(Another) Fifty-Two Stitches and a Question

Hello readers,

I received the good news today that my story, "Fire Boomers," has been accepted for inclusion in the 2010 edition of Fifty-Two Stitches.

The 2009 edition (available for purchase now) was a blast to read, and included some great talent from cover to cover. Kudos to Mr. Aaron Polson and the editorial staff at Strange Publications for putting together such a strong anthology.

In other news, why is it that when I tell people I write horror stories, they always look at me like I just kicked their dog? Then, the inevitable question: "Why do you write horror? You seem like such a happy guy." Does anyone else get this? Like there has to be something wrong with a person who writes horror. I feel like I ought to come up with something good to say to this question, because when I say, "Nope, I'm perfectly normal. Just like to write horror stories," they look at me like they think I'm hiding something. Worse, they seem to be disappointed, like they wish there was something more behind my writing. Maybe it's better to say something like: "Yeah, when I was six, I watched my uncle Albert drown a whole litter of dalmatian puppies in an ice cream pail one by one. Then he fed them to his cat while he made me play "Stairway to Heaven" on his banjo. Ever since then, I knew I was going to be a horror writer."

Cripes.

Creature Features is Here!

Hello all,

Just a quick note to let you know that House of Horror's anthology, Creature Features, (featuring my story, "Oscar") is now available for purchase. Visit www.houseofhorror.org.uk for full details!

Editors are People, Too--or--Read the Guidelines!

The other day, an editor unloaded on my ass for not following the posted guidelines.

Strange thing was, the wrath resulted from a mistake on the editor's part (long story)--not mine. Luckily, I had saved the email chain of communication, and had proof of this fact, so I was able to clear things up fairly quickly. Not that I'm into arguing with editors, but I also don't like to be called out on the carpet for something I didn't do. I pride myself on following guidelines and conducting myself with a high degree of professionalism.

Anyway, eventually, we both had a good laugh about the whole thing. The editor was mortified for blowing up at me, and admitted that they had been bottling up a great deal of rage due to the fact that a high percentage of submissions were coming in that completely ignored the guidelines. It just so happened that I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

On one hand, it was an upbraiding I didn't deserve. On the other hand, it was an interesting glimpse into the world of editing a publication for a small press and a revealing bit of human interaction.

So if I may take a moment to implore all aspiring authors: read and follow publishers' guidelines. If you're unsure of what they are, query. It was a happy ending for me this time, but it was also a firm reminder of the damage that a careless eye toward guidelines can cause for young writers.

If your story is rejected, you want it to be because your story wasn't a good fit, not because you've shown yourself to be a careless doofus who didn't bother to read the guidelines.

First Snow

Hello, again.

A few weeks ago, I decided to try writing a novel. I don't think I've hit my stride yet with short stories, but working on something longer and more in-depth sounded like fun. I'll still write shorter pieces, but will concentrate most of my efforts on the novel.

I won't give away too many details, but it's kind of about wise management of natural resources. But with monsters.

I committed myself to starting immediately after the first snowflakes fell, with a completion goal set for Valentine's Day. I thought that I'd likely start just after Halloween, which (I thought) would give me plenty of time to think things through.

Well, joke's on me. Snow fell this weekend (is, in fact, falling as I write this), and I realize that it's time to pony up the words. It's an exciting prospect, but also an intimidating one. I don't have much of a plan, but perhaps that's a good thing.

Worst case scenario: I'll have a crummy novel on file. I figure a crummy novel is better than no novel.

And hey, I might actually come up with something good. Who knows? It's new territory.

Deadgirl

Two can keep a secret, if one of them is dead. That's how the old saying goes, at least. In the 2008 movie, Deadgirl, two young men discover how that situation plays out when three people are involved. And, oh yeah, one of them happens to be dead. Or undead.

I'll say it up front: amazing movie. And the best part was that I didn't see it coming at all.

I came across this gem as I was browsing new movies available for streaming through Netfilx. It caught my eye. I love horror. I love zombies. However, after reading the synopsis, I wasn't sure it was my style. Some topics just go too far--even for yours truly. If it wasn't available for instant streaming I'm not sure I would have given it a chance. And that would have been a shame.

Like the best zombie movies, it's not really about the zombie(s) at all. It's about what happens when ordinary people find themselves in extraordinary situations; how people show their true colors when chance gives them an opportunity to transcend their lot in life. It's about how sometimes, this leads to some truly horrific shit.

The resulting film is a coming-of-age tale that ranks right up there with the best of them.

Outstanding performances throughout the solid (if relatively unknown) cast. I cannot recommend this movie highly enough.

Do yourself a favor and give it a view. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll throw up in your mouth a little.

Road Trippin', Soup Makin' Kind of Day

I was very pleased to receive an acceptance for my story, "The Long Drive Home," today.

It'll be featured in a special Road Trip Issue of The Monsters Next Door.

Release date for the issue is scheduled for November 1. Learn how to pick up your copy at www.themonstersnextdoor.com.

Now, back to making chicken soup. It's cold and rainy outside--just the right kind of day for some homemade soup.

Downtime

Friday was my last day at the old job. I begin work at the new gig on Monday. In the meantime, I've had some time to myself. Over the weekend, I went back to my hometown to spend some time with my brothers and do a little duck/goose hunting. If you look closely at the picture, you may just catch a glimpse of me.

Returned back to my home on Monday, and since then I've done some reading and writing, but not a whole lot of either. Sometimes, it's nice not to do anything at all. I'll take the dog for a walk today, enjoy the September air. Maybe go downtown for a burger. Stream a horror movie or two through Netflix. Who knows? Maybe I'll even get some more writing done. It feels good to relax.