New Release - Devolution Z & Links

Hello! I ended up not being able to post on Monday, because my interwebs went down during the snowstorm. Not something that happens here often (it's Colorado...we tend to have wiring and such that can withstand the snow), so I'm  not sure if it was actually because of the storm or coincidental timing. Either way, I took an extra day off.

The February issue of Devolution Z is out, featuring my story Blue Sludge Blues! If you don't already hate port-a-potties, I hope I can nudge you along on your way with this one.

Available in print ($6.99) and Kindle ($2.99).

Also, this is what happens when the adults in a house both forget to take down the canopy on the back porch when Snowzilla (not to be confused with the Snowpocalypse) is heading our way.

That's gonna' leave a mark, eh? It kept our porch relatively snow free, though, seeing as how we got over a foot here in the foothills.

Now for some links! Bear in mind I am not endorsing any of these, merely passing them along. Always do your own due diligence when submitting.

Accepting Submissions:

Alex Shvartsman is putting together a reprint anthology of Funny Fantasy. 500-7500 words. Originally printed between 2005 and 2015 in a publication paying $.01/word or more. Pays $.02/word, plus contributor copy. Deadline February 29.

The Literary Hatchet is open for dark fiction poetry and prose. 1000-6000 words for short stories. Pays $5-$10, depending upon submission type. Submission window closes March 1.

Thema is accepting short stories, poetry, essays, art, and photographs with the theme Drop the Zucchini and Run! Fewer than 20 double spaced pages. Pays $10-$25, depending upon submission type. Deadline March 1.

Upstreet Literary Magazine is accepting poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. 5000 words or less. Pays between $50 and $250. Deadline March 1.

Body Parts Magazine is accepting horror, erotica, speculative fiction, essays, and art. The current theme is Grave Robbing. Up to 8000 words. Pays $5-$20, depending upon submission type. Deadline March 1.

Beatdom is accepting essays on the topic of politics for their next issue. 2000-5000 words. Pays $50. Deadline March 1.

Blog Hops:

The A-to-Z Challenge for April 2016 is open for sign ups! Post daily except Sundays throughout the month of April, following an alphabet theme of your choosing (or lack of theme, with topics in alphabetical order...your choice!).

C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Rains, and Tara Tyler are hosting the Winter Blahs Blog Hop. Post an encouraging meme between February 29 and March 4. That's it! There are prizes involved.

Of Interest:

The Daily News put out an article entitled CIA Posts Its Own 'X-Files' in Celebration of the Show's Return. They've split into into Mulder and Scully sections.

H.R. Sinclair shared an editing software for Windows called SmartEdit. It looks interesting.

How's your snowfall been this year? Any whoopses in your prep? Have you ever read Devolution Z? How do you feel about port-a-potties? Any of these links of interest? Anything to add? Submission news?

May you find your Muse.

Fun With Funkos & Links

We're creeping up on Halloween. Almost halfway there!

Some of you know that I collect Funko Pop villains for each story I place. Last time I posted a picture, they were on one shelf, and it wasn't full. I got to add a few recently, so I thought they should say hi.

I can't wait to have to add shelves. Not sure where they'll go yet, but THERE WILL BE MORE SHELVES!

I just placed a short story in Space and Time Magazine yesterday. No release date just yet, but I'll let you know when it comes out. In the meantime, I'm awaiting release dates on two anthologies I have short stories in, as well as edits on a short story set to be released in a magazine next month. It's an exciting time! Now someone make me get back out there and writing again.

Alright, link time. Bear in mind that I am not endorsing these links, merely passing them along. Always do your own due diligence to research publications and contests before you submit to them.

I ran across a lot of October blog hops when I was visiting folks during IWSG, so this week's links are a tad blog hop heavy. They sound like a lot of fun!

Accepting Submissions:

Sky Warrior Books is taking submissions for the anthology The Dragon's Hoard, which will be edited by Carol Hightshoe. Speculative fiction involving dragons and their hoards. PG-13 rating. 500 to 7000 words. Pays in royalties. Deadline November 15.

World Weaver Press is taking submissions for the anthology Sirens. Speculative fiction involving sirens/Sirens. Up to 7500 words. Pays $10 and a paperback copy. Deadline November 15.

18th Wall Productions is taking submissions of novellas about Sherlock Holmes for a monthly series of novella releases that will then be combined into an anthology at the end of the year. 15,000 to 35,000 words. Payment in royalties. Deadline November 15. They're also taking submissions of short stories that combine urban legends and mysteries for their anthology All the Petty Myths. 3000 to 25,000 words. Pays in royalties. Deadline October 31.

Contests:

Scarborough Fair and Minds Matter Magazine are holding a creative writing contest. Flash fiction, poetry, non-fiction. Cash prizes and publication.

Blog Hops:

Toi Thomas of the ToiBox of Words is trying out a new book hop for the joy of reading and writing. The first #BooktagsBlogHop begins October 19, and will be held the third Monday of each month. Choose a book, post the cover, include an excerpt and a write up of why you're sharing it.

Denise and Yolanda are back with the WEP (Write... Edit... Publish) Blog Hop Halloween Challenge. Post between October 21 and 23. 1000 words or less. Flash fiction, poetry, non-fiction, artwork, photos. This month's theme is Youthful Frights vs Adult Fears.

