iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Coming up in Downtown Kitchener! I'll be at Booktoberfest on October 3rd. Come find me in a container, so I can obnoxiously yell out, "What's in the BOOOOOX!" (Oh yeah? Well I don't FIT in your box, man. LOL!)

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Come find me on SATURDAY, OCT 17! I will be sharing a table with the illustrious Rick Hipson so make sure you come by and say hello! It's a fantastic event and you should totally check it out. ☠

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

It's here... This is the ONE Horror short story you need to read this year. "The Pattern Remembers" by Fiza Altaf www.picpublishing.ca/one.html

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

I'm going to try to post the ONE for 2026 at or just after midnight tonight! Wanna know who the writer is? Wanna know what the story is about? Hang tight, coming soon...

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Outstanding Creator Awards for Summer 2026: 1st Place - Short Stories/Anthologies/Collections 1st Place - Horror 1st Place - Multicultural/Multilingual/Bilingual Fiction (thank you to those of you who put some French in your story) 1st Place - Myths & Legends/Fairy Tales/Mythical Creatures

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

We found the ONE! G and I are extremely excited to share this single, absolutely fantastic story with you this year. So make sure you visit picpublishing.ca starting Sept 1st, 2026! We hope all of the Horror Authors out there consider submitting to us in 2027, we'd love to read your stories!

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Over the years I've heard, "every writer should read a slush pile at least once." I agree a kabillionty percent. I've learned more in the past month than I ever could have imagined.

static.klipy.com

Cat Reading 'The Art of Hump Day' Book

ALT: Cat Reading 'The Art of Hump Day' Book

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

My 500-word micro story "Peek-A-Boo Painting" in Dark Descent Issue 24, has also been included, and is now available, in the Dark Descent: Whispers From Beyond - 2026 Anthology: tinyurl.com/5n8e2j9t

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Stuff Dean Says #11: Our first SpeakPipe caller! Then, maybe it’s controversial, maybe unprofessional, and possibly downright bad advice but… I talk about why I DON’T write. Go wherever you get your Podcasts! Remember, you can use SpeakPipe if you want to “call in”: www.speakpipe.com/StuffDeanSays

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Thank you for your interest in ONE! Submissions are now closed. If you didn't send something this time, we hope to see your submissions next year!! * Any entries sent after midnight on June 30th will be deleted. If you didn't put "ONE sub:" in the subject line, it went into the trash folder.

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Canada Fiction Fest presents: Horror Author Readings is now done! You can go and watch HERE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQrM... It was a pleasure to meet other Canadian Horror Authors and listen to their work as well! I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this awesome showcase event.

youtube.com

06-30 Horror Author Readings 2

YouTube video by Canada Fiction Fest

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Fiction Fest Canada is a cross-country, group showcase event! This virtual event runs from June 21st to July 4th. I will be doing a live reading with the other fine folks in my (Horror 1) group on June 30th at 6:30pm. Register and join me the day before Canada Day! fictionfest.ca/events/

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

If you are on Substack, I posted a new article called "A Perfectionist Does Meditation" on Dean's Antics. *If you subscribe to me, awesome! I don't usually subscribe back because I get a kabillion emails, but I will follow you! substack.com/@deanitalian...

substack.com

A Perfectionist Does Meditation

I am a Perfectionist.

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

A little good news this morning! My MicroHorror story (500 words) called "Peek-A-Boo Painting" is in Dark Descent Vol 24, from Dark Holme Publishing in the UK. TBH this is an older one but one of my personal favourites, and I'm happy the freshly edited story found a home. www.darkholmepublishing.uk

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

We are currently OPEN for Submissions! Go to www.picpublishing.ca/onesubs.html to find the details you need. Basically? Horror, 2-4K words, $.05/word (CAN). Yes to Sim subs, no Multi subs, no reprints, and no generative AI. We hope to hear from all you scary people real soon!

