Don't Write This: Fiction in Danger Zones by John Wiswell

I just came across this essay by John Wiswell about writing fiction in the danger zones.  He looks at writing about topics that offend most people and how to get it right.  Interesting stuff.

Darkmarkets.com - Market Listings

I haven't been finding very many new markets and those I have are either charging fees or aren't worth the bother.  That said, darkmarkets.com does have a couple of new markets that might interest you.

The Western Online Press - New Western Market

Matthew Pizzolato the editor of the online Western ezine "The Western Online", has opened up The Western Online Press to publish Western ebooks of 20,000 words up to novel length.  There's no mention of the payment involved but since he pays $5 for short stories to the ezine I expect there will be some kind of royalty split on the ebooks.  He has a link on the site for you to query about the contract.  You can check out the press here. 

Saddlebag Dispatches - New Western Market

This market came through SMFS today via Kevin Tipple.  Saddlebag Dispatches is a new quarterly ezine looking for short stories, poetry, and non-fiction in the Western genre.  The first issue is up so you can get an idea of what they're looking for.  There's no mention of pay, so assume this is a non-paying market unless they tell you otherwise (hopefully).  You can find the details here.

UPDATE:  September 30, 2014 - I received an email from the head honcho over at Saddlebag Dispatches.  While they don't pay cash, they do provide advertising space for your work.  Here's what he has to say:

 Sandra  Saddlebag Dispatches  has a nice program in our quarterly

magazine for folks writing western short stories, serialized novellas and

articles we publish. We offer them a full page ad for their book when it

comes out or  in the issue their story comes out which is their option

Getting your book to the western reader is hard. We wanted this to be the

the magazine that western readers go for to read free and see your ads

We are getting lots of friendly well wishes--we appreciate anyone telling

their fans about it. we also have a reasonable advertising rates for authors

We're here for the long run  Dusty Richards

The Underground Story Cupboard

I ran across a contest today that was looking for stories about the Underworld.  Nope, not hell, well you could if you wanted too, but their underworld consisted of sewers, bomb shelters, basements, anything underground.  I remember in the "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy that the father found an old bomb shelter where they hid for a night.  I often wondered why they didn't stay there because there was plenty of food and a comfortable place to sleep, but I suppose it's pretty hard to run from danger when you're underground.

Anyhoo, having your story take place in an underground cave of some type could give you a whole new way to look at your story and give your characters a whole 'nother set of problems to deal with.  Think about it, you're dealing with the dark, perhaps a claustrophobic place, and what dangers could be hidden in the cracks and crevices?  Your setting becomes an integral part of your story.

Oh, yes, here's the link to the contest if you're interested.  You have to download a app in order to enter, but there's no fee.

The Big Adios - New Issue

The first of issue of The Big Adios Western Digest from One Eye Press is now available for your Kindle.  Check it out here.

Angie's Desk - Anthology Calls

I'm a bit late with this one, but Angie has posted up her September anthology list.  Thanks, Angie!!