The Cover Girls are holding their 4th Annual Spooktoberfest. Post between October 24 and 28th. Flash fiction, 400 words or less. You have to use all 13 Scattergory items (found in the post) in your story.

Bish Denham is holding The Listing Hop. Post a list of your choice on October 26. Easy peasy!

Wittegen Press is holding the Share a Scare Halloween Blog Hop. Post October 31. Share a scary story, fictional or true; give away a book; create scary art.

Of Interest:

One Stop for Writers is a new resource available online. In their own words: One Stop for Writers is a powerhouse online library like no other, supplying writers with inspiration, education and unique description resources.

Any of these of interest? Anything to share? Will you be participating in any of these October blog hops? Have you heard of One Stop for Writers? 

May you find your Muse.

Pink for Hope & Links

Before I share links today, I'd like to give my aunt a shout-out. She's been undergoing chemo for Stage IV breast cancer. She's finished with the chemo, but it was only the first step in her fight. Today she goes in for a mastectomy, then will be doing radiation.

A. Thornton, clker.com

Thinking of my Aunt Rosi and family today.

Now for some links.

Accepting Submissions:

John Joseph Adams is looking for submissions of work published this year for The Year's Best Science Fiction and Fantasy. Pay is not mentioned, nor did I find a deadline, so if you were published in 2014 I'd recommend submitting soon.

Pulp Literature is looking for novellas, short stories, poetry, comics, and illustrations in most genres and mixed genres. Pays $.035/word for works above 10,000 words, $.05/word for 7000-10,000 words, $.07/word for below 7000 words.

One Ink Magazine is looking for stories that can be serialized on a quarterly basis. Pays a small fee (no specifics mentioned.)

Issues in Earth Science is currently open to fiction and non-fiction articles. 1000-3000 words. Current deadline is February 28. Pays $.06/word.

Bastion is looking for science fiction stories. 1000-5000 words. Pays a maximum of $50 per story.

Nightmare Magazine is open to submissions of horror and dark fantasy. 1500-7500 words. Pays $.06/word.

Contests:

Trainless Magazine is holding a Letter Writing Contest. First prize is $20. Deadline March 6.

Meryton Press is holding the Summer Lovin' Anthology Contest. Short stories from any genre, as long as they involve romance. First prize is $150, with prizes for runners up. Constructive criticism will go out to top 8. Deadline March 15.

Criminal Element is holding the M.O. Short Fiction Contest. Current theme is "Long Gone." Length must be 1000-1500 words. The winning short story gets posted with original art.

Blog Hops:

Holly's Horrorland is holding the 4th Annual Vampire's Day Soiree this Saturday, February 14. All she asks is that you post something vampire related on V-Day.

Do you have anything to add? Anything of interest among the links? Any publication news?

May you find your Muse.

Shades of Fall, New Horror Movies, and Links

It's inevitable. Fall rolls around and photos of the changing foliage crop up everywhere. Yet, I have to add to it, because this is my favorite time of year. These photos are from the end of Gold Camp Road, which goes between Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek through the mountains.

I would have loved to have a deep blue sky for contrast, but a storm rolled in. The rain coming in the window felt magnificent, though!

Because it's October, I'm giving you a bonus link today. Here are a whoooooole lotta' brand spanking new horror movies for your viewing pleasure this month, some on VOD, some coming out in theaters by Halloween. GO OUT AND HORROR IT UP, PEOPLE! (And please note the spelling of that word...horror...don't blame me if you do something different.)

Okay, regular linky-links now.

Please bear in mind that I am not personally recommending any of these publications or contests. I simply pass along information I've come across. Always do your due diligence in researching publications before submitting to them. 

Accepting Submissions:

Writer's Market is open for pitches for articles to go in the 2016 Writer's Market. Deadline October 20. Pays competitive freelance rates, but doesn't discuss payment until a contract is being offered.

Fireside Fiction Company is open for submissions through October 31. They are really looking for flash right now, though they do have a few slots remaining for short stories. Flash is up to 1000 words, short fiction between 1500 and 4000 words. Pays 12.5 cents/word.

Fox and Raven Publishing is looking for speculative fiction short stories of 9500 to 13,000 words. Pays R1500 (South African currency--or $150.) Open for short fiction submissions year-round.

Cracked Eye, an imprint of The Other Publishing Company, is seeking short stories. 3000-6000 words. Open submissions; no deadline.

Contests:

Ourstoryproject.org is seeking submissions that address domestic violence for the collection Stories of Resilience. Short story, personal essay, or poem. This is in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness in October. Deadline October 20. Up to 1500 words. First prize is $500.

Blue Table Press is holding their Summer to Remember Romance Contest. Deadline October 31. First prize is $100. 2500-5000 word short stories.

TU Books is holding their Second Annual New Visions Award. This is for MG or YA fantasy, sci-fi, or mystery by a writer of color. Winner gets $1000 and a contract. Author must live in the U.S. and cannot have been previously published. Deadline October 31.

Blog Stuff:

Hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh, Stephen Tremp, Michael Di Gesu, and Diane Wolfe, the Survive and Thrive Blog Hop asks you to post about diseases that can be prevented or treated with early detection. October 20.

