After uncovering a sinister ritual in an abandoned factory, Jay and his friends are the only hope to save their small town from the supernatural forces brewing there. Season 1 of Mezzanine ***** When Jay moves to Sycamore Falls at the beginning of his senior year of high school, the last thing he expects is suddenly developing the ability to read minds. As if knowing everyone's darkest thoughts isn't bad enough, things get worse when Jay finds a group of cloaked figures-seemingly brainwashed-taking part in a strange ritual within an abandoned factory at the edge of town. Along with Carter, his only friend, and Lola, the mysterious girl he can't help but be drawn to, Jay investigates. As the group unravels the secrets of the factory and their town, they find themselves in danger from the sinister supernatural forces that might have been best left undisturbed forever. WARNING: This story contains depictions of violence, strong language, bullying, reference to drug and alcohol use, and content that may be shocking to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

[2021 WATTYS WINNER] It's summer for Mikey Marks, and that means everything is about to change. Usually, that would mean preparing for college, going to watch movies in the park with her best-friend-slash-sibling Roux, and an endless ray of sunshine over their small Florida town. Fate has other plans for her, though. Fate and biology. When Mikey grows a pair of horns and finds out she's half-demon, she tracks down her father at a local gas station and demands answers. As it turns out, Doug the demon is totally willing to help her rectify this situation. Together, the three of them set out on a road trip to a theme park in Nevada, where Doug has a friend who can help. That's not all, though. Things won't stop going wrong-- accidental cannibalism, Roux almost drowning, facing down demons wearing Mikey's face... Mikey has a lot to figure out, and she had better do it quick.

With no other option but to run, two brothers take to the road in a stolen Cadillac. Cops, child protective services, the shady government agency that's hunting them, their troubled past...the list of what they're running from could go on and on. Their journey takes them across the American west, through the empty and hollow places, and perhaps to the very edge of what they know of as reality. Along the way they encounter friend and foe, ghost towns that spread, zombie dogs, and whatever...*that* is in the backseat.

***Winner of the Wattys 2016 for Hidden Gems*** The Edgewise exists everywhere and nowhere. A sanctuary to all realms, should you find the door. Managed by one Macklemore Edgewise, proprietor, guardian of the between places, and barman of mystery. If the tavern accepts you, abide by the rules. 1. Leave all conflicts outside. 2. No murdering one another. Occasional maiming and righteous wounding exempt. 3. Never leave the door open. There's no telling what will sneak in. Cover art by Krazydiamond

An aspiring eighteen-year-old author realizes she is a character in an unwritten horror novel and must use her storytelling knowledge to survive. ***** Eighteen-year-old romance writer, Ima Jean Paige, questions the afterlife following the recent death of her brother, leading her and her friends Zeke Garble, Felicity Weiland, and Atem Tahir to the remote Ayahuasca forests for a private spiritual retreat. Although her search is for the meaning of life and beyond, she discovers an odd story outline in her notebook detailing and predicting the night's unsettling and bizarre happenings. Realizing they are characters in an unwritten horror novel, she must rely on the notebook and her storytelling abilities to not only gain control of her life but somehow steer the narrative toward a happily ever after. For fans of The Cabin in the Woods, Midsommar, and The Babadook! ***** TRIGGER & CONTENT WARNING: For references of suicide, drugs and alcohol, and mild sexual content ***** || Wattys Awards 2022 Wattpad WEBTOON Studios Entertainment Prize Winner (for film and/or television adaptation) || || Wattys Awards 2022 Horror Winner || || Wattys Shortlist 2022 || || AmbyAwards Horror Winner 2022 || || Editor's Pick 2022 || || NaNoWriMo Winner 2021 || - - Copyright © 2021 by L.L. Sanders

