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Upcoming Publications: Short Stories!
Here are a few of my upcoming short story publications (the ones I can announce * wink wink *)
Title: “The One Who Came to Save Her” (folk horror)
Publication: HorrorScope: A Zodiac Anthology
Release Date: Feb 20, 2023
Title: “Chrysalis” (menopause horror)
Publication: Ooze: Little Bursts of Body Horror
Publication Date: March 2, 2023
Secret project coming out later this year!
Happy Reading!
The Butcher by Laura Kat Young
The Butcher Book Review
4.5 stars, rounded up for Goodreads and NetGalley
Young presents readers with a world where questioning authority has deadly results. Lady Mae is set to inherit her mother's job as the town Butcher. The Butcher is required to settle atonements. When a citizen breaks the law, they are sentenced to a certain number of atonements. Each atonement equates to a body part being chopped off by the Butcher. As Lady Mae's time to take over grows closer, she is challenged to question the way the government is run. She is faced with a challenge. Should she follow the law of follow her conscious?
This stunning cast of characters reaches out of the page and captures the emotions of the reader. Lady Mae's mother Winona shows a deep devotion to her daughter, and their bond holds fast in a world that hates them. This mother-daughter relationship shows a tenderness in a world of harsh consequences. As the plot unravels, the characters are faced with moral dilemmas that test their bravery. Each y-in the road build tension and sucks the reader deeper into this tense and compelling premise. Some readers may even become teary eyed; the connection Young develops between reader and story is that strong. This dystopian emotional horror is perfect for those looking for a unique premise with heartfelt characters and high tension.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Marionette by Antonia Rachel Ward
Marionette by Antonia Rachel Ward Book Review
3 Stars
Ward crafts a compelling premise complete in this spicy supernatural horror. Cecile Dulac is a French prostitute turned dancer/performer who gets roped into a séance. A vengeful spirit is conjured into her body, forcing Cecile to fight for her autonomy. Meanwhile, the charming George Dashwood swoons over Cecile and is determined to play the role of knight in shining armor, but at what cost? Will Cecile and George survive the spirit's deadly intentions?
Cecile is a sex-positive character who falls prey to the spirit who overtakes the woman's body and uses it for lustful acts while Cecile is unable to stop the events from occurring. Since Cecile can't offer her consent, some readers will find the actions in this book a bit troubling, despite the woman's own love for intimacy. George is equality polarizing as some readers may find his attraction and attention to Cecile romantic, while others will reason that his connection is based largely, if not entirely, on her shapely body. His desire to be with her seems less about love and more about lust, which makes his motivations throughout the plot a little challenging to believe.
In spite of these hiccups, Ward weaves a quick paced tale of revenge and thwarted love. Readers looking for a spicy spooky read will enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy!
Full Immersion by Gemma Amor Book Review
Full Immersion Book Review
5 Stars
Back Cover:
A traumatised woman with amnesia finds her own dead body and sets out to uncover the truth of her demise in a race against time, sanity, crumbling realities and the ever-present threat of the Silhouette.
When Magpie discovers her own dead body one misty morning in Bristol, it prompts her to uncover the truth of her untimely demise. Her investigations take her on a terrifying journey through multiple realities, experimental treatments, technological innovations and half-memories in a race against time and sanity. Accompanied by a new friend who is both familiar and strange, and constantly on the run from the terrifying, relentless presence of the mysterious predator known only as Silhouette, Magpie must piece together the parts of her life previously hidden. In doing so, she will discover the truth about her past, her potential, and her future
Review:
Amor weaves a beautifully haunting tale of post-partem depression with dark imagery and eerie tones. A mother on the verge of self-harm makes one last attempt to save herself by applying to an experimental therapy program. Suddenly, she wakes up and comes face-to-face with her own dead body. Now, she must navigate a blurred world between truth and illusion in order to uncover her deepest secret.
This story is exquisitely written with a sympathetic protagonist that seeps into the reader’s soul and latches on for dear life. Amor bravely bares her heart on the page for inspection as the mother character must journey into her past in order to save her future. The drama unravels in a satisfyingly slow and steady pace with enough tension to keep the reader engaged from start to finish. While this premise has been explored by other authors, Amor spins the familiar tale of motherhood with a unique and personal perspective. This story will stick with readers longer after the final word.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Beyond the Creek by Nico Bell
When Alex Foster accepted the caregiver position with the eccentric Nox family, she was issued a single rule. Don’t wander past the creek. Alex isn’t interested in exploring the Nox’s vast wooded property. After escaping an abusive past, her sole focus is building a safe future for herself and her unborn baby. Except, a series of chilling events threatens her happily-ever-after. Now, she must fight to survive an ancient evil before all hope is lost.
There’s something beyond the creek, and it’s hungry.
BEYOND THE CREEK is a southern creature horror.
ASIN : B09S8H27NS
Publisher : D&T Publishing LLC (February 9, 2022)
Publication date : February 9, 2022
Language : English
Print length : 127 pages
Beyond the Creek: The First Review is in!
