MASTERS OF TERROR - NEW AUTHORS BOARD ARCHIVE MAR 14 - JUN 23 1998

Mar 14, 1998

My goodness, people are shy. No messages here. Perhaps I should break the ice...?

Mar 14, 1998

Oh, what the heck. I'll break the ice, being the brash young American that I am. Well, FAIRLY young, but certainly American. I'm Mark McLaughlin...those of you who buy from the delightful folks at BBR might want to cast an eye upon FEEDING THE GLAMOUR HOGS, a collection of my work published by Ministry of Whimsy Press, offered for sale in the UK by BBR. If memory serves, only one of the stories, "Tears of the Expressionist Aphrodite", has ever appeared in Europe before (in the much-acclaimed THIRD ALTERNATIVE). I'm one of those writers who has had lots of stories published, but never had a novel out, so perhaps my name doesn't come immediately to mind when one thinks of horror writers. And actually, my writing isn't REALLY 100% SOLID HORROR...no zombies or vampires. I don't really know what you'd call it...one reviewer said I was like Harlan Ellison on acid, but I'm not sure if that's good or bad :)

Mar 14, 1998

Hi. it's Mark again. While I'm here, I thought I'd mention some of the U.K. writers I like...the ones who perhaps, do not receive all the acclaim their excellent work deserves. Joel Lane is wonderful...and of course Marni Scofidio Griffin, who specializes in contemporary ghost stories with an M.R. Jamesian slant...and Christopher Fowler (he does get a lot of acclaim, and rightly so, he deserves it)...and (I THINK I'm spelling this right, if I'm not, sorry!) Rhys Hughes, who writes marvelously convoluted, deliciously insane stories...and I once read a story by (again, I might be spelling this wrong) Tina Rath that I really enjoyed. There are many other writers I like, But I don't want to take up all the room on this board!

Mar 15, 1998

One of the best "new" authors around at the moment is Martin Simpson. So far he has only published two short stories but both of them have been extremely popular and critically acclaimed. His debut story LAST RITES AND RESURECTIONS can be found in the anthology of the same name from Andy Cox at The Third Alternative. It is about a man who can hear the voices of dead animals. The second one DANCING ABOUT ARCHITECTURE is tougher to find. It originally appeared in THE SILVER WEB #13 (as did his debut). Alternatively you could look for The Third Alternative #11 which is now OP. But I would strongly recommend looking for both of them. Dancing about Architecture is about a man who can hear the music in inanimate objects and was the winner of the British Fantasy Award for best short fiction................ He has a very unique style. Despite the supernatural elements in the stories they remain low key and are used by Simpson to explore the emotions and feelings of the characters. Both of them deal with loss and desolation and whilst they don't have a disney-happy ending, you still finish the stories feeling uplifted..................... I have heard somewhere that he has several unpublished novels that an agent is now submitting for him. I'd recommend you look out for them when they arrive --- Faisal Ahmad (pm90@dial.pipex.com)

Mar 15, 1998

Got to agree on Martin, the story in TTA's anthology last year was excellent, I'm not so sure about Rhys, I read the Eyelidiad and it left me vaguely cold, Gavin Williams has done some pretty nice stuff, check out THE COLD from Phantoms I, and SPECIAL FAVOUR in Scaremongers, released by Tanjen, as well as his excellent millennial story in REDBRICK EDEN, out this June, edited by myself and generally the best anthology ever ,) trust me, the stories rock ,) Steve Savile...

Mar 15, 1998

New Horror authors: The Deansgate sf Portfolio is looking for previously unpublished work from previously unpublished authors. We don't have a budget so we can't pay a fee, but our anthologies - Alien Landings - are distributed throught the Manchester branch of Waterstone's (and one or two others), and are sent to all major UK publishers and magazines. Currently looking for sf, fantasy and horror for issues 3 and beyond, send an s.s.a.e. for submission guidelines to: Alien Landings, c/o Waterstone's, 91 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2BW, or email Ariel@dial.pipex.com

Mar 17, 1998

Yup, Martin Simpson is impressive. Equally impressive is the work of Justina Robson; 'Deadhead' in TTA was excellent.
I find Conrad Williams a good read, too. His story in Scaremongers was very spooky.
Jason Gould
jason@hulllib.demon.co.uk

Mar 17, 1998

Some of Conrad's stuff I really like, and some leaves me thinking of the Emperors New Clothes... He is widely touted by the likes of Mark Morris and Nik Royle, as the coming man... I know he has Head Injuries, a novel coming out with Do Not Press soon, which will be worth a look... The best thing about horror in the UK at the moment is the proliferation of fresh talent, which has all sprung from the small presses, like Chris Kenworthy's excellent Will You Still Hold Me, Tim Lebbon's interesting Mesmer, those smaller publishers like Tanjen and DN Press are doing us proud as a genre, for once we live in interesting times... To the Canadians, Austrailians and Americans out there, I'd really urge you to bug your local bookstores to buy in Tanjen stuff, good quality fiction beautifully put together. There's a fresh wind blowing through the genre... together we can make it a gale... Steve S

Mar 17, 1998

Agree that Martin Simpson's LAST RITES was a classic. Very moving. The TTA anthology of the same name also had Chris Kenworthy's brilliant BECAUSE OF DUST. Rhys can be really funny - he has a column in Zene or some similar small press publication which makes me laugh out loud. I think he was the one who said we should banish the work of all dead authors to give the live ones a fighting chance!- Carol Anne Davis

Mar 21, 1998

Interesting story for you, I hope, re BECAUSE OF DUST... I was edited a drab little horror magazine called DARK ASYLUM a few years back and Chris submitted the story, written specially for the magazine, hence the refence to the new magazine starting up in it... but I was only one of three partners, and the two money *things* behind the magazine phoned him up and rejected the story AFTER I had accepted it, the whole thing was a mess... I quit the magazine that day, proud only in the fact that all but one of the stories I bought was selected by Ellen Datlow for her year's best that year... I then heard rumours that they had run off without paying bills, and owing lots of people lots of money...So, Chris kind of did me a favour, but I was really glad to see the story make it into the TTA anthology, and get such a good reception, made me feel I had some taste at least... ,)Steve Savile

Mar 21, 1998

Because of Dust. Good story. Ended up in YEARS BEST FANTASY AND HORROR. His Barrington Books range is excellent and if you haven't checked out his collection yet then you are missing out on some great slipstream fiction.

Mar 21, 1998

Heartening to see so many of you referring to stories published in The Third Alternative! Can I just add that Martin Simpson is the author of a very fine crime novel, and that I reckon that novel might just appear in the UK before it does in the USA. As for other "new" authors worthy of discussion, well, I could name several, though since some are now beginning to be published by major publishers I'm not sure they'd qualify. One writer who does spring to mind, though, is Jason Gould. In a short space of time, and because he's fairly prolific, he's developed into easily one of the most talented writers around. A couple of others to watch out for (I've read more than just the work that's been published, by the way): Paul Meloy, whose 'Last Great Paladin of Idle Conceit' in TTA14 was hugely popular; Jason Frowley, whose first published story didn't do it for some people, but he's got an abundance of style, a unique voice, and has written more accessible stories since; Tamar Yellin, who's mostly been published in mainstream magazines but is writing some interesting slipstream; Clifford Thurlow, who's already signed a film deal after a just a handful of stories; Tim Lees, whose 'The God House' was another brilliant debut. I could go on... Nothing 'emperors new clothes' about Conrad Williams's stories, by the way. That's not a phrase I like to see anybody use anyway, especially not in this context. It smacks of reactionism, and is most often used when quoting uninformed reviewers. Those of you who do like Conrad's stuff: well, I hope you're all reading TTA15! His novel Head Injuries was mentioned by some people. They might like to know that TTA has a special offer on that right now: £4.55 including p&p, TTA Press, 5 Martins Lane, Witcham, Ely, Cambs CB6 2LB. Didn't mean to plug though, sorry. Andy Cox, TTAPress@aol.com

Mar 21, 1998

First, I'd like to thanks Andy for putting this up. It's a Hell of an idea, and congratulations to whomever thought of it.

That said, I'm going to move to shameless self-promotion now. My short story "Anatomy Of A Circle" will appear in April's issue of ALTERED PERCEPTIONS MAGAZINE ( their homepage is htp://members.aol.com/alteredper/page1.htm for those interested.) Though some on these boards think mechanics should not write, (not to mention names) it seems to have been well received.

Basically it is about the de-evolution of man to an instinctual, animalistic state of mind. An excerpt is available on my homepage ( http://members.tripod.com/~Geoff_Chaos/index.html ) as well as other glimpses of things I am working on.

That's about it. See ya.

The Satanic Mechanic,

Geoff "Chaos" Cooper
jeppy@brigadoon.com
http://members.tripod.com/~Geoff_Chaos/index.html

Mar 22, 1998

Looks like an interesting site here, so I might as well drop my two cents worth in. Locked away over here in the States, my work is slated for the first four issues of BARE BONE magazine. Check out there website at: http://pleather.com/barebone/ Kevin L Donihe is a great editor, and a fan of my work. Who am I? Jeffrey A. Stadt, but please, call me Jeff. My work has been around the small press for awhile now. Jasmine Sailing at Cyber-Psychos (another great alternative/fringe culture magazine, new issue soon to be published) published my novella, STIGMA: AFTERWORLD last year. Some pretty good reviews. Need to sell some copies. Available through Cyber-Psychos: http://www.netonecom.net/~jsailing. As well as books by Sue Storm, Mike Hemmingson, Don Webb, and many others.. I am also the managing editor of Bloodreams Publications. What a web site? Damned right. here it is:http://home.swbell.net/rkatlas and check out the links there as well. I'd like to think the editors of the following magazines for publishing my past work, and for having the foresight to recognize my unique voice, and for those that mentored me and continuiously published my dark fiction. Thanks to: TERMINAL FRIGHT, HELIOCENTRIC NET/STIGMATA, ELEGIA, ABERRATIONS, BLOODREAMS, CYBER-PSYCHOS AOD, INTO THE DARKNESS, GATHERING DARKNESS, GASLIGHT, and some many others, but these were the ones that made a difference. Come and check out the CyberPsycho IRC channel. I will be interviewed, in connection with the Death Equinox Convergence 98 convention: server: irc.netonecom.net /channel #cyberpsychos The Jeffrey A Stadt Interview is April 5th at 6pm EST. Will have more as the time draws near. Scavenger's Newsletter had this to say about my novella, STIGMA: AFTERWORLD:"In fact, the rich and brutally poetic cadences of the opening segment had me actually reading this trubled individual's musing aloud. To myself. Just to better appreciate and absorb their unique, high-impact flavor. That, is writingof the highest order folks." "It's really quite an extraordinary little book. Engrossing and unnerving. Adult, in the best sense. Check it out." Well, I guess that's enough shameless plugging for now. I am circulating new short stories as we speak, as well as remarketing my first novel, The Mad Dreaming. Watch for me. And Check out BARE BONE #1 for my first piece of puboished poetry! Exciting.... Well, if you want to find out more, or just to flame me, my email address is: freystadt.foolsveiw@worldnet.att.net. I'd appreciate any feedback or comments of my work, or this message. This is a great idea... keep it up.. best to all, Jeff Stadt

Mar 22, 1998

Check out Nasty Piece of Work if you're looking for the new rising stars in the genre of horror. #7 is now out with fiction and poetry by Clare Gunther, Simon Bestwick, Paul Finch, Cathy Buburuz, Michael Thomas Dillon, Rhys Hughes, Steve Sneyd and many more. Write to David Green at: 20 Drum Mead, Petersfield, Hants, GU32 3AQ, England. You won't be sorry! Greezewald Farney

Mar 24, 1998

I identified with Steve Savile's comments re the editor who changed his mind. This happened to me last year. A magazine asked for a story then advertised the fact that they were using it on their website. The editor also met a friend of mine at a party and told her how brilliant he thought my story was. Approximately six weeks later he sent it back with a little note that said `I've changed my mind. I'd rather have a crime story instead.' I was so shocked at their lack of professionalism that for once I was speechless. I even wondered if I'd somehow offended the magazine, though I couldn't think why. When I read just now of someone doing the same to Chris's amazing BECAUSE OF DUST it brought it all back. I'm a survivor so I just stuck pins in a doll then got right back to the word processor. But I can imagine a new writer being totally floored by such a cruel and unnecessary slur. - Carol Anne Davis

Mar 25, 1998

Tia Davis has 3 or 4 great shorts in some of the major anthos a while back and haven't heard from her since. She was in SHOCK ROCK 2, YOUNG BLOOD and THE THING AT THE DRIVE-IN edited by Norm Partridge. Tia, where are you???? Paul

Mar 27, 1998

Posted at this very site are stories by Michael Thomas Dillon and Michael Kelly, hope you enjoy them. - Andy.

Apr 5, 1998

Help!!!! What do I write/not write in a covering letter? Should I be chatty and informal? Or keep it short and to the point? Does the synopsis have to be more or less a list of what happens, to whom, and when? Or do I write it like the stuff that gets you to buy the book in the first place? Anyone else out there as much of a novice as me? You all sound so, so... experienced. E-mail me if you want on Strixy@cableinet.co.uk.

