I have a brand new horror and dark romance story (usually referred to as ‘Horror-Mance’ these days) in the Fall 2026 issue of the semi-professional speculative fiction magazine, Tales from the Crosstimbers. Edited by Max Griffin on a quarterly basis, it is available online in print and ebook formats. You can get it on Amazon Kindle. Every issue features ten authors. Just like in my last website entry (Frost Zone Stories, Book #4), we’re visiting NYC again for horror depicted in the 1970s. A little bit of the historical, a little bit of the weird, and a whole lot of the nostalgic. What happens when a middle-aged man meets a woman with a mysterious past in a renowned bookstore? What happens when they begin to date seriously, engage in a love affair where immortality is offered openhandedly? Will this man accept her gift? Or will he turn it down at a cost without realizing it? Find out in my story: “The Woman Who Offered Immortality.” As always, any pictures and links we’ll be below. In the coming year you will see a lot more ‘Horror-Mance’ coming from me, as dark romance (or other romantasy) seem to be selling quite well these days in the world of literature.
Tales from the Crosstimbers – Fall 2026 Issue
Featuring new Dagstine story:“The Woman Who Offered Immortality”
Other New Entries:“Magazines” and “Digital Credits”
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For my next story we have a lengthy fantasy piece about a blind witch to a Harry Potter-inspired anthology, edited and put out by Christopher G. Nuttall. This series has been around for a number of years, and it’s a pretty thick book. I’ll leave all available links and pictures down below, like I usually do the past 20+ years. Fantastic Schools is a series about magic users in or around learning environments. Fantasy that falls under the Harry Potter-style umbrella, mystical universities of wizardry, or video games like Fire Emblem Three Houses. Best way to describe it. If you’re a fan of J.K. Rowling, this will definitely be up your alley. Or maybe, just maybe, as a suitable replacement. The witch in my tale goes to a school for swordsmanship and magic, a curse was bestowed on her family, leaving pretty much everybody half-blind. And with the help of an animal companion, we see my protagonist overcome adversity, prejudice, and disability in the most amazing fashion. I really do recommend this book. It’s got a stellar lineup. Read my new fantasy piece in Fantastic Schools Volume #13: “The Myopic Witch and her Avian Attendant.”
FANTASTIC SCHOOLS VOLUME 13
Edited and published by Christopher G. Nuttall & L. Jagi Lamplighter
Fiction about Magic Learning Environments & Harry Potter-style characters
Featuring New Dagstine story:“The Myopic Witch and her Avian Attendant”
Available on Pubshare FIRST (click link, be redirected):
The Myopic Witch and her Avian Attendant by Lawrence Dagstine
The Sorceress’s Son by Peter Rhodan
The Mage and the Fox by Jasmine Lawrence
A Freshman’s First Quest by Steve Choquette
Robyn’s Story by William Lehman
The Staff Fighter by J.W. Logan
Green Flash Molten by Rhys Hughes
Forged By Starlight by Frank Luke
The Magics of Fae by J.L. Stevenson
The Chaperone’s Tale by Christopher G. Nuttall
As for Amazon, Volume 13 will EVENTUALLY find its way here:
(the whole book series – click and be redirected)
Or if you own a Kindle and just want a ONE-OFF, then go here:
ABOUT THE BOOK/SERIES:‘Have you ever wanted to go to magic school? To cast spells and brew potions and fly on broomsticks and – perhaps – battle threats both common and supernatural? Come with us into worlds of magic, where students become magicians and teachers do everything in their power to ensure the kids survive long enough to graduate. Welcome to … Fantastic Schools.
Once again, students enter their schools of sorcery – sometimes willingly, sometimes not – and come face to face with the power, and the price, of magic. Come meet the son of a powerful and famous sorceress, trying to make his way out from under his mother’s shadow; come meet a blind witch making her way through a magical world, with the aid of her strange and powerful familiar. Or thrill to stories of student wizards fighting duels, some very real, and a lost girl who finds herself yanked into a world of magic. Or a young commoner who has to chaperone an aristocrat as the price of her schooling, a price she may not be willing to pay…
All this, and more, in the latest volume of Fantastic Schools.’
Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos” and “Digital Credits”
Edited to Add: Pleased to wake up and find that Fantastic Schools Vol. #13 is in the TOP 200 on Amazon Kindle.
