Fantasy Faction's monthly contests are fun and casual, and the results intriguingly varied. For this month's theme, they chose "grimdark."
I've heard grimdark bandied about in the twittersphere, but never gave the term much thought. It sounds relentlessly oppressive, doesn't it? So I read the discussion thread on FF and did a bit of research, and gave it a go. It was tough not to insert a bit of humor, and honestly, I'm still not sure I've got a good grasp on grimdark. Humorless, dark atmosphere? Mounting casualties? Visceral images of the bloody and beheaded kind? Sad endings?
Maybe. I'll have to do more research. I was careful not to read too much of it in one day, as I didn't want it to influence my own story.
My stab at grimdark is Chirp. A witch's son, a pox-ridden queen, and the language of birds... and arrows.
I suggest if you read the entries that you especially pay attention to ACSmyth's A Deadly Game. Initially thrown off by the somewhat cliche title, man, I got drawn in and was appropriately shocked. Great tale, well told.
R.S. Bohn -- Writer
Showing posts with label contests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contests. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
FF Monthly Contest; Review: Equoid by Charles Stross
Fantasy Faction, one of the largest fantasy (and SF and horror and...) sites, has a monthly flash fiction contest. November's theme is "Doors." Subs must be between 500-1500 words, and both prose and poetry are accepted. I've submitted my first entry, The Dragon in the Attic, a 1300-word YA dystopian horror about a little girl with her very own dragon. Sort of.
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So have I enjoyed anything I've read lately? Well, yes! Until recently, I'd never heard of the Laundry series. Then Charles Stross's Equoid was a KDD and I picked it up. Thanks to Worlds Without End, who tweet Random Reads of past F/SF award-winners and Kindle Daily Deals in the genres.
Apparently, the Laundry in question is a secret agency in London that investigates and battles aliens, Eldritch horrors, urban myths come alive, and that sort of thing. From what I gather from reviews, Laundry tales are typically full of biting humor and satire, and no small amount of gruesome, chilling scenes. Without having read any of the others, I'd have to say that Equoid is perfect.
*note: Many reviewers thought that this book could be read as a standalone, but they weren't sure. As a reader new to the series, I can definitively say yes, one can read this by itself. I understood enough of the Laundry and the world it inhabits to enjoy this novella immensely.
Bob Howard is dispatched to Ruralshire to investigate a report of a unicorn infestation. Equipped with a series of letters written by H.P. Lovecraft, a number of requisition forms for carnivorous equines that begins around the early 1900s, and his trusty ward and warrant card, he soon realizes he is in way over his head.
Foully, viciously, disgustingly, horrifically over his head. Think tentacle pr0n and demon horses with mouths full of steak knives for teeth, not to mention a side of zombies and computer programs that suck the soul out of those who open them. And unicorns, it should go without saying, are not at all sparkly and lovely creatures.
How this all makes complete sense and ultimately, cleverly, snaps into place for a thrilling ride is testament to Stross's writerly abilities. And the whole thing is, indeed, full of bits of humor, gallows and a heap of bureaucratic satire, both.
My only problem -- and this is a personal thing, for which I should probably be thankful -- is that I have quite a difficult time imagining tentacled, gelatinous, amorphous Eldritch horrors. Always have. You can describe the thing as much as you like; until I open the garage door and find one waiting behind the kiddie pool and snow blower, I shall not likely ever be able to understand it.
Equoid is a novella. I read it in an evening, and loved it. As Stross writes a fair bit of these Laundry stories, long and short, I'll be picking up more.
*
So have I enjoyed anything I've read lately? Well, yes! Until recently, I'd never heard of the Laundry series. Then Charles Stross's Equoid was a KDD and I picked it up. Thanks to Worlds Without End, who tweet Random Reads of past F/SF award-winners and Kindle Daily Deals in the genres.
