ZD Dochterman
@zddochterman.bsky.social
Dark & Weird Speculative Fiction | Seize the Press, Trollbreath, Quest & others | Brave New Weird Shortlist | Assistant Professor of Writing at USC | Apophatic Utopianist
Author site: zddochterman.com
Author site: zddochterman.com
Pinned
🔥💀Announcing the Shortlist for BRAVE NEW WEIRD: The Best New Weird Horror + More Vol 4💀🔥
Congrats to everyone on this list: you're officially a BNW-nominated author! And thank you to the hundreds who submitted, as always this was excruciating to narrow down.
Weird is strong🖤☠️
tinyurl.com/yc6t5fj8
Congrats to everyone on this list: you're officially a BNW-nominated author! And thank you to the hundreds who submitted, as always this was excruciating to narrow down.
Weird is strong🖤☠️
tinyurl.com/yc6t5fj8
Announcing the Shortlist for BRAVE NEW WEIRD: The Best New Weird Horror + More, Vol. 4 — tenebrous press
tinyurl.com
Yay! I made the shortlist.
For writers of weird fiction this is seriously like the Oscars. Thanks to @tenebrouspress.bsky.social and most of all to @seizethepress.bsky.social for believing in "Avila Beach," my weird story of severed limbs, creepy government compounds, and teenagers with no future.
For writers of weird fiction this is seriously like the Oscars. Thanks to @tenebrouspress.bsky.social and most of all to @seizethepress.bsky.social for believing in "Avila Beach," my weird story of severed limbs, creepy government compounds, and teenagers with no future.
Everyone should read this amazing story of colonization, memory and the feeling of bloodlessness, written in magical prose.
Bloodless
by Emily Woodworth
"Now that I am back in our homelands, I am haunted. I dream of faces hovering over me, taking my blood. They suck at my veins like infants at a bottle."
Link ⬇️
strangehorizons.com/wordpress/fi...
by Emily Woodworth
"Now that I am back in our homelands, I am haunted. I dream of faces hovering over me, taking my blood. They suck at my veins like infants at a bottle."
Link ⬇️
strangehorizons.com/wordpress/fi...
January 18, 2026 at 4:48 AM
Everyone should read this amazing story of colonization, memory and the feeling of bloodlessness, written in magical prose.
January 17, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Hey weirdos, there are very few places that would be better for you to put your money then into Seize the Press. Not only do you get dark, depressing horrifying stories, galore but there’s a wonderful discord community and exclusive stuff for subscribers!
We didn't publish regularly last year, which understandably led to a drop in subscriptions. We're returning to a full schedule for 2026, including a special themed issue edited by the wonderful Rebecca Summerling.
But we have lost some income, so if you like our stuff do consider subscribing.
But we have lost some income, so if you like our stuff do consider subscribing.
Get more from Seize The Press Magazine on Patreon
creating an anticapitalist dark fiction magazine.
patreon.com
January 17, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Hey weirdos, there are very few places that would be better for you to put your money then into Seize the Press. Not only do you get dark, depressing horrifying stories, galore but there’s a wonderful discord community and exclusive stuff for subscribers!
Reposted by ZD Dochterman
We didn't publish regularly last year, which understandably led to a drop in subscriptions. We're returning to a full schedule for 2026, including a special themed issue edited by the wonderful Rebecca Summerling.
But we have lost some income, so if you like our stuff do consider subscribing.
But we have lost some income, so if you like our stuff do consider subscribing.
Get more from Seize The Press Magazine on Patreon
creating an anticapitalist dark fiction magazine.
patreon.com
January 17, 2026 at 5:01 PM
We didn't publish regularly last year, which understandably led to a drop in subscriptions. We're returning to a full schedule for 2026, including a special themed issue edited by the wonderful Rebecca Summerling.
But we have lost some income, so if you like our stuff do consider subscribing.
But we have lost some income, so if you like our stuff do consider subscribing.
