Dark Valentine 12 Feb 2020 8:18 PM (5 years ago)

Featuring my flash stories "A Final Valentine" and "He Lusted For Me", Dark Valentine is now available.

Buy it on Amazon today!

Mr. Wiggle 27 Jan 2019 12:56 PM (6 years ago)

I don't write poetry often but here's one of the few. Enjoy!

Mr.Wiggle

By: Andrea Allison

Drenched in shadows, he wiggled when he walked.

Filled me with giggles as he creaked and popped.

Mom silenced me every night.

But I always put up a fight.

"He's my friend." I would always say.

She'd shake her head and walk away.

I lay in bed and sigh.

Why does she believe Mr. Wiggle is a lie?

He emerged from the floor.

And provided me with comfort once more.

When I grew up, Mr. Wiggle went away.

I missed him less and less everyday.

Now I'm married with little girls of my own.

We moved into my old childhood home.

Late at night, I hear them giggle.

Whispering, "We love you, Mr. Wiggle."

2018 Christmas Newsletter (Writers Edition) 20 Dec 2018 12:44 PM (6 years ago)

I know all over the country people send out these little Christmas letters to family and friends listing all the awesome things that happened to their family throughout the year. My family (to my knowledge) has never done one of these. So here's my first attempt.

It was an uneventful year for my family. My writing life is a different story. I feel like I've become more of a grown-up writer in 2018. I purchased my own domain name. I'll say it again. I purchased my very first domain name for my website. That may not be a big deal for some but it is for me. I always wanted one but couldn't afford it. I always had to settle for the free crap. Even though my website isn't some amazing design, it's all mine.

Another grown-up writer moment for me is twenty-two acceptances. I received twenty-two acceptances this year! That's amazing considering I only averaged two or three a year in the past. I finally found a form that works for me. Allow me to send out a special shout out to those who felt my work was worth publishing: Trembling With Fear, 50-Word Stories, Siren's Call Ezine, Moonchild Magazine, Speculative 66, The Infernal Clock (DeadCades Anthology), Shacklebound Books (Chronos and Drabbledark II Anthology), The Drabble and Nothing's Sacred Magazine.

On an even more personal note, I have anxiety. I've had it most of my life but always afraid to admit it. This year has infused me with some strength and put me in searching mode. Searching for better ways to deal with it and comfort in knowing I'm not alone.

To wrap things up, I hope 2018 was kind to you and 2019 is spectacular! Happy Holidays!

Drabbledark II Live Again 14 Nov 2018 10:00 PM (6 years ago)

The first attempt to fund this project fell short. Instead of abandoning it entirely, Drabbledark II is getting a second and final chance. Seeing as I have two stories set to appear in this, I would really like to see this happen.

Every little bit helps. Go to: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/drabbledark-ii-an-anthology-of-dark-fiction

UPDATE: After two attempts, was unable to secure funding. So, the project was canceled.

A Few More Things 4 Nov 2018 7:10 PM (6 years ago)

While 2018 is not entirely over yet, it has been a blessed year. Twenty-one stories accepted. Truly amazing, especially since I averaged only a handful a year in the past. Hopefully that number will grow further before January. But if not, twenty-one is still great.

Anyways, on to the few things.

Trembling With Fear's first anthology is finally available on Amazon. It's a collection of stories and drabbles published on TWF in 2017, including three of my own.

Then there are the Halloween stories.

First was a trip to Silent Hill inspired stories at Moonchild Magazine with one of my own entitled "Blank Slate". A little taste: "I ventured into the town no one speaks of to lose myself in its darkness. A trail of whispers followed me until finally being struck with silence."

The next one is among the pages of Sirens Call Ezine's Issue #41. "My Pretty Girl in Red" can be found on page 74.

Wishing all participants of NaNoWriMo lots of luck!

Drabbledark II Kickstarter Live 10 Oct 2018 3:33 PM (6 years ago)

I have two stories, "My Lost Teddy" and "Poison Apple", appearing in this fabulous anthology. Kickstarter for this project is live. Please help support it.

Http://kck.st/2y6wtww

Just a Few Things 19 Sep 2018 2:31 PM (6 years ago)

I have a few acceptances to report.

