News

April 2024

  • Robin Knabel of Inky Bones Press posts a terrific review of my dystopian-vampire novella Redhead Town. In part, Robin writes, “Chock full of suspense and intriguing characters, it’s a quick and enjoyable read. This is definitely not your everyday vampire story…”
  • A fabulous review of my action-horror novel Cretaceous Canyon in Aurealis #169. In part, reviewer Chris Foster writes, “Cretaceous Canyon highlights Sheldon’s consistent strengths as a writer—fast pace, clear language, rapid depth of character and a swell Aussie sense of humour… It’s a little Jurassic Park, part Alone and even a hint of Deadpool…”
  • My novella Redhead Town is now available in paperback.

January – March 2024

October – December 2023

  • Nightmare Fuel Magazine publishes my poem, a ballad titled “The Midwife”.
  • IFWG Publishing has announced the contributors for my anthology, Spawn 2: More Weird Horror Tales About Pregnancy, Birth and Babies, to be released in November 2024.
  • Robin Knabel of Unsettling Reads posts a terrific review of my novella Thylacines. In part, Robin writes, “Once the action starts, it never lets up. I even jotted in my notes that I had to force myself go to bed when I was 86% through the book. It’s that exciting!”
  • The Black Beacon Book of Horror is out now. Edited by Cameron Trost, the anthology includes my story “Cameo”.
  • Illumen Magazine Autumn 2023 is out now, and includes my poem, “Amazon Warrior”. To write this epic-style piece, I played with the Spanish decima poetic form and used the espinela rhyming scheme.
  • My novel Cretaceous Canyon (Severed Press) is now available as an audiobook. The narrator is Khai Lannor.
  • Unsettling Reads posts a terrific review of my novel Cretaceous Canyon. In part, Robin Knabel writes, “I’ve loved every book of Sheldon’s I’ve read so far, but this one might have nudged its way to the top for me.”
  • Black Beacon Books, on the cusp of releasing its anthology The Black Beacon Book of Horror, interviews me about my story, “Cameo”.

July – September 2023

  • The Horror Tree interviews me about my latest release from Severed Press, the novel Cretaceous Canyon.
  • Silver Dagger Book Tours will be running a promotion for my action-packed horror novel, Cretaceous Canyon, recently published by Severed Press. The week-long blog tour is scheduled from September 27th to October 4th. If you’re a book blogger/reviewer and would like to take part, please feel free to register your interest with Maia. The more the merrier!
  • Out now from Unnerving Books, the crime anthology Illicit Motions, which includes my short story “Fork in the Road”.
  • Exciting news! Severed Press has published my novel Cretaceous Canyon: A Prehistoric Thriller.
  • Nightmare Fuel posts an interview with me about the anthology I conceived and edited, Killer Creatures Down Under: Horror Stories with Bite (IFWG Publishing, 2023).
  • My short story “Carbon Copy Consumables” is translated and published in the latest issue of Finnish spec-fic magazine, Spin 1/2023. In Finnish, the title is “Kopiokoneisto”. Jee hurraa!
  • Aurealis #162 includes a great review of the anthology I conceived and edited, Killer Creatures Down Under: Horror Stories with Bite (IFWG Publishing, 2023). In part, reviewer Clare Rhoden writes, “The subtitle is no joke. These tales really do bite you… If you already consider Aussie wildlife dangerous, wait ’till you meet this amalgamation of deadly creatures plus writerly imagination.”
  • Spawn 2: More Weird Tales About Pregnancy, Birth and Babies, edited by yours truly (award-winning author and anthology editor) will open to submissions on Monday 31 July 2023 to Australasian writers (citizen/resident/ex-pat). On-spec submissions are welcome from Australasian writers of every persuasion including non-parents. Submission guidelines are here. IFWG will release my anthology in November 2024.
  • The Horror Tree posts an interview with me about the anthology I conceived and edited, Killer Creatures Down Under: Horror Stories with Bite (IFWG Publishing, 2023).

