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SPARREW ISSUE THIRTY-NINE
Welcome to the SPARREW Newsletter!
The newsletter for Self-Publishers, Authors, Readers, Reviewers, Editors and Writers!
Welcome to the March 2025 issue of the newsletter!
So glad to have you on board!
I love connecting with other writers, authors and book bloggers on social media. This is a new way for me to learn more about the kind of writing they do and the books they want to share reviews for.
Unfortunately, one common mistake I see in their profile is that there are no links. No link to their author site, their book blog, or any other social media sites they may be on.
While I understand that this may be due to not having a website (and I really think authors should have a website!), or that they may prefer some privacy, this can only make it harder for people who don’t follow this writer, author or book blogger to find their work!
If you’re a writer with several clips available to read online, visitors to your profile can’t read them if you don’t have them all on one website for them to click on to find the links to go read them.
If you’re an author of several books, visitors to your profile won’t know about all of them if you don’t have a website link on there for these same visitors to click on.
If you’re a book blogger who blogs outside of that social media platform, then visitors to your profile won’t be able to read your reviews of books if there is no link on your profile where they can find them.
Granted, most social media profiles have character limits where you can only fit so much information on there, but your links to your work and your reviews are important. Otherwise, people who don’t follow you won’t be able to find any other information about you or your work! So if you have those links for people to visit, find a way to include at least one of them on your social media profile.
We’ve got a great issue for you this month!
It often happens that I discover an author I know is also a self-publisher! That’s what happened after I met Amanda Ruzsa, who I had already been following on TikTok as a BookTokker. But Amanda does so much more than post book reviews on social media! She also creates website covers, writes books – and she self-publishes her books, too! She’s a regular Jane of All Trades! So I was thrilled when Amanda took the time to be interviewed for the self-publisher section of the newsletter. Check out my interview with her below! You’ll also find a link to her new poetry book, Blood of my Pen: A Collection of Dark Poetry, Volume 2, which was recently voted a Top New Release in Contemporary Poetry, in the list of new books below!
And there’s another author in my network with a book coming out this month! I was thrilled to receive a review copy of The Lake House Massacre by Chris Bedell before the book’s release (check out my review of this YA horror novel in the reviewer section below!). This novel recently released by Baynam Books Press and Chris agreed to be interviewed for the newsletter. He shares about his book and more in the author interview!
Another person who has been in my network for some time is the writer Lee Andrew Forman! I first met Lee when he was editing my stories for Siren’s Call Magazine, and we have stayed in touch over the years about different projects going on. Lee has been writing short fiction for quite some time, and he is interviewed in the writer section of this newsletter. Check it out to learn about his many writing projects!
Writer Jerry Blaze returns with an article for this month’s issue of the SPARREW Newsletter! His interview with book reviewer Jessie Raven is valuable reading for any writer of fiction hoping to get their books reviewed!
And, once again, the lovely Carolyn Howard-Johnson returns with the latest installment for her “Tricky Edits” column. Don’t miss it!
I hope you enjoy this issue! Feel free to drop me a note or connect with me on social media! I'd love to connect with you!
Enjoy this issue!
Check out archived issues of the SPARREW Newsletter here:
https://sparrewarchives.blogspot.com/
All current issues will be posted on my website here:
https://www.dmcwriter.com/the-sparrew-newsletter
Meanwhile, here are my most recent blog posts:
Dawn Colclasure’s Blog: “I Didn’t Like Reading Prose Poetry. Then I Wrote One of My Own.”
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS!
The SPARREW Newsletter is now a paying publication!
If you have an article you think might fight our needs, please send it our way!
We are interested in articles on the following topics:
Self-Publishing
Authors (interviews, articles promoting new releases, book marketing and promotion, website building and pointers, etc.)
Anything to do with books (analysis, reviews, breakdowns, etc.)
Book Reviewing
Editing and Editors
Writing
Each article should be no more than 2000 words. Must include a headshot and bio with your submission. Payment is $10 through PayPal, on publication. Reprints welcome and you retain all rights to your work. You grant SPARREW Books the right to reprint your article in a future ebook edition as well as the right to promote your article online.
Submit your work to Dawn at DMCWriter@gmail.com with "SPARREW Submission" in the subject line. Please submit your article as a .doc or .docx file. No PDFs. Any articles not relevant to the newsletter will be deleted unread. Please send your best work; articles will be published as-is.
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ATTENTION WRITERS OF BOOKS AND ASPIRING AUTHORS!
A new publishing company is in town! This indie press specializes in horror, but it is also open to books in other genres.
Twisted Dreams Press is a brand new independent publisher accepting submissions of short story collections, novelettes, novellas and novels from authors in a variety of genres!
