K.C. Grifant's Blog, page 2

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

SHROUDED HORROR is out today!

Happy book birthday to my debut collection, SHROUDED HORROR: TALES OF THE UNCANNY out today!

Huge thanks to everyone who has pre-ordered or read/reviewed an advance copy; it means the world to an indie author like me. I am so grateful to the readers, reviewers, supporters and my publisher, Dragon’s Roost Press, for bringing this collection of weird, cosmic and monster tales to the world. 

See what people are saying about SHROUDED HORROR: TALES OF THE UNCANNY (Dragon’s Roost Press) at Amazon and Goodreads.

Order Now!

These stories are inspired from random musings, fragments of dreams, and threads of collective anxieties unspooled and restitched for new consumption. They all center around the questions What if…? What might lie beyond? What unseen terrors lurk just out of reach?

Book description:
From the bowels of NYC to the farthest regions of space, this collection features people encountering the unseen terrors hovering at the edge of everyday life. Whether it’s a glimpse of a malicious creature lurking behind your reflection or an unusual thunderstorm heralding a needy stranger, oddities loom, ready to reveal themselves. 

With hints of The Twilight Zone, Creepshow, and Black Mirror, this collection of short horror stories—the cosmic, the weird, and the fantastical—will settle into the back of your head and under your skin. They will make you wonder what hidden horrors lie there, just beyond the curtain of reality.

AmazonBarnes and Noble PaperbackBarnes and Noble ebookBook Launch Party!

San Diego friends, please save the date for Saturday, August 10 at 2pm, which will be my official book launch party at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore! After the talk, there will be treats, giveaways and a raffle!

I will also be doing an online reading on August 8, 2024 on Galactic Terrors along with authors Maxwell Gold and John Langan—with co-hosts Carol Gyzander and James Chambers. Subscribe to their YouTube channel here for alerts.

I’ve had the pleasure of being on several podcasts lately for the book launch. Keep an eye out for my episode on The Suspense is Killing Me Podcast coming out soon and more to be announced soon.

Testimonials

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KC Grifant | Author (@kcgrifant)

ICYMI, “5 Upcoming Horror Books Written by Women that You Should Add to Your TBR” By Gwendolyn Kiste  in The Lineup featured SHROUDED HORROR alongside other fantastic books. Read the full article here: https://the-line-up.com/5-upcoming-horror-books-written-by-women.

SHROUDED HORRORS is out today!

Happy book birthday to my debut collection, SHROUDED HORROR: TALES OF THE UNCANNY out today!

Huge thanks to everyone who has pre-ordered or read/reviewed an advance copy; it means the world to an indie author like me. I am so grateful to the readers, reviewers, supporters and my publisher, Dragon’s Roost Press, for bringing this collection of weird, cosmic and monster tales to the world. 

See what people are saying about SHROUDED HORROR: TALES OF THE UNCANNY (Dragon’s Roost Press) at Amazon and Goodreads.

Order Now!

These stories are inspired from random musings, fragments of dreams, and threads of collective anxieties unspooled and restitched for new consumption. They all center around the questions What if…? What might lie beyond? What unseen terrors lurk just out of reach?

Book description:
From the bowels of NYC to the farthest regions of space, this collection features people encountering the unseen terrors hovering at the edge of everyday life. Whether it’s a glimpse of a malicious creature lurking behind your reflection or an unusual thunderstorm heralding a needy stranger, oddities loom, ready to reveal themselves. 

With hints of The Twilight Zone, Creepshow, and Black Mirror, this collection of short horror stories—the cosmic, the weird, and the fantastical—will settle into the back of your head and under your skin. They will make you wonder what hidden horrors lie there, just beyond the curtain of reality.

AmazonBarnes and Noble PaperbackBarnes and Noble ebookBook Launch Party!

San Diego friends, please save the date for Saturday, August 10 at 2pm, which will be my official book launch party at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore! After the talk, there will be treats, giveaways and a raffle!

I will also be doing an online reading on August 8, 2024 on Galactic Terrors along with authors Maxwell Gold and John Langan—with co-hosts Carol Gyzander and James Chambers. Subscribe to their YouTube channel here for alerts.

I’ve had the pleasure of being on several podcasts lately for the book launch. Keep an eye out for my episode on The Suspense is Killing Me Podcast coming out soon and more to be announced soon.

Testimonials

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KC Grifant | Author (@kcgrifant)

ICYMI, “5 Upcoming Horror Books Written by Women that You Should Add to Your TBR” By Gwendolyn Kiste  in The Lineup featured SHROUDED HORROR alongside other fantastic books. Read the full article here: https://the-line-up.com/5-upcoming-horror-books-written-by-women.

Book preorder update and news roundup

If you are looking for spooky stories, look no further! My short story collection SHROUDED HORROR: TALES OF THE UNCANNY is now available for preorder! Thank you to everyone who has read an advance copy and reviewed already; it means the world to an indie author like me. 

SHROUDED HORROR: TALES OF THE UNCANNY (Dragon’s Roost Press) is officially available for preorder, with a release date of July 11, 2024. I am so excited to share this collection with the world!

