A Quick Creative Update

Hello everyone!

I know I haven’t been posting as much lately, but that doesn’t mean things have slowed down. In fact, it’s been the exact opposite. I’ve been busy behind the scenes creating, writing, illustrating, and working on several exciting new projects that I can finally start sharing.

One of the highlights recently was participating in a local library signing event. It was a great experience meeting readers, talking about storytelling, comics, horror, and creativity, and connecting with people who have supported my work over the years. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, picked up a book, or simply came over to say hello.

Along with that, I’ve continued writing and illustrating new comic projects. A lot of time has been spent developing pages, refining artwork, building stories, and experimenting with new ideas. Some of these projects continue my love for horror and sci-fi storytelling, while others are heading in completely unexpected directions.

One of the biggest surprises is that I’ve started developing a brand-new comedy camping book. It’s a wild shift from horror in many ways, but it still carries the same strange characters, awkward situations, and chaotic energy that I love writing. The project has been incredibly fun to work on and has allowed me to explore a lighter, more comedic tone while still keeping things weird and entertaining.

I’ve also been helping design and develop Nick’s second book project, which is especially meaningful because it includes a children’s book component. Watching that project grow has been exciting, and it’s been rewarding helping shape both the visual style and overall presentation. It’s a project with a lot of heart behind it, and I think people are really going to connect with it.

Even though I’ve been quieter online lately, the creative work has absolutely continued every single day. There are more stories, comics, illustrations, and announcements on the way soon.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support the work, share the projects, attend events, and encourage creativity. More updates are coming very soon.

More Than Selling Books: An Evening of Stories, Community, and Connection at the Mt. Union Area Community Library

In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, social media feeds, and endless streams of online content, there remains something special about gathering together in person to talk about stories. Books have always been more than ink on paper. They are conversations between writers and readers, bridges between experiences, and opportunities to share pieces of ourselves with others. Recently, my son Nick and I had the opportunity to experience that firsthand during a book signing event at the Mt. Union Area Community Library.

On paper, the event might seem modest. We sold ten books. Approximately twenty people attended. We were scheduled opposite a local high school play and a sporting event, two activities that naturally draw many members of a small community. Anyone who has organized public events knows that competing against established community activities can be challenging. Yet by the end of the evening, neither Nick nor I were focused on attendance numbers or sales figures. Instead, we left with something far more meaningful: conversations, connections, encouragement, and a renewed appreciation for why we write in the first place.

The event represented more than a chance to sell books. It was an opportunity to share our creative journeys, discuss the stories that inspire us, and explain the deeply personal reasons behind the projects we create. It was a reminder that every reader matters and that meaningful conversations often happen in smaller rooms rather than crowded auditoriums.

The Mt. Union Area Community Library provided the perfect setting for such an evening. Libraries have always held a special place in the lives of writers. Long before a story becomes a published book, libraries often serve as places where imagination is born. They are places where children discover their first favorite stories, where aspiring writers learn their craft, and where communities gather to share ideas. There was something fitting about discussing our work in a building dedicated to preserving and sharing stories.

As guests arrived, the atmosphere felt welcoming and relaxed. Some attendees were longtime supporters who had followed our projects over the years. Others were meeting us for the first time. Some were curious about writing. Others were interested in publishing, illustration, comics, or storytelling in general. A few came simply because they wanted to support local authors. Regardless of their reason for attending, every person contributed to an evening filled with thoughtful discussion and genuine engagement.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was the opportunity for Nick and me to speak about our books and the journeys that led us to write them. Readers often see the finished product sitting on a shelf, but they rarely see the countless hours, revisions, frustrations, and moments of inspiration that happen behind the scenes. During the signing, we were able to pull back the curtain and share those experiences.

For me, writing has always been about storytelling. Whether creating horror novels, comics, science fiction adventures, mysteries, or children's books, the goal remains the same: tell a compelling story that connects with readers. Throughout the evening, I discussed how ideas often begin as simple questions. What if a familiar monster had a different story? What if a classic science fiction film could be reimagined as a comic book? What if humor and horror could exist side by side? Those questions frequently become the seeds from which entire books grow.

