Release Day for: EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #7: A PRIMER TO GEMMA FILES

New release today by Dark Moon Books!!

EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #7: A PRIMER TO GEMMA FILES

Named “One of the genre's most original and innovative voices” (L.A. Review of Books) and “An expert at terrifying prose” (LitReactor), Canadian author Gemma Files has been penning gritty and macabre fiction since 1993, earning industry awards and critical acclaim from sources such as National Public Radio, Publishers Weekly, and The National Post. Files imbues her cross-genre work with layers like dark stratum: heartbreak upon horror, built over the vignettes of life we may find ourselves in, but for one slight turn of reality.

Dark Moon Books and editor Eric J. Guignard bring you this introduction to her work, the seventh in a series of primers exploring modern masters of literary dark short fiction. Herein is a chance to discover—or learn more of—the evocative voice of Gemma Files, as beautifully illustrated by artist Michelle Prebich.

Included within these pages are:

• Six short stories, one written exclusively for this book

• Author interview

• Biography and bibliography

• Academic commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD (former humanities chair and professor of the year, Seton Hill University)

•  … and more!

Enter this doorway to the vast and fantastic: Get to know Gemma Files.

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Title: Exploring Dark Short Fiction #7: A Primer to Gemma Files

By: Edited by Eric J. Guignard (including Short Fiction authored by Gemma Files), with academic commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD, and illustrations by Michelle Prebich

Price: $24.95 for hardback; $14.95 for print and $4.99 for electronic

Publisher: Dark Moon Books (Los Angeles, CA)

Format: Available in HARDBACK, TRADE PAPERBACK and ELECTRONIC media

13-digit ISBN: 978-1-949491-47-0 (hardback); 978-1-949491-45-6 (trade paperback) 978-1-949491-46-3 (e-book)

Number of pages: 220

Date of publication: February 4, 2025 

Praise for the Exploring Dark Short Books series:

“A fascinating study for fans seeking new reads and for librarians developing wide-ranging collections.” —Library Journal

“Refreshing and much-needed... Addresses significant themes and figures within the horror field.” —Locus Magazine

"An insightful look at the working methods and underlying concerns of some of the foremost exponents of the short story form, appealing to both intellect and the emotions.” —Black Static Magazine

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Publisher’s Page: http://www.darkmoonbooks.com/Primer_7.html

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Dark-Short-Fiction-Primer/dp/1949491471/

Also available on all other online distribution sites, including B&N, Bookshop.org, Kobo, etc. 

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Release Day for: EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #6: A PRIMER TO RAMSEY CAMPBELL

Here! Now! The glory, the magnificence!

EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #6: A PRIMER TO RAMSEY CAMPBELL

Hailed by The Oxford Companion to English Literature as “Britain's most respected living horror writer,” Ramsey Campbell has authored an astounding body of work for over half a century that embodies the weird, the supernatural, and the subtle, much of which is widely considered classics of dark fiction today. He has been given more awards than any other writer in the field, including being made an Honorary Fellow of Liverpool John Moores University for outstanding services to literature.

Dark Moon Books and editor Eric J. Guignard bring you this introduction to his work, the sixth in a series of primers exploring modern masters of literary dark short fiction. Herein is a chance to discover—or learn more of—the remarkable voice of Ramsey Campbell, as beautifully illustrated by artist Michelle Prebich.

Included within these pages are:

• Six short stories, one written exclusively for this book

• Author interview

• Biography and bibliography

• Academic commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD (former humanities chair and professor of the year, Seton Hill University)

•  … and more!

Enter this doorway to the vast and fantastic: Get to know Ramsey Campbell.

###

Title: Exploring Dark Short Fiction#6: A Primer to Ramsey Campbell

By: Edited by Eric J. Guignard (including Short Fiction authored by Ramsey Campbell, academic commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD, and illustrations by Michelle Prebich

Publisher: Dark Moon Books (Los Angeles, CA)

Format: Available in HARDBACK, TRADE PAPERBACK and EBOOK

Hardback 13-digit ISBN: 978-1-949491-16-6

Paperback 13-digit ISBN: 978-1-949491-13-5

e-book 13-digit ISBN: 978-1-949491-31-9

Number of pages: 196

Date of publication: September 7, 2021

Praise for the Exploring Dark Short Books series:

“A fascinating study for fans seeking new reads and for librarians developing wide-ranging collections.” —Library Journal

“Refreshing and much-needed... Addresses significant themes and figures within the horror field.” —Locus Magazine

"An insightful look at the working methods and underlying concerns of some of the foremost exponents of the short story form, appealing to both intellect and the emotions.” —Black Static Magazine

###

Immense thanks and gratitude (as always) to Michael Arnzen for his insightful commentary throughout the book; and Michelle Prebich for her gorgeous interior artwork;  and, naturally, thanks especially to Ramsey Campbell for inspiring and consenting to this project!

