Welcome to the home of the author, Ian R. Faulkner

August 2010

KALEIDOTROPE

Well, it’s August and I’ve just received and undertaken the edits requested by Fred Coppersmith, editor over at KALEIDOTROPE, for my science fiction story, KRISHNA BLUE. This is the first of my COM cycle of stories and I’m guessing it will find a home in issue #10, although, as soon as I know for sure, so will you.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for a good and varied read, why not check out issue #9 - it's out right now and I guarantee it will be money (and time) well spent. Just follow the link and order up a copy.

Watch: an anthology

And there's more, as I've also this month received confirmation from author, editor and namesake Ian M. Faulkner that my proposed story synopsis, which I submitted to him following my invitation to contribute to the forthcoming WATCH anthology from Imprint Phoenix Publishing has been accepted. This is fantastic news. Now all I have to do is write the story.

GULP!

If you want to find out more about the anthology, please feel free to pop on over to the Imprint Phoenix Publishing website and have a browse around.

All the best and keep reading,

Ian.

July 2010 – Part II

The DOOMOLOGY: THE DAWNING OF DISASTERS anthology, due from Library of Science Fiction & Fantasy Press, appears to be coming together nicely, as this morning I received the formal contract for my post apocalyptic, cannibal-pirate, adventure story AFTER THE FLOOD, together with a note from the editor commenting that all the stories have now been copyedited, and, once all the contracts have been returned, the completed manuscript will be ready to be formatted and a cover artist commissioned.

I’ll let you know more on this project as I hear it.

Best wishes,

Ian.

July 2010

First up the bad news: as of issue #7, SHRIEK FREAK QUARTERLY will be no more. This means THE NIGHT BUS will not see print, but even worse than that is the loss of yet another market and a good one at that.

However, don’t despair, as there is good news: Terry Martin, editor and publisher over at the wonderful MURKY DEPTHS, has just informed me that MURKY DEPTHS has been shortlisted for the Best Magazine award by the British Fantasy Society (winner to be announced at this year’s Fantasycon in September). Actually, this is not just good news, it is fantastic news, so much so, you should immediately go pick up a copy (or three) in order to find out for yourself why this nomination is so well deserved - better still, take out a subscription and then you’ll never have to miss out.

Murky Depths

Murky Depths

Issue #13 is at the printers right now, so head on over to the THE HOUSE OF MURKY DEPTHS and go mad - you really have no excuse, and, whilst you're there, you can take the opportunity to pick up any back issues you may have missed out on (I particularly recommend issue #3 and issue #10, as I’m in those).

Go on, what are you waiting for: you know it makes sense?

Best wishes,

Ian.

June 2010 – Part II

Watch: an anthology

More news for June and this time it’s a world first (well, for me anyway), as Nat, the chief editor over at Imprint Phoenix Publishing, has, at the recommendation of author and editor (and namesake) Ian M. Faulkner, invited me to contribute a story to IPP's limited edition anthology, WATCH, which is “specifically dedicated to appeal to the voyeur that lurks in all of us”.

WATCH is provisionally scheduled for release in late 2011, and, along with the fantastic cover artwork of Neil Jackson shown opposite, will feature “several deliciously delightfully dark tales from some of the newest and best in the horror genre”.

The authors signed up and confirmed for inclusion so far are: Neil Jackson, Ian Faulkner, William Meikle, Donna R. Smith, Peter Mark May, Daniel I. Russell, Stuart Neild, Rhys Hughes, Bob Freeman, and, yours truly, Ian R. Faulkner.

As soon as I know more so will you, but, in the meantime, please feel free to pop over to the IPP site and take a look ‘round.

Best wishes,

Ian.

June 2010

The summer is upon us - well maybe - and I have just received word from Terry Martin that VALERIA has been provisionally placed for publication in issue #16 of the wonderful Murky Depths (which is fantastic news).

In addition, the Library of Science Fiction & Fantasy Press has now announced the table of contents for the DOOMOLOGY: THE DAWNING OF DISASTERS anthology, which will feature my long (9K+ words) post apocalyptic, cannibal-pirate, adventure story AFTER THE FLOOD.

Further details on the anthology and the TOC can be found over at the Library of the Living Dead website (just follow the link if you want to check it out yourself), although to save you a click I’ve included the listing below:

Best wishes,

Ian.

May 2010 – Part II

And the hits keep on coming: just heard from editors Bill Tucker & Wayne Goodchild that AFTER THE FLOOD, my post apocalyptic cannibal adventure story, has been accepted for inclusion in their DOOMOLOGY: THE DAWNING OF DISASTERS anthology due out from the Library of Science Fiction & Fantasy Press.

No news as yet on publication dates, but, as always, as soon as I know so will you!

All the best,

Ian.

