Just a quick note of thanks to all of those who sent me birthday wishes. I was overwhelmed by so many kind words and really touched that so many people took the time. Means a lot and really lifted my spirits! Much love back to you all. x

C

The June issue of Lissette's Tales of the Imagination (featuring my story "El Corazon") is available from the publisher now for US$5.95 + s&h. Paypal is accepted, and there's a contact link for those outside the US who would like a postage quote.

C

Just a quick update on the whole Real Girls situation. Well, I've now signed a contract with Spencer Hill Press. I can confirm that the other authors have also signed agreements or are in negotiations.

I admire Spencer Hill for picking up the anthology and look forward to working with this publisher to bring out a fantastic book full of steampunk richness that will delight both older and younger readers.

Expected publication date is September.

C

Not so long ago my friend Amy was going through a rough time. To make her feel better, I wrote up a micro story for her based on a silhouette picture I'd seen of a girl on a riverbank. In the distance a little boat was visible, but it wasn't clear if it was coming or going.

The story, "Amy in the Dark", has just been picked up by The Linnet's Wings, and is set to appear in their Summer issue.

C

My flash piece "Absolute Zero" is now live over at The Story Shack. This story is free to read, and is suitable for all ages.

C

Spotlight anthology is finally available in paperback! Pick up a copy from Amazon today for US$8.99 or from Book Depository for AU$12.25.

Dora Badger of Nightfall Magazine has just accepted my psychological horror piece “Notturno” for her March 2014 issue.

I’ve always been a psy-horror fan and a particular interest of mine is gaslighting, which features prominently in “Notturno”. With this story, it’s very much my intention to actively promote genre fiction that eschews violence and gore for a more subtle approach, and I can’t wait to share this piece with readers.

C

My spec/drama story "Absolute Zero" has been accepted by Martin Hooijmans of The Story Shack. Website publication is due for some time next month, but I've been told that I will receive a final date as soon as the piece is "linked up with an illustrator". How exciting.

UPDATE

I'm currently working with artist Rui and am so excited to see the finished product. Publication is set for May 29.

C

I found two emails in my inbox this morning, and both of them were from magazine editors. One, I noted, had a little paperclip attachment symbol. Of course I opened the other one first and recieved a curt rejection for one of my short stories. So, casting aside my dejection, I moved to the next email and was very, very happy to find that Lissette's Tales of the Imagination wanted to publish my story "El Corazon."

Lissette's, if you're unfamiliar with them, publishes historical fiction with a twist. My story is set in Edwardian Zurich and explores some clandestine memory erasure practices and a broken-hearted protag intent on simultaneously burying and reviving his woes. "El Corazon" will be available in Lissette's June issue.

C