The Writers Side of The Looking Glass

Dark Reader--Reveiw

2011-08-25T19:35:00.002-04:00

Collabthology: Kindle of the Dead

edited by Matt Nord

What Dark Reader Says:

Zombies, zombies, everywhere and not a minute to read? If you're stuck in the middle of a zombie outbreak and are needing some time for yourself, I highly recommend picking up "Collabthology" and getting a quick fix. This collection of zombie shorts will make you laugh, make you gag, and maybe even give you some tips on how to overcome your own zombie horde. Ignore the moaning outside your door and enjoy works by Gerald Rice, John McCuaig, T.W. Brown, Tony Schaab, and several other talented authors. Go ahead, take a break. The undead lurching across your lawn can wait.

Dark Reader--Reveiw

2011-08-25T19:29:00.000-04:00

Dark Dreams-Tales of Terror
edited by Rebecca Besser

What Dark Reader Says:

Dark Dreams is a short collection featuring 7 short horror stories.
This is the perfect read for a road trip or a day at the beach. From haunted libraries to fairy sacrifices, ghouls living under a skating rink to ghosts that need to be comforted by the living, to a vampire without a heart-literally. This short collection touches upon many childhood fears and may bring those to resurface if you're an adult. (Which I am...but I'm not telling which stories plagued my dreams.)
The only down side to this collection: I wanted more once I was done! :)

Wicked East Press -- update

2011-08-25T18:08:00.000-04:00

Wicked East Press has several new anthology listings open.
Currently reading for single author collections.
And soon to reopen for multi-author novella collections.
New projects are constantly being discussed on the Wicked East Press Forum and members are encouraged to pitch their ideas for anthologies they want to edit.

If your a reader, you may want to check out some Wicked East Press titles. There are 5 more to be released in the next four weeks.

Fire Your Muse--A month of prompts

2011-08-25T17:59:00.000-04:00

-It was his idea of a good time.

-People don’t understand him because…..

-People find her difficult because…..

-My dreams hold the answers. If I could only divine the questions.

-Someone is calling your name.

-What can be imagined can be done.

-The right thing to do at the time.

-This is where I went wrong.

-Before you can change, you must put an undeserved faith in something.

-Frustration and despair.

-Sleeping on a pile of stones.

-The whole thing left a bitter taste in her mouth.

-I want to go home.

-Candle wax dripped.

-Dagger in the lake.

-Frost on the window frames.

-He laid down the knife and looked at his hands.

-Her strength began to drain away.

-I will be yours forever and ever.

-On the top shelf, way at the back, he found…..

-Sit down and hush up.

-Long afterward, I came upon it again.

-The love of my life…..

-Kiss the cowboy.

-This is what you can see by starlight.

-A gracious rain.

-Why I am a danger to the public.

-It was as if…..

-When the dust settles…..

-It’s just too hard!

Writing Challenge from Wicked East Press

2011-05-12T15:27:00.000-04:00

Here There Be Dragons

Writing CONTEST

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: September 15, 2011

Prizes:

1^st place-$75 and two copies of the book

2^nd place-$50 and two copies of the book

3^rd place-Two copies of the book

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Dragons, dragons and more dragons! We love dragons-good ones, bad ones, shy ones, cursed ones. We want dragons of the sea, desert, snowy mountain tops, and dense forests. These need to be epic fantasy stories. Show us the lives of these mysterious and incredible creatures.

WHAT WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR:

Slash and hack, blood and gore for their own sake. Graphic rape, torture, child molestation, and animal torture have their place, but not here.

This is a collection of stories to be enjoyed by everyone, please keep excessive cussing and sex out unless integral to your character.

Two Categories to Submit To

Contest Story Word count is 3,000-7,000 FIRM (to be considered for the prizes)

Participation word count: 500-1500 (short pieces will be 4theluv only)

We are only accepting UNPUBLISHED work and no simultaneous submissions.

Payment for qualifying stories (3,000-7,000 range) will be $5.00 flat rate.

How To Submit:

Please put the title of the story, and word count (this determines what category your submission falls into), in the subject line of your email.

Send your submissions to: WEPcontest@wickedeastpress.com

Submissions should:

Already be self edited

In .rtf format.

No spaces between paragraphs

Single space after sentences

“Double quotations” for conversation

No hard returns

No headers/footers

Use italics NOT underline

No hidden formatting

Font in Georgia or New Times Roman

Submissions pasted in the body of email will be rejected, unread.

Questions about this anthology?

Email: WEPcontest@wickedeastpress.com with “Question” in the subject line.

Now Available from Wicked East Press

2011-05-12T14:51:00.000-04:00

Hustle and bustle, run and get many things done. That is the style of our lives. Over 100 authors offer this collection for every person on the run. Pick it up, read a few, put it down, and start in a different place the next time. Always a new story to take you away. So pick up a coffee and a quick read today.
Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and PHP Book Shoppe

Arrgh, you scallywags. Rip open these pages to find yerself lost in the world of pirates and their misdeeds. Join them as they travel to misty islands of fortune, sail the seven seas for mysterious items, kill those that betrayed them, and lay siege to monasteries. This collection of new work brings you 18 short stories and a new novella by M.S. Gardner. But beware...if ye escape Davy Jones' Locker, ye may still face the plank.
Barnes and Noble, Amazon, PHP Book Shoppe

Wicked Bag of Horror Tales... Think that spider in the bathtub scared you? Well, you'll be in for a treat. What about that diner on the side of the road-it just looks rundown, right? What about ghost hunters? Don't they ever find anything concrete? Ever woken up in a different room than you fell asleep in? Aliens... that's just ludicrous. They'd never invade... would they? Ever taken directions from a stranger? Well, you might want to think twice about that. What if you just had to escape the real world, if only for a while-nothing bad ever happens on vacations, right? What wrong could come from worshipping a saint? Family, things never change, do they? Inside these pages you'll find nine twisted tales from various realms of horror, each one offering haunting delights that will have you checking behind you whenever you can. DISCLOSURE: Read with all the lights on and the doors locked, and remember that this is just a book...
Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and PHP Book Shoppe

What happens when your child goes missing and the ransom is your own humanity? Can an obsessive fan drive you insane? When a mob boss forces you to play piano against your will, can you escape? How would you react to a family secret that changes the entire history of your family? These questions and more are answered in this collection of 14 tales of intrigue.
Barnes and Noble, Nook Book, Amazon, and PHP Book Shoppe

Three friends walk into a bar...do they walk out? What happens within those walls Welcome to a place where depravity and horror breeds and bleeds within every stone. A place where debauchery and pain are food for the soul and the more you scream the more you feed what lies within. If you dare to lose yourself, open the door and step into... The Torchlight Inn.
Barnes and Noble, Nook Book, Amazon, Kindle, and PHP Book Shoppe

Now Available

2011-05-12T14:30:00.000-04:00

Daily Flashes of Erotica Quarterly #2 (April - June 2011)

Published by DFE Quarterly, an Imprint of Pill Hill Press

Featuring daily doses of adult flash fiction, DAILY FLASHES OF EROTICA QUARTERLY is published four times per year. As a daily flash fiction calendar anthology, a 1500 word or less short story is featured for every day of the calendar year (April - June 2011). This is a fun and steamy anthology designed for busy adult readers.

PHP Book Shoppe , Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Nook, and Kindle.

Daily Flashes of Erotica Quarterly #1 (January -March 2011)

Published by DFE Quarterly, an Imprint of Pill Hill Press

Featuring daily doses of adult flash fiction, DAILY FLASHES OF EROTICA QUARTERLY is published four times per year. As a daily flash fiction calendar anthology, a 1500 word or less short story is featured for every day of the calendar year (January - March 2011). This is a fun and steamy anthology designed for busy adult readers.

PHP Book Shoppe, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Nook Book, and Kindle.

Available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Kindle.

Voice of the Bards - Contemporary Verse of Myths, Fairy Tales and Legends – exquisite poems that will take you on quite an adventure. ~ Chris Bartholomew, Static Movement The Voice of the Bards is a wonderful edition to any library. It has a brilliant range, of both whimsical and dark fantasy poetry, that draw the reader right in. They paint a beautiful picture and give great insight into the poets' imagination. A fine example of what good writing is all about. ~ Karl Ekstrom, author Ravencroft, The Artifact War.

Available at Lulu.com

Shells Walter Interviews Jessica A. Weiss

2011-01-28T13:10:00.000-05:00

I was asked to answer some very revealing questions. Take a peek, but don't say you weren't warned.

Interview with Eric S. Brown

2011-01-28T13:07:00.000-05:00

Recently, Eric S. Brown agreed to talk with me. Here are the results.

Now Available--Daily Bites of Flesh

2011-01-28T13:03:00.000-05:00

Get your Dead Tree version or Kindle at amazon.com.

Pandora's Nightmare, Horror Unleashed (review)

2011-01-28T12:43:00.000-05:00

Recently, Matt Nord of NorGus Press reviewed "Pandora's Nightmare, Horror Unleashed" from Pill Hill Press, edited by Jessica A. Weiss.
Read his review here.

Interview with Brian P. Easton

2010-12-13T02:09:00.002-05:00

Check out my interview with author Brian P. Easton at Permuted Press.

Interview with Timothy W. Long

2010-11-28T12:41:00.000-05:00

Take a minute to check out an interview I did for Permuted Press with Timothy W. Long.

Emails of the Dead--Now Available

2010-10-31T17:27:00.000-04:00

Phone service is down, the electricity is fading, and the living dead are pounding at the door. What do you do when there is no hope left? That is the question answered in this book, where people from all walks of life, attacked on all sides by zombies, use their only means of communication to say goodbye one last time to loved ones-their computer. Found in the rubble of an internet provider's collapsed building, the data retrieved was a cache of lost emails. Heartbreaking, comical, and some that are just plain mean, these are the last thoughts of human beings who are no longer with us. Though they are lost to us, their last words are not. These are Emails of the Dead.
Available at Amazon.com

Thriller--Now Available

2010-10-31T17:22:00.000-04:00

Collection of thrilling tales appropriate for teens and adults. Available at Pill Hill Press Book Shop and other on-line retailers.

