Indie Bookshelf Releases 06/23/2023

by Stephanie Ellis · Published June 23, 2023 · Updated June 23, 2023

Got a book to launch, an event to promote, a kickstarter or seeking extra work/support as a result of being hit economically by Covid or life in general?

Get in touch and we’ll promote you here. The post is prepared each Thursday for publication on Friday. Contact us via Horror Tree’s contact address or connect via Twitter or Facebook.

Click on the book covers for more information. Remember to scroll down to the bottom of the page – there’s all sorts lurking in the deep.

Before you scroll down through the books however, please could you consider checking out the ‘Creatives in Crisis’ section. This has been added to help those who need additional support at this time. Thank you!

‘Bill and Joyce Spangler managed to avoid being hit by the pieces of the Chinese booster rocket that fell to Earth in late 2022. So far, though, that’s all they’ve managed to avoid.

Over the past 18 months, the couple has been pummeled by a string of emergencies too preposterous for fiction. They could only happen in real life.

Bill is a comic book author, science fiction writer and a journalist. He’s perhaps best known for his work on various Robotech comic series, but he has written so much more, including a recent publication in the legendary magazine Weird Tales. Sadly, a genetic disorder, caused by a defect in the gene called PTEN, has caught up to him. PTEN has already claimed the life of his sister Mary. But no one is giving up on Bill. We want him to be around as long as possible.

Bill is facing many serious health problems that are overwhelming his ability to manage day-to-day tasks. He struggles to walk. He’s had many falls and injuries. Joyce does everything she can to help, but she has her own health challenges, such as fibromyalgia and arthritis, which limit what she can do. She works as a school psychologist, but the school year is about to end and she will have to go on unemployment. And these problems were aggravated when they had to replace the dishwasher, the home computer and the boiler that heats their home. (Yes, we’re serious.) She’s overwhelmed. He’s overwhelmed.

They won’t be able to afford the medical tests and procedures, as well as the associated costs to obtain the everyday home health care that Bill now needs. Friends and family have been generous with their help, but he needs someone who can be physically present every day. That requires money to hire professional help.

We’ve set a goal of $10,000 for the drive. According to GoFundMe rules, no raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions can be offered in exchange for any donations made. If you can’t afford to give, or even if you can, please share this post. As the British say, every little helps.’

Cassie and her family are continuing to struggle to find accommodation and remain living in their car. Whilst she has hit her target, I am leaving this fundraiser up because of living expenses and until I know they are safely housed. She is still working though and producing commissions! You can check out her work here shop — ctrl alt cassie and support her that way if you so wish. Thank you!

For the marginalized and oppressed, the expression of dread varies greatly. There has been no safer place than art to communicate such powerful thoughts and feelings. And never have these voices been so embraced as in the horror genre. Hence, the existence of this important book—We’re Here: An Anthology of LGBTQ+ Horror. Comprised of twelve stories, We’re Here boldly speaks its mind, presents old and new horrors, and celebrates the beautiful spectrum of otherness. Even in fiction, we live our truths.

Contributing authors:
Judith Sonnet, Hailey Piper, Angelique Jordonna, Sumiko Saulson, Michael R. Collins, Pippa Bailey, Ruth Anna Evans, Evan J. Peterson, Dan B. Fierce, James Lefebure, Anton Cancre, Jason LaVelle

All proceeds go to The Trevor Project.

Three horrific stories of crop-killing fungal outbreaks, ancient sources of sustenance, and a ravishing hunger for which there is no cure.

“The Last Slaughter” by Douglas Ford

“Cat Food” by Holly Rae Garcia

“Rock of Ages” by Rebecca Rowland

“Being constantly hungry can make a person desperate. These three authors explore what horrors could transpire in a society where everyone is hungry all the time – an all too real possibility given the climate crisis the world is grappling with.” -Bev Vincent, author of Stephen King: A Complete Exploration of His Work, Life, and Influences.

All proceeds benefit Texas food banks.

Not an anthology but a variety of things offered in order to support the Pixel Project in its campaign against violence against women. This particular spot is via the ever-wonderful and supportive, Angela Yuriko Smith. Check out what she is offering for a donation.