Book description:
From the bowels of NYC to the farthest regions of space, this collection features people encountering the unseen terrors hovering at the edge of everyday life. Whether it’s a glimpse of a malicious creature lurking behind your reflection or an unusual thunderstorm heralding a needy stranger, oddities loom, ready to reveal themselves. 

With hints of The Twilight Zone, Creepshow, and Black Mirror, this collection of short horror stories—the cosmic, the weird, and the fantastical—will settle into the back of your head and under your skin. They will make you wonder what hidden horrors lie there, just beyond the curtain of reality.

Pre-Order Now!KindleBarnes and Noble PaperbackBarnes and Noble ebook

You can also purchase a print copy starting July 11 from Barnes & Noble or Amazon.

I was thrilled to see Shrouded Horror in “5 Upcoming Horror Books Written by Women that You Should Add to Your TBR” By Gwendolyn Kiste  in The Lineup last month alongside of fantastic authors. Read the full article here: https://the-line-up.com/5-upcoming-horror-books-written-by-women.

Interviews

In other news, I am finally catching up after StokerCon last month, which, as co-organizer, took over a year of planning. I shared background on StokerCon and my journey as a writer in the San Diego Union Tribune‘s Local Notable People profile.

Screaming Eye Press also did an in-depth interview discussing all things weird west, writing inspirations and my new collection. Read it here: https://www.screamingeyepress.com/interviews/kc-grifant/. 

On book launch day, I will be doing an online reading on July 11 at Galactic Terrors. Stay tuned to my social for details or subscribe to their YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijjNjdfKdeekoXo3FN_8MA for alerts. I’ve had the pleasure of being on several podcasts lately for the book launch as well. Keep an eye out for my episode on The Suspense is Killing Me Podcast coming out next month and news on more.

Connect with me on social for upcoming news and events:

TikTokFacebookThreadsInstagram

Audio short story, JUST ANOTHER APOCALYPSE, in Pseudopod

Last month, the premiere horror podcast show Pseudopod did a fabulous audio production of my short story, “Just Another Apocalypse.” The team did a wonderful job with the audio production and elevating the angst and creepiness factor. It was an absolute joy hearing it come to life. As an extra bonus, Pseudopod did a shout-out to my work co-organizing StokerCon 2024 and also to my upcoming debut collection, SHROUDED HORROR: TALES OF THE UNCANNY.

“Just Another Apocalypse,” an angsty take on a zombie outbreak, was originally published by Red Rooster Republic for the online anthology, Two-Thousand Word Terrors, edited by author Nicholas Day and featuring art by Don Noble.

If you’re in the mood for a 20-minute creepy tale, tune into Episode 920 here:    https://pseudopod.org/2024/05/20/pseudopod-920-just-another-apocalypse/ 

And if you enjoy this story, check out SHROUDED HORROR for a dozen more of my creepy tales. Preorder is available now!

PseudoPod 920: Just Another Apocalypse

Upcoming short stories and ways to support

In addition to my debut short story horror collection SHROUDED HORROR: TALES OF THE UNCANNY (vibes of Tales From the Crypt + Twilight Zone + adult Goosebumps) I’m thrilled to share several short stories coming up soon in exciting anthologies.

Legend of the Spiderwalker (Weird West)

“Sometimes it’s easier to persuade them away or distract them with something. Especially if they ain’t the dying type.” “Most are the dying type.” Melinda unholstered her revolver…

”Legend of the Spiderwalker,” an original Melinda West story, will appear in ZEHLREG A. GRINDSTONE’S SPECTACULAR WESTERN ODDITY EMPORIUM. This anthology of Weird West short stories, flash fiction, & poems blend Wild West tropes with themes from across the Fantasy spectrum. The Kickstarter is ongoing until Sunday – support it here on Kickstarter (and check out those awesome rewards!)

Back the Anthology! “Blessed” (Scifi horror)

”Blessed,” a sci-fi horror about a pregnant, former cult member facing an alien invasion, will appear in TALES OF SLEY HOUSE with some amazing contributors. Preorder at the Sley House website here: https://www.sleyhouse.com/product-page/tales-of-sley-house-2024.

Dream Bugs (Weird West)

”Dream Bugs,” another Melinda West story, will appear in a new cross-genre anthology from Jendia Gammon and Gareth L. Powell. Look at that amazing contributor list!

More information about the project:
Authors Jendia Gammon and Gareth L. Powell have formed a publishing imprint, for sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and mystery stories! We’re gathering exciting writers in these genres to launch the imprint with a debut anthology, publishing in 2025. To ensure we can fund for our authors, human-made cover design, and publishing expenses, we’re crowdfunding to make this happen. Help us get there! Tiers: https://ko-fi.com/post/Publishing-Imprint-News-and-Opportunity-H2H2XH2SN

Support the anthology here!

Upcoming

“All Aboard,” my near-future post-pandemic story, will be reprinted in Shadowed Realms: Indie Horror Anthology. I will be announcing two additional stories in horror anthologies soon. And there is more exciting news on the way, stay tuned!

If you’re looking for a quick horror fix in the meantime, you can always peruse free short stories of mine here or preorder SHROUDED HORROR: TALES OF THE UNCANNY.