In February 2023, MONSTORM: A Charity Anthology of Horror was released by Madness Heart Press. More than two years later, this collection continues to resonate—not only for the chilling stories it contains, but for the real-world storm that inspired it. I’m honored that my short story, “Waiting Out the Storm,” was included in this powerful project born of both destruction and hope.

When Horror Meets Humanity

Storms are nature at her most primal—untamed, savage, and indifferent. MONSTORM captures that raw energy in 20 terrifying stories from both seasoned horror veterans and new voices. These tales explore what happens when storms—hurricanes, blizzards, and gales—rip away the surface of civilization and reveal something darker underneath.

But MONSTORM is more than a horror anthology. It was a direct response to Hurricane Ian, which struck South Florida in the fall of 2022 with devastating force. Homes and businesses were obliterated. Recovery was—and remains—painfully slow. This collection was created to give something back. All proceeds from MONSTORM went to the All Faiths Food Bank, an organization serving the Florida communities hardest hit by the storm.

As the synopsis puts it:

“Storms will always come. What matters most is how we respond to them.”

Waiting Out the Storm: A Personal Contribution

My short story, “Waiting Out the Storm,” was written with the dangers of mother nature in mind and found it to be a great fit for this collection. It follows a character who finds himself emotionally and physically trapped during a violent tempest, where the greatest danger may not be what’s outside, but what’s festering within. It’s a tale about dread, isolation, and the slow erosion of certainty—something many of us in Florida felt during and after Ian’s fury.

For me, this story became a way to channel helplessness into something creative and—hopefully—cathartic for readers.

The Power of Community Through Horror

MONSTORM stands as a reminder that horror isn’t just about fear—it’s about resilience. The collection has received praise for its variety and emotional depth, earning a 4.3-star rating on Amazon, with readers calling it “a great horror charity anthology” and lauding its powerful themes.

When readers support MONSTORM, they’re not only diving into some gripping, storm-fueled horror—they’re also helping real people rebuild their lives.

Still Available to Read—and Support

If you haven’t had a chance to pick up MONSTORM, it’s not too late. You can find the anthology at the following retailers:

🌀 Buy from Madness Heart Press

🌀 Buy on Amazon

Whether you’re a horror enthusiast, a Floridian, or someone who simply believes in the power of storytelling to heal, I encourage you to read “Waiting Out the Storm” and the other haunting stories within this collection.

Thanks for standing with us—and for supporting horror with heart.