K.C. Grifant's Blog, page 2

New Book Deal: Fantastica Horrifica

I am so thrilled to have found the perfect home for my second collection of short stories, titled Fantastica Horrifica. Stars and Sabers Publishing, headed up by award-winning authors and publishers Jendia Gammon and Gareth L. Powell, has a fantastic slate of books, anthologies and collections dedicated to speculative fiction and cross-genre storytelling. (You can see several of their anthologies here, which include new stories by me.)

New Fantasy and Horror Anthologies

About Fantastica Horrifica:

These 21 horror, science fiction, and fantasy stories and poems showcase siren songs of desperation, sacrifice, denial, codependency and survival. Mothers, dreamers, and lovers deal with cosmic terrors, some snatching a semblance of vengeance along the way.

Publication is slated for April 2027.

Read the full press release from Stars and Sabers Publishing here: https://www.starsandsabers.com/2025/06/21/stars-and-sabers-publishing-news-book-deal-for-kc-grifant/.

Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to get notified of preorders and special giveaways!

Quick Draw: Weird West Flash Fiction Contest

I’ll be judging an upcoming weird-west-themed flash fiction contest through Reach Your Apex–with prizes!

The first prize winner will be awarded $100 U.S. and have their story published in Apex Magazine issue 151, coming out in October 2025. The second prize winner will be awarded $50 U.S. and have their story published on the Reach Your Apex website in September 2025. Three third prize winners will each be awarded $25 U.S. and have their story published on the Reach Your Apex website in September 2025.

Submissions will open at 12:00 am Eastern, July 1, 2025. Submissions close July 15, 2025 at midnight Eastern. Anonymous, original submissions only under 1k words. More submission details: https://reachyourapex.com/weird-west-quick-draw-a-flash-fiction-contest/.

I hope you’ll submit to this diverse and growing genre! If you want tips for writing a story, check out some of the resources I have over at Weird West Fiction. If you really want to dive in, I’ll be offering a virtual workshop on June 27 called “Creating Weird West Stories That Sizzle And Sell” at Reach Your Apex.

Use code wwss10 at checkout for $10 off!

In this live workshop, we’ll cover how to:

Build immersive settings and plots that evoke the Old West without falling into clichés and harmful stereotypesFlip familiar tropes into fresh and thought-provoking elementsDraw inspiration from historical accounts with empathy and nuanceDevelop grounded characters and high-stakes conflictsAvoid common pitfalls of writers starting out in this genreBlend horror, fantasy, science fiction and history in unexpected ways

Creating Weird West Stories That Sizzle And Sell

New Class! Learn How to Write a Weird Western

I’m thrilled to teach “Creating Weird West Stories That Sizzle And Sell” at Reach Your Apex later this month.

In this live virtual course, writers will learn how to:

Build immersive settings and plots that evoke the Old West without falling into clichés and harmful stereotypes
Flip familiar tropes into fresh and thought-provoking elements
Draw inspiration from historical accounts with empathy and nuance
Develop grounded characters and high-stakes conflicts
Blend horror, fantasy, science fiction and history in unexpected ways

Writers will leave with the foundation of a new weird western, along with tools for revisions and submissions  

Use code wwss10 at checkout for $10 off!

Master the art of writing weird westerns! About the Course

The “weird west” genre is riding into the limelight as readers are eager for fresh stories that reimagine the American Old West through a speculative lens. From monsters haunting mining towns to interdimensional train robberies and robotic gunslingers, the weird west spans stories from the pulpy to the horrific. But beyond just cowboys and creatures, the genre offers fertile grounds for genre blending, social commentary and fresh takes on the mythos of the western.

This workshop is for anyone interested in experimenting in a genre that fuses Old West aesthetics with elements of horror, sci-fi and fantasy. Whether you’re a history buff or you’ve never seen a western in your life, this class will help you tap into the spirit of the Weird West and expand your creative range.

We’ll break down what makes a story a true weird western (hint: The Mandalorian and Firefly count), and how to strike the right balance between historical flavor and speculative strangeness. You’ll learn how to:

Build immersive settings and plots that evoke the Old West without falling into clichés and harmful stereotypesFlip familiar tropes into fresh and thought-provoking elementsDraw inspiration from historical accounts with empathy and nuanceDevelop grounded characters and high-stakes conflictsAvoid common pitfalls of writers starting out in this genreBlend horror, fantasy, science fiction and history in unexpected ways

Through guided writing exercises and expert feedback, you’ll harness vivid sensory details and create powerful emotional arcs to make your story sing.

