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…)Posts Tagged ‘anthology’
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…)Women of the Weird West Anthology
Posted: March 5, 2025 in UncategorizedTags: anthology, horror, Weird West
I am so excited to be editing an anthology I’ve had in mind for a long time. Women of the Weird West will be coming out from Brigids Gate Press in 2026, and I can’t think of a better partner for this project!
We already have a fantastic line-up of authors, listed below, with more to be announced soon!
The limited open submission call will be open April 1, 2025. In particular, we are hoping for more flash fiction, drabbles and poetry. The full submission guidelines are below.
To stay updated on this project and other releases, subscribe to my monthly newsletter 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…)SHROUDED HORROR is out today!
Posted: July 11, 2024 in Announcement, author interview, books, horror, Weird West, writingTags: anthology, author, authors, fiction, horror, science fiction, Science Fiction Horror, short stories, speculative, Weird West, writing
Happy book birthday to my debut collection, SHROUDED HORROR: TALES OF THE UNCANNY out today!
Huge thanks to everyone who has pre-ordered or read/reviewed an advance copy; it means the world to an indie author like me. I am so grateful to the readers, reviewers, supporters and my publisher, Dragon’s Roost Press, for bringing this collection of weird, cosmic and monster tales to the world.

See what people are saying about SHROUDED HORROR: TALES OF THE UNCANNY (Dragon’s Roost Press) at Amazon and Goodreads.
(more…)Book preorder update and news roundup
Posted: July 3, 2024 in Announcement, author interview, books, horror, Weird West, writingTags: anthology, author, authors, fiction, horror, science fiction, Science Fiction Horror, short stories, speculative, Weird West, writing
If you are looking for spooky stories, look no further! My short story collection SHROUDED HORROR: TALES OF THE UNCANNY is now available for preorder! Thank you to everyone who has read an advance copy and reviewed already; it means the world to an indie author like me.
SHROUDED HORROR: TALES OF THE UNCANNY (Dragon’s Roost Press) is officially available for preorder, with a release date of July 11, 2024. I am so excited to share this collection with the world!
(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…)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












