Wait…It’s the end of June already? How did that happen?
Anyway, no time to waste. Here’s the mid-year update on where my writing is at.
“Glitch” Becomes a Finalist for the Rhysling Award
Last time, I announced that my poem “Glitch” was a NOMINEE for the SFPA’s Rhysling Award. Well, now it’s moved on to become a Finalist for the Rhysling. Which is a moderate-to-big deal, depending on who you ask.
This is another great little step in the speculative poetry community and means the poem will be published in the Rhysling Anthology due out later this year. (The cover is phenomenal, by the way. I’ve just seen it in the Proofs sent around by the editor).
Anyhow, you’ll want to get a copy of the Anthology when it’s out. And I should know about whether “Glitch” places in in the Awards race later this year. Details to follow.
My First Royalty Check
I would like to note, in passing, that I received my first royalty check from a publisher. It was, of course, from Alien Buddha for The Book of Hours.
It’s not anything to quit my day job over, but was a validating little sign to keep going.
Another First: Someone Knew Me at a Signing.
File this one under “Surreal”: A fan recognized me at a local signing at a Barnes & Noble.
He walked right up to the table, saw the signage, and said something like: “Holy sh—! It is you!”
We laughed, and then talked, and he knew about “The Point” which came out earlier this year over at Strange Horizons and was also familiar with some of my Horror podcasting work as well. Which was all utterly and truly surreal—in the best possible way. And evidence that newsletters, blogging, social media, etc. are having an impact. I’m not just shouting into the void.
So, thank you, P—! I hope you’re enjoying the book.
My New Poem “Starling” Debuts at 4LPH4NUM3R1C
My new poem “Starling” [And no, it’s not about the bird!] is out now at 4LPH4NUM3R1C. It’s the first time one of my poems has been published on a Podcast. So, that’s kinda cool.
You can find Episode 19 of 4LPH4NUM3R1C here: https://www.zoeticpress.com/4lph4num3r1c/2026/5/8/episode-19-infirmament
Choose text, Podcast, or YouTube versions—as you like. You should be able to find the poem easily.
A Quick Look Back at StokerCon
I also made it to Pittsburgh for StokerCon to catch up with the Horror folks.
As usual, it was great meeting up with old friends. It’s also great to see how Horror continues to evolve in unexpected ways. Indie Horror writers are the tip of the spear here and—I like to think—pulling Indie Horror film/TVs/gaming along with them. (Or vice versa, in some cases).
And StokerCon is a great way to get to know everything that’s happening there, or at least try to.
Also, this was the first time I participated in the Mass Signing which was a great experience (though a bit stressful at first when they first let people in!). You simply sit at your table (one of over a hundred others) armed with only your books, a pen, and a smile. And hope for the best.
I sold some books and caught up with some fans from last year—which was nice. But one thing I learned: You won’t sell many books to people who are new. They aren’t there to discover new talent. They’re there to connect with talent/writers they already know about online or from a panel. So, if you do this at StokerCon make sure to lay a good foundation BEFORE you show up with your books. Just saying.
Hoping to go back soon and catch up with everyone there next year.
Next up: Imaginarium Convention in July, Necronomicon in August
The sallying forth to Cons does not end this month…Oh, no!
I will be at the Imaginarium Convention in Louisville in August (where The Book of Hours is up for the Imadjinn Award for Best Poetry Collection) and the Academic/Horror Convention, Necronomicon, in Providence, Rhode Island in August.
A good time shall be had by all, I’m sure. As usual, don’t hesitate to come up and say “Hi!” if you catch me wandering the halls in a befuddled state. It’s always good to make new friends…
Alright, all for now.
Until next time…Keep Reading, Keep Writing,
Darius
Inside the Writer's Mind 