Jim D. Gillentine grew up with a fondness for horror, science fiction and fantasy love stories flavored with the southern tang of his native Memphis. His debut novella, Of Blood and the Moon, was published in 2009 and was the first runner-up for the Darrell Award. His novel The Beast Within begins as a bittersweet love story between a woman and a beast, which continues in Crossroads, published by Inkstained Succubus Press. The trilogy was completed with Heart of the Beast, published as a compendium by Pro Se Press. Other publications include stories published in anthologies Cover of Darkness, When the Shadow Sees the Sun, and Coppice and Brake Vol. 2. His most recent release is A Night at Death’s Door, published in 2023 by Pro Se Publications. Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature and philosophy from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He is a member of the Literary Underworld and the Eville Writers, and is the biggest Godzilla fan in the western hemisphere. He is married to author Elizabeth Donald, and their family lives in a haunted house in Illinois.