Dark Fiction Magazine » feeder http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk from the darkest corners, the voices can be heard Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:46:28 +0000 en hourly 1 From the darkest corners, the voices can be heard ` no ` editorial@darkfictionmagazine.co.uk editorial@darkfictionmagazine.co.uk (`) Copyright © darkfictionmagazine.co.uk 2010 From the darkest corners, the voices can be heard Dark Fiction Magazine » feeder http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/twitter-icon.jpg http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk Copyright © darkfictionmagazine.co.uk 2010Arts/Literature Eskragh http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-12/eskragh/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-12/eskragh/#comments Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:37:44 +0000 Marty http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/?p=2175

Written by Martin McGrath

Narrated by Wayne Talbot

Art by Martyn Jones

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-12/eskragh/feed/ 0 feeder We buried Thomas’s da today. We put him in the same patch of ground we pretended we were putting Thomas. Eighteen months. I never thought the old man would last so long. The day was bright, clear and warm but there wasn’t much of a crowd. We buried Thomas’s da today. We put him in the same patch of ground we pretended we were putting Thomas. Eighteen months. I never thought the old man would last so long. The day was bright, clear and warm but there wasn’t much of a crowd. A couple of the fellas that he’d started drinking with, after Thomas, and his wife. She came up and shook my hand, afterwards, thanking me for coming. ` no 9:59 Bones are Rising to the Surface http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-12/bones-are-rising-to-the-surface/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-12/bones-are-rising-to-the-surface/#comments Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:37:39 +0000 Marty http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/?p=2174

Written by Simon Kewin

Narrated by Marty Perrett

Art by Shock The Badger

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-12/bones-are-rising-to-the-surface/feed/ 0 feeder The Manchester night air is sharp with ice. The streets are quiet, sounds muffled by the recent falling of snow. Frost gilds every surface with diagrams of ferns. Two miles out of the centre, at the Church of The Ascension, The Manchester night air is sharp with ice. The streets are quiet, sounds muffled by the recent falling of snow. Frost gilds every surface with diagrams of ferns. Two miles out of the centre, at the Church of The Ascension, one person at least is outside. A figure stands at the tall iron railings: a man, staring through as if at some zoo animal. The church is abandoned, marooned by the roads flowing around it. The man waits for the cars on the glassy roads to pass by. He is old. His unkempt beard spills over the buttoned top of his greatcoat. His clothes are tatty but he has well-made boots on his feet. ` no 23:36 Bad Call http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-12/bad-call/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-12/bad-call/#comments Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:37:33 +0000 Marty http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/?p=2177

Written by Mark Morris

Narrated by Dave Probert

Art by Shock The Badger

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-12/bad-call/feed/ 0 feeder I‟d never expected it to be like this. I know that sounds really naive, but I‟d honestly always thought that when it came to my parents' deaths, I‟d get plenty of warning, plenty of time to prepare. Of course, I‟d never expected it to be like this. I know that sounds really naive, but I‟d honestly always thought that when it came to my parents' deaths, I‟d get plenty of warning, plenty of time to prepare. Of course, I‟m aware that people die "suddenly‟ all the time. You see it in the obituary columns every day – "Suddenly, at home‟ (and by the way, have you noticed how it never says, "Suddenly – in a massage parlour‟ or "Suddenly – while out shopping at Sainsbury‟s‟?). ` no 40:42 The Head http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-12/the-head/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-12/the-head/#comments Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:37:27 +0000 Marty http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/?p=2176

Written by Edward Gauvin

Narrated by Jim Moon

Art by Shock The Badger

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-12/the-head/feed/ 0 feeder Permit me to remain anonymous; my name would mean nothing to you. My profession, however, is not unrelated to the story I am about to tell. I am a doctor. I’ve seen many woes in my line of work. Some I've eased, and in other cases forestalled what, Permit me to remain anonymous; my name would mean nothing to you. My profession, however, is not unrelated to the story I am about to tell. I am a doctor. I’ve seen many woes in my line of work. Some I've eased, and in other cases forestalled what, without my intervention, wouldn't have been long in coming. ` no 18:39 Issue 12 – Night Legends http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode/issue-12-night-legends/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode/issue-12-night-legends/#comments Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:37:16 +0000 Marty http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/?p=2173