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

A conversation with Kaden! Come listen to my other child in the hotseat! Find it wherever you get your podcasts! Or go to: www.spreaker.com/episode/stuf... My Podcast has SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/StuffDeanSays send me old-school voicemail. "Call-in" and record a message or a question.

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

**PROVE IT!** Send us the ONE story that everyone needs to read next year! Make it horror, make it 2-4000 words, and make it damn good. Nick Mamatas (@nmamatas.bsky.social) set a pretty high bar, but if you think you can do better, go to picpublishing.ca/onesubs.html and submit, June 1-30.

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Be there at Town Square! Or... be square? LOL! I'll be sharing a table with N.M. Sotzek (Author of the sci-fi AIM Chronicles), we’re currently located in the row closest to King St. I'm looking at the list, and there are a lot of REALLY COOL people you need to come and see/meet.

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

**PROVE IT!** Send us the ONE story that everyone needs to read next year! Make it horror, make it 2-4000 words, and make it damn good. Nick Mamatas (@concentrateandtryagain) set a pretty high bar, but if you think you can do better, go to picpublishing.ca/onesubs.html and submit, June 1-30.

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Talking with Tom! Episode 9 of "Stuff Dean Says" is now available anywhere you get your lovely listening joy. Here's a Spreaker direct location: www.spreaker.com/episode/stuf... And remember! If you want to "call in to the show" old-school style, I have a SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/StuffDeanSays

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

My podcast Stuff Dean Says now has a SpeakPipe! Leave a message like an old-school phone call, without downloading anything, and it's free! Leave a question or comment about, or maybe even for an upcoming episode. Go to our website at www.picpublishing.ca/contact.html and you'll see a link.

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

*Open to Submissions in June!* We are looking for Horror, can be blended with sci-fi, fantasy, romance, comedy. Do you have the ONE story everyone should read? 2-4,000 words, $.05/word CAN Details www.picpublishing.ca/onesubs.html, also on Duotrope. Please share, and hope to see your work in June.

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

The next WPL Open Mic Poetry Night is: Tuesday, April 14 6:30pm - 8:30pm At the Main Library. I'll be there to read a new poem! Wanna come and watch, or read? Register soon at calendar.wpl.ca/event/15799370

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

I'm coming to Hamilton! Will I see you at the "Write On! Write Now! Open Mic" at the Centre for Talking Arts? Put it on your calendar! April 17th, 8pm 154 James St S. Hosted by Jen Frankel Each writer gets 5 mins reading time, so you won't have to listen to me jibber jabber for tooooo long. LOL!

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

A new Dean's Antics Substack is up! A bit of a summation of a topic I talked about in my last podcast, Stuff Dean Says #8. There are five people at a table... substack.com/@deanitaliano

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

NOW at WORDS WORTH BOOKS! You can find my books, KATRINA: AFTER 20, and PAIN MACHINE. www.wordsworthbooks.com For 40 years, WWB has been an important part of Waterloo's culture. Stop in, buy gifts for the readers in your life, and don't forget to grab a little something for yourself, too.

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

If any friends here that are Practitioners of Witchcraft are able to help with a question, I could use a little help? If someone puts a curse on X, and then dies, can that curse be reversed? This is for a story, I can give details in a DM so we can construct a proper answer. Thank you! Blessed be!

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

Expletives will be used from here on out in Stuff Dean Says - the gloves come off! LOL! Wherever you get your podcasts, Stuff Dean Says #8 is ready! Here's the Spreaker link: www.spreaker.com/episode/stuf... "Early Retirement" life, art, writing, and... plants?

