Michael McCarty has been a professional writer since 1983 and the author of over forty books of fiction and nonfiction, as well as hundreds of articles, short stories and poems. He is a Five-Time Bram Stoker Finalist and winner of the David R. Collins' Literary Achievement Award from the Midwest Writing Center.

He is the author of such books DARK CITIES: DARK TALES, DARK DUETS: MUSICAL MAYHEM, A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FIENDS, I KISSED A GHOUL and LOST GIRL OF THE LAKE (with Joe McKinney)

In Nonfiction, he wrote MODERN MYTHMAKERS (Crystal Lake Publications) a collection of interviews with Ray Bradbury, Dean Koontz, John Saul, Elvira, William F. Nolan, the cast & crew of Night of the Living Dead and several more. He also co-written the book CONVERSATIONS WITH KRESKIN with The Amazing Kreskin (Team Kreskin Productions) a cornucopia of stories of Kreskin's Amazing life, culture, famous friends, inside knowledge of entertainment personalities, his mind power, thought reading, and much more. ESOTERIA-LAND the Authentic, Eclectic & Eccentric Nonfiction of Michael McCarty and GHOSTS OF THE QUAD CITIES (with Mark McLaughlin) true ghost stories in the Quad Cities metro area.

Michael McCarty have written the following fiction books with Mark McLaughlin: DRACULA TRANSFORMED & OTHER BLOODTHIRSTY TALES (Dracula & vampire short stories and novellas), APOCALYPSE AMERICA! a science fiction and horror novel and MONSTER BEHIND THE WHEEL a horror novel.

Michael McCarty & Jody LaGreca wrote the BLOODLESS series together (published by Simon & Schuster (as a kindle) and Amazon as a trade paperback. The three book series BLOODLESS, BLOODLUST and BLOODLINE is about a 100 year old vampire who survives both the sinking of the Lusitania and the Hindenburgh explosion but has a hard time dealing with his family.

His stories and interviews have appeared in a wide variety of magazines and anthologies including Fangoria, Cemetery Dance, Starlog, Filmfax, ON WRITING HORROR (A Handbook by the Horror Writers Association, edited by Mort Castle), MIDNIGHT PREMIERE and IN LAYMON TERMS (both anthos from Cemetery Dance publications).

McCarty's first solo novel, a vampire satire called LIQUID DIET, was released in 2009 release by Black Death/Demonic Clown Books and republished as an ebook as LIQUID DIET & MIDNIGHT SNACK: 2 VAMPIRE SATIRES from Whiskey Creek Press. McCarty was the former staff writer for Science Fiction Weekly (the official website of the Sci-Fi Channel). He can be found on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelMcCarty.Horror

Brian Pinkerton is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fiction in the thriller, horror and science fiction genres. His novels include Abducted, Vengeance, The Nirvana Effect, The Gemini Experiment, Killer's Diary, Bender, Rough Cut, Anatomy of Evil, The Intruders, Time Warp and How I Started the Apocalypse. Select titles have also been released as audio books and in foreign languages.

Brian's short stories have appeared in anthologies including Chicago Blues, PULP!, The Horror Zine and Zombie Zoology. Brian received his B.A. from the University of Iowa and Master's Degree from Northwestern University.

Armand Rosamilia is a New Jersey boy currently living in sunny Florida, where he writes when he's not sleeping. He's happily married to a woman who helps his career and is supportive, which is all he ever wanted in life...

He's written over 200 stories that are currently available, including crime thrillers, supernatural thrillers, horror, zombies, contemporary fiction, nonfiction and more. His goal is to write a good story and not worry about genre labels.

He also loves to talk in third person... because he's really that cool. Maybe.

Howdy there. Welcome to my Amazon home. It's creepy, but I like it. If you aren't in the know, I'm a writer type that used to act, do stand up comedy and sometimes wrestle professionally. I teach college as well, so be afraid for the future. David Hayes Online (davidchayes.com) is where all the updates, news and other fun stuff will be as well as a virtual resume with photos, posters, trailers and more. Click around. Have a good time; try not to leave a mess.

"Hayes is fast establishing himself as the new top-drawer of hardcore horror!" - Edward Lee

JASON V BROCK is an award-winning and -nominated writer, editor, filmmaker, composer, artist, scholar, and speaker. He has been widely published online, in comic books, magazines, nonfiction works, and anthologies, such as THE PS BOOK OF FANTASTIC FICTIONEERS, DISORDERS OF MAGNITUDE (Nonfiction Finalist for both the Bram Stoker Award and the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards), THE DARK SEA WITHIN: TALES & POEMS, FUNGI, WEIRD FICTION REVIEW (print edition), FANGORIA, S. T. Joshi's BLACK WINGS series, and many, many others. He describes his Pushcart Prize-nominated work as Dark Magical Realism. He has mentored numerous other writers who have likewise gone on to be nominated for and/or earn Clarion West scholarships, as well as World Fantasy, Bram Stoker, and other awards. In addition, he administers the Estate of William F. Nolan.