Apparently, the Laundry in question is a secret agency in London that investigates and battles aliens, Eldritch horrors, urban myths come alive, and that sort of thing. From what I gather from reviews, Laundry tales are typically full of biting humor and satire, and no small amount of gruesome, chilling scenes. Without having read any of the others, I'd have to say that Equoid is perfect.
*note: Many reviewers thought that this book could be read as a standalone, but they weren't sure. As a reader new to the series, I can definitively say yes, one can read this by itself. I understood enough of the Laundry and the world it inhabits to enjoy this novella immensely.
Bob Howard is dispatched to Ruralshire to investigate a report of a unicorn infestation. Equipped with a series of letters written by H.P. Lovecraft, a number of requisition forms for carnivorous equines that begins around the early 1900s, and his trusty ward and warrant card, he soon realizes he is in way over his head.
Foully, viciously, disgustingly, horrifically over his head. Think tentacle pr0n and demon horses with mouths full of steak knives for teeth, not to mention a side of zombies and computer programs that suck the soul out of those who open them. And unicorns, it should go without saying, are not at all sparkly and lovely creatures.
How this all makes complete sense and ultimately, cleverly, snaps into place for a thrilling ride is testament to Stross's writerly abilities. And the whole thing is, indeed, full of bits of humor, gallows and a heap of bureaucratic satire, both.
My only problem -- and this is a personal thing, for which I should probably be thankful -- is that I have quite a difficult time imagining tentacled, gelatinous, amorphous Eldritch horrors. Always have. You can describe the thing as much as you like; until I open the garage door and find one waiting behind the kiddie pool and snow blower, I shall not likely ever be able to understand it.
Equoid is a novella. I read it in an evening, and loved it. As Stross writes a fair bit of these Laundry stories, long and short, I'll be picking up more.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Beautiful Chaos!
Do you ever say, "I never win anything"? I do. But last week, I was happily surprised to find that I'd won a contest jointly held by Theme Fragrance and EcoShag.
From EcoShag, I received a gorgeous, luxurious handmade ocean blue infinity scarf -- which of course it's been far too hot to even consider wearing, but it's so beautiful.
And from Theme, I decided to choose something completely different than my usual scents: I chose Beautiful Chaos based on name alone. :)
Fresh, green woods blended with jasmine, a nice touch that takes the flowery scent to a more sophisticated level.
I already have Amuse and Sarong by Theme, and I have my eye on a few more scents. I'm highly impressed by Theme; the shipping is crazy fast, and not only are the perfumes handmade, but the packaging is sweet and she always includes little extras, such as gorgeous postcards, a sample of her handmade lip balm (to die for -- and I'm a lip balm junkie), and this time, a darling little hairpin with a purple flower. Also, I've got to say that while I previously ordered perfume sprays, this time I chose a roll-on, and I adore it. I'll stick with it in the future.
Thank you so much, Theme Fragrance and EcoShag. You really made my week.
*
In other news, I caved to the massive time-suck that is Pinterest and got an account. I've got barely anything on my boards, but if you want to check mine out -- and Pinterest in general -- here ya go.
I had already bookmarked six different Pinterest accounts that I checked out every couple of days, so I figured it would be easier to just sign up and follow them. :) Plus, now I'm looking for cool pins everywhere. It kind of reminds me of Deviant Art, in a way, as it resembles how I've got my faves collected over there. But you can't beat the way they're displayed on Pinterest.
All right. My new reward for writing is Pinterest -- no Pinterest unless I write xxx words! And blogging doesn't count. So I'm off like a prom dress.
Much love from the beautifully scented chaos girl herself,
RS
From EcoShag, I received a gorgeous, luxurious handmade ocean blue infinity scarf -- which of course it's been far too hot to even consider wearing, but it's so beautiful.
And from Theme, I decided to choose something completely different than my usual scents: I chose Beautiful Chaos based on name alone. :)
Fresh, green woods blended with jasmine, a nice touch that takes the flowery scent to a more sophisticated level.