Greetings, and welcome back to the cold and slightly decomposing bosom of Dark Fiction Magazine. In this issue we’re going back to our roots with an episode of classic horror from a collection of excellent writers (you can imagine our roots as the rotten and gnarled roots of a graveyard oak festooned with the mouldering bones and trinkets of the forgotten dead. If you like. That’s what I tend to do).

In Bad Call by Mark Morris our unfortunate narrator must flee from an unknown assailant, but all is not what it appears. In Eskragh by Martin McGrath and Bones are Rising to the Surface by Simon Kewin we take a chilling look at the shades that persist after death, and in The Head by Edward Gauvin a doctor has an unusual and grisly decision to make.

Huge thanks as ever to everyone who contributed to this episode; you are our very favourite demonic presences.

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode/issue-12-night-legends/feed/ 1 Cuckoo http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/stories-of-the-smoke/cuckoo/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/stories-of-the-smoke/cuckoo/#comments Sat, 02 Jun 2012 14:21:06 +0000 Marty http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/?p=2101

Written and read by David Thomas Moore

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/stories-of-the-smoke/cuckoo/feed/ 0 feeder Scott “The Governor” Midmer went down in six rounds. Mingled dust and blood smeared into his cheek as he hit the floor, and even after his thirty seconds of grace, he didn’t come up again. Scott “The Governor” Midmer went down in six rounds. Mingled dust and blood smeared into his cheek as he hit the floor, and even after his thirty seconds of grace, he didn’t come up again. ` no 25:02 A Brief History of the Great Pubs of London http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/stories-of-the-smoke/a-brief-history-of-the-great-pubs-of-london/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/stories-of-the-smoke/a-brief-history-of-the-great-pubs-of-london/#comments Sat, 02 Jun 2012 14:20:41 +0000 Marty http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/?p=2099

Written by Lavie Tidhar

Read by Emma Newman

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/stories-of-the-smoke/a-brief-history-of-the-great-pubs-of-london/feed/ 0 feeder The Pilot Inn would have been a new pub at the time, being merely four years in existence at the time of Nelson’s death. We know it was popular with smugglers and ruffians of all sorts throughout the course of the nineteenth century. The Pilot Inn would have been a new pub at the time, being merely four years in existence at the time of Nelson’s death. We know it was popular with smugglers and ruffians of all sorts throughout the course of the nineteenth century. Beyond that we know little; we can merely postulate. ` no 19:46 Uncle Smoke http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/stories-of-the-smoke/uncle-smoke/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/stories-of-the-smoke/uncle-smoke/#comments Sat, 02 Jun 2012 14:20:03 +0000 Marty http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/?p=2095

Written by Archie Black

Read by Charles Hunt

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/stories-of-the-smoke/uncle-smoke/feed/ 0 feeder Where shall we begin, my doves? At the beginning, of course; the centre of the universe; the sparkling pinpoint in that black velvet night upon which all the fingers of all the gods alight – I’m speaking relatively, Where shall we begin, my doves? At the beginning, of course; the centre of the universe; the sparkling pinpoint in that black velvet night upon which all the fingers of all the gods alight – I’m speaking relatively, of course; there is no actual centre of the universe, because all points are the centre of the universe, depending on where you’re standing. ` no 22:55 Inspector Bucket Investigates http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/stories-of-the-smoke/inspector-bucket-investigates/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/stories-of-the-smoke/inspector-bucket-investigates/#comments Sat, 02 Jun 2012 14:18:22 +0000 Marty http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/?p=2097

