Hello readers! Today is my 22nd wedding anniversary. Congratulations? Why, thank you! But that's not all. Today also marks the two-year anniversary of my decision to take writing seriously and pursue it with everything I had. A lot has happened since then. Quite a few of my stories have been published in anthologies, magazines, and websites. I've won writing contests. I released my own 18-story anthology along with a handful of double feature anthos and a special holiday single. I compiled and edited a themed anthology for Black Bed Sheet Books. I've been handpicked for a few projects, and I've collaborated with other authors. I've done several reviews for Horror Novel Reviews, Heavy Planet, and HalloweenForevermore, and I've written articles for three different horror magazines including THEE horror magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland. I even landed several editing/proofreading jobs and cover design.
But I think probably the biggest surprise through it all (okay, writing for Famous Monsters not once but twice was huge for me) is the many, many friends I've met along the way. I had no idea that the horror writing community was such a supportive one. Horror authors are not competitive. This isn't a contest. Everybody wants to see others succeed, and in my experience they offer great advice to help make that happen. Everyone has been so encouraging and always willing to lend a hand, advice, feedback, etc. There are a large handful of people that I've only known as an online presence (or through the phone, web cam, etc.) yet I consider dear friends. I've written stories with some of you. I've shared the table of contents with some of you, and some I've had lengthy discussions about writing, books, music, art, God, writing, books and books and writing and books.
But I think probably the biggest surprise through it all (okay, writing for Famous Monsters not once but twice was huge for me) is the many, many friends I've met along the way. I had no idea that the horror writing community was such a supportive one. Horror authors are not competitive. This isn't a contest. Everybody wants to see others succeed, and in my experience they offer great advice to help make that happen. Everyone has been so encouraging and always willing to lend a hand, advice, feedback, etc. There are a large handful of people that I've only known as an online presence (or through the phone, web cam, etc.) yet I consider dear friends. I've written stories with some of you. I've shared the table of contents with some of you, and some I've had lengthy discussions about writing, books, music, art, God, writing, books and books and writing and books.
On this two-year anniversary I want to say to you--my reading, reviewing, and writing friends--thank you. Thank you for your helping hands, your advice, your time, your ARCs, your blurbs, your constructive criticism and most of all your friendship. There are too many of you to name, but most will know exactly who you are.
Here's to many more years of writing with bigger goals being reached and satisfying opportunities falling into our laps.
~Chad
Here's to many more years of writing with bigger goals being reached and satisfying opportunities falling into our laps.
~Chad
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