I Finished A Book, And I’m Gonna Go Places, Baby

In February of this year, I started writing a new novel — this horror-fantasy tale, about a group of demon-blooded misfits plagued by dreams of a mysterious structure — called The Calamities, and it serves as the first part of a duology that completes with the second book, Chaos Reigns.

Lemme tell you, starting a novel in February 2025 was a wee smidge harder than I thought. It was difficult then (and honestly, now) not to be endlessly distracted with, well, *gestures erratically at everything everywhere all the time* and so it was a tougher row to hoe than I expected it to be. Writing some parts of this book felt like pulling teeth, and I was pretty sure everything I wrote was terrible? I mean, I was enjoying myself well enough? But it just felt like there was something between me and the book — something that was, I assume, a giant wall of interference called Reality. Still, I’d go back periodically and re-read parts of it and I liked what I read? So I have no idea how to measure it. To be fair, it’s probably gonna need a robust second draft process to kick the shit out of it — er, I mean, to kick it into shape. But that’s why Jesus invented editors!

It’s got a lot of violence and demony occulty business and sex and scads of diabolical worldbuilding. Still horror, but also fantasy — think about how a book like Library at Mount Char took the mode of urban fantasy but treated that mode like it was straight-up, raw horror. (If you’ve not read Library at Mount Char, then honestly, what are you doing with your life?)

Anyway! It’s fun. It’ll also appeal to those, I think, who like those… weird little WENDIGVERSE connections. (For example, if you recall the cat, Orange Lump, from Black River Orchard? You’ll find that cat in this book, as well! Perhaps even hanging out with his new owner from the end of Orchard.)

I thiiiink it comes out August 2026, but I’ll update you accordingly. So watch this space! Watch it! Never unpin your gaze! AFFIX YOUR STARE UPON ME

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And holy shit today’s the day — The End Of The World As We Know It, aka The Stand Anthology, is loosed upon the world in a blood-dimmed tide. Huge honor to be allowed to play in that sandbox. Thanks to Misters Keene and Golden for letting me have my playtime there, and of course, to THE KING HIMSELF for blessing this book and allowing it to happen in the first place. (Thanks also to AP News for the nice review, which shouts out my story, “Grand Junction.”) You can pick up the book at Bookshop.org, if you’d like, or from any of the usual suspects, Amazon, B&N, etc. I also note that if you want a signed/personalized copy, order from Doylestown Bookshop and they can ship directly to you. (True of all of my books! Doylestown rules. As evidenced by the success of their now-annual Dark Ink horror event.)

Aaaaand let’s not forget there are signings for the book literally all over the world today, so hie thee hence to find one:

Note I’ll be at Vortex in Columbia, PA, with Alma Katsu, Brian Keene, Bryan Smith, Somer Canon, and Ron Malfi!

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I’ve also got a buuuuunch more events coming up in the next couple months:

9/9/25

Midtown Scholar in Harrisburg, PA for End of the World as We Know It, with Brian Keene, Somer Canon, Richard Chizmar

(Details here)

9/10/25

Doylestown Bookshop with Delilah S Dawson for House of Idyll

(Details here)

9/13/25

Doylestown Bookshop with MJ Rio for Hot Wax

(Details here)

10/14/25

Doylestown Bookshop with Philip Fracassi for Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre

(Details here)

See you at one of these? Some of these? All of these?

Come say hi. Get books signed. We can be creepy together! OKAY BYE