Why Crime Fiction?

An excellent piece on why many of us are drawn to crime fiction as readers and writers.  "A Familiar Face" by Tim L. Williams.

Human Echoes Podcast - No Fee Flash Contest

The Human Echoes Podcast is hosting a Flash Fiction Challenge called "One the Frontiers of Madness".  They're looking for stories up to 1000 words "about someone losing their grip on reality in a place where they can't be sure what reality is".  The winner will receive $10 and have their story podcast.  The deadline is November 15.  There are no fees to enter.  You'll find the details here.

Whether you decide to enter this contest or not, the theme is very interesting and could work in a variety of genres.  Just a thought.

Hat to to darkmarkets.com

The B. Envelope - Fee based Contests

The other day Katherine Tomlinson emailed me a link to The B. Envelope site.  This site runs three contests looking for stories about minority characters.  The current series is looking for stories about African American characters but you don't have to be African American to enter.  There is a scenario posted that each story must use as a prompt.

The first category is the mini envelope which is free to enter but the deadline for this one has already passed.

The second is the grand envelope which offers a grand prize of $1000 with a $15 entry fee for a short story of 3,000 to 7,000 words.  The deadline for this is fast approaching - so short notice.

And the third is the fellowship envelope which is for a novel in progress.  Grand prize is $10,000.  The entry fee varies from $35 to $65 depending on when you decide to enter.

You can check out all the details here.

The Dreadful Cafe - Anthology Call

The Dreadful Cafe has announced an anthology call for "Thresholds".  This is a query first call and if they don't like what you propose you just won't hear back from them.  They also reserve the right to reject your work at any point during the process so know that even if you pass the query step you're still not guaranteed a spot.  Payment is $125 for shorts of 1000 to 7000 words, $250 for novelettes up to 13,000 words, and payment is negotiable for novellas up to 25,000 words.  You can find all the details here.

Perspective from the Spam Folder

I love my email Spam folder.  Take today's bit of spam - "Life is short.  Have an affair."  And yes, reading that I laughed out loud.  It's all about perspective.  As a crime fiction writer and reader I've written and read about affairs ending in murder and death.  So I'm reading, "Life is short.  Have an affair.  Life becomes even shorter."

As a story prompt an affair can work in many different genres from romance to crime.  One of my favorite movies is "The End of the Affair" with Julianna Moore from 1999 which is based on the Graham Greene novel of the same name.  This story takes a look at guilt, and jealousy, and redemption stemming from the affair and its sudden end.  No murder.  So you can write about an affair that doesn't reduce itself totally to an act of violence.

Writing great stories that strike a cord is more about blurring the lines than sticking with a variation of what's already been done.  And yes, that's hard to do but when you can, you know you've written something special.

Crowd Funding Anthologies - Thoughts?

I've been seeing quite a few anthologies listed on various crowd funding platforms.  I usually check them out but don't always post them as potential markets.

Why, you ask?  Well, some of them already have writers attached, you know the ones whose name will sell an anthology.  And some will only publish if they reach their goal.  For me, $10,000 to $15,000 to publish one book (especially an ebook) seems a little excessive and many never reach their goals, so in the case of KickStarter, no funding.

I linked to an anthology last year that had an open call but they only published ONE story from the open call.  That leaves a lot of writers with stories looking for markets.  And finding markets for failed anthology submissions can be pretty tricky.  Seems like a good idea to avoid anthologies that have invited writers to submit already.

Another thing that bothers me is asking for crowd funding when a successful press is involved.  Shouldn't they have the money in place for this type of project?  Why should they receive part of the profits for being the official printer?

Just some thoughts that have been rolling around in my mind of late.  What do think about crowd funding for anthologies?

Diesel Punk for Beginners

It's always nice to run across an article that gives you insight into some of the subgenres that exist.  I've seen calls for Diesel Punk but had no idea what it was all about.  Here then, is Diesel Punk for beginners.  One of the big influences of this genre is film noir so it might be of interest to you noir writers out there.

Hat tip to sfsignal.com

Marketing Shorts with Michael Bracken

Finding markets for your short stories is probably the most difficult part of being a short story writer.  Prolific short story writer Michael Bracken has an excellent guest post over at the SleuthSayers blog that takes a look at a different way of finding a home for your stories.  It's called "Market-First, Write-Second".

