Horror Bites: Next Great Horror Writer

Today I'm featuring a new anthology published by HorrorAddicts.net, the latest in their Horror Bites, series. Enjoy. 

HorrorAddicts.net continues our Horror Bites series with a bundle of new fiction by our Next Great Horror Writer Contestants.

Featuring work by:

Jonathan Fortin

Naching T. Kassa

Daphne Strasert

Jess Landry

Harry Husbands

Sumiko Saulson

Adele Marie Park

Feind Gottes

JC Martínez

Cat Voleur

Abi Kirk-Thomas

Timothy G. Huguenin

Riley Pierce

Quentin Norris

With an introduction by Emerian Rich.

HorrorAddicts.net is proud to present our top 14 contestants in the Next Great Horror Writer Contest. The included stories, scripts, and poems are the result of the hard work and dedication these fine writers put forth to win a book contract. Some learned they loved writing and want to pursue it as a career for the rest of their lives. Some discovered they should change careers either to a different genre of writing or to a new career entirely. Whatever lessons came along the way, they each learned something about themselves and grew as writers. We hope you enjoy the writing as much as we did.

Just 99 cents at Amazon.com

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A sneak peek inside…

CONSUMPTION

by Jonathan Fortin

Submitted for the 6-minute Audiodrama Challenge, Episode #147

SFX: OFFICE BACKGROUND NOISE—PHONES RINGING, PAPERS SHUFFLING, ETC.

AMY: This is Amy, how can I help you? No, sir, this isn't the phone number you want for that. You want—I'm sorry, sir, I know it's very frustrating. I want to help you, but the phone number you want is—Okay, fine, hang up.

DORI: Another irate customer?

AMY: Yeah, nothing but angry people all day. Is it always like this, Dori?

DORI: Not always. Don't worry. You'll get used to it. You'll be part of the team sooner than you think!

SFX: PHONE RINGS.

AMY: Orntech, this is Amy, how can I help you?

SFX: STATIC HUMMING FROM THE PHONE, FOLLOWED BY A STRANGE GROWLING NOISE.

AMY: Hello? Anyone there?

VOICE ON PHONE: We can smell you.

AMY: What?

SFX: CLICK. LINE GOES DEAD.

DORI: Are you all right?

AMY: (NERVOUS) Fine...I'm fine.

SFX: OFFICE NOISE FADES OUT TO SILENCE. FADE IN FOOTSTEPS IN AN EMPTY STREET.

AMY: (MUTTERING TO HERSELF) No need to get worked up, Amy. It was just a weird phone call. Aaaand now, of course, I'm in a deserted street, but no need to get worked up about that either. You always walk home this way. You've never been mugged before and you probably won't be now.

SFX: CELL PHONE VIBRATES.

AMY: Yeah, not going to answer that.

SFX: PHONE VIBRATES.

AMY: I really hope this isn't an important call from work though…

SFX: PHONE VIBRATES.

AMY: Ugh, fine! Hello?

SFX: STATIC HUM. THEN A CREEPY CLICKING, THROBBING, WRIGGLING NOISE IS HEARD, FOLLOWED BY THE SAME DISTORTED GROWL AS BEFORE.

VOICE ON PHONE: We can hear you.

AMY: (NERVOUS) Who is this?

SFX: LINE GOES DEAD. RUNNING FOOTSTEPS ECHO ON ASPHALT.

AMY: (PANTS AS SHE RUNS)

SFX: DOOR SLAMS.

AMY: (BREATHES HEAVILY IN RELIEF, HAVING JUST GOTTEN HOME)

BLAKE: Honey, are you all right?

AMY: I don't want to talk about it…To read more, click here.

Author: Jonathan Fortin was named the Next Great Horror Writer by HorrorAddicts.net, and is a graduate of the Clarion Writing Program. His novel, Lilitu: The Memoirs of a Succubus, is a forthcoming release from Crystal Lake Publishing. You can follow him online at jonathanfortin.com and on twitter @Jonathan_Fortin.

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HorrorAddicts.net

for Horror Addicts, by Horror Addicts

Listen to the HorrorAddicts.net podcast for the latest in horror news, reviews, music, and fiction.