Check out the new website to find out all the details!
Be sure to follow us on our Facebook page and our other social media platforms, which are all easily accessible from our website and Facebook page.
Please like our Facebook page
Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on our news
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MY MARCH SUBSTACK POSTS:
Promoting a Forthcoming Book Every Day is Exhausting
A DIFFERENT Kind of Vampire Story!
My Book Review Blog is About to Get More Love
THANK YOU…
Thank you, Alien Buddha Press, for publishing my poems "All the Things You Hate" and "Out of the Silence" and "Riots for a Reason" in the new anthology The Alien Buddha's Big Backpack Full of Soup Cans (Soup For Our Family): malcontent poems. You can check it out here.
Thank you, Prairie Times, for publishing my true story, "Kitty!", in the March 2025 issue. My story is on page 20.
Thank you to Lindsey Goddard for publishing my article “The Real Elizabeth Bathory vs. the Fictional Elizabeth Bathory in Curse of the Blood Witch” on Weird Wide Web.
Thank you, CultureCult Press, for publishing my stories "The Surprise in the Closet" and "The Price to be Paid" in the new anthology, BLINK OF AN EYE: Anthology of Dark Flash Fictions.
Link for the paperback
Link for the Ebook
Thank you, Lindsey Goddard, for publishing my article, “Celebrating Women in Horror Movies During Women in Horror Month,” on Weird Wide Web. You can read it here.
Thank you, First Chapter Plus Magazine, for publishing my article, “Disability Representation in Science Fiction Novels” in the March 2025 issue. My article is on page 23. You can read the article here.
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SELF-PUBLISHER CORNER
Self-Publisher Interview with Amanda Ruzsa
1. What can you tell me about your experience as a writer?
I started writing poetry at the age of 9 and soon after I began writing stories. My mother raised me on books and writing so it runs deep in my blood.
2. What made you decide to write a book?
I have had stories in my brain for decades and I’ve just finally opened the doors to a whole new world.
3. What circumstances brought you to the decision to self-publish your book?
I’m in a Facebook group, Books of Horror, and in it, I was introduced to the world of indie horror. It’s a whole community, so supportive, and ultimately the reason I went for it.
4. What has your experience as a self-publisher been like?
I feel a great sense of accomplishment. I’ve done something I’ve always dreamt of doing. Putting my words into books is a dream come true, and being able to share them with the world is a gift.
5. How do you respond to the negative stigma attached to self-publishing and self-published books?
I say every situation is different. Why wait? Why not see how well it does and if it really takes off, those traditional publishers will find you. In the meantime, make your own dreams come true.
6. What is one very important lesson you have learned as a self-publisher so far?
It is okay to take a break. Don’t force fiction.
7. What do you know now about self-publishing that you wish you knew at the beginning?
Author copies take a while to ship.
8. A lot of authors of self-published books have reservations about promoting and marketing their book. Some even feel that it is a form of vanity or self-importance. What is your opinion about this?
I share on any post that asks for something that closely fits my work, and they say that self-recs are welcome. On my own pages, I post as I feel necessary.
9. How do you promote your books and what form of book promotion has worked the best for you?
Primarily word of mouth and book groups on Facebook. Networking is key.
10. What are some other important things you have learned as a self-publisher?
A one-star review isn’t the end of the world. And likely inspired a handful of readers to check it out because of the rating. Also, not everyone likes the same thing, books are no different than ice cream or cake flavors - we all have our own tastes.
11. Do you feel that self-publishing is a viable choice for other authors?
I do. I feel starting out self-publishing is great. It gets you into the world of books and prepares you for what’s to come should you down the road submit to a traditional publisher.
12. How do you feel that self-publishing their books has helped many unknown authors finally get the recognition their books deserve?
Thousands of people choose to read only indie horror, the less reviews it has, the more inclined they are to check it out. Everyone deserves a chance.
ABOUT AMANDA:
Amanda Ruzsa lives in Minnesota with her husband, three children, a dog and two cats. When she isn’t buried in a spooky book, she enjoys baking and spending time with her family— usually watching creepy movies or playing outrageous board games. In her free time, she enjoys collecting Halloween decor, writing dark poetry, reorganizing her books and coming up with ways to surprise and amuse her friends and family. Writing and reading have always played a huge part in her life, stemming from growing up idolizing the talents of her mother: a novelist, artist and journalist. Amanda began creating stories and crafting poems at a young age and never stopped. Now, reading and writing is still a huge part of her everyday life, and she feels blessed to be able to share her love of spooky stories with so many.
