Writing Update – Fall 2024

Ah, Autumn! Towards the end of summer nothing’s going on and then—suddenly EVERYTHING is. That’s Fall for you.

Accordingly, there’s lots of stuff to update you on. So, let’s begin…

Come Catch Me at the Baltimore Book Festival
This Sunday I will be on the panel, “The Monster Has Your Back” at the Baltimore Book Festival.  It’s my first experience at a “mainstream” literary festival (as opposed to a Horror or Sci-Fi Convention). So, that should be interesting, if anything, from a “cultural anthropology” perspective to see how the Other Half lives.

Plus, although it’s part of the official schedule, it’s happening at a brewery, which is nice. I’m appearing with three other super-accomplished (more than me!) writers so you will get to hear from them about their thoughts on the genre and where it’s headed.

So, if you’re in the area this Sunday, Sept. 29 at 4:00 p.m. why not stop by Peabody Heights Brewery for a drink and a talk about Horror? Hope to see you there!

Fifth Poem Acceptance – Must Be a Pattern?
I’m happy to announce that I have had another poem accepted for publication. The poem is “Sentio.” On the surface, it’s about a cactus and a desert storm—some images and themes I really love. Deeper down, it’s about “connection”…Let’s say. A sort of tenuous, tendril connection between different beings and different consciousnesses.

It’s the fifth poem I’ve had professionally published and I’m really happy about that. It’s been a big gap (with LOTS of rejections) from my fourth to fifth POEM acceptance. So, I needed this one, bad.

Once the contract is signed I will have more details here and on my Socials (Twitter, IG) on where you can find it.

Done with Gothic Novella – The Presence
I’m also very proud to announce that I have wrapped work on my Gothic Novella “The Presence.”

This was mostly completed during the pandemic (yes, another one of those). I “workshopped” it earlier this year in West Virginia with Michael Knost, Tim Waggoner, Stephen Zimmer, and a number of writing peers. They all made very useful critiques—and most importantly—provided lots of encouragement.

It’s done now and I wouldn’t change a word of it. Now, I’m looking for markets/agents to help finally sell the book and get it out there.

More on this when there’s movement.

Trip to Japan – A Quick Look Back
Earlier this month, I returned from a 2-week plus trip to Japan. We went to: Okinawa, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto and Tokyo. It was simply tremendous. I can’t say enough good things about how easy, efficient and enjoyable travel was. And the simple politeness and courtesy from everyone (from tour guides, to cabbies, to just plain strangers) made the experience that much more enjoyable.

If you follow me over on Instagram (@DariusJonesWrit), you’ve probably seen some shots from the trip (giant neon signs, giant Buddhas, Zen gardens, ramen), but I will leave addressing the trip HERE on the Blog for a later time: There’s just too much to cover and I want the memories to gel and settle a bit more before commenting.

One thing I know: The destiny of the U.S. and Japan are intertwined in strange, mysterious and profound ways…And that story is not finished yet—not by a long shot!   

See You Soon
Wow. That got surprisingly heavy! Like a three-course pasta meal before going to see an opera. Sheesh!

Anyway, got to get back to the writing (and reading). All for now. I’ll see you here again at year’s end.

Until then, please keep reading and living the heck out of your life! See you around, Friends!