Many attendees were particularly interested in the comic projects currently in development. Comics occupy a unique space between literature and visual art. They require writers and artists to work together—or, in some cases, to become both writer and artist. I explained how illustrating comics presents challenges very different from writing prose. Every panel must tell part of the story. Every image must communicate information, emotion, and atmosphere. Readers seemed fascinated by the process of transforming scripts into finished pages.

Nick's portion of the discussion brought a different perspective to the evening. His work reflects experiences and viewpoints that are uniquely his own. As he discussed his books, attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from the person behind the words. There was a sincerity in those conversations that resonated with the audience. People were interested not only in what he wrote but why he wrote it.

That question—why—became one of the central themes of the evening.

Writers are frequently asked how they write. What software do they use? How long does a book take? Where do they find ideas? Those questions are important, but the deeper question is always why. Why spend hundreds or thousands of hours creating something that may never become a bestseller? Why continue revising drafts long after most people would have given up? Why keep creating when there are easier ways to spend one's time?

The answer is different for every writer.

For some, writing is a creative outlet. For others, it is a way of preserving memories or exploring ideas. Sometimes it is an act of entertainment. Sometimes it is an act of advocacy. Sometimes it is simply an attempt to make sense of the world.

As Nick and I spoke with attendees, it became clear that many readers connect most strongly with the motivations behind a book. They want to understand what inspired the story and what message the author hopes readers will take away. The discussions became less about selling books and more about sharing experiences.

Several audience members asked questions about the writing process itself. They wanted to know how long it takes to complete a manuscript, how we overcome writer's block, and how we decide which projects to pursue. These conversations often led to broader discussions about creativity. We talked about the importance of persistence, the reality of revision, and the fact that most successful projects begin as imperfect first drafts.

One particularly enjoyable aspect of the evening was discussing collaboration. While writing is often viewed as a solitary activity, many creative projects involve teamwork. Editors, artists, librarians, readers, family members, and friends all contribute in different ways. No book truly exists in isolation. Every story is shaped by the people who support it.

The library audience also provided valuable reminders about the importance of local communities. In an era when many authors focus exclusively on online audiences, local readers remain incredibly important. There is something uniquely rewarding about meeting people face-to-face, signing a copy of a book, and hearing directly how a story impacted someone's life. Those interactions are difficult to replicate through a computer screen.

By the end of the evening, we had sold ten books. From a purely numerical standpoint, some might view that as a modest result. Yet numbers rarely tell the whole story. Behind each book sold was a conversation. Behind each conversation was a person who chose to spend part of their evening supporting local authors, local libraries, and local creativity.

In truth, the success of the event could not be measured by sales alone. Success was found in the questions asked, the stories shared, and the connections made. Success was found in seeing community members engage with ideas, support creative work, and celebrate storytelling. Success was found in watching readers discover new books and authors. Success was found in hearing people express excitement about future projects.

As the evening came to a close and the final conversations wrapped up, both Nick and I left feeling grateful. Grateful to the Mt. Union Area Community Library for hosting the event. Grateful to the attendees who took time from busy schedules to join us despite competing activities elsewhere in the community. Grateful to everyone who purchased books, asked questions, shared encouragement, or simply listened.

Most of all, we were reminded that stories matter.

They matter because they help us connect. They matter because they preserve experiences. They matter because they inspire curiosity, empathy, and imagination. And they matter because every reader who opens a book becomes part of the story's journey.

The evening at the Mt. Union Area Community Library was not simply a book signing. It was a celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring power of storytelling. Those are things worth writing about, worth sharing, and worth continuing to build—one story, one reader, and one conversation at a time.

