Tag Archives: writing

Denver Horror Collective Craves Fresh Blood

Posted on by

Denver Horror Collective is almost ten years old, and like a vampiric child of that age we’re getting into way too much mischief. 

DHC’s monthly in-person and virtual critique groups can’t stop churning out dark fiction, getting people published, and haunting the minds of readers across Colorado, the nation, and the world.

DHC’s events, such as our upcoming “Bloody Valentine” reading on Saturday, January 31 at Standley Lake Library in Arvada, continue to disturb—and delight!—anyone brave enough to attend. 

DHC’s public outreach at local schools (yup!), conferences, and even holiday markets are polluting the minds of the innocent, unsuspecting townsfolk and drawing them into our literary cult.

DHC’s small press refuses to stop printing books, such as last year’s FRONTIERS OF FRIGHT southwestern horror edited by A.E. Santana and our upcoming sci-fi Horror anthology edited by Sara Martinez (submissions open in January at DenverHorror.com).

And, of course, DHC’s members keep selling stories, novels, or even songs (see “Dark Lit Market” for some 2025 publications).

Plus, now would be the perfect time to thank longtime steering committee member and virtual critique host, Jeff Wood, for his years of service. 

Which means we’re now on the hunt for an every-other-month host for our virtual critique—switching things off with the bloodcurdling Joy Yehle. So, if you’ve ever wanted to help shepherd other horror writers across dim pastures (with an eye out for wolves), now’s your big chance! 

Speaking of which, a reminder that no matter how glutted DHC gets on human flesh, we’re always craving fresh blood for membership or to launch your own project under our ghastly banner.

Because DHC is independent, grassroots, and truly inclusive of all backgrounds and experience, we can do whatever the hell we want. So, whether you’ve been a part of DHC for years or are new to the scene, if you’ve got a throat to offer, we’ve got the fangs!  

Renew Your Denver Horror Collective Membership for 2025 (or Be Sacrificed to the Dark Gods)

Posted on by

If your New Year’s resolution has anything to do with your dark fiction writing, may we suggest you creep into 2025 by renewing your Denver Horror Collective membership?

A reminder here (and below) of all the perks you get, while knowing you’re supporting one of the last truly open and inclusive spaces for indie horror writers of all experience and publication history from around Colorado, the U.S., and even the world.

Painting: “Midsummer Eve Bonfire” by Nikolai Astrup, 1926

Not enough for you? How about this: FREE marketing and promotion of your member page along with any work you’ve chosen for our Dark Lit Market (if you haven’t given us the info yet or want to update it, please contact us).

All this for only $20 (cheap!) and you can pay via PayPal, Venmo, or Credit Card at this link.

Continue reading →

Denver Horror Collective Announces Southwestern Horror Anthology‘ Frontiers of Fright,’ Highlighting A New Take on Western Horror Stories

Posted on by

Denver, Colorado—Denver Horror Collective (DHC) announces their newest publication, an anthology of horror stories set in the Southwest, Frontiers of Fright: A Southwestern Horror Anthology, showcasing a diverse selection of emerging and established authors from around the world. The book is set to launch on Thursday, October 31, 2024, in both e-book and print format and will be available through Amazon.

Frontiers of Fright, edited by DHC Steering Committee Member and Horror Writers Association, Colorado, co-chair, A.E. Santana, features a variety of eerie and bizarre stories that move away from traditional Hollywood shoot ’em ups and range from hair-raising stories from when the West was young to modern tales of terror.

“Frontiers of Fright is a true campfire horror. That howl is more than the wind and the devil not just in the dust. This is a great collection of creepy tall tales for the change of seasons.” — V. Castro, Bram Stoker Award-nominated author of The Goddess of Filth and The Haunting of Alejandra

“Newcomers and veteran authors come together in Frontiers of Fright: A Weird Western Anthology, edited by A.E. Santana. Weaving tales of outlaws, gunslingers, and more with dark, mysterious twists, I marveled at the imagination and got lost in the Southwestern settings and characters, all of it under a big, endless, ever watching sky.”  — John Palisano, Bram Stoker Award-Winning author of Requiem and Ghost Heart

“Wonderfully creepy! These unsettling tales set in the iconic southwest throughout history feature a fascinating range of ferocious creatures—exactly the types of stories I love. You’ll find nightmarish visions haunting these pages in scenes spanning the vast desert, looming wilderness and supernatural unknown.” — KC Grifant, author of Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger and Shrouded Horror: Tales of the Uncanny

“Frontiers of Fright assembles eighteen tales that examine the brutality and beauty of the Southwest. These barren landscapes, cavernous mines, and craggy mountains house heroes, villains, and creatures both new and ancient. Threaded throughout is a ravenous hunger demanding to feast until only sun-bleached bones remain.” — Angela Sylvaine, author of Frost Bite and The Dead Spot  

Author lineup:

  • Hannah Birss
  • Bonnie Callahan
  • Trevor O. Childers
  • DeBickel
  • V.T. Dorchester
  • Zak Hennessey
  • C.R. Kellogg
  • Conor MacLennan
  • Sara Martinez
  • Thomas C. Mavroudis
  • Jake Morris
  • Sean Murphy
  • Ian Neligh
  • Dino Parenti
  • J.S. Rogers
  • Sirius
  • Elizabeth Tompkins
  • Jeff Wood

Denver Horror Collective is a Colorado-based writing group and small publishing press with a mission to facilitate, celebrate, and inspire horror writers and artists throughout Colorado and beyond (the grave). Discover more at www.denverhorror.com.