A New Beginning

How about some pimpage? Is that even a word? According to spell check it’s not. It doesn't matter. People make up new words all the time and I think someone else coined the word well before I used it.

Anyway...

First off, Happy New Year. We are eleven hours in and so far, so good. Things are always scheduled to change.

Before we completely say good bye to 2009, I want to say a couple of thing. Well, probably more than a couple. I want to talk, so sit down, grab your coffee and read. Okay? Thanks. Please, don’t read while intoxicated…

2009 GOALS:

I reached one of my goals from last year. I did manage to write 1000 words a day and nearly 400,000 words on the year. I have no clue, yet, as to how many stories I wrote. I’ll figure that out next week some time.

I didn’t reach a few of the goals. Most notably: I wanted to receive 50 acceptances from publications. I came close: 48.

I also wanted to break into the pro markets. Again, I came close, getting short-listed six times but, eventually, not getting in on all six submissions. I did, however, make quite a few semi-pro sales. It’s only the beginning, folks. Only the beginning.

The novel did not get finished. I started it. Actually, a couple of novels were started. I’m just not in full novel writing mode yet. I wrote two novellas, which I think will help me gear up for that novel writing experience and the discipline to stick with it.

So, with writing, I came close…

2010 GOALS:

Do I have to do this again?

Okay, fine. I will stick with one goal that I set for myself every year and I achieved it last year: 1000 words a day, minimum.

The second one is still to break into the pro markets.

I’m not setting my sights on a high number of publications this year—I don’t plan on submitting as much as I did last year: 156 Submissions. 48 acceptances, 11 pending, 6 withdrawals. Instead, I want to focus on something that I really thought hard about last year and worked on, especially in the last half of 2009: To make every story my best story.

I think, as writers, a lot of times we get set in our ways and we just write, either to get the words on paper or get them out of the way so we can start on something else. I am guilty of the latter. That’s not really fair to the readers or to the editors and slush readers, for that matter. Or to myself.

Something along these lines came up recently in a web forum I frequent. I was taking a poll about short stories. Why do you read them? Why do you write them? Questions like that. (For those who don’t know, I want to change the way folks view the short story. For those who write them, you know how hard it can be to come up with a complete story in less the 5000 words. For those who read them, I want to give you an experience you can remember.) Then, this statement was made by John Miller:

I hate that writers try to write a good story and submit it. I think writers should try to write the best story of their life each and every single time.

Yup, that’s right. And then there was this statement:

I don't want another good story; I want a GREAT story. I don't want to read a good hook; I want a GREAT hook. I think writers must try to write each story to be better than their competitors, better than their friends, better, better, better than what they wrote for their last story.

Mmhmmm…

But, wait. There is more:

I think a story should pull the reader in, dragging the reader all the way through. Whether they get straight to the action or use a slow buildup, I don't give a rat's ass. I want to be pulled INTO the story. Whether its plot, language or strong characters, I don't care.

Did you read that last blurb? Read it again. If you are a writer, let it sink in. We should be pulling our readers in and not letting them go. It doesn’t really matter HOW we pull them in as long as we hook ‘em and hold ‘em. This is what you should be doing every time you sit down to pen a story. No, it’s not what you should be doing; it is your DUTY. Your responsibility. You should want to give your readers everything you have with every piece you write.

End of story . . . yeah, pun intended.

So, that is my biggest goal this year. To make every story better than the previous one. It’s only fair, not only for the slush readers, editors and, hopefully the readers who see my story and look at it, but for me, as well. I want you to walk away saying ‘Wow’ or ‘I need a smoke.’

A couple of things before I move on to the pimpage…

There are over 350 shopping days left until Christmas. What? Are you serious? You’re tired of hearing this crap? Me too. I want holidays to go back to being fun. I want there to be Halloween items on the shelf right up until November 1st. I want to see hearts and cupids and boxed candies and conversation hearts on the shelves until after Valentines Day. The same with Easter and St. Patrick’s Day. And, folks, I don’t want to see the first thing about shopping for Christmas until AFTER Thanksgiving. Seriously.

