As the days grow shorter and the shadows lengthen, the world of literature beckons us to explore the darker corners of our imagination. In this autumnal atmosphere, we are thrilled to shine our spotlight on the extraordinary Thomas Malafarina, a master of horror whose chilling tales have captivated readers for years.

With a remarkable ability to weave unsettling narratives and create hauntingly memorable characters, Thomas Malafarina has become a formidable force in the horror genre. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the eerie world of Malafarina’s stories, exploring his creative process, and the elements that make his books linger in the mind long after the last page is turned.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his spine-chilling work, join us as we uncover the inspirations, insights, and stories that define Malafarina’s literary contributions. As the chill of fall settles in, prepare to be drawn into the haunting beauty of his storytelling, reminding us that sometimes the scariest tales are the most unforgettable.

Thomas M. Malafarina is a horror fiction author hailing from Berks County, Pennsylvania. Many of his stories are set in these familiar landscapes, reflecting his deep connection to the region.

To date, Malafarina has released a number of horror novels, including What Waits Beneath, Burner, From The Dark, Circle Of Blood, and the Dead Kill series. He also authored Death Bringer Jones: Zombie Slayer Volume 1. His extensive collection of horror short stories features titles such as Thirteen Deadly Endings, Ghost Shadows, Horror Classics, Undead Living, and several volumes of Malaformed Realities! All of his works are published through Sunbury Press and its imprints and can be purchased on our website!

In addition to his novels and collections, Malafarina's stories have appeared in over 200 anthologies and e-magazines, and some have been adapted for internet podcasts and radio plays. He has shared anthology pages with renowned names in horror fiction, including Jack Ketchum, Joe Lansdale, Jonathan Maberry, and Lucky McKee.

Malafarina is particularly known for the unexpected twists in his narratives and his vivid, often gory descriptions. Beyond writing, he is also an artist, musician, singer, and songwriter.

So what is it that inspires Malafarina to write his countless horror novels? “I am often asked to explain why I choose to write horror fiction,” says Malafarina. “I suppose the simplest answer is, I write stories about what I like. I’m sure that doesn’t help make anyone exactly feel warm and fuzzy. You see, I’m a life-long fan of the horror genre and as such writing horror fiction is something, which comes as naturally to me as breathing. I have been a fan of all things horror-related for as long as I can remember, which means at 69 years old… well that’s a long time.” As we mentioned earlier, Malafarina is a long- time Sunbury Press author, with his first horror fiction publication with us being over 10 years ago in 2013.

As for what made Malafarina take that leap and write his first novel? “I have an extensive collection of horror movies, most of which are horrible and not in the way they are supposed to be. It was that very overabundance of bad horror movies, which motivated me to stop talking about writing horror stories and actually take the leap into writing.” Malafarina then added, “Another reason I love to write horror is that I discovered something interesting and exciting about the writing process itself. Instead of wasting my time watching bad horror movies, my stories have become my own personal movies of my mind. When I am writing a story, I'm attending a movie screening inside my head. Often three quarters of the way through a novel or short story, I have no idea how it will end. When I am writing, it's just like watching a horror movie for the first time, with me being as eager to learn the ending as any of my readers might be.”

As we wrap up our exploration of Thomas Malafarina's chilling contributions to horror literature, it's clear that his vivid storytelling and ability to evoke suspense make him a standout voice in the genre. With his deep-rooted connections to Pennsylvania and a penchant for unexpected twists, Malafarina invites readers to confront their deepest fears while immersing them in richly crafted worlds. He says, “Unlike other forms of fiction, most of what I write is not only fiction but is impossible fiction; something, which the reader knows from the beginning, can absolutely never happen. Accepting this is quite a major commitment to expect from a reader, because before they can truly enjoy the story, they must first change their rational, logical mindset to one capable of accepting the possibility of the impossible; if only for the time they are reading the work.”

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his work, diving into his novels and short stories is sure to leave a lasting impression. As the nights grow darker this fall, we encourage you to pick up one of his haunting tales—perfect for those cozy evenings spent wrapped in a blanket, flashlight in hand, ready to face the terrors that await. Happy reading!