50-Word Stories published my micro "Left You a Note". Something I wrote for Twitter prompt #vss365. Give it a Like if you love it.

I have three Two sentence horror stories (harder to write than you think) appearing in Nothing's Sacred Magazine Vol 4. The magazine won't be released until October 1st but is currently available for preorder. $7.99 for the print edition.

I've had several stories published by Trembling With Fear over the past year or so. They have recently started accepting Unholy Trinities which is basically three connected stories. They accepted my first about a girl and a barrel. I have no publication date to report at this time.

And finally, my micro "My Lost Teddy" will be published in Drabbledark II Anthology (still accepting submissions at this time) and he'll have a friend. A second micro "Poison Apple" will also be included in this book. No publication date to report at this time.

Very excited to have so much good news to share.

Change is in the Air 2 Sep 2018 2:02 PM (6 years ago)

My little blog here is about to go through some major changes. My author website has been hosted by Webs.com for many years now. I highly suggest if you're looking for a place to host a website Webs is not for you. The sitebuilder is terrible. Making even the simplest changes is near impossible. So, I'm moving everything here.

My good ole blog is about to get a new look, some new pages and even a new domain name (my first). So stay tuned.

Chronos An Anthology of Time Drabbles 26 Aug 2018 9:04 AM (6 years ago)

Just a few things. From Shacklebound books, Chronos An Anthology of Time Drabbles is currently available for Preorder at Amazon. It will be released on September 1st.

I have two little drabbles appearing in this book: "The Shrouded Women" and "Simon's Hourglass".

There's also an interview with yours truly at The Infernal Clock blog. This in preparation of the release of DeadCades Anthology on October 1st. My drabble "Doffer Boy" will be appearing in this book.

Happy Sunday!

Here's to 2018 31 Dec 2017 6:56 PM (7 years ago)

I realize I haven't posted anything here this year. So why not a year in review:

I wrote over 90,000 words this year, over 50K for NaNoWriMo which I completed. This expands several projects. Not just for one.

I had four stories published. They were all drabbles, stories that are exactly 100 words. Three were for Trembling With Fear: "The Survivor's Musem", "One Person" and recently "The Hanging Lights Sway". The fourth was for a drabble contest for Alban Lake Publishing. You can purchase it at http://store.albanlake.com/product/drabble-harvest-9-adventures-in-plumbing/. Still have a few submissions out I haven't heard back from.

I think this has been one of my most productive years. Hopefully, 2018 will be even better.

Happy New Years!

Happy Labor Day 5 Sep 2016 12:56 AM (8 years ago)

Haven't posted here in awhile. Just wanted to wish you all a safe and Happy Labor Day.

4th of July Myths 4 Jul 2015 10:59 AM (9 years ago)

What better way to celebrate the fourth than revealing the truth of some common American independence myths:

1.) Independence Was Declared on the Fourth of July.

Wrong! Independence was declared by the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776. This is the day according to a letter written by John Adams to his wife Abigail that "will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival." So, why do we celebrate the fourth?

First of all, the Declaration of Independence was adopted on the fourth which is indicated on the document itself. It is believed that is where some of the confusion lies. Basically, the day the document was announced has overshadowed the event itself. Americans first celebrated independence on July 8th with a big party including a parade and firing of guns in Philadelphia.

Secondly, to add to the confusion, a scholar in the nineteenth century came across the letter mentioned above and quietly "corrected" it. So, Adams festival prediction would take place on the fourth instead of the second.

2.) The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4.

A canvas painting by John Trumbull hangs in the grand Rotunda of the Capitol of the United States. It depicts the signing of the Declaration ceremony which supposedly took place on July 4th. Too bad it never happened.

The actual event wasn't all that spectacular. Most delegates signed the document on August 2nd, the same day a clean copy was finally produced by the assistant to the secretary of Congress Timothy Matlack. Several signed later. Their names weren't released to the public until around January 1777. The truth about the signing was discovered in 1884 by historian Mellon Chamberlain.

3.) The Liberty Bell Rang in American Independence.

The story goes that a young boy with blond hair and blue eyes was supposedly posted in the street next to Independence Hall to give a signal to an old man in the bell tower when independence was declared. This scene never happened either. The story was made up by nineteenth century writer George Lippard for a book intended for children called Legends of the American Revolution.