Twelfth Planet Press - Novella Call and YA Anthology Call

I was checking out Twelfth Planet Press because of a YA anthology call that they're crowd funding.  Checking out their guidelines I found that they have a digital novella series open for submissions.  They're looking for stories of 10,000 to 40,000 words in the genres of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and crime.  Payment is an advance of $100 to $200 against royalties of 50% of the net.  You can check out the guidelines here, just scroll down the page a bit.

And the YA call is for an anthology called "Kaleidoscope".  Having reached the half way point in their funding they've opened submissions to the public.  They're looking for sci-fi and fantasy stories of 2500 to 10,000 words with a focus on diverse perspectives.  Payment is 5cents a word and the deadline is December 31.  You can find the details here.

Mega Thump Anthology - Call for Submissions

Mega Thump Publishing has issued a call for submissions for an as yet untitled anthology.  They're looking for short stories of 1000 to 15,000 words that combine sci-fi and horror.  There are examples in the guidelines.  Payment is $20 plus a copy and the deadline is January 1, 2014.  You can find the details here.

Salvages by Gabrielle Hovendon

I was checking out a market called Whiskeypaper when I started reading "Salvages" by Gabrielle Hovendon and couldn't stop.  The story just tugs at your heartstrings and takes you down a sad road to despair.  Great stuff!

And yes, Whiskeypaper is open for subs.  It's a non-paying literary zine looking for dark gritty stories.

UPDATE:  I've changed the url to the permanent link which is what I thought I'd done, but didn't :)

upstreet - Call for Submissions

upstreet is an annual print literary magazine.  They are currently open for submissions to issue #10.  They are seeking poetry, and fiction and non-fiction up to 5000 words.  The deadline is March 1, 2014.  Paymentis $50 to $150 for poems and $50 to $250 for fiction and non-fiction.  There are back issues posted online where you can find samples of what they're looking for in submissions.  And they have an onsite submission form.  You can find the details here. 

Writing Career - Market Resource

Writing Career is an excellent source for all types of writing markets.  This link will take you to their listing of anthology calls but in the upper right hand corner you'll find links to magazine calls, poetry calls, and non-fiction calls.  All paying markets.

Cobblestone - Call for Children's Historical Submissions

For those of you who write for children ages 9 to 14 and love history, Cobblestone Magazine might be for you.  They are looking for both fiction and non-fiction queries.  If you scroll down the  page you'll find their themes which are listed for well into 2015.  Payment is 20 to 25cents a word for all rights.  You can find the details here.  The current theme is for Washington DC and the deadline is November 1.

Lackington's - Call for Submissions

Canadian magazine Lackington's has posted a call for submissions for their second issue.  They want spec-fiction stories of 1500 to 5000 words.  Be sure to read their about page because they're looking for a very specific style of writing for their magazine.  Payment is 1cent CAD per word and a flat rate of $20 for artwork.  You can find the submission details here.

Misfit Journal - Call for Submissions

Misfit Journal has opened submissions for Issue #3.  They are looking for short stories up to 2000 that reflects the misfit ethos (there's links in the guidelines to what that means).  They also accept photography, poetry, and non-fiction work.  Payment is $100.  You can find the guidelines and submission form here.

Angry Robot Books - Open Reading Period

Angry Robot Books has opened for non-agented novel submissions until the end of the year.  They looking for sci-fi, fantasy, and WTF.  You can find the call here, be sure to check out the submission guidelines before submitting.

Crime fiction writers will want to keep an eye on Exhibit A Books a sister imprint of Angry Robot as they have mentioned in their guidelines that they will have an open reading period at some point also.  Something to consider.

The Up Side of Writing Flash

When I'm having trouble writing a longer piece, I close the file and slip back into a familiar place for me, writing flash fiction.  It's like slipping on a big pair of fuzzy slippers all warm and cozy - comfortable.  It helps me find the sweet spot of a story, helps me write tight, and keeps me writing forward instead of wallowing in self-pity because my story isn't working.  Yes, sometimes you just have to give yourself a break.  And I've been writing a lot of flash lately.  It keeps me going when I'm ready to throw in the writing towel and quit.  You see, with flash you can write and finish a story in an hour or two and feel like you've accomplished something.  It's a big ego boost when you're floundering.

Plus I've been submitting them, something I've been slacking off from with the longer pieces.  I've had a few accepted and they'll be published soon along with a really long story that I'm pretty pleased with (and totally excited about the market that's going to publish it).