Apr 5, 1998

Keep it brief and to the point. Synopsis - look at the back of paperback novels, or the inside dustjackets of hardbacks and write one between 50 a and 100 words. Don't send your manuscript. No editor worth his salt will pick his way through 80,000 words of what may turn out to be a National Book Award winner, but more realistically, turn out to be garbage. Two sample chapters, plus a synopsis, plus page or two of where the novel is leading. Cover letter - brief. Include any prior publications eg small press, anthology publications etc. and any good standing writer organizations you are a member of (Writers Guild, HWA etc) . Don't write any "hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed reading it" stuff. Let the package speak for itself. Don't turn the last page upside down or any other trick to check that the editor read it all, they have seen it all done before. No paper clips, editors get blisters. No plastic coverings, a stack of them can be knocked over. If you must bind, punch a hole in the corner and use a green treasury tag. Number all pages , standard mss format essential. Include SAE. Tell him the manuscript is disposable. Look in any of the how to write books and the good ones will provide some good outlines of various cover letters. Good luck with your manuscript.

Apr 6, 1998

Yep, I'd agree with the above. Used to work on a magazine and every other writer put a hair between the last two pages to check that we'd read their entire story. I had enough to stuff a cushion in the end. :-) Carol Anne Davis

Apr 8, 1998

Talking of new authors, I will be posting a terrific new story from K.A. Laity in the fiction area shortly. Keep your eye out for it - Andy F.

Apr 10, 1998

Thanks for the advice. I'll let you know how I get on. Kris (Strixy)

Apr 21, 1998

Look out for new stories at this site's fiction area soon from Joe Flavin and another from Michael Thomas Dillon. - AF

Apr 21, 1998

Apr 21 1998 Just thought I'd add my whisper to the voices here. I feel a bit like Strixy, do I belong with all these pro's! I've had a story put on Luxprima, 'The Craftsman' (although they're calling it The Craft for some reason...?)which I'd like some comment on and Jeff Stadt who I've noticed on this very message board (Hi Jeff!)is going to publish another effort, 'Community Spirit' in an up coming edition of Blood Dreams. As a long time horror fan I'm delighted to discover this new world where people actually want to read stuff you've written. It's great for building the old confidence up (Unlike the 'brash young American' who is first up.on this board I'm a typical shrinking violet,buttoned up Englishman. Believe me, 'talking like this feels sooo ...we've not even been properly introduced for heavens sake!. Hope to hear from someone. My EMail address is westering@yahoo.com. Bye

Apr 21, 1998

PS The name's Mark Tomlinson by the way!

Apr 21, 1998

And how do we find Luxprima?

Apr 22, 1998

Hi, it's the brash young American, Mark McLaughlin, again. ...Just wanted to fill you in on my latest adventures. I have stories coming up in lots of magazines and anthologies, including the next volume of Bending The Landscape, an untitled Cthulhu anthology, Palace Corbie, Talebones and other quality publications. Also, I'm an artist, too, and I illustrated a poetry collection (written by the American poet Scott Urban) called Night's Voice. Night's Voice was released by Hatchet-Job Press. And, I write poetry -- I'm the Featured Poet in the most recent issue of The Zone, a very fine U.K. science-fiction magazine. I have been very fortunate that people have always wanted to pay me to be creative. I'm very thankful for that. I went to the American convention Norwescon recently and gave an hour-long reading of my work, and served on about a half-dozen discussion panels. I have more conventions scheduled for this year, where generally, I'll be promoting the various publishers who have released my recent work. I've been extremely busy lately! Well, I guess I'd better get back to my desk and get back to work. Bye for now.

Apr 22, 1998

Mark McLaughlin here again: I forgot to mention another rather exciting thing that happened recently. The editor for a mainstream (non-genre) publisher called me up and asked me to write the tenth chapter of a novel they're going to publish, in which every chapter will be written by a different writer. That should be fun.

Apr 23, 1998

23/4/98 Luxprima can be found at publishing@luxprima.com Good luck though, people I know are having trouble linking to it...perhaps my less prose has ed it off! Mark Tomlinson

Apr 23, 1998

I agree with the earlier posting that said NASTY PIECE OF WORK is worth checking out. I've just sent for a copy and its very good value for £1.50. Anyone sending for it - make out the cheque to the editor, David A Green, and not to the magazine title. Guess who got it wrong and had to write a second cheque?! I run a link from my site to a Short Story Markets site run by Ralan Conley. Unfortunately there's a bug in the system (or a cookie or a biscuit or something!) so sometimes it just downloads white space. But when it does work it's an exceptionally useful resource for the newer horror writer. You can get there from the links page of my Shrouded website at http://www.tellitlikeitis.demon.co.uk (Carol Anne Davis)

Apr 24, 1998

Check out Nasty Piece of Work if you're looking for the new rising stars in the genre of horror. #7 is now out with fiction and poetry by Clare Gunther, Simon Bestwick, Paul Finch, Cathy Buburuz, Michael Thomas Dillon, Rhys Hughes, Steve Sneyd and many more. Write to David Green at: 20 Drum Mead, Petersfield, Hants, GU32 3AQ, England. You won't be sorry! Greezewald Farney

Apr 24, 1998

You're right Carol -- it IS a great value! 84 pages of fiction and poetry with a column by Tim Lebbon through into the mix for good measure. Digest-size, slick B&W cover, illustrations and comes shrink-wrapped in plastique. You won't find a better value for your money anywhere on either side of the Atlantic. Greezewald Farney

Apr 24, 1998

Jeeze, that's quite the spiel. You have a story in it, Carol? Either way, let us know what the fiction is like. That's the real indicator of value. H.

Apr 24, 1998

Couldn't possibly match the hype. It's small press for god sakes! psk

Apr 27, 1998

Try not to be biased against the small/independent press; there's a lot of shite out there, but there's a lot of good stuff, too.
Simon Clark, Thomas Ligotti, Poppy Z Brite et al all started out in the small presses...

The Institute Against Reactionary Opinions in Fiction.

Apr 28, 1998

psk: <br.
Your last comment smacks of an uninformed elitism that ill becomes you. There are a number of "small press" markets that pay equal to many of the mass-market houses and produce meritorious works of lasting significance. I seriously doubt that you would debate the importance to the field of books such as DARK CARNIVAL, SCARED STIFF, PAINTED IN BLOOD, MEPHISTO IN ONYX, & WORSE THINGS WAITING; all of which are small press titles. Magazines such as "Cemetery Dance"," Palace Corbie", "Squane's Journal" and "The Brutarian" regularly feature names that are welcomed in any anthology. Do get off your high horse now, won't you? The Piper at the Gates of Dawn

Apr 28, 1998

Hello.

Bryon McMurphy here, to let everyone know that ALTERED PERCEPTIONS MAGAZINE has agreed to publish two of my poems in their upcoming issue.

That's all.

Thanks,

Bryon

Apr 28, 1998

I.A.R.O.F.: Three out of hundreds. You think that's impressive? Piper: Only because they attract a few professional writers who should know better. Sad but true. psk

Apr 28, 1998

Must agree with psk on both counts. Grimhaven

Apr 28, 1998

You guys must hate gravity, huh, psk and Grimhaven. It forces you both to tape your assholes shut so your brains won't fall out.

Apr 28, 1998

Grimhaven:

Beware commingling with clowns, lest you be branded with the same badge of buffoonery.

The Piper

Apr 28, 1998

Once again, folks on this board have been assuming other identities. Outside of the three posts on the Horror Fiction board, and this single post, I've made no comment here. Amazing that I should have to claim myself the 'real' Grimhaven. Grimhaven

Apr 28, 1998

Apologies Grimhaven, looks like "psk" will have to pay the Piper all by himself!

Apr 29, 1998

psk, so you'd rather there was no small presses? and no Simon Clark, Poppy Brite etc., who, without anywhere to publish their short stories, would have given up before they'd started.
I.A.R.O.F.
You're not confusing small press with fanzines are you? You can't include things like Palace Corbie and Cemetary Dance with flimsy ten-page pamphlets publishing the editor's own work.

Apr 29, 1998

It's not me, fellows. I think maybe Grimhaven's messing with your heads. psk

Apr 30, 1998

The small press rules okay! I'm surprised at some of the negative comments about it on this board. Where else will you find editors giving up all of their spare time (and often some of their own money) simply because they love and want to promote the genre? Today's names like Simon Clark appeared in magazines like BBR for many years. Professional writers support such magazines because they owe them a debt of gratitude, not because `they should know better.' Whoever said that on this board is either being reactionary or just talking out of his arse. - Carol Anne Davis. PS H - many thanks for your query. No, I don't have a story in NASTY PIECE OF WORK but I would be proud to appear in its well-produced pages. Real talent like Peter Tennant and Jason Gould appear regularly.

Apr 30, 1998

Two writers out of how many? You said you've read several issues, yet only found 'real talent' (questionable at best) in only two contributors. Not a very good average, me thinks. Unless, of course, they're the only contributors. psk Grimhaven

May 1, 1998

psk or Grimhaven or Whomever you're calling yourself:

Here's a short list of authors "who should know better" and the respective publications they've appeared in:

H.P. Lovecraft, Clark Ashton Smith, Robert Bloch: THE FANTASY FAN

Ray Bradbury - SINESTERA

Perhaps no one told them they ought to "know better".

In a more modern setting we have WHISPERS which regularly featured work by: Manly Wade Wellman, Ramsey Campbell, Fritz Leiber, Hugh B. Cave, Whitley Strieber, David Drake, Michael Shea, and that King fellow from Maine...
br Now then, back to the reading assignment I gave you! You may not be a better person for it, but at least it should prevent you from sounding like such an ass on these boards.

The Piper at the Gates of Dawn

May 2, 1998

Grim - I named two authors because I'm not sufficiently anal retentive to sit with the magazine in front of me, typing out the contributor's list. i do have a life outwith these boards. The small press is clearly not your specialist subject but if you want to make it so I suggest that you subscribe to Zene, from the publishers of TTA magazine. Lets all be little rays of sunshine over the bank holiday. It would make a change! - Carol Anne Davis.

May 3, 1998

Altered Perceptions Magazine will be publishing another short story of mine, "Cleanser," in either issue #7 or #8 (October or December.) Apologies to all --I was not born with a six figure advance and a four-book contract with Knopf.

psk: you should really do something about those pent-up resentments you seem to have against writers trying to better their fiction and make it in the industry. Everyone must start somewhere. I do not know your background, but perhaps if you saw it from a writer's point of view, small press magazines are a way to build their confidence, their publishing credits, as well as a readership. They have a hard enough time. They don't need people like you putting them down --they do it to themselves on a regular basis.
You seem like a very demanding reader. What happens when there is nothing new for *you* to read? Where will *you* turn?

It's like a food chain, man... kill one outlet for horror, and it'll all come tumbling down. Any place that publishes horror fiction should be celebrated for having the guts to do so. Any place publishing new talent in horror fiction deserves a fucking medal.

You can't have the top without the bottom.

--Geoff Cooper
jeppy@brigadoon.com

May 5, 1998

I don't think it's worth arguing with Grim or psk or whoever he is. He obviously knows nothing, apart from how to be a smug, self-righteous no-hoper. I wonder if he's had a lot of rejections from small press magazines? Or if he's just an out and out tosser?

May 6, 1998

Yikes. I don't like Psk.......sounds like Hugo to me. But while he gets under my skin, I'm catching his drift in one aspect. A huge number (quite possibly the majority) or today's small press horror publications are looking more and more like crap all the time. I understand that there must be a bottom half if there is to be an upper, but with the increasing ease and decreasing cost of generating publications on the home computer, any standard of quality that existed is quickly being flushed down the toilet. A few years ago, being a published writer really meant something, and being a consistently published writer could be an indicator of big success to come--see Doug Clegg, Joe Lansdale, Ray Garton, Simon Clark.
Today, what does it really mean? The markets are so sporadic and so damn erratic that being published can actually have more to do with how many "internet buddies" you have, as opposed to how well you write. This is a sad, sorry fact about the genre, and it looks like an issue we're really going to get hammered with as the "electronic age" sloughs it skin.

So, I'd have to excuse myself from any mass-defense of the small market press. While there really is some fine work being done out there, I feel too much of it is simply adding to the heap of bad baggage this genre carries around with it anyway. Don't blame the writers though, blame the editors and publishers. Bob's Backyard Press might be putting out some great stuff........but unless Bob has had a complete sumbersion in the art of writing, editing, and READING for a number of years....I wouldn't count on it. Just some thoughts, not claiming to be right, just to be,
Matt Taylor

May 6, 1998

MT:

Yes, Sturgeon's Law applies, though I'd have to say that the publications mentioned thus far on this board fall safely within the 10% of good stuff... There's a world of difference between the low-paying but visionary publications that continue to strive for improvement both in content and presentation and the hastily-assembled non-paying venues of ego-boo done as after-school projects. The former stick around, the latter usually disppear after an issue or two...

