K.C. Grifant's Blog, page 6
November 15, 2022
Near-future horror story, “All Aboard,” in 34 Orchard Magazine
I’m honored that my horror pandemic story, “All Aboard,” debuts in 34 Orchard Magazine issue #6, a publication described as “a literary journal that takes you dark places.”
In “All Aboard,” a new pandemic forces those people to carry out their quarantine at sea, where strangers are less than charitable. You can download the entire issue as a pdf for free at https://34orchard.com/issues/issue-6/.
https://34orchard.com/issues/issue-6/34 Orchard MagazineDescription from the editor: A shocking occurrence unmasks a professor and a ne’er-do-well covers up the truth. A machine exposes the past and lies linger between a dinner’s courses. A bijou boogeyman unleashes a daughter’s rage while ordinary colors and unusual mattresses strip away the pretense of composure. In Issue 6, seventeen artists brood on the secrets we keep, and what happens when they are exposed.
Table of Contents:
Cover Art: Ophelia’s Last Secret – Robert Cedergren
Shrike Song – Zachary Kellian
The Beginning of You – Samantha Bryant
The Gritter – Kurt Newton
The Baron of the Rails – Douglas Ford
The Dusk of Day-shapes – David H. West
And Satyrs Shall Dance There – John Berbrich
The Yakshi Next Door – Hareendran Kallinkeel
Head – Mark Steensland
Memory Foam – Rowan Hill
Her Color – Grace Rolen
Step on a Crack – Jake Jerome
Birthday Dinner, May 28. – Jennifer Judge
All Aboard – KC Grifant
Young People in Love – Sam Lesek
Ugly Cinderella – Molly Greer
Insert Name Here – J. Paul Ross
Get your copy at 34orchard.com today!
Read more in issue #6.
November 14, 2022
Short Story 2022 Roundup and Awards Eligibility
I’m honored to have 12 new horror, scifi and/or weird west short stories published this year. These are eligible for award nominations, and several of them are free to read. Complimentary copies (PDF) of the others are available upon request. Hope you enjoy!
Horror
“The Color of Friendship”
-Published in Chromophobia: A Strangehouse Anthology by Women in Horror from Rooster Republic Press
-Description: A mean-girls, creature feature about a lake house trip gone sideways, this story is described by the editor as having “major CREEPSHOW vibes.”
-Words: 3,400
–Winner of the Sley House podcast competition and published in Tales of Sley House 2022
-Description: Four strangers find themselves on a New York subway platform, forced to face their pasts as they wait on a train that shouldn’t exist.
-Words: 5,300
-Note: “The U Train” is available as a free dramatic audio recording here: https://podcast.app/kc-grifants-u-train-e315014645/
-Published in Dancing in the Shadows: A Tribute to Anne Rice and forthcoming in a future episode of Tales to Terrify
-Description: An unnatural force at the local cemetery seeks to avenge an act of murderous violence.
-Words: 2,400
-Published in 34 Orchard magazine, issue #6
-Description: A new pandemic forces those exposed to carry out their quarantine at sea, where strangers are less than charitable.
-Words: 1,200
-Note: “All Aboard” is available to read for free at the magazine’s website (pdf): https://34orchard.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/34-orchard-issue-6-autumn-2022.pdf
-Published in Dose of Dread
-Description: Death takes on a mission to deal with the latest apocalypse even as he yearns for something more.
-Words: 1,000
–Note: “Death Felt Fine” is available to read for free at the Dose of Dread website: https://dreadstonepress.com/2022/08/19/death-felt-fine/
-Published in Brigids Gate Press’ Musings of the Muse anthology
-Description: A girl is forced to make an impossible choice in an ancient, snake-centric ritual.
-Words: 1,000
-Published in Cosmic Horror Monthly
-Description: A city courier crosses the wrong cult with unfortunate consequences.
-Words: 1,200
-Published in Typehouse Literary Magazine
-Description: After a sentient circus turns Evelyn into the Circus King, she must find a way to escape the psychic hold of the entity that rules the show.
-Words:2,900
–Note: available to read for free at the magazine’s website (pdf): https://typehousemagazine.com/th/content/TypehouseIssue24Jan2022.pdf
“Odd Colleagues“
-Published in Dark Matter Magazine #10
-Description: An insecure scientist has an unexpected encounter with a new life form.
-Words: 1,400
-Published in the British Science Fiction Association (BSFA)’s Fission Magazine
-Description: A fused owner-and-pet consciousness trying to survive the apocalypse must carry out their grim mission to usher in the end of the world.