Susanna Leonard Hill is holding her 4th Annual Halloweensie Contest. She asks you to write a 100 word Halloween story for children that includes the words pumpkin, broomstick, and creak. Post between the 27th and 31st of October. There are a variety of prizes available. (Thanks to Stacy S. Jensen for passing this along!)

Patricia Lynne is hosting the Trick-Or-Treat Book Blog Hop on October 31. Those who sign up will be giving away e-books like candy for your trick-or-treating pleasure. If you don't have a book to give away, by all means visit the folks involved so you can get some free e-books!

How are fall colors where you are? Do you go for an annual fall foliage drive? Plan on seeing any of the new horror movies? Any of these links appeal to you? Anything to share? Publishing news to share?

May you find your Muse.

IWSG - Query Letters, Progress & Links

Today is the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for the Insecure Writer's Support Group, created by Alex J. Cavanaugh. All are welcome to participate in airing their insecurities or supporting those who are feeling insecure. To do so, click on the link above, sign up, and post your insecurities in about 300 words or less. Then hop around and visit some of the others airing their doubts.

Today is a little different, because it's also the day we're to turn in our submissions for The Insecure Writer's Support Group Guide to Publishing and Beyond. You can post it as part of your IWSG post or email it in, which I'm choosing to do. It can be on writing, publishing, or marketing. Click the link for more information. I submitted a piece on query letters since there were a lot of submissions flowing in for the writing aspects.

I've been using IWSG day as a reminder to check in with my publishing progress each month, while airing the insecurities innate in the submission process. My update this month is not up to par with past months. I hit a slump this month, got too many rejections at once, and thought maybe I needed to pull everything as it was rejected and edit it through before submitting again.

But then I didn't do that.

I kept jotting down where I could submit, but didn't do it. I was too caught up in punishing myself for not editing, writing, and submitting, and too depressed about the influx of rejections.

Of course, I was beating myself up for nothing, and what I should have been doing was what I'd been doing before: turning those pieces right back around and re-submitting them elsewhere. I know that now, and will be jumping back in. I was also busy this month putting together and coordinating a bunch of extra programming for the organization I volunteer for in the next two months, which distracted me from my own writing. I should have been putting my writing first, but I allowed my stress to put on events without major flaws to overrule that and push my writing into the background. I have to stop that.

Well, I've warned you that the numbers this month are pitiful, but I want to stick with my monthly updates, so here we go:

2 rejections since last month's post
20 rejections for the year
2 stories out on sub
10 stories to re-sub
4 stories from critique group needing editing before sub

Believe it or not, I'd like to see that rejection number higher, because it means I've submitted more, but I also want to see a lovely number on there for acceptances.

Now for some links.

Accepting Submissions:

Walrus Publishing is looking for short stories for Building Red: The Colonization of Mars. Respond to the prompt. 1000-6000 words. Deadline November 1. Science fiction. Payment is $25, five free copies of the anthology, and 50% discount on more copies.

Literary Hatchet is taking submissions through November 1. Dark fiction. Essays, short stories, poetry, photography, and art. Pays between $5 and $15, depending upon type of submission.

Liz McMullen Show Publications is looking for a Valentine's Day Anthology. Deadline November 1. Genre is open, but it must follow the theme of "appetite." 3000-4000 words. Pays $30 and 2 copies of the anthology.

Ellipsis is seeking poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Deadline November 1. Paying market, though exact pay is not listed.

Contests:

Apex Magazine is holding the Steal the Spotlight Micro Fiction Contest. Five categories. 250 words or less. Deadline October 15. Five winners will be in the November issue, get paid $.06/word, get a free 12 month subscription to Apex, and get a short story critique from an Apex editor.

The Center for Fiction is accepting submissions for the 2014 Christopher Doheny Award. Book length manuscript by an author dealing with a life-threatening illness (their own or a friend/family member's). $10,000 prize and publication. Deadline October 30.

Zimbell House Publishing is holding a contest for placement in The Fairy Tale Whisperer, an anthology. Must be on one of the 7 topics they've put up. Deadline October 31. 20,000 words or less. First prize is $250, 2nd is $100, 3rd is $50.

Blog Stuff:

Susanne Drazic and Sherry Ellis are hosting the Bucket List Blog Hop on October 20. Simply post your bucket list to take part.

The theme for the WEP (Write Edit Publish) October Challenge is Ghost Story. All genres. Up to 1000 words. Flash fiction, poetry, nonfiction, artwork, or photos.

The Armchair Squid hosts a monthly gathering called The Cephalopod Coffeehouse. You're asked to post about the best book you've read this month on the last Friday of the month, which will be October 31 this time around.

What are your insecurities? Are you submitting a piece for the IWSG anthology? Any of these links of interest to you? Participating in any of the blog hops?

May you find your Muse.

Beyond the Binding - Cover Reveal, IWSG, & Links

Here it is! The companion anthology to Composers for Relief, which includes a story from moi!

Embark on an exciting journey “Beyond the Binding” of the imagination with 29 authors from across the globe, in a groundbreaking collaboration where music meets fiction. Surrender to soaring compositions as they surge through the veins of every story, capturing the triumphant pulse of the notes in heart pounding sci fi, enchanting fantasy and gripping slices of realism.