May 2010

House of Murky Depths

Fantastic news this month, as editor and publisher Terry Martin has just accepted my sci-fi/horror/police procedural, VALERIA, for inclusion in a future issue of the wonderful Murky Depths .

This marks my first hat-trick as a writer, as VALERIA will be my third story to appear in Murky Depths and I can’t wait to see how it comes out - both my previous stories have been superbly illustrated (SPEAK ILL OF THE DEAD, which appeared in issue #3, by Mark Bell and THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE, which appeared in issue #10, by Dylan Williams).

No information as yet as to which issue VALERIA will appear, but as soon as I know so will you, although, in the meantime, feel free to pick up the latest issue (or even a back issue) and see what all the fuss is about. In fact, why not subscribe and that way you’ll never miss out on any of the goodness that is Murky Depths !

Keep reading,

Ian.

April 2010

BEST HORROR OF THE YEAR VOLUME TWO

I've just received word that my short story, THE SLEEPER’S AWAKENING, which originally appeared in wonderful SPACE AND TIME MAGAZINE issue #106, has been listed by Ellen Datlow in the HONORABLE MENTIONS FOR BEST HORROR OF THE YEAR VOLUME TWO.

This is fantastic news and I owe both Ellen and Hildy Silverman, editor at SPACE AND TIME MAGAZINE, a very big thank you.

This is the second time Ellen has selected one of my short stories for an honourable mention in her BEST HORROR OF THE YEAR anthology, as SHADOWS ON THE WALL was listed last year in Volume One.

Please feel free to pop over to Ellen’s Live Journal page and check out the full list of "Honorable Mentions" and, of course, pick up a copy of the new anthology, BEST HORROR OF THE YEAR VOLUME TWO.

All the best,

Ian.

March 2010

House of Murky Depths

This month, The House of Murky Depths brings you an opportunity not to be missed, as they are offering the chance to purchase a downloadable PDF version of the wonderful issue #10 (which features my BSFA nominated short story: THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE) for the bargain price of just £2.00.

To order your very own copy of issue #10, just follow the link into the Murky Depths and, whilst there, visit the Murky Shop and download away.

All the best and keep reading,

Ian.

February 2010

February already: where does the time go? It feels like only yesterday I was talking about Christmas. But never fear, I still have gifts to offer, as my short horror tale GIVE SORROW WORDS is out and available right now in issue #9 of The Ethereal Gazette .

Best Wishes,

Ian.

January 2010 – Part II

It seems, somehow, I’m doing something right: first I picked up an honorable mention in Ellen Datlow’s BEST HORROR OF THE YEAR VOLUME ONE; now, I have just heard my short story, THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE (Murky Depths issue #10), has been nominated as a contender for this year’s BSFA Award for Best Short Story!

Wow!

Thank you.

All the best,

Ian.

January 2010

Necrology Shorts

Well, yet another New Year is here and to start it off right, I am pleased (hell, I’m delighted) to inform you guys that my story, THE TERMINAL POINT OF ADDICTION, has been accepted by John Ferguson to appear within the pages of NECROLOGY SHORTS this very month (as well as possibly within their accompanying six monthly anthology).

So, please pay the NECROLOGY SHORTS a visit and check out THE TERMINAL POINT OF ADDICTION – it’s totally free and one nasty piece of work (if I do say so myself).

Happy New Year,

Ian.

December 2009

Murky Depths

Christmas is almost upon us and what better way to celebrate the season than to give a loved one a copy of Murky Depths.

Issue #10 is out right now and is considered by Gareth D. Jones to feature “...some of the best artwork yet....” and fiction which “...continues to push the boundaries of darkness.”

Not only that, he also had the following to say about my short, THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE, which, as I’m sure you know if you follow this blog, is featured in issue #10 -

“...Ian R Faulkner's 'The Other Side Of Life'... demonstrates the lengths that some will go to for justice. It's a brutal, heart-rending and powerful story.”

Don’t miss out; make someone’s Christmas; pick up a copy today.

Best Wishes and Merry Christmas,

Ian.

November 2009 – Part II

Wow!

And the reason for such exclamation? Well, I just found the following post by Andy Cox, editor over at TTA Press about the recent podcast of my story, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN:

"I've just listened to [THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN], and I thought it was brilliant. I'd have played it at half the speed if I could, but David Rees-Thomas was a perfect choice to read this story, and I hope he'll read some more. I always thought Ian's 'The Difference Between' was great (with an uncanny relevance to my own family history!) and the audio gives it a whole new dimension, makes it new to me, confirms -- for me -- that it's a world class story."

I’m stunned by such a kind and wonderful review – “a world class story” - all I can say is: WOW!

Please check out what all the fuss is about over at the Transmissions from Beyond site.

All the best,

Ian.

November 2009

Murky Depths

The wait is over. The monster lives.

