Anthologies

Featuring speculative fiction-writing exercises from Harlan Ellison (R), Piers Anthony, Ramsey Campbell, Jack Ketchum, screenwriters of The Twilight Zone and Star Trek: The Next Generation , and many more. The fifth volume in the acclaimed Now Write! writing-guide series offers a full toolbox of advice and exercises for speculative fiction writers hoping to craft an engaging alternate reality, flesh out an enthralling fantasy quest, or dream up a bloodcurdling plot twist, including: - Harlan Ellison (R), on crafting the perfect story title - Jack Ketchum, on how economy of language helps create a truly frightening tale - Piers Anthony, on making fantastical characters feel genuine and relatable Among the other writers incluided are: Steven Barnes, Peter Briggs, David Brin, Sara B. Cooper, Brian James Freeman, Joe R. Lansdale, Bruce McAllister, Vonda N. McIntyre, William F. Nolan, Michael Reaves, Melissa Scott, Michael Dillon Scott, Vanessa Vaughn and others. This collection of storytelling secrets from top genre writers—including winners of Nebula, Hugo, Edgar, and Bram Stoker awards—is essential for any writer looking to take a leap beyond the ordinary.

Nightmares come in many forms. Some rend the veil of sleep with heart-stopping madness. Others defy sanity to leave a helpless corner of your mind twitching for release. Sometimes, hours after waking, a nightmare drifts across your memory, tainting your day with wisps of discomfort. NIGHTMARES UNHINGED reveals horror in all its mutable forms—abject to absurd—through twenty tales of terror. Contributors include Mario Acevedo, Edward Bryant, Dustin Carpenter, Sean Eads, Keith Ferrell, Warren Hammond, Jason Heller, Gary Jonas, Stephen Graham Jones, J.V. Kyle, Aaron Michael Ritchey, Jeanne C. Stein, Steve Rasnic Tem and Dean Wyant. Foreword by Steve Alten. Edited by Joshua Viola. Illustrations by Aaron Lovett. A portion of the book's proceeds will be donated to Rocky Mountain Cancer Assistance in honor of Melanie Tem. “Featuring an impressive line-up of speculative fiction luminaries—Mario Acevedo, Jason Heller, Jeanne C. Stein, Steve Rasnic Tem, Warren Hammond, etc.—this stellar collection of twenty nightmare-inducing short stories is appropriately titled: it’s a check-underneath-the-bed-before-you-go-to-sleep kind of anthology.” —PAUL GOAT ALLEN

FOUND: Sometimes things are better off lost. And sometimes they were never meant to disappear. Either way, when they’re found, everything changes. Explore fifteen illuminating tales of short fiction that reveal the consequences of finding something once lost or better off forgotten. From Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers comes this collection of inspired works from both award-winning and talented new writers.

Cybernetics. Neuroscience. Nanotechnology. Genetic engineering. Hacktivism. Transhumanism. The world of tomorrow is already here, and the technological changes we all face have inspired a new wave of stories to address our fears, hopes, dreams, and desires as Homo sapiens evolve—or not—into their next incarnation. Cyber World presents diverse tales of humanity’s tomorrow, as told by some of today’s most gripping science fiction visionaries.

An Anthology Inspired by the Ghost Town Writers Retreat From the ghost of a hanged man at the old Cafe Prague to the apparition of a sobbing woman at the Rose Street Bed and Breakfast to a phantom Victorian dress whooshing through the halls at the Hamill House Museum, Georgetown is a well-known haunt for spirits of all kind. But some of the town's deepest, darkest secrets have never been revealed...until now. Prepare for nine otherworldly tales of myth and mystery that extend back to the grisly gold and silver rush days of old. And be careful or you may find a ghostly visitor reading over your shoulder. Table of Contents: Introduction Jeanne C. Stein and Joshua Viola Deep Veins Travis Heermann The Silver Belle Betsy Dornbusch A Bouquet of Wonder and Marvel Sean Eads Price Brothers Fine Portraiture: Still Life Warren Hammond Price Brothers Fine Portraiture: Afterlife Angie Hodapp Harry and Marlowe versus the Haunted Locomotive of the Rockies Carrie Vaughn Argentine Pass Stephen Graham Jones The Madam in Room 217 Sam W. Anderson Her First Husband Mario Acevedo Afterword: Me, My Self, and Tom Brian Keene