-Words: 1,700
“The Fall of Denafas Manor“
-Published in Cohesion Press‘ SNAFU: Dead or Alive anthology
-Description: Monster-hunting gunslingers Melinda and Lance rescue a kidnapped victim from a relentless supernatural family with a deadly secret.
-Words: 3,800
November 6, 2022
Weird West action story out in SNAFU: DEAD OR ALIVE anthology
My Weird West monster action story, “The Fall of Denafas Manor,” debuts in this epic Western horror anthology from Cohesion Press. Edited by Amanda J Spedding and Geoff Brown, SNAFU: DEAD OR ALIVE is the latest addition to the SNAFU anthologies, some of which were adapted for the Netflix series LOVE, DEATH + ROBOTS.
“The Fall of Denfanas Manor” is an original story featuring gunslingers Melinda and Lance as they rescue a kidnapped victim from a relentless supernatural family. You can read an excerpt below.
As a side note: Melinda and Lance have their own novel-length adventure forthcoming in MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER (Feb 2023, Brigids Gate Press).
Description from the publisher:The West has always been the wild borderlands of civilization. The new frontier, where laws often fall far by the wayside.
Where the unknown ranges through the desert, and myth is shown as reality in the dense wooded areas and the plains.
Enter the gunslinger, the soldier, the bounty hunter, all out to make their name or their fortune while marching to the beat of their own drum.
Follow the stories of the hunter and the hunted, action all the way, as 18 writers unleash their own twisted versions of what can happen when humans enter the realm of legends and monsters, armed with whatever weapons they bring to the battle.
Welcome to SNAFU: Dead or Alive. Welcome to Western Hell.
Read more in
SNAFU: DEAD OR ALIVE (
Amazon)
October 15, 2022
October News – upcoming stories and book updates
It’s October, the best month! When when the “Halloween People” come out to play and when the pumpkin spice flows freely. I hope you’re finding fun and spooky ways to celebrate.
Read on for book updates, my first reading of the season and a new article on Weird West writing tips. As always, I hope your bookshelves have been full and your reading time uninterrupted!
New article! 5 Tips For Writing a Horror Weird Western
My article, “5 Tips for Writing a Horror Weird Western,” is now live on The Horror Tree! You can read it here: https://horrortree.com/5-tips-for-writing-a-horror-weird-western/.
There’s no doubt about it: there has been a recent surge in historical horror fiction, especially in the “Weird West” category. Maybe you’ve read a recent anthology featuring horror tales that take place in the Old West or come across “splatter westerns.” Whatever the case, the Weird West genre is making a comeback. Read on for more about this fascinating genre as well as tips for writing your own weird western.
Read more at the Horror Tree
Book Update: MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGERCover revealIn case you missed it, the cover reveal for MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER came out a few weeks ago! I have been a huge fan of UK-based Carrion House, so I was thrilled he was able to do the cover (check out more of his amazing artwork here). Luke perfectly captured the vibe and style I was hoping for. The book will be coming out from Brigids Gate Press in Feb 2023. You can stay updated on the preorder date by signing up for newsletter alerts.
ARCs availableDigital versions of Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) are now available for professional reviewers! If you qualify and would like a pdf, please message me here or learn more about the book here.
Sneak peek readingI also had the honor of participating in a “sneak peek” reading of MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER with several other authors from this publisher at the Buzz Books Expo 2022. Buzz Book Expo is a free live virtual event that focuses on upcoming horror books. You can watching the entire Expo video here for free: https://youtu.be/HL24dMRM3R0. The Brigids Gate Press section starts right before the third hour (~2:58).
Upcoming Story Releases“All Aboard” in Orchard 34 – Fall (horror)“The Fall of Denfanas Manor” in WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE – Fall 2022 (weird west)SOON TO BE ANNOUNCED! New Weird West story, 2023SOON TO BE ANNOUNCED! Holiday horror story, anthology date TBDFree Reads
Here’s a recap of recent free short horror story reads:
“U Train” (weird cosmic horror) – Sleyhouse Publishing Podcast https://podcast.app/kc-grifants-u-train-e315014645/“Death Felt Fine” (fantasy horror) – Dose of Dread https://dreadstonepress.com/2022/08/19/death-felt-fine/NEW! “Odd Colleagues” (scifi horror) – Available for a limited time for a free read on Dark Matter Magazine https://darkmattermagazine.shop/pages/dark-matter-jukeboxTo receive monthly email updates, sign up here and, as always, happy reading!September 23, 2022
Introducing the cover for MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER
I’m beyond excited to reveal the cover of MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER, coming in February 2023 from Brigids Gate Press. I have always been a fan of UK-based Carrion House’s artwork, so I was thrilled to see how Luke would interpret the vibe and story (check out more of his amazing artwork here). Aside from the compelling, creepy imagery, the intriguing font also immediately drew me in. Needless to say, I couldn’t have imagined a better cover for this story!