We’ll also cover the publishing landscape for Weird Westerns—what editors are looking for, where to submit, and how to steer clear of tired tropes and cultural pitfalls that can undermine your story.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with the foundation of your own weird western, along with tools for revisions and submissions. Whether you’re breaking into the genre or expanding your creative frontier, this course will equip you to ride confidently into the weird west.

DATE: June 27, 2025 at 2pm ET / 11 am PT

Creating Weird West Stories That Sizzle And Sell

About Your Instructor

KC Grifant is an award-winning Southern Californian author who writes speculative stories in the horror, fantasy, sci-fi and weird west genres. She authored the award-winning supernatural western Monster Gunslinger series and Shrouded Horror: Tales of the Uncanny.

She is editor of Women of the Weird West, and co-editor of Dread Coast: SoCal Horror Tales and Of Terrors and Tombstones, as well as creator of Weird West Fiction, a website that showcases diverse weird west authors.

In addition, she is a published short story writer, with dozens of tales appearing in podcasts, magazines and Stoker-nominated anthologies, including: PseudoPod, Andromeda Spaceways Magazine, Unnerving Magazine, Cosmic Horror Monthly, Dark Matter Magazine, Sley House Presents, the British SF Association’s Fission Magazine, Tales to Terrify, the Lovecraft eZine; Musings of the Muse; Dancing in the Shadows—A Tribute to Anne Rice; the Stoker-nominated Chromophobia; the Stoker-nominated Fright Mare: Women Write Horror, and many others.

She teaches genre and short story workshops and has been a moderator, panelist or speaker at dozens of conferences and events. In 2016, she co-founded the Horror Writers Association San Diego Chapter, an organization that helps to promote the horror genre and co-chaired its flagship international event, StokerCon, in 2024. She is also a member of numerous writing organizations and a Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association mentor. Aside from constructing imaginary worlds, she works as an award-winning science communicator and tries to keep up with two small wildlings.

Melinda West and the Gremlin Queen is out!

Book 2 in my supernatural western series is officially out! A book launch is always special, and I am so grateful to everyone who supported this adventure. A huge, huge thanks especially my publisher Brigids Gate Press, my fellow horror peeps, and my ARC readers.

And exciting news—the book hit #1 in New Releases in the Western Horror category!

Purchase anywhere you buy books or order signed copies from Mysterious Galaxy and Artifact Books. If you like the book…

If you enjoy either book in the series, I’d be so grateful if you’d consider posting a review on one or both of the platforms below:

Review on AmazonReview on GoodreadsAbout Melinda West and the Gremlin Queen

 In an alternate Old West, monsters rule the land—but one deadly duo is humanity’s last hope. 

Melinda West is a sharpshooter with a steady hand, a cool head and a no-nonsense attitude. Her partner, Lance, brings the charm—and the firepower. Together, they’ve made a living hunting supernatural threats. But when a strange illness leaves a trail of corpses in its wake, they realize they’re about to face their greatest challenge yet.

As the bodies pile up, a swarm of gremlins—smarter, faster and deadlier than anything they’ve encountered before—are hellbent on destruction. Unless Melinda and Lance can uncover the truth behind these mysterious creatures, everything they know will be torn apart.

This is book two in a standalone interconnected series—ideal for both new readers and returning fans looking for dark fantastical westerns with a twist.

Read ReviewsOrder the Book!Learn More

New sci-fi horror audio story: Negation

I am delighted to have my brand new scifi story, “Negation,” appear on the award-winning Simultaneous Times podcast, presented by Space Cowboy Books.

It’s about an 18-minute listen (free), with hints of Annihilation and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The voice acting and production sound fantastic! I am so happy with how it turned out.

Give it a listen below!

New Class! Creating Short Horror Stories that Sizzle and Sell

I’ll be teaching a Reach Your Apex workshop called “Creating Short Horror Stories that Sizzle and Sell” this Friday, May 23, 2025 at 2pm ET/11am PT. This course is for both emerging writers and established authors looking to explore the art of short horror fiction. Whether you’re new to horror or looking to hone your craft, you’ll learn how to create captivating short stories that will stay with the reader long after the final sentence. 

Use code HORROR10 at checkout for $10 off: https://reachyourapex.com/product/creating-horror-short-stories-that-sizzle-and-sell/. Hope to see you there!

Sign up here to level up your short story writing! About the Course

The horror genre is experiencing a resurgence, with many magazines and anthologies seeking new short stories to haunt their pages. This course is for both emerging writers and established authors looking to explore the art of short horror fiction.