Written by Sarah Lotz

Read by Jim Moon

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/stories-of-the-smoke/inspector-bucket-investigates/feed/ 0 feeder Crawley leads to me to the far end. The tourists are lying huddled on a straw pallet in the draftiest section of the shed. The older of the two, a balding, middle-aged fellow running to fat, is cradling his younger, skinnier partner in his arms. Crawley leads to me to the far end. The tourists are lying huddled on a straw pallet in the draftiest section of the shed. The older of the two, a balding, middle-aged fellow running to fat, is cradling his younger, skinnier partner in his arms. Their feet are turning blue from the cold – some bastard’s nicked their coats and boots. ` no 41:34 Issue 11 – Fractured Future http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode/issue-11-fractured-future/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode/issue-11-fractured-future/#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2012 23:50:54 +0000 Marty http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/?p=1943

This is Issue 11.

There are dark times ahead.

Welcome back to Dark Fiction Magazine! In this, our first issue of 2012, we have a handful of excellent science-fiction stories for you; we will show you futures both distant and close, but all uncertain.

In Gareth L. Powell’s poignant Sunsets and Hamburgers we find a universe gradually moving towards a cold and inert end, while a resurrected couple desperately cling to what it means to be human. Erich Bergmeier’s The Miracle Cure and Matt Moore’s The Machinery of Government tell us chilling tales of technology and the questions we may have to ask ourselves in the not too distant future, while A Study in Flesh and Mind by Liz Argall explores the gruelling consequences of telepathy.

Big thanks as ever to everyone involved in this episode, and we hope to see you back here next time for a collection of dark and horrific tales.

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode/issue-11-fractured-future/feed/ 1 Sunsets and Hamburgers http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-11/sunsets-and-hamburgers/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-11/sunsets-and-hamburgers/#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2012 23:32:53 +0000 Marty http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/?p=1947

Written by Gareth L. Powell

Narrated by Marty Perrett

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-11/sunsets-and-hamburgers/feed/ 1 feeder My first thought is that I don't remember dying. They tell me nobody does. It's like trying to catch the exact moment you fall asleep; when you wake, it's gone. You may remember feeling tired, you may even remember starting to fall asleep; you just don... My first thought is that I don't remember dying. They tell me nobody does. It's like trying to catch the exact moment you fall asleep; when you wake, it's gone. You may remember feeling tired, you may even remember starting to fall asleep; you just don't remember the transition, the actual moment when you passed from one state to the other. And then they resurrect you. ` no 16:37 The Miracle Cure http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-11/the-miracle-cure/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-11/the-miracle-cure/#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2012 23:08:46 +0000 Marty http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/?p=1959

Written by Erich William Bergmeier

Narrated by Kate Sherrod

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-11/the-miracle-cure/feed/ 0 feeder Lydia kissed her son on the mouth and looked out over the rural countryside. The trees closest to the tracks were nothing more than flashes of colour to her, but beyond them she could see the rows of drying corn. Lydia kissed her son on the mouth and looked out over the rural countryside. The trees closest to the tracks were nothing more than flashes of colour to her, but beyond them she could see the rows of drying corn. The sun was starting to rise over the hills and the whole scene glowed orange in the hard light. Her son opened his eyes and sat up. “You’ve been gone a long time,” she told him. “I was just playing,” he said, reassuring her. “I wasn’t really dead.” ` no 34:03 A Study in Flesh and Mind http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-11/a-study-in-flesh-and-mind/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-11/a-study-in-flesh-and-mind/#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2012 23:03:18 +0000 Marty http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/?p=1952

Written by Liz Argall

Narrated by Emma Newman

Artist: Sunila Sen Gupta

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-11/a-study-in-flesh-and-mind/feed/ 0 feeder The model is privileged to work at the Albury-Wodonga Academy of Fine Arts and Neuroscience. Work permits are few and she needs to send half her ration to family up in the burning lands round Newcastle way. She has excellent references, The model is privileged to work at the Albury-Wodonga Academy of Fine Arts and Neuroscience. Work permits are few and she needs to send half her ration to family up in the burning lands round Newcastle way. She has excellent references, but that doesn't count for much; the proof will be in her flesh, her stamina, her strength of will. ` no 24:35 The Machinery of Government http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-11/the-machinery-of-government/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-11/the-machinery-of-government/#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2012 23:01:59 +0000 Marty http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/?p=1954

