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May 31, 2007
Dragons, Knights, & Angels - June Issue (#45)
The print edition for DKA's June issue is now available for sale through Lulu.com.
Just $6.49 (+ shipping)
This issue includes:
"Manikin" by Josh Vogt,
"Soul's Sphere" by Lindsay Lair,
"Even Dragons Dance" by Christopher Kastensmidt,
"Imported Goods" by Megan Elaine Davis,
"Treatment Protocol" by Michael Heald, and
"Stihdjia" by Nick Ozment.
Enjoy!
Posted by Selena at 08:08 PM | Comments (0)
May 28, 2007
Magic and God and The Ladies of Grace Adieu
Oddly enough, the topic of some Christians' objection to fantasy stories about magic came up at about the same time that I started reading Susanna Clarke's The Ladies of Grace Adieu.
Clark's collection of stories is about magic and fairies, and is set in the land of Faerie and old England. I'm pretty sure no one has labeled it Christian fantasy. But I don't just read Christian fiction and the book looked good, so I dove in.
I wasn't disappointed. In the first story, which is "The Ladies of Grace Adieu," one of the characters tells a story about the Raven King. The story so moved me that I have read that section over and over again. (I wish I could quote you the whole thing here, but I can't. I recommend you buy the book and read it for yourself.)
The story is a perfect example of why I don't just read Christian fiction, and why I don't feel the need to eschew stories about magic. God can speak through any story, not just ones without magic or with the "Christian" label. God spoke to me through the story of the Raven King.
The story is about the Raven King as a child. His uncle is concerned about the Raven Boy and decides to check the boy's dreams to see how he is doing. Upon laying the dreams out on a table, Uncle Auberon is dismayed to see that each of the boy's dreams contain terrifying things like dark towers, black birds, wolves and ghosts. He asks about each dream, "was you not afraid?" To which the boy responds "no" and depicts the nightmarish elements in a harmless, even loving way; for instance, that the wolves nursed, cuddled and comforted him when he was too young to do such for himself.
Finally the boy loses his patience with explaining his dreams and a fairy speaks up, warning the boy that "There are all sorts of things in Heaven and Earth…that yearn to do you harm." He then lists some pretty scary ones for good measure.
The boy responds that he knew the fairy sent him the dreams, and that he is a human child and thus cleverer than the fairy. Moreover he says, "I am an English child and all the wide grey English air, full of black wings beating and grey ghosts of rain sighing, belongs to me. This being so…why should I be afraid?"
At this point I was crying because what I heard was "I am a child of God. All the big, wide world belongs to my Heavenly Father, who loves me and cares for me. Every frightening thing in the world is under His command. Why then should I be afraid?"
Secular book, maybe. Christian blessing, for sure.
Posted by Selena at 04:43 PM | Comments (0)
May 27, 2007
New Column: "Letting God Drive"
My latest column was published today, so pop on over to The Sword Review and check it out:
Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 05:17 PM | Comments (0)
May 24, 2007
Studio 60 Returns!
I heard today on the radio that Studio 60 returns tonight for a series finale. I was so relieved. (But I can't help wondering why I'm just hearing about it TODAY. What is wrong with NBC's marketing department that I hadn't heard about this!)
I went to the website and found that it's actually six new episodes. Fantastic! I was wondering how they were going to wrap up everything in one episode.
The biggest loose thread to tie up, in my opinion, is Matt and Harriet. We simply cannot leave them broken up and hurting the way they were. I can't take it.
One question from watching the promo: what's with the "Nothing will prepare you for what happens next" and then the clip of Danny proposing to Jordan? If that's the big event, then I feel like I'm pretty prepared from seeing the clip. Are they saying something unexpected is going to happen after that, like Jordan says, "Sorry, but I'm an alien and I have to return to the mother ship." Come on. If Jordan and Danny don't end up together, I'm gonna be so upset. Same for Matt and Harriet. What can I say? I'm a romantic; I want a happy ending.
One thing's for sure, I can't wait to get my hands on the DVD set of the series when it comes out. Note to NBC (or whoever): could you let me know when it's released, please?
Posted by Selena at 01:21 PM | Comments (0)
May 23, 2007
Day Three of the Sword Review Blog Tour
It's day three of the Sword Review Blog Tour and I realized that I am probably supposed to be posting links to the official Blog Tour participants. So, since I don't really have anything to say today, why don't you go check out what other people are saying about The Sword Review ?
