Exploring Dark Short Fiction #8: A Primer to Poppy Z. Brite

by Eric J. Guignard (Editor, Contributor), Poppy Z. Brite (Contributor), Michael A. Arnzen (Contributor)

Crowned a "dark princess of Generation X" by The New York Times, Poppy Z. Brite has been penning horror, satire, and literary cross-genre work for over forty years. Publishers Weekly writes of Brite as having "a knack for depicting convincing, if monstrous, characters" and Locus calls his work "fearlessly offbeat." A gay transgender man, Brite displays cutting discernment of the human condition and translates that into opulent tales of gore, passion, queerness, and social criticism, leaving an indelible impression across the marginalized and mainstream alike.

Dark Moon Books and editor Eric J. Guignard bring you this introduction to his work, the eighth in a series of primers exploring modern masters of literary dark short fiction. Herein is a chance to discover-or learn more of-the decadent voice of Poppy Z. Brite, as beautifully illustrated by artist Michelle Prebich.

Included within these pages are:

• Six short stories, one written exclusively for this book

• Author interview

• Biography and bibliography

• Academic commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD (former humanities chair and professor of the year, Seton Hill University)

• ... and more!

Enter this doorway to the vast and fantastic: Get to know Poppy Z. Brite.

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 2, 2027

About the author

ERIC J. GUIGNARD is a writer, editor, and anthologist of dark and speculative fiction, operating from the shadowy outskirts of Los Angeles, where he also runs the small press, Dark Moon Books. He’s twice won the Bram Stoker Award (the highest literary award of horror fiction), won the Shirley Jackson Award, and been a finalist for the World Fantasy Award and International Thriller Writers Award for his works of dark and speculative fiction.

He has over 150 stories appearing in publications around the world. As editor, Eric’s published multiple fiction anthologies, including his most recent, Pop the Clutch: Thrilling Tales of Rockabilly, Monsters, and Hot Rod Horror , and A World of Horror , a showcase of international horror short fiction.

He currently publishes the acclaimed series of author primers created to champion modern masters of the dark and macabre, Exploring Dark Short Fiction ( Vol. I: Steve Rasnic Tem ; Vol. II: Kaaron Warren ; Vol. III: Nisi Shawl ; Vol. IV: Jeffrey Ford ; Vol. V: Han Song ; Vol. VI: Ramsey Campbell).

He is also publisher and acquisitions editor for the renowned +Horror Library+ anthology series. Additionally he curates the series, The Horror Writers Association Presents: Haunted Library of Horror Classics through SourceBooks with co-editor Leslie S. Klinger.

His latest books are Last Case at a Baggage Auction ; Doorways to the Deadeye ; and short story collection That Which Grows Wild (Cemetery Dance).

Outside the glamorous and jet-setting world of indie fiction, Eric’s a technical writer and college professor, and he stumbles home each day to a wife, children, dogs, and a terrarium filled with mischievous beetles. Visit Eric at: www.ericjguignard.com, his blog: ericjguignard.blogspot.com, or Twitter: @ericjguignard.

Reviews

[David Agranoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to the books in this series but Poppy Z. Brite wrote two of the best novels Queer horror decades ago. His dead name becomes a pen name, and the literary icon is reborn. This is a great introduction to one of the most important voices in horror. Pre-order this one. And if you have not read Exquisite Corpse, it is top ten horror novel.

[Jen Self]

Poppy Z. Brite has been my favorite author since way back in the 90s, and so this "deep dive" was an absolute joy to read through! It's an informative and interesting read, with short stories, beautiful illustrations, bibliography, biography, interview and thoughtful commentary. If you have ever been curious about the person behind the infamous "Exquisite Corpse" novel, be sure to check this one out!