Astrologica: the final line up

Editor Allen Ashley has now fixed the final line up for the forthcoming Alchemy Press anthology Astrologica: Stories of the Zodiac. Allen says: “That’s it! I have made my final three acceptances and the book is now full. The last trio to announce are ‘Broken Horn’ by Doug Blakeslee for Capricorn; ‘The Third Face of Virgo’ by Adam Craig for Virgo; and ‘Deep Draw’ by Neil Williamson for Aquarius.

Doug Blakeslee lives in Portland, Oregon. His interest in books started early thanks to his mom and hasn't stopped since. A heavy fan of SF and fantasy, it came as a pleasant surprise that his first sale was the suspense short story ‘Madame’ to the anthology Uncommon Assassins. He recently started a blog, The Simms Project, where he talks about writing and other related topics. He can be reached via the blog or Facebook.

Adam Craig lives in the hinterlands of Staffordshire. Although he’s been writing for an embarrassingly long period of time, on and off, Adam has never had any fiction published until this year. Adam says that he’s quite staggered to find one of his stories in such distinguished company.

Neil Williamson will be familiar to many in the BFS. His fiction has been published in a variety of magazines and anthologies, including Allen Ashley's The Elastic Book Of Numbers. Neil's short story collection, The Ephemera, is still available from Infinity Plus Books, and his first novel, The Moon King, will be published in 2014. Neil is a veteran of the literary fight club known as the Glasgow Science Fiction Writers Circle. For more information visit his website."

So, without further ado, here is the full running order for Astrologica: 

• Aries – Aspects of Aries by David Turnbull
• Taurus – The White Bull Ranch by Christine Morgan
• Gemini – The Sun and the Moon by Bob Lock
• Gemini – Star-crossed by Stuart Young
• Cancer – Ragged Claws by Joel Lane
• Leo – The Yellow Fruit by Ralph Robert Moore
• Virgo – The Third Face of Virgo by Adam Craig
• Libra – The Order of the Scales by Storm Constantine
• Scorpio – Cookie by Jet McDonald
• Capricorn – Broken Horn by Doug Blakeslee
• Sagittarius – Dark Matters by Megan Kerr
• Aquarius – Deep Draw by Neil Williamson
• Pisces – The Prize by David McGroarty
• Pisces – The Fishman by Mark David Campbell

Astrologica update

Update from editor Allen Ashley: “I am delighted to announce that three more Zodiac signs are sewn up for Astrologica: Stories of the Zodiac. I have accepted the following:

“Aspects of Aries” by David Turnbull (Aries)

“Star-crossed” by Stuart Young (Gemini)

“The Sun and the Moon” by Bob Lock (Gemini)

“The Prize” by David McGroarty (Pisces)

“The Fishman” by Mark David Campbell (Pisces)

The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice that I have taken two for Gemini (naturally!) and also two for Pisces, which will deliver a big, fishy finish to the anthology. You might also have spotted that it seems to be a good time to be called ‘David’!

David Turnbull was born in Edinburgh and now lives and works in London. He has been widely published in numerous magazines and anthologies, both in print and online. His first novel, a children’s fantasy adventure entitled The Tale of Euan Redcap, was released in 2012 by Pixiefoot Press, an imprint of Essex based Wyvern Publications.

Stuart Young is the author of “Spare Parts”, “Shards of Dreams” and was the BFS award winner in 2006 for his novella The Mask behind The Face. He also featured in Allen Ashley’s anthology Catastrophia (PS Publishing, 2010).

Bob Lock was born on the Gower Peninsular, Wales. He has published horror, fantasy and science fiction tales and articles in a number of publications including SF Crowsnest, Samsdot Publishing, SFF World and SciFi UK Review. He also has a number of novels published in print and ebook format: Flames of Herakleitos, The Empathy Effect, They Feed on Flesh, to name just a few.

David McGroarty was born in Glasgow. His fiction features in the anthology Rustblind and Silverbright from Eibonvale Press (due July 2013); and he has been shortlisted for the James White Award. He lives in London with his partner and their two sons.

Mark David Campbell was born in Canada but now lives mostly in Italy. He is a writer, painter and teacher.

Astrologica update

Allen Ashley, editor of our forthcoming anthology Astrologica: Stories of the Zodiac, reports:

“I can now confirm more acceptances for the anthology:

‘The Order of the Scales’ by Storm Constantine for the star sign of Libra

‘The White Bull Ranch’ by Christine Morgan for the star sign Taurus

‘Cookie’ by Jet McDonald for the star sign Scorpio

‘Ragged Claws’ by Joel Lane for the star sign Cancer

A note on the authors:

Storm Constantine is a well-known and well-respected figure on the SF/ fantasy scene. She has written more than 20 novels plus several non-fiction books. She is best known for her successful Wraeththu series. In 2003 she launched Immanion Press.