Hello, readers. I’m pleased to announce the release of my sixth lengthy novelette and novella these past few years. This time I’m back with the same publisher as Small Favors and The Paraplegic. Farthest Star Publishing. And boy, do they put out a lot of these fun little books that range between 10,000 and 20,000 words in length. What they call their Quick Reads Selections (aka Longer Stories). The kind of genre literature you could read on a single commute to work, in bed before you call it a night, take with you camping, or just take to the beach with you. The Farthest Star collection is basically sci-fi and horror that is meant to be read in one day, one sitting. They release these small singular titles in a cozy “chapbook format.” Like you’d find at vendor tables at small cons. The Paraplegic and Small Favors received an excellent reception, making it into the TOP 200 for Classic Horror on Amazon when they debuted. Can we strike lightning thrice? This time I’m taking you to a very spooky place with a somewhat ancient past. Set in my hometown, during the Great Depression. A novella about a mysterious Monster Hospital. And the little darling creatures that exist there, just waiting to take a bite out of you! Introducing my next novella, for 2026: “The New York Monster Hospital.” Links and pics shall be below, so just scroll down. It is available in print and Kindle formats. The best of both worlds.
Farthest Star Publishing presents…
The New York Monster Hospital by Lawrence Dagstine
Edited by Donald D’Amico
SAMPLE THE NOVELLA OR BUY IT ON AMAZON KINDLE:
ALSO BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY PREVIOUS TWO CHAPBOOKS
FROM FARTHEST STAR PUBLISHING: “The Paraplegic” & “Small Favors”
Farthest Star Main Website – (click link, be redirected):
Other New Entries:“Books & Anthos” and “Digital Credits”
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I have a new novella out this month from Nomadic Delirium Press, and edited by J. Alan Erwine. I’ll put links below, as there are a handful of places you can purchase this from. I’m also featured in the chapbook alongside fellow spec-fic author, Damir Salkovic. I’ve shared TOCs with Damir in the past, but this time we are both sharing what’s called a “Delirious Double.” So what exactly is a Delirious Double? Well, how many of you sci-fi readers out there are old enough to remember the Ace Double Paperbacks of the 1960s? Those old pulps were the bomb! You can actually still find them in used bookstores. But back in those days, you would get a small paperback featuring not one but two science fiction writers. A novelette or novella would be on each side of the book; turn it over, and another novelette or novella would be on the other side. Two lengthy tales for the price of one! That’s what Nomadic Delirium Press is doing here, they are emulating the Ace Doubles of yesteryear. And this time around the theme is dystopias/dystopian fiction. My novella is called “GeneApart,” and runs close to 22,000 words in length; Damir has his own novelette on the other side. What happens when you take interplanetary apartheid, cloning as slavery, genetic engineering gone terribly wrong, and throw human meddling and corporate influence into the mix? You get my dystopia, Gene Apart. If you’re into movies like District 9 or Gattaca (and yes, television shows like Orphan Black), this one may be up your alley. And remember, not just me. Damir too! Two stories for the price of one!
Nomadic Delirium Press presents…
Delirious Doubles (theme: dystopias) – Edited by J. Alan Erwine
Featuring brand new Dagstine novella:“Gene Apart”
Also featuring Damir Salkovic’s tale:“Seniority”
Get it now in EBOOK format for a variety of ereaders/various platforms
Including: Apple Books, Barnes & Noble Nook, Kobo, Vivlio, and Fable
ORDER AND DOWNLOAD HERE – (click preferred ereader, be redirected):
SYNOPSIS of Lawrence Dagstine & Damir Salkovic’s tales:
Everyone should fear civilization slipping into a dystopia, but this has always been a very real possibility, and over the decades, science fiction has examined a number of possible dystopias. Now, Nomadic Delirium Press has put out a call for stories about dystopias, and we now present you with the two best stories that we received.
In Lawrence Dagstine’s “Gene Apart,” Danjarr is a buster, a clone, but most importantly, he is seen as inferior to the Authentics. Danjarr does everything he can to get ahead in his world, but he is always faced with the so-called inferiority of the busters, and the prejudice that accompanies that inferiority. Desperate to prove himself equal to the Authentics, Danjarr knows that he will do anything he has to to get ahead, but what happens when those choices have consequences…possibly devastating consequences.
