Happy Halloween.

Just to wish everyone a very happy, gut churningly terrifying All Hallows Eve.


Please spare a thought for all the witches, gouls, ghosts, vampires, mummies, werewolves and zombies who have worked so hard to make this night so special.

Now available.

Dark Deeds In History is now available through Static Movement and is edited by Dorothy Davies.

Hopefully Christmas Fear 2 will be completed in time for Christmas. It contains my offering 'Slaying Belles' Bit of a classic Christmas slasher.

Publication News.

A story entitled 'Knight Of The Long Knives' has been accepted into an anthology by Static Movement. Dark Deeds In History should be out in the late summer and avaiable from them direct or Amazon.

Currently writing...

A scary hack n slash Christmas horror. Five bodies and five heads, but not all attached. Santa's Elves may never be the same.

Not one for the kids. Unless they have been very naughty...


Also in early stages of a story about the horrific things that could happen under an old hospital.

Publication news

Unquiet Earth. An Anthology of Living Dead Flash Fiction.

This publication contains 2 of my offerings. The book is avaiable from
www.pillhillpress.com/shoppe-static-movement.HTML

Each story has 1000 words or less so it's ideal coffee break reading.

Neil Gaiman news.

Doctor Who to feature episode written by NG 'Den of Geek'. Will definitely be watching that one.

Also American Gods to get the big screen treatment. No idea yet of casting etc but if he has his own way then no doubt it will be a true interpretation of the book.

Something to ponder......

When we come face-to-face with the monsters, we may find ourselves looking not at a mask but at a mirror.

Ramsey Campbell.
In 'Avoiding what's been done to death' p25 of 'On Writing Horror'.

Collectormania Milton Keynes

Looking forward to this event. Stadium MK 28/29/30 May.

Although event is mainly a sci-fi/fantasy convention there are some excellent guests, and some good 'anorak' shopping.

Check out the details on their web site.

What I'm currently writing.

I am in the process of writing a few short stories.
One is set in a retirement home and is a bit "pyscho" meets "hostel"
The second is for the American anthologies market and follows the events of a one hour period that invokes change.

I will post excerpts on here at a later date.

I'm also working on a novella idea that thus far has not made it to paper. It is still lurking around in the deeper darker recesses of my mind waiting to jump out and shout "surprise".

Microfiction again.

Tormented.

She hadn't let the monster in, it was already there.
One swift slash, it took her love roaming unopposed through the house.
Taking her precious children. Destroying her life.
Now they stood face to face. She made the first cut.
The monster smiled as her blood sprayed the mirrored glass.

Micro Fiction.

Micro fiction is a story told in exactly 50 words.
This one has no title, but is written by me.

There's a solitary tap on glass...
Then another.
She remains silent, heart beating faster.
Eyes tight shut she slowly turns.
Lights from outside piercing her darkness.
She continues to spin, suspended in fluid.
The doctor makes a note, turns out the light.
Silently she spins on in her solitary existence.



Hope you enjoyed it, there'll be more to follow

Short story anthologies.

If, like me you are new to writing horror and are looking for markets in which to be published (even if it is just for the satisfaction of appearing in print and not for monetary gain) then look at the american short story and flash fiction publishers. I have listed a few below.

There publish stories in a range of genre such as:- Horror, sci fi, fantasy, dark fantasy, crime, classic ghost story, and others. Word length is generall 2k-5k but does vary.

Generally like 3rd person view, originality, twist endings and a bit quirky.

This is by no means an all inclusive list but a start point for you. Please give some feedback or site addresses for inclusion in future blogs.

http://www.staticmovement.com/
http://www.pillhillpress.com/
http://www.wickedeastpress.com/
http://www.darkquestbooks.com/

My intentions

I intend to post excerpts from my stories and publication news. I would also like to be able to pass on news and knowledge to people who may be interested so get in touch with your news and I'll give you a shout.
My first story published was 'Left under the tree' published by those kind people at Static Movement in the anthology 'Christmas Fear'. My everlasting gratitude to Chris Bartholomew who edited the book.