Christine Morgan works the overnight shift in a psychiatric facility and divides her writing time among many genres. A cat-lady in training, her interests include history, mythology, superheroes, crafts, and cheesy disaster movies.

Jet McDonald is a writer, musician and storyteller with big hair. His first novel ‘Automatic Safe Dog’ was published by Eibonvale Press. He likes stories about things on wheels.

Joel Lane lives in Birmingham, England. His publications in the weird fiction genre include four short story collections, The Earth Wire, The Lost District, The Terrible Changes and Where Furnaces Burn – the latter a book of supernatural crime stories set in the West Midlands – as well as a novella, ‘The Witnesses Are Gone’.

I am also very close to selecting the stories to represent the star signs Aries and Gemini. I’m really excited about how the book is taking shape. If you’ve submitted a story and haven’t heard from me, please stay patient as I am getting in touch with everybody systematically. Often with good news!”

Astrologica update

Update from Allen Ashley, editor of our forthcoming anthology Astrologica: Stories of the Zodiac –

“Two down, ten to go! I'm pleased to report that I have made my second formal acceptance for the anthology. The story is ‘Dark Matters’ by Megan Kerr and is for Sagittarius. Megan will be familiar to you as the winner of last year’s BFS Short Story Competition and is currently working on ‘The Artist and the Mathematician’, a literary slipstream novel for which she has received a Society of Authors Grant. This is a brilliant, bravura story and I'm really glad to have Megan on board. I will be announcing further acceptances very soon.”

Astrologica update

Allen Ashley, editor of forthcoming Alchemy Press anthology Astrologica: Stories of the Zodiac, writes:

“That’s it, folks, the submission window has firmly closed. Firstly, I want to say a big thank you to all the authors who made the effort to get to grips with this challenging theme and who submitted stories. As an editor: without you guys, I’m nothing! In my usual blithe manner, I simply threw the idea out there and I didn’t fully appreciate that my astrological theme was actually quite a bit trickier than your average anthology. So, thank you for all your submissions. I have read all but the most recent at least once and am onto second readings for several of the pieces. I have difficult choices to make for all the signs apart from Leo, which was snaffled up by Ralph Robert Moore way back in January. Often it’s going to come down to fine margins between one story and another for any given star sign. That’s one of the tricky parts of editing, of course. Expect to hear from me during May or June; possibly even later this month if I really get my finger out!”

Meanwhile, Mike Chinn (editor of Pulp Heroes 2) and Jan Edwards & Jenny Barber (Urban Mythic) are finalising their selections -- expect to hear details soon.

Astrologica update

Allen Ashley, editor of forthcoming anthology Astrologica, reports:

"Far away from prying eyes, the picking and choosing for this anthology is going ahead at quite a pace. My expectation is that I will get a late flurry to add to the high quality submissions that I’ve already received and this will make the final decisions very difficult indeed.

Several people have emailed me to ask which signs I’m still looking for. I don’t require any more Leo and I have two really strong contenders for Pisces, so don’t require any more for that sign. Aries, Libra, Virgo and Aquarius are probably gone as well. Gemini is on a second reading. I still have stories to read relating to the other signs not named above, so who knows what fabulous delights are waiting in my Inbox? But, as things stand, I have yet to pick for Sagittarius, Cancer, Capricorn, Taurus, Scorpio. I know some of you have sent me stories for those signs: I am in the process of reading them.

I hope that the above is helpful and will post an update when I am ready to make a few more firm acceptances."

Astrologica Update

Allen Ashley, editor of our forthcoming anthology Astrologica: Stories of the Zodiac reports:

“I have had a late upsurge in submissions but I have also corresponded with a few authors who have requested an extension. So, in the spirit of fair play, I am extending the closing date for submissions for everybody to midnight Sunday 14 April 2013.

In other news, you will have noticed that we have now settled on the anthology title as Astrologica: Stories of the Zodiac. And, to answer another query that regularly comes up, I am essentially looking for one story per star sign. Leo is already taken, for definite.”

Submission guidelines here.

Astrologica Update

Allen Ashley, editor of our forthcoming anthology Astrologica: Tales of the Zodiac, reports:

“Thank you for all the wonderful submissions so far. Just a quick update on what I am still looking for. Which is: I would like to receive more submissions around the following star signs – Taurus, Scorpio, Sagittarius and Capricorn. Also, a couple more for Cancer and Virgo would be helpful. Length 3000 to 8000 words. As many submissions have been in the 3000 to 5000 range, I am quite keen to receive stories towards the upper limit. So, folks, just two weeks to go. Submissions to me at: editorastrologica @ hotmail.co.uk”

Submission period: one month remaining

Now is the time to start polishing your stories. The submission period for The Alchemy Press Books Of ... Astrologica, Pulp Heroes 2 and Urban Mythic ends on 31st March 2013. Get submitting. For guidelines visit the individual pages (click on the links).