At the rate we are going retailers are going to find a reason to build up every day of the year as a big shopping day. As it stands we have President’s Day Sales and July 4th Sales and Martin Luther King Day Sales. Come on, folks. Do we really want it to come to The 5th Amendment Day Sale? Or having a sale for the day the Redsox finally clinched a world series? I like the Sox, but come on, man…

With Christmas in mind…

This Christmas we did something a little different. My wife’s grandmother wanted to see the parade in early December. For one reason or other she was not able to get there. She told my mom-in-law, Beth, that she wanted to see one more parade before she died. This made us all pause. We don’t think about our loved ones dying, but in truth, it will happen, especially as we grow older.

Beth and her husband, Lon, came up with a wonderful idea. She approached Catherine and I about it. Then several of us approached other members in the family.

What is it we did? Well, we wanted to give her a parade. Sadly, we could only get five cars rounded up and just enough family members so we could put on a mini-parade for them. We met up at the church a couple of blocks from their home on the lake. We decorated our cars with foam snowflakes and lights and posters. My wife dubbed our daughter Junior Miss Snowflake 2009 and she sat on the driver’s side door (with my arm around her) and waved like a princess as we drove by their house.

Trans Siberian Orchestra played loud from Lon’s truck, which had Beth and a few others, my son included, sitting in the bed next to a lit up Christmas tree.

“This is one of the best presents I’ve ever received.” That is what Catherine’s grandmother said.

It’s a memory that those of us who participated will remember for the rest of our lives. It’s something I wouldn’t let my children miss out on.

During the Christmas season so many folks are all about spending money for the best presents and, sadly, many folks like to be recognized for what they give. It’s an ego thing.

Maybe, just maybe, the best present isn’t one you can buy in a store. Maybe, just maybe, the best present can sometimes be the gift of your time. It’s something that you can never get back and it is one of the greatest gifts of all.

For those who participated in this gift of love and time, thank you. Thank you all. I, for one, would like to see this become a family tradition…

Okay, now for one more goal for 2010:

To be better at networking, blogging and putting myself out there. I hate doing it—it sounds so much like bragging. But, truth be told, if I want to make a name for myself, then I need to network better, to reach out more.

How about that for a segue?

Now for the pimpage.

My short story, ‘Dead Characters’ has been picked up by SNM Horror Magazine. It’s in January’s Issue #1. Also, my friend Suzie Bradshaw has a story in there as well. It is the story of the month and appears in Issue 2. It is titled ‘Devil In Cowboy Pajamas.’ After you read ‘Dead Characters,’ take a look at Suzie’s stories (and the others as well). Leave a comment in the guest book, let Steve Marshall know how much you like the new edition.

Dead Characters at SNM Horror Magazine

‘Sarah’s Playground’ is in the anthology Bonded By Blood II: A Romance In Red, put out by SNM Horror Magazine. This is a beautiful book. The cover is amazing and the forward is by Wendy Brewer. Details on purchasing can be found here:

Bonded By Blood II A Romance In Red

Liquid Imagination has just released their first anthology. It is the Static Movement Special Edition Print Volume II. For the most part this is a best of collection of the online magazine, Static Movement, owned and operated by Chris Bartholomew. Along with the best stories, you get quite a few poems. Each story is accompanied by illustrations.

My story, ‘Broken Hearted Savior,’ appears in this special edition collection and is illustrated by Kyle Naden. His illustration captures the story in a unique way. Thank you, Kyle, for the wonderful artwork for ‘Broken Hearted Savior.’

You can pick up the collection at a relatively inexpensive price of $10.00. First off, you can check out Chris’ Static Movement here:

Static Movement

Now, you can order the special edition print collection here:

Static Movement Special Edition Print Volume II

My flash story, ‘The Crimson Spider’ was picked up in December by The New Flesh. It’s a reprint but rewritten completely before I sent it in. You can check it out here:

The Crimson Spider at The New Flesh Magazine

Leave a howl if you will.