In Damir Salkovic’s “Seniority,” Brian is desperate to get ahead in his company. Every day, Brian sees society decaying and falling apart around him, but he knows that all he needs to do is get ahead in his company, and he can save himself and his family from the deteriorating world around him. But what happens when the fall of society catches up with you, and even your position in a powerful company might not be enough to save you.
Other New Entries:“Digital Credits” and “Books & Anthos”
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I’m pleased to announce I have a short story of generational horror (along with parenting gone mad!), in the latest anthology from Farthest Star Publishing. This would be my third time published by Farthest Star (they’re the publisher of my novella, The Paraplegic). The name of the book is Acid and Ultra Violence. Fourteen authors are featured. The theme of the book is “violent objects” and “violent people” in science fiction and horror. Those two genres. Hence the title, Ultra Violence. It is edited by D. A. D’Amico. And it is available in paperback and Amazon Kindle formats. I’ll copy and paste all the usual pictures and links down below, any necessary details. The name of my story is, “The One to Keep.” And it’s a new tale.
Acid and Ultra Violence Anthology – Edited by D. A. D’Amico
Published by Farthest Star Publishing
Featuring Dagstine story:“The One to Keep”
***Sample it out now on Amazon Kindle***
DESCRIPTION FROM AMAZON:Welcome to fourteen stories where nothing is what it seems, and every answer unlocks darker questions. Step through shattered futures, cursed realms, and surreal battlegrounds crafted by both seasoned and emerging writers. These tales don’t just shock—they invite you to cry, scream, and bleed with the characters. And to enjoy a good helping of… Acid and Ultra Violence.
These stories don’t comfort. They hurl you into worlds where rage sparks revolutions, grief becomes a weapon, and nothing—whether futuristic, arcane, or infernal—survives untouched. Heroes are forged from trauma, villains born from love, and survival demands a brutal price. Every tale hits hard, burns deep, and leaves its mark—and nothing returns unchanged.
Some highlights…
In a brutal future where body parts are currency, arrogance and desperation clash in a high stakes game of chance. Tech-enhanced Polimi triumphs over the desperate Carmuia, winning a horrific payment of flesh. But Polimi’s victory is cut short… leaving her with only the cruel, ironic sting of absolute loss.
In a world ruled by monsters, a desperate hunter carries a horrific secret bargain. Driven by this desperate promise, she is compelled to lure others into an alien trap. But when her own family becomes part of the creatures’ cruel game, Jill must make an agonizing final choice that will determine the fate of them all.
In a kingdom of chains, a captive witch is forced on a quest for the mythical Pin of Light. Surrounded by deceit and ancient wards, Ja’ala must navigate a spoiled Prince’s arrogance, unforgiving terrain, and dark, evil magic as she prepares to pay the ultimate price of the artifact—a price that may be higher than she could ever imagine.
A scavenging crew risks everything to breach a colossal, ancient starship trapped near a black hole. But the ancient vessel’s opulent halls quickly become a prison of cold terror. Isolated and surrounded by betrayal, the crew begins to turn on itself, unaware of the ship’s deepest secret—a terrifying reality that warps the very nature of time.
Stories:
“Gray Rock Method” by Lauren C. Teffeau “Crossing the Line” by Andrew Akers “Mr. Mongo’s Fanciful Elixir” by Glenn Dungan “The Curator” by Elese Mathis “The Widow and the Rain” by Paul Martz “Just 35 Percent” by Adam Stone “The Pin of Light” by Dean N. D’Amico “Skin in the Game” by C. J. Erick “The One to Keep” by Lawrence Dagstine “Obliterating The Olive” by Shane Porteous “When the Music Stops” by C.J. Taylor “Black Segments” by John Leahy “The Fold” by Jeremy Zentner “Vector Victoria” by D. A. D’Amico
Edited by: D. A. D’Amico
Other New Entries:“Books & Anthos” and “Digital Credits”
I’m pleased to announce I have a 2000-word piece set during the time of the original Star Wars trilogy in the latest release from Altitude Press: “Whatever – A Generation X Flash Anthology” Most of the stories in the book run the gamut of 1000 to 1500 words in length, with mine probably being the longest of them all. Edited by Nicole McInnes, this would be my second time published by Altitude Press (I was in a themed anthology of theirs a year ago, centered around dogs). There are 22 authors in all, many nationalities, from all over the world. And each of them have experienced Gen-X in some way that is nostalgic (those, at least, born between 1965 to 1980). Whether it’s staying out all night till the break of dawn. Maybe watching MTV. Being alive when Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan were president. Or realizing the very real threat of a Third World War. For me, it was going to the cinema at a young age and watching Luke Skywalker fight Darth Vader. Check out my story, “Movie Night.”
