Wednesday Women of Horror Blog Share-Jill Girardi

On June 15, 2022 By C.C. WinchesterIn Kandisha Press, Wednesday Women of Horror Blog ShareLeave a comment

Jill Girardi of Kandisha Press is very special to me because she was the first person to consider a story of mine worth publishing. She is the chief cook and bottle washer at Kandisha Press where she along with her crew, publish horror anthologies written entirely by women. She is currently taking a break from that though so she can focus on her own writing. Jill has earned a break since she has already published five anthologies through her press.

Here’s her bio from the Kandisha Press website:

JILL GIRARDI – Editor-In-Chief, Author, Declawed Subcreature.

Jill is the author of Hantu Macabre, (Published by Fixi Novo) the best-selling novel featuring punk rock paranormal detective Suzanna Sim and Tokek the toyol. The book was shortlisted for the 2019 Popular/The Star Readers’ Choice Awards. Suzanna and Tokek will also be taken to the big screen, as a full-length film based on the characters is set to start shooting in 2021, with former MMA Fighter Ann Osman starring as Suzanna.

Jill has several short horror stories published (many of which feature various small, wicked creatures) and will soon begin working on the next volume in the Hantu Macabre series. She currently lives in New York where she is the editor of the Kandisha Press Women of Horror Anthology books.

Twitter: @jill_girardi
Instagram: @jill_girardi
Amazon: amazon.com/Various/e/B07JJQZSSK
Good Reads: Jill_Girardi
IMDB: Jill Girardi

My review of Hantu Macabre!

My first published story which can be found in the fourth Kandisha Press anthology, *Don’t Break the Oath*!

And lastly, a link for a list of all the Women of Horror anthologies: Kandisha Press Books

Wednesday Women of Horror Blog Share-Lydia Prime

On June 8, 2022June 22, 2022 By C.C. WinchesterIn Wednesday Women of Horror Blog ShareLeave a comment

I’m going to try to share something every Wednesday (because that’s my off day from thankless/soul-sucking job) that represents a fellow woman horror writer. Women of Horror, let me know if you have a blog or website so I can follow and share. 🙂

First up: Lydia Prime:

“Lydia is that friendly monster under your bed waiting for you to stick a limb out from beneath the covers. When she’s not trying to shred scraps of humanity from the unsuspecting, she writes stories and poems of the horror and dark fiction variety. Her work can be found on Pen of the Damned, as well as The Ladies of Horror Picture-prompt Challenge on Spreading the Writers Word. Additionally, she has had several pieces published in issues of The Sirens Call eZine.

Lydia has also had short stories published in: Under Her Black Wings: A 2020 Women of Horror Anthology, Graveyard Smash: Women of Horror Anthology Volume 2, The One That Got Away: Women of Horror Anthology Volume 3 from Kandisha Press.

Take a walk through her mind and check out some of her creatures.

Above all, the most important thing to remember is that the fruity beverages can be found on the left. Don’t be afraid, you couldn’t possibly get lost in here, could you?” (Copied from her website about page.)

Here’s the link to her website, Lapsed Reality.

Watchers-by Dean Koontz

On May 8, 2022May 8, 2022 By C.C. WinchesterIn Book Reviews2 Comments

So I finally read a Dean Koontz book. I started with Watchers because several people in my circle said that it’s his best. Well it is entertaining, but incredibly simplistic. Everyone is too wonderful in this book. Well, there’s one guy that’s so awful that I would cringe when he showed up, but all the other wonderful people make up for that one guy. There’s a guy that’s sad that his wife died to the point of being suicidal, but he gets over that pretty easily. And a girl who was basically locked up from society her entire childhood and early adult life by a crazy aunt, but she gets over that pretty quickly too. Oh yeah, and of course she doesn’t realize how beautiful she is… Then there’s a guy who’s marriage is suffering, but not because he’s having affairs or anything. He just works too much. But forget all that simplicity and just read it for the dog, the wonderful dog!