April – June 2023

  • In a four-part series exclusive to Ginger Nuts of Horror, contributors to my anthology Killer Creatures Down Under: Horror Stories with Bite reveal the inspiration behind their tales.
    PART FOUR includes insights from Geraldine Borella, Jason Fischer, Tim Borella, H.K. Stubbs, and Matt Tighe.
  • New from Unnerving Books, a crime anthology to be released 23 August. Illicit Motions includes my story “Fork in the Road”.
  • Andromeda Spaceways Magazine #90 includes my short story, “Can’t Sleep? Three Different Brushes to Melt Away Insomnia”.
  • The Horror Tree posts my guest blog post, “How to Write Submission Guidelines for your Anthology”.
  • Nightmare Fuel is an online magazine that publishes dark fiction and poetry from Australian writers. They recently published my poem “The Broonie” as part of their themed collection Don’t Let Them In. The poetry form I used is the villanelle. My inspiration was the broonie (or brùnaidh) from Scottish folklore.
  • I’m interviewed by Paul Semel about my anthology, Killer Creatures Down Under: Horror Stories with Bite.
  • The anthology I conceived and edited, Killer Creatures Down Under: Horror Stories with Bite, is OUT NOW through IFWG Publishing!
  • My short story “The Palm Leaf”, inspired by 19th-century horror literature, is published in Aurealis #160.
  • Aurealis #160 includes a wonderful review of my novella, Man-Beast (Severed Press, 2021). In part, reviewer Belinda McDonald writes, “Sheldon’s prose plunges the reader into country Australia… The plot is well-paced, giving the reader enough time to know and care about the characters before chaos starts… Man-Beast is an immersive and complex story that will keep you hooked.”
  • The book review site Unsettling Reads posts a terrific review of my anthology, Killer Creatures Down Under: Horror Stories with Bite. In part, reviewer Robin Knabel writes, “Readers will experience terror, suspense, thrills, and they’ll come face-to-face with some formidable monsters that inhabit Australia. I had high hopes before reading the book, and I was not disappointed. As a creature feature girl, this book made me very happy… Beware, some of the creatures in the anthology have a way of getting under your skin!”
  • My collection, Liminal Spaces: Horror Stories (IFWG Publishing), is shortlisted for the Australian Shadows “Best Collected Work” Award!
  • In a four-part series exclusive to Ginger Nuts of Horror, contributors to my anthology Killer Creatures Down Under: Horror Stories with Bite reveal the inspiration behind their tales. PART THREE includes insights from writers Renee De Visser, Charles Spiteri, Robert Mammone, Paula Yates, and J.M. Merryt.
  • The April issue of “Whispers From the Dark”, the monthly newsletter of PsychoToxin Press, features an author interview with me, plus a reprint of my short story, “The Brightest Place”.
  • In a four-part series exclusive to Ginger Nuts of Horror, contributors to my anthology Killer Creatures Down Under: Horror Stories with Bite reveal the inspiration behind their tales. PART TWO includes insights from writers Steve Paulsen, Helena O’Connor, Antoinette Rydyr, and Fox Claret Hill.
  • Every year, the Australasian Horror Writers Association assembles a team of award-winning and award-nominated industry professionals to help emerging writers better their craft through the AHWA Mentor Program. I will be a mentor again this year, along with Alan Baxter, Paul Mannering, Kaaron Warren, J. Ashley-Smith, Greg Chapman, Shane Walsh-Smith, Eugen Bacon, and Shayne Armstrong. Applications opened Friday 21 April.
  • In a four-part series exclusive to Ginger Nuts of Horror, contributors to my anthology Killer Creatures Down Under: Horror Stories with Bite reveal the inspiration behind their tales. PART ONE includes insights from (me) editor Deborah Sheldon, and writers Keith Williams, Ben Matthews, and Anthony Ferguson.
  • Andromeda Spaceways Magazine Best Stories: Volume 5 is out now. It includes my story, “All the Stars in Her Eyes”, which was shortlisted for the 2020 Aurealis Award “Best Science Fiction Short Story”.
  • Illumen Magazine Spring 2023 includes a reprint of my poem, “Wheals and Whorls”, plus my brief piece about the poem’s form – a Welsh quatrain known as the cyhydedd hir.

January – March 2023

  • Oops, I missed this one… In November 2022, the Horror Spotlight published a great double-review of my Aussie-historical-Bigfoot novella, Man-Beast (Severed Press, 2021).
  • I’ve just signed another contract with IFWG Publishing International for my editorial services. My anthology – the theme and title to be kept under wraps for now – will be released in November 2024. The submission callout will be announced June 2023 for a three-month submission window later in the same year. Submissions will be open to Australasian writers only. More details soon. Very excited about this one! Here’s a link to the IFWG press release.
  • Black Beacon Books is celebrating its ten-year anniversary by releasing The Black Beacon Book of Horror in October 2023, just in time for Halloween. I’m happy to say their landmark anthology includes my original short story, “Cameo”.
  • Available now are pre-orders for the ebook version of the anthology I conceived and edited, Killer Creatures Down Under: Horror Stories with Bite, to be released 15 May by IFWG Publishing. The ebook is also available to preorder on various other platforms including Kobo, Nook Book, and iBook. Print preorders are filtering through, including direct from the IFWG distributor, IPG.
  • Trembling With Fear publishes my drabble, “Fifty-Two Years Ago”.
  • Aurealis #157 includes a terrific review of my collection, Liminal Spaces: Horror Stories. You can read the full review here.
  • I’ve got a Secret Project! Late January, I sent my pitch for a story idea to a publisher, asking whether it might be the kind of novel they would find interesting, and their reply was a publishing contract! So, I’ve signed a contract for a book I haven’t even written yet. Super exciting stuff!
  • My poem, “Wheals and Whorls”, is published in Illumen Magazine Winter 2023 (Hiraeth Publishing). The form I used is a type of Welsh quatrain known as the cyhydedd hir.

