Tag Archives: Dark Fiction

Farthest Star Publishing: “Acid and Ultra Violence ” – ANTHOLOGIES!

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”

Savage Realms Press: “Necro-Sapiens (Anthologies of Horror Series)”

I’m in yet another horror anthology. They just keep flooding in. It’s available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook formats. The best of all worlds. This time from the fine folks at Savage Realms Press. They are known for their dark fiction anthologies that go all the way up to 500 pages in length. But that’s not all. They produce captivating gamebooks too. How awesome is that! Small press is hot right now, and you should check out Savage Realms’ latest production: Necro-Sapiens. It’s the third book in a series. I’m in it, along with some familiar names in horror: Bram Stoker nominee James Dorr, Troy Anthony Schermer, Matthew Hollis Damon, Angelique Fawns. The list goes on. My story this time around could best be described as one part cosmic horror, the other part dark fantasy. What happens when you take a highway accident, a creepy little girl with a balloon, and throw a distraught clown into the mix? You get my story, “Whatever Your Heart Desires.” I’ll leave all pictures and links down below.

Savage Realms Press presents: NECRO-SAPIENS (Anthologies of Horror Series)

Featuring new Dagstine story: “Whatever Your Heart Desires”

SAVAGE REALMS PRESS MAIN WEBSITE – (click link, be redirected):

https://www.savagerealmspress.com/

**Necro-Sapiens is on Amazon Kindle, in paperback, and audiobook**

I’m thrilled to share that, as of this post, Necro-Sapiens has officially broken into the TOP 100 on Amazon Kindle! This marks the third anthology featuring one of my stories in just the past few weeks to hit the TOP 100 in its category.

DESCRIPTION FROM AMAZON: From Savage Realms Press comes a truly unsettling assortment of tales about the undead guaranteed to haunt your dreams and stalk your waking hours!

  • A detective investigates the mysterious disappearance of a university professor
  • A sheriff and a pie-loving redneck must team up to end a string of gruesome murders
  • A professional thief is hired to recover the stolen urn of a dead rock star
  • Love is in the air with a modern day mummy romance
  • and many more

Necro-Sapiens features 23 delightfully dreadful stories of the macabre from authors Amanda M. Blake, Mark Silcox, K.M. Parker, Marie Lanza, Matthew Hollis Damon, M. Legree, Kevin Beckett, Angelique Fawns, Harding McFadden, Lawrence Dagstine, Arindam Kalita, Gordon Grice, TroyAnthony Schermer, Paul O’Neill, Rich Restucci, R.L. Blackburne, Jordan King-Lacroix, James Dorr, Shane Simmons, Jake McCormac, LJ Jacobs, and John A. DeLaughter.

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos” and “Digital Credits”

No Exit: A Collection of Utah Horror – Timber Ghost Press

I’m thrilled to announce that I have a stunner of a horror story featured in the new regional-based anthology from Timber Ghost Press, NO EXIT – A Collection of Utah Horror. Every story in this hefty volume either takes place in Utah or is penned by Utah-based authors. The book is one of my top recommendations for 2025. Not just for the quality of the collection, but because it includes the first horror piece I’ve ever had accepted that’s written in second-person POV. I chose this narrative style deliberately, to put you—the reader—directly in the shoes of the protagonist: a cannibalistic girl who has inherited a horrific trait from her deceased father. I’d even go so far as to say this is one of the three best horror stories I’ve ever written—right up there with Thursday’s Children and The Paraplegic. The book promises to deliver endless nightmares and features a talented lineup of short story writers. Timber Ghost Press, though relatively new, is a publisher worth checking out. It’s run by the very talented C.R. Langille. The name of my creepy tale: “Inherited.” Pictures and links below.

NO EXIT – A Collection of Utah Horror

Published by Timber Ghost Press – Edited by C.R. Langille

Featuring new Dagstine story: “Inherited”

TABLE OF CONTENTS/FEATURE AUTHORS:

Timber Ghost Press Main Website – (all links, click, and be redirected):

https://www.timberghostpress.com/#/

Link for NO EXIT – A Collection of Utah Horror:

https://www.timberghostpress.com/store/c5/Preorders.html#/

***SAMPLE THE BOOK ON AMAZON – In Ebook or Print Paperback***

Timber Ghost Press on Facebook (socials):

https://www.facebook.com/TimberGhostPress

Timber Ghost Press on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/timber_ghost_press/

Edited to Add: I’m pleased to announce that NO EXIT (the paperback) has hit Number One in American Horror. Kudos to everybody who picked up a copy. Much love.