Sign up to be notified of preorders and other updates!MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER is an adult monster fantasy adventure set in an alternative Old West featuring gunslingers, diverse characters and a menagerie of nightmarish critters, with Bonnie & Clyde + Witcher + Supernatural vibes. Aside from creating a fun horror fantasy adventure, I aimed to reframe some of the typical depictions of the Old West and build a world where women and diverse characters take center stage.
When monsters roam the Old West, there is one gunslinging couple who can tilt the odds in favor of humanity. Stoic sharpshooter Melinda and her easygoing partner Lance are pros at fighting everything from giant flying scorpions to psychic bugs. But when they accidentally release a demon that steals souls, they find themselves caught in a supernatural war. Melinda and Lance must battle a menagerie of monsters and hunt a notorious outlaw to save their friends and stop hell on Earth.
If you’re intrigued, sign up here for updates. Pre-orders will around the end of December.
September 15, 2022
September news – recent short stories, book update, and more
Happy September! I hope the pumpkin spice is flowing freely and apple picking is plentiful. Read on for recent updates!
Spotted on the interwebs
Art by Joe KeinbergerFirst off, I have to share this amazing artwork by Massachusetts artist Joe Keinberger. It perfectly captures Fall vibes. You can see more of his work on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/joekeinberger_art/) or his Etsy shop (https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoekeinbergerArt).
New story out: “Old Habits”
My Weird Western story, “Old Habits,” is available in Queer Weird West Tales (QWRT)! Edited by Julie Bozza, the anthology is a diverse collection of international Weird West adventures. Learn more or order here: https://juliebozza.com/book/queer-weird-west-tales/.
Reminder: FREE story, “Death Felt Fine,” available!
In the mood for a short, unsettling September read? My short story “Death Felt Fine” is in the Dose of Dread series on Dread Stone Press. In it, Death is trying to enjoy his day but has to deal with another apocalypse. You can read it for free here: https://dreadstonepress.com/dose-of-dread/.
Book update: MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER
Things are moving fast! The cover is set (I cannot WAIT to share it) and we are going over final proofs now. Looking forward to getting this out in the world!
Book summary: MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER is a feminist Weird Western horror adventure about a stoic sharpshooter, Melinda, and her easygoing partner, Lance, debuting in February from Brigids Gate Press. Read about the book concept here.
Out now “Old Habits” in Queer Weird West Tales “Death Felt Fine” in Dose of Dread “Cynscout” in the British Science Fiction Association’s Fission issue #2“The Color of Friendship” in CHROMOPHOBIA: A Strangehouse Anthology by Women in Horror “Odd Colleagues” in Dark Matter Magazine issue 010“U Train” audio production in Sley House Publishing (Listen for FREE!)Other upcoming releases“All Aboard” in Orchard 34 (HORROR)“The Fall of Denafas Manor” in SNAFU: Dead or Alive (WEIRD WESTERN)To receive monthly email updates, sign up here and, as always, thank you for reading!August 31, 2022
Weird West novelette “Old Habits” now available
My Weird Western story, “Old Habits,” is now available in Queer Weird West Tales (QWWT)! Edited by Julie Bozza, the anthology is a diverse collection of international Weird West adventures.
“Old Habits” descriptionTo save her girlfriend from a monster’s infectious venom, Topaz must confront her tumultuous past and ask the last person in the world she wants to see for help—her ex.
Topaz is a side character in my upcoming novel MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER. She was so dynamic and intriguing, she practically demanded a spotlight in her own story. This tale focuses on Topaz’s adventures after the novel, expanding on her newfound love as she faces a reckoning with her past.
Anthology description from the publisherFrontiers have always attracted the Other – where they find that the Other is always already there. These 22 stories explore what happens when queer characters encounter weirdness on the edge of the worlds they know.
Authors include: Julie Bozza, J.A. Bryson, Dannye Chase, S.E. Denton, Miguel Flores, Adele Gardner, Roy Gray, KC Grifant, Peter Hackney, Bryn Hammond, Narrelle M Harris, Justin Warren Jackson, Toshiya Kamei, Catherine Lundoff, Bunny McFadden, Angus McIntyre, Atlin Merrick, Eleanor Musgrove, Jennifer Lee Rossman, Lauren Scharhag, Sara L. Uckelman, and Dawn Vogel.
Early reviews
A bunch of well-constructed stories that deconstruct – and re-construct – the Western! Hugely enjoyable.