Okay, I’m done being longwinded. Please, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Feel free, also, to leave comments.

For now, I’m AJ and I’m out…

Static Movement Special Print Edition 2

Check out the recently released Static Movement Special Print Edition Volume 2. My story, 'Broken Hearted Savior' appears there within. Read on for a blurb and contributors.

I would like to thank Kyle Naden for providing the image for my story—he is a brilliant young artist in his mid-teens. Kyle has inspired several of my short stories and his illustration for 'Broken Hearted Savior' catches the story in a unique light.


Editor Chris Bartholomew created the ezine Static Movement in order to publish stories readers get lost in. The ezine Static Movement has been around for years, a starting point for new writers and a test of mettle for seasoned pros. The stories in this anthology come directly from the ezine, ranging from speculative to literary fiction, written by some of the most well-known up-and-coming writers out there such as Eric S. Brown, John Klawitter and P.S. Gifford. Illustrations and artwork enhance each story. Prices for similar products in bookstores target around $20.00, but you can purchase Static Movement Print Special No. 2 for $10.00.

Stories
Waiting-by Ken Head
Expiry-by Mo Irvine
Down the Corridors of Life Purloined-by Anthony G. Bernstein
See Mouse Fly-by John Klawitter
Me & MB-by John Klawitter
The Collector-by Sarah Frost Mellor
Whispering through the Veil-by J.T. Evans
Hands of Mercy-by John “JAM” Arthur Miller
The Herbs of Andali-by James P. Wagner
Those Left Behind-by Kevin Wallis
Scary Story-by Leonardo “Leo” John Miller
The Nightmare-by Vincent “Vinnie” Logan Miller
The Disappearance of Alice P. Liddell-by Michael Hanson
Stealing Skyward (creative nonfiction)-by Joshua Michael Johnson
The Wikid Pedia: A Reminder, A Warning, A Short History-by James A. Stewart
Falling Away-by T.L. Bodine
Awaken to a Nightmare-by Brian Barnett
Dinnertime-by Rick McQuiston
The Cull-by John Irvine
Earth Bound-Elliot Richard Dorfman
Walking the Winds at Dawn (Falling through the Clouds at Night)-by Justin Curtis
Work at Home Job-James P. Wagner
Broken Hearted Savior-by A.J. Brown
Emotion Eaters-by Scott Wilson
Taedium Mortis-by Louise Norlie
The Call-by John Stanton
At the Seaside , by the Sea-by Florence Stanton
FETCH!-by Ken Goldman
Swan Maiden-by Tala Bar
She-by Shelly Muir
Ill Met in Turquoise Sunset-by Glen Held
The Chest (a tribute to Edgar Allen Poe's “The Gold Bug”)-by S. Copperstone
Static Movement-by John “JAM” Arthur Miller
Silent Delivery-by Jamie K. Schmidt
Behind Closed Doors-by Charlotte Emma Gledson
The Wranglers-by Eric S. Brown
The Dentist Visit-by P.S. Gifford
Poetry by:
Lee Kuruganti
William Wolford
Ken Head
Jonathan Crider
John C. Mannone
Michael H. Hanson
Brandon L. Rucker
Deborah Walker
P.S. Gifford

Illustrators

Shane McKenzie
Lucas Pederson
John Stanton
Jack S. Rogers
Lee Kuruganti
Kyle Naden

You can go here for the purchasing information:

Static Movement

Bonded By Blood II: A Romance In Red

Welcome, ye dark visceral explorers, to the second-born anthology of SNM Horror Magazine, featuring 20 of the darkest short stories published and brought to you exclusively from SNM Horror Mag. These are the new voices of horror today and our next generation of tomorrow’s pioneers. We finally unleash them back upon the Earth to haunt the sleep of the living and wake the Dead from their slumber. Yes, Bonded by Blood II!

