And We’re Off!
I can’t believe that it was just two weeks ago we launched the Fantasy Writing Contest. Considering we only announced the project on January 1st 2012 and opened the competition on February 1st 2012 the interest and number of entries has been nothing short of phenomenal.
People seem to be agree with the Fantasy-Faction team that there is not currently a ‘must-pick-up’ anthology out there right now within the fantasy genre. What we want to do with this anthology is provide one that each and every year, you guys (fantasy fans) look forward to and anticipate falling through your mailbox / arriving on your e-reading device. Certainly, with the quality of stories that have been pouring into our mailbox this looks increasingly likely to be the case.
So, what exactly is going to be in the anthology? Well, allow us to refresh your memory:
- Introduction by Editors of the Anthology.
- 7 Short Stories by Fantasy Authors (2 still TBA!).
- 6 Short Stories by winners of Fantasy Writing Contest (Still Open!).
- A Community Short Story (Launches March 1st!)
- 10 Articles by Fantasy Authors and Industry Experts.
So far we have had Michael J. Sullivan, Myke Cole, Mark Lawrence, Jon Sprunk and Adrian Tchaikovsky send stories across for our approval and I have to say that we have thoroughly enjoyed them. The interesting thing for me has been how different the stories have been from what we expected. It seems that the authors have taken this opportunity to write something that really interests them and because they haven’t had to consider the demands of a publisher or the market – we’ve had some really intriguing and even unique stories. Anyone expecting an anthology packed exclusively with Knights and Dragons is surely going to be surprised! Back to the editing process though, it’s quite a surreal experience, receiving work from authors you have admired for years and knowing that it is now your responsibility to edit their work ready for your anthology. We are still waiting for two more stories by another two successful authors that we haven’t even announced yet and ten articles by ten authors/industry experts that we also haven’t announced yet – so yes, it is a really, really exciting time for us right now.
In addition to working on the anthology and our usual roles at Fantasy-Faction, we were lucky enough to meet up with a few authors who will be featuring within the anthology at the SFX Weekender, a British Fantasy/Sci-Fi Convention.
A lot of people are asking when we will begin announcing the remainder of names for the anthology and I guess I should tell you… no… not the names yet, but the dates at least, is that fair? Well, either way, the answer is; the 1st of each month. So, from now on we will release either one or two names of authors that will appear in the anthology on the first day of each month . Therefore, you will need to return to either this blog or sign up to the newsletter to find out who they are… Feels almost like blackmail, but I like it! 
Ah, another thing people are asking is how many entries we’ve had. Simple answer; lots! Paul Wiseall and I are relentlessly reading through all these stories, but every time I finish say ten, I check the email inbox and find another twenty waiting to be read – it’s an exciting and slightly scary feeling too! I’ve already read a number of stories that I have placed on the short list – some traditional fantasy, some urban fantasy and we’ve even had a bit of new weird that has been quite interesting. Certainly, we really have our work cut out when it comes to choosing a winner because of the quality of entries coming in. Just to confirm things for you too, the contest is now open for submissions until June 30th 2012 and you will be able to send your short stories through to us any-time until then.
And finally, I want to say a huge thank you to those who have supported The Anthology and Fantasy-Faction by pre-ordering the anthology. For those who don’t know, the anthology is a not for profit project. The reason for this anthology is to promote new and upcoming authors as well as pay the Fantasy-Faction server fees (which sadly are rather expensive!). If you would like to pre-order the anthology you can do so by visiting: http://fantasywritingcontest.com/pre-order/
It is in GBP(£) but Paypal will convert that into your currency for you during the checkout.
So yes, thank you ever so much whether you are supporting us by submitting an entry to our contest, buying a copy of the anthology or even just telling your friends about our existence… it is only because of you and our wonderful community that we are able to do these things we love so much.
Marc Aplin
Fantasy-Faction / Fantasy Writing Contest