Whatever: A Generation X Flash Fiction Anthology
Published by Altitude Press – Edited by Nicole McInnes
Featuring Dagstine story:“Movie Night”
***Available on Amazon Kindle and SOON in print paperback format***
I’m also pleased to announce that, as of the writing of this post, WHATEVER! has broken the TOP 100 for fiction anthologies on Amazon Kindle…
Other New Entries:“Books & Anthos” and “Digital Credits”
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I have a professional credit (8 to 10 cents per word) in the Substack publication, The Orange & Bee. It’s a flash fiction piece, and this would be my third pro credit the past three years. The Orange & Bee is a venue with thousands of subscribers. They seem to update their newsletter-like publication on a weekly basis, and their mission is to publish stories aimed at enchanting readers. They offer critiquing services, and have something called writing and reading “roundtables.” They also seek contemporary short stories inspired by a long tradition of fairy tales. But they celebrate all styles and genres, as they aim to explore, expand on, and subvert the rich traditions of international folklore. They publish poetry and non-fiction, too. According to them, they look at stories that stretch between the shadows. Which is good, because my story this time around falls into this category (along with the theme of loss and grief). Read my flash fiction story, “Shadow Play.” In the Oct. 24th 2025 edition of The Orange & Bee…
The Orange & Bee – Professional Substack Publication
I’m pleased to announce that my latest chapbook Small Favors (a horror story of revenge set in the 1980s) has been released by Farthest Star Publishing. Farthest Star is also the publisher of my vampire tale about a paralyzed man, The Paraplegic. The Paraplegic was released in 2024 to some pretty good sales numbers in its debut weeks. I’m hoping Small Favors does just as well. Farthest Star puts out a lot of these digest-sized chapbooks which are primarily novelettes and novellas, or what is considered quick reads. Meaning, you can finish them in one day. Not only that, they are available in a cool, collectible looking print format reminiscent of the kind of fare you’d find in 1990’s Forbidden Planet, or maybe at a small comic con vendor table. Or get them on your mobile phone or Kindle. So you’re in luck if you prefer digital, because you can read them on your daily commute. Anyway, without further ado, my latest title, Small Favors. All pics and ordering info will be below. Cheers.
Small Favors by Lawrence Dagstine
The latest chapbook release from Farthest Star Publishing
READ SAMPLE OR BUY NOW ON AMAZON (Kindle or print chapbook format):
Are you a keeper of canines? Are you a poodle person or pitbull enthusiast? Do you carry your pooch around with you everywhere you go? Are you a dog lover at heart? Then you’re definitely going to want to check out the latest fiction anthology from Altitude Press, and Editor Nicole McInnes, entitled, To The Dogs: 31 Very Short Stories About Man’s Best Friend. Featuring thirty-one authors of flash fiction (and slightly longer) about canines. Most of the stories in this book fall in the 1000 to 2000-word range, and they are entirely devoted to everybody’s favorite pet. There’s fantasy, popular, literary, and a brand new scifi story by yours truly about dogs of the future and space travel (and one pesky cat!). Read my story set aboard a spaceship, “Every Cosmos Has A Ruling Class.” Links and details below.
TO THE DOGS: 31 VERY SHORT STORIES ABOUT MAN’S BEST FRIEND
Edited and Compiled by Nicole McInnes – Published by Altitude Press
Featuring Dagstine story:“Every Cosmos has a Ruling Class”
Author Lineup and Details (copy-pasted from Amazon)
Celebrate humanity’s canine companions with To the Dogs, a collection of 31 dog-themed stories written by authors from all over the world. Whether it’s literary fiction, speculative fiction, science fiction, mystery/suspense, spooky/paranormal, or myth/folklore/allegory you love most, you’re sure to find plenty of short tales (tails?) within this anthology to enjoy and share. Woof!