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos” and “Digital Credits”

West Mesa Press: “Lurking in the Gene Pool” – 2025 ANTHOLOGY

Pleased to announce I have a 4000-word story in this year’s West Mesa Press anthology (in conjunction with Three Cousins Publishing), Lurking in the Gene Pool. This one is just in time for Halloween, and the theme for this year is “supernatural family members” — something I’m good at writing over the years — or anything in relation to such family members. Hence, the title. Lurking in the Gene Pool (genetically). I’m not sure, but there might even be an Audible audiobook and a hardcover coming from Amazon down the road. So it will be available in all presentations, all formats. My story is brand new and a “different” kind of lycanthropy tale. It take place with a backwards family and a visiting grandfather down in Appalachian country. So yes, technically, it’s Appalachian Horror. I’ll leave all pics and ordering info down below. Check out my tale: “Looking for Meteorites.”

Lurking in the Gene Pool Anthology – Edited by Robert Lupton

Published by West Mesa Press (Three Cousins Publishing)

Featuring new Dagstine story: “Looking for Meteorites”

***Available in EBook and Print Paperback formats***

Here are some other West Mesa Press titles (once again, in conjunction with Three Cousins Publishing), I appeared in a few years back. Witch Wizard Warlock features my story “Family Ties.” A witch’s tale. And it’s available at the usual online booksellers: Apple Books, Vivlio, Kobo, Barnes & Nobles, etc.

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos” and “Digital Credits”

HALLOWEEN BOOKS: “Halloweenthology Bad Pumpkin!” – Wicked Shadow Press

I have a Halloween-themed story about mummies (and housing discrimination related to them) in the latest paperback entry in the Wicked Shadow Press seasonal anthology series, HALLOWEENTHOLOGY 2025 – Bad Pumpkin! Every year Wicked Shadow puts out three beautiful looking tomes in the Halloweenthology franchise, all on the same horrific theme: Halloween. It’s become a tradition. They sell quite well here in the United States and India. This year it’s another three books. I’m in Bad Pumpkin, so remember that. The other books in the series are called “Blood Moon” and “Autumn Falls.” For my story, imagine being a mummy owner, trying to find your own apartment for you and your bandaged-up entourage to live. Imagine getting turned away wherever you tried, housing complex after housing complex, good credit and all. But finally you stumble upon a creepy mortician who rents out one of his apartments. Sometimes, on Halloween, your new landlord may not be who he seems to be. I’ll leave all pics and links below. Be sure to check out my 3800-word tale, “Living Arrangements.”

Halloweenthology 2025 – Bad Pumpkin!

Published by Wicked Shadow Press – Edited by Parth Sarathi Chakraborty

Featuring Dagstine story: “Living Arrangements”

WHERE TO PICK UP “BAD PUMKPIN” – Click Links, Be Redirected:

Paperback purchase links:

Autumn Falls: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty-and-rasiika-sen/halloweenthology-autumn-falls/paperback/product-dyprnrz.html

Bad Pumpkin: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty-and-rasiika-sen/halloweenthology-bad-pumpkin/paperback/product-jej59qe.html

Blood Moon: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty-and-rasiika-sen/halloweenthology-blood-moon/paperback/product-95jmzzg.html

eBook purchase links: 

Autumn Falls: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty-and-rasiika-sen/halloweenthology-autumn-falls/ebook/product-kvjn88j.html

Bad Pumpkin: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty-and-rasiika-sen/halloweenthology-bad-pumpkin/ebook/product-m25d498.html

Blood Moon: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty-and-rasiika-sen/halloweenthology-blood-moon/ebook/product-dyprmgy.html

WICKED SHADOW PRESS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Like WSP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wickedshadowpress

Follow WSP on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wickedshadowpress

Join the Facebook group to get author-related info from Wicked Shadow and other amazing indie horror publishers: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/7867933553277077/

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

Want more Halloween fun? Listen to my narrated story, The Children of the Barn, over at Creepy Podcast. Link: https://www.creepypod.com/episodes/2025/10/8/31-days-of-horror-2025-day-20-starved-amp-the-children-of-the-barn