Daily Flash--Now Available

2010-10-31T17:17:00.000-04:00

DAILY FLASH 2011: 365 DAYS OF FLASH FICTION is a 2011 flash fiction calendar anthology, with a 500 word or less short story featured for every day of the calendar year. Filled with 365 short stories, this is a fun and practical anthology designed for busy readers.

At Amazon.com

Bloody Carnival--Now Available

2010-09-16T21:51:00.000-04:00

Step right up, step right up…it's a bloody good time! Rediscover carnivals, amusement parks, county fairs, the circus, rodeos and more in this gruesome tribute to the fun, fanfare and frivolity of festivals. Freak shows, rusted rides, demonic ringmistresses, demented clowns, melting beauty queens, flesh-eating fun-seekers, ghosts, gremlins and other terrors haunt the pages of this bloody collection of thirty-four short stories.Includes stories by the following authors: Darin Kennedy, Lee Pletzers, Chris Deal, Matt Kurtz, Eden Royce, Rob Rosen, Bruce Harris, Mindy MacKay, Stephanie Kincaid, David Greske, Stephanie L. Morrell, A.R. Norris, Tony Schaab, Marianne Halbert, Carnell, Frank Roger, Scott Taylor, Sylvia Spruck Wrigley, Scott Cole, Nicole Zoltack, Jack Horne, T.L. Perry, Shawn Cook, Jennifer Chambers, Jessica A. Weiss, Cherie Reich, Lorraine Horrell, Matthew S. Dent, Gregory L. Norris, Murphy Edwards, Kent Alyn, Robert Essig, Darren W Pearce & Neal Levin and Wayne Goodchild.

Now Available through Pill Hill Press Book Shoppe

"One Wild Ride" is included here.

Fire Your Muse-Writing Prompts

2010-09-13T15:26:00.001-04:00

Here are some ideas for you to ponder:

~You will seek true love down the river of dreams.
~A hand print was his only clue. It was the fourth he'd received that month. This was one of those cases that would forever haunt him.
~Laughter from the basement +an invasion of privacy +lost book + a light source
~A really irritating person + dancing in a fountain + green fire
~Honey, I can't take much more of this!
~I have no idea what you're talking about.
~The window had many views.
~Evening was the time for hunger + liquid lavender + a feather
~You will taste joy during your summer of freedom.
~Just answer the question.
~Welcome to my world.
~What will happen can't be stopped.
~I was listening to something I've heard before.
~So, it has come to this.

Cedar Chest--Now Available

2010-09-13T15:17:00.000-04:00

In your hands, you have another non-themed anthology that is the brainchild of Chris Bartholomew. She saw the positive response in submissions and the quality of stories available... and asked writers to send her their Cedar Chest stories. The response was awesome. The initial call for writers was put out on August 15th, 2010. The quality and number of stories forced Chris to put a deadline on submissions for August 30th. The sequel to Dusted had filled up in just fifteen days. -Jason Barney

Now available at Amazon.com and Pill Hill Press Bookstore

"Power of Blood" is in here.

Ghosts and Demons--Now Available

2010-09-13T15:15:00.000-04:00

In this collection of stories, you will read some of the best horror ever written. Is it a ghost? Is it a demon? Are they one in the same? Do they really exist? You decide... but read this in broad daylight if you are at all worried that they might just come out of the book to get you. If you saw one, would you know? If you sensed one, would you shrug it off as some silly whim of fantasy? Be careful... just be careful.

Available at Amazon.com

"Weeping Shadows" is in here.

Beyond The Slush Pile

2010-08-11T18:22:00.000-04:00

Beyond the Slush Pile is a three part blog posting featuring Agent Natalie Fischer, Editor Jessica A. Weiss, and author Ronald Craft.

You can read Natalie's guest post here.

You can read Jessica's guest post here.

I had a lot of fun making my post a bit funny.

Back To The Middle of Nowhere

2010-08-11T18:15:00.000-04:00

Now Available!
Welcome back to the middle of nowhere! In this second installment of horrifying short stories, revisit rural America through the eyes of twenty up-and-coming masters of the macabre. Be afraid... be very afraid. Fear your neighbors. Fear the plants. Fear the wildlife. What terrible things can happen when you're all alone in the middle of nowhere? Here is your chance to find out... again! Featuring stories by the following talented authors: Diana Catt, Mark Souza, Susan Palmquist, Gregory L. Norris, Colin Insole, Mike Chinn, Erin Cole, T.L. Perry, D.B. Reddick, Jay Raven, Quinn Hernandez, S.M. Harding, Michael Giorgio, Matt Carter, Jason Barney, Blake Casselman, Noelle Bowles, Wayne Goodchild, Marianne Halbert & Michael James McFarland.

Caught By Darkness: An Anthology of Dark Tales

2010-08-11T18:13:00.000-04:00

Now Available!
"One day it just started snowing, or so the world thought. The white powder settled on everything, but seemed to attach itself more readily to living forms. Plant life crystallized instantly. Dogs and cats ran sluggishly out of sight, presumably to die in a more dignified fashion in solitude. The Dow Jones fell seven points and then was no more. When the powder settled on people they went rigid instantly as the crust thickened around them like a plaster shell."-"The Burning One" by Mark Anthony Crittenden. CAUGHT BY DARKNESS includes the following stories: The Burning One by Mark Anthony Crittenden, Carved by Jessy Marie Roberts, Mistakes by Emma Kathryn, Stab in the Dark by Jay Raven, Trojan Tango by Mark Souza, Hellion by Lee Hughes, The Dark Flyer by Michael C. Pennington, Behind The Hay Wain by Mark Taylor, In The Woods by Pixie J. King, Storm Exposure by Jessica A. Weiss, Insidious in the Month of June by Charles A. Muir, The Friend Catcher by Paul D. Brazill, The Ink in Her Veins by David Perlmutter, The Right Tools by Ian Ayris, Clowns in the Dark by Charles A. Gramlich, Agony of Being by Tommy B. Smith, Dark Water by A. J. Humpage, Crusaders of Light by Robert William Shmigelsky, Drinking Wine (Spo-dee-oh-dee) by Nigel Bird, The Nightmare by Lou Treleaven, The Key by Gregory Miller, The Merry-Go-Round by Robert C. Eccles, Wrinkles and Passing On by Jason Barney, Shark Fin Curry by Annam Manthiram, Softly by Lily Childs, Motherly Love by Lisa C Hinsley, Confessions of Sneaky Sam by Gayle Arrowood, Backlash by Lori Gordon, The First Clan of the Lachrymals by Elle Pryor, Skin Care by Shells Walter, Computer Screen by Jason Barney, The First-Years by Shane Collins, Shoreline by Yolanda Sfetsos, The Lake by Richard Baron, Breathe In, Breathe Out by M.J. Nicholls, Dark Shadows Below the Boardwalk by Stephanie L. Morrell, Blanket of Crickets by John S. Craig & Mary by Jay Faulkner.

Dusted: An Anthology of Short Stories

2010-08-11T18:11:00.000-04:00

Now Available!
"Our dwellings are tiny, everybody lives alone but to call our living conditions adequate would be an exaggeration. In the night when people are sleeping you can hear every cough, shout, scream or snore through the thin walls of the room. At home we are still unable to relax; the televisions have cameras behind the screens filming us. As we watch we are being watched by the caretaker." - From The Letter by Elle Pryor. DUSTED includes the following short stories: Clowns All Around You by Emma Kathryn, Another Smashing Concert by Jason Barney, Tiny Bubbles by Jessy Marie Roberts, Against Death by Michael C. Pennington, A Stopped Clock by Lee Hughes, In the Beginning by Dorothy Davies, No! I'm Not Paranoid! by Jordan Fuselier-Gardner, If only I had Teeth by Ronald J. Craft, Tommy's Toy Land by Jessica A. Weiss, The Tut by Paul D Brazill, May I Take Your Order? by William Wolford, Cybernetic Reanimation by Joe Jablonski, The Adamant Wall by Robert William Shmigelsky, Eyes Wide Open by Jay Faulkner, Past Perfect by Charles Gramlich, Sleeping With The Fishes by Nigel Bird, Suits You, Sire by Iain Pattison, Red Ravine by Gayle Arrowood, May Contain Spoilers by Mark Taylor, Mind Over Matter by Nita Lewsey, The Sky's the Limit by William Wood, Chain Of Command by Jason Barney, The Causality Problem by Robert Pearce, Foam of the Sea by A. J. French, Day of the Machines by A. J. French, Red by Shells Walter, At Arm's Reach by Bruce Memblatt, The Letter by Elle Pryor, Just In Case by Edward Rodosek, Adrianna's Journey by Robert William Shmigelsky & Suttee by Jennifer Lyn Parsons

Silver Moon, Bloody Bullets Now Availiable!

2010-06-14T10:25:00.000-04:00

SILVER MOON, BLOODY BULLETS is a collection of twenty-five claw-biting short stories that explore the myth of the werewolf and the lure of the full moon. From gladiator fights and cursed blood lines to secret societies and anonymous meetings, the following talented authors have turned the mysteries of the werewolf inside out: Matthew S. Dent, Jay Raven, Kelly Metz, Christopher Jacobsmeyer, Mark Souza, Dale Carothers, David Bernstein, Scott M. Sandridge, Marianne Halbert, Donald Jacob Uitvlugt, J. Leigh Bailey, Dylan J. Morgan, Edward McKeown, F.J.R. Titchenell, Patricia Puckett, Jessy Marie Roberts, Ben Langhinrichs, Kiki Howell, D. Nathan Hilliard, Frank Summers, Christopher Heath, Rob Rosen, Carl Hose, Stephanie L. Morrell, and Lawrence R. Dagstine.

Jessica A. Weiss is the editor, though she did not contribute a story to this collection. This really is a wonderful gathering of writing offerings.

