I'm reading Song for the Unraveling of the World right now. I haven't been able to stop thinking about the story of the guy trying to record the proper room tone for his movie since I read it several days ago.
Just finished watching it. Congrats to all the authors. Hoping to get in on the next one. Being a part of an anthology was a lot of fun for me in the past.
Congratulations to all the new authors that got into the book.
I typically get my rejection emails sitting at my work desk on my dining room table. I upgraded to a standing desk by my balcony window where I plan on getting many acceptance letters. I think the extra sunlight will bring me good fortune.
I'm so excited to go back to Malerman's Goblin. I'm sure Christmas there is all completely normal and good, actually.
Also I had never seen Animal House before sitting with it for this homework assignment (I had somehow dodged it throughout film school). The Milton connection took me out lol
It's set up early on in the movie – the beginning is actionally really efficient in the way it establishes setting, characters, stakes, etc. – it's the scene where Prof. Jennings is talking about Paradise Lost and puts forth one of the main themes ("was Milton trying to tell us that being bad was more fun than being good?") And delivers the great line – "his (Milton's) jokes are terrible". Following that Bluto back to back demonstrates the seven deadly sins, with the parade scene acting as Bluto's "War in Heaven"/Lucifer's Rebellion. I'm definitely not the most knowledgeable Milton guy but it was really fun looking at Bluto as a Satan allegory lol
Wait, seriously? I was sure the Paradise Lost lecture scene was the answer. Are you saying there's ANOTHER scene that seems like it's lifted from a completely different type of movie, demonstrates emotional authority, and relates to the journey of the overall story?!?
Evenson is an absolute assassin. Song for the Unraveling of the World parked itself on my “you gotta’ read this book” recommendation list for other people.
Am I being annoying and needy if I ask for suggestions on where rejected Silent Nightmares stories could be submitted? I made the initial cut from 2,138 stories down to the final 45, then got a disappointing email from Michael while reaching for a few squares of Charmin. It’s felt like I don’t want to “waste” the story by posting it to Substack because some places will count that as being published and thus won’t accept it, but it’s also a niche genre/theme that doesn’t seem to have a wealth of options.
I would haunt Erica Verrillo’s blog for a couple months, I found it to be a useful resource full of paying speculative markets: https://ericaverrillo.com/blog.html
Thanks Wil - appreciate the tips. Some of that would require me to join twitter or bluesky (probably not happening…), but I’ll scope out the blog info for sure. And congrats on being selected!
Thanks! Good luck on finding a home for your story! There’s a bunch of substacks that also share story submission calls but I don’t know any that skew exclusively speculative, but hey, don’t forget, Paris Review and McSweeneys also publish ghost stories, so why genre-limit yourself!?!?!
I know we’re supposed to say our most joyful moments were when our kids are born (and yeah yeah, sure sure). But being sandwiched between this kinda talent in a ToC? Man, it’s UP there! Congrats to my fellow Plot Spoiler writers and a million thanks to you, Chuck! (Also a fan of the beard)
You’re always ahead of the curve. Snail mail on the toilet, since smartphones, now we all do it!
Where better to read bad news?
Agreed but I fear the paper cuts
A great place to multitask dont be scared to have a seat and finish your sandwich.
https://tenor.com/view/bunny-toilet-creepy-comesit-comehere-gif-5712354
It’s exciting to see the anthology come together. can’t wait to read it. congratulations to all the new writers who made it. pretty cool. 😎
I like the new beard, Chuck. 👍
The sobriety beard.
(I was secretly thrilled to get Brain Evenson on board. So happy.)
I just looked Brian up. Wow -he’s edgy. 😮
I'm reading Song for the Unraveling of the World right now. I haven't been able to stop thinking about the story of the guy trying to record the proper room tone for his movie since I read it several days ago.
See!? And so simple and short.
That looks like a great time! I'll watch "Animal House" soon!
Is having someone read your work by proxy allowed at Slush?
Not yet.
