Adam Gaffen is a multi-faceted, Amazon bestsellingauthor of the award-winning CASSIDY CHRONICLES series of near future science fiction novels. His stories have appeared in the bestselling anthologies A SEASON FOR ROMANCE: SPRING BLOSSOMS (Cassia Hall, publisher), RISING WONDER (Robert Zangari, publisher), and WICKED WISHES (Fiction-Atlas Press, publisher). A 2020 Drunken Druid Literary Award Finalist, the capstone novel in his Artemis War series, Triumph's Ashes, was named one of the Top 50 Indie Books of 2021 by ReadFree. This book was joined in 2022 by The Ghosts of Tantor and in 2023 by The Heart of Space with the same recognition. The story "A Piece of the Action" (included in the collection INTO THE BLACK) was awarded an Honorable Mention by the Writers of the Future Contest and was a finalist in the Colorado Authors League 2023 competition.

He's dived headfirst into urban romantasy - he swears it's a genre! - with the GODSFALL series, a romantasy that will make you question what's really going on in the celestial realms. That was followed in 2024 by "Tracking Tantor," the follow-up to "The Ghosts of Tantor" in the missions of the TFS Pike. He's venturing further afield with a heist thriller, "The Vault & The Vixen," which will feature some Godsfall characters in supporting roles. The first proper crossover novel "Embers of Eternity", uniting the Fantasy and Science Fiction sides of the Cassidyverse, was released in December of 2024.

He is an active member of the Heinlein Society, the Colorado Authors League, the Science Fiction Writers of America, and a frequent guest on the science fiction convention circuit. When he's not writing he is probably editing for other independent authors, or supporting them by publishing interviews on his website.

Dale Parnell was born and raised in Norwich, and moved to Staffordshire in 1999. He has been writing for almost thirty years, but it wasn’t until 2017 that he self-published his first collection, “The Green Cathedral”, a selection of seven contemporary fantasy short stories.

This was followed by a second collection in 2019, “Bramble and other stories”, this time branching out to include horror and science-fiction as well as fantasy.

Dale’s first foray into poetry came in 2018, when he was fortunate enough to have three pieces accepted for the anthology “Further Within Darkness & Light” from Nothing Books. Since then, Dale has featured in over forty fiction and poetry anthologies from some of the best independent publishers around the world.

In 2022, Dale released his third collection, “Foundations”, featuring a variety of short stories that have been featured in previously published anthologies, along with a brand new, exclusive tale.

In 2023, Dale's first full length science-fiction novel, PYR, was released.

Dale lives in Staffordshire with his wife and their imaginary dog, Moriarty. He is currently working on a follow-up to PYR, and his strangest wish is to find a copy of one his books for sale in a second-hand bookshop.

I grew up in the Barossa Valley, an area of South Australia predominantly settled by German immigrants. As a dark-haired, tanned little English girl (remember Britain was at one stage occupied by the Romans), I was very different and mercilessly teased.

I remember the struggle to learn to read – painfully stringing three letter words together – there was Sam and Pam and a ball. Sometimes there was a fat cat on a mat or dog with a ball. Reading was a slow process until one birthday, I sat down with my gift, a Famous Five book by Enid Blyton. The mystery story was so exciting, I finished it in one session and I was a fast reader from that moment onwards. I loved Enid Blyton, her Wishing Chair stories, Magic Faraway Tree stories, fairy-land and toy-land stories as well as the mysteries.

A couple of years later, I discovered The Lion, Witch and Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. It was so amazing, I read it seven times in a row! Eventually, I discovered there was a whole series… I survived on this sort of fair until I was sixteen and read The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. That gave me a taste for mature fantasy. In search of more riveting reading, I discovered Stephen King and James Herbert. Stephen King’s Danse Macabre led me to H.P. Lovecraft, on whom I completed a Master’s project.

My Thesis entitled: THE LITERARY MANIFESTO OF H.P. LOVECRAFT: A WRITER IN SEARCH OF A THEORY (1993-1994) was completed as a reseach project which replaced several subjects in my Master of Arts through the Univeristy of New South Wales. The last chapter was considered to have the most appeal to fans of Lovecraft's work and was extracted and published as “Symbolism of Style in `The Strange High House in the Mist'", Lovecraft Studies 31, edited by S.T. Joshi, pp.11-15. (Published under the name of Cecelia Drewer).

In 1988, I wrote my first full length fictional manuscript, often scribbling on the train as I travelled from Newcastle to Sydney to attend post graduate study at university. In the year 2000, I brought my second full length manuscript into being and 2004 saw my third full length manuscript. All are very different genres and all are waiting for readers! I have always been clever at creating dialogue and in 2010, a Nativity Play I wrote was produced by a local church.

