Mr Thomas Stratman

Archon 2024 Thomas M. K. Stratman is a multifaceted American writer and editor, particularly recognized for his contributions to the horror genre, with a strong emphasis on Lovecraftian fiction. He is perhaps best known as the editor of "Cthulhu’s Heirs," an anthology that continued the tradition of H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos by gathering stories from various authors who explore cosmic horror and the unknown. Stratman's literary achievements extend across a broad spectrum, including both fiction and non-fiction works. He authored the short story “The Bataan Gamble," in the anthology Wheel of Fortune, and has published short stories in *Haunts Magazine*, the anthology *Language of the Soul*, *Eldritch Tales Magazine*. His work often appeared in specialized publications that cater to fans of horror and the supernatural. In addition to his fiction, Stratman has penned non-fiction articles like **"The Theories of OUIJA Boards"** for *Parasience Network Magazine* and **"The End of the Siege"** for *Springfield After Dark*. He also wrote fiction columns like **"Mysterious Manuscripts"** for *The Unspeakable Oath* magazine and non-fiction columns such as **"Candid Counsel"** for *Springfield After Dark*. His contributions to the arts are not limited to the written word. Stratman has edited graphic novels, such as **BOMARC** (Issue #5), and has been involved in game development, including supplements like **Laws of the Wild** for White Wolf Games and modules like **"You Are Cordially Invited"** for Pagan Publishing. Stratman’s poetry has also been widely published, and his works have been included in many anthologies such as *Best New Poets of 1988*, *The American Poetry Anthology 1988*, and *Who’s Who in Poetry 1993*. His poetic achievements have been recognized with several awards, including the **Golden Poet Award** in 1990 and other honors for his poetic contributions in subsequent years. Beyond his literary career, Stratman has a rich and varied background. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in a hospital known for being the site of the real-life exorcism that inspired the famous book and movie, he has a Master's degree in Religious Studies/Comparative Theology and has served in the U.S. Army. Stratman’s military training included roles as an Infantryman, Paratrooper, Anti-Tank Gunner, and Military Intelligence. He currently writes supernatural horror, focusing on stories that delve into the eerie and unexplainable rather than more common horror tropes. His passion for writing driven by a "deep, gut-level need" to explore the darker corners of reality. When not writing, Stratman enjoys role-playing games, black-and-white/infrared photography, research, and spending time with his cats. Despite being a semi-retired Chaplain, due to physical disability, he continues to contribute to the field of horror literature.