General Creative Writing Updates - January 2024

Publishing news:

A crow-themed anthology by Fairywren Publishing, "Tree Full of Crows", will feature a reprint of my drabble, "Murder of Crows" (first published in Zoey Xolton's "Cauldrons & Curses"). I signed the contract, today. I've already had a look at the proof draft, and it looks excellent.

The 42 Stories Anthology, by Bam Writes, is set to finally be published later this year. It has taken several years (eventful ones for the editor) to compile this unique anthology of 1,764, 42-word stories in every genre plus on the craft of writing.

This long-delayed anthology, Nightmare With a Twist, by Penned in the City (and Barrio Blues Press) which includes my horror story, "Birthday Desserts", is projected to be published immediately following a final copy edit, next week.

 

 

 

 

 Submission News: 

• I haven't submitted much anywhere, recently, but before 2023 ended, I managed to submit two pieces: an updated draft of my science fiction story, "The Trophy" and my latest, science fiction poem, "Mercury is a Hellscape" to separate publishers. Only one response, so far. A form rejection.

Writing News:

• I wrote and submitted to Black Hare Press a Dark Moments drabble for the first time in over a year, I think.  The first draft was too reliant on clever dialogue to allow space for clever descriptions (100 words fills up fast), so I did a second draft. I'm more hopeful about it.

• I've been writing and pondering improved endings for two full-length stories, never published: Undying Peace and Holly Has a Hunch. For the past few days, mostly the latter, which features a novel concept for introducing a contemporary human to extraterrestrials outside our solar system. I've developed some sophisticated backstory and answers to the question, "What do (the aliens) want with (Holly)", but need to focus now on a tight plot so that the reader doesn't choke on exposition. No deadline, apart from my ambition to include this story in my own collection, before the year is out.

Readership news:

• A college professor friend shared with me that one of my horror stories (not sure which one) was on the reading syllabus for her creative writing class. I told her my comedy stories are even better, and sent her my most popular example, to consider sharing.

• A neighbor here in South Korea informed me that they located my book in the air base library, and subsequently ordered their own, hardcover copy, which they hope I will soon autograph for them.

• A writer friend made my day (a few weeks ago) by commenting on Facebook that her favorite story in the anthology, "Dragon Bone Soup", was my humorous fantasy short story, "Genuine Troll-Leather Luggage." Because it reminded her to "think outside the box," she said.