All proceeds of the Composers for Relief  album and Companion Collection ebook will go to Gawad Kalinga (“give care”) and GVSP (Gualandi Volunteer Service Programme), to support the relief efforts for victims of the deadliest natural disaster in Philippines’ history, Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Ebook available from Amazon, Amazon UK, iTunes, B&N, Kobo, Sony, Diesel & Smashwords.

Composers for Relief album available on ITunes, Amazon, CDBaby & Spotify

(I'll add links to the e-books when I get those!)

Today is also the Insecure Writer's Support Group, created by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Ninja, himself.

I don't know, I'm feeling a bit less insecure than usual, seeing as how I have a cover reveal for something I'm in!!! Squee! I've been so busy with non-writing that I haven't had a lot of time to write, BUT my hubster got me an awesome Christmas present, which I get to redeem this weekend: 2 nights at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO! For those who are unaware, that's the hotel Stephen King was inspired by to write The Shining, and the hotel he began writing it in. I already have a game plan for what I will get done while there, AND I get to go on a writing retreat at the end of the month with a group of fellow writers. I think these two things will help me get that old energy and inspiration back. I'm incredibly excited about both, and hoping for okay weather, considering the weather we've been getting.

I hope everyone can find a means of inspiration and energy this month, whatever that may be!

Now for some links.

Accepting Submissions:

Houston Writer's Guild has opened an anthology call for Tides of Possibility, a sci-fi anthology. Deadline is February 15. Short fiction of up to 8000 words; flash fiction and poetry are okay. Pays half a cent per word, plus one person will be chosen by internal contest to receive a $50 bonus. 

Interfictions is taking submissions of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction through February 16 for their 3rd issue. Pays $.05/word for fiction. Other pay varies. They seek work that blurs the lines between literary genres.

Villainous Press is seeking fiction for their anthology, Steampunk: The Worlds Beyond. Deadline is February 28. They have specific guidelines, so please review carefully. Pays $15-$25, depending upon length of story.

Ninth Letter is accepting fiction, poetry, and essay through February 28. Pays $25 per printed page, plus 2 complimentary issues. 

Sybaritic Press is open for submissions from poetry to novel-length. They like horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and erotica. Pays royalties quarterly. 

Blog Hops (Also known as No Gary's Land):

The Last Krystallos is hosting the Love Bites Anti-Valentine Blog Hop. You can post anytime between now and the 11th. Post a flash piece on the theme. There are prizes!

Ali Cross is co-hosting IndieReCon2014 February 25-27. This is a free online conference for writers. JA Konrath and Barry Eisler will be taking part.

Kyra Lennon is hosting the WIP: The Movie Blog Hop with Rachel Schieffelbein. Cast your WIP and post the pictures/descriptions on February 28.

Of Interest:

Delve Writing is holding an online workshop entitled Say it Like a Pro: How to Talk About Your Book Articulately and Enticingly at PPWC or Anywhere. Chris Mandeville will be teaching this course (she's a friend of mine and a great presenter!) Price is $20 if you register before February 8. This is a 2-session camp, to be held Saturday, April 5 and Saturday, April 12, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM MT. It is online only and live.

Kirkus Reviews has several job openings right now. You can't go wrong working for the place that will be reviewing your books someday! Book Reviewer is one of the job openings.

Pikes Peak Library District is holding A Novel Evening: The Great Gatsby at Briarhurst Manor, Friday, February 28, 6 PM, to benefit the Manitou Library. 3-course dinner, silent auction, dancing, period costumes welcome.

Anything of interest above? Anything to share? What do you think of the cover for Beyond the Binding? What are your insecurities?

May you find your Muse.

[Mostly] Wordless Wednesday - Cover Mania! & Links

For [Mostly] Wordless Wednesday, I thought I'd re-post the various book covers from the releases/reveals in the last month in case anyone missed them.

Fantastic covers!

Now for some links.

Accepting Submissions:

Coeur de Lion Publishing is open for submissions. They're looking for speculative fiction, especially science fiction. Each issue of the magazine will be available to read free online. Pays AUD $100 per story. Current reading period closes February 22.

Despumation Press is open for submissions through February 28. The current issue will be song stories, stories based on your favorite heavy metal song. Pays $10, plus a hard copy.

Fablecroft Publishing is taking submissions for their unthemed seculative fiction anthology, Insert Title Here. 2000 to 12000 words. Submissions close February 28. Payment is AUD $75, plus a contributor copy.

April Moon Books is putting out an anthology entitled Amok!, part of the Short Sharp Shocks series. They seek short stories about someone running amok, for all the various reasons that might occur. Payment is a contributor copy, plus there are five Editor's Choice Awards of $30 each.

Contests:

Whiteduck Publishing is seeking submissions from First Nation, Metis, and Inuit writers for Thunderbird Stories. Deadline February 28. First prize $1000. 

Blog Hops:

Starting today, Jamie Ayres is hosting a Can You Handle the Truth Book Release Blog Fest to celebrate her book, 18 Truths. Play a little 2 Truths and a Lie in bloggy form. This goes through the 28th, and I believe you can still sign up for it.

Michelle at Writer-in-Transit is hosting the Ubuntu Bloghop, February 18-21 (so you can pick the day of your posting). She's looking for a variety of creative posts to express the idea of ubuntu (defined on her blog).

