Ellen Datlow, Editor

Message Archive: 01.05.03 - 12.28.04

I may just change to a different guestbook that's easier to use.
Ellen
- Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 11:05:35 (CST)

I tried putting some line breaks and bold text in my first post yesterday, but it didn't work. The Perl script that generates the page supports the feature - it just has to be enabled. If it's not enabled, it apparently just strips out anything between a matching set of angle brackets and displays everything else.
js
- Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 09:02:18 (CST)

You can, I think, already use HTML Tags in this format. Has anyone tried?
---
- Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 22:42:36 (CST)

My pleasure - hopefully it will work. Of course, initially it's a bit tedious adding html tags to your comments, but you get used to it.
js
- Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 21:42:21 (CST)

Jamie, Thanks. I've passed your note onto my webmaster to see if she can implement what you suggest.
Ellen
- Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 17:20:13 (CST)

Read an earlier entry of yours with a complaint about the format of this message book (ie. no line breaks). I'm just going to try some html tags to see what happens. A few line breaks should be here this sentence should be bold If that didn't work then you probably have to contact whomever is hosting your site and ask them to modify a line or two in the guestbook.pl file. This is the Perl script that runs your message board. To allow people to add html tags to their messages (which lets you add line breaks, bold text, etc), they would modify the 'allow_html' variable so it looks like: $allow_html = 1; This will work if the script is version 2.3 or above. A helpful reference for html tags is at: http://www.w3schools.com/html/html_reference.asp Or, if the script is version 2.3.1, your site host could modify the 'line_breaks' variable so it looks like: $line_breaks = 1; Doing this doesn't give you all the html bells & whistles but at least when you hit "Enter" after you type a line of text, it will be displayed as a "carriage return" on the webpage. If your website host is at all on the ball, this should be a pretty easy fix. Feel free to drop me an email at crankywanker@yahoo.com if you need more info Thanks, Jamie
js
- Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 16:30:12 (CST)

hey Ellen, I can't get you a copy of 'Into the sun' right now....i gave my copy to a friend and he's hard to get a hold of right now. Will probably buy a new copy of 'Into the Sun and Other stories' and then e-mail a copy to you, but it might take a bit of time. I can, however, provide you with a copy of Frank Stockton's wonderful 'A Tale of Negative Gravity' (which i'm sure was a influence on H.G. Wells' - 'The Truth about Pyecraft' & 'The First Men in the Moon', as well as being chosen by Asimov as one of the best SF tales of the 19th century). It's not avilable on the net either and this is from the original magazine, whose achieves are accessible. I can also get a copy of a excellent fantasy called 'The Adventure of the Snowing Globe' by an intriguing & celebrated author of the period, F. Anstey (famous for the much-filmed fantasy role-reversal novel 'Vice-Versa').

An incrediable amount of the literature of the pre-1930s is jus gathing dust and the pulp pages falling apart. I believe, after some research, that all of the stories in Weird Tales from 1928 are now in the public domain! And I'm sure there are also numerous other titles, maybe some of the early Astoundings & Amazings. Examples public domain items include; H. F. Arnold: The Night Wire (Weird Tales, 9/1926) & David H. Keller: The Thing in the Cellar (Weird Tales, 3/1932) which i recently brought to the attention of Richard CissEe at the Free Speculative Fiction Online website, where it's now availiable. Another celebrated tale 'The Devil and Daniel Webster' (famously filmed as one of best fantasies of the '40s - 'All That Money Can Buy') was from the Saturday Evening Post and has only recently (last year) come out of c-right and been posted. The only problem with the Anstey fantasy mentioned above is that, because its been edited by Peter Haining, the editorial work in itself may be copy-righted.
I have a coupla ideas, being a regular kinda genuis. Entrepreunial mind, almost!

One, many of the original books can be purchased and scanned very easily- be they a masterpiece, 'just' excellent, or simply entertaining and posted.

Two, you might try contacting four people who have done great work with anthologies, year in, year out- who could help; Peter Haining, Mike Ashley, Marvin Kaye & Martin H. Greenberg. They are kind of giants in this field. And your name also carries with it great kudos and respect. One person can do a lot, but with a group mentality at work - it creates a gesalt-genuis mind that can asscomplish any feat (that's one of the keys to success in Napoleon Hill's classic, 'Think and Grow Rich'). If you were to explain the idea- that of having great pre the start of the golden age (late '30s on) SF, fantasy and weird fiction thats public domain....posted to build up an interest, appreciation and deeper understanding of the field's history....and that you could do with their suggestions and help, you'll find that most people will glady help. Maybe with even suggested stories, & photocopies of classics. They could always be credited and if they have a book of stories- it could be mentioned, jus like you would a comtemporary author that you were publishing.

aeand lastly, you could ask the public. Now, you really would have a vast- world-wide group mind-set at work for you. The people's literature for the people. Sounds kinda radical, doesn't it? You could use that. Maybe even the word 'Stake-holder' thats been bandied about in little ole England by our Labour Party. But people who helped could be recognised for thier help, after a brief bio of the author, an acknowledgment. That usually works......

Anyway, this is just an idea. I sometimes look at things that I do in my life and see how I could make a small adjustment to make it more effective. And this concept of incremental improvement is another of Mr. Napolean Hillpis secrets of success. Your website is a super work. It covers the new centuryae. And the recent past. The reprints cover the Campbell era onwards. A aGaslightpi section could cover its pre-history - to itpis origins and be a force for recognition, appreciation and documentation of it. And maybe, make a mark as profound as SF historian Sam Moskowitz did during his timeaeae.anyway, best regards Bobby Josson

PS1: Please e-mail me "Ellen Datlow" in the title line so that I can provide some stories.

PS2: If you so desire and contact the anthologists or the public, and i have made a good case for you...You may use any part or all of my correspondance, msgs, ect. I promise it's not been copy-righted and i won't sue you. lol.... and finally.

PS3: the following excerpt from an article by a copy-right expert is most illuminating and chilling. A sf tale rests there.....

John Mark Ockerbloom writes: "Originally, in the US these 'limited times' were 14 years for copyrights, optionally renewable for another 14. But the terms have been steadily lengthened over time, until now most copyrights extend far beyond the lifetime of the artist they're meant to encourage to create. This upsets the balance of copyright and the public domain in the promotion of the arts. It also means that works often end up being lost to future generations, since most books drop out of print and then become forgotten or inaccessible long before their copyright runs out. If they were in the public domain, anyone would be free to ``revive'' them easily, especially in today's world of online texts. Even so, entertainment industry lobbyists are now pushing new bills that would extend copyrights even further. On October 27, 1998, the President signed into law an extension of copyrights on older works to a maximum of 95 years, nearly a full century. Copyright terms for many newer books can run even longer. During the hearing on this bill, Sonny Bono's widow expressed the wish, which she said was also that of MPAA head Jack Valenti, of making copyright terms last effectively forever!"
Bobby Josson
England, - Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 11:56:33 (CST)

Ellen - Love your website and the informative QA style of this message board. On behalf of writers and fans everywhere, thanks for taking the time to help us out. I was curious if you safely received a copy of my short story collection "One Hand Screaming" which I mailed out a few months ago. I didn't want you to miss the acknowledgement to you as a positive influence on my writing. I was also curious to see if you could direct me towards getting advice/info on arranging book signings in New York, either with the chains or local venues. I'm eager to return to the Big Apple, and what better way than by including some "self-promo" activities. Thanks.
Mark Leslie
Toronto, Ontario Canada, - Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 10:01:48 (CST)

great postal
Brad
SunAndreas, - Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 07:06:36 (CST)

Nick, I just emailed you.
Ellen
- Friday, December 17, 2004 at 15:42:37 (CST)

Hi Ellen, I seem to have lost your address to send that book through to, in the move from London to here (NZ). (If you don't remember which book, you did say you'd be interested to get a copy previously.) Regards, Nick PS I see you'll be in OZ/NZ soon?
Nick Wood
Auckland, NZ, - Friday, December 17, 2004 at 04:38:48 (CST)

Marcy, Before sending illos to go along with a story or poem you should query the publication to find out if they take unsolicited art (whether to go with specific material or not). Book publishers do not usually appreciate artwork being submitted with a mss as they have art directors to choose the art. However, if a book of yours is accepted by a publisher you can always ask them to look at the artwork you've done that goes with the book. If the book is an illustrated book for which the art is integral to the project, then it should go together. But those are a different kettle of fish altogether and would likely go to a different kind of editor than a fiction editor. I hope this helps.
Ellen
- Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 00:01:18 (CST)

Jesus, I just emailed you.
Ellen Datlow
- Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 23:57:40 (CST)

Ms. Datlow, I would appreciate it very much if you could give me a little advice as someone with a lot more experience than I have. As concerns making writing submissions that have accompanying illustrations, is it better to submit the short story/poem and illustration together, or separately? It seems like most publishers have different addresses for submitting art as opposed to manuscripts- and since I'd be equally pleased to have either the art or the poetry accepted, I'd hate to dcrease my chances if submitting them together would do so. Thanks very much, Marcy
Marcy
Atlanta, Georgia, - Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 22:39:43 (CST)

Hey Ellen, I just tried emailing you and it bounced back. I've been meaning to send you my latest novel, and I don't think I ever did that, and I want to rectify this later this week. Can you e-mail me your contact info? I'd appreciate it. Hope you have a great holiday season! Best, J. F. Gonzalez
J. F. Gonzalez
PA, - Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 18:10:13 (CST)

Bobby, Thanks for clarifying.Can you send me a copy of the Robert Duncan Milne? By the way, someone is sending me a copy of "The Yellow Pill" so I'll check that one out. I hate this message book as I haven't figured out how to put space breaks in and everything always runs together. Annoying and hard to read. I'll see if I can find out when Richardson died. ( I think it's Richardson)
Ellen
- Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 19:19:21 (CST)

Fair point Ellen on H.G. Wells but Twain died 1910, which makes his works available from next year (according to the Sonny Bono ruling...95 yrs after the death of the author). Robert Duncan Milne (1844-1899) must surely be ok under any criteria. Maybe George Griffith (1857-1906) instead of Wells. Mind you, the 'US Catalog of Copyright Entries (Renewals)' states that, "if something was published in the US before 1923, its US copyright has definitely expired, even if it was renewed;" and continues to states that anything before 1923 is in the public domain. While Conan Doyle, being a British Citizen, has i think a 70yr lag after his death in 1930. Anyway, thanks for the feedback....
bobby
London, - Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 13:39:48 (CST)