Stories by: Hidayat Adams, Chad Anctil, Marie Anderson, Dominic Andres, Diana Ashman, Phil Barnard, Juliette Beauchamp, Anthony Boulanger, R.C. Capasso, Gemma Church, Michael A. Clark, Lawrence Dagstine, Wendy Eiben, Zary Fekete, E. Florian Gludovacz, Jenna Hanan Moore, Laurie Herlich, Robert D. Hill, Valerie Hunter, Fiona M. Jones, Shashi Kadapa, Richard Lau, Angela M McCann, Harding McFadden, Bob Smith, Victor Sootho, Mariah Southworth, Jake Stein, Lisa Timpf, Sue Walsh, and John Weagly
AVAILABLE ON KINDLE OR PAPERBACK FORMAT
ALTITUDE PRESS SOCIALS/WEBSITE (for further info):
It is with pleasure to announce that here starts a busy couple of weeks, as I have a lot of new material coming out in the “speculative fiction” genre. Books and anthologies in hardcover, paperback, and either Epub or Kindle formats. In the case of the book below, an upcoming audiobook. All these short stories are brand new, never published. From West Mesa Press, via Three Cousins Publishing, comes an anthology on time travel and the troubles or dilemmas that go with it. The Trouble with Time. Edited by Robert Allen Lupton, and it lands at a whopping 316 pages. The cover art is by Mark McConnell. For this book, think of stories related to The Butterfly Effect or Looper. That theme. And read my new story, “Past and Present Company Excepted!”
The Trouble with Time Anthology – Edited by Robert Lupton
Featuring Dagstine Story: “Past and Present Company Excepted”
Details from Amazon (copy-pasted):
Everyone at one time or another has wished that they could go back in time and change something. Perhaps to prevent a world tragedy, kill a despot, or tell an ancestor not to drive to town on a certain day. Perhaps the journey backward would be to obtain foreknowledge about the lottery, the presidential election, the stock market, or even the World Series. The reasons to wish for time travel are legion, but if the truth be told, if we could go back in time, the first thing most of us would do would be to punch our younger selves square in the face.
Changing time can have unexpected and dire results. Think “The Butterfly Effect,” or “A Sound of Thunder.” The scales have to balance. Good intentions often have unintended consequences and even the most benign attempts to intervene are likely to make things worse, far worse.
Twenty-two stories about time travel by talented writers from around the world, each of whom fearlessly explores the dangers and joys of time travel uniquely. Come along for the ride. There’s plenty of time – or is there?
Pleased to announce I have a horror story about zombie children (a theme I’m known for writing since 2005) in the latest Wicked Shadow Press anthology for adult and young adult alike. Well, maybe teenager and up. It’s part of a two-book title series, and I’m in the first volume: ‘Children of the Dead – Lost Lullabies.’ What a beautiful cover spread. Wicked Shadow Press books are available through Lulu here in the US, but they are available all over India. There are some familiar short fiction names if you look at the back cover. It even has a tale by Tom Moran! If you’re from the 2000s like me, you’ll remember Tom Moran from Black Ink Horror. Generally speaking, fans of Stephen King’s Pet Semetary will feel right at home with this thick book. It’s got everything youthful and scary but the kitchen sink. I’ll post all pictures and links to ordering pages, with relevant social media info down below. And also in the Books & Anthos section of this website.
Oh, and it’s illustrated throughout. Like a scary children’s book. Beautiful art too.
Children of the Dead – The Lost Lullabies
Edited by Parth Sarathi Chakraborty & Rasiika Sen of Wicked Shadow Press
Featuring Lawrence Dagstine and many other talented names
Ordering Info and Wicked Shadow Press Socials HERE (click links below):
It’s with great pleasure to announce that I am headlining a very major pirate and horror-themed anthology with a brand new tale which borders on novelette length, and has just the right touch of the Golden Age of Piracy to it (from a historical point of view), and just the right Lovecraftian feel to it (where Cosmic Horror is concerned). But it’s not all about tentacles and eerie and ominous abberations from the deepest corners of the Seven Seas or Hades itself. Presenting, “The Black Beacon Book ofPirates.” Edited by Cameron Trost. Available in the USA, UK, Australia, Amazon, or obtain it from Black Beacon themselves. They have a website, and I will put links, pictures, the table of contents, and any miscellaneous information down below or to the side column. My story, which I first started working on in 2022 and didn’t finish till 2023, is called, “The Mutineer.”
