Posts Tagged ‘short stories’

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!

“What Storms Bring’ in MONSTORM charity anthology

Posted: February 28, 2023 in Announcement, anthology, books, horror, writing
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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.

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Free short story “Just Another Apocalypse” in TWO THOUSAND WORD TERRORS anthology

Posted: February 27, 2023 in Announcement, anthology, horror, short stories, writing
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zombie art

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!

Read “Just Another Apocalypse”

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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!

2022 year-end summary

Posted: December 31, 2022 in Announcement, author interview, books, horror, Melinda West, short stories, Weird West, writing
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2022 was quite the ride for me, writing-wise! I had my first book deal and a bunch of other “firsts,” highlighted below. These types of year-end posts are helpful for authors to stay accountable and celebrate successes in a path paved with a billion rejections.

My biggest writing milestone this year was announcing my first book deal in May. The book will publish less than a year later: MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER will be available in February 2023 from Brigids Gate Press. This adult “Weird Western” adventure features gunslingers, diverse characters and a menagerie of nightmarish monsters, with Bonnie & Clyde + Witcher + Supernatural vibes. Author milestones including seeing the incredible cover by Carrion House; holding the physical ARC in my hand for the first time; and reading early reviews, which have been positive so far. I am so very grateful to Brigids Gate Press, the indie horror writing community, early readers and supporters, and many others for helping to bring this book to life.

collage of magazine and book covers

I also published more short stories this year than I have any year prior. 13 of my short horror/sci-fi/weird west stories were published in anthologies, magazines and/or podcasts, and I’ve signed contracts for 5 more appearing next year, including an audio version of my gothic horror tribute to Anne Rice, “Unrest,” by the excellent Tales to Terrify podcast.

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Cosmic horror story “The U Train” in Tales of Sley House 2022

Posted: December 7, 2022 in Announcement, anthology, horror, Lovecraft, short stories
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My cosmic horror story, “The U Train,” appears in Tales of Sley House 2022, now available! This anthology features lots of unsettling and creepy horror stories divided into three themes.

In “The U Train,” four strangers find themselves on a 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 also produced as an audio drama, which you can listen to for free at one of the links below.

Listen to “The U Train” for free: 

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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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Near-future horror story, “All Aboard,” in 34 Orchard Magazine

Posted: November 15, 2022 in Announcement, horror, short stories, writing
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I’m honored that my horror pandemic story, “All Aboard,” debuts in 34 Orchard Magazine issue #6, a publication described as “a literary journal that takes you dark places.”

In “All Aboard,” a new pandemic forces those people to carry out their quarantine at sea, where strangers are less than charitable. You can download the entire issue as a pdf for free at https://34orchard.com/issues/issue-6/.

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Short Story 2022 Roundup and Awards Eligibility

Posted: November 14, 2022 in Announcement, anthology, books, horror, recommendations, science fiction, short stories, Weird West
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I’m honored to have 12 new horror, scifi and/or weird west short stories published this year. These are eligible for award nominations, and several of them are free to read. Complimentary copies (PDF) of the others are available upon request. Hope you enjoy!

Horror

collage of publications


“The Color of Friendship”

-Published in Chromophobia: A Strangehouse Anthology by Women in Horror from Rooster Republic Press
-Description: A mean-girls, creature feature about a lake house trip gone sideways, this story is described by the editor as having “major CREEPSHOW vibes.”
-Words: 3,400

“The U Train” (available online as an audio story)

–Winner of the Sley House podcast competition and published in Tales of Sley House 2022
-Description: Four strangers find themselves on a New York subway platform, forced to face their pasts as they wait on a train that shouldn’t exist.
-Words: 5,300
-Note: “The U Train” is available as a free dramatic audio recording here: https://podcast.app/kc-grifants-u-train-e315014645/

“Unrest”

-Published in Dancing in the Shadows: A Tribute to Anne Rice and forthcoming in a future episode of Tales to Terrify
-Description: An unnatural force at the local cemetery seeks to avenge an act of murderous violence.
-Words: 2,400 

“All Aboard” (available online)

-Published in 34 Orchard magazine, issue #6
-Description: A new pandemic forces those exposed to carry out their quarantine at sea, where strangers are less than charitable.
-Words: 1,200
-Note: “All Aboard” is available to read for free at the magazine’s website (pdf): https://34orchard.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/34-orchard-issue-6-autumn-2022.pdf

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Weird West action story out in SNAFU: DEAD OR ALIVE anthology

Posted: November 6, 2022 in Announcement, anthology, horror, Melinda West, short stories, Weird West, writing
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My Weird West monster action story, “The Fall of Denafas Manor,” debuts in this epic Western horror anthology from Cohesion Press. Edited by Amanda J Spedding and Geoff Brown, SNAFU: DEAD OR ALIVE is the latest addition to the SNAFU anthologies, some of which were adapted for the Netflix series LOVE, DEATH + ROBOTS.

“The Fall of Denfanas Manor” is an original story featuring gunslingers Melinda and Lance as they rescue a kidnapped victim from a relentless supernatural family. You can read an excerpt below.

As a side note: Melinda and Lance have their own novel-length adventure forthcoming in MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER (Feb 2023, Brigids Gate Press).

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