Read the full review by Bryn Hammond on Goodreads
Learn More
Bound to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Read the full review by Matt Womble of Liverpool on Runalong The Shelves
Read excerpts: https://juliebozza.com/book/queer-weird-west-tales/.
Read the Weird West Author Spotlight with editor Julie Bozza.
https://weirdwestfiction.com/2022/05/06/weird-west-author-spotlight-julie-bozza/Purchase
August 21, 2022
Free short story, “Death Felt Fine,” in DOSE OF DREAD
My short fantasy flash story “Death Felt Fine” is available to read for free over at Dread Stone Press‘s Dose of Dread series. At 1000 words, it’s a quick tale, and follows Death’s mission to deal with the latest apocalypse even as he yearns for something more.
I love reading various interpretations of the Grim Reaper and Death. Probably one of my favorite depictions is from the Sandman series. In this tale, I pictured Death as a somewhat moody, nostalgic figure stuck in an eternal task along with his fated brothers and sisters.
Here’s a brief excerpt:
Hope you enjoy! For more of Dread Stone Press offerings, my short eco-horror story, “From Sea to Shining Sea,” appears in FIELD NOTES FROM A NIGHTMARE.
August 17, 2022
August news – recent short stories, book update, and more
With the end of summer comes a rush of news. Here’s a few updates!
FREE story, “Death Felt Fine,” forthcoming on Friday!
My dark fantasy short story “Death Felt Fine” will appear in the Dose of Dread series on Dread Stone Press this Friday! In it, Death is trying to enjoy his day but has to deal with another apocalypse. You will be able to read it for free here on Friday: https://dreadstonepress.com/dose-of-dread/.
OUT NOW
“Cynscout” in the British Science Fiction Association’s Fission issue #2 (SCIFI)“The Color of Friendship” in CHROMOPHOBIA: A Strangehouse Anthology by Women in Horror (HORROR)“Odd Colleagues” in Dark Matter Magazine issue 010“U Train” audio production in Sley House Publishing (Listen for FREE!)
Book Update: MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGERThis last month has been busy – I completed a first round of edits on the book and saw the preview for the cover. It is AMAZING! I can’t wait to share it with you, hopefully around November. The artist perfectly captured the vibe and style I was hoping for.
Book summary: MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER is a feminist Weird Western horror adventure about a stoic sharpshooter, Melinda, and her easygoing partner, Lance, debuting in February from Brigids Gate Press. Read about the book concept here.
Upcoming Releases
“Old Habits” in Queer Weird West Tales – August 31 (WEIRD WESTERN)“Death Felt Fine” in Dose of Dread – August 19“All Aboard” in Orchard 34 (HORROR)“The Fall of Denafas Manor” in SNAFU: Dead or Alive (WEIRD WESTERN)To receive monthly email updates, sign up here and, as always, thank you for reading!
August 10, 2022
CHROMOPHOBIA: Color-themed horror anthology now available in paperback
“…stories featuring delicious twists, eerie creatures, and visceral imagery.”
“…stories that deliver shocks and ghastly plot turns.”
“Extraordinary tales of terror that are as grim as they are delightful.”
Read the full review at Kirkus Reviews
The horror color-themed CHROMOPHOBIA anthology from Rooster Republic Press is now available for paperback order and early reviews are glowing! Edited by Stoker Award-winning author and poet, Sara Tantlinger, the anthology features dozens of spooky and disturbing tales by renowned and up-and-coming women writers.
The anthology includes my mean-girls, creature feature story “The Color of Friendship.”
Reactions to “The Color of Friendship”[This story has] major CREEPSHOW vibes, the kind of story that ought to be introduced by the Cryptkeeper…Grifant’s gnarly ode to fractured friendship is the first story to feel as though it could’ve been ripped out of the pages of an old EC horror comic.”
Editors
KC Grifant’s “The Color of Friendship” conjures impressive atmosphere as a woman continually looks for whatever is swimming in a nearby lake during her friends’ weekend getaway.
Kirkus Reviews
Read an excerpt from “The Color of Friendship” here: https://roosterrepublicpress.com/chromophobias-15th-entry-is-a-full-blown-creature-feature/.
The TOC and excerpts to the other stories are below:
“Hei Xian (The Black Thread)” by Frances Lu-Pai Ippolito
“Eat Your Colors” by Sonora Taylor
“Toxic Shock” by Chelsea Pumpkins
“Red Light/Green Light” by EV Knight
“Golden Hour” by Kathryn E. McGee
“The Dyer and the Dressmakers” by Bindia Persaud
“The Copper Lady” by Jaye Wells
“Gray Rock Method” by Lauren C. Teffeau