Two books, one anthology. The grift. The scam. The double-cross. Blackmail and burglary; murder and larceny. Blood Business tracks the underbelly of human nature as it drags itself through the muck of our lesser angels in twenty-seven crime stories set in this world... and beyond. "Blood Business is as satisfying as a stiff drink after a tough case. Deliciously gritty, and dark as a day-old bruise, these stories will thrill any noir fan." —Jaye Wells, USA Today bestselling author "In Blood Business, duality is a theme but nuance reigns. Honesty won't save you. Virtue is subjective. And what if the only difference between appearance and a reality is what we choose to believe? Cinematic at times, uncomfortably intimate at others, Blood Business is a visceral delight." —John Wenzel, The Denver Post “Blood Business compiles an absolutely stunning collection of talent." —Brian Keene "Editors Acevedo and Viola offer an anthology of noirish tales exploring the dark recesses of both real and supernatural worlds... Two sharp, distinctive, and complementary clusters of stories." —Kirkus Reviews "In this uniformly good anthology of noir stories, the authors are able to inject some life, of the supernatural variety, into a genre usually rife with clichés." —IndieReader "Take horror writing at its best and add a crime/mystery spin. Then pair this with psychological depth for the foundation of the special atmosphere and focus of Blood Business, where every story is powerfully wrought, filled with satisfying twists, and presented with a flair of originality and surprise not typically seen in crime story collections. For all these reasons, Blood Business is a unique, compelling, dark production very highly recommended for fans who like their crimes tinged with psychological depth and horror, and who look for original, unique, compelling productions where every story is a gem and no 'filler' is allowed." —D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review Table Of Contents From This World FOREWORD Gary Phillips INTRODUCTION Mario Acevedo DOUBLING DOWN ON DEATH Edward Bryant BONE ON WOOD Mark Stevens BLACK AND BLUE Carter Wilson GIRLS GONE WILD Cat Rambo NIGHT IN TUNISIA Manuel Ramos AN OFFICER AND A HITMAN Gary Jonas SLUG Paul Goat Allen MORPHING Alvaro Zinos-Amaro THE PLEDGE Mark Stevens & Dean Wyant SHADOWS WITHIN SHADOWS Mark Stevens & Dean Wyant IT DOESN’T MEAN ANYTHING Shannon Baker THE GUESSING GAME Sean Eads STRAIGHT TO THE TOP Trevor Jones Table Of Contents From Beyond BITTEN OFF Edward Bryant A CLAMOR OF BONES Alyssa Wong DIVIDED THEY FALL Patrick Berry JANE DOE MUST DIE Angie Hodapp OUTSORCERY Joshua Viola DO IT ALREADY Stephen Graham Jones LUNCHTIME Jeanne C. Stein NUMERAL ELEVEN Jason Heller A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME Betsy Dornbusch SHOE Aaron Michael Ritchey CARD SHARP Kat Richardson TAKERS FIND GIVERS Mario Acevedo THE COMBO Warren Hammond THE GROUP HOME Chris Holm AFTERWORD Christine Goff THE ASH OF THE PHOENIX: REMEMBERING EDWARD BRYANT Sean Eads

Seventeen stories screaming past the red line, tires tearing across the highway, guns stained with smoke and gore. Seventeen stories of heroes and anti-heroes on desperate journeys, white knuckles on steering wheels, hearts pounding to the staccato beat of magnum hollow points slamming against flesh and steel. Seventeen stories of hard-bitten souls hurtling over asphalt, the desert, the sea, and even through space itself in adventures fueled by vengeance, betrayal, madness, and murder. Seventeen stories of tough justice, redemption, and salvation. Hang on.

We've reached out to the finest minds in horror, from best-selling authors to fresh new voices, to bring you a collection of stories to chill the blood. Join us as we explore Hawaiian myth and intrigue from Jessica Lee Anderson, sexy, contemporary vampire horror from Dark Shadows star and author Lara Parker, zombie mystery horror from New York Times Best Seller Kevin J Anderson, Mexican mythology horror from David Bowles, grim sci-fi horror from PJ Hoover, home invasion terror from Jason Henderson (that’s me), Gothic horror from Leanna Renee Hieber, spooky American ghost horror from Michael Aronovitz, survivalist horror from Tom Waltz, demonic family horror from Tony Bloodworth, Central American folklore horror from Julia Guzman, hilariously dark genie horror from Mario Acevedo, strange, mind-blowing mythology horror from Guadalupe Garcia McCall, demonic desert family horror from Barry Barclay, and genre-bending science fiction horror from In Churl Yo.

