My flash fiction piece, “Deliquescence,” is now available free to read online over at The Deadlands Magazine! It’s published as part of Issue 39, which can also be ordered via ebook on the magazine’s Patreon.
BEHIND THE STORY
One weekend, a few short fiction writer friends and I were chatting, and one person mentioned that a new flash fiction contest theme had just been announced. It’s a contest held regularly by a place that publishes the theme and then accepts submissions for only 48 hours. The idea is to write something specifically for the contest and not overthink it.
We all loved the theme, “aquatic horror,” and one person suggested we all write to it and then share our stories with one another. I had a long car ride on the way back from a trip and didn’t think I’d have time to participate. But then I got some ideas while in the car, brainstormed a bit with my husband, and jotted some down in my notes app (I was the passenger, don’t worry!). When I got home, I quickly wrote it and sent it in.
While I didn’t win the contest, one of my friends in that group did, which was extremely cool! Next, I sent out my piece to The Deadlands, and was absolutely thrilled when my piece was accepted.
About the Story
Something strange lives in the lake—until it is disturbed by a diver, and secrets come to light.
Content Warnings
murder (including of pregnant woman)
Beautiful cover for The Deadlands Issue 39!
My story on The Deadlands’ website!
The Deadlands MAGAZINE
I’ve been psyched about The Deadlands since its initial launch! It’s got a great theme (death / “a journal of ends & beginnings”) and a fantastic team on board. I’ve previously published a nonfiction piece, “The Gateway Back to Gothic,” with Psychopomp, the press that runs The Deadlands. But this is my first piece of fiction published with them!
Thanks for reading my behind-the-story post about “Deliquescence”! As always, previews, about the story, and content warnings for all my essays are available on my stories page.