Jul
17th
Drat!
By EmmaD
So I
thought I'd write a short story for the first time in ages, and
when I didn't get anywhere with it in time for the Guardian
competition, well, there's always Manchester, which is a longer
wordcount anyway - more my style. It won't get anywhere in the
comp, but it's nice to commission yourself, and so on.
I flipped through notebooks for ideas, spent a couple of
afternoons thinking it out: powerful central conflict; neat, tight
situation; small cast; pleasing structure; all strips down nicely
to a single, central idea. How about spending the weekend on it?
Can't wait. On Monday I'll know if I've got anything worth working
on or not.
Then I went for a walk this evening, started thinking round it and round it and...
...it's a novel.
It's unarguably a bloody novel. In fact, it's not just a novel, it's the novel that's been baffling me, because received wisdom is that your fifth published novel should be something different from the first four, and this is. (Always supposing anyone wants to give me a contract by then.)
I wanna write my story. I don't wan't it to be a novel. But it is.
Then I went for a walk this evening, started thinking round it and round it and...
...it's a novel.
It's unarguably a bloody novel. In fact, it's not just a novel, it's the novel that's been baffling me, because received wisdom is that your fifth published novel should be something different from the first four, and this is. (Always supposing anyone wants to give me a contract by then.)
I wanna write my story. I don't wan't it to be a novel. But it is.
Jul
17th
Things to do before I die
By Annie
Just chatting to EZ about some of the things on our "Things to do
before I die" lists. So far we have swimming with dolphins,
hugging orang-utangs and hot air ballooning over the
serengeti.
Anybody out there got any burning ambitions to do anything weird or wonderful before shuffling off? Or, equally interesting, has anybody been able to tick an experience off their list?
Anybody out there got any burning ambitions to do anything weird or wonderful before shuffling off? Or, equally interesting, has anybody been able to tick an experience off their list?
Jul
17th
PS (last blog)
By mike
You can post if you wish. I think I forgot to push a
button. Incidentally, I was listening to Brahms fourth
symphony yesterday and kept thinking the phone rang. I went
to answer twice. Is it possible Brahms had included a
few notes that replicate a telephone? It seems
unlikely.
Jul
16th
Sometimes nature sucks!
By mockingbird
My skin is really crawling... I keep looking at my arms, and
scratching my head, and my spine is all tingly. Why? Has
Cadburys got fleas? No, bless him. I just went in the kitchen to
get my supper. Put out salad, potatoes to cook, a bit of steak and
some garlic and mushrooms. I have been looking forward to that all
day. But it was to be sometime before I could finish
preparing it, let alone feel like eating it. Let me
explain.
We have sliding doors in our kitchen, looking out onto our matchbox London garden. And all the dogs love to sit by the doorway looking out. As I got out the frying pan I noticed Cadburys looking out of the window as usual. No, not as usual. Slowly, slowly he was moving his head upwards, watching something progress painstakingly up the glass. Not another bee surely ( see my recent blog on Guiness and the bee to understand my concerns) and the door was almost shut. There was a gap of about three inches only - but through it had come flying ant after sodding flying ant as a nest on the outside back wall exploded in the muggy humid weather conditions this evening. Cadburys was watching one, but there were groups of them all crawling up the panes of glass on the inside as well as the outside, up the frame, over the floor and even working their creepy crawly way towards his hairy feet only inches away.
Forget the steak; horrid nightmarish memories of when I was a child, living in slum accommodation in an RAF camp near Cologne in Germany, because the administration had made a mistake and had no house for our family's arrival after two days of travelling. So we were put in a cruddy flat with cockroaches fully installed. My sister (aged 10) and I (aged 8) counted one day, we killed 133 in the kitchen alone. And I hated the way they fell off the ceiling onto your hair.
Back to present day kitchens... Not sure the orthodox way of getting rid of flying ants in a kitchen, but I used a lot of tissues and know they crunch a bit when you squidge them. My arms were tingling, there were shivers down my backbone, and a certain nausea that I recognised... Nature may be wonderful, but do I please have to share her glories in my kitchen?