Creepy Podcast: 31 Days of Halloween Horror – featuring Lawrence Dagstine

Great news. You can now not only read Lawrence Dagstine stories, but you can listen to them too. From a bonafide narrator and production team. It is a pleasure to announce that one of my horror stories has been adapted to podcast format and is being narrated for Halloween 2025 over at: The Creepy Podcast. This would be my very first podcast credit. I have another one out there with a similar podcaster/publisher (that’s looking like 2026). According to their website, Creepy Podcast is: “Helmed by the enigmatic owner, Jon Grilz, whose deep, resonant tone sends shivers down the spine, this eerie audio experience features a cast of talented storytellers, each with their own distinct vocal delivery that heightens the sense of the macabre.” I’ll leave all direct links below. Be sure to give it a listen. Halloween only comes once a year. Oh, and Creepy Podcast is ALL over. On places like Apple, GooglePlay, even Stitcher and Spotify. Listen to my short story: “The Children of the Barn”

Creepy Podcast – produced by Jon Grilz

Listen on Creepy Pod, Apple, GooglePlay, Stitcher, Spotify, etc.

Featuring Dagstine narrated short story: “The Children of the Barn”

(along with another tale, “Starved”)

CREEPY PODCAST MAIN WEBSITE – (click link, be redirected):

https://www.creepypod.com/

MY STORY – THE CHILDREN OF THE BARN (starts with Starved):

https://www.creepypod.com/episodes/2025/10/8/31-days-of-horror-2025-day-20-starved-amp-the-children-of-the-barn

CREEPY PODCAST STORIES – PLACES TO LISTEN

Creepy website: creepypod.com/episodes

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creepy/id1205352558

GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/music/listen?t=Creepy&u=0&view=/ps/Irjjcpj7j4e5i5g52j43d6d4vue

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL2NyZWVweXBvZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw&fbclid=IwAR0WJ0amJgOZqGxtrg_Y3e8aAWPf9KK1Q4-ql3–FPiWm_2Zswz9-Dr6bso

iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/904-creepy-28544353/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6R7MHnK95dyPexoxjkkb76

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-g-2/creepy

Other New Entries: “Podcasts”

“Pocket Full of Posies, Shadow Children” – CHILDREN’S HORROR ANTHOLOGY!

Pleased to announce I have a new novelette of gothic horror (a period piece) in the latest Wicked Shadow Press anthology, Pocket Full of Posies – Shadow Children! This is children’s horror, so it is themed. Think adolescent monsters. Think kid vampires. Think werewolf cubs. Think zombie teenagers. This anthology is all about horrific minors, and they’re not to be trifled with. There are actually three books in the Pocket Full of Posies series. The other anthologies are “Paper Tombs” and “Silent Cradle.” I’m in Shadow Children, so remember that. My story takes place in a monster hospital with nuns (and there’s more to this hospital than meets the eye). Read my lengthy tale, “The Nursery Floor.” Pictures and links to everything will be down below, as always.

Pocket Full of Posies – Shadow Children Anthology

Published by Wicked Shadow Press – Edited by Parth Sarathi Chakraborty

Featuring Dagstine story: “The Nursery Floor”

Featuring work by Armand Rosamilia, Chad Anctil, Donovan Douglas Thiesson, MORE!

Where to order Pocket Full of Posies Shadow Children

Available in USA and India – Click links, be redirected:

Paperback: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty-and-rasiika-sen/pocket-full-of-posies-shadow-children/paperback/product-w47k78j.html

ePub: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty-and-rasiika-sen/pocket-full-of-posies-shadow-children/ebook/product-yvg5gdw.html

Wicked Shadow Press on social media:

Like WSP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wickedshadowpress

Follow WSP on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wickedshadowpress

Be a part of Wicked Shadow’s Facebook group to get regular author-related info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7867933553277077/

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

The Triumvirate: A Journal of Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Horror Vol. 6…

Pleased to announce I have a brand new speculative fiction story about afterlife science and “where do we go from here” when, as senior citizens, our time is up. And you can find this exclusive tale in David Oliver Kling’s The Triumvirate Volume #6. This would be my third outing with Mr. Kling’s fiction digest, which he started in the name of fandom as a teenager back in the 1980s. I’m also appearing beside Joshua Vise, who I’ve shared a handful of TOCs with these past two years. It’s available in a paperback format, just like the pulp journals of yesteryear. Or for convenience, you can get it on Kindle for the low price of $2.99. The name of my story is: “Where All Souls Eventually Go.”