Anyhoo, one of those flash piece is up over at MicroHorror.  Yes, I entered their Halloween contest.  I had a drabble that kept bugging me, so I lengthened it and worked in the "eyes" theme.  It was great fun, though I'm afraid it's not all that horrific.  You can check "Panic Attack" out here if you're of a mind and be sure to read the other stories that are posted.  There's some really great writers out there. 

Putting Youself into Your Characters

Hilary Davidson has an excellent piece about finding your characters through your own experiences over at the EQMM blog Something is Going to Happen.

Crime Pays: Writing Crime Fiction

From Rob Kitchin's blog comes word of an online writers workshop through Writers Web TV based in London.  Crime Pays:  Writing Crime Fiction will air on October 30 from 10 AM to 4 PM London time.  The teachers are Ken Bruen, Jane Casey, Declan Hughes, and Niamh O'Connor.  If I'm understanding correctly you can view the sessions for free but there is a fee to participate.  Not sure how it works, but I'm sure you computer whiz kids out there will figure it out :) 

Shamus Sampler - Call for PI Submissions

Editor Jochem Vandersteen has issued a call for submission to "Shamus Sampler - Vol. 2".  He's looking for PI (licensed or unlicensed) shorts up to 5000 words.  The deadline is March 1, 2014.  This is a non-paying market.  Mr. Vandersteen is looking to make this a quarterly project if all goes well.  You can read the details here.

And another hat tip to Bill Crider!!

The Dead Man Series - Call for Submissions

I've been reading bits and pieces here and there about Amazon's new Kindle World Program where anyone can write a fan fiction story set in another world.  Many of you who stop by here are probably familiar with Lee Goldberg's "The Dead Man", well, it now is part of the Kindle World Program and you can write a short story or novel set in that world.  You'll find the details here.

Hat tip to Bill Crider!

Kraken Press - Anthology Deadline Reminder

Just a reminder that submissions for Kraken Press' anthology "American Nightmare" closed on October 31, just a week away.  They're looking for horror stories with a Fifties Americana theme.  Payment is royalties.  You can find the details here.  Submissions are through Submittable where it says they're also open for novel and novella submissions.

Martian Migraine Press - Horror Erotica Anthology Call

If you're into Lovecraft and Horror Erotica this call might just be for you.  Canadian publisher Martian Migraine Press has issued an anthology call for "The Conqueror Womb: Lusty Tales of Shub-Niggurath".  They're looking for pulpy tales that focus on Lovecraft deity Shub-Niggurath, Black Goat of the Woods with a Thousand Young.  Stories should be 1500 to 5000 words but they'll also look at some flash under 1500.  The deadline is December 15.  Payment is $10CDN.  You can find the details here.

Spook Show Publishing - Anthology Call

Spook Show Publishing has posted an anthology call for "Lost in the Witching Hour".  They're looking for paranormal short stories and novellas up to 15,000 words.  Payment is $10 for stories 5000 words and up, all other receive a copy.  The deadline is December 31.  You can find all the details here.

Fablecroft - Anthology Call

Australian publisher Fablecroft has issued a call for short story pitches for a new anthology.  The anthology is "Cranky Ladies of History" and they're looking for historical fiction that features a real woman from history.  They have a list of women in the guidelines but you're not limited to those, and the women can be from any country.  The deadline for your pitch December 31.  Payment is 1cent a word with a cap of $75AUD.  The editors are Tansy Rayner Roberts and Tehani Wessely.  You can find all the details here.

Mammoth Book of SF Stories by Women - Reprint Anthology Call

This is a reprints only call.  Editor Alex Dally MacFarlane has issued a call for reprint sci-fi short stories up to 10,000 words written by women.  The deadline is November 30, and payment is 2cents a word.  You can find all the details here.

Thrills, Kills, 'n' Chaos - Update

Flash site Thrills, Kills, 'n' Chaos has posted an update.  Editor David Barber is looking for a few Horror stories up to 1000 words to publish during the week of Halloween (submission details in the update).  He'll also be looking for some "Bad Santa" stories for the Christmas season.  He hopes to open general submissions in the next couple of weeks so keep them in mind if you've got some flash fiction looking for a home.

Seal Press - Non-fiction Anthology Call

Seal Press has issued a call for non-fiction essays for the anthology "Stepping Up: Stories of Blended Families".  While they usually publish women only this call is for both male and female writers.  They want first person essays from people who have been part of step-families.  2000 to 4000 words, payment is $100.  The deadline is February 1, 2014.  You must query first.  Details are here.  You need to click on the call in the little box at the right for the pdf file.

