Monday is for Monsters, Madness, and Magic

I just felt like a little alliteration today, okay?

First of all, head over to the Strange Publications blog and welcome Cate Gardner to the fold. I'm thrilled to say Strange will be publishing her short story collection, Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits and Other Curious Things. I'm speaking of magic here, folks. Magic.

As for the madness, well the NCAA Men's National Championship will be decided tonight between Butler and Duke. My estimate is about 90% of the country (that gives a shite) will be cheering for Butler. Sorry Dukies, the Bulldogs have a much better story. Maybe I'm wrong on this...I guess that would be more madness...

And monsters. Plenty of them.

Because I like monsters. In fact, I like monsters so much, I'm running a poll over in the sidebar. Your vote is appreciated through midnight (US central standard time) this Friday. Have a lovely week.

Things Ruinous, Things Unexpected

If you haven't heard already, the magnificent Arkham Tales #5 is out, but dead on arrival. This will be their last issue. My short story, "Little Fingers", scheduled for a future issue, is now an orphan. But don't weep for her. Weep for good, weird fiction. Arkham Tales always provided a solid read. Head over and download the whole archive if you haven't already.

I dove editor-first into Loathsome, Dark, and Deep this weekend. I like it. The challenge...finding a publisher/agent for a weird, steampunkish romp through the Pacific Northwest in the 1880s, haunted by selfish men and monsters. Le sigh. Gonna be a damn good book, though. (so says the author bent on self-promotion...ha!)

The Chiefs rescued me from my post-Arkham Tales blues a little, thanks to an improbable victory (in overtime no less) over the reigning champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Maybe you can allow over 400 yards passing and win...

Okay, not a strategy to try again.

Finally, The Boris Karloff Blogathon starts today, and I have a little tribute up at my Classic Monsters blog. Check it out if you have a chance. Karloff was the consummate professional, and a real inspiration to just keep working...good things will happen. Yes, NaNoWriMos, that little bit was for you. *winks*