Not only that, Murky Depths issue #10 is out today and it features a veritable feast of new fiction, not least of which is my latest story, THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE - a prequel of sorts to my first deadhead tale, SPEAK ILL OF THE DEAD, which originally featured in Murky Depths issue #3.

I've included the full contents list for issue #10, right here, for you to marvel at:

Don’t wait: order it now.

Best wishes,

Ian.

October 2009

BEST HORROR OF THE YEAR VOLUME ONE

October is here; Halloween is just around the corner and, in keeping with the season, I've just received word that my short story, SHADOWS ON THE WALL, which originally appeared in excellent SOMETHING WICKED issue #7, has been listed by Ellen Datlow in the HONORABLE MENTIONS FOR BEST HORROR OF THE YEAR VOLUME ONE.

This is fantastic news and I owe both Ellen and Joe Vaz, editor at SOMETHING WICKED, a big thank you.

Please feel free to pop over to the Nightshade Books forum and check out the full list of "Honorable Mentions" and, of course, pick up a copy of Ellen’s anthology, BEST HORROR OF THE YEAR VOLUME ONE.

TRANSMISSIONS FROM BEYOND

And that’s not the only good news this month, because, as promised, my weird war story, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN, is now available for download from Transmissions From Beyond.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN originally appeared in BLACK STATIC issue # 3 and is read, wonderfully, by David Rees-Thomas. Please follow the link and have a listen and, if you like what you hear, treat yourself and pick up a copy of BLACK STATIC.

All the best,

Ian.

September 2009 - Part III

Murky Depths

And there’s more: here’s a sneak-peak at the fantastic cover for Murky Depths issue #10.

Pre-order your copy today!

Ian.

 

 

September 2009 - Part II

Transmissions From Beyond Extra extra....

Transmission 24 is due to be podcast very shortly by the excellent Transmissions From Beyond. This transmission features my weird war story, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN, and is read by David Rees-Thomas. A short exert of the THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN can be heard right now, for those who can’t wait for next week, at the end of Nicholas Royle’s wonderful “Salt”.

Best wishes,

Ian.

September 2009

A very brief update this month to say MURKY DEPTHS issue #10 is creeping closer to being born. Keep your eyes peeled as you do not want to miss it (it contains my story THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE with art by Dylan Williams).

Also, if you missed out on my previous appearance in the excellent MURKY DEPTHS, copies of issue #3 are still available from the Murky Shop.

Finally, in a similar vein, for those interested in some other choice items from my back catalogue, TTA Press still have copies of CRIMEWAVE 8: COLD HARBOURS and CRIMEWAVE 9: TRANSGRESSIONS available for purchase (which feature my stories LOST IN DARKNESS and A HANDFUL OF DUST); as does SOMETHING WICKED Magazine (SW07 featured my magical horror, SHADOWS ON THE WALL); and SPACE AND TIME MAGAZINE (issue #106 featured my science fiction thriller, THE SLEEPER’S AWAKENING). Please feel free you follow the links and pick yourself up a couple of copies of each.

All the best,

Ian.

August 2009

shriekfreak Quarterly

Well, as promised, the stories have been written, polished up and let loose on the world – so keep your fingers crossed and I’ll keep you posted on what the future holds in store for them as I hear.

So far things are looking up, as one of my warped offspring has already found a home over at ShriekFreak Quarterly. This is so hot off the press: it's veritably smoking, as I only heard back from their "Deaditor-in-Chief" this very weekend that he wished to add my short story, THE NIGHT BUS, to their "fiction file" for future publication.

ShriekFreak Quarterly is an 84 page, square-bound horror magazine, which debuted on October 1st 2008. Each issue features a gallery of an up and coming horror artists, original short fiction, short horror comics and a glut of news and reviews.

I’ll let you know more as and when, but in the meantime please go check them out and order up a copy or two.

All the best,

Ian.

July 2009 – Part II

As I pointed out back in April, I have a new story entitled, THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE, appearing in issue #10 of brilliant Murky Depths and, whilst that issue is still a little way off, issue #9 is hitting the streets right about now and I recommend you check it out. You don’t want to miss out.

Keep reading,

Ian.

July 2009

All is quiet...

But is it too quiet? Me thinks yes, as I’ve been a little lax in submitting stuff recently: other things just keep getting in the way, but, you’ll be pleased to know, I will be making a concerted effort to do better. I have a cunning plan to polish up the dozen or so new short stories tucked away in my desk drawer and (markets permitting) get them out into the big wide world within the next couple of months.

Another thing I discovered this month, other than things had gone very quiet, was I have a twin (well, kind of) or, at very least, proof the world is shrinking, as the author Ian M. Faulkner dropped me a line to say hi.

Ian M. was born in the Midlands during the 60’s (sound familiar?), and writes horror and other cool stuff (now this is just plain spooky), although he now lives in Texas USA with his wife, Natalia (phew, I was getting worried there).