I already have Amuse and Sarong by Theme, and I have my eye on a few more scents. I'm highly impressed by Theme; the shipping is crazy fast, and not only are the perfumes handmade, but the packaging is sweet and she always includes little extras, such as gorgeous postcards, a sample of her handmade lip balm (to die for -- and I'm a lip balm junkie), and this time, a darling little hairpin with a purple flower. Also, I've got to say that while I previously ordered perfume sprays, this time I chose a roll-on, and I adore it. I'll stick with it in the future.
Thank you so much, Theme Fragrance and EcoShag. You really made my week.
*
In other news, I caved to the massive time-suck that is Pinterest and got an account. I've got barely anything on my boards, but if you want to check mine out -- and Pinterest in general -- here ya go.
I had already bookmarked six different Pinterest accounts that I checked out every couple of days, so I figured it would be easier to just sign up and follow them. :) Plus, now I'm looking for cool pins everywhere. It kind of reminds me of Deviant Art, in a way, as it resembles how I've got my faves collected over there. But you can't beat the way they're displayed on Pinterest.
All right. My new reward for writing is Pinterest -- no Pinterest unless I write xxx words! And blogging doesn't count. So I'm off like a prom dress.
Much love from the beautifully scented chaos girl herself,
RS
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
DA Contest; Dead Folks Up On That Thar Mountain
My short story, Flame and Ash, has won first place in the contest of the same name on DA. For the other winners and honorable mentions, go here.
The story is 1500 words, and it had to be based on a specific sculpture. At the end of my story, there is a link where you can see the sculpture and an interview with the artist. I got a one-year paid sub, but the best part? The story now becomes the subject of its own contest, which will be art-related. What a lovely idea! I can't wait to see what people come up with.
*
Via, this article on climbing Everest, specifically, something most climbers are not prepared for: the open graveyard, which is a stretch of the hike which has killed more hikers than any other.
And their bodies are left there. Trying to remove them has resulted in the deaths of others. You can read more on this here. Titled, "Abandoned On Everest," it will certainly get you thinking about willpower. No one knows exactly why each person stopped, sat down, and never moved again, but theories abound. Mine? They merely stopped moving. Be warned, there are pics. Lots of them.
Unrelated sidenote: Everest has never called me, but the Appalachian Trail has. know I've mentioned it before, but B and I are walking now. Up to four miles a day. Someday, when the time is right, I'm doing it.
The story is 1500 words, and it had to be based on a specific sculpture. At the end of my story, there is a link where you can see the sculpture and an interview with the artist. I got a one-year paid sub, but the best part? The story now becomes the subject of its own contest, which will be art-related. What a lovely idea! I can't wait to see what people come up with.
*
Via, this article on climbing Everest, specifically, something most climbers are not prepared for: the open graveyard, which is a stretch of the hike which has killed more hikers than any other.
And their bodies are left there. Trying to remove them has resulted in the deaths of others. You can read more on this here. Titled, "Abandoned On Everest," it will certainly get you thinking about willpower. No one knows exactly why each person stopped, sat down, and never moved again, but theories abound. Mine? They merely stopped moving. Be warned, there are pics. Lots of them.
Unrelated sidenote: Everest has never called me, but the Appalachian Trail has. know I've mentioned it before, but B and I are walking now. Up to four miles a day. Someday, when the time is right, I'm doing it.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Win a chapbook from me; Win Amazon Gift cards from Killer Chicks; And then a story
This week, "Letters From the Egg Carton" drops. Many thanks to editor Joseph Quintela for his hard work and razor-sharp insight, and also to photographer Deena Acquafredda for her cover shot. I'm the last chapbook out this year from Deadly Chaps, and there will be a whole new line-up in 2011.