We have sliding doors in our kitchen, looking out onto our matchbox London garden. And all the dogs love to sit by the doorway looking out. As I got out the frying pan I noticed Cadburys looking out of the window as usual. No, not as usual. Slowly, slowly he was moving his head upwards, watching something progress painstakingly up the glass. Not another bee surely ( see my recent blog on Guiness and the bee to understand my concerns) and the door was almost shut. There was a gap of about three inches only - but through it had come flying ant after sodding flying ant as a nest on the outside back wall exploded in the muggy humid weather conditions this evening. Cadburys was watching one, but there were groups of them all crawling up the panes of glass on the inside as well as the outside, up the frame, over the floor and even working their creepy crawly way towards his hairy feet only inches away.
Forget the steak; horrid nightmarish memories of when I was a child, living in slum accommodation in an RAF camp near Cologne in Germany, because the administration had made a mistake and had no house for our family's arrival after two days of travelling. So we were put in a cruddy flat with cockroaches fully installed. My sister (aged 10) and I (aged 8) counted one day, we killed 133 in the kitchen alone. And I hated the way they fell off the ceiling onto your hair.
Back to present day kitchens... Not sure the orthodox way of getting rid of flying ants in a kitchen, but I used a lot of tissues and know they crunch a bit when you squidge them. My arms were tingling, there were shivers down my backbone, and a certain nausea that I recognised... Nature may be wonderful, but do I please have to share her glories in my kitchen?
Jul
16th
For EZ
By Pride.James
Abyss
& Apex
http://www.klio.net/byrenlee/abyssandapex/
The mission of Abyss & Apex is to publish the finest in speculative and imaginative fiction, with special attention to character-driven stories that examine the depths and heights of human motivation. We are looking for stories that leave us gasping, dizzy, and perhaps momentarily changed. Stories with voice and presence -- and power.
We want strong fantasy, magic realism, science fiction, and especially those genrebending stories that don't quite seem to fit anywhere. Our tastes span the gamut from classical, Golden-Age SF to modern nontraditional formats. We don't mind experimental styles. We are, however, discriminating. And opinionated.
Length - up to 10,000 words
Payment - .03 cents per word to a max. of $40
EMAIL Submissions: submissions@klio.net
Guidelines: http://www.klio.net/byrenlee/abyssandapex/
------------------------------------------------------------
AlienQ
http://www.alienq.com
Genre: Science Fiction
Payment: $50.00 on publication
Subjects should include alien encounters - real or imagined, universal history, possible futures, out-of-body experiences, spiritual abilities and powers, interstellar technologies and anything that broadens the scope of man's thought processes.
We like stories around 2000 to 5000 words
E-Mail: editor@alienq.com
Submission Guidelines: http://www.alienq.com/writers.asp
------------------------------------------------------------
All Possible Worlds
http://www.zetacentauri.com/magazine.htm
All Possible Worlds is a science fiction and fantasy print magazine
currently accepting submissions of short stories of 500 to 6,000 words.
We pay $0.01 per word for accepted submissions and accept submissions via
both email and postal mail.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.zetacentauri.com/magazine.htm
------------------------------------------------------------
Analog Science Fiction and Fact
http://www.analogsf.com
Pays 6-8 cents per word for short stories up to 7,500 words, $450-600 for stories between 7,500 and 10,000 words, and 5-6 cents per word for longer material. Study guidelines closely for preferences regarding length of type of stories. Also accept non-fiction articles and pay 6cents per word.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.analogsf.com/information/submissions.shtml
------------------------------------------------------------
Another Realm
http://216.147.67.68/
Has set reading periods for submissions. Next reading period is Oct 2001 for speculative fiction ie. science fiction, fantasy, horror etc. Stories up to 4000 words. Pays $10 on publication.
Submission Guidelines: http://216.147.67.68/submit/submit6.html
------------------------------------------------------------
Asimov's Science Fiction
http://www.asimovs.com
Asimov's Science Fiction magazine is a well established market for short science fiction stories. Pay is on acceptance starting at 6 cents per word up to 7,500 words, 5 cents per word for stories longer than 12,500 words, and $450 for stories between those lengths. They rarely buy stories longer than 15,000 words. Poetry rate is $1 a line, which should not exceed 40 lines.
