More success

SpecficMe has accepted one of my stories for inclusion in its anthology entitled E-Macbre 2.
Due out in October the anthology will be available as both a PDF format and as a POD paperback.
While the anthology is a non-paying market, it will hopefully get my work out to a whole new host of readers - some who may even like what they read.

On another note, my second submission to Flashspec Vol 2 has made its way to the further consideration pile. Getting your story considered is half the battle, so lets hope that it makes it through into the anthology. Last year's anthology was a beautifully presented soft cover book, and to get one into this year's mix would be a great honour. Fingers crossed.

So after a slow start to the year I now have stories coming out in June, July, October and January. Now if I could only get that up to one a month...

Ripples joins the cause

That wonderful editor over at Ripples magazine Sam Cousins has agreed to publish my story Gary Dwyer's Special Dance in issue nine.
It was a case of third time lucky, with Sam passing on two of my earlier submissions in the past twelve months.
To finally get the nod is a great feeling and I can't wait to see the finished product when its released on July 1.
Sam described the story as a "delightfully gory" piece, so hopefully you guys will agree when the issue hits the streets in a few months time.
Find out more about Ripples Magazine here.

Writer seeks help

In an effort to bridge the gap between the masters of the craft and my own writing I have applied to the inaugural Australian Horror Writers Associations mentorship program.
This program pairs a young writer with one of the countries best Australian horror writers for a three-month period as a mentor.
This mentor then works through a number of submitted stories from the young writer, identifying strengths and weaknesses and working to improve their writing style.
As I mentioned in my application, I have been very lucky to have a number of my stories published in the past year or so, but still find myself rejected from the higher paying pro-markets. If selected I hope that this program can help identify what I need to do to my own writing to take it to the next level.
Sure there are plenty of writing courses out there, I've done a couple of them, but this is the only one I know which focusses on the horror genre.
I'd advise any young horror writers to go to the AHWA website, join (it's only open to members) and apply for the mentorship program. Where else are you going to get the opportunity to be personally tutored by writers of the calibar of Rob Hood, Lee Battersby, Kaaron Warren, Cat Sparks, Paul Haines, David Carroll, Shane Jiraiya Cummings, Stephen Dedman and Martin Livings?

Ditmar shortlist announced

Yesterday I received the exciting news that I have been shortlisted for a 2007 Ditmar award in the fan writer category.
I really want to thank everyone who nominated me and let you know that it is very much an honour to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award in the speculative fiction field.
Also congratulations go out to the other nominees, Stephanie Gunn, Shane Jiraiya Cummings, Danny Oz, Miranda Siemienowicz and Matthew Tait.
Many of these are fellow Horrorscope writers and reviewers and it makes us very proud to see that those in the writing and fan communities support what we do.
Be sure to check out the final shortlist for all categories here, sign up as a full or supporting member of this year's Natcon in Melbourne and vote for your favourite works of 2006.
The winners will be announced at Convergence on Saturday, June 9.