The Horror Tree Recent Markets, Articles, Interviews, and Fiction!

Articles

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The SFWA Has Shared The Following Amazing Statement On Black Lives Matter And Protests

We don’t have the audience size, reach, or opportunities to provide that the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America can do. I wish we did because the following statement is powerful and provides the kind of action we wish to be able to provide. I hope we’ve made it clear over the years that Horror Tree will always try to include and amplify diverse voices from all races, genders, and walks of life.

In case you don’t know our stance on the issue.
Black Lives Matter.

According to the SFWA:

“We give lip service to acceptance, as though acceptance were enough.”

― Octavia E. Butler, Parable of the Sower

People ask how worlds like Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower can exist. It happens through the slow creep of power aided by the complacency of those shielded by their position in society.

It is not enough to have an anti-harassment policy and call that good. We must work for equity and diversity to make sure that underrepresented voices are heard, to increase inclusion in the genre of science fiction and fantasy, in the larger ecosystem of publishing, in our writing community, and in life.

We support Black Lives Matter and the protesters who are seeking justice for centuries of white supremacy and police brutality.

We acknowledge that SFWA has historically ignored and, in too many instances, reinforced the injustices, systemic barriers, and unaddressed racism, particularly toward Black people, that have contributed to this moment. We have allowed those who spoke for change in SFWA to be drowned out by those who clung to the status quo. We have a responsibility to admit our failings and to continually commit to dismantling these oppressive and harmful systems, both within this organization and ourselves.

“People who say change is impossible are usually pretty happy with things just as they are.”

― N.K. Jemisin, The City We Became

These are the actions that SFWA is taking as first steps to clean our own house and work towards making our community safer for Black writers.

  • For the month of June, 100% of registrations for the 2020 Nebula Convention Online content will go directly to the Carl Brandon Society and the Black Speculative Fiction Society.
  • We are creating a matching program for the 2020 Nebula Convention Online so that each registration purchased this month creates a seat for a Black writer.
  • For the next year, we are waiving fees for SFWA membership for Black writers.
  • We are waiving registration fees for next year’s Nebula conference attendance for Black writers.
  • We are creating a travel fund to help defer the costs of Black writers attending the Nebula conference.
  • We are committing to reaching out to Black-led science fiction and fantasy organizations about applying for the additional grant money that we have available.

For those who wish to learn more about what you can do to help, here is a list of resources:

Many of us are feeling helpless in the face of racist terror, but there are ways for all of us to do our part with the time, money, and resources we have available. Our choices matter now more than ever. What we know from writing science fiction and fantasy is that the present we find ourselves in was avoidable but our nation chose not to avoid it. We can still choose a just and equal future, if we work together as a community to dismantle white supremacy.

If you wish to donate to organizations or causes, Black Lives Matter has curated a list of organizations that could use your support. In addition to those, these groups are part of the science fiction and fantasy community.

Unanimously signed,

The Board of Directors of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America

Reviews

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Epeolatry Book Review: Grotesque: Monster Stories by Lee Murray

Disclosure:

Our reviews may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the links in this article we may receive a small commission or referral fee. This happens without any additional cost to you.

Title: Grotesque: Monster Stories
Author: Lee Murray
Genre: Horror
Publisher: Things in the Well
Release Date: 2020

Synopsis: Grotesque: Monster Stories, by Lee Murray is a terrifying compilation of eleven stories, that will haunt you long after you’ve closed the book’s covers.

There is magic in these pages as the landscape of New Zealand is showcased in several stories, taking readers to a setting where we often don’t see many tales of horror. It was an unexpected treat to find myself absorbed in the mythology of the Māori along with learning about their culture through their legends. 

As the mythology of the Māori are not well-known legends across the world today, Murray provides a glossary of Māori terms at the end of the book as these cultural terms are heavily referenced in her stories. Yet, I found myself not needing the glossary as her prose and description of cultural terms within the text was detailed and concise. I understood the cultural references and did not find the details detracting from the story.

