Cloneasaurus by Stephen KozeniewskiIllusions of Isolation by Brennan LaFaroBroken-Down Heroes of the Western Night by Stephen KozeniewskiThe Perfectly Fine Neighborhood edited by Dobbs, Kozeniewski, and YoungWe All Live in A Fascist Police State Now, Thanks to This One Fucking Guy by Stephen KozeniewskiRazortooth by Stevie Kopas and Stephen KozeniewskiYes, I am a Vampire by Stephen Kozeniewski
Free!
The Thing Under Your Bed by Stephen Kozeniewski
November 8, 2024
Five Concrete Things You Can Do to Prepare for the Next Four Years
I don’t normally talk about politics on social media. In fact, part of my brand is avoiding discussing controversies. I know weighing in on every cause célèbre is a good way to drive traffic and sell books, but I’ve never been interested in pursuing success that way.
Today is different. Today not speaking out seems like a dereliction of duty as a public figure.
I, like many of you, was horrified by the outcome of Tuesday’s election. I, like you, was unable to sleep that night. I, like you, began discussing with my family how to prepare for the dark and terrifying road ahead of us.
The Trump voters I’ve spoken to this week seem to feel this was another normal election with another coin flip result. The Harris voters I’ve spoken with fear that fascism has finally arrived in America, wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross.
I can assure you that this was not another normal election. But whether fascism has finally come may yet still be up to us.
Right now you feel powerless. And I understand that. I feel powerless, too. Speaking to my sister yesterday she said, “I wish someone would just tell me what to do, and I would do it, but nobody has any answers.” And she’s right. I don’t have any answers. But I can attempt to give you a plan for what to do right now. Perhaps this will help you feel less powerless. Here are five concrete things you can do right now:
1. Renew your passport. Where is your passport? When does it expire? If it expires in the next four years, renew it now. This process can take several months, so you want to start today. What about your loved ones? If you need to flee the country urgently because you are no longer safe, you will not even have that option if you do not get your passport ready now.
2. Make a plan for basic survival. I don’t mean anything fancy here like apocalypse prepping. If prepping makes you feel safer, by all means do that. I am not an expert but there are tons of people who are and many resources to get you prepared if you decide to just go live in the woods. But what I mean by basic survival is: is your job secure? Do you have savings? Do you have physical cash in the house if you need to flee and not be tracked by credit cards? Do you have friends in safer areas of the country who will let you stay with them if necessary?
3. Check in on your friends and family. I mentioned earlier that speaking to my sister inspired this post. You feel alone right now despite the influx of content on social media because that consists solely of Trumpies crowing and Harris supporters acting despondent. So speak with your actual, flesh and blood, loved ones on the phone or in person and make sure they are safe and okay. You will bolster each other’s spirits this way. You can talk them off any metaphorical and perhaps physical ledges. Suicide rates have skyrocketed since Tuesday. But we need everyone healthy and whole for the fight ahead. Fascism thrives in despondency. You can also take this time to discuss your survival plans with each other.
4. Contribute to legal defense funds. I can’t make any educated recommendations on who to contribute to, but organizations like the ACLU and SPLC are going to have yeoman’s work to do in the years ahead. Here’s what’s going to happen. Whether you believe Trump is a naked fascist or merely lazy, he has always shown a propensity for the path of least resistance. Conservatives are attempting to remake the federal judiciary into a rubber stamp for an authoritarian leader, and the Supreme Court is perhaps the worst offender of all. But while we still have courts, and we still have people willing to challenge Trump, we can tie him up with red tape. When he tries to issue a questionable executive order, a judge can halt that. And, sure, the case may be overturned on appeal, but federal appeals take months and months, if not years. If our worst expectations turn out to be true, then every day that Trump can’t carry out his agenda, lives will be saved. So, volunteer or contribute to organizations which will challenge his administration, even if the challenges seem futile or turn out to be. We may simply be playing for time because in two years we need to:
5. Organize and prepare for 2026. There is a slim chance that the House of Representatives will flip blue this election cycle. When I was first preparing this post, I was going to emphasize that more, but it seems less and less likely the more time goes by. If we do get the House, that’s not nothing, because one chamber of the congress is enough to foil two presidential terms. If you don’t believe me, just ask President Obama. But let’s assume that doesn’t pan out in 2024, because we are living in the darkest possible timeline. Guess what? We still don’t have to endure four years of Trump. We may only have to endure two years of Trump. If we take back one chamber of congress in 2026, we can resist the MAGA agenda. If we take back both, we can utterly spoil it. Trump will be so wrapped up in investigations and legal fights he won’t be able to accomplish anything, even with an imperial presidency. I know it seems like electoral politics have failed us, and many people I know and respect argue that it’s way past time to ignore this point and focus solely on mutual aid such as I discussed in points 2 and 3. But let me leave you with this. Liberals organize every four years and focus on presidential elections, congratulate themselves when they win, and then hope everything will pan out. Conservatives organize every fucking week, from the pulpit of every church in the country, and then every month in the PTAs and school boards, and their agenda is constantly at the forefront of every discussion. It puts liberals on the back foot, always scrambling to react and it’s how they win. So if you still believe in electoral politics and you want to win, you have to start organizing for 2026 right now. Contact your local party, contribute to a campaign fund, organize an affinity group, run for dogcatcher or something yourself. Stop the doomscrolling and start on that.
