I’m thrilled to share Space Horrors is out today, September 20, 2025! This fantastic anthology is edited by sharp-eyed editor extraordinaire, E.S. Magill, and features fabulous writers I have the honor of knowing. The TOC includes jaw-dropping stories by: Vanessa Fogg, Eric J. Guignard, Mike D. McCarty, KC Grifant, Jon Cohn, John Palisano, Kathryn Blanche, Vincent V. Cava, David Agranoff, and E.S. Magill.
(more…)Archive for the ‘anthology’ Category
SPACE HORRORS out today!
Posted: September 20, 2025 in Announcement, anthology, books, horror, recommendations, science fiction, short storiesTags: anthology, horror, science fiction, Science Fiction Horror, short stories, speculative
Free horror stories to listen to and read for the spooky season
Posted: September 16, 2025 in Announcement, anthology, flash fiction, horror, recommendations, science fiction, short stories, writingTags: anthology, books, fiction, horror, horror-films, horror-movies, Science Fiction Horror, short stories, writing
October is fast approaching! To gear up for the Halloween season, I’m offering a handy list of several of my short spooky stories available for free in audio form and print! These stories span sci-fi horror, quiet horror and weird tales in the vein of The Twilight Zone or Tales from the Crypt.
Hope you enjoy…
(more…)Dread Coast: SoCal Horror For a Cause
Posted: August 22, 2025 in Announcement, anthology, books, horror, writingTags: anthology, authors, book news, books, fiction, horror, science fiction, short stories, speculative, weird fiction, writing
Today’s the day!! DREAD COAST: SoCal Horror Tales (No Bad Books Press), is officially out! This collection of Southern California horror short stories is co-edited by me and Dennis K. Crosby. I am so proud of this project and all of the stories. Plus, proceeds go to support the vital long-term recovery work from the Palisades and Eaton fires.
Order signed print copies from SoCal local bookstores!
If you prefer digital copies you can order from the usual suspects here or on Amazon.
(more…)New Fantasy and Horror Anthologies
Posted: July 30, 2025 in Announcement, anthology, books, horror, recommendations, science fiction, short stories, Weird West, writingTags: anthology, books, fiction, horror, new-releases, reading, short stories, speculative, Weird West, writing
I’m proud to be part of not just one, but several upcoming anthologies from Stars and Sabers Publishing, the exciting powerhouse imprint founded by award-winning authors and editors Jendia Gammon and Gareth L. Powell.
Stars and Sabers is rolling out an ongoing series of beautifully produced anthologies featuring stunning cover art and stories by some of the most talented names in speculative fiction out there. From horror to fantasy to genre-bending crossovers, these anthologies feature bold, imaginative storytelling.

I’m thrilled that my story “Worship,” about a mysterious goddess-like entity in a Puritan town, will be included in Stars and Sabers’ upcoming horror anthology Of Dread, Decay, and Doom. The anthology is currently in fundraising mode; you can learn more about supporting the book here.
(more…)Four New Anthologies for Spooky Season
Posted: October 15, 2024 in Announcement, anthology, books, flash fiction, horror, Melinda West, recommendations, short stories, Weird WestTags: anthology, fiction, horror, Science Fiction Horror, short stories, Weird West, writing
I have stories out in a few new anthologies this month! If you’re looking for creepy and fantastical reads, check them out:
TALES OF THE SLEY HOUSE 2024

Description: An anthology of horror stories and poems.
Includes my story “Blessed,” about an alien invasion tale with a twist.
At the Edge of Darkness (Shotgun Honey)

Description: Shotgun Honey Presents volume 6 brings together a spooky group of authors for this special Halloween crime/horror anthology. Including contributions by Libby Cudmore, Andy Davidson, KC Grifant, Elizabeth Guilt, Mackenzie Hurlbert, Caden Kalfin, James Kinslingbury, Nick Kolakowski, Ethan K. Lee, Andrew Majors, Luciano Marano, Joey R. Poole, William Steffen, Casey Stegman, Gabriela Stiteler, Thomas Trang, Wendy N. Wagner, Benjamin B. White, Gordon B. White, Grant Wamack, and Paul Tremblay. Guest editor is best selling author Keith Rosson (Fever House, The Devil By Name). All profits from this edition will go to a local Portland, OR charity to benefit foster children.
(more…)Upcoming short stories and ways to support
Posted: June 26, 2024 in Announcement, anthology, books, horror, Melinda West, short stories, Weird WestTags: anthology, fiction, horror, science fiction, Science Fiction Horror, short stories, speculative, Weird West, writing
In addition to my debut short story horror collection SHROUDED HORROR: TALES OF THE UNCANNY (vibes of Tales From the Crypt + Twilight Zone + adult Goosebumps) I’m thrilled to share several short stories coming up soon in exciting anthologies.
Legend of the Spiderwalker (Weird West)
“Sometimes it’s easier to persuade them away or distract them with something. Especially if they ain’t the dying type.” “Most are the dying type.” Melinda unholstered her revolver…
”Legend of the Spiderwalker,” an original Melinda West story, will appear in ZEHLREG A. GRINDSTONE’S SPECTACULAR WESTERN ODDITY EMPORIUM. This anthology of Weird West short stories, flash fiction, & poems blend Wild West tropes with themes from across the Fantasy spectrum. The Kickstarter is ongoing until Sunday – support it here on Kickstarter (and check out those awesome rewards!)
(more…)New weird west story in ALONG HARROWED TRAILS
Posted: August 31, 2023 in Announcement, anthology, flash fiction, horror, Melinda West, short stories, Weird WestTags: fiction, horror, short stories, Weird West, western, writing
ALONG HARROWED TRAILS (Timber Ghost Press) is a horror western anthology containing my story “Candelaria and the Red-Eyed Bunch Gang.” This is a prequel, origins story for one of the side characters in MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER. In it, Candelaria must contend with a gang set on double-crossing her as something monstrous approaches.
(more…)April news – book promo, appearances, free short stories and more
Posted: April 3, 2023 in Announcement, anthology, audio, author interview, books, horror, Melinda West, podcast, science fiction, short stories, submissions, Tips, Weird West, writingTags: anthology, author, free story, gothic western, horror, magazine, podcast, science fiction, Science Fiction Horror, short stories, speculative, Weird West, writing
Happy April! I’m excited to share new book promos, interviews, events and more.
Limited time: popular Weird West books available in special promo for readers at StoryBundle