Without giving too much of the story away, The Mutineer is an unsettling tale full of despair, the story of an imprisoned buccanner named Frederick March, who is in service to an evil monarchy and their power-hungry armada. March, who is the Mutineer and witness to everything on this scary voyage, tells his tale of oceanic, cosmic mayhem of how he is sent to the Caribbean to hunt down a Cthulhu-like apparition with great power. This manifestation of ill-omen is known only as The Boatswain. But March soon finds out the merry band of pirates he leads gets a little bit more than they bargained for when they invade the Boatswain’s island habitat and learn he comes from a race of beings and worshippers just like himself. Who will survive? Because you only get one chance. Only one! With the Boatswain… in The Mutineer!
THE BLACK BEACON BOOK OF PIRATES – Edited by Cameron Trost
Personally, I would even go as far as to say The Mutineer is one of my three best horror stories of my life. It’s definitely up there with the likes of Thursday’s Children (which can be found in The Nightmare Cycle), and my tale of vampires and one man’s paralysis, The Paraplegic.
Time will tell.
Oh, the cover art is by the legendary Daniele Serra.
Edited to Add: The Black Beacon Book of Pirates is now available at Books-A-Million.
I’m pleased to announce that Farthest Star Publishing has acquired the rights to my vampire novelette, The Paraplegic. The Paraplegic started out as a self-published ebook and went on to see several printings, including Serial Magazine. Making the front cover years ago. Farthest Star now holds reprint rights to my tale of one man becoming paralyzed from the waist down, coping with this new way of life, and a handful of ghastly beings visiting him in the middle of the night. Read my novelette The Paraplegic now, in 2024, direct from Farthest Star. Pictures and links below.
THE PARAPLEGIC – VAMPIRE NOVELETTE
by Lawrence Dagstine – Published 2024 by Farthest Star Publishing
"Herbert Holtzman’s life takes a drastic turn after a horrific incident leaves him paralyzed from the waist down. Struggling to come to terms with his new reality, Herbert finds himself grappling not only with physical pain but also with existential questions about his identity and purpose. As he lies in the hospital bed, tethered to tubes and machines, Herbert's mind is consumed by a whirlwind of emotions - fear, anger, and despair. But amidst the darkness, a sinister presence lurks, a vampire who sees in Herbert an opportunity for a twisted experiment.
Herbert's journey is one of resistance and acceptance, as he battles against both his physical limitations and the insidious influence of his vampire captor. With each passing day, he grapples with the conflicting desires within him - the longing for his old life, and the seductive allure of immortality and power. As Herbert navigates the treacherous terrain of his new existence, he encounters allies and adversaries alike, each with their own agendas and motivations. From the compassionate nurses who tend to his physical needs to the enigmatic doctor who holds the key to his fate, Herbert must navigate a labyrinth of intrigue and betrayal.
But ultimately, “The Paraplegic” is a story of resilience and redemption, as Herbert discovers that true strength lies not in the body, but in the spirit. With courage and determination, he embraces his newfound identity, forging a path forward in a world where the lines between humanity and monstrosity are blurred."
Other New Entries:“Books & Anthos”
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It’s with pleasure to announce that small press Dark Owl Publishing and my 2023 book, The Nightmare Cycle, will be coming to ‘DAYS OF THE DEAD Horror Convention.‘ Dark Owl Publishing will be an official vendor, they will have a booth, and it will be in Phoenix, Arizona on the following days: June 28th thru June 30th 2024 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel. You can book flights and hotel reservations now, it’s going to be a major event. A lot of dealer tables, and a lot of actors and actresses and authors and horror artists. Such famous names as Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange), Michael Ironside (Starship Troopers), Heather Langenkamp (Nightmare on Elm Street), Michael Biehn (Aliens & Terminator), and so many more! Including, to my knowledge, the cast of George Romero’s 1968 Night of the Living Dead. There will be autograph opportunities, cosplays, contests, you name it! Just click the links below for the guest list so far.
