K.C. Grifant's Blog, page 4
July 10, 2023
Free short ghost story, LONELY ARCADE, in Stupefying Magazine
My bite-sized ghost story, “Lonely Arcade,” has published in Stupefying Stories (4-minute read). It’s a ghost story, but also a homage to the many summers I spent in boardwalk arcades.
You can read it for free, along with other short tales, here: https://stupefyingstories.blogspot.com/2023/06/lonely-arcade-by-kc-grifant.html
If you enjoyed that one, make sure to check out “The Sighting,” my short tale about Big Foot hunters, also in Stupefying Stories.
About Stupefying StoriesStupefying Stories is an online magazine founded by Bruce and Karen Bethke. Bruce Bethke is the award-winning science fiction writer known for his 1980 short story, “Cyberpunk,” and his 1995 Philip K. Dick Award-winning novel, Headcrash.
May 2, 2023
Book anniversary, events and more May news
Happy May!
I can’t believe it’s been 3 months since MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER debuted from Brigids Gate Press. My supernatural western adventure was more well-received than I’d hoped. Putting a book out there is incredibly vulnerable. Some people will love it, others will hate it. In the end, it doesn’t truly matter. Most of us write as a way to survive/thrive/rebel/reflect/exist in this chaotic, complex world. Nevertheless, I am deeply grateful for everyone–friends, booksellers, reviewers, editors, publishers–who helped make this lifelong dream come true.
One big highlight for me this past month was attending the Los Angeles Times Book Festival for the first time. It was a traffic-filled drive up from San Diego to LA on little sleep, but completely worth it to attend the largest book festival in the country. Tents and vendors stretched as far as the eye could see under a baking sun on the University of Southern California campus. I joined the Horror Writers table to sell copies of MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER and was utterly delighted when writing legend Joe Lansdale and his daughter Kasey Lansdale stopped by to say hi and purchase a book. Check out photos over on my Facebook page or Instagram. Thank you to everyone who stopped by!
May is stacked with lots more bookish events in Southern California, including the Nebula Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers (SFWA) conference in Anaheim. I will be there signing books, moderating panels and diving into all things SFF. I hope you can join one of the events below.
MAY 2023 EVENTS
Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Nebula Conference, Anaheim – May 12-14
Panel: The Indie Dilemma: DIY or Hire Out? Fri, May 12, 2023 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Join this panel to hear experienced indie authors will discuss: When time, money, and other resources are limited, how do you choose what to tackle yourself, and when to hire an expert?
*Moderating* Prep Tips for Your Debut Indie Book Launch Fri, May 12, 2023 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Whether publishing a small-press or publishing on your own, the debut novel can be intimidating. Learn about tips for marketing, social media, and “must-dos” to prepare for your book launch.
Signing: MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER Fri, May 12, 2023 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
Panel: Control Your Book Promotion Sun, May 14, 2023 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Discover how to navigate the abundance of promotional options for your book, as well as tips, insights, and lessons learned from those who cold-called bookshops.
Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore – Sat May 20, 3pm
MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER Book signing and discussion with fellow author Dennis Crosby
Warwick’s Books – Sun May 21, 12pm
MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER book signing
Mission Valley Public Library – Sat May 27, 1:30-3:30pm
Short story reading for the San Diego Writers & Editors Guild anthology launch
And looking ahead…
JUNE 2023 EVENTSOnce Upon a Book Fair – Sat June 3, 10 am–4pm
Book table, signing, giveaways at the Escondido Center for the Arts with 70+ author tables
Verbatim Books – Sat June 10th, 7pm
Horror authors panel, discussion and book signing
VIRTUAL: Space Cowboy Books – June 13, 6pm PT
Book reading and interview. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/547947083477
La Jolla Library – Sat June 24, 3-4pm
Horror panel and book signing
Stokercon, Pittsburg – June 16-18
Signing and panel schedule TBD
For details on any of these appearances, please visit https://scifiwri.com/appearances/.
Featured interview: Voice of America panel on horror fiction and AI
Listen to a panel featuring myself and other horror authors discussing the future of horror fiction and AI in Voice of America’s TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTION: THE FUTURE IS NOW episode “The Future of Horror Fiction and AI: Scared Yet?”
Listen: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/143486/the-future-of-horror-fiction-and-ai-scared-yet
Watch (Facebook): https://fb.watch/j-RGN8ZR97/
I joined host Dom Brightmon for an insightful and fun conversation about writing and westerns. Listen here: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-654-inside-the-mind-of-a-horror-western-writer-with-kc-grifant-kcgrifant/.