Paul McVeigh - Literary Contest Resource

For those of you heavily into the literary contest world, Paul McVeigh's blog has you covered with a flipcard page that lists all the contests, deadlines, and fees.  A great resource.

Steamfunk - Anthology Call

Well, this one looks like it could be fun, steampunk set in the reconstruction period of Nicodemus, Kansas.  The stories of 2000 to 10,000 words must be set in the "Rite of Passage" world (there's plenty of information with the guidelines) and your main character must be of African descent/Black.  The deadline is December 31 and payment is $25.  You can find all the details here.  Plus there's other posts on the site that will give you more details if you're interested in submitting.

Blank Fiction - Call for Noir Fiction Submissions

The deadline for Blank Fiction's Literary issue has passed but they're still open for submissions of Noir Fiction until January 15, 2014 and Science Fiction stories until April 15, 2014.  Submissions are through Submittable.  Stories should be no longer than 15,000 words and payment is $50.  You can check them out here.

Argosy Magazine - Call for Submissions

I ran across this call on Duotrope's Twitter feed for a new Argosy Magazine.  They're looking to publish the zine as ebooks and will be paying royalties.  Stories must be over 4500 words.  They have three themed issues you can submit to.  You'll find the calls here.

I have a bit of an uneasy feeling about this market.  Their site first went up on June 16, the calls on July 26, and their guidelines on October 4.  I did find a piece up at the Absolute Write site where the editor/publish has posted his call and answered some questions.  There's nothing bad that I can find.  But there is no editor name on the site and he goes by Dantai at Absolute Write so I have no idea who is actually in charge.

If they do make a go of it, this could be an excellent market for short fiction.

Free Horror Stories

One of the best things about the Internet is the availability of short stories.  And with Halloween just around the corner here's a perfect selection of Horror stories for your reading pleasure.  There are links to stories by Ambrose Bierce, Robert E. Howard, Joyce Carol Oates, Poppy Z. Brite, and of course, the master himself, Stephen King.

Hat tip to the sfsignal.com

The Rosie Hardy Photostream Story Cupboard

I was reading a news story about this young photographer on Yahoo and clicked on her Photostream.  The photos are amazing and each one worthy of a story.  Check them out here.  And the girl is only 19.

New Lit Salon Press - Anthology Call

This anthology call for "Behind the Yellow Wallpaper: New Tales of Madness" looks interesting.  They're looking for short stories of 1000 to 3000 words that use a feminine approach to issues that impact women's mental health.  The deadline is December 15, there's no mention of payment.  You can find the details here.

Here's a link to the short story "Behind the Yellow Wallpaper" that they refer to in the submission guidelines.

Permuted Press - Call for Novel Submissions

Permuted Press has opened for novel submissions.  They're looking for novels in the genres of horror, supernatural, and sci-fi of over 60,000 words.  In the guidelines you'll find a breakdown of what's acceptable within those genres.  On the FAQ page you'll find that they pay an advance against royalties.  You can find the details here.

On that page you'll find an anthology call for "Fat Zombies" which I mentioned here a week or so ago.

Dreamspinner Press - Anthology Calls

Dreamspinner Press has posted seven anthology calls with deadlines that stretch through October 2014.  This is basically an erotica/romance press but there is one YA call listed for their YA line of books.  Word counts vary for each anthology and payment is a flat fee based on length (found on the submission guidelines page).  You can check out the calls here.

Tyche Books - Novella and Novels Submission Call

Canadian Publisher Tyche Books has opened submissions for sci-fi and fantasy novellas and novels (60,000 to 120,000 words).  Payment is a royalty share on print, ebooks and audio releases.  You can find the details here.

Aswiebe's Market List - Market Resource

I was reminded today by Katherine of Aswiebe's Market List.  I have a link over there in the market resources section but forget to click on over there.  October's listing of markets is now posted and November's will be up on the 15th of next month.  It's a good source for genre writers.

Unusal Mortality Event Podcast - Call for FMU Submissions

From Katherine Tomlinson we have a new podcast market called Unusual Mortality Event Podcast which is looking for FMU (FuckMeUp) submissions.  Payment here is $42.  You can find all the submission details here and there are examples on the site so you can get a feel for what they're looking for.