Beyond the Creek by Nico Bell First Book Review!
Thank you so much to Christina Pfeiffer @n_dhorrorbooks for this lovely review!
I’m sorry, but where have I been that I haven’t read any Nico Bell before last night?! Like, hello, rock I’ve been under, you have to go.
In her novella, BEYOND THE CREEK, Alex Foster is running from darkness, and his name is Robert (all Robert’s are butt farts, just saying). She needs money because she is pregnant and well, baby crap is not cheap. She takes a job as a caretaker for Peter Nox, a man who just had a stroke. The problem is, there is some shady shit going down in the Nox household and poor Alex is in the middle of it. You want suspense? This is for you. Spiders? Yep, this has them. Kick ass female (and one male) side characters? YUUUUUUP. I read this book in record freaking time.
I can’t remember the last time I speed read because I was not going to go to sleep without finishing it. This one is going to rock your socks off. I 100% promise that. D&T Publishing is hitting nothing but got dang homeruns in 2022 and it’s NOT EVEN FEBRUARY! Available on Godless 1/28/22 10/5 closeted family secrets
Women In Horror Month: Focus on Artists #WIHM
Horror Genre Artists
Women in horror month is the time of year we celebrate females slaying the horror industry. Last year, I spent time highlighting women in film and literature who are killing it in the horror genre. This year, I wanted to show off some amazing artists who bring the terror to life through art.
Recently, I’ve been spending more time exploring horror art, and drawing inspiration. Here are some incredible artists to check out and, hopefully, inspire you:
Reiko Murakami
Reiko Murakami is known for her surreal and horror characters. Her majestic and eerie portrays of the human body captivate the imagination. My favorite are her illustrations / digital art. Check out her website where you can scroll through her drawings, concept art, coasters and more.
Carly Janine Mazur
Carly Janine Mazur works with oil and acrylics to create dynamic and colorful, yet hauntingly provocative illustrations. My favorite is Meche, which you can check out here. She weaves together the human form with abstract ideas in order to create a stunning visual experience.
Laurie Lipton
Laurie Lipton uses black and white to encompass a haunting world of ghosts, death, and unsettling worlds. She’s meticulous with details, and not only explores the horror genre, but the science fiction as well. Whether you’re drawn to her Day of the Dead series or Machine punk collection, you’ll find something that inspires. Check her out here.
Women In Horror Month: Literature Edition #WIHM
From Mary Shelley to Tananarive Due, the landscape of horror literature has been shaped by brilliant women writers. Since it’s Women in Horror Month, I decided to highlight some indie women you may not have heard about. Enjoy!
Gemma Amor
Gemma is a UK horror fiction author, podcaster, artist and voice actor. She writes for the NoSleep Podcast and her short story anthology ‘Cruel Works of Nature: 11 Illustrated Horror Novellas’ is availible on Amazon.
Description of Cruel Works of Nature: 11 Illustrated Horror Novellas
Curiosity may have killed the cat, but supernatural curiosities brought it back.
A Jack-in-the-Box made from skulls.
A monster egg in the mail.
A sketchbook bridging imagination with reality.
What other wondrous and terrible secrets will these survivors tell?
CRUEL WORKS OF NATURE is a collection of 11 horror novellas about strange and exciting supernatural encounters. Reality and the fantastic are blended seamlessly in these immersive tales, with plenty of mystery to lead the reader on a thrilling journey. Some stories are dark and macabre while others whimsical and lighthearted, together ensuring constant surprises and terrifying twists to keep you reading until the very last page.
Website: https://gemmaamorauthor.com/
Mariko Koike
Mariko is an award winning Japanese horror author who wrote her debut novel in 1985. Since then, she has published several dark works such as The Graveyard Apartment, The Silent One and Fig Forest. She is known for combining genres and terrifying readers.
Description of The Graveyard Apartment
One of the most popular writers working in Japan today, Mariko Koike is a recognized master of detective fiction and horror writing. Known in particular for her hybrid works that blend these styles with elements of romance, The Graveyard Apartment is arguably Koike’s masterpiece. Originally published in Japan in 1986, Koike’s novel is the suspenseful tale of a young family that believes it has found the perfect home to grow into, only to realize that the apartment’s idyllic setting harbors the specter of evil and that longer they stay, the more trapped they become.
