Kelly Matsuura grew up in Victoria, Australia, but always dreamed she would live abroad. She has lived in China, the USA, and she now lives permanently in Nagoya, Japan.

Kelly’s stories have been published by Harbinger Press, Black Hare Press, A Murder of Storytellers, Fantasia Divinity Publishing, Paper Djinn Press, and many more. She also publishes her own short story collections, The Natura Series.

As the creator and editor for Insignia Stories, Kelly promotes Asian speculative fiction from writers around the globe and publishes small ebook anthologies with various Asian fantasy themes.

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GRIMDARK 2

Grimdark—violent worlds with amoral or morally questionable protagonists. Grim and dark stories valourising the protagonist’s struggles as they choose between good and evil.

The Harikikigaki Has the Answer

by Kelly Matsuura   A weak pulse, lethargy, and fainting spells—Dr Yamata knew his wife was infected by a yōkai parasite. But which one? “We shouldn’t have gone camping,” he mumbled, searching for his copy of The Harikikigaki, an ancient acupuncture text. Later, he found Chiho unconscious in their backyard. As he desperately tried CPR, […]

Captain Purge’s Collection of Oddities

by Kelly Matsuura   “Kanami, darlin’, you’ll finally be whole.” Captain Purge tapped his boot on the slime-covered trunk with glee. Kanami’s head floated forward, her ratty hair brushing the trunk’s exterior as she gave it a fervent sniff. Purge shuddered. Once an enchanting princess, Kanami was now a curse to the ship. He never […]

Cold Blue

by Kelly Matsuura   Celyna examined Davenall’s face with a critical artist’s eye. “Your irises are like their own universe. Do all faeries have such icy blue eyes?” “Just the naughty ones,” Davenall teased. “How will I paint the moving colours?” she mused. “Look deeper.” “Okay.” Celyna locked her gaze on his. She tried to […]

Where’s Margaret?

by Kelly Matsuura   When Wizard Qarmel took to his death bed, I didn’t want him to die alone. “What’s Margaret’s address? I’ll send a letter,” I offered. The wizard’s wife had left years earlier, but no one knew her current whereabouts. “No need.” Qarmel smiled. “She’s with me, always.” “She’s gone. Remember?” “Margaret is […]

Kelly Matsuura

Kelly Matsuura grew up in Victoria, Australia, but always dreamed she would live abroad. She has lived in China, the USA, and she now lives permanently in Nagoya, Japan.

Angel, Broken

by  Kelly Matsuura   “Don’t touch me!” Lailah waved Reuben away. Shame. Her emotions crackled and boiled, fighting for dominance. Reuben, always patient, held out a wet towel. “Let me wash your wounds, Love.” Her back was bleeding afresh. Thick warm blood meeting numb skin—soaking the sheets. She no longer felt external pain. Loss. She […]