Ian’s short story ‘Grandpa Billy’ received an honorable mention in Ellen Datlow’s ‘The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror' and he has two new books due this year and a third, the novel ‘Wolfsbane’, slated for release sometime next. Go check out his website at ianmfaulkner.wordpress.com and see for yourself – it’s worth a visit.

Take care,

Ian.

May 2009

KALEIDOTROPE

And we’re in May already – where does the time go? Not that I’m complaining, as I’ve just now heard back from Fred Coppersmith, editor over at KALEIDOTROPE, that he has accepted my science fiction story, KRISHNA BLUE, for publication. I don’t have full details on which issue of KALEIDOTROPE it will appear in, but watch this space and as soon as I know so will you.

For those interested, KALEIDOTROPE is a twice-yearly print magazine, which has previously published work from a number of established and award-winning authors, as well as up-and-coming writers (I guess I just about scrape into that last category), so this makes news of my acceptance a double whammy for the month of May, ‘cause not only is this a good sale, but it’s also the first of my COM cycle of stories to be picked up (more on them later).

Take care,

Ian.

April 2009

Truly excellent news this month, as I have just heard from Terry Martin, editor/publisher over at the wonderful Murky Depths that they have accepted my short story, THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE, for inclusion in issue #10.

This new short is a prequel of sorts to my first deadhead tale (originally featured in Murky Depths issue #3) and is set some 30 years before the events of SPEAK ILL OF THE DEAD.

You don’t need to have read SPEAK ILL OF THE DEAD to appreciate THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE, though, as you can still obtain copies of issue #3, you really have no excuse to not check it out. Go pick up a copy from the Murky Shop today, or better yet, subscribe and never miss out.

All the best,

Ian.

March 2009

News has come in from SCOTOPIA PRESS that their new anthology, DARK DISTORTIONS II is still moving forward, albeit slowly, and the editors hope to be into the editing phase very soon. This is very good news as you may remember my short story, FROM THESE A SLOW AND SILENT STREAM, has been provisionally accepted, subject to a successful first line edit, for inclusion in this respected anthology series.

If you would like to check out DARK DISTORTIONS volume I it can be found over at the SCOTOPIA PRESS website.

Also I’ve received a couple reviews, which I’ve included for you to check out:

”A Handful of Dust” by Ian R. Faulkner, from Crimewave 9: Transgressions. Crimewave isn’t conventional crime fiction, and this story would have been at home in a horror anthology. It begins as a tale of a man so obsessed with his dead wife that he does odd things with her ashes, but it develops into something far more disturbing. Well written, and another fine reading by John Berlyne.

Reviewed by Paul S. Jenkins over at the fix.

SPACE AND TIME: The Magazine of Fantasy, Horror, And Science Fiction

“SPACE AND TIME: The Magazine of Fantasy, Horror, And Science Fiction” issue # 106

The setting of "The Sleeper's Awakening" by Ian R. Faulkner is a world called Llorrac Siwel that had been terraformed and colonized eleven years ago. There is so little crime that Chief Security Officer David has an easy job. When Holly Grimes comes to him to report the disappearance of her husband, things change. He uncovers some strange things happening on his calm little world and this makes for an exciting story

Reviewed by Sam Tomaino over at SFRevu

All the best and happy reading,

Ian.

January 2009

SPACE AND TIME: The Magazine of Fantasy, Horror, And Science FictionThe latest issue of the wonderful “SPACE AND TIME: The Magazine of Fantasy, Horror, And Science Fiction” is now available and I am very pleased to say it contains my science fiction horror tale, THE SLEEPER’S AWAKENING.

Issue # 106 is filled with a veritable cornucopia of excellent fiction, non-fiction and poetry; also, as you can see, it has a stunning cover by Terry Van Hollander - so what are you waiting for... head out and pick up a copy (or three) today!

All the best and a very happy New Year,

Ian.

December 2008 – Part II

My short crime story, STOLEN, whilst not actually being accepted for inclusion in Volume 8/35 of ALLEGORY magazine, is to be included in the ‘Honorable Mentions’ section of the magazine, which, whilst not as good as actually finding a home, is still something I am pleased to report.

All the best and again Merry Christmas,

Ian.

December 2008

Good news again this month: as I have just heard from David Byron, the editor over at New Voices in Fiction Magazine, that he will be printing my short story, THE CAT’S PAW, sometime in the New Year. Past contributors include: Graham Masterton, Brian Hodge, Elizabeth Massie and Joe R. Lansdale (to name but a few), so I’m dead chuffed about this sale.

I will post more on this as I hear it, but, in the meantime, feel free to check out the NVF website.

All the best and Merry Christmas,

Ian.