Hi Andrew, Thanks for the kind words. There actually are ads at the top of each page but I'm glad they're not too intrusive. Ours is not to reason why with corporate entities but just enjoy the fruit of their largesse :-)
Ellen
- Monday, December 13, 2004 at 10:03:41 (CST)

Dear Ellen Datlow, Many, many thanks for the SciFi.com work. Having been living in Uganda these last 4 years I've been somewhat cut off from my desired reading material. (Though I've tried, magazine subscriptions don't get through at all - I'm fairly certain they are all nicked at the post office...) On a recent trip I picked up Dozois' annual and read about the site in the intro section, and having only just been hooked up to the internet here, (direct uplink - $250 month for 32kbs... ouch), I gave it a try and to my amazement and astonishment here were all these terrific stories, absolutely free! I have been persusing, and enjoying ever since, though I must admit to more than a little guilt... Why don't I have to pay for this somehow? Even the ads are missing! Just great. Don't know how you persuaded the powers that be at SciFi TV (or whatever it is... naturally I don't get anything like that here) to do this type of thing, but I really appreciate what you are doing, and I hope that those others out there appreciate it equally well. If it's not too trite or obvious a sentiment... Thanks and keep up the good work! Andrew Chappell, Kampala, Uganda
Andrew Chappell
Uganda (!), - Monday, December 13, 2004 at 07:01:39 (CST)

Btw, Bobby, none of those authors's works is out of copyright.
Ellen
- Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 11:35:39 (CST)

Hi Bobby, Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check into the stories that I can find and the authors or estates that I can track down. I've never heard of Richardson and although I'll ask my "expert" who knew everyone in the field if there's no easily accessible estate the story cannot be used.
Ellen
- Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 11:32:08 (CST)

Dear Ellen Datlow, Just a quick thanks for the great stories that youpive been doing on the SciFiction site. I recently read some requests for reprints and thought I'd contribute some suggestions and an idea and as many of the latest reprint tales seem to be popular award winners or perennial favs ("The Prize of Peril" rather than RS's "The Minimum Man", or "Prospector"s Special"). Anyway, here they are:

The Yellow Pill --Rog Philips -- So you can"t get a PKD, huh. Well is just as good. A patient is surrendered to a Dr"s practice claiming that everything around him is due 2 a delusional state and he should be on his spaceship. The Dr. proscribes the yellow pill 2 break the illusion. Transcendental. Filmed twice, unforgettable and once very popular, it hasn"t been published for 25 yrs.

Way Out in the Continuum - by someone called Maurice Richardson and published in a non-genre magazine, and just once anthologised since in Edmund Crispin"s celebrated series SF7 (1970). A de-capped head on a bench describes his typical day several hundred years in the future in his space-time continuum. A way-out, quirkily satirical piece, so accomplished that it belong up there with the Sheckley's and Tenns.

Come to Venus Melancholy - Tom Disch- a heart-rending tale of unrequited love between a disembodied woman"s brain that controls the functions of a Venusians base and the rough-hewn space-traveller who inhibits it.

Such Interesting Neighbours - Jack Finney - the neighbours are odd, walk into doors, don"t know basic history and create new inventions. Glorious feel good classic that deals with the end of the world!

The Servant Problem <> William Tenn <> In a future totalitarian society, the top strata of the leaders try to manipulate each other- but who really conditions whom. Horrifyingae

And one that I can"t remember the title of...a cop and his computerised car are after a criminal- rather than capture him, the car eliminates him and deposit his remains in a bottle that pops up in the car-- to the weary nervousness of the cop.

One other thing that I"d suggest as a possible addition is the reprinting of classic tales from before the '30s, and into the 19th century. Featured alternately with the present reprints as a regular feature "Exclusive" or, if its too much work, as a yuletide/holiday specials. Kinda of gaslight sf. The only criteria being that they are should be out of copyright and not available anywhere else on the net.

I would suggest the following celebrated stories
Under the Knife - H.G. Wells
Wayne's Essence - H.G. Wells
Into the Sun - Robert Duncan Milne
Danger! - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Other would be authors for inclusion: Kipling, Twain, E.M. Forester, F.Scott Fitzgerald, yada, yada, yada...

I remember there used to be a whole stack of these books with titles such as >=Gaslight SF<=, >=The SF Rivals of H.G. Wells<=, >=Into the Sun and other Tales<=, ect, ect. Alas, they seem to be lost to time.

Anyway, I can supply scanned copies of two of the stories listed above (the Finney, the Richardson for apprisal)as they seem hard to get. I scanned them for personal use when I had to sell a stack of my books to create some spaceaeaeand they do make me feel too good to let go...thanks anyway aebobby j
bobby
London, - Sunday, December 12, 2004 at 07:44:06 (CST)

Sure. just give me correct credit for the photo.
Ellen
- Thursday, December 09, 2004 at 15:49:16 (CST)

Hi, I wanted to find out whether it would be possible to use one of the photos on your site (of Jeffrey Ford) in Matrix, the British Science Fiction Association news magazine, please. Thanks.
Martin McGrath
- Thursday, December 09, 2004 at 05:44:03 (CST)

Thanks. Must be another Ellen Brody.
herb
ne, - Monday, December 06, 2004 at 12:29:49 (CST)

Herb, Ellen Brody contacted me and says she's never lived in Westchester County so it doesn't sound like it's her.
Ellen
- Thursday, December 02, 2004 at 21:43:17 (CST)

Ellen, I sent you a manuscript last month and I am unsure whether I put return postage on the envelope. Please e-mail me and let me know if I have to send you a new envelope for the return voyage of my manuscript. Thanks, Ken Kirschnick P.S. The title of the short story is "Simplicity"
kenneth kirschnick
Chicago, Illinois, - Monday, November 29, 2004 at 19:23:35 (CST)

Herb, To tell you the truth I don't know. She lives in Massachusetts now. I'll try to find out.
Ellen
- Friday, November 26, 2004 at 10:03:11 (CST)

I noticed a photo of Ellen Brody on your site. Did she ever live in Westchester county New York??
herb
northeast, - Friday, November 26, 2004 at 09:27:18 (CST)

It's possible then that you may want to avoid BBs where editors and writers can spout off or you may find yourself in the position of never reading any of their work again. And that would be a shame as you'd be missing some marvelous fiction :-) I have come to the realization that I'd never want to meet most of the actors whose work I enjoy because their personalities offstage are not the ones I admire them for but for the masks they put on when they're on stage or in a movie.
Ellen
- Thursday, November 25, 2004 at 23:14:41 (CST)

Dear Ellen Datlow,You mentioned in the interview in SFreader you like to hear back from your readers. Well I read a great deal of the material you edit and I agree that I have not read anything too preachy. But when the authors or editors get on a bulletin board they often get very preachy and elitist. They of course are entitled to their opinions, but then when I make a choice as to whether to purchase something, their novel, their collection, or read a story by them in an anthology, it becomes for me difficult to suspend belief to read their work when some elitist comment by them is stamped in my consciousness. An example were the comments on a bulletin board offshoot praising G. Dozois for his reign at Asimov's SF Magazine. Someone asked what the praisers thought of Arnold being elected gov. of CA. Wow! The unanimous consensus was the Fall of Western Civilization had just begun. Just about every comment was over the top. Often fron writers not living in CA who did not have to put up with Gov. Davis. I would say just about every writer on that board was in my library. I expect Harlan to say something stupid and elitist but it was a surpise to hear the others make equally elitist remarks. Their interviews in Locus had not left me with the impression that these authors regarded readers like me as one of the great unwashed. I read to be presented with wonder, to leave this grubby world and forget the current partisan meaness by entering the world the author creates. If I can not suspend my belief I can not enter that world. Somehow with Harlan I manage to do it. With others too elitist, strident, I can not. I am not saying that my position is widespread or that I have Wisdom on my side. But I thought you might be interested in what one reader thinks. Yours, Marty Parrotte
marty parrotte
USA, - Wednesday, November 24, 2004 at 21:05:22 (CST)

Dear Ms. Datlow, I'd like to invite you to be a special guest at The Witching Hour: A Harry Potter Symposium, taking place October 6-10 2005 in Salem, MA. I tried getting in touch a couple months ago, but I live in Florida, and we were in the midst of hurricane season, and it didn't appear to have gone through. Would you mind responding to this message, or sending me an e-mail, so that I can give you more detailed information? Thank you very much for your time! Catherine Tosenberger Chair of Formal Programming, The Witching Hour University of Florida
Catherine Tosenberger
Gainesville, Florida, - Friday, November 19, 2004 at 14:58:16 (CST)

thanks for the snail address,
Glen Krisch
- Wednesday, November 10, 2004 at 13:25:26 (CST)

The following were taken down: Come Lady Death by Peter Beagle, Night Ride by Charles Beaumont, The Pink Caterpillar by Anthony Boucher,The Animal Fair by Robert Bloch,I Have no Mouth and I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison,And he Built a Crooked House by Robert Heinlein,The Mindworm by C.M. Kornbluth,Line to Tomorrow by Henry Kuttner,Dance of the Dead by Richard Matheson,The Ship Who Sang by Anne McCaffrey,The Pope of the Chimps by Robert Silverberg,Sundance by Robert Silverberg, The Other Celia by Theodore Sturgeon, Love is the Plan the Plan is Death by James Tiptree, Jr, Baby, You Were Great by Kate Wilhelm I'm sure there are some I missed
Ellen
- Wednesday, November 10, 2004 at 10:44:30 (CST)

Glen, My mailing address is PMB 391 511 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10011-8436
Ellen
- Wednesday, November 10, 2004 at 10:25:37 (CST)

Thanks a lot. You made my day. Especially with the announcement of a new Bruce Sterling story. As for the Lafferty story and the other "missing" ones (I had noticed the long delays between stories in the 2000 and 2001 posts, especially), that's too bad. By the way, can you tell me what other stories have been "retired"? Thanks again.
Horia Ursu
Romania, - Tuesday, November 09, 2004 at 17:51:32 (CST)

I don't have an address. I would gladly send you a copy of AIB if I did. I didn't see it on Ralan's. You can email me with it if you would like. Glen
Glen Krisch
- Tuesday, November 09, 2004 at 13:09:33 (CST)