Written by Matt Moore

Narrated by Danny Davies

Artist: Shock The Badger

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-11/the-machinery-of-government/feed/ 1 feeder In Paul's right ear, Eddie asked: "Next: Do you have your access codes?" "I think so," Paul replied, moving into the front hall of the small townhouse he rented. Honestly, he had no idea where they were. Outside, the siren was getting closer. In Paul's right ear, Eddie asked: "Next: Do you have your access codes?" "I think so," Paul replied, moving into the front hall of the small townhouse he rented. Honestly, he had no idea where they were. Outside, the siren was getting closer. Three more notices scrolled up into his field of vision: * MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE EDDIE LAZENBY ARRIVING AT GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS CENTRE * PRIME MINISTER ANDREW RENAULT HAS BEEN ALERTED * LAND AND CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS OVERLOADED; GOVERNMENT NETWORK REMAINS STABLE ` no 32:54 Story: The Guide http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-10/story-the-guide/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-10/story-the-guide/#comments Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:42:42 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-10/story-the-guide/

by Ramsey Campbell

Read by Ramsey Campbell

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-10/story-the-guide/feed/ 2 feeder by Ramsey Campbell by Ramsey Campbell ` no 25:34 Story: The Fools http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-10/story-the-fools/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-10/story-the-fools/#comments Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:42:03 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-10/story-the-fools/

by James Morris

Read by Danny Davis

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-10/story-the-fools/feed/ 0 feeder by James Morris by James Morris ` no 12:01 Discussion: The perils of Urban Exploring http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-10/discussion-the-perils-of-urban-exploring/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-10/discussion-the-perils-of-urban-exploring/#comments Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:11:08 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-10/discussion-the-perils-of-urban-exploring/

recorded in a secret location with an anonymous group of UrbExers.

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-10/discussion-the-perils-of-urban-exploring/feed/ 1 feeder,Urban Exploring recorded in a secret location with an anonymous group or UrbExers. recorded in a secret location with an anonymous group or UrbExers. ` no 14:41 Story: The Cat the Rat & the Beetle http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-10/story-the-cat-the-rat-the-beetle/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-10/story-the-cat-the-rat-the-beetle/#comments Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:49:00 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-10/story-the-cat-the-rat-the-beetle/

by Scott Robinson

Read by Sam Moffat

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-10/story-the-cat-the-rat-the-beetle/feed/ 2 feeder by Scott Robinson by Scott Robinson ` no 20:19 Issue 10 – Happy Birthday to us! http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode/issue-10-happy-birthday-dark-fiction-magazine/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode/issue-10-happy-birthday-dark-fiction-magazine/#comments Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:40:02 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode/issue-10-happy-birthday-dark-fiction-magazine/

It has been a year since we launched Dark Fiction Magazine. During this crazy period we have done some awesome stuff that we are very proud of. It has been a lot of work, but worth every second. We even made the shortlist for the highly acclaimed Parsec award.

So as a special gift to help you celebrate this Halloween we have another 3 stories for you and a special piece on Urban Exploring. Enjoy and help yourself to some pumpkin birthday cake.

The Guide by Ramsey Campbell

The Cat the Rat & the Beetle by Scott Robinson

The Fools by James Morris

Discussion: The perils of Urban Exploring

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode/issue-10-happy-birthday-dark-fiction-magazine/feed/ 1 Story: Musings from Atop a Mountain of Skulls http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-musings-from-atop-a-mountain-of-skulls/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-musings-from-atop-a-mountain-of-skulls/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:14:50 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/story/story-musings-from-atop-a-mountain-of-skulls/

