If you haven’t heard already, Gauntlet Press is producing HE IS LEGEND, an awesome tribute anthology of short stories and novellas based on the classic fiction of Richard Matheson (author of I Am Legend, The Incredible Shrinking Man, Stir of Echoes, and so much more). I’m honored to be a part of the fun, with my short piece called “She Screech Like Me” — a sequel to Matheson’s famous story, “Born of Man and Woman.” The line-up for this book includes the first collaboration between Stephen King and his son Joe Hill (riffing on “Duel”), along with Gary Braunbeck, William Nolan, Joe Lansdale, and a host of other recognizable horror writers I admire. Gauntlet Press publishes a great number of Matheson-related titles, in addition to an amazing assortment of other wonderful collector’s items by living legends of fantasy and science fiction. Drop by their catalog page to learn more about He is Legend, which seems to be selling out in all its special editions.
Horror World this month published a knock-out review of my novella, The Bitchfight. Reviewer Ron Dickie writes: “If you’re looking for something different, something unexpected, pick up ‘The Bitchfight.’ Not since Jack Ketchum’s ‘The Girl Next Door’ has a story been as equally repellent and captivating as this.” That’s high praise in this business! Bad Moon Books still has copies for sale, as does Horror-Mall. [Bad Moon Books also is now scheduled to publish the anthology, Monster Noir, in the seasons ahead. My short story, “Exorcystland” — about an amusement park where all the attractions let you “ride” crazy scenes from classic horror films — appears therein]
If you’re a writer, you should look into subscribing to Gila Queen’s Guide to Markets. Editor Kathy Ptacek just released the special 150th issue (!) of this long-standing “insider” resource for breaking news in publishing and the magazine industry. I have an irregular department in GQ, pretentiously called “The Arnzen Seminars,” where I address an advanced topic in creative writing. In the 150th anniversary issue, my latest “seminar” is an essay on “Writing Anniversaries” — things writers should try to do each year to celebrate and reflect and stay organized.
Novello Pubishers informed me earier this month that his complete run of my over-the-top horror novelette, Licker, has sold out. (You still might be able to track down copies at Horror-Mall if you act quickly.) Novello also announced this month that they’re launching a new specialty line of “bizarro” fiction later this year under the name “Squid Salad Press” — author Tim Waggoner will be the first writer in their line-up, with his weird book, Skull Cathedral.
The June 2008 issue of Pittsburgh Professional Magazine just pubished an interview with me (called “Ghoulish Goals” by Kathleen Ganster) featuring some awesome photography by the amazingly talented Jim Judkis.