I don’t get why people categorize Dean Koontz with Stephen King. Maybe because they’re both rich horror writers? Stephen King doesn’t allow any of his characters to be this wonderful and sappy though. Even the heroic ones have bigger issues than just being introverted or workaholics and such. It’s like how holy roller Christians group Satanists and Athiests. Not the same thing at all.

Anyway, I’m not giving up on Dean Koontz yet. I acquired this whole collection of his books from a friend:

Anyone want to suggest which one I read next?

As for Watchers, I give it 3 stars. It gets that many because it is a very entertaining read and if you’re a dog lover, you’ll love it just for the awesomeness that is Einstein, the Golden Retriever! Oh and of course there is a cool monster, but I feel sorry for him. Kind of like a Frankenstein’s monster sort of scenario.

Don’t Break the Oath-Kandisha Press

On April 17, 2022April 17, 2022 By C.C. WinchesterIn Don't Break the Oath, Jehenne de Brigue, Kandisha Press, Women of HorrorLeave a comment

Don’t Break the Oath is the fourth women of horror anthology put forth by Kandisha Press. Look no further for your summer read, guys! There is a lot of awesome horror within these pages written by many seasoned authors along with a few debuts, including yours truly. My little ol’ witch story is included and is the origin story for my most favorite character I’ve ever created, Jehenne de Brigue. Okay, I didn’t totally create her, she can be found amongst the wealth of historical knowledge regarding the witch trials in Europe which persecuted innocent women so many centuries ago.

“The Trial of Jehenne de Brigue” synopsis: (Spoiler Alert!)

The “Trial of Jehenne de Brigue” is the origin story of an herbalist healer who is destined to become a powerful leader among the Italian witches, known as Strega. She would have been lost in obscurity if it weren’t for the ruthless persecution of women by the Catholic church in 14^th century France, but with a little help from a son of perdition, she would not only survive those dark times, but eventually become The Last Strega.

Revised ending to “The Trial of Jehenne de Brigue”:

“Stop crying,” Jehenne cooed, smiling at the hysterical woman.

Haus then appeared between them just as the executioner began lighting the pyre. Macette screamed. Haus ignored her and placed his hands on Jehenne’s shoulders. Haus smiled down at Jehenne. She looked up at the demon and returned his smile.

Macette screeched, “But Haussibut, my lord, my love, why do you only take her?! Why have you forsaken me?!”

“She has proved her loyalty to me.”

“But she betrayed us by confessing!”

“No, you set the wheels in motion by betraying Jehenne to your husband! You sealed your fate!” And with that, Haus vanished, taking Jehenne with him as the pyre burned.

Buy Don’t Break the Oath on Amazon!

Darkness Calls: Tales From the Shadows-by Alyson Faye

On January 23, 2022 By C.C. WinchesterIn Book Reviews2 Comments

This anthology was my first excursion into the wonderful and brilliant mind of Alyson Faye! I will definitely be looking for more from her! It was right up my alley, with deadly angels and ghost children and the like. I especially love ghost children!

I was reading, “All the Lost Children” (in broad daylight on my patio) and then heard children laughing outside in the distance and nearly jumped out of my skin! Horror writing at its best!!!

All the stories are awesome in this anthology and she hits the ground running with everyone’s favorite anti-Santa, Krampus.

I loved every story but shoutout to, “All the Lost Children” and “Shadow Children” because, well, ghost kids, and “Fallen Angel” because angels aren’t supposed to be nice! I also loved “Dream Catcher” and would love to see a whole novel spring from that one!

Buy it here for your Kindle on Amazon, guys!

Darkness Calls: Tales From the Shadows

OPEN Call for Anthology SUBMISSIONS: Deep in the Woods | #Horror #DarkFiction #anthology #OpenCall #fiction #submission #story @Sirens_Call

On January 22, 2022 By C.C. WinchesterIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Hard at work on a story for this! I couldn’t think of anything at first, but then an idea sprung into my head one night sitting on my patio as I gazed into the bleak, leafless trees behind my house. Gotta make the January 31st deadline!