by Kev Clark

Read by Charles Hunt

Third place in our Epic Flash Fiction Competition

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-musings-from-atop-a-mountain-of-skulls/feed/ 1 feeder by Kev Clark by Kev Clark ` no 6:28 Story: The Rise of The Huntress http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-the-rise-of-the-huntress/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-the-rise-of-the-huntress/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:12:52 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/story/story-the-rise-of-the-huntress/

by Andrew Reid

Read by David Moore

Second place in our Epic Flash Fiction Competition

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-the-rise-of-the-huntress/feed/ 1 feeder by Andrew Reid by Andrew Reid ` no 5:31 Story: Snakebite http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-snakebite/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-snakebite/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:09:48 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/story/story-snakebite/

by Kev Clark

Read by Tony Gallichan

First place in our Epic Flash Fiction Competition

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-snakebite/feed/ 1 feeder by Kev Clark by Kev Clark ` no 3:48 Story: As The Wheel Turns http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-as-the-wheel-turns/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-as-the-wheel-turns/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:07:29 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/story/story-as-the-wheel-turns/

by Aliette de Bodard

Read by Kate Sherrod

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-as-the-wheel-turns/feed/ 0 feeder by Aliette de Bodard by Aliette de Bodard ` no 50:41 Story: Why The Pied Crow Always Sounds Disappointed http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-why-the-pied-crow-always-sounds-disappointed/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-why-the-pied-crow-always-sounds-disappointed/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:05:15 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/story/story-why-the-pied-crow-always-sounds-disappointed/

by Juliet E McKenna

Read by Danny Davies

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-why-the-pied-crow-always-sounds-disappointed/feed/ 0 feeder by Juliet E McKenna by Juliet E McKenna ` no 30:20 Story: Twain http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-twain/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-twain/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:47:00 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/story/story-twain/

by James Barclay

Read by Marty Perrett

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-9/story-twain/feed/ 0 feeder by James Barclay by James Barclay ` no 28:53 Issue 9 – Heroic Fables http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode/issue-9-heroic-fables/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode/issue-9-heroic-fables/#comments Mon, 19 Sep 2011 21:19:15 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode/issue-9-heroic-fables/

Welcome back to Dark Fiction Magazine. This month we did something rather special for you. Not only do we have fantastical stories from three great fantasy authors, but we also have the winners of our epic flash fiction competition.

So without further ado, put on those headphones, turn up the volume and enjoy our fables of heroics:

Twain by James Barclay

Why The Pied Crow Always Sounds Disappointed – Juliet E McKenna

As The Wheel Turns by Aliette de Bodard

Flash fiction winners:

Snakebite by Kev Clark

The Rise of The Huntress by Andrew Reid

Musings from Atop a Mountain of Skulls by Kev Clark

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode/issue-9-heroic-fables/feed/ 1 Epic Flash Fiction Competition: The Winners http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/blog/epic-flash-fiction-competition-the-winners/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/blog/epic-flash-fiction-competition-the-winners/#comments Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:28:19 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/blog/epic-flash-fiction-competition-the-winners/

We are very pleased to announce the winners of our Epic Flash Fiction competition:

1st place: Snakebite by Kev Clark
Judge’s comment: “This is a well-observed story with a neat premise, a very good character and lovely flashes of humour within a tragic (and unfair!) situation. The ending is just right and I found myself imagining the reactions of those who find the body and read the tale of his death. The author resists the temptation to have his hero survive and that is to his great credit.”

2nd place: Rise of the Huntress by Andrew Reid
Judge’s comment: “Very well-crafted story with proper characters brought to life by tight dialogue and efficient use of physical description and emotional reaction. The suddenness of death is well-written and the ending is very satisfying.”

3rd place – Musings from atop a mountain of skulls by Kev Clark
Judge’s comment: “Another excellent entry from this author. A really original take on the actions of a merciless tyrant. It is written with good pace, in a style that is very readable. The matter-of-fact noting of atrocities is lovely.”

Congratulations to the winners. We would also like to express our gratitude to our special guest judge James Barclay who has done a stellar job on the difficult task of judging the very high quality shortlist.

