Renowned Horror fiction editor Ellen Datlow has released her list of Honorable Mentions for 2009. I'm proud to have three stories from The Darkly Splendid Realm included in this list: "Getting the Strap," "The Astral Mask," and "Where the Scarab Dwells." My thanks to Ellen for this acknowledgement. I'm in amongst stellar company.
These lists are an adjunct to Ellen's essential The Best Horror of the Year anthologies, which can be ordered here.
Showing posts with label The Darkly Splendid Realm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Darkly Splendid Realm. Show all posts
Monday, April 12, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Simon Strantzas on THE DARKLY SPLENDID REALM
My friend and fine author of strange stories, Simon Strantzas, has posted a wonderful review of The Darkly Splendid Realm, which you can read here.
One of the most flattering comments Simon made was:
"I honestly believe there is no one writing like Richard Gavin today..."
That's always exhilarating to see.
You see, I have a near-fanatical desire to only publish stories that are unlike anything else in the genre, past or present. I may not always succeed, but will always make an earnest attempt. My tales may contain familiar themes or images from time to time, but I strive to address the issues and convey the ambiances that are important to me, the kinds of elements that are deep-rooted in my consciousness. This is not some "Me vs. The World" syndrome, it is something far more positive. I'm obsessed with honing and refining my weird horrors until the final product is something a reader is not likely to find elsewhere. I feel I owe it to myself, my readers, and the field of horror in general to avoid echoing that which has already been written, either by myself or by others.
Simon's comments are a great vindication of these efforts.
One of the most flattering comments Simon made was:
"I honestly believe there is no one writing like Richard Gavin today..."
That's always exhilarating to see.
You see, I have a near-fanatical desire to only publish stories that are unlike anything else in the genre, past or present. I may not always succeed, but will always make an earnest attempt. My tales may contain familiar themes or images from time to time, but I strive to address the issues and convey the ambiances that are important to me, the kinds of elements that are deep-rooted in my consciousness. This is not some "Me vs. The World" syndrome, it is something far more positive. I'm obsessed with honing and refining my weird horrors until the final product is something a reader is not likely to find elsewhere. I feel I owe it to myself, my readers, and the field of horror in general to avoid echoing that which has already been written, either by myself or by others.
Simon's comments are a great vindication of these efforts.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
THE DARKLY SPLENDID REALM: Now shipping!
Dark Regions Press has announced that all pre-orders for the Deluxe and Limited Editions of The Darkly Splendid Realm will be shipping this week. Huzzah!
The Deluxe Edition is completely sold out, however there are a limited number of the hardcover Limited Editions currently in stock at Dark Regions. Copies can be ordered here.
In other news, it's Bram Stoker Award season, so Monica at Burning Effigy Press is kindly offering all Active Members of the Horror Writers Association a free PDF of my 2009 novelette Primeval Wood for Stoker Award consideration. If you are an Active HWA member and are interested in receiving a copy, drop me a line at RGavinwriter@gmail.com
Here endeth the pimpage.
The Deluxe Edition is completely sold out, however there are a limited number of the hardcover Limited Editions currently in stock at Dark Regions. Copies can be ordered here.
In other news, it's Bram Stoker Award season, so Monica at Burning Effigy Press is kindly offering all Active Members of the Horror Writers Association a free PDF of my 2009 novelette Primeval Wood for Stoker Award consideration. If you are an Active HWA member and are interested in receiving a copy, drop me a line at RGavinwriter@gmail.com
Here endeth the pimpage.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
A Ghost Story for Christmas & a REALM Update
For those in the Toronto area, I encourage you to join us tonight at The Central (603 Markham St.) for A Ghost Story for Christmas: books, spirits, and live readings! This is a free event. We hope to see you there.Also, for anyone who pre-ordered the Deluxe or Lettered editions of The Darkly Splendid Realm: as of earlier this month, Dark Regions Press were just waiting on the arrival of the dust-jackets, which were due imminently. Once the dust-jackets are received, all orders will begin shipping. Keep a three-lobed burning eye on your mailbox...
There will be trade paperback copies of Realm for sale tonight.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Recent Reviews
Now that copies of The Darkly Splendid Realm are beginning to cross critics' desks, a couple of early reviews have made their way online.
Don D'Amassa shares his thoughts on the book here.
Mario Guslandi gives his impressions on Hellnotes.
I was quite happy to see Mario reviewing because he reviewed my first two collections as well, so it's nice to see the tradition continuing.