Whether you’re new to horror or looking to hone your craft, you’ll learn how to create captivating short stories that will stay with the reader long after the final sentence. 

In this class, we’ll delve into the essential elements of writing horror short stories that resonate with readers and stand out in the slush pile. You’ll practice:

crafting a chilling hook that creates intrigue from the very first line,infusing atmospheric tension throughout, andusing characterization that elevates your story beyond cheap thrills.

From pacing to plot structure, we’ll explore techniques you can apply to short stories of any genre to make a powerful impact.

Through practical writing exercises and expert guidance, you’ll discover how to balance brevity with emotional punch and create stories that build suspense, evoke dread, and leave readers unsettled.

You’ll learn what does and doesn’t constitute a horror story, and how horror interfaces with other genres.

We’ll also cover the business side of horror writing with tips on submitting your work to publishers, insights into what editors are looking for, and how to avoid common pitfalls to give your story the best chance at success.

You’ll leave this workshop with the skills and confidence to write and submit short horror stories that’ll make an impression. Whether you’re looking to develop your horror writing chops or expand your reach as an author, this workshop is a great opportunity to take your short fiction to the next level.

Along with practical tips and writing exercises, you’ll leave this workshop with the foundation of a horror short story, as well as a better understanding of the short story market and horror publishing landscape in general.

DATE: May 23, 2025 – Friday TIME: 2PM ET | 11AM PT

About Your Instructor

KC Grifant is an award-winning Southern Californian author who writes speculative stories in the horror, fantasy, sci-fi and weird west genres. She authored the award-winning supernatural western Monster Gunslinger series and Shrouded Horror: Tales of the Uncanny.

She is editor of Women of the Weird West, and co-editor of Dread Coast: SoCal Horror Tales and Of Terrors and Tombstones, as well as creator of Weird West Fiction, a website that showcases diverse weird west authors.

In addition, she is a published short story writer, with dozens of tales appearing in podcasts, magazines and Stoker-nominated anthologies, including: PseudoPod, Andromeda Spaceways Magazine, Unnerving Magazine, Cosmic Horror Monthly, Dark Matter Magazine, Sley House Presents, the British SF Association’s Fission Magazine, Tales to Terrify, the Lovecraft eZine; Musings of the Muse; Dancing in the Shadows—A Tribute to Anne Rice; the Stoker-nominated Chromophobia; the Stoker-nominated Fright Mare: Women Write Horror, and many others.

She teaches genre and short story workshops and has been a moderator, panelist or speaker at dozens of conferences and events. In 2016, she co-founded the Horror Writers Association San Diego Chapter, an organization that helps to promote the horror genre and co-chaired its flagship international event, StokerCon, in 2024. She is also a member of numerous writing organizations and a Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association mentor. Aside from constructing imaginary worlds, she works as an award-winning science communicator and tries to keep up with two small wildlings.

Read my blog post, “The Power of Fear: How Short Horror Stories Can Jumpstart Your Writing,” for an overview of tips!

The Power of Fear: How Short Horror Stories Can Jumpstart Your Writing

You can also read “How to Write and Sell a Short Story” for additional tips.

How to Write and Sell a Short Story: Tips and Resources for Creative Writers

Women of the Weird West Anthology

I am so excited to be editing an anthology I’ve had in mind for a long time. Women of the Weird West will be coming out from Brigids Gate Press in 2027, and I can’t think of a better partner for this project!

We already have a fantastic line-up of authors, listed below, with more to be announced soon!

The limited open submission call will be open April 1, 2025. In particular, we are hoping for more flash fiction, drabbles and poetry. The full submission guidelines are below.

To stay updated on this project and other releases, subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.

Authors Announced So Far Eugen BaconV. CastroNicole Givens KurtzDonna J.W. MunroStephanie RabigRebecca RowlandTammy SalyerMathilda ZellerSubmission Guidelines

Women of the Weird West
Publisher: Brigids Gate Press
Editor: KC Grifant
Release Date: Planned for June 16th , 2026

What We Are Seeking
Traditionally, women authors have been vastly underrepresented in westerns and weird westerns, so this anthology will highlight diverse women-identifying authors and non-binary authors and their speculative western short stories.

We are looking for original Weird West stories. These should be generally set in what approximates the “Old West” location and timeframe (North America circa late 1800s) and should have a strong speculative element, such as horror, fantasy and/or sci-fi.

We are most interested in pulpy, unexpected, character-driven stories and are open to some weird westerns set outside the typical historical time period and setting (e.g., space westerns) as long as there are strong Old West aesthetics and inspiration.