Brock was Art Director/Managing Editor of DARK DISCOVERIES magazine for more than four years, and publishes a pro journal called [NAMEL3SS], which can be found on Twitter/X: NAMELESS_DIGEST, and on the Interwebs at NAMELESSDIGEST. In addition, Brock and his wife, Sunni, run CYCATRIX PRESS (a few of their books include A DARKE PHANTASTIQUE [Bram Stoker Award Finalist], THE BLEEDING EDGE, and the Bram Stoker Award-nominated debut short story collection THE MIRRORS by author Nicole Cushing). They also have a technology consulting business.

As a filmmaker, his works include the critically acclaimed documentaries CHARLES BEAUMONT: THE LIFE OF TWILIGHT ZONE'S MAGIC MAN, THE ACKERMONSTER CHRONICLES! (Winner of the 2014 Rondo Hatton Award for Best Documentary), and IMAGE, REFLECTION, SHADOW: ARTISTS OF THE DARKE PHANTASTIQUE. He is the primary composer and instrumentalist/singer for his band, CHIAROSCURO.

Popular as a speaker and panelist, he has been a Special Guest at numerous film fests, conventions, and educational events, and was the 2015 Editor Guest of Honor for ORYCON 37, the largest science fiction convention in Oregon. Brock loves his wife, their family of herptiles, travel, and vegan/vegetarianism. He is active on social sites such as Facebook and Twitter/X (JASONVBROCK), and their personal website/blog, JASUNNI.

**2021 Pushcart Prize Nominee (SHORT FICTION): “Verlassen”**

**2015 Bram Stoker Award Finalist (BEST ANTHOLOGY): A DARKE PHANTASTIQUE**

**2015 Bram Stoker Award Finalist (BEST NONFICTION BOOK): DISORDERS OF MAGNITUDE: A SURVEY OF DARK FANTASY**

**2015 Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Award Finalist (BEST BOOK): DISORDERS OF MAGNITUDE: A SURVEY OF DARK FANTASY**

**2014 Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Award Winner (BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM): THE ACKERMONSTER CHRONICLES!**

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About His Work:

**SIMULACRUM AND OTHER POSSIBLE REALITIES (Debut Collection)**

“Jason V Brock. . . A bold new voice in American fiction. Watch this man! You may be in at the birth of a legend.”

—William F. Nolan (co-author, LOGAN'S RUN; screenwriter, BURNT OFFERINGS)

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“[Brock] makes the fantastic utterly believable. . . a fine writer, indeed.”

—George Clayton Johnson (writer for STAR TREK and THE TWILIGHT ZONE; co-author, LOGAN'S RUN)

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“Bravo!”

—Ray Bradbury (author, FAHRENHEIT 451 and THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES)

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“. . .a clever young man, Jason Brock.”

—Harlan Ellison (author, DEATHBIRD STORIES and “A Boy and His Dog”)

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“[Brock] knows how to tell a story. . . [he] has heart. . . real emotion. . . [it's] a strong part of writing that most writers never capture.”

—James Robert Smith (author, THE FLOCK)

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“[Brock] takes. . . characters into places I never expected. . .”

—Richard Matheson (author, SOMEWHERE IN TIME and I AM LEGEND)

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**MILTON'S CHILDREN (Novella)**

“Fun and clever and full of storytelling energy. You are bound to like this one.”

—Joe R. Lansdale (Edgar Award winning author, THE THICKET)

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“This richly textured novella is a triumph—a splendid fusion of horror and science fiction, of the cosmic and the human. It fulfills the promise of Jason V Brock's earlier work and establishes him as a force to be reckoned with in contemporary weird fiction.”

—S. T. Joshi (World Fantasy Award winning scholar/editor, H. P. LOVECRAFT: A LIFE; THE WEIRD TALE)

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“As satisfying as a novel, Jason V Brock's story MILTON’S CHILDREN combines classic elements of H. P. Lovecraft and Jules Verne with modern sensibilities to spin a yarn that is part adventure tale and part horror story. I loved it, but it is thoroughly a dire warning: When we become monsters, we also create monsters.”

—Ray Garton (World Horror Convention Grand Master and author, LIVE GIRLS)

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“Venture into the Antarctic, where Jason V Brock will plunge you into one of the most terrifying Lost Worlds stories imaginable: Make no mistake, this is no Lovecraft or Crichton knockoff; the S-F/Horror story revealed here on this undiscovered island is original and scientifically plausible. The writing is crisp, precise, and easily accessible; the plotting sharp and compelling; and once the action starts it is non-stop, the reader only able to catch their breath at its very conclusion. . .