‘Please share if you can. Read For Pixels is getting hit hard in the moneys. There are all levels of awards, but $250 gets someone a talk show spot, written interview, audio podcast and a BONUS full page ad in Space and Time (magazine). Transferrable.’ – Angela Yuriko Smith.

Click the image for more info!

Terrified, desperate, and rebellious—before 1973, those were routine reactions for anyone trapped and in trouble. Access to reproductive health care has been chipped away for decades until a single decision once again mired a new generation in historic trauma and modern repression.

The voices of In Trouble explore the fantastic and ordinary ways lives are overturned by unplanned or unexpected arrivals.

This collection aims forward, delivering stories of radical agency and fierce self-direction, challenging the world of legally imposed vulnerability, exploited futures, and oppressive structures that have become so painfully real.

In Trouble is a vivid examination of power and self-determination.

The editors will donate 100% of net proceeds to benefit the National Network of Abortion Funds.

Yes, 2022 has passed but any charity books out in December which were missed are included in the 2023 shelves for fairness’ sake.

‘Twas the fright before Christmas,
nightmares fill my head,
the creatures, they’re a-prowling
’til everyone is dead…

Welcome back to Deathlehem, where…

…a stranger grants a grieving father’s Christmas wish…
…charitable acts are purely self-serving…
…a man plans his last Christmas in a post-apocalyptic world…
…a serial killer targets the wrong victim…
…sometimes it’s better not to go home for the holidays…
…and more!

Seventeen more tales of holiday horrors to benefit The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

Bodily transformation. Possession of the body. Forced disembodiment. A baby consumes its mother in utero. Unrealistic postpartum expectations turn deadly. A witch avenges the voiceless. These 16 original horror stories explore the ownership and control—or lack thereof—that we have over our bodies.

All profits from this anthology go to National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) to support reproductive freedom, access to birth control and abortion care, paid parental leave, and protection from pregnancy discrimination.

*All Horror Tree sponsors are able to claim a free spot at the top of our listing during the donation of their sponsorship. The book blurb/synopsis can also be displayed. Please use our contact form for more advertising pricing. This section is also available to supporters of Horror Tree, ie patrons and staff, as a thank you!

Contact form link: https://horrortree.co1m/contact/

Just face it…girl’s rule.

The horror genre is full of remarkable writers—masters of prose that can make your skin crawl, your pulse quicken, and your breath ragged. But nothing is as special as a badass female author who evokes a sense of fear and dread so intense that it affects the reader for days afterward.

Just a Girl is an anthology containing stories by some of the best female names in horror. Join us in celebrating their unique voices and prepare yourself for a wide array of never-before-published horror stories that will leave you wanting more.

With stories by J.H. Moncrieff, EV Knight, Kenzie Jennings, Rebecca Rowland, Candace Nola, Jill Girardi, Catherine Jordan, Renee M.P.T. Kray, Lydia Prime, Rayne Havok, Kate DeJonge, Kayla Krantz, Shelly Lyons, E.E. King, Jodie Keenan, and Cherrie Hatchett.

With foreword written by Judith Sonnet.

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to (rep)eat it.

A mother and daughter negotiate the Oregon Trail with grisly results; an elementary teacher watches the carnage of The Challenger explosion spill over into her own classroom. A possible prospector traveling west is drawn to an isolated inn where no one walks away hungry; a 1950s housewife shares the gruesome repertoire of behavior expected of a proper lady. Prohibition and women’s suffrage, the Civil War and the Vietnam War, the JFK assassination conspiracy and the Y2K hysteria: the annals of American history are reimagined with a side order of cannibalism by twenty of the biggest names writing horror fiction today.

Forget what you read in the textbooks.

Everything you were taught about the Land of Liberty is about to be history.

Darkness comes in different forms: in the mischief of the supernatural, in the evil of demonic spirits, or in the greed and selfishness of humans themselves. Regardless of where it comes from, its proponents are all ‘devil kin’. From gothic to post-apocalyptic to vampiric folk horror, the kin are waiting in this collection of short stories.