Thanks, everybody. And look out for each other.
Today is different. Today not speaking out seems like a dereliction of duty as a public figure.
I, like many of you, was horrified by the outcome of Tuesday’s election. I, like you, was unable to sleep that night. I, like you, began discussing with my family how to prepare for the dark and terrifying road ahead of us.
The Trump voters I’ve spoken to this week seem to feel this was another normal election with another coin flip result. The Harris voters I’ve spoken with fear that fascism has finally arrived in America, wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross.
I can assure you that this was not another normal election. But whether fascism has finally come may yet still be up to us.
Right now you feel powerless. And I understand that. I feel powerless, too. Speaking to my sister yesterday she said, “I wish someone would just tell me what to do, and I would do it, but nobody has any answers.” And she’s right. I don’t have any answers. But I can attempt to give you a plan for what to do right now. Perhaps this will help you feel less powerless. Here are five concrete things you can do right now:
1. Renew your passport. Where is your passport? When does it expire? If it expires in the next four years, renew it now. This process can take several months, so you want to start today. What about your loved ones? If you need to flee the country urgently because you are no longer safe, you will not even have that option if you do not get your passport ready now.
2. Make a plan for basic survival. I don’t mean anything fancy here like apocalypse prepping. If prepping makes you feel safer, by all means do that. I am not an expert but there are tons of people who are and many resources to get you prepared if you decide to just go live in the woods. But what I mean by basic survival is: is your job secure? Do you have savings? Do you have physical cash in the house if you need to flee and not be tracked by credit cards? Do you have friends in safer areas of the country who will let you stay with them if necessary?
3. Check in on your friends and family. I mentioned earlier that speaking to my sister inspired this post. You feel alone right now despite the influx of content on social media because that consists solely of Trumpies crowing and Harris supporters acting despondent. So speak with your actual, flesh and blood, loved ones on the phone or in person and make sure they are safe and okay. You will bolster each other’s spirits this way. You can talk them off any metaphorical and perhaps physical ledges. Suicide rates have skyrocketed since Tuesday. But we need everyone healthy and whole for the fight ahead. Fascism thrives in despondency. You can also take this time to discuss your survival plans with each other.
4. Contribute to legal defense funds. I can’t make any educated recommendations on who to contribute to, but organizations like the ACLU and SPLC are going to have yeoman’s work to do in the years ahead. Here’s what’s going to happen. Whether you believe Trump is a naked fascist or merely lazy, he has always shown a propensity for the path of least resistance. Conservatives are attempting to remake the federal judiciary into a rubber stamp for an authoritarian leader, and the Supreme Court is perhaps the worst offender of all. But while we still have courts, and we still have people willing to challenge Trump, we can tie him up with red tape. When he tries to issue a questionable executive order, a judge can halt that. And, sure, the case may be overturned on appeal, but federal appeals take months and months, if not years. If our worst expectations turn out to be true, then every day that Trump can’t carry out his agenda, lives will be saved. So, volunteer or contribute to organizations which will challenge his administration, even if the challenges seem futile or turn out to be. We may simply be playing for time because in two years we need to:
5. Organize and prepare for 2026. There is a slim chance that the House of Representatives will flip blue this election cycle. When I was first preparing this post, I was going to emphasize that more, but it seems less and less likely the more time goes by. If we do get the House, that’s not nothing, because one chamber of the congress is enough to foil two presidential terms. If you don’t believe me, just ask President Obama. But let’s assume that doesn’t pan out in 2024, because we are living in the darkest possible timeline. Guess what? We still don’t have to endure four years of Trump. We may only have to endure two years of Trump. If we take back one chamber of congress in 2026, we can resist the MAGA agenda. If we take back both, we can utterly spoil it. Trump will be so wrapped up in investigations and legal fights he won’t be able to accomplish anything, even with an imperial presidency. I know it seems like electoral politics have failed us, and many people I know and respect argue that it’s way past time to ignore this point and focus solely on mutual aid such as I discussed in points 2 and 3. But let me leave you with this. Liberals organize every four years and focus on presidential elections, congratulate themselves when they win, and then hope everything will pan out. Conservatives organize every fucking week, from the pulpit of every church in the country, and then every month in the PTAs and school boards, and their agenda is constantly at the forefront of every discussion. It puts liberals on the back foot, always scrambling to react and it’s how they win. So if you still believe in electoral politics and you want to win, you have to start organizing for 2026 right now. Contact your local party, contribute to a campaign fund, organize an affinity group, run for dogcatcher or something yourself. Stop the doomscrolling and start on that.