Comics in Progress: Returning to the Stories That Started It All

One of the biggest creative focuses for me lately has been writing and illustrating comics. Much of my time has been spent developing pages, designing layouts, refining dialogue, researching source material, and building larger story arcs that can stretch across multiple issues. Creating comics is a unique challenge because every page must work on multiple levels. The artwork tells part of the story. The dialogue tells another part. The pacing, panel design, and page turns all contribute to the reader's experience. It is a medium that constantly pushes me to think like both a writer and an artist.

While I always have several projects moving forward at once, two comic adaptations currently occupy a significant amount of my creative energy. Both projects are deeply personal because they allow me to revisit stories that played a major role in shaping my love of horror and science fiction as a child.

If It Came From Outer Space inspired my love of science fiction horror, then Don't Be Afraid of the Dark helped shape my love of pure horror. For those unfamiliar with the film, it centers around tiny creatures living within the walls of an old house. They emerge from hidden spaces and dark corners, whispering and plotting while remaining just out of sight. The creatures themselves—often called the little imps or darklings by fans—absolutely terrified me as a child. Unlike giant monsters or invading aliens, these creatures felt possible. They weren't arriving from another planet or awakening from some ancient tomb. They seemed as though they could already be living alongside us, hidden just beyond our notice.

The idea that these creatures might already be here haunted me long after the movie ended. They lived beneath staircases, inside vents, behind walls, and within the shadows that surrounded everyday life. As a child, that possibility seemed much more frightening than any giant monster attack because it felt personal and immediate. Long after watching the film, I became convinced that I occasionally caught glimpses of them out of the corner of my eye. Sometimes it would happen while walking down a hallway, while other times I thought I saw movement near a doorway. There were moments when I was certain a tiny figure had darted behind a chair or disappeared around a corner just as I turned my head. Of course, whenever I looked directly at whatever I thought I had seen, there was never anything there.

That uncertainty somehow made the experience even more frightening. If I had actually seen one, at least I would have known what I was dealing with. Instead, I was left wondering whether my imagination was creating the movement or whether something had truly been there for a split second before vanishing. I remember actively searching for them around the house. I would stare into dark corners, watch shadows, and investigate strange noises that most people would have ignored. Part of me was frightened by the possibility of finding one, but another part desperately wanted confirmation that they existed. Looking back, I realize that this combination of fear and curiosity sits at the very heart of great horror.

The best horror stories do not simply scare us; they invite us to wonder. They ask questions that linger long after the story ends. What if there really is something beneath the bed? What if there is something hiding just beyond the reach of the light? What if the movement you caught from the corner of your eye was real? The little imps from Don't Be Afraid of the Dark embodied those questions perfectly. Even now, decades later, they remain among the most effective horror creatures I have ever encountered because they transform ordinary spaces into places of mystery and dread.

As I develop the comic adaptation, I find myself revisiting those childhood fears and trying to understand why they were so powerful. My goal is not merely to recreate the original story but to expand it in meaningful ways. I want to explore the mythology of the creatures, their history, their motivations, and the hidden world they occupy beneath the surface of everyday reality. Much like the aliens from It Came From Outer Space, these creatures sparked my imagination in ways that continue to influence my work today. They represent a kind of horror rooted not in destruction, but in uncertainty. The possibility that something unseen may be watching from the darkness remains just as compelling to me now as it was when I first encountered these creatures as a child.

Every time I draw one of the aliens from It Came From Outer Space, I remember sitting in front of the television as a kid and staring into those enormous eyes.

Every time I sketch one of the little imps from Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, I remember searching dark hallways and wondering whether I had just seen something move.

Those memories continue to inspire me.

As these comics move closer to completion, I look forward to sharing previews, artwork, and behind-the-scenes looks at the creative process. More importantly, I look forward to introducing these classic stories to new readers while giving longtime fans an opportunity to revisit the worlds that first captured their imaginations.

For me, these projects, just like the TROG Series, are more than adaptations.

They are a chance to return to the stories that started it all.

Helping Create Nick’s Second Book

One of the most meaningful projects I have been involved with recently has not been one of my horror novels, comic books, or science fiction stories. Instead, it has been helping develop and design Nick’s second book project, a work that includes a children’s book component and carries a deeply personal message. While I have spent years creating stories designed to entertain, frighten, and inspire readers, this project has reminded me that some of the most powerful stories are the ones rooted in real experiences and genuine emotion.

