James M. Kisner, Jr. (March 26, 1947 – June 26, 2008) was an American novelist and short story writer, primarily of horror.

Biography

Early life and education

James M. Kisner, Jr. was born on March 26, 1947, in Evansville, Indiana to Norma and James M. Kisner. He had one brother, Dan, and graduated from Bosse High School in 1965. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts degree in English at Indiana University Bloomington.

Career

Kisner began his career in advertising and wrote part-time, eventually leaving advertising to write full-time. His first novel, Nero's Vice, was published in 1981. He also published under the pseudonyms Martin James and Eric Flanders.

Marriage and children

Kisner married the former Carole Kleckner in 1969. The couple had fraternal twins, James M. Kisner, III and Jayne M. Kendall. Later in life, he married his second wife, Phyllis Kisner.

Death and afterward

James Kisner died at his home in Evansville due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. His wife, Phyllis Kisner, age 59, also died in the accident.

Published works

Novels

Short stories

Anthologies containing short stories by James Kisner: Masques 3 (1989) Urban Horrors (1990) Short Sharp Shocks (1990) Hotter Blood: More Tales of Erotic Horror (1991) Predators (1993) Vampire Detectives (1995) Southern Blood: Vampire Stories from the American South (1997) Vampire Slayers: Stories of Those Who Dare to Take Back the Night (1999)