Greetings, children of the dark. As you read this (if you’re reading it pretty close to publishing time), I’m sitting in London’s Southbank Centre surrounded by paranormal enthusiasts. It’s time for UncannyCon, the now-annual gathering of the community that’s built up around the Uncanny podcasts. For those who haven’t had the pleasure yet, this is a BBC (i.e. state broadcaster) podcast offering that investigates paranormal cases from multiple sides, and features experts who try to explain what might or might not be happening – is it sleep paralysis or did you really see a ghost sitting on your bed, that kind of thing. I was slow to the uptake but have been obsessed with this thing for the last few years, and try to get to all its live events within reach of me whenever I can. I even got to fangirl over one of the resident experts, Evelyn Hollow, at my Writing the Occult: Hauntology event last weekend! (Gods, how I embarrassed myself in front of one of my heroes. So much shame.)
Why am I saying this? Partly to boast, but also partly because it’s part of my denial that Christmas is coming and the end of the year looms large in the rear view mirror. On the former festive phenomenon, be aware that our Christmas special edition has now closed to submissions. The team is reviewing them all and you’ll hear from us soon. As to the other parts? Well, just a reminder of the sort of thing that tickles my fancy, I guess. I’m here for the dark and supernatural tales, not the gory crime ones. TWF has evolved over the years, after all! You’ll find our likes and dislikes over in the submissions guidelines, which I very much recommend you read if you want to submit to us because, my word, our inbox is looking very much like those guidelines are optional.
They are not.
Please note our open windows for short stories and specials (we are open year-round for all other sections).
Note that you need to use our submission form at the bottom of that submissions page and fill in every part of it so that we know where to direct your submission – I’ve been accidentally putting some Christmas drabbles into the regular ol’ weekly edition pile and that limits your chances of getting picked once Christmas is over.
Note that you need to upload your story in a MS Word document – don’t paste it into the form and send it to the general contact inbox.
And make sure your story fits our needs! We’re not looking for true stories. This is a publication for dark speculative fiction.
OK, so it’s the end of the year and I’m tired and grumpy, so let’s just move onto our weekly fare. This week’s main course from Cameron Walker has us confused and muttering in a hospital ward. That’s followed by the short, sharp speculations of:
- Adam Hannah’s good dog,
- Christina Nordlander’s lost time, and
- Andrew Keyworth’s fairytale folly.
Over to you, Stuart.
_____
PS – speaking of my hauntology event, just wanted to pass on a massive congratulations to Adam S Leslie, whose weird folk horror novel Lost in the Garden has been shortlisted for the Nero Book Awards. Adam was one of the event guests, and we chatted about infusing your fiction with a hauntological atmosphere. Lost in the Garden definitely has that, and is one of my favourite reads of this year – go grab it if you haven’t already!
PPS – speaking of Writing the Occult, the next edition will focus on the uncanny, and we’ll gather on 18 January. Details to come! Pitch me an idea if you want to be one of the guests 😉