Poetry

Short Story Collections (& mixed story/poetry)

Anthologies

Novels and Novellas

Poetry
3rd	16th	18th	20th

Short Story Collections
2nd	16th	20th	24th

	30th

Anthologies (inc. non-fiction)
2nd	7th	13th	14th	16th

	18th	28th	TBA

Novels and Novellas
2nd	5th	6th	7th	8th

	9th	11th	15th

16th		18th		19th

20th		21st	23rd

	24th	TBA

Poetry

Short Story Collections
5th	18th	23rd	TBA

Anthologies
7th

Novels and Novellas
1st	3rd	7th		11th

				18th

19th	25th		28th	TBA

Poetry

Short Story Collections
1st	21st

Anthologies
2nd	3rd

Novels and Novellas
1st		3rd	8th	24th

29th	TBA

Poetry

Short Story Collections
23rd

Anthologies

Novels and Novellas

Poetry

Short Story Collections
10th

Anthologies
15th

Novels and Novellas
3rd	10th	13th	23rd

Novels and Novellas
14th	TBA

Novels and Novellas
1st

Note: These shelves are very much ‘reminders’ of the magazines that are out there, so the covers might not change too often! Please let me know if there are magazines, journals, periodicals we are not aware of.

Find dark fantasy microfiction with a tinge of horror over at Shadows & Sorcery. Releasing their 90th edition this weekend!

About:

‘Every week, I generate several random names using a simple little C# randomizer, and then I write a flash fiction piece about names that inspire an image or idea.

Some stories are written like accounts or folktales, and some are written as longer episodes or pivotal scenes of a larger story. Each one can be short and concise or they can linger on their subject, they can be broad in scope or specific, but each one is intended to focus on single clear concept or image. Some weeks have five short tales, and some have three much longer ones.

Each entry is intended as a glimpse into a strange, far off place, packed with implication and dripping with atmosphere. Nearly every story is its own world, though I do have a few places and characters I like returning to.

The aim of all this is engagement: both in the fun dark fantasy weird writing, and in getting your imagination buzzing with all the strange and sorcerous hints!

Shadows & Sorcery, despite its sometimes rather frantic release schedule, is NOT written or prompted with AI in any way, shape, or form, and never will be.’

‘Story

Novus Monstrum

This is the first in a new dark, speculative anthology series called The Midnight Zone, from Dragon’s Roost Press.

A 200+ page anthology of weird, dark fiction (think: The Twilight Zone, Black Mirror, X-Files, Fringe, Channel Zero) featuring these greats of smart, inventive horror: Ramsey Campbell, Gemma Files, Gabino Iglesias, Gwendolyn Kiste, Joe R. Lansdale, Jonathan Maberry, Zin E. Rocklyn, Lucy A. Snyder, Jeffrey Thomas, and Gaby Triana.

This project represents the melding of the twisted editorial minds that brought you Burnt Fur and Stitched Lips: An Anthology of Horror from Silenced Voices (Ken MacGregor, nominated for a Shirley Jackson Award for the latter) and Appetites and Harmony & Dissonance from the Triangulation anthology series (Douglas Gwilym, whose short story “Year Six” is on Ellen Datlow’s Best Horror 14 recommended reading list and whose story “Poppy’s Poppy” was a finalist for a Bram Stoker Award this year).

‘Story

A group of strangers gather around a table, joining hands as a medium calls upon a spirit to speak to them. A cloaked stranger creeps into the cemetery in the middle of the night. Teenagers sit in a circle placing their fingertips on the Ouija board’s planchette. The conjuring of spirits has fascinated humans for time immemorial. We seek answers, revelations, proof that something exists beyond the life we live on this planet.

MAKE YOUR PRESENCE KNOWN is a new horror anthology from Off Limits Press filled with stories of seances, conjuring, and communication with the dead. There will be an open submission call along with a few select invitations to writers to fill the pages of the book with a diverse selection of stories to fit the theme.

Donations will go directly to paying our authors ($0.04 per word) along with covering the cost of cover art.

Note: Donating to this campaign will have no bearing or influence upon submissions.’

‘A combination cookbook/comic anthology.
We all know that food has a very profound effect on our lives, specifically on memories. Maybe it’s walking into the kitchen and smelling freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Maybe it’s the meal you had at that Michelin-starred restaurant. Maybe it’s the bowl of ramen that you ate every night in college. This anthology is full of stories like these, taken right from the creators’ memories.
But that’s not all. This project is not only a full-blown comic anthology, but it’s also a bonafide cookbook! Each story includes a recipe that coincides with the contents of the comic. So whether you like comics, you like to cook, or you just like food, give us your support! With your help, we can make sure that the world gets a chance to see these amazing recipes and even better comics.’

