Michael Coulombe Writes

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Strange Cruel Fate

New Book Review on Substack!

I just posted a quick review of Strange Cruel Fate by Martin Dandeau.

One year after his wife’s murder shattered his life, Hayden Pellaut travels to Alaska to document the legendary Iditarod. But another story begins to consume him—a chilling local legend involving a vanished documentary filmmaking couple, a slaughtered wolf pack, and a blood-soaked warning carved into the frozen earth:

NEVER SHOUT MY NAME

Read my full review now ⬇️

Strange Cruel Fate

by Martin Dandeau

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Regan Talley

New Writer Interview on Substack!

Today’s interview is especially meaningful because I’m introducing one of my oldest and dearest friends, Regan Talley.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Regan is currently working on a powerful new play titled SHEPHARD/TILL. Written in verse, the piece examines the intersection of race and sexuality through the lens of two of the most significant hate crimes in American history. It seeks to explore understanding, prejudice, and the bridges that can be built between communities often divided by fear and misunderstanding.

Read the full interview now ⬇️

Regan Talley

A writer of books, screenplays, poetry, and more.

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The Doll's House

New Book Review on Substack!

I just posted a review of The Doll’s House by Lisa Unger, part of the Amazon Original Stories collection.

Dark, suspenseful, and unsettling, this story pulls readers into a world where appearances can be deceiving and secrets are never truly buried. Lisa Unger once again demonstrates her talent for creating tension and keeping readers turning pages.

Read my full review now ⬇️

The Doll's House

Short story by Lisa Unger

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Crosby the Crab

New Book Review on Substack!

As I continue working on my own children’s books, I often find inspiration and motivation in the stories created by other authors.

Recently, I read Crosby the Crab by Laura Yirak.

The story follows Crosby, an ordinary crab living on a tropical beach, whose life changes when a mysterious object washes ashore and sends him on an unforgettable adventure.

It’s a charming tale filled with curiosity, discovery, and the excitement of exploring the unknown—qualities that make children’s literature so magical.

If you enjoy heartwarming adventures and stories that encourage imagination, check out my full review on Substack.

Read it now ⬇️

Crosby the Crab

by Laura Yirak

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Party of a Lifetime

New Book Review on Substack

Today I’m highlighting Party of a Lifetime by Henry Corrigan.

For Becca Longford, prom was supposed to be the best night of her life—and in a way, it was. Despite parental meltdowns, mean-girl drama, and even a fire, she and her friends forged a bond that seemed unbreakable.

Now, one year later, Becca is determined to recreate the night that could have been.

Unfortunately, someone else has plans of their own…

Blending nostalgia, friendship, suspense, and horror, Party of a Lifetime takes a familiar rite of passage and twists it into something much darker.

Check out my thoughts and learn more about the book on my Substack page ⬇️

Party of a Lifetime

by Henry Corrigan

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June 2026 Monthly Writing Prompt

☀️🌈 June 2026 Writing Prompt – The Encouragement Enclave

A new month has arrived, bringing with it the warmth of summer, new possibilities, and the opportunity to embrace who we truly are.

This month’s prompt is:

“The first sunrise of June felt different, as if the world was inviting me to become who I was meant to be.”

Begin with that line and build your story from there.

📖 Once you’ve written your story, head over to my Substack page and share it in the COMMENTS section. Read what others have created and let your voice become part of this month’s creative community.

June marks the beginning of summer and Pride Month—a time to celebrate authenticity, growth, and the many ways we express ourselves.

Happy writing, and may this month’s prompt inspire you to show the world your grace.

June 2026

Monthly Writing Prompt

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Kent Priore

New Author Interview on Substack!

Today I’m excited to introduce Kent Priore, an author I met through Instagram.

Kent is the winner of the Firebird Book Award and an Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite. A graduate of Bard College with a BA in Written Arts, he writes dark literature and genre-blending fiction where dark romanticism meets modern psychology.

His work explores themes of inner struggle, resilience, mental health, and the human capacity to endure even the darkest moments. Kent is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and greater acceptance of neurodivergence, themes that are deeply woven into his writing.

His debut novel, The Monsters Among Us, examines both the devastating and hopeful aspects of the human condition, offering readers a message that even in darkness, all is not lost.

Read the full interview now ⬇️

Kent Piore

I typically write in a new genre with each book, never sticking around in one place for long.

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Jessica Coronado

Today I’m excited to introduce Jessica M. Coronado — an author and philosopher based in Portland, Oregon.

Living with multiple chronic illnesses, Jessica channels her love of stories, philosophy, and imagination into fiction that explores identity, consciousness, memory, and cosmic wonder.

She writes across speculative fiction, science fiction, and literary genres, creating stories that are both thought-provoking and deeply human.

Her upcoming speculative fiction novel, Permutations, is expected soon.

Read the full interview now ⬇️

Jessica Coronado

A writer of books, screenplays, poetry, and more.

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Christa Carmen

New Author Interview on Substack!

Today I’m honored to feature Christa Carman, a writer I met through the Horror Writers Association.

Christa lives in Rhode Island and is a Bram Stoker Award-winning author as well as a two-time Shirley Jackson Award nominee.

Her acclaimed works include How to Fake a Haunting, Beneath the Poet’s House, and The Daughters of Block Island — which won the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel and was a Shirley Jackson Award finalist.