We are busy producing the audio of the winning stories and hope to have them online within the next day or so.

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/blog/epic-flash-fiction-competition-the-winners/feed/ 1 Epic Flash Fiction Competition: Short-list http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/blog/epic-flash-fiction-competition-short-list/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/blog/epic-flash-fiction-competition-short-list/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:37:22 +0000 admin http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/?p=1687

Wow! We are so pleased with the overwhelming response to our Epic Flash Fiction competition.

You lot have certainly kept us busy late into the night(s), reading and rereading your stories. We are also really impressed with the quality of the stories. Capturing the spirit of epic fantasy in under 1,000 words is not easy.

So without further ado, it gives us great pleasure to announce the short-list:

(in no particular order)

The Will to Live by Ro Smith

Musings from atop a Mountain of Skulls by Kev Clarke

Snakebite by Kev Clarke

Rise of the Huntress by Andrew Reid

Dark Dealings by Eric Edwards

Awakening by Lisa Pearson

The Noble Death by Kai Savage

These 7 great stories will go through to the next round of judging. Our very special guest judge James Barclay now has the rather daunting task of choosing the winning three stories.

We would like to personally thanks everyone who has entered and offer condolences to those who did not make the short-list. Do not let this put you off. Keep writing and keep submitting.

Good luck to the short-listed.

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/blog/epic-flash-fiction-competition-short-list/feed/ 0 Story: Another Kind of Light http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-8/story-another-kind-of-light/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-8/story-another-kind-of-light/#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2011 07:15:44 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-8/story-another-kind-of-light/

by Alasdair Stuart

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-8/story-another-kind-of-light/feed/ 0 feeder by Alasdair Stuart by Alasdair Stuart ` no 8:23 Story: Twisted http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-8/story-twisted-2/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-8/story-twisted-2/#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2011 07:05:00 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-8/story-twisted-2/ Narrated by David Moore ]]>

by Lee Harris

Narrated by David Moore

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-8/story-twisted-2/feed/ 1 feeder by Lee Harris - Narrated by David Moore by Lee Harris Narrated by David Moore ` no 12:41 Story: The Chaos Exhibition http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-8/story-the-chaos-exhibition/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-8/story-the-chaos-exhibition/#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2011 06:54:28 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-8/story-the-chaos-exhibition/

by Scott Harrison

Narrated by David Moore

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-8/story-the-chaos-exhibition/feed/ 0 feeder by Scott Harrison - Narrated by David Moore [powerpress] by Scott Harrison Narrated by David Moore [powerpress] ` no 11:05 Story: A Map of Lychford http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-8/story-a-map-of-lychford/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-8/story-a-map-of-lychford/#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2011 06:17:39 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-8/story-a-map-of-lychford/ Narrated by Marty Perrett]]>

by Paul Cornell


Narrated by Marty Perrett

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-8/story-a-map-of-lychford/feed/ 0 allstories,feeder by Paul Cornell Narrated by Marty Perrett by Paul Cornell Narrated by Marty Perrett ` no 5:04 EPIC FLASH FICTION COMPETITION: SUBMISSIONS OPEN http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/blog/epic-flash-fiction-competition-submissions-open/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/blog/epic-flash-fiction-competition-submissions-open/#comments Sun, 14 Aug 2011 19:27:07 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/blog/epic-flash-fiction-competition-submissions-open/

Sharpen your swords, conjure intoxicating brews, and get ready to tame your dragons. We are on the hunt for flash fiction at its most epic and inviting submissions of original and previously unpublished high fantasy stories of up to 1000 words.

First Prize: Your story will be published and narrated in September’s edition of Dark Fiction Magazine. Prize Money: £25.00 Yes, that’s Twenty Five Whole English Pounds.

Second Prize: Your story will be published and narrated in September’s edition of Dark Fiction Magazine. Prize Money: £15.00 Yes, that’s Fifteen Whole English Pounds.

Third Prize: Your story will be published and narrated in September’s edition of Dark Fiction Magazine. Prize Money: £10.00 Yes…well, you get the point..