NEW IN SELF-PUBLISHING
"She Brings Diverse Voices to Book Publishing" by Alix Strauss
via The Berkshire Eagle
AUTHOR CORNER
Author Interview with Chris Bedell
1. When did you start writing?
I’ve been writing since elementary school. So, basically all of my life. Even when my writing needed work at the line level, I always had some sense of plot.
2. What was your journey towards becoming an author like?
It’s been a very long journey. “Complicated” is a word that comes to mind. Creative fields, such as writing/publishing can be challenging to break into. There are things besides talent and work ethic that factor into success. And I think it’s great there’s so many small presses out there. The reality is, a lot of writers get unfairly overlooked by larger, traditional publishers and literary agents.
3. What can you tell me about your latest book? (Feel free to include an excerpt.)
The Lake House Massacre is a YA Horror novel. It’s a fast read…it’s only about 30,000 words. It’s basically a teen slasher with a slow-burn mystery. There’s a serial killer on the loose. And it takes place at a lake house over winter break.
4. What sort of methods do you use for book promotion?
Book promotion is a work in progress. Sometimes, I do virtual (blog) tours. Marketing is even harder than writing.
5. Where do you get your ideas for stories?
Sometimes I get ideas from watching the news. Other times I get ideas from the pop culture I consume. For example, if I read a book or a watch a TV show that deals with a specific issue, and I don’t like the way the issue is dealt with, then I write my own book about the subject.
6. What are you working on right now?
Lots of different things. I don’t want to get too specific, but it’s probably safe to say I’ll write more YA Horror/Thriller novels beyond The Lake House Massacre.
7. Any advice for other authors?
My advice for other writers is line editing is where the magic happens. And I don’t mean fixing typos or word usage errors. That’s important, but there’s more to line editing than that. Like the actual rhythm of the writing. Can you say what you said in fifteen words in eight words, while still maintaining the emotional truth to the sentence? Also, writing needs a mixture of short, medium, and long sentences. And finally, clarity. It’s important to be as clear as possible with your writing. Sometimes, a simple word works just fine. Writing ultimately needs to be concise.
ABOUT CHRIS:
Chris Bedell is the author of over twenty small press novels. He graduated with a BA in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2016.
AUTHOR NEWS
"Making the Time to Be Creative" by Brandi Bradley
via Writer's Digest
"How to Market Your Book in 7 Simple Steps" by Ricardo Fayet
via Reedsy Blog
REVIEWER CORNER
My Reviews:
Dawn Reviews Books:
Last Rites: Felones de Se is a poetry book of tragedy and sorrow
When Vacation Goes Wrong: The Lake House Massacre is a teen horror novel of terror and dread
Other Book Reviews:
BookTrib
Mark Greaney Delivers Relentless Action in Latest Gray Man Thriller
A Raw and Unflinching Exploration of Identity, Family, and the Ties That Bind
Bible on Trial for Truth and Evidence
An In-Depth Look at Race, Culture and Their Effect on Society
Queer Dystopian Romance Perfect for Fans of “The Hunger Games” and “The Last of Us”
Thrilling Chronicle of U.S. Attorney’s Career Battling Murderers, Drug Lords & More
Hellnotes
Advance Review: A GRAVESIDE GALLERY
Horror Bookworm Reviews
Scurry by Kelvin V. A. Allison
Uncomfortably Dark
Rachel Schommer Reviews: 3.3.25
Sweet Reviews: Lovely Dark & Deep by Megan Stockton
Guest Review: Sally Feliz reviews CANDY DISH by Matt Lutton
Sweet Reviews: What Fresh Hell is This? by Del Howison
Sonja Ska Reviews DEAD SILENCE by S. A. Barnes
Rachel Schommer Reviews: 3.17.25
Black Cat Tales: An Anthology of Black Cats edited by Francesca Maria and Mark Causey
Sonja Ska Reviews: Pink Neon by Megan Stockton
Other Book Reviews
Publicist Carol Baldwin Published YA Novel, 18 Years in the Making
via New Book Review
The Court of No Record by Jenny Molberg—Book Review
via phoebe
Book Review: Patrycja Humienik’s powerful debut poetry collection is a conundrum worth mulling over
via Las Vegas Sun
Calls for Reviews
I’d love to find reviewers for my books! Contact me at DMCWriter@gmail.com if interested.
READER CORNER
NEW RELEASE!
Curse of the Blood Witch by Dawn Colclasure is a new vampire horror novella that is not quite like your typical vampire story!
Read the story about Kaya Morgan, a woman who becomes a vampire and joins a family of vampires.
Kaya Morgan’s bad day gets worse after she is attacked by a vagrant who leaves a bite on her neck.
Her world is turned upside-down when she wakes up with a sensitivity to light and strange powers.
