Reblog: Ants or Zombie Ants? I Prefer the Latter.

"So, while I invest heavily in the Raid corporation and whip up every "guaranteed non-toxic ant killer" recipe Pinterest has available, I'm seeking comfort from the encroaching horde the only way I know how... by wishing zombieism on each and every one of the nasty vermin. And for once, this isn't just a wild hope (not that I actively hope for a zombie apocalypse or anything, I just believe in preparation). Unlike humans, ants ARE susceptible to a parasite that causes zombie-like tendencies and, you know, a horrific death that is really just, in my mind, a bonus."

To read the rest of this post and see a short video about the fungus that turns ants into zombies, please visit The Otherworld Diner today.

Reblog: Undead Resolutions

New Year, new you. That's the goal, right? Join me at The Otherworld Diner to explore what resolutions the undead would make, if given the chance.

Zombie Resolutions:

1. Brains! Eat more of them, but choose judiciously. Humans holed up in a McDonald’s are probably eating the food served there. Skip the trans fats and target those who’ve taken shelter in Whole Foods.
2. Don’t lose weight; keep all limbs firmly attached. Your excitement at seeing your goal weight on the scale will be hampered by the realization it took the loss of 2 arms and a leg to achieve it.

Read more...

Of Contests and Celebrations

I'm bad at posting details as they happen, so here's a recap:

• In early August, the wonderful Kristin Anders sent me a link to an anthology call. A zombie anthology call. Zombie romance, to be exact. In other words, she dangled catnip in front of my nose and I couldn't resist.
• I ran right up to the deadline, writing, fully rewriting, and then revising my short story. I actually finished it at Dragon*Con, staying up until the wee hours in the hotel lobby with only my laptop, a drunken stormtrooper, and an enthusiastic bunch of bronies for company. These were my muses, people, and I was grateful. Story sent. 
• I didn't hear anything for a while, and given the publication time frame, soon decided the story had been rejected. "No Response Means No" is common in publishing (I'm not saying Riverdale Ave Books is a No Response Means No publisher, just that I hadn't necessarily expected to hear anything back, so I wasn't surprised not to). No hard feelings, just wasn't for them. On to the next story. 
• At the end of October I got an email I truly did not expect. Lori Perkins - author, agent, fabulous editor of Hungry for Your Love, and the originator of the follow-up anthology call - loved my story. She decided to include it in the anthology. I was over the moon. Still am. 

That brings us to today. I'm so excited to announce my short story, PIED PIPER OF THE DEAD, is included in the zombie romance anthology Still Hungry for Your Love. The anthology contains 15 short stories total, and these authors are top notch. Lori did a fantastic job deciding what to include (no easy task, I'm sure, as the call received over 250 submissions), and I am so humbled and grateful to be included among them.

To celebrate the release, I'm at The Otherworld Diner with a contest and a chance to win a digital copy of Still Hungry for Your Love...and maybe a few other goodies as well. 

Thank you for celebrating with me, and I hope you enter the contest.

Reblog: Promocalypse! Save the Date

Interested in Nashville's one and only zombie prom? Learn more about it today over at The Otherworld Diner where I'm discussing prom memories, zombie rights, and appropriate undead footwear.

C'mon, you know you can't resist.

Reblog: Another Classic Just Got Punked

I'm blogging at The Otherworld Diner today about literary mash-ups and the new release Android Karenina. Stop by and check it out!