Thanks, everybody. And look out for each other.
October 30, 2024
October 28, 2024
The Quintessential YES, I AM A VAMPIRE Post
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October 11, 2024
October 7, 2024
UK FantasyCon or Bust!
Hi everyone - this is one of my most exciting events of the year. For the first time ever, I'm travelling to the UK for a convention - FCon (or FantasyCon). I'll be there with a trading table, signing and selling books and making friends with my fellow authors and readers. I'll also be there launching the latest French Press Publishing release, MILLIONAIRES DAY, by UK indie author legend, Kit Power. I'm thrilled to be working with him, and even more thrilled that I'll get to launch his book with him in person.
I've been told that though this is one of the UK's biggest writing/author conventions, compared to what we're lucky enough to have in the USA, it's pretty small. I've also been told that it's relaxed, friendly, and feels like a family holiday gathering. I can't wait!
To any of my British readers, I really hope to see you there. Be sure to come say hi!
When: 11th-13th October 2024
Where: The Queen at Chester Hotel,Chester
England, UK
Panels:
Saturday - 12:00 pm - Kit Power book launch - ColonnadesSaturday - 1:00 pm - Reading w/ Kit Power, Sara Jayne Townsend, and Ramsey Campbell - GladstoneSaturday - 6:00 pm - Book launch - DisraeliSaturday - 7:00 pm - "The Teenage Experience as Body Horror" (M) w/Colleen Anderson, Margaret Eve, Sarah Elliott, and Kayleigh Dobbs - Prince Albert Sunday - 1:00 pm - "No One Can Hear You Scream" w/ Dan Howarth (M), Lee Swift, Sara Jayne Townsend, and Stephanie Ellis - Prince AlbertReally looking forward to seeing you guys there!
October 4, 2024
September 30, 2024
Scares That Care: AuthorCon VI or Bust!
Hey everyone. It's that time again... Scares That Care: AuthorCon is back this weekend, and I can't wait. It's one of my favorite bookish events, and definitely one of the best to participate in.
For those not in the know, AuthorCon is an event run by Brian Keene that raises money for charitable causes and individuals in need. So, not only is it just a great weekend for readers and writers of genre fiction to trade, buy cool stuff, meet, and get books signed, it's also a great opportunity to contribute to a great cause, while you're having an awesome time.
I'll be there, alongside many other authors, selling books and meeting you fine people! Be sure to stop by my table to chat, get a book signed, and pick up a new book (or two...or three!).
When: 4th - 6th October 2024
Where: Marriott Renaissance Airport Hotel9801 Natural Bridge Rd,
St. Louis, MO 63134
Panels:
Saturday - 1:45 pm - Reading w/ Clay McLeod Chapman and Jeff Strand - HeathrowSaturday - 11:45 am - "Publishing 101" w/Joshua Daughrity (M), Paul Goblirsch, Jacob Haddon, James G. Carlson, and Ira Rat - GatwickHope to see you there!
September 16, 2024
YES, I AM A VAMPIRE
Well, it's what the kids call "spooky season" so I thought this might be a good time to tell you that I am definitely, absolutely not a vampire.
On a separate note, I've released a new book called YES, I AM A VAMPIRE.
The Collected Short Fiction and Autobiography of Stephen Kozeniewski, 2013-2016
Despite all the evidence to the contrary, I swear I am not a vampire. Cross my heart and…eh, nevermind.
Just trust me, there are no vampires within these pages. Plenty of zombies, though. One of the short stories in this book features a zombie caveman, for instance. And another is called Exploding Shit Zombies. You can probably guess what that one’s about.
Not every story is zombie-themed, of course. I’ve also got a monster under the bed piece that’s pretty fucking scary. And in another, a bunch of little alien goblins take over a farmstead.
This isn’t just a short story collection, either. Half of it’s my autobiography. I guarantee you’ve never seen those two styles mashed together before.
I also guarantee you’ve never seen any fucking vampires before. Not here. Not anywhere. So let’s just drop it.
What do you mean, bloodstains all over the book? Don’t worry about those. Just wipe the gore off your fingers and dive in to…
Yes, I Am A Vampire
This is something totally new and different. It's my first short story collection, and also my first printed autobiographical work. I hope it's entertaining, informative, and insightful...and I also hope that you understand that I'm not a vampire at all.
If you'd like to take a closer look or pick up a copy, it's available at the following places:
AMAZONBARNES & NOBLEKOBOAPPLESMASHWORDSGOOGLE PLAYGOODREADS
As always, I want to thank you guys for your support! If you do pick up YES, I AM A VAMPIRE I'd be honored if you'd leave a review on Amazon or anywhere else online - every word helps!