Guidelines: http://www.asimovs.com/info/guidelines.shtml
------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Gate
http://www.blackgate.com
Black Gate publishes epic fantasy fiction at all lengths (including novel excerpts), articles, interviews, news and reviews. We are looking for adventure-oriented fantasy fiction suitable for all ages -- including urban fantasy, sword & sorcery, dark fantasy/horror, "magic realism" and romantic fantasy -- as long as it is well written and original.
Black Gate is also looking for artists -- for line art, comics, and cartoons. If you have an online portfolio full of dynamic, fun b&w art, don't hesitate to contact us. We pay 6 cents/word for fiction, and 5 cents/word for non-fiction, on acceptance.
Guidelines: http://www.blackgate.com/bg/guide.htm
----------------------------------------------------------------
DNA Publications
http://www.dnapublications.com
This megahouse is host to several popular print magazine including Aboslute Magnitude, Dreams of Decadence, Weird Tales®, Fantastic Stories, Aboriginal SF and Science Fiction Crusade.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.dnapublications.com/info/guide.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Escape Velocity
http://www.adventurebooksofseattle.com/escapevelocity.htm
Seeking hard-hitting science fiction with a unique premise up to 5,000 words. Reprints considered. Payment $10 US flat fee. Purchases one-time print rights, plus the right to include story in a 'best of' issue at a later date.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.adventurebooksofseattle.com/escapevelocity.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Elysian Fiction
http://www.elysianfiction.com
Original fantasy fiction of all types and styles. All lengths from short shorts to 25,000 words. Query for longer works, there might be occasional opportunities for them. We want a good mix of the broadest possible interpretations of "fantasy": contemporary, heroic, mythical, surreal, dark, humorous, etc..., so feel free to send anything that might be appropriate in the slightest. No reprints.
Payment is 1 cent/word (U.S.), minimum $10, on acceptance (OA), for first world wide web rights, for a term of one year, the first 3 months to appear exclusively on Elysian Fiction, the other 9 months non-exclusive (can appear in other sites and publications after 3 months). Anthology or reprint rights may be acquired at a later time at terms to be negotiated. Foreign payments can be worked out for the greatest convenience to the author.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.sfroundup.com/elysian/gls.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------------
EOTU Ezine
http://www.clamcity.com/eotu.html
EOTU is a bi-monthly webzine that publishes fiction, art and poetry of all genres, including science fiction, fantasy and horror. Maximum story length, 3000 words. Pays minimum of 1/2c per word or $5.00, whichever is greater. $5.00 for poetry, $5.00 for art. EOTU was a paper zine back in the 80's-early 90's, now we're doing it on-line!
Check Submissions Guidelines page for themes of upcoming issues and full details on sending work to us.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.clamcity.com/submissionspage.html
------------------------------------------------------------
Fables
http://www.fables.org
Looking for Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, and other genres. They also accept retelling of folktales from all parts of the world. Short Shorts up to 1000 words. Short stories to 7500 words and Novellettes 7500 to 17500 words. Pays $5-$10 per story.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.fables.org/submissions.html
------------------------------------------------------------
Fantastic Stories
http://www.dnapublications.com
A quarterly fantasy and science fiction magazine. Accepts stories from 2000-15000 words but average normally 4000-5000 words. Pays 1-5 cents per word, buys First North American Serial Rights.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.dnapublications.com/wt/index.htm
------------------------------------------------------------
Future Orbits
http://www.futureorbits.com
Future Orbits seeks high-quality science fiction short stories, articles, commentary, and art. Future Orbits does not purchase poetry.
Fiction submissions...
Stories up to 5,000 words are preferred, but stories up to 7,500 words will be considered. Payment is $.06 to $.10 per word on acceptance.
Nonfiction submissions...
Future Orbits is looking for freelance writers and columnists interested in writing science fiction commentaries and speculative articles about the future. If you are interested, please send a query letter and clips of prior work to the below address or to editor@futureorbits.com. Payment is $.06 to $.10 per word on acceptance.
Send Submissions to...