Joy Crelin - Editor Interview

Black Gate has an interview up with Joy Crelin, editor of Betwixt Magazine.  Betwixt is open for submissions and it's a paying market.

Spellbound - Call for Submissions Children's Fantasy

Spellbound is a children's fantasy ezine which is published quarterly.  The reading period for their Spring 2014 issue is now open with the theme Dwarves.  The deadline is December 31 for short stories up to 2500 words.  Payment is 2.5cents a word.  The reading periods and themes are also up for next year.  You can find all the details here.

War Stories - Anthology Call

The anthology "War Stories" has opened for submissions of original military sci-fi short stories of 1000 to 7000 words.  Providing their Kickstarter is successful Apex Books will be the publisher.  Payment is 5cents a word and the deadline is November 31.  You can find all the details here.

The Missing Slate - Hallowe'en Writing Contest - No Fees

This one is a bit of a short notice as I just found it.  The Missing Slate is sponsoring its first "Hallowe'en Writing Contest".  They're looking for rip your heart out scary short stories up to 3000 words, micro flash up to 150 words, and poetry of any length.  Prizes are publication on their site and a merchandise package.  The winning stories will also be considered for their first print anthology to be released next year.  The deadline is October 24.  There are no fees to enter.  You can find all the details here.

Protagonists and Their Problem Lives

I don't know about you, but I'm a bit tired of all the problems that are foisted on protagonists these days.  I just read the synopsis of the first novel in a six book series and I'm wondering why the woman doesn't just slit her wrists and be done with it.  Here's a list of all her problems:

1.  Depression
2.  New relationship complicated by her past.
3.  Abusive former foster-father.
4.  Drowning in debt.
5.  All alone because she was orphaned at age two.
6.  Raised in an unloving household.
7.  Insomnia.
8.  PTSD from an incident seven years previously.
9.  Family curse that will destroy the lives of those she's close to and annihilate her sanity.
10.  And her name is Poe.

Really?  A ten point list of problems?  What ever happened to normal and well-adjusted?    

Yellow Mama - New Issue

The October issue of Yellow Mama is now live and what a great roster of stories and writers which includes a Western by Gary Lovisi.

Angie's Desk - Anthology Calls

Angie has posted up her monthly Anthology Calls list.  Thank you Angie!

Alimentum: The Literature of Food - Call for Submissions

This looks like an interesting market.  "Alimentum:  The Literature of Food" is an online zine that has opened for submissions of fiction and non-fiction under 2000 words that revolves around food.  There's no mention of payment and submissions are by snail mail.  You can find the details here.

They've been in business since 2005, first as a print market and now online.

Craft Question

Learning your craft is the most important part of writing, as well as actually getting the words on the page, of course.  Part of that learning comes from reading other writers and this morning I got smacked right in the face with a great lesson in what not to do.

I started reading a Western Mystery, I was two pages into the set-up for a fight that's about to break out during a poker game when suddenly instead of a fight scene, I'm thrust into a two page history lesson about Kansas and the Civil War.  What the?!?  Then just as suddenly I'm back into the poker game and a rundown of the players, and still no fight.  Now why would you break away from a perfectly good fight setup to give the reader a history lesson? 

Now I love history but that certainly wasn't the spot for it.  Shouldn't the history lessons evolve naturally through the characters and/or the setting?  And how does a writer best avoid this type of information dump when writing Historicals?  Can we depend on the reader to know enough about the time period that we don't have to give an in depth description of the gun a character is using, along with the grain and caliber of the bullet (yep, he did that, too!).  

What an Editor Wants

From Brian Lindenmuth comes a link to a "Editor Roundtable:  A Story Critique" where they've posted a short story that's been submitted and rejected by several markets.  After you read the story you can read the explanations of eight editors as to why they explain what does and doesn't work about the story.  There's some great insight into what's meant by editor preference.  Some of the editors responding are:  Ellen Datlow, Anne VanderMeer, and Gardneer Dozois.

The WonderBook site along with its sister site BookLife Now are great resources for writers learning the craft.

Black Tome Books - Anthology Calls

Editor Brandon Black has posted two anthology calls on his site, both will be published by Black Tome Books.  The deadline for both is January 1, 2014 and payment is 2 copies.  The first call is "Cairo by Gaslight" and they're looking for steampunk and gaslight fantasy.  The second call is "FeyFic:  The Other World" and they looking for stories of the fey.  You'll find more information by clicking on the links at the top of the page.

