iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 5h

Great review in for +HORROR LIBRARY+, VOL. 9 (pub. @darkmoonbooks.bsky.social), still going strong! Thank you to Articles of Horror and reviewer Christina Persaud! “every story in this anthology is enthralling to read, adding depth to a robust Library of Horror.” articlesofhorror.com/book-review-...

articlesofhorror.com

Book Review for +Horror Library+, Volume 9 – Articles of Horror

Articles of Horror reviews the newest collection of stories from today's best horror voices in +Horror Library+. Volume 9.

022

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Love my new Author photos! Thanks so much to Kaitrin Acuna (www.KaitrinAcuna.com) from LACon V (Worldcon)!

051

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

October, 2026 Dark Fiction Short Story Markets (as reported to @horrorwritersassoc.bsky.social , Los Angeles chapter) — “A selection of New or Reopening Market Listings this month paying minimum pro rates of 5 cents+ per word” ericjguignard.substack.com/p/october-20...

ericjguignard.substack.com

October, 2026 Dark Fiction Short Story Markets

For October, 2026: New or Reopening Market Listings/ Notes at Minimum Pro-Paying (5 cents+ per word):

012

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Finished reading HELL AT THE BREECH by Tom Franklin, and absolutely loved, loved, loved it! Full review here: substack.com/@ericjguigna...

011

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

What a great time at Anaheim Public Library's second annual SPINAL DREAD: HORROR LITERATURE & CULTURE FESTIVAL! The library was packed with attendees, the staff were wonderful, the vibe was welcoming. Fun to vend with friends, meet other authors, and I sold a ton of books! #spinaldread

010

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Nisi Shawl dreamed up The Five Petals of Thought, with guided exercises and historical examples. I chipped in because it’s too original to lose to publishing-market caution. Find the GoFundMe page to help finish it and receive the e-book. gofund.me/a572da507

gofund.me

Donate to Help Nisi Shawl write the book of her dream!, organized by Eileen Gunn

Nisi Shawl, a wise and wonderful writer of science fiction and fantasy, had a… Eileen Gunn needs your support for Help Nisi Shawl write the book of her dream!

031

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Can't wait to participate in this library indie horror festival, held TOMORROW!: Anaheim Public Library’s second annual SPINAL DREAD: HORROR LITERATURE & CULTURE FESTIVAL! 500 W Broadway, Anaheim, CA Sat. Sept. 26 from 10:00 to 4:00 #SPINALDREAD More here: substack.com/@ericjguigna...

042

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Happy 120-year immigration anniversary to my family! My Guignard forebears arrived in New York, via Ellis Island, this day, September 24, in 1906, coming from La Chaux-de-Fonds (Neuchâtel) Switzerland, searching for a better life. More here!: substack.com/profile/4803...

040

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Sorry, had to DNF this book after 106 pages: BODY COUNT (Arran's Obsession) by Jolie Vines. It's unexpectedly just... boring.... More here: substack.com/profile/4803...

000

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Thanks as always to BSA Scouting America for helping create memories! Troop 220 in Chino Hills Scoutmaster had access to cabins and motor boats, and we got to bring up about 20 young scouts to Big Bear, CA for a weekend of boating, astronomy, and relaxing in beautiful weather

000

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Cannot believe I completely missed this year's Talk Like a Pirate Day...

110

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Looking forward to being part of this upcoming anthology from publisher A Midnight Kind of Place (and editor Paul O'Neill)!: WE ARE MANY: A RATISH ANTHOLOGY

031

Reposted by Eric J. Guignard

Undertow Publications 🇨🇦 @undertow.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Publishers and Editors! I'm taking subs for Vol. 3 of the award-nominated "Best Weird Fiction of the Year" til end of the year. Writers! You'll get a chance to submit your 2026 stories in January. bestspecfic(at)gmail.com

Esteemed Editors and Publishers,

I am now taking submissions of original 2026 short fiction projects — magazines, anthologies, single-author collections — for consideration in The Best Weird Fiction of the Year, Vol. 3. (Publishing Sept. 2027). Vol. 1 is a World fantasy Award Finalist.

I am seeking material first published this year, in 2026. To be clear, only weird fiction FIRST published in 2026 is eligible for inclusion in this volume. I will accept translated work as long as the first English-language publication was 2026.

Stories should be between 500 and 17,499 words. Audio only stories are also ineligible, unless they also appeared as text.

Publishers and editors are encouraged to send electronic or digital copies, via the email address below. (I am not accepting hard copy submissions.) ePubs are preferred, but I will also accept text files (Word), Mobi, or PDF. Please do not cherry-pick selections. Send the entire book, journal, or magazine to:

bestspecfic@gmail.com

Thank you for your time and kind consideration.