“Underlying the writing, one is totally convinced that they are in good authorial hands—what I call the marvelous 'Allstate Effect,' achieved rarely by only the most highly skilled authors. Snag this book! Copy its byline: Jason V Brock, and put it up on the fridge, then underline it—after that, be sure to watch for more exciting, literate stories to come. Highly recommended.”

—Gene O'Neill (Bram Stoker Award winning author, TASTE OF TENDERLOIN)

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Joe Mynhardt stands as a paragon in the horror literary world, a Bram Stoker Award-winning South African publisher, editor, and mentor with over a decade of experience. As the founder and CEO of Crystal Lake Entertainment, Joe has transformed a humble 2012 startup into a multifaceted Intellectual Property powerhouse. Under his visionary leadership, Crystal Lake Publishing has become just one of the many thriving divisions of his company.

With a track record of working with and publishing works by luminaries such as Neil Gaiman, Clive Barker, Stephen King, Charlaine Harris, Ramsey Campbell, John Connolly, Jack Ketchum, Jonathan Maberry, Christopher Golden, Graham Masterton, Damien Angelica Walters, Adam Nevill, Lisa Morton, Elizabeth Massie, Joe R. Lansdale, Edward Lee, Paul Tremblay, and Wes Craven, Joe is the quintessential mentor for aspiring horror authors. His deep industry insights and extensive network place him in a unique position to guide both new and seasoned writers in the genre.

Joe’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering author careers is at the heart of Crystal Lake Entertainment’s ethos. His approach is not just about publishing books; it’s about building a community, sharing knowledge, and being a beacon of friendship and guidance in the often intimidating world of horror writing.

Since leaving his day job in 2016 to focus full-time on his passion, Joe has also excelled as a work-from-home dad, a role he embraced in 2018. His daughter, Cayleigh, named after his childhood influences Bruce Lee and Stan Lee, is a testament to his belief in the power of storytelling across all mediums. Joe’s love for great narratives extends beyond literature, encompassing comics, games, film, and television, with favorites ranging from Poe, Doyle, and Lovecraft to King, Connolly, and Gaiman.

Joe Mynhardt isn't just a figure in the horror industry—he's a driving force behind it, leading a successful online business that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of publishing. Discover more about Joe’s journey on Facebook or Patreon, where he continues to inspire and lead the next generation of horror storytellers.

In addition to Eidolon Avenue: The Second Feast (Best Horror Collection 2021 - Audiobook Reviewers Awards), Jonathan Winn is the author of Eidolon Avenue: The First Feast (“a great read…powerful and jarring,” Cemetery Dance), Martuk…the Holy (A Highlight of the Year, 2012 Papyrus Independent Fiction Awards) and Martuk…the Holy: Proseuche (Top Twenty Horror Novels of 2014, Preditors & Editors Readers Poll) as well as The Realtor: an Eidolon Avenue Short Story, part of a series of free reads from Crystal Lake Publishing, and The Martuk Series, an ongoing collection of short fiction inspired by Martuk....

His work can also be found in Horror 201: The Silver Scream, Writers on Writing, Vol. 2, Tales from the Lake, Vol. 2 with his award-winning short story Forever Dark, and Shallow Waters, an ongoing collection of flash fiction, all from Crystal Lake Publishing.

Feel free to visit him at http://martuktheholy.com

Eric Miller is the Bram Stoker Award-nominated editor of the horror anthology HELL COMES TO HOLLYWOOD, its imaginatively titled sequel HELL COMES TO HOLLYWOOD II, and the trucking-themed anthologies 18 WHEELS OF HORROR and 18 WHEELS OF SCIENCE FICTION.

Miller's short fiction has appeared in various magazines, anthologies, and websites, including Galaxy's Edge Magazine and Hot Valley Writers. His horror novel WHATEVER HAPPENED TO UNCLE ED? debuted in January 2025. He is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association.

He is the screenwriter of the SyFy Channel hit ICE SPIDERS, the horror films NIGHT SKIES, SWAMP SHARK, and MASK MAKER, and co-writer of the science fiction thriller THE SHADOW MEN.

Miller was raised from knee-high to a grasshopper to a full-grown man in the Midwest, and has spent over three decades in Hollywood working in various fun-filled, low-stress jobs in the film industry. In his spare time he reads voraciously, writes occasionally, hangs out in diners, watches horror comedies, and hikes when his knees allow it.

