It's Been a Very Good Year

Overall, 2012 was a very good year. This year, more than any other, reminded me that I still have so much to learn. To paraphrase George Harrision, "the more I learn about writing, the more I realize I still don't know!" (George was talking about playing sitar, but the sentiment is dead-on.)

I wrote fewer stories this year than in any of the previous five years. It is a constant struggle to remember Quality is better than Quantity.  After two professional sales in 2011, I thought for sure I would make that coveted "Active" status in the Horror Writers Association in 2012, but as of December 10th, I remain an Affiliate.

Rather than be discouraged, I think it would be best to reflect on the positives:

After nearly two years of corrections, edits, and revisions (special thanks to Karen Hall and Michaelia Kendall of Black Hills Writers Group), I released my debut short story collection, Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles. The book is available in quality paperback via Createspace, and electronically via Amazon Kindle. The book collects nineteen of my favorite previously-published stories, ranging from weird western to steampunk mystery (but mostly horror and supernatural suspense). Every story was polished prior to publication, and some were revised extensively.

Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles is available HERE.

Also published in 2012:

"Ghost Soup" in Gunslingers and Ghost Stories

"A Brother's Love" (aka "You Don't Know Jack") in Granite Island, Amber Sea

"A Misadventure to Call Your Own" (first professional sale, but second published) in Blood Lite III: Aftertaste

"How to Make A Monster" in Slices of Flesh

"The Elephant in the Room" in Zombie Kong: the Anthology

"The Biggin Hill Duel" (cover story) in Big Pulp

"Souls on Ice" in Winter Chills

"Solitary Man" in Morpheus Tales #15

I am grateful to all the respective editors for purchasing/selecting my work.


UPCOMING in 2013:

"Life and Limb" in Blood Rites

"Sweet Tea and MamaLady" in Dark Eclipse

"Granted Wishes" in Dark Light 2

I don't want to give too much away, but I currently have fourteen other stories under consideration by various anthologies, magazines and e-zines.

Thank you all for reading. I appreciate it.