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Amy Browning
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Frank Creed
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
April Erwin
Kameron M. Franklin
Linda Gilmore
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Russell Griffith
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Heather R. Hunt
Holly
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Kait
Karen
Dawn King
Tina Kulesa
Lost Genre Guild
Holly
Kevin Lucia
and The Bookshelf Reviews 2.0 - The Compendium
Terri Main
Rachel Marks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Robin Parrish
Cheryl Russel
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
Mirtika Schultz
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Daniel I. Weaver
Posted by Selena at 08:11 AM | Comments (0)
May 22, 2007
Some Sword Review Favs
It's Day Two of the Sword Review Blog Tour. So, as promised, here are a few of my favorite stories from The Sword Review:
Polar Daughter
by Sharon Irwin
Set in the arctic, a bear discovers he loves a young girl as much as he would have loved a cub of his own. For him and for her, that means, everything changes.
The Short Bus
by Marsheila Rockwell
What if the so-called "Special Ed" kids were more special than anyone could imagine--brilliant scientists, musicians and artists trapped inside bodies and brains that betrayed them? And what if there were a place where that specialness was revealed, if only for a few short minutes every day? For Artemis Thacker, a young boy with Down's Syndrome, those blessed moments of normalcy are found in the most unlikely of places--the short bus.
All That Glitters
by Pam L. Wallace
For all of her thirteen years, Erina obeyed and trusted her leaders. When Chosen, she was honored to be one who would protect the land and its people, but her fear almost overwhelmed her. As her destiny closes around her, Erina finds her strength.
Voices from the Void
by Mirta Ana Schultz
Seven travelers share the safety of a small chamber in a large spacer--the matchmaker, the exobotanist, the missionarian, the politician's daughter, the monk, the holoflick producer, and the woman in search of her voice--all of them knowing that strange happenings await all spacefarers. Time and space follow their own rules and, sometimes, play their own games on susceptible humans. Once these travelers enter the void of space, will the voices they hear be their own?
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
by Alex Popkin
New technology is becoming more and more a part of our daily lives. As time goes on, we expect machines to make our daily tasks easier. But is there such a thing as too much convenience?
Aleskei's Revolution
by Wade Ogletree
Aleskei Volchenkcov is one of the most powerful men in the region, perhaps, soon, in all the world, but the time machine that offers his government such daunting power, is also his vehicle to relive a love affair of long ago.
That's by no means ALL of my favorites! There are too many to list. But the above should get you started.
Posted by Selena at 07:25 PM | Comments (2)
DKA: "The Traders" by John Kuhn
To close out May's issue, here is a poem from one of our favorite writers:
The Traders
by John Kuhn
Tease:
After months spent scouring space for goods to trade, a merchant ship runs into trouble on the way back home.
For more of John's work visit our archives and check out
Speck
Sally and Her Grandfathers
Vehement the Merciful
Statuary
and The Crutch.
Posted by Selena at 08:44 AM | Comments (0)
May 21, 2007
Distant Passages 2 Now Available!
The "best of" anthology I edited is now available. Yippee!
You can buy it at the DEP store or at Amazon.com.
I'm still trying to get over the fact that if you go to Amazon.com and search on my name, it actually brings up a book I had a hand in. Not one I wrote. But still, it's wild!
Posted by Selena at 07:52 PM | Comments (0)
Sword Review on Blog Tour
The Sword Review is being featured on this week's Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour. For May 21, 22, and 23 blogs on the tour will be blogging about The Sword Review.
I'm not an official member of the tour, but I figured I would join in the fun anyway since I love The Sword Review.
SR was one of the first venues to publish my work. (This was before I joined their editorial team, just in case you were wondering.) The first story I sent them ("Verid") wasn't accepted its first time around. Truth is the original version of the story had a lot of problems. But one of the editors saw something in it and was very enthusiastic about the story. I think that's why SR opted to give me the chance to revise. I am very grateful they gave me that opportunity. I'm also grateful for all the valuable feedback they gave me. Their feedback greatly improved the story.