Tom Vander Neut - Editor/Publisher
Future Orbits
Vander Neut Publications LLC
P.O. Box 239
Hatboro, PA 19040
United States of America
Submission Guidelines: http://www.futureorbits.com/guidelines/submission_guidelines.html
------------------------------------------------------------
Ideomancer!
http://www.ideomancer.com
Ideomancer publishes fiction, or interesting lies. But the stories we publish will also be honest. Which means plausible and affecting. It's only words...unless it's true. But if you wish to reach the highest truths, please begin with the alphabet. And if it takes more than 5000 words to say what you want to say, give it more thought. More specifically, Ideomancer publishes speculative fiction of the following kinds: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Slipstream and Flash - Up to 5000 words - Up to 500 for flash fiction
Payment: $20US per story, US.03 cents to US.10 cents for flash fiction
Frequency: Monthly
Publisher: Chris Clarke
Managing Editor: Amber van Dyk
submissions@ideomancer.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Quantum Muse
http://www.quantummuse.com
Quantum Muse is looking for SF/F/Alternative. No porn, copyrighted characters. Reprints okay. E-subs preferred via form at website http://www.quantummuse.com/submission2.html
Snail-mail subs must be accompanied by disk. Include short bio. Replies with a 'yes' or 'no' -- detailed comments available in exchange for payment.
Fiction: to 8000 words, pays $10 On Publication.
Snail-mail: PO Box 1470, Salem, NH 03079.
editors@quantummuse.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Strange Horizons
http://www.strangehorizons.com
We're looking for high-quality stories that explore both the possible and the impossible: stories about human and nonhuman experience, about reality and dreams, about the here-and-now and otherwhere-and-elsewhen.
We want stories that have some literary depth but aren't boring; styles that are unusual yet readable; structures that balance inventiveness with traditional narrative. We like characters we can care about. We like settings and cultures that we don't see all the time in speculative fiction.
We like fantasy (especially urban fantasy). Dark fantasy is fine, but we're not looking for outright horror. We like magic realism, "slipstream," and even a dash of the surreal now and then, as long as it's readable.
We also like science fiction, as long as it involves three-dimensional characters and interesting stories, not just science puzzles. We will consider submissions up to 9000 words, but we strongly prefer stories under 5000 words. We pay 4 cents/word.
We buy first-printing world exclusive rights for two months.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.strangehorizons.com/Guidelines.html
------------------------------------------------------------
Twilight Times
http://www.twilighttimes.com
Prefer Science Fiction/Fantasy/literary, cross-genre fiction under 6,000 words. Poetry to 30 lines. We're not seeing enough slipstream or speculative fiction submissions from women writers. Not interested in horror, gore, violence or darker works such as psycho-killer tales. Payment will be $5.00 for original and previously unpublished works. This includes stories, poems, articles or graphic artwork. Work that has been previously published (this includes personal web sites) will receive payment of $2.50.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.twilighttimes.com/subs.html
------------------------------------------------------------
Weird Tales
http://www.dnapublications.com
Very rarely buy a story that does not contain an element of fantasy. Looking for heroic fantasy, fantasy based horror, modern sword and sorcery. Pays 3-6 cents per word on acceptance. Very detailed contributors info.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.dnapublications.com/wt/index.htm
------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.klio.net/byrenlee/abyssandapex/
The mission of Abyss & Apex is to publish the finest in speculative and imaginative fiction, with special attention to character-driven stories that examine the depths and heights of human motivation. We are looking for stories that leave us gasping, dizzy, and perhaps momentarily changed. Stories with voice and presence -- and power.
We want strong fantasy, magic realism, science fiction, and especially those genrebending stories that don't quite seem to fit anywhere. Our tastes span the gamut from classical, Golden-Age SF to modern nontraditional formats. We don't mind experimental styles. We are, however, discriminating. And opinionated.
Length - up to 10,000 words
Payment - .03 cents per word to a max. of $40
EMAIL Submissions: submissions@klio.net
Guidelines: http://www.klio.net/byrenlee/abyssandapex/
------------------------------------------------------------
AlienQ
http://www.alienq.com
Genre: Science Fiction
Payment: $50.00 on publication
Subjects should include alien encounters - real or imagined, universal history, possible futures, out-of-body experiences, spiritual abilities and powers, interstellar technologies and anything that broadens the scope of man's thought processes.
We like stories around 2000 to 5000 words
E-Mail: editor@alienq.com
Submission Guidelines: http://www.alienq.com/writers.asp
------------------------------------------------------------
All Possible Worlds
http://www.zetacentauri.com/magazine.htm
All Possible Worlds is a science fiction and fantasy print magazine
currently accepting submissions of short stories of 500 to 6,000 words.