Monsters plague the pages of this anthology, however, not always in the way we would expect them. Some tales have supernatural monsters whilst other tales speak of monsters on a more human level. I tend to find the latter more disturbing, which is why out of all the stories within the book, I found “Dead End Town” to be the most horrific tale. Not only is this story a perfectly written tale of horror with a mix of human and supernatural monsters, but the story tore me apart emotionally. I could not read the entire short story in one sitting. “Dead End Town” still sits in the back of my mind as I write this review. 

Murray has perfectly captured the grotesque nature of monsters in each one of these tales. At no time is a reader ever lulled into a place of calm because there is continually something sinister lurking in the background. 

Within the book, we meet a multitude of characters and experience Murry’s strength as an author where we see her author voice strongly maintained throughout the book. In the same vein, she has done an impeccable job at uniquely developing each character. Murray develops a character with minimal words, yet fully know the character—their backstory, drive, dreams, and personalities. Each character in this collection is unique, and you never get the sense that you are reading the same type of character in each story. ​

​Grotesque: Monster Stories is a masterpiece collection of macabre monster stories that is not only captivating but also satisfying.

5 out of 5 stars

Please note, I received an ARC in exchange for this review

Articles

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Here Is What You Can Expect From Den Of Geek And Tor’s Virtual TorCon Next Week!

The world is slowly reopening but conventions are just not happening this year. Fortunately, for the book lovers out there Den of Geek, Tor.com, and Tor have teamed up to give us TorCon! Yesterday, we featured details about their author roundtable for an exclusive ‘Night of the Living Dead’ screening!. Now, we have the full line up to share with you as well as links to how to register to the various events which will be running from Thursday, June 11th through Sunday, June 14th!

Here is what you have to look forward to!

Thursday 6/11:

  • 7 PM ET/4 PM PT: Christopher Paolini and Brandon Sanderson in conversation
    Bestselling authors, SFF icons, and friends Christopher Paolini (To Sleep in a Sea of Stars) and Brandon Sanderson (Rhythm of War) chat about their upcoming projects, their writing processes, science fiction, fantasy, and everything in between. This conversation will be pre-recorded and available only during the weekend of #TorCon. We’re taking questions for this one in advance, so leave yours in the comments!
    Register Here

Friday 6/12:

Saturday 6/13:

  • 1 PM ET/10 AM PT: “Books & Brunch” Facebook Live Reading Series
    Nothing pairs better with brunch than books. Join Calculating Stars author Mary Robinette Kowal for a balanced brunchfest of book talk…and a sneak peek at her upcoming “Lady Astronauts” novel, The Relentless Moon.
    Register Here
  • 5 PM ET/2 PM PT: Chaotic Communal Storytime
    Authors can take inspiration from anything to write stories that move us emotionally and transport us to other worlds. Now let’s see how they do when we’re the inspiration. Join K. A. Doore (The Unconquered City), S. L. Huang (Critical Point, Burning Roses), Arkady Martine (A Memory Called Empire), and Kit Rocha (Deal With the Devil) as they use your writing prompts to create a brand new story—and talk about their craft and inspirations along the way.
    Register Here

Sunday 6/14:

  • 1 PM ET/10 AM PT: “Books & Brunch” Facebook Live Reading series
    Nothing pairs better with brunch than books. Join authors Jenn Lyons (The Ruin of Kings and the upcoming The Memory of Souls), and Nathan Makaryk (Nottingham and the upcoming Lionhearts) for a balanced brunchfest of book talk…and a sneak peek at their new books!
    Register Here
  • 4 PM ET/1 PM PT: Chaos and Cosmos
    Pop culture has shifted its attention to the messy, the morally ambiguous, and the weird, and we’re all in on that! Come join some of the genre’s most exciting authors as they discuss how they are breaking traditional rules of genre fiction, creating compelling and truly thought-provoking works of science fiction and fantasy—and how chaos may reign in both fantasy worlds, the cosmos, and the real world alike. Panelists include Kate Elliott (Unconquerable Sun), Andrea Hairston (Master of Poisons), Alaya Dawn Johnson (Trouble the Saints), and Ryan Van Loan (The Sin in the Steel), moderated by Kayti Burt of Den of Geek.
    Register Here
  • 7 PM ET/4 PM PT: Cory Doctorow and Nnedi Okorafor in conversation
    Technology. Science. Politics. Their books touch on all of these, and now…they’re talking about it. Join critically acclaimed, award-winning authors Cory Doctorow (Attack Surface, Little Brother) and Nnedi Okorafor (Binti, Remote Control) for a discussion moderated by Kayti Burt of Den of Geek.
    Register Here