Lynn Love

Go to her website lynnlove.co.uk Lynn Love is a UK-based editor, mentor and ghost story writer whose short stories and serials have appeared in print and online in The Horror Tree, Inferno anthology by The Infernal Clock, Daughters of Darkness II anthology by Black Angel Press, Writing Magazine, Mslexia and The People’s Friend among others. She’s a reader for Flame Tree Press and London Literary Scouting.

Erin Al-Mehairi

Erin Al-Mehairi at Hook of a Book – Experienced editor of 25+ years. Fiction (most genres), non-fiction, poetry, business/website. Developmental content and copy/line editor both. Proofreading also offered. For more information go to hookofabook.wordpress.com/editing/.

Michael David Wilson

‘I’m currently open to new clients for editing and writing consultations. If you’re interested in my freelance editing services please drop me a line at [email protected] . I offer two levels of fiction editing and Skype writing consultations.’

Services include: Story Overview, Full In-depth Edit, Skype Writing Consultations.

Go here to find out more : https://www.michaeldavidwilson.co.uk/editing/

Ben Long

Writing – Whether you’re looking for fresh blog content, catchy social media copy, or someone to overhaul your brand/site, I would more than happy to help.

Persuasive copywriting, engaging content writing, and everything in between – I love it all.

Editing: Need someone to correct typos and grammatical mistakes in your manuscript? Looking for help in the developmental structure of your latest story?

Whether you need help editing help in the macro or the micro, I bet my attention to detail and knowledge of writing prowess can help.

Something Else?

I’m ALWAYS open to and looking for opportunities to collaborate! I love working with like-minded people on passion projects that pique my interest. I want motivational partnerships where we can create cool things and everyone wins.

Get in touch with me here: https://readingvicariously.net/services/

Claire Fitzpatrick

‘I’ve started a small freelance editing business. It’s called Edit Without Mercy.

I’m not offering developmental editing for novels at this time, but I will work with short fiction and non-fiction . I’m specialising in:

– Copy Editing

– Content Editing

– Academic Editing

– Proofreading

Feel free to message me or use the contact form if you’re looking for editorial assistance!

Edit Without Mercy – Proof-Reading, Copy-Editing, Content Editing, Academic Editing, Book Formatting (wordpress.com)’

Happy reading.

Steph

on behalf of Stuart and the Horror Tree Team

About the Author
Latest Posts

Stephanie Ellis

Stephanie Ellis writes dark speculative prose and poetry and has been published in a variety of magazines and anthologies. Her longer work includes the folk horror novels, The Five Turns of the Wheel, Reborn, and The Woodcutter, and the novellas, Bottled and Paused (all via Brigids Gate Press). Her dark poetry has been published in her collections Lilith Rising (co-authored with Shane Douglas Keene), Foundlings (co-authored with Cindy O’Quinn) and Metallurgy, as well as the HWA Poetry Showcase Volumes VI, VII, VIII, and IX and Black Spot Books Under Her Skin. She can be found supporting indie authors at HorrorTree.com via the weekly Indie Bookshelf Releases. She can be found at https://stephanieellis.org and on Blue Sky as stephellis.bsky.social.

Indie Bookshelf Releases 06/23/2023

Poetry

Short Story Collections (& mixed story/poetry)

Anthologies

Novels and Novellas

Poetry

Short Story Collections

Anthologies (inc. non-fiction)

Novels and Novellas

Poetry

Short Story Collections

Anthologies

Novels and Novellas

Poetry

Short Story Collections

Anthologies

Novels and Novellas

Poetry

Short Story Collections

Anthologies

Novels and Novellas

Poetry

Short Story Collections

Anthologies

Novels and Novellas

Novels and Novellas

Novels and Novellas

About:

‘Story

Novus Monstrum

‘Story

Lynn Love

Erin Al-Mehairi

Michael David Wilson

Ben Long

Claire Fitzpatrick

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