Warm Wishes,

Michael
--

Michael Kelly / Publisher / Editor-in-Chief
undertowbooks@gmail.com

Undertow Publications
https://undertowpublications.com/

1119102

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Loved visiting local indie bookstore, TBR Books, in Claremont, CA. Located in the back corner of a small retail plaza, TBR Books has easy access. Inside, it’s lovely—cozy, welcoming, and atmospheric. They’ve a focus on romance, but carrry all fiction genres. More here: substack.com/profile/4803...

substack.com

Eric J. Guignard (@ericjguignard)

Loved visiting local indie bookstore, TBR Books, in Claremont, California. Located in the back corner of a small retail plaza, TBR Books has easy access and parking. Inside, it’s lovely—cozy, welcomin...

041

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The series is still going strong! www.darkmoonbooks.com/horror_libra...

064

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Read novella GUESTS by Kealan Patrick Burke, a good representation of his horror work! More here: substack.com/@ericjguigna...

011

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

THE FOLD by Peter Clines = Top rec for this! More here: substack.com/@ericjguigna...

011

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Fun event last night at Upland Public Library: BOOK-ISH FAIR for Adults, incl. Books and Booze! Discovered 2 new local bookstores in the Claremont area that I was somehow not familiar with! And great to see friend Lauren Salerno and her travelling “The Undead Bookshop.”

030

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Back on the soccer fields for start of a new Fall season! And my daughter Devin joined me, having retired from playing, but choosing to now referee. Today was her first day, surviving three back-to-back matches!

020

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Very pleased to have met editor and publisher Neil Clarke, founder of CLARKESWORLD MAGAZINE and anthologist for THE BEST SCIENCE FICTION OF THE YEAR series. Although I’m not much of a science fiction fan, I love reading the stories in his publications, for the diverse author voices he presents

040

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Stumbled upon this singer/band called: NOGA EREZ , and I cannot get enough! An Israeli band mixing hip-hop with global beats and a horn section.

youtube.com

Noga Erez - "VIEWS (feat. ROUSSO)" [Live] - Kids Against The Machine Vol. 1

YouTube video by Noga Erez

510

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Fun time at @longbeachcomiccon.bsky.social Long Beach ComicCon yesterday! I spoke on the Writing panel “No Filler, All Killer: Crafting Memorable Short Stories” and saw other panels, and chatted with tons of other cool creatives. Would definitely return next year! #LongBeachComicCon #LBCC

022

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

I’ve been reading and writing and diving into a lot of Weird West works for the past year, which I’m lovin’. Read VAMPIRES OF EL NORTE by Isabel Cañas, which was good, interesting to see how she handled the genre (though more of Historical Romance). Review: substack.com/@ericjguigna...

141

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Very excited that I’ll be at @longbeachcomiccon.bsky.social this Saturday (Sept. 5) in Long Beach, CA! I’ll be speaking as panelist on a favorite subject, short story writing: “No Filler, All Killer: Crafting Memorable Short Stories” Sat. at 5:30 PM Panel 3 (Room 103 AB) #LongBeachComicCon #LBCC

021

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

With award-winning Afrofuturist, NYT-bestselling author, editor, and librarian (and contributor to my anthology SCARING AND DARING), Maurice Broaddus!

030

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Returned home today after a week at the 2026 World Science Fiction Convention (AKA: the 84th WorldCon, or The Hugos), or, “LACon V,” held in my backyard of Anaheim, California from August 26 through 31. Had a great time! More pics & Write-up here: www.facebook.com/media/set?va...

010

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

A Brief but Notable Account in Misadventures of Elevator Systems (or, “Just meet me on the third floor”)

030

Reposted by Eric J. Guignard

Scott Edelman @scottedelman.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Discussing the difficulties of L.A. traffic with @ericjguignard.bsky.social and @katemaru.bsky.social in the Worldcon convention lobby. So why are we smiling?

A selfie of Eric (with a frog T-shirt), Kate (in black), and me (still wearing my shirt with green alien has against the blue background).

2141

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Absolutely thrilled to be part of the upcoming: Anaheim Public Library’s second annual SPINAL DREAD: HORROR LITERATURE & CULTURE FESTIVAL! Where: Anaheim Central Library 500 W Broadway, Anaheim, CA When: Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. AND THEN, AFTER PARTY! #SPINALDREAD

052

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

September, 2026 Dark Fiction Short Story Markets (as reported to @horrorwritersassoc.bsky.social, Los Angeles chapter) — “A selection of New or Reopening Market Listings this month paying minimum pro rates of 5 cents+ per word” ericjguignard.substack.com/p/september-...

ericjguignard.substack.com

September, 2026 Dark Fiction Short Story Markets

For September, 2026: New or Reopening Market Listings/ Notes at Minimum Pro-Paying (5 cents+ per word):

073

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Finished up the novel EVERYTHING THE DARKNESS EATS by Eric LaRocca (first published 2023). There were parts of this book I loved, and parts I questioned (or, I should say, I had questions “about”). substack.com/@ericjguigna...