She is also the author of the Indie Horror Book Award-winning Something Borrowed, Something Blood-Soaked and the Bram Stoker Award-nominated story Through the Looking Glass and Straight into Hell from Orphans of Bliss: Tales of Addiction Horror.

Christa holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Boston College, and the University of Southern Maine.

Read the full interview now ⬇️

Christa Carman

I’ve been tying the dog’s leash around my waist, taking a notebook and pen with me and writing while we walk

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Domenic Migliore

New Writer Interview on Substack!

Today I’m excited to introduce Domenic Migliore.

Diagnosed with autism at the age of 8, Domenic has turned his creativity and storytelling into a powerful artistic journey.

His screenplay Ashley was adapted into the 2013 feature film Ashley starring Nicole Fox and Michael Madsen.

Most recently, he released a collection of short stories titled Frame Story.

Read the full interview now 

Dominic Migliore

Tell us about yourself and your most current project/s?

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Daryl Hook

New Author Interview on Substack!

Today’s interview is a special one — featuring my cousin, Daryl Hook. And fittingly, today is also his birthday. 🎉

Growing up, Daryl and I spent our time making homemade horror films together, and honestly, those experiences played a huge role in why I became a filmmaker myself.

Daryl went on to write and direct his first B-style slasher horror film, Sssstoner Snake — and I even had a small role in it, voicing the character Bones the Skeleton.

Read the full interview now ⬇️

Daryl Hook

I take an edible and just write the goofiest shit I can think of.

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New Author Interview on Substack!

Today I’m excited to introduce Hyten Davidson — a writer, producer, and SAG actor based in NYC.

Her award-winning short film The West Virginian Starfish, which she wrote and co-directed, earned Best Short Film at the Long Island Film Expo along with numerous screenwriting honors and nominations. She was also a Featured Female Filmmaker nominee at the Shortcut 100 International Film Festival.

Hyten’s fiction work has appeared in anthologies including Weaving the Light from Quillkeepers Press, and she is a recipient of the Mary W. Shelley Scholarship from the Horror Writers Association.

Her horror audio drama Come to Mama can be heard on the award-winning The NoSleep Podcast, and her psychological thriller feature Something of a Monster is now available on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

This is a great conversation about filmmaking, horror, storytelling, and creating across multiple mediums.

Read the full interview now ⬇️

https://mcoulombewrites.substack.com/p/hyten-davidson

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Herman Wang

🎬👽 New Author Interview on Substack!

Today I’m excited to introduce Herman Wang, an indie web series producer based in Toronto, Canada.

Herman is the creative force behind the sci-fi comedy series Illuminagents, which has just released its third season online.

Read the full interview now ⬇️

Herman Wang

Whenever I have a random creative thought, I put it down on a scratch list I keep for that specific purpose

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Jeff Heimbuch

Today I’m excited to introduce Jeff Heimbuch, who I met at a small horror event in North Hollywood, CA.

Jeff was born in Brooklyn, raised in New Jersey, and now lives in Los Angeles, where he works in television and continues creating across multiple mediums.

He’s written podcasts on theme park history, produced successful fiction podcasts like Return Home, Light House, and Magmell, and has also written fiction for readers of all ages.

In our conversation, Jeff talks about his children’s book Barry Under the Bed and the lovable puppet character Barry, who visits fun places and events throughout Southern California.

Read the full interview now ⬇️

Jeff Heimbuch

Make your own joy!

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Stephen Kogon

New Author Interview on Substack!

Today I’m excited to introduce Stephen Kogon, a creative I had the pleasure of working with.

Stephen grew up in Columbia, Maryland and now lives in Los Angeles, California, where he continues to tell stories across mediums. He wrote, directed, and starred in the film Dance Baby Dance, a project I was fortunate enough to be part of alongside him.

Now, he’s bringing that same emotional depth to the page with his new book, Unconditional: A Story of Fatherhood, Lost Love, and Lifelong Friendship — a heartfelt exploration of connection, loss, and enduring relationships.

Read the full interview now ⬇️

Stephen Kogon

Author of UNCONDITIONAL and writer/director of DANCE BABY DANCE

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Ian Rodney Lazarus

New Author Interview on Substack!

Today I’m excited to introduce Ian Rodney Lazarus, a writer I met through the Horror Writers Association.

Born in Detroit, Michigan and now living in San Diego, California, Ian brings a unique perspective to his storytelling. He’s also a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, adding another layer of real-world experience to his work.

His latest book, The Wine Broker, reflects his immersive approach to writing — Ian often travels to the actual locations of his stories to gain firsthand knowledge and authenticity.

Read the full interview now ⬇️

Ian Rodney Lazarus

The beach trail is my muse

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Michael G Williams

🖤 New Author Interview on Substack!

Today I’m excited to introduce Michael G. Williams @mcmanlypants, a writer I met through the Horror Writers Association.

Michael writes queer horror and science fiction, bringing identity, imagination, and depth into his work. He lives in Pittsboro, North Carolina with his husband and is deeply connected to both storytelling and community.

He teaches Appalachian Studies at Appalachian State University and serves as a trustee of the North Carolina Writers’ Network.

Read the full interview now ⬇️

Michael G. Williams

Tell us about yourself and your most current project/s?