Both these initial reviews reflect precisely what I suspected was going to happen with The Darkly Splendid Realm: some people would love some stories in the book, others might latch on to different ones. I'm perfectly content with this.
As I've stated earlier, I tried to make this new collection as diverse as I could without turning it into a novelty book. My only criteria was that the stories maintain a literate tone and had their customary dark shading. Since I'm forever going on about how richly diverse horror fiction can be, I thought it best to put my money where my mouth is. That's why readers of Realm will encounter cosmic horror, weird tales, ghost stories, visceral body horror, vignettes, a novelette, a story set in ancient Gaul, and an essay about fear. It's designed to be a banquet; an unsettling one mind you, but a banquet just the same.
Even if you find one entree to your liking I'll consider this book a success. But hopefully there will be more than a few readers who savour the entire menu. ;-)
Don D'Amassa shares his thoughts on the book here.
Mario Guslandi gives his impressions on Hellnotes.
I was quite happy to see Mario reviewing because he reviewed my first two collections as well, so it's nice to see the tradition continuing.
Both these initial reviews reflect precisely what I suspected was going to happen with The Darkly Splendid Realm: some people would love some stories in the book, others might latch on to different ones. I'm perfectly content with this.
As I've stated earlier, I tried to make this new collection as diverse as I could without turning it into a novelty book. My only criteria was that the stories maintain a literate tone and had their customary dark shading. Since I'm forever going on about how richly diverse horror fiction can be, I thought it best to put my money where my mouth is. That's why readers of Realm will encounter cosmic horror, weird tales, ghost stories, visceral body horror, vignettes, a novelette, a story set in ancient Gaul, and an essay about fear. It's designed to be a banquet; an unsettling one mind you, but a banquet just the same.
Even if you find one entree to your liking I'll consider this book a success. But hopefully there will be more than a few readers who savour the entire menu. ;-)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Of the Dreaded 13...
Dark Regions Press posted the following update regarding the thirteen Deluxe Editions of The Darkly Splendid Realm:
"Richard Gavin has just informed Dark Regions that he is writing thirteen individual vignettes in long hand with a fountain pen and on a sheet of very fine (and suitably creepy) stationary which will be signed and numbered by the author and then rolled up scroll style with a black ribbon. One scroll will be included with each of the Deluxe thirteen editions of The Darkly Splendid Realm. The Deluxe Edition is almost sold out. If you want a copy, you had better order now!"
I should add that none of these vignettes will be republished in any other form. It was my intention to make the Deluxes true collectors items by giving the readers an artefact that I felt was both unique and personal.
To the thirteen souls who either have or are about to order one of these editions, I hope you find this addition to your liking.
"Richard Gavin has just informed Dark Regions that he is writing thirteen individual vignettes in long hand with a fountain pen and on a sheet of very fine (and suitably creepy) stationary which will be signed and numbered by the author and then rolled up scroll style with a black ribbon. One scroll will be included with each of the Deluxe thirteen editions of The Darkly Splendid Realm. The Deluxe Edition is almost sold out. If you want a copy, you had better order now!"
I should add that none of these vignettes will be republished in any other form. It was my intention to make the Deluxes true collectors items by giving the readers an artefact that I felt was both unique and personal.
To the thirteen souls who either have or are about to order one of these editions, I hope you find this addition to your liking.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Now available through Horror Mall
Horror Mall, your one-stop online shop for all things creepy, is also now accepting pre-orders for The Darkly Splendid Realm.
If you've not shopped with HM before, they are the best in the biz; swift and professional. They also have the best selection of horror books on 'net, so I encourage you to browse while you're there.
You can pre-order the limited edition hardcover editions here
You can pre-order the Deluxe leather-bound editions here
If you've not shopped with HM before, they are the best in the biz; swift and professional. They also have the best selection of horror books on 'net, so I encourage you to browse while you're there.
You can pre-order the limited edition hardcover editions here
You can pre-order the Deluxe leather-bound editions here
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
THE DARKLY SPLENDID REALM: NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!!!
The Darkly Splendid Realm is now available for pre-order, courtesy of Dark Regions Press.
The book is available in two editions:
Thirteen copies of the Deluxe edition, which is leather bound, slipcased, and signed.
One-hundred limited hardcover editions.
If you're quick you can take advantage of the special sale price. The Deluxe is now being offered for $79.97 (marked down from $99), and the hardcover is only $32.97 (marked down from $40).
You can give the book a gander and place your orders here.
I must confess that this collection contains the strongest work I've written to date. I thank each of you for expressing an interest and for supporting both myself and Dark Regions Press.
