Hello all

It’s been a busy few weeks in the author world. For me, it’s consisted of creating several short stories, tuning a novel or two and preparing for the busiest period in my career thus far. I have several contributions being published in several anthologies in the next few months (see the Anthologies thread for info) so juggling the promotion for these and certain deadlines has certainly tested me. But, as always, I’m a glutton for punishment and I love every second of it…so bring it on.

Unfortunately, it means my blog has been neglected somewhat. I also forgot to promote the fact I won a prestigious writing competition in that time. So, apologies to Dark Chapter Press, but now is the time to shout about this.

Dark Chapter Press are a fairly new press on the horror scene. However, if you click the link below, you will see that their scope and ambition is phenomenal and, no offence to everyone else, they are really going places. Which is why their competition appealed to me.

In August, they promoted said competition, one for Flash Fiction entries. Initially, I was hesitant. Flash Fiction, to sum up, is a writers potential nightmare. 500 words, in this case, to put across a story that chills and thrills. I thought ‘I can’t do this…’ However, after speaking to Rob McEwan, the man behind Dark Chapter Press, he convinced me to take part. And I’m glad I did, for two reasons.

One, I’ve never attempted Flash Fiction before. This was my ‘drop him in the deep end’ moment. Two, Rob’s vision was simple, enthusiastic and complimentary. Rob has read my work in the past and urged me to submit. His kind words encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. So I did. Using the image to the right (dismembered dolls, creepy!), I was to construct a 500 word – no more, maybe less – horror tale. It was a challenge, but I managed to knock it out in one afternoon. Keeping to 500 words was tough. However, I can now thank Rob for making me do this…I have the Flash Fiction bug now and aim to write many more…when I get the time.

I submitted and sat back, diving back into my normal length work. Back then, I would have never envisioned winning the whole thing.

Come September, and that is exactly what happened. I was dumbfounded. I never imagined I would win. When I see the talent that submitted to the competition (notable entries of which can be read on the Blog page on the link below) I was proud but humbled. I still can’t believe it to this day. I see many fellow authors included in this list, including Angel Gelique, Tabitha Baumander, Doug Dluzen, and many more. I’m a fan of many of the contributors so to be amongst these writers is a dream come true.

So, to Rob McEwan and Dark Chapter Press, I thank you for choosing my effort. I’m proud to be the inaugural winner of your competition. Your aim is to find talented, new horror authors, and judging by the other entries you received, you’ve done just that.

My short story, Pieces, can be read here: Flash Fiction Winner – August 2014: Pieces

Dark Chapter Press – Check out their September competition: Flash Fiction – September

And their website, including other notable entries thus far: Notable Entries for August