From the beginning, this project felt different.

Every book begins with an idea. Sometimes that idea is a simple question. Sometimes it is a character, a setting, or a moment that refuses to leave a writer’s imagination. In Nick’s case, the project grew from something much more personal. It emerged from lived experiences, challenges, observations, and lessons learned through years of navigating a world that often misunderstands people who are different. Rather than focusing on monsters hiding in shadows or creatures arriving from distant worlds, this project focuses on something far more important: helping readers understand that being different does not mean being broken.

As the project developed, I found myself wearing several different hats. At times I served as an editor, helping refine ideas and shape the narrative structure. At other times I worked as a designer, considering how the visual presentation could strengthen the message. Occasionally I became a sounding board, listening to ideas, asking questions, and helping determine the most effective way to communicate what Nick wanted readers to understand. The process has been collaborative from the start, and that collaboration has become one of the most rewarding aspects of the project.

One of the reasons this book has resonated with me so strongly is because I have had the unique opportunity to witness the experiences that inspired it. As a parent, there are moments when you see your child struggle with things that other people may never notice. You see the victories that go uncelebrated, the obstacles that remain invisible to outsiders, and the strength required to navigate challenges that many people take for granted. Those experiences shape not only the individual living them but also the family members who walk beside them.

The project’s children’s book component is particularly important because it approaches these ideas through a lens of understanding and compassion. Children are naturally curious. They notice differences. They ask questions. Unfortunately, the answers they receive sometimes teach them that different means wrong, strange, or less valuable. One of the goals of this book is to challenge those assumptions and encourage a healthier perspective. Rather than teaching children to fear or judge differences, the story encourages them to see value, strength, and beauty in the qualities that make each person unique.

As we worked on the project, we spent considerable time discussing audience. Writing for children presents challenges very different from writing for adults. Complex ideas must be communicated clearly and honestly without becoming overly simplistic. The message must remain accessible while still carrying emotional weight. The best children's books accomplish something remarkable: they speak to young readers while simultaneously offering meaningful insights to parents, teachers, and caregivers. That balance became one of our primary goals throughout the development process.

Another important aspect of the project has been the visual storytelling. Because the book includes a strong illustrated component, every image carries responsibility. Illustrations are not merely decorative additions; they become part of the narrative itself. Children often study pictures before they read words. Sometimes they understand emotions, relationships, and themes through artwork long before they fully comprehend the text. As a result, every design choice matters. Character expressions, color palettes, backgrounds, and visual symbolism all contribute to the overall experience.

One of the most rewarding parts of helping create this book has been watching the project evolve from an initial concept into something much larger. Like many creative works, it began as a simple idea. Over time, that idea grew into conversations about identity, belonging, resilience, empathy, and self-worth. Each draft revealed new opportunities to strengthen the message and deepen the emotional impact. Every revision brought the project closer to becoming the book it was meant to be.

What makes this project especially meaningful is its potential impact on families. Stories have the power to create conversations that might otherwise never happen. A parent reading a book with their child may discover new ways to discuss difficult topics. A child who feels isolated may see themselves reflected in the story and realize they are not alone. A teacher may use the book to help students better understand one another. Those possibilities give the project a significance that extends far beyond the pages themselves.

Throughout the process, I have also been reminded of the importance of representation. For many years, children's literature often focused on characters who fit a relatively narrow set of experiences. While that has begun to change, there remains tremendous value in creating stories that reflect the diversity of human experiences. When children see themselves in books, they gain confidence and validation. When they see people different from themselves, they gain understanding and empathy. Both outcomes are equally important.

The project has also reinforced something I have long believed about storytelling. The strongest stories are often the most personal. Readers connect with authenticity. They can sense when a story comes from a genuine place. They recognize honesty. While fantasy, horror, and science fiction remain some of my favorite genres, even those stories work best when they contain authentic emotional truths. Nick’s project is built on those truths. Its message is not manufactured or designed around trends. It grows directly from experiences that matter.

