Published

I recently came across a request on Reddit.com asking redditors to submit their book reviews to an online magazine.  I decided that even though I didn't think I had a chance, I would do it.  My reasoning was that it was good practice, getting rejected that is.  So, I went back through the few book reviews I had done that weren't for children's books.  I chose to submit "The Most Disturbing Short Story I've Ever Read."  I made only minor changes to the review, only a word here or there, trying to make it sound more well written.

I didn't expect to hear back from the magazine for a while, so I decided to go to bed and put it out of my mind.  Easier said than done.  Of course, I got involved in a few things before actually going to bed, and when it was finally time to climb between my sheets, I checked my email.  To my surprise, there was an email from the editor of the magazine.  I though, "Gee, that was fast."

I had to read the email twice before I actually believed what it said.  Of course, it didn't take long considering it was short and to the point.  Here is what he wrote:

Amazing. This is perfect. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

I look forward to future contributions from you.

It will be published in the magazine April 2nd.

Let me know if you have any questions or comments.

All the best,

Doug


I jumped up and down so much that my husband had to grab me to get me to stop.  Needless to say, I couldn't sleep now.  I also couldn't stop smiling, giggling, or pacing the room.  Finally I did get to sleep, when the rush wore off. The next morning I was still excited, and still am a few days later.  I am a published book reviewer, my goal.  One of my many goals pertaining to writing.  I can't wait to see what God has waiting for me next!


If you want to check out the magazine, its eFiction Magazine.  Its free to view the magazine.

Most Disturbing Short Story I've Ever Read...

Make that the most disturbing story I've ever read, short or not.  "Serial" by Jack Kilborn and Blake Crouch left me with images and scenes in my head that made me feel quite literally sick to my stomach.  These images still, weeks later, will creep into my mind at the most inopportune times leaving me feeling nauseated all over again.  I try desperately to block them out, and the harder I try, the worse it gets.

"Serial" is a 3 part story written about 2 serial killers who by chance meet while the female serial killer is hitch hiking to find her next victim and the male is picking up hitch hikers looking for his next victim.  Each author was responsible for developing a serial killer character without letting the other know anything about their character.

In part 1, you meet Donaldson, who picks up hitch hikers and kills them in a pretty typical serial killer manner.  Don't think that this isn't still horrific when you read the author's descriptions, they are vivid.  But Donaldson is what many people think of when they think serial killer/rapist.  He does have methods to incapacitate his prey that are less than typical, and this adds to the dementedness of his character.

In part 2, you meet Lucy, who is hitch hiking looking for her next kill.  Her method for incapacitating her prey are far more standard than her actual method of maiming and killing.  The thought that anyone would actually do what this girl does and find pleasure in it is horrifying, but far more horrifying are the images created in your head of her victims while she is killing them.

In part 3, Donaldson and Lucy meet.  This doesn't bode well for either character.  They quickly realize what the other is, and it is a race for survival.  Not knowing how the story would end, I almost found myself rooting for Donaldson solely because I didn't think I could live through another of Lucy's kills.  While one killer is severely hurt, and the other is drugged, the two killers stumble around for their "fix", which seemingly is more important than their actual survival.

After reading this story, I sat in horror struck silence for a few minutes, probably with my mouth hanging open the entire time.  Needless to say, this short story left an impression on me, and I will certainly remember these authors for a long time, and unfortunately, the characters as well.  However, I will not dismiss the authors, considering that, aside from the actual content, they wrote a hell of a story.  I will just screen my next read more thoroughly.