Campaigners Looking for Kelda?

It's confusing because I've got two blogs, and my icon leads here.

If you want to follow my horror/dark fantasy blog nip over to Kelda Crich.

You're welcome here of course which is my SF/nicer Fantasy blog.

Pump up the Volume (of short story submissions).

Warning -- mileage will vary.
I'm publishing my horror and dark fantasy under my new pen name, but I was feeling slightly disappointed that I hadn't had many acceptances.

But then I thought, hold on, how many subs have I got out under that name. A quick check revealed that I'd got three subs out under Kelda.

Three? Three? That's compared to thirty under Deborah Walker where the acceptances come trickling in at a nice rate.

So, it's obvious that I need to up my subs for Kelda. This might not be your way, some writers sub only a few subs a year and get accepted. But for me I need volume. I knew this, but it's so easy to forget. So, if you're unhappy with your acceptance rate, it's worth asking, are you subbing enough?

I'm going to have a sub-fest today. If more stories need to be written, then that's the next job. What about you, gentle reader. Are you happy with the number of subs you've got out.

New Venue for Apocalyptic Fiction and Literary/Genre Poetry

The After Ever After blog has evolved into an 'official unofficial semi-occasional magazine'.

They're looking for apocalyptic story reprints and poems (reprints and new;  literary and speculative), pay is ten lovely American dollars. This is a very witty blog, that I humbly suggest you check out anyways.

Retelling the Fairy Tale

Readers interested in the retelling and subverting of fairy tales maybe be interested in John P. Pazdziora scholarly article in Enchanted Conversation.

Pazdziora examines three online fairy tale venues: Enchanted Conversation, New Fairy Tales and Scherezade’s Bequest. I was very excited to find my story 'The First Queen's Maid'  briefly cited in the article.

Writers may be interested in Kate Wolford comment:

"Those who wish to be published in EC should take note of his comments on this publication. He shares concerns that are my own."

Off to the Eternal City

I'm off to Rome soon. So please don't think I'm ignoring you. Think of me in the Eternal City. 

I really want to visit the catacombs. I hope it doesn't traumatise the children.  

Book Club Snacks: Advice Needed

Edit: Go here to see what I served to my guests. 

I'm hosting my book club tomorrow night. We read, 'Before I Go To Sleep.' I'm looking for suggestions for book club snacks. So far, I've got: vegetable crisps.

I don't mind a little cooking. Any advice gratefully received. Do you book club? If so, what do you like to eat while doing so?

Fledgling Novelist: Advise Me.

I love the short form, short stories, tweets, poems, I could write them all day.  And, yet, this week I'm attempting another novel. Why? I hear you ask. You've found something you love, just keep on doing it. Yes, but:

1. It's tough to make a living with short stories. Sad fact. Some way, far into the future, I'd like to make a living wage with this writing lark. I think that novels are the way to go.
2. And it's a mountain. I want to do it for the challenge. Perhaps  I am a fine novelist, I just need to push through the barrier.

So, what I'm looking for is advice. What are the best sites for fledgling novelists? Have you gone through the transition from short to long? Do I just need to stop whining and go for it?

My story, Marma Shells,  of aliens, Africa and fractals appears in the current issue of On the Premises.

The current contest is open and the premise is:

 MYTHS AND LEGENDS

"In some way, some kind of myth or legend needs to be important to the story. The judges won’t care whether the myth or legend is true. “Family legends,” like the time Cousin So-and-So did something memorable, are fine as long as the story is fiction. (In other words, as long as you’re making it up!)"

Prize money is $40-$180. Here are the contest rules (it's free to enter). I recommend this contest very highly. The editors were wonderful to work with. Here's some extra help for those of you considerting it, an interview wtih Tarl Rodger Kudrick at Six Question For . . . .

Also: reporting the sale of a poem to the Future Lovecraft anthology. I adore the Cthulho mythos.

Two, No, Three Acceptances to Report

Blimey, what a week. I'm in the Full Fathom Forty, the BFS 40th Anniversary Anthology, with my science fiction/lesbian/zombie/romance reprint, 'In the Age of Resurrection.' This is an anthology for past and current members of the British Fantasy Society. I am so looking forward to seeing the table of contents for that.

My space western 'Chit Win' has been picked up by Daily Science Fiction. The alien from that was inspired by my daughter's Littlest Pet Shop hamster (that's a tiny toy for you without kids).

And my first story as Kelda Crich has been published by Spinetinglers. In a related note, I visited Crich in Derbyshire yesterday. What a lovely village.

New Name for Debs

I've decided to create a psuedonym to distinguish between my horror/dark fantasy, and my science fiction/nice fantasy.

What fun. I'm going to be writing as Kelda Crich for the dark stuff. There's a new blog, cunningly titled Kelda Crich.

We'll see what happens. I'm hoping  that this will spur me on to re-focus on horror/dark fantasy, and make it easier for any potential fans to find my work. It could all end in tears.

'Remember Winter' poem published in Enchanted Conversation.

My poem 'Remember Winter' has been published in Enchanted Conversation's Snow White issue, with this, rather lovely illustration. In fact the whole issue looks stunning, with a black/white/red colour scheme.

Enchanted Conversation's Cinderella issue opens 12 a.m. EST 27th June for prose and poetry.

Comets and Criminals -- A New Zine for Short Stories and Poetry

I am excited to announce that fellow writer Samuel Mae has opened a new semi-pro paying zine. Comets and Criminals is open for submissions of short stories and poetry in the genres of science fiction, adventure, historical, western,  and crime and mystery. That's a really exciting genre mix.

Opening a zine is something that I've thought about from time to time. It's is a really exciting propsect, but, alas, I've never had the follow-through. So, kudos, Sam. I see that it's already up on duotrope, so I'm sure that the subs are going to start flooding in.

And, with a little luck, maybe he'll come onto this blog in a few months time, and give us some insights.

Nascence: 17 Stories That Failed and What They Taught Me

I've been thinking about 'story' all month. What makes a good story? Why do some of my stories sell and others don't? Why can't I judge what's good in my own stories?

Then, as in answer to my wordless pleas, I came across Nascence by Science Fiction/Fantasy author, Tobias Buckell..

What a genius idea. Buckell has published 17 of his trunked stories written over a decade. Each story has an introduction explaining why he believes the story failed.

If you find yourself reading the author's introductions to stories as carefully as the stories themselves; if you're a writer who thinks about that mysterious thing called story, do consider this book. Tobias Buckell is offering something unique: a real insight into the mind of an author. Lessons to be learnt. Nascence has really crystallised some ideas I've been having about 'story,' and given me some new insights.

Available on kindle for three dollars. (And if you don't have a kindle, did you know that you can download a free reader for your PC, that's what I did)?

This is the most helpful book I've read on the craft of short story writing for ages.