I’m proud to announce I have a story in the StokerCon™ 2021 Souvenir Anthology: The Phantom Denver Edition.
The anthology is a companion piece to this year’s StokerCon, a virtual event May 20th to 23rd, put on by the Horror Writers Association. (That’s where the Bram Stoker Awards are from!)
My story is “The Curse of the Dreamcatcher.” Standing watch over Denver International Airport, the giant Blue Mustang locally known as Blucifer acts as a dreamcatcher, helping people forget their troubles as they journey out into the world. But what happens to those captured dreams, those nightmare troubles? What if they were whispered back … into your ear?
The cover and interior art is amazing!
Here is the art for my story, done by Aaron Lovett:
You can see more artwork and read more about it here: https://www.birdymagazine.com/text/stokercon-2021-cos-annual-horror-lit-fest-interview-with-john-palisano-and-joshua-viola/
Here is the blurb for the anthology:
“You’re about to discover a state of horror and suspense, where ancient evils lurk in the Rocky Mountains and a classic novel inspired by a certain Colorado hotel continues to scare and thrill. Where the towering statue of a cobalt blue mustang with demonic red eyes rears back and dares you to cross its path. Its name is Blucifer, and it demands a sacrifice.What secrets does it guard? What omen does it portend? What dark stories does it inspire?
This souvenir book delves into the mystery, offering original tales and poetry about the sinister statue written by some of the best horror talent in the state. You’ll also find essays and anecdotes offering introductions to Colorado’s horror community and insight into the writing and publishing process. Dive deeper into these dark pages and discover author interviews, Lifetime Achievement Award winners, the 2020 Bram Stoker Awards® Final Ballot, and, of course, our Guests of Honor, whose names have been scrawled in blood:Maurice Broaddus • Joe R. Lansdale • Seanan McGuire • Silvia Moreno-Garcia • Lisa Morton • Steve Rasnic Tem
With Contributions byMario Acevedo • Meghan Arcuri • Carina Bissett • Michele Brittany • James Chambers • JoAnn Chaney • Denver Horror Collective • Nicholas Diak • Hillary Dodge • Kirk DouPonce • Sean Eads • Alec Ferrell • Warren Hammond • Travis Heermann • Jason Heller • Angie Hodapp • Stephen Graham Jones • Sam Knight • Jonathan Lees • Aaron Lovett • Jonathan Maberry • Brian W. Matthews • John Palisano • Bret Smith • Jeanni Smith • Jeanne C. Stein • Becky Spratford • Molly Tanzer • Joshua Viola • John Wenzel • Jeamus Wilkes • Carter Wilson • Dean Wyant • Alvaro Zinos-Amaro”