As someone who spends much of his time creating horror and speculative fiction, working on this book has provided an interesting contrast. Many of my projects explore fear, uncertainty, and the unknown. This project, however, focuses on understanding, acceptance, and hope. Yet despite their differences, I have discovered that they share a common purpose. Whether writing about aliens, monsters, or real-life experiences, the goal remains the same: help readers see the world from a different perspective. Good stories expand our understanding of ourselves and others.

One of my favorite moments during the development process has been watching ideas click into place. Sometimes a single sentence suddenly captures a concept perfectly. Sometimes an illustration communicates an emotion more effectively than a paragraph ever could. Sometimes a conversation leads to a breakthrough that strengthens the entire project. Those moments remind me why I love the creative process. They are small victories that gradually build toward something larger.

As the book continues to move forward, I find myself increasingly excited about its future. I believe readers will connect not only with its message but also with its sincerity. The project approaches important topics without preaching. It invites reflection without assigning blame. Most importantly, it encourages readers to recognize the value that exists within every individual.

For families, the book offers an opportunity to start meaningful conversations. For children, it provides reassurance that differences are not flaws. For educators, it offers a tool for discussing empathy and inclusion. And for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood, it serves as a reminder that they are not alone.

Looking back, helping create Nick’s second book has become one of the most fulfilling creative experiences I have had in recent years. While I am proud of the novels, comics, and horror stories I have written, this project occupies a special place in my heart because of what it represents. It is a collaboration rooted in family, built on real experiences, and driven by a desire to help others.

The project still has work ahead of it, but its message remains clear. Being different is not something that needs to be fixed. The qualities that make us stand out are often the very qualities that help us shine. If readers take away that lesson, then the countless hours spent developing, designing, revising, and refining this book will have been well worth it.

In the end, that is what makes this project so meaningful. It is not simply another book. It is an opportunity to share a message of understanding, acceptance, and hope with readers who may need it most. And for that reason alone, helping bring Nick’s vision to life has been an experience I will never forget.

A CAMPY New Comedy Camping Book

One of the newest projects currently taking shape is a comedy camping book, and it has quickly become one of the most enjoyable writing experiences I have had in years. Many readers know me primarily through horror novels, monster stories, science fiction adventures, and comics filled with strange creatures and mysterious happenings. While elements of those genres will always remain close to my heart, this project allows me to step into an entirely different type of storytelling. Instead of focusing on terror, suspense, and the unknown, this book embraces humor, chaos, awkward situations, and the kind of disasters that seem to follow certain people wherever they go.

At its core, the story is about a camping trip gone spectacularly wrong.

Most people have experienced some version of this idea. You plan a relaxing weekend in nature. You imagine beautiful scenery, peaceful campfires, unforgettable memories, and a chance to escape the stress of everyday life. Then reality arrives. It rains. The tent collapses. Someone forgets an important piece of equipment. The food attracts unwanted visitors. Directions get lost. Tempers flare. Somehow, the simple act of spending time outdoors transforms into a comedy of errors.

This book takes those familiar experiences and pushes them to ridiculous extremes.

The story follows a group of characters whose confidence dramatically exceeds their actual camping abilities. Every decision they make seems logical in the moment, yet somehow leads to consequences no reasonable person could have predicted. What begins as a straightforward camping trip quickly spirals into a series of increasingly absurd adventures involving wildlife, weather, missing supplies, strange local legends, unexpected rivalries, and enough misunderstandings to fill an entire forest.

One of the reasons I have enjoyed writing this project so much is because comedy operates differently than horror. In horror, much of the tension comes from asking, "What terrible thing might happen next?" In comedy, the question often becomes, "How much worse can this situation possibly get?" The answer, of course, is usually much worse than anyone expects.