In 2016 I wrote an online course on “Poetry Appreciation and Analysis Skills” on Open Learning. The course can be found at: https://www.openlearning.com/courses/poetry-appreciation-and-analysis-skills

I also write for Weekend Notes (an online magazine) and Hubpages. My Poetry can be found on Poetry Soup at: https://www.poetrysoup.com/poems_poets/best/85098/cecelia_hopkins-drewer

Books by Cecelia Hopkins Drewer include:

Silver Springtime (The Silver Springs University Series #1) by Cecelia Hopkins-Drewer - 2017

Faith and Love (The Silver Springs University Series, #2) by Cecelia Hopkins-Drewer - 2018

All For Love: on the charity dating show by Cecelia Hopkins - 2018

Mystic Evermore (The Nevermore Parables, #1) by Cecelia Hopkins-Drewer - 2018

Saints and Sinners (The Nevermore Parables, #2) by Cecelia Hopkins-Drewer - 2018

Autumn Secrets (The Nevermore Parables, #3) by Cecelia Hopkins-Drewer - 2018

Patrick Winters is a graduate of Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. As a student, he was a two-time co-editor in chief of the college's literary and art magazine, Forte, and is a member of the international English honors society, Sigma Tau Delta.

Winters is now a proud member of the Horror Writers Association. His works have been published in numerous anthologies and magazines and have been featured on various web-based offerings, including the Horror Tree, the Sirens Call, Deadman's Tome, Fantasia Divinity Magazine, Sanitarium Magazine, and many more. While appreciating an array of genres, his favorite to both read and write in is Horror, because he's just plain weird like that!

Winters is an avid listener of all things hard-rock and heavy-metal, a compendium of comic-book knowledge, can (and will) do a perplexing array of voice impersonations, and can bend his thumbs further back than any person should have the right/capability of doing. It is all quite odd . . .

A full list of his publications can be found at: http://wintersauthor.azurewebsites.net/Publications/List

Dawn DeBraal lives in rural Wisconsin and has published over 700 short stories, poems, and drabbles, in many online ezines and printed anthologies including two novels. The Lord's Prayer, A Series in Horror which won the Literary Global Book award, and under the pen name of Garrison McKnight, what the hell happened to joan? Dawn was a finalist in the Owl Canyon Hackathon 2023, runner-up in the 2022 Short Story Horror Contest, Author of the Month Spillwords x2, Contributor of the Year 2023 Spillwords Magazine, Member of the Month in The World of Myth x2, Your Daily Poem contest winner, 2012. The Falling Star Magazine nominated her for the 2019 Pushcart Award, a song published in the House of Harmony, International Habitat for Humanity Song Book, and a finalist in the "Great American Song Writing Contest." 2016.

K.M. Bennett writes horror. She's still afraid of the dark and lives with her husband, son, and two dogs.

Nicole Henning is a book-a-holic who lives in a big-little town in Wisconsin. She surrounds herself with all things scary and bizarre and enjoys creating unique art. When she isn’t writing she enjoys playing video games and spends a lot of time snuggling with her dog Allie aka Princess Prissy Pants. Reading, writing, and horror are her biggest passions in life.

As a writer from Ontario, Canada, Brianna Witte has a passion for spinning tales of sci-fi, horror and fantasy. She enjoys taking readers on a ride through the realm of fiction by weaving twisted, futuristic and magical stories that materialise from her wildly creative dreams and vivid imagination. Brianna has had her first novel, “Witches and Vampires”, published in December 2019. To date she has had a number of short stories and drabbles published, as well as her short story, ‘The Hunt’ commended for the 2019 Author of Tomorrow award.

Andrew Kurtz is an emerging voice in the world of horror literature, known for his graphic and intense short stories. His works have garnered attention in various horror anthologies, captivating readers with their vivid descriptions and unsettling themes.

Since his childhood, Kurtz has been fascinated by the horror genre, finding inspiration in films and books that evoke fear and intrigue. This early passion laid the foundation for his writing career, which focuses on delivering chilling narratives that linger in the mind long after reading.

Kurtz draws significant inspiration from a range of acclaimed authors. Renowned names like Stephen King and Clive Barker have profoundly influenced his style and approach to storytelling. He admires King’s ability to delve into the psychological aspects of horror and Barker’s talent for blending fantasy with terror. Additionally, the works of H.G. Wells and Richard Matheson inspire Kurtz's love for speculative fiction, while Edgar Rice Burroughs and Ian Fleming shape his narrative structure and character development. These influences merge seamlessly in Kurtz’s own writing, creating a unique blend of styles.In his stories, Kurtz often explores complex characters confronting their deepest fears. He delves into the human psyche, studying how trauma, guilt, and fear can manifest in destructive ways. His characters embark on harrowing journeys where they must face both external horrors and internal demons. This exploration of duality adds depth to his narratives, engaging readers on multiple levels. By portraying characters that are both relatable and flawed, Kurtz creates a connection that enhances the reader’s experience of his unsettling tales. Kurtz’s graphic descriptions contribute to the impact of his stories. He utilizes vivid imagery to evoke strong emotions and transport readers into the terrifying worlds he creates. His attention to detail brings scenes to life, allowing audiences to feel the tension and dread that permeate his work. While his stories may be disturbing, they are never without purpose. Each graphic element serves to amplify the central themes of fear and survival, making his tales resonate with horror enthusiasts who appreciate intensity and depth. As an up-and-coming author, Andrew Kurtz is carving out his niche within the horror genre. His dedication to crafting powerful narratives and exploring the complexities of fear positions him as a compelling figure to watch. With each new story, Kurtz continues to evolve as a writer, drawing on the influences of his literary heroes while establishing his voice. As he contributes more works to horror anthologies, readers eagerly anticipate the chilling tales that will emerge from his imaginative mind.