Paranelope, a ghost hunter who's been cancelled for faking evidence, must discover the truth behind a local cryptid in order to clear her name. -- Penelope, better known as the ghost hunter PARANELOPE to her millions of followers, has only ever wanted one thing: to find solid, irrefutable proof of the supernatural. But when her ex-boyfriend outs all of her evidence as fake, her fans and the rest of the Internet are quick to turn on her. Now not only is Penelope betrayed, heartbroken, and #cancelled... She's not sure what to believe in anymore. Seeking refuge, Penelope lands in the quiet little mountain town of Ridgestone, far away from the city and reliable cell service. But Ridgestone isn't as quiet as it first appeared, and washed-up influencers aren't the only thing haunting its surrounding woods. The little town is home to a cryptid, a legendary monster, just like the ones she used to hunt. A monster that seems particularly interested in Penelope. If only someone would believe her... Rankings ------------ Featured on the Front Page Featured in Don't Get Ghosted #1 in #Paranormal #1 in #Cryptid #1 in #Creature #1 in #FolkHorror #2 in #Ghost

When his vampire blood begins to poison him, dhampir Elio Starling falls into hallucinations. As the delusions get darker, and the line between reality and dreams blurs, he believes he is losing his mind. There is only one soul he can confide in, a mermaid and part-time lover named Lux who suffers from an intolerance to the cold. Unable to live in open waters and fearful of the outside world, she refuses to leave the villa she shares with Lio. When Elio meets Zillah in a bar he frequents, he is instantly captivated and will do anything to get close. But the young stranger plays a dangerous game of cat and mouse and pulls Lio into a world of wicked delights, opium dens, prostitutes, and violence. Prompts used: 43. You have waited a thousand years to find your true love, what's one more day? 51. The problem with red flags is that I'm attracted to them Welcome to my ONC entry! Following tradition, the title of my story has a name/nickname in it. This is my 6th year entering and my 8th story! I've been short-listed 3 times and have enjoyed every year, every story, every new friend made. I hope you'll enjoy My Dark Beloved. Comments and feedback are more than welcome. Now for the disclaimer: dark stuff involved ( drugs, alcohol, cursing, sex, violence, murder, blood, mental health issues, etc.). This story is rated Mature but stays within the guidelines. This tale has been influenced by Lost Souls, Velvet Goldmine, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and a whole bunch of other amazing, dark, and deep stories and movies I've read and seen over the years. My story is only available on Wattpad. If you see it elsewhere, know I haven't put it up or OKed it. Updates whenever. Happy reading!

|| ✨ 2022 WATTYS WINNER ✨ || || x8 FEATURED || Kill the monsters. Claim the bounty. Escape to Alaska. ------------ Ten years ago, an event known as The Turning upset the balance of Earth's ecosystems. Demons emerged from the depths of Hell, dragging along with them obscure creatures from old myths and legends. In the midst of all this chaos, eighteen-year-old Raine Barlow makes a living by hunting monsters. No price is too high, no monster is too deadly. Her goal is simple: to make enough money to escape to Alaska -- where her parents are rumored to be held. And Raine just might be able to do it: the mayor of Eureka has agreed to pay her $10,000 to escort his young daughter to the City of Dust -- a former metropolis surrounded by walls and secrets. Armed with poison-tipped crossbow bolts, her own brand of small magic, and an aging battle-elk named Winston, Raine and her charge must trek across the dust-covered and desolate stretches of a California highway, all the while trying to avoid the monsters and demons who are trying to take over the world. Cover created by @Shreya_VA

Swallow is now published as a Wattpad Book! As a Wattpad reader, you can access both the Original Edition and Books Edition upon purchase. When Mildred wished for death on her bullies, she never expected a demon would possess her and make all her dreams come true...but is it worth her soul? ***** After years of torment, Mildred, a meek high school student, is determined to seek revenge against her bullying classmates. She intends to curse them with dark magic, punishing them for their cruelty - but in the process Mildred accidentally opens herself up to a terrifying demonic possession. The demon inside her is only too happy to fulfill Mildred's vengeful desires. Bodies start turning up with parts missing, eaten as though mauled by a wild animal...or perhaps something darker. Powerless, Mildred realizes that the murders are changing her in more ways than one... Content and trigger warning: This story contains scenes of violence, psychological abuse, and gore. [[word count: 30,000-40,000 words]] Cover designed by Jay Flores-Holz