Smash-hit Fear Itself collection book launch

Had a smash-hit launch on June 28 for my Lethe Press short-story collection Fear Itself at Perfect Books in Ottawa.

Professor Sean Moreland was, as usual, a gracious, thoughtful host who asked incisive questions in the Q&A. My pal Sean McKibbon did a stellar job as Carl in our reading of "Carl and Monty's Prairie Wager". Thank you, Perfect Books manager Michael and other staff for making it all happen. 

Turnout was phenomenal, including, astonishingly, the original members of my Little Workshop of Horrors writers' group and many friends I hadn't seen in a dog's age and even work colleagues. I was often moved very close to tears at seeing everyone. I also got to answer a question about my sister Kim Moran MacIntosh, whom we lost November 17, 2021 and to whom Fear Itself is dedicated.

I discussed grief, loss and ghosts in my work; my mentor and friend Hugh DeCourcy; my influences of Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, and Clive Barker; notable queer spec-fic writers (Amber Dawn's Sodom Road Exit got a shout-out); the crucial role of queer protagonists baked into my work; the prevalence of Canadian wilderness in my work (the subconscious is the darndest thing ....); the impact of Peter Atkins and Glen Hirshberg on my vocation.

Been a long, hard road to get the book out, and way too much loss, so I am feeling very grateful for the support from everyone. Thank you so, so much.