Of course this same ratio of crap to the good stuff holds true in the mass-market as well; remember all those black, die-cut covers from a decade ago? How many of those books will be talked about in twenty years? Hell, how many of 'em are even talked about NOW? Remember all the small press book publishers of the late-eighties? There's only three of them still around ten years later.

The next wave will probably be a profusion of on-line magazines, and yes, you know 90%of it will be crap...As readers, we get to have the fun of sifting through the rubble and finding the gemstones...

The Piper at the Gates of Dawn

May 12, 1998

Does anyone know of good online sources for quality fiction? I am mainly interested in stuff that has already been published elsewhere and has won/been nominated for awards. It doesn't even have to be horror fiction, I'm interested in anything. INFINITY PLUS is one site I know of. Does anyone know of anymore? There is some cool fiction scattered around but no one has bothered to collect it all up to one site. Hmm, maybe I might do it. David

May 13, 1998

David (not David of NPOW is it?),
I've seen a lot of sites with fiction on, mainly american. Nick Royle's Time Out site is worth looking at, as it features stories, reviews etc. The Kimota site has a link to a William Meikle page, which has his novel on it. Some time back I remember seeing some stuff up on Poppy Z Brite's page, I think. And of course OMNI etc. Like you say, one site that gather's together (and maybe rates, recommends, criticises) the fiction on the net would be a good idea.
Jason.

jason@hulllib.demon.co.uk

May 14, 1998

If you enjoy GRAHAM MASTERTON or SIMON CLARK you need to treat yourself to JOHN PRITCHARD. His books are a tilogy: NIGHT SISTERS,ANGELS OF MOURNING and THE WITCHING HOUR all published by WARNER BOOKS. John takes the " historical horror" formula [ like MASTERTON ]and blends it into a contemporary setting [ like CLARK ]with mesmerizing results.RICHARD LAYMON wrot that NIGHT SISTERS was " one of the most disturbing books I've read". He has a new book due in OCTOBER 1998 titled DARK AGES.If anyone has read PRITCHARD please e-mail me sluggers@angel-group.com BRUCE THOMAS. PS I thought enough of his potential to sponsor him in HWA.

May 15, 1998

Back again, thanks to my changing ISP. Time has slipped away, and I forgot to keep checking this board out. Anyway, Jeff Stadt (managing editor of Bloodreams Publications and sole occupant of FoolsView Studios, not to mention a damn good writer to boot -- so much for being humble). First off, Congratulations to my friend Mark Tomlinson for placing his story "The Craftsman." See, I told you you would. Mark has a tale and a poem in Bloodreams Publications upcoming (small press) anthology, CHILDREN OF THE SHADOWS, which I edited. Featuring the work of such writers as: Trey Barker, Barbara Malenky, Deborah Hunt, R. David Fulcher, Karen R. Porter, David Lindschmidt, Mark Tomlinson, jeffrey a. stadt, and Michael Hemmingson. CHILDREN OF THE SHADOWS is scheduled for sometime in JUNE 1998. A bit late, but nearly off to the printer. We don't have an update at our website yet (Publisher Kelly gunter Atlas has been swamped with life and another business, so please bear with us. Bloodreams Publications, 1312 W 43rd Street, North Little Rock, AR 72118 USA. Also available this Summer is MIND ROT, the bastard son of anthologies, featuring the strange, weird, and perverse work of: Doug Rice, Michael A. Arnzen, Craig Paulenich, Jasmine Sailing, Gene Santagada, Kevin L. Donihe, Jeffrey A. Stadt, and Michael Hemmingson. What could best be called experimental, a descent into insanity and society's shadows. Horror, fantasy, mainstream weirdness. Quite eclectic. Available from Bloodreams Publications and FoolsView Studios SUMMER 1998. 60 pages. And in the Autumn, we shall publish THE COLLECTIVE CAULDRON, with fiction and non fiction dealing with magick from such esteemed writers as: Don Webb, Jasmine Sailing, Loren Rhoads, Nancy Bennett, jeff stadt (no not again! lack of appropriate material can do this), DF Lewis, and others. Well, that's what I've been up to lately, on the business side of things. If interested in Bloodreams Publications, please check out our website at: http://home.swbell.net/rkatlas And if you'd like more info about these anthologies, Bloodreams Publications and/or FoolsView Studios, or about me, feel free to email me at: MrFrosty@swbell.net All email answered and appreciated. Jeffrey A. Stadt "We are all mad beasts."

May 15, 1998

to get in on this "debate' about the worthiness of the small press, I'll just say that the small press takes more risks with the types of fiction that is published. The type of material that the mainstream publishers won't touch because of controversial (or as they would say, unprofitable) material. What the small press publications might not pay a lot (or anything besides copy), but they do publish material that's not welcomed in the commerical houses. And they do this because they LOVE reading and excellent writing, and they do what they can to promote the type of fiction that appeals to them. Many "name" writers have gotten their start in the small press, as has been mentioned. And even today, many "name" writers do return to the small press. It is where horror, in the short form, resides and experiments, where it is allowed to grow until the mainstream catches up and takes notice. Money isn't everything. And if you're in this to make money, and not for the love and joy of writing, then perhaps you should take a better look at reality. -- Jeff Stadt MrFrosty@swbell.net

May 15, 1998

I agree with you to a point, Jeff - but sometimes the big publishers reject works that ARE clearly commercial. One conglomerate seemingly rejected Poppy Z Brite's second novel despite her debut being their best selling dark title. They did so on the grounds that the second novel `wasn't moral in tone.' (I'm paraphrasing because I read all this some months ago in an interview.) So you've got big publishers acting like an overprotective nanny and telling the public what it can and cannot read. The small press, as you say, is less conservative so produces more daring and disturbing work. - Carol Anne Davis

May 16, 1998

You're right, Carol. The big houses buy things they THINK will sell, and they do in effect CENSOR what the public reads. They always want a book written like the last best seller as well, and then package it similiar to the big seller. When they buy books to publish, they see themselves as being like the public. And they are poor prophets, for the shelves are riddled with media tie-in trash, instead of thought-provoking good reads. I never thought that I'd see the day when a media tie-in book would actually get hard cover status. That is disturbing. They are the "judges" buying books now that, for the most part, won't see print for several years due to back-log. Hence they are creating trends, or missing what the public wants to buy. Sad to say, I haven't bought a new fiction novel in several years. Mostly the classics, reprinted. It is my belief that the bigger houses are, in effect, destroying themselves in this very competitive market place (competing with computers/video games, movies, etc, hence all of the tie-ins). And they only want fast money, not long term commitments to good material. And when people buy too many bad books, they get tired of all of the mind candy and will stop buying. If a publisher would take more chances, risks that would stregnthen their lists instead of just bloating them, then I might buy more new novels. Then again, mediocrity sells and things that are worthwhile need to be hunted down. Apparently, and this is a sad comment, that the public only wants to be entertained and not challenged. Are we that vapid of a society? Or just lazy? -- Jeff Stadt

May 18, 1998

Jeff,

, we're not vapid and lazy, it's "them" ("them" being the other eight percent of the book-buying public). The Brite anecdote above is very depressing, but didn't she go on to sell Exquisite Corpse elsewhere....and get a better deal to boot? Kind of blessing in disguise thing.

May 18, 1998

I know what you mean, Jeff -there is definitely a dumbing down. One American reviewer said that my novel Shrouded wouldn't do well in The States as it wasn't an introspective culture. But (one really vicious American review excepting) it's been well received stateside so there is hope. Publishers are partly to blame for their play safe policy - but so are some of the book chains. One chain put Shrouded in their COMPUTER GAMES shops on a trial basis. They refused to stock it in their book shops, despite the fact that their very own free books magazine later contained an article which called Shrouded `the debut of the year.' These people go for the same big names so the public doesn't get to see and sample newer, younger or more daring scribes. Luckily the independents like The Do-Not Press, No Exit Press, Serpents Tail etc make more cutting edge books available to those who care to seek them out. - Carol Anne Davis.

May 20, 1998

Don't forget to check the fiction area at this site. New on-line Jason Gould's Monster For Hire and Rick Kleffel's Mr Kudzu both of which I like a hell of a lot - AF

May 21, 1998

When I used the terms "vapid" and "lazy", I was refering to the publishing industry, and the mass market appeal of mediocre books and media tie-in's. The publishing industry keeps trying to tell the writers out there that this is a business. But unfortunately they don't seem to remember that. For in a business, and a very competetive market place, isn't it good business to be INNOVATIVE and TAKE RISKS, instead of over-publishing the same old crap that has been circulating out there? Instead of competing, the book industry has become an agent for Hollywood, selling media tie-in's. And how many writer's out there cringe everytime a comedian or super-model or actor gets a big check for a book that they can't even write by themselves? The current state of book publishing is to feed the beast, but soon the book buying public WILL get bored and tired of mind candy (or one hopes). If a big house publisher (now there are even fewer, thanks to comglomerates eating them up)doesn't start becoming innovative, then people will stop buying books. This has already happened. The Big House rely upon NAMES to sell books. And then they over publish them, and even the President (Bill Clinton)'s book gets returned and used as library shelf filler. Let alone well-known names in horror and suspense and every other genre. And that is why they merge, why the conglomerates eat them up. Because they lost money and were not as good as prophets as they thought they were. So the big publishing houses are being lazy, trying to live off of garbage and sit back and carry in the cash. And they will destroy themselves. Hopefully the independants and small press publishers can rise to the forefront; perhaps somehow the distributors will begin to take chances, and then the chain bookstores will. Perhaps, instead of competing, the independants can co-operate and build a bigger, better, financially viable future. There needs to be a revolution in the book publishing industry. Give us soemthing NEW, REFRESHING, CHALLENGING. Something to look forward to. That is what I meant. -- Jeff Stadt

May 21, 1998

Ga! Mark McLaughlin...#1 Gross Out Man at the World Horror Con. Fancy meeting YOU here...*snicker* Anyway--just wanted to alert everyone to a new section I've got on my nasty little site called "Creature Features", which is dedicated to putting up quality material (short fiction and poetry) for published and unpublished authors. It launched yesturday (5/20) with a wonderful short story by Victoria March, (up and coming authoress) and a new poem by David Niall Wilson (we all know who he is). Stop by http://www.vazdru.com/rain and click on the "Creature Feature" section. While your at it, click on my fiction section too. heh. --Rain, #2 Gross Out Gurl at the World Horror Con.

May 21, 1998

Jeff, I agree with everything you've said except that the publishing industry is lazy. I don't believe they're lazy at all, it's more that they simply don't care about anything except monitary gain. They're big business and they're only concern is about turning a buck and doing it as quickly as possible. Publishing is just a well they're tapping into at the moment and when it drys up they'll move on to a new one. They're not interested in long-term investments, only squeezing every dollar they can out of any given endeavor. They have no interest other than money. Dillon

May 22, 1998

Point well taken, Dillon. The only other question is: what has the world come to? Makes one want to almost become a plumber.:) -- Jeff Stadt

May 23, 1998

Anybody noticed in the story by Sykes in the latest issue of Cemetery Dance that the last name of one of the characters changes from Dillon to Willis by the end of the story. A big oversight on somebody's part. Dillon

May 23, 1998

Talking of Cemetery Dance, does anyone know of a British (or even better, a Scottish) sales outlet for this American mag? Someplace that will accept a British cheque from those of us who don't have credit cards. Hell, don't even have a piggy bank. The changing of a name in a short story isn't good -but I read of one book which reached the shops with its last twelve pages missing. The publisher said that no one seemed to notice so they didn't bother to rectify their mistake. Enjoy the weekend, everyone. - Carol Anne About To Become A Plumber Davis.

May 23, 1998

Carol: I used to get it through Forbidden Planet when I was in dear old Blighted... erm Blighty... if your local FP doesn't stock CD check out Andromeda in Birmingham... they do... and you can snail mail 'em a check... You can always get you bank to make out a check in dollars to mail over Richard... maybe they'll even let you wire it through Western Union... the post office to us :) SteveS

May 23, 1998

Rain Graves -- the Empress of Darkness (also known as Gross-Out Gurl)! I see you've followed me to this distant cybershore. Mark McLaughlin, a.k.a. brash young American, here. Rain and I competed in the World Horror Con Gross-Out Story-Reading Competition. And though I won, I can assure you that it was a neck-and-neck (or should I say, trachea-and-trachea? private joke) competition. She was certainly a worthy opponent: she read her work with great style and dark grace. Rain is a name to watch in the horror fiction genre. Those of you who have been following my adventures throughout this Masters of Terror page will be pleased to know that The Urbanite has been selected as a Writer's Digest Fiction 50 magazine -- one of the top 50 fiction magazines of 1998 (it also made the list in 1996). Of course, the people who deserve the real credit are all the fine writers who appear in The Urbanite. Without them, the magazine would simply be a sort of large flat empty scrapbook. I do want to mention: the Fiction 50 list will no doubt increase the number of submissions received by The Urbanite, so the magazine's response time may lengthen. So, I am in the process of recruiting some trustworthy and highly literate friends to help with all the mail. I will admit, sometimes the magazine's turn-around time is slow, and I apologize for that. Hopefully, my recruits will help make the magazine more efficient -- and once it is more efficient, it will be released on a more regular schedule. In other news: There's an exciting new development in my writing career. A new collection of my stories will be appearing in the not-too-distant future from a fresh new American publisher. I met the publisher at the horror convention and he took a shine to my work. I'll share more details as they develop. It certainly does make sense for writers to attend these conventions: it's a good venue for meeting editors and generally, having a good time. What more could one want?