I haven't received a copy and would indeed like one. Do you have my mailing address?
Glen
- Tuesday, November 09, 2004 at 09:18:25 (CST)

Hello Ellen, I was wondering if you've received a copy of the new Agony in Black for review for the YBFH 18? It came out earlier this year and is volume II, no.1. If you haven't, I can send you a copy.
Glen Krisch
- Monday, November 08, 2004 at 15:58:11 (CST)

November 10 Of Imaginary Airships and Miniscule Matter by Gary W. Shockley November 17 All of Us Can Almostae by Carol Emshwiller Free Dirt by Charles Beaumont November 24 Super 8 by Terry Bisson December 1 The Dragons of Summer Gulch by Robert Reed Two Weeks in August Frank Robinson December 8 Changing the Guard by Matthew Claxton December 15 Clownette by Terry Dowling Transfer Barry N. Malzberg December 22 Luciferase by Bruce Sterling December 29 holiday
Ellen
- Sunday, November 07, 2004 at 21:39:43 (CST)

Horia, We only had limited rights to the Lafferty, as with many of our classics so it's gone for good. No more Lucius Shepard's forthcoming although he's promised me one...keep your eyes peeled...:) I'll post the schedule in the next note.
Ellen
- Sunday, November 07, 2004 at 21:38:08 (CST)

Dear Ellen, Some time ago, in June I think, I read a SciFiction Classic story by R. A. Lafferty, called Slow Tuesday Night. I checked the archive page on the website and it's no longer listed there. Is it gone for good, or someone forgot to put the link there? And a question: are there any new stories by Lucius Shepard on the pipeline? By the way, you used to announce a schedule here... All best, Horia
Horia Nicola Ursu
Romania, - Sunday, November 07, 2004 at 16:06:58 (CST)

nice site! thank you
General Electric
United States, - Saturday, November 06, 2004 at 07:15:28 (CST)

steve merchant
chicago IL, - Thursday, November 04, 2004 at 16:28:49 (CST)

Hi Ellen, I wondered if you would be good enough to drop me a line as I would like to ask an out-of-the-blue, complete stranger type of favour. Please... . Thanks, Callum
Callum James
Portsmouth UK, - Tuesday, November 02, 2004 at 06:09:03 (CST)

Good padge, but the colors are not picked up, in my opinion! The best regards!
phentermine
Canada, - Saturday, October 30, 2004 at 01:21:59 (CDT)

Larry, Check your email.
Ellen
- Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 10:43:53 (CDT)

Pls call or email...long time.--LS
Larry Sutter New York, - Friday, October 22, 2004 at 11:47:02 (CDT)

Tristan, Thanks for your feedback but I obviously disagree with you or I wouldn't have bought and published the stories. I work with all my authors to make their stories as strong as possible. I feel the three stories you mention are terrific and not too long at all. Chaque a son goute (sorry for the missing accents)
Ellen
- Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 17:28:09 (CDT)

Catherine, The site is at www.scifi.com/scifiction there are NO dashes anywhere in the url. Try again.
Ellen
- Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 17:25:04 (CDT)

Hi Ellen, I'm writing to beg you to stop paying writers by the word at SCIFICTION. This practice encourages the verbosity and awkwardness that are too often the bane of so-called "short" science fiction. The last three stories, "Q," "Ruby in the Storm," and "Soho Golem" are all cases in point. Each one starts at least a page too early, then runs on through a country mile of well-padded dialogue before getting to the point. A (generous) flat fee or a payment structure based on number of hits might be better ways to compensate writers. They would encourage the compression and intensity that make for a more satisfying read. Sincerely, Tristan Davenport
Tristan
California, - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 20:44:30 (CDT)

Hi, Ellen Thanks for returning my call re: my Vampire photo book. I appreciated you telling me about submitting stories on the sci-fi.com site; however, I can't find it! Once I log onto sci-fi.com, it brings up Amazon.com. I've tried everything to get to the "story submissions" section and am obviously doing something wrong. When you've got a moment would you please let me know how to access it? Thanks... and I'll check-in on your site for the answer very soon. Best regards, Catherine Badin
Catherine Badin
Portland, OR, - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 15:07:22 (CDT)

Hi Lisa, Glad you're enjoying SIRENS and see you Thursday at the reading.
Ellen
- Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 09:10:34 (CDT)

Hi Ellen, I'm Toastmaster at the upcoming WFC and would like to e-mail you regarding ideas for introductions. Thanks! Jennifer Roberson
Jennifer Roberson
Arizona, - Monday, October 11, 2004 at 13:03:47 (CDT)

Hi Ellen, I'm currently reading your book "Sirens" while making my own short film on the ancient Greek sirens and seduction, and am enjoying the demon lovers very much! I also enjoyed your web-site (including the cats!) and looking at the art links thought you might like the collaborations I've been doing with Chicago artist Connie Toebe (www.InByTheEye.com/collaborations) who is turning some of my one page stories into Victorian 3-D picture books. I'm a recent member of GothamLit and plan to come to the event at Bluestockings on Thurs. Hope to see you there! Cheers, Lisa
Lisa Stock
NYC, - Monday, October 11, 2004 at 08:28:46 (CDT)

Hi Pamalina, I look foward to meeting you in Tempe.
Ellen
- Sunday, October 10, 2004 at 15:15:10 (CDT)

I'm attending World Fantasy Con at the end of this month and wanted to introduce myself before then. I'm a fantasy illustrator, though new in the field as I've been busy doing other things for the past 15 years. I'm currently Western Director for ASFA and am busily getting to know everyone involved. Looking forward to meeting you. Pamelina H.
Pamelina H.
Los Angeles, - Saturday, October 09, 2004 at 17:28:29 (CDT)

Nancy, Thank you for your kind words. I'm afraid I really don't feel I have anything to say on the topic. Sorry. Ellen <<
Ellen
- Saturday, October 09, 2004 at 10:26:57 (CDT)

Catherine, I'm not a publisher ( work for Tor books as a consultant for fiction) so I don't understand why Amy would think I'd be an appropriate person to look at your book project. Sorry. Portland, OR, - Thursday, October 07, 2004 at 12:14:11 (CDT)
Ellen
- Saturday, October 09, 2004 at 10:25:24 (CDT)

Vincent, If your book is a novel, it's unlikely I'll have time to consider it fot YBFH. I hardly read any novels. If it's a collection of your stories you can send it to me at : PMB 391 511 Avenue of the Americas NY NY 10011-8436 Baltimore, Maryland, - Wednesday, October 06, 2004 at 20:37:14 (CDT)
Ellen
- Saturday, October 09, 2004 at 10:23:31 (CDT)

Hi Ellen, First, sincere kudos/thanks to you for all your work on all multiple facets of women in speculative fiction! I'm a co-founder of CodePINk Tucson and will be at the WFC (have my room, haven't registered yet) and would love to snag a few of your precious minutes to interview you for a short piece for our website on women building peace by envisioning peace through economic, literary, and personal methodologies. If there's a snowball's chance in a Bush administration of doing this, I will jump thorugh any hoops necessary. Thank you! Nancy
Nancy Hill
Tucson, AZ, - Friday, October 08, 2004 at 12:32:10 (CDT)

Hi, Ellen! Amy Stout @Lori Perkins Agency referred me to you. I'm a "Goth" portrait photographer and have a book of my photos w/prose on the young "Vampire kids"which I'd like to send you to view for publication. Please check-out my photo website at: www.catherinebadin.com My site combines portraits from the 80s "punk" scene in L.A., as well a few from the 90's "goth" scene. If, after viewing my site, you are interested in receiving my book sample on the "goth" kids, please contact me! Regards, Catherine Badin www.catherinebadin.com tel.# 503.246.6773.
Catherine Badin
Portland, OR, - Thursday, October 07, 2004 at 12:14:11 (CDT)

Ellen... I am looking for information on how to submit my book for consideration among the year's best fantasy and horror. -vince sneed
Vincent Sneed
Baltimore, Maryland, - Wednesday, October 06, 2004 at 20:37:14 (CDT)

Adrian, No problem. If you're running an sf/f/h reading series, then of course I mean a better knowns writer in those genres. This doesn't mean Ursula Le Guin or Stephen King. You're not going to get them even if they happen to be in your city one day as books usually are not sold at a "Bar" reading. The bookstore chains usually have a lock on the biggest names. I mean writers who have published extensively. eg. Michael Swanwick and a newer writer Kelly Link and a newer writer etc.
Ellen
- Sunday, October 03, 2004 at 11:50:49 (CDT)

... when I surfed here this morning I swear my first response to your response wasn't there, nor was your answer. So I reposted, imagiane my surprise when the entire sordid history of our correspondance showed up. Thanks for you input. I'll see what I can do about setting something up here.
Adrian Simmons
...must...refresh...browser!, - Sunday, October 03, 2004 at 10:28:41 (CDT)

Thank you for your quick response. The venue I think I can handle, we have about half a dozen different options on that. I do have two remaining questions, though. The first is that with two twenty minute speakers and a ten minute break, what do you do with the remaining time (fifty minutes, if you've blocked off two hours). Discussion? Open mic? Next, just what do you have people read? Essays, short fiction, sections from stories, anything they want (I'm assuming its anything they want, but I'm always one to seek clarification)? And the last, most touchy issue- when you say well known readers, do you mean well known writers in the SF/F genres? Well known poet-types to the local audience? This could make the project much more complicated... Thanks! And I swear I'll stop bugging you after this.
Adrian Simmons
Boomer? SOONER!, - Sunday, October 03, 2004 at 10:14:50 (CDT)

Our official time to start is 7pm but we actually begin around 7:15, giving time for latecomers to come, for everyone to order drinks, socialize, get comfortable. Around 7:15-7:45 first readers goes. We take a break till about 8pm. Second reader starts around 8:05 or so and is done by 8:30, maybe a little later. We all hang around as long as we like but the regular bar patrons come in and usually the group there for the reading leave by 8:45. The thing is, we have the space 7-9 and the readings must stop by 9pm but that doesn't mean we have to leave. Authors read their own work. Our reading series is called "The Fantastic Fiction Reading Series"--you can create any kind of reading series you like. There's a nonfiction reading series at KGB on another evening.
Ellen
- Saturday, October 02, 2004 at 22:50:22 (CDT)