The Triumvirate: A Journal of Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Horror Vol. 6

Edited and compiled by David Oliver Kling

Featuring Dagstine story: “Where All Souls Eventually Go”

Sample or buy on Amazon below (Kindle or print):

Details about The Triumvirate:

Four stories. Three genres. One unforgettable journey into the strange, the haunted, and the transcendent.
In this sixth volume of The Triumvirate, the boundaries of imagination stretch and shatter. Step into a near-future where souls are collected like family heirlooms. Descend into a haunted mansion that opens its doors straight into Hell. Witness the slow unraveling of civilization through the eyes of a historian in a broken world. And follow a grieving girl’s perilous quest to a cursed temple where legends are born and blood remembers.

Featuring:

  • Where All Souls Eventually Go by Lawrence Dagstine. A daughter keeps vigil in a hospice that preserves the essence of the dying, contemplating what we carry beyond the veil.
  • House Sitting in the Satan House by Mark Mackey. When two sisters take a last-minute job in the wrong house, a night of glamor turns into a descent through damnation.
  • The End of a Lineage by Joshua Vise. A chilling chronicle of humanity’s fall, told from the ruins of reason, where an everyday miracle becomes the seed of apocalypse.
  • The Dagger and The Wish by David Oliver Kling. A sorrowful girl. A sacred blade. A temple steeped in ancient power. Witness the origin of the legendary warrior known only as the Blue Devil.

The Triumvirate: Volume 6 is your portal to the darkly beautiful, the eerily prophetic, and the mythically charged. Open its pages, if you dare.

Other New Entries: “Magazines”

Dark Horses: The Magazine of Weird Fiction No. 43, August 2025 – Hobb’s End Press!

I’m pleased to say I’m back in Dark Horses Magazine, Wayne Spitzer’s long running Amazon Kindle and print periodical of genre fiction. This would be my second outing in Dark Horses, this time No. #43, the August 2025 Issue. I’m also back with a popular Japanese-inspired horror story, The Bite of the Cherry Blossom. And leading the Table of Contents this time around to boot. It’s a beautiful cover. The author line-up can be found below. Hobb’s End Press puts together a few of these monthly speculative fiction publications, including Black Sheep and Mobius Blvd. So if you missed Bite of the Cherry Blossom before, now’s your last chance to sink your teeth into this eerie tale about Japan’s suicide forest.

Dark Horses Magazine #43, August 2025 Issue

Published by Hobb’s End Press – Edited by Wayne Spitzer

Featuring Dagstine story: “The Bite of the Cherry Blossom”

Get it on Amazon Kindle or in print format.

Go directly to the Dark Horses website below, be redirected.

LINK: https://darkhorsesmagazine.mystrikingly.com/

Dark Horses Magazine August 2025 author lineup:

THE BITE OF THE CHERRY BLOSSOM
Lawrence Dagstine

BLACK MAGICK 101
Gray McClary

GLADIATORS IN THE SEPULCHRE OF ABOMINATIONS
Alexander Zelenyj

LEX TALIONIS (THE RULE OF CORD)
R.C. Bramhall

SADIE
Wayne Kyle Spitzer

NORMAN NODDING
Stephen McQuiggan

THE CROOKED ROAD
Stephen Shewmake

THE GOOD SHIT
Brian J. Smith

BEYOND UNKNOWN
Barry Vitcov

WISP
M.P. Strayer

Other New Entries: “Magazines”

MILITARY ANTHOLOGIES: “Dead Man’s Land” – SHELL SHOCK!

I have a new World War 2 story in the latest Wicked Shadow Press anthology, called: Dead Man’s Land – Shell Shock! There are actually two books in this series. One is called Trench Rot, and I’m in Shell Shock. So remember that, Shell Shock (cover below). And while each of the stories in this book focus on military horror, my tale could best be described as “speculative.” The name of my story is The Day of the Dragon. It’s about a unique soldier who finds himself in a fictitious village in Southern Italy. Why are the Nazis after this soldier? Are the rumors true? Is he really unnatural, like a dragon? Well, there’s a whole Panzer division on its way to take him out along with members of La Resistenza (the Italian Resistance/Italian Underground). How will this battle pan out? Find out in The Day of the Dragon.