Now Available on Amazon.com

Writers N' Writers Interviews Wicked East Press

2010-06-12T21:12:00.000-04:00

For your reading pleasure: Writers N' Writers blog interviews Wicked East Press
You can read the original here.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Interview with Wicked East Press:

Okay, so here is a NEW press with LOTS of openings for submissions on upcoming anthologies... a big thank you to Jessica for taking some time to talk to me. Check this out:

• What is Wicked East Press?

We are a small, independent publisher of Fine Fiction Anthologies based in Beaufort, South Carolina. This press was started with the undiscovered writers in mind and because anthologies are our favorite books. We publish horror, suspense, dark fantasy, and speculative fiction.

• How many anthologies do you have planned this year?

This is our first year and we have two anthologies that are due to be printed by the end of 2010. Our 2011 schedule is already set with four anthologies, but that may increase to five. We have a yearly anthology series, "Coffee House Flash Fiction", and that will be done every year with complementary covers.

• Do you have any open submissions right now?

Yes. We are actively seeking submissions for "Ransom: Give Me What I Want And I'll Go Away (Maybe)" (Deadline Sept. 30, 2010), "Cup of Joe: Coffee House Flash Fiction" (Open Until Filled--currently half full) and "Cutlass and Musket: Tales of Piratical Skullduggery" (Deadline December 31, 2010). We are also accepting submissions for the 2011 line up, but final decisions on those will be in 2011.

• Why did you decide the anthologies only format?

In todays very busy lifestyle, I've found very little time to sit and read a novel in a short time. With anthologies you can read one or two stories, put it down for days or weeks, and pick it back up at any time and not have to remember what you read before. They are great for traveling, going to doctors offices, and taking to work to read on meal breaks.

Also the variety of different styles and ideas to be found in collections is amazing. I've been collecting anthologies for years and have never been able to find enough. The market isn't very friendly for printed collections and I wanted to see more.

• I noticed on the site, there is a link for Artist’s Guidelines… what type of art are you looking for?

What we'd like from artists is an inspired piece for a specific anthology. Just as a writer looks at the concept and gets inspired, we'd like to see an artist do the same: to read the submission guidelines and get inspired and contact us. Of course, there will be times when we will approach an artist directly.

• Okay, we have your site, your Twitter, how else can readers/writers stay in touch?

There is also the Wicked East Press Forum on lefora. (http://www.wickedeastpress.lefora.com/) We encourage everyone to participate in discussions of each project and to offer suggestions for future projects. We consider what the writers and readers want to see, because there wouldn't be anthologies without them.

• What the first anthology coming out? What’s its title? And most importantly, when?

Our first anthology is "Ransom, Give Me What I Want And I'll Go Away (Maybe)" and is due to be out November of 2010.

• Anything else you’d like to share?
We are approaching this endeavor with a family atmosphere. We'd like the writers to be comfortable and unafraid to ask questions and feedback. This may be our company, but writers make it what it will be.
Anyone can reach me at jaweiss@wickedeastpress.com with any questions.

Here are some links for everyone to enjoy:

Main Site for Wicked East Press
Twitter for Wicked East Press

Posted by Jim Bronyaur at 1:18 PM

Page Readers interviews Jessica A. Weiss (editor) and authors of "Silver Moon, Bloody Bullets"

2010-06-12T21:03:00.002-04:00

For your listening pleasure: here is the interview with Page Readers about the newest anthology coming from Pill Hill Press--"Silver Moon, Bloody Bullets-an anthology of werewolf tails".

Cutlass and Musket--Tales of Piratical Skullduggery

2010-05-26T11:49:00.000-04:00

Cutlass and Musket- Tales of Piratical Skullduggery
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: December 31, 2010 Midnight (EST)

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Arr Matey, we be searching for treasure of Pirate tales and their notorious misdeeds. These pirates can be on Earth, another planet, or a different world altogether. Most all genres acceptable-including but not limited to horror/scifi/fantasy/suspense-as long as the story fits the pirate theme. This is a collection of stories to be enjoyed by everyone, please keep excessive cussing and sex out unless integral to your character.

WHAT WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR:

Slash and hack, blood and gore for their own sake. Graphic rape, torture, child molestation, and animal torture have their place, but not here.

Shiver me timbers or walk the plank to meet Davy Jones.

We prefer stories written in the third person—will consider first person if you knock our socks off.

Looking for short stories in the 3,500- 7,000 word range, but will consider stories from 2,000-9,000 words.

Payment is 1 contributor's copy upon publication.

Submissions will be accepted until December 31, 2010 Midnight (EST)
Tentative Release Date: February 2011

Email submissions to: pirate@wickedeastpress.com

Please put SUBMISSION, followed by the title of the story, and word count, in the subject line of your email. Use single spacing, 12pt New Times Roman or Georgia, no spaces between paragraphs, no headers or footer, please include a 2-3 sentence bio. Attach your submission in .rtf format. Submissions pasted in the body of email will be rejected, unread.

Questions about this anthology?

Email editor: jaweiss@wickedeastpress.com

Ransom--Give Me What I Want And I'll Go Away

2010-05-26T11:47:00.000-04:00

Ransom: Give Me What I Want And I’ll Go Away (Maybe)
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: September 30, 2010 Midnight (EST)
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
Suspenseful stories of intrigue, mystery, espionage, and of course-ransom. These stories can take place in any time period and don't have to be on this planet. Looking for creative insight, not traditional mystery and suspense- shake it up and make it new. We want stories that make us question everyone’s purpose, make us look at the darker side of the world, and wonder why. This is a collection of stories to be enjoyed by everyone, please keep excessive cussing and sex out unless integral to your character.
WHAT WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR:
Slash and hack, blood and gore for their own sake. Graphic rape, torture, child abuse, and animal torture have their place, but not here.
We prefer stories written in the third person—will consider first person if you knock our socks off.
Looking for short stories in the 3,500- 7,000 word range, but will consider stories from 1,500-10,000 words.
Payment is 1 contributor's copy upon publication.
Submissions will be accepted until September 30, 2010 Midnight (EST)
Tentative Release Date: November 2010

Email submissions to: ransom@wickedeastpress.com
Please put SUBMISSION, followed by the title of the story, and word count, in the subject line of your email. Follow standard manuscript formatting (without extra spaces between paragraphs, NO headers and footers, no hard returns or double spaces) and attach your submission in .rtf format. Submissions pasted in the body of email will be rejected, unread.
Questions about this anthology?
Email editor: jaweiss@wickedeastpress.com

New Project!

2010-05-26T11:43:00.000-04:00

Abandoned--by Jason Baker, a collection of short horror stories will have a sequel!

Abandoned 2 is due to release late 2010.

Why is this important to me? I am one of the few authors that will be featured in this anthology.

Malden Convent is my chosen 'abandoned' place and I hope that I can bring justice to the creepiness of the old place. (Which has since been torn down.)

You can check out Jason Bakers photography here.

I will give all information on this project as it becomes available for me to share.

Fire Your Muse--Writing Prompts

2010-05-26T11:32:00.001-04:00

After a long absence---Fire Your Muse returns:

-After the search party turned up nothing, they wondered if they were on a wild goose chase.

-Until the key is found, there is no way for her to open it, and clear her name.

-I fear all the empty space behind the mirror.

-Profit from tragedy + something important lost + a random light

-The door slammed behind him and he rubbed his dirty hands on his jeans as he made his way down the stairs.

-If I had my way....

-You will find time to think about cruelty when ever the sky cries.

-You will hear misery from a stranger.

Happy writing and best in everything!

A Whodunit Halloween--Now Avaliable

2010-05-26T11:24:00.000-04:00

A spook-tastic collection of eleven mysteries that celebrate Halloween and the "whodunit" genre. Includes: Brain Food by Paul A. Freeman, Murder in the Corn Maze by Joan Bruce, The Canton House by Jessy Marie Roberts, Slightly Mummified by Diana Catt, A Bolt from the Blue by Craig Booker, Dad's Favorite Holiday by Rebecca J. Vickery, Resurrection Man by Tim Champlin, The Trick-or-Treat Killer by Mark Souza, The Murder of Charlie Dekker by Donna Dawson, Trapped Under Glass by Jessica A. Weiss & Cornfield Crucifixion by Gwen Mayo.

Purchase from Amazon

The Four Horsemen--Now Available

2010-05-01T12:58:00.000-04:00

A thrilling anthology of twenty-five short stories inspired by the themes of The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Conquest, War, Famine and Death.
Authors in this volume include: Camille Alexa, Jason Toupence, Scott M. Sandridge, Megan R. Engelhardt, Alethea Kontis, Matthew Dent, Carla Joinson, Jessy Marie Roberts, Jonathan Shipley, Will Morton, Bill Ward, Christopher Heath, Alva J. Roberts, Jamie Eyberg, Laura Eno, Kat Heckenbach, Kelli A. Wilkins, AR Norris, John H. Dromey, Scott Taylor, Jacob Henry Orloff, Marie Croke, Marshall Payne, L.E. Erickson & Nye Joell Hardy.

Soft cover @ Amazon
Hard cover @ Amazon

Though I do not have a story in this wonderful collection, I did compile this one and am proud to spread the word about it.

Pandora's Nightmare--Horror Unleashed Now Availiable

2010-04-02T16:37:00.002-04:00

Click here to purchase from Amazon

Pandora's Nightmare: Horror Unleashed
Edited by Jessica A. Weiss
Release Date: March 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0984261079

CLICK HERE TO MEET THE AUTHORS

The mystery surrounding Pandora has spanned the ages. The first woman. A seductress. Releaser of all evils. But was she motivated by curiosity or malice? Find out in this terrifying collection of twenty-eight horror stories inspired by the myth of Pandora's Box.

From a malevolent ghost town to a doomed archaeological dig, from a haunted fortress to an alien planet, discover the depths of insatiable human depravity in these fresh twists on a favorite story—where the only thing left behind is hope.