Soon she is caught up in a life of hungering for blood while also struggling to let go of everything that made her human.
Logan O’Boyle is a 300-year-old Irish vampire willing to guide Kaya on her journey, but once it is revealed that she is not just any vampire but one cursed by the blood of a woman who existed centuries ago.
Everything changes and Kaya must accept being a vampire or die.
A book called "a vampire tale that feels relatably human," fans of vampire horror will love this new spin on an old tale! A perfect read for readers who enjoy anything about (or with!) Elizabeth Bathory!
BOOK BLOGS:
BOOK NEWS:
"Why We Fear Real-Life Dystopia but Love Dystopian Fiction" by Laila Lalami
via Literary Hub
"Alien Gods" by Elana Gomel
via A Guide to Unreality
"Bestselling Minneapolis writer wants to help kids find ‘courage’ in tough times" by Chris Hewitt
via The Minnesota Star Tribune
"We Read the Book That Mark Zuckerberg Doesn’t Want You to Read. We Can See Why." by Nitish Pahwa
via Slate
"Banned Historical Fiction Books" by Rachel Brittain
via Book Riot
"These Books Explore How Deeply Food Matters To People And The World" by Danielle Nierenberg
via Forbes
"A young adult book tackles a tough topic: A teen coping with his dad's mental illness" by Malaka Gharib
via NPR
“How to lose a book” by Caroline Donahue
via Book Alchemy
“Louisiana photographer signs his way into the book influencer world with American Sign Language” by Joy Holden
Via The Advocate
"Trauma and SF" by Elana Gomel
via A Guide to Unreality
NEW BOOKS:
The Alien Buddha’s Big Backpack Full of Soup Cans (Soup For Our Family): malcontent poems
By Various Authors
Genre: Poetry Anthology
Lustful Terrors: Tales of Horrorotica
By Various Authors
Genre: Erotic Horror Anthology
VIXENS OF HORROR: IT'S JUST A TOY
By Various Authors
Genre: Horror Story Collection
THE SPUN QUERN: a verse diptych
Eric Cline
Category: Poetry Collection
Tulip Chowdhury
Genre: Short Story Collection
TOMBS: A Chronicle of Latter-Day Times of Earth
James Dorr
Genre: Short Story Collection
James Benger
Genre: Literary Fiction
Gerald Yelle
Genre: Science Fiction
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Genre: Literary Fiction
Laila Lalami
Genre: Literary Fiction
Chloe Dalton
Category: Biography & Memoir
Clare Leslie Hall
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Jinwoo Chong
Genre: Literary Fiction
Claire Baglin
Genre: Family Saga
Nathaniel Ian Miller
Genre: Literary Fiction
Sanam Mahloudji
Genre: Literary Fiction
Susanna Kearsley
Genre: Historical Fiction
Jared Lemus
Genre: Short Story Collection
Cyan LeBlanc
Category: Memoir
Drew Huff
Genre: Cosmic Horror
Drew Huff
Genre: Supernatural Horror
Lisa Nicholas
Genre: Cozy Crime
Misplaced, Serial #1, Valley of Fire, Book 1
John Van Stry
Genre: Science Fiction
Love Is a Dangerous Word: Selected Poems
Essex Hemphill
Category: Poetry Collection
The Mysterious Disappearance of the Marquise of Loria
Written by José Donoso, Translated from Spanish by Megan McDowell
Genre: Erotic Fiction
Blood of my Pen: a collection of dark poetry: Volume 2 (Blood of my Pen collected works)
Amanda Ruzsa
Category: Poetry Collection
I HOPE YOU HAVE NIGHTMARES ABOUT ME
Amanda Ruzsa
Genre: Horror
Charlotte McConaghy
Genre: Mystery
Codename: Fashionista (Spellbound Security Book 5)
TR Cameron
Genre: Fantasy
Say My Name! Say My Name! (House of Shivers #4) (Goosebumps House of Shivers)
R. L. Stine
Genre: Middle Grade Horror
Katie Mettner
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Night of the Witch-Hunter (Killer Vhs Series)
Patrick Barb
Genre: Horror
Candace Nola
Genre: Horror
Jerry Blaze
Genre: Erotic Science Fiction
Cameron Grant
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Memory Lane: The Perfectly Imperfect Ways We Remember
Ciara Greene and Gillian Murphy
Category: Neuroscience and Psychology
Originally by C. G. Jung, with contributions by Tony Woolfson and edited by Judith Harris
Category: Neuroscience and Psychology
In Covid's Wake: How Our Politics Failed Us
Stephen Macedo and Frances Lee
Category: Social Science
Russell James
Genre: Historical Horror
James Lawson Moore
Category: Poetry Collection
Danny Dagan
Genre: Thriller
Into the Dread Unknown: Women in Horror Anthology
By Various Authors
