Update
Posted by bencooper | Filed under News
So I’ve been on my new job as Assistant Editor for Acoustic for over a month now. I’m starting to settle in to the roll but it’s a really full on job – I’m really the engine room of the magazine, editorially speaking. The upcoming issue will be the first one to bear my name on the editorial staff list, and I’m hoping it will be an issue I can be proud of. I’ve got a couple of small pieces in the issue, and interview with Brett Dennen and a DVD review, I’d like to have had more but I just haven’t had the time.
I’ve submitted another story this week and am waiting for a response, hopefully I can build up the short fiction in the background.
Over the coming months I’ll be getting more copy in the mag, and I’ve also got plans for a non-fiction book that I’m kicking around at the moment, about boxing.
I’m increasingly leaning towards non-fiction writing at this stage, as it seems to be a viable way to get published and earn some money. It’s in no way easier than fiction, but you don’t need a finished product, just a proposal, outline and a few draft chapters. If the publisher likes it you get commissioned, given a deadline and an advance, then the ball’s in your court. But I need to do more planning and some initial research and writing before that can get underway.
Now I just need to find the energy and determination to get it out there…
Fiction Up
Posted by bencooper | Filed under News
Well I’ve just got back from the London International Music Show – two hectic days running around getting to meet the people I’ll be working with in the guitar industry. It was busy but I’ll have missed the busiest period over the weekend.
The June issue of Aphelion (www.aphelion-webzine.com) is up, and features a story and poem by yours truly. Head on over and have a gander, be sure to read the other stories too!
I’ll post another update about the show soon – but right now I need a shower!!!
Photography
Posted by bencooper | Filed under General, News
Please check out Darren Newbery’s new photography website. Darren and I used to work in the hellhole that is Jessops (although the people who work in the Exeter branch are very nice). He has just returned from a round the world trip and is available as a freelance photographer. I’m sure you’ll agree his work is excellent.
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Another acceptance!
Posted by bencooper | Filed under News, Poetry, Short Stories
Hi guys,
I received an email today from Robert Moriyama, the short fiction editor at Aphelion magazine. He sent me a very complimentary acceptance letter for a story I submitted earlier in the year. It will be featured in the next issue of Aphelion, which should go live this Sunday. Obviously I’m over the moon about this. Aphelion have also recently accepted a poem of mine, which should run in the same issue.
Robert said it was a good entry in the John Wyndham genre, of a disaster seen through the eyes of an ordinary person. I’m a big fan of Wyndham so this doesn’t come as a surprise, although being told it is good was a nice lift, after a string of rejections.
With the final month of university being a mad scrabble, and the new job taking up a lot of my time, writing has taken something of a backseat over the last couple of months. However I’ve got a couple of other stories ready for submission and some more poetry, and this has given me a much needed boost to carry on and get things done.
I’ll put a short update post on the site, and through my Twitter account, when the story and poem are up.
I hope you enjoy them!
Later.
Tags: Fiction, News, short story, submission