Dead Man’s Land: Shell Shock – Military/War Anthology

Published by Wicked Shadow Press – Edited by Parth Sarathi Chakraborty

Featuring Dagstine story: “The Day of the Dragon”

Available in India and the United States

Where to purchase the print or ebook versions (click links, be redirected):

Paperback: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty/dead-mans-land-shell-shock/paperback/product-rm6yw86.html

ePub: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty/dead-mans-land-shell-shock/ebook/product-zmygzr8.html

Wicked Shadow Press on Socials:

Like WSP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wickedshadowpress

Follow WSP on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wickedshadowpress

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

Wicked Shadow Press: “Drop Dead Gorgeous” – DAMSELS OF DOOM!

It’s that time again. Wicked Shadow Press time. And I’m in one of their hauntingly beautiful (or should I say hideously ominous?) anthologies about supernatural women! That’s right, ghost girls! This time to a two-volume series in paperback and epub formats. Drop Dead Gorgeous: Damsels of Doom. So remember that. Damsels of Doom. My tale is brand new and inspired by Japanese folklore (Japan’s infamous suicide forest) and the video game series, Fatal Frame. There’s a lot of great stories in these two books, but if you decide to just check out the one I’m in (pictures and links down below), be sure to read: “The Bite of the Cherry Blossom.” You’re in for a tasty treat, I promise. Cheers.

Drop Dead Gorgeous: Damsels of Doom Anthology

Published by Wicked Shadow Press

Featuring Dagstine story: “The Bite of the Cherry Blossom”

Where to order this spooky tome (click links, be redirected):


Paperback: https://www.lulu.com/shop/rasiika-sen-and-parth-sarathi-chakraborty/drop-dead-gorgeous-damsels-of-doom/paperback/product-e7w272k.html

ePub: https://www.lulu.com/shop/rasiika-sen-and-parth-sarathi-chakraborty/drop-dead-gorgeous-damsels-of-doom/ebook/product-e7w27vn.html

Wicked Shadow Press on Social Media:


Like WSP on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/wickedshadowpress

Follow WSP on Instagram:https://instagram.com/wickedshadowpress

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

Stygian Lepus, Edition #26. Summer 2025 – NEW MAGAZINES!

For my next new short story, I’m appearing once again in Stygian Lepus. What started out as a subscriber-based webzine two-three years ago is now a beautifully illustrated (big-and-tall!) print magazine with a Kindle version next to it. But I recommend the print. This would be the second time I’ve appeared in Stygian Lepus. I come this time with a horror tale of unspeakable cannibalism and ritual. The hungry sort of rituals that only happens in small towns with the creepiest characters, and only on one day of the week when the sun goes down. Tuesdays. But what kind of feeding takes place in the town of Canaan Hollow? Why Tuesdays, and what does it mean for the residents there? Find out in my new, extreme horror story: “The Hungriest Tuesday.” Now. In Stygian Lepus #26. All links below.

Stygian Lepus Magazine, Edition #26 – Summer 2025

Available in Big-and-Tall Print, Kindle (ebook), or in a Webzine format.

Featuring new Dagstine story: “The Hungriest Tuesday”

Stygian Lepus Main Homepage/Back Issues (click link, be redirected):

https://www.stygianlepus.com

THE NAMES OF THE AUTHORS AND THEIR WORKS:

In Sections by Dee Allen

Sin Eater – Part Three by Paul W. La Bella

Get In! by Steve Calvert

Memories Saved by Allen Cash

The Hungriest Tuesday by Lawrence Dagstine

Blood Ties by Malina Douglas

Howl by Albert N. Katz

How Beautiful Things Disappear – Part One by Euan Lim

The Animals of Inkwhich Inn by Steven McClain

Department of Murderous Vixens by Don Money

Dear Raven, by Nick Romeo

Not All Who Wander by Damir Salkovic

Bullshit, Inc by Jeremy Stelzner

One More Drink by Meta Paige Taylor

The Hinge That Shouldn’t Have Moved by Fendy S. Tulodo

ORDER ON AMAZON/SAMPLE (click preview, be redirected):

Also, previous issues/covers featuring Lawrence Dagstine. Worth checking out.