Upcoming podcast interviews-Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality
-Grim and Bloody Podcast
-The Con Hour Podcast
-E-Reads Podcast
-Inside the Minds of Authors Amazon Podcast
Thank you for tuning in and, as always, happy reading! Sign up for my monthly newsletter for free stories, news and exclusives!April 3, 2023
April news – book promo, appearances, free short stories and more
Happy April! I’m excited to share new book promos, interviews, events and more.
Limited time: popular Weird West books available in special promo for readers at StoryBundle
For a limited time, my supernatural western MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER (Brigids Gate Press) will be available in a “storybundle” together with some of the biggest fantasy and horror western titles available right now.
StoryBundle offers a jaw-dropping deal for readers: for only $5, you’ll receive the four featured digital books:
There is also an upgraded bundle where you can get all 11 weird west stories shown for a deeper discount. This is a fabulous option if you’re looking for new books and want to explore more of the “weird west” (these are westerns with speculative elements, usually combined with fantasy and horror).
Get the bundle, or learn more about it, here: https://storybundle.com/weird. And consider signing up for Storybundle notifications for future scifi, fantasy and horror-themed book deal bundles.
Recent appearances
I was delighted to join the excellent Sley House Presents podcast to talk books, X-Men, short stories, serial adventure and more. Ways to listen:
AppleSpotifyGoogle
I spoke with the Let Fear Bounce last month. Tune in to hear tidbits on imposter syndrome, writing as a side gig, and more. Make sure to check out the other episodes for more uplifting stories about #writing and #publishing: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/PQ9Pk5RHbyb
I was also delighted to be a guest on D.C. Gomez’s The Book Corner Amazon show to talk about MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER. You can watch a recording of the live show here.
Upcoming events and appearancesEvents:
Book Signing: LAT Festival of Books – Sat, April 22, 1-3pmPanels: Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Nebula Conference – May 13 & 14Book Signing and Discussion: Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore – Sat, May 20, 3pmBook Signing: Warwick’s Books – Sun, May 21, 12pmBook Reading and Interview (VIRTUAL): Space Cowboy Books – June 13, 6pm PT Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/547947083477Podcast interviews:A Podcast Without A NameMurder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with MoralityGrim and Bloody PodcastThe Con Hour PodcastE-Reads PodcastInside the Minds of Authors Amazon Podcast
For details on appearances, please visit https://scifiwri.com/appearances/.
Book sightings!
This last month I’ve visited several local bookstores to sign copies of Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger and On social media the book as popped up in bookstore locations ranging Ontario to Kentucky to South Dakota. The book also made its first con appearance (Wondercon), with hopefully many more to come!
Guest articles
You can read my article “How to Create Compelling Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories” in Authority Magazine. This piece includes 5 critical tips for new writers in the genres.
For Women in Horror Month 2023, I shared supernatural western book recommendations from some of my favorite fellow weird western authors. Read more at The Horror Tree: https://horrortree.com/wihm-2023-saddle-up-5-supernatural-westerns-by-women-for-your-tbr/
Bonus article: Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger was featured in a piece for The Line-Up’s celebration of Women in Horror month.
“Welcome to the Weird West” covers an introduction to the genre and why I love to write in it. You can read it for free at the March/April issue of Uncaged Magazine: https://issuu.com/cyreneolson/docs/uncaged_book_reviews-_marchapril23-final/100.
For your reading pleasure: two recent free short stories
If you’re looking for a quick hit of monster fiction, I’ve had 2 short stories out in the last month that you can read for free:
“Just Another Apocalypse” at Two Thousand Word Terrors (Rooster Republic Press) https://roosterrepublicpress.com/just-another-apocalypse-by-kc-grifant/
“The Sighting” at Stupefying Stories: https://stupefyingstories.blogspot.com/2023/03/the-sighting-by-kc-grifant.html
To receive monthly email updates, sign up here and, as always, happy reading!March 30, 2023
MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER and more popular Weird West books available in special promo at StoryBundle
Book promo alert! For a limited time, my supernatural western MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER will be available in a “storybundle” together with some of the biggest fantasy and horror western titles available right now.
StoryBundle offers a very appealing deal for readers: for only $5 (or more, if you’re feeling generous), you’ll get the basic bundle of four digital books, details below. There is also an upgraded bundle where you can get **11** weird west stories for a deeper discount!