Anything you'd like to share? Anything of interest above? Have you submitted anything so far in 2014?

May you find your Muse.

An Oldie, but a Goodie & Links

I haven't installed my photo programs on this new laptop yet, so in lieu of a new photo, I'll post an oldie, but a goodie, especially as I'm daydreaming of the beach right now.

Sigh. Salt spray, the sound of seagulls, soft white sand beneath my feet.

Good thing I love the mountains just as much!

Now for some links.

Accepting Submissions:

It can be kind of hard to find publications that don't say "NO Vampires" right on the main page, but Strange Musings Press is seeking humorous short fiction about vampires for an anthology, Vampires Suck. They've actually updated their requirements to being any sort of humorous speculative fiction, not just vampires. Deadline is February 1. Contributor copy and possible royalties. Reprints accepted for one less share of the royalty pool.

Aercastle Narratives Magazine is looking for submissions of all genres of speculative fiction for their first issue. Payment is $.02 per word, plus a contributor copy. Deadline is February 1 for a March issue.

Nashville Review is in their open review period through February 1. They take art of all different sorts, but the current window is for fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Comics, film, dance, music, oral storytelling, and oral poetry are accepted year-round. Pay varies per submission type, but fiction and non-fiction are $100, poetry is $25.

Lightspeed is putting together a special issue of the magazine. Women Destroy Science Fiction is a tongue-in-cheek response to those who claim women can't write good science fiction. I would LOVE to see names I know in there! Deadline is February 14. Pays $.08 cents per word for original stories, $.02 for reprints. They also accept flash fiction at $.08 per word. Submissions will be considered for Lightspeed Prime, as well.

Horrified Press is looking for stories for Nightmare Stalkers and Dream Walkers. Deadline is February 20th. It pays in royalties and exposure. They accept flash fiction, short fiction, poetry, and reprints.

Ninth Letter is seeking submissions of fiction, poetry, and essays through February 28. Pays $25 per printed page.

Dark Continents Publishing has put out a call for Guns and Romance, an anthology. They're accepting any genre. Deadline is February 28. Pays $20 per story, plus royalties of the e-book.

Blog Hops (Don't read any further, Gary):

Arlee Bird and a passel of folks are doing the What Works...And What Doesn't...Online Marketing Symposium on January 20. Contribute your own experience as to what works in marketing online. Also, the A-to-Z is gearing up, so keep an eye on the A-to-Z blog for information as the time approaches.

Unicorn Bell has announced their upcoming blog fests, the first of which is the Love is in the Air Blog Fest, January 20-24.

Anything interest you on here? Anything to share? Publishing news? Where are you dreaming of being right now?

May you find your Muse.

IWSG & Links

Today's Insecure Writer's Support Group (usually held the first Wednesday of the month, but that was New Year's Day this month, so it was delayed), which was created by Alex J. Cavanaugh. For my IWSG post, I just want to post an encouraging video (it's short) that I think may ring true for many. From Ira Glass: http://vimeo.com/24715531 (I don't know how to embed a Vimeo video). This is part of a longer talk by him, which you can locate on YouTube (there's a link to it at the link I posted).

In brief, he talks about doubting your work, and the fact that pretty much everyone creative goes through that. He encourages you to push through it, not to give up. I don't know about you, but any and all encouragement is welcome.

Anyone is welcome to sign up for IWSG. Follow the link to the IWSG above to sign up.

Now for some links.

Accepting Submissions:

Grey Matter Press is seeking dark short stories for their anthology Death's Realm. Deadline January 31. $100 flat rate payment for accepted works.

Glimmer Train is open for short fiction through January 31. Pays $700 and a contributor copy for accepted works.

Chupa Cabra House has an open call through February 1 for Weird Western short stories. Pays $20, plus wholesale price on book purchases. There's also an open call for New Whakazoid Circus, a circuspunk anthology. Token payment and contributor copy. January 31 deadline.

Four Chambers Magazine is seeking short fiction of all sorts. They select a piece to receive $100, plus a possible additional piece to receive $100. Deadline February 14.

Forbidden Lust Press has a bunch of anthologies open for submissions. First deadline is February 1 (Dog Tags & Camouflage). Pays $.0075/word for anthologies.

Alban Lake is seeking "dark fantasy and horror short stories, poems, art, articles, reviews, and interviews for their magazine Disturbed Digest. Pay varies by type of submissions. Open-no deadlines.

Farm and Ranch Living is seeking your stories about ...well... farm and ranch living. Pay varies. Open-no deadlines.

Drunk Monkeys accepts short fiction, poetry, essays, and film reviews. Pay is not mentioned. No deadline.

Blog Hops:

Crystal Collier is holding her Book Release Blogfest on February 10. Her book Moonless is going to be released as a physical book, and she wants to celebrate! She wants to hear who you would want to be promised to in an arranged marriage.

Of Interest:

Hellnotes is looking for reviewers of upcoming horror. $10 payment for reviews, plus you get a free copy of the book.

Anything on here catch your eye? Any publication news you'd like to share? Any links to publications accepting submissions, blog hops, or contests to pass along? What makes you feel insecure?

May you find your Muse.

