Publication date: November 10th 2026. An 8” x 5” novella.

Delia is an American ceramicist beginning an artist residency in Azurin, on the edge of the East African Sea. But something about the city thwarts her creativity, and her art stagnates, no matter how she or her cousin tries to make her feel more at home. New friends offer her a chance at excitement, and perhaps with their intimacy, an opportunity to inject meaning into her art as well.

Cover Illustration by Anan Sonn Kaaren

Print ISBN-13: 978-1-966503-29-3
Ebook ISBN-13: 978-1-966503-30-9

PRAISE

“The strangeness of the body and the horror of alienation meet in radiant unease in Abraham’s beautiful prose. A sharp, compelling read, These Hollow Bodies swells and swelters with deep cosmic dread.”
—Tiffany Morris, author of Green Fuse Burning

“Immersive, sensual, and unspeakably beautiful, These Hollow Bodies pulls you into a tactile journey of ceramics, cosmic horror, and the increasingly visceral price that one must pay to forge great art that transcends form and function entirely, transposing into feeling. I read this gorgeous book in a single sitting, and it has stayed under my skin ever since.”
—M. L. Krishnan, Ignyte Award nominee and author of The End, As Seen From the Tip of the Indian Peninsula.

“These Hollow Bodies explores the cultural dynamics of diaspora identities and the blood, sweat, and aching lust that goes into creative work. Z. K. Abraham delivers a visceral, dizzying ride that will change the way you look at art.”
—Shirley Jackson Award-winning editor Julia Rios

“In These Hollow Bodies, killing is just as beautiful as it is horrific. An ethereal tale about the darkest aspects of creativity.”
—A.P. Thayer, author of Tapeworm

“Z.K. Abraham has woven a coastal adventure of blood, betrayal, and sacrifice by the East African sea which will leave you reeling trying to anticipate Delia's next steps. It is a wonderfully terrifying time.”
—Shingai Njeri Kagunda, author of & This is How to Stay Alive

“These Hollow Bodies is entrancing. A propulsive story conjured via rich, electric prose, this sexy novella will quickly cast its spell over you and pull you under.”
—Lindsay Merbaum, author of The Gold Persimmon, Vampires at Sea, and Witches of The Wheel