This bundle showcases books by some of the leading authors of Weird West fiction today. These tales of the Old West fused with horror, fantasy and adventure will sweep you away to another time and place.
Weird West Book Bundle Details
For StoryBundle, you decide what price you want to pay. For $5 (or more, if you’re inclined), you’ll get the basic bundle of four books in .epub format worldwide:
The Devil’s Revolver by V.S. McGrathGnome on the Range by Tammy SalyerMelinda West: Monster Gunslinger by KC GrifantBodacious Creed by Jonathan FesmireIf you pay at least the bonus price of just $20, you get all four of the regular books, plus seven more books for a total of 11!
On Stolen Land by Stephanie RabigThe Last Stand of Mary Good Crow by Rachel AaronUnicorn Western – The Complete Series (Books 1-9) by Platt and TruantNot Enough Midnights by Michael MerriamThe Flash Gold Chronicles: Vol. I-III by Lindsay BurokerMidnight Agency – Season One: The Obsidian Gate by Ken HooverCurse of the Ancients by Chuck BudaThis bundle is available only for a limited time via http://www.storybundle.com. It allows easy reading on computers, smartphones, and tablets as well as Kindle and other ereaders via file transfer, email, and other methods. You get a DRM-free .epub for all books!
Why StoryBundle?Here are a few benefits StoryBundle provides.
Get quality reads: We’ve chosen works from excellent authors to bundle together in one convenient package.Pay what you want (minimum $5): You decide how much these fantastic books are worth. If you can only spare a little, that’s fine! You’ll still get access to a batch of exceptional titles.Support authors who support DRM-free books: StoryBundle is a platform for authors to get exposure for their works, both for the titles featured in the bundle and for the rest of their catalog. Supporting authors who let you read their books on any device you want—restriction free—will show everyone there’s nothing wrong with ditching DRM.Give to worthy causes: Bundle buyers have a chance to donate a portion of their proceeds to Girls Write Now!Receive extra books: If you beat the bonus price, you’ll get the bonus books!It’s also easy to give the gift of reading with StoryBundle gift cards and timed delivery.
What is the “Weird West?” A message from Storybundle curator Tammy SalyerWho among us didn’t grow up with at least one Old West hero? For me, it was Billy the Kid. Not the lawless, gunslinging psycho killer of real life, but rather the Young Guns movie version: the slick talkin’, fast shootin’, justice seekin’ orphan who along with a band of outcasts used the wilds of nature and chaos of frontier fighting to face down the big bad rancher who tried to kill his mentor. A bit of idealistic bunkum? Sure. But also exactly the kind of delicious mix of ingredients that all good Westerns contain.
Okay, you may be saying, but what do you mean by Weird West? Oh boy, here’s where things get REALLY good. Weird West is a subgenre of speculative fiction that combines bits of traditional Western stories with supernatural, science fiction, steampunk, or even horror elements. In other words, it turns the good ole standby of cowboys and Indians firmly on its head, and throws in a dash of shamans and sorcerers, a spritz of steampower and magic (and sometimes steam-powered magic!), or a sprinkle of zombies and Fae, and nearly every goldurn one of ’em is a gunslinger!
One of the defining features of the Weird West genre is its sense of adventure and exploration, with no frontier too untamed or too strange. This StoryBundle will appeal to fans of Westerns and fantasy and horror, as it offers a unique blend of each of those (and more) genres. It can also be a great entry point for readers who are new to any of those genres, as it offers a fresh take on familiar themes and tropes.
Overall, this Weird West bundle is an exciting and imaginative blend of many different worlds, and it’s a great choice for readers who are looking for something that’s both familiar and unexpected. So get out your Double Eagles and ante up for a game of supernatural faro at the Weird West Saloon today!
– Tammy Salyer, curator of the Weird West Storybundle
StoryBundle was created to give a platform for independent authors to showcase their work, and a source of quality titles for thirsty readers. StoryBundle works with authors to create bundles of ebooks that can be purchased by readers at their desired price. Before starting StoryBundle, Founder Jason Chen covered technology and software as an editor for Gizmodo.com and Lifehacker.com.
For more information, visit our website at storybundle.com, tweet us at @storybundle and like us on Facebook . For press inquiries, please email press@storybundle.com
March 28, 2023
Free sci-fi horror short story on Big Foot – THE SIGHTING in Stupefying Magazine
Artwork by
Dan Wroblewski
My bite-sized, sci-fi horror story, “The Sighting,” has published in Stupefying Stories. This short tale follows the exploits of determined Big Foot hunters and their promising approach to ID’ing the monster.