HorrorAddicts.net Press

www.horroraddicts.net

Interview with Author Feyisayo Anjorin

Today I have an interview with author Feyisayo Anjorin who discusses writing and his novella, The Night My Dead Girlfriend Called.  Enjoy.

Interview with Author Feyisayo Anjorin

Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself?

My name is Feyisayo Anjorin, I am a writer, a filmmaker, a husband, a father, a lover of all good things.

Could you tell us about your latest book?

My novella, “The Night My Dead Girlfriend Called” is an urban fantasy/science fiction set in 22^nd century Nigeria, about the personal conflict of a young police officer against the backdrop of the societal changes orchestrated by the possible intrusion of technology into realms that had been hitherto totally human-driven.

What did you enjoy most about writing the urban fantasy/science fiction genre?

I particularly enjoy the freedom to create a world that is familiar and at the same time strange. The cosmopolitan cities in Africa come alive in the book, and I was able to put in a bit of Yoruba mythology. I am Yoruba from South West Nigeria, so a bit of the traditional spiritual beliefs of my people, with my knowledge of technology, where it is and where it would likely go; and the conflict of culture too, and unbridled creativity, all that, in a good mix, got me a great story.

Why did you write this book? What was your inspiration?

One day I was thinking about a friend who lost his wife, and who wanted to start dating not long after the bereavement. This decision got some people talking, asking why this man is in a hurry to replace the dead. So I imagined the man and his wife, their life together, their love so strong, I imagined the man’s wife being jealous and not happy about being replaced. That was how the story came. Initially, it was meant to be a short story, but when it was published by Brittle Paper, Ainehi Edoro, the editor of the magazine, wanted me to write a more comprehensive story. It was easy.

What did you enjoy most about writing your book?

I loved the personality of the dead woman, Sade, and the confusion of Badoo, the lead character, the way I was about to explore Yoruba mythology and what our people believe about dead people.

Did anything surprise you about the process of writing your book?

I was surprised by the end, because there was a time that I thought I could not start writing something if I do not know how it would end, but after Brittle Paper commissioned a story series (which was eventually compiled and became the novella) I was just writing episode by episode, not knowing how it would end. The characters developed on their own, based on their motivation, conflicts and relationships.

Can you tell us about your writing process? Where do your ideas originate? Do you have a certain writing routine?

When a certain story possibility comes to mind, I dwell on the thought to see what interesting things could come of it, then I start writing things on paper. I guess the things that I write typically come from the synthesis of ideas, whether from the books that I’ve read or from the stories I hear, I mean real life stories, or from a song. I don’t have a strict writing routine but anytime I have the opportunity to be alone, I write. If I don’t have the opportunity to write I would read, because I can read anywhere, no matter the noise. I need absolute peace and quiet to be productive as a writer though.

How do you research for your books?

It depends on the genre I’m trying to write. I notice that anytime I read about the Yoruba traditional religion, I write scary stuff, not because it is scary, but I am a Christian, I am Yoruba too. We typically fear what we don’t understand, especially spiritual stuff. If I am writing about another African country as in the case of ‘Kasali’s Africa’ I just read newspapers and online articles from that country. Sometimes I just read, and then writing something similar becomes easy.

What’s your next project? Any upcoming book secrets you care to reveal?

My next project is a story collection “Women of the City”, it’s about women fighting for survival in a city that is, in fact, a perilous jungle without looking like it.

The Night My Dead Girlfriend Called is available on Amazon.

As the 22nd century Nigeria becomes divided by the plan of the government to introduce law enforcement robots into the police services, Badoo, a young police officer gets a phone call from his dead girlfriend.

The passage of time and the persistence of the calls slowly turns Badoo’s affection for the deceased to hatred. 

Badoo has to summon the courage to face Pa Fakunle, a witchdoctor, a man of secrets who says far less than he knows; and an unknown top police establishment bent on disputing his sanity.

Dark Dominions: An Anthology Preview and a Kickstarter

UPDATE: UNFORTUNATELY SINCE THIS WAS POSTED THE KICKSTARTER PROJECT WAS CANCELLED. 

Today I have something a bit different, a look at an upcoming fantasy anthology and its Kickstarter project. Enjoy.

A Fantasy Anthology.

Assassins. Knights. Crooks. And Villainous Heroes.

