Michael Kelly's Blog, page 47

Why there will be no electronic versions of the journal

This is an excerpt from my editor's note that will appear in issue 2 of Shadows & Tall Trees. I thought I'd share it here.

I'd like to address a matter that keeps coming up, and try to clarify my position on said matter: electronic versions of Shadows & Tall Trees.

I am not, contrary to some reports, averse to e-Books. Shadows & Tall Trees was conceived as a print literary journal. I've always had a passion for small, well-designed journals. I was hoping to construct a lasting artefact; one that you'd be happy to display on your bookshelves and coffee tables. A unique, singular object that was worth your time. I personally feel it is important to promote short horror fiction in printed literary journals. The best of them leave an indelible and lasting impression.

Which brings me to a related point: I do not send out PDF's of the journal for review. I try and budget for extra copies. So, I do send physical copies to select editors, reviewers, and award jurors. As this is a small one-person operation, after the allotted copies are gone, I simply can't afford to keep sending out more copies. If you are a reviewer who isn't on my allotment list, and you are well and truly interested in the journal, you will have to purchase a copy. Sorry. That's the economics of the situation. The same goes for readers. I had several requests to pass along the PDF. I politely declined. I have only contracted print rights from the contributors. I truly believe, as well, that the best possible reading experience is with the physical journal itself.

 

Final piece of the puzzle

I've purchased Alison J. Littlewood's tale "The Pool" for issue 2 of Shadows & Tall Trees. With that, the issue is filled.

Feature Book Review

Our feature book review for issue 2 of Shadows & Tall Trees will be penned by Adam Golaski. Adam has turned his critical eye on "Portents," edited by Al Sarrantonio.

Murmurations

Very pleased to announce I`ll have an original story, 'The Wounded Bird,' in "Murmurations," an anthology of uncanny bird stories edited by the indefatigableNicholas Royle. This volume features Daphne du Maurier's "The Birds," and many talented writers, and I'm honoured to be in such fine company.

 

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http://www.tworavenspress.com/TRP%20New%20Books.html

Reviews of Chilling Tales

Latest issue of Rue Morgue has a very positive review of Chilling Tales. And then there's this one, from SFRevu. You'll have to decide if it's good or bad:

http://www.sfrevu.com/php/Review-id.php?id=11926

World Horror: A quick recap

World Horror Convention 2011 was a blast! Kudos to Lee Thomas, Nate Southard, Boyd Harris, and all the other convention volunteers for putting on a great convention.

Carolyn and I arrived Thursday around 3 pm after a slight plane delay. We were fortunate, as many of our friends had numerous travel delays. We got back to Toronto around 1 am Monday morning.

As always, these conventions are a bit of a surreal blur after awhile. Some highlights include several great room parties / launches that featured kegs of beer, Margarita machines, hot dog carts, and a late-night run for 30 pizzas. I met Paul Tremblay, John Langan, Nick Mamatas, Peter Straub, Matt Cardin, and several other colleagues whom I'd only previously corresponded with. Was a pleasure seeing Scott Edelman, Nicholas Kaufmann, Gary McMahon, Chris Teague, and Stuart Young again. And it's always a pleasure to see old friends Rio Youers, Joel Alexander, Brett Savory, Sandra Kasturi, Gemma Files, Michael Rowe, Simon Strantzas, and the rest of the Toronto Posse. I was very pleased for Ian Rogers who sold his first book, a collection of short stories, to the fabulous ChiZine Publications. A personal note here to CZP honchos Brett and Sandra: I promise to try my damndest to pronounce the name correctly from here on out.

I got to help a couple of my publisher's, Dark Regions Press and EDGE, at their dealer's tables selling books.  It did seem to help sell the books having the authors / editors at the tables. Thanks very kindly to everyone who purchased a book with my name on it. I do appreciate it.

Carolyn and I got into downtown Austin proper twice. We had some good meals. They serve them big in Texas. The only meal we finished was one we shared. We spent some time on 6th street Friday night, checking out the bands and listening to some music. We also got down to the Congress St "bat" bridge, but it was too early in the day to see any bats. It's definitely a very liberal, weird city. I dig it.

Spent some time in the hotel's courtyard. Ah, happy hour. $2 pints and $3 Margaritas. Had a particularly good time one afternoon with Bob Boyczuk, Brent Hayward, and Claude Lalumière. What happens in Austin, gents, stays in Austin. Remember to use your super powers wisely. And we will never forget the Ass Goblins of Auschwitz.

There were many people I met and hung out with. Thank you all for your warmth and generosity. Let's do it again.

 

Another tale added, and World Horror

I've purchased Steve Rasnic Tem's haunting tale "Back Among the Shy Trees" for issue 2 of Shadows & Tall Trees.

This time tomorrow I'll be on my way to the airport for my flight to Austin, Texas, where writers, publishers, agents, fans, and artists are congregating for World Horror 2011. Hope to see you.

 

Issue 2 cover art

I have licensed the cover art for issue 2 of Shadows  & Tall Trees. It's coming together.

More praise for Shadows & Tall Trees

"Like mist creeping though a northern forest, this journal of the ghostly and ghastly will have you starting at sudden noises, and recoiling from half glimpsed faces in the shadows on the wall."

– Laird Barron, author of Occultation, and The Croning (on Shadows & Tall Trees)

In which I drink with editor extraordinaire Stephen Jones

http://www.stephenjoneseditor.com/goh01.htm