We pay $0.01 per word for accepted submissions and accept submissions via
both email and postal mail.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.zetacentauri.com/magazine.htm
------------------------------------------------------------
Analog Science Fiction and Fact
http://www.analogsf.com
Pays 6-8 cents per word for short stories up to 7,500 words, $450-600 for stories between 7,500 and 10,000 words, and 5-6 cents per word for longer material. Study guidelines closely for preferences regarding length of type of stories. Also accept non-fiction articles and pay 6cents per word.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.analogsf.com/information/submissions.shtml
------------------------------------------------------------
Another Realm
http://216.147.67.68/
Has set reading periods for submissions. Next reading period is Oct 2001 for speculative fiction ie. science fiction, fantasy, horror etc. Stories up to 4000 words. Pays $10 on publication.
Submission Guidelines: http://216.147.67.68/submit/submit6.html
------------------------------------------------------------
Asimov's Science Fiction
http://www.asimovs.com
Asimov's Science Fiction magazine is a well established market for short science fiction stories. Pay is on acceptance starting at 6 cents per word up to 7,500 words, 5 cents per word for stories longer than 12,500 words, and $450 for stories between those lengths. They rarely buy stories longer than 15,000 words. Poetry rate is $1 a line, which should not exceed 40 lines.
Guidelines: http://www.asimovs.com/info/guidelines.shtml
------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Gate
http://www.blackgate.com
Black Gate publishes epic fantasy fiction at all lengths (including novel excerpts), articles, interviews, news and reviews. We are looking for adventure-oriented fantasy fiction suitable for all ages -- including urban fantasy, sword & sorcery, dark fantasy/horror, "magic realism" and romantic fantasy -- as long as it is well written and original.
Black Gate is also looking for artists -- for line art, comics, and cartoons. If you have an online portfolio full of dynamic, fun b&w art, don't hesitate to contact us. We pay 6 cents/word for fiction, and 5 cents/word for non-fiction, on acceptance.
Guidelines: http://www.blackgate.com/bg/guide.htm
----------------------------------------------------------------
DNA Publications
http://www.dnapublications.com
This megahouse is host to several popular print magazine including Aboslute Magnitude, Dreams of Decadence, Weird Tales®, Fantastic Stories, Aboriginal SF and Science Fiction Crusade.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.dnapublications.com/info/guide.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Escape Velocity
http://www.adventurebooksofseattle.com/escapevelocity.htm
Seeking hard-hitting science fiction with a unique premise up to 5,000 words. Reprints considered. Payment $10 US flat fee. Purchases one-time print rights, plus the right to include story in a 'best of' issue at a later date.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.adventurebooksofseattle.com/escapevelocity.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Elysian Fiction
http://www.elysianfiction.com
Original fantasy fiction of all types and styles. All lengths from short shorts to 25,000 words. Query for longer works, there might be occasional opportunities for them. We want a good mix of the broadest possible interpretations of "fantasy": contemporary, heroic, mythical, surreal, dark, humorous, etc..., so feel free to send anything that might be appropriate in the slightest. No reprints.
Payment is 1 cent/word (U.S.), minimum $10, on acceptance (OA), for first world wide web rights, for a term of one year, the first 3 months to appear exclusively on Elysian Fiction, the other 9 months non-exclusive (can appear in other sites and publications after 3 months). Anthology or reprint rights may be acquired at a later time at terms to be negotiated. Foreign payments can be worked out for the greatest convenience to the author.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.sfroundup.com/elysian/gls.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------------
EOTU Ezine
http://www.clamcity.com/eotu.html
EOTU is a bi-monthly webzine that publishes fiction, art and poetry of all genres, including science fiction, fantasy and horror. Maximum story length, 3000 words. Pays minimum of 1/2c per word or $5.00, whichever is greater. $5.00 for poetry, $5.00 for art. EOTU was a paper zine back in the 80's-early 90's, now we're doing it on-line!