Much love to those in Minneapolis this Jan 23. Let the general strike bloom both bread and roses.
January 16, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Much love to those in Minneapolis this Jan 23. Let the general strike bloom both bread and roses.
Currently trying to get through the brave new weird nominations from @tenebrouspress.bsky.social.
Four down, 50? To go.
tenebrouspress.com/blog/2026/1/...
Four down, 50? To go.
tenebrouspress.com/blog/2026/1/...
Announcing the Shortlist for BRAVE NEW WEIRD: The Best New Weird Horror + More, Vol. 4 — tenebrous press
tenebrouspress.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:59 PM
Currently trying to get through the brave new weird nominations from @tenebrouspress.bsky.social.
Four down, 50? To go.
tenebrouspress.com/blog/2026/1/...
Four down, 50? To go.
tenebrouspress.com/blog/2026/1/...
Just bought this. Support Cursed Morsels and families affected by ICE. #weirdhorror
If you have a weird horror-loving friend, buy them our WHOLE SHEBANG bundle, which includes 9 ebooks and 18 digital zines for $24. Today, I'm donating $12 from each order to support folks in south Minneapolis targeted by ICE and struggling to pay rent.
www.cursedmorselspress.com/product/the-...
www.cursedmorselspress.com/product/the-...
January 14, 2026 at 9:37 PM
Just bought this. Support Cursed Morsels and families affected by ICE. #weirdhorror
Yay! I made the shortlist.
For writers of weird fiction this is seriously like the Oscars. Thanks to @tenebrouspress.bsky.social and most of all to @seizethepress.bsky.social for believing in "Avila Beach," my weird story of severed limbs, creepy government compounds, and teenagers with no future.
For writers of weird fiction this is seriously like the Oscars. Thanks to @tenebrouspress.bsky.social and most of all to @seizethepress.bsky.social for believing in "Avila Beach," my weird story of severed limbs, creepy government compounds, and teenagers with no future.
🔥💀Announcing the Shortlist for BRAVE NEW WEIRD: The Best New Weird Horror + More Vol 4💀🔥
Congrats to everyone on this list: you're officially a BNW-nominated author! And thank you to the hundreds who submitted, as always this was excruciating to narrow down.
Weird is strong🖤☠️
tinyurl.com/yc6t5fj8
Congrats to everyone on this list: you're officially a BNW-nominated author! And thank you to the hundreds who submitted, as always this was excruciating to narrow down.
Weird is strong🖤☠️
tinyurl.com/yc6t5fj8
Announcing the Shortlist for BRAVE NEW WEIRD: The Best New Weird Horror + More, Vol. 4 — tenebrous press
tinyurl.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Yay! I made the shortlist.
For writers of weird fiction this is seriously like the Oscars. Thanks to @tenebrouspress.bsky.social and most of all to @seizethepress.bsky.social for believing in "Avila Beach," my weird story of severed limbs, creepy government compounds, and teenagers with no future.
For writers of weird fiction this is seriously like the Oscars. Thanks to @tenebrouspress.bsky.social and most of all to @seizethepress.bsky.social for believing in "Avila Beach," my weird story of severed limbs, creepy government compounds, and teenagers with no future.
Just got a hold and a very nice rejections from two pro mags. Feels great when they're stories I really believe in.
Does feel like I hit the groove at some point last year. Let's see how 2026 goes.
Does feel like I hit the groove at some point last year. Let's see how 2026 goes.
January 9, 2026 at 8:51 PM
Just got a hold and a very nice rejections from two pro mags. Feels great when they're stories I really believe in.
Does feel like I hit the groove at some point last year. Let's see how 2026 goes.
Does feel like I hit the groove at some point last year. Let's see how 2026 goes.
Amazing experience at @whitneyplantation.org near New Orleans, which centers the experience of enslaved people.
Moving artwork on the German Coast antislavery uprising of 1811—America’s largest ever—inspired by the revolution in Haiti.