SNM Horror Mag is honored to showcase them in this crypt we call our best of anthology. It features only the SOTM over 18 months. Also included are 2 bonus tracks from the Chief Editor; one of which is a collaborative story with SNM author Joel Peterson. We have built this hallowed Mausoleum from the grave on up and have brought it into daylight by way of darkness. We hope you welcome and embrace it. We have exhumed only the very darkest from our blackened crypt. If you like cerebral, suggestive horror that isn’t afraid to cross new thresholds in shocking the reader and making them think twice, then look no further.

We have finally been rated the #1 Online Horror Magazine of 2009! Thank you for your kind support of the featured writers herein as they are paid royalties for every sale. We really took our time to do this one right and have featured the best 20 stories of over 800 submissions from the last 18 months! We hope it reflects your highest standards. Please recommend us and support our endeavor.

We know you will discover some dark talent and enjoy the featured stories. The best way to show your support to the authors is to buy their books and visit their websites posted at the bottom of each story and in their bios. We have both new male and female horror authors for you to choose from. We hope that you find it disturbing. May it darken your daydreams…and illuminate your nightmares!

Here is the lineup in order for Bonded By Blood II:

James Cheetham - Bumper Shine
Dianna Street - Making Of A Monster
James Woodcock - The Suffering
Jen Conley - Old Hag's Syndrome
Allison Rogers - Gravedigger
Elizadeth Hetherington - Immortal Stone
A.J. Brown - Sarah's Playground
J.C. Lira - A Head Full Of Bad Animals
Jack Burton - The Gambler
Suzie Bradshaw - Wagging Tongues
Steven Marshall - I Dream of Death
A.R. Braun - The Interloper
Brett Graham - Dr. Spindle's House
Daniel Fabiani -Grave Offerings
Adrian Ludens - Cold Feet
Stacy Bolli - Behind Dark Corners
Liz Strange- Night of Stolen Dreams
Kerry Morgan - Blood Brothers
Brian Johnpeer - The Pen
SNM & Joel Peterson - Love Gently Bleeds

20 short stories, 250 pages, 94,000 words. Retail Price: $15.95 + S&H

In closing, we leave you with the foreword written by Wendy Brewer, Copy Editor for Edward Lee and Editor of the Dark Hart anthologies.

“Many years ago, I took on the arduous task of editor for a “For the Luv” horror ezine called The Murder Hole. There was no monetary gratification for myself, for the woman who hosted the website, or for any of the contributors. Yet month after month I was overwhelmed with submissions and I still managed to put forth issues highlighting some of the best dark fiction out there. From well-established writers to semi-established writers working their way to the top, to newbies, I’ve watched over the years as many of the authors I published moved on to become award-winning novelists, mass-market novelists, even publishers and editors. It’s kind of like watching your babies growing up to be successful in doing what they love and do best: writing.

That being said, I completely understand what Steven N. Marshall puts into his ezine each and every month. It takes a lot of dedication. It takes a lot of hard work. It requires enthusiasm and unconstrained loyalty to his chosen path, even in the face of adversity; perseverance overcoming animosity. And Steve manages to pull it off, putting out a new issue every month with style and flair, overwhelmingly denoting the true reasons he continues.

It’s all about “for the love of.”

The authors published by SNM every month demonstrate that same love and dedication. Reading the stories in this anthology, you can’t help but see the love these writers have for their craft of writing. Their best efforts shine through brilliantly in every story, adding new twists to old plots, bending rules, breaking out of the proverbial ‘box’, showing the readers that not only do they love to write, but they write for a simple reason: They want to entertain you, the reader.

This yearly crowning achievement published by SNM is a work of love, devotion and commitment by the authors and editors for those who enjoy and appreciate the efforts put forth by all involved. It is an extraordinary accomplishment, packed with compelling horror and dark fiction that will keep you turning the pages long after you should have turned the lights out and gone to bed.

I was truly honored when Steve had approached me about doing the introduction for this anthology. The anthologies he puts out prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the writing and creating of stories and the genuine objective to entertain isn’t all about money. It’s about literary achievement in the horror community and becoming known. It doesn’t happen overnight!