Thanks for your swift reply. I fear it raises more questions. There are about half a dozen choices for venues, so I feel good that can be hammered out. Two readers @ 30 minutes and a ten minute break in between is only an hour and ten minutes. What do you do with the remaining time (fifty minutes)? Discuss? Open mic? Two last questions- do you have the actual authors to read their work? Or do you have someone read a 'famous' work, and then someone read a newcomer's work? And lastly, just what are they reading? Essays? Sections from books? Short stories? Anything they feel like? Thanks! Adrian Simmons
Adrian Simmons
Boomer? SOONER!, - Saturday, October 02, 2004 at 20:19:22 (CDT)

Adrian, First you need an inviting venue--I didn't set up the series so I was lucky in that KGB Bar was already running several reading series. You need someplace that will set aside about two hours and not attract walk in traffic that expects other than what they're getting. eg the usual bar is not the idea location. KGB has a bar upstairs and so it's not right off the street. Decide the day of the month you want to regularly hold the readings--Monday -Thursdays are usually the best. Ours are 7-9. We have two readers. Each gets 20-30 minutes at the most to read. Anything longer and the audience will be very very restless. Take a break of 10 minutes or so between the two readers. Try to get two readers who complement each other in style/substance and try to mix a better known reader with an unknown. Two unknowns will not attract an audience. Once you have a few months set up publicize the readings every month--several weeks in advance. The day or two after one month I send out an informal pr release about the next reading. Get together a genre list of possibly interested people in your city. Contact local newspapers, magazines, newsletters--any place that mentions readings and other such events. Email every online newsletter/magazine, etc that mentions readings... If you think of any other questions, let me know :-) Hope this helps.
Ellen
- Friday, October 01, 2004 at 16:26:47 (CDT)

Hey Ellen. I just read your interview on the Internet Review of Science Fiction (IROSF.com). I'm very interested in the Fantastic Fiction Readings that you do at the KGB club. Numerous groups in my area have attempted to do things (form clubs, groups, what have you) to encourage and promote SF/F reading and writing, but most never do very well. I'm thinking an informal setting like what you do at the KGB would be a better way to go. Can you tell me a little bit about how you actually go about setting it up and how it is structured? Thanks!
Adrian
OOOooklahoma, - Friday, October 01, 2004 at 16:08:46 (CDT)

Dear Mary, I rarely read novels as I just don't have the time.
Ellen
- Sunday, September 26, 2004 at 23:56:10 (CDT)

Dear Ellen, Would you be interested in reading my new novel, SELF DELIVERANCE,a feminist gothic horror novel? My first novel, THE INQUISITOR was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award in 1997 (best first novel). If you would like me to send you an advanced copy mail me your address. Thank you. Mary Murrey
mary Murrey - Sunday, September 26, 2004 at 17:04:34 (CDT)

Hi Marty, Just emailed you!
Ellen
- Monday, September 20, 2004 at 15:26:21 (CDT)

Hi Ellen! Long time, no see. Happily, came across your name in credits in Susanna Clarke's 800 pg. tome, which I am thoroughly enjoying. So, glad to find your site, glad to see that you seem to be doing well. All is well here, no big new newses (except my sister is subletting the Jane St. apt. and living with her boyfriend in Park Slope. Wah! I miss the old neighborhood!) Big hug and happy trails, Marty
Marty Blake
Jamesville, - Sunday, September 19, 2004 at 14:24:48 (CDT)

Ms. Datlow, Thank you for your prompt reply! I've put _The Women Men Don't See_ at the top of my reading list. I'm anxious to compare the two stories for myself, and then venture to the newsgroup.
mlynn
- Friday, September 10, 2004 at 00:12:08 (CDT)

mlynn, I see it as a fantasy story but within the dicourse of the sf genre. It's part of a continuing dialogue between reader and writer about gender and is Fowler's tangential response to James Tiptree Jr's classic "The Women Men Don't See." It's also within the tradition of Edgar Rice Burroughs's adventure fantasies. Anyway, there was a huge debate about the subject on the sff.net Tangent online newsgroup. If you're a member you could go back through the archives and see for yourself. Or...wait until Timmi Duchamp publishes her critical analysis of the story.
Ellen
- Wednesday, September 08, 2004 at 22:29:07 (CDT)

Ms. Datlow, The SCIFICTION published story, _What I Didn"t See_ by Karen Joy Fowler, while being an excellent story, caused me to question my definition of SF. I see that the story has won a Nebula. This tells me that many people, who are greatly more knowledgeable than my poor little self, have judged it to be (outstanding) SF. I"ve never been able to locate any hard and fast rules regarding the genre. The standby >=science is integral to the story<= is too broad for my nitpicky mind. Being of a "question everything" mindset, I could use that definition to show that _Curious George_ is science fiction, as zoology and gravity are important aspects. Please don"t misunderstand me; I"m not challenging this fine story"s place in SF. My hope is that you can help me to better understand the boundaries. ~ a writer aspiring to your slushpile

WS NC, - Wednesday, September 08, 2004 at 16:32:31 (CDT)

Dear Lee Sever, THE YEAR'S BEST FANTASY AND HORROR series is a _reprint_ series of the best short fiction _previously_ published during the year for which I'm reading. eg. I am currently reading stories published or about to be published during 2004.
Ellen
- Tuesday, September 07, 2004 at 22:06:17 (CDT)

Dear Ms. Datlow, I am an avid reader of the Fantasy and Horror Series. I am also a writer, but not yet an acclaimed writer, so you have not heard of me. I recently wrote a short horror story, and wish to have it published. It would be a huge honor to have it published in the Fantasy and Horror series. So if you could perhaps get back to me on the subject at your earliest convenience, I would be very grateful. Thank you for your time.
Lee Sever
Toronto, Ontario. Canada, - Tuesday, September 07, 2004 at 16:14:42 (CDT)

Ms. Loring, You're very welcome. Good luck in the future.
Ellen
- Monday, August 23, 2004 at 20:37:39 (CDT)

Ms. Datlow, As I was perusing the YBF&H #17 today, I was pleasantly surprised (actually, shocked) to see that one of my stories had made your "Honorable Mentions" list. For someone who is still learning and growing as a horror writer, and who has the utmost respect for you as an editor, it was flattery of the highest kind. Thank you! --Jenn
Jenn Loring
Pittsburgh, PA, - Monday, August 23, 2004 at 20:22:10 (CDT)

Mr. Gilliam, I'll email you about this.
Ellen
- Sunday, August 22, 2004 at 10:47:17 (CDT)

Ms. Datlow: I am teaching an Introduction to Theatre course this fall at Trinity University in San Antonio and would like to discuss the possibility of using a number of the retold fairy tales from A WOLF AT THE DOOR for a storytelling performance project in my course. Please advise regarding permission to use stories from this amazingly entertaining collection. Thank you.
Sam Carter Gilliam
San Antonio, Texas, - Saturday, August 21, 2004 at 17:35:00 (CDT)

Hi Jonathan, That's me you met back in 86! ;-) What is your magazine? Give me the url and I'll check it out.
Ellen
- Saturday, August 14, 2004 at 22:33:07 (CDT)

Jon, Thanks for the suggestions--I've been publishing Harrison, Sheckley, and Smith. Vinge is too recent. I've thought of Varley and will have to go back and look at his early stories again. Thanks. Sorry you can't post--have you registered? You have to register first--with user name and password. There are still some glitches with the SCIFI.COM BB--could you email the community rep (on the bottom of the page of the BB, I think) and tell her what your problem seems to be? Ellen <
Ellen

Saturday, August 14, 2004 at 08:06:39 (CDT)
I couldn't post to the scifi forum so I'll post my suggestions for classic scifi authors here. Sheckley is a gold mine of stories, as is Harry Harrison. Cordwainer Smith is awesome but his stories rarely stand alone and all stand better together. Vernor Vinge is great as is John Varley (Ophuichi Hotline). You're an excellent editor. Keep it up! -Jon