The goal of this anthology is to showcase a diverse group of Old West stories beyond the typical archetypes. We strongly encourage women, women-identifying and nonbinary writers of all backgrounds to submit regardless of writing experience. We are interested in showcasing emerging writers as well as established writers for this anthology.

Potential Inspirations/vibes
Prey, The Warrior (TV series), The Harder They Fall, Godless, Power of the Dog, The Winds, The Quick and the Dead, Back to the Future 3, Dead in the West, Jonah Hex, The Dark Tower, Deadlands, The Good, The Bad & the Uncanny: Tales of a Very Weird West

Submission Window
April 1, 2025 through April 30, 2025

Word Count
Stories: Up to 5,000 words. No minimum length. 2,000 words is an ideal target.
Poems: Up to 32 lines
Drabbles: 100 words

Compensation
Stories: 10¢ per word
Poems: $50
Drabbles: $50
Paid via PayPal
One complimentary paperback copy of the anthology
One complimentary epub of the anthology

Please Do Not Send
-Stories that include child abuse/pedophilia.
-Stories that are racist, homophobic, transphobic, or that promote hate rhetoric of any kind. (Stories dealing with these themes in sensitive and thoughtful ways are fine.)
-Extreme sex/violence or graphic details included solely for shock value. There are plenty of publication avenues for splatter horror and extreme horror; this is not one of them. Think rated R or PG-13, not rated X.
-Copyrighted characters or fan fiction. Stories that feature historic figures in the public domain is fine.
-AI or generative AI-assisted stories.

There are certain types of stories that will be hard sells, mostly because they have been done too often:
-Stories featuring overused historic characters (e.g., Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp). If you want to draw from history, please have a very fresh take or go for lesser-known historic figures, like Thorny Rose, the Bandit Queen, Buffalo Calf Road Woman, etc.
-Stories with Old West components that have been overdone and/or are problematic, such as the prostitute with the heart of gold; indigenous healer; haunted burial ground; Wendigos.
-Stories that contain only male characters. For a “Women of the Weird West” anthology, we are hoping to spotlight interesting, complex women characters.
-Stories that use harmful stereotypes or are not thoughtful about portrayals of land theft, indigenous groups and marginalized people. Accepted stories with indigenous characters or elements will be reviewed by a sensitivity reader.

Reprints
No

Simultaneous Submissions
Yes

Multiple Submissions
No

Additional Information
The anthology will include a mix of stories from invited contributors and an open call, with around 25% of the anthology’s accepted stories from the open call.

Formatting Guidelines:
1. Standard manuscript format (double-spaced, 12pt, Garamond).
2. Word format (.docx)
3. Your work must be an attachment, do not include in the body of the email.
4. In the body of your email, please include a short author bio and any applicable content warnings.

Cover reveal and preorder for MELINDA WEST AND THE GREMLIN QUEEN

I am thrilled to share the cover of Melinda West and the Gremlin Queen, which will be out on May 29, 2025 from Brigids Gate Press! Carrion House is the artist behind this stunning cover. Along with the cover reveal, I’m happy to share that Brigids Gate Press is offering the book for a preorder sale of only .99! If you preorder before May 29, 2025, you can get it at this low price.

Melinda West and the Gremlin Queen (Brigids Gate Press, 2025)

In an alternate Old West, monsters rule the land—but one deadly duo is humanity’s last hope. 

Melinda West is a sharpshooter with a steady hand, a cool head and a no-nonsense attitude. Her partner, Lance, brings the charm—and the firepower. Together, they’ve made a living hunting supernatural threats. But when a strange illness leaves a trail of corpses in its wake, they realize they’re about to face their greatest challenge yet.

As the bodies pile up, a swarm of gremlins—smarter, faster and deadlier than anything they’ve encountered before—are hellbent on destruction. Unless Melinda and Lance can uncover the truth behind these mysterious creatures, everything they know will be torn apart.

Fast-paced, gritty, and packed with supernatural thrills, Melinda West and the Gremlin Queen blends the rebellious charm of Bonnie and Clyde with the high-stakes action of Supernatural and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

LIMITED DEAL! Preorder Melinda West and the Gremlin Queen for only .99!

This is book two in a standalone interconnected series—ideal for both new readers and returning fans looking for dark fantastical westerns with a twist. 

Get ready! Order the first Melinda West book, Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger, here.Reviewers can sign up to be considered to receive an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) here.

