It’s that wonderful time of year when authors share their published works from 2025 as award submission season nears its deadline. I always love to see these roundup posts and a reminder of what my favorite authors and colleagues have been up to this year.
(more…)Posts Tagged ‘science fiction’
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
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…)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…)Quick Draw: Weird West Flash Fiction Contest
Posted: June 21, 2025 in Announcement, short stories, Tips, Weird West, writingTags: books, fiction, horror, science fiction, short stories, speculative, Weird West, writing
I’ll be judging an upcoming weird-west-themed flash fiction contest through Reach Your Apex–with prizes!
The first prize winner will be awarded $100 U.S. and have their story published in Apex Magazine issue 151, coming out in October 2025. The second prize winner will be awarded $50 U.S. and have their story published on the Reach Your Apex website in September 2025. Three third prize winners will each be awarded $25 U.S. and have their story published on the Reach Your Apex website in September 2025.
Submissions will open at 12:00 am Eastern, July 1, 2025. Submissions close July 15, 2025 at midnight Eastern. Anonymous, original submissions only under 1k words. More submission details: https://reachyourapex.com/weird-west-quick-draw-a-flash-fiction-contest/.
I hope you’ll submit to this diverse and growing genre! If you want tips for writing a story, check out some of the resources I have over at Weird West Fiction. If you really want to dive in, I’ll be offering a virtual workshop on June 27 called “Creating Weird West Stories That Sizzle And Sell” at Reach Your Apex.
(more…)New sci-fi horror audio story: Negation
Posted: May 24, 2025 in flash fiction, horror, science fiction, short stories, writingTags: horror, science fiction, Science Fiction Horror, short stories, writing
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…)Top Weird West Books of 2023
Posted: December 18, 2023 in Announcement, books, recommendations, science fiction, Weird WestTags: fiction, horror, science fiction, Weird West
2023 was a banner year for weird west fiction, particularly horror westerns. This genre–which blends fantasy, horror and/or sci-fi elements in a western story–has been gaining steam for the last few years. It was an honor to have my debut supernatural western book, Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger, join a truly epic list of 2023 weird western books.
These are a few of my favorite new releases, as well as ones high on my to-be-read list. There are many new weird westerns beyond this shortlist; check out some of the profiles of amazing authors at Weird West Fiction for additional recommendations.
(more…)Gift Guide for Writers and Readers
Posted: December 3, 2023 in books, horror, recommendations, science fiction, Tips, writingTags: book gifts, books, fantasy, holiday gifts, horror, readers, science fiction, writers, writing
*Updated for 2024*
If you’re like me, you try to outdo yourself each year with unique and fun gifts for the loved ones in your life. For the readers and writers in particular, it can be fun to look for novelty bookish items beyond a book (though a book is *always* a great gift).
Themed bookmarks, candles, tea, reading lights, and specialty furniture are often a go-to for annual bookish gift lists.
I’ve picked a few of my personal favorite book- and writing-themed gifts in this list that have caught my eye. Many of these I have gifted or been gifted in the past so can vouch for them. These items range from clever advent calendars, epic pen holders, eye-catching book ends, and more.
Disclaimer: These are obviously highly subjective and based around my own horror/sci-fi/fantasy interests.
(more…)
KC Grifant 