- Saturday, August 14, 2004 at 03:01:16 (CDT)
Tony, I'm not planning on another ghost story anthology in the near future. If you want to submit a story for possible publication in SCIFICTION please do so (one at a time and with an sase). I don't buy much horror (I consider most, but not all ghost stories horror)but sometimes I do and sometimes I've published ghost stories, including two by Glen Hirshberg over the past couple of years and the World Fantasy award nominated "Ancestor Money" by Maureen McHugh. So ....it's not impossible that I'd buy if I like it enough. Further guidelines are on the SCIFICTION site at www.scifi.com/scifiction
Ellen
- Sunday, August 08, 2004 at 20:00:06 (CDT)
Regina, Congratulations! Glad to make you happy :-)
Ellen
- Sunday, August 08, 2004 at 19:57:15 (CDT)
Hi Ellen - I'm desperate to make a mark writing ghost stories, and feel sad that there are so few books of this genre on the book shelves. I find it very different to horror (which I occasionally like, but not as much as stuff with ghosts in it!), finding it much more akin (and I agree with Robert Aickman here) to poetry than anything else. Is it possible to send you a few things I've written to see if it would be worth me submitting a story to you for any upcoming anthologY? I have two stories coming up in All Hallows magazine, if that might sway you in a positive direction...! Many thanks - Tony
tony
uk, - Sunday, August 08, 2004 at 19:01:44 (CDT)
Dear Ellen, I picked up a copy of YBF&H 17 at Barnes and Noble today and was completely floored to see that one of my stories made the honorable mention list. I have long admired the books you've edited and it's been a dream of mine to make a mention, so I just wanted to let you know how honored I am to be included. Best, Regina
Regina Mitchell
- Sunday, August 08, 2004 at 17:43:48 (CDT)
Dear Ellen, I think it's wonderful and i do keep my fingers crossed. I hope to be the first foreign publisher to buy the translation rights. Good luck and thanks for the wonderful news. Horia
Horia Nicola Ursu
Romania, - Friday, August 06, 2004 at 06:43:15 (CDT)
Horia, We've been trying to sell a SCIFICTION anthology since we began publishing and are (possibly) getting closer to a deal. Should it happen, believe me you and everyone else will know! I don't know if we'd be able to use the classics though as we'd have to renegotiate for each of them. We retain anthology rights to the originals. Keeping fingers crossed. Romania, - Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 19:14:38 (CDT)
Ellen
- Friday, August 06, 2004 at 00:34:47 (CDT)
kjn, Glad you like the redesign. I'm very happy with it.
Ellen
- Friday, August 06, 2004 at 00:32:26 (CDT)
Shenfu, Glad you like the photos of my cats. Their born models :-)
Ellen
- Friday, August 06, 2004 at 00:30:03 (CDT)
Dear Ellen, I love your work as an editor (I work as an editor and translator myself), and I am a big fan of SciFiction. Speaking of which... Do you think a sort of "Best of SciFiction" anthology would be a possibility? I'm dreaming of a Romanian translation of what you consider to be "best", in both "Classic" and "Originals"... Maybe even a series of yearly anthologies? Very few Romanians have internet access, and it is a shame that they cannot read these wonderful tales. Please, consider this, and contact me if you think there's a chance for it to be done. All best, and thanks in advance.
Horia Nicola Ursu
Romania, - Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 19:14:38 (CDT)
great site, love the new design.
kjn
- Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 11:26:27 (CDT)
p keep offfffffffffffffffffffffffff i.k offfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
mugu
lome/togo, - Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 09:14:27 (CDT)
p keep offfffffffffffffffffffffffff i.k offfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
mugu
lome/togo, - Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 09:11:23 (CDT)
Hello, my compliments for your nice website and photos! Please come see my website and photos sometime? Best regards, Tom from The Netherlands. http://www.tomjutte.tk
Tom
The Netherlands, - Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 09:02:17 (CDT)
your cat pix are great...
shenfoo1 /aka mpf
maryland, - Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 22:09:18 (CDT)
Hi Anne, Thank you. I think it's better organized for my purposes, too. I'm hoping I'll eventually be able to update it myself (if I can figure out how to ftp).
Ellen
- Monday, August 02, 2004 at 22:54:22 (CDT)
Hi Ellen, I like the new look of the site, far more sophistocated than your old green site. Cheers, Anne
Anne Sydenham
Australia, - Monday, August 02, 2004 at 21:29:45 (CDT)
Vince, thank you so much for your kind comments. Keep reading! I've been a voracious reader my whole life--unfortunately, I mostly only have time for short fiction these days. I've heard that the newest edition--out any second--has gotten a starred review from Publishers Weekly--the trade journal.
Ellen
USA - Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 21:08:43 (CDT)
Wow, I chanced on this site! I'd like to thank you for dedication to "fantastic fiction," esp. SCIFI and books edited w/ Terri Windling, esp Year's Best F&H (I will miss her insightful recs!). I've been reading fantastic fiction for nearly 40 years (gulp!) and am cursed--or blessed--with omnivorous reading appetites. I have guilty pleasures but really want to read quality fiction, esp. w/ novels. The Year's Best books have enabled me to do just that, to try to new writers (Rushdie, Braunbeck, Hospital, MacLeod, etc). I sincerely appreciate it. Shudders! Vince Singleton (aka grokLF)
Vince Singleton
Kingsport, TN USA - Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 20:09:11 (CDT)
Thanks, David. But there actually IS a brand new cable all horror station about to be launched--it's probably mentioned online somewhere if you google for it.
Ellen
USA - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 12:57:52 (CDT)
Hi Ellen, I'm a huge fan of all the other work you do on behalf of "horror" lit and art. Thanks for all you do. I have a semi-theoretical question for you... Why is there no "Horror Channel" on cable? There's a SciFi Channel, but (as usual) there's no centralized source for horror cinema on cable. I can see the programming schedule...."Silent Horror" for pre-talkie stuff; "Universal Classics" for Karloff, Lugosi and Lon's boy Lon; "The House of Hammer" for you know who; "Ghost Stories" for 'The Innocents', 'The Uninvited', 'The Haunting' (the Robert Wise one), etc., "The William Castle Show" for his wonderful schlock; even "International Horror" for D'argento (SP?) plus those delightfully bad Mexican monster flicks starring that John Belushi lookalike, Paul Naschy... Not to mention documentaries and profiles, plus including a regular slot for "horror lit", featuring interviews and "readings" (actually, visuals paired with voice-overs). The real aesthetic/commercial question would be whether or not to include the kind of "horror" flicks that are ubiquitous on cable and network (slick 70's/80s monster stuff like 'Wolfen', 'The Howling', 'The Hunger', 'An American Werewolf in London (Jeez...look at all the werewolf stuff!), the Langella/Olivier 'Dracula', then there's the 'Halloween' films, plus Freddy Kreuger, etc.) My inclination would be to keep that stuff out---although, if I had to run 'Stigmata' or 'Freddy vs. Jason' to get someone to watch 'The Innocents' or 'The Brides of Dracula', I'd do it in a second. As you can see, this is a favorite fantasy of mine. Is no one doing this out there? If not, why not? I'm tired of walking into bookstores and finding "Sci Fi" and even "Fantasy' sections, but no "horror"---I hate to see the same thing playing itself out on cable. Thanks again, David
David Surface
Brooklyn, NY USA - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 02:46:07 (CDT)
Mallory, Usually, if an anthology is announced, suddenly all sorts of stories on that theme start showing up. THere was a new series of zombie anthos--hence more zombies. Vampires are always popular. Frankly, it doesn't matter what the monster, if the story is brilliant an editor will take it or ask to see it again in a few months if she/he is overstocked.
Ellen
USA - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 12:36:03 (CDT)
Hi Elllen - I'm a senior editor with Folio: magazine and I want to interview you about a story that I'm working on about the history of Omni magazine. Please let me know if you can talk to me about your experience working as the fiction editor.
rachel lehmann-haupt
New York, NY USA - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 15:17:03 (CDT)
Hi Ellen, Recently I read a post (elsewhere) regarding an abundance of 'zombie' stories over the past year or so - to the point some magazines and editors have reached critical mass and no longer wish to accept zombie stories. Prior to that, I heard something similar about vampires. Do you notice trends in types of story 'monsters' and perhaps of more interest to me, areas which have grown fallow in recent years? Mallory
Mallory
Santa Rosa, CA USA - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 15:00:10 (CDT)
Juan, Thanks for posting. This whole website is undergoing a redesign and hopefully eventually I'll use a different guestbook to keep the spam out! I hope you read the original fiction (and classics) on SCIFICTION>
Ellen
USA - Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 15:32:22 (CDT)
Dear Ellen:I just have the most grateful words for your work over all this years.I am very fortunate to get my OMNI magazine colection(here in BA was very rare to find),and let me say that thanks to you I can know some talents as W. Gibson and others,now part of my library.Actually I have web at home and happily fund the incredible resources follow your links absolutely amazing!.Keep this way ever,and receive the greetings of this fan, J.M.Bordiga
Juan Manuel Bordiga
Buenos Aires, BA Argentina - Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 10:27:01 (CDT)

Midnighter, I've passed your email address on to him. Good luck.
Ellen
USA - Wednesday, July 07, 2004 at 17:41:51 (CDT)

Dear Jan Hlinovsky,
I've ust emailed. you.
Ellen
USA - Sunday, July 04, 2004 at 22:44:39 (CDT)

Dear Ms. Datlow,
I've been trying to find Howard Waldrop's contact information, but with no success so far. Could you perhaps help me get in touch with him (or his agent, if he has one)?
Many thanks, and best wishes,
Jan Hlinovsky
Helsinki, Finland - Sunday, July 04, 2004 at 04:19:49 (CDT)

Sorry Patricia,
OMNI died back in 1996.
Ellen
USA - Saturday, July 03, 2004 at 23:56:00 (CDT)

I came across your name while searching for OMNI magazine (which I cannot seem to find). Is it still available online?
Patricia Cruz
Miami, FL USA - Saturday, July 03, 2004 at 16:21:51 (CDT)

Did not we go to same school? In Norwalk Virginia? Goe Scott remember?

Scott will really contact me? That's amazing, thank you so much! My email is StardustMage@aol.com
Midnighter
USA - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 21:04:20 (CDT)

Hi

Just started a mid-year resolution to read the SCI FICTION stories but have stalled with Terry Bisson's 'Scout's Honor' at the end of Jan 2004 as the formatting on the html page isn't working! (Particularly enjoyed the Michaela Roessner story which precedes it).

Mark Watson 
Colchester, Essex UK - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 03:08:03 (CDT)

Midnighter,
Scott Westerfeld said he would contact you if you leave your email address in this guestbook.
Ellen
USA - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 21:59:23 (CDT)

Hi Frank,
Thanks for the invite. I don't get out into Brooklyn much but if I do, I'll come by.

Ellen
USA - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 19:18:54 (CDT)

Midnighter,
I've contacted Scott Westerfeld about your interest. It would help if you leave an email address. I don't know if he'll contact you or not.
Ellen
USA - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 19:17:32 (CDT)

P.F. Renfroe,
I was under the impression from a quick look at your mss that the story was not sf and that your previous work had been in the romance genre. If I was mistaken I apologize.
Ellen
USA - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 19:13:56 (CDT)

Dear Ms. Datlow-

Saw you linked to my site. Great site yourself. Come to my gallery in Brooklyn if you get a chance this summer! Best wishes,
Frank Jump
Frank Jump
Brooklyn, NY USA - Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 22:51:11 (CDT)

Ellen, I saw pictures on your site of Scott Westerfeld. I am incredibly interested in exchanging emails with him or writing him in some other way. Does he have a fan email or fan address I could possibly get in contact with him through? I did a Google search but found nothing of help.
Midnighter
LA USA - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 22:41:43 (CDT)

On comments re: PJ Renfroe it was stated that I am not the romance writer. Who is the PJ Renfroe romance writer your referred to earlier? All my books have a heavy romance worked in and around the main story. Just curious about a double in print. Would appreciate an answer, address or e-mail, thanks. PJ
PJ Renfroe Locust Grove, GA USA - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 00:44:06 (CDT)

I would suggest going to the library and checking out Literary Market Place. In it there are lists of literary agents and what kind of material they represent. Good luck.
Ellen
USA - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 22:36:46 (CDT)

After dozens of published works, mostly investigative reports and policy manuals, I have written my first novel. My background is in childrens services, i.e. child abuse, therefore the novel contrasts harsh realism with outrageous fantasy. Do you have a recommendation on agents who may consider a fiction novice?

