Gypsum Sound Tales: “Thuggish Itch – BEAR!” – Themed Publications

Posted on September 28, 2026

For my next publication I’m appearing in a literary book series/journal series based out of Sydney, Australia. They are themed. In past editions they covered such story themes as Las Vegas, Amusement Parks, Devils, and Birds Have Teeth. What they mean is stories set in or around those subjects. So long as the story is speculative in nature, too. The theme this time is bears. From Gypsum Sound Tales Down Under comes THUGGISH ITCH – BEAR. I will leave links below, where to order and read a copy. My story is about a relic hunter and a mystical bear. It takes place post-World War 2. Oh yeah, and the Nazis are in it. If you’re into Indiana Jones-type fare, this lengthy tale might be up your alley. Read: “Bear of the Hidden Monastery.”

GYPSUM SOUND TALES in Australia presents…

Thuggish Itch: BEAR – Anthology Collection Series

Featuring Dagstine novelette: “Bear of the Hidden Monastery”

SAMPLE OR BUY ON AMAZON (on Kindle and in paperback):

WHERE TO BUY THUGGISH ITCH BOOK SERIES:

https://www.gypsumsoundtales.com/thuggish-itch.php

GYPSUM SOUND TALES MAIN WEBPAGE:

https://www.gypsumsoundtales.com

DETAILS ABOUT THUGGISH ITCH BEAR (copy-pasted from Amazon): “In Thuggish Itch: Bear, every story begins with one simple requirement: somewhere in there, there has to be a bear. From ordinary situations that gradually become unsettling to encounters that veer into horror, science fiction and somewhere in between, these stories explore what happens when something familiar suddenly changes the rules. Sometimes the bear is recognisably a bear. Sometimes it becomes something else entirely. And sometimes the bear is barely the problem at all. Dark, strange and often funny, this collection is filled with people trying to deal with impossible situations while still worrying about work, cars, relationships and the ordinary mechanics of everyday life. Because when reality starts to come apart, your first thought probably won’t be profound. It will be something more like: What the hell is that? Welcome to Thuggish Itch: Bear, where sometimes the bear is the least of your worries.“

Other New Entries: “Books & Anthos”

Red Polka Books: “Sibling Syndrome Anthology…” – BOOKS WORTH READING!

Posted on April 2, 2026

I have a story in an anthology from a press I published with a few years back, called Red Polka Books. The name of the anthology is Sibling Syndrome. It’s different. The theme here are stories about brothers and sisters who care about each other, or have some kind of connection that goes beyond the norm. Hence, the title. And no, my story is not one of incest but one of speculative fiction. Imagine a sister and brother, who would go to the ends of the earth for each other, who would have each other’s back through thick and thin, could one day perceive the same imagery. My story is one about “identity distortion” and, eventually, “identity collapse.” It also has a Stranger Things vibe to it. Read my tale, “Mirror Child.” In the latest anthology from Red Polka Books. Pics and links will be below, so be sure to scroll all the way down.

Red Polka Books presents…

Sibling Syndrome Anthology – Edited by Rasiika Sen

Featuring new Dagstine story: “Mirror Child”