Fantasy storytelling at its best. Rich with 18 new and original tales by emerging and award-winning fantasy authors alike including MORGAN WRIGHT, DAVID COLLINS, NICOLE SCARANO, JAMES STEVENS, LUCY SPOONER, LIONEL RAY GREEN, JESSICA MARIE BAUMGARTNER, and JOSHUA ROBERTSON, these stories bring us tales of fear, courage, love and sacrifice in worlds of death and tyranny.

Pave the way for indomitable male and female characters. Principled assassins, gifted orphans of fire-wielding warrior bloodlines, high priestesses in possession of magical ink, and sisters born of blood, war and cruelty.

Lies. Hidden secrets. Truths to be unravelled.

Join us in worlds where a forest is marked by death, both for those who enter and those who survive it. Where a warrior as old as time is resurrected to not only fight the darkest of foes but also to come to terms with whom she has now become. Where a prime assassin who has never missed a mark begins a dance with his most elusive target yet, a mysterious and alluring witch. Where an elf knight is able to influence real-life events through magical tapestries. And where a young princess encounters danger and deception amid a border war where defeat means the end of her freedom and the ruin of her kingdom.

Welcome to Dark Dominions

About the Project

1. Summary - What is Dark Dominions?

Dark Dominions is one of the first Fantasy short story anthologies in support of gender equality. Nine male and nine female authors present new and original tales of fiction featuring strong male and female characters. You’ll find no “damsels-in-distress” within its pages. Rather, Dark Dominions takes its readers on journeys of magic, self- discovery, war, love and betrayal in worlds concocted by the imagination of incredibly talented writers including Mike Jansen, Morgan Wright, Michael Mitchell Jr., Nicole Scarano, Joshua Robertson, Kristin Clarke and David Collins.
This anthology will be WriterWriter’s first official step into publishing with an epic collection of fantasy short stories from emerging and award-winning writers alike.
By backing their Kickstarter campaign you will not only be supporting one of the first anthologies in support of gender equality but you will be rewarded for your pledge by any number of special rewards available including: early release copies, limited edition copies, Kickstarter exclusive bookmarks, limited edition bookmarks, book acknowledgements, and a backers-only forum where backers will be directly involved with the creative process, converse with the creators and contributors and be the only ones to get “a-behind-the- scenes” in the making of Dark Dominions.


2. Why Gender Equality?

Because this is something they’re passionate about. In publishing, the idea remains that women can’t write as well as men, especially not male-dominated fields such as fantasy or science-fiction.
The Founders of WriterWriter want to prove them wrong.
How they’re going to do that:

- 50% of their authors will be male and 50% of their authors will be female.

- Both genders will be treated equally and paid equally (no preferential treatment).

- The anthology will feature both strong male and strong female characters.

- The Founders of WriterWriter (writer-writer.com) themselves are male and female, and both consider each other equals. As an extra, Morgan (the female founder) advocates for the “working woman” and some of our other female authors represent the “career mother”. We often hear people use these terms in a derogatory way, as if it’s wrong for a woman to strive for a successful career. This is a traditional bias that still remains and they want to discard that. They believe a woman can have both a family and a successful career. You never hear people say things like this about men. As such, it shouldn’t be said at all.


3. Stretch Goals- What are they and what will these achieve?

Kickstarter stretch goals are goals you reach beyond your target goal, meaning that if one has a goal of say $8000 but they reach $9000 instead, the extra $1000 will go towards completing specific stretch goals.

These are the stretch goals for Dark Dominions:

• Pay Raise for all contributors

• Extra illustrations (means an image for each story in the anthology)

• Extra Stories (one stretch goal for every 2 unlocked stories- means an even bigger an anthology)

• Audiobook

• Small Print Run (200-500 copies)

• Translations (in 4 languages- Spanish, Dutch, French and German)


4. Publishing the Anthology

If there are no unforeseen delays, these are the current publishing dates they have in mind.