Bob Eggleton

Bob Eggleton
Charleston, WV USA - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 20:24:09 (CDT)

Sorry. I wish I had extra copies of # 1 but I don't. Have you tried Bibliofind or amazon's used section? #17 should be out in August.
Ellen
USA - Monday, June 07, 2004 at 17:05:16 (CDT)

Have been able to locate 2-16 of "The Years Best Fantasy And Horror" books. Can't wait for 17. Looking for #1. Have been to AbeBooks and they don't have it. Can you help?
steve
USA - Monday, June 07, 2004 at 15:09:05 (CDT)

Dear Mr. Sulea,
Delighted it was helpful. Go check out our guidelines (and other markets) and start sending your stories out. That's the major way to get published :-)
Ellen
USA - Monday, May 31, 2004 at 12:12:41 (CDT)

Dear Ms. Datlow,
I just wanted to say thank you:)
I was at your MarCon Panel about unsolicited manuscripts with Ms. Czerneda, Mr. Antonelli and Mr. Stevens, and it was very informative and helpful. I hope that sometime, winds of fate hopefully being kind, you can take a look at some of my work.

Again, many thanks,
George Sulea,
Cleveland
George Sulea
Cleveland, ohio USA - Monday, May 31, 2004 at 10:03:11 (CDT)

Charles and Allen,
Sorry, I don't read screenplays. I have nothing to do with on air component of the corporation. I am fiction editor and buy and edit short stories.
Ellen
USA - Sunday, May 30, 2004 at 23:34:37 (CDT)

Ellen, Allen Winn and I sent you a copy of a screenplay called Zero Point, a sci-fi adventure that exposes the plausible truth about the events of Roswell. We were wondering if you've gotten a chance to look at it. We know your extremely busy but would love to hear from you. Regards, Allen and Charles
Charles Jones and Allen Winn
Harrisburg, pa USA - Friday, May 28, 2004 at 07:40:02 (CDT)

Hi Levin,
Lovely meeting you too. Go to our guidelines at www.scifi.com/scifiction
for our mailing address and other pertinent info on submissions. And don't forget to include a cover note mentioning that you met me at Maureen's party.
Ellen
USA - Thursday, May 27, 2004 at 09:18:10 (CDT)

It was lovely meeting you tonight at Maureen's. You said to send you a story. I decided on a Hamster inspired story. Please send me your address or email address and I'll send it to you.
Levin Armwood
Cleveland, OH USA - Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 23:20:50 (CDT)

Hello Ellen,
I am an assistant editor for a small publication company, Fantasist Enterprises (www.fantasistent.com), and we are looking for authors and editors to endorse our book. If you are interested, would you email me? On receipt of your email I will pass it on to the Editor-in-Chief, William Horner, who will fill in all the detail.
I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Court Dudek
Court Dudek
Andover, NJ USA - Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 13:07:39 (CDT)

Yes, I'd like to see it. Please send it to the po box indicated in various guidelines (including on
www.scifi.com/scifiction
Ellen
USA - Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 00:38:38 (CDT)

Hello Ellen Datlow,

I am a newly published author. My short story collection, Midnight Tableau, has just been released by Double Dragon Publishing in Trade paperback. I would like to send you a copy of the book. Please let me know if you'd be willing to take a look at it.

Kind Regards,

Michael
Michael McCrann
Lindenhurst, NY USA - Friday, April 23, 2004 at 16:25:52 (CDT)

Hey Charles,
I'm going to email you.
Ellen
USA - Monday, April 19, 2004 at 23:35:28 (CDT)

Dean Manalo,
I'm afraid that I no longer have any connection with OMNI. The only thing I can suggest is that you contact General Media in NYC (the corporate owners of OMNI) --write to the permissions dept--or check for the artist's website by googling. YOu're more likely to be able to get permission by going directly to the artist or his rep.
Good luck.
Ellen
USA - Monday, April 19, 2004 at 23:34:55 (CDT)

Dear Ms. Datlow:
Thank you for the great work you've done! I am interested
in getting copyright permission from one of your cover artists, Ralle (Omni Magazine, September 1985). If you could help me in getting information, I'd sure appreciate that as well.

Best Regards,

Dean Manalo
Dean Manalo
San Diego, CA USA - Sunday, April 18, 2004 at 21:24:32 (CDT)

I just saw Brenda's question about a story involving ants in Omni. Perhaps she means Sand Kings, which came out in the early eighties as I recall. They weren't ants, but the story is a classic thriller with a great ending. I hope this helps you out. Charles
Charles Attardi
Astoria, NY United States - Friday, April 16, 2004 at 22:29:46 (CDT)

Hi, Ellen. I was getting nostalgic for the old Omni crew (Teresi, Bova, Fox, Davies, Stein, McAuliffe, Davies . . .)and thought I'd see how you were doing. I fondly remember, among other things, those calls with Harlan Ellison when we'd trade semicolons for commas and whatnot. And Stephen King's reversing the colors of the girl's blouse and shorts in Firestarter. Drop me a line if you can. I'd love to hear from you. All the best. Charles
Charles Attardi
Astoria, NY USA - Friday, April 16, 2004 at 22:01:41 (CDT)

Hi Ellen! Wante to invite you to a staged reading of my new play that's loosely inspired by the Futurians. Please let me know where to send the invite. Hope all's well! -- Thrive, Clark Perry
Clark Perry
USA - Wednesday, April 07, 2004 at 16:49:45 (CDT)

Sarah,
I definitely didn't publish that one in OMNI so I don't know. Thanks for the suggestion though. Maybe Brenda will come back to give us more info.
ellen
USA - Saturday, April 03, 2004 at 13:55:36 (CST)

Could Brenda's ant story be LeGuin's, the one with the acacia seeds? I don't know if it appeared in Omni or elsewhere, but it's a chronicle of the collapse of social order in an anthill, as recorded by ants in scratches on acacia seeds. I believe the word acacia was in the title.
Sarah Avery
South River, NJ USA - Saturday, April 03, 2004 at 01:30:55 (CST)

MF--just emailed you with my mailing address.
Ellen
USA - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 23:36:32 (CST)

Ellen:

I tried to send you my latest book for years best horror. It was returned, says Amazon. When should I send it to you, that is, when does the market open again?
best
mfkorn
MF Korn
USA - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 18:14:01 (CST)

Brenda, I'm afraid you're going to have to give a little bit more detail. What's the plot?
Ellen
USA - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 13:07:46 (CST)

I'm looking for a story about Ants in an Omni mag. Can you help me?
Brenda
NS Canada - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 11:54:57 (CST)

Hey Chris,
Glad you like it :-)
Ellen
USA - Wednesday, March 17, 2004 at 23:42:03 (CST)

Hey Ellen,

Great site! Love that creepy cat's-eye photo on the main page.
Chris Dodson
Kingsport, TN USA - Wednesday, March 17, 2004 at 18:00:05 (CST)

http://manytruths.com/bigbang.htm

This look familiar?
Truthsayer
USA - Tuesday, March 16, 2004 at 09:57:14 (CST)

Thank you for maintaining such a great si
tool t shirt
- Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at 07:32:34 (CST)

Hi Pj, well, that's partly what editors are for: to ensure that a story is in readable prose.
Ellen
USA - Monday, March 08, 2004 at 21:43:16 (CST)

New to this and can't comment on past books printed. I write paranormal and science fiction. I also work with other writers on readability. Many can write properly, but not readable copy. PJ Renfroe
P. J. Renfroe
Locust Grove, GA USA - Monday, March 08, 2004 at 19:47:57 (CST)

Hannes,
Thanks so much. I'll email you and give you my agent's contact info.

Ellen
USA - Saturday, February 14, 2004 at 15:49:10 (CST)

Dear Ellen,

I am working as a scout/editor for German publishers, and I'd like to know whom I'd have to contact about German rights to the "Retold Fairy Tales" series.

Keep up the good work, you are an inspiration to us all!

Thanks a lot & best wishes -- Hannes
Hannes Riffel
Berlin, Germany - Saturday, February 14, 2004 at 07:41:02 (CST)

Hi Staszek,
It was great meeting you too. Pat and I had a wonderful time and we plan to come back next year--maybe to visit Gdansk though, for a change.

Glad you like some of my pictures :-)
Best,
Ellen

Ellen
USA - Friday, February 13, 2004 at 09:15:00 (CST)

Hi Ellen,
I hope you had a nice time in Poland and you'll come back some time soon - I really enjoyed your and Pat's company. I also do hope that the NYC amber market will not collapse because of you ;). Anyway, I checked out your site - love the cats, don't like the dolls (booo). The interviews are interesting and I'm totally amazed by the number of people you know in the field - makes me feel like I'm living on the outskirts of the universe. Once again thanks for your visit and take care!

staszek
warszawa, Poland - Friday, February 13, 2004 at 06:26:25 (CST)

Hi Dawn,
Nice to hear from you and to hear that you've a successful career in Anthropology.

It must seem like ancient history to have worked at Locus.
Ellen
USA - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 08:04:19 (CST)

Just thought I would drop you a note from what will feel like the past...

This is the Dawn Atkins who was once Managing Editor of Locus Magazine (now 20 years ago). I left the SF business and went on to become an anthropologist. I have a number of publications in the area of US sexuality studies and am working some non-academic projects as well these days. (Note: I am not the romance writer of the same name.)

I wanted to thank you for the kindness you showed me long ago and the inspiration you have continued to be in your work. Your gentle and direct manner with a then 22-year-old young woman from Oklahoma has never been forgotten.

Best always,
Dawn
Dawn Atkins San Leandro, CA USA - Monday, February 02, 2004 at 15:41:41 (CST)

Jamie,
If you want to submit to SCIFICTION, you can check our guidelines at
http://www.scifi.com/scifiction
I'm not soliciting for any anthologies right now.
Ellen
USA - Sunday, February 01, 2004 at 21:19:54 (CST)

I beg frogiveness for such a shadey deed as to steal space in a guestbook to ask such a shameless question as this, but Madame Datlow, would you be so kind, perhaps, as to whisper an address to where one can send a sweet story to be reviewed for an upcoming anthology?
I dared...I tried...I eagerly anticipate some manner of parler...
Thank you, think on it, and adieu,
JC
jamie carter

Ok. Thanks

Ellen
USA - Thursday, January 22, 2004 at 18:10:11 (CST)

Ellen,

Bob Strauss here. My e-mail address is Robertbstrauss@aol.com. As for the story, I'll snail-mail it to the sci-fi.com address. And thanks again for your interest.

