In
Twisted Tales #2 (and incidentally, Twisted Tales #3 - but more on that another time) we are presenting a
Black Static showcase. But what is
Black Static? In answer to that question publicity director Roy Gray sent us this response:
Black Static is where an author, either aspiring or established, who wants to write horror or dark fantasy fiction can publish their short stories. The magazine offers a chance of recognition, an appearance in print, a few thousand readers, influential reviews, a professional sale, good editing, and an exceptional layout for their work.
It began life as
The Third Alternative, founded by TTA Press in 1994 (hence the letters TTA). When
TTA took on the already long running Interzone magazine in 2004 it provided an opportunity to remove the science fiction and fantasy from
The Third Alternative, allowing it to focus on the darker side of speculative fiction. The magazine was rechristened as
Black Static to emphasise that shift and to give prospective readers a clearer idea of what the magazine was all about.
Black Static has earned praise for its style, bravery, editorial and fiction content. Its stories are innovative and daring, never afraid to shock or disturb, yet always entertaining.
After only three years into what will hopefully be a long and successful life, the magazine has already published work by some of the finest horror writers working today, including:
Christopher Fowler,
Stephen Volk,
Lisa Tuttle,
Nicholas Royle, C
onrad Williams,
Tony Richards,
Scott Nicholson,
Steve Rasnic Tem,
Cody Goodfellow,
Mélanie Fazi,
Michael Marshall Smith,
Simon Clark,
Graham Joyce,
Gary McMahon,
Paul Finch, and
Joel Lane, to name just a few. Meanwhile, upcoming authors such as
Simon Kurt Unsworth,
Aliette de Bodard,
Daniel Kaysen,
Shannon Page,
Roz Clarke,
Ray Cluley,
Sarah Totton,
James Cooper,
Nina Allan, and
Eric Gregory are starting careers within its pages.
A unique fiction magazine requires unique presentation which Black Static duly delivers with the extraordinary original artwork in every issue (samples of which can be seen on this page) and a design that delights in breaking rules.
Every issue contains "
White Noise": horror and dark fantasy news compiled by
Peter Tennant. Peter also provides all the book reviews in his "
Case Notes" column. Tony Lee reviews DVD/Blu-ray releases in his "Blood Spectrum" Column.
Christopher Fowler,
Stephen Volk and
Mike O'Driscoll write thought-provoking comment columns, and every issue presents an opportunity for the reader to win a selection of great horror-related prizes.
Black Static is published bimonthly (in alternate months to
Interzone). You can subscribe to the print version (with discounted joint subscription to both magazines) at the TTA Press
website shop, or buy e-editions at
Fictionwise. Free mp3 audio readings of some stories are also available to download at
Transmissions From Beyond.
I've read Interzone on and off for a number of years and had been meaning to try out Black Static some time. Maybe I'll pick up a copy if I come down to the event.
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