Publisher’s Page: http://www.darkmoonbooks.com/Primer_6.html

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Dark-Short-Fiction-Campbell/dp/1949491161/

Also available on all other online distribution sites, including B&N , IndieBound (and bookshop.org) , Kobo , etc.

New title available to reviewers on NetGalley: Exploring Dark Short Fiction #6: A Primer to Ramsey Campbell

Reviewers or NetGalley subscribers:

New release, Exploring Dark Short Fiction #6: A Primer to Ramsey Campbell, is available for free this month for ebook reviewers!!

Hailed by The Oxford Companion to English Literature as “Britain's most respected living horror writer,” Ramsey Campbell has authored an astounding body of work for over half a century that embodies the weird, the supernatural, and the subtle, much of which is widely considered classics of dark fiction today. He has been given more awards than any other writer in the field, including being made an Honorary Fellow of Liverpool John Moores University for outstanding services to literature.

Dark Moon Books and editor Eric J. Guignard bring you this introduction to his work, the sixth in a series of primers exploring modern masters of literary dark short fiction. Herein is a chance to discover—or learn more of—the remarkable voice of Ramsey Campbell, as beautifully illustrated by artist Michelle Prebich.

Included within these pages are:

•  Six short stories, one written exclusively for this book

•  Author interview

•  Biography and bibliography

•  Academic commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD (former humanities chair and professor of the year, Seton Hill University)

•  … and more!

Enter this doorway to the vast and fantastic: Get to know Ramsey Campbell.

Hardback 13-digit ISBN: 978-1-949491-16-6

Paperback 13-digit ISBN: 978-1-949491-13-5

e-book 13-digit ISBN: 978-1-949491-31-9

Date of publication: September 7, 2021

Publisher: Dark Moon Books 

https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/234465

Preorders available for: EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #6: A PRIMER TO RAMSEY CAMPBELL

I’ve had fans asking for this for a while, so now I am thrilled to announce, pre-orders are up with a publication date in 4 weeks (Sept. 7, 2021)!! for:

EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #6: A PRIMER TO RAMSEY CAMPBELL

Hailed by The Oxford Companion to English Literature as “Britain's most respected living horror writer,” Ramsey Campbell has authored an astounding body of work for over half a century that embodies the weird, the supernatural, and the subtle, much of which is widely considered classics of dark fiction today. He has been given more awards than any other writer in the field, including being made an Honorary Fellow of Liverpool John Moores University for outstanding services to literature.

Dark Moon Books and editor Eric J. Guignard bring you this introduction to his work, the sixth in a series of primers exploring modern masters of literary dark short fiction. Herein is a chance to discover—or learn more of—the remarkable voice of Ramsey Campbell, as beautifully illustrated by artist Michelle Prebich.

Included within these pages are:

• Six short stories, one written exclusively for this book

• Author interview

• Biography and bibliography

• Academic commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD (former humanities chair and professor of the year, Seton Hill University)

•  … and more!

 

Enter this doorway to the vast and fantastic: Get to know Ramsey Campbell.

 

###

Title: Exploring Dark Short Fiction#6: A Primer to Ramsey Campbell

By: Edited by Eric J. Guignard (including Short Fiction authored by Ramsey Campbell, academic commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD, and illustrations by Michelle Prebich

Publisher: Dark Moon Books (Los Angeles, CA)

Format: Available in HARDBACK, TRADE PAPERBACK and EBOOK

Hardback 13-digit ISBN: 978-1-949491-16-6

Paperback 13-digit ISBN: 978-1-949491-13-5

e-book 13-digit ISBN: 978-1-949491-31-9

Number of pages: 196

Date of publication: September 7, 2021

Praise for the Exploring Dark Short Books series:

“A fascinating study for fans seeking new reads and for librarians developing wide-ranging collections.” —Library Journal

“Refreshing and much-needed... Addresses significant themes and figures within the horror field.” —Locus Magazine

"An insightful look at the working methods and underlying concerns of some of the foremost exponents of the short story form, appealing to both intellect and the emotions.” —Black Static Magazine

###

Publisher’s Page: http://www.darkmoonbooks.com/Primer_6.html

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Dark-Short-Fiction-Campbell/dp/1949491161/

Also available on all other online distribution sites, including B&N, IndieBound, bookshop.org, Kobo, etc.