November 2008 - Part II

Another brief update to point out that Djibril Alayad, general editor over at THE FUTURE FIRE, has just posted a very kind review of the audio version of A HANDFUL OF DUST (originally featured in CRIMEWAVE # 9 and now available as a free download read by the very impressive John Berlyne), in which Djibril states that he enjoyed A HANDFUL OF DUST and considered it to be:

"Understated, creepy, moving. Very nicely read. All the characters (from the narrator to the psycho) were subtle and convincing, the pathos worked. Good stuff!"

So, if you haven’t visited the TFB site before, please go check it out (and even if you have, go check it again) - it’s chockfull of wonderfully read podcasts for you to download and enjoy.

Ian.

November 2008

Only a brief update this month to say the “LOST INNOCENCE” anthology from Rhonda Parrish and Niteblade, which contains my story THE RUSALKA, is now available from Amazon.com. Now you’ve no excuse: go buy a copy!

All the best,

Ian.

October 2008

OTHERWORLDS: Tales of Dark Speculative Fiction The OTHERWORLDS anthology containing the first of my Cadmus Graves PI stories, CADMUS GRAVES AND THE MISSING CLONE, is now available direct from the SpecFicWorld website as a PDF download priced $3.99 (which, given it contains 28,000 words of superb otherworldly fiction, is a veritable bargain).

And if that wasn't enough, not only does OTHERWORLDS introduce the world to Cadmus Graves, it also contains three other terrific tales of dark speculative fiction: SLEEPING WITH THE ANEMONE by Mercurio D. Rivera, HUMAN TRANSFER by Lawrence R. Dagstine, and HERMAPHRODITES ARE FROM MERCURY by Trent Roman.

So now you have no excuse but to follow the OTHERWORLDS link and pick up a copy today – you won’t regret it.

All the best,

Ian.

September 2008 - Part II

OTHERWORLDS SpecFicWorld has now published the cover of their upcoming anthology “OTHERWORLDS: Tales of Dark Speculative Fiction” (see opposite), which just happens to feature the first of my Cadmus Graves PI stories, CADMUS GRAVES AND THE MISSING CLONE.

I’ll post more info on this as and when it becomes available.

All the best,

Ian.

September 2008

Niteblade: Lost Innocence “LOST INNOCENCE: A NITEBLADE ANTHOLOGY”, which contains my story THE RUSALKA, is now available for purchase from the Lulu Marketplace or via NITEBLADE, as both a perfect bound trade paperback and a downloadable .pdf. The Paperback edition is priced at £6.61, a veritable bargain given it contains no less than 147 pages of outstanding Niteblade stories and is illustrated throughout by the wonderful Marge Simon.

Please follow the links and order a copy (or three) today – I promise you won’t regret it!

Happy reading,

Ian.

August 2008 - Part III

Niteblade: Lost InnocenceRhonda Parrish over at NITEBLADE has just announced the (in no particular order) full table of contents for the “LOST INNOCENCE: A NITEBLADE ANTHOLOGY” due this September:

Illuminating Hell by Christopher Hivner; The Rusalka by Ian R. Faulkner (and that's me in case you'd forgotten!); Killing Mittens by Milan Smith; The Dreadlobster by Joshua Parmenter; Prison Darkness by Nathanael Green; The Seventh Day by Patrick Hurley; Corpse Candles by Richard H. Fay; Diary of Death by Alexis Child; Imaginarium by Aurelio Rico Lopez II; Philosopher Quinn by Jens Rushing; The Gnome’s Spectacles by Chris Burdett; Joy by David Buchan; Oil Change by Greg Schwartz; The Minotaur’s Breath by N.C. Whitehead; Dan’s Blaze by Matthew Longo; In Bloom by Kristine Ong Muslim; Wicked Love by J.R. Pearson; What We Give by BD Wilson; Shine On by J.A. Tyler; Stone Soup by Joshua Gage; She of the Haunted Eyes by Kevin Miller; A Child’s First Casket of Rhyme by J H Hobson; The Ten Second Rule by Felicity Dowker; Outside Her Window, It Waits by John Bruni; and Billy Don’t Like Clowns by Jeremy Brooks.

I’ll let you know more detail shortly, but in the meantime head on over to the NITEBLADE site and check out the fantastic tales already on offer.

All the best,

Ian.

August 2008 - Part II

Something WickedThe first review of SHADOWS ON THE WALL is now out, and all in all it’s a pretty positive one, stating that SOMETHING WICKED, as the leading horror magazine in South Africa, is clearly able to attract some of the best genre writers, and that my story is one of the highlights of the issue!

You can check out the whole article over at THE FIX, or better yet pick up a copy of SOMETHING WICKED issue #7 and see what all the fuss is about.

Take care and all the best,

Ian.

August 2008

Transmissions From BeyondIt’s official: Transmissions From Beyond, the brand new, biweekly podcast from TTA Press, is now live and features my short story, A HANDFUL OF DUST, as read by the wonderfully eerie sounding John Berlyne. Please follow the link and check it out, you won’t be sorry.

