<b>James Ridner</b> (2019–present) is an American independent author of transgressive fiction, psychological horror, philosophical fiction and punk literature. Often blending grotesque imagery with philosophical discourse and satire, his writing challenges onventionality through stream-of-consciousness, a DIY ethos, nonlinear narratives, unreliable narrators and verbose diction, along with an overarching political and social message. Since February 14, 2019, he has published under the pen names [Leon Avernicus](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL11120238A), [Melchior Weiss](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL11128270A) and [Thomas Vancura](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL15180271A), with each having a distinct voice and thematic focus. He's currently drafting the serialized novella *One Who Pursues* and experimental novel *Underplugged*. --- [Leon Avernicus/Melchior Weiss/Thomas Vancura/James Ridner Collection](https://openlibrary.org/people/tasarchiver/lists/OL286104L/Leon_Avernicus_Melchior_Weiss_Thomas_Vancura_James_Ridner_Collection)