Monster Gallery now available

I'm happy to announce that my 7th story has been published in an anthology called Monster Gallery.  The anthology focuses on some of the lesser known, more obscure creatures out there.  My story "Little Changes" highlights what happens when werewolves come across a different were-creature.  While the story certainly fits the horror theme, it also shows that there is a lighter side of the dark side.

You can purchase Monster Gallery the Publisher's Shoppe, my Amazon Author's Page, or as always, you can search in the trunk of my car for the best deals.

A Happy Weekend Indeed!

Over the weekend I received word of another story being accepted for publication.  In fact it is the same story, The Statue Garden, that was rejected in the previous post.  Ironically, it has been accepted by the same publisher that rejected it previously, although it is a different editor for the company.  A company that has accepted and printed several of my stories already, Static Movement.


The story will be printed in an anthology called Cobwebs & Antiques and is about a girl whose hellish nightmare takes 20 years to come to fruition and destroys her life... or does it?


Okay that last bit was a tad cliched, just buy the book when it comes out to read what happens.  The theme for the anthology is very similar to the anthology I was first accepted in, which seems fitting for my 10th acceptance, that's right 10 acceptances in the span of year.


See the cover image here.

Rejection 12: The Statue Garden

It's been a while since I've posted a rejection letter, and I don't want to mislead anyone. Despite my recent string of successes, I still get rejections letters.  Below you'll find a recent rejection I received for a story I know is good.

Hello Alex,
Thank you so much for the submission, and I apologise for the delay in my response.
While I liked your story very much and enjoyed reading it; I do feel that it isn't really a suitable fit for this anthology.
If you have a story that you think would be a better fit, please feel free to send it along.
I am looking for stories to do with planting either ideas or horticulture and watching the ideas or produce flourish into your worst nightmare.
Thanks
L

What I find interesting about this one is that I thought it may be rejected for a completely different reason.  In the story the main character as an adult recollects a nightmare she had at the age of 5.  In the dream her adult self is raped by a creature/man.  I was worried that although it was only a dream, and I made it clear it was her future adult body, the editor/publisher would have an issue with a 5 year old having a nightmare of being raped.  As you can tell from my next post, I was wrong.

New Dawn Fades

Hello everybody! My latest story has been published by Post Mortem Press.  The story "Mindless Thoughts" is a zombie story with a different point of view.  So pick up New Dawn Fades and read my latest for an interesting perspective of a classic genre.

You can purchase the book at Post Mortem-Press or search for it on Amazon.  And as with all my books, you can purchase a signed and personalized copy from me at the AzarRising Mobile Bookstore.

Latest Story Acceptance

Good tidings to all! Doesn't it feel like Halloween just passed us?

Today's good news comes courtesy of Yule Tide Terror the latest anthology I've been accepted in.  "The Last Noel" is a tale that explains why Santa Claus has all those different names, and the real story behind the elves is finally revealed.

Warning: If you still believe in the magic of Christmas time you may not want to read any further.

Below is a quick excerpt from the story.

Reaching into his velour bag that’s deeper than it looks, I find a heavy winter coat, and sure enough on a tag hanging from the zipper is my name.  I put it on, and the chill just melts away, “Wow, this is the warmest jacket ever, thank you sir.”

“Please call me Santa, or Chris, or Papa… the different people I’ve gotten over the years tend to choose a name they think will be more relatable to their countrymen.” 

“Hmm, well if it were up to me…” 

“It is up to you, as of now, my entire lore is up to you. No pressure, Ho Ho Ho.” He jokes, but it is a lot of pressure. 

“Ok then, as an American, I’m partial to the classic, good ole Santa Claus… it’s…” the rest of my thought trails off as does the air in my lungs and surrounding space.

Santa takes the reign and cracks the whip with what looks like anger in his eyes, “Hey you shits, I told you when I’ve got someone in here with me you can’t fly so damn high!”

The sled drops altitude and air returns to me, “Thank you, Santa.” The display of anger still throwing me off.  While it’s a natural reaction for anyone, I imagined him, freaking Santa Claus to be above such things.

“These shitheads almost killed Josefina a few weeks back.  They think because they’re immortal I won’t punish them.”

Choosing to focus on the only thing in those statements that wasn’t negative, I ask. “Is Josefina Mrs. Claus?”

“Ho Ho Ho, no she’s this fine piece of Brazilian tail that’s got that Memento thing going on.  Poor chick can’t remember she bangs the real Santa every few months, so she can’t tell people about me.  Ho Ho Ho.”  The bass of his laugh vibrates in my lungs, but I don’t find the joy in it I did mere minutes ago. “I like you Sammy, feels life I could be myself in front of you.”

After reading that, I'm sure we can all agree your Christmas shopping list is done. You're welcome!

Azar Rising Mobile Bookstore

For all of you who have been searching for one convenient location to purchase all of my anthologies physically, you're in luck.  I'm proud to announce that the Azar Rising Mobile Bookstore is now open for business and is fully stocked with all of my books.  So if you can find the store (the trunk of my car) you can now complete all your Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Ramadan, and all gift giving needs at a discounted price you won't find anywhere else.  And if you're real lucky you might be able to check in on Foursquare.  At this time we're only accepting cash... don't expect that to change anytime soon.