Two new publications to share with you since my last (*ulp*) very-long-ago update:
Jupiter Mission One is a drabble–a complete story of exactly 100 words—in Martian Magazine, a new publication from editor Eric Fomely specializing exclusively in such stories. While this is the first drabble I’ve published, I’ve played around with the form before (dare I say, I’ve dabbled in drabbles?), and it’s delightfully challenging! It’s easy to pump out a hundred words of description or narrative; the challenge is to tell a whole story, beginning, middle, and end, with a conflict and resolution, rather than just a vignette or sketch. If you’ve ever attempted to write a sonnet, writing a drabble is a similar experience, where limitation and structure breed creativity, only in narrative prose rather than verse. I hope you’ll give this one a read and drop me a line if you enjoy it!
In another first, my story Knock, Knock, Wolf, originally printed in Footsteps in the Dark from Flame Tree Publishing, has been produced for audio by the best in the business over at the long-running PseudoPod horror podcast. I thought narrator Rish Outfield did an amazing job bringing the widow Clarabel to life in this dark, chilly tale, and it was a real thrill listening to a voice actor perform my work! The episode dropped back in July, but it makes a great listen right now at this time of year here in the American northeast, when the bare trees rattle their bone song to an empty sky…
That’s all for now, but I should have another new story to announce soon… Stay tuned, and thanks for reading!
I love Knock Knock Wolf! Just excellent writing. I cannot help but wonder why the real wolf man did not die after drinking the devil’s brew. Did I miss something?
This story is filled with mysteries that keep you guessing about Clarabelle’s past.
Can’t wait to read more of your stories!
Thank you.
Thank you! That’s a great question. My intent was to hint that Clarabel is somewhat out of her depth now; all the magic and scheming that have gotten her by in the past aren’t going to cut it this time—there are just some adversaries she just doesn’t know as much about as she thought. I hope that makes sense!
I’m really glad you enjoyed the story. Thanks for letting me know! (There may be some more Clarabel stories in the works…)