Splatterpunk Awards

 The Splatterpunk Awards have been nominated and guess what? For the first time I have a book up for an award.

Chew On This!, the anthology I edited for Blood Bound Books, has been nominated for a Splatterpunk Award. To say I'm over the moon about this is an understatement. I've been published since 2008 (2007?), and I've never been up for an award. I'm genuinely thrilled for this.

Chew On This! is a project neither myself nor Blood Bound Books has taken lightly. We worked hard on this project and churned out something that I hope more readers get their hands on so we can create even more momentum. Even if the book doesn't take the award at KillerCon later this year, it's a honor to have been acknowledged.

You can get a list of all the nominations HERE.

Grab a copy of Chew On This! HERE!

Chew on This! OUT NOW!

 

 

Chew on This! has everything you need to satiate your appetite for the strange and macabre. 

Tonight’s menu is a fifteen-course meal of subtle and atmospheric tales all the way down to the grisly, blood-drenched extremes.

Creepy restaurants, treacherous take-out, forbidden feasts, and more!

We’ve got horror so good you can taste it!

Dig in!

Featuring: Kristopher Triana – K. Trap Jones – Nikki Noir - Mark C. Scioneaux – Vivian Kasley – Chad Stroup – John McNee – Victorya Chase – Armand Rosamilia – Sarah Johnson and Robert Bose – S.C. Mendes -– Shenoa Carroll-Bradd – Sylvia Anne Telfer – Tonia Brown – Ronald Kelly – Chad Lutzke

 

Purchase HERE in the US, and HERE in the UK. Available worldwide through Amazon.

Shallow Graves

Out now form Death's Head Press: SHALLOW GRAVES by Robert Essig and Jack Bantry

"Shallow Graves isn’t afraid to go where most horror stories dare not tread. It may be a little short for some readers, and a bit too disturbing for others. However, this isn’t a collection that should be forgotten about." --Cultured Vultures (read full review HERE)

"Fans of Robert Essig and/or Jack Bantry do not want to miss this eclectic collection. Extreme Horror fans who have not had the pleasure of reading these authors also do not want to miss this." --Bibliophilia Templum (read full review HERE)

"If you’re a fan of in your face, brutal horror, this is a collection for you." -- Steel Rain Book Reviews (read full review HERE)


Keep an eye out for some behind the scenes info on how each of these stories came to be, which will be posted sometime soon at SplatterpunkZine.


You can find Shallow Graves in the US here, the UK here, Canada here, and whichever Amazon platform you use to find kick ass books.

Double Barrel Vol. 3 COMING SOON!

The cover for the third installment of the Pint Bottle Press Double Barrel series has been released. There is a fantastic round of authors in this one, including myself. Just look at that cover art!

Double Barrel means double the stories. My contributions to this fine anthology of horror are called "From Unclean Spells" and "Fuel For the King of Death". I won't give anything away, but one story could be classified as a creature feature, and the other is set in the world of my novel Death Obsessed.

Coming soon!

New Anthology: Simple Things

I have a short story out in the brand spanking new anthology Simple Things from Lycan Valley Press.

Simple Things is a consignment shop unlike any other. Inside you’ll find home furnishings, housewares, fashion accessories, toys, books and a number of one of a kind items. But be forewarned; all of our things have a dark and sinister side. Some cut, some bite, some steal your chance for a restful night. With stories from Ross Baxter, Martin Reaves, Gregory L Norris, Jacki Wildman Wales, Paul D Marks, Roy C Booth & Axel Kohagen, Catrin Sian Rutland, K Trap Jones, Jo-Anne Russell, David Tocher, Frank Martin, Lori Safranek, Billie Sue Mosiman, Nicholas Paschall, Terry M West, Joseph M Monks, Sherri Sabastian-Gabriel, Robert Essig, Ken MacGregor, Roy Bishop, Robert Teun, Laura J Hickman, E F Schraeder, Anthony Servante, and V Franklin

 My offering is called "The Beauty Mark". Take one part Marylin Monroe, two parts Halloween, a jigger of evil, and you've got yourself a creepy horror/mystery mash-up.

The book can be purchased HERE.

"High Fashion" Horror

SplatterpunkZine is an old school little DIY zine, a throwback to the punk rock and horror fiction zines of the 80s and 90s. Founded by Jack Bantry several years ago, SplatterpunkZine has rolled out seven issues with fiction by a number of well known modern horror fiction authors such as J F Gonzalez, Ryan C. Thomas, Shane McKenzie, Jeff Strand, Tim Curran and many more. I have been fortunate to have written a story with Jack that was published in issue #4, and been reviewing books for both the zine and website for a few years now.

