Horror Overload - Cons, Comps and Fests

What a week. What a month!

FantasyCon 2012

FantasyCon 2012 at Brighton was excellent. I came back with some hellacious memories, more books than I intended acquiring and a stinking cold.

Finally got to meet up with the charming, chatty Phil Ambler and we extolled the virtues of many of our Prediction friends, other authors and the horror scene in general over a pint or two.

The tentacles of Lily Childs' hair sneak toward Phil Ambler's throat at FantasyCon

Marvellous to say hello to Jan Edwards from The Alchemy Press, Stephen Jones, Gary McMahon, Thana Niveau, Kim Newman, Tim Lebbon, Alison Littlewood, John Llewellyn Probert and Spectral Press's Simon Marshall-Jones. And whilst I'm sure Sarah Pinborough wasn't really disappointed that I didn't stay to join her on the dancefloor that night it was great to meet her (if briefly).

James Herbert sat behind us too, signing copies of his new book, Ash.

Lots of superb new horror out there, everyone. Best start saving your pennies!


Thrillers Killers 'n' Chillers Halloween Horror Competition

We all know October is the time of year when the veil between the real and 'other' worlds (whatever that happens to mean to you) is thin, building up to the horror frenzy that is Halloween.

We couldn't let the month go by without a special nod to the celebrations so:

• we're running a competition! Send us your best, darkest horror in up to 2,000 words and the winning story will be published on TK'n'C on Hallow'een itself, 31st October. The author will also win ebooks by ALL the TK'n'C Editors.
• Two runners-up's stories will be published on 29th and 30th October.
• More details at http://thrillskillsnchills.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/horrorists-its-competition-time.html

London Horror Festival 2012

The London Horror Festival at the Etcetera Theatre, Camden - only two weeks to go!

Horror theatre, comedy, magic and performance art, from psychological spine-chillers to all-out splatter. The festival's purpose is to "foster new talent as well as nurturing the already burgeoning live horror scene within the UK."

Promises to be a spectacular event.

Final Draw and Femmes Fatales

Links galore below!

Yup, Col Bury, David Barber, Les Edgerton, Thrillers Killers 'n' Chillers, Dark River Press... and so many more in the mix on the last day of voting at Critters Best of Poll 2011. Please vote for your favourites - you have just a few hours left!

Thanks to those who've voted for me as best e-zine editor for TKnC (and mentions of The Feardom in there too!) I also have two stories in Their Dark Masters, Tales of Extreme Vampire Horror (a thrilling, chilling collection of terrifying tales of vampyre, edited by Mark Anthony Crittenden of Red Skies Press) in the anthology category at http://critters.org/predpoll/antho.shtml

You can read one of my bloody Dark Masters tales, WALLS OF FLESH right here at The Feardom.

_______________________________

The deadline for submitting to February Femmes Fatales is looming - Friday 13th January, ladies please. I have already received a wonderful array of dark, dangerous tales and simply cannot wait to make the final choices.

_______________________________

Exciting times...

What's Going On? I'll Tell Ya!

I've read so much great fiction these last couple of weeks it feels like there's a literary fest going on in my head.

Here's a little catch up on my and others' news:

• First things first. Hip, hip! I have finished the final draft of Magenta Shaman Stones The Crow. I'm just waiting for the cover to be completed and intend publishing it on Amazon by the end of next week.
  
  Twice as long as the first story in the Magenta Shaman novella series, this tale finds the shaman thrown to The Gates of Hell in the realms between modern and ancient Prague. Here's a little excerpt to tease...
  
  
  Heavy clouds sped across a waxing moon. At least the magnetic pull was on their side. Magenta hated journeying during the waning period – the closer to the dark moon the more difficult the trip. She lay back on the ground, Tom’s arms clasped around her from behind. To use her meditation cave to enter the trance was a first for Maggie but the protection she had built up in the chalk cavity over the years meant she’d be grounded; that nothing but she, Tom and her ethereal messengers could enter or leave the sacred place.
  
  
  A small fire flickered at Magenta’s feet, throwing light around the small space. Mugwort smouldered with sticky frankincense in a brass dish on one of the coals. Maggie had chosen the mildly noxious herb because of its dream recollection properties. She had returned from the previous Houska experience humming with nausea and grief – knowing she’d fought and lost to a demon more ancient, more vicious than any she had battled before – knowing her father Sam had been swallowed into the depths and killed – yet Magenta had no memory of it. The demon, if it were even that, had wiped her head of all but the emotions associated with the event. If her body hadn’t been covered with storm-bloom bruises that swelled and dissipated within thirty minutes of her return, then the emotions were the only residual evidence of the day Samuel French had died.
  
