Hello Everyone,
It’s been quite a week. We’ve made it to 2026 and I’m extremely grateful. It’s been a hell of a year. I have a variety of topics ranging from exciting, to somber, to random that I’ll be covering in this letter. I suppose I should just get to it.
It is with great excitement that we release the eighth issue of The Obituaries, “DARK TIMES”, featuring our very special guest author Brian Keene! But we’re releasing it with a heavy heart too.
Nick Justus has done three covers for this series, including this issue, and supplied interior illustrations for nearly every issue. He is the house artist for The Obituaries, and has also created art for many of our solo projects. We regret to inform you that Nick’s mother, Renee W. Smith, her son’s greatest advocate and proud supporter of The Obituaries, has passed away.
We offer our deepest condolences to Nick and his family. We’re all so grateful to have Nick’s talent on full display for countless projects and we’re touched that Renee read our stories. In her honor, we are donating a portion of the proceeds from “DARK TIMES” to assist Nick with funeral expenses. So, if you are able to get one of these issues and help spread the word, it is greatly appreciated.
It is difficult to talk excitedly about the details of the issue during such a heavy moment, but here are some things we’re proud of:
Horror legend Brian Keene is our guest of honor for this issue! Everyone involved was ecstatic to have the opportunity to work with him. We thank Keene for his incredible story, which helped inspire the issue’s theme, and his willingness to sign them.
Each author’s story is brand new and exclusive to this issue.
“Dark Times” is limited to three hundred numbered and signed paperbacks. Signatures include Brian Keene, Daniel J. Volpe, Kristopher Triana, and Aron Beauregard. While “DARK TIMES” may be released wide in a future collection, this is the only chance to get a signed version.
We’d like to thank everyone for your continued support! Appreciations to the great Brian Keene for his contributions to this issue. To Nick Justus, thanks again for your profound contributions to The Obituaries. You are as much a part of this series as any of us.
I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has checked out my latest book “Homewreckers.” As bleak and dark as it is, I really enjoyed writing it and think the story and some of the plot twists are some of my finest yet. If you haven’t check it out yet and are looking for a challenge that’s heavy and dark, I’d recommend checking it out. Right now, it’s available in the following formats. To grab a copy, click the below link of the version you desire:
Each day is never going to be perfect, but I feel the need to remind myself that each day is a gift. It’s an opportunity to do what I love and try to learn from the bumpy path I’ve wandered down. Occasionally, I will squander a day; get worked up over pointless shit that really is never going to change. I might let something stupid ruin my day, but make no mistake, I know that I’m doing it to myself. That’s it’s because, at times, I’m weak-minded. Right now, more than any time in history, we’re bombarded with endless minutia. But this stuff is more than just pointless content, it’s a targeted attack.
How many mindless videos can we watch in a day? How many rage-bait posts can we scoff at or comment on—or worse, think about in our heads until we’ve exhausted ourselves?
The answer is there is no cap.
It all depends on how much we welcome into our orbit, or how deeply rooted our phone addicts are. I write this only to highlight something for anyone who might be interested: we’re fortunate enough to have the ability to unplug still. Someday, this garbage will probably be pumped directly into our brains. Someday, I imagine there will be no escaping . . .
There’s a relevant horror story worth exploring.
But today, we still have the ability to separate ourselves from the malicious algorithms and the divisive content. To leave the anger and hatred in the digital realm and take the opportunities to speak to the people in reality who have impacted our lives. I’ve said it many times in this newsletter before: I will never tell my readers how to think. This isn’t an absolute statement, it’s merely food for thought.
Some people are happy living in an online bubble. While I don’t relate to it, I can also see the good side. I made several real-life friendships and even business partnerships because of the ripple effect of online communities and social media. I would not have a career as a horror writer without these tools and the support from people online.
But in light of recent events and thinking about my own life, it’s only fair to remember that balance is good. And separation from pessimistic forces (the online drama, the constant arguments that no one can win, the people who just ooze negativity) is healthy. This is why—despite having recently released a book—I’ve stepped away from socials and taken a break. It can be draining, and the burnout is real.
When I quit my job several years ago to write full-time, I thought my stress levels would be greatly reduced. While that was true to some extent, I think they were more so replaced rather than reduced. I don’t write this looking for pity, it’s just window into the reality of writing for a living. In this occupation, we’re forced to be online a lot because, as authors, we have to be visible.
While I remain grateful for every reader who picks up one of my books, I must apologize if I have not been able to respond to every comment or message. In some ways, the popularity in my work is a gift and a curse. I get so many interactions online that it becomes impossible to follow up on them all.
Just know that I’m grateful for every day of this, for every reader, and for every review. Thank you for allowing me to do what I love for a living.
I want to thank everyone for their support. Whether it’s reading my work, excitedly sharing it, or criticizing it, I’m grateful. I truly hope that everyone has an amazing holiday and gets to spend some fun time with family and friends. I’m looking forward to seeing what you guys think of Homewreckers! Be sure to tag me in your online reviews!
Aron Beauregard is the TWO-TIME Splatterpunk Award-winning author of such atrocities as The Slob, Playground, All Smiles Until I Return, Modern Hysteria, Yellow, and countless others.
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