What's the next step? A collection of short fiction by some of the Splatterpunk roster as well as some new blood. Oh, by the way, Bantry has a message for you:  SPLATTERPUNK'S NOT DEAD!

I was asked to contribute a story and, of course, I couldn't resist. My offering, "High Fashion," is about a washed up young fashion designer, Jordan, whose boss is desperate to see his designs on the runway again, but tired of dealing with someone who seems to have lost his mojo. When push comes to shove, how far is Jordan willing to go to recapture the magic that put his fashions on magazine covers and red carpets?

This was kind of a strange story for me to write. I'm not into fashion whatsoever. Not even the slightest bit, but I recall some show my wife used to watch that had to do with the fashion industry. I remember thinking it was strange how the designer looked so washed up and drab, even though she was some kind of fashion guru. That always stuck with me, that someone would be so dedicated toward their passion for fashion that they would completely let themselves go (or so it appeared that way--she was probably just comfortable).

The final scene burned in my mind, and though I know very little about the fashion industry, I did a little bit of research to create a cohesive story to lead the reader on a gruesome road to that lingering image. I hope you enjoy it.

Get your copy HERE! You won't be disappointed!

Review of Lost Signals

My review of the brand spankin' new anthology Lost Signals (Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing) is up now at SplatterpunkZine. Was it good? Was it bad? Did it leave any lasting impression? Follow the link to find out! Read the review HERE.

Buy the book HERE...no really, get your ass over to amazon and purchase this bad boy.

TOC for Widowmakers, the James Newman Benefit Anthology

Take a look at those names! I'm in great company here, and I couldn't be more excited to help out by donating a story. If all of these authors promote the book when it is released (August, I believe), then I think we can sell enough copies to help with what I imagine is a daunting pile of hospital bills that James and his family are dealing with .

Here is a blog post from Brian Keene that explains what happened to James better than I could do here.

The title of the anthology is Widowmakers, which is a term used in forestry for a large limb broken and hanging or falling from a tree. Yes, it's a morbid title, but we are horror authors, so it's only fitting.

I will post more information once the book is released. It's going to be huge.

1. Blake Burkhead – “Widowmaker” (poem)
2. Bracken MacLeod – “In the Bones”
3. Brandon Ford – “A Walk in the Park”
4. Brett Williams – “Moonshine”
5. Brian Hodge – “Our Lady of Sloth and Scarlet Ivy”
6. Brian Keene – “The Ghosts of Monsters”
7. Charles R R...utledge– “The Beautiful Lady Without Pity: A Carnacki the Ghost-Finder Adventure”
8. Donn Gash – “Medicine Man”
9. Ed Kurtz– “Angel and Grace”
10. Elizabeth Massie – “Fear of Fish”
11. Evans Light – “Arboreatum” (novella)
12. Gary A. Braunbeck – “Iphigenia”
13. Gary Fry – “The Lurker”
14. Glen Krisch – “Gram Knows”
15. J.F. Gonzalez – “Home”
16. Jack Bantry – “Vegetarians Don’t Bite”
17. James A. Moore – “Dead Gods – Book One” (novella)
18. Jeff Strand – “Death to Trees!”
19. Jenny Orosel – “Peggy Sang the Blues”
20. John Palisano – “Splinterette”
21. Kit Power – “Baptism”
22. Mark Allan Gunnells – Santa’s Little Spy”
23. Mary Genevieve Fortier – “Beyond this Tangled, Loathsome Wood” (poem)
24. Maurice Broaddus – “Collateral Casualties”
25. Mercedes Murdock Yardley – “She Called Him Sky”
26. Michelle Garza & Melissa Lason – “A Church in the Middle of Nowhere”
27. Mir Plemmons – “Deafening Silence”
28. Norman Prentiss – “Burls”
29. Patrick Lacey – “The Lynnwood Vampires”
30. Paul Anderson – “Grownups”
31. Pete Kahle – “Meeting Momma”
32. Peter Giglio – “Cages”
33. Ray Garton – “The Guy Down the Street” (novelette)
34. Robert Essig – “Molting”
35. Ronald Kelly – “Impressions in Oak”
36. Rose Blackthorn – “Contemplating Corners” (poem)
37. Shane McKenzie – “Don’t You Want to Play with Us?”
38. Shawna L. Bernard – “Late Lunch at The Eddie Bear”
39. Sheri White – “Things Happen Here After Dark”
40. TG Arsenault – God Be Damned”
41. Tim Marquitz – “Sperare Victor”
42. Tim Waggoner – “Conversations Kill”
43. Todd Kiesling – “When Karen Met Her Mountain” (novelette)
44. Tom Martin – “The Kid in the Werewolf Mask”
45. Tracy L Carbone – “Hazel’s Twin”
46. Usman Tanveer Malik – “Hearts in Reverse”