Cutlass Cover Reveal & Links

In lieu of [Mostly] Wordless Wednesday, I'd like to present Ashley Nixon's Cutlass cover!

Publication Date: April 23, 2014

Category: Young Adult

Genre: Fantasy

Notorious pirate Barren Reed has one thing on his mind: Revenge against the man who killed his father. So kidnapping his enemy's fiancé seems a perfect plan…until he actually does it. 



Larkin Lee is more than a pretty face and fiancé to a powerful man. Her fierce personality is enough to make any pirate want to push her overboard. 



But when the King of the Orient comes to Barren with a task—to find the Bloodstone, a powerful gem thought only to exist in legend, Barren sees another opportunity to destroy his enemy. Together, Barren, Larkin and a crew of pirates set off to find the stone, only to discover it caused the death of Barren’s own mother and Larkin’s, too. As his strongest allies turn into his greatest enemies, and the life of the girl he kidnapped becomes more important than he ever dreamed, Barren’s quest for revenge becomes a fight to save the Orient.

Ashley asked us to share a pirate joke with the release, so here's mine (from piratejokes.net):

Question: What's a pirate's favorite Christmas carol?
Answer: We Three Kings of Orient Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

You can find Ashley at:

Goodreads

Goodreads(book page)

Website

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Tumblr

Ashley is giving away two $25 Amazon gift cards. One via the Rafflecopter drawing you'll find at the bottom of this post, the other on her Facebook page (find the link above).

Now for some links!

Accepting Submissions:

The Cafe Irreal is a quarterly webzine looking for flash fiction. Irreal is the genre, meaning a fantastical fiction that isn't focused on realistic characters or situations, or even on satisfying endings. Up to 2000 words. Pays $.01 per word, with a $2 minimum. Winter deadline is January 1, for publication February 1.

Dark Oak is closing submissions for Big Bad 2 - An Anthology of Evil, Volume 2, on January 1. Short story, 3000-9000 words. Royalty payment. They want your baddest bad guy stories.

Mega Thump Publishing is accepting short stories for a horror/sci-fi hybrid anthology: What Has Two Heads, Ten Eyes, and Terrifying Table Manners? Deadline January 1. Pays $20 and a contributor copy. They want scary horror/sci-fi in the fashion of Alien, Event Horizon, and Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

Chicken Soup for the Soul has several calls coming to a close soon. My Guardian Angel - December 31, The Cat Did What? - January 5, The Dog Did What? - January 5, Reboot Your Life - January 30. Non-fiction poems and stories up to 1200 words. Pays $200 upon publication. 

Cecile's Writers Magazine is open for submissions year-round. They seek authors with intercultural voices (see the link for an explanation of this). They accept flash fiction, short stories, novel excerpts, personal essays, and memoirs. I didn't find mention of payment, so you'll want to look into that.

Essence Magazine is looking for stories. Must send proposals first, not actual stories. Payment is not mentioned. See link for descriptions of types of articles.

Drunk Monkeys will open for submissions on January 1 (they closed down during the holidays). They accept short stories, poetry, TV recaps, interviews, art, comics, photographs, videos, and essays. Unsure of pay.

Contests:

Human Echoes Podcast is holding a flash fiction contest. 1000 words at most. Talk about aliens and what would have happened if they'd come around way, way back in the day. Deadline is Christmas Day. Prize is $10 and your story produced in podcast form.

Blog Hops:

This is more of a Book Club than a Blog Hop, but M.L. Swift is holding The Progressive Book Club 2014 the third Wednesday of each month. Choose a book and post a review/discussion on it. That's it! Of course, you'll also want to hop around and visit the other readers.

L.G. Keltner is holding her Endings Blogfest to celebrate her second blogging anniversary. January 9. Post about an ending...to a book, a movie. Or talk about how you end stories. Make it mean what you'd like to and post an ending.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Anything you're interested in here? Anything to share? Any good publication news (rejections count! It means you're out there submitting!) How do you like Ashley's cover? Any good pirate jokes to share?

May you find your Muse.

[Mostly] Wordless Wednesday - Ice, Ice Baby & Links

For [Mostly] Wordless Wednesday, how about a random pattern from the ice of a frozen pond? Just because.

And now for some links.

Please bear in mind that I'm not personally vetting any of these publications. I haven't research the validity of any of the below publications/contests/blog hops. Please do your due diligence before submitting to any publication or contest.

Accepting Submissions:

Mystichawker Press has reopened their anthology, Campfire Howls, for submissions until it is full. Combine the mystique of the cowboy with the terror of the werewolf. Pays $5, plus a contributor copy.

Martian Migraine Press is open for submissions to their anthology, The Conqueror Womb: Lusty Tales of Shub-Niggurath. They seek stories that both titillate and terrify. Deadline December 15. Token payment of $10CDN.

Skye Warren is putting together an anthology: Take the Heat. Deadline December 31. Payment $100.

Angry Robot is opening up to unagented submissions. December 31 deadline. They're seeking novels in the genres of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and WTF. Novel-length. Paying market.

Kaleidoscope is a "crowd-funded anthology of diverse contemporary YA Fantasy." They have already attained the funding successfully, so this is a definite. Deadline December 31. Pays $.05/word.

