The Horror Challenge Volume I

by J.H. Glaze

This first volume of The Horror Challenge includes 14 short stories stories that will provide the thrills you seek in a good horror tale. From the sentimental story of haunting - Spooky, and the comical alien abduction tale, Bob Saves The World, to the final story in this collection, you will find yourself wildly entertained with the stories created by JH Glaze in response to suggestions from his readers.

Since The Horror Challenge stories are all suggested by reader input, this series is unlike any other ever created.

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2012

About the author

Meet JH Glaze, an Author, Artist, and Entrepreneur. He was born in Ohio and left to travel the country looking for new opportunities. Eventually he landed in Atlanta GA, where he lives with his wife Susan, who moonlights as his editor, 2 dogs and a Senegal Parrot who hates, but tolerates him.

His writing includes the paranormal/horror/thriller series 'The Paranormal Adventures of John Hazard' which currently consists of 'The Spirit Box', 'NorthWest' and 'Send No Angel'. The stories center around a main character, John Hazard, a former police detective turned paranormal investigator. Many more adventures are planned and readers are invited to "Stay Tuned".

JH Glaze has also developed a short story series entitled The Horror Challenge, whereby he solicits his readers for a word or phrase that he then uses to develop a short story. This method of story development brings the reader into the creative process then credits their story suggestion at the time of publishing.

With the Novelettes, The Life We Dream and Forced Intelligence, JH Glaze expanded his writing into realms of paranormal romance and science fiction, while maintaining a compelling story telling style. A new paranormal series, Rune adds yet another layer to his work and he is excited about the future episodes of this serial novel which will be released one thrilling episode at a time.

A signature of his writing style is a blend of humor and horror. He delights in giving the reader something to savor in every story. When you are looking for something different to thrill and entertain you, try a novel or story by JH Glaze.

Reviews

[Davis Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of 14 short flash fiction stories. The author has a Facebook page (The Horror Challenge) where he asks his friends and followers to post a topic or object that they would like for him to create a story with. He then uses the idea for a theme or prop for the short story and then posts the story to the page. But don't think that you can just join the page and be able to read all the stories, I had found several that I missed and he threw in 2 shorts that were not ever posted on the page. The stories he has come up with are amazingly creative, especially when you see at the top of each story the word(s) the person gave him to work with. I found the short reads very interesting and hard to put down. I actually finished the book while I was cooking supper. I loved all the stories, but a few of my favorites were The Dental Plan, A Fine Collection, The Cable Bill, and Bad Hair day. They made me do the " HA, HA, HA, That's what you get" chuckle. I recommend this book to everyone and I recommend you go like his facebook page if you haven't already. Maybe I will see your name and idea in one of the next Volumes. I look forward to reading more by this unique author.

[Wanda Hartzenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, fast paced read. One where you will find yourself removing the fluff from your collar where it touches your neck, even though your shirt has no collar and one where you will find yourself giggle. I read these stories on Facebook as they were published and still managed to miss two. The Toothbrush being one. It is an awesome story. One with a twist that will leave you feeling satisfied. Some of the other stories are funny, most will make you think and others will make you rethink your choices and behavior. Because remember, you never know who you are dealing with on the other side of the telephone. I give this an easy 5 ***** review rating.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite short, finished in an hour. Not really scary. I did enjoy the stories.

[Anne (Angel Anne Reviews) Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGoodness, Author JH Glaze has done it again!!! My mind is still buzzing after reading “The Horror Challenge Vol. 1”.

I received this ebook as a “FREE” read on Amazon, after seeing it listed, without hesitating I hit the buy button. My other two books of Jeff’s were out of this world!!! (literally) The Spirit Box and NorthWest…. Loved them both, and I’m eagerly now waiting to get my hands on “Send No Angel”

Horror Challenge is the amazing concept from the mastermind of Jeff, as he asked his followers of his page to give a word or phase on a certain day… he then turns around and creates an amazing short story that we find in this collection of 14 stand alones of The Horror Challenge Vol. 1.

Each short story will take you on a completely different ride, some of them are funny, some are strange, yet others will be downright scary enough to have your hair stand on the back on your neck!!!! Yikes.
Yes, I did have chills/goose bumps reading some of them (as I have with his other books) Others I had to shake my head at myself as I caught myself re-reading a chapter to make sure I got it right the first time, then laugh at myself when I did in fact red it right the first time.

How someone can create a masterpiece from seemingly nothing at all (meaning no story plot before hand) continues to dumbfound me.. Yet I shouldn’t be surprised at the same time, after all it IS Jeff Glaze, who has a mind unlike no other author that I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy their works of art.

*hats off* to you Jeff Glaze for yet another mind blowing and entertaining piece of mastery!!!
Now I must get my hands on book #2 “Horror Challenge Vol. 2” for some more of the crazy yet magnificent mind of Jeff.