A Review of Jamais Vu, Issue 1

For those of you who don't already know, Jamais Vu is the latest relevant horror magazine on the block from the fine folks at Post Mortem Press, publisher of my second novel People of the Ethereal Realm. I was excited when I heard that Post Mortem were going to publish a magazine featuring horror fiction. When I heard that Paul Anderson was assigned as editor-in-chief, I knew the magazine was in good hands.

Jamais Vu is everything I expected and more. Within the beautiful covers are 85 pages of book and movie reviews, articles, poetry, and, of course, horror fiction. In the mix are interesting factoids about random subjects such as fungus infected ants to strange Swiss statues to a pair of horror themed comic strips. This magazine has an eclectic mix that keeps you turning the pages, but, for me, the meat is in the horror fiction. Of the seven stories there was only one that I didn't like, and it had nothing to do with the quality of the writing, but more that it wasn't my taste. Those are the kind of odds that have made an instant fan out of me.

The first story, "Photo Captions" by Gary A. Braunbeck, sets the tone of magazine as far as the fiction is concerned. A stunningly real and depressing portrait of how low life can sink, this one will grab your heart and squeeze. It's like a behind-the-scenes look at so many unfortunate news stories, but I won't tell you which stories, because that's a part of the shock ending.

Michael Kelly's "Bait" is beautifully written, and though I had a good idea where this story was going, it was one of my favorites. From the title you can guess that it's a story revolving around fishing, but there's so much more. Sometimes the darkest secrets are oh so close.

I would call Jessica McHugh's "Another Pleasant Valley Sunday" a mix of Ira Levin's Stepford Wives meets "It's a Good Life" by Jerome Bixby, and I'm cool with that. This one is surreal, and, like "It's a Good Life", this story would have made for a great episode of The Twilight Zone...well, and R-rated episode.

"Video Nasties" by Max Booth III is perhaps the most aggressive of the seven stories that, like the issue opener, takes on a serious societal issue. Following the story are two essays that straddle two sides of the issue of media's influence on violence in society.

When I finished Cameron Suey's "Shiva" I stared off into space for a moment and thought deeply about what lies in wait after death. This story is as touching as it is powerful. One of my favorites of the bunch.

"The Hydra Wife" by Sandra M. Odell was the one I didn't connect with. Well written, this story just didn't hit my jive, though I imagine the bizarre surrealism will have found the tale placed on the top of many a reader's favorites list.

Finally, the issue closes with what may have been my favorite tale, "Another Friendly Day in the Antique Trade" by Adam-Troy Castro. This one brought me back to what I found so enthralling about Stephen King's early short fiction. The opening sentence says it all. Yes folks, there's a mouth in the sidewalk and it ate Otis Hinkman. That may sound preposterous, but I guarantee you'll read this one with zeal and savor every last morsel.

Jamais Vu has what it takes to stick around for a long time and I'm certain the readership will grow with every issue. I'm hooked. Already looking forward to issue 2, which promises a new story by none other than Jack Ketchum.

You can purchase Jamais Ju from amazon, Post Mortem Press, and all major on-line retailers.

In an attempt to secure new fiction from well-known authors, there has been a kickstarter campaign that you can find HERE if you are interested in further supporting Post Mortem Press and their amazing endeavor with Jamais Vu. Whether you choose to kick down a few bucks or not, you certainly must give this magazine a read. You will not regret it.

"Cramped" - Free Short Story

If you weren't aware, there's a place on the Grand Mal Press website that features free short fiction from some of the GMP authors. The purpose for this is pretty simple: read a short story, get the gist for a writers style, and then buy their book if you feel so inclined. Of course, you could always use the feature on amazon that allows you to read the first several pages, but why not read an entire short story? Did I mention that it's free? Yep. My short story "Cramped" has recently been added and I think you, yes you, will like it. I would also suggest reading the other stories available.

If you're still not sure whether to go from my short piece right on over to Amazon to buy my Grand Mal release, Through the In Between, Hell Awaits, then  I suggest you use Amazon's preview feature and read the first paragraph. It's a hell of a hooker if I say so myself (easily my favorite opening of anything I've written).