SR eventually accepted and published "Verid" along with a companion story ("The Choosing"). Shortly after, I was asked to join the Sword Review team and I jumped at the chance. It's been a blast ever since.
Stay tuned tomorrow when I will reveal some of my favorite stories to appear in The Sword Review.
Posted by Selena at 05:48 PM | Comments (0)
May 20, 2007
New Book Club
I finally caved in and did it. I joined the Science Fiction Book Club. I've been tempted to join many times. But I always felt too guilty about the expense. I knew I couldn't join and not constantly want to buy new books. Plus when did I have time to read books anyway? I could barely keep up with reading submissions at DKA and SR.
It was a quandary, but finally I just called it an investment in my writing career and went ahead and did it. I figure that if I want to write great science fiction then I need a steady diet of great science fiction. Makes sense, right?
Plus, I love books. (I belong to three other book clubs.) I read so much for my positions at DKA and SR that I hardly ever read just for pleasure anymore. And that's not right.
When I got my initial order it was like Christmas. A big box of new books – what could be better? It took quite a while to decide which one to dig into first. But in the end, I chose "The Ladies of Grace Adieu and other stories" by Susanna Clarke. I've only read the first story so far, but it was wonderful so I can hardly wait to read the rest. In fact, I will probably blog about the story. It spoke to me in the nicest way.
If you don't belong to the Science Fiction Book Club you can also buy the book through Amazon here:
Enjoy. And don't forget to make time for books. There must always be time for books.
Posted by Selena at 07:12 PM | Comments (0)
Call for Submissions: TeenAge Magazine
Double-Edged Publishing's newest magazine is now open for submissions:
This is a magazine for teens, by teens.
Which means you won't be seeing any of my work there. 'Cause I'm…you know… old. ;)
If you're a teen writer, check out the guidelines. Maybe your work will end up in the inaugural issue.
Posted by Selena at 06:48 PM | Comments (0)
May 19, 2007
DKA: "Only Our Thirst Lights Us Onward"
Our latest update is a piece of flash fiction:
"Only Our Thirst Lights Us Onward"
by Elizabeth Hopkinson
Tease:
When the villagers set out to seek the Well of Blessedness they expect a short and simple trip, but the road proves much longer and more dangerous. Has their prophet led them astray, or is there something to be gained from walking the dark path? A parable of hope.
Enjoy!
Get the print edition that includes this story.
Posted by Selena at 08:22 AM | Comments (0)
May 15, 2007
DKA: "The Last" by Chris Miller
Next up is another poem by Chris Miller. You may remember his poem "Beyond the Abattoir – Metamorphosis" from last month's issue.
"The Last"
by Chris Miller
Tease:
The last dark-winged wyvern... a medical drama.
Get the print edition that includes this poem!
Posted by Selena at 08:04 AM | Comments (0)
May 14, 2007
Dragons, Knights, & Angels - May Issue (#44)
The print edition for DKA's May issue is now available for sale through Lulu.com.
Just $6.49 (+ shipping)
This issue includes:
"Dust" by David Misialowski,
"The Mystery of Time" by C.K. Deatherage,
"Dink" by Jennifer Morris,
"The Last" by Chris Miller,
"Only Our Thirst Lights Us Onward" by Elizabeth Hopkinson, and
"The Traders" by John Kuhn.
Enjoy!
Posted by Selena at 08:54 AM | Comments (0)
May 12, 2007
DKA: "Dink" by Jennifer Morris
Here is a fun piece of flash fiction for your weekend reading:
"Dink"
by Jennifer Morris
Tease: Even the smallest of dogs can have his day.
Posted by Selena at 08:37 AM | Comments (0)
May 08, 2007
8 random facts about me
Okay, so I have been tagged. (Thanks Pixy.) Let's see if I can do this right.
First, I'm supposed to list the rules. So here they are:
1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.
Now, my list of 8 random facts about me:
1) I just became a grandma and I'm not the only person amazed by how good I am with the baby. I am probably the least maternal woman on the face of the planet. My reputation as "not good with children" is legendary among my friends and family. But somehow Lily and I get along very well.
2) I talk to my cats like they are people.
3) I hate chain letters. I think that's why I haven't found the nerve to tag anyone else. It feels like such an imposition. Even though I enjoyed writing this.
4) I fear the cold. Guess it's a good thing I live in Florida now.
