Michael Picco, Author

I've been steadily working on The House of Joy (aka The Double Dragon) for about six weeks now. It's going to be critiqued next week by the DHC prior to submission to a INVITATION only anthology! I am very excited about the opportunity and hope that the editor enjoys my take on dragons.

Below is the virtual launch of the ​Jewish Book of Horror, with my presentation on the Alukah, the vampire I wrote about in "The Horse Leech Has Two Maws." I would encourage interested viewers to watch the entire video, but if you JUST want to see my presentation, it starts at 39:15 {You will hear me reference Molly's remarks throughout my presentation, so for context, you can listen to her remarks at 28:00.} Enjoy! Virtual Launch

I am thrilled to announce that my short story,  The Horse Leech Has Two Maws  has found a home in the soon-to-be-released  Jewish Book of Horror ! As you can see from the  Publishers Weekly  Review, the anthology is getting some good buzz!  The Horse Leech...  was challenging to write for a number of reasons, but I am very happy with the reviews that it has garnered. I am hoping that this anthology gets the recognition that it deserves! Check out the trailer here:  https://youtu.be/qa4ZCHrOR7I

Last year, I was invited on to this fascinating writing project: FILL THE VOID — a collaboration of sixteen authors on a single storyline. Each author was randomly assigned a chapter to write in this novel. Undertaking this ambitious project was Dawn Shea, Editor and Owner of D&T Publishing. My chapter, "Chapter 2 — Lonnie," was written with some of my old high school classmates in mind. I have enjoyed working with this group of writers and reading the twists and turns that the story has taken over the last few months. AND my inclusion in this collaboration satisfies my 2021 goal to have a dozen pieces published independently (not counting Sisyphus Pubs or poetry publications). I encourage readers to pick it up (anticipated release date September, 2021)! Fill the Void, Cover art by Don Noble The end of times. Does it come as a whisper or a bang? Between these pages, sixteen authors put together a story of Armageddon. Each chapter written by a different author with varying...

I am thrilled to announce that Corpse Honey was awarded First Place for Horror and Second Place for Cover Design at the 27th Annual CIPA/EVVY Book Awards Banquet!

Last week, I was invited for an interview on Josh's Worst Nightmare Podcast! On it, Josh and I discuss the "corruption of nature" trope found in my work (and in modern horror/fantasy in general) and how it relates to the broader topic of biological horror. I think you'll agree, it's a fascinating topic! Check it out! Listen HERE  

  Corpse Honey has made the Finalist List for the 2021 CIPY EVVY Awards! And not just in the Horror Category, but also the Technical Category (for Cover Design) competing against 250+ titles from authors around the word! I am absolutely thrilled!!!! Check it out.... HERE