The bell wasn't even named in honor of American independence. It received the moniker in the early nineteenth century when abolitionists used it as a symbol of the antislavery movement. As for the famous crack … it was a badly designed bell and it cracked. End of story.

4.) Betsy Ross Sewed the First Flag.

The house where Betsy Ross supposedly lived may not have been hers. In 1949, the Joint State Government Commission of Pennsylvania concluded in a study that there is no proof she even lived there. If that's not true then what else have we been lied to about?

The story of Betsy Ross sewing our first famous symbol of freedom isn't authentic either. It was made up by her descendants in the nineteenth century. She was just a simple unheralded seamstress.

So, who actually sewed the flag? No one knows. However, we do know who designed it. Records show that in May 1780 Frances Hopkinson sent a bill to the Board of Admiralty for designing the "flag of the United States." While with the hype of the Betsy Ross story he may not get much credit, a small group of his descendants work hard to keep his name alive.

Although the flag we know today was designed by a Ohio high school student in 1958 for a class project. There had been no changes to the flag since 1912 and Robert Heft believed Hawaii and Alaska would soon become official states. His teacher wasn't impressed and gave him a B- but later agreed to bump it up to an A if he could convince Congress to adopt the design. He took on the challenge and a year later Heft asked his congressman, Rep. Walter Moeller, to take the flag to Washington after Alaska and Hawaii were admitted to the union. Early in 1960, Heft received a call from President Dwight Eisenhower who told him his flag design had been chosen from more than 1,500 entries. Heft was in D.C. on July 4th for the adoption ceremony of his flag. Today, that flag design turns 50 (and yes Robert Heft did get that A)!

5.) John Adams and Thomas Jefferson Died on the Fourth of July.

This one is actually true. Adams and Jefferson within hours of each other both died on July 4, 1826, exactly fifty years after the adoption of Jefferson's Declaration of Independence. While this is accurate, there is no proof that Adams dying words were "Jefferson survives." Jefferson actually died hours prior to Adams. So, if he did say it, his final statement would have been false. Also, James Monroe died on July 4, 1831.

6.) July 4, 1776, Party Cracked the Liberty Bell

They may have had cause to celebrate but these patriots didn't ring the Liberty Bell until it cracked on July 4, 1776. The bell itself was poorly made and cracked shorty after its arrival in 1752. Since then, it has been recast and recracked on more than one occasion. The infamous crack it possesses today happened sometime in the 19th Century, an exact date has yet to be agreed upon. The Liberty Bell received it's beautiful name from the abolitionists.

7.) The Declaration of Independence Holds Secret Messages

As much as some love a conspiracy theory, it seems the film National Treasure is pure fiction. Unless it's one of the best kept secrets in our lovely country, there is no map on the back of the Declaration of Independence. Same goes for secret messages. None to be found. However, there is something written on the back of the document: "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776." Why? It acted like an identifier when the document was rolled up for travel and storage.

8.) America United Against the British

A film about the Revolutionary War may gotten a thing or two right. During this pivotal moment in history Americans were pitted against one another. About 15 to 20 percent of all Americans were loyal to the crown. An estimated 50,000 served as British soldiers or militia. Adam Baldwin played such an American in the film The Patriot. They were forced to fight against around 100,000 soldiers in the Continental Army while others tried to stay out of the fight altogether. They must have had their share of awkward moments.

Now that you know the truth behind some of the lies we've been told over the years, have a safe and joyous 4th of July, even if independence wasn't declared on this day.

Sources:

History News Network,

National Geographic

Six More Weeks of Winter 2 Feb 2015 5:27 AM (10 years ago)

Saw his shadow. Six more weeks of winter coming our way. Although, I wouldn't really know. We haven't seen snow for weeks. The warm temperatures make it feel more like Spring than Winter. But whatever. Happy Monday

Vintage Vampire Stories Review 12 Jan 2015 4:32 AM (10 years ago)

Skyhorse Publishing, May 1, 2011
Paperback, 320 pages
ISBN-10: 1616082348

Ordering Information:

Amazon.com

Long lost to the public in out-of-print pulp magazines, dusty Victorian anthologies, and the pages of now defunct newspapers these vintage vampire stories have truly proved immortal. Resurrected now for the year 2011, this is a stunning collection of nineteenth-century vampire stories by heavyweights such as Sabine Baring-Gould and Bram Stoker.