- Preorder: September 9

- Official Launch when the book becomes available in ebook, paperback and hardback: November 5


5. Key Dates

Kickstarter Launch Date: March 1, 2019

Kickstarter End Date: April 2, 2019


6. Featured Authors

Women:

- Morgan Wright

- Nicole Scarano

- L. Spooner

- Toni Adwell

- Jessica Marie Baumgartner

- Sherry Leclerc

- Kristin Clarke

- (Two Women Still Undecided)


Men:

- David Collins

- Lionel Ray Green

- Cal P. Logan

- Michael Mitchell Junior

- James Stevens

- Mike Jansen

- Kevin Potter

- Darren Edden

- Joshua Robertson


7. Book Illustrations by

- Mike Cook (also our Cover Artist)

- Inya Serban

- Michael Mitchell

- Lara Calleja

Check out the Kickstarter Project

What Is WriterWriter?

WriterWriter was launched in September 2018, born through the friendship of two like-minded writers who wanted to offer more to the writing community than what was currently available.
And the thing WriterWriter is most known for is its writing competitions with no limits, allowing multiple submissions to other publications so writers aren’t bound by the metaphorical chains of time (raising their chances of gaining publication faster), allowing simultaneous submissions to increase writers’ chances of winning.
Morgan Wright and David Collins teamed up to create a platform to share writer’s works- publishing short stories on their website, offering advice and inspiration for aspiring authors, offering unlimited opportunities for author interviews and book promotions and provide regular writing competitions to keep writers writing.
WriterWriter is most active on Twitter as @byWriterWriter.

Book Spotlight: The Crafting of Chess

Today I have another book spotlight, on the young adult, GameLit, science-fantasy novel, The Crafting of Chess by Kit Falbo. Enjoy.

The Crafting of Chess by Kit Falbo

Nate wants more to life than moving from town to town, hustling chess with his con-man grandfather or wagering pick-up games online. A new immersive game opens up the chance to bring in a steady paycheck. Maybe enough to convince his grandfather to stay straight. Little does he know how his actions will change his life.

The Crafting of Chess is available at

Amazon and Goodreads.

About the Author

Kit Falbo is a stay at home father who loves reading and writing Science fiction and fantasy. He spends his time in the pacific northwest, enjoying the gray skies. That is when he is not playing games and hanging out with his children.

Book Spotlight: Arthur Dux Bellorum

Today I have a book spotlight for you, a historical fiction about one of my favourite legends, King Arthur. So I present to you, Arthur Dux Bellorum (A Light in the Dark Ages Book 4) by Tim Walker. Plus, there's an excerpt. Enjoy.

Arthur Dux Bellorum (A Light in the Dark Ages Book 4) by Tim Walker

From the ruins of post-Roman Britain, a warrior arises to unite a troubled land

Britain in the late Fifth Century is a troubled place – riven with tribal infighting and beset by invaders in search of plunder and settlement. King Uther is dead, and his daughter, Morgana, seizes the crown for her infant son, Mordred. Merlyn’s attempt to present Arthur as the true son and heir of Uther is scorned, and the bewildered teenager finds himself in prison. Here our story begins…

Arthur finds friends in unexpected quarters and together they flee. Travelling through a fractured landscape of tribal conflict and suspicion, they attempt to stay one step ahead of their pursuers, whilst keeping a wary eye on Saxon invaders menacing the shoreline. Arthur’s reputation as a fearsome warrior grows as he learns the harsh lessons needed to survive and acquire the skills of a dux bellorum, a lord of war.

Tim Walker’s Arthur Dux Bellorum is a fresh look at the Arthurian legend, combining myth, history and gripping battle scenes. Although in a series, it can be read as a standalone novel.

Fans of Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden and Mathew Harffy will enjoy Walker’s A Light in the Dark Ages series and its newest addition – Arthur Dux Bellorum.

Arthur Dux Bellorum is available at Amazon

A Light in the Dark Ages series

Book One: Abandoned

Book Two: Ambrosius: Last of the Romans

Book Three: Uther's Destiny

An Except from Arthur Dux Bellorum:

Artorius (the young Arthur), Merlyn and Gawain are being pursued by Mordred’s men. They arrive at the former Roman colonia of Lindum (modern day Lincoln)

WITH CARE AND vigilance, the troop of riders moved without incident for two days, following the Fosse Way northwards into the well-cultivated region of Linnius and to the town of Lindum. Merlyn dismounted and gathered the party behind a blackthorn thicket when pale stone walls came into view. Looking at the drooping shoulders of his tired companions, he reassured them.

