Hi, it’s me!

My name is KC Grifant, and, given the launch of my Weird West book, Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger (Feb 2023, Brigids Gate Press), I thought it was time to share a bit about myself and why I started the Weird West Fiction author series.

I first became seriously interested in the Weird West genre after I moved to the southwest and started to play the card game Doomtown: Reloaded, an LCG based on the Deadlands universe. The game is full of diverse and interesting characters in a mystical Old West setting, which piqued my intrigue. I won regional tournaments and eventually wrote several official fiction pieces to accompany new cards.

Since then, I created my own Weird West universe featuring reoccurring characters in short stories published in anthologies and magazines, including on the cover for Andromeda Spaceways magazine. Eventually, I wrote an epic adventure featuring these characters that I am thrilled to share in Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger (details below).

Why a Weird West website?

I firmly believe the “Weird West” genre has vast potential for fascinating takes on this iconic and gruesome period in American history. I started collecting information for my own knowledge–lists of related resources, authors, books, tips–and thought, why not compile these all in one place and share my love of the Weird West with others? I quickly realized this would also be a great way to showcase diverse writers and get this subgenre on the radar of new readers.

One of the best things about launching this website has been getting to know so many interesting and creative Weird West authors. I encourage you to peruse the spotlight series, where you’re find talented writers blending Old West aesthetics with fantasy, sci-fi, horror and other elements.

About MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER

In an Old West riddled with monsters, a stoic gunslinger finds herself on a dangerous quest to save her friends and stop a supernatural war.

Sharpshooter Melinda West, 29, has encountered more than her share of supernatural creatures after a monster infection killed her mother. With her charismatic partner, Lance, the duo offers their monster-exterminating services to desperate towns, fighting everything from giant flying scorpions to psychic bugs. But when they accidentally release a vengeful demon, they must travel across treacherous lands to track a dangerous outlaw and battle a menagerie of creatures—all before an army of soul-devouring demons descend on Earth.

The Witcher meets Supernatural meets Bonnie and Clyde in a re-imagined Old West full of diverse characters, desolate landscapes, and fast-paced adventure.

Purchase or learn more.