  
  Unlike the journey four years before, Maggie had prepared herself better this time. Her former, unfounded confidence had taught her a lesson and she was taking no chances. A thick line of salt made a circle around the couple, its crystalline make-up flecked with crumbled myrrh to protect the cave and its inhabitants.
  
  
  “Are you ready?”
  
  
  Tom stared down at his wife; her breathing had shallowed almost to nothing. She opened her lips. Tom took a laurel leaf and slipped it beneath Magenta’s tongue. As soon as he felt her weight shift, the flames at her feet died down and he sighed as his wife’s spirit evanesced into the shadows.
  _________________
  
  Not read Magenta Shaman, the first story yet? Grab it from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
  _________________
• 
  The UK's Writing Magazine recently commissioned me to write a couple of articles on why e-publishing was right for me, and a 'How To' on preparing and uploading your manuscript to Amazon using Kindle Direct Publishing.
  
  The articles have both been published in the latest, December issue of the Magazine. You can buy it from WH Smith and can also subscribe.
  
  I also recommend Writing Magazine's online forum Talkback; I joined in 2009 and - it sounds trite - but it has opened so many doors, and I have 'met' some wonderful writers and editors, including Thrillers Killers 'n' Chillers Col Bury. And we know what THAT led to! ;-)


• And talking of Thrillers Killers 'n' Chillers - as you know, I'm now hanging out as Horror Editor in its dark passages and am currently hosting a week-long Hellicious Halloween showcase.
  
  Thirteen stories from twelve excellent writers including Predictioneers Chris Allinotte, Phil Ambler, Erin Cole, Sean Patrick Reardon, Dorothy Davies (our Antonia) and our new and inimitable Absolutely*Kate. Plus more brilliant stories from J. Bramwell Slater, Harris Tobias, Keith Gingell, Patricia Abbott, Gill Hoffs and Kevin G. Bufton.
  
  Here's the line-up. Do give your feedback and support. Thank you.


• 
  Continuing the theme of TKnC, I simply have to recommend the new e-book by fellow editor Col Bury 'Manchester 6'.
  
  This collection of "Six Gritty Crime Stories" is a must-have. You can download it from Amazon.co.uk for just 86p (bargain!!!) It's also available from Amazon.com and in other formats - see Col's blog for more details.


• Finally, I was highly delighted to discover my Pentacle Drummers mate, the Big Man Draven - who has already drummed in Dizzee Rascal's Dirtee Cash video, also performed in Florence & The Machine's Dogs Days Video! How I missed him, I'll never know. Go Greg!!!
  
  I'm a big Flo fan. Her new album Ceremonials was dropped into my hands this very morning. Dropping it into my ears now...

How does a bit of Thrillers Killers 'n' Chillers grab you?

It's my pleasure to announce that I have been approached by the Editors of the wonderful Thrillers Killers 'n' Chillers to give them a helping hand. After a long and painful deliberation (5 seconds and a few chocolate hobnobs) I accepted!

If you want to know more about my role as Guest Editor - or in the highly unlikely event that you're not familiar with TKnC - hop on over to take a look at what's already on offer as well as what's coming up.

I'll be adding a bio to Ye Olde Editors page on TKnC as soon as I can remember anything interesting about myself. Most importantly, I'll be dredging through any stories still lingering in the basement to see if I can help bring everything up to date.

So to my good friends and inspirational TKnC editors and authors Thriller Dude Matt Hilton, Crime Dude Col Bury and Horror Dude Lee Hughes - thank you so much for inviting me in. It's going to be a pleasure.

x

________________________________________

Thrillers Killers 'n' Chillers is currently open to submissions (until 15th July). Check out the Guidelines here.

_________________________________________

Spinetingler Awards - Voting Now Open!!

I am still stunned that my mean little tale Carpaccio has been nominated in the coveted Best Short Story on the Web category for the 2011 Spinetingler Awards. I've read each and every one of the other nine in the nomination list and they are all - without exception - excellent.

I've voted for my favourite (not telling - and no - I didn't vote for myself|). And now you have your chance to vote for your favourite at:

http://www.spinetinglermag.com/2011/04/01/2011-spinetingler-award-voting/

Simply choose one per category (you don't have to vote on all categories). Note: you can only vote once as the site remembers your IP address.

So please do support the writers and the sites that have hosted the stories by voting now! Thank you.