Authors in this anthology include: D. Nathan Hilliard, Peter Charron, JW Schnarr, George W. Morrow, Neil Coghlan, A. Lee Manton, Matt Becht, J.R. Rodriguez, Scott Taylor, Jacob Bayne, Nye Joell Hardy, Chris Bartholomew, Ruth Imeson, Alva J. Roberts, Emma Kathryn, John "JAM" Arthur Miller, Bruce Memblatt, Eric W Jepson, Rebecca J. Vickery, Jessy Marie Roberts, M Sullivan, Blake Casselman, Jay Raven, Thomas M. Earnhart, Jessica A. Weiss, Laura Eno and Belen Lopez.

Back to the Middle of Nowhere--call for subs

2010-03-12T21:45:00.003-05:00

Call for Submissions

Back to the Middle of Nowhere: More Horror in Rural America

Edited by Chris Bartholomew & Jessica A. Weiss

Send submission to: tmon@pillhillpress.com

Deadline: 15 JULY 2010

Tentative Release Date: November 2010

In September 2009, twenty-eight authors shocked readers with their terrifying stories of horror lurking in the dark recesses of rural America in Pill Hill Press' first publication, The Middle of Nowhere: Horror in Rural America...

We're ready to do it again.

Let's bring some country into your nightmares!

We're looking for horror/suspense stories that take place in RURAL AMERICA. Any rural American locale is acceptable. We want dark and disturbing. We want spooky and spine tingling. We want macabre and malevolent.

Supernatural/ghost stories welcome. Traditional creature stories (zombies, werewolves, vampires, etc.) will be considered as long as presented in a horrific, fresh and interesting way.

Think farmland. Think abandoned buildings. Think long, creepy country roads. Most importantly, think outside the box!

SCARE ME, THRILL ME, MAKE ME WANT TO PACK MY BAGS AND MOVE TO THE CITY!

Stories should be 2,000-5,000 words in length. We are not accepting reprints, multiple submissions or simultaneous submissions at this time. Thank you.

Payment is one contributor's copy, upon publication.

What we don't want:

Rape/Torture stories

Pornography/Erotica

Pet and/or animal mutilations

Child abuse and/or pedophilia

Stories that denigrate any race, gender or sexual orientation

Cup of Joe, Coffee House Flash Fiction

2010-03-06T13:03:00.000-05:00

Cup Of Joe- Coffee House Flash Fiction
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
Flash fiction covering all genres (horror/suspense/fantasy/spec. fiction). We want speculative fiction at its finest, surprise us, show us what you've got. This is a collection of stories to be enjoyed by everyone, please keep excessive cussing and sex out unless integral to your character.
WHAT WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR:
Slash and hack, blood and gore for their own sake. Graphic rape, torture, child abuse, and animal torture have their place, but not here.
We prefer stories written in the third person—will consider first person if you knock our socks off.
Looking for short stories in the 500- 1,500 word range.
Payment exposure. This is a 4 The Luv anthology..
Submissions will be accepted until filled.
Tentative Release Date: December 2010

Email submissions to: cupofjoe@wickedeastpress.com
Please put SUBMISSION, followed by the title of the story, and word count, in the subject line of your email. Follow standard manuscript formatting and attach your submission in .rtf format. Submissions pasted in the body of email will be rejected, unread.
Questions about this anthology?
Email editor: jaweiss@wickedeastpress.com

Wicked East Press Officially Opens for Submissions

2010-02-18T17:25:00.001-05:00

We are a small, independent publisher of Fine Fiction Anthologies based in Beaufort, South Carolina. This press was started with the undiscovered writers in mind and because anthologies are our favorite books. To us, the thrill of reading several different authors in one collection is very rewarding. Wicked East Press is dedicated to ONLY anthologies and plans on putting out 3-5 a year. We encourage feedback and suggestions from members and look forward to many years of discoveries with our writers.

Pill Hill Press Anthologies Now in ebook Format

2010-02-02T13:30:00.000-05:00

For anyone who carries their libraries with them, here are a few new links for you to explore. All of Pill Hill Press's Anthologies are available for download!
Shadows and Light- Tales of Lost Kingdoms $5.00
Love Kills- My Bloody Valentine $5.00
The Middle of Nowhere- Horror in Rural America $5.00
Twisted Legends- Urbanized and Unauthorized $5.00
The Bitter End- Tales of Nautical Terror $5.00

Static Movement- February 2010

2010-02-01T10:03:00.001-05:00

The February 2010 issue of Static Movement is up and ready for you to read and enjoy. You can find "Tommy's Toy Land" along with other great authors filling the void this month. When the weather gets to cold, warm up with these tales of fantasy, terror, and delight.

Love Kills- My Bloody Valentine...Now Availiable!

2010-02-01T09:58:00.001-05:00

Featuring 20 pulse-pounding short stories, including Mark Souza's "Cupid's Maze," Love Kills: My Bloody Valentine celebrates the sinister side of romance. Forget flowers and candy-scare your lover into your arms this Valentine's Day.

Including the talented works of Mark Souza, Lily Harlem, Phyllis Humphrey, Michael R. Colangelo, Marianne Halbert, Jack Horne, D.B. Reddick, Jessica A. Weiss, Jeffrey C. Pettengill, Neil Coghlan, Adrian Ludens, Harper Hull, David E. Greske, J. Troy Seate, Rebecca J. Vickery, John Pennington, C. Douglas Birkhead, Matthew Dent, Ruth Barrett and Rich Sampson.

This macabre collection of Valentine's Day horror is a devil of a good time.

My short story "Hug Me, Kiss Me, Bleed For Me" can be found here.
This is available in soft cover and hard cover.
Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Fire Your Muse-Writing Prompts

2010-02-01T09:52:00.000-05:00

January has come and gone, February is cold as ice and I'm looking forward to warmer weather. While everyone is cooped up due to foul weather, here are some points to prick your imagination.

-She was straining to plug the wound as his life flowed from his chest.

-Someone has left a note on a car windshield.

-This may not be what you wanted to hear, but I am your husband's daughter.

-Never before because....

-Waterfalls and raindrops

-Fall + Road + Wings

-Today's weather emotion...

-Ritual + grandfather + destiny

-In the beginning...

-It was a new day because...
-Bear + lie + tear

-I don't remember...

-The first time I had a vision of death....

-I used to be _____, but now ____.

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2010-01-21T11:27:00.000-05:00

Where does the time go? Feels like Christmas was only the other day and here we are nearing the end of January! Hope everyone is having a great start to their writing year. Here are some new tidbits for you.

-Did she really want the answers that could be found within her grandmother's steamer trunk?

-She was certain he had died in the accident.

-A bitter wind swept across the frozen lake. Somewhere, out there was the answer.

-I'm sure I've seen them before.

-The doors sway in the pitch dark.

-Assumptions based on an overheard phone conversation.

-When I first told my family about my secret, they didn't believe me.

-They were beautiful and deadly + a masquerade

-My brother and I came in by the old lady's window.

-I could tell the minute I got in the door and dropped my bag, I wasn't staying.

-Every night after lights out in the dormitory, there was a ceremonial story-telling.

-Where were you last night? + a gate + on the other side

-The balloons danced through the smoke.

-She mumbled over breakfast as she thought of her mother's threat.

2010-01-21T11:21:00.001-05:00

Updates on Open Anthology Projects

2010-01-21T11:19:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder that submissions for Pandora's Nightmare-Horror Unleashed is open until Feb. 28th.
Silver Moon, Bloody Bullets- An Anthology of Werewolf Tails submission period closes May 15th.

Still room in both of these. Look forward to reading some great stories from all of you creative people out there.

Shadows and Light 5 Sword Review!

2010-01-21T11:16:00.000-05:00

Here is what Tracy Falbe at Fantasy Tavern had to say about Shadows and Light- Tales of Lost Kingdoms, where you can find my "Scatters Souls" among many other talented authors.

Fantasy book review of Shadows & Light: Tales of Lost Kingdoms

The literary palates of fantasy readers will appreciate the flavors packed into the anthology Shadows & Light: Tales of Lost Kingdoms. This premium box of chocolates was published by the Pill Hill Press and edited by Alva J. Roberts, who can certainly be proud of the twenty-two short stories that mix a full measure of fantasy with a couple dashes of horror.
The overall quality of the writing in this anthology is very strong. The stories grabbed my attention right away within the first paragraphs and often the first sentences. Vivid imagery, strong emotions, smooth transitions, and tireless action were standards upheld by every author selected for the anthology, and, like a book of paint swatches, all the darker shades of the genre were represented. A daring elf queen, female centaur, changeling warriors, a priestess of the dead, and a barbarian king are a smattering of examples from this suite of stories that were obviously written and selected with care.
As with any anthology, some stories resonated with me more than others, but this will vary with the tastes of each reader. One of my favorites was Azerian: Pawn of the Serpentine Witch by Christopher Heath that could be labeled as heroic fantasy or barbarian fantasy. With lizard men who sacrificed humans, a powerful witch desiring pregnancy, and a barbarian king, this story flowed like hot lava and drew me into its frightening action. My only complaint about the story would be its epilogue, which I considered unnecessary. It answered a few questions, but mostly I thought it came across as notes for future stories that should have been written instead of summarized in an epilogue.
Another story of note is Shadow on the Edge of the City of Light by Bill Ward. It was a well done study in the corruption of an abused innocent who was twisted by a strange seductress and a potently evil ancient sword. The main character's transition to an evil dark lord by an exploitative lover was stark and believable.
Then Lydia Sharp's story The Keeper of Secrets tugged at my emotions as the heroine went to a fateful meeting with her estranged mother. I could relate to apprehension at a homecoming after long departure. Plus, I loved how this story included ocean-based fantasy life forms that supported the protagonist, like mermaids and an octopus being.
Another story with powerful emotions was Treischan Strength by D.M Bonanno who told of an ancient and dying tree's struggle to save its offspring. I have always been sensitive to the life within trees, and I was touched by this narrative that showed the courage of trees.
For fantasy readers who are also fascinated by the Roman Empire, the Sword of Rasna by Gustavo Bondoni offers a fantastical view of the historical struggle between a rising Rome and the older Etruscan society. On a further military note The Siege of Ravelin by Ray Kolb is a well told tale. It compelled me to keep reading with its instant aura of mystery as a bored soldier keeps watch over a supposedly dead city that has been under siege for a century. The author succeeded in making me know that something terrible was going to happen and want to keep reading.
All the stories in this thoughtfully produced anthology deserve praise even if I did not mention them specifically. I rarely give a perfect five sword review because that rating has to be withheld for the best books, but this anthology really did strike me as a superior collection of short fantasy fiction. Shadows and Light would make a great introduction to the genre for someone unfamiliar with it, and it definitely reminded me of why I like fantasy so much.

