Shameless Self Promotion No. 13

To read my story "Newfound Gap," check out the anthology Grants Pass, recently published by Morrigan Books.

Within, you'll find some excellent end-of-the-world fiction revolving around a central theme: In each of the tales, survivors struggle to reach Grants Pass, Oregon, rumored to be the last bastion of civilization. Grants Pass was edited by Jennifer Brozek and Amanda Pillar.

In addition to my contribution, this collection features the work of Kayley Allard, Scott Almes, Jennifer Brozek, Ivan Ewert, Ed Greenwood, Stephanie Gunn, Carole Johnstone, Pete Kempshall, Jay Lake, Martin Livings, Seanan McGuire, Shannon Page, Jeff Parish, Amanda Pillar, Cherie Priest, James M. Sullivan and KV Taylor.

In his review on HorrorScope, Chuck McKenzie calls Grants Pass "a remarkable, disturbing, and worthwhile read, and one that is likely to stay with the reader for some time to come."

In another review, posted on LiveJournal, the reviewer wrote "I’ve only held onto one anthology for more than a year in my entire life. Grants Pass will make it two."

Yet another LiveJournal reviewer wrote specifically about my story, "Newfound Gap," saying it "had me with hope, that desperate kind which pushes people forward. Sometimes that drive pays off and sometimes it doesn't. My need for Kleenex was based out of one of those two ends. I'll let you read the story and find out which."

There are several positive reviews posted on the Goodreads website, too.

Grants Pass may be purchased online at the Morrigan Books website.

Shameless Self Promotion No. 12

Within the pages of the June 2009 issue of Aoife's Kiss is my short fantasy story "Three Coins and the Sword of Mingus."

Aoife's Kiss, edited by Tyree Campbell, is one of many excellent products crafted by Sam's Dot Publishing. This particular issue also features stories by David C. Kopaska-Merkel, Lawrence R. Dagstine and many others; as well more than a dozen poems, including works by Bruce Boston, Marge B. Simon and s.c. virtes.

For information about Aoife's Kiss and other magazines, anthologies and chapbooks, vist Sam's Dot Publishing.

Shameless Self Promotion No. 11

Since I am catching up on posting recent publications this evening, let me introduce you to Morpheus Tales, Issue 3, which includes a reprint of my short story "Alone in the Cataloochee Valley."

Based in London, Morpheus Tales is a magazine of horror, science fiction and fantasy, edited by Adam Bradley. Issue 3 was released in January and includes about 10 short stories including excellent tales by Ken Goldman and Joseph McGee. There also is an interview with Michael Laimo.

To order a copy of Morpheus Tales, visit the publication's website today!

Shameless Self Promotion No. 10

This issue of Strange Sorcery, edited by Steve Lines and John B. Ford, actually came out in the summer of 2008. I received my copy late due to a minor clerical error.

Included in this issue is "The High Priest of Turmiz," a short fantasy story I wrote years ago in the tradition of classic Weird Tales era pulp authors. It recounts the legend of necromancer Ak Khun Khan, and a reformer's attempt to exterminate his legacy.

Also featured in this issue are tales by Ron Shiflet and Scotch Carson, as well as poetry by Franklyn Searight.

This and other titles are available online from Rainfall Books.

Shameless Self Promotion No. 5

Admittedly, some time has passed since my last post to this blog ... but I am committed to getting back on track. For starters, I have a short stack of publications I need to report. I don't just list these to fulfill an inner need to glorify myself, you know ... the idea is attract attention to these fine magazines and anthologies in hopes of increasing sales.

With that in mind, I submit for your approval Thrilling Tales of Fantastic Adventure, Issue 4, available through Rainfall Books. This issue contains three "uncanny, exciting and mysterious" stories including "The Garden Fortress" by David Conyers, "There Was a Rocket" by Pierre Comtois and my contribution, a short story called "Cracks" which happens to be the first piece of fiction I sold back in 1991, reprinted here for the first time since its debut in Nocturnal Lyric, Issue 28, 1992.

Submission Log 11/21/2008

I’ve been so busy producing content for my Tampa Bay Area site at About.com I haven’t had much time to keep up with my not-so-secret identity as a horror writer. I’ll be trying to get caught up by the end of the year, submitting dormant stories and, with any luck, completing some new tales along the way.

The following stories were submitted to various markets this week:

• “Closing the Deal,” 4,950 words, submitted 11/19/2008 to Shroud Magazine
• “An Unsolicited Lucidity,” 4,550 words, submitted 11/19/2008 to Shock Totem
• “Late for Dinner, 1,150 words, submitted 11/19/2008 to New Dawn Fades
• “Tattered Notes Found in a Cheap Motel Room,” 1,580 words, submitted 11/19/2008 to Not One of Us
• "Wild with Hunger," 4,220 words, submitted 11/19/2008 to Murky Depths
• “Their Minds How Darkened,” 4,360 words, submitted 11/19/2008 to Weird Tales
• “The Bane of Azrael,” 1,650 words, submitted 11/19/2008 to Sybil’s Garage
• “The Far Unlit Unknown,” 2,100 words, submitted 11/19/2008 to Space & Time

Shameless Self Promotion No. 4

My short story “Starless and Bible Black” appears in Withersin’s Unkindness anthology, released on Oct. 31, 2008.

The first anthology from Withersin Magazine, the book collects “13 dark, different and pleasantly sinister tales with a twist.” The complete list of tales includes:

• “Inspiration” - Ken Goldman


• “An Unnatural Death” - Ben Duiverman


• “Complete Breakfast” - MP Johnson


• “Doddering Fools” - Gregory Story


• “Vanguard of Blood” - Patrick McCully


• “Medicated” - James Marcotullio


• “Starless and Bible Black” - Lee Clark Zumpe


• “Chemical Man” - Mike Norris


• “The Forgotten House” - Patrick Rutigliano


• “Goatman” - Robert Sullivan


• “Updating” - John Rosenman


• “Interruptions” - JG Faherty


• “Paint it Black” - Brian Schiavo

Also included is an interview with Graham Hancock.

Unkindness is available from Withersin Magazine.

Shameless Self Promotion No. 3

My short story “Worm-sacks and Dirt-backs” appears in Shroud Publishing’s new anthology Abominations.

As their website so accurately claims, Abominations was “compiled from some of the most horrifying stories of creatures, mythical beasts, and murderous monsters …” and features “ … expertly-crafted tales, never before published, from the best voices in modern horror.”

Edited by Tim Deal, Abominations showcases work from writers such as Anna Lowther, William Vogel, Lon Prater and Gerard Houarner.

Abominations is available from Shroud Publishing.