A shortlist will be drawn up from entries received. We are delighted to announce the winning entries will selected from the shortlist by our very special guest judge James Barclay.

The closing date for submissions is Midnight on Wednesday 31st August 2011.

The shortlist will be announced on Wednesday 7th September 2011, with winning stories announced and published in Dark Fiction Magazine on Wednesday 14th September 2011.

  • Submit stories via the ‘Submission Form‘ .
  • You may enter as many times as you like, but each entry must be submitted separately.
  • All entrants will need a paypal account in order receive prize money in the event of winning.

Battles on windswept plains, dark wizards, knights in gilded armour, spirited princesses, peasant boys destined to be king…magic us inside the world of Epic Fantasy with the very best flash-fiction you can conjure and we’ll pray we live to tell the tale!

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/blog/epic-flash-fiction-competition-submissions-open/feed/ 0 Story: Paying For Rain http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-7/story-paying-for-rain/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-7/story-paying-for-rain/#comments Sun, 01 May 2011 16:47:34 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-7/story-paying-for-rain/

by Jaine Fenn


Read by Emma Newman
File size: 36mb
Duration 38:00

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-7/story-paying-for-rain/feed/ 0 feeder by Jaine fenn by Jaine fenn ` no Story: Who Slays The Gyant, Wounds The Beast http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-7/story-who-slays-the-gyant-wounds-the-beast/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-7/story-who-slays-the-gyant-wounds-the-beast/#comments Sun, 01 May 2011 16:31:45 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-7/story-who-slays-the-gyant-wounds-the-beast/

by Mark Chadbourn


Read by Marty Perrett
File size: 36mb
Duration 38:00

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-7/story-who-slays-the-gyant-wounds-the-beast/feed/ 0 feeder by Mark Chadbourn by Mark Chadbourn ` no Story: The Winter King http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-7/story-the-winter-king/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-7/story-the-winter-king/#comments Sun, 01 May 2011 16:31:11 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-7/story-the-winter-king/

by Liz Williams


Read by Kim Lakin-Smith
File size: 26mb
Duration 27:37

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by Graham Joyce


Read by Danny Davies
File size: 36mb
Duration 38:00

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-7/story-xenos-beach/feed/ 0 feeder by Graham Joyce by Graham Joyce ` no Story: The Ease With Which We Freed The Beast http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-6/story-the-ease-with-which-we-freed-the-beast-2/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-6/story-the-ease-with-which-we-freed-the-beast-2/#comments Sun, 03 Apr 2011 14:10:47 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-6/story-the-ease-with-which-we-freed-the-beast-2/

by Lucius Shepard


Read by David Moore
File size: 37mb
Duration 39:18

About Lucius Shepard

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-6/story-the-ease-with-which-we-freed-the-beast-2/feed/ 0 feeder by Lucius Shepard by Lucius Shepard ` no Story: Vic http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-6/story-vic/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-6/story-vic/#comments Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:09:32 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-6/story-vic/

by Maura McHugh


Read by Kim Lakin-Smith
File size: 29mb
Duration 30:21
‘Vic’ was originally published in Black Static issue 10 and reprinted in the Year’s Best Dark Horror and Fantasy 2010 edited by Paula Guran.

About Maura McHugh

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-6/story-vic/feed/ 1 feeder by Maura McHugh by Maura McHugh ` no Story: My Love Sick Zombie Boy Band http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-6/story-my-love-sick-zombie-boy-band/ http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-6/story-my-love-sick-zombie-boy-band/#comments Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:06:11 +0000 Del http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-6/story-my-love-sick-zombie-boy-band/

by Damien G. Walter


Read by Sam Moffat
File size: 35mb
Duration 36:24

About Damien G. Walter

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]]> http://www.darkfictionmagazine.co.uk/episode-6/story-my-love-sick-zombie-boy-band/feed/ 3 feeder by Damien G. Walter by Damien G. Walter ` no `nonadultFrom the darkest corners, the voices can be heard