The Bitter End Book Review

2010-01-21T11:13:00.000-05:00

Here is what Sonar4 had to say about The Bitter End- Tales of Nautical Terror (where you can find my 'Sirens' Folly' among all the other great authors.

Edited By Jessy Marie Roberts
Pill Hill Press
ISBN: 978-0984261024
Review Posted: 01/02/2010
Review done by Rob Walter

The Bitter End: Tales of Nautical Terror is the newest anthology from Pill Hill Press edited by Jessy Marie Roberts and the cover design is by Alva J. Roberts. The collection contains 27 short stories by the following authors: Patrick Rutigliano, Jameson T. Caine, Lucas Pederson, Laura Eno, Sam Battrick, Stephen D. Rogers, John McCuaig, Jessica A. Weiss, Jacob Henry Orloff, Christopher Jacobsmeyer, Kelly M. Hudson, Michelle Bredeson, Miles Boothe, Allen Wise, Alva J. Roberts, Anthony Giangregorio, Anne Maclachlan, C.A. Verstraete, Joel Arnold, Mike Chinn, Kassi Shimek, D. Nathan Hilliard, Scott Harper, Bill Ward, Rachelle Reese and Flora Winters.

It is a very unique and intriguing idea bringing the sea together with horror for a series of short stories. I have always loved the sea so this collection really caught my attention. The first story of the collection, The Revel, gets this great read underway with a monster race and what they are doing with abducted sailors. Other ideas that really pop out at you involve people, sharks, people-sharks, alien invasion and cruise ships of horror. One of my favorite stories of the collection is a very short story about a German Airman shot down in the English Channel during WWII called Wellenkrieg. He is tortured by the waves.

I really enjoyed this collection. I strongly recommend you go out and buy a copy today. It is horror at its best mixed with the sea.

2010 off to a great start...

2010-01-16T07:11:00.000-05:00

2010 is only just begun and it's off to a running start.

The Four Horsemen will be released in a few short months and though I don't have a story in it, I was involved in reading through the hundreds of submissions. This book will be the first illustrated anthology from Pill Hill Press and will also be available in hardcover as well as trade paper back.

Many thanks to the Editor-in-Chief, Jessy Marie Roberts, for giving me the opportunity to work with her on this beautiful compilation.

I will post the link once it is for sale.

Something To Read for Free...

2010-01-16T07:02:00.000-05:00

Just thought I'd share a little contest piece from December 2009 that you can read on-line for free.
This one is called "The End of Santa's Reign", enjoy!

Anthology Update

2010-01-16T06:58:00.000-05:00

A few more early acceptances for Pandora's Nightmare-Horror Unleashed and Silver Moon, Bloody Bullets- An Anthology of Werewolf Tails.

Pandora:
"The Final Bell" by Laura Eno
"The Avon Lady" by Eric W. Jepson
"Blood is the Mysterious Union" by John JAM Arthur Miller
"The Glass Forest and The Gilded Sky" by Nye Hardy
"Pandora's Surprise" by Bruce Memblatt
Congratulations!

Silver Moon, Bloody Bullets:
Update on early acceptances:
"Rise of the Animal" by Carl Hose
"The Beast Within" by Frank Summers
"Grandma, What Big Teeth You Have" by Rob Rosen
"The Adopted" by Lawrence Dagstine
"Twin Moons" by Christopher Jacobsmeyer
Congratulations!

Anthology Update

2010-01-04T13:56:00.000-05:00

I am thrilled to announce a few early acceptances for both of my open anthologies.
Pandora's Nightmare- Horror Unleashed
-"The Final Bell" by Laura Eno
-"The Avon Lady" by Eric W. Jepson
-"Blood is the Mysterious Union" by John "JAM" Arthur Miller

Silver Moon, Bloody Bullets- An Anthology of Werewolf Tails
-"Rise of the Animal" by Carl Hose
-"The Beast Within" by Frank Summers

Congratulations to these writers.
I will keep an updated list here and at Pill Hill Press Forums.
Still plenty of room in both (hint, hint)

At least it wasn't generic

2009-12-29T09:33:00.000-05:00

When waiting for a response to a submitted story, I get anxious after a month or so. Then I tell myself it could be worse, could've gotten a rejection right off the rip. So why does it upset me to get a rejection after waiting over two months?
It would've been worse if it was a plain rejection. Considering how back logged this editor has admitted to being, I am grateful for the comments and suggestions given. I could've been left with no idea what was wrong with my writing, instead I have learned something new.

Fire Your Muse-Writing Prompts

2009-12-29T09:29:00.000-05:00

Happy End of the Holidays, everyone.

-Things have a life of their own. It's simply a matter of waking up their souls.

-Pick up truck + lipstick + silver earring

-Reaching for a deeper meaning of motherhood.

-Someone is plotting to catch you. Why?

-The strangest request I ever received was...+ a family gathering.

-If someone had wanted me dead, they missed a good chance when...

-He was watching her.

-The next time I...

-Initials carved into a tree + his eyes had a haunted look

-What do you mean you forgot the ring?

-The letter lay between them. It had been twenty-five years.

-Why did I never suspect? Was I so gullible?

-In the distance I could see the smoke.

-No children live at Stanfield Hall now. No one lives there except the caretaker and his wife.

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-12-14T12:06:00.000-05:00

Fire Your Muse is now going to be a bi-monthly posting as my duties have increased all over the place.

-The possibilities are endless...

-My cat has issues. Can you tell?

-Threatening note sent to spouse...

-Young girls life changed by ouija board...

-Witches cursed circle of stones...

-Teardrops + fireflies+ the other side of the rainbow

-Permission granted...

-It came without warning...

-Will he remember? It's been twenty years, but she had to know...

-A teenage sorceress falls in love with the man she is destined to kill on her 18th birthday...

-Let the child write...

-How can I miss you if you won't go away?

-She is the sort of person who...

-An unsuccessful painter + a voice + it was that kind of day

**Art by A.J., prompts collected by myself over a period of years**

Open Calls

2009-11-30T09:44:00.000-05:00

Here are the two anthologies that I am editing. Both are currently open for submissions. Please read carefully, they both close in 2010.

Silver Moon, Bloody Bullets: An Anthology of Werewolf Tails
Edited by Jessica A. Weiss
Email submissions to: werewolf@pillhillpress.com
Please put SUBMISSION, followed by the title of the story, in the subject line of your email. Thanks!

We are looking for short stories that celebrate our favorite furry shape-shifters. Most genres are welcome as long as there are STRONG elements of horror present in the story.

Stories should be written in the third person.

We prefer short stories in the 2,500-5,000 word range, but will consider stories from 1,500-10,000 words.

Payment is $10.00 plus 1 contributor's copy upon publication.

Submissions will be accepted until 15 May 2010.
Tentative Release Date: Summer 2010

Questions about this anthology?
Email the editor

Pandora's Nightmare: Horror Unleashed
Edited by Jessica A. Weiss
Email submissions to: pandora@pillhillpress.com

Please put SUBMISSION: PANDORA in the subject line of your email, followed by the title of the story and word count. SEND YOUR SUBMISSION AS AN RTF FILE ATTACHMENT using standard manuscript format (including your contact information in your email and on your attachment. We want to be able to contact you regarding your submission). Thank you!

We are looking for scary stories that deal with the Pandora's Box legend. Think of what would've happened if she opened more than one box, at different times in history. Was Earth the ONLY place she opened a box? What EXACTLY was let loose? Vampires, werewolves, and other things that go "bump" in the night.... did they come from Pandora? Did Pandora have any regrets? Of course, it may not even be a 'box', but something else she opened to unleash horror on everyone else. This is a HORROR anthology and stories should contain strong elements of horror and/or suspense.

Stories can be realistic or fantastical. They can take place at any time - past, present, future, alternate, space. Looking for a variety of twists - be creative, unique, and horrifying. Looking for stories that tingle the spine, make me want to lock myself indoors, and fear my fellow man.

We are looking for short stories 1,500-5,000 words in length.

Payment is 1 contributor's copy upon publication.

Please do not send stories with a strong religious or political theme. Also, please do not send rape/torture stories, anything 'x' rated or pornographic, pet mutilation tales, fiction about child abuse and/or pedophilia, or submissions that denigrate any race, gender or sexual orientation. We don't want to offend any reader.

Submissions will be accepted until Sunday, February 28, 2010. We will not make final selections until the end of the submission period. Responses will be sent by March 20, 2010. Please do not query about the status of your submission until March 21, 2010. You should receive an automated reply telling you received your submission. If you don't receive this notice, we did not receive your story. Please resend to pandora@pillhillpress.com.

This book has a tentative release date of May 2010.

Questions regarding this anthology? Email Jessica A. Weiss, editor, at jweiss@pillhillpress.com

Now Avaliable.. "The Bitter End"

2009-11-30T09:39:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been afraid something is lurking beneath the murky surface of the water? In this horrifying anthology, something is!

Behold twenty six short stories of nautical terror and prepare yourself to come face-to-face with The Bitter End. From ghosts to sea creatures, talking fish to shark attacks, cannibalism to man-eating bacteria, this horror anthology has something for anyone who has ever been nervous to get their feet wet.