This tale of a young married couple who harbor a dark secret is packed with dread and terror, as they and their daughter move into a brand new apartment building built next to a graveyard. As strange and terrifying occurrences begin to pile up, people in the building start to move out one by one, until the young family is left alone with someone... or something... lurking in the basement. The psychological horror builds moment after moment, scene after scene, culminating with a conclusion that will make you think twice before ever going into a basement again
Annie Neugebauer
Annie is a Texas based Bram Stoker Award-Nominated author who specializes in horror, gothic, literary fiction, poetry and speculative. Her work appears in Apex, Black Static, and Cemetery Dance, as well as anthologies such as Year’s Best Hardcore Horror Volume 3 and #1 Amazon bestseller Killing It Softly. When she isn’t writing, she’s participating in Denton Writers’ Critique Group and the Horror Writers Association. You can check her out at her website: https://annieneugebauer.com/
Camilla Voiez
Taken from her website, award winning author Camilla says it best. She is “ a proudly bisexual and mildly autistic introvert who finds writing much easier than verbal communication. A life long Goth, living with two kids, two cats and a poet by the sea.” She is an indie and self published author whose work includes sorcery, gothic elements, ghosts, vampires…There’s someone for everyone.
Description of Starblood
Star craves freedom, but Satori refuses to let her go. He casts a spell to make her love him again, opening a gateway through which Lilith, mother of demons, enters his life.
Lilith serves no man. Instead she seduces Star, assuring her that there is no shame in love, only completion. Thus begins a strange and terrible love triangle that leads them to Scotland and the Cairngorm mountains.
An LGBT love story full of horror and dark fantasy - be careful what you wish for.
Winner of HFA's Horror Author of the Year, Fear Venture's Author of the Year (2014), Best Horror Release by The Three Bookateers (2014) and nominated for the Commonwealth Book Prize. Starblood is the first book in a series - Psychonaut, Black Sun, and Ribbons continue Star, Satori and Lilith's stories.
A graphic novel based on this award-winning novel is also available, illustrated by Anna Prashkovich.
The importance of Women in Horror Month #WiHM FILM EDITION
It’s the tenth year of celebrating Women in Horror Month! But why does this month matter?
Let’s start with some women in film. I’ll do another post later this month about women in horror literature.
Here are the facts. Of the top 250 movies in 2017, a 2017 report from San Diego State University says that 88% had no women directors. The Atlantic reported in a 2018 article that 83% of the top 250 films had no female writers and 96% had no female cinemantographers. A study conducted by the Center of Study of Women in Television and Film states only 24% of the top 100 movies in 2017 had a sole female protagonist with only 34% having a speaking role.
Why should you care about this and what does it have to do with horror?
An article from
says it best:
Each year, the Geena Davis Institute on Gender and Media publishes research that shows how gender imbalances in film affects women and girls.
For example, they’ve found that positive and prominent roles for women in movies “motivate women to be more ambitious” professionally and personally. But when there is a dearth of women being depicted in positive ways, it has an opposite, negative effect.
A recent study by Google and the Geena Davis Institute studied this phenomenon across genres. They developed something called “the GD-IQ” (Geena Davis Inclusion Quotient), which is facilitated by machine-learning technology. The goal was to recognize patterns in gender, screen time and speaking time that the casual movie viewer might overlook. The results of this study told a familiar story: In film, men are seen and heard twice as often as women.
This means that an entire group of human beings is being marginalized within a booming industry, creating a ripple effect within our society.
But let’s talk horror specifically. So often, horror depicts women as dimwits who scream more than they talk and often die first. Even in the most iconic of films, such as Halloween (1978) or Friday the 13th (1980), we see the gross stereotype perpetuated to make money from the mega horror industry. They are usually virgins who end up having sex, only to be hunted and killed because of it. Think of Cabin Fever (2002) or Sorority Row (2009) where those who have sex die first. Or it’s the opposite. The virgin girl is the only one to survive due to her purity, such as in Halloween. Even in the cult classic Carrie (1976), sex plays a pivotal role as the movie starts when she begins menstruating and her purity is called into question.
It seems women can’t win within the horror genre. We’re a tired, stereotypical, disgusting troupe.
And that’s why we need more women.
More women protagonists. More women directors, produces, writers, and cinematographers.
We need a new perspective.
And I think it’s becoming clear to Hollywood that women are done being the screaming sex-driven eye candy in films. We’re not settling for the same old misogynistic approach in our horror films. Here’s a look at some incredible women in horror for you to check out this month:
Julia Ducournau
Ducournau is the French writer and director of Raw (2016), a haunting and beautiful horror movie about a a teenager with an appetite for human flesh. The film won the FIPRESCI (Fédération Internationale de la Presse Cinématographiqu) prize at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival
Sophia Takal
Takal is an actor and director whose film Always Shine (2016) highlights envy and destruction between two friends.
Mary Harron
Harron directed and co-wrote American Psycho (2000) with Guinevere Turner. Need I say more? Okay, I’ll say a little more. She also created a teenage Gothic horror, The Moth Diaries (2011) and created a horror film with Turner based on Charles Manson, which will hopefully be released later this year.
Ana Lily Amirpour
I’ve heard Amirpour’s first debut film A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night (2014) notes as an Iranian Western vampire movie. She’s a UK director and also is credited with The Bad Batch (2016) , a cannible dystopian film.
Jennifer Kent
Kent is an actress and director who directed The Babadook (2014), which is a personal favorite of mine. A mother and son must battle a mysterious force intent to kill them.
