I’m pleased to announce my debut venture into dark poetry will feature in Eldritch and Ether Anthology.
My folklore inspired poems include Scottish female vampire folklore in “My Baobhan sith”, while “The Other” explores dark inner duality and mythologies of the Sun and Moon inspired “A Silver Queen”.
More details to be announced soon!
I’m excited to announce my collection of dark folklore short stories, novelettes, flash fiction and microfiction Three Curses and Other Dark Tales has been acquired by IFWG Publishing Australia.
You can read more about this exciting announcement here
Perfect timing for horror enthusiasts, Eerie Christmas 2 was released on 11th December 2021 and published by Black Hare Press.
Eerie Christmas 2 features my horror story “The Yule Trolls” inspired by the Icelandic Yuletide tradition of the 13 Yule Lads, mischievous trolls who lure children into misbehaving and the darker end that awaits them with the arrival of the troll witch Gryla. You can read more about the research behind my story here
If you’re interested in purchasing an ebook, paperback or hardback copy of Eerie Christmas 2 benefitting the Black Dog Institute, more details are available here
I’m thrilled to announce that 13 Lives of Alice, a dark anthology of Alice in Wonderland inspired tales for adults, was published by Black Hare Press on 7th December 2021.
13 Lives of Alice features my dark gaslamp fantasy “The House of the Cat Si” inspired by the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, folklore of the Cat Si, shapeshifting cat fey, and the historical inequalities and special expectations affecting women in Victorian society. “The House of the Cat Si” may contain themes and elements which may make some readers uncomfortable. If you’re interested in the research behind “The House of the Cat Si”, you can read more here.
If you’re interested in purchasing a copy in ebook, paperback or hardback of 13 Lives of Alice, you can find more details here.
I am excited to announce the re-release of New Tales of Old Volume 1, a reimagined fairytale anthology released on 27th November 2021. This anthology is inspired by fairytales, legends and mythology and published by Black Ink Fiction.
New Tales of Old Volume 1 includes my dark reimagining of Hansel and Gretel, “A Trail of Corpselights” set during World War Two Germany, and “The Dark Harpist” a dark fantasy inspired by the Pied Piper and the Singing Bone fairytales. You can read more about my research behind “The Dark Harpist” here and “A Trail of Corpselights” here.
If you’re interested in purchasing an ebook or paperback copy of New Tales of Old V1, more details here.
The näcken is a water being from found in Scandinavian folklore. The näcken is a variant in Sweden of the Norwegian fossegrim, a river sprite that drowns children and unwary travellers in the brook. The näcken can also be bargained with and a mortal learn to play the fiddle with similar enchantment. Once taught, the mortal fiddler will play so beautifully that the trees are said to weep. But like any bargain with otherworldly beings, there is usually a high cost for the skill earned at the näcken’s tutelage.
I was inspired by the folklore of the näcken and similar river sprites when writing a new microfiction focusing on the aftermath of a bargain made between the näcken and a musician. The fiddler now plays with the enchantment the näcken’s skill provided, but those who listenen to him play must dance to their deaths.
I am excited to announce that Revolutions, a speculative fiction anthology was released on 25th September, 2021. This anthology is inspired by the theme of revolution and showcases authors from Australian and New Zealand and is published by Deadset Press.
Revolutions includes my dark fantasy “Talismans”, a short story of sacrificial magic and retribution set against the backdrop of rising civilisations and empires. You can read more about my research behind my own story here.
If you are interested in purchasing an ebook or paperback copy of Revolutions, more details are here.
Thrilled that 666 Dark Moments was released on 31 August, 2021. This is a micro fiction anthology of horror and dark fiction published by Black Hare Press.
Included in 666 is my own dark fiction “The Gallows Dancers” inspired by the gothic folklore of the hangman and hanging trees.
You can find out more about 666 Dark Moments and where to purchase ebook and paperback copies here.
Pleased to announce that Stories of Survival published by Deadset Press was released on 21 August, 2021. This speculative fiction charity anthology is in honour of Australian speculative fiction writer and mentor to many, the late Aiki Flinthart, with all proceeds going to the Melanoma Foundation to help with the fight against cancer.
This anthology includes many wonderful stories from Australian and New Zealand speculative fiction authors. Featuring my own Fae-inspired short story “Three Tasks for the Sidhe”, you can read more about the research behind the story here.
More details on how to purchase ebook or paperback copies of Stories of Survival can be found here.
It’s that time to the year when Australian science fiction, fantasy and horror writers and fandom nominate favourite collections, short stories, novels and illustrated works.
Celebrating the best of our Australian writers and active members in fandom is a key goal of the Ditmar Awards. For writers and fans, here’s the eligibility list for 2020 – you can nominate your favourites here!
I have a few short stories eligible from 2020, so while you’re nominating favourites, also consider these if you’ve read and enjoyed my writing!
“A Handful of Dead Leaves”, Alannah K. Pearson [ACT], in Greed (Seven Deadly Sins 5), Black Hare Press.
“The Bargain”, Alannah K. Pearson [ACT], in Unnatural Order, CSFG Publishing.
“The Bull of Heaven”, Alannah K. Pearson [ACT], in Taurus: Speculative Fiction Inspired by the Zodiac, Deadset Press.
“The Golden Lion-Monkey”, Alannah K. Pearson [ACT], in Leo: Speculative Fiction Inspired by the Zodiac, Deadset Press.
I would also like to draw attention to a few of my favourites for these categories from 2020:
Best Collected Works
Red New Day & Other Microfictions by Angela Slatter [QLD], Brain Jar Press.
Songs for Dark Seasons by Lisa L. Hannett [SA], Ticonderoga Publications.
Best Novel
Flyaway, Kathleen Jennings [QLD], Pan Macmillan Australia.
Best New Talent
Nikky (N M) Lee [NZ/WA], short stories including work in AntipodeanSF, Breach Magazine, Things In the Well and Deadset Press publications.
Get nominating as entries close midnight 15th August (+10 GMT). Support your favourite writers and active members in fandom!
Leanbh Pearson 
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