Anthology / Events / Flat Amount

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Taking Submissions: Beneath the Misty Surface

Deadline: December 31st, 2020
Payment: $5
Theme: A fantastical war going on under the fog, a new planet that needs some adventurers to discover it, a monster to scare someone’s socks off under the misty surface of a glass pane, or anything in between.

Content:
A fantastical war going on under the fog, a new planet that needs some adventurers to discover it, a monster to scare someone’s socks off under the misty surface of a glass pane, or anything in between.

Accepted Styles:
Short stories and flash fiction

Accepted Genres:
Anything that isn’t erotica or children’s fiction

Simultaneous Submissions:
These are allowed, but please withdraw your submission immediately if accepted by another publisher.

Reprints:
No. Stories posted on the internet, including but not limited to, FB, personal websites, blogs, etc., are considered published.

Number of Submissions per Author:
1 short story or 3 pieces of flash fiction

Length:
A short story should be less than 5,000 words. Each flash fiction piece should be less than 1,500 words. (more…)

Anthology / Events / Flat Amount

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Taking Submissions: Through Other Eyes

Deadline: June 15th, 2020
Payment: $20
Theme: Speculative fiction with non-human protagonists

Stories take us beyond the bounds of our own lives—into new worlds and new situations. Perhaps most importantly, they invite us into new minds. Through the eyes of the characters we temporarily become, we not only live other lives, but discover new ways of looking at our own. Speculative fiction takes us a step farther—beyond the bounds of humanity, itself.

Through Other Eyes is an anthology of tales featuring non-human protagonists. Become someone—and something—else.

Submissions are now open! We’re eager for monsters, androids, vampires, elves, and aliens, but we’re especially excited to meet species of your own design. Familiar or new. Humanoid or non. Your imagination is in charge.

  • Submissions will be open until at least June 15th but may run longer.
  • The expected publication date is November 2020.
  • Open to word counts ranging from 1500 words to 5000 words.
  • Open to all speculative genres (fantasy, sci-fi, horror, slipstream, weird fic, etc) as long as the main POV character isn’t human.
  • No reprints.
  • Accepted stories will receive a $20 honorarium.
  • The anthology will be roughly double the length of a standard issue of All Worlds Wayfarer and feature both physical and digital editions.
  • All standard submission guidelines, when not in contradiction with this list, apply.
Standard Submission Guidelines

We love stories that take us on tours through the fantastic—whether in other dimensions or in the hidden spaces of our own world. We’re looking to highlight an often unseen side of speculative fiction: we want to encounter characters so vivid that our souls slip into their bodies, themes that challenge and move us, and language that makes us swoon. Immersive world-building and twisting plots are awesome aspects of our genres, but we’re looking for stories where these factors are shaped around the characters and themes, instead of the other way around. So often speculative stories are seen as escapist romps or slow, encyclopedic affairs—while there’s nothing wrong with these styles, we know the possibilities are infinite!
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Articles

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Tor Books And Den Of Geek Are Bringing Us An Author Roundtable For A ‘Night of the Living Dead’ Screening!

Fans of George A. Romero’s undead legacy are in for a treat on June 12th, 2020 at 8:00pm EDT. Tor Books And Den of Geek have teamed up to deliver an exclusive screening of the iconic ‘Night of the Living Dead’ online. Not only that, but Romero’s co-author Daniel Kraus will be hosting the event. Joining him are authors Grady Hendrix, Cassandra Khaw, and Paul Tremblay who will be sharing their own thoughts and commentary on the film. For those unfamiliar with Kraus’s work, he completed work on Romero’s ‘The Living Dead’ which is a new novel coming out from TOR on August 4th, 2020.

