While mourning the dissolution of Twitter where I’ve made so many important writing connections, I’m taking time today to appreciate a few projects I’ve been invited to. Yes, invited! I hardly have time to submit to open calls these days, between invites and longer form writing like my limited edition novelette THE SHIPWRECK OF THE CERBERUS. I have to remember that losing one social media site doesn’t mean losing the chance to share my writing. What it does mean, sadly, is losing a direct connection with many readers, weirdos, and friends around the world who gathered there in a virtual community.
I’m trying to embrace it as a relief. The daily publicity once demanded by the algorithm could be pretty draining for many writers at times, though for me it was often energizing. I guess it’s all in how you use the tool. I met people online that I want to keep in my life even though they are thousands of miles away. I hope we’ll find other ways to stay connected.
Though I’m on Bluesky and Facebook, I’m not a frequent poster on either, and the sites don’t work the same way Twitter once did. Signing up for author websites and finding communities on Discord may be the best current replacement. I have a contact page if you ever need to get in touch. Don’t hesitate to use it. Following me here on the blog is a perfect way to make sure you never miss an update.
So, here’s the latest:
I’m so pleased to be part of a new anthology series from Cemetery Dance Publications edited by Brian James Freeman and Kevin Lucia entitled DREAD. My story “The Tumulus” was announced as part of this stunning table of contents a few days ago here. I’m thrilled to work with Cemetery Dance, a publisher that seemed completely out of my reach just a few years ago. And look at the cover! Amazing 80s retro vibe! And YES, it’s exciting to be one of the authors named on the cover.
An audio version of my story I Married A Dead Man is now on Tales To Terrify Episode 595, with narration performed by Colin Duncan. This story originally appeared in print in “What One Wouldn’t Do: An Anthology On The Lengths One Might Go To” edited by Scott Moses.
The kickstarter for WHY DIDN’T YOU JUST LEAVE has fully funded and reached some stretch goals to include more haunted house stories. The open call is now taking submissions. I just finished one round of edits on my contribution “The Head Harvest” with editor Nadia Bulkin, who is a short story writer I admire tremendously. It’s hard to believe I’m working with her, but let me tell you, her edits are so sharp and worked my brain so much that I can guarantee it’s true.
One last announcement, not result of an invitation: my poem “The King’s Two Bodies” will be coming out soon in Old Moon Quarterly. I really dig the aesthetic and couldn’t be more pleased to place the poem with them.
I have several more exciting anthology stories and publishing announcements that I can’t talk about yet. As I bite my tongue to keep quiet, consider following me to get the news in case social media fails us.
Thanks for reading, and keep in touch.
Horrorsong 