The Skinner, a forthcoming novella from Graveside Tales

[MyLeftEye]

In 2008, my story Like Cat and Dog was published in The Beast Within anthology from Graveside Tales. It was about a werecat named Sophie, who, despite her best efforts to stay on the right side of the law, goes rogue. The story was well-received. One reviewer, writing for Specusphere said, "...[Like Cat and Dog] throws us headfirst into a maelstrom of imagination and shape-shifting action. Stone creates a vivid, fast-paced world that is both tremendously fun and relentlessly brutal. Stone's seedy underworld of canines, felines and "mundanes" is so tight and sharp, we're left begging for more. Another hundred pages wouldn't have been too much."

Well, that reviewer will be pleased to know Sophie is back in a novella this year. It is called The Skinner and will be be published as a standalone volume by Graveside Tales. Just to whet your appetite, here's a picture of Sophie by Mark Cartlidge, an artist living near to me in Stoke-on-Trent, England. The below image is a lo-res scan. I have the original oil painting and it's sweet!



Thanks, Mark!
 

More exciting news, including sneak peeks at interior illustrations, cover art and extracts to follow shortly.

[Myrrym]

Congrats, Mike!  I read the short story.  Can't wait to peruse the novella! 

[BrandonLayng]

Congrats Mike. I read the original and I have to agree I'm happy it is being expanded upon.

[Graveside Tales - Dale]

The Skinner was originally submitted for The Beast Within 2 but it was rather long in length.  I read it and thought it would be a perfect stand alone story.  Michael creates an amazing new alternate world that is dying to be explored by him. 

It is my hope that Michael will go back and visit this new world from time to time, and give us a glimpses with his vivid story telling and unique characters.

As for the cover artist, Mark Cartlidge, I would like to say this is his fist book cover and it will not be his last.  As word of Mark's artwork makes its way around the horror genre I expect more of his work to popup over the next few years.

[Dylan J Morgan]

Congrats, Mike!

[MyLeftEye]

Thanks for your interest, folks. Coming soon, the image to be used on the back cover, which is another painting by the talented Mark Cartlidge.

[MyLeftEye]

As promised...another Mark Cartlidge original. This is for the back cover. As with the portrait above, it's just a starting point. It needs cropping and various tweaks will need to be made, but it gives you a good idea of the direction the cover is taking, as well as a hint regarding the storyline.

[Myrrym]

Nice!   

[Graveside Tales - Dale]

The cover is coming along nicely.  Please let Mark know.  I do know there will be a few internal illustrations that I hope Michael will be able to post soon as well.

Hey Bret this part is for you

 

[MyLeftEye]

When Dale suggested he commission internal illustrations for The Skinner, I immediately thought of a young guy named Blake Clouser. Blake illustrated one of my stories in the Permuted Press anthology Undead 3: Flesh Feast. He did such a terrific job I've wanted to work with him on another project ever since. Like Mark Cartlidge, Blake has yet to make his name in book illustration, but it's only a matter of time. So far we only have thumbnail sketches. I can't wait to have something finished I can share with you folks.

[Graveside Tales - Dale]

Just saw the cover which I believe is near finished for The Skinner.       I would have to say people are going to take notice of Mark Cartlidge.  I hope he drops by the forum soon and say hello. 

[m.s.gardner]

I really like those pics.  I haven't read the story, yet.  But it's on my never-ending wishlist.

[MyLeftEye]

Just saw the cover which I believe is near finished for The Skinner.       I would have to say people are going to take notice of Mark Cartlidge.  I hope he drops by the forum soon and say hello.

I also want to say a big THANK YOU! to cover designer Matt 'Mutant' Hults, who has created something spectacular. There are a few tweaks to be made yet, but we'll unveil it soon.

I really like those pics.  I haven't read the story, yet.  But it's on my never-ending wishlist.

'The Beast Within' is an excellent anthology, Michael, but if you're pressed for reading time, my story 'Like Cat and Dog' will be podcast in a month or two by the awesome Dunesteef Audio Fiction Podcast magazine.

[Graveside Tales - Dale]

'The Beast Within' is an excellent anthology, Michael, but if you're pressed for reading time, my story 'Like Cat and Dog' will be podcast in a month or two by the awesome Dunesteef Audio Fiction Podcast magazine.

Once again Mr. Stone has turned me on to something cool.  I have never head of Dunesteef Audio Fiction Magazine until now.  Will definitely be checking this site out.  For those who might want to check this amazing site out you can fine them at http://dunesteef.com/

[m.s.gardner]

Neither have I.  I'll check them out now!