All the best,

Ian.

July 2008 - Part III

And yet another July update – for those keeping count that makes three in almost as many days!

It's now official: my short horror story, THE RUSALKA, is to be included in the upcoming NITEBLADE print anthology, LOST INNOCENCE, which is scheduled for release on the 1st of September this year. Please look out for it. I’ll post more info on how to order a copy as and when it becomes available.

Thank you to all who voted for my story. I really appreciate it.

All the best,

Ian.

July 2008 - Part II

Something WickedWhat? Another update for July so soon?

Yep, it sure is, ‘cause I’ve just heard from Joe Vaz, editor at SOMETHING WICKED, that issue #7 (which features my short story SHADOWS ON THE WALL) is due out right about now. Please go visit them and pick up a copy or three. You can pre-order a copy of this excellent magazine right here for the bargain price of £3.51 (including shipping).

Go on. Order a copy - You know you want to!

Ian.

July 2008

The polls for NITEBLADE’S LOST INNOCENCE anthology are now closed and, although Rhonda has yet to officially announce the winners, the scores on the doors appear to show the top five short stories as:

Prison Darkness by Nathanael Green; Killing Mittens by Milan Smith; Dark Angel by R.K. Gemienhardt; The Seventh Day by Patrick Hurley; and (drum roll) The Rusalka by Ian R. Faulkner – woohoo!

Also, do you remember back in May I mentioned a new audio book/pod cast site had approached me for permission to use my stories, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN and A HANDFUL OF DUST?

You do? Good, ‘cause I’ve just received a draft, rough audio version of A HANDFUL OF DUST and, I have to say, it sounds fantastic. Still can’t give out any real detail yet, other than to say: watch this space - it’s going to one heck of a site.

Take care,

Ian.

June 2008

I have good news and bad news this month.

First up, the good news: Rhonda Parrish, editor and owner of NITEBLADE, has just announced the opening of the first NITEBLADE readers’ poll. This means you can now head on over to http://niteblade.com/lost-innocence and vote for your favorite NITEBLADE story (e.g. THE RUSALKA, which appeared in issue #2 and was written by yours truly - hint hint).

Polls close at the end of the month and when they do the five short stories and the five poems with the highest number of votes will be included in NITEBLADE’S LOST INNOCENCE anthology.

Now the bad news: I am sad to report the untimely death of the PLAIN MAGAZINE, which has, unfortunately, been closed by the editor. Issue #2, which features my story MORE NATURAL TO THE HUMAN HEART, will be the last and it’s a damn shame, as too many good markets are going the way of the dodo nowadays.

Well that’s it for now. Take care and don’t forget to vote!

All the best,

Ian.

May 2008 - Part III

The line-up for the forthcoming SpecFicWorld anthology, OTHERWORLDS, has now been announced:

01. Sleeping with the Anemone by Mercurio D. Rivera

02. Cadmus Graves and the Missing Clone by Ian R. Faulkner (that's me!)

03. Human Transfer by Lawrence R. Dagstine

04. The Runaway Bungalow by Rob Hunter

05. Argonaut by Scott Beem

Look out for it soon.

Ian.

May 2008 - Part II

Plain MagazineIssue # 2 of the PLAIN MAGAZINE is out now and features my science fiction story, MORE NATURAL TO THE HUMAN HEART.

Feel free to pick up a copy or three.

All the best

Ian.

May 2008

First up this month is some really exciting news: a new audio book/pod cast site has approached me for permission to record a couple of my short stories (THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN and A HANDFUL OF DUST). Can’t say too much at the moment, as the editor and publisher are planning a big push and I don’t want to spoil things. I’ll let you have more details as soon as I can.

Secondly, I have also heard from Molly Feese, Editor in Chief over at SCOTOPIA PRESS, that my short story, FROM THESE A SLOW AND SILENT STREAM, has been provisionally accepted, subject to a successful first line edit, for inclusion in their new anthology, DARK DISTORTIONS II. If you would like to check out DARK DISTORTIONS volume I it can be found over at the www.scotopiapress.com.

All the best

Ian.

April 2008

This month's news is all about the launch of the new review section, which, surprising though it may be, contains a handful of very kind reviews of my short fiction.

All the best

Ian.

March 2008 - Part II

Plain MagazineMore news for the month of March: PLAIN MAGAZINE has accepted my science fiction story, MORE NATURAL TO THE HUMAN HEART. This futuristic tale of over population and rampant immigration is scheduled to appear in issue #2, (due to ship mid April).

Go check it out.

Ian.

March 2008

This month, not only is BLACK STATIC issue #3 out, but so is MURKY DEPTHS issue #3, and both contain stories by yours truly.

MURKY DEPTHS (www.murkydepths.com/), as you can see from the banner below, features my short science-fiction/horror story, SPEAK ILL OF THE DEAD, beautifully illustrated by Mark Bell.