Note: the print version drops on June 29th 2025 on Amazon.

Other New Entries: “Magazines”

Wicked Shadow Press: “Flash of the Dead – RELOADED!”

For my next anthology appearance it’s a flash fiction piece. A cyberpunk vampire tale. Something I’ve never done before, melding the two tropes. And it comes to Wicked Shadow Press’s latest offering, which has become somewhat of an annual thing (perhaps even celebratory): ‘Flash of the Dead – Reloaded!‘ I’ve been in about three or four of these Flash of the Dead-themed horror books the past four years. The tales are not half that bad. Wicked Shadow Press produces very beautiful books, books that have actually assisted me in nabbing other writing-related opportunities I wouldn’t normally get at my age (freelance stuff, non-genre related). People in India read them. Yes, India loves their horror just like we do here in the States. Flash fiction are bite-sized stories. They usually run between 500 to 1500 words in length, and they are considered quick reads. You can digest them in the time it takes you to get from one location to the next, say, on your daily commute to work. Anyway, without further ado, my 1400-word cyberpunk vampire tale: “The Lurker Code.”

Flash of the Dead RELOADED! – published by Wicked Shadow Press

Edited by Parth Sarathi Chakraborty

Featuring Dagstine flash piece: “The Lurker Code”

Where to order Flash of the Dead Reloaded (click links, be redirected):

Paperback version: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty/flash-of-the-dead-reloaded/paperback/product-dy6zwzj.html

ePub version: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty/flash-of-the-dead-reloaded/ebook/product-nv9z8mr.html

Like WSP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wickedshadowpress

Follow WSP on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wickedshadowpress

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

HORROR ANTHOLOGIES: “Circus of the Dead” – Edited by Chad Anctil

For my next horror anthology it’s another new one, this time guest edited by Chad Anctil (who I’ve shared TOCs with in the past, such as the popular animal fiction book To The Dogs). Wicked Shadow Press is the indie publisher putting it out. And it’s themed around “circuses” and “carnivals.” Circus of the Dead! The book features a plethora of great names: from Bram Stoker nominee James Dorr to Jacek Wilkos, Andrew Kurtz, Joshua Vise, Lawrence Miles, Lynn White. If you’re in the short story field, you’ll obviously recognize some of these names from other literary productions. My story is a western featuring undead horses, and every tale ties in with the Big Top in some shape or form. Read Circus of the Dead now, and read my brand new story: “Dead Pegasuses.” Pics and ordering links will be down below.

Circus of the Dead – published by Wicked Shadow Press

Guest edited by fiction writer Chad Anctil

Featuring new Dagstine story: “Dead Pegasuses”

Where to order the book (click links, be redirected):

Paperback Version: https://www.lulu.com/shop/chad-anctil/circus-of-the-dead/paperback/product-q6kmed5.html

ePub Version: https://www.lulu.com/shop/chad-anctil/circus-of-the-dead/ebook/product-rmz75jn.html

Follow Wicked Shadow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wickedshadowpress

Follow Wicked Shadow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wickedshadowpress

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

Critical Blast Publishing: “Gods and Services New Location” – ANTHOLOGIES!

I have a novelette out in the recently released anthology from Critical Blast Publishing, Gods and Services New Location. I’m appearing beside 9 or 10 other authors, with stories on the subject of objects related to mythological gods or deities that you might acquire from a curiosity shop. They could be a good deity, or a bad deity. The presence of these gods could be related to statues, chandeliers, ancient artifacts, books. Hence the title and theme. Imagine walking into an antique dealer and finding an object for your home that once belonged to a god. The book is edited by R.J. Carter, and Critical Blast Publishing does a lot of these themed anthologies. They also do a lot of comics, graphic novels, and some illustrated genre fare and their products can be found at vendor tables at various conventions around the country. The name of my story is The Barn Cupid, and it’s about a possessed Cupid statue. It’s a horror-love story, obviously. It is available in paperback, on Amazon or Barnes & Nobles. I will provide all links and pics below.