DAYS OF THE DEAD – Major HORROR Convention:
June 28th to June 30th 2024 – Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Copies on hand of The Nightmare Cycle by Lawrence Dagstine
I’ll also be appearing around that time period in an anthology with a brand new, lengthy tale of cosmic horror set during the golden age of piracy. Will keep you all updated.
So today is here. Today is the day of my third official story collection: THE NIGHTMARE CYCLE, from Dark Owl Publishing. It is available in print and digital formats (Paperback and on Amazon Kindle). And as the year goes on, straight thru 2024, will be available at book fairs, from various literary vendors, horror and comic-themed conventions, the odd novelty or specialty store, or wherever other fine horror books or goods are sold. I will keep you updated on this website. The spooky fun starts in Arizona first and New York second.
A short story collection is a book of tales by one single author, where an anthology is a book of stories usually centered around a theme from not one but many authors, from many different states or countries or diverse backgrounds. The Nightmare Cycle was an idea for a book that came to me one day in a dream (go figure), but is not about being in a dream. It gets its title from every single story being “A Nightmarish Scenario,” one warped tale leading into the next (the theme of cycling and unending), and then the one thereafter. There is no finality. Just horrific circumstance after circumstance. Undulated terror. Beginning, middle, end. Think Rod Serling’s The Night Gallery, but modern day, my take.
THE NIGHTMARE CYCLE by Lawrence Dagstine
From Dark Owl Publishing – NOW AVAILABLE worldwide
You have mostly new stories between the pages, but you have some obscure offerings as well. Tales from my humble beginnings as a horror author. The 2000s era. There are stories like Thursday’s Children. Imagine pitting zombie youth against each other the same way people hold backroom cockfights for money. The Adopted, where werewolf adoption in Southeast Asia is more complex than you think. Human Transfer, a very dark and dystopic tale of population control, and betrayal by the people you thought you knew and trusted most.
There are Dark Owl exclusives, tales which are theirs and theirs only, such as The Thing about Eden. Imagine Mars in the future where life under one dark leadership only becomes concerning, overbearing, and darker with the next. The Acrylic Man, about a painter of spectral portraits who captures his love interests with not just grace but permanence. The Show Must Go On, a story about a sharpshooting djinn and her western travels, but also her wretched past.
You have new offerings such as Princely Homecoming, a unique take on Snow White, who longs for her long dead prince. There is Pet, a tale set during the backdrop of the Nixon era, which puts a twist on just “who” or “what” constitutes man’s best friend. Genetically speaking, of course. There is Our Family Awaits, a witch’s tale unlike any other, about foster care and deep dark secrets. This is one which will have you clutching the blankets. And there is so much more; there’s even a novelette within The Nightmare Cycle’s pages.
AMAZON KINDLE “EBOOK” VERSION:
(Sample a few pages below, or shoot for the paperback version)
Here’s the horror convention calendar for Dark Owl Publishing and The Nightmare Cycle. This calendar will obviously grow. I will be away in July (after the 4th), but I will have my netbook with me, keep in touch via social media. Dark Owl will also have some of their horror wares and anthologies available from a talented stable of other authors as well, so be sure to keep tuning in to this link below:
Oh, by the way, the fabulous cover art was done by Fernando JFL (Giotefeli), who is a professional horror illustrator and death metal artist from South America. He takes a rather retro, vintage approach to his work. If you are looking for an artist, might I recommend him: https://www.instagram.com/giotefeli, and https://giotefeli.tumblr.com/
The book is available first on Amazon, then Terror Trader second (Arizona’s Number One Horror Marketplace). Then it will go to the usual vendors and themed cons, and through the usual distribution channels/networks.
I am pleased to announce that I’ll have an astronaut story coming to one of Red Penguin Books’ upcoming anthologies, entitled: “Shoot for the Moon – A Space Adventure Anthology.” And that’s pretty much the theme, these are tales from many different authors writing spacefaring adventures where an astronaut or cosmonaut or space force is traveling through the cosmos toward some kind of interplanetary satellite or lunar surface. The book is part of a whole series called: The Red Penguin Collection. Interestingly enough, Red Penguin is from my hometown (New York City), and they are heavy in the marketing department. There will obviously be a print verison and a digital version. Be on the lookout for it. I’ll leave banners and links below. Check Amazon or Barnes&Nobles.com “here” and “there.”