Throughout the writing process, I have found myself laughing at scenes long before they are finished. Characters constantly find new ways to complicate simple problems. Minor inconveniences evolve into full-blown catastrophes. Plans fall apart almost immediately. Yet somehow the group continues forward, convinced that success is just around the corner. Their determination often becomes just as funny as their failures.

What makes the project especially rewarding is the cast of characters. Every good comedy depends on personalities that clash in entertaining ways. Some characters believe they are experts despite having very little practical knowledge. Others are overly cautious and anticipate disaster around every corner. Some are enthusiastic dreamers, while others spend most of their time wondering why they agreed to participate in the first place. Individually they are amusing, but together they create the kind of chemistry that drives the entire story.

As I developed the book, I realized that many of the funniest moments emerge from character interactions rather than elaborate jokes. Humor often grows naturally when different personalities are forced into difficult situations. A confident character making bad decisions can be funny. A nervous character reacting to those decisions can be even funnier. When both characters are wrong for completely different reasons, the possibilities become endless.

Another aspect of the project that has surprised me is how much heart exists beneath the humor. While the story is designed to make readers laugh, it is also about friendship, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of shared experiences. Many of life's most memorable moments occur when things do not go according to plan. The disasters become the stories we tell years later. The mistakes become family legends. The mishaps become the moments we remember most clearly.

That idea sits at the center of the book.

The characters may spend much of the story dealing with one crisis after another, but those challenges ultimately bring them together. Every setback becomes another story. Every failure becomes another memory. By the end of the journey, the adventure they actually experienced proves far more memorable than the perfect trip they originally imagined.

The camping setting also provides countless opportunities for visual humor and creative storytelling. Forests are full of possibilities. There are strange sounds in the middle of the night. Unfamiliar animals wandering through campsites. Unexpected weather changes. Mysterious trails that seem like good ideas until they are not. Even ordinary camping equipment can become a source of comedy when placed in the wrong hands.

In many ways, nature becomes a character itself.

The wilderness is not hostile, but it is completely indifferent to the group's plans. The forest does not care about schedules. The weather does not care about expectations. Wildlife certainly does not care about carefully prepared itineraries. This creates a perfect environment for comedic conflict because the characters are constantly trying to impose order on situations that refuse to cooperate.

Although this project represents a departure from straight horror, readers familiar with my work will still recognize elements of my storytelling style. I have always enjoyed stories that blend the ordinary with the bizarre. I love characters who find themselves facing situations they never expected. I enjoy exploring the gap between what people think will happen and what actually happens. Those interests remain present throughout this book, even if the tone is significantly lighter.

In fact, there are moments when the story almost feels like horror's comedic cousin. A strange noise outside a tent can be terrifying in one story and hilarious in another. A mysterious shadow moving through the woods can create suspense or laughter depending on the circumstances. Many scenes begin with the structure of a horror setup before veering sharply into absurdity. Those moments have been especially fun to write because they allow me to play with reader expectations.

The project has also given me an opportunity to explore a different creative voice. Writers often become associated with specific genres, but creativity thrives when we challenge ourselves. Working on this book has reminded me how valuable it can be to step outside familiar territory. Comedy requires different rhythms, different pacing, and different storytelling instincts than horror. Learning to navigate those differences has been both challenging and rewarding.

At the same time, the project reinforces something I have always believed: good stories are ultimately about people. Whether a story features monsters, aliens, ghosts, detectives, or campers, readers connect with characters first. They care about relationships. They care about personalities. They care about emotional journeys. The genre may change, but those fundamentals remain the same.

As development continues, the story continues to grow in unexpected directions. New scenes emerge. Characters reveal surprising aspects of themselves. Running jokes evolve into major plot points. What began as a simple idea about a disastrous camping trip has expanded into something much larger, filled with memorable personalities and increasingly outrageous situations.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the process is imagining readers experiencing these moments for the first time. I can already picture families reading certain scenes aloud and laughing together. I can imagine readers recognizing pieces of their own camping experiences in the story. While most people have probably never faced quite the level of chaos found in this book, many will recognize the feeling of watching a perfectly reasonable plan unravel in spectacular fashion.