GODS AND SERVICES NEW LOCATION

Published by Critical Blast Publishing – Edited by R.J. Carter

Featuring Dagstine story: “The Barn Cupid”

On Amazon (sample it, buy in print paperback):

Or buy it at Barnes & Nobles (click link, be redirected):

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gods-services-r-j-carter/1147212287

ISBN-13: 9781967199914

Critical Blast Publishing Homepage:

https://www.criticalblast.com/content/publishing

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

Books about Genocide: “Genocidal” – An Anthology, by Culture Cult Press

For my next speculative piece it’s another new one, and we’re going into an anthology themed around a very controversial subject. And that’s genocide and The Holocaust. I was inspired to write this story after reading Elie Wiesel’s epic biography, Night. My story is dark science fiction meets horror meets alternate history. It features Adolf Hitler. And robots. These robots are known as The War Machines. Hitler and the robots are main characters in this dramatic tale. Because of the subject matter, a lot of editors didn’t want to read or take a chance on this piece (probably one of my most powerful in a long time; I have another powerful story written in the second person slated for later this year). The name of my story is: “Christmas along the Danube.” It is indeed a holiday story, it is a trigger warning story, there is death, and you can find it right now in the Culture Cult Press anthology, Genocidal. Every piece in Genocidal features some form of subject matter on genocide or the Holocaust. It might be poems, it might be essays or non-fiction, firsthand accounts, or in my case, dark science fiction. Though I suspect any firsthand stuff would have been passed down through the ages. Still, go check out my story, along with the other authors’ contributions. Ordering links will be further down below.

#GENOCIDAL – Published by Culture Cult Press

Featuring Dagstine story: “Christmas along the Danube”

Where to order your copy (click links, be redirected):

Paperback: https://www.lulu.com/shop/j-chakravarti/genocidal/paperback/product-7k6dy4j.html

ePub: https://www.lulu.com/shop/j-chakravarti/genocidal/ebook/product-jewmeq7.html

According to publisher info received, the April 2025 discount code BCORPBOOKS15 may be used for a 15% discount on Lulu on all purchases. 

Culture Cult Press Socials:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CultureCultPress

Instagram: https://instagram.com/culturecultpress

Visit at: https://CultureCult.co.in

Also check out my latest chapbook from Farthest Star Publishing,

SMALL FAVORS by Lawrence Dagstine

I would say if you want to get introduced to my more extreme forms of horror writing in 2025, and you’ve never read a Lawrence Dagstine piece before, then you want to start here: Small Favors, then follow up with Christmas along the Danube in Genocidal, and later this year (say, October) Inherited in the book, No Exit. Those three pieces. Trigger warning for each one.

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

Farthest Star Publishing: “Small Favors” by Lawrence Dagstine (chapbooks)

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):

http://www.fartheststarpublishing.com

(the website sells a bunch of these chapbooks in android/Mobi/ePub formats)

Also available from Farthest Star: THE PARAPLEGIC

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos” and “Digital Credits”

NEW ANTHOLOGIES: “Who Let the Gods Out?!” – Wicked Shadow Press

My next story is yet another new one, and this time to a themed Wicked Shadow Press anthology again. The name of the anthology, part of a two-book series, is “Who Let the Gods Out?!” – Divine Wrath. I’m in Divine Wrath (that volume), keep that in mind. I’m sure there was no pun intended when naming these (**wink wink**), and while the books are primarily horror-focused, my story falls more under the umbrella of dark science fiction. The main protagonist is a Russian fisherman who has always had his eyes set on the stars, as far back as the fall of the Soviet Union and KGB. He’s in search of an alien probe with godly technology inside of it, but so is a very rich entrepreneur. This tycoon wants the quantum computing tech the aliens are traveling with, but at what price? What will he become once he gets his hands on it? Find out in: “Transcendence.”

WHO LET THE GODS OUT?! Anthology – Divine Wrath

Published by Wicked Shadow Press/Edited by Parth Sarathi Chakraborty

Featuring new Dagstine story: “Transcendence”

ORDERING INFO (click links below, be redirected):

Who Let the Gods Out paperback: https://www.lulu.com/shop/rasiika-sen-and-parth-sarathi-chakraborty/who-let-the-gods-out-divine-wrath/paperback/product-m2mzd9e.html

Who Let the Gods Out ePub: https://www.lulu.com/shop/rasiika-sen-and-parth-sarathi-chakraborty/who-let-the-gods-out-divine-wrath/ebook/product-w4k74zj.html

Wicked Shadow Press on Social Media:

