As an antidote to some rejections of late, it’s been nice to see two publications appear in February. The first is my gothic horror, Asylum of Shadows, published as part of Demain Publishing’s new Short Sharp Shocks! venture. The stories in this series range from 5k-10,000k with my own coming in at just over 9000 words. Seeing this length of story as standalones is something different in a market which normally focusses on anthologies, novellas and novels. Will 2019 be the year we see the growth of the novelette? It’d be nice to think so as they’re perfect short reads for those on the go.
About Asylum of Shadows:
Amongst the slums of Limehouse stands a new hospital, a monument to Victorian philanthropy. Marian, destitute and about to be orphaned as her father succumbs to the ravages of syphilis, is taken there by Dr. Janssen. This eminent physician offers her work and a roof over her head. Employed as a seamstress, she stitches shrouds for the dead and hoods for the hangman. Marian is taken to the ward of St. Carcifex. This shadowy ward receives the recently deceased, particularly those who have hung from the gallows. Her task in this gloomy place is to watch over them, make sure the dead stay dead. On Marian’s first night, she is charged with the care of two murderers, who, despite their hanging, do not appear to have the expected deathly pallor. On the second night, these guests are joined by innocent, hard-working men, victims of an unfortunate dock accident. Marian is enraged that such should be forced to share the ward. As her own mind falls victim to the ravages of the disease which killed her father, she metes out her own justice, her own vengeance – on dead and alive alike.
The story is currently available for pre-order and will be out on 1st March. Initially it will be ebook only but hopefully will make it into print in some form in the not too distant future. If you decide to take a read, please consider leaving a review – positive or negative, all feedback is welcome. I know I’m looking forward to reading the stories of my fellow authors and I’m loving the covers and branding.
The Siren’s Call ezine WIHM Special
I have been lucky enough to get a short piece of flash, Deliverance, accepted in this month’s WIHM special. Inspired by the Wicker Man, it doesn’t quite end as expected. This is a free ezine with many wonderful writers and stories within its pages. Read it and enjoy what women can bring to horror.
Stephanie Ellis 
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