Perhaps you’ve seen me post about WMP Magazine #1 recently. Subs for short fiction have been open for a week and will remain open for a week longer. But here’s the thing—there will be rebranding of sorts. This will no longer be a magazine issue but a horror “sampler” instead. The contents are not changing, so why the rebranding?
Well, I’ve decided on some changes to my personal brand and how it will be ending later in 2023 after a few releases I have lined up. I will also be leaving social media in the coming months. As such, I think having this be a magazine leaves the expectation of more issues to come. I don’t want to feel forced to stay around after this sampler is published if I don’t want to (I’m thinking of retiring, making this a farewell project of sorts). In late 2021, I did Blackberry Blood with Julia C. Lewis as an anthology with several interviews attached because that, too, was originally considered to be a magazine. I think that was changed because I wanted to accept more stories, and so it became an anthology instead. This time, the reason for the change is due to online reactions and interactions as of late. The idea of preparing and marketing it as a “sampler” is appealing for several reasons. It allows me to keep all the contents planned—interviews, author spotlights, book previews, short fiction, and more—while also adding a couple more story acceptances (that’s contingent on making some more money, which is why I’m selling some signed books right now). It also (again) allows me to release all of this without the expectation of a “sequel” or continuation of any kind. And if I DO decide to do this again, I like the idea of it being a new sampler each time, maybe with a different theme. So, what happens next? I’m considering different titles for the sampler, for one. I’m also trying to raise money so I can accept more stories. So, if you’re in the US and want to buy some signed books, I have a box of some available—contact me! I will also be posting about other opportunities soon on how you can make an appearance inside the sampler without having a story or interview featured.
Wintry Monsters Press 