Speak Ill of the Dead

Whilst BLACK STATIC has my weird World War 1 story, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN, and artwork (both cover and interiors) by the amazing David Gentry.

Front cover and story from Black Static #3

You can check out the first review of issue #3 at THE FIX short fiction review site.

Go out a grab a copy of both. You won’t regret it. Honest!

Also this month I received word from Barbara Roden that All Hallows # 44 is now in production at Ash Tree Press. My story, Black Eyed Dog, isn’t planned for inclusion in #44, but Barbara is hard at work scheduling the tales for the next two issues of All Hallows, a magazine always worth the wait, so watch this space.

That’s all for now. Take care and all the best,

Ian.

February 2008 - Part III

Something WickedOh yes, not a double, but a triple whammy this month (that’s right, count ‘em - three sales in the month of February)!

Editor Joe Vaz has just confirmed my story, SHADOWS ON THE WALL, will be appearing in SOMETHING WICKED issue #7, which is due out sometime in July.

Something Wicked (issue #5 shown) is a quarterly publication in the tradition of such magazine greats as Scary Tales, Cemetery Dance, Weird Tales and Creep Show. It regularly showcases new fiction and interviews from the likes of Stephen King, John Connolly, Ed Neumeier and many others. 

Go check out the website at www.somethingwicked.co.za and order your self a copy.  You won’t regret it.

Ian

February 2008 - Part II

A double whammy this month, as I’ve just heard excellent news from Gerard Houarner, fiction editor at the long running and much respected SPACE AND TIME MAGAZINE, that they have accepted my story, THE SLEEPER’S AWAKENING. No news yet as to which issue it will appear in, although hopefully the wait won’t be too long, as SPACE AND TIME have this year switched to a quarterly. Feel free to check out their website at www.spaceandtimemagazine.com and pick up a copy or three!

Ian.

February 2008

It’s official, editor Doyle Eldon Wilmoth, Jr has just confirmed my short story, CADMUS GRAVES AND THE MISSING CLONE, has been accepted for publication in SpecFicWorld’s forthcoming anthology, OTHERWORLDS – due, all being well, sometime this summer.

Written WordAlso, as mentioned last month, my novella, NECESSARY FOR SURVIVAL, is now available for download from the WRITTEN WORD on-line literary magazine. Just click the cover and you’ll be there. Read it and enjoy.



Ian.

January 2008

Well here we are again, another New Year well under way. Hope you all had a fantastic Christmas holiday and life is treating you well.

January brings two items of news. The first being BLACK STATIC #3, which features my weird war story, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN, is soon be on sale (you can obtain sneak preview at http://ttapress.com/category/blackstatic/). Please order up a copy or three, or, better yet, subscribe, as this is one of my favourites and well worth checking out. In fact, whilst you’re at it, why not subscribe to CRIME WAVE and INTERZONE as well. Not only will you be supporting a much-respected UK publisher you will be picking up three magazines worth of truly excellent fiction.

Front cover and story from Black Static #3

The second item is my novella length science fiction / end of the world / zombie horror story, NECESSARY FOR SURVIVAL is due to appear in the February edition of the on-line literary magazine WRITTEN WORD. Please visit and check it out (it’s free to download) and well worth your time.

Well that’s it for now. Take care and all the best,

Ian.

December 2007

Well, it’s December and not only is Christmas and the New Year fast approaching, but issue #2 of Niteblade Fantasy and Horror Magazine is also now available featuring my short story, THE RUSALKA, which Rhonda Parrish, editor and owner, describes as "A sexy and scary story about a couple who buy a house, and get more than they bargain".

Download Niteblade for free, or, better yet, show your support and opt for the ad-free PDF version, which at the bargain price of $2.00 for almost 200 pages of fantastic fiction has to make it the best value for money anthology this year.

Also heard some bad news this month. James Riser over at Splatter Punk Press has, unfortunately for a number of very valid reasons, been forced to pull The Macabre Underground Volume 2 and release the stories held for publication. Hopefully, A SECOND CHANCE won’t languish for too long without a home.

Still, all things considered, 2007 has been a pretty good year for me; hope it’s been as good for you guys.

Take care and Merry Christmas,

Ian.

October 2007

Bad news, as Douglas Waltz announces the demise of ON THE NIGHT HIGHWAYS. Issue two is still hopefully scheduled to appear sometime in January, but then, regrettably, that'll be it and it's a damn shame.

Good news, the Halloween edition of SINISTER TALES  (Volume 2.3) is officially scheduled for release on October 25 and it features my story THE LIGHT AT THE END.  Check out their website at www.darknessproductions.com (as I've been reliably informed the site should be updated shortly) and order your copy.

Ian.