Authors in this anthology include: Patrick Rutigliano, Jameson T. Caine, Lucas Pederson, Laura Eno, Sam Battrick, Stephen D. Rogers, John McCuaig, Jessica A. Weiss, Jacob Henry Orloff, Christopher Jacobsmeyer, Kelly M. Hudson, Michelle Bredeson, Miles Boothe, Allen Wise, Alva J. Roberts, Anthony Giangregorio, Anne Maclachlan, C.A. Verstraete, Joel Arnold, Mike Chinn, Kassi Shimek, D. Nathan Hilliard, Scott Harper, Bill Ward, Rachelle Reese & Flora Winters.

Here you will find my short story "Sirens' Folly".
Currently available at Amazon

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-11-30T09:35:00.000-05:00

Sorry about not posting last week, I was ill and not in the best spirits. To make up for my lapse, I am posting two weeks worth today. May something spark your inner fire.

-I fear that I might....

-The old man in the mirror + innocence lost or abused

-There is a place called home for most people. But not for Sarah, not really.

-Something poisonous has been drunk + a silence + a church

-When the forest wants something, no mortal can resist her.

-Whenever his face enters my memory, I stop and think of what happened + a witchy neighbor + creaky floorboards

-A book that's been read over and over + a womans shattered hopes for love

-A reflection + a mask + broken promises + mythological god/dess

-Mistaken identity + afterward I thought about..

-The solution + in a state of discovery + this is what the neighbors saw

-A year after your death the truth is discovered

-It was as far as I could go, though I knew she wanted so much more

-The explosion had uncovered something ancient and mystifying

-Out of the corner of my eye....

**Prompts collected by me over many years and cut and smushed together to make some new ideas. Artwork is by A.J. my daughter.**

Last Week, In Review

2009-11-16T10:04:00.000-05:00

Another week and another several thousand words!

NaNoWriMo went a little bit better this week. Most likely because I got out of the house and spent many hours at a coffee shop typing away. Though I am not anywhere near the goal for today (26,372), I am getting there. Currently at 14,067- last week I did 13,829 of that. So this last week has been my best, by far.

On the other hand, I didn't do my daily challenge of 500 words a day, too busy with everything else.

My short story "Scattered Souls" that was published in Shadows and Light has been nominated for an award. Final decision on whether or not it fits into the Heroic Fantasy, is still pending. But its still great that the editor thought enough of it to send it for the Ham Size Fist Award.

I was also accepted into the Fictioneers this week. Which a group, or "club", of fiction writers.

A new project was offered to me, as well. A collaborative zombie novel! There are 14 authors, each will write two chapters. So far there isn't a title, but the first two chapters were written this weekend. I will keep you posted as to title and release date.

Very exciting and rewarding week! Here's to another one just like it, or better.

Happy writing to all of you writers out there.

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-11-16T09:52:00.000-05:00

This weeks tid bits for your minds to grind up and spit out again.
-A fugitive + southern comfort + leather and lace

-Her mother always warned her...

-I was not sent by the devil!

-The crazy wolf laughed beside the fountain.

-Horoscope come true + half an hour before sunrise

-I never expected that one day I'd open my closet and find...

-Friends and family members become entangled in relationship that leads to three deaths.

Last Week, In Review

2009-11-09T08:40:00.000-05:00

Here it is Monday, again. I'm finding my weekends full of my family and pets, with very little time for me. I wrote a whole 347 words for NaNo and 9399 words for challenge. I submitted two more short works of fiction, making my total awaiting response: four. Though I am making progress on the "Pandora" project. Here's hoping you all have a great week of writing, keep those pens going and those fingers typing.

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-11-09T08:34:00.000-05:00

Here are this weeks tidbits for you to feed your hungry brain.
-The scent of vanilla reminded me of our secret dance.

-Searching for the land of legend

-The one thing I could't say was....

-The last time he'd worn that hat was when he'd died.

-As a child he had learned about pain + when lightening strikes

-Enlightenment comes from an unusual source.

-A cocktail waitress down on her luck + she'd never see his face

Last Week, In Review

2009-11-02T09:29:00.000-05:00

The first week of challenging myself to write 500-1000 words a day, did not go as well as I had hoped. A total of 7918 words of fiction were writen by me. Many thousands of words of non-fiction as well. But non-fiction doesn't count. You may think that I did over a 1000 words a day, but there were actually three days I didn't write at all.
Yesterday was the kick off of NaNoWriMo 2009! And I didn't write a word for that either.
Here's hoping that this week is better and different. To any and all who are doing NaNo and/or daily word challenges- best of luck and keep at it.

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-11-02T09:25:00.000-05:00

This weeks prompts are ready for you. If you are NaNoWriMo, you may just want to file all of Novembers prompts for later, once you've recooperated.

-Storyteller + a locked box + an ancient inn + possibilities

-She had been warned, but now it was too late. + the night won't save anyone

-Her lover left abrubtly, leaving behind everything. + stray cat

-Upon the new day, dawn would see him nailed to the front gate + a shovel

-The runaway curled up in a broken chair and dreamed of the home left behind + a shoe box

-The collision took the joy out of hte belated celebration + book

-Watching him sideways, she blinked away her tears + a packed suitcase + cancelled bus ticket

Now Avaliable.. "Twisted Legends"

2009-10-28T13:49:00.000-04:00

"Do you know what happened to a friend of mine?" You know the stories, you know the outcomes...or do you? Now you can enjoy twisted versions of classic urban legends in Twisted Legends: Urbanized & Unauthorized. From crocodiles in the sewer to stolen kidneys, from Bloody Mary to ravenous housecats, this anthology will leave you breathless and asking yourself, "Aren't you glad you didn't turn on the lights?" Authors in this anthology include: Christopher Jacobsmeyer, Jameson T. Caine, Laura Eno, J. Troy Seate, Michael A. Kechula, Bradd Parton, Jennifer Greylyn, Jessy Marie Roberts, Kevin Brown, Jessica Brown, Jodi MacArthur, Ennis Drake, Anthony Giangregorio, Jennifer R. Povey, Chris Bartholomew, Liz Clift, Jacob Henry Orloff, Jessica A. Weiss, Natalie L. Sin, Jason Everett Morris, Sam Cox, Brian M. Sammons, John Pupo, John Pennington, Jerry Enni, Sam Battrick, Charles West, Alva J. Roberts, Bill Mattox, Sean Logan, Bill Ward, Michael Penncavage, & Ruth Imeson.

Currently Available at Amazon ! Other Book Sellers Soon!

You can find my Twisted Legend, "Silence Is Deadly" within these pages.

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-10-26T08:04:00.001-04:00

This weeks prompts, happy writing.

-Wearing that ring....

-This is all that was left when s/he was gone.

-Lunatic + a picture+ ancient garden + knowledge

-Prophet + a rat + medieval journey + insanity

-Girl + cat + a market+ trickery

-Orphan + empty notebook + an attic + deception

-Servant + dead flowers + in a garden + doubt

I'm a glutton for punishment!

2009-10-23T18:03:00.000-04:00

So I signed up for NaNoWriMo this afternoon and then I stumbled upon InkyGirls "1000 words a day challenge" and have taken THAT upon myself too. I'm planning on using NaNo for a new novel, and the 1000 word challenge for my short stories. That way I can get plenty of fresh material to sink my teeth into for later works (and help me clean out my to-do list in the meantime.)

Anyone else going to do both?

NaNoWriMo

2009-10-23T13:31:00.000-04:00

After much consideration, I've decided to try this for the first time. I have no idea what to expect, but it will be a learning experience no matter what. I was prodded by online friends as well as the librarians at the library I volunteer at. So here's to a novel in the month of November.

For anyone who isn't doing this, what do you have to loose?
For those who are participating, Writing Friends?

Call For Submissions

2009-10-20T11:52:00.001-04:00

A new speculative fiction anthology has opened up for submissions.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR PANDORA'S NIGHTMARE: HORROR UNLEASHED ANTHOLOGY IS SUNDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 2010.

Pandora's Nightmare: Horror Unleashed
Edited by Jessica A. Weiss
Email submissions to: pandora@pillhillpress.com

Please put SUBMISSION: PANDORA in the subject line of your email, followed by the title of the story and word count. SEND YOUR SUBMISSION AS AN RTF FILE ATTACHMENT using standard manuscript format (including your contact information in your email and on your attachment. We want to be able to contact you regarding your submission). Thank you!

We are looking for scary stories that deal with the Pandora's Box legend. Think of what would've happened if she opened more than one box, at different times in history. Was Earth the ONLY place she opened a box? What EXACTLY was let loose? Vampires, werewolves, and other things that go "bump" in the night.... did they come from Pandora? Did Pandora have any regrets? Of course, it may not even be a 'box', but something else she opened to unleash horror on everyone else. This is a HORROR anthology and stories should contain strong elements of horror and/or suspense.

Stories can be realistic or fantastical. They can take place at any time - past, present, future, alternate, space. Looking for a variety of twists - be creative, unique, and horrifying. Looking for stories that tingle the spine, make me want to lock myself indoors, and fear my fellow man.

We are looking for short stories 1,500-5,000 words in length.

Payment is 1 contributor's copy upon publication.

Please do not send stories with a strong religious or political theme. Also, please do not send rape/torture stories, anything 'x' rated or pornographic, pet mutilation tales, fiction about child abuse and/or pedophilia, or submissions that denigrate any race, gender or sexual orientation. We don't want to offend any reader.

Submissions will be accepted until Sunday, February 28, 2010. We will not make final selections until the end of the submission period. Responses will be sent by March 20, 2010. Please do not query about the status of your submission until March 21, 2010. You should receive an automated reply telling you received your submission. If you don't receive this notice, we did not receive your story. Please resend to pandora@pillhillpress.com.

This book has a tentative release date of May 2010.

