The Winter of Our Missed Content

With so many distractions, what with getting settled into a new home in a new country (Germany), I knew that my writing would slow down. Add my usual angst and it's a recipe for slow writing progress. 

Recognizing this, I set myself a modest goal of writing ten science-fiction drabbles for First Contact, an unpaid anthology submission call from Starry Eyed Press, a co-owned by an old writer friend* of mine, Anja Schӧn, aka A.S. Charly 

[*We have met only online, but share credits in at least THIRTY of the same anthologies].

Happily, I finished the ten drabbles (one of them co-credited to Tom Jolly, for improving the dialogue, and all of them were accepted for publication.) The submission call closes November 15th, and the anthology should come out in "probably Spring 2025".

It doesn't count as a writing progress, though it is news: my author interview for Inner Circle Writers' Magazine should be published in the near future. It will feature answers to assorted interview questions about my writing and my life, laid out between with lots of photographs of me. This was not one of them:

 

The Poppet Tree Wins First Place- Will Appear in Anthology "HEX"

 

For the second time this year, Black Hare Press solicited flash fiction horror stories based on an image prompt shared with authors whose works they have previously published, and the results will be compiled into a new anthology. This time, the image was a trio of spooky-looking rag dolls (Voo-Doo dolls?) dangling from a bloody tree branch by twine-like nooses. Submissions were required to contain fewer than 200 words.

To further incentivize participation, a Black Hare Press Tee-shirt was offered as first prize, for the submission judged best. I am delighted to report that I won the Tee, for my submission, titled "The Poppet Tree." Here is the publisher's review of "The Poppet Tree."

Well crafted story, blending horror with dark fantasy. The vivid imagery of blood-soaked poppets and the eerie atmosphere kept me on edge. The unique concept and unsettling details made it an unforgettable and captivating read.

Mine and every story submitted for this specific contest will be published in an anthology titled "HEX", part of a new series by BHP which began with "REAP". Here is the order link: https://books2read.com/BHP-HEX

 I asked ChatGPT, "Who is Shawn M. Klimek?"

Here was the artificially intelligent response:

"Shawn M. Klimek is an American writer and poet known for his work in the genres of speculative fiction, fantasy, and horror. His writing often includes short stories, poems, and flash fiction that explore imaginative and thought-provoking themes. Klimek has contributed to various literary magazines, anthologies, and online publications, gaining recognition for his distinctive voice and creative storytelling.

His works are characterized by their brevity and impact, often delivering powerful narratives within a limited word count. Klimek's ability to blend dark and whimsical elements in his stories has garnered him a dedicated readership. He is active in the literary community, frequently participating in writing challenges and competitions.

Klimek’s writing style is noted for its clarity, inventiveness, and the ability to evoke strong emotions and vivid imagery. His contributions to speculative fiction have made him a notable figure in the genre, and he continues to be an influential and active writer."

Caution following the response: ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

LOCKDOWN FANTASY #8, OUT NOW

Just published: Lockdown Fantasy #8, the last fantasy-themed anthology in the lockdown series, became available today. It contains two, dark drabbles by yours truly.

https://books2read.com/lockdown-fantasy-8

FEATURING:
The Faoladh by Patrick Winters
Fantasy Date by Andrew Kurtz
From Heaven by Shawn M Klimek Author
Irrelevant by Caroline Cutting
Thunder by D.M. Burdett
Eulogy by H.R. Hreha
Passing Landing Rocks by C.L. Williams
A Fairy Godmother's Secret to Eternal Youth by McKenzie Richardson
Faerie Display by Shawn M Klimek Author
Home by Victor Nandi
The Shine of a Sinful Heart by Ximena Escobar
The Prince of Frogs by Kimberly Rei

REAP Anthology of Zombie Flash Fiction Here

UPDATE: REAP is here!

Coming 15th June: https://books2read.com/BHP-REAP

As previously posted, REAP is an anthology of flash-fiction inspired by an image prompt of a zombie amidst what appears to be a crop of human brains. Authors who have previously been published by Black Hare Press were invited to submit stories of 200-words or fewer, based on the prompt. There was a contest for three favorites. My submissions (two) did not win, but will be included in the compilation soon to be published. I'm looking forward to this release, and hope you are, too.

Lockdown Sci-Fi #7

 COMING 10TH JUNE!

 

https://books2read.com/lockdown-scifi-7

FEATURING:

Parasite by Christopher T. Dąbrowski

The End of the World by Christopher T. Dabrowski

Social Glitch by Eric Fomley

A Girl Like Us by Eric Fomley

Post by Gordon Sun

Restored by Hedda Stangeland

It Ends with a Scream by J.M. Meyer

Thou Shalt See by J.W. Garrett

Beware of Cat by Joachim Heijndermans

Elevator 13 by K.R. Pendergrass

Time-Skip by Kimberly Rei

Last Shuttle to Sirius by Mark J. Schultis

Aboard the Silver Apple by McKenzie Richardson

On the Tip by Shawn M Klimek

The Last Loophole by Shawn M. Klimek

Titan by Stephen Herczeg

Haven by Trevor Jess

Journey to Atonement by Victor Nandi

Gifts in the Dark by Vonnie Winslow Crist

Lockdown Fantasy 8 Coming Soon

The final, fantasy-themed volume of Black Hare Press' Lockdown series, "Lockdown Fantasy #8" is finally being edited for imminent publication. Today, I signed contracts for two, original horror-fantasy drabbles which are my micro contributions to the anthology: "From Heaven" and "Faerie Display".

I will share the prepurchase and free-to-read links for the anthology once they become available.