Just finished watching it. Congrats to all the authors. Hoping to get in on the next one. Being a part of an anthology was a lot of fun for me in the past.
Such a mix of acting chops across the cast at that time in their careers.
Bruce McGill was an all-time character talent and showed it in AH. Karen Allen though… just solid.
Painful rewatch last night. Stairwells are safe, for now.
Congratulations to all the new authors that got into the book.
I typically get my rejection emails sitting at my work desk on my dining room table. I upgraded to a standing desk by my balcony window where I plan on getting many acceptance letters. I think the extra sunlight will bring me good fortune.
I'm so excited to go back to Malerman's Goblin. I'm sure Christmas there is all completely normal and good, actually.
Also I had never seen Animal House before sitting with it for this homework assignment (I had somehow dodged it throughout film school). The Milton connection took me out lol
Wah? Milton connection? School me.
It's set up early on in the movie – the beginning is actionally really efficient in the way it establishes setting, characters, stakes, etc. – it's the scene where Prof. Jennings is talking about Paradise Lost and puts forth one of the main themes ("was Milton trying to tell us that being bad was more fun than being good?") And delivers the great line – "his (Milton's) jokes are terrible". Following that Bluto back to back demonstrates the seven deadly sins, with the parade scene acting as Bluto's "War in Heaven"/Lucifer's Rebellion. I'm definitely not the most knowledgeable Milton guy but it was really fun looking at Bluto as a Satan allegory lol
*actually – not sure how I got "actionally" out of that lol
WOW! No idea.
Wait, seriously? I was sure the Paradise Lost lecture scene was the answer. Are you saying there's ANOTHER scene that seems like it's lifted from a completely different type of movie, demonstrates emotional authority, and relates to the journey of the overall story?!?
Back to the drawing board, I guess.
It's a weird experience to watch that movie critically as opposed to half paying attention.
Very well done to all those who made it into Silent Nightmares. And well done to everyone with skin in the game.
Evenson is an absolute assassin. Song for the Unraveling of the World parked itself on my “you gotta’ read this book” recommendation list for other people.
Am I being annoying and needy if I ask for suggestions on where rejected Silent Nightmares stories could be submitted? I made the initial cut from 2,138 stories down to the final 45, then got a disappointing email from Michael while reaching for a few squares of Charmin. It’s felt like I don’t want to “waste” the story by posting it to Substack because some places will count that as being published and thus won’t accept it, but it’s also a niche genre/theme that doesn’t seem to have a wealth of options.
I would haunt Erica Verrillo’s blog for a couple months, I found it to be a useful resource full of paying speculative markets: https://ericaverrillo.com/blog.html
Also, http://ericjguignard.blogspot.com/2025/04/may-2025-dark-fiction-short-story.html
Follow your favorite authors and litmags on Twitter/bluesky - I’ve learned of lots of submission calls that way
Thanks Wil - appreciate the tips. Some of that would require me to join twitter or bluesky (probably not happening…), but I’ll scope out the blog info for sure. And congrats on being selected!
Thanks! Good luck on finding a home for your story! There’s a bunch of substacks that also share story submission calls but I don’t know any that skew exclusively speculative, but hey, don’t forget, Paris Review and McSweeneys also publish ghost stories, so why genre-limit yourself!?!?!
Did you ever do anything more with that short story “Fight Club” that got accepted? The title sounds intriguing.
Congrats to everyone!
My favoritist short story got roundly rejected last year, but a short Im not in love with got accepted. Never know what people will connect with.
Have to remember to post the favorite here on Substack.
What an amazing line-up!
Congrats Wil!
I’m thrilled
I know we’re supposed to say our most joyful moments were when our kids are born (and yeah yeah, sure sure). But being sandwiched between this kinda talent in a ToC? Man, it’s UP there! Congrats to my fellow Plot Spoiler writers and a million thanks to you, Chuck! (Also a fan of the beard)
Congrats, Neil!
Thanks Maegan!
Especially happy to see Wil Dalton on that list! Congrats to everyone!!
Thanks! Me, too!!!!!!!!!