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22 May 2012

Horror Writers Against Happy Endings and Charter Shorts

Yo! Lots of great stuff going on out there in the e-world and the real-world right now. On a personal level I'm ecstatic to note that my cat finished the last of his antibiotics today, and Dave and I still have all of our fingers and toes.

I'm keeping my fingers-for-which-I'm-grateful crossed that he's really better and we don't have to do that again.

Story a Day in May is not going well, my friends, due to that whole we-thought-the-cat-might-die episode, which was followed by a the-cat-is-not-dead-yet-so-let's-celebrate-by-going-to-the-cottage episode. (He went with us. He likes the cottage. Seriously.) Life is returning to normal now. I'm thinking I'll work through the rest of my April Story prompts as a Camp NaNoWriMo Rebel. You? What are your writing plans for June?

While you're dreaming up an answer to that question, here are two things to consider:


Stant Litore, author of the Zombie Bible series of books, has written a gorgeous manifesto for horror writers.
After all the monsters chew their way out of Pandora's box (whether she opens it or not), only hope is left flickering faintly at the bottom, irremediably fragile and heart-stoppingly beautiful. I may let a little hope flicker like ailing Tinkerbell in a reader's cupped hands, and remind them life is to be lived frantically and passionately and love is to be acted on and expressed deeply while we're here, but I leave the happily ever afters to Disney.
Read more and collect your own badge at his post on Horror Writers Against Happy Endings.


Andrew Leon at StrangePegs reveals "The Top Secret Super Secret Project:" Charter Shorts, a collection of stories by students of the creative writing class he teaches at his son's middle school. It looks awesome. Proceeds go to fundraising for the school. Read more about it or buy a Kindle or dead tree version to support the project and keep the littlest writers writing.

11 comments:

Pish Posh said...

Well I am glad the kitty is doing better! That important too :) Get back on the horse. Even a couple stories in may are better than no stories in May!

Fantasy Writer Guy said...

Hot off my first ever November Nano win, I am giving camp nano a try - as a rebel of course. I will work on up to four different existing projects - looking for another 50k.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I'll be at Camp Nano, too, this June. Reworking a ms I started during Camp 2011, worked on in November NaNo 2011 as a rebel and here I am again. I'm keeping the idea and a few characters but otherwise, it's all new. Actually, it's back to the original idea...ugh.

Good news about your cat...and your fingers and toes. :)

Deborah Walker said...

I like the HWAHE idea. One reason that I love horror is that you're not obliged to fulfil any notions of fairness. Bad things happen to good people in horror stories.

That said, I can't sign up to it. Because more often than not, I do give my horror a happy ending. I just do. I can't seem to help myself. Anyhoo a happy ending in horror is, at least, unusual.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I'm glad that your cat is doing better and that you have all your fingers and toes. I intend to buy Andrew's book tonight! Gotta support the kiddies.

Bluestocking said...

I'm glad to hear the cat is doing better! Maybe you can steal some days from June to reach your story-a-day quota if that's still something you want to do. But otherwise I'd be all about the kitty and the cottage. I love writing, but sometimes you need to take time for yourself and your family.

Andrew Leon said...

Wow! Thanks so much for posting about the book! I'm sort of in a state of disbelief. You're awesome!

Mina Lobo said...

Glad your kitty's on the mend!

And yah, horror stories with happy endings...I dig 'em. :-)

Some Dark Romantic

Chris Kelworth said...

So - tell us more, what's your rebel mission? :)

Anonymous said...

So happy to hear the cat is better (hopefully) and all your digits are intact! I am really enjoying your blog. I always leave feeling happier, better informed, or just entertained. It’s a genuine pleasure to have met you. I’ve nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. If you choose to read and repost the award, please follow this link: http://jimlwright.wordpress.com/2012/05/25/one-lovely-blog-award/

Elizabeth Twist said...

Thank you, everyone, and Jim especially! I am finally in good enough shape to stop by and pick up the award.

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