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 19/10/2025

Our song "Me and Vincent Price" was used *twice* in the documentary Behind the Castle Doors: The Origin of The Hilarious House of Frightenstein! We met Mitch Markowitz again, and thanks to Director Tammy and Producer Morgan, so nice to meet in person!! So happy we could make it for the premiere. 🥰

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

** The line accidentally cut at 0:39, “IS THIS YOUR FINAL DANCE?” which is read by Mal, a poet/volunteer in the audience. So, this is the poem I read at the WPL Open Mic, titled (for now?) "My Suspended Dance.". youtu.be/PxKdw9_Ief0 (Recording courtesy of Rick Hipson)

youtu.be

Dean reads My Suspended Dance at WPL Oct '25

YouTube video by Dean Italiano

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

I am safe. If you are ready, or if you aren't ready to come out but need someone to talk to? If you're not sure if you're LGBTQIA+ but would like to work through it? If you're out, but may have discovered new rainbow parts you didn't expect or may not understand? I'm here. 😊 🤗 🌈

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

I have to leave "what I used to be able to do" behind me. I can't move forward and grow with the goal to get back to the old, either. It's time to envelop myself with what I have in front of me. New eyes, new style... new touch. I'm going to embrace the now. "Horned Owl Flies Though Leaves"

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

It'll need editing, but I wrote 700 new words today. It's a horror poem loosely based on an unpublished short story. I've never "gone backwards" in length of project with an idea before. Maybe my brain is shrinking. 😆

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

I'll be there! This time with something... dark. 😉😈 Open Mic Poetry Night Tuesday, October 14, 6:30PM Main Library, James J. Brown Auditorium

WPL Open Mic Poetry Night, image of Black woman's hands holding a retro style microphone.

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Come find me!! Booktoberfest 2025 When: Sunday, October 5th, noon - 5pm Where: Old Goat Books, front patio, 8 William St E, Waterloo

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

Y'know that author's story we chose as the ONE short story you need to read this year? Well... he's got a new book out! Check out KALIVAS, OR ANOTHER TEMPEST by Nick Mamatas!

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

Hey guess what!? The Starving Queen is now available in trade paperback on Amzon.ca! tinyurl.com/yc4bhukv

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

My first novel, PAIN MACHINE, is now available in a second edition, and this re-release includes a bonus short story, "Dance at My Funeral." **Please use only this Canadian link at Amazon.ca: tinyurl.com/mpu9c88a **You can also find all of my work under my Author Name here: tinyurl.com/4dmbuefw

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 07/09/2025

Elora!! If you are in Elora, ON, stop by Cordial Clove Books! (62 Metcalf St on the main strip!) This pic was taken by my friend Rick, who happened across copies of Katrina: After 20 for sale. I was gunna promote this week and he beat me to it - fantastic! 😊

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

dReadCon! Canada's ONLY Dark Fiction & Horror Convention at the Holiday Inn, on September 13! Huge Book Fair and Market, panels, workshops and book launches! Doors open at 11 am till 5pm Only $5 at the door, kids free. BURLINGTON HOLIDAY INN 3063 South Service Road Burlington, Ontario *Come find me!

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

20 years ago at this time, we were in the lobby of The Frenchmen Hotel, probably watching Chester have a smoke. In remembrance of all those who lost their lives and condolences to their loved ones. And hope that all who were physically and mentally uprooted can perhaps find a moment of peace today.

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

What are your thoughts on the apparent new trend towards "slim fiction" - 100 pages or less?

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

I just wrote a new poem and made myself laugh. It's longer than most of the stuff I write which I found interesting, but there it was, flying out of me like old coins at a casino. I think I'll read it at the next Open Mic Poetry Night at the Waterloo Public Library on Sept 16th.

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

I you're going to read ONE short story this year, THIS should be the ONE. "The Net" by Nick Mamatas www.picpublishing.ca/one.html Share away!!

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

I've started a Substack subscriber chat. I'll possibly be chatting about upcoming projects, or things rumbling in my head that might actually happen some day. Come see! deanitaliano.substack.com/p/join-deans...

deanitaliano.substack.com

Join Dean's Substack subscriber chat

A private space for us to converse and connect

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

Throwing an idea out there... if you were at a conference, would you pay $1 for a temporary tattoo?

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Dean Italiano @deanitaliano.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

I'll be there tonight! Open Mic Poetry Night Tuesday, August 12 6:30pm - 8:00pm Main Library James J. Brown Auditorium

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