Genre: Horror Anthology
What Fresh Hell is This?: Dark Tales
Del Howison
Genre: Short Story Collection
High Stakes (Empire Of Chance Series Book 2)
Jessica Hall
Genre: Dark Romance
Meredith Brown
Category: Poetry Chapbook
Poems and Thoughts of Robert Jay Wheaton
Compiled by Adam Wheaton
Category: Poetry Collection
Reductio ad Absurdum: Incompetent Detectives, Demented Politicians, and Cynical Fairy Tales
Jon Wesick
Genre: Short Story Collection
Elizabeth Kate Switaj
Category: Poetry Chapbook
Alex Rose
Genre: Thriller
Julian Thumm
Category: Poetry Chapbook
FULL THROTTLE: A Dark Dozen Anthology
By Various Authors
Genre: Anthology
Thasia Anne
Genre: Christian Romance
Welcome to the Dark Ages (Morgan and Merlin's Excellent Adventures Book 1)
Malory
Genre: Comic Arthurian Fantasy
Jane and Dan at the End of the World
Colleen Oakley
Genre: Women's Fiction
The Jackal's Mistress: A Novel
Chris Bohjalian
Genre: Historical Fiction/Suspense
Hayley Scrivenor
Genre: Thriller
Karen Russell
Genre: Literary Fiction
Alice Austen
Genre: Literary Fiction
Brian Castleberry
Genre: Literary Fiction
A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe
Mahogany L. Browne
Genre: YA Hybrid Collection (Prose, poems and stories)
Aggie Blum Thompson
Genre: Thriller
Silvia Park
Genre: Science Fiction
On Air: The Triumph and Tumult of NPR
Steve Oney
Category: Business & Economics
EV Knight
Genre: Science Fiction
Asher Ellis
Genre: Supernatural Thriller
Charlotte Platt
Genre: Sapphic Hotel Horror
Tim Frank
Category: Poetry Chapbook
Beauty and the Gods: A History from Homer to Plato
Hugo Shakeshaft
Category: Ancient World
Joseph Quiro
Category: Poetry Chapbook
Susan Meissner
Genre: Historical Fiction
Shana Youngdahl
Genre: YA
Written by Saou Ichikawa, Translated by Polly Barton
Genre: Literary Fiction
Nicole Cuffy
Genre: Literary Fiction
Stuart Nadler
Genre: Literary Fiction
Stop Me If You've Heard This One: A Novel
Kristen Arnett
Genre: Literary Fiction
Emma Donoghue
Genre: Historical Fiction
Abdulrazak Gurnah
Genre: Historical Fiction
Madame Sosostris and the Festival for the Brokenhearted: A Novel
Ben Okri
Genre: Literary Fiction
Lincoln's Peace: The Struggle to End the American Civil War
Michael Vorenberg
Category: Civil War History
A MIRROR OF A PAST/PRESENT SELF: POEMS AND TALES
Andrew Buckner
Genre: Hybrid Collection (Poetry and stories)
The Entrepreneurial Scholar: A New Mindset for Success in Academia and Beyond
Ilana M. Horwitz
Category: Education
Scripting the Moves: Culture and Control in a "No-Excuses" Charter School
Joanne W. Golann
Category: Education
How to Mentor Anyone in Academia
Maria LaMonaca Wisdom
Category: Education
Literature’s Refuge: Rewriting the Mediterranean Borderscape
William Stroebel
Category: Literature
Jannie Ireland
Genre: Supernatural Mystery
Written by Gianni Rodari. Illustrated by Roman Muradov and Translated from Italian by Antony Shugaar
Genre: Middle Grade Novel
INSIDE THE BLUEBERRY GOWN: POETRY BY GEORGE VINCENT
George Vincent
Category: Poetry Chapbook
Michael Wayne Hampton
Category: Poetry Chapbook
Ayn Frances dela Cruz
Category: Poetry Collection
Wyrd Warfare (Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 49)
Edited by Chris DiNote
Genre: Anthology (Science Fiction, Fantasy, Military Fiction, Horror)
John Ward
Genre: Middle Grade Horror
Olin Wish
Category: Poetry Collection
fabulous: the life and love of Carole Lombard
Niall McGrath
Category: Biographical Nonfiction
Russell Jaffe
Category: Poetry Collection
The Physical Nature of Information: A Short Course
Gregory Falkovich
Category: Computer Science & Electrical Engineering
Advanced Classical Electromagnetism
Robert Wald
Category: Physics & Astronomy
Clarence Wolfshohl
Category: Poetry Collection
Maria Dong
Genre: Science Fiction
Natasha Brown
Genre: Thriller
Torrey Peters
Genre: Hybrid Fiction
Werewolves Don't Howl (Singsong City Book 6)
Juliann Whicker
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Romantic Comedy
Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos
Genre: Queer Fantasy/Romance
Bryan W. Alaspa
Genre: Science Fiction/Horror
Look! They're in the Water! (Green Rain Book 4)
Chisto Healy
Genre: Horror
Galaphile: The First Druids of Shannara
Terry Brooks
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Jerry Blaze
