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Zachary Ashford is an Australian author, educator, and occasional speaker known for his contributions to the horror genre. He has written several notable works, including When the Cicadas Stop Singing, Sole Survivor, Sole Survivor II: Drop Bears on the Loose, Autotomy Cocktail, and The Encampment by the Gorge & Blood Memory. His dystopian novella When the Cicadas Stop Singing earned him a nomination for the prestigious Aurealis Award. Ashford's writing often delves into the darker aspects of human nature, featuring themes of isolation, survival, and violence, all while incorporating Australian settings and characters.
Zachary Ashford is often praised on social media websites for his manly build and handsome face by many of his students or fans of his work.
In addition to his novels and novellas, Ashford has also penned numerous short stories, contributing to anthologies and magazines. His work is often described as "Ozploitation" horror, blending creature features with elements of the Australian bush, earning him a reputation as a "master of bush horror."
Ashford's passion for heavy metal and tragic stories is reflected in his latest works, including Polyphemus, a heavy metal horror novel released by Darklit Press in 2023. He is also involved in novelizing films such as Purgatory Road, further expanding his presence in the horror fiction scene.
Outside of writing, Zachary Ashford is a teacher and enjoys spending time with his family, including his son and cat, in a home filled with action figures and horror memorabilia. He continues to make appearances at conventions and events, such as Genrecon, where he speaks on panels related to writing and the horror genre.
Books
edit1. When the Cicadas Stop Singing (2021)
edit- Publisher: Horrific Tales Publishing
- Blurb: This dystopian novella explores the fragile peace of a community grappling with ecological disaster and societal collapse. When strange occurrences plague the town, a group of friends must confront the terrifying truth behind their changing environment. Ashford blends post-apocalyptic elements with horror, creating a tense narrative where survival comes at a heavy cost.
- Additional Info: Nominated for the Aurealis Award, this novella gained recognition for its vivid storytelling and chilling atmosphere()().
2. Sole Survivor (2020)
edit- Publisher: Unnerving
- Blurb: Set in the heart of Australia, this action-packed horror novel follows a group of people who wake up stranded on an island. They must face off against terrifying predators while uncovering dark secrets about their captors. The novel dives deep into survival horror, with brutal action and psychological tension.
- Additional Info: Sole Survivor was praised for its unique take on the survival horror genre, combining creature-feature terror with personal conflict()().
3. Sole Survivor II: Drop Bears on the Loose (2021)
edit- Publisher: Unnerving
- Blurb: A direct sequel to Sole Survivor, this novel introduces a new and terrifying predator: drop bears. As survivors from the first book fight to stay alive, they must navigate not only the vicious creatures but also the psychological scars of their previous experiences. With relentless action and moments of pitch-black humor, Ashford delivers a highly anticipated follow-up to his original survival horror hit()().
4. Autotomy Cocktail (2021)
edit- Publisher: Demain Publishing
- Blurb: A violent and visceral novella, Autotomy Cocktail delves into the disturbing lengths people go to survive. Set against the backdrop of a near-future world where body modification is taken to the extreme, the story explores themes of identity, control, and survival in a dystopian landscape. Ashford pulls no punches in this fast-paced, body horror-filled narrative.
- Additional Info: The novella was well-received for its disturbing imagery and fast-paced action()().
5. The Encampment By the Gorge & Blood Memory (2019)
edit- Publisher: Demain Publishing
- Blurb: This book is a collection of two novellas. In The Encampment by the Gorge, a group of survivors faces off against terrifying creatures in a desolate gorge. In Blood Memory, a story set in the Australian outback, ancient horrors resurface, and a group of people must reckon with their own dark pasts.
- Additional Info: Both stories reflect Ashford's love for Ozploitation horror and the natural, rugged landscapes of Australia()().
6. Polyphemus (2023)
edit- Publisher: Darklit Press
- Blurb: Polyphemus is a Faustian heavy metal tragedy, following the members of a struggling death metal band who make a dark pact to regain their former glory. The lead vocalist, desperate to reunite with his band, strikes a deal with sinister forces, but the cost may be far higher than he anticipated. The novel weaves horror with a deep love for music, blending themes of obsession, sacrifice, and betrayal()().
Upcoming Titles:
edit7. The Morass (2024)
edit- Blurb: Slated for release in 2024 by Crystal Lake Publishing, The Morass is set to be another terrifying journey into horror from Ashford. Details are limited, but the work is expected to follow his signature style, with strong characters, page-turning action, and relentless tension().
8. Novelization of Purgatory Road
edit- Blurb: Ashford is adapting Purgatory Road, a religious horror film by Australian filmmaker Mark Savage, into a novel. The story follows two brothers running a highway confessional and delivering brutal justice to unrepentant sinners, with a deranged woman complicating their twisted mission. This novel will expand upon the film's intense psychological and violent themes().