Picture a horror-comedy maestro who spins tales of demons and laughs from a convenience store from hell—meet D.M. Guay! This Ohio-based author, fueled by her gravedigger grandfather’s spooky stories and a fierce passion for B-horror flicks, crafts novels that blend gut-busting humor with supernatural chills. Her 24/7 Demon Mart series has hooked readers worldwide, proving that even the darkest nights can spark a chuckle.
Despite battling stage 4 kidney cancer, Guay’s resilience shines through her work and her generosity—she donates book profits to cancer research, turning her art into a force for good. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this geeky, Godzilla-loving storyteller who’s redefining horror-comedy.
The Making of D.M. Guay
Born Denise Marie, D.M. Guay grew up in Ohio, surrounded by cornfields and her grandfather’s eerie tales from the graveyard. A self-proclaimed geek, she devoured horror movies, stand-up comedy, and Godzilla marathons, which shaped her unique voice. After a career as an award-winning journalist and a stint in roller derby, a 2017 cancer diagnosis flipped her world. Given six months to live, Guay quit journalism to write horror-comedy, channeling her love for campy scares into stories that make readers laugh through the fear.
D.M. Guay’s Unforgettable Stories
Guay’s 24/7 Demon Mart series is her crown jewel, a rollicking horror-comedy saga that’s like Evil Dead 2 meets Clerks. The Graveyard Shift, the first book, follows Lloyd Wallace, a lovable loser working at a convenience store that’s secretly a gateway to hell. With a heavy-metal cockroach named Kevin and a karate-chopping bombshell, it’s a wild ride of demons and laughs. Monster Burger ups the ante with a zombie apocalypse, while Angel Trouble tosses in a grim reaper for chaotic fun. Her latest, Disenchanted, weaves hexed hilarity into the mix.
Guay’s style is a mishmash of gore, wit, and heart, drawing from influences like Christopher Moore and Terry Pratchett. Her stories thrive on relatable characters facing Lovecraftian horrors with a wink, making them perfect for fans of Shaun of the Dead or Beetlejuice. Beyond the main series, Guay’s short stories like Kevin vs. The Mothman and her standalone Bake Off—a granny horror-comedy—showcase her knack for blending the absurd with the terrifying.
Her audiobooks, narrated by talents like Todd Haberkorn, bring the Demon Mart’s chaos to life, earning praise for their immersive humor. Guay also runs 'Monsters In Your Inbox,' a monthly newsletter packed with B-horror movie picks, weird news, and exclusive tales, keeping her fans hooked on her quirky world.
Why D.M. Guay Matters
D.M. Guay’s impact goes beyond her page-turning novels. Her ability to craft joy from adversity resonates with readers, offering an escape into worlds where humor triumphs over horror. By donating to the Kidney Cancer Research Alliance, she’s raised thousands to fight the disease she battles, inspiring others to create despite life’s challenges. Her work has carved a niche in horror-comedy, proving that monsters and laughter are a killer combo.
Guay’s community engagement—through events like Authorcon V and her Horror Comedy Corner on Facebook—builds a loyal fanbase that celebrates her campy, heartfelt storytelling. She’s a beacon for aspiring writers, showing that art can thrive in the face of hardship.
- Born: Denise Marie, Ohio, USA
- Key Works: The Graveyard Shift, Monster Burger, Angel Trouble, Disenchanted
- Notable: Donates book profits to Kidney Cancer Research Alliance
- Fun Fact: Once tried growing a 1,000-pound pumpkin!
Snag The Graveyard Shift and dive into D.M. Guay’s demon-filled, laugh-out-loud horror-comedy world—you won’t regret it!