Fear the Abyss

Fear the Abyss is the latest anthology from Post Mortem Press in which the stories blend science fiction with horror. I wrote a story specifically for this anthology called "The Nostalgiac". I have had an idea for a story about and intergalactic moving company that transports relics from a defunct Earth to people now living in the universe. I'd tried to write the story once but it was utter shit. When I was invited to submit to this anthology I knew it was time to revisit that idea. I changed it drastically and wrote the first draft over the period of a few days. After rewrites and some editorial suggestions, I am very pleased with how the story turned out.

Below is the table of contents. I'm honored to share the pages with such talented authors.

• "Cutting the Cord" – Joseph Williams
• "Extraction" – Jessica McHugh
• "Amid the Walking Wounded" – Jack Ketchum
• "A Box of Candy" – Nelson W. Pyles
• "That Which Does Not Kill You" – Matt Moore
• "Human Caverns" – Lawrence C. Connolly
• "The American" – S.C. Hayden
• "What's Left Behind" – C. Bryan Brown
• "Always Something There To Remind Me" - Gary Braunbeck
• "Neptune Dreams" – Rose Blackthorn
• "Broken Promises" – Jamie Lackey
• "The Great Ocean of Truth" – Tim Waggoner
• “Graphic Violence Equalizer" – Michael Arnzen
• "Parasite" – Kenneth W. Cain
• "If Thine Eye Offend Thee" – Thomas Malafarina
• "Seeing" – Harlan Ellison®
• "A Nice Town With Very Clean Streets" – Paul Anderson
• "The Nostalgiac" – Robert Essig
• "Life After Dead" – Jeyn Roberts
• "Andrew and the Better Mouse Trap" – KT Jayne
• "They Still Sing Beautifully" – Brad Carter
• "What We Found" – Andrew Nienaber

Fear the Abyss is slated for a late November release. I will post details when it is available.

Cheers!

DOA II Cover

Well, Blood Bound Books did it again.  Here is the cover for their forthcoming anthology of extreme splatterpunk style horror entitled DOA II. The cover was done by none other that Andrej Bartulovic. He has done several BBB covers such as Scarecrow and the Madness, as well as album covers and much more. He isn't called the Maggot Master for nothing.

Look at the names on that toe tag! I couldn't be more pleased to have a story accepted into this anthology, not only because I'll be sharing the pages with such talent (the toe tag names and so many others who I've heard were accepted into the book), but also because I had a story in the first volume and I just love working with Blood Bound Books. They are good people.

My offering to this sadistic collection of extreme horror is called "Dr. Scabs and the Hags of El Cajon". I only hope the story holds up to the title, and I think it does--it's a nasty one! As soon as a full table of contents is revealed I will post it here.

Cheers!

Smashing Review for Darker Minds

While haunting the Shocklines board today I noticed a thread for the Darker Minds anthology. Having a story in this fine anthology, I had to take a look. I discovered that there has been a review on the Ginger Nuts of Horror blog...and it's a damn fine review at that.

Each story was reviewed individually. Like any self-respecting author I scrolled down to read the comments about my story "Tale of the Abnormal Beauty Queen". The reviewer called it "brilliant". Nuff said.  Here's the link: Darker Minds Review. Check it out and read the reviews for all of the stories. There were only a few that the reviewer didn't care for, which is to be expected with any anthology.

My contributor copy arrived in the mail a week ago and it is a thing of beauty. Excellent cover art and a wonderfully composed interior. I'll be digging into it in the near future.

Cheers!

Alienology: Tales From the Void

Out now from Library of Horror Press: Alienology: Tales From the Void.

What lies in wait amongst the gleaming stars? In Alienology you'll explore the corners of an endless universe through twenty-eight tales of alien horror, written by new and established authors from around the globe. You'll come face to face with creatures from beyond, battle to protect Earth against beings bent on destroying humanity, learn too late of the plot to control the collective human psyche, and salvage alien crafts in a distant galaxy. Remember...we are not alone.

Proud to have my story "The Fruits of Incubation" in this one.  Here's the link if you are interested in buying a copy: alien horror

Rock is Dead: Tales Inspired by Music

The latest release from Blood Bound Books has arrived.  Rock is Dead: Tales Inspired by Music contains 24 horror stories inspired by rock 'n roll songs.  At the beginning of each story it says which song the story was inspired by.  Pretty cool concept.

My story, "Window to the Soul",  was inspired by Billy Idol's "Eyes Without a Face".  A blind woman returns to the mean underground of Freemont Street, Las Vegas when a string of murders begin again leaving victims without eyes.  She finally has the chance to heal a wound in her mind that has been festering for years, but can she go through with it?