October – December 2022

  • IFWG Publishing Australia has revealed the cover for my upcoming anthology, Killer Creatures Down Under: Horror Stories with Bite. My husband came up with the concept, and the very talented Greg Chapman did the artwork and cover design. The anthology comprises 17 horror stories by Australian writers, and a reprint of one of my own stories which served as the anthology’s inspiration. Killer Creatures Down Under: Horror Stories with Bite will be released worldwide on 15 May 2023.
  • Trembling With Fear publishes my poem “Flamingo-Pink Balloon“. Its poetic form is a play on the strambotto with a progressive rhyme scheme.
  • SFFWorld reviews The Fourth Corona Book of Horror Stories. About my story, “Angel Hair”, reviewer Shellie Horst writes, “Drifting on the current autumn air, “Angel Hair” by Deborah Sheldon plays with tension rather than gore. A warning for those who dislike spider webbing. You’ll be brushing off the gossamer threads for some time after reading Sheldon’s story.”
  • Unsettling Reads reviews The Fourth Corona Book of Horror Stories. About my story, “Angel Hair”, reviewer Robin Knabel writes, “Desolate. Desperate. Survival. Crushing. Smothering. Alone. Deborah never disappoints. This is a story filled with a visceral fear and dread. She brought a phobia to life.”
  • Nightmare Fuel magazine publishes my poem “Parasitic Births“. Its poetic form is the rondeau.
  • Nightmare Fuel magazine publishes my poem “Witchcraft Doll“. Its poetic form is a type of Irish quatrain called a cethramtu rannaigechta moire.
  • The Fourth Corona Book of Horror is out now! This UK anthology includes my story, “Angel Hair”.

July – September 2022

April – June 2022

  • Kendall Reviews posts a fabulous review of my novelette The Again-Walkers.
  • The Australasian Horror Writers Association has revealed the cover and TOC for Midnight Echo 17, edited by Greg Chapman. The issue includes my poem, “Smothered, Still and Silent”.
  • The Horror Tree posts an author interview with me about my novelette, The Again-Walkers.
  • New from Demain Publishing, my Viking-supernatural-crime novelette, The Again-Walkers, released 24 June 2022. The Again-Walkers was inspired by ninth-century Danish mythology and superstition.
  • Etherea Magazine #11 includes my action-sci/fi-horror story “Across the White Desert” (first published in Aurealis magazine). Check out the artwork for each story!
  • The fifth edition of the Horror Tree‘s annual anthology, Trembling With Fear, is coming out 24 June. It includes my drabble “Sealskin”. Pre-orders available now!
  • My short story “Perfect Little Stitches” is translated into Galician and published in the Spanish spec-fic magazine Nova Fantasia as “Puntadiñas perfectas”. And here’s my bio in Galician too!
  • Unsettling Reads posts a great review of my collection Liminal Spaces: Horror Stories.
  • My upcoming release, the novelette The Again-Walkers (Demain Publishing), is announced on Kendall Reviews. The announcement also includes an author interview. The Again-Walkers is scheduled for release on 24 June 2022.
  • The Australasian Horror Writers Association “Mentorship Program” opens for applications on Friday 27 May 2022. Mentors this year are: Shane Armstrong, Eugen M. Bacon, Silvia Canton Rodoni, Paul Mannering, Dan Rabarts, Deborah Sheldon, J. Ashley-Smith and Shane Walsh-Smith. Check out the AHWA website for details.
  • The Horror Tree reviews my collection, Liminal Spaces: Horror Stories.
  • My anthology, Spawn: Weird Horror Tales About Pregnancy, Birth and Babies (IFWG Publishing Australia), won in both its nominated categories at the Australian Shadows Awards! I won “Best Edited Work”, and Matt Tighe won “Best Short Fiction” for his story “A Good Big Brother”, which opens the TOC. So happy, and very proud of Matt and the Spawn contributors!
  • My anthology, Spawn: Weird Horror Tales About Pregnancy, Birth and Babies (IFWG Publishing Australia), has made the finals of three categories in the Aurealis Awards! “Best Anthology”, and “Best Horror Short Story” for contributors Tracie McBride and Antoinette Rydyr for their stories “Sins of the Mother” and “Mother Dandelion” respectively.
  • Maelstroms: 23 Tales of Dark Fantasy and the High Seas (Shacklebound Books) is now available for pre-order. This anthology includes my story “Cast Down”.
  • Killer Creatures Down Under: Horror Stories with Bite, edited by me (award-winning author and anthology editor) will open to submissions on Friday 22 April 2022 to Australian writers (citizen/resident/ex-pat). Stories must feature real Australian animals. Submission guidelines are here. IFWG will release my anthology in June 2023.

January – March 2022

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  1. Pingback: My interview with Australian horror writer Deborah Sheldon is up on Horror Tree… – alysonfayewordpress

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