Andrew Leon Hudson's Blog, page 9

Diamonds in the Smooth

A few months ago I was told about a short story (reviewing) competition, two days before the deadline. I thought I’d give it a try, scoured my shelves for something to talk about, and came up with a piece about two great stories in a collection from The New Yorker that, otherwise, to be honest, I didn’t like all that much.

I didn’t win.

But, just a week or so ago the organisers got in touch to ask if I would let them publish my entry on their website anyway.

Of course, I said “yes”.

And here it is.

Tear Drops

I suspect that the editor of Mythaxis is feeling threatened, because two minutes after I actually sell a story somewhere else, bam, a fresh offer to publish one of my unsaleable pieces of science flash fiction appears in my in-box*. This time, enthusiastic readers can vote for their favourite story and win the author a book. I’ve always wanted a book.

I wonder what this mysterious Editor is like. I picture a Zeus-like figure, long white beard and piercing eyes. Or maybe just eye.

Anyway, submitted for your approval, a sad Christmas story… that’s landing around Easter.

 

* In fact, my in-box just goes bing when I got mail. I only wish it went bam.

Easy as ABC

Because no-one loves me, no-one wants me, apart from the editor of Mythaxis it seems, I became weak. I turned to Elance. No-one wanted me there either – until someone, some wonderful someone said I could write a story for them about bullying, as long as it was for teenagers too. So I did, because teenagers probably need stories just like everyone else.

And because they said they’d pay me enough to buy lunch.

Young Adult Magazine published it just now, and I’ve eaten lunch, so if you’re a young adult you can register for free and read it here. If you’re not… well, you’ll have to keep waiting until you are.

Mindbleed

The headmaster of Mythaxis has again called me to his office, much like last time to reprimand me over a vaguely disturbing little piece of sf wordplay written on the toilet wall. The story is called Mindbleed, and it is about what it’s like to lose your mind. In the shuffle.

This is the third piece of mine which Mythaxis have accepted. I’m very grateful. If I was being paid for these stories, I’d really have to say that Mythaxis was the only thing keeping me afloat. Instead, it just adds to my desire to continue swimming.

You can read it here, if you fancy.

Flesh Doubt

I am writing this in August, 2012.

I wrote a short story in September, 2010.

I wrote the last lines first, in February, 2008.

Mythaxis published it in December, 2011.

But I forgot to mention it.

I wrote a short story, and last year it was kindly published in Mythaxis. You can read it here. It’s about the satisfying pain of embracing change, possibly.

I didn’t draw the picture this time.

I did draw one, but I didn’t send it.

I burnt it.