Halloween Horror: Lost Soles at Thrillers, Killers ‘n’ Chillers

Thrillers, Killers ‘n’ Chillers recently held the 2012 Halloween Horror Competition. To my delight, my story Lost Soles won first place! There’s no better day than Halloween for a writer of horror to be published.

Three runner-up writers were also recognized for their brilliant works of horror. Please show your support by dropping by, reading, and if you can, provide some feedback.

The Granny Farmer by Lee Hughes

The Perfect Wife by Allan Watson

Gabriel’s Reflection by A J Humpage

Many thanks to the accomplished authors/editors of TKnC: Lily Childs, Col Bury, Matt Hilton, and David Barber.

Happy Halloween!

Rejection and Acceptance Letter Etiquette: When should a writer respond?

WRITERS and EDITORS,  

Should a writer respond back to acceptance and/or rejection letters? I’m not sure if there’s a true standard practice, but here’s my take on the issue:

  

Acceptances— I do not reply to 97% of manuscript acceptances. I do smile and sometimes perform a happy, ‘wiggle my butt in the chair as I read it’ dance, but I won’t respond unless I need to sign and return a contract. My 3% exception is for those acceptance letters that are more than just a form response. If an editor takes the time to communicate specific passages from my manuscript they liked or loved, I want to make sure they know I appreciate it.

Rejections— I do not reply to 99% of rejections. The remaining 1% is reserved for editors who provide an unsolicited critique with the rejection letter. This is a rare, invaluable opportunity for honest-to-goodness feedback, and in my opinion, deserves— at the very least— a sincere thank you for their efforts and time.

So…

Editors— What are your expectations?

Writers— What is your practice?

MicroHorror 2012 Story Contest: The Blood Worms

Editor Nathan Rosen is accepting submissions for the MicroHorror 2012 Story Contest. This year's theme is "Art."

My piece, The Blood Worms, was published today.

Thanks, Nathan!

New Poetry: Brood and Mass and Mirrors at Mused

I’m happy to report my poems, Brood and Mass and Mirrors, have been published in the latest issue of Mused: BellaOnline Literary Review. The Fall 2012 Issue is loaded with new poetry, fiction, non-fiction, art and photography, and interviews.

They are currently accepting submissions for the Winter Solstice 2012 issue. You can find the guidelines here.

Thanks to publisher/editor Lisa Shea and all the staff at Mused.

New Poetry: Snowmouth at Every Day Poets

My dark/thriller poem, Snowmouth, is featured today at Every Day Poets. The staff at EDP work very hard to continually present readers with new works of poetry every single day of the year. Let them know you appreciate their efforts by spending some time on their site. Read the work of poets and, if their words move you, let them know by leaving a comment.

As ever, thanks to editors Oonah V. Joslin, Kathleen Cassen Mickelson, Constance Brewer, and Jeff Jeppesen.

Penny Fiction at From the Depths

Haunted Waters Press has released their latest issue of From the Depths. This is a very slick online horror magazine. Do yourself a favor and plunge into its bloody pages.

They also include a Penny Fiction microflash feature in every issue. The Fall 2012 Issue showcases 13-word horror stories. I’m thrilled to report my story, After Lovemaking, was one of the chosen tales.

Many thanks to editors Susan Warren Utley and Penny Dreadful. Guidelines for open submissions can be found here.