“The screening and discussion will be streamed live on Den of Geek’s Twitch channel with lots of extra surprises in store. Fans will have the opportunity to join in the chat discussion during and following the film. ”

If you’re planning on seeing these authors thoughts on the matter and potentially submitting your own questions to the panel you can register for the event on eventbrite as part of the virtual TORCon.

Reviews

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Epeolatry Book Review: The Ruin of Delicate Things

Disclosure:

Our reviews may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the links in this article we may receive a small commission or referral fee. This happens without any additional cost to you.

Title: The Ruin of Delicate Things
Author: Beverley Lee
Genre: Horror
Publisher: Ink Raven Press
Release Date: 5th April, 2020

Synopsis: Barrington Hall is a place of secrets—something Dan Morgan has worked hard to forget. But when a heart-breaking loss brings him back to the place where he spent his childhood summers, Barrington Hall will do what it must to make him remember.

Faye Morgan blames her husband for the death of their teenage son. She doesn’t want to leave the place Toby called home. But after she catches a glimpse of a strange boy in the midnight woods and learns of his connection with Barrington Hall, her need to learn more pulls her further and further into a nightmare world filled with past atrocities and the burning flame of revenge.

A tale of grief and horror, The Ruin of Delicate Things explores how loss can leave a hole inside of us. A hole large enough for anything to crawl into.

Beverley Lee is a new author to me, her previous publications include the Gabriel Davenport Vampire Trilogy; but this book is a standalone novel. The Ruin of Delicate Things is a rich tapestry of a narrative with many threads:- an exploration of grief and loss, a marriage in trouble, a rediscovery of a lost childhood and memories, a blend of horror and dark fantasy with an injection of magic- there is a haunted house alive with ghosts, an ancient forest which hums with strange creatures, a treacherous lake, and a village steeped in superstition and the old ways.

Into this rural landscape arrive Dan and Faye Morgan, grief stricken after the tragic death of their teen son in an accident, and holding onto their sanity and their marriage by a thread. Dan has inherited the cottage in the woods from his late aunt, Lucinda, with whom he spent happy summer holidays, until something happened (he can’t remember what exactly- why, we wonder? As does his wife) and he’s not been back in thirty years. 

Lee writes fully developed characters you really empathise with and root for. I really invested in Dan and Faye, and wanted them to work it out. 

Lee tells the story from several different points of view:- Dan and Faye’s, but also the lost boy, Milo, (a wonderful touching portrayal) and Corrigan, (about whom I will say nothing more for fear of spoiling the story). Lee juggles the different POVs expertly, picking up one after the other and the effect enriches the reader’s knowledge and enjoyment of the tale without fragmenting it. 

Part 1 builds with slow, creeping, eerie terror:- the mystery of Dan’s lost memories, what is in the glass case in the cottage, who is the boy in the forest Faye keeps seeing at night? Why are some of the villagers behaving oddly towards the couple? What is in the woods? What happened at the lake?

Part 2 takes you inside Barrington Hall, a rotting, looming, hulk of a house with a terrible history, (Gosh I love these houses in books- probably less so IRL) and there are flashbacks to the horrifying events which occurred within its walls over one hundred years ago. Faye and Dan are both drawn/ lured to the Hall and the horror and action really ramps up as they both enter into deadly games of run and hide, chase and kill. But who or what is pursuing them? And why?

Lee writes as though we are trapped within the bowels of the Hall with Dan and Faye, sweating, panting, squeezing into the nooks and hidey holes- so we become a part of their nightmare.

The finale out by the lake, is breathtaking and heartbreaking, and to this reader, unexpected, and Lee is so good at writing these characters you can understand why they all act as they do- fate, nature, grief, loss are all inextricably linked and there is no escape from them. 

I would reread this book again – no problem and that is rare for me. There is so much to enjoy and digest here. 

5/5 

Lee has written a fantastic gripping, magical (in both senses of the word) book which I can highly recommend.

Available on amazon.co.uk and amazon.com.