Moving artwork on the German Coast antislavery uprising of 1811—America’s largest ever—inspired by the revolution in Haiti.
January 6, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Amazing experience at @whitneyplantation.org near New Orleans, which centers the experience of enslaved people.
Moving artwork on the German Coast antislavery uprising of 1811—America’s largest ever—inspired by the revolution in Haiti.
Moving artwork on the German Coast antislavery uprising of 1811—America’s largest ever—inspired by the revolution in Haiti.
I've only read 2 of the 3 stories in Nadia Bulkin's "Issues with Authority," but wow. Psychic/psychopathic Carly of "Cop Car" is beyond memorable. The rot of beauty pageants in "Your Next Best American Girl" heartbreaking.
Collection of the Year?
@nadiabulkin.bsky.social
@ghoulish.bsky.social
Collection of the Year?
@nadiabulkin.bsky.social
@ghoulish.bsky.social
December 31, 2025 at 6:23 PM
I've only read 2 of the 3 stories in Nadia Bulkin's "Issues with Authority," but wow. Psychic/psychopathic Carly of "Cop Car" is beyond memorable. The rot of beauty pageants in "Your Next Best American Girl" heartbreaking.
Collection of the Year?
@nadiabulkin.bsky.social
@ghoulish.bsky.social
Collection of the Year?
@nadiabulkin.bsky.social
@ghoulish.bsky.social
This year, wrote 20+ short stories, 7 flash, had 3 great publications, 3 set for 2026, enjoying it more than ever.
I've always struggled with writing. It's taken a willingness to sit with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings along the way to get to this point.
The only answers are in the void.
I've always struggled with writing. It's taken a willingness to sit with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings along the way to get to this point.
The only answers are in the void.
a black hole in the middle of a purple galaxy .
ALT: a black hole in the middle of a purple galaxy .
media.tenor.com
December 31, 2025 at 5:56 PM
This year, wrote 20+ short stories, 7 flash, had 3 great publications, 3 set for 2026, enjoying it more than ever.
I've always struggled with writing. It's taken a willingness to sit with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings along the way to get to this point.
The only answers are in the void.
I've always struggled with writing. It's taken a willingness to sit with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings along the way to get to this point.
The only answers are in the void.
Had one of my early stories published in Bone Parade last year.
Check out the latest issue for weird and magical fiction.
Check out the latest issue for weird and magical fiction.
Go read Issue 18 of Bone Parade! You'll find five fabulous short stories about surgically removing interior junk, crushing ladders to the moon, a mother creating a daughter on a farm of sons, a world where time is put in a blender, and bodies and bullying. Enjoy! www.boneparade.com
December 28, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Had one of my early stories published in Bone Parade last year.
Check out the latest issue for weird and magical fiction.
Check out the latest issue for weird and magical fiction.
Just picked up about three more books off this list. Merry Krampus Christmas to me.
BWAF Selects: The Best Horror Books of 2025
Phew, what a year. Your freaky friends at BWAF are going to be taking an extended break over the holidays. We’ll be seeing you in 2026, but before that, want to welcome you to our annual roll…
theblogwithoutaface.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Just picked up about three more books off this list. Merry Krampus Christmas to me.
Happy winter solstice. I feel like celebrating it with Heilung would be awesome. Check out their music if you’re not familiar with them!
#wintersolstice #heilung
#wintersolstice #heilung
Heilung Norupo [Official Music Video]
YouTube video by Heilung
youtu.be
December 21, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Happy winter solstice. I feel like celebrating it with Heilung would be awesome. Check out their music if you’re not familiar with them!
#wintersolstice #heilung
#wintersolstice #heilung
A little Novalis for your winter solstice
“To the Light a season was set; but everlasting and boundless is the dominion of the Night.”
#novalis
“To the Light a season was set; but everlasting and boundless is the dominion of the Night.”