May 24, 1998

Thanks, Steve. Yeah, we have a Forbidden Planet or something similar way over the other end of town.Last time I was there it was full of plastic figures of Star Wars characters and a security guard who followed me around, obviously thinking I was sad enough to nick the bloody things. I shall give it another look to see if it sells CD (and The Urbanite?) Smiles to Stocholm, Carol

May 24, 1998

Jeff, have you recieved your contributor copy yet for #1 of Bare Bone? Dillon

May 24, 1998

Jeff, to answer a question you posed earlier, the world has come to the point where it's always been headed. Indeed, it's only going to get worse. Would like to add 'before it gets better', but I seriously doubt that's the case. Dillon

May 25, 1998

Dillon -- Ah, no. I ahven't yet received my contributor's issue of Bare Bone #1 yet (which features my first piece of published poetry!). I am in regular contact with Kevin Donihe, the Editor/publisher. Issue #1 has been temporarily delayed due to a mess up at the printers. Kevin recnebtly graduated from College as well, and is attending summer school to make up a few classes needed for his degree. Getting back to the issue... Issue #1 of Bare Bone should be out shortly. I know that Kevin has accepted work for issue #5 (1999) even, and assures me that the magazine if financialy sound; just other factors have delayed it. Kevin himself made a round of phone calls to all of the contributor's of issue #1, explaining to them the delays. He has been on the other end, as a writer, of having material accepted and then the magazine disappearing and never putting out an issue. He is determined to put it out. This is also his first publishing venture, I believe, so there are always setbacks. I am looking forward to seeing the magazine, since I am slated to appear in the first four issues. (And so far, these are the only acceptances I have had in about a years time; once in a while a writer finds an editor who really enjoys that writer's work and that is nice. Kevin and I have become friend's in the process. We both deal with controversial work that isn't easy to place, due to content and our unique styles. So for all of the editor's that constantly reject a writer, there will appear (for ever 50 rejecting) one editor that steps up and takes a shine to you. I have had this happen a few times, and it is refreshing.). Anyway, I tend to be long winded at times, so I should end it here. -- Jeff Stadt, MrFrosty@swbell.net

May 25, 1998

Congratulations to that brash young American, Mark Mclaughlin! It's always nice to find a publisher these days, through any route. And Congrats! again on the Writer's Digest nod. Of course, it'll only increase the flood of inappropriate submissions. And perhaps a few discoveries. Those are always nice. Well, keep at it, Mark. And make the most of it. Best -- Jeff Stadt (another young American, soon to enter plumbing school)

May 25, 1998

Well, I'm tired of complaining. Recently began work on a new novel project. The last novel I wrote, and am currently marketing, was well over 120K in length, and was more of a dark, surreal, contemporary fantasy. Still dark, though -- can't get away from that. Anyway, I have started three other novels that, basically, fell apart on me. So I figured I'd try another one. Thinking of shorter novels and novellas, creating a mosaic novel out of them, since the stories I have planned are interconnected. And hopefully I can finish it before the Milleenium Computer bug hits! Time to get back to work, and hopefully be able to sell it in the near future. Sometimes it just takes time and patience. Case in point, my cyber-psycho associate, Michael Hemmingson has had several novels published by the small and avant-guard presses over the years, not to mention many, many short stories and plays. And finally, after so many years of starvation and sacrifice, it is paying off, and he is now getting the attention of the Major Publishers. He has grown in his craft as well. Everything takes time, patience and practice. So all hope is not yet gone. It just takes time. Well, back to the grind. -- Jeff Stadt

May 26, 1998

Mark McLaughlin-- (otherwise known as He Who Hath The Medusa Curls) I thank you kindly for your praise:) And secondly congradulate you on the Urbanite! VERY kewl...Now if I could just find something less erotic and gory to send you... Seriously though. I agree with you whole heartedly on the subject of attending conventions. They do more for my carreer in one weekend than I can in a whole year. If I thought people wouldn't remember my work, at least I'd know they'll remember my Trachea. *grin* What is your distribution for Urbanite? (I want to locate a copy around SF).--Rainy

May 28, 1998

Hey Carol. Why not check out BBR? They have a link on Horrornet magazine. They distribute mags from all over the world. Not too sure bout CD cos they wantt to promote small presses rather than a magazine that has enough exposure and a line of incredibly expensive limiteds. But BBR does carry Urbanite.

May 28, 1998

Oh yeah, what are the respected US small press horror markets? I'm talking about the established not the new. Anyone know of any, list it up here please. King

May 28, 1998

King

Try The Urbanite, Not One of Us, Crossroads, The Blue Lady, Talebones and Epitaph.

Michael Kelly

May 29, 1998

Hey thanks a lot Michael Kelly. Talebones is a fantastic looking digest. Epitaph, isn't that Piccirilli's mag? Isn't it a semi pro? Crossroads; how the fuck do they get big names by just paying contributors copies? The Blue Lady; they ain't accepting anymore fiction. Hey if you have anymore recommendations, I'd like to hear them. Where have you published your stuff?

May 29, 1998

Many thanks to whoever suggested BBR. I already run a link from my site so will surf there soonest. I tend to think of them as SF - in some listings they say they publish horror and in others they don't. I have used their `buy single copies' in the past, though, and they are very efficient and friendly. I'll order The Urbanite forthwith. I read somehwere that it has just won another award so it definitely sounds worth checking out. Cheers, Carol Anne Davis

May 30, 1998

Palace Corbie and Wetbones have good reps, though I've not read them. Night Terrors is also very good. Yep, Epitaph is Pic's baby. Crossroads gets some good authors because the editor, Pat Nielsen, is such a fantastic lady. The type of editor you want to do your best stuff for. She has published one of my stories. It appears on this site actually; 'Waiting'. I've had a few stories published online, I've got stories coming out in The Literary Journal, Sepulchre, 69 Flavours of Paranoia and The Blue Lady. Only the Literary Journal paid more than copies. I've had 15 story acceptances. Mostly small press and/or online. Had one pro sale (Whispering Willows) and three semi-pro sales, one of which got an Honorable Mention. Hey, this is probably way too much information for you, but I'm glad you asked. :-)

Michael

May 30, 1998

Hey I know that those "How to Write" books ain't worth shit but is there any book that you found pretty helpful for novel writing? I mean like how to structure and market etc. Lemme know of the best ones. Thanks

May 31, 1998

I wrote various modules for The Writers Bureau non-fiction course several years ago. (I believe they've updated it now!) But I was recently asked to appraise their new course for freelance journalists and it was impressively researched. When it comes to novel writing, I'd simply study the type of novels you like best, noting down how many chapters are told from each character's viewpoint, etc etc. Obviously, you need raw talent - but the rest just comes from practice, same as any other craft.- Carol Anne Davis

Jun 3, 1998

Mark McLaughlin here.... Hey, Jeff S., thanks for the kind words. And hey, Rain: I think your boyfriend, that slim young Gothic fellow, gave me his business card. I'll dig it up and send you, c/o him, an Urbanite. Maybe he'd like to sell it in his bookstore? I know I was going to ask him about that at the convention, but I forgot: everyone at the party got so busy drinking and talking about robot detectives in drag (yes, folks, these conventions are filled with deep literary discussions). These days I'm so busy I barely have time to shave. But I must -- I must shave! If I were to let my face grow out into a long beard, it would combine with my extremely long hair and I would turn into a twin of Cousin Itt from the Addams Family...for my hair is the exact same color as Mr. Itt's. (Of course, with so much hair all around me, I could save a lot of money, since I would no longer need to buy clothes... Hmmmmmm....)

Jun 8, 1998

It's not strictly a how to write book, but you wouldn't hurt yourself by reading Christopher Vogler's The Writers Journey... Its about the mythic tales and construction of film scripts... He's edited over 6,000 Hollywood scripts... and you begin to see the classic patterns that repeat over and over again... Some is dull, some obvious, but its quite nice the way he dissects stereotypes, relationships and the call to adventure... It's not a bad guide to structuring... Me, I'm kind of against any How To thing simply out of principle, but, that said, I learned physics, chemistry, maths and all them by studying so why not study some basic writing skills. Check it out. Hope it helps. Steve Savile

Jun 13, 1998

Hi folks, interesting stuff on here. I only dropped in to plug myself - ended up getting quite engrossed. On the recurring small press issue - apart from anything else where else can you get up to date on horror shorts in Britain? How many professional magazines look at horror with the view to publishing stuff? If you don't like them don't read them, but at least be glad that they're there! Wouldn't you rather have the choice? Anyway, on to my original intention. My first published piece, 'Office Blues', will appear in the July/August edition of FrightNet Online magazine. Check it out then email rick.wright@dial.pipex.com with anything you have to say. 'Preciate it. brRichard Wright

Jun 14, 1998

Congrats, man! Woo-Hoo! Where's the party? I'll bring the salsa, though you may want to stock up beer if Paul gets wind of it... heheh.

--Geoff

Jun 16, 1998

Oops, sorry to bug you all again on this. Just moments after Paul drank all my beer I got an email back from Jackhammer ezine. They're buying my short story 'Meek of the Earth' and publishing it in the issue due out on October 26th. Check that out too if you like 'Office Blues'.
This week I am definitely buying a lottery ticket.
Richard

Jun 17, 1998

Richard

Congrats on the sales. Ivan's a great fellow, very open to newer writers like myself. I'll definitely look for your story next month. You're on a roll, keep 'em coming.

Michael Kelly

Jun 18, 1998

Mark McLaughlin: I know my slick, young, skinny, gothic, boyfriend would luv to carry the Urbanite at Borderlands. Thanks for sending me a copy, and if you'd like to email him about getting the Urbanite in the store you can here: wolf@borderlands-books.com :)= wooowoo! I love getting mail. I never get mail. My agent always gets the mail... That and the mariachi band down the street... TO ALL: There is a new print mag coming out and they are paying--that's right--PAYING for Vampire fiction! La! (between $50-150 per submission). Go here for details and tell the editor Rain sent you. http://www.bloodfetish.com The guidelines are at the top of the page, I believe. I just got a story accepted, and the mag is due out sometime this fall (if my unreliable memory serves me correctly). Definately worth looking at. The Editor used to have a site called No Dead Trees, which was an online interactive novel that did very well. They don't pay much, but they PAY. (and for vampire fiction--thats amazing. No one else will take the stuff--cep't Dark Decadance, that is).

Jun 18, 1998

ERmm...That last message was from ME. Rainy... rain@worldkey.net (I was just making sure you are all paying attention...yeah...that's it...)

Jun 21, 1998

Hello. After what seemed like a drought of acceptances, I recently sold a story( "Against the Sun") to the online magazine, Shadow Feast. It will published around July 15th. It's located at http://www.nucleus.com/~kirkwood/shadow.htm Check it out. I have been relunctant to submit to online magazine, due to paranoia about how safe my work/copyright is. But the lack of ink for the printer, and a faster turnaround forced me into "the future" as it were. And hopefully more folks will see it, as opposed to print small press magazines that rely primarily on mail order. If anyone does wander over to Shadow Feast, feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you thought of the tale. Thanks. Jeff Stadt, MRFrosty@swbell.net

Jun 22, 1998

Congrats!

I'll be looking for it.

--Geoff

Jun 22, 1998

And speaking of on-line fiction, that reminds me...

Rain, that way-cool gross-out trachea girl, has a section called "Creature Features" up on her website, which is located at http://www.vazdru.com/rain She has a very well laid out site, and if no one has been there yet, I advise you to go.

And, Hell, I'm here, so I may as well admit it, there's another reason for me drecting you there. She has an excerpt of the novel I have in progress, and a pic so all four of you who wondered what I looked like can now see my ugly mug.

Anyone who sees the picture and emails me answering correctly these three simple questions will receive another excerpt via email.
1) What is my favorite football team? (easy)
2) What am I holding? (Note: specifics count, and no cheating, Legerski.)
3) What's the quickest way to gross *me* out?(VERY easy)

I'll be looking forward to hearing from you, and I'll post the names, (if the winners give me permission) on THIS board on August first. Please use the title of the chapter in the subject line of your entry. Take care! See you all!

--Geoff

Jun 22, 1998

Cooper, you're shameless!

Jun 22, 1998

Geoff: La! Thanks for the plug;) You all can check out Geoff's Excerpt at this direct link: http://www.vazdru.com/rain/readme.html to the Creature Features section. As for you, Geoff, I have never talked to you about football...I only think of *one* think when a guy says "What Am I holding Right Now" and let me tell ya, it ain't a corpse...and I have no *clue* how to gross you out, but you can bet I'll have fun trying. *wriggles her trachea* Who-ever wins the excerpt let me know... (colonelmustardinthelibrarywiththecandlestick...)--Rain rain@worldkey.net

Jun 22, 1998

Umm...