Trembling With Fear

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Trembling With Fear 05/31/20

This bit is going to stay here until the pandemic is over. Thank you to all keyworkers who continue to keep us going during the pandemic. As the UK and Europe moves out of lockdown, I hope the situation in the US is improving. I really hope that eventually we can get some sort of normal going around the world.

On the home front, I’m on half-term and managed at last to shorten my writing To Do list. I’ve just finished the draft of my novel, The Woodcutter and sent it off to its first beta reader. That particular book has taken over almost 2 years to write as it’s stopped and started due to a combination of work pressures and suddenly deciding to write another novel at the same time. The only reason I did the latter was because I couldn’t shake an idea which suddenly came to me and which I needed to get out of my system before I got back to my poor old Woodcutter. I will try not to do that again. How do you all cope with this sort of thing? Are you strict with yourself and finish what you’re on, do you change tack, or do you do both simultaneously?

One common link between these two novels is they were both born from NaNoWriMo. That is the month I use to get something new off the ground. Makes me wonder what’ll happen this year.

Publishing news this week includes congratulating an old writing friend of mine, Christopher Stanley, whose collection of flash fiction published via The Arcanist, The Lamppost Huggers and Other Wretched Tales, is out June 1st . I had a sneak peak prior to publication and can really recommend it. I’ve always enjoyed Chris’s flash fiction and if you want an example of a master, he is it. He has been so supportive of many other writers, it’s lovely to be able to return the favour here.

Likewise TWF contributor, Mark Anthony Smith, who appears to be everywhere at the minute. His collection of fiction and verse, Something Said: Fictions and Verse is currently available and Red Cape Publishing’s anthology containing one of his stories, C is for Cannibals (A to Z of Horror Book 3) is available for pre-order.

It is also great to celebrate the work of other staff members of Horror Tree, particularly one whose work I have enjoyed in the past. Ruschelle Dillon’s novella, The Stain, published by Black Bed Sheet Books, is now available. Having read Arithmophobia, which I highly rate, I can’t wait to get stuck into this one.

And last but not least, look out soon for the charity horror anthology, Diabolica Britannica organised by Keith Anthony Baird which includes stories by TWF writers Alyson Faye, Janine Pipe and me as well as a number of other writers. There are two very famous horror authors in this line up but I am not at liberty to say who they are yet. This book is to raise money (in response to the coronavirus) for the wonderful National Health Service (NHS) over here in the UK.

This week’s Trembling With Fear starts with The Whispering Queen by Erick Mancilla and brings us the horror not just of the Devil on your shoulder but the impact an addiction can have on the family. To risk your family and its future, particularly the future of a child, can seem incomprehensible but is sadly a reality for many who fall into this trap. For me, it was the Henry’s weakness at a time when he was most needed which grabbed me. When you pose a situation asks the reader a question, in this instance, ‘How could he?’, you know you’ve got them and they’ll read through.

Awake by Janine Pipe is a premature burial with a twist. The missing teeth, and the reason, gives the trope a refreshing change.

Outback Carnage by Mark Anthony Smith makes the characters small and vulnerable against an expanse of wilderness. This is a question of survival.

Shadows in a Dark Room on a Rainy Night by D.J. Kozlowski is just creepy. Not by what’s there, but what’s not.

Take care

Steph

Stephanie Ellis

Editor, Trembling With Fear

We’ve got some great stories this week and I think you’re going to appreciate your weekly dose of fiction!

Also, I have some good news! We’ve made some progress on the anthologies and it looks like we might be down to TOC’s and formatting for the most part. We’ll be working to try to make real progress in those areas in the next week. (Finally, an update that we’ve moved forward on these again!)

While we’re still a couple of months out on drabble, we’re always open to more and would love to see any come through possible.

While not directly TWF related, I would like to mention that we’re currently actively seeking:
– Guest posts for Horror Tree
– Write-ups on Horror Tree on your website (with what we do, fun facts about the site, etc.)
– Opportunities for the staff of Horror Tree to be interviewed.
If any of these are something you’d like to help out on, please be sure to contact us at [email protected] or by using our contact form.

Have a great last day of the weekend all!

Stuart Conover

Editor, Horror Tree

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