Showing posts with label A cappella Zoo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A cappella Zoo. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

A capella Zoo Online

I mentioned a while back that A cappella Zoo was going online with stories. Well, you can now read "A Sort of Honeymoon" from issue #2 for free. The story lands just over 1,000 words, so it'll be quick and painless. I promise.

It's not a horror story. Not even dark.

In fact, I write an awful lot of not-so-dark fantasyesque shorts. Maybe the ol' blog needs another face lift?

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

The Great Electronic Debate Part 2

A cappella Zoo is opening an online archive of previously published stories. The editor, Colin Meldrum, sent an email asking for permission to publish/archive "A Sort of Honeymoon". I didn't hesitate in replying "yes".

I started this internal debate here. Today, I'm adding evidence in favor of online publishing.

During an average week at Fifty-Two Stitches, we see over 250 visitors. While this isn't an astronomical number, the count has been growing steadily over the past four months (thanks largely in part to the fantastic stories and buzz created by the author/contributors). Two points for online publishing: new content can be added frequently with less effort. Imagine a print magazine with weekly editions...imagine the cost involved (both in labor and actual capital). Online is cheaper and more cost effective.

Some write for themselves. Some write to be read. For some, writing is a blend of both worlds. I do write because the process of writing is important to me, but I want as many people as possible to read/understand/enjoy the products of my labor. I don't live in a vacuum. Another point for online.

Consumers (and here I use the word in its most general sense) are wary to give up their hard earned $$ for untested products. Give it to them free, however...and online wins another point. Even publishers stand to gain by giving away content: you build consumer trust and following. Another point for online. (this is turning into a rather lopsided affair)

I haven't even addressed the "green" issue. (online wins again)

In my previous post, I mentioned this as a head vs. heart issue. My heart still likes to see work in print, but my heart is also swayed by knowing people are reading and sometimes, on rare occasions when the planets align, even enjoying, my writing.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

A Love Letter to January

Actually, I'm pretty glad January is over. It's been cold, so cold. The kids at school are about ready to explode with cabin fever. I'm tired of dry skin and cracked hands.

Bring on the sun! Bring on spring!

But first, let me pause to reflect:

I wrote three new short stories ("Tommy of the Flood", "Empty Vessels", and "The Distillery") plus one flash piece ("Fuzzy") inspired by one of Owen's books and another flash that will remain nameless for the time being. I edited a couple other bits and launched them in to the ether.

I placed a drabble with Drabblecast, a weird flash piece with Everyday Weirdness, and a magical realism short with A cappella Zoo.

A few things were published on the web, but my favorite appearances for January landed in Monstrous from Permuted Press and Northern Haunts from Shroud.

I tinkered with Rock Gods and Scary Monsters a bit and wrote about 3.5K on The House Eaters.

In support of the small press, I took out a subscription to Murky Depths and purchased the latest edition of Black Ink Horror (#5).

Whew.

January was a good month for personal reflection, too. Thanks for all the great discussions.

I'm going to go play with my kids.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Out Jinxing the Jinx



Evidently, I out-jinxed the jinx by mentioning A cappella Zoo in a previous entry because they've accepted "A Sort of Honeymoon" for the Spring 2009 issue. I seem to write more weird magical realism these days. I think I need to test the water at home...

I changed the flag for the blog (again). I'm planning a giveaway "contest". Actually, I'm planning on purging a few books from my library at home, so stay tuned for freebies.

More later. Have a day.