Let the Hellraising begin!
The book is available in two editions:
Thirteen copies of the Deluxe edition, which is leather bound, slipcased, and signed.
One-hundred limited hardcover editions.
If you're quick you can take advantage of the special sale price. The Deluxe is now being offered for $79.97 (marked down from $99), and the hardcover is only $32.97 (marked down from $40).
You can give the book a gander and place your orders here.
I must confess that this collection contains the strongest work I've written to date. I thank each of you for expressing an interest and for supporting both myself and Dark Regions Press.
Let the Hellraising begin!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
THE DARKLY SPLENDID REALM cover art
Feast your eyes on the astonishing cover for The Darkly Splendid Realm!
My heartfelt thanks to the legendary Harry O. Morris, who created the art, and to David G. Barnett of Fat Cat Design for doing such a fantastic job on the design and text.
Pre-order information is just around the corner, kids. Stay tuned...
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Contents of The Darkly Splendid Realm
The Table of Contents for The Darkly Splendid Realm may now be revealed:
*Introduction: Vistas of Evil Splendor by Laird Barron
*Prowling Through Throated Chambers
*Where the Scarab Dwells
*Phantom Passages
*Primeval Wood
*Final Night in Nevertown
*Children of the Mound
*The Language of the Nameless Region
*The Astral Mask
*Dreaming While Adrift on the River of Despair
*Getting the Strap
*Waterburns
*The Bitter Taste of Dread-Moths
*Following the Silent Hedges
*Author's Afterword
The Autumn 2009 release date has been confirmed by Dark Regions Press. Pre-order information as well as free online sample stories and a preview of Harry O. Morris's incredible cover art will be available soon. Keep an eye on Fear's Altar for further updates.
*Introduction: Vistas of Evil Splendor by Laird Barron
*Prowling Through Throated Chambers
*Where the Scarab Dwells
*Phantom Passages
*Primeval Wood
*Final Night in Nevertown
*Children of the Mound
*The Language of the Nameless Region
*The Astral Mask
*Dreaming While Adrift on the River of Despair
*Getting the Strap
*Waterburns
*The Bitter Taste of Dread-Moths
*Following the Silent Hedges
*Author's Afterword
The Autumn 2009 release date has been confirmed by Dark Regions Press. Pre-order information as well as free online sample stories and a preview of Harry O. Morris's incredible cover art will be available soon. Keep an eye on Fear's Altar for further updates.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Welcome to THE DARKLY SPLENDID REALM
If you’ve felt strange eyes studying you from the shadows, it has seen you…
If crooked branches have rapped upon your window at night, it has summoned you…
If your dreams are plagued by half-glimpsed terrors, it has claimed you…
I am extremely proud to announce that my latest full-length horror collection, The Darkly Splendid Realm, will be published by Dark Regions Press.
Featuring 13 new nightmarish tales (almost all of which are exclusive to this book), an Introduction by none other than award-winning author Laird Barron and cover art by legendary artist Harry O. Morris, The Darkly Splendid Realm will initially be offered in two distinct versions:
-100 signed and numbered limited edition hardcovers with dust jackets
-13 Deluxe Editions. These will be leather bound, signed, and will feature a slipcase and other bibliophilic delights.
The Darkly Splendid Realm is currently slated for a late-2009 release. Pre-order information shall be announced in the very near future.
I am both thrilled and humbled to be working with Laird, Harry (once again!) and Dark Regions Press. I am also very, very proud of the stories in this book. It is unquestionably my best collection to date.
Thank you all for your interest. Onward and downward!
If crooked branches have rapped upon your window at night, it has summoned you…
If your dreams are plagued by half-glimpsed terrors, it has claimed you…
I am extremely proud to announce that my latest full-length horror collection, The Darkly Splendid Realm, will be published by Dark Regions Press.
Featuring 13 new nightmarish tales (almost all of which are exclusive to this book), an Introduction by none other than award-winning author Laird Barron and cover art by legendary artist Harry O. Morris, The Darkly Splendid Realm will initially be offered in two distinct versions:
-100 signed and numbered limited edition hardcovers with dust jackets
-13 Deluxe Editions. These will be leather bound, signed, and will feature a slipcase and other bibliophilic delights.
The Darkly Splendid Realm is currently slated for a late-2009 release. Pre-order information shall be announced in the very near future.
I am both thrilled and humbled to be working with Laird, Harry (once again!) and Dark Regions Press. I am also very, very proud of the stories in this book. It is unquestionably my best collection to date.
Thank you all for your interest. Onward and downward!
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