Michael Picco, Author

Full disclosure: I hardly ever look at my reviews on Goodreads. It's not a platform that generates a lot of traffic or sales for me, so it tends to get overlooked when I am promoting or reviewing what readers say about my work. Still, it came as a bit of shock to see the low star ratings piling up there.   Independent authors and publishers rely on HONEST (and thoughtful) reviews. Whenever I send out a story or a collection, I ALWAYS mention the  thoughtful  part to the reviewer. EVERYONE has an opinion. But, if you can't justify it (or at least explain how you arrived at that opinion), it's JUST an opinion. Most of these sorts of reviews say more about the reviewer than the work itself. Shrug. Trolls are gonna troll.  I saw a book dedication once that read: "This is not for you." That really resonated with me, and I might just make that a boiler plate dedication for future books that Sisyphus produces. Why? I write because I LOVE to do it! It's challenging an

 Check out my interview for The 4th Circle! Desi posed some great questions about my process and about horror in general.

I am thrilled to announce that the Jewish Book of Horror (featuring my story, "The Horse Leech Has Two Maws") received a Bronze Medal for Horror in the 2022 Independent Publisher's Book Awards!

A great review for The Jewish Book Of Horror! “The Horse Leech…” received an especially glowing mention (@ timestamp seven minutes). #TheJewishBookOfHorror  #BookwormOfTheDamned

My interview with Josh Schlossberg and a reading of my story, The Horse Leech Has Two Maws , from The Jewish Book of Horror : Listen here:  Burial Plot

  I am thrilled to announce that The Horse Leech Has Two Maws is featured on the Pseudopod Podcast #796! The production value on this is superb!  PseudoPod 796: The Horse Leech Has Two Maws