The editors know this.
The contributors know this.
Now the readers know this.
It’s all about telling a story.
And, most importantly…

It’s all about “for the love of.”

I was very impressed by this anthology. The consistency of quality writing, they way that each story stands apart from one another, the literary prose, the haunting residual in the mind, makes this a perfect masterpiece of fiction. It is comprised of the Stories of the Month for a year and a half, over careful consideration and selection from a top-rated magazine that publishes cerebral, psychological horror; horror that isn’t afraid to cross taboo thresholds, yet suggest something so menacing that the reader is grateful it’s kept offstage. Let these brave pioneers of the next Poe and Lovecraft generation whisper their dark secrets into your soul and haunt you in the most eerie, personal way: through the power of suggestion and the art of horrific eloquence. My favorite type of reading!”

Wendy Brewer, Copy Editor for Edward Lee.

Order your copy of Bonded By Blood II today or die trying!

Thank you for your loyalty and support to SNM Horror Mag.

www.createspace.com/3417084

The SNM Mausoleum is now built…and the Dead have been ripped from the Crypt and exhumed from the Tomb!

Darkest Wishes,
Steven Nicholas Marshall
Senior Editor / Moderator
SNM Horror Magazine
www.snmhorrormag.com

Onward...

Down the street a truck appears, adorned in reds and greens, its lights shining. The driver honks and waves a meaty hand as he passes through the crowd of onlookers. Three fingers are missing, a pinky and thumb form an odd L shape. "Merry Christmas," he bellows. It comes out "Mare-wee Cwis-moss."

Again, It Continues...

"Here they come," a kid shouts, others echo his words. Eyes open wide in anticipation and little ones squirm in their seats; blankets come off as they stomp their feet, kicking up clouds of dust.

It continues

There's no snow this year; streets are covered in dust and dirt, debris from crumbling buildings, worn by time, weather and the passing wars. Few trees have stood the test of bombs and bullets, fewer windows remain intact.

A breeze blows along Main Street, lifting grit and trash into the air. Many cover their faces, kids cry out from the sting of sand in eyes; some adults shake their heads and wonder why others choose not to wear protective goggles.

A Story In Pieces

So, I decided to do this story on Facebook, posting excerpts with updates. Sadly, I can only post 420 characters at a time, which amounts to about 130-140 words, depending on spaces. The parts will be posted each day starting today and going through Christmas Eve.

But, wait, AJ, I said to myself. What if folks don't use Facebook? Well, then they are out of luck. Ah, but Mr. Self wouldn't allow that. Other egos stepped in, I was beaten 48 times with a wet noodle--that actually hurts, by the way--and finally, the powers that be gave in to the masses and said post the story, in parts, on Blogger and MySpace.

So, here we are, myself and all of my other selves (one of them looking over my shoulder making sure I do this right) bringing you some Christmas cheer.

The story is titled 'Not Like It Use To Be.'

Enjoy and come back tomorrow to read more.

Thank you.

I'm AJ and I'm out and here is the beginning of 'Not Like It Used To Be.'

***

Families line the streets, kids bundled in coats, hats, gloves and blankets. Adults stand or sit in folding chairs, hands in pockets or laps, their excitement matching the children's. A chill hugs each person tight. Teeth clatter, legs shake and dance, trying to stay warm. Hot chocolate and coffee work for a while but fade, leaving shivers along spines.

"How much longer, Momma?" they asks, young eyes and hearts waiting, hoping to catch a glimpse of an elf or reindeer or Santa Clause. Maybe some candy will get tossed their way.

"Not much longer," mothers and fathers announce, some happily, others with a chagrin that sits in their stomachs like heavy rocks. Christmas isn't like it was when they were kids, back when December meant presents and eggnog and feasts, parties and family get-togethers, Christmas lights and holiday specials on television. Snow-filled streets meant sledding and snowmen, snow angels and snow ball fights.