Mark Gardner's Blog

I had a combined twelve requests for The Gates of Dawn and Red Rock Renegades from agents today following a pitch event I participated in. The Gates of Dawn was a story I started way back in 2014. I finished it this year after losing my Job in higher ed. Red Rock Renegades is the 1894 biker gang of witches I wrote the first draft while going through my first infusion back in March.

I was putting the finishing touches on my query letter, and my phone chimed with email notification. I was prett...

This is a short one, because I can’t talk about it until the official announcement next month, but I’ve signed the contract for one of my unpublished short stories to be in an anthology. I really wanna give you all the details and let you know the publication date for the anthology, but I hafta wait :(

I totally stole this from the Ps and Qs Publishing website.

Your boss is a demon? 

Your job haunts your sleep?

You can’t seem to escape, no matter how hard you try?

You’re pretty sure that your co-workers are not quite human?

Gonna need more than one lifetime to get through all the work you have?

Clock in, get your PPE in order, ignore the copier talking to itself and the flickering lights, and dive into these ten haunted stories. They might just be the best thing the next few ...

Hey, I’m in an anthology that released today!

A couple retailers have special promotions for the anthology:

At Barnes and Noble, customers will receive a 50% discount off the Feral Lands eBook if they use promo code BNPSAMAK50 at checkout. This is an exclusive promotion through Samak Press that is good through June 30th. BN direct eBook link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feral-lands-john-coon/1147370819?ean=2940184605715 Bookshop.org is offering $1 off the $14.99 (USD) list price ...

Today was my third infusion to treat my CLL. Smooth sailing. But this story is from last week. Not smooth sailing.

This will start out frustrating; move to scary; and finish with hope. If you’re triggered by medical stuff or cancer, it’s time to stop reading.

The recap for those of you who’re new: I was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in 2015. Aubrey was born in 2016, and we bought our house a few months after Aubrey was born.

My WBC started going bonkers in 2024 and started...

Erika and I are about to embark on our first “just us” getaway in years. I think the last one was all the way back in 2009! But this trip to Flagstaff isn’t going to be a relaxing retreat. We’re heading up for a more serious reason—so I can begin infusions to treat my Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

I’ve shared about my CLL before, but for anyone who may be new to this journey, here’s a quick update. I was diagnosed with CLL nine years ago, and at that time, we were told that, since this ...

I’m part of a horror anthology that came out on Halloween. My story, Memento Mori, is a slice from the Days Until Home universe. Old writer friend, Aaron Frale, as well as, new writer friends have stories in this anthology. There are awesome chapter art and cover art. As you can see by the promotion, AI bad, humans good, etc. The anthology is on sale for $2.99 this month (I’m telling everyone it’s a birthday present from me). be sure to get your copy and spread the word.

Macabre Multiverse: http...

I’m part of a horror anthology that came out on Halloween. My story, Memento Mori, is a slice from the Days Until Home universe. Old writer friend, Aaron Frale, as well as, new writer friends have stories in this anthology. There are awesome chapter art and cover art. As you can see by the promotion, AI bad, humans good, etc. The anthology is on sale for $2.99 this month (I’m telling everyone it’s a birthday present from me). be sure to get your copy and spread the word.

Macabre Multiverse: http...

In the music industry, only a handful of bands have truly left their mark. Linkin Park is at the top of that list. Lately, there’s been a lot of chatter about their new singer. It’s a mixed bag of excitement and criticism. While some fans are worried about throwing shade, I see this as a thrilling opportunity for growth and fresh sounds. As someone who’s been rocking out to Linkin Park since the early days, I can’t help but feel pumped about what’s coming next.

Linkin Park has always been ahe...

Finn will have a table to sell art. Comic book dude, Tom Lynott, will be at my table with me.