Genre: Short story Collection (Horror)
Critical Role: Vox Machina–Stories Untold
By Various Authors, Foreword by Liam O’Brien
Genre: Anthology (Fantasy)
Shades of Prejudice (Claudia Richelieu: The Chimera Agent Book 6)
Isabel Campbell
Genre: Science Fiction
Wolf, Witch, Warrior: Volume Five: Flux
Dana Hughes
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Stories by Pedro Iniguez
Genre: Short Story Collection
SPAWN OF NIGHTMARES: Meet the Monsters
By Various Authors
Genre: Horror Anthology
Edisto Storm (Book 12 of The Edisto Island Mysteries)
C. Hope Clark
Genre: Mystery
Denizens of Darkness (The Mermaid Chronicles, Book Six)
Marisa Noelle
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Juliet Rose
Genre: Contemporary Social Fiction
Soundtrack to the End of the World
Anthony J. Rapino
Genre: Thriller & Suspense
Chris DiLeo
Genre: Horror
Chris DiLeo
Genre: Thriller & Suspense
Mina Shaw
Category: Poetry Collection
Bill Davidson
Genre: Folk Horror/Fantasy
NOCTURNAL BY NATURE & OTHER STORIES
Nick Roberts
Genre: Short Story Collection
Christopher Bond
Genre: Quiet Horror/Hillbilly Gothic
Erin Maloney
Category: Poetry Chapbook
Betsy Reavley
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Hiromi Yoshida
Category: Poetry Chapbook
Dawn Colclasure
Genre: Vampire Horror
EDITOR CORNER
Tricky Edits from Carolyn Howard-Johnson
More Than Tricky Edits
Ancient Ideas Learned from My Evacuation
By Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Vade mecum (vadee mec-um) translates from the Latin to mean a handbook for constant reference. Romans carried with them when they traveled. I have one, but I thought of mine as no more than a practical idea.
Mine is a recycled daily calendar, a leatherette black book of passwords, telephone numbers for tech support services, a list of writers’ needs, a few contacts, and even travel tips which is probably what the original vade mecum was all about. Traveling was tough back then, but I never thought of it as a lifesaver much less a tip for my fellow writers until I suffered (yes, suffered is the right word!) a mandatory evacuation in the massive Los Angeles fires.
Unfortunately, I didn’t think to take it with me when fires were filling an area the size of Manhattan with ashes because I had been associating it with pleasurable experiences.
It would have been super helpful if I had. So this is not my usual “Tricky Edit” column for Dawn. It’s my take-it-everywhere savior tip for earthquakes, train wrecks, runaway fires and anything else the universe digs up to surprise us with. So, I’m recommending my writing friends make one—and use it! Anyone might at some moment find a book like this—black or any other color, more than a convenience. It’s the tech world’s savior for we writing spiders whether they travel or not.
PS: You may be glad to know my vade mecum survived along with our home. Is this an example of finding a silver lining in about any noxious cloud that comes our way?
MORE ABOUT CAROLYN
Once a month Carolyn Howard-Johnson shares something writer-related she hopes might save some author from embarrassment (or make the task of writing more fun or creative.) The third edition of The Frugal Editor from Modern History Press includes a chapter on some of the words most misused by the very people whose business it is to know them. It is the second multi award-winning book in her multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers. The Frugal Editor has been fully updated including a chapter on how backmatter can be extended to help readers and nudge book sales.
Carolyn blogs sporadically on editing at The Frugal Editor and at her SharingwithWriters blog on other aspects of the publishing world. She also tweets writers' resources and tips here.
New in Editing:
The ambiguity of ‘disambiguity’
WRITER CORNER
Interview with Writer Lee Andrew Forman
1. Have you always been a writer?
I’ve always been a writer in one way or another. I wrote stories in grade school, I was in a creative writing club in high school, and even when I wasn’t creating fiction, I’ve always kept a journal of my thoughts and ideas, and still do to this day. Even if I’m not writing professionally or creatively, I’m always writing something.
