Archive for the ‘podcast’ Category

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, writing
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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:

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!

January news: author events, Weird West book reviews, a pre-sale and more

Posted: January 30, 2023 in Announcement, anthology, books, horror, podcast, short stories, submissions, Tips, Weird West, writing
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As January comes to a close, I am thrilled to share news that MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER hit the #1 best-selling rank on Amazon a week ahead of its release! Thank YOU to everyone who supported this weird western horror adventure! It really means the world.

Read more: January news: author events, Weird West book reviews, a pre-sale and more

$.99 presale

The Kindle pre-sale price of just .99 cents is still ongoing for another week or so! Make sure to snag a copy while it’s at this awesome price.

Order now!

Reviews: Library Journal, Horror DNA, Ginger Nuts of Horror and more

The reviews for MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER are pouring in! Some highlights:

“KC Grifant comes out guns blazing with MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER –a devious action-packed adventure set in a very weird version of the Old West. Fast, furious, and a hell of a lot of fun!“

-Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of SON OF THE POISON ROSE and RELENTLESS

“This fun, imaginative, and confident series opener will be a massive crowd pleaser for general audiences, especially for those who enjoy a wide range of popular weird western offerings.”

–Library Journal (full review) 

“Melinda West is the hero I’ve been waiting for as long as I can remember. The world and characters are vivid and magical. This story is a delight.“

–Kate Jonez, Bram Stoker and Shirley Jackson Award-nominated author 

You can peruse more reviews here or on Goodreads.

Upcoming Events

See details and more upcoming events, as well as past events, here.

How to Write a Short Story

I joined the excellent Hidden Gems podcast to discuss how to write–and publish–a short story. The discussion includes tips on how to create a strong plot and well-developed characters, the finances of short stories, and much more. You can listen here: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast/episode-54/.

To receive monthly email updates, sign up here and, as always, happy reading!

Upcoming horror stories and more December news

Posted: December 1, 2022 in Announcement, anthology, author interview, books, horror, Melinda West, podcast, science fiction, short stories, submissions, Tips, Weird West, writing
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Happy December! I hope you had a fulfilling Thanksgiving and are gearing up for a fun and restful holiday season. If you’re stumped on gift ideas, I’ve included some tips on horror and book gift suggestions below.

In personal news, I am beyond thrilled that my poem “A Woman’s Weapon” (published in HWA’s Poetry Showcase Volume VIII) made the recommendations list for the upcoming volume of Ellen Datlow’s esteemed Best Horror of the Year! You can peruse the full list here.

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October News – upcoming stories and book updates

Posted: October 15, 2022 in Announcement, anthology, books, horror, Melinda West, podcast, science fiction, short stories, submissions, Tips, Weird West, writing
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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/.

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September news – recent short stories, book update, and more

Posted: September 15, 2022 in Announcement, anthology, books, horror, podcast, science fiction, short stories, Weird West, writing
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Happy September! I hope the pumpkin spice is flowing freely and apple picking is plentiful. Read on for recent updates!

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August news – recent short stories, book update, and more

Posted: August 18, 2022 in Announcement, anthology, books, horror, podcast, science fiction, short stories, submissions, Tips, Weird West, writing
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With the end of summer comes a rush of news. Here’s a few updates!

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July news – scifi horror stories, book update, submission calls and more

Posted: July 20, 2022 in Announcement, anthology, books, horror, podcast, science fiction, short stories, submissions, Tips, Weird West, writing
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It’s been a busy summer, with lots of updates. Let’s dive in!

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Listen for free to short story “U TRAIN,” winner of horror podcast competition

Posted: July 15, 2022 in Announcement, flash fiction, horror, Lovecraft, podcast, science fiction, short stories
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Sley House Publishing presents its first-ever scripted audio drama, my weird horror short story, “U-Train.” I could not be more pleased with the voice actors and production. Big thanks to Sley House and the team! Read below for links to listen for free and a story description.

Listen for free:

“U Train” description:

Four strangers find themselves on a New York subway platform, waiting on a train that shouldn’t exist. But as they try to find out why they’re there and how they might escape, they realize that when the train arrives, a fate worse than death might be waiting for them.

The story was inspired by far too many hellish city commutes and what felt like eternal waiting for transfers!

“U Train” will also be available in Halloween Tales of Sley House 2022 later this fall along with other spooky stories. You can also listen to more of Sley House’s podcast, Sley Bits, on all things horror and fantasy – https://sleyhousepublishing.podbean.com.

If you are interested in discovering more weird horror stories, including receiving FREE short stories, sign up for my monthly newsletter: https://kcgrifant.us19.list-manage.com/subscribe

Free audio scifi horror story in TALES TO TERRIFY

Posted: December 27, 2018 in Announcement, audio, horror, podcast, science fiction, short stories
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My short scifi horror story “The Peerlings” appears in the terrific British podcast series Tales to Terrify, episode 354.

“The Peerlings” was first published in Beyond the Infinite – Tales from the Outer Reaches (Things in the Well series), edited by Steve Dillon. In the story, members of an off-world colony begin to vanish once elusive creatures–who can only safely be heard, not seen–descend upon their home. The mayor must figure out how to protect her citizens while warding off mass hysteria and a brewing rebellion.

The story begins at 00:21:21 and is read by Amy Paonessa (Twitter), host of The Bloodlust horror review website. She does an amazing job bringing the characters to life and conveying a sense of desolation and isolation throughout the piece.

Funny enough, a few people have mentioned that Netflix’s recently released Bird Box (based on the 2014 British novel) reminded them of “The Peerlings.” Check it out on Tales to Terrify and decide for yourself!