Dark Fiction Auth
Contest

Contest

Ongoing Contest Information

 

✨ GIVEAWAY: SIGNED COPY OF FIRST RESPONDER ✨

I’m opening this to readers, reviewers, and anyone who loves dark psychological stories with a cinematic edge.

I’m giving away 3 signed copies of FIRST RESPONDER — my psychological-horror novel — and each winner will also receive:

  • A sneak peek at SECOND CHANCES (Book Two)

  • Select author notes

  • Background lore that never made it into the manuscript

To enter:

  1. Post your personal or professional thoughts about First Responder
    – could be a reaction, a favorite moment, a takeaway, etc.

  2. Tag me in the post (so I can see it).
    – optional: include a photo of you with the book if you already own it

That’s it.

No requirement on length.
No “rating” expectations.
Just your authentic voice and perspective.

➡️ Every tag = 1 entry into the signed-copy drawing.
➡️ If your post is public, I can share or feature it on my author pages.

Deadline to enter: (pick one)
📅 December 30th


Thank you for reading my work, for supporting the monster-in-the-mirror stories I write, and for helping the series continue. The world of First Responder only exists because readers like you help keep it alive.

— James H. Summers
Dark psychological horror author
#FirstResponderNovel #BookGiveaway #PsychologicalHorror #AmReading #HorrorCommunity

 

 

VIDEO CONTEST — DEADLINE APRIL 15, 2026

Dear Students, Educators, and Creative Video Makers:

I’m inviting video creators to submit a short film (min. 3 minutes) based on one of these topics:

  • Author James H. Summers

  • The novel First Responder

  • The novel They Heinous

Use any creative angle — cinematic, documentary style, or interpretive. You may use information from my website (www.PeggyLanders.com), from the internet, or from reading the books.

✅ Open to high school + university students
✅ Independent creators welcome
✅ Fiction or nonfiction allowed

PRIZES

  • 1st Place: signed copy of First Responder with a personalized message

  • 2nd & 3rd Place: entered into a drawing for a second signed copy

  • Total of 2 signed books will be awarded

Submissions may be:

  • Uploaded via link (YouTube unlisted, Google Drive, etc.)

  • Emailed if file size permits

  • Or delivered in person (Floyds Knobs / Louisville area)

A dedicated contest page on my site will list all entries. Winning videos will be featured on my social platforms (X & Facebook), and winning teams will receive:

  • Promotional spotlight post

  • A short write-up they can use for resumes, club promotion, or portfolios

TERMS
By submitting, you grant James H. Summers a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display and share your video (with credit given to you).
Entrants under 18 must have parent/guardian permission.

⭐ Winners announced May 15, 2026
More details: www.PeggyLanders.com/contest

Thanks — I can’t wait to see what you create.

 

WRITING CONTEST — DEADLINE APRIL 15, 2026

Dear Students, Educators, and Creative Writers:

I’m inviting writers to submit an original written piece (min. 200 words) exploring:

  • Author James H. Summers

  • The novel First Responder

  • The novel They Heinous

Essays, articles, analysis, blog-style posts, and creative interpretations are all welcome.

✅ Open to high school + university students
✅ Independent writers welcome
✅ Fiction or nonfiction allowed

Submit to: DarkFictionAuth@gmail.com

PRIZES

  • 1st Place: signed copy of First Responder (personalized)

  • 2nd & 3rd Place: entered into a drawing for a second signed copy

  • Total of 2 signed books will be awarded

Winning entries will be featured on my website and social media, and the winner will also receive a promotional write-up and link back to their organization or personal site.

TERMS
By submitting, you grant James H. Summers a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display and share your work (with credit given to you).
Entrants under 18 must have parent/guardian permission.

⭐ Winners announced May 15, 2026
More details: www.PeggyLanders.com/contest

I look forward to reading your work.

 

✅ Event Announcement — Vampire Meet & Greet / Signing Event

FIRST RESPONDER — CHARACTER SHOWCASE & FAN MEETUP
Date: TBD • Location: TBD

🔻 Calling all horror fans, readers, and vampire enthusiasts.
You are invited to a Vampire Meet & Greet to celebrate the dark psychological horror novel
FIRST RESPONDER — by James H. Summers.

Come as you are—or come as a vampire.
• Vampire cosplay welcome
• Gothic / dark attire encouraged
• Signed books, character art, photo ops, Q&A

Meet the author. Meet the monsters. Become part of the world.

Use hashtags to share:
#FirstResponderBook #JamesHSummers #VampireCosplay #HorrorCommunity

🔥 FEATURED CHARACTERS FROM FIRST RESPONDER

DR. STEVENS

The predator with a smile.

A soft-spoken psychologist on the night shift. Calm. Charming.
A smile that convinces people he can be trusted—right before he feeds.

Looks: Short, golden-gray lions mane hair, pale, compact build
Style: White lab coat over casual clothes; pocket protector
Vibe: Harmless… until he isn’t.

AMALIE

The elegant executioner.

French. Hypnotic. Terrifying.
Amalie hunts with precision and pleasure—seduction before slaughter.

Looks: Tall, striking, porcelain skin, long blonde hair
Style: Long white fancy gown, preferably from the late 1700s, bare feet, French accent…
Vibe: Beauty sharpened into a weapon.

KAREN

The survivor.

She isn’t a vampire—she’s the one they want.
Haunted by visions of what’s coming. Driven by instinct, fear, and grit.

Looks: Short blonde hair, athletic build
Style: Tank tops, jeans, sneakers—functional over fashionable
Vibe: Realistic. Relatable. Relentless.

CHRETIEN

The seductive sadist.

French accent. Razor wit.
Plays with his victims like a cat plays with a mouse—slowly, cruelly.

Looks: Lean, fast, unnervingly strong, black long sleeve shirt, pants, shoes.
Style: Confident, alluring—refined until the violence starts
Vibe: The thrill of danger, wrapped in charm.

In FIRST RESPONDER, trust is a gamble—and every relationship is a trap.

Dark psychological horror. Cinematic violence. Vampires who don’t sparkle—they stalk.

Want to attend?

Comment “VAMPIRIZE ME” or message to be notified when the date and location are announced.

💀 Dress to kill.
🖤 Feed the aesthetic.
🔪 Enter the world of FIRST RESPONDER.