Gary McDonough graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in Teaching and now lives with his wife and two sons in Cheshire. He loves all things horror and enjoys listening to a wide range of bands that fall within the heavy metal genre. He currently has short stories featured in a variety of publications and who knows what will come next...

Originally from Cincinnati, Lamont Turner now resides in the swamps just outside of New Orleans where he collects all manner of occult and arcane lore, and performs forbidden and blasphemous experiments. When not busy communing with the damned, he tells scary stories to the four little demons who claim to be his children.

K. J. Watson's flash fiction and short stories have appeared on the radio; in comics, magazines and anthologies; and online. He also writes as Kevin Watson.

Melody lives in Ontario, Canada and writes short, speculative fiction that has been published by several small presses. She is also an avid reviewer who writes reviews and articles for The Horror Tree, Ginger Nuts of Horror, and on her blog. Melody is a member of Sisters in Crime and is the secretary for the Ontario chapter of the Horror Writers Association. She earned her Master of Arts studying Ancient Greek and Roman Studies and often infuses her work with elements of Greek mythology.

In her day job she works as a legal assistant and in her spare time, she loves reading, embroidery, and martial arts.

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Jade Wildy is a lover of the arts in every form and holds several degrees. A swift change in the direction of her own career saw her return to creative writing after a hiatus of several years.

Through her writing, Jade addresses themes like death, psychological state and being different, and delights in slipping in the unexpected. She believes in the power of storytelling as a motivator for change, and her writing has been included in numerous publications internationally.

A self-confessed wallflower, Jade lives in South Australia on the traditional lands of the Kaurna People. She can be frequently be found writing or drawing in the local cafes.

She is a member of WritersSA, and as a wife and parent, she believes in the power of storytelling as a motivator for change.

To date, she has had numerous short fiction accepted for publication in 2021, including:

“Alices Hope” - Short Story in ‘Stories of Survival,’ Dead Set Press/Aussie Speculative Fiction;

“The Occam’s Razor” a Short Story in ‘Death Ship,’ Breaking Rules Europe;

“The Water Bloom Incident”, a novella included in Field's of Ruin, a fantasy Bundle, Black Ink Fiction.

And numerous Drabbles and other micro-fiction in anthologies by publishers including Black Ink Fiction, Raven & Drake, Ghost Orchid and Black Hare Press.

www.jadewildywordsmith.com

www.facebook.com/jadewildywordsmith

Birgit lives in Edinburgh, Scotland. They write short speculative fiction and have a soft spot for the slightly bizarre and characters who view the world with a healthy dose of sarcasm.

Working as a scrum master by day, they also have a PhD in toxicology, which they consult for the occasional (literary) poisoning.

You can find them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BirgitKGaiser).

Birgit’s work has been shortlisted for the Edinburgh Flash Fiction Award and published or accepted by Black Hare Press, Daikaijuzine, WolfSinger Publications, Black Ink Fiction, Ghost Orchid Press and 50-Word Stories.

Jameson Grey’s work has been published in magazines (Dark Recesses Press, Dark Dispatch, Medusa Tales, Polar Borealis, Polar Starlight), online (Dark Moments, Trembling with Fear, 101 Words, The Birdseed) and in numerous anthologies.

Black Ink Fiction is a female-led, US-based based speculative fiction imprint focused on releasing exciting horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. Check out our upcoming works at www.BlackInkFiction.com.

Tim (Timothy) Law, is a proud librarian from a little town in Southern Australia called Murray Bridge.

He only recently discovered the world of online publishing in late 2019 and hasn’t stopped submitting stories since.

His stories have appeared in Black Ink Fiction, Black Hare Press, The World of Myth Magazine, Inner Circle Writer’s Magazine, Spillwords, Short Story Avenue, Sweetycat Press, Short Story Town, Pure Slush, Academy of the Heart and Mind and narrated in The Poet’s Lounge—a channel on YouTube.

Tim has a host of stories and poems published in anthologies of various genres, his favorite being fantasy. He was awarded June 2021 Spillwords author of the month and was included in “Who's Who of Emerging Writers 2021.” His stories are inspired by everything and anything. For more about Tim you can check out his blog at https://somecallmetimmy.blogspot.com

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