You can read it for free, along with other short tales, here: https://stupefyingstories.blogspot.com/2023/03/the-sighting-by-kc-grifant.html
About Stupefying StoriesStupefying Stories is an online magazine founded by Bruce and Karen Bethke. Bruce Bethke is the award-winning science fiction writer known for his 1980 short story, “Cyberpunk,” and his 1995 Philip K. Dick Award-winning novel, Headcrash.
Excerpt of “The Sighting” by KC Grifant
Read the rest at Stupefying Stories for free.
February 28, 2023
“What Storms Bring’ in MONSTORM charity anthology
Out today! MONSTORM: A Charity Anthology Of Horror from Madness Heart Press contains my reprint story, “What Storms Bring” among other weather-themed horror tales. Proceeds from sales go to the local All Faiths Food Bank to support those affected by Hurricane Ian.
Description from the publisher:
Storms are the epitome of nature at her most primal, savage, and untamable. They inspire awe and terror in equal measure. When storms unleash their fury, nothing and no one can stand against them.
Hurricane Ian was such a storm. When Ian ripped into South Florida in the fall of 2022, homes and businesses were reduced to piles of rubble. Cleanup and recovery were slow, and as of the printing of this book, there is still much to be done to get things back to normal for those in the region whose lives were turned upside down.
This book contains 20 stories by seasoned genre veterans as well as fresh voices and represents the horror community’s response to hurricane Ian. There are stories about storms, the devastation they can cause, and what they reveal about the people who live through them, stories of tearing wind, driving rain, blizzards, hurricanes.
These are stories of terror, but this book is one of hope, produced to help raise money to support those who, in Ian’s wake, need help most. The proceeds from this volume will go directly into the hands of the local All Faiths Food Bank, which serves the areas most affected by Hurricane Ian.
Storms will always come. What matters most is how we respond to them.
Purchase MONSTORM to read the rest.https://madnessheart.press/product/monstorm-a-charity-anthology/
February 27, 2023
Free short story “Just Another Apocalypse” in TWO THOUSAND WORD TERRORS anthology
Two-Thousand Word Terrors (Rooster Republic Press), edited by author Nicholas Day and featuring art by Don Noble, is a new online horror anthology featuring 45 tales of terror over the next few months.
My short story “Just Another Apocalypse,” an angsty take on a zombie outbreak, is out today in the anthology, free to read. Check it out and let me know what you think!
“Just Another Apocalypse” by KC GrifantTABLE OF CONTENTS
“Knife Salesman” by Kevin Folliard . . . FEB 6, 2023
“Bound by Duty” by Christine Makepeace . . . FEB 13, 2023
“The Sound of Shattering Bones” by Andrés Menéndez . . . FEB 20, 2023
“Just Another Apocalypse” by KC Grifant . . . FEB 27, 2023
***
“The Walking Man” by Carson Fredriksen . . . MAR 6, 2023
“Nice Day for a Carpool” by Angela Sylvaine . . . MAR 13, 2023
“A Harrowing Beyond the Furrows” by KT Wagner . . . MAR 20, 2023
“Girls Just Want to Eat” by Avra Margariti . . . MAR 27, 2023
***
“The Blood-Red Lake” by Stephen Kozeniewski . . . APR 3, 2023
“Ravenous” by J.B. Rockwell . . . APR 10, 2023
“The Night Zack Willoughby Died” by Tim O’Neal . . . APR 17, 2023
“The Lady with the Backwards Head” by Melissa Pleckham . . . APR 24, 2023
***
“Bad Guys Wear Black” by Nu Yang . . . MAY 1, 2023
“Transcript of Last Live Stream from SS Amphitrite October 3, 202X” by Buzz Dixon . . . MAY 8, 2023
“Doppelgänger” by Rowan Hill . . . MAY 15, 2023
“The Statistical Likelihood of Recent Events” by Nathaniel Phillips . . . May 22, 2023
“Summer of a Soul” by Ruthann Jagge . . . MAY 29, 2023
***
“Fade to Black” by Laurel Hightower . . . JUN 5, 2023
“Something in the Water” by Thomas Joyce . . . JUN 12, 2023
“The Song of the Woods” by Shelley Lavigne . . . JUN 19, 2023
“Head Games” by Patrick Barb . . . JUN 26, 2023
***
“Ghostwitch” by Therese Arkenberg . . . JUL 3, 2023
“Two Humps and a Thump” by Eddie Generous . . . JUL 10, 2023
“Silver Bess” by Karen Ovér . . . JUL 17, 2023
“A Mask Made of Water” by Barry Charman . . . JUL 24, 2023
“Overgrown” by Emma Kathryn . . . JUL 31, 2023
***
“A Shadow Walks Down the Street” by Ash Vogler . . . AUG 7, 2023
“Tree Well” by Daniel R. Robichaud . . . AUG 14, 2023