I meant in the PICTURE, Rain...

Oh, and by the way... I am shameless. Ain't it cool?
HA!
--Geoff

 Jun 23, 1998

The writing book I got the most out of was called "Revision: a creative approach to Writing and Rewriting Fiction" by David Michael Kaplan, 1997, Story Press, Hardcover, US$18.99.

Kathy

Jun 23, 1998

Michael

Thanks for the kind words. Yeah, Ivan's a nice guy - very genuine and easy. And, as you say, an editor who genuinely looks at the writing and not the success of his authors. Did I read a story of yours (Burning Up?) at FrightNet a couple of months ago? If it was you then the story was excellent - seductively slow and ineveitable. If it wasn't...err...why are you still reading this?

Richard

Jun 23, 1998

Mark Mc: Just read my first one of your stories in BENDING THE LANDSCAPE, very nice young man... very nice indeed... plus I hear rumours about dolls?

Jeff Stadt: Would you be the author of a novella I see advertised at Hellnotes bookstore? I'm trying to catch up on my Americana...Steve Savile

Jun 23, 1998

Steve: Ah, yes, I am the author of a novella (STIGMA: AFTERWORLD), but of its availability at Hellnotes, I'll have t look to see. It has surprised me and has showed up in places where I had no idea it would. I believe it's available at BBR as well.
Or, check out my BRAND NEW WEB SITE! Yes, I have really gone over the internet edge. Come and check it out: http://home.swbell.net/mrfrosty/ I have links to my novella, a few of my favorite magazines, original fiction, a preview of MIND ROT: the bastard son of anthologies, and a previously published story. Plus illustrations (hence the FoolsView Studios title) that will appear in some other form in Bloodreams publications. Also have THE LINK OF THe MONTH, which is for any online material. Loads of stuff, plus a photo of myself to make fun of. I welcome everyone to come by and check it out. Thanks, Jeff Stadt. MrFrosty@swbell.net

Jun 23, 1998

Richard

Yeah, I've had a couple stories at FrightNet, plus Ivan's accepted a story of mine for his electronic anthology Dark Whispers, due out late October, I think. Should be fun. It has some terrific writers in it.

Michael

Jun 25, 1998

This message is to promote Geoff Cooper's upcoming novel "Belialian". I have read chapter 2 at Rain's website (www.vazdru.com/rain) and have to say that I think it is excellent, and worth checking out. I have to admit I'm not the type to check out horror fiction stories, but this one I like, and I am wanting more, and can't wait to get it. Keep up the good work Geoff! Keri Keria11@aol.com

Jun 26, 1998

Just thought I'd pass along my most recent sale. Today I got the acceptance letter from Kevin Donihe, editor of BARE BONE MAGAZINE. He accepted an experimental short-short from me, slated for issue #5. So that puts me in every issue (1-5) that he was filling before closing to submissions. And before anyone asks, no I still do not know when the first issue will be released. It has still been delayed, but Kevin assures me that BARE BONE **is** financially stable. Last I heard, he had trouble with the printer he was using.
What I like most about working with Kevin, is that he's not afraid to take risks with the material he includes. Some of my material is hardly mainstream, and I respect any editor who's willing to take that risk to publish it. Thanks, Kevin.
Jeff Stadt, MRFrosty@swbell.net

Jun 26, 1998

Congratualtions, Jeff! If only all editors could be so bold...

Just wanted to say thanks to both Rain and Keri for the kind words about that little excerpt while I was here...

So, Rain, Keri... thank you. Your support is much appreciated.

Keep those E's coming in folks! This is actually quite a bit of fun. I always look forward to the contest entries, and NO ONE has gotten a 100%--at least not yet--but there's some that are damned close. I hope to be hearing from you!

Later!

--Geoff (with a G)
jeppy@brigadoon.com

Jun 29, 1998

Thanks for all the kind words and for your support. I guess that's why this is here.

Just wanted to pass along another sale. My dark (and I do mean DARK) fantasy (and, yes, I do mean FANTASY) story, "The Bloodsong," sold to the e-zine EXODUS. It won't be published until September, and I'll post a link at that time.

Until next time.

Jeff Stadt, MRFrosty@swbell.net

Jun 30, 1998

Jeff

My, but you've been a busy chap! Congrats, again.

Michael Kelly

Jun 30, 1998

Mr. Savile -- Mark McLaughlin here. Thank you for your kind comments on my Bending The Landscape story. If you ever want to read more of my work, plenty is available on your side of the Atlantic: back issues of Nasty Piece of Work, Ghosts & Scholars, Dreams from the Stranger's Cafe, & several other magazines. Oh, and my chapbook FEEDING THE GLAMOUR HOGS is available from BBR Distributors. You also mentioned dolls: yes, I'm editing an anthology of surreal doll stories called The Plastic Smile.

Jul 1, 1998

Greetings from BARE BONE! I've noticed my magazine has received some lip-service. Yes, the printer fiasco killed all hopes of a timely intital release. I *think*, however, that I've found another printer -- one, perhaps, that I can trust. Like Jeff says, BARE BONE remains financially stable and has accepted writers such as YVONNE NAVARRO, TOM PICCIRILLI, DENISE DUMARS, CHARLEE JACOB, WILUM PUGMIRE, WAYNE EDWARDS, JEFF STADT, JASMINE SAILING, CHAD HENSLEY, ANN K. SCHWADER, G.O. CLARK, and many others. MICHAEL ARNZEN has recently agreed to submit. (Here's to hoping he does not forget!) If anyone would like more information check out BARE BONE's homepage at http://pleather.com/barebone/. It needs a little updating. I will, however, take care of that ASAP. Oh yes, thanks for all the nice words Jeff! -- KEVIN L. DONIHE/BARE BONE

Jul 1, 1998

Kevin -- Glad you made it! It's good to see you here. BARE BONE _is_ shaping up into a nice magazine, and for "pays in copy" you know how to get great people to submit.

Just wanted to post yet another sale. (I know, you're getting sick of me posting these, but it makes up for my years-long drought). I recently sold two short, dark pieces to The Chiaroscuro. It's a terrifc society online. I caught the link from Dark Echo -- check it out. One must be a member to submit, however, but I'm sure that most hear can pass the application. Free thinkers and dwellers in the dark side of life. Good people, and some you may know. Come join the dementia! My pieces can be seen post haste in the "VENT" section. A bit realistic, I'd say (or at least personal).

Also, I finished the update to my webpage and will publish it around July 15th. Give folks time to digest the first of the stories. This time, original fiction is posted and info on the Death Equinox convergence is included (I'm on staff at this wonderful convention of dark artist/writers/spritual/psychological underground folks. Last year, Brian Hodge, Don Webb, Doug Rice, Mike Hemmingson, Ed Bryant and many others attended. Now we just need an audience!) check it all out at my website: http://home.swbell.net/mrfrosty

And the Bloodreams webpage is nearly finished. Should be up on line anytime now. See what we're up to: http://home.swbell.net/rkatlas/ Well, Thanks again for all the support and kind words. This internet things seems to be paying off. -- Jeff Stadt, MrFrosty@swbell.net

Jul 2, 1998

Mr McLaughlin: nice to be so polite, I'll go buy glamour hogs 'coz I liked the short... see me, I am a reader desperately looking for reaing material.... FEEDING THE PLASTIC SMILE... I suppose it is full up to bustin? Steve Savile

Jul 7, 1998

Hello all. Just wanted to let you know that the JULY update to my website is now UP and RUNNING! Hooray! New info, New Story, and an added LINKS page. Also a few new graphics. Please check it out. http://home.swbell.net/mrfrosty

I also sold a reprint story ("A Whisper Between Breaths" originally published in Terminal Fright #4) to Exodus Magazine. It should be in the August issue. That's my second sale here, and as payment, he offers 3MB of free web space! And he's in NEED of quality HORROR stories. http://www.blindside.net/Exodus
Until next time,
Jeff Stadt

Jul 9, 1998

Jeff--Jeez you are one walking website! *chuckle* Thanks for the links. I'll check them all out... Keri: Wait till you read the second excerpt of Geoff Cooper's (I am not going to butcher the spelling) Novel. Incidentally, his email address has changed to cthulhu_hpl@hotmail.com so you may want to send your requests and comments there. Also, I'm doing his website--so have a look. It's sparse right now, but check back and there will be alot more stuff on it soon--including more excerpts. http://www.vazdru.com/geoff Mark McL: I recieved the URBANITE today! Woowoo! I'll read through it and let you know my thoughts, and will also forward these to Alan. I've already spoken with him about carrying the URBANITE at Borderlands, and he definately wants to. drop him an email at alan@borderlands-books.com to let him know how to order. As for me, where can I find the submission guidelines? email me: rain@worldkey.net Thanks again for sending them! I love the layout of issue No. 9!! (and I'd love to know more about this antho of evil little dolls) --Rain Graves

Jul 10, 1998

Steve S. -- I've only accepted four stories so far for the doll anthology, THE PLASTIC SMILE -- it's not full, not even NEAR full. I need many more stories, but sadly, people keep sending inappropriate submissions. Basically, I'm looking for creepy, surreal doll stories with a lot of style and atmosphere. The book will come out when I get enough good stories, whenever that'll be! I'm not going to rush this thing. Rain: I'll be sending you an e-mail soon (like, in about five minutes!).

Jul 10, 1998

That message to Steve and Rain about The Plastic Smile and e-mail was from Mark McLaughlin, by the way (me). I was so busy typing the message, I forgot to sign it.

Jul 11, 1998

Mark Mc: Sounds good... I have a creepy doll story outlined for my anthology, my email is cinderellaman@gyral.com if you could forward any guidelines or what have you, I'd be forever grateful... I just found a story of yours in Palace Corbie... first time I've even seen the "magazine" and I find a familiar name... I'll get something to you within the month I think... SteveS

Jul 15, 1998

Mark McL: The story is finished. My email at worldkey.net is down, so please send the deadline to rainstorm@planetall.com Not sure if it's what you can use, but you never know. Need to know address for submissions too. --Rain Graves, rainstorm@planetall.com

Jul 16, 1998

Hey all,

Just jumping in to let you know that Ivan Graves (who published my first short story in the current issue of Frightnet Online Magazine {www.frightnet.com to the heathens who've never checked it out}) has just accepted another story for his current Dark Whispers Anthology - availible from Hard Shell Word Factory in August. If that sentence strikes you as long and unwieldy, blame the current rush of adrenaline which is forbidding me to sleep depite it being 2.54 in the morning. On the other hand I feel I may have to fall/lie down now, so I should pop off again. This guy is turning out to be my guardian angel....
Richard Wright

Jul 16, 1998

Ooops, that last post should state that the Dark Whispers anthology is availible from October. Sorry about that, my head and fingers just don't want to do the same thing at the minute....

Jul 16, 1998

Available, dammit....

Jul 17, 1998

Richard W.: Congratulations on the sale to Dark Whispers! With what I have heard about this anthology, you're in good company to boot.

Also would like to pass along that August will be a banner month for my fiction. With my latest sale to HOUSE OF PAIN (www.banzai-net.com/house_of_pain/)that makes three stories to be published in August!!! Work will also appear in the previously stated on-line zines SHADOW FEAST and EXODUS.

Speaking of EXODUS (www.blindside.net/Exodus/) is now a paying market. Starting with the October issue, Jon @ Exodus is paying 1-3 cents per word for original fiction. Check it out!
Other than that, just been trying to stay unsane:) Best to all,

Jeff Stadt, mrfrosty@swbell.net

Jul 19, 1998

Richard

Congrats!! I also have a story in Dark Whispers. Glad to see you starting to sell. Office Blues was an interesting and enjoyable story. You could easily expand it to novel length, me thinks. Good luck with all your writing.

Michael Kelly

Jul 20, 1998

Michael and Jeff - thanks for the kind words. Funnily enough, the novel I'm working on at the moment is a prequel to 'Office Blues', telling the story alluded to in that short. Maybe you'll get to see it someday. And I'm glad to see I'm joining some serious talents with the Dark Whispers gig :-)

Richard

Jul 20, 1998

Richard

LOL

Michael

Jul 22, 1998

Hey Everyone! Just found my way to this board and thought I would congrat everyone on their sells. It's great seeing other newbies getting published and, in some cases, actually making money to boot! If you get the chance, visit my webpage at: http://members.iglou.com/shark/ There you'll find either stories of mine or links to my stories in various webzines. I hope you enjoy them. Also, I'm always looking to put links to other author's webpages on my site, so send me a link if you're interested. Take care & keep writing, Mark Allan Reynolds P.S. M.Kelly - A long time ago I promised a link to your homepage on my website. Being the complete idiot I am, I deleted the email with the address then over time, forgot. I CANNOT apologize enough for this no-brainer! The link is now on my website and I hope you can forgive me (psst...if you can't, don't tell me -- I feel guilty enough as it is!) :)

Jul 22, 1998

Mark

No problem. Thanks!!

