Corpse Blossoms

Few realize that the term "anthology" -- which we use to denote collections of short stories by different authors, usually following a shared theme or genre -- comes for the Greek word for "flower-gathering." Corpse Blossoms, the first volume in a series of anthologies from the new horror publisher, Creeping Hemlock Press, is more than just a collection of some dead leaves -- it's like an amazingly fulfilling chilled salad. Or should I say a very full, chilling salad? Either way, it's fiction with an earthy, dark flavor in every bite. And though I'm more than satisfied by the meal,…

Twisted Prompts for Sicko Writers

+ Place a deaf person in a burning building. First sentence: "(S)He didn't hear the alarm." + Place a wheelchair-bound character on a sinking ship. + Dramatize the methods of a "slow" serial killer. *** Instigation is a WEEKLY department in Hellnotes newsletter...who also now publishes a new online magazine of stories based on my prompts, called Wee Small Hours!