2. When did you realize that maybe writing was actually a "thing" you could do, get published and even sell?
I first caught on to the idea that I might be able to get my writing published in my mid-twenties. I’d written some comprehensive pieces, and at the time it was nothing more than a hobby. But as time went on, I wanted to make it more than a hobby; I wanted to contribute my own work to the world of literature. So I searched for places I could submit, found one that looked promising, and with a little luck, the first story I ever submitted was accepted for publication. That was the moment I came to the full realization that writing as a career was something I could achieve.
3. What was your first sale as a writer and how did it feel to sell your work?
My first sale as a writer was a piece titled ‘Safe Harbor’ I’d written for an anthology call from Sirens Call Publications. I’ll always write, whether I’m paid or not, because it’s something I love to do, but it did feel wonderful to get paid for something I created.
4. How has writing helped you in other areas of life besides being something you could earn money from?
There are so many benefits to writing beyond financial gain, I can’t begin to cover them all, so I’ll tell you about what I didn’t expect. My first ever publication set off a butterfly effect that led me to where I am today. My writing journey has been just as much about the communities I’ve been a part of, the people I’ve met, places I’ve gone, and the friends I’ve made, as it has about the words I’ve written.
5. What was your biggest accomplishment as a writer?
My biggest accomplishment as a writer began with my first ever publication. I submitted a story titled ‘The Sample Case’ to a zine that was just starting out, The Sirens Call. I first got published in their 4th issue. I eventually became friends with the owners and started working for them. It was significant to get to experience on both sides of the literary world, as an author, and as a publisher. A few short years after that, I ended up becoming a co-owner of the company. I can’t think of any greater accomplishment or benefit to my career as a writer, than to become an owner of the publisher I started with.
6. Who has inspired you the most in the writing field?
I’d have to say who inspired me most in the writing field would be the authors of the group, Pen of the Damned, particularly the work of Nina D’Arcangela. She’s an amazing writer and her excellent prose-style drove me to improve my craft. Being part of that group helped me in so many ways, from driving me to write more to developing myself as a writer in every way.
7. What are some of the challenges you have faced as a writer and how did you overcome them?
One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced as a writer has been time. Time to write, time to polish a piece to as close to perfection as it can get. When life throws you obstacles, it can take a lot away from writing. I overcame this challenge by writing whenever I could; even if I had only a few minutes of writing time in a day, I used it. Consistent progress on a project matters, even if it’s only a little at a time.
8. What is the best writing advice you have ever received and why do you feel it is important?
The best writing advice I’ve ever received was to write for the love of it, everything else is secondary. I feel this is important because as long as I follow that mindset, I’ll always find joy in it.
9. What sort of writing do you do now?
I write a lot of flash fiction, sometimes write for anthologies and podcasts, and I’m working on a new book as well.
10. Where can we find some of your work online?
My website has a full list of my publications with links to where each story can be read, at LeeAndrewForman.com. Much of my work can also be read at PenoftheDamned.com, where a member of our group posts a new story every week.
11. What advice do you have for other aspiring writers thinking of taking the leap of getting their work published?
My advice for aspiring writers would be to read as much as you can in the genre you want to write, and to write what you like. Write a story you’d enjoy reading yourself, focus on what brings you joy to create. Once you’ve got something in your hands that’s polished and ready, do your research on what markets might be interested in the genre or style of what you write, submit, and keep submitting until your work finds a home.
12. What are your final thoughts about being a writer?
My final thoughts about being a writer are to let whatever writing means to you, be just that. It can be a hobby, a therapeutic exercise, or a career. Everyone has their own reasons for writing, and it’s important not to lose sight of that in your journey, wherever it may lead.
ABOUT LEE:
Lee Andrew Forman is an author, editor, and photographer from the Hudson Valley region in New York. His fascination with the macabre began in childhood, watching old movies and reading everything he could get his hands on. His love of horror spans three generations, starting with his grandfather who was a fan of the classic Hollywood Monsters.
Lee has published three books to date, The Bury Box, Zero Perspective, and Fragments of a Damned Mind, along with numerous short stories in multiple anthologies. He was a co-owner of Sirens Call Publications, a regular contributor to The Lift, and writes non-fiction pieces for various periodicals. Lee is also an administrator and member of the horror writer’s group Pen of the Damned, where you can find a new piece of fiction each week.
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FEATURE ARTICLE
INTERVIEW WITH HORROR REVIEWER JESSIE RAVEN
By Jerry Blaze
Jessie Raven is a reviewer of horror books and extreme horror books. She always brings panache and insight to the reviews she gives on the books. Her reviews can be found on Goodreads, Facebook and TikTok. She lives in the UK.
This interview was conducted on Facebook Messenger between Jerry Blaze (JB) and Jessie Raven (JR).