Astrologica update

Allen Ashley, editor of forthcoming anthology The Alchemy Press Book of Astrologica, gives us this update:

“Keep those stories coming in, I am very much enjoying reading them.

Now, everybody has their own star sign so I am looking for a fair spread of stories. With this in mind, I would be particularly keen to receive a few more stories themed around the following signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius and Capricorn.

Of course, if you are writing something on a sign not mentioned above, that’s fine, please send that in as well.

All stories previously received – many on the star signs mentioned! – are still under consideration. I love editing but I’m a busy man. Make me even busier!”

Submission guidelines can be found here.

Astrologica update

Allen Ashley, editor of our forthcoming anthology The Alchemy Press Book of Astrologica, reports:

“Thank you to all the authors who have sent me stories so far. One of the best parts of editing an anthology is the moment when one makes the very first formal acceptance. From that point onwards, the book truly comes to life. So, I am pleased to announce that I have acquired ‘The Yellow Fruit’ by the fabulous Texan writer Ralph Robert Moore. His story is based upon the star sign of Leo. It’s a terrific piece and has set the benchmark very high for the whole anthology.

For those of you who have already submitted stories, please be assured that your fine works are still under serious consideration. For those of you who haven’t sent me a story yet, what are you waiting for? The world is turning, the stars are moving in the heavens and I am waiting to be further delighted. The entire zodiac is your plaything – and yes, I will happily consider further Leo pieces. So, get writing, redrafting and submitting!”

Send stories, queries, etc directly to Allen, and for submission details click here. And for help on presenting your manuscript, click here.

Astrologica update

Allen Ashley, editor of our forthcoming anthology The Alchemy Press Book of Astrologica, reports:

“Thank you to all the authors who have sent me stories during the first week that I have been open to submissions. I have made no firm decisions on any story yet but I thought it would be a good idea to let folks know which star signs I’ve received work for and where the gaps are. So: stories received so far for Aries, Pisces, Aquarius and Libra, plus a pan-astrological tale.

I will be happy to receive more entries for the above zodiac signs but if you want to increase your chances a few percentage points, then get your thinking caps on and start to send me stories relating to Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio, Virgo, Sagittarius and Capricorn. Stories, queries etc to: editorastrologica@hotmail.co.uk”

For submission details click here. And for help on presenting your manuscript, click here.

Submissions now open

The Alchemy Press has opened its submission windows for the next three anthologies: Astrologica (edited by Allen Ashley), Urban Mythic (edited by Jan Edwards and Jenny Barber), and Pulp Heroes 2 (edited by Mike Chinn). In brief:

The Alchemy Press Book of the Astrologica is looking for stories about the signs of the Zodiac, the characteristics associated with those signs and/ or people born under them. I will also consider stories involving the mythical characters and creatures of the astrological signs, perhaps their history and origin, perhaps their present and future state. Note: I am not saying that one has to believe in the paraphernalia associated with modern astrology; but authors should seek to use some of this as inspiration and underpinning of their narratives.

The Alchemy Press Book of Urban Mythic is seeking contemporary tales with all the magic and wonder of myth and legend, blending modern life with the traditions of folklore from around the world. Whether lurking in dark alleys or brash shopping malls; from shanty towns to the floating cities of Venice, Bangkok or Dubai; swanky riverside penthouse lofts or humble suburban semis, we want to see how the mythic is woven into the everyday. Think Charles de Lint, Terri Windling, Robert Holdstock, Seanan McGuire, Jim Butcher, Kate Griffin, Simon R. Green, Holly Black, Neil Gaiman…

The Alchemy Press Book of Pulp Heroes 2 is after tales from the arid plains of Mars to the canyons of Manhattan; the foetid jungle to the naked jungle. Demented criminals versus dark heroes with sinister powers. The flash of steel in the palaces of long-forgotten civilizations or along the sterile corridors of impossible spacecraft. Swords against sorcery or sword and planet.

And don’t forget, this year sees the launch of Alchemy Novellas: these will cover almost all areas of Fantasy – that’s heroic fantasy, alternate world fantasy, urban fantasy, supernatural, dark crime and horror. Comic fantasy will be considered but not if it’s a parade of puns or bad gags. We are not fans of zombies or heroic vampires. We will not publish hard science fiction. Essentially, acceptance will be based on how well the novella works for us.

Visit the above links for full details.

Opening the windows...

A reminder to all you writers looking for a home for your stories: the submission periods for the 2013 Alchemy Press anthologies -- Astrologica, Pulp Heroes 2 and Urban Mythic opens on 1st January and remain open until the end of March 2013. Now is the time to polish off your manuscripts and getting them ready to send them in to your hard-working editors.

We had hoped to secure additional funding in order to pay semi-pro rates for your stories. But alas, the people holding the cheque book didn't think that a series of fantasy anthologies was serious enough. What do they know? Therefore we will only be paying a nominal fee again (as we did this year for Ancient Wonders and Pulp Heroes 1). Check the above links for details.