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wickedshadowpress

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedshadowpress

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

CHRISTMAS HORROR: “Merry Creepsmas” – Wicked Shadow Press

My next story is also a newbie. And while the anthology it is being featured in is holiday oriented (one of Christmas-themed horror)… My short story could best be described as dark, dystopic science fiction. It is a tale of warning. With DeepSeek and humanoid robots a reality, the future if we are not careful. A tale of man versus machine. A tale of one prisoner explaining Christmas and yuletide blessings to his captor. A tale of human versus AI. Or, just perhaps, if we are not careful, what AGI might become. There are a lot of great holiday stories in this book. The layout and presentation from Wicked Shadow Press is nothing short of excellent, and these books are hot in India. Prepare yourself for my brand new story of what generative AI might evolve into in a few decades: “For my Enemy on Christmas.” Ordering details at the bottom.

Merry Creepsmas – The Green Book (Xmas themed Horror)

Published by Wicked Shadow Press – Edited by Parth Sarathi Chakraborty

Featuring new Dagstine story: “For my Enemy on Christmas”

ORDER BOTH VOLUMES (I’m in the Green Book/Edition):

THE GREEN BOOK (availability in USA – click below):

Paperback: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty/merry-creepsmas-the-green-book/paperback/product-v8jvm8v.html

Ebook: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty/merry-creepsmas-the-green-book/ebook/product-7ker84d.html

THE RED BOOK (availability in USA – click below):

Paperback: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty/merry-creepsmas-the-red-book/paperback/product-gj26dkw.html

Ebook: https://www.lulu.com/shop/parth-sarathi-chakraborty/merry-creepsmas-the-red-book/ebook/product-p67r5zn.html

Wicked Shadow Press on social media:

Follow WSP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wickedshadowpress

Follow WSP on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wickedshadowpress

Be a part of the Facebook group to get regular author-related info and submission calls from Wicked Shadow: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7867933553277077/?ref=share

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

Other New Stuff in Addition: “Lawrence Dagstine Newsletter”

https://lawrencedagstinewrites.substack.com/

Petting Boo! Zoological Anthology of Horror – Wicked Shadow Press

Pleased to announce I have a story in the latest horror-themed offering from the fine folks at Wicked Shadow Press. This one is an “animal” and “pet”-themed anthology of thrills and chills. Think rabid werewolves, dogs, cats, lions, tigers and bears (oh my!). Or even paranormal pets such as ghosts, poltergeists, and imps. Anything goes so long as it fits somewhere into the theme. Hence the very clever title, PETTING BOO! Zoological Anthology of Horror. I’m sharing a TOC with some talented names again too such as Don Money, Joshua Vise, J. Rocky Colavito, Chad Anctil, and Lavern Spencer McCarthy. Edited by Parth Sarathi Chakraborty, available in India and the United States. I’ll put all pictures and links in their usual places. It’s a beauty of a cover. And I’ll be seeing you on the next one.

PETTING BOO! An Anthology of Zoological Horror

Published by Wicked Shadow Press – Edited by Parth Sarathi Chakraborty

Where to order in the United States or India (click links below):

In “Petting Boo!”, thirty-six stories prowl the razor’s edge between wildlife and the wyrd. This isn’t your standard ghost story collection—it’s a zoological nightmare where every growl might be a spectral warning and every wicked shadow could conceal something that was never truly alive.

Buy American Paperback: https://www.lulu.com/…/paperback/product-e75g9qz.html

Buy American ePub: https://www.lulu.com/…/petti…/ebook/product-dyz2v2g.html

The tales featured in this anthology, from a troupe of worldwide authors consisting of both emerging and seasoned storytellers, reimagine supernatural horror through claws, fangs, and fur. Edited by Parth Sarathi Chakraborty and published by Wicked Shadow Press, “Petting Boo!” transforms the animal kingdom into a twilight realm where the living and dead play a terrifying game of predator and prey.

Not for the faint of heart—or weak of paw.

INDIA ONLY Purchase Links:

Paperback: https://store.pothi.com/…/edited-parth-sarathi…/

eBook: https://store.pothi.com/…/ebook-edited-parth-sarathi…/

ALL INDIA FREE DELIVERY. Whatsapp 9830652666 to order!

Just click social media links below to be redirected.

Wicked Shadow on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/wickedshadowpress

Wicked Shadow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wickedshadowpress

Wicked Shadow on X: https://twitter.com/wickedshadowpub

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”