“This town was built by the Romans as a colonia – a commune for retired legionaries, much like Bedwyr’s home. Many of the occupants will be the descendants of ex-legionaries and we can expect a favourable welcome.”

“How do you know that?” Artorius asked. “They may be friends to Morgana and Mordred.”

“I know because last year I spoke to their council. Lindum is governed by a council of elders from the Coritani tribe, and they elect a leader, in the Roman way. They revere Ambrosius and his mother, Justina, as if they were gods.”

“Are they not Christians?” asked Artorius, who had read scripture to his tutor on Hector’s farm.

“The Christian faith is also strong.”

Merlyn scanned their attentive faces and continued, “However, Artorius has a point. Since the time of my visit much has changed. They may have pledged allegiance to King Mordred and regard Artorius as a fugitive and so, to be cautious, I shall go ahead with Varden and Bedwyr to announce our arrival. The rest of you stay out of sight in the trees. If armed soldiers come pouring out of that gate instead of us, then flee to the forest.”

“Would they not also regard you as a fugitive, Merlyn?” Artorius asked.

Merlyn laughed, “Perhaps, but I have faith in their friendship and hope they would allow me my liberty. I feel this is a more likely outcome – let us go.”

A pensive hour passed before Varden returned and bade them follow him into the town.

To Artorius’s keen eyes, the bridge approach over a dry ditch and stone gatehouse were almost identical to Venta’s, but in well-maintained condition. Inside, the town was a bustle of activity with a multitude of people going about their business. Varden led them along the straight central thoroughfare, past two-storey townhouses interspersed with livestock pens, to an open square lined with market stalls. This was dominated by an imposing imperial building, ringed by a columned portico reached from a dozen steps.

Merlyn and Bedwyr stood at the top of the stairs, flanked by ten or so men dressed in white tunics belted at the waist in the Roman fashion. Once dismounted, attendants took the reins of their horses and led them away.

“Come and join us!” Merlyn shouted down to them, as a curious crowd started to gather. Looking about, and noticing the guards, Artorius could see why Merlyn was content for Flavius to dress them like Roman cavalry.

“Welcome, my brothers!” a white-haired elder called, beckoning them to climb the steps. “I am Maddox, elected chief of the council governing Linnius, the region that surrounds our town. Please enter our senate building that we may hear of your journey.”

The elders led the way into a huge hall with a high ceiling held up by white stone columns carved in the Greek manner. The walls were draped with tapestries depicting an odd combination of hunting scenes and Christian saints. Their hobnail boots echoed as they were ushered across a marble floor to sit at benches flanking long banqueting tables. The elders took their seats on a raised platform. Spring water treated with herbs was served, whilst Merlyn gave an account of their escape from Venta and journey to the farming colonia near Calleva. He introduced Gawain and Bedwyr to the elders, each standing to bow in a knightly fashion, and then walked to Artorius and clasped his shoulders in both hands.

“This is Artorius, the true son and heir of King Uther Pendragon, of the bloodline of Ambrosius.”

About the Author

Tim Walker is an independent author based in Windsor, UK. His background is in marketing, journalism, editing and publications management. He began writing an historical series, A Light in the Dark Ages (set in Fifth Century Britain), in 2015, starting with Abandoned, set at the time the Romans left Britain. This was extensively revised and re-launched as a second edition in 2018.

Book two, Ambrosius: Last of the Romans, was published in 2017 and the third installment, Uther’s Destiny, was published in March 2018 (winner of One Stop Fiction book of the month award, April 2018). The adventure continues from March 2019 in the fourth book, Arthur, Dux Bellorum.

His creative writing journey began in July 2015 with the publication of a book of short stories, Thames Valley Tales. In September 2017 he published a second collection of short stories – Postcards from London. These stories combine his love of history with his experiences of living in London and various Thames Valley towns.

In 2016 he published his first novel, a dystopian political thriller, Devil Gate Dawn, following exposure through the Amazon Scout programme. In 2017 he published his first children’s book, The Adventures of Charly Holmes, co-written with his 12-year-old daughter, Cathy, followed In 2018 by a second adventure, Charly & The Superheroes.

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