Questions regarding this anthology? Email Jessica A. Weiss, editor, at jweiss@pillhillpress.com

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-10-19T09:32:00.000-04:00

Here are this weeks prompts:

-During a rainstorm a person discovers an item they though they'd lost.

-Lucky axe murderer

-Female aristocrate + a family secret + illness + an ancient journey

-Soldier + a map + a dark ancient alley + identity

-Sorcerer + an hourglass + between worlds + death

-This is not about what I carried with me....

-After the group of children calmed down.....

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-10-12T14:05:00.001-04:00

For your creative juices to devour-- this weeks prompts.

-Killer + a diamond + a rainstorm + freedom

-Father + flower + a nursery + death

-Hitman + a painting + in an attic + knowledge

-Artist + a key + in a thunder storm + illness

- Begger + a suitcase + council chamber + happiness

-The shadow of cigarette smoke

-Someone lies and a famous person goes missing

Just released....

2009-10-12T14:01:00.003-04:00

Here you will find "Scattered Souls" the first in a series of fantasy stories of King Rowand searching for his wife's soul that has been stolen by the Dark Lord Dard.
Purchase at Amazon.com. Other retailers and ebook formats coming soon.

Stories of the fantastic have captured the hearts and inspired the dreams of people since the sagas of Gilgamesh, The Odyssey, and Beowulf were first uttered. These mythic tales have helped mankind define the concepts of good and evil, and the epic struggle between the two. Shadows & Light: Tales of Lost Kingdoms continues this tradition with twenty-two fantastic tales of magic, forgotten worlds, and the conflict between the hero and the villain. From burning deserts to the center of the sea, from enchanted forests to King Arthur's court, and from dueling wizards to beleaguered cities, Shadows & Light has something for everyone who has ever wondered "what if?". Authors in this volume include: Jean Rabe, Vaughn Heppner, Max Wright, Scott Harper, Christopher Heath, Laura Eno, JW Schnarr, Jessy Marie Roberts, Bill Ward, Christopher Jacobsmeyer, Kody Boye, Lydia Sharp, Martin Turton, D.M. Bonanno, Jessica A. Weiss, Carrie Harris, Gustavo Bondoni, Paul L. Bates, Ray Kolb, Alva J. Roberts, Jonathan Shipley, and John B. Rosenman.

Coming soon from "The Writers Side of The Looking Glass"

2009-10-12T13:57:00.000-04:00

Just a note to let readers know that there will be more than "Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts" coming in the near future. There will also be a monthly/bi-monthly focus on something useful for writers called "Take a Look". Also plan on passing along news of new contests.
Here's hoping all of you had a great long weekend.

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-10-05T09:33:00.003-04:00

Another week, another set of prompts. See where they can take your writing

-Judge + a letter +a rainstorm + balance

-Magician + a cage + in an attice + happiness

-Prostitute + a knife + at a medieval meal + power

-Runaway + a star + on a beach + dispair

-I saw the strangest thing in the park last night.

-He stuck his hand in the small opening and pulled out.....

-Lost best friends wedding ring.

Flash Fiction 40 Contest Finalist July 2009

2009-10-03T18:01:00.005-04:00

For my new readers, this is old news, I'm just cleaning up the sidebar of my blog.
Back in July I wrote my first Flash Fiction and entered my first writing contest with it. There were 280 entries and open voting from members. My piece "Blind Justice" made it to the editors top 40 and was published, with 39 other great tales, by Smashwords and Editors Unleashed. If you get the chance, check out the FREE ebook. You can also print it out from your home computer.

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-09-28T08:19:00.002-04:00

Here are this weeks nuggets for inspiration. Enjoy.

-Thief + a key + in a maze + injustice

-Driver + a suitcase + dark ally + ignorance

-Writing late into the wee hours...

-Rancid breath flies from the mouth of prophecy.

-The cold steel pressed against my neck and...

-What if our shadows were alive?

-Boy + a ring + a barn + loneliness

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-09-21T09:35:00.001-04:00

And another week has arrived. Here are this weeks prompts to get your muse juice flowing.

-There is a cranberry blood stain on a pearl necklace

-Nothing is at the end of my rainbow.

-What a treasue to nurture romantic inclinations.

-The unspeakable bloody wolf

-Philosopher + a desk + between worlds + irresponsibility

-Student + darkness + in an attic + a truth

- Judge + an hourglass + a temple + betrayal

Early Release!

2009-09-16T09:00:00.001-04:00

Now avaliable from Amazon and Barnes and Noble,
"The Middle of Nowhere; Horror is Rural America".
Welcome to The Middle of Nowhere! Behold twenty-eight horror tales set in rural America, featuring some of the very best short stories by up-and-coming masters of the macabre. Think farmland. Think long, desolate country roads. Think abandoned houses. What terrible things can happen when you are all alone in the middle of nowhere? Here is your chance to find out! From a creepy motel to a fishing trip gone awry, from out of the sky and to the bottom of a lake, this spine-chilling anthology has something to suit virtually every taste.

You will find my short story "Emilys Lake" within these pages.
Enjoy!

Jessy Marie Roberts is the Editor of Pill Hill Press

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-09-14T10:13:00.001-04:00

Here are some tid bits to insight your creativity. Enjoy.

-It's too soon to tell

-I miss having family around. Being betrayed by strangers isn't nearly as satisfying.

-The sky was gray over the sleeping pond.

-The present was totally inconsiderate.

-Fortune teller + a letter + council chamber + acceptance

-This pendant is the only way you can enter this castle.

-A jewel encrusted box found in an ancient abandoned cemetery.

Personal Rejections

2009-09-11T13:14:00.000-04:00

I just received a rejection letter, and I'm not upset. I actually expected it since the story very loosely fit the criteria. Can't say I didn't try.

Getting the rejection actually made me happy. Why? It was a personal rejection; the editor showed that she had taken the time to read the story, by her comments, and hadn't simply rejected it because she was tired of reading the slush pile.

I was also was happy that she didn't just accept it because she's accepted my other work. That makes me feel great about the editor I'm working with.

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-09-11T10:21:00.003-04:00

(Better late than never!)
I apologize for not doing this Monday. For those of you who know me, this was our first week back for home school. Takes a bit of time to get kids back in the groove.

Here are a weeks worth of prompts to stir your imaginations.

-The princess of the swamp + this is what she said before I was born

-Cobwebs raised to catch the moonlight

-Jury + office + distraction + body

-Ransom note for a murder weapon + fall from grace + rising early to begin journey

- It's all you could expect + One thing can't be denied + How can I tell him I....

-Nothing has changed + a single hair + the darkness proposes

-You will find time to think about kindness through the winter and spring

And Another One Sells!

2009-09-10T17:58:00.001-04:00

What a wonderful birthday present I gave myself yesterday.

On September 8th I started writing a short story and finished a few hours later. A couple of hours after I finished, my husband edited it for me, my daughter read it, and I submitted it. The next morning, my birthday, I received an acceptance! And that made my day. (I'll put up the cover art once its been released.)

Tomorrows goal is to write to some of my favorite authors and editors. I've written to most of them before, but they were very generalized; receiving general replies. This time I have specific questions for each of them and will be anxiously awaiting their responses.

This has been a great year for me and I hope it continues to be so.

Busy Bee...That's Me!

2009-08-31T10:12:00.001-04:00

The last few weeks have seen me busy as all get out. Writing, selling stories, creating school curriculum's, updating kids computers (and mine), taking care of our pets and the wild babies we now have.... been hectic. On top of this I am trying to quit smoking after 18 years; not an easy task.

I haven't forgotten about writing here, just trying to find the time to fit it in. Once we are back on a regular schedule, I can make time for myself and my projects. This week is the deadline for me to get all the kids books copied and created- classes start next Monday.

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-08-31T10:09:00.001-04:00

Here is this weeks prompts to get you fired up.

-Just beyond the edge of the woods where memories are underfoot.

-Of memory and legend + the third winter + ruby stone circle

-He moved into the barn. He was more comfortable there than in the house where he didn't feel wanted.

-Emerald mists of twilight + maiden of memory + dreams of chaos

-Kingdom of the scroll + memory rune + legend of the silver wolf

-She was the only archer who had survived and they were after her.

-And it was at that age.....

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-08-24T13:59:00.002-04:00

This Weeks Worth of Prompts:

-Why did you lie?

-Criminal behavior

- Tiny white flowers & walking away

-Judge & an eye & in a maze & in doubt

-Archeologist & scribbled page of notes & in a prison & truth

-Writer & diary & in a bar & truth

-I wish I didn't have to see the signs and omens....

Apology to my readers.

2009-08-20T13:30:00.001-04:00

I am sorry I haven't been around for quite some time. Between sick kids, traveling kids, and other family emergencies- I've been busy off of my computer. I am writing, just not here. I promise to get back in the habit soon. Plenty of "Fire Your Muse" installments to come. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-08-03T10:15:00.001-04:00

This weeks writing prompts:

-Field of innocent delight

-Disturbance + the devil you know + sound of freedom

-Hold your peace + paper thin + delicate lines

-Uninvited + cup of tea +hazy sticky morning

-Pale and fragile + saying good-bye +clockwork heart

-Grounded + rage + I fired my guardian angel

- Toxic assets

Something different

2009-07-31T09:32:00.000-04:00

Instead of creating questions, provoking thought, and inspiring others, I have decided to spend this week being inspired. To that end, I will post new articles next week. I am spending time away from the computer and out in the wild. Of course, too much sun can cause too much sleep (ouch). I look forward to sharing with my readers again, soon.
Have a wonderful weekend. May everyone find their own bit of inspiration.

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

2009-07-27T09:03:00.003-04:00

Here are a weeks worth of writing prompts, in case your muse is being stubborn. I find that taking more than one and merging them can create some great ideas. See what you can do with these.

-I woke up alone

-How did you get here?

-There's never enough time, is there?

-Unreasonable demands.

-Faded Paint + sleepwalker + broken promise

-Keeping an eye on the dead

-A job like any prison

Blogging Vs. Self-Publishing: Are They The Same?