For now,

Bob
Bob Strauss
USA - Thursday, January 22, 2004 at 15:22:58 (CST)

Ellen,

Here's my e-mail address: Robertbstrauss@aol.com. As for the story, I'll snail-mail it to the sci-fi.com address.

For now,

Bob
Bob Strauss
USA - Thursday, January 22, 2004 at 15:19:16 (CST)

Bob,
You have to give me your email address. I thought it linked in your first email to me but it's not an address. Or you can look on the SCIFICTION guidelines for my mailing address:
http://www.scifi.com/scifiction
Ellen
USA - Thursday, January 22, 2004 at 00:04:39 (CST)

Ms. Datlow,

Thanks for wanting to take a look at my story. It's titled "An Afternoon at Marie's," and it appeared in the October 30--November 5 edition of the "Avon Grove Sun." Please send me an address as to where to mail it to you.

For now,

Bob
Bob Strauss
USA - Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at 10:46:40 (CST)

Ms. Datlow,

Thanks for wanting to take a look at my story. It's titled "An Afternoon at Marie's," and it appeared in the October 30--November 5, 2003 edition of "The Avon Grove Sun." Please send me an address as to where to send it.

For now,

Bob
Bob Strauss
USA - Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at 10:42:59 (CST)

Hi Ellen, I have a sort of unusual request regarding the use of one of the pictures in your "Doll" section. If you could please email me I would like to ask your permission to use it and explain in further detail what it is about. Thanks.
Terri Pike
Orlando, FL USA - Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at 09:24:04 (CST)

Sorry to have spelled your last name wrong--you can't see earlier messages when posting.
Ellen
USA - Tuesday, January 20, 2004 at 16:59:08 (CST)

Mr. Straus,
When did the story appear? I'd be happy to take a look --do you have my mailing address? If not, I'll email it to you.

Ellen
USA - Tuesday, January 20, 2004 at 16:58:09 (CST)

Ms. Datlow,

I know you are extremely comprehensive in putting together your horror selection in the annual anthology, searching out tales from all sorts of venues, from academic journals to the small press. I published a tale in a newspaper that I would like to offer for your perusal, and look forward to your response. I may be going out on a limb here, bt it's rare indeed to find fiction printed in a newspaper.
Bob Strauss <Robertbstrauss>
Wilmington , DE USA - Tuesday, January 20, 2004 at 12:35:58 (CST)

I felt the opening paragraph was fine. It rang true to form for me, considering the POV.
Michael Kelly
Canada - Tuesday, January 20, 2004 at 10:26:23 (CST)

Mr. Lamont,
Sorry you don't like the story--others have praised it highly. Chaque a son goute.
Ellen
USA - Sunday, January 18, 2004 at 14:19:15 (CST)

Your selection of Richard Butner's story 'House of the Future" astounds me. This is some of the worst writing I have encountered in any form -- and to think it was selected as exemplary of the talent out there. Just read the first paragraph and its use of descriptive language -- on par with my seventh grade students. If we ever want to elevate Science Fiction past its current status of bottom-dweller in the literary world we'd better offer up more promising prose.
Michael Lamont
Sacramento, CA USA - Sunday, January 18, 2004 at 11:49:25 (CST)

%-) genuinely liked this work . coming from ultram .. Greetings.
ultram USA - Tuesday, January 13, 2004 at 00:29:25 (CST)

hi there very liked your site . Visitor from gamble gaming ... Thank you.
gamble
USA - Monday, January 12, 2004 at 23:58:22 (CST)

Hello Ellen,I am trying to get ahold of anybody at Omni and ran into a road block.The web site is dead and trying to find the right person at Penthouse is a pain.A web archive site has some and is settting up a service to zip the whole sites BUT needs the owners permission.Can you help?Please reply to my e address.Thanks! :)
Alan Crandall
Junction City, Or USA - Monday, January 12, 2004 at 19:39:54 (CST)

Hey fantastic site you have here and a great guestbook. I will tell my friends about your site so they can experience it too.Greetings from wales!Christ
sagem polyphonic ringtones
- Monday, January 12, 2004 at 09:54:20 (CST)

GREAT SITE WITH ATTITUDE.I LOVE YOU ALL.
Mgbada Mike
USA - Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 15:23:10 (CST)

Jill,
Please do--I remember your name. Time to start submitting to me again :-)
Ellen
USA - Thursday, January 01, 2004 at 21:45:07 (CST)

Ellen:
Thanks for all the encouraging rejection letters when I was submitting to Omni back in the 80's. Watch out. I might send a story to Sci Fiction.

Jill Zeller
Seattle, WA USA - Thursday, January 01, 2004 at 08:33:38 (CST)

I would like to wish you lots of success in the coming New Year. More
good writings and more good earnings, more good ideas and plots.

Happy New Year!

Regards, Boris Sidyuk
SF Reality SF magazine

P.S. Ellen, I had computer crash so lost your email. Would you please reply again - there are things to discuss.
Boris Sidyuk
Kiev, Ukraine - Monday, December 29, 2003 at 19:08:32 (CST)

Hi Russell,
Great--sounds interesting. I'll email you about it.
Ellen
USA - Monday, December 15, 2003 at 21:22:41 (CST)

Hi Ellen, Just thought I'd let you know I've taken up online publishing again (as well as moving somewhere that isn't quite the Australian equivalent of Oso but ain't that far off it).
Russell B. Farr
Narrogin, WA Australia - Monday, December 15, 2003 at 08:26:05 (CST)

Yes, I still consult with Tor but I'm not taking on any more authors than those I already work with.
Ellen
USA - Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 23:27:13 (CST)

Great Website, I was wondering if you are still with TOR?
Had some very nice feedback with them over this the summer and early fall.

Thanks

Patt

Patt Mihailoff
Hillsborough , NJ USA - Monday, November 03, 2003 at 12:03:12 (CST)

Ellen,

Several addresses have vanished from my database during the last upgrade, yours among them. Could you get back to me with it?

Thanks,

Michael

PS Very nice website. I've spent the past 45 minutes romping around in it.
Michael Reaves
USA - Sunday, October 26, 2003 at 09:28:03 (CST)

Thanks Christopher. They're pretty cute when they want to be
Ellen
USA - Saturday, October 18, 2003 at 23:31:06 (CDT)

I love your cats!
Christopher Sirmons Haviland
White Plains, NY USA - Saturday, October 18, 2003 at 08:34:04 (CDT)

Ellen, It was good to see you last week and I will try to make itto KGB. Please add me to your mailing list so don't miss any of your events. They look exciting and interesting, esp. hosted by you.

Trina
Trina King
New York, NY USA - Saturday, September 13, 2003 at 09:51:29 (CDT)

Spike, I've just emailed you about the cd.

Ellen
USA - Monday, September 08, 2003 at 13:09:21 (CDT)

Great site!
Keep it running!
Franz
mnchen
munich, Germany - Monday, September 08, 2003 at 05:58:58 (CDT)

Hi Ellen, At Armadillocon you mentioned there will be a CD of your recent interview with Howard. When it becomes available, I would like to hear the details. Thank you!
Spike
Bay Area , CA USA - Sunday, September 07, 2003 at 20:16:12 (CDT)

Hey Paul,
Welcome to my website. It surely has been awhile since I've heard from you. Delighted you're still writing, even if it isn't sf.

If you haven't already, you might want to check out the sf/f I publish at SCIFICTION on the SCIFI.COM website.
Ellen
USA - Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at 20:05:21 (CDT)

Hi Ellen - although it's been nearly 25 years since you bought me lunch on my one and only visit to OMNI, I have followed your career on the local bookstore SF&F shelves and am pleased that you are as active as ever. I wish I really did have a time machine and could change the past (I'd change some of the stories I sent you that weren't very good!) But even though I have given up writing SF&F, I never miss a chance to work something related to it into my more 'mainstream' books with academic publishers. So, your influence lives on!

Paul J. Nahin
Durham, NH USA - Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at 12:11:34 (CDT)

I stopped by to research an interview I'm getting ready to do, and was surprised and delighted by this site. I particularly enjoyed the links...you did a ton of work. I'll definately be back! Take care...
Cindy Lynn
USA - Monday, August 25, 2003 at 12:34:39 (CDT)

Hi Eliani,
I hope you enjoyed (if that's the word) Clarion West--or at least got a lot out of it.
See you at the next KGB then.
Ellen
USA - Saturday, August 23, 2003 at 12:41:33 (CDT)

Hey, Ellen. I'm back from Clarion West, recovering, moving, copyediting, and at the same time missing your KGB series. : ( Will try to make it to the next one. Hope to see you very soon. (New e-mail, btw.)

Yours,
Eli
Eliani Torres
Williamstown, MA USA - Friday, August 22, 2003 at 21:22:03 (CDT)

Hi Ellen.
Want much to send you a copy of my strange new book.
Need an address.
Site looks grand.
Hope all's better than well.

Joyce

Joyce Thompson
Oakland, CA USA - Wednesday, August 13, 2003 at 11:45:59 (CDT)

Hi again Ellen,

Not sure if you got my email or not, so here's my address.

Best
Ashok K. Banker
USA - Friday, August 08, 2003 at 12:44:51 (CDT)

Hi, El. Just checking you out. Also checking exact caps etc. for all your scifi.com entities for my book. I'll send you an e-mail with a final question or two. Nice to see you looking swell.
Sally Fosnight
Otis, MA USA - Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 13:57:56 (CDT)

Give me your email address, will you?
Ellen
USA - Monday, August 04, 2003 at 21:01:56 (CDT)

Small world, ain't it? The world of NY genre publishing, I mean. I hope to (finally) make it to NYC in spring 2004, when my second book comes out. You can count on me letting you know when and looking you up!
Ashok K. Banker
Mumbai, India - Monday, August 04, 2003 at 09:45:55 (CDT)

Hi Ashok,
Of course I remember you. And I know about your forthcoming big novel--good luck with it. If you do make it to NY make sure you let me know and maybe we can get together. I've recently had lunch with Jaime and dinner with Shawna and they also mentioned the novel.

And yeah. send me some more short fiction one of these days :-)
Ellen
Ellen
USA - Sunday, August 03, 2003 at 20:27:16 (CDT)

Hi Ellen,

You may remember me from the Fictionmags list, and from the half-dozen stories I submitted to you for SciFiction over the last few years. You never bought anything by me, but you were always so encouraging, telling me how much you liked the writing, the settings, and that helped almost as much as publication. All the stories sold elsewhere later, but you were the most helpful editor who ever rejected me!