For a limited time, my supernatural western MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER (Brigids Gate Press) will be available in a “storybundle” together with some of the biggest fantasy and horror western titles available right now.
StoryBundle offers a jaw-dropping deal for readers: for only $5, you’ll receive the four featured digital books:
- The Devil’s Revolver by V.S. McGrath
- Gnome on the Range by Tammy Salyer
- Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger by KC Grifant
- Bodacious Creed by Jonathan Fesmire
There is also an upgraded bundle where you can get all 11 weird west stories shown for a deeper discount. This is a fabulous option if you’re looking for new books and want to explore more of the “weird west” (these are westerns with speculative elements, usually combined with fantasy and horror).
Get the bundle, or learn more about it, here: https://storybundle.com/weird. And consider signing up for Storybundle notifications for future scifi, fantasy and horror-themed book deal bundles.
Recent appearances
I was delighted to join the excellent Sley House Presents podcast to talk books, X-Men, short stories, serial adventure and more. Ways to listen:
I spoke with the Let Fear Bounce last month. Tune in to hear tidbits on imposter syndrome, writing as a side gig, and more. Make sure to check out the other episodes for more uplifting stories about #writing and #publishing: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/PQ9Pk5RHbyb
I was also delighted to be a guest on D.C. Gomez’s The Book Corner Amazon show to talk about MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER. You can watch a recording of the live show here.
Upcoming events and appearances
Events:
- Book Signing: LAT Festival of Books – Sat, April 22, 1-3pm
- Panels: Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Nebula Conference – May 13 & 14
- Book Signing and Discussion: Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore – Sat, May 20, 3pm
- Book Signing: Warwick’s Books – Sun, May 21, 12pm
- Book Reading and Interview (VIRTUAL): Space Cowboy Books – June 13, 6pm PT Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/547947083477
Podcast interviews:
- A Podcast Without A Name
- Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality
- Grim and Bloody Podcast
- The Con Hour Podcast
- E-Reads Podcast
- Inside the Minds of Authors Amazon Podcast
For details on appearances, please visit https://scifiwri.com/appearances/.
Book sightings!
This last month I’ve visited several local bookstores to sign copies of Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger and On social media the book as popped up in bookstore locations ranging Ontario to Kentucky to South Dakota. The book also made its first con appearance (Wondercon), with hopefully many more to come!
Guest articles
You can read my article “How to Create Compelling Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories” in Authority Magazine. This piece includes 5 critical tips for new writers in the genres.

For Women in Horror Month 2023, I shared supernatural western book recommendations from some of my favorite fellow weird western authors. Read more at The Horror Tree: https://horrortree.com/wihm-2023-saddle-up-5-supernatural-westerns-by-women-for-your-tbr/
Bonus article: Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger was featured in a piece for The Line-Up’s celebration of Women in Horror month.
“Welcome to the Weird West” covers an introduction to the genre and why I love to write in it. You can read it for free at the March/April issue of Uncaged Magazine: https://issuu.com/cyreneolson/docs/uncaged_book_reviews-_marchapril23-final/100.
For your reading pleasure: two recent free short stories
If you’re looking for a quick hit of monster fiction, I’ve had 2 short stories out in the last month that you can read for free:
“Just Another Apocalypse” at Two Thousand Word Terrors (Rooster Republic Press) https://roosterrepublicpress.com/just-another-apocalypse-by-kc-grifant/
“The Sighting” at Stupefying Stories: https://stupefyingstories.blogspot.com/2023/03/the-sighting-by-kc-grifant.html
To receive monthly email updates, sign up here and, as always, happy reading!
“What Storms Bring’ in MONSTORM charity anthology
Posted: February 28, 2023 in Announcement, anthology, books, horror, writingTags: anthology, horror, short stories
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.
Edited by Matt Masucci and Josh Strnad, published by Madness Heart Press, and with a cover from Don Noble and intro from Jeff Strand, this anthology features eerie stories of natural and unnatural storms.
Fellow contributing authors include: Donna J. W. Munro, Owl Goingback, Christina Arrascaeta, James Dorr, Franc Auld, Christine Morgan, Derik Cavignano, Frank Raymond Michaels, Sarah Licht, Warren Benedetto, Katelin Deushane, Thomas Michael Thomas, Jose Cruz, Kenzie Jennings, Thomas Smith, Mike Schuhler, Douglas Ford, Kristi Petersen Schoonover, and Lisa Morton.
(more…)Free short story “Just Another Apocalypse” in TWO THOUSAND WORD TERRORS anthology
Posted: February 27, 2023 in Announcement, anthology, horror, short stories, writingTags: anthology, fiction, horror, Science Fiction Horror, short stories, speculative, writing
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!














