Follow the Butterflies

Earlier this week I received my contributor's copy of Emerald Tales which includes my story Empty Box Motel, and a story by KC Shaw, Cult of the Butterflies (which is fantastical sci-fi brilliance), and a very pretty well-put together magazine it is. If you haven't written anything yet for the magazine, I urge you to do so. Their 'Masks or Appearances can be Deceiving' deadline is October 1st.

On another note, they have a second Follow the Butterflies issue out today - a science fiction, fantasy and horror edition - and it includes a little something by a certain Mercedes M. Yardley.

Bulls, Butterflies and Chimpanzees

Okay, which Aquarian did it, fess up... Chester Zoo evacuated as Chimpanzees escape.* I am officially setting up an altar to my Crystal Bull.

Prepare for a squee moment...

Diana Lyles has accepted my dark fantasy story, Empty Box Motel, for issue one of Emerald Tales. It's a themed issue - Follow the butterflies. If you haven't already done so, check out their submission guidelines. The themes for the next two issues are, 'Masks or Appearances can be deceiving', and 'Winter Solstice'. Plus, they have a very nice pay rate. Sending special thanks to Kate Shaw who mentioned the mag on her blog and had me clicking all the way to Ralan. Plus, she got into the issue too (of course she did). Double squee.

Is squee unproffesional?

*This comment will only make sense if a) you're mad, or b) you read my previous post.

A not so POISONED letter

Received my first rejection for my childrens book 'The Poisoned Apple' and I am officially declaring it the BEST rejection I have ever had. Apologies to all those editors of small press mags/anthos who have provided critiques and helped me improve as a writer.

After a wee while (translate that as years) of sending out my horror novels and my first childrens book and getting form rejections, I finally got an outstanding personal rejection and it is from one of the top UK agencies. I quote:

You have a quirky style of writing, it is fast-paced, funny and I love the opening line. But for us to consider taking your novel on, it would have to be more in region of 60-70,000 words in length as this is what publishers expect.

The last part - 60,000 words - bothers me. I was aiming for an early Lemony Snicket length book and I know there are a lot of books out there that are around the 20-25,000 mark for children, but perhaps the times they are achanging. Then again, maybe I can change them back - :)

I'll send it out to a few more agencies - probably every single one in the book - and then if I get nowhere I will consider merging the as yet unwritten book 2 with book 1. Who knows?

I am telling you, I so have butterflies in my stomach that they read as far as the opening line... At last, a query letter that works.

Beneath Grey Skies

Iridescent colours cavort in the Cynic's garden,
gossamer wings beating purple and orange
above the stalks of abandoned summer.

Free in the air above sodden ground they tease;
as heavy boots slip in mud,
dislodging the last remaining rose petals.

How brief their summer?
A riotous fortnight
before eternal sleep in glass case.

But first, to the catcher's net.


copyright Catherine J Gardner 2007