“Go, Marge, Go” by Roni Stinger . . . AUG 21, 2023
“The Molt” by Rex Burrows . . . AUG 28, 2023
***
“The Longest Mile” by Alisha Galvan . . . SEP 4, 2023
“The Greatest Trick of All” by Maxwell Gold . . . SEP 11, 2023
“The Sacrifices We Make” by Lauren Carter . . . SEP 18, 2023
“Without Hope of Extrication” by C. Owen Loftus . . . SEP 25, 2023
***
“Roots” by Jen Mierisch . . . OCT 2, 2023
“Beast in Show” by Robert Francis . . . OCT 9, 2023
“Motherhood’s Mite” by Eve Morton . . . OCT 16, 2023
“The Flight of Ethan Bosch” by John Leahy . . . OCT 23, 2023
“Art Night” by Alyssia Gonzalez . . . OCT 30, 2023
***
“Celeste” by Kurt Newton . . . NOV 6, 2023
“The Grove Men” by Ariana Ferrante . . . NOV 13, 2023
“Dead Water” by RJ Meldrum . . . NOV 20, 2023
“Taken Too Soon” by Jamie Churchman . . . NOV 27, 2023
***
“I’m Not Scared” by Deborah Davitt . . . DEC 4, 2023
“Knead” by Jennifer Lee Rossman . . . DEC 11, 2023
TBA . . . DEC 18, 2023
TBA . . . DEC 25, 2023
***
Read nowFebruary 2, 2023
MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER launches!
Today’s the day! My supernatural western MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER is officially OUT into the world!
Publishing a book is something I’ve dreamt about for decades. I’m so thankful for my publisher, Brigids Gate Press, for taking a chance on a Western/horror/fantasy mashup, and for the supportive writing and horror communities. The book has been well-received, with reviewers calling it “a fun, fast-paced, monster-filled joy ride,” “genre-blending,” “a story that is fascinating and irresistible,” and a “massive crowd-pleaser.” (See what other readers are saying here: https://scifiwri.com/publications/melinda-west-monster-gunslinger/).
If a book with Supernatural + Witcher + Bonnie & Clyde vibes intrigues you, you can now order MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER. The Kindle format will be on sale for 99 cents for just a few more days. The paperback is also now available online from your preferred bookseller or you can request it from your favorite bookstore.
And some AMAZING news–the book has been at #1 for new releases in the Horror Western category on Amazon and in the top ten for ALL bestsellers in that category! It is also climbing the ranks in the Dark Fantasy New Release Category (top 50) and Horror New Release (top 100). I am so grateful to everyone who’s read and pre-ordered.
Also, keep an eye on my social media over the coming weeks (@kcgrifant on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok) or sign up for my newsletter for chances to win a signed copy of the book!
Read reviews of MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER or visit GoodreadsRead recent interviewsI’ve been interviewed by various outlets the last few weeks on everything from book recommendations, to the weird west, to the horror genre. I especially enjoyed this interview with the prominent UK horror website, Ginger Nuts of Horror, which you can read here.
See upcoming appearancesCatch me at various online events today, tomorrow and throughout the month.
Purchase the book online here!January 30, 2023
January news: author events, Weird West book reviews, a pre-sale and more
As January comes to a close, I am thrilled to share news that MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER hit the #1 best-selling rank on Amazon a week ahead of its release! Thank YOU to everyone who supported this weird western horror adventure! It really means the world.
Read more: January news: author events, Weird West book reviews, a pre-sale and more$.99 presaleThe Kindle pre-sale price of just .99 cents is still ongoing for another week or so! Make sure to snag a copy while it’s at this awesome price.
Order now!Reviews: Library Journal, Horror DNA, Ginger Nuts of Horror and moreThe reviews for MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER are pouring in! Some highlights:
“KC Grifant comes out guns blazing with MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER –a devious action-packed adventure set in a very weird version of the Old West. Fast, furious, and a hell of a lot of fun!“
-Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of SON OF THE POISON ROSE and RELENTLESS
“This fun, imaginative, and confident series opener will be a massive crowd pleaser for general audiences, especially for those who enjoy a wide range of popular weird western offerings.”
