Colored Chalk #9 is LIVE – Heaven and Hell
I’m very excited to post this up. Such a great group of writers. Thanks Jason Heim for all of the web work, and to Mark Wilkinson for his beautiful cover (http://www.the-masque.com/)
I just wanted to take one moment to talk about the fantastic writers involved:
Zsa Zsa – she was a very misunderstood soul and will be sorely missed
Vincent Louis Carrella – such a great voice, and his novel Serpent Box has been getting some great reviews http://www.amazon.com/Serpent-Box-Vincent-Louis-Carrella/dp/0061126268
Beth Mathison – she’s a new voice to me, but her story really tugged at me emotionally
Craig Wallwork – I published a story in my last issue #6, and thought it was one of the best of that issue, and his story this time is equally powerful
Karen Brown – When I first read her story “Galatea” in the 2008 Best American Short Stories I was blown away. I thought it was one of the best in that collection. We are lucky to have her contribution for CC#9, a gripping tale
Shaindel Beers – I know her poetry, and have read with her, such a sweet woman, so I was a bit shocked by her micro fiction for this issue. It will surprise you. She has a collection of poetry out here http://www.saltpublishing.com/books/smp/9781844715053.htm
Christopher Dwyer – my brother from another mother, one of my kindred spirit dark writers, I am never disappointed by his work. He’s also the “writer-in-residence” at Dogmatika, with a column called Dark Matter. Here’s one called “Crackle” that I love http://dogmatika.wordpress.com/2009/05/08/crackle/
M. Kilbain Lazer – an elusive, reclusive twisted soul, his work is never predictable and always a blast to read
Paul Mallaghan – another new voice to me, his story was one that I HOPED to get on the heaven side (although that could be debated) but one that was visceral and vivid, a great read
Michael Paul Gonzalez – a short intense story his work runs the gamut and this story is a wild ride as well
Valerie Geary – I was glad to get a lot of female voices in this issue, and Valerie’s story just floored me, so heavy and yet human
Kara Kilgore – another wild ride that really spoke to me, so glad to get Kara’s work out here – done several intensives with her at the Cult and she is unique and very compelling with her writing
Gayle Towell – what a powerful up and coming writer – I’ve been reading her novel Optimism at the Cult workshop and if I had a press, I’d publish it myself – great writer
Gavin Pate – his was a slightly different interpretation of theme and that’s why I wanted it included – his book The Way to Get Here is available at Bootstroap Press http://www.bootstrapproductions.org/catalog/books/theway.html
Nik Korpon – another dark writer, his story went against his usual writing but still held on to the intensity of his words, heaven in many forms
THANKS again everyone,
Peace,
Richard
Awesome! This issue has really come together, Richard. You must be very proud. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Craig, it turned out to be a really great mix, I think.
Peace,
Richard