#novalis
a black background with a lot of stars floating in the air
Alt: a black background with a lot of stars floating in the air
media.tenor.com
December 21, 2025 at 6:25 PM
A little Novalis for your winter solstice
“To the Light a season was set; but everlasting and boundless is the dominion of the Night.”
#novalis
“To the Light a season was set; but everlasting and boundless is the dominion of the Night.”
#novalis
Just got a story acceptance for one of my weird/psychological horror stories about ghosts, controlling relationships, and some cryogenically frozen organs!
Can't say where till the story comes out, but needless to say I'm pretty excited for this one sometime in 2026.
#weirdhorror
Can't say where till the story comes out, but needless to say I'm pretty excited for this one sometime in 2026.
#weirdhorror
December 19, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Just got a story acceptance for one of my weird/psychological horror stories about ghosts, controlling relationships, and some cryogenically frozen organs!
Can't say where till the story comes out, but needless to say I'm pretty excited for this one sometime in 2026.
#weirdhorror
Can't say where till the story comes out, but needless to say I'm pretty excited for this one sometime in 2026.
#weirdhorror
Apologies to the ghosts who might be reading this. But for everyone else, great advice.
December 18, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Apologies to the ghosts who might be reading this. But for everyone else, great advice.
Praise Krampus!!! I’ve been waiting on a story that I’m hoping is a good match for StP.
We're reopening to submissions on January 1st.
Writers, ready your most depressing, unnerving, dislocating, horrible stories.
Writers, ready your most depressing, unnerving, dislocating, horrible stories.
December 18, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Praise Krampus!!! I’ve been waiting on a story that I’m hoping is a good match for StP.
The timbre of melancholy. Julee Cruise.
The Nightingale
open.spotify.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:35 PM
The timbre of melancholy. Julee Cruise.
First draft done.
9000 word fantasy story about family, trauma, political violence, and the lies that bind a society together.
Should this be called a long story or a short novelette?
9000 word fantasy story about family, trauma, political violence, and the lies that bind a society together.
Should this be called a long story or a short novelette?
December 16, 2025 at 1:36 AM
First draft done.
9000 word fantasy story about family, trauma, political violence, and the lies that bind a society together.
Should this be called a long story or a short novelette?
9000 word fantasy story about family, trauma, political violence, and the lies that bind a society together.
Should this be called a long story or a short novelette?
Reposted by ZD Dochterman
Strange Horizons will be open to general fiction submissions for 48 hours beginning January 19th, 2026 at 3 p.m. UTC and ending January 21st, 2026 at 3 p.m. UTC.
There will be no cap.
See our fiction submission guidelines for more information on how to submit:
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
There will be no cap.
See our fiction submission guidelines for more information on how to submit:
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
December 15, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Strange Horizons will be open to general fiction submissions for 48 hours beginning January 19th, 2026 at 3 p.m. UTC and ending January 21st, 2026 at 3 p.m. UTC.
There will be no cap.
See our fiction submission guidelines for more information on how to submit:
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
There will be no cap.
See our fiction submission guidelines for more information on how to submit:
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
Contract signed!! Beyond excited to have my story "Istanai" coming out in March 26 in Trollbreath.
@trollbreathmag.bsky.social
A dark fantasy love story about mountain lions, static on old TVs, the jealousies that underpin friendship, and keeping revolutionary desire alive beyond death.
@trollbreathmag.bsky.social
A dark fantasy love story about mountain lions, static on old TVs, the jealousies that underpin friendship, and keeping revolutionary desire alive beyond death.
December 12, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Contract signed!! Beyond excited to have my story "Istanai" coming out in March 26 in Trollbreath.
@trollbreathmag.bsky.social
A dark fantasy love story about mountain lions, static on old TVs, the jealousies that underpin friendship, and keeping revolutionary desire alive beyond death.
@trollbreathmag.bsky.social
A dark fantasy love story about mountain lions, static on old TVs, the jealousies that underpin friendship, and keeping revolutionary desire alive beyond death.