
Followers of Fear, there’s so much going on in my writing career beyond just Hannah and the Face of Horror contest that I can’t share with you yet, but which I want to so badly. Thankfully, I can now share one thing with you: one of my short stories is getting published!
Back in March, I wrote a Christmas horror story called “The Hunting Party,” which I hoped to start submitting around the time holiday anthologies started seeking submissions. Well, I edited the story and renamed it “The Wild Hunt,” and then submitted it to Hellbound Books for consideration in their upcoming anthology Happy Hellidays.
As you can tell from the title of this post, it’s now going to be published in said anthology. And I cannot wait for you to read it!
Taking place at Christmas Eve, “The Wild Hunt” follows two sisters who have a fateful encounter with the Wild Hunt, a mythical band of riders who travel the sky at night. According to some, this band gets quite powerful around Christmas.
You know, Followers of Fear, I really didn’t think I’d be able to get this story a home. Or at least, not so easily. I mean, I thought it was great, but it’s long for a short story at 7,300 words and I worried that the ending might be a bit too sweet and happy, even for horror. Even a rewrite of the ending didn’t calm my worries.
But on the first try, “The Wild Hunt” was accepted. And to be in an anthology from Hellbound Books, no less! It’s an honor.
Not to mention, I’m kind of tickled that, as a Jew, I get to add a Christmas horror story to the world. Feels kind of like a variation on a theme, seeing as my people wrote some of your favorite Christmas carols last century. Yeah, that’s true. Look it up. You’ll never look at carols the same way again.
Anyway, I look forward to letting you know when Happy Hellidays, and thus “The Wild Hunt,” is released. It’s a great story, and I hope it fills you with Christmas fear–I mean, cheer. And I can’t wait to tell you all the other good news out there I’m celebrating. With any luck, I may be able to reveal it all in the coming weeks and days.
For now, though, my Followers of Fear, I’ve edits to make and emails to write. Until next time, good night, pleasant nightmares, and Merry Christmas come early!
Couple of quick notes: as you know, Halloween is currently fifty days away and Hannah and Other Stories releases in just twelve days. Why not prepare for the former by reading the latter? Hannah and Other Stories, my new collection of short stories, is perfect Halloween reading, with tales of ghosts, budding serial killers, and carnivorous horses, among other things. You can preorder a copy from any of the links below.
Second, I’m currently participating in the Face of Horror contest. I don’t expect to win, but I’m working hard to keep myself in the competition for as long as possible. If you would like to help, you can cast a daily vote for me on my profile page using the button below. Do that, and I might survive a few rounds. Hell, I might even win! Wouldn’t that be nice?
Once more, my Followers of Fear, good night and pleasant nightmares!
A big congratulations, Rami! I remember when you wrote this story. So glad your hard work on it paid off.
Thanks Priscilla! I’m looking forward to your thoughts once you’ve read it.
Yay! Congratulations! That’s so cool. The story sounds wonderful. I can’t wait until we have stories in the same anthology, Rami. That will be a happy day!
I’m voting every day for you to be the Face of Horror!
Thanks, Iseult! I really appreciate it. And I hope that day comes soon.
You’re very welcome. I hope so too.
Sweeeet! As Mando would say, “This is the way.” Short stories are the gems that lead to the treasure chest of a big fat publishing contract!
From your mouth to God’s Ears. And I’m only just getting started, my friend. I plan to have more good news to share in due time. Just you wait and see.
I am flush with anticipation, thank you! I consider your success my success, friend (and vise versa). And I hope to have something new to share soon as well.
I look forward to hearing about it. Keep me posted.
I just finished “The Wild Hunt.” It’s exciting, gripping! Awesome story, Rami!
Thank you, Priscilla! I’m so glad you liked it. I really didn’t think the story would be so positively received as it has, so I’m happy so many readers like you are enthusiastic about it.