Michael

Jul 23, 1998

Hi folks

Writing officially this time. I'm currently in the process of researching the setting up of a new electronic publishing house based in the UK. As such, I thought I'd pop in here and see if anyone would mind helping out. What I'm after at the moment is two-fold. First off, I'm looking to judge the material I would be able to market - and whether I'd get anything submitted at all. That's my main reason for posting this note here. Would you consider submitting your work to a company selling through disks and download as opposed to traditional book forms? Apart from the obvious difference that makes to how your work is presented and recieved, it also effects the method by which you would be paid. Rather than the traditional advance followed by royalties (once the advance is covered), I would be looking to pay royalties only. On the other hand, this would be by way of a far higher royalty rate than is seen fromconventional publishing houses - along the lines of 30-40% paid quarterly.
Also, I'd be interested to see if anyone has an established habit of buying books in electronic format? If so, were you satisfied with the product you recieved?

I should point out that I'm nowhere near the point where I can be looking for submissions, so please don't send anything to the email address I'm about to give out! However, once I have things running (big if&when happening there - though if it happens it will be within the next three months or so)I promise to drop information and guidelines onto this board. I'll be looking for full-length horror, as well as novellas of up to 20 000 words in length. But DON'T send anything yet.

If you can help me with the above, even if it's just with thoughts and suggestions, email me on rickw36@hotmail.com. (I don't really want to clutter this board up with my market research!)

Rick Wright

Jul 23, 1998

To those of you who didn't already know, I have a relatively new section on my site called "Creature Features", where authors who want more exposure can submit excerpts, short fiction, or poetry to be placed up after my review of it. If you have some stuff you'd like to pawn off on me, let me know. The URL for the section is: http://www.vazdru.com/rain/readme.html and there *are* some very basic guidelines. The most important of which is--it has to be good. *grin* You can view what's up already to see what I consider "good". Submissions should be in plain text format. Take care... --Rain Graves rainstorm@planetall.com

Jul 23, 1998

Hello Rain, I was reading the New York Times Magazine and was wondering if that was you in the picture, or maybe it was a different Rain. Thanks for telling me about Geoff Coopers website, it's really cool. Keri Keria11@aol.com

Jul 24, 1998

Keri: Thanks! Rain's been working her ass off on it. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

But.... I'll tell you all what--

I've been away, and have missed much of the happenings here. After hearing about it, I came by, and I'm glad I changed my ISP when I did. I'll be the first to admit, I'm not the most sociable or the most likeable guy in the world, but this shit is out of hand.

I'll be seeing you, but not here.

Later!

--Geoff
geoffchaos@iline.com (new email address)

Jul 24, 1998

Just a reminder: my website has been updated again! The August update will be the last for a few months, since I'm on staff for Death Equinox Convergence in October, and have an anthology to paste together, plus working on my novel, etc. But the good news, is that I have a new format and 5 -- count them -- 5 stories up. On single pages, no less, for your reading pleasure. Scroll instead of buttons. Plus I now have excerpts from my published novella, plus reviews of it as well. Come by and check it out. Evolution at work.

Sorry, no new sales to report:(

Best,
Jeff Stadt, mrfrosty@swbell.net

Jul 24, 1998

Well, being the idiot that I am, I forgot to repost the address. Sigh. Here it is again: http://home.swbell.net/mrfrosty

ta-ta

JAS

Jul 27, 1998

keri: Hi:) You know, a few people have mentioned that New York Times magazine thinger--and I have no clue if it's me or not. What was the article about? I haven't seen it, but I'm actively hunting down a copy...heh. I know I've been on a few TV specials here and there, and done some interviews at various Con's. email me. We'll figure it out. --Rain Graves rainstorm@planetall.com

Jul 31, 1998

Hi folks--Just wanted to congradulate Pam Briggs on a reading WELL DONE! Saw her at the EROS EX MACHINA reading at Good Vibes in San Fran last week, and she did a tremendous job. It was a great story, and the presentation of it was fab, darling, just Fab! I will never look at my tape recorder the same again! --Rain Graves

Jul 31, 1998

hello I'm an artist looling to do covers and or inside art work if your in need of some artwork you can e-mail me at maddjinn@worldnet.att.net you can see my work on master of terror and my web page at http://home.att.net/~maddjinn/home.html thomas m arensberg

Aug 1, 1998

Hello. Just thought I'd let everyone know that my story, "The Beauty of Sin" is now available at House of Pain website. And the editor is in need of fiction and poetry for future issues as well. Check it out, and please let me know what you think. I do love feedback:) House of Pain is at: http://www.banzai-net.com/house_of_pain/this_issue.html

Jeff Stadt mrfrosty@wswbell.net http://home.swbell.net/mrfrosty

Aug 2, 1998

Hey People -- Just wanted to let anyone who's interested know that I've posted a new story at my website DARK WONDERS. If you've got the time, go ahead and check it out, then let me know what you think! http://members.iglou.com/shark/special.html Later, Mark Allan Reynolds

Aug 6, 1998

Hello. And a public thank you to everyone that has replied to me, and offered feedback on my stories posted at my website and at House of Pain. The second of three of the August e-zines is finally posted. Exodus #9 is now up, featuring my story "A Whisper Between Breaths." Exodus is at: http://www.blindside.net/Exodus/9

As always, feel free to email me and let me know what you think.

Also, All 3 of the Bloodreams Anthologies have been sent off to the Printer!!! They will all debut at Death Equinox in Denver, Oct 1-4. If interested, please visit either my website, or the Official Bloodreams Publications Site for ordering info. As a special offer, get all 3 for $15, and we'll pay the postage. Just mention this post when ordering and it's done! Bloodreams Publications can be found at: http://home.swbell.net/rkatlas

Until next time,

Jeff Stadt, mrfrosty@swbell.net http://home.swbell.net/mrfrosty

Aug 12, 1998

Coming soon - Andy has just been good enough to accept a story for this very site. Feedback (the story) will be posted in the next month or so, along with a good few more. Go look, leave your thoughts on the appropriate message board, abuse me, congratulate me, give me your thoughts!

Richard Wright

Aug 12, 1998

Ooooh!! Fresh meat. How sweet.

Aug 14, 1998

PLASTIC SMILE FOLLOW-UP: I'm looking for the person who posted info on the doll antho. I may have something to submit, but have no address. Whomsoever you are, my e-mail is bloodstop@aol.com. Hugs-n-killers, Steven Lee Climer.

Aug 14, 1998

Guess what?

The Satanic Mechanic is back in town. (much to Claire W.'s dismay, I might add)

I realize I said I would stay away, but damnit, when you're attacked, you defend yourself.

Please, everyone, feel free to look over her most recent comments on the T.M. Wright board, and behold her deific intelligence. My response to her is on "The Cellar" board, so be sure to read that as well.

My story, which has been accepted for the upcoming tribute to Clark Ashton Smith, THE LAST CONTINENT: NEW TALES OF ZOTHIQUE, is the object of debate, as is my (and John Pelan's) integrity. My story is called "Jolerarymi's Rose," and, I will proudly say, is the best fucking thing I've written yet.

So. Good to be back. How goes it?

Heheh.

Later!

--Geoff
geoffchaos@iline.com

Aug 14, 1998

Hello. Just wanted to let everyone know that the last of the August published stories is now up at SHADOW FEAST MAGAZINE. Janice Kirkwood was kind enough to give me the Feature #1 slot. The story is called, "Against the Sun," and is a dark fantasy story dealing with sex, magic and drugs. Please check it out. http://www.nucleus.com/~kirkwood/shadow.htm And as always, let me know what you think. -- Jeff Stadt, Mrfrosty@swbell.net http://home.swbell.net/mrfrosty/

Aug 14, 1998

Jeff

Excellent news, well done. I'll have a look and let you know...

Richard Wright

Aug 15, 1998

Richard W:

Congrats! yourself on the sale to this site! Goods news indeed. Let me ko when it's up and the exact URL and I'll check it out.

Best,

Jeff Stadt, Mrfrosty@swbell.net

Aug 20, 1998

Just wanted to invite you all around for a sneaky peak at my homepage... some fiction is in place, but lots of stuff is under construction...
http://www.geocities.com/athens/oracle/4552
Feel free to drop by, stay awhile... stay forever... bwahahah... nahhh, just check out some stuff, feel free to sign the deadbook and let me know what you think... Steve Savile

Aug 22, 1998

YOU'RE INVITED!

WE'RE LIVE!

It has been a long time coming, and now the wait is over. The Official Geoff Cooper Homepage (official... snazzy, eh?) is now open for your viewing pleasure at http://www.vazdru.com/geoff/

The page comes to you courtesy of HTML wizardress Rain "Trachea" Graves, and the artwork by Thomas "Atom-Bomb" Arensberg, and rumor has it that I did something, but that is unconfirmed.

If you have been to the page before this, you have seen only the skeleton. THIS is the announcement. Now we are LIVE.

Please, stop by, and see what it is that Rain, Thomas, and I have been working on. If you have more than a moment, sign the guestbook, if you have more than two moments, view the excerpts, the insignificant biological data, and, of course, the links and mug shots.

We have all been working hard, and would love for you to stop by and see our efforts. Please take a few moments and follow this link: http://www.vazdru.com/geoff/

Thanks!


Later!

--Geoff

Aug 23, 1998

To those of you who've braved my under construction homepage, thanks (especially MK and RW who took the time to sign the deadbook...) I'm scouring the net for interesting links now... harder work than writing the damn stories... Steve http://www.geocities.com/athens/oracle/4552 if you haven't been by and fancy a look.

Aug 27, 1998

Folks

I urge you to pay a visit to Steve's site. There's a fabulous story called 'Send Me Dead Flowers', I think. Great, mystical dark fantasy. I'm going to go back and read something else.

Michael K

Aug 28, 1998

While you're there, also check out 'Byker Burning', my fave so far...

Richard W

Aug 30, 1998

To the two gents above... I don't know what to say, but thank you so much for the kind words... things are coming along well... If you like SEND ME DEAD FLOWERS you should love the new novel... THE SECRET LIFE OF COLOURS... it stars Gabriel Rush again, and is a natural expansion of that story into something wider and wilder... Thanks again guys.. Steve Savile

Aug 30, 1998

Steve

The cheque's in the mail, I hope. :-)

MK

Aug 30, 1998

Well, it's that time again. A new month, and a fresh look to FOOLSVIEW STUDIOS. http://home.swbell.net/mrfrosty

Please come and sit awhile, for I have a wholse slew of new stories for anyone to read and critique (if you'd like), plus excerpts from my contemporary Dark Fantasy novel, THE MAD DREAMING. I promise that my site won't hurt your eyes, but it may twist your brain. I hope to see you there.

Also, the September issue of EXODUS is up, featuring my dark fantasy tale, THE BLOODSONG, which is tied into last months horror feature, A WHISPER BETWEEN BREATHS. Many thanks to Richard Wright for his comments on my stories and his compliments. I much appreciate you taking the time to read them.

Best to all,
Jeff Stadt, MRfrosty@swbell.net http://home.swbell.net/mrfrosty

Aug 30, 1998

Heh - expensive month for you Steve...

Richard

Aug 30, 1998

Jeff

Don't know if you know this or not but Ellen Datlow mentioned your novella STIGMA: AFTERWORLD in her Horror summation in the Year's Best.

Michael K

Aug 31, 1998

Michael K: No, I did not know that it was mentioned. Thanks for telling me though. I'll be sure to check it out. Lord knows how long it has been since I was even at a bookstore!

Thanks again,

Jeff Stadt, mrfrosty@swbell.net

Sep 1, 1998

hello all. Here's a direct link to my story "The Bloodsong" at EXODUS. They changed their address after combining with another webzine, so ther was a bit of confusion. here it is: http://www.blindside.net/Spectrums/Exodus/10/fiction/stadt.html
Hope to see you there.

Jeff Stadt, mrfrosty@swbell.net
http://home.swbell.net/mrfrosty

Sep 6, 1998

Hey -- where did everyone go?
-- JS

Sep 6, 1998

I have seen this done at some of the other message boards, so here goes:

If any publishers are looking in, here's an idea for you. Since my story, "The Bloodsong" is garnering such positive responses (it's currently posted at EXODUS http://www.blindside.net/Spectrums/Exodus/10/fiction/stadt.htm), I have four other stories in the Bloodsong/Langtree cycle (one currently unpublished). This totals about 15K words. Perfect for a chapbook. Please, check out the story and see for yourself. If interested, contact me at mrfrosty@swbell.net

Thanks for listening.

Jeff Stadt, mrfrosty@swbell.net; http://home.swbell.net/mrfrosty

Sep 8, 1998

Greetings all. I am new here and I have finally found a publisher for my book, _The Patience of Knives_, if interested, please check out two of the stories at my webzine. http://members.aol.com/MMbrothel/MMCover.html Thanks! Evie (XEveNoirxx@aol.com)

Sep 9, 1998

Evie

Just had a look at your website - it's gorgeous! Haven't had more than a cursory look at the fiction yet, I got a bit caught up in the design and style of the place. I liked what little I read, though, And I'll definitely head back soon. Anyone reading - do go and have a look. You'll be impressed...