The Midnight Diner is open for submissions through December 31 for short fiction, poetry, and artwork. Genre work with a Christian slant. Pays various flat rates, dependent upon type of submission. $60 for short stories.

Sirens Call Publications is taking submissions for several types of publication. Flowers Are Overrated, romance/erotic anthology, December 31, pays royalties plus contributor copy. The Odd & The Bizarre is a horror anthology, January 31, royalties plus contributor copy.

American Style Magazine accepts articles from art lovers. Fee is negotiable upon acceptance of article.

Contests:

Spinetingler Press is holding their 2013 Christmas Ghost Story Competition. 1st prize is 100 pounds and guaranteed inclusion in a future anthology. Deadline THIS FRIDAY, December 13.

Blog Hops:

Bullish Ink is holding their Third Annual Bad Santa Blog Hop. December 9-21. Judge's Winner receives a $25 Amazon GC; Reader's Favorite wins a $15 Amazon GC. Write a piece of flash fiction, up to 500 words, to air Santa's dirty secrets.

Any of these of interest to you? Seen any interesting shapes in the ice this winter? Anything to share? Publishing news to share?

May you find your Muse.

[Mostly] Wordless Wednesday - Golden Scale & Links

For today's [Mostly] Wordless Wednesday, I want to give a shout-out and a big thank you to Al Diaz, aka Father Dragon. I'm sure many of you are familiar with him, but if you aren't, I encourage you to check out the Dragon Cave. The Dwarves are very welcoming.

This week, Al gave a lovely tribute to a number of the blogging community. I was flattered to be included in it. The Dragon is a wonderful friend to have made here in Bloggy Land, and I'm delighted to have made his acquaintance. He's warm, welcoming, sincere, creative, and clever.

When he offered up the Golden Scale Award, he did so with the following words:

"Displaying the Golden Scale Award on your blogs implies that you've promised to become your own hero. It means you won't wait for any special thing to happen so you can be happy (i.e. when I get this or that I'll be happy; when I no longer suffer this or that, I'll be happy).

The Golden Scale Award is not for the things you did, but for the things you'll be doing to be happy on daily basis. It's for the courage you promise to show when facing adversity. The determination you promise to have when standing for your dreams and for what you believe in. It's the wisdom of knowing life is sometimes way too difficult but overcoming those difficulties is the only way to grow into a better person and to learn something. We face our fears to find ourselves and our own worth.

There is no wisdom without experience, and knowledge is empty without wisdom. Accepting this award means you are willing to work hard to start working miracles in your own life. I want to make clear I am not suggesting you stop believing on a High Power. I believe too. I am just inviting you to take responsibility of your life, like I did, and release all your true potential.

This promise I ask of you is not to me, but to yourselves. I won't know if you keep it or not. I will go on with my life and fight my own battles, seeking to win my personal wars. But if there is any kind of Father Dragon's essence I can give you, this is it. It's up to you to take it or leave it."

Thank you for the tribute, Al! I'm only too happy to accept the requirements.

Now for some links.

Accepting Submissions:

The Dreadful Cafe is putting out their second anthology, Thresholds, and they're looking for submissions of fiction and art. Specifically, they'd like something that crosses genres and meets the theme of crossing boundaries/thresholds. Short stories pay $125, novelettes pay $250. Art pays on a scale. Open deadline, but will close when the desired number of entries has been reached.

Weird Tales just opened for submissions this last week. They're seeking entries with the theme of either Nikola Tessla or Ice. They will also be holding a flash fiction event online soon. Pays $.03 per word.

Writers Market has put out a call for entries for the 2015 Guide to Self-Publishing. They're taking pitches for topics through December 15. They aren't seeking writing craft pieces, rather the how-to's and tips for self-published writers. They pay competitive wages.

Red Paint Hill Quarterly is seeking poetry for their next issue. Deadline December 15. They also have an upcoming anthology focusing on relationships with mothers. Poetry, deadline February 1. I'm not sure about payment at this time.

Contest:

This is a contest with an honorable backing. Story Share is holding a writing contest to find low-literacy stories to support beginning readers of all ages. Cash prizes for 11 winners.


Apex Publications is holding A Merry Little Apex Christmas Flash Fiction Contest. These should be Christmas stories with a dark Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror theme. Deadline December 16. 250 words. All entrants will receive a copy of Apex Magazine. The winning piece will be published on the Apex blog, with the winner getting a short story critique, payment of $.05 per word, and a year subscription to Apex Magazine.

Blog Hops:

Brenda Drake is holding the Pitch Wars, Mentor Wishlist Blog Hop. This blog hop allows you to submit a query and the first five pages of a manuscript for mentoring. There is a 24 hour submission window open on December 2. There will also be an associate Twitter Pitch Party. Thank you to Samantha Redstreake Geary for bringing this Blog Hop to my attention! 

I hope all my fellow Americans have a Happy Thanksgiving, eat tons of yummy food, and spend more time with your families than out shopping the Black Thursday sales. And to all my non-American friends, I hope you have tons of yummy food and family time, too! Because who says it has to be Thanksgiving for us to enjoy those things?

Anything of interest above? Has anyone submitted to these publications in the past? Anything to share? 

May you find your Muse.