The Sirens Song

Deep in the Woods

SUBMISSIONS OPEN December 1, 2021 – January 31, 2022

Be it day or night, the forest hides its secrets from our eyes. Whether you find yourself alone or with others, its innocence can be deceiving, and its inhabitants deadly. What horrors await within the wooded land where nature reigns supreme?

Be creative! Your story can be supernatural, otherworldly, creature-horror, or down-right evil.Deep in the Woodshides a playground for your imagination!

Required theme:
All stories must take place in the woods/forest and must be horror or dark fiction.

Word count & Compensation:
Stories between 4,000 – 8,000 words will be considered for payment of $25.00 USD, an ebook contributor copy, and the right to purchase an unlimited number of print books at discount.

Stories between 2,000 – 3,000 words will be considered for payment of $10.00 USD, an ebook contributor copy, and the right to…

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RELEASE: The Sirens Call eZine Winter 2021 Edition – Issue 56 | FREE Online #Horror and #DarkFic #eZine #magazine @Sirens_Call

On January 5, 2022 By C.C. WinchesterIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

My old school ghost story, “The Other Side of the Tracks”, made it into this edition! Click on the pic for a free download. Lots of great stories!

The Sirens Song

The Sirens Call

The 56th issue of The Sirens Call weighs in at 190 pages containing 139 pieces of dark fiction and horror in the form of short stories, flash fiction, and dark poetry! This issue also features artist Dave Dick who has shared 12 pieces of his artwork with us, including Sky Monster, which is featured on the cover. This issue also spotlights our first glimpse from cartoonist D.S. Ullery, his article A Cartoon Saved My Life, and 12 of his satirical and humorous Goulash panels. Our featured author, Mike Salt, has a bit of advice for budding or struggling authors, and has graciously offered an excerpt from his novella, The House on Harlan.

Come grab a copy! No sign-up required, no tricks when you get there, just a free Zine packed full of incredibly talented writers and artists!

Click on the cover for your #

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Hantu Macabre by Jill Girardi

On December 16, 2021 By C.C. WinchesterIn Book ReviewsLeave a comment

Hantu Macabre is a thrill ride from start to finish! Jill Girardi takes us on an awesome trip through the landscape and ancient mythology of Malaysia. The main character, Suzanna Sim, is a tough, but down on her luck private investigator of black magic and occult crimes. She’s had a rough life after being abandoned at a very young age, but she never lost her heart. Her assistant is a toyol, which is a supernatural creature capable of sneaking in and out of places unseen by the inhabitants. A very useful skill when investigating other worldly crimes!

There are so many twists and turns in the novel and surprises right up until the end. The book leaves the reader wanting so much more and I can’t wait til Jill give us another glimpse into the life of Suzanna Sim!

This is for sure a 5 star read because it’s story telling at it’s best, with no dull moments.

Buy it here!

The Trial of Jehenne de Brigue-by C.C. Winchester

On November 18, 2021November 18, 2021 By C.C. WinchesterIn Don't Break the Oath, Jehenne de Brigue, Kandisha Press, Women of HorrorLeave a comment

So, I am totally excited about my first officially published horror story! It’s so cool to see my name on a cover like this, well pen name, Lol. But the initials, C.C., do stand for my real name at least. 🙂 My short story is included along with the writings of much more accomplished Women of Horror than myself, so I am proud and honored to be included. I hope to one day achieve as much success of many of the women included in this anthology.

The synopsis for, “The Trial of Jehenne de Brigue”:

The “Trial of Jehenne de Brigue” is the story of an herbalist healer who lives in 14^th century France during a time when women who indulged in medical pursuits were highly scrutinized by society and the Catholic church. It is a story of betrayal, revenge, and a woman who is willing to fight until her dying breath to have the right to live as she chooses.

The title of the anthology is Don’t Break the Oath, and it’s the fourth Women of Horror anthology published by Kandisha Press.

List of Authors:

Official Book Cover:

This is an awesome collection of writings by extremely talented women horror writers. I mean the rest of them, not me, but as long as you read the others, you might as well read mine! 😀

Available on Amazon Kindle and Paperback, Nook (Barnes & Noble), Kobo and Apple Books!

CLICK HERE TO BUY