5) I don't eat meat, except for the occasional hamburger or meatloaf or sandwich meats. It's like I don't want any meat that looks like it actually came from an animal.
6) In college I studied both drama and computer science. Both camps couldn't understand how one person could be interested in both subjects. Each side would ask me how I could hang out with "those" people.
7) I used to do musical theatre. I even starred in a few musicals: "Man of the Mancha" (my favorite), "The Sound of Music," and "Cabaret." In community theatre and school productions of course, not professional.
8) I stopped singing in public after I sang at my grandfather's funeral and did a terrible job of it. I still can't hear "Amazing Grace" without tearing up at the memory.
Posted by Selena at 08:16 PM | Comments (0)
Ray Gun Revival Update: Issue #21
Ray Gun Revival Issue #21 has landed!
Murder Beneath by Alice M. Roelke
Fiction
People say the Delans can tell you your future, and never get it wrong. But does that mean you should trust them?
Beyond the Flesh by A.M. Stickel
Fiction
The Plague Wars begin with an unjustly executed convict. His scientist sister tries to solve the puzzle of his death and thwart the plague, but she must pay the ultimate price.
The Case of the Spurious Spacemen by MN Schnecke
Fiction
Cows from space are kidnapping most of the gangsters in the city—and all of the victims are insured against alien abduction! But when the crime fighter Red Eye learns that his archenemies, the Nose and the Leer have escaped from prison, things take on an even more sinister turn.
Deuces Wild: "In the Lap of the Gods, part five" by L. S. King
Serial Fiction
When we last left our heroes, Tristan was trapped in the self-destructing palace of the dead Eridani emperor. Slap was in the temple and the late emperor’s cousin had pulled a needlegun on him. Things go downhill from there...
Posted by Selena at 03:49 PM | Comments (0)
SR: "Wings," new cover, and "Wish Upon"
Oops, I'm behind on my updates again.
Let's start with the latest from Sword Review:
------------
The Sword Review: May. 04 Update
Reality pushes and shoves against our dreams. We close out Issue 25 with a great poem addressing this from one of SR's favorite contributors. Don't miss this!
"Wings"
by Jaime Lee Moyer
From where come the dreams with which we are born...and to where do they go?
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The Sword Review: May. 07 Update
We begin Issue 26 with another great cover from Michelle J.A. McIntyre and a provocative poem from J. C. Runolfson. Enjoy, but take care! This will make you think and will raise some questions!
"Wish Upon"
by J. C. Runolfson
She wants to see him in a different light....
------------
Posted by Selena at 03:20 PM | Comments (0)
DKA: "The Mystery of Time" by C.K. Deatherage, PhD
Here is the first poem of DKA's May issue:
"The Mystery of Time"
by C.K. Deatherage, PhD
Tease:
The march of Time, so constant, so mighty, is cut short by Eternity.
Enjoy!
Posted by Selena at 08:18 AM | Comments (0)
May 07, 2007
Baby Lily
I've been a bit AWOL but at least I have a good excuse. (Two excuses, actually. One happy, one sad.)
Here is excuse number #1. My very sweet, very beautiful, brand-new granddaughter Lily:
Excuse #2 is not so happy. It's the stomach flu that's been marring my last couple days. Hopefully the worst of that is over.
Posted by Selena at 11:40 AM | Comments (0)
May 05, 2007
DKA: "Dust" by David Misialowski
To start off our May issue, we have a story by an author new to DKA. Though this is David's first story for DKA, it won't be his last. We have already accepted a second story for publication.
"Dust"
by David Misialowski
Tease:
Powerless before a mystery illness that is cutting down his patients, in a dying village on the edge of a devouring desert, a faithless doctor has a startling encounter that transforms his life.
Posted by Selena at 02:26 PM | Comments (2)
May 01, 2007
SR: "ME Control" by G. K. Werner
The Sword Review: Apr. 30 Update
Enjoy this flash fiction story and decide if you'd rather have learned as you did, or as the author suggests!
"ME Control"
by G. K. Werner
Today, the politically incorrect claim students are responsible for learning—teachers for teaching. But what if tomorrow’s educational technology equipped schools with complete behavior-control? What excuse would teachers have for not being 100% accountable?
Posted by Selena at 07:45 AM | Comments (0)