Check Submissions Guidelines page for themes of upcoming issues and full details on sending work to us.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.clamcity.com/submissionspage.html
------------------------------------------------------------
Fables
http://www.fables.org
Looking for Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, and other genres. They also accept retelling of folktales from all parts of the world. Short Shorts up to 1000 words. Short stories to 7500 words and Novellettes 7500 to 17500 words. Pays $5-$10 per story.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.fables.org/submissions.html
------------------------------------------------------------
Fantastic Stories
http://www.dnapublications.com
A quarterly fantasy and science fiction magazine. Accepts stories from 2000-15000 words but average normally 4000-5000 words. Pays 1-5 cents per word, buys First North American Serial Rights.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.dnapublications.com/wt/index.htm
------------------------------------------------------------
Future Orbits
http://www.futureorbits.com
Future Orbits seeks high-quality science fiction short stories, articles, commentary, and art. Future Orbits does not purchase poetry.
Fiction submissions...
Stories up to 5,000 words are preferred, but stories up to 7,500 words will be considered. Payment is $.06 to $.10 per word on acceptance.
Nonfiction submissions...
Future Orbits is looking for freelance writers and columnists interested in writing science fiction commentaries and speculative articles about the future. If you are interested, please send a query letter and clips of prior work to the below address or to editor@futureorbits.com. Payment is $.06 to $.10 per word on acceptance.
Send Submissions to...
Tom Vander Neut - Editor/Publisher
Future Orbits
Vander Neut Publications LLC
P.O. Box 239
Hatboro, PA 19040
United States of America
Submission Guidelines: http://www.futureorbits.com/guidelines/submission_guidelines.html
------------------------------------------------------------
Ideomancer!
http://www.ideomancer.com
Ideomancer publishes fiction, or interesting lies. But the stories we publish will also be honest. Which means plausible and affecting. It's only words...unless it's true. But if you wish to reach the highest truths, please begin with the alphabet. And if it takes more than 5000 words to say what you want to say, give it more thought. More specifically, Ideomancer publishes speculative fiction of the following kinds: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Slipstream and Flash - Up to 5000 words - Up to 500 for flash fiction
Payment: $20US per story, US.03 cents to US.10 cents for flash fiction
Frequency: Monthly
Publisher: Chris Clarke
Managing Editor: Amber van Dyk
submissions@ideomancer.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Quantum Muse
http://www.quantummuse.com
Quantum Muse is looking for SF/F/Alternative. No porn, copyrighted characters. Reprints okay. E-subs preferred via form at website http://www.quantummuse.com/submission2.html
Snail-mail subs must be accompanied by disk. Include short bio. Replies with a 'yes' or 'no' -- detailed comments available in exchange for payment.
Fiction: to 8000 words, pays $10 On Publication.
Snail-mail: PO Box 1470, Salem, NH 03079.
editors@quantummuse.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Strange Horizons
http://www.strangehorizons.com
We're looking for high-quality stories that explore both the possible and the impossible: stories about human and nonhuman experience, about reality and dreams, about the here-and-now and otherwhere-and-elsewhen.
We want stories that have some literary depth but aren't boring; styles that are unusual yet readable; structures that balance inventiveness with traditional narrative. We like characters we can care about. We like settings and cultures that we don't see all the time in speculative fiction.
We like fantasy (especially urban fantasy). Dark fantasy is fine, but we're not looking for outright horror. We like magic realism, "slipstream," and even a dash of the surreal now and then, as long as it's readable.
We also like science fiction, as long as it involves three-dimensional characters and interesting stories, not just science puzzles. We will consider submissions up to 9000 words, but we strongly prefer stories under 5000 words. We pay 4 cents/word.
We buy first-printing world exclusive rights for two months.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.strangehorizons.com/Guidelines.html
------------------------------------------------------------
Twilight Times
http://www.twilighttimes.com
Prefer Science Fiction/Fantasy/literary, cross-genre fiction under 6,000 words. Poetry to 30 lines. We're not seeing enough slipstream or speculative fiction submissions from women writers. Not interested in horror, gore, violence or darker works such as psycho-killer tales. Payment will be $5.00 for original and previously unpublished works. This includes stories, poems, articles or graphic artwork. Work that has been previously published (this includes personal web sites) will receive payment of $2.50.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.twilighttimes.com/subs.html
------------------------------------------------------------
Weird Tales
http://www.dnapublications.com
Very rarely buy a story that does not contain an element of fantasy. Looking for heroic fantasy, fantasy based horror, modern sword and sorcery. Pays 3-6 cents per word on acceptance. Very detailed contributors info.