Excerpt from Carpaccio by Lily Childs
Published on Thrillers Killers 'n' Chillers March 2010

I prepared a new entry for tonight. A eulogy.

I didn’t usually record the times and dates of their deaths because that made it kind of final. I liked the idea that the agony would go on forever.

Some of them I held onto for weeks, a couple of months even. Kevin and Peter only lasted half a day each. That was my fault, I couldn’t leave them alone.

***

I liked to hang around the fairground. It visited our seaside town two, three times a year; just about the only thrill we had in our genteel haven of beaches and blue rinse.

I imagined how it would be to work there. The rides, the slot machines. I’d be one of the cocky boys on Waltzers who’d steal your money as soon as screw you in the bushes.

***

My first was Jean-Paul. I was only thirteen, a late starter. Jean-Paul captured my attention and I felt this need, this desire to possess him, care for him. For him to love me back. I relished his sinewy moves, the lazy slant of his lingering eye as he moved past me – one time, two times, three times, more.

"Jean-Paul" I whispered.

Read more... | Vote...

Grub Up

Just hawking up another oldie. Grub Up was first published on Thrillers Killers 'n' Chillers in May 2009. It's a tasty little thing I thought I might regurgitate just to share with you.

GRUB UP by Lily Childs

Vanessa was skeletal. I could barely get any meat off her bones so I just gnawed away at the stringy flesh. Sinews snapped back at my face; her bone marrow was measly to say the least. I sighed. I’d starve at this rate.

I sat back and surveyed the remains of my late cousin. I’d tried, so hard to turn her away when I found her at my front door.

‘Only passing by. Haven’t seen you for ages; thought I’d pop in’.

She was through the door before I could push her out. Apparently she didn’t know I have certain tastes. And that I’ve been particularly hungry lately.

I was still ravenous, despite my skinny-size meal, but I knew it was risky to go out hunting because I get careless going in for the kill. Yet thoughts of feeding made saliva drip in my mouth, washing my gums, plumping my tongue.

I hesitated, wanting to dare, needing to feast. No. I couldn’t do it; it was too dangerous. I’d have to go without. Dejected I slumped down onto the threadbare sofa and grazed on Vanessa’s innards. I jumped as the phone rang. Snatching it off its cradle I answered.

‘Who is it?’

‘Is she there?’

‘What?’ I didn’t recognise the voice.

‘It’s Ben, Vanessa’s boyfriend. I’m outside your building. Is she there?’ My heart smiled and I spoke to the pining lover.

‘Yes Ben. She’s here. She’s sitting in the corner. Come on up – we’ll wait for you.’

I hung up the phone, leaving it off the hook. Quickly I formed my cousin’s leftovers into a skeletal pyre, burying her long red hair in its centre; its scalp still attached. Returning to the window I lingered, watching fat boy make his way across the street. The juices were already stirring in my belly.

_______________________________________

Thrillers Killers 'n' Chillers

I've been far too busy for my own good lately and have neglected the wonderful Thrillers Killers 'n' Chillers. I popped over an hour ago and found some dark and disturbing treasures from Ron Koppelberger, Sandra Seamans, Sean Patrick Reardon and  Joleen Kuyper.

Don't be a stranger like me. Pay a visit. Hell, submit something.

____________________________

Congratulations to Col Bury!

Great news! Thrillers Killers 'n' Chillers co-editor and crime writer Col Bury has proved that hard work and tenacity can pay off. Col has been signed by New York Literary Agent Nat Sobel, with his first novel taking them forward together.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Col has been very supportive of my own writing, in fact it was him who first encouraged me to submit to TKnC, and I haven't stopped writing since. Col is also a regular contributor to Writers' News and Writing Magazine's online forum Talkback where his advice is generously given. Great to see you getting rewarded, Col. You deserve it matey.

We look forward to hearing about the rest of your journey towards success.

All the best, Col

Lily/x

_________________________________

Pat-a-Cake by Lily Childs up at TKnC

Hungry?

Feed yourself up with my new nasty 'Pat-a-Cake' over at Thrillers Chillers 'n' Killers.
Thanks to Lee Hughes TKnC co-editor for publishing it.

Excerpt from Pat-a-Cake:

Roger’s thoughts are black. He is tipping back and forth on shoes wrapped in blue plastic bags. He could be a coroner, he thinks, or a forensic scientist. But he is a confectioner.

Everything’s a weapon. Roger hungers to use one. He spots the sharp corners of this morning’s loaf tins, sitting clean and stacked on the shelves in the back. They’d puncture nicely; he daydreams about the holes they’d make.

Read the full story...

__________________________________________