These 15 rare stories are arranged in chronological order from 1846 to 1913 and are compiled by two of the world’s leading vampire anthologists and experts. Also included are rare images of Bram Stoker’s handwritten manuscript pages for Count Vampire (1890) courtesy of the Rosenbach Museum & Library in Philadelphia.

Now, it took me awhile to finish this book but I'm finally starting to get caught up on my reviews. This book didn't grasp my attention as much as I would have liked.

I was looking forward to reading other author's interpretations of the vampire pre-Dracula. The way they look. How they feed on human life. Most tales weren't what some have come to known as "traditional". "A Kiss of Judas" written by Julian Osgood Field could easily be the subject of a Supernatural episode. However, this book has a couple of things working against it. Some stories have a rather....long winded feel to them, a lot of telling versus showing. Makes reading them all that more tedious.

I must add this collection needs some serious editing. There were way too many misspellings to overlook. I spotted some words that didn't fit with the prose such as "clay" instead of "day" and "of" instead of "or". Each tale was accompanied by a short introduction about the author separated from story except in the case of Morley Roberts' "The Blood Fetish". For some reason, the Appendix font is tiny compared to the rest of the book. Not sure why (maybe to save space?).

Vintage Vampire has some interesting versions on this type of monster. However, if this kind of prose is not something you are use to, prepare to fight through it.

Merry Christmas 25 Dec 2014 3:59 AM (10 years ago)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

MicroHorror 12 Dec 2014 3:06 AM (10 years ago)

Received an acceptance letter in my inbox recently. MicroHorror has published my flash story "Redwater Black". You can view at http://www.microhorror.com/microhorror/author/andrea-allison/redwater-black/.

Twiction Addiction 20 Sep 2014 8:36 AM (10 years ago)

My little Twiction story "Stalker" has been published on Twiction Addiction. You can read it at: https://twitter.com/TwictionAddict/status/513240401139208192.

Retweets and Favorites are always appreciated. Thanks!

Good News 26 Aug 2014 4:46 AM (10 years ago)

I have a couple pieces of good news to share.

Twiction Addiction has accepted my little Twiction (Twitter Fiction) story "Stalker". It's scheduled to be published on September 20th. They also gave me the option to send in another Twiction to be published on or around my birthday. Twitter size fiction is not easy to write, but there are a few markets for it. Here is a list: http://www.simonkewin.co.uk/2011/02/twitter-fiction-magazines.html.

I also had a story accepted by Flashes in the Dark Ezine as a reprint. You can view it at: http://flashesinthedark.com/2014/08/24/rods-little-blue-wagon-by-andrea-allison/.

Happy Tuesday!

Starting Over 30 Jul 2014 2:03 AM (10 years ago)

I know it's been over a year since posting anything on this blog. Not offering any excuses. It is what it is. There have been a few changes.

The old blog has a new look. Blue has always been my favorite color. Still working on the design though.

Haven't sent out any stories in awhile but currently, have submitted two.

More to come later....

Pill Hill Press Closed 5 Feb 2013 12:54 PM (12 years ago)

I received the Ralan newsletter this morning and discovered a surprise. Pill Hill Press closed up shop. Small publishers come and go all the time. Why would I take interest in this closure?

A couple of weeks ago, I received an acceptance letter from Pill Hill. My short short "Final Footprints" would soon appear in their upcoming anthology Daily Frights 2013: 365 Days of Frightening Flash Fiction. First sign of trouble was very few project updates. In the past, they were diligent with updates and response times. One starts to worry when efficiency starts to lag.

Around the beginning of January, I heard news the owner/main editor Jessy gave birth to twins (Congratulations!). By the end of January, Pill Hill Press had closed. The website and forum were shut down. The reason circulating is Jessy decided to be a mom instead of a publisher owner/editor. I'm not certain if that is the sole reason. Supposedly, there was a mass email sent out but I never received it. Learning this news rendered my acceptance letter worthless. It's sad but not the first time it has happened to me.

In other news, I completed my monthly Write1Sub1 goal for January...