Submission Guidelines: http://www.dnapublications.com/wt/index.htm
------------------------------------------------------------
Jul
16th
Still thinking
By Val
Back to writing... or not. Maybe back to thinking because I'm still
trying to fulfill a craft order and so the writing is on hold and
I'm only able to ponder my tale.
Was Soames Forsyte a bad man with good tendancies and Irene a good lady who goes sadly wrong, or the other way around? I couldn't work it out and I got to thinking that Galsworthy painted his characters so true to life that it's hard to tell who are the 'goodies' and 'baddies'. Then I wondered about the characters in my new story and came to realise that they simply are not good enough. I thought they contrasted well, each had a story to tell and different character fasits were to be revealed as we went along, but they are not as effectively drawn as they should be.
Without well drawn characters, I might as well not bother. Of course, many of the character 'layers' will come with the numerous rewrites, but I need to start with a different emphasis and so I'm beginning again. I'll keep the original chapters in the computer as I always do, but not use them for this story. Although the story-line is basically the same, my characters need to change.
Mmmh... still thinking.
Was Soames Forsyte a bad man with good tendancies and Irene a good lady who goes sadly wrong, or the other way around? I couldn't work it out and I got to thinking that Galsworthy painted his characters so true to life that it's hard to tell who are the 'goodies' and 'baddies'. Then I wondered about the characters in my new story and came to realise that they simply are not good enough. I thought they contrasted well, each had a story to tell and different character fasits were to be revealed as we went along, but they are not as effectively drawn as they should be.
Without well drawn characters, I might as well not bother. Of course, many of the character 'layers' will come with the numerous rewrites, but I need to start with a different emphasis and so I'm beginning again. I'll keep the original chapters in the computer as I always do, but not use them for this story. Although the story-line is basically the same, my characters need to change.
Mmmh... still thinking.
Jul
16th
Selling short stories to the US and links
By Pride.JamesListed are literary reviews, listed next to their name are other subjects they are willing to consider. So try your next short story with them. If you click on the name you will go to their guidelines page.
African American Review - looks at essays on culture, Afro American fine arts, bibliographies and book reviews.
Arts & Letters - creative nonfiction, dramatic works and poetry.
The Bellingham Review - poetry and essays.
The Chattahoochee Review - poetry, nonfiction, interviews, and reviews.
Colorado Review - poetry, personal essays and queries regarding book reviews.
Glimmer Train - wants only short fiction stories.
Iowa Review - essays, poetry and reviews.
Mid-American Review - nonfiction, translations, poetry and book reviews.
Oyez Review - art, creative nonfiction and poetry.
The Paris Review - (based in NYC) nonfiction and poetry.
Ploughshares - poetry and "a limited amount of nonfiction."
Prairie Schooner - poetry, interviews, general interest essays, and reviews of fiction or poetry books.
Threepenny Review - poetry, articles, and reviews.
The Virginia Quarterly Review -poetry, nonfiction, travel essays, criticism and analysis pieces.
Jul
15th
Driven?
By lennich
Something I notice a lot is that writers say that they are 'driven'
(or something similar) to write. Some sort of inner compulsion is
at work.
I wonder if to be pushy enough to be published that this characteristic is a requirement.
The reason that I wonder is that I seem curiously unburdened by any such compulsion. True, stories fly about in my wee mincey head, but I don't seem to find it necessary to admit these to the world of hard work i.e. giving them verbal substance.
I am working on a novel and have managed to grind out about 75,000 words. Some of it is possibly even readable, but virtually any excuse to avoid working on it is good enough for me.
So, is there anyone else out there not compelled to write but choosing to do so and wondering why?
I wonder if to be pushy enough to be published that this characteristic is a requirement.
The reason that I wonder is that I seem curiously unburdened by any such compulsion. True, stories fly about in my wee mincey head, but I don't seem to find it necessary to admit these to the world of hard work i.e. giving them verbal substance.
I am working on a novel and have managed to grind out about 75,000 words. Some of it is possibly even readable, but virtually any excuse to avoid working on it is good enough for me.
So, is there anyone else out there not compelled to write but choosing to do so and wondering why?