A U.S. Navy Veteran born into a largely military family, McMullen is a Writer, Director, Producer, Production Designer, Special Effects Make-Up Artist, as well as a former Professional Stand-Up Comic, Bartender, and Ranch Hand, His work can be found in both fiction and non-fiction, books to magazines, and literature to cinema.

E.C. McMullen Jr. is also published under his nickname, Feo Amante, and is the creator of the popular website, Feo Amante's Horror Thriller.

E.C. lives in Texas.

Aaron Sterns is the co-writer of the film 'Wolf Creek 2" and author of the prequel novel "Wolf Creek: Origin". The novel has already been described as "one of the best serial killer novels out there [...] destined to be considered a classic in future years' (Jeff Ritchie, ScaryMinds).

Sterns is author of various Aurealis Award-nominated and Year's Best Fantasy & Horror recommended short stories, including 'The Third Rail' and 'Watchmen' (the basis for his upcoming vicious and visceral werewolf novel "Blood"). A former lecturer in Gothic & Subversive Fiction, editor of The Journal of the Australian Horror Writers and Ph.D. student in postmodern horror, Sterns also served as a script-editor on Greg McLean's "Rogue" and appeared in a little cameo as Bazza's Mate in "Wolf Creek".

He is currently working on another novel as well as a number of screenplays, including a film version of "Blood".

Emma Audsley has been a horror fan from an early age. A two-time Bram Stoker Award nominee for her non-fiction editing, Emma also edits fiction, hosts a (currently undergoing reconstruction) review site at The Horrifically Horrifying Horror Blog and mentors new and upcoming writers.

A member of the British Fantasy Society and the Horror Writers Association, Emma is also an author in her own right, and has a number of projects, both fiction and non-fiction, upcoming in the near future.

Since its founding in August 2012, Crystal Lake Publishing has quickly become one of the world’s leading publishers of Dark Fiction and Horror books in print, eBook, and audio formats.

While we strive to present only the highest quality fiction and entertainment, we also endeavour to support authors along their writing journey. We offer our time and experience in non-fiction projects, as well as author mentoring and services, at competitive prices.

With several Bram Stoker Award wins and many other wins and nominations, Crystal Lake Publishing puts integrity, honor, and respect at the forefront of our publishing operations.

We strive for each book and outreach program we spearhead to not only entertain and touch or comment on issues that affect our readers, but also to strengthen and support the Dark Fiction field and its authors.

Not only do we find and publish authors we believe are destined for greatness, but we strive to work with men and woman who endeavour to be decent human beings who care more for others than themselves, while still being hard working, driven, and passionate artists and storytellers.

Crystal Lake Publishing is and will always be a beacon of what passion and dedication, combined with overwhelming teamwork and respect, can accomplish. We endeavour to know each and every one of our readers, while building personal relationships with our authors, reviewers, bloggers, podcasters, bookstores, and libraries.

We will be as trustworthy, forthright, and transparent as any business can be, while also keeping most of the headaches away from our authors, since it’s our job to solve the problems so they can stay in a creative mind. Which of course also means paying our authors.

We do not just publish books, we present to you worlds within your world, doors within your mind, from talented authors who sacrifice so much for a moment of your time.

There are some amazing small presses out there, and through collaboration and open forums we will continue to support other presses in the goal of helping authors and showing the world what quality small presses are capable of accomplishing. No one wins when a small press goes down, so we will always be there to support hardworking, legitimate presses and their authors. We don’t see Crystal Lake as the best press out there, but we will always strive to be the best, strive to be the most interactive and grateful, and even blessed press around. No matter what happens over time, we will also take our mission very seriously while appreciating where we are and enjoying the journey.

What do we offer our authors that they can’t do for themselves through self-publishing?

We are big supporters of self-publishing (especially hybrid publishing), if done with care, patience, and planning. However, not every author has the time or inclination to do market research, advertise, and set up book launch strategies. Although a lot of authors are successful in doing it all, strong small presses will always be there for the authors who just want to do what they do best: write.

What we offer is experience, industry knowledge, contacts and trust built up over years. And due to our strong brand and trusting fanbase, every Crystal Lake Publishing book comes with weight of respect. In time our fans begin to trust our judgment and will try a new author purely based on our support of said author.

To date we’ve published around 100 books, and with each launch we strive to fine-tune our approach, learn from our mistakes, and increase our reach. We continue to assure our authors that we’re here for them and that we’ll carry the weight of the launch and dealing with third parties while they focus on their strengths—be it writing, interviews, blogs, signings, etc.

We also offer several mentoring packages to authors that include knowledge and skills they can use in both traditional and self-publishing endeavours.

We look forward to launching many new careers.

This is what we believe in. What we stand for. This will be our legacy.

Welcome to Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.