Richard Wright

Sep 9, 1998

Dear Richard, Thank you so much! I had absolutely NOTHING to do with the design, I just had a wonderful artist do it all. :) Me? I can barely work my microwave, much less figure out HTML. Eve

Sep 9, 1998

Eve

I think you may have found a soul mate. I can't even spell HLMT.

Richard

Sep 9, 1998

Also - congrats on the book sale! When's it available? What's it about?

Richard

Sep 10, 1998

HTML? That's easy. Hard To Master Lingo

Sep 10, 1998

What's it about? What's it about, he asks! Well, seeing as I gave you the link, you will just have to find out all on your lonesome.:) No, it's just a collection of short stories, kinda erotic-horror-surrealism, "Wet Tuesday" and "The Beach." Are both included, and those are on the site. It was supposed to be out in October, but now the publisher says January '99. SIGH. No vampire stories, but I really wanna do a graphic novel all about teenage Japanese rockabilly vampires.

Sep 10, 1998

Ah, my mistake. I thought, when you said 'book', you meant novel. Didn't realise it was a collection. In which case, congratulations are even more due - it's incredibly difficult to find someone willing to take on a single-author collection. I shall pop back to your site right now, have a look, and be more informed next time I post!

Richard

Sep 10, 1998

Ahh Richard, I'm kinda a wuss. I don't know, I'm finally brave enough to start writing my novel, which means I have an outline, but it seems like such a daunting task :) I truly admire anyone who has the perseverance to do it .. I plan on drinking a lot. :) Eve

Sep 10, 1998

Outline a novel, someone said? I didn't know people still did that. I find writing an outline difficult; every time I do one, I can't write the novel, since it feels like it is already written. I just get my characters in order, supply an opening situation, and let things devlope naturally through the characters. I like to be surprised, I guess, and it is fascinating writing oneself into a corner and figuring out how to fix it! An adrenaline rush! In fact, I have a dark fantasy series (original characters) that is still sitting in my files because I outlined it :( I learned my lesson from that.

What about everyone else here? Outline or not to outline. Which works best for you?

Jeff Stadt

Sep 10, 1998

Outline. Ack. I had someone show me how to do it. Nope. Not for me.


Later!

--Geoff

Sep 11, 1998

Defnitely an idea that has been and gone, I think. With the flexibility of computer packages these days, it's probably less important to know your structure from the word go - it's incredib;ly easy to just go back and reconstruct to bring things together. In the good old days, if you didn't know what you were doing then you were guarenteed to have to rewrite heavily from scratch. Computers have made fundamental changes to the way we write.

Richard

Sep 11, 1998

I don't have an outline where I know exactly what will happen, it's just a basic story outline and some character sketches. I really am used to short fiction and prose, and I figured if I tackled this novel as more of a series of stories that all weave together (chapters) than I won't freak out and see it as so daunting. I have a committment problem!! What do ya guys want from me? :) Tee hee, Eve

Sep 11, 1998

Actually, I've never plotted even novels. Except in that one unfortunate case I mentioned and that cost me an entire series. But I used to write exclusively by hand. My first few novels were all written by hand, including the one I am currently marketing, The Mad Dreaming. I didn't even starrt writing short stories on the computer until after I got it; that is, I had a word processor before, but found the words flowed better if I wrote it out by hand. It did take a while to accustom myself to writing with a computer. But now I can write faster by keyboard than hand, and it is easier to tell what I wrote:) And, of course, it is easier to flip back and see what I wrote, instead of leaving through pages to try to find a scribble that held the key I needed to finish the last chapter!

I think outlining is best used for non-fiction and technical manuals ONLY.
Jeff Stadt

Sep 12, 1998

I'll write longhand if I'm REALLY stuck. Once I figure out where I'm going, I'm back on the keyboard--it's faster.


Later!

--Geoff

Sep 12, 1998

PS: I was taught to type because my penmanship was horrible. That's another reason I don't do anything out in longhand for more than I have to.


Later!

--Geoff

Sep 16, 1998

Hey all

A note to say that 'Dark Whispers', the new horror anthology edited by Ivan Graves of Frightnet and featuring (among others) Douglas Clegg, Steven Lee Climer, Michael Kelly, Yvonne Navarro, Nancy Kilpatrick, Brian Hodge, Stephen Dedman and myself - has been released. If you're interested, you can read an excerpt at www.hardshell.com. Then you can buy it there. In a couple of weeks it will be available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, etc. Have a look. It's a stunning line-up, don't miss it.

Richard Wright

Sep 17, 1998

Hey, the premier issue of DEADBOLT magazine is also out, featuring Stephen George, David Niall Wilson, Steven Lee Climer and myself, among others. Thomas Arensberg does the art. Check it out at http://home.att.net/~jimdouglaslay/index.htm

Michael Kelly

Sep 17, 1998

Hello. A couple of reminders for anyone still interested:

This is your last chance to read my story, "Against the Sun" at Shadowfeast Online. http://www.nucleus.com/~kirkwood/shadow.htm Ths story will be reprinted in the forthcoming Bloodreams Publications Anthology "The Collective Cauldron out any day now.

All 3 Bloodreams Publications Anthologies ARE expected back from the printer any day now. These will officially be released at Death Equinox (the convention) in Denver Oct. 1-4th, which I am still attending. Readings from all 3 are scheduled for DE. If you happen to be in Denver, Colorado then, please drop by. For further info about Bloodreams Anthologies or links to DE, check out the Bloodreams Publications homepage @ http://home.swbell.net/rkatlas

Thanks again, and also thanks to everyone who has commented on my stories online and at my own webpage.

Best wishes, Jeff Stadt, managing editor Bloodreams Publications and FoolsView Studios, mrfrosty@swbell.net

Sep 18, 1998

Hello! Kevin L. Donihe of BARE BONE MAGAZINE again. I'm just writting to let you know that I have accepted the work of a MASTERS OF TERROR message board regular. Richard Wright's ONE BAD DAY will appear in a future issue of my publication. BARE BONE, by the way, is doing fine. The first issue -- after a hellish multi-fasceted printer delay -- will be printed by DARK REGIONS PRESS. Recent contributors include YVONNE NAVARRO, TOM PICCIRILLI, TREY BARKER, GERARD HOURANER, MARK MCLAUGHLIN, WAYNE EDWARDS, JAMES S. DORR, JOHN B. ROSENMAN, D.F. LEWIS, TERRY CAMPBELL, WILUM PUGMIRE, CHAD HENSLEY, THOMAS DEJA, SCOTT H. URBAN, ANN K. SCHWADER, JEFF STADT, MARGE B. SIMON, RICHARD WRIGHT and many others. Oh yes, I also have a new e-mail address: (kldonihe@hotmail.com). As Mr. Wright and a few other people know, I am also the editor of a semi-secret project. Let say it has *a lot* of noteworthy names -- and leave it at that. (Can't talk till I get the greenlight!) Until next time, Kevin L. Donihe Editor: BARE BONE MAGAZINE

Sep 18, 1998

Happy days!!! Michael A. Arnzen -- Stoker award winning novelist -- has just included himself in BARE BONE MAGAZINE! Until next time, Kevin L. Donihe -- Editor: BARE BONE MAGAZINE

Sep 18, 1998

I suppose luck was involved when my first published work was accepted by the only mag I submitted it to, but after submitting work to several magazines, the toughest thing I find is not the rejection, it's the waiting. Patience is a virtue, and I can't seem to find it. How does everyone else cope with the 8-10 week response time on submissions? I understand that most mags are swamped with stories, but I would just like some way to keep myself calm when I go to the mailbox. Any word today? Nope. Tomorrow? Maybe. Sometime within the next month? Probably. What do you think? Andy Hoffman (trying to wait like everyone else)

Sep 18, 1998

The best thing to do is the only thing to do, which is to just continue writing. Get more stories done, get more of them into circulation. The more you have out, the more varied your responses will be and the more full your mailbox will be at any given time.

Sep 19, 1998

Andy H: yes, continue writing after submitting. Also, no matter what it says, simultaneously submit your work. The more folks that see it, the better chance of finding an acceptance. But always give it to the first one who accepts it and notify the others that it has sold. I have been on both sides of this fence, as a writer first and then as an editor. The best advice is about the oldest as well, although it takes some discipline: once mailed, forget about it until you hear back. Always keep a log, though, of where and to whom you submitted it to. After three months, if no reply, send a polite query. But always remember the truth: you'll receive more rejections than acceptances. Those are the odds. (I also started out strong, first story sent was an automatic acceptance, and I've been spoiled ever since. But, seeing how I have had only about 50% or what I have written accepted over nine years time, you learn to be patient).
Best of luck,
Jeff Stadt

Sep 21, 1998

Andy-- what those guys said--write. Bear also in mind the words of Mark Twain: "When angry, count four. When very angry, swear."

(I think that was Twain, anyway...)

Sep 21, 1998

Jeff

Have to disagree with you on the simul subs. If the guidelines state no simul subs, then you are just tempting fate by sending the piece to another market at the same time. I personally don't send simul subs to any market. I want the editor to know he/she is the only person considering that piece.

Michael K

Sep 21, 1998

Michael K: Well that is the rule (not to send simultaneous subs); but even most editors and writers who actually make money (not that I'm one of them), say, do send out the mateiral to as many places at once for consideration. Most writers, especially at the beginning of the process of submitting (like the Andy H. who began this thread) are impatient and have a burning desire to see their work in print. No one can honestly deny that is the way things are. Now, the part of this simultaneous subs business that might rile up some folks is: do not tell the editors that you are submitting to that it is a simultaneous submission. This way, each editor think they have first dibs. If the story sells, then quickly send out withdrawl letters to all editors/publications where it is under consideration. Seeing how every publication has a different response time, this helps expedite the submitting process.

One thing that, in hindsight, that SHOULD be done (but isn't popular with novice writers since they have limited experience in the field) is: BE PATIENT. and while that material is out at one publication, look over it again after a few weeks (since most editors take a minimum of 4-8 weeks to reply), re-read the story and make corrections to it. RE-edit it, re-evauluate it. Most begining writers send out flawed manuscripts with typos or word errors, even manuscript errors. Spell checkers don't catch everything. And every story needs to be re-written eventually. When you first begin writing, it all looks perfect. 5-10 years down the line you sit back and ask yourself "Did I really write THAT?" No one is perfect, and as time passes, we all grow and mature and have different thoughts and opinions then we did a decade earlier. It's called life. But in the short run, take the time to WORK on the story. As another person pointed out: send out one, then WRITE.

Now, one can send out simultaneous subs to say American and British Markets since they usually buy separate rights. No harm done there.

This is a difficult business, and a frustrating ART. Just remember that QUALITY is more important than quantity, and always think of the Long View. I have been doing this for a decade, and over that time I have seen many ubiquitous writers that fill almost every market. Then after a few years, their names dissappear to to replaced by more ubiquitous writers. Did the first group stop writing? What happened to them? Quantity ate them up I would postulate. I haven't been ubiquitous by any sense. I did sell approximately 15 stories a year for five years straight. Then I focused on novel writing and overcoming a disabling condition. Now my wrok is more focused, more intelligent and better written. And I am still a force to be reckoned with. I have not vanished. Quality is most important to me. Sure it's nice to see my name in print, would even be nicer if I could get paid for my work, but I am dedicated to this craft of writing and will never give up until I have nothing else ever to say. And my work, over time, will mature even more until it is flawless (I hope).

Sorry, I've gone off on a tangent and have gone on long. But I trust that I helped clarify my position.

Jeff Stadt

Sep 22, 1998

Okay, so I did not use the best words in my earlier diatribe. I should have used "prolific" at least once or twice (instead of ubiquitous). But hey, no one's perfect. And for the record, I'm a terrible speller. But this also illustrates that most writer's are also innately obsessive/compulsive :) -- Jeff Stadt

Sep 22, 1998

Jeff

While I haven't been writing as long as you have, and certainly haven't sold as many pieces, I feel it is wrong to send simul subs out and mislead editors into believing they are reading that story exclusively. Just my opinion, and obviously you have a differing view, but I feel it unnecessary to do so and would actively encourage young writers to NOT do as you say. At best you get a sale. At worst you could recieve the ire of a number of professional editors. I would suggest to young writers that they practice patience, something you also stated.

All Best Wishes

Michael K

Sep 22, 1998

Jeff and Michael -- Thanks for your advice. I will indeed take it to heart, and was thinking the same thing myself. Guess I needed to hear it from other voices. And that last response that was bugging me came that afternoon in the mail, and as I thought, I'm happy even if it is a rejection. --Andy H. (writing while I send that piece somewhere else)

Sep 22, 1998

Man, I am tired (getting ready for my wedding on Saturday). Quite a few uses of 'that' in my submission. Excuse the bad grammar. --Andy H.

Sep 22, 1998

Andy

Have to say, I favour Michael's argument over Jeff's. At least if you send out something simultaneously (and the publishers guidelines haven't stated that this is fine), then you really should state in the cover letter that it's a simsub. That way the editor can send it straight back to you if he has a problem with this. Really, it's the best of both worlds. You get your work back sharpish to send elsewhere, and they don't waste their time getting interested in a manuscript which might have been bought before they can make an offer. Overall though, I'd personally advise sending work out to one publisher at a time. It's a buyers market, so the last thing you want to do is piss off the buyers in question. Get over the frustration of waiting by making sure you have plenty 'out there'!