Jul
15th
Cartoons: I wanted to write because of it
By Meta Tam When Hi Non
Oh what a lovely empty shiny head! Cartoons and anime are the best,
and thanks to them they've shaped into the person I am today,
immature for watching cartoons at least once a day, but instilling
the sense of style I in characters and storylines. Fuck! I hate the
parent groups who complain about Tom smoking, all fucking pussies
when it comes to not getting "It's their responsibility to teach
their kids what is what" yet they blame everyone else for
it.....I'll teach my kids to always remember things change and you
can't edit a cartoon from the 30's because of what might offend. We
must embrace history and not deny it. Forever remember that
cartoons are what define a generation; I am the 90's of the
classics to come forth with Batman, Tiny Toon Adventures, Pinky and
the Brain....these are fucking classics.
Progress on Savage Taste is total rewrite for the punctuation and "I's"
Progress on Savage Taste is total rewrite for the punctuation and "I's"
Jul
15th
A Little About My Profile Book Choices
By lennich
Because I am fickle, and easily reconsider, my listed choices are
only what came to mind at the time I had to think up an answer.
And, of course, I'm allowed to change the choice. But I like the
books I mentioned so I thought I would make some short
comments.
The Naive and Sentimental Lover --
This is by John le Carre. He apparently greatly regrets writing it and is embarassed by it. I don't know how I'd rate it now, but when I read it 30 years ago I thought it was brilliant. BTW, it's not a thriller/ spy novel.
The Siege of Krishnapur --
By an Irish writer, J.G.Farrell. Absolutely hilarious novel about the stupidity of people, set in British Imperial India. There is an underlying generosity of spirit to the whole thing which prevents it from being the bitter rant that someone else might have written.
A Tale Etched in Blood and Hard Black Pencil --
Christopher Brookmyre . . . what can I say? You might have to be Scottish to really get Brookmyre, and probably a weegie at that, but this book really nails the pain of schooldays. Any of you who wonder what pain I'm talking about should abandon writing straightaway . . . unless you're posh and have 'contacts' of course. Bastards.
Dog Years --
Read in translation, which can never be truly satisfactory. By Gunter Grass, originally famous in the UK for 'The Tin Drum', which I avoided for years since it was so fashionable. It was a style of writing which impressed me greatly as a young man.
The Trial --
Kafka, Franz of that Ilk, one of the 60s icons, again read in translation but what a translation. Edwin and Willa Muir responsible.
The Wasp Factory --
Iain Banks' first novel. I don't rate him as a great, but he's usually good value. Avoid 'Canal Dreams' and the other one where his main character is female (can't remember the title). Pretty much everyone who likes Banks disagrees with me that this is his best writing.
Anything by P.G.Wodehouse
One of the very few writers who has me laughing out loud. See Farrell above, though.
The Naive and Sentimental Lover --
This is by John le Carre. He apparently greatly regrets writing it and is embarassed by it. I don't know how I'd rate it now, but when I read it 30 years ago I thought it was brilliant. BTW, it's not a thriller/ spy novel.
The Siege of Krishnapur --
By an Irish writer, J.G.Farrell. Absolutely hilarious novel about the stupidity of people, set in British Imperial India. There is an underlying generosity of spirit to the whole thing which prevents it from being the bitter rant that someone else might have written.
A Tale Etched in Blood and Hard Black Pencil --
Christopher Brookmyre . . . what can I say? You might have to be Scottish to really get Brookmyre, and probably a weegie at that, but this book really nails the pain of schooldays. Any of you who wonder what pain I'm talking about should abandon writing straightaway . . . unless you're posh and have 'contacts' of course. Bastards.
Dog Years --
Read in translation, which can never be truly satisfactory. By Gunter Grass, originally famous in the UK for 'The Tin Drum', which I avoided for years since it was so fashionable. It was a style of writing which impressed me greatly as a young man.
The Trial --
Kafka, Franz of that Ilk, one of the 60s icons, again read in translation but what a translation. Edwin and Willa Muir responsible.
The Wasp Factory --
Iain Banks' first novel. I don't rate him as a great, but he's usually good value. Avoid 'Canal Dreams' and the other one where his main character is female (can't remember the title). Pretty much everyone who likes Banks disagrees with me that this is his best writing.
Anything by P.G.Wodehouse
One of the very few writers who has me laughing out loud. See Farrell above, though.
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