Four New Anthologies for Spooky Season

I have stories out in a few new anthologies this month! If you’re looking for creepy and fantastical reads, check them out: 

 TALES OF THE SLEY HOUSE 2024

Description: An anthology of horror stories and poems.

Includes my story “Blessed,” about an alien invasion tale with a twist.

At the Edge of Darkness (Shotgun Honey)

Description: Shotgun Honey Presents volume 6 brings together a spooky group of authors for this special Halloween crime/horror anthology. Including contributions by Libby Cudmore, Andy Davidson, KC Grifant, Elizabeth Guilt, Mackenzie Hurlbert, Caden Kalfin, James Kinslingbury, Nick Kolakowski, Ethan K. Lee, Andrew Majors, Luciano Marano, Joey R. Poole, William Steffen, Casey Stegman, Gabriela Stiteler, Thomas Trang, Wendy N. Wagner, Benjamin B. White, Gordon B. White, Grant Wamack, and Paul Tremblay. Guest editor is best selling author Keith Rosson (Fever House, The Devil By Name). All profits from this edition will go to a local Portland, OR charity to benefit foster children.

Includes my story “Terror on the Boulevard,” about a Hollywood supernatural serial killer.

SHADOWPLAYS (PS Publishing)

Description: From an old regional theatre on the English coast to a Hollywood sound stage, an odd audition in London, by way of a sad and lonely hotel that attracts a series of strange residents. And much else too. Here are reflections on the nature of truth, how fiction and childish verse can impact reality, and the dangers inherent in retreating from that reality. Photographs and hauntings. Loss and longing. Just how lucky is it being lucky. Strange revenges and even stranger curses.

These nineteen tales of skewed everyday existence, divorced from the outwardly mundane world, demonstrate that all is not quite how it at first appears. These small, uneasy dramas play out in the shadows, in the twilight, hiding from the rational world These stories embrace the Shadows.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction: Peter Coleborn & Mike Chinn
Totu Stephen Volk
If MGM is Killed, Who Gets the Lion? Ray Bradbury
Damaged but Adorable Rosanne Rabinowitz
As Far as Sacred Goes Nancy Kilpatrick
Stigma Paul Kane
The Charmed Robert Bagnall
Never to be Told Colleen Anderson & Tom Johnstone
Ever So Quietly, Ever So Softly Gary McMahon
I Is for Infestation Steve Rasnic Tem
The Fire Ghost Gail-Nina Anderson
Begbrook Tim Jeffreys
Echoes, Dying Marion Pitman
Commitment to Truth Bret McCormick
The Pit KC Grifant
The Long Drop Upwards Garry Kilworth
December’s Children John Linwood Grant
The Rosehill Truth Doctor Wendy Purcell
He Dances Alone Joanne Anderton
South Riding Reggie Oliver

ZEHLREG AUGUSTUS GRINDSTONE’S SPECTACULAR WESTERN ODDITY EMPORIUM

Description: An anthology of Weird West short stories, flash fiction, & poems blending Wild West tropes with themes from across the Fantasy spectrum.

Includes my story  “Legend of the Spiderwalker,” where monster hunters Melinda and Lance must fight a deadly lake monster.

And a reminder, if you’re looking for more scary tales this October, I have free stories available here to read and listen to, in addition to my debut collection of horror stories in the vein of The Twilight Zone and Creepshow!

Upcoming events for SHROUDED HORROR

Now that Comic Con is over, I am continuing to celebrate the release of my debut collection, SHROUDED HORROR: TALES OF THE UNCANNY, with several virtual and in-person events this week. I hope you will join in!

→ Virtual Reading on Galactic Terrors

On Thursday, you can virtually watch readings from me and talented creators John Langan and Maxwell Ian Gold on Galactic Terrors. Each reading will be followed by a short Q&A. I will be reading a brand new story from SHROUDED HORROR. You can tune in here:

→ Guest on Paper Cuts YouTube Show

On Friday, Aug 9 at 5pm PT/8pm EST, I will be a guest on the live YouTube Show Paper Cuts. Kick back and start your weekend with some horror. Tune in here to watch the antics:

→ Mysterious Galaxy Book Launch Event

On Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 2pm, San Diegans can join me in conversation with Tiffany Michelle Brown for the official launch party of SHROUDED HORROR! We’ll have cake, giveaways and more. Check out my social media afterwards for photos.

Recently…

If you want to listen to a recent interview I did, I had the honor of joining the We Bleed Orange And Black Podcast a few weeks ago. We talk everything from X-Men to StokerCon planning in this fun interview. You can tune in here:

EPISODE #93 – SHROUDED HORROR with KC Grifant