UPDATE:  February 11, 2014  The deadline has been changed once again.  It's now March 31.

Demon Rum and Other Evil Spirts - Anthology Q & A

Editor Stacy Turner has posted a Q & A post about Angelic Knight Press' latest anthology call, "Demon Rum and Other Evil Spirits".  Submissions for this call open on November 1.

Seems Like Just Yesterday

It seems fitting to note that today My Little Corner celebrates it's fifth anniversary.  My only regret is that I didn't choose something snazzier for a blog name, but back then, I really didn't expect anyone to show up.  So, I lift a virtual cup of coffee to all of you readers and writers out there who have stopped by and shared a little bit of yourselves with me.  Thank you!!

Permuted Press - Anthology Call

Permuted Press has issued a call for submissions for their latest anthology "Fat Zombie".  They looking for "survivor stories of the people you never expect to survive the end of the world".  Stories should be 3000 to 10,000 words and the deadline is November 30.  According to their FAQ's page they pay a royalty split.  You can find the submission details here.

El Portal Literary Journal - Call for Western and Sci-fi Submissions

The literary journal of Eastern New Mexico University, El Portal, has opened submissions to the public for an upcoming issue called "The Waste of Space".  They're looking for flash stories of 500 to 1500 words and shorts stories to 4000 words dealing with the Southwest.  They'll accept "Wild West" stories or Sci-fi stories but special attention will be paid to stories that can combine elements of both (like Firefly).  The best submission details are on Craigslist.  But I found more information on the University's web site.  The Journal itself doesn't seem to have a website.  The deadline is October 31 and there's no mention of payment.

UPDATE:  Here's the link to El Portal thanks to Michael Bracken.

A big thank you to Katherine Tomlinson for the link!

Akashic Books - New Flash Call

Akashic books has added a new category to their online flash series.  For "Terrible Twosdays" they are looking for stories up to 750 words that focus on the "challenges of parenting".  Stories can be fiction or non-fiction, children should be 0 to 5 years of age.  As with their other two flash categories there is no payment.  You can find all the details here. 

Blood Bound Books - A Reminder

Just a reminder that Horror publisher Blood Bound Books will be closing their submission doors on October 31.  They're still looking for novellas, novelettes, and novels of 10,000 to 80,000 words.  You can find all the details here.

Late Night on Route 17 by Libby Cudmore

It doesn't come much darker than "Late Night on Route 17" by Libby Cudmore.  "Late Night" is a story of love and the secrets that hold two people together.

Can Man Crush Monday Be Far Behind?

Ran across Woman Crush Wednesday over on Yahoo and I'm wondering why women do this to themselves.  Complaints abound about women being glorified as sexual objects but this woman posted her own sexual object photo.  Doesn't her skill and talent deserve better than this?

The Knicknackery - New Market

From Katherine Tomlinson we have a new literary market called "The Knicknackery".  They're looking for poetry, fiction to 2500 words, non-fiction, and artwork for their first issue.  This is a non-paying market.  You can find the guidelines here, submissions are through Submittable.

Hooray For Short Stories

This is so cool.  Short story writer Alice Munro has won the Nobel Prize in Literature. 
We're Snoopy Dancing here at the corner for Ms. Munro and her wonderful short stories.

Hat tip to Jack Bludis via SMFS!

The Dark - New Market

I've held off on posting about this new market because 1) they had a failed Kickstarter and 2) the website wasn't up.  Today I discovered that the site is up and the first set of stories is posted online.  They're also available for purchase for your Kindles and other reading devices.

Now for the details.  The Dark is a bi-monthly magazine looking for mainstream fiction with elements of the fantastic mixed in.  Stories should be 1000 to 5000 words and payment is 5cents a word.  You can find all the details here.  If you click on the fiction tab at the top of the page you'll find their published fiction to get a feel for what they're looking for.

Pat Harrington - RIP

The Internet is a strange and wonderful thing.  We "meet" people that we never really know and yet we become friends of sorts.  Why am I thinking about this?  Because an Internet friend of mine passed away yesterday.

I met Pat Harrington many years ago through several online writers groups.  We shared pages in a small magazine called "A Flasher's Dozen" where her Derringer winning story was published and in an anthology called "The Ex Factor".  We also shared duties as President and Vice President of the Short Mystery Fiction Society.  We two old ladies, who were both pretty much computer illiterate, were put in charge - that one gave us a good chuckle. 

