Welcome

 

Welcome to the online home of speculative fiction author Matthew Tansek.  Stay up to speed on Matthew’s latest projects, take a peek into the creative process, and enjoy a range of short stories and flash fiction as they are released.

Free Short Fiction

If you enjoy my work consider buying me a cup of coffee to say thanks 🙂

Newest Publication

Check out all of the newest material including short stories and anthologies.

Podcasts

Terror in the Library
Full story readings of horror fiction

Discover a treasure trove of fantastic horror stories! These full story readings are in the public domain and are handpicked and produced exclusively for matthewtansek.com.

The Night Song
A six-part audio tale of nocturnal horror

Does the night wind beckon you from your window?

Does the danger of the black veil excite your soul?

There is more to the world when the sun goes down; something nameless is added as the light dies away. My name is Douglas Ingram, and for as long as I can remember I have been unable to resist the song of the crickets and the darkness just beyond my door. When the rest of the world goes quiet and turns in, I head out, but far too often I get wrapped up in the events I’m just out there to observe. I’ve learned that the greatest beauty and the greatest horrors emerge when they think nobody is watching. I’ve seen monsters that masquerade as men, I’ve heard the dead whisper and I’ve even felt the pulse of the moon. It’s about time I share these things with you, and the rest of the waking world. These are my stories…

Coming Soon!

Horrorigins
A continuing podcast examining the origins of common horror tropes

Have you ever wondered what the first occult detective story was? Or how about the first story about an invisible monster? Or killer clown? Well, you’re in the right place because in this podcast we will explore the firsts in horror literature. In each episode, we’ll take a look at the authors that first dreamed up the concept, the context of the world that the idea was born into, as well as the stories and legacy those ideas have spurred since their inception.

From the Writing Desk

Top 4 Rules for Writing a Fight Scene
So there you are writing along slinging letters at your computer screen and you come to it, that action sequence.  It's like your brain goes into a different sort of mode, actions taken on both sides seem to wrestle in weird sentences on the screen.  Half formed threats cut off by brutal acts, verbal utterances involuntarily spurt from the mouths ...
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/ How To
Fresh Beginnings 
Many people have dreams of becoming a successful writer, and I count myself among their number. But more than that I love the expression of writing and the beautiful connection a writer can have with a reader.  I have been writing things for years that no one save for close friends and family have ever laid eyes on, why?  Because ...
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/ Musings

Community

Proud member and supporter of the Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers.
Don’t be afraid…be terrified!

Contributor to LibriVox, the best resource for Opensource audio-books.