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 EVENTS
Once 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/
Featured podcast interview: Going North with Dom Brightmon
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
KC Grifant 