Zombie Seagulls and 13 Other Bite-Sized Nightmares!
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Warning: You'll Want to Sleep With the Lights On
Zombies, Monsters, and Myths, Oh My!—New Short Story Collection from Detroit Author
Traverse City, Michigan—Detroit native Jim Bolone is debuting his first short story collection, two years after the release of the latest installment of The Dockporter, a coming-of-age YA series co-written with Dave McVeigh.
The collection of fourteen stories invites readers to follow teens on the island as they uncover the darker side of Mackinac Island folklore — from ghastly sailors and curse-carrying bats to a cliff-dwelling, child-preying clown spirit. There’s no shortage of scares to be had within the covers of Zombie Seagulls and 13 Other Spine-Chilling Tales.
A Chilling Next Chapter
However, amidst the horrors lie the confrontation of deeper dreads. From ancient spirits seeking remembrance, facing the fear of being forgotten, and the terror of a place that thrives on its stories (and the potential sacrifice of those experiencing them), this book toys with terror — both supernaturally and psychologically. According to the author, these stories are intended to show the tension between innocence and ancient power, and showcase the idea that some places are older than morality.
Bolone, a longtime storyteller, is delving publicly into the horror scene for the first time—and is thrilled to do so.
“I love to write YA fiction and atmospheric horror rooted in real places, where folklore, the landscape, and childhood intersect,” Bolone shared. “My book is distinctive because it turns a real American vacation landmark and the Motor City (Detroit) into ancient, living mythos and it treats horror as a kind of ecology instead of chaos and gore.”
With a background in teaching creative writing in junior high schools, he often entertains his students with these tidbits of horror stories, but his relation to that stage of life is much deeper.
“I’ve always considered the lives of teens filled with challenges, emotions, and change. I often refer to my own younger life for ideas too,” he explained. “My life has been storied. I'm the youngest of seven kids. Our mom was an artist, while our father was a big band saxophonist. I majored in English, had multiple jobs during college, and met and worked with a variety of people from all over the world. These things and more fueled my mind with a desire to remember, and to write.”
He hopes that this book, set among a well-known and loved tourist and historical destination, will push readers to ask themselves: What did these places mean before they became populated, and what warnings have we ignored in the time since then?
Advanced Praise
Advance reviews from fellow literary lovers praise this collection’s success in crafting spine-chilling situations in shortform storytelling.
“Bolone’s stories cut to the quick. From woodland witches to cat-sized spiders, and more ‘Bite Sized Nightmares’ delivers knockout punches. These flash fiction pieces will lure readers with suspense and surprise. Check it out.” — Glen Young, Editor, Walloon Writers Review
“Bolone weaves a spooky tale leading young readers down a dark and foggy path that will have you bracing for the ultimate jump-scare. From ghostly clowns to haunted cottages, readers should not miss this one!”
—Laura Kemp, Amazon Best-selling Author of the Lantern Creek Series and I Paint the Sky
The Author
Jim Bolone was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and holds a B.A. in English from Wayne State University. His life path has included work as a bartender, waiter, historical interpreter, and drummer. He has shared his passion for storytelling as a junior high, creative writing teacher in Ohio. A dedicated writer, Jim has published numerous short stories and is the co-author of three best-selling novels.
The Book
Zombie Seagulls and 13 Other Bite-Sized Nightmares
Jim Bolone
90 pages, 5.5 x 8.5 inches, B/W
Ghost Stories, Zombies, Fantasy, Wizards & Witches
ISBN: 978-1-968761-25-7, $13.00 (Softcover)
Publication Date: 05/27/2026
Mission Point Press
Copies are available for preorder at Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other online retailers. On its May 27 publication date, it will be available for purchase wherever books are sold. For information or to arrange for signings and events, contact the author at jimbolone@gmail.com.
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