I was interviewed on CNBC News!

I was interviewed on CNBC News!

Besides my own books (That Which Grows Wild, Last Case at a Baggage Auction, etc.), I also had the Exploring Dark Short Fiction Primer series on display in the background!

Nisi Shawl was on top, but with a magnifying glass, each of the other authors is visible on the books’ spines.

Identifying: Steve Rasnic Tem, Kaaron Warren, Nisi Shawl, Jeffrey Ford, Han Song, Michelle Prebich, and Michael A. Arnzen!

Which means, of course, each of us are hereby authorized the right to say that our work has been seen on CNBC news!!!

New podcast episode released, discussing EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION primer series!

Honored and pleased to have been a guest along with Michael Arnzen, PhD, on the latest episode of David Agranoff’s podcast, POSTCARDS FROM A DYING WORLD, where we discuss my PRIMER series, EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION (published through Dark Moon Books)! Check it out, 1-1/2 hours of dark fiction genius content, with mention of volumes and work by Steve Rasnic Tem, Kaaron Warren, Nisi Shawl, Jeffrey Ford, Han Song, and Ramsey Campbell.

YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EpxralopZM

Audio only podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pfdw-25-exploring-dark-short-fiction-series-eric-guignard/id1524359471?i=1000500355234

Release Day for: EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #5: A PRIMER TO HAN SONG

At long last, release day for the latest primer is here!!  I’ve been waiting so long to showcase this magnificent work!!

EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #5: A PRIMER TO HAN SONG

Considered one of the three most important voices in contemporary Chinese science fiction (along with Liu Cixin and Wang Jinkang), Han Song is a multiple recipient of the Chinese Galaxy Award (China's highest profile sci-fi prize), as well as the Chinese Nebula Award and Asian-Pacific Sci-fi Gravity Award. Song bridges new developments in science and subjects of cultural and social dynamics with stories of dystopia, governmental conspiracy, and subversive horror, earning praise for his work as “absurdly dark,” while also reigniting a science fiction renaissance.

Including original English translations by Nathaniel Isaacson, PhD, Dark Moon Books and editor Eric J. Guignard bring you this introduction to Han Song’s work, the fifth in a series of primers exploring modern masters of literary dark short fiction. Herein is a chance to discover—or learn more of—the enigmatic voice of Han Song, as beautifully illustrated by artist Michelle Prebich.

Included within these pages are:

• Six short stories, three translated exclusively for this book

• Author interview

• Complete bibliography

• Academic commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD (former humanities chair and professor of the year, Seton Hill University)

•  … and more!

Enter this doorway to the vast and fantastic: Get to know Han Song.

###

Title: Exploring Dark Short Fiction #5: A Primer to Han Song

By: Edited by Eric J. Guignard (including Short Fiction authored by Han Song), with original English translations by Nathaniel Isaacson, PhD, academic commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD, and illustrations by Michelle Prebich

Price: $24.95 for hardback; $14.95 for print and $4.99 for electronic

Publisher: Dark Moon Books (Los Angeles, CA)

Format: Available in HARDBACK, TRADE PAPERBACK and ELECTRONIC media

13-digit ISBN: 978-1-949491-37-1 (hardback); 978-1-949491-12-8 (trade paperback) 978-1-949491-17-3 (e-book)

Number of pages: 218

Date of publication: September, 2020 

Praise for the Exploring Dark Short Books series:

“A fascinating study for fans seeking new reads and for librarians developing wide-ranging collections.” —Library Journal

“Refreshing and much-needed... Addresses significant themes and figures within the horror field.” —Locus Magazine

"An insightful look at the working methods and underlying concerns of some of the foremost exponents of the short story form, appealing to both intellect and the emotions.” —Black Static Magazine

###

Immense thanks and gratitude (as always) to Michael Arnzen for his insightful commentary throughout the book; and Michelle Prebich for her gorgeous interior artwork; and Nathaniel Isaacson, PhD for his mammoth effort in beautifully translating the stories for this volume; and, naturally, thanks especially to Han Song for inspiring and consenting to this project!

Publisher’s Page: http://www.darkmoonbooks.com/Primer_5.html

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1949491374/

Also available on all other online distribution sites, including B&N , IndieBound (and bookshop.org) , Kobo , etc. 

EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #5: A PRIMER TO HAN SONG, is available to reviewers on NetGalley!

Reviewers or NetGalley subscribers:

The latest Primer, EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #5: A PRIMER TO HAN SONG, is available for free this month for ebook reviewers!!

With original Chinese-to-English translations, this Primer includes six short stories by Han Song—considered one of the three most important voices in contemporary Chinese science fiction (incl. horror)—along with an author interview, essay, biography, bibliography, and more!

Synopsis:

Dark Moon Books and editor Eric J. Guignard present the work of Han Song, #5 in a series of scholarly primers exploring modern masters of dark short fiction. With translations by Nathaniel Isaacson, PhD, commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD, and beautifully illustrated by artist Michelle Prebich, discover the vast and fantastic writing of Han Song.

"Refreshing and much-needed... Addresses significant themes and figures within the horror field." —Locus Magazine

Hardback 13-digit ISBN: 978-1-949491-37-1

Paperback 13-digit ISBN: 978-1-949491-12-8

e-book 13-digit ISBN: 978-1-949491-17-3 

Date of publication: September 28, 2020

Publisher: Dark Moon Books 

https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/202166 

Offering review Desk Copies for Writing Instuctors

ATTN: CREATIVE WRITING INSTRUCTORS

If you are involved in a creative writing program, I’m offering complimentary desk copies of books that might be of interest.

I’m involved in two series of books that are being published and made for students in mind (along with libraries) that discuss horror or dark fantasy in broad, low-level terms, as accompaniment to fiction works, i.e. adding value to classrooms/ students of creative writing (high school or college).


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PRIMERS: EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION

The first is my PRIMER series, EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION. Each volume explores modern masters of literary dark short fiction through a selection of short stories, each with commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD, and beautifully illustrated by artist Michelle Prebich, along with author essay, author interview, and more.

The scholarly portion is nothing too in-depth or ivory tower, but meant for the average reader to develop a deeper understanding of writing, both in terms of creativity and in meaning.

The volumes so far include:

#1: Steve Rasnic Tem (July, 2017)
#2: Kaaron Warren (May, 2018)
#3: Nisi Shawl (December, 2018)
#4: Jeffrey Ford (September, 2019)
#5: Han Song (Scheduled later for: 2020), which will be original translations of his Chinese work
#6: Ramsey Campbell (Scheduled later for: 2020), England’s most prestigious horror author

These books are (or will be) available in Hardback, Paperback, and E-book.

And more about the series is listed on my website here: http://www.darkmoonbooks.com/primers.html


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HAUNTED LIBRARY OF HORROR CLASSICS

The second series is the Haunted Library of Horror Classics through SourceBooks. Leslie S. Klinger and myself co-edit this series, rereleasing classic horror literature books from over the past 250 years.

Each volume includes the original text, as well as classroom discussion questions, light text annotations, a suggested further reading list, and more.

This series has just started, but here are the first 12 volumes planned for 2020-2022:

1. The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (January, 2020) with introduction by Nancy Holder
   
2. The Beetle by Richard Marsh (April, 2020) with introduction by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
3. Vathek by William Beckford (July, 2020) with introduction by Joe R. Lansdale
4. The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson (October, 2020) with introduction by Ramsey Campbell
5. The Parasite and Other Tales of Terror by Arthur Conan Doyle (2021) with introduction by Daniel Stashower
6. The King in Yellow by Robert W. Chambers (2021) with introduction by Nic Pizzolatto
7. Of One Blood: or, The Hidden Self by Pauline Hopkins (2021) with introduction by Nisi Shawl
8. Ghost Stories of an Antiquary by M.R. James (2021) with introduction by <TBA>
9. The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole (2022) with introduction by <TBA>
10. The Mummy! by Jane Webb (2022) with introduction by <TBA>
11. Fantasmagoriana (2022) with introduction by <TBA>
12. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (2022) with introduction by <TBA>

These books are (or will be) available in Paperback and E-book.

And more about the series is listed on my website here: http://ericjguignard.com/haunted_library.html


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Additionally, I’ve published two other anthologies that are meant to broaden horror fiction in different ways. Both of these following books are available in Hardback, Paperback, and E-book.


The first is A WORLD OF HORROR, which promotes diversity in reading horror fiction from authors in different nations.

A WORLD OF HORROR
Released: September, 2018

A World of Horror is an anthology of all new dark and speculative fiction stories written by authors from around the world.

