photo by Michal Dzierza
Five years ago tomorrow, 9/18/2009, I submitted my very first piece of short fiction to my very first market: Black Static by TTA Press, a British horror magazine that dominated the field with its exquisite fiction and high-quality publication (they still do). Back then it was snail mail submissions, and I went through quite a bit of trouble figuring out how to get an IRC (international reply coupon) so they could send me a response from overseas. The fact that I had the gumption to send my first story to the top market pretty much sums up my career; aim small, miss small. Top down. Shoot, as they say, for the stars. Needless to say, my story got a form rejection.
[Some of you might be confused, because I’ve said before that I started writing in 2007. I spent that whole year on my first novel. I took 2008 pretty much off to deal with my dad’s estate. So I didn’t try my hand at short-form fiction until 2009, when I joined my critique group.]
Why am I telling you this? Because today I have a story accepted to Black Static.
I’ve pinched myself several times, but it’s still true. In fact, editor Andy Cox even added me to The List! It’s officially official; my flash fiction story “Hide” will be published in issue 43 of Black Static this November. I’m going to try really hard not to explode before then.
It’s hard to explain how this feels. I’m ecstatic. I’m honored. I’m deeply, incredibly grateful. And yes, I’m pretty freakin’ proud, too. Don’t get me wrong – I’ve had other stories accepted to some truly fantastic markets, and I don’t mean to downplay them – but there’s something undeniably nostalgic and fulfilling in coming full-circle right at the five-year anniversary of my short fiction beginnings. And the news has come at a time when I desperately needed a win. I really, truly needed affirmation that hard work and perseverance pay off. Obviously, they do.
Black Static, y’all. Black Static.
*explodes*
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Woowoo! Way to go, dude!
WHAT IS THAT THING?
And thanks! 😉
That’s fabulous, Annie. So happy for you and that it happened when you really needed it makes it all the sweeter. Big congratulations!!
Thanks, Julia!!
*standing ovation* Congratulations, Annie! *whistles*
Thank you, thank you! *bows* =)~
Wonderful, wonderful news!! Congrats, Annie! 🙂
Thanks Joseph!
I have a huge, dumb smile plastered to my face for you right now. Your energy and happiness seep out of this, and I couldn’t be happier for you.
😀 Thankya, lady!
I am SO proud of you!!! <3
Aw, thanks!
yay!! So amazing! You’ve come so far since that first novel. It’s been amazing watching your writing reach new heights.
Thank you, Febekins!
YAY! I got chills reading this post. I’m so excited for you! Will it be online? If not, I know you’ll post a link to where we can buy a copy. Meanwhile, doing a little happy dance over here for you! xo
Thanks so much, j! As far as I know they’re print-only, but of course I’ll share the order info when it comes out! <3
Oh, Annie! This is such fabulous news. I’m so glad you got your win right when you needed it. Isn’t it uncanny, sometimes, how things DO come full circle? But, as a wise young woman once told me, it’s not about luck :-). It’s about all the hard work and professionalism you put out there, again and again. You’re an inspiration for all of us to KEEP GOING, and to keep aiming high! Bask in this, my friend. Bask!
Thank you so much! You’re the sweetest. 🙂 (I’m basking! I’m basking!)
Woot! That’s absolutely wonderful news! 🙂 🙂
Thanks!!
Congrats!! This is a market I’ve tried and failed to break into, but not giving up. I’ve got more out to contests and other markets too, hopefully something will hit!!
Thanks, Traci! If you keep at it something is bound to hit eventually. 🙂 Good luck!!
Thanks, Annie!!
Congratulations! That’s so exciting!
Thank you, Lura!
Annie, this is wonderful! I’m so happy for you, esp. at the timing.
Thanks, Diann!
EEK! Congratulations, Annie! Tremendous news. 🙂
Thanks!!
I just saw this. *high fives* Congrats!!!
Thanks, dude! 🙂
Awesome! 🙂
Thanks!
Yay! Congrats! It’s all about persistence in my opinion. So many give up. We will NOT.
Thank you, Nina! No we won’t!
Big congrats, Annie! You have indeed come full circle and have “made it.” I can’t imagine subbing something to them. You’re so brave – and so talented. Go you!!!!
Aw, thank you so much, Lexa!! <3