[Mostly] Wordless Wednesday - I Von' to Suck Your Blood & Links

I took the kids to Bent's Old Fort, a trade fort set up in south-eastern Colorado in the 1800's. I got some photos of the fort and the area around it, but I felt like sharing the leeches with you...so I did! Of course, the original burned down and this is a re-vamp, but it was made from measurements a man had taken before, so they tried to rebuild the fort as lose to the original as possible. In one little cabinet in one little room on the second floor, there was a lovely container marked "LEECHES." You've gotta' be able to cleanse the humors and whatnot.

Before we get to the links, I'd like to thank E.J. Wesley and Roland Yeomans for e-books I won recently. Can't wait to read them! From E.J. I got a copy of the "Death by Drive-in" anthology. From Roland, I got "Her Bones Are in the Badlands."

Now for some links. (Please bear in mind that I am not personally vetting any of the following. I find information and pass it along. Always due your due diligence and research a possible publication or contest before submitting.)

Accepting Submissions:

An open audition is being held for travel writers by Great Escape Publishing and International Living. No experience necessary.

Match Books is taking submissions for their Fantasy Anthology: Urban Legends. They're looking for kick-ass female protagonists. Deadline December 6, short stories. Pay unknown.

The Head & The Hand Press is accepting submissions for multiple publications. For Asteroid Belt Almanac, they're looking for short fiction, narrative non-fiction, and visual art. Pay unknown. Deadline December 13. The Breadbox Chapbook Series is open to literary fiction and non-fiction essays of a certain length. Ongoing. They also take manuscript submissions.

Contest:

Spark is holding a contest with the theme "Winter." Either poetry or prose. $500 1st place prize, one for each category. No entry fee. Deadline is midnight, December 2.

Zizek Press is holding an ongoing contest for fiction and non-fiction, as well as a Bad Fiction Contest with the deadline December 10. Cash prizes.

Harper's Bazaar is holding a short story competition. Their theme is "Spring," and the deadline is December 13. The winner will get to choose an antique book and spend a week on a private island.

Blog Hops:

M.J. Joachim and Tina Downey have put together The Holiday Food Drive Blogfest. November 18-20 blog about a local food bank or charity to bring attention to them. Donate or do something to help them and let your fellow hoppers know what you did.

Julie Flanders and Lexa Cain are holding the Dream Destination Blog Hop December 5-8. Just post about where you would travel if you could go anywhere in the world.

Any of these of interest to you? Anything to share? Ever shared a pond with leeches (I have)?

May you find your Muse.

[Mostly] Wordless Wednesday - The Road Less Traveled & Links

This photo was taken in Pike National Forest, northwest of Colorado Springs. We took off in the Jeep, lunch, snacks, and water packed, just knowing we wanted to see some aspens and have a little adventure. Sometimes we all need to take the road less traveled.

Now for some links.

Accepting Submissions:

Vestal Review's current submission window closes November 30. They take flash fiction up to 500 words. It must have a plot. Cash payment differs according to length. Most genres accepted.

Wolf Willow Journal is accepting poetry, flash fiction, short stories, creative non-fiction, photography, and artwork. Their focus is literary, but they'll look at other genres. Deadline is November 30 for the winter issue with the theme "liminal space(s)." Flat fee depends upon type of submission.

Vine Leaves Literary Journal is in their January issue submission period through November 30. They take prose, poetry, artwork, and photography. Pays $5 U.S. for each acceptance. I highly recommend reading a free issue on their website. It's a fantastic journal.

Crossed Genres Magazine will be closing for their Unresolved Sexual Tension themed issue on October 31, and opening for their Conspiracy themed issue November 1-30. Must have elements of sci-fi and/or fantasy mixed with the current theme. Pays 5 cents per word.

Solarwyrm Press is putting together an anthology of short fiction with the theme "precocious children in adult stories." Deadline November 30. Will pay a flat fee of $50 per story if successfully funded via Indigogo.

World Weaver Press has two anthologies closing for submissions November 30 (one due to an extended deadline). They're seeking stories about the fae and Krampus (who punishes naughty kids as the sidekick of St. Nicholas). Flat rate payment of $10, plus a paperback contributor copy.

A River & Sound Review closes for submissions for this reading period November 30. They accept poetry, short fiction, non-fiction, and humor. Pays $25 for poetry, $50 for prose.

Fringeworks has extended the deadline on their Jack the Ripper anthology, Catch Me When You Can. New deadline is November 30. They want original stories about Jack that make the reader think. Pays in royalties.

Are you a woman who has already published in science fiction? Alex Dally MacFarlane is seeking reprints for the Mammoth Book of SF Stories by Women. Deadline November 30. Pays up to 2 cents per word.

Blog Stuff:

Denise Covey's WEP (Write...Edit...Publish) Bloghop is today. Halloween themed! I will be posting mine tomorrow, because that's Halloween and I just can't help myself. I believe she also has information up for her November theme.

Misha Gericke is inviting others to join her with a Five Year Project. Do you have an insane goal you're hoping to achieve as a writer? Join this group and support others who have similarly insane goals.

Of Interest:

Morgan Media opened recently, providing author services, such as e-book formatting, cover art, and book trailers.

Have you journeyed the road less traveled lately? What did you do? Any of these links of interest? Anything to share? Any good news?

May you find your Muse.