011

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

My son left home for college. The waterworks have commenced. One door closes and another opens, quite literally. He closed his bedroom door for the last time yesterday, and we drove him to his new home, opening the door to his dorm at @callutheran.bsky.social University.

020

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

In the vein of Sothern Gothic Crime Noir Thriller, @joerlansdale.bsky.social is a master. His writing is gritty, thoughtful, rich in depth and character and setting. MOON LAKE follows the life of Daniel Russel who’s risen up from tragedy and returned to the small town he’s haunted by. 5 Stars

071

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

I posted this in my newsletter yesterday, but thought I would share here, too: I made a miniature Horror-themed Bookshelf for some of my literary tastes!

030

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Out now: My latest newsletter post via Substack, the August edition of: Strange and Dreaming Days with Eric J. Guignard ericjguignard.substack.com/p/strange-an...

061

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Fun visiting the O.C. County fair yesterday with my daughter! Even spending the entire day there, we still didn’t get through everything offered. Tons of rides and games, pig races, musicians, a butterfly garden, etc. Great exhibits on woodworking, photography, crafting, and animals, etc.

020

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

August, 2026 Dark Fiction Short Story Markets (as reported to @horrorwritersassoc.bsky.social HWA, Los Angeles chapter) — “A selection of New or Reopening Market Listings this month paying minimum pro rates of 5 cents+ per word” ericjguignard.substack.com/p/august-202...

ericjguignard.substack.com

August, 2026 Dark Fiction Short Story Markets

For August, 2026: New or Reopening Market Listings/ Notes at Minimum Pro-Paying (5 cents+ per word):

042

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

One of my favorite short story authors is Australian Terry Dowling. Stories are smart and nuanced, haunting and weird with a slow build until a killer ending. Some favorites in this collection include “La Profonde,” “The Ichneumon and the Dormeuse,” “They Found the Angry Moon”, and “The Gully”.

030

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

My schedule has recently opened up! I’m throwing my name out there that I am very much interested and available for writing short stories for anthos, mags, or other writing projects. Msg or email me!

033

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Finished up another great read this week, ALL THE SINNERS BLEED by S. A. Cosby! Second book I’ve read by this author, after finishing BLACKTOP WASTELAND. Both were solid, engaging reads but I definitely liked ALL THE SINNERS BLEED better—a wider cast of characters and deeper murder mystery built in.

181

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Saw this cool, large Red Coachwhip (AKA: Red Racer) snake (Masticophis flagellum) just chillin’ in the desert—July 20, abt 7:15 a.m. in Joshua Tree. Then found a second (smaller) one inside a hen house a few hours later!

020

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

I love Joshua Tree—desert beauty and hippie/ artist vibe. Yesterday, my son and I tramped around up there. Hiked abt. Barker Dam & old Wall Street Mill in the National Park. Then went to a super-fun animal sanctuary and art space, Kaleidoscope Desert, and Pioneertown afterward!

000

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

I got to meet today Gordon Korman, one of my absolute favorite childhood authors! Gordon Korman was the first author I ever followed by “name”. i.e. the first that I would want to read simply by the fact his name was listed as author on a book’s cover. More here: substack.com/profile/4803...

020

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Going out to see one of my favorite childhood authors in the world, Gordon Korman! Signing 5:00 today at Pages: A Bookstore 904 Manhattan Ave Manhattan Beach, CA

010

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Tonight, my son goes to sleep a child, and in the morning he will wake a man.

010

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Insect of the day! This photo isn't the greatest, but this little beast was only about 2mm long! I've not seen one before, but this is a PSEUDOSCORPION (Order: Pseudoscorpionida), and a type of arachnid (possibly: Chelifer cancroides). Bane of mites and booklice everywhere!

000

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

It’s midnight, and a pair of Hoot Owls are having a merry ol’ conversation in my backyard. It’s very sweet.

020

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

THE HEAVENLY TABLE by Donald Ray Pollock (2016) Just finished reading this novel that I will probably look back upon as one of my favorite books ever. Not as horrific and philosophic as Cormac McCarthy’s BLOOD MERIDIAN, but definitely a same-shelf type of book www.amazon.com/dp/110197165...

000

Eric J. Guignard @ericjguignard.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

I love finding songs I can put on repeat and listen to 10,000 times in a row, and it becomes a meditative mantra, a perfect rhythmic vibe to write to. Something dark and sinister about this, and I am all about it: "Because I Don’t Know” by Tricky & Mitch Sanders www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKkW...

youtube.com

Because I Don’t Know

YouTube video by Tricky - Topic

010