Pat was a wonderful woman with a great sense of humor.  She worked hard to achieve her dream of writing a novel and getting it published.  She wrote wonderful short stories.  She loved her dogs and her grandchildren.  But most important, she was a kind and generous woman who loved life.  She will be missed by everyone who knew her both in real life and in this virtual reality space we live in.

Rest in peace, my dear friend.

Crossed Genres Magazine - Submissions Open

Submissions are open until October 31 for the next issue of Crossed Genres Magazine.  The theme is "unresolved sexual tension".  Stories should be 1000 to 6000 words, payment is 5cents a word.  The theme for the November submission period is "Conspiracy".  You can find all the details and future themes here.

That Hell-Bound Train by Robert Bloch

I love stories about people who make deals with the devil.  The best part is wondering how they'll wiggle out of their deal or if the devil is smart enough to trick them into hell.  As you read "That Hell-Bound Train" by Robert Bloch you just know that Martin is doomed to failure.  But oh that ride, and its surprise ending.  I found it online if you'd like to give it read.

I read this story in The Fantasy Hall of Fame edited by Robert Silverberg

Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing - Anthology Call

Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing has just posted a new anthology call.  "Stay Cool: A Tribute to Elmore Leonard" is looking for short stories written in the spirit and tone of Mr. Leonard's work.  The deadline is September 30, 2014 with publication in the Spring of 2015.  Payment is a royalty split.  You can find all the details here.  Submissions are through Submittable. 

And a reminder that their One Night Stands call for individual short stories in any genre (1000 to 15,000 words) is still open until December 1, 2013.  Also at Submittable.  Payment is $25 plus a 30% royalty share.

A big thank you to Paul Brazill for the link!

Richard Matheson - Interview

There's a wonderful interview with Richard Matheson from 2007 over at the Tor/Forge Blog.

Hat tip to sfsignal.com

Mico-Horror - Annual Halloween Contest is Open

It's that time again for Micro-Horror's annual Halloween contest.  This year's theme is "eyes".  They want flash fiction no longer than 666 words.  The deadline is October 31, submissions through Submittable.  And there will be prizes for the top three stories.  There are no fees to enter.  You can find the call here.

The Were-Traveler - Call for Zombie Flash

The Were-Traveler is a non-paying online ezine that publishes horror flash and short stories.  Their current theme is "The Day the Zombies Ruled the Earth".  The deadline is November 25.

The Stone by Henry Goodman

I mentioned yesterday that I picked up a copy of The Best Short Stories of 1919, well, today I discovered that a copy of this book is available for free at Gutenberg.org

Today I read a short story from that book called "The Stone" by Henry Goodman.  Wow!  What a great story.  The story is about a woman whose husband died but seems to keep coming back to steal away her life.  Very powerful story of an abusive marriage without dwelling on the abuse itself.

Fictionvale - Call for Submissions

Fictionvale has opened submissions for their third issue with the theme "alternate history".  They're looking for stories up to 5000 words in various genres.  The deadline is October 31, payment is 2cents a word.  You can find all the details here.

A Rewarding Satuday

I'm just back from the last book sale of the summer.  I never know what I'm going to stumble across at these sales.  Today I was searching for material that showed life in the nineteen hundreds for a project I'm working on.  The Internet is fine in some ways for dates and things but books can give you a broader picture of the time.

Out on the front porch of the building there were scads of old books that he was giving away for free.  They'd been around too long and those that weren't taken were going to be recycled.  Amongst these books I found a copy of "Mildred Pierce" (I have some of Cain's work but not this one), one of the few novels I picked up today.

For my research I found "Life in Modern Times" that gives a history of this country up to 1940, "Roughneck:  The Way of Life in the Oil Fields", "Creative Knowledge" published in 1927 gives details of different trades from sailor to miner.  I also found a book called "The Twenties" by Edmund Wilson which is an autobiographical history of the 1920's.  "An American Traveler's Guide to Black History" was a great find and the history is broken down by states and towns.  But the greatest finds were "The Best Short Stories of 1919" and "The Saturday Evening Post Treasury" which is filled with articles and short stories over the years since 1728.  There was also a biography of Dorothea Dix called "Stranger and Traveler" which covers much of the period I'm working in.

I also found an entire box of "Best of" Science Fiction anthologies but I only chose one.  "The Fantasy Hall of Fame" which covers many years and writers I've heard of but haven't read yet.  Can't wait to dive into this one.