That shared experience is part of what makes comedy so powerful. Humor connects people. It reminds us that everyone makes mistakes. Everyone experiences embarrassment. Everyone occasionally finds themselves in situations they could never have anticipated. By laughing at fictional characters navigating these challenges, we often find ourselves laughing at our own experiences as well.

For now, the project remains a work in progress, but it has already become one of the most enjoyable creative journeys I have undertaken in recent years. It offers a chance to explore new storytelling territory while still embracing the strange energy, memorable characters, and unexpected twists that I love as a writer.

More details, previews, and updates will be coming soon. Until then, let's just say that if this story teaches readers anything, it may be this: sometimes the worst camping trip imaginable makes the best story imaginable.

Reader Challenge – February

Post a photo of your GilliGoree book collection and tag GilliGoree Press.
One randomly selected reader will receive a signed bookplate.

Try This…Ask the Author

Have a question you’ve always wanted to ask? Wonder how a story came together, why a character made that decision, or what inspired a particular scene? This is your invitation.

Readers are encouraged to reach out with questions, thoughts, or reflections on any of the books—Dumb Luck and Dead Things, In a Nutshell, or John’s Tale: Living on a Prayer. Whether it’s about writing, themes, characters, or the real-life stories behind the pages, your questions help shape future conversations and content.

Selected questions may be answered in upcoming newsletters, on the website, or in special behind-the-scenes features. This is a chance to be part of the creative dialogue—not just a reader, but a voice in the ongoing story.

To submit a question or message, reply to this newsletter or use the contact form on the website. Sharing your email also ensures you’ll receive updates, early announcements, and exclusive content.

Stories are meant to be shared.
Let’s keep the conversation going.

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Finally...In Closing!

The stories continue, and that is perhaps the most exciting part of this entire journey. Some are filled with monsters lurking in forgotten shadows, waiting just beyond the edge of the firelight. Others follow travelers from distant stars searching for a way home across impossible distances. Some explore the fears that hide beneath childhood memories, while others embrace the chaos, laughter, and unexpected adventures that come from a camping trip gone terribly wrong. No matter the genre or setting, each story begins with a simple idea and grows into a world of its own. Those worlds continue to evolve, surprising even me as they take shape.

What excites me most is that all of these worlds continue to grow. New books are being written, new comics are being illustrated, and new characters are finding their voices. New collaborations are taking shape as creative people come together to build something larger than any one project. Every day brings another page, another sketch, another idea, and another step forward. While social media updates may come and go, the creative work never truly stops. Behind every project you see is a collection of late nights, rough drafts, revisions, conversations, and moments of inspiration slowly becoming something real.

The worlds are expanding, and with every new story they become richer and more connected. The gates are thinning, revealing new possibilities and unexplored corners of imagination. The void is patient, waiting quietly beyond the edges of what we already know. Somewhere between the stars, the shadows, the campfires, and the pages yet unwritten, there are still countless stories waiting to be discovered. Some will be thrilling, some will be strange, and some may be a little unsettling. All of them are invitations to explore something new.

Thank you for being part of the journey and for supporting Gilligoree Press along the way. Thank you for reading the books, sharing the stories, attending events, encouraging creativity, and helping these projects find their audience. Independent publishing is built on community, and I never take that support for granted. Every recommendation, review, conversation, and shared post helps these stories reach someone new. Your enthusiasm and encouragement make it possible to keep creating and keep growing. For that, I am deeply grateful.

There is much more ahead in the months and years to come. There will be more books, more comics, more illustrations, and more strange worlds waiting to be explored. There will be more adventures, more unexpected discoveries, and, of course, more monsters. The work continues, and so does the excitement of bringing new ideas to life. I look forward to sharing those creations with you as they emerge from sketches, notes, and rough drafts into finished stories. The best part is knowing that this journey is far from over.

Until next time, keep reading, keep imagining, and keep looking just a little too long into the darkness. You never know what might be looking back.

— Brett A. Gilliland
Gilligoree Press