I am part of an amazing new charity anthology put out (March 3rd 2020 in digital, and March 10th 2020 in paperback) by science fiction writer/editor Stephen Landry. With artwork by Amelia Parris. The name of the charity anthology is RISE AND RESCUE: Vol. 1. It is a book of RPG and gaming-related tales for a very worthy cause. And you should pick up a copy right now! It is at a great price, I have a brand new RPG tale within its pages, along with 22 other talented authors, and ALL proceeds earned go to WIRES. Wires is a special wildlife group who are trying to save the baby koalas and baby kangaroos who have lost their homes or become sick due to the bushfires that have DEVASTATED Australia. Are you a fan of LitRPG or gaming-related fiction? Let’s help the animals of Australia. As an animal lover myself, this is doing a charitable thing. Check out the book covers and other banners below. And don’t forget to read my short story: “The War Module.” FIRST TIME in print! Links also below!
RISE AND RESCUE:
A Charity Anthology
For WIRES Wildlife – Volume 1 – 22 Authors!
RISE AND RESCUE: Volume 1
Save the koalas, save the kangaroos, help animals devastated by Australian bushfires.
Almost 450 pages of fiction by genre writers who are gamers/compassionate people.
You can get the book off Amazon, and very soon from Barnes & Nobles, Kobo, and through Apple Books, in print, in digital (if tablet or eReader is your thing), or even mobile (if reading on a phone is your thing). ALL formats.
Read: “The War Module” – a LitRPG story by Lawrence Dagstine.
AUTHOR LINEUP for RISE AND RESCUE Volume One
If you’re a fan of genre fiction. If you love to read. Let’s do this for the animals. Let’s do it because it’s right. Rise and Rescue…Now available.
Memorial Day weekend through June 30th 2013 is FREE vampire month. As promised earlier this year on Facebook and Twitter, I am celebrating summer and vampires by making my novelette, THE PARAPLEGIC free to download. Just go to Smashwords and enter coupon code: GW38Q
At checkout you will obtain it at NO CHARGE. But ONLY for late May up until June 30th at midnight, 2013. July 1st it goes back to 99 cents. Simply click the picture or button at the bottom and be redirected. Also, check out my other titles in the ebooks & Kindle section of my website or while you’re perusing Smashwords.
FREE EBOOKS
FREE VAMPIRE FICTION
MAY/JUNE 2013 ONLY
ONLY ON SMASHWORDS
COUPON CODE:GW38Q
“Doc, I’m telling you. I just woke up in a hole in broad daylight. No memory!”
When Herbert was told he had amnesia, he knew things were bad. When he couldn’t feel anything below the waist, he got scared. When the doctor told him he’d be paralyzed for life, he got depressed and wanted to die. After all, no one wants to be a paraplegic. But what made him crippled so suddenly? Did somebody do this to him? And if so, why? Now in the hospital, undergoing intensive surgery, little does Herbert know that the force responsible isn’t done with him, not by a long shot! Something’s coming back. There’s a little unfinished business to take care of, and it comes in the form of vampires.
Issue #5.2 – Fall 2009, of David Lee Summer’s TALES OF THE TALISMAN is now available for purchase. Get your copy today. Also, don’t forget, I’ll be back again next year around this time with a novelette-length work. In the meantime, enjoy the 2009 print edition. The interior artwork is fab!
Or… The BEST WEEKEND EVAH! Thank you sooo much to everyone who stopped by my booth and picked up copies of my books, pulp magazines, and other wares. Many of you told me you’ve never read genre before, many of you took my card, and a couple of you even stood in line and actually waited. You don’t know how good that made me feel. Thank you again. Here I thought folks don’t read anymore (well, that was before this weekend, assuming I now have new readers – I really hope you enjoy the tales and stay tuned to this spot).
ISBN: 978-0-9819696-2-6
Good news: I’ll be back next weekend. Some marketing, diversifying, and injecting the right pitches clearly doesn’t hurt, I see.
Bad news: If you’re new here, I’m temporarily sold out of Fresh Blood. I only have five copies left, and at the moment I need to mail out to review venues. I will, however, still have a few copies of other books and pulps on hand. But these will be sparse.
Lawrence Dagstine: Author 
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