September 2007

First up this month is confirmation from Terry Martin, managing editor and publisher at MURKY DEPTHS, that SPEAK ILL OF THE DEAD has been scheduled for inclusion in issue #3, which is just excellent news. Secondly, I am pleased to announce that the debut issue of NITEBLADE is now available and can be downloaded, advert free, for just $2.00. Please head on over to www.niteblade.com and check it out: it's very worthy of your support. Last but not least, just had news from SPLATTER PUNK PRESS that their slightly delayed anthology, THE MACABRE UNDERGROUND Volume Two, which will feature my story, A SECOND CHANCE, is now back on track and due early next year. Copies can be pre-ordered direct from www.splatterpunkpress.com for the bargain price of $15.00.

All the best and thanks for reading,

Ian.

August 07

I very pleased to announce my short story, SPEAK ILL OF THE DEAD, has just been accepted by MURKY DEPTHS. This quarterly anthology of graphically dark speculative fiction is a beast close to my heart, as it features not only some great prose, but also some truly cool, cutting edge graphic strips. Go out and buy a copy or, better yet, subscribe.

www.murkydepths.com

July 2007

And yet another update (that's three this month), as I have just heard from the editor at SINISTER TALES that my story, THE LIGHT AT THE END, will feature in their Halloween edition due this October. Make sure you order a copy (http://darknessproductions.com/orderst.htm) when it becomes available.

July 2007

And there’s more: my short story The Rusalka has just been accepted for inclusion in the December issue of Niteblade Fantasy and Horror Magazine (whose debut issue is due this September). Check out their website at www.niteblade.com for more details on the launch and on how you can obtain a copy of the magazine.

All the best,

Ian.

July 2007

Barely into the month of July and I have more news, as Barbara Roden has just confirmed acceptance of my short story, BLACK EYED DOG, for inclusion in The Ghost Story Society’s thrice-yearly journal, ALL HALLOWS. This is great news as All Hallows is both an International Horror Guild Award Winner and a World Fantasy Award Nominee and has published authors such as Simon Clark, Terry Lamsley and Steve Rasnic Tem (among other luminaries in the genre).

Check out the Ash Tree Press site for news.

June 2007

Two updates in a month, what is the world coming to? Well, I did say June seemed to be a good month for news and sales and I must have been right, as I have just heard from Andy Cox that he has accepted my short story, A MOTHER’S LOVE for CRIMEWAVE #10. Wow! Thanks Andy.

Ian.

June 2007

So far June seems to be a good month for news (and sales), as I have sold two new stories:

First off I heard from editor Douglas A. Waltz that my short story, ON THE NIGHT BUS, had been accepted for publication in ON THE NIGHT HIGHWAYS. This marks my second sale outside the UK and I'm just thrilled. No release dates as yet for this return to old school horror, but once I know, so will you.

Then, hot on the heels Mr. Waltz's acceptance, I hear the good news from Ace Masters that my novella length science fiction / end of the world / zombie horror story, NECESSARY FOR SURVIVAL, had been accepted for publication in a future edition of THE WRITTEN WORD magazine. Again no firm date on this, although, hopefully, it should appear online within the next couple of weeks, so check out the site: it's the best.

Have fun,

Ian.

May 2007

It's official:Crimewave # 9 Transgressions is now available from Waterstones and other good bookshops and, with a bit of luck, the launch will also be in the local media (especially in West Midlands). Go out and buy a copy

March 2007

Received an invite from editor Tony Lee asking if I'd like to contribute to his monthly webzine of VHS & DVD reviews, VIDEOVISTA.NET (http://www.videovista.net).  It may not be fiction but it is an opportunity too good to miss out on, so check out the site and look for my reviews.

Ian.

January 2007

Another New Year and already things are looking up. James Riser at SPLATTER PUNK PRESS emailed me with the wonderful news that my short story, A SECOND CHANCE, had been accepted for inclusion in THE MACABRE UNDERGROUND Volume II (due June 2007). This is officially my first sale outside the UK, which is another step towards world domination!

All the best,

Ian.

2006

This section of my site is supposed to be for news, but as I haven’t got any at the moment, beyond telling you to look out for my work in THE BEST BRITISH MYSTERIES IV, CRIMEWAVE 9 and the forthcoming BLACK STATIC (previously The Third Alternative), I plan to use it to say ‘thank you’to a number of people:

First and foremost, to my wife, Linda, for putting up with me when I’m writing, worrying about writing, worrying about not writing and generally being a bear with a sore head; Kim at ‘Camelot Books and Gifts’ for proof reading duties above and beyond and for keeping my book-collecting obsession well fed; Andy Cox, Peter Crowther and Richard Hanson for encouragement; Simon Avery for taking a chance; Joel Lane for convincing me short stories were the way to go; Julia Crook for making me go to the MAC in the first place; and, last but not least, my Dad, for buying me my first books and introducing me to the wonders of the written word.

Remember: no news is good news.

Ian.