Picture a storyteller spinning tales from the shadowy outskirts of Los Angeles, where horror and fantasy collide—meet Eric J. Guignard! A master of dark and speculative fiction, Guignard has carved a niche with his haunting narratives and editorial brilliance. With multiple Bram Stoker Awards and a knack for uncovering the eerie in the everyday, he’s a vital voice in contemporary horror.
Guignard’s work, from chilling anthologies like After Death to his own short stories, invites readers into worlds where the supernatural lurks just out of sight. His storytelling blends cerebral horror with emotional depth, making him a standout in speculative fiction. Ready to dive into his dark, imaginative universe? Let’s explore the man behind the macabre.
The Making of Eric Guignard
Born on December 20, 1975, in Montebello, California, Eric J. Guignard grew up in the sprawling suburbs of Southern California. A lifelong resident of the region, he found inspiration in its blend of urban grit and quiet unease. His love for horror sparked early, fueled by classics like The Twilight Zone and a fascination with mythology and folk tales. After studying at the University of California, Guignard balanced a career as a technical writer and college professor while honing his craft in dark fiction.
His entry into writing wasn’t a straight path but a gradual immersion into the indie fiction scene. Guignard began publishing short stories in magazines and anthologies, earning a reputation for his vivid, unsettling prose. By 2012, he founded Dark Moon Books, a small press dedicated to horror and speculative fiction, cementing his dual role as author and editor.
Eric Guignard’s Unforgettable Stories
Guignard’s bibliography is a treasure trove of dark delights. His anthology Dark Tales of Lost Civilizations (2012) unearths forgotten worlds through speculative lenses, earning a Bram Stoker Award nomination. After Death (2013), another anthology, explores the mysteries of the afterlife and clinched the prestigious Bram Stoker Award for Best Anthology. These collections showcase his editorial genius, curating diverse voices that amplify the genre’s depth.
As an author, Guignard shines in his short story collection That Which Grows Wild: 16 Tales of Dark Fiction (2018). Stories like “A Case Study in Natural Selection and How It Applies to Love” weave horror with heartbreak, exploring human nature against apocalyptic backdrops. His novel Doorways to the Deadeye (2019) blends historical fiction with supernatural elements, reflecting his signature style: cerebral, atmospheric, and deeply human. Guignard’s work often draws on folk horror and mythology, creating tales that feel both timeless and modern.
Through Dark Moon Books, he champions other authors via the Exploring Dark Short Fiction series, spotlighting masters like Ramsey Campbell and Nisi Shawl. His editing extends to the Horror Library series and the Horror Writers Association’s Haunted Library of Horror Classics, preserving and promoting the genre’s legacy.
Why Eric Guignard Matters
Eric Guignard’s impact lies in his ability to bridge the gap between indie and mainstream horror. His anthologies elevate emerging voices, while his stories push the boundaries of speculative fiction. Winning the Bram Stoker Award twice, alongside nominations for the Shirley Jackson and International Thriller Writers Awards, underscores his influence. Guignard’s work resonates with readers who crave stories that linger—tales that blend fear with introspection.
Beyond his writing, Guignard’s role as an educator and publisher fosters a vibrant horror community. His dedication to the genre, from reissuing classics to nurturing new talent, ensures that dark fiction continues to evolve. For fans and newcomers alike, Guignard is a guide into the thrilling unknown.
- Born: December 20, 1975, Montebello, California
- Key Works: Dark Tales of Lost Civilizations, After Death, That Which Grows Wild, Doorways to the Deadeye
- Awards: Two-time Bram Stoker Award winner, Shirley Jackson Award winner, International Thriller Writers Award finalist
- Fun Fact: He keeps a terrarium of mischievous beetles at home!
Snag That Which Grows Wild or After Death and dive into Eric Guignard’s haunting world of dark fiction! Whether you’re a horror aficionado or a curious reader, his stories promise chills and thrills aplenty.