“This breath of fresh air for horror readers shows the limitless possibilities of the genre.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A fresh collection of horror authors exploring monsters and myths from their homelands.”
—Library Journal

Publisher’s Link: http://www.darkmoonbooks.com/world_of_horror.html



The second anthology book is THE FIVE SENSES OF HORROR, which is an interaction of horror fiction with the five human senses, along with psychological analysis of what this means, as well as how it ties into creative writing, and more!

THE FIVE SENSES OF HORROR
Released: July, 2018

The Five Senses of Horror is an anthology of horror and dark fantasy stories, along with psychological and literary commentary, that explores the relationship and inspiration between fiction and the five senses. (The fiction stories are reprints, but the non-fiction is all original to this anthology).

Publisher’s Page: http://www.darkmoonbooks.com/five_senses.html


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If you’d be interested in receiving desk copies of any of these books that have come out, or if you’d like to be slated to receive a copy of future releases, please email me at: eric.guignard@gmail.com

Latest hardback edition in for EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #4: A PRIMER TO JEFFREY FORD

Received the latest hardback edition of EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #4: A PRIMER TO JEFFREY FORD!

This is the fourth volume in this Primer Series. These beautiful laminate-cased deluxe Library-inspired editions are available through Dark Moon Books or Amazon.com!

Collect them all!

Volume #1: Steve Rasnic Tem (July, 2017)

Volume #2: Kaaron Warren (May, 2018)

Volume #3: Nisi Shawl (December, 2018)

Volume #4: Jeffrey Ford (September, 2019)

Volume #5: Han Song (Scheduled for: 2020) (original translations of his Chinese work by Nathaniel Isaacson, PhD)

Volume #6: Ramsey Campbell (Scheduled for: 2020)

EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #4: A PRIMER TO JEFFREY FORD, available at: https://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Dark-Short-Fiction-Jeffrey/dp/1949491110/

Commentary by Michael Arnzen
Artwork by Michelle Prebich

ARCs for TWO different new books I’ve been working on!

Received ARCs in the mail on the same day for TWO different new books I’ve been working on!!!

Exploring DarkShort Fiction #4: A Primer to Jeffrey Ford. Created by Eric J. Guignard, with short fiction by Jeffrey Ford, Academic commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD, and gorgeous illustrations by Michelle Prebich.

Available now from Dark Moon Books, here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0998938386

AND!

The Horror Writers Association Presents: Haunted Library of Horror Classics, VOLUME 1: The Phantom of the Opera. Curated by Eric J. Guignard and Leslie S. Klinger, a new release of the classic novel with ancillary material, including introduction by Nancy Holder!

Coming soon via Poisoned Pen Press, an imprint of Sourcebooks.

Release Day for: EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #3: A PRIMER TO NISI SHAWL

At long last, the release is here!! I’ve been waiting so long to showcase this magnificent work!!

EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #3: A PRIMER TO NISI SHAWL

Available now, through Dark Moon Books, this is the third volume in a series of scholarly primers, introducing and exploring modern masters of literary dark short fiction:

Immense thanks and gratitude to Michael Arnzen for his insightful commentary throughout the book, and Michelle Prebich for her gorgeous interior artwork, and especially to Nisi Shawl for inspiring and consenting to this project!

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Dark-Short-Fiction-Primer/dp/0998938343

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Dark-Short-Fiction-Primer-ebook/dp/B07LGGCBX2

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Praised by literary journals, news outlets, and leading fiction magazines, Nisi Shawl is celebrated as an author whose works are lyrical and philosophical, speculative and far-ranging; “…broad in ambition and deep in accomplishment” (The Seattle Times). Besides nearly three decades of creating fantasy and science fiction, fairy tales, and indigenous stories, Nisi has also been lauded as editor, journalist, reviewer, teacher, speaker, afrofuturist, and proponent and mentor of feminism, African-American fiction, and other pedagogical issues of diversity.

Dark Moon Books and editor Eric J. Guignard bring you this introduction to her work, the third in a series of primers exploring modern masters of literary dark short fiction. Herein is a chance to discover—or learn more of—the vibrant voice of Nisi Shawl, as beautifully illustrated by artist Michelle Prebich.

Included within these pages are:

•        Six short stories, one written exclusively for this book
•        Author interview
•        Complete bibliography
•        Academic commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD (former humanities chair and professor of the year, Seton Hill University)
•        … and more!

Enter this doorway to the vast and fantastic: Get to know Nisi Shawl.

###

And more here: http://www.darkmoonbooks.com/Primer_3.html