And commiserations on the wedding. May the good lord watch over you and keep you safe... :-)

Richard Wright

Sep 22, 1998

Richard and Michael and Andy:

Well, I've never had this type of problem (with pissing off an editor by simultaneous subs). Most of the time I am polite and inform them. But this is a business, and my work has never been mainstream, so only a handful of editors take a shine to my work. It takes a while to find these editors, so I sometimes bend the rules. The odds ARE against a writer in this business after all. An editor has hundreds and sometimes thousands of manuscripts to sift through. So why not improve your own odds of finding a market that will accept your material? Take the bull by the horns...

Jeff Stadt

Sep 23, 1998

Jeff

I agree that the chance of pissing a publisher off is pretty slim, but it does exist. Personally, I have no problem at all with simsubs (as long as I'm told that that is what it is). I just think that it's not worht taking the chance. The general advice of 'don't send submissions simultaneously' exists for a reason - namely that the practise has backfired on people in the past. I understand why writers do it, especially those who ARE working within a very specific area and style, such as Jeff - and it's hardly a sin of cardinal proportions - but I'll play it safe every time...

Richard W

Sep 23, 1998

Well, the September issue of SHADOW FEAST MAGAZINE is now up. For a change, I'm not in it, but some other great writers are there this month including Terminal Fright's Ken Goldman. Check it out. http://www.nucleus.com/~kirkwood/shadow.htm

In mid-October, Shadow Feast publishes their first on-line anthology, SPEAK EVIL. Okay, so I do have one in SPEAK EVIL. My story is called "Sophia's Son," and it's about family values, insanity, faith and darkness.

Other than that, I'm heading out to Denver next week for Death Equinox II, October 1-4. Best to all, Jeff Stadt

Sep 26, 1998

Just a reminder: BLOODREAMS PUBLICATIONS is still accepting submissions for the four in our new anthology series. GOTHIC GATEWAY is looking for short fiction pieces in the old-style Gothic genre. Think Poe, MR James, etc. Fiction up to 5K words in length. PLease check out the full guidelines at http://home.swbell.net/rkatlas

Past and current contributors of BLOODREAMS PUBLICATIONS include: Don Webb, Doug Rice, Michael Hemmingson, DF Lewis, David Lindschmidt, Kevin L Donihe, Paula Flemming, Nancy Bennett, Nancy Kilpatrick, Dirk Roache, Trey R. Barker, Jasmine Sailing, Loren Rhoads, R David Fulcher, Deborah Hunt, Barbara Melanky, Karen R. Porter, and Michael Arnzen.

Our only taboos are not following the guidelines and bad writing. This is Kelly (Atlas)'s project and all submissions should be sent directly to her. Once again, the full guidelines can be found at: http://home.swbell.net/rkatlas

Jeffrey A. Stadt, managing editor, Bloodreams Publications (mrfrosty@swbell.net)

Sep 26, 1998

BLOODREAMS PUBLICATIONS: futher info which I forget to mention. We prefer email submissions in RTF files. Will take Text files and can also read Word (but we don't like it). Also, DEADLINE is January 1999. Was October 1998, but has been extended due to lack of appropriate submissions. Once again, check out the complete guidelines at the Bloodreams Publicatons homepage: http://home.swbell.net/rkatlas

Thanks.

Jeffrey A. Stadt, managing editor, Bloodreams Publications

Sep 28, 1998

Shadow Feast Magazine is now accepting submissions of horror, dark fantasy and dark science fiction. We strive to publish up and coming authors within these genres as well as those more established in the field. Recently we have published Bob Schmalfeldt, Jeffery A. Stadt and Ken Goldman.
Submission guidelines are available on site at:
http://www.nucleus.com/~kirkwood/shadow.htm
Hope to see you there! Stop by and take a look!
Janice Kirkwod
Senior Editor
kirkwood@nucleus.com

Sep 30, 1998

The SPEAK EVIL anthology is now ready to view. I hope you enjoy reading it
as much as I enjoyed editing it.

This special Shadow Feast issue includes:

Hardcore horror by
Matthew Hutchinson, Jeffery A. Stadt,
Bob Schmalfeldt, Joanne Holmes,
Stan D. Foster, Kevin Sting and Rich Logsdon!

and is illustrated with fantastic and terrifying art of
Jimmie Guzman Arroyo, Alfredo Lopez Jr, Duncan Long and
DeAtHmAtE!

Reach SPEAK EVIL directly at
http://www.nucleus.com/~kirkwood/preview.htm

or link to through out main site at
http://www.nucleus.com/~kirkwood/shadow.htm .


Enjoy!

Janice Kirkwood
Senior Editor

Oct 1, 1998

Speaking of superb new fiction, check out the October issue of Frightnet at www.frightnet.com. A whole new look for the mag, with new columns and design, as well as the same quality if fiction we've come to expect. Still my favourite stop off point on the web for fiction...

Richard Wright

Oct 2, 1998

Dear Jeff,

Congrats on winning the Chi contest! Can't wait for it to be posted so I can read it.

Later!

--Geoff
geoffchaos@iline.com

Oct 3, 1998

Richard

I haven't got your email address so I'll drop this note here in the hope you'll see it. Relly enjoyed your story 'Which Image Am I?' in the Dark Whispers antho. Good stuff.

Michael K

Oct 3, 1998

Ooops!! That should be 'really', not 'relly', and the note is for Richard Wright.

Oct 4, 1998

NEW PUBLISHING HOUSE OPEN TO SUBMISSIONS.

Dark Terrains: Electronic Publishing has officially opened its doors to submissions. The company will publish novel and novella length horror and dark fiction, available as both disk and download, from the launch date of mid-February 1999. Our initial volley of releases will include three full length novels and a collection of four/five novellas from a variety of authors. Further information about the company, as well as full guidelines for submissions, will be available in a variety of writer's newsletters and publications over the coming weeks - or email rick.wright@dial.pipex.com for a copy.

Michael - Thanks for the kind words about 'Which Image Am I?', it's a tale I was particularly pleased with. At the risk of seeming incestuous, I enjoyed your own contribution to Dark Whispers, 'A Sort Of Homecoming'. Reminded me of 'Pet Sematary' and 'The Monkey's Paw', but with a deliciously neat twist in style.

Finally, anyone interested should pop along and see the October issue of Exodus when it goes up. I have a story featured, called 'Smoke', which you might enjoy. Then again, you might hate it. You won't know unless you check it out.

All the best (and well done to Jeff),

Richard Wright

Oct 5, 1998

Richard

Thanks kindly. The story was a kind of homage to KIng and Bradbury. Good luck with your publishing venture.

Michael K

Oct 6, 1998

Geoff and Richard W:

Thanks for the congrats and plugs!!! I just returned from a wild week in Denver (15 hours drive time each way and I just got back about 3 hours ago!)and discovered many good things in my email box, including the notification of placing 1st in the CHI short story contest! Brian Hodge greeted me at Death Equinox with the news (but it was still great to see the emails!).
Congrats to yourself, Geoff Cooper for placing 2nd! And to all the others who also entered and won (my brain is dead at this time, but its resurrection is forthcoming:)

That's it for now. I have a weeks worth of email and stuff to catch up on, not to mention placating my ferocious and lonely cats!

Best to all -- Jeff S.

Oct 7, 1998

Hey Folks. I just found out yet another printed publication died on me before my story saw print. The antho was to be titled LAST STOP AT THE END OF THE WORLD-- I know some names on this board were going to be in here too!!! In the last few years, this has happened to me again and again. So, I thought I'd wallow in misery and ask all of you to list magazines or anthologies that have gone to the grave on you before your work appeared there. Places that were going to pay you money are especially welcomed! And, if you want to include the rate, that's fine with me (but if you don't I'll understand). so... Southern Gothic magazine- 2 1/2 cents a word Last Stop at the End of the World antho- 10 cents a word (uh, no wonder) not to mention a half dozen pay in copy only places on the good side, I have work to appear in Epitaph, Bare Bone, Iemold, The Ancient Track, Cabal Asylum, and Al-Azif. Plus a whole bunch of non-fiction. so I ain't be'in too whiny -- Chad Hensley

Oct 7, 1998

Chad-- Magazines that have folded on me... let's see. (Let it be known that a number of the following venues printed a single story and accepted another. The last tale, however, never made it to print.) Here we go: THIN ICE, ELDRITCH TALES (what the hell is up with this mag?), PRETERNATURAL PRESS (BLOOD AND MIDNIGHT project), and TALERS TALES MAGAZINE. Not a bad acceptance vs. publication ratio, considering I have had over 100 stories and poems accepted.

Oh, yeah, I have a new bio page up. It tells a little about me -- the humble editor of BARE BONE MAGAZINE. It will also help if -- god forbid -- you actually want to know what I look like.

Here's the address: http://www.angelfire.com/tn/kldwriter/

Until next time, Kevin L. Donihe

Oct 8, 1998

Chad

I've had only one die on me so far. The zine was going to be called SINISTER, but, alas, never got off the ground. Oh yeah, they were going to pay 3-7 cents a word.

Hey, Kevin, groovy picture. Never figured you for wearing a tie,but I guess it was the occasion, eh!

Michael K

Oct 8, 1998

Michael K: Oh yes... I only wear ties (hangman's noose) when others force me to do so!

I'll send a reply concerning your submission to BARE BONE soon. Sorry for the delay! Life has been hectic as of late.

Thanks, also, for your feedback concering my story posted on this month's FRIGHTNET!

Later, Kevin L. Donihe

E-mail: kldonihe@hotmail.com

Oct 9, 1998

Kevin

Not a problem. Take your time. As for your story at FrightNet, I'm glad Ivan passed along the comments. Best!

Michael

Oct 9, 1998

ATTENTION!

the following website- www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/3857/

appears to be posting fiction, poetry, and art without creator permissions.

besides myself, the following people have work posted at this site- Mark McLaughlin, Jeff VanderMeer, Edo Von Belkom, Charlee Jacob, Tippi Blevins, and Alan Clark.

I found this site today by accident only to discover both my fiction and poetry had been posted here without my permission. the most disturbing fact was that the posted story has never appeared in a published magazine (at least to my knowledge) which implies that the webmaster took the text right off a submitted manuscript.

I don't know about other writers/artists but I don't like my work used without my permission and hope fellow HWA members would inform me should they discover such posts.

thanks Chad Hensley

and, if I have my way that website will be hacked into oblivion!

have a nice day!

Oct 10, 1998

Chad

Thanks. I just emailed Edo about this and he's checking it out.<br
Michael K.

Oct 10, 1998

Slimeballs like whomever runs that website need to be taken, stripped naked, chained to the bumper of a swift vehicle (Mine, for example) and dragged down I-75 for thirty or forty exits.

If pulled over, it would be simple to explain:
"Why's that person chained to your bumper?"
"Because they stole a bunch of people's stories, poems, and artwork."
"Carry on. Be sure to wear your seatbelt. I could give you a ticket for that."
"Thanks, Officer."
"Have a good night, and drive safe."

Oct 10, 1998

Regarding the Enigmatic Darkness magazine:

To save those concerned time, here is the URL for Geocities' ocomplaint form:

http://www.geocities.com/main/info/company/contact/alert_form.html

Let's take this fucker out.

Oct 11, 1998

He actually has the cheek to say some of the stories may be posted without the authors permission, and then that you can't reprint them without his permission (the permission of this page) man he makes me wanna take up taxidermy. Steve Savile

Oct 11, 1998

Oh the reason I posted. Just wanted to share a number of sales, to Sackcloth & Ashes, Octobyr, UD Magazine... busy week. Steve Savile

Oct 11, 1998

Can't be allowed folks. Complain, multiple times. Hell, sue the fucker - or geocities if they continue to allow the page to be shown.

RW

Oct 11, 1998

Interestingly, when I attempted to send this wanker a note on my thoughts, the mail was returned. Go straight to Geocities themselves, folks. Make clear that they themselves are legally responsible for the materials displayed on their free pages. Though none of my work has been pinched by this guy, as an electronic publisher I'm especially concerned with this sort of goings on. So go for it - kill, kill, kill! RW

Oct 11, 1998

Richard

I've sent Geocities my thoughts. Hope they take that page down.<br
Steve, congrats on the sales.

Michael K

Oct 12, 1998

Sgt. "D" reporting:

You're goddamned right those pole-smokers are on my list.

Out.

Oct 15, 1998

Steve Saville: congrats on your recent sales!!! ,br Chad H.: Nice to see you here :)
that loathesome geocities site: down ya go!!!!!!
Remember that geocities itself was embroiled in a legal battle recently, being charged with it's own alleged misbehavior of selling out the names and account holders info to advertising companies, breaching their terms of privacy. Remind Geocities of this when making the complaint and perhaps they'll move faster on them. Just a thought.

Jeff Stadt