How Do You Feel About Queer Postapocalyptic Unicorn Westerns?

My new book, Unicorn Wasteland, will be released on November 20th from NYC-based publisher, Everybody Press.

Unicorn Wasteland By Emma Alice Johnson
Cover By Mahya Soltani

Here’s the description from the publisher’s website:

In Unicorn Wasteland, Emma Alice Johnson’s protagonist, Maria rides into the story on a unicorn, dragging behind her a wooden coffin, the contents of which are not revealed to the reader, but which she guards with her life from the terrors of the hostile world around. This is a novella that uses genre fiction elements from low-budget Western movies, fantasy novels, and science fiction monsters to tell a story about a trans woman confronting her own identity to deliver a message to her mother that she’s waited a long time to tell.

I have put a lot of work into this book, my first in over 4 years. I feel like it’s a bit of a departure from my previous writing in that there is minimal violence, but still demonstrates my love for a slimy, messy, B-movie aesthetic.

I’m also really excited about the way this book is being made. Although I have done plenty of handmade zines over the last 25 years (oh jeez! 25 years?!?!?!), this will be my first time releasing a book that’s handmade. Most of my past books have used large-scale print-on-demand (POD) tech, which is certainly fun and accessible. However, Everybody Press has their own printing facility in their home base of Brooklyn where they make the books, which will include a gold foil-stamped cover. They have put so much work into the design, look and feel of this book. It’s going to be a work of art, and the first print run will be somewhat limited. There will also be an ebook available too, and I’m hoping for an audio book too.

We’re having a book release party at Leroy’s Place in Park Slope, Brooklyn, on Saturday, November 20th. If you’re in the area, it would be really cool if you could make it. I think it’s going to be a fun time!

New Short Story: “A Centauress Walks Into A Battle” in Forbidden Futures #4

“A Centauress Walks Into A Battle,” my latest short story, is available now in the all-lady action issue of Forbidden Futures. Here’s the cover by artist Mike Dubisch:

Editor Cody Goodfellow has really gathered a heck of a batch of writers for this issue: Mehitobal Wilson, Kathe Koja, Jessica McHugh, Anna Tambour, S.P. Miskowski, Elizabeth Rayne, Ave Rose, Molly Tanzer, Anya Martin, Stefanie Elrick, Betty Rocksteady and Lisa Morton. Oh and me.

All of the stories are based on art by Mike Dubisch. Here’s the piece that inspired mine:

You can read my story online or pick up a hard copy of Forbidden Futures #4 to experience all the beautiful full color art.

New Short Story: “Rolled Up” in Zombie Punks Fuck Off

“Rolled Up,” my latest short story, is out now in the Weirdpunk Books/CLASH Books anthology Zombie Punks Fuck Off. This is a collection of stories about zombies and punks. Check out this cover by artist Michael Bukowski:

My story was inspired by John Joseph, singer of the legendary New York hardcore band the Cro-Mags. I went on a walking tour he led through Manhattan, in which he talked about ’80s New York City and told stories from his younger, crazier days. One of the stories was about a man who liked to be rolled up inside a rug and put outside of punk clubs so people could step on him. That was my starting point. I added more zombies.

Edited by Sam Richard, this one features stories by a lot of other talented authors, including David W. Barbee, Brendan Vidito, Joe Quenell, Carmilla Voiez, Danger Slater, Mark Zirbel, Leo X. Robertson, Sam Reeve, Axel Kohagen, Asher Ellis, Madison McSweeney and Nicholaus Patnaude.

Also, this is the first story published under my new, true name: Emma Alice Johnson.

Grab a copy on Amazon today.