All in all a very pleasant and rewarding day.

Noir Nation - New Issue

The third issue of Noir Nation has hit the streets.  Check it out here.

Apokrupka - Anthology Calls

Apokrupka has put out calls for two anthologies.  The deadline for both is November 3.

The first is "Vignettes From the End of the World".  They want you to tell about that moment when the world ends in 500 words.  Payment is $20.

"Fur and Fang" is looking for Horrotica (monster sex).  Stories should be 2000 to 4000 words, payment is $50.

Submissions are through their submittable page.  I've posted the link because the one for Vignettes isn't on the site yet, but they are open.

Apokrupka has been in business for a year and they are the people behind the horror zine Lamplight.

Romance Flash - Open for Submissions

Romance Flash is looking for stories up to 1000 words in all the romance fiction genres (no erotica).  Payment is $3 via PayPal only.  There is a submission form at the bottom of the guidelines page where you can find all the details. 

Flash Fiction Online - Open for Submissions

Flash Fiction Online has opened for submissions of flash fiction in most genres (they tend to lean towards sci-fi and literary) of 500 to 1000 words.  Submissions are through Submittable, payment is $50.  You can find all the details here.  Please note that the payment is for a variety of rights which is listed at the bottom of the guidelines.

Lakeside Circus - New Market

Dagan Books is looking for submissions for the first issue of a new zine they're publishing called "Lakeside Circus".  They want spec-fiction, flash to 1000 words, short stories up to 2500 words and poetry.  Payment is 1cent a word with a minimum of $10.  You must submit your stories blind.  You can find all the details here.

Tom Clancy's Rules for Writing and Life

Author Tom Clancy passed away yesterday and Salon posted his 5 rules for writing and life today.  Well worth the read.  RIP Mr. Clancy.

A big thank you to Michael Bracken for the link!

World Weaver Press - Fae Anthology Update

If you're still working on a story for World Weaver Press' Fae Anthology you should drop on over to their blog to read the update by editor, Rhonda Parrish.  It will give you a better of idea of what she's looking for at this point in the selection process.

Jim Baen Memorial Writing Contest - No Fees

The 2014 Jim Baen Memorial Writing Contest has opened for submissions.  Stories should be no more than 8000 words "that shows the near future of (no more than 50 to 60 years ) manned space exploration".  There are no fees to enter and there are prizes.  The deadline is February 1, 2014.  You can find all the details here.

Nanowrimo Preparation

For the last several years when October rolls around Alexandra Sokoloff writes a series of posts about how you can get ready for Nanowrimo in November.  If you're planning on participating in the Nano be sure to check out the series.  And even if you aren't going for that great November run, the advice will help you get a leg up on your novel writing process.

Poisoned Pen Press - Open for Novel Submissions

Poisoned Pen Press has opened for novel submissions.  They are looking for traditional mysteries of 60,000 to 90,000 words.  There is no mention of payment but this is a small traditional press that does pay.  Submissions are through Submittable and the deadline is October 31.  You can find all the details here.

Female Horror Writers

Over at the SF Signal site the Mind Meld Question is "Our Favorite Women Horror Writers".  What surprised me most about the lists were the number of short stories that were mentioned.

I've linked to a few of the older stories mentioned for your reading pleasure:

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

The Jilting of Granny Weatherall by Katherine Anne Porter

One Ordinary Day, With Peanuts by Shirley Jackson - this is a pdf file

MystericalE - New Issue

And the newest issue of Mysterical-E has finally hit the ether.  Check it out here.

Betwixt - Open for Submissions

Betwixt Magazine has posted it's first issue and will open for submission of speculative fiction short stories at midnight tonight.  The front page says they're open but the guidelines page says midnight.  Payment is 2cents a word with a cap of $150.  You can find all the details here.

Comets & Criminals - Rising From the Ashes

Comets and Criminals seems to be making an attempt to rise from the dead.  They're open for submissions of reprints up to 10,000 words in the genres of Science Fiction, Crime/Mystery, Adventure, Historical, and Westerns.  They will publish one a month starting in 2014 on their website.  Payment is $25.  You can find the details here.

Minotaur Books - 2014 Novel Competitions

I mentioned a month or so ago that the Minotaur Books First Novel competition was open for submissions.  Since then the other three first novel contests have also opened.  There is the Malice Domestic competition for first traditional mystery, The PWA competition for best Private Eye novel, and the Hillerman competition.  You can find the details here.