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”

ANTHOLOGIES: “Not Your Grandma’s Fairy Tales” – Three Cousins Publishing!

Posted on September 24, 2026

I’m back with Three Cousins Publishing (in conjunction with editors Robert Lupton, Carol McConnell, and West Mesa Press). And for a fourth time in five years. I was invited to submit a short story to their “speculative fiction & horror” mashup anthology, “Not Your Grandma’s Fairy Tales.” This year’s theme is Mother Goose and Grimm’s fairy tales RETOLD. Think Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Hansel and Gretel. But the stories are remanufactured and told from outside the box. My story is about Prince Charming, returning from the underworld after a horrible car accident. He comes back in a zombified sort of way. And he has some recompense for his former lover. Check out my story in this latest fairy tale retold anthology: “Skin like Snow, Breath like Earth.” On Amazon AND Lulu, just scroll down.

Not Your Grandma’s Fairy Tales – Published by Three Cousins Publishing

Edited by Robert Lupton w. Carol McConnell

Featuring Dagstine story: “Skin like Snow, Breath like Earth”