Friday, September 2, 2022

SEPTEMBER 2022 NEWS AND UPDATES

 

Illustration by Mat Fitzsimmons for an upcoming project in late 2023

How did I forget to post something in August? Because I have been busy! Here are the updates for September!

Music:

Soundtrack to Morkkabeans! Back in July, John Baltisberger (Madness Heart Press) approached me about creating a soundtrack to a game he was developing for Kickstarter called Morkkabeans! The project funded quite spectacularly, and as a result, the soundtrack was made and will be released to backers of the Kickstarter! The direction I was given was Middle Eastern Doom, and I played a little with that, drawing on sounds like those created by Zaum and Om, but also delving into more drone-like sounds, brutal power electronics/grindcore, and the cavernous sounds of Khanate. What resulted was about 50 minutes of music that I think will enhance gameplay and rewards listening on its own. 

Dark Prairie Atomspherics Collective Vol. 2 recording/production underway!
I am beginning to produce files for the other collaborators of the DPAC (I will reveal them when we get closer to release), and excited by what they are going to bring to the table. There will be three of us working on it this time, so that will be awesome! As with the last time, each collaborator will include a unique bonus track with purchases from their individual bandcamps. I am hopeful this will see release in either October or November.

Other Music News
There is a piece I am working on that will be a single track, long-form release in the coming weeks. 

Writing

ABC's of Horror Vol. 4 from D&T Publishing out in September!
I am delighted to announce that I have a story in this anthology coming out next month in physical and e-versions from D&T Publishing! 25 other authors worked on a theme around "neighbors" for this collection, and I am certain it will be phenomenal. My story, "L is for The Lacrimosas", will definitely be unique, not just for my approach but for the content. I am hopeful others will enjoy it. Cover reveal and links to purchase will be shared when I am given the go-ahead.

Nafallen University Course Catalog enters a seminary library!
I was tickled to learn from a friend that the seminary they work at in town will be adding the Course Catalog to their collection (and I'll be going in to sign and stamp it of course)! It has been great hearing positive responses to the catalog. Additionally, I have surreptitiously added a copy to a local sidewalk "library" in an effort to spread its insidious word around town. You can acquire your copy from http://getbook.at/NUCC2022

Awards season
As we enter the last few months of the year, I will be working on verifications for the Stoker awards. There are other awards focused on horror and speculative fiction as well, and if you think my work rises to the level of consideration, I would be delighted to be recognized/nominated! Let me know if there are awards you think I should know about, and I can follow up!

Other things in the works
I had some work items take away from creative writing energy in the last 6 or so weeks, but I am slowly coming back to it. There are some upcoming releases from Magic Rabbit Press that I will let you know more about when the stars are right (not too far off!), as well as ongoing work on Olde Wyathscope's Quarterly Concern (well into Annum 2 writing, Issue 1 went out yesterday to subscribers!  I am very excited to hear what they think...) There are also some submissions I have out there which I hope to hear back on soon!


Other
Podcasts and Interviews- I've been in touch with a couple of folks about potential podcast appearances and interviews - I am always happy to talk with people about my creative projects, and if you know someone who would like to talk with me, please feel free to make the connection! Zoom is always best and I have the account to allow me to talk for as long as they care to!



Well Wishes: I want to close by again expressing your support for my creative work. I want to encourage you to create and put your work out there-do not be discouraged if it struggles to find an audience or you get rejected. We all face these challenges. You will overcome them. Let your loved ones know you love them, because tomorrow is not guaranteed to any of us. Boost the signal for creators you enjoy - when one of us wins we all win.