–Library Journal (full review)
“Melinda West is the hero I’ve been waiting for as long as I can remember. The world and characters are vivid and magical. This story is a delight.“
–Kate Jonez, Bram Stoker and Shirley Jackson Award-nominated author
You can peruse more reviews here or on Goodreads.
Upcoming Events
Facebook Launch Party! Join me, publisher Brigids Gate Press, and a panel of weird west authors as we celebrate the launch of MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER. RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/940560143776692 or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOmZLVmd3gA.I will be on NBC’s House of Mystery radio show, airing live in Los Angeles/ San Bernardo/ Palm Springs on KCAA 106.5 F.M./ 1050 A.M. or streaming at https://live.kcaastreaming.com/ Along with other authors, I will be reading an excerpt from MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER at Strange Worlds, Strong Women. Pre-register here: Pre-register: https://strongwomenstrangeworlds.weebly.com. See details and more upcoming events, as well as past events, here. How to Write a Short Story
I joined the excellent Hidden Gems podcast to discuss how to write–and publish–a short story. The discussion includes tips on how to create a strong plot and well-developed characters, the finances of short stories, and much more. You can listen here: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast/episode-54/.
To receive monthly email updates, sign up here and, as always, happy reading!December 31, 2022
2022 year-end summary
2022 was quite the ride for me, writing-wise! I had my first book deal and a bunch of other “firsts,” highlighted below. These types of year-end posts are helpful for authors to stay accountable and celebrate successes in a path paved with a billion rejections.
My biggest writing milestone this year was announcing my first book deal in May. The book will publish less than a year later: MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER will be available in February 2023 from Brigids Gate Press. This adult “Weird Western” adventure features gunslingers, diverse characters and a menagerie of nightmarish monsters, with Bonnie & Clyde + Witcher + Supernatural vibes. Author milestones including seeing the incredible cover by Carrion House; holding the physical ARC in my hand for the first time; and reading early reviews, which have been positive so far. I am so very grateful to Brigids Gate Press, the indie horror writing community, early readers and supporters, and many others for helping to bring this book to life.
I also published more short stories this year than I have any year prior. 13 of my short horror/sci-fi/weird west stories were published in anthologies, magazines and/or podcasts, and I’ve signed contracts for 5 more appearing next year, including an audio version of my gothic horror tribute to Anne Rice, “Unrest,” by the excellent Tales to Terrify podcast.
2022 stories include tales of a sentient circus, a mean-girls creature-feature, a fused dog-and-owner consciousness dealing with the apocalypse, and many more. I’m thankful to Rooster Republic Press, Sley House Publishing, Dark Matter Magazine, Cosmic Horror Monthly, the British Science Fiction Association, Dread Stone Press, Cohesion Press, 34 Orchard Magazine, and others for the opportunities.
“The U Train” appears in Tales of Sley House 2022.Of particular note this year was winning the Sley House Publishing podcast competition. Sley House Publishing presented its first-ever scripted audio drama, my weird horror short story, “U-Train.” The voice actors and production were phenomenal. There is nothing quite like hearing your story come to life by a talented team.
The year closed with a nice surprise: my horror poem about an obsessive botanist, “A Woman’s Weapon,” received a mention in the summation section in The Best Horror of the Year Vol 14 by Ellen Datlow. This is one of the premiere horror lists of the year, so even a mention in the summation list is a huge achievement.
I was also featured in several interviews and guest articles this year. My favorites include “5 Tips for Writing a Horror Weird Western” on the Horror Tree (named as one of the “5 Must-Read Horror Articles” in October by This is Horror) and an author interview with Authority Magazine, which you can read here. A final highlight of the year was leading a short story writing workshop for the In Your Write Mind conference at Seton Hill, one of my favorite genre-focused author virtual events.
In terms of actual writing, I wrote 8 new pieces, two of which were around 9,000 words each, and two of which were SFF poems, a form I hope to write more of. In the second half of the year I began the next book in the MELINDA WEST series.
I am so thankful for the means and opportunities to write and share my work. The indie horror writing group is one of the best communities out there, and I find it provides endless inspiration. And if you’re seeing this, thank YOU for reading and for your support!
Here’s to a kind and creative 2023. Hope you stay afloat, find stories you love, and create art if so inclined!