You can buy it shortly, but perhaps you'd like to win a free copy? All you've got to do is leave a comment to this post. Comments are screened and not visible, and I'll be putting names in a hat for Bob to pick. If you've got an LJ, it'll be the same thing over there. Make sure you leave an email, so I can contact you and ask where you'd like it sent. I'll ship anywhere. Starts today, ends Wednesday night, Oct. 20th at 8 pm, EST.
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More free stuff: Last week, Killer Chicks interviewed Le R. I loved their blog so much, I followed. And am I glad I did. This week, they're having their first contest, and they're giving away Amazon gift cards. This translates to me as: FREE BOOKS OMG OMG OMG I COULD GET FREE BOOKS!!!! So, yeah, I entered. :) And you can too! Find out about it HERE. Scan the comments if you want to read my entry.
I entered that piece because my first one was too long -- I've submitted it somewhere else; we'll see how that goes. But look! I have a third attempt! Because I like things done in threes!
Fresh Meat
We’re in the back of the meat department, but there’s no meat. It’s just all stainless steel and white tile. Keri says the meat is in the walk-in. This is just where they prepare it. I tell her I want to see it, all that meat stacked up, but she hops up on one of the tables and lights a cigarette and says maybe later. It’s cold, and pretty soon, I’m ready to leave. Plus, the meat department is not as cool as I thought I would be.
“Let’s go. I’m freezing.”
“Wait,” she says. She pats the table. “Don’t you want to…?”
Yeah, I want to. I’ve been trying to get with this chick since March. But when I’ve got my pants dropped, the lights turn off. I turn around and see someone by the door. He’s holding a knife or a machete or something. I fall over, nearly pissing myself, and Keri laughs.
“Happy Halloween.” It’s Brian, the manager. Now they’re both laughing.
“I could kill you both,” I mumble on my way out.
I’m getting a new job. And going vegetarian.
*
That's it. Stay tuned for further developments. And also: comment! But remember, saying nice things about Bob will not sway him. He's completely impartial.
You can buy it shortly, but perhaps you'd like to win a free copy? All you've got to do is leave a comment to this post. Comments are screened and not visible, and I'll be putting names in a hat for Bob to pick. If you've got an LJ, it'll be the same thing over there. Make sure you leave an email, so I can contact you and ask where you'd like it sent. I'll ship anywhere. Starts today, ends Wednesday night, Oct. 20th at 8 pm, EST.
*
More free stuff: Last week, Killer Chicks interviewed Le R. I loved their blog so much, I followed. And am I glad I did. This week, they're having their first contest, and they're giving away Amazon gift cards. This translates to me as: FREE BOOKS OMG OMG OMG I COULD GET FREE BOOKS!!!! So, yeah, I entered. :) And you can too! Find out about it HERE. Scan the comments if you want to read my entry.
I entered that piece because my first one was too long -- I've submitted it somewhere else; we'll see how that goes. But look! I have a third attempt! Because I like things done in threes!
Fresh Meat
We’re in the back of the meat department, but there’s no meat. It’s just all stainless steel and white tile. Keri says the meat is in the walk-in. This is just where they prepare it. I tell her I want to see it, all that meat stacked up, but she hops up on one of the tables and lights a cigarette and says maybe later. It’s cold, and pretty soon, I’m ready to leave. Plus, the meat department is not as cool as I thought I would be.
“Let’s go. I’m freezing.”
“Wait,” she says. She pats the table. “Don’t you want to…?”
Yeah, I want to. I’ve been trying to get with this chick since March. But when I’ve got my pants dropped, the lights turn off. I turn around and see someone by the door. He’s holding a knife or a machete or something. I fall over, nearly pissing myself, and Keri laughs.
“Happy Halloween.” It’s Brian, the manager. Now they’re both laughing.
“I could kill you both,” I mumble on my way out.
I’m getting a new job. And going vegetarian.
*
That's it. Stay tuned for further developments. And also: comment! But remember, saying nice things about Bob will not sway him. He's completely impartial.
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