Recommend: YA and up
Rating: 5/5 angel stars

Angel Anne Reviews

[Grampy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quotation from the preface to "The Horror Challenge Vol. 1": "The concept is to take story suggestions from readers and fans and turn them into flash fiction." Readers submit a single word - it can be any topic or object - and author JH Glaze writes a short-short story of not more than 1500 words. In light of those parameters, JH Glaze has done an extremely satisfactory job of turning common, everyday items into themes for horror/thriller/paranormal short stories. His goal is to write one per day, and he draws from his own life experiences to flesh out his stories (no pun intended).

Volume 1 contains stories based on topics suggested by 12 fans. Most of these stories have appeared on his FaceBook page, although there are a couple new ones included. The topics suggested have included such mundane items as a toothbrush, a toaster, a piano, and even an aquarium. JH has a remarkable imagination, and has developed some really off-the-wall stories from these suggested topics. Some are humorous, some are spooky, some are groaners, and some you might not want to read after dark. But all have a couple things in common: they are very short, so they can be quickly read while waiting in a line; and they all are able to hold your interest.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this collection to anybody old enough to read, up to 100 years old. This isn't rocket science, but it is entertaining. Sometimes we just need to put our brains in neutral for a few moments and let somebody else entertain us. This book is perfect for that purpose. Just don't forget to re-engage your brain when you're done!

[Nan Silvernail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hang on to your hats. This idea is amazing. Step Right Up...!
We have an author willing to take on all comers in a gruesome and amusing contest!
You supply the author with a common, every-day household object, or an exotic thing and he weaves a story around it. Sometimes, he takes on up to 3 - yes THREE suggestions, ladies and gentlemen, at a go and crafts a pretty good yarn right before your very eyes!

OK. The stories aren't earth-shattering masterpieces. That and that alone keeps him from the 5th star. But the idea of what this guy is doing! Tremendous!

I popped these down like candy and went right back for the 2nd volume.

J.H. Glaze is on facebook as is The Horror Challenge.
https://www.facebook.com/thehorrorcha...

I'm not sure if he is still at this game, but I applaud him. Well Done, Sir!

[Heather Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book in return for an honest review. I actually read the second Horror Challenge first, but it makes no difference. It isn't that kind of book. This is a completely unique style of writing called flash fiction. I had never heard of this. His readers give him words or topics and he designs a story around them. His ability to blend the topic seamlessly into the story is astonishing. This book has more stories than the second book, 14 short stories in all. They range from comedic to creepy. This is just a really fun book that you can pick up and put down at will. I don't really care for short stories, but these are really good, so I didn't mind and actually enjoyed them. WaAr

[Desley (Cat fosterer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have only ever read one flash fiction story before, so this was something completely new to me, but I really enjoyed it. 12 stories, all with a topic suggested by someone, with a maximum of 1500 words. There are also 2 bonus stories in this edition, that were never published on the website.

I wouldn’t class all the stories as horror, but really impressed at how you can pack so much into such few words. I would definitely look out for further challenges, they are great to pick up when you only have a short amount of time.

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Horror Challenge" Vol I by J.H. Glaze is a collection of short horror stories, each based on a word theme given to him by others as a challenge. The range of these themes is diverse, as are the resulting stories.
The connections from the given subjects to the actual stories are inspired, as are the chosen subjects. Some are gruesome, others are witty and together they make a great collection. I am stunned by the originality of this author and the effort put into each of even such small pieces of art.

[Lori Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun idea this is!! Through The Horror Challenge, anyone may suggest a topic for a flash fiction story. Author JH Glaze has taken these random topics and turned them into short stories of less than 1500 words that will give you goosebumps. As a writer, it's a very creative way to keep your juices flowing. As a reader, ordinary subjects and objects can give you chills you never imagined. If you like short reads while on the train or waiting for an appointment, pick this up and keep it with you. You won't be bored, that's for sure!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the cover of this intriguing book. I love the stories in the book even more! The author brilliantly weaves tales from seemingly obscure items/ideas. I love the format of this short book, as it allows you to read a story at a time without having to read the whole thing in one sitting. I would recommend this book to all horror lovers, but also recommend that you do not eat or drink while reading ;)

[Heather Badgwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I absolutely LOVE the book, and the concept behind it. He goes onto a facebook page for the book, and asks normal people like you and me to give one word or phrase ideas. He takes those ideas, mixes and matches, and writes a horror story a day with them. One a day! The stories are quick little reads, that have a lot of imagination in them. Its fun to see what comes next, because it could be ANYTHING! Well done, Mr. Glaze, well done!! 5 of 5 stars!

[K.B. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an inventive little book! Hats off to JH Glaze for taking this concept and running with it! The stories are short, but amazing. There is a story for everyone. I have been a fan of Mr.Glaze's writing since reading The Spirit Box and he does not disappoint with this little gem! I was not paid for this review and I purchased my own copy.

[Irene Well Worth A Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was quite short and I was able to read it in a single day. I would not really call these "short stories" but flash fiction, super short, and to the point. It was a fun read but nothing really frightening or scary about it.

[Jenny Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

10*s. Excellently written by JH Glaze by using facebook fans and one word to make our horror dreams come true!! Thank you, JH, for a truely awesome book!!