2009-07-24T06:55:00.003-04:00

To Publish: to issue for distribution to the public; to make publicly known.
To Self-Publish: the publishing of books and other media by the author of those works, rather than by established third-party publishers.

How you view self-publishing probably depends on where you are in your writing career. You could see it as investing more money than you are likely to see in return. Maybe even as pure laziness; the author didn't want to invest the time to find a publisher, what does that say about the authors work? What about blogs?

Blogging: a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries. Many provide commentary or news on a particular subject.

By definition, a blog is (usually) a free way to self-publish views on particular subjects and provide samples of work to the public. It is a collection of thoughts and ideas put in a friendly format to share.

Still not sure your blog is a work of self-publication? Go to an editors guidelines, look for what they will accept. Do they accept previously published works? Some do, others don't. Look closer at the ones that do NOT accept work that's been available to the public, 'includes any posting of this work on blogs or other web sites.' Guess what? You've been self-publishing in your blog!

Wait a minute. You didn't make any money putting your story/article/review on your blog and now you may not. All your hard work out there for free. Did you realize that when you started typing away and updating your blog?

Blogging is a great tool for those who write for the joy of writing, without getting paid. It's also a great self-promotional tool. Publishing in a blog means you are giving your readers a taste of your style and flare, which could work to your advantage as a writer.

What will you self-publish today?

Small Pres vs. Established Publishing House

2009-07-23T09:10:00.003-04:00

Do you feel jaded against small press publications because they are new? Or maybe they haven't released many, if any, titles? As a writer, do you cringe at the idea of trusting someone new with your work?

Most writers dream of having lucrative contracts with the giant publishing houses. Let's face it, who wouldn't? Even established publishers had to start small in the beginning. Authors had to take a leap of faith with such places as Doubleday, Penguin, and Harper Collins.

Using a small press is a chance. And unless you are Anne Rice, Clive Cussler, or Nora Roberts; that small press is taking a chance on you, too. Is that such a terrible thing? They give you a shot and you return the compliment.

It's like seeing a classified ad 'Must have at least five years of experience.' No one is born with experience and if no one takes a chance on the unknown, how can anyone earn their experience?

If you're an unknown (at this time) author, such as myself, can it really hurt to build your portfolio with new presses? They can always say 'I knew him/her when...' once you become the next top selling, in demand author. And visa-versa, your small press could become the next big publisher and you were one of their first authors. It's a group project, each participant brings their talents to the mix and see if it blooms.

Working with a small press allows for more interaction with the editors and the opportunity to build a lasting relationship. Large houses are short on time, dealing with many authors, books, and deadlines. It could take them months or even a year to return any correspondence. Getting to know the business along side of your small press editor, is a lifelong lesson that any writer can benefit from.

Take a look, give someone small or unknown a try. I'd enjoy hearing from any one using a small press or who runs one.

My current small press chance: Jessy, editor at Pill Hill Press.

Do Authors Care About Their Readers?

2009-07-17T10:25:00.003-04:00

When a book really rocks my world, or sinks my boat, I often feel the urge to contact the author and tell them so. I've even collected many addresses and emails in preparation of doing so. Most of the time, I don't go through with it.

Why wouldn't I write to someone who has, for better or worse, touched my mind and imagination? Simply the fear of sounding stupid and common.

I'm sure Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Neil Gaiman, and Stephenie Meyers already hear hundreds of 'I love your book!' Surely Christopher Moore knows he's funny and Dan Brown realizes his writing causes readers to stop and think. J.K. Rowling can captivate the minds of all ages and Angie Sage feels the demands to continue writing. What makes me so special?

There is nothing I can say to a published author that they don't know or haven't heard before. So I shouldn't interrupt their writing time, right?

Wrong! What if every reader decided to stop writing to their favorite author? How would that feel? Having a ton of fan letters and a full inbox may be overwhelming, but at least they know their fans are with them and support their writing.

Granted you may only get a printed form letter, with some promotional swag, that an assistant mails out to all fans. Sometimes, though, you'll also get a small personal note jotted at the bottom (as I did from Holly Black) which can make your day.

You'll never know what your favorite author may do, unless you try. Who will you contact today?

Several of the above mentioned authors can be found on Twitter too.

On-line or Real Life Presence- Is There a Difference?

2009-07-16T15:34:00.004-04:00

Sometimes I get the feeling I'm more of a someone on-line than I am in the real world.

On-line I can be anyone or anything. On the computer, I get along with people better because I can choose to ignore them. I find that I am a nicer person on-line, I can give myself time to stop, think, and calm down before I let my Irish temper fly off the handle; or just remain silent.

In the cyber world I'm known as a writer. People concentrate on that aspect of who I am. Some even ask for my advice or opinion, in regards to writing.

In the real world I'm known for my organized life, discipline procedures, and love of animals. I'm asked for advice about kids, animals, spouses, and my views on various other things. All of these are important, as they are parts of a well-rounded me. In the real world, my writing isn't as important to everyone else as it is to me.

It's hard for me to separate all the aspects of who I am. There are times when I can't find the writer in my day-to-day life. To make my inner writer come out and play, I've made some changes.

These changes are in the form of a writers forum and the relationships I've made there, reading and commenting on other writer's blogs, carrying a tiny notebook and pen everywhere, searching weekly for writing contests, and lastly, started this blog.

What do you do to make your inner writer come out and play?

Which Came First: The Dream or The Story?

2009-07-10T10:44:00.004-04:00

You feel the panic, the pain. Your legs are weighed down by gravity and you can barely breath. The door in front of you is opening and you instinctively know what's behind it. You watch as your breath solidifies before you. The hairs on your neck raise up in protest. Then...

You wake up.

The writer in you wants to grab a pen and paper to write the exact feelings and images you'd just experienced, because you know the way you felt would make a great scene in your current project. While stumbling around the room looking for light and writing materials, it all slowly seeps away from your memory. By the time you find what you need, you are left with only lingering chills- all the glorious words that had created your dream now gone back to the dream realm.

"Where's my Word Accordion when I need it?" You wonder, thinking of Stephen Kings Tommyknockers, as you stumble back to bed.

You return to dreaming.

This time, though, you are lost in the pages of that story you've been sweating over for a month. You can feel the dryness of your words, up to the point where it takes on a life of its own. Now is when the dream words fill in what's been missing. You've got to get it all written down before its all lost. Can you?

* * *

Which came first, the dream or the story? Do you find yourself writing what you dream about or dreaming what you write about? How often do they combine and make something completely unique, that you KNOW would be a bestseller, just to wake up and find all the important pieces are lost to your conscious mind?

Day One.

2009-07-09T11:28:00.001-04:00

I've decided to take the plunge and do a blog. And I ask myself:
-Will it get me anywhere?
-Will anyone even care to read it?

If it offers me nothing more than an online journal to vent my thoughts and percolate some ideas, does that make it less or more meaningful?

It's like being in a writing contest. You wonder if anyone will read it, like it, or send you hate mail. But what you take away from the experience is the important part.

Life (blogs, writing) is all about what you learn and how you use that knowledge.

The Writers Side of The Looking Glass

Dark Reader--Reveiw

Collabthology: Kindle of the Dead

edited by Matt Nord

What Dark Reader Says:

Dark Reader--Reveiw

Wicked East Press -- update

Fire Your Muse--A month of prompts

Writing Challenge from Wicked East Press

Now Available from Wicked East Press

Now Available

Shells Walter Interviews Jessica A. Weiss

Interview with Eric S. Brown

Now Available--Daily Bites of Flesh

Pandora's Nightmare, Horror Unleashed (review)

Interview with Brian P. Easton

Interview with Timothy W. Long

Emails of the Dead--Now Available

Thriller--Now Available

Daily Flash--Now Available

Bloody Carnival--Now Available

Fire Your Muse-Writing Prompts

Cedar Chest--Now Available

Ghosts and Demons--Now Available

Beyond The Slush Pile

Back To The Middle of Nowhere

Caught By Darkness: An Anthology of Dark Tales

Dusted: An Anthology of Short Stories

Silver Moon, Bloody Bullets Now Availiable!

Writers N' Writers Interviews Wicked East Press

Friday, June 11, 2010

Interview with Wicked East Press:

Page Readers interviews Jessica A. Weiss (editor) and authors of "Silver Moon, Bloody Bullets"

Cutlass and Musket--Tales of Piratical Skullduggery

Ransom--Give Me What I Want And I'll Go Away

New Project!

Fire Your Muse--Writing Prompts

A Whodunit Halloween--Now Avaliable

The Four Horsemen--Now Available

Pandora's Nightmare--Horror Unleashed Now Availiable

Back to the Middle of Nowhere--call for subs

Cup of Joe, Coffee House Flash Fiction

Wicked East Press Officially Opens for Submissions

Pill Hill Press Anthologies Now in ebook Format

Static Movement- February 2010

Love Kills- My Bloody Valentine...Now Availiable!

Fire Your Muse-Writing Prompts

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

Updates on Open Anthology Projects

Shadows and Light 5 Sword Review!

Fantasy book review of Shadows & Light: Tales of Lost Kingdoms

The Bitter End Book Review

2010 off to a great start...

Something To Read for Free...

Anthology Update

Anthology Update

At least it wasn't generic

Fire Your Muse-Writing Prompts

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

Open Calls

Now Avaliable.. "The Bitter End"

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

Last Week, In Review

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

Last Week, In Review

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

Last Week, In Review

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

Now Avaliable.. "Twisted Legends"

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

I'm a glutton for punishment!

NaNoWriMo

Call For Submissions

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR PANDORA'S NIGHTMARE: HORROR UNLEASHED ANTHOLOGY IS SUNDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 2010.

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

Just released....

Coming soon from "The Writers Side of The Looking Glass"

Fire Your Muse- Writing Prompts

Flash Fiction 40 Contest Finalist July 2009

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR PANDORA'S NIGHTMARE: HORROR UNLEASHED ANTHOLOGY IS SUNDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 2010.