JB: So, obligatory question, who are you?
JR: I am Jessie Raven. I love books, especially extreme horror, splatterpunk, but mostly open to anything! I also do reviews on my TikTok and on Facebook.
JB: What inspired you to be a horror reviewer?
JR: I love to talk! I’m a right chatterbox and thought the thing I talk about the most is books so I may as well review them, and share my passion for books. It’s not been an easy journey, but a worthwhile one!
JB: What do you look for in a particular book? What earns a high rating from you?
JR: Gotta be different. I love people’s different takes on the genres. I like a smooth sailing read, that doesn’t have plot holes, grammar errors, and has a bunch of love to hate characters. Bonus if there’s some twists I didn’t see coming!
JB: What makes you DNF a book?
JR: If it gets repetitive, or there’s too many errors, or there’s plot holes, basically things like that. Plus if it doesn’t make sense or reads like AI, I just can’t go on with it. If I get a headache from trying to understand something, it’s not for me. Also, if it’s too predictable, I like the thrill of not knowing what's going to happen.
JB: If you could choose a book you’ve read to become a film, what would it be?
JR: The first would be It Ain’t No Fun When The Rabbit Got the Gun by Nick Scarborough because there’s a bit in it that makes me laugh. The Melody Series by Erica Hart, I think that would be a really interesting one. Valxika series because I reckon that would top Game of Thrones, it would take that shit out. Heartbeat by C. Extreme, it’s awesome! Gomorrah series by Kelvin V.A. Allison would also be a really good one. We Met in the Forums by Rob Ulitski, it could be an eerie sort of film. I reckon that would do well!
JB: What are your top five books (thus far)?
JR: That’s an easier list. Run Red by R.J. Daly; Dug Up by Erica Hart; Gomorrah series by Kelvin V.A. Allison, Heartbeat by C. Extreme; Sin by Matt Clarke.
If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
JR: Something utterly repulsive. Something that really tested the limits. Always wanted to write a book on a woman who has had surgery, but when she comes out she is a completely different person to the one she was before she was put to sleep. So much to work with there and I reckon I could pull it off.
JB: What authors would you like to see write together?
JR: I would say Harrison Phillips and Kelvin Allison. Both their writing is insane and I reckon they would write together beautifully!
JB: What are your thoughts on AI elements in books, covers or writing?
JR: I despise it with a passion. With covers, I’m not as bothered as much, because I feel like a cover is a cover, it’s not what the book is or what the writing is. If the writing is AI, I feel like you can almost tell and it just takes away from any sort of personality. It can make the characters seem really dry, the whole book just falls flat and I just need the emotion to be able to enjoy the book. It's the reason I love Dug Up so much, because the emotions in it are as repulsive as it is. It has got the emotion and that’s what I need in a book as well. But AI and writing? Big no no.
JB: What do you think the future holds for the Extreme Horror community?
JR: Realistically, AI is going to become bigger and bigger, smarter and smarter; and people aren’t going to be able to work out what’s what. Hopefully, the genuine people who I know are genuine will stick to being themselves. I appreciate them for that. But I think there will be some new people worming their way in who’ll be trying to use AI to get themselves in. But, I reckon it’s going to do some damage. Hopefully, people will start coming in more for the community, genuine people who can make genuine friendships and I think we should work together as a community and not have people scared of what they’re saying, or posting, or live in fear of being attacked because of drama going on. Its just nonstop and I want it to be a normal, happy place for everyone who loves books.
JB: Do you, as a reviewer, have any words of wisdom for future and aspiring reviewers?
JR: Definitely! If you want to go for it, do it! I’ve met lovely people, made friends for life, but honesty is the best policy! Don’t suck up to an author because you don’t want to offend them. Reviewing isn’t for the weak. It’s for the ones that can read and fairly review, regardless of connections. You need to be ready to read some brilliant, but also not so brilliant, and to firmly but fairly share those thoughts.
Check out Jessie Raven’s reviews on Facebook, TikTok and Goodreads at the following links:
TikTok: Ravensreviews2023
ABOUT JERRY:
Jerry Blaze is an award-winning author of Horror and Bizarro fiction.
After achieving success in the erotic market, Jerry decided to undertake Extreme Horror/Splatterpunk/Bizarro fiction writing and released several books. Some of his books have been bestsellers on Amazon. He has been awarded the 2025 Golden Wizard Book Prize and the Literary Titan award.
Jerry is a fan of Grindhouse and exploitation films from the 70s and 80s, often modeling his work on them. He currently lives in the American Midwest, but travels often to get inspiration or to run away from angry mobs.
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Thanks for reading! See you next month!