Michael J. Riser writes short stories and poems, publications as listed below. Bylines formerly at Screen Rant, IGN PK, Goomba Stomp, and AOG.

His novella Peristalsis is being negotiated for publication, and his as-yet-unnamed antitheological diatribe of a novel set at the end of the world is nearing completion.

2023.10.31 –
“Lucid Interval” appears in the much-anticipated sci-fi/horror anthology from Written Backwards, Qualia Nous vol. 2.

2023.10.31 –
“What’s Left of the Sun” appears in the Craig Clevenger-edited anthology from Outcast Press, Put Out the Lights and Cry.

2022.01.01 –
“Observance” published in Coffin Bell‘s vol. 5 issue 1 to start 2022 with a bang. Available for free online.

2021.10.01 –
“Adopt Now” published in Coffin Bell‘s vol. 4 issue 4 alongside a gigantic pile of other great work from many authors. Available for free online.

2014.06.19 –
“Love, Posey”, which previously appeared at Solarcide.com, closes out the best-of anthology Solarcidal Tendencies. Book available from CreateSpace and Amazon.com ($10 for a paperback).

2014.05.27 –
The first volume of Despumation by Despumation Press features “Cradlesong”, a rambling short story of 5,000 words written from the perspective of a junkie in the middle of an identity crisis. It was written as a fictional interpretation of Meshuggah’s “Bleed”, the flagship track from 2008’s obZen. Can be purchased via CreateSpace or Amazon.com (paperback issue is $6.99, or $3.99 for a Kindle ebook).

2014.05.18 –
In the Pantheon Magazine‘s Gaia: Shadow & Breath, “Casa de Perros”, a story about gang violence, dog fighting, and darker things that sleep within the earth, opens the anthology. The book can be purchased via CreateSpace or Amazon.com (paperbacks from $10-$13, ebooks for $2.99).

2013.12 –
Two short literary fictions, “Dog Training” and “As Simple as Teacups”, were featured in the Fall 2013 issue of Sheepshead Review. Print only. Copies may possibly be ordered for $5 (shipping included) via email here.

2013.09.21 –
“The Pursuit of Love and Labor”, a short piece of literary horror, was published in Deimos eZine, vol. 2, issue 3 (no longer be available, as the publication is defunct).

2013.01.06 –
“Snow Angels” was published in Downer Magazine (no longer available, as the publication is defunct).

2012.12.12 –
A short work of dark fiction, “Love, Posey”, was published as guest post at Solarcide.com. It has since been removed to be featured in the Solarcidal Tendencies print anthology (see above).

2012.04.26 –
“because I still don’t get e. e. cummings” featured at myhero.com for National Poetry Month.

2008.12 –
“poet show” was published in UNC Charlotte’s Sanskrit, vol. 39, pg. 19.

2008 –
“profanity”, a short, humorous acrostic, was published by Black Book Press.

The list of rejections is much longer and more impressive, featuring some truly stunning journals and magazines. MJR refuses to be rejected by less than the very best, and his publication history suitably reflects this. He hopes to be rejected by even better journals in the very near future.