K.C. Grifant's Blog, page 5
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!
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!
December 13, 2022
This is not a drill: sale and preorder alert!
I’m thrilled that my debut Weird West novel MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER is now available for preorder for Amazon Kindle! Not only that, but publisher Brigids Gate Press is having a holiday promotion where the book is ONLY 99 cents for a few more days. THANK YOU to everyone who has preordered so far, I really appreciate it!
The sale is over on December 20th, so now is a great time to snag a copy if you’re interested in a fast-paced, feminist fantasy-horror adventure.
If you’re more of a print book person like me, the physical version of MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER will be available on February 2, 2023. I’m still figuring out signed copy options but those details will be coming soon. Buy it now or learn more about the book below.
FOR A LIMITED TIME: ORDER AT THE SPECIAL HOLIDAY PRICE OF 99 CENTSEarly Praise for MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER“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
“This fast-paced debut is peppered with awesome battle scenes, but the novel is much more than the sum of its action parts. Grifant takes her time to build the world and its characters, imbuing all with a complexity that adds depth to this wildly entertaining story. Verdict: 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, from the more historical like Stoker’s Wilde West by Hopstaken and Prusi to those with cosmic elements such as The Last Storm by Lebbon.”
—Becky Spratford on Goodreads (Read for January 2023 issue of Library Journal; from draft review)
In an Old West overrun by monsters, a stoic gunslinger must embark on a dangerous quest to save her friends and stop a supernatural war.
Sharpshooter Melinda West, 29, has encountered more than her share of supernatural creatures after a monster infection killed her mother. Now, Melinda and her charismatic partner, Lance, offer their exterminating services to desperate towns, fighting everything from giant flying scorpions to psychic bugs. But when they accidentally release a demon, they must track a dangerous outlaw across treacherous lands and battle a menagerie of creatures—all before an army of soul-devouring monsters descend on Earth.
The Witcher meets Bonnie and Clyde in a re-imagined Old West full of diverse characters, desolate landscapes, and fast-paced adventure.
December 7, 2022
Cosmic horror story “The U Train” in Tales of Sley House 2022
My cosmic horror story, “The U Train,” appears in Tales of Sley House 2022, now available! This anthology features lots of unsettling and creepy horror stories divided into three themes.
In “The U Train,” four strangers find themselves on a subway platform, waiting on a train that shouldn’t exist. But as they try to find out why they’re there and how they might escape, they realize that when the train arrives, a fate worse than death might be waiting for them.
The story was also produced as an audio drama, which you can listen to for free at one of the links below.
Listen to “The U Train” for free: Apple podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kc-grifants-u-train/id1580649232?i=1000570001918iHeart – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sley-house-publishing-pres-85758270/episode/kc-grifants-u-train-99450379/Podcast App – https://podcast.app/kc-grifants-u-train-e315014645/Or find the episode (36 mins) wherever you listen to podcasts! (Search for “Sley House LitBits.”)Excerpt of “The U Train” in Tales of Sley House:
Read more in Tales of Sley House 2022, which you can order from the publisher or your favorite retailer.
December 1, 2022
Upcoming horror stories and more December news
Happy December! I hope you had a fulfilling Thanksgiving and are gearing up for a fun and restful holiday season. If you’re stumped on gift ideas, I’ve included some tips on horror and book gift suggestions below.
In personal news, I am beyond thrilled that my poem “A Woman’s Weapon” (published in HWA’s Poetry Showcase Volume VIII) made the recommendations list for the upcoming volume of Ellen Datlow’s esteemed Best Horror of the Year! You can peruse the full list here.
Book news
Early reviews from advanced readers on MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER are starting to post on Goodreads and I’m delighted to see people enjoying this Weird West epic adventure.
If you haven’t already, you can add MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER to your Goodreads list. Preorders will be available later this month.
Digital versions of Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) are available for reviewers and early readers! If you’re interested, please message me.
Book and horror shopping guide tipsIf you need some shopping inspiration, check out the excellent Horror for the Holidays shopping guide from author Sara Tantlinger.
Also I highly recommend Bookshop for great gift ideas for supporting independent bookstores. Better yet, browse your nearby indie bookstore!
Lastly, check out the social media pages of your favorite indie authors. Chances are that they (or their publishers) are having sales this month.
Upcoming short stories
I am thrilled to have another story appear in an upcoming Tales to Terrify episode. “Unrest,” a gothic horror tale about a cemetery taking revenge on a monster, first debuted in the anthology DANCING IN THE SHADOWS: A TRIBUTE TO ANNE RICE.
You can listen to my first Tales to Terrify cosmic scifi horror story, “The Peerlings,” here for free.
I also have a new Weird West short story debuting in ALONG HARROWED TRAILS from Timber Ghost Press forthcoming in 2023.
Recent stories out nowFREE to read: “All Aboard” in Orchard 34 (HORROR)“The Fall of Denfanas Manor” in WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE (WEIRD WEST)To receive monthly email updates directly into your inbox, sign up here and, as always, happy reading!November 23, 2022
Recent guest articles – Horror Tree, Authority Magazine and more
The fall is always a busy and fun time for horror writers. I wanted to share some of the guest interviews and articles I was honored to recently be part of.
→KC Grifant On The 5 Things You Need to Know to Become a Great Author
In this interview with Authority Magazine on Medium.com, I share my path to writing, thoughts on the Weird West genre and writing tips.
→What Scares Horror Authors: Interview with Reader’s Entertainment Magazine
This was a fun, short interview with Reader’s Entertainment Magazine on “what scares horror authors.”
→Guest Post at The Horror Tree
My article, “5 Tips to Writing a Horror Weird Western,” was featured on the Horror Tree. It was also highlighted as one of the “5 Must-Read Horror Articles” in October by This is Horror.
Visit this page for a full list of interviews/guest articles.