Goodbye Duotrope 28 Jan 2013 9:00 AM (12 years ago)

If you haven't heard already, the fabulous market website Duotrope has gone from a free service to now available to paid subscribers only. For $5 a month or about $50 a year, you can enjoy all the features you use to get for free. I understand they put a lot of hard work in to the site and was having problems being compensated for it, but I feel they went about this switch up the wrong way.

The supposed "free" features still available are fairly nonexistent. I received the last shred of hope in my inbox this morning in the form of a monthly newsletter. It contained the first three listings for paying and nonpaying markets and not much else. Why go through all the trouble to provide almost no usable information for those who can't afford your prices?

This is me officially saying goodbye to Duotrope. The last couple of years have been fun but it seems you prefer your new/old playmates who have deeper pockets than myself. I wish you well.

Welcome my new best friend.....The (Submission) Grinder!!!

2012 In Review 31 Dec 2012 1:45 AM (12 years ago)

I wish I could say I came out of 2012 a Write1Sub1 winner but unfortunately not. Didn't write or submit anything for October and November. However, it wasn't a total loss.

For the year 2012, I submitted a total of 12 short stories: 6 rejections, 3 acceptances (received the recent one for Daily Frights Anthology which will be published next year before Christmas) and 3 pending. In 2011, I submitted 3 short stories and 1 novella with no success. While I may not be in the same league as some writers, that's a huge improvement for me.

I say W1S1 kept me on track for the most part. Will I participate in 2013? Definitely count me in!

W1S1 Update - Month 7 1 Aug 2012 12:16 AM (12 years ago)

I don't know how much joy July brought other than seeing my story published, but goals were accomplished.

Words were written. Not many, but some. Began editing a short story. I guess I've been doing flash fiction too long because I've forgotten how tedious it is to edit 5,000 words.

I can say I was quite the overachiever with my submissions. Managed to get a whole TWO sent off. Gave myself some gold stars, a pat on the back and everything.

"Final Footprints" is now in the hands of Pill Hill Press editors for their Daily Frights 2013 anthology. Can't say I have complete faith in it's acceptance but if they do choose it, I hope I get the day I requested. Of course, I chose my birthday. Couldn't think of any other one to choose.

The second story "Sealed With Anguish" hasn't had a lot of luck so far. I've submitted it to like eight different markets and no fish has been biting. Hopefully, this time will be different. The name of the anthology is Down the Rabbit Hole published by Wicked East Press. It's an alternate world type of theme like Neverland and Oz. My story fits the theme perfectly. So, hopefully they'll take it. The bonus would be the $5 paycheck with an acceptance. Got my fingers crossed.

RIP Gore Vidal

Rejection #6 21 Jul 2012 9:47 PM (12 years ago)

Received this one a couple of weeks ago:

Dear Andrea Allison,

Thank you for considering Haunted Waters Press. We appreciate the opportunity to read "Final Footprints." Unfortunately, From the Depths is not the right showcase for this piece. With regret, I'm afraid we must pass, but would be happy to review any of your future work.

Thank you again.

Best regards,
Susan Warren Utley
Editor, Haunted Waters Press

Visit Haunted Waters Press to view our open calls for submissions and to enter the Penny Fiction Flash Fiction Writing Contest:
http://www.hauntedwaterspress.com/Submissions.html

After re-reading the story, I realized why they rejected it. It would help if the entire story made sense...LOL! Working on the edits.

Weighing the Good with the Bad 22 Jun 2012 5:24 PM (12 years ago)

I know it's been awhile since I've updated this blog. A lot has happened.

There was a death in the family. Well, there's been several in the last few months. I've lost a few members of the Great Great part of my family, an aunt and uncle. My step-uncle passed away too. We're still uncertain as to what caused his death.

On the writing front, I've stuck with completing my Write1Sub1 goals. However, no more acceptances to report. But all is not sorrow. Remember my anthology acceptance I bragged about a couple months back? Well, it has been released!

No Rest for the Wicked, a collection of stories about haunted objects, is available for purchase on Amazon for $3.99. My story "Rod's Little Blue Wagon" is #18 on the list! A print version will soon be available through Rainstorm Press' website. No Rest for the Wicked also has it's own Facebook page!

Like....Buy.....Enjoy!!

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