And the Winner of the Christmas Contest is…

Me! That’s right, I wrote the best story this contest!

Okay, I’m pulling your leg. There were a number of superior stories to my own, and truth be told, it was difficult picking a winner. There were – quite literally – at least 10 submissions that could have earned the prize. Ultimately I had to narrow it down to two that really, really got me.

Matthew Weber’s, Bobby’s Holiday Wish List was absolutely brilliant. Sharp, edgy as all hell and quite bleak, I loved the story. A lot. But one other offering completely floored me. I’m talking reached inside of my core and tugged at my inner fibers. In fact, I won’t lie to you for a second: The story brought a tear to my eye. That story was submitted by Richard Farren Barber, and it’s titled, Last Christmas.

This is a deeply moving piece, anchored by a melancholy message and a tone so dark it’s impossible to deny the impact it carries. It’s not a piece that screams outright vile terror, it’s a piece that screams real life fear. Fear of the unknown and fear of utter hopelessness. It’s a terrifying and gut wrenching creation, and it certainly deserves the win.

Congratulations Richard. Your writing is amazing, and I’m honored to not only hook you up with some money and some goodies, I’m honored to have you appear in this book alongside some fantastic authors like Joe R. Lansdale, Terry M. West, Thomas Cavazos, Robin Dover, Jonathan D. Nichols, Glenn Rolfe and more.

Please send me a reminder email to darioargento81@live.com with your paypal address and your shipping address. I’ll get your payment put through by Friday!