Things that Go Bump at High Noon! Tales of the Weird Wild West from Charlaine Harris, Mike Resnick, D.J. Butler, Stephen Graham Jones, and more. Baen’s Bestselling Western Fantasy and Horror Anthology Returns for Another Showdown! Once again, we return to the Old West with a new posse of top authors spin tales of horror, fantasy, and science fiction. We take no prisoners as they explore what really was, and mix in what might have been. Charlaine Harris [The Sookie Stackhouse Series, Midnight, Texas] shows us a glimpse inside her new series as a tormented gunfighter faces a true demon of her past. Mike Resnick [The Buntline Special] reveals what Doc Holiday thought was so funny on his last day. Jeffrey Mariotte [Desperados, Graveslingers] introduces us to a man who specializes in pictures of the dead who won’t stay dead. Jane Lindskold [The Firekeeper Saga, The Star Kingdom Series (with David Weber)] teaches us not to underestimate a schoolmarm when her students are in jeopardy. And Shane Hensley [Deadlands] cooks up a stew that threatens to send every famous lawman in history to their graves! Plus, a dozen more stories of how the west was wilder than any history book could contain, such as a new Native American legend by Stephen Graham Jones and a Mormon troubleshooter straddling the line between his faith and the supernatural by D.J. Butler. The west that was rides again with west that could have been in this follow-up to Straight Outta Tombstone! Contributors: Mike Resnick D.J. Butler Jane Lindskold Shane Hensely Jeffrey J. Mariotte Steve Ransic Tem Stephen Graham Jones Derrick Ferguson Frog and Esther Jones Cliff Winnig Jennifer Campbell-Hicks Alex Acks Marsheilla Rockwell Mario Acevedo Betsy Dornbusch Travis Heermann At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management). About Straight Outta Deadwood: "Cross-genre fans will find this anthology enjoyable . . ."—Publishers Weekly About Sequel Straight Outta Tombstone: “The authors were having fun. Even when they are not playing the stories for laughs, they are taking an opportunity to enjoy an opportunity to tell a story with a fresh twist, and expand out of their expected boundaries. Straight Outta Tombstone is a change-up pitch, which will leave readers laughing on occasion, spooked at times, and entertained throughout.”—Daily News of Galveston County David Boop is an award-winning essayist, recent Summa Cum Laude in creative writing (earned for a weird western piece) and former acquisition editor for both Flying Pen Press and Lifevest Publishing. David has been a journalist, actor, disc jockey and stand-up comedian. He’s published across several genres, but specializes in weird westerns. Additionally, David has done media tie-in work for the Green Hornet, Veronica Mars and the pulp hero the Black Bat (heavily disputed inspiration for Batman). He’s collaborated with Kevin J. Anderson, the late C.J. Henderson, Peter J. Wacks and Josh Vogt. He is a member of the Western Writers of America, the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers, the Horror Writers Association and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

From Atlantis to the Third Reich and beyond, these thirteen original cerebral tales of science fiction and horror explore the evils that abound when humanity wields extraordinary minds as weapons, whether to wage war or prevent it. Steeped in psychic savagery, telekinetic combat, and extrasensory espionage, PSI-WARS imagines corrupt governments and daring operatives, gods and soldiers and hackers and spies. The authors don't flinch when they peer around the darkest, most violent corners of the human psyche. Will you? Table of Contents FOREWORD by Dean Wyant INTRODUCTION by John Palisano THE CALABRIAN by Warren Hammond AND WHEN YOU TEAR US APART, WE STITCH OURSELVES BACK TOGETHER by Betty Rocksteady VERY SURELY DO I NOT DREAM by Matthew Kressel CRADLE TO GRAVE by Angie Hodapp PSNAKE EYES by Keith Ferrell PROTECTORS OF ATLANTIS by Mario Acevedo THE JARHEADS by Sean Eads and Joshua Viola UNDER THE LOTUS by Darin Bradley THE VISIONS OF PERRY GODWIN by Dean Wyant TO JUMP IS TO FALL by Stephen Graham Jones AWAKE by Gabino Iglesias BLUEBIRD KILLING IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT by Gary Jonas THE TALKING WAR by E. Lily Yu

Welcome to tonight's feature presentation, brought to you by an unholy alliance of our spellcasters at Hex Publishers and movie-mages at the Colorado Festival of Horror. Please be advised that all emergency exits have been locked for this special nostalgia-curdled premiere of death. From crinkling celluloid to ferocious flesh—from the silver screen to your hammering heart—behold as a swarm of werewolves, serial killers, Satanists, Elder Gods, aliens, ghosts, and unclassifiable monsters are loosed upon your auditorium. Relax, and allow our ushers to help with your buckets of popcorn—and blood; your ticket stubs—and severed limbs; your comfort candy—and body bags. Kick back and scream as you settle into a fate worse than Hell. Tonight's director's cut is guaranteed to slash you apart. FOREWORD Bret and Jeanni Smith INTRODUCTION Paul Campion ALIEN PARASITES FROM OUTER SPACE Warren Hammond RETURN OF THE ALIEN PARASITES FROM OUTER SPACE Angie Hodapp NEGATIVE CREEP Alvaro Zinos-Amaro HELLULOID Dayton Ward and Kevin Dilmore RISE, YE VERMIN! Betty Rocksteady THE CRONENBERG CONCERTO Keith Ferrell CREATURE FEATURE Gary Jonas INVISIBLE Mario Acevedo SCREEN HAUNT Orrin Grey THE DEVIL'S REEL Sean Eads and Joshua Viola ON THE ROCKS K. Nicole Davis COMING ATTRACTIONS Stephen Graham Jones LATE SLEEPERS Steve Rasnic Tem SPECIAL MAKEUP Kevin J. Anderson