As you probably know, I'm now writing SFF novels and haven't turned out a short story for a couple of years. But if I ever do, you're the editor to whose high standards I'll aspire. Being bought by you would be as good as a six-figure novel advance. (Well, almost as good!)

I enjoyed your site and got to see pics of so many people I'm working with but have yet to meet, including my editor Jaime Levine and my agent Shawna McCarthy! Someday, if I make it to the States, I'll be able to put faces to the names and talk to them without a keyboard. And you're one of the persons at the top of my must-meet list.

Thanks for inspiring and encouraging me! You're a great editor and you make the genre worth coming to for newbies like me.

Best wishes

Ashok K. Banker
Ashok K. Banker
Bombay, India - Sunday, August 03, 2003 at 05:37:43 (CDT)

Hi Linda,
You're welcome. I'll email you.

Ellen
USA - Saturday, August 02, 2003 at 13:16:32 (CDT)

Hi Ellen,

Back in around 1996 or 97 I brazenly submitted my artists web site as a link suggestion to you at what was then DarkEcho OMNI Horror online. Much to my surprise you deemed it worthy of inclusion in the Dark Art section. I feel I never did thank you properly. Ive long wanted to apologize for this oversight and to extend my heartiest appreciation for including me in those links.

Id very much like to email you but was unable to find a mailto: link on your site. It would be wonderful if you would get in touch so that I might contact you privately.

Thanks again for the inclusion!

-Linda
Linda Joyce Franks
New Orleans, LA USA - Saturday, August 02, 2003 at 01:47:37 (CDT)

Carlos,
Sorry they didn't work for me. I hope you can make it another KGB reading one of these days. My photos of the last few should be going up soon.
Ellen
USA - Thursday, July 24, 2003 at 19:21:56 (CDT)

Hello, Ellen

I got the story today,thank you for your suggestion. Both story has been accepted by a megazine. I thought about it before my stories are not for the market you target. I'm sorry I can't attend your reading my work shift has changed. But Maybe one day i could leave early and stop by your reading.

Thank you.

carlos
USA - Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at 20:22:52 (CDT)

Hi. NFG is a new print magazine. It is on its second issue. It takes only electronic submissions, and there are about nine of us that read, critique, and slush out tons of fiction, art, and poetry. So far we have had over 3,100 submissions which resulted in two solid issues. Though place no genre restrictions on what we get, a lot of our stories have a similar flavor to "Jailwise" If you are interested, check out www.nfg.ca We just put up a few teasers and some really cool cover art, and we are getting ready to do a big press release (well, as big as a bunch of newbies like us can manage). Hey, if you like what you see, we have a guestbook you can sign...
Mike Martin
Tracy, MN USA - Monday, June 30, 2003 at 20:14:39 (CDT)

Glad you enjoyed "Jailwise." I'm sure Lucius would love to hear that --we're both on the nightshade bbs.
http://www.nightshadebooks.com/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi

And what is NSG? (sorry I can't back up to see the initials again, one of the bad things about this guest book. :-)
Ellen
USA - Saturday, June 28, 2003 at 22:56:21 (CDT)

I just read "Jailwise" on SciFiction. You are consistently putting up rrreally fucking cool stories. Lucius Shepard defies categories and genres and bleeds into everything.

He reminds me of what I read when I'm helping out w/the editing for NFG. You should get a copy. You'd like the flavor. Plug over.

You have impeccable taste and an awesome site. Good home page too.
Mike Martin
Tracy, MN USA - Saturday, June 28, 2003 at 19:42:12 (CDT)

That's it. Wao! what a great postal service we have.

Thank you,

Carlos
USA - Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 23:59:10 (CDT)

Carlos,
I just got it (or one, at least) today--it couldn't be the one you sent yesterday...could it?
Ellen
USA - Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 22:34:01 (CDT)

Ellen. I'm the mystery guy who keeps popping up in your KGB photos, like the ghost in Amelie. You asked me to e-mail, though I think you wisely keep yours under wraps. Please feel free to write and say hi though.
Luke
New York, NY USA - Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 10:29:15 (CDT)

Ellen,

I got the story back yesterday, thanks for the opportunity. I sent you another one today,enjoy. By the way great stories at THE KGB reading tonight.

Thanks

Carlos
USA - Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 21:04:22 (CDT)

I enjoy browsing your site. You guys are great. Come see our oil paintings.
arts-plaza
USA - Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 20:52:32 (CDT)

This is a wonderful site! Lots of cool stuff!!

--Marshall
Marshall Moseley
USA - Monday, June 16, 2003 at 15:26:36 (CDT)

Ellen, would you please Contact Ellen. We just launched ukrainian professional sf magazine and I would like to talk to you if possible. Thank you.
Boris Sidyuk
Kiev, Ukraine - Thursday, June 12, 2003 at 14:36:19 (CDT)

You're very welcome. Have fun. More to come :-)
Ellen
USA - Sunday, June 08, 2003 at 18:32:53 (CDT)

I am honored to drop a line here and say thank you for keeping this great site online.
brutal fist
- Saturday, June 07, 2003 at 09:18:11 (CDT)

Thanks June. I wish I was still going to New Orleans regularly as every year they always had a great crop of new types of voodoo dolls!
Ellen
USA - Sunday, June 01, 2003 at 11:17:37 (CDT)

Whoa, great site. I really like the voodoo doll gallery. Creepy.
june
FL USA - Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 20:34:17 (CDT)

Carlos,
Got it. It's in my pile. I'm only up to stories dated April 11th at this point. Should be getting to yours in the next week or so (I hope).
Ellen
USA - Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 19:04:31 (CDT)

Hi! Ellen,
I sent the ms a week after THE KGB READING in April along with the cover letter.

Thank you
Carlos
USA - Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 23:01:53 (CDT)

Hi! Ellen,

I sent the ms a week after THE KGB READING in April along with the cover letter.

Thank you

Carlos
USA - Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 22:52:46 (CDT)

Dr. Carl,
Did you get the email I sent you? (Is that the email address that didn't work? How odd). Anyway, OMNI owns no rights. All copyrights are with the authors. OMNI just demanded first pub credit.

But Walter Tevis is dead and I don't know who controls his estate. You may try to "google" him and see what you come up with.
Ellen
USA - Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 19:26:41 (CDT)

Dear Ellen,

Thanks for your help. That was the story. Do you know who owns old Omni copyrights now? Judging from reprints, the magazine purchased all rights, not just first printing rights... is this true? Your email address won't let me reply.

yrs

Dr Carl
Carl Grindley
Vancouver, BC Canada - Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 19:04:24 (CDT)

Hmmm. I posted responses to all of you last night, they appeared and now they're gone.

Carlos and Eli, glad you enjoyed the KGB readings and hope to see you there again.

Carlos: Did you send a cover letter with your ms and when did you mail it?

Michael Shea,
You are very very welcome and it's great to hear from you. I hope we end up in the same convention room again soon.

Hi Rebecca,
Everything seemed to be fine until this little problem of lost posts.
Ellen
USA - Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 18:24:57 (CDT)

Yo Rebecca,
Yup, as you can see it's finally working again. Thanks for the alert that there was a problem. I just figured no one had anything to say :-)

I've been in KC for the weekend at ConQuesT, which is why I'm responding to everyone now.
Ellen
USA - Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 00:39:51 (CDT)

Eli and Carlos,
Glad to see you here. And yes, Eli, try to make the last one (although I can certainly understand if you don't). It's Kelly Link and HOlly Black. Should be a great reading.
Good luck at Clarion.

Carlos. When did you send the story and did you include a cover letter?
Ellen
USA - Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 00:38:40 (CDT)

Michael,
So nice to hear from you. I'm very happy that all turned out ok. And I hope to see you again on the west coast one of these days.
Ellen
USA - Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 00:37:31 (CDT)

Dr Carl James Grindley,
It sounds like Walter Tevis's "Rent Control" Oct.79--I'll try your email address if you don't respond here.

Ellen
USA - Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 00:36:24 (CDT)

Ms. Datlow,

I had a wonderful time at KGB last week. Fiction, dinner, Amtrak. Not bad at all. I may be able to sneak in one more Fantastic Fiction date before spending the summer in Seattle, but I really should be packing for Clarion that Wednesday. We'll see.

Enjoy yourself, and thanks for giving startling stories a live venue.

Regards,
Eli Torres

P.S. My Web log tends to focus on writing and editing (mostly copyediting), but I may make Clarion-specific entries this summer.
Eliani Torres
Bennington, VT USA - Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 16:52:47 (CDT)

Hi,

I need your help in trying to track down a suspected case of plagiarism. I need the name, title and publication date of a story published in Omni. The story was about a couple who had a magic bed that caused time to stand still. They started off making love but ended up catatonic. I really need this urgently, and I figure that you'd probably know off the top of your head.

Dr Carl James Grindley
English Department
University of British Columbia
Dr Carl James Grindley
Vancouver, BC Canada - Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 11:43:36 (CDT)

So did you get this working yet? Good to see you at the Nebs. Haven't been to NYC in a while, hope to get to one of the readings sooner or later.
Rebecca Ore
Philadelphia, PA USA - Monday, May 26, 2003 at 14:39:40 (CDT)

Hi Ellen,
Found your personal website link at Nightshadebooks discussion group. God bless you for your friendly support.

Thinking of you,
Michael
Michael Shea
Healdsburg, CA USA - Friday, May 23, 2003 at 20:28:20 (CDT)

Hi! Ellen,

I enjoyed The KGB Fantastic Fiction reading as the one in April. Dinner was great,excellent crowd. I have already sent you one of my short stories. I hoped you enjoy it.

Thank you,

Carlos
Carlos
USA - Thursday, May 22, 2003 at 21:59:28 (CDT)

Thanks for all the information! Great site!
small business grants
- Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 14:09:17 (CDT)

Thank you. I sent something last week. Look for it in your snail mail. I hope you can use it.

Marina
Marina Stern
North Hills, CA USA - Thursday, May 15, 2003 at 12:34:03 (CDT)

Hi Marina,
So glad to hear that--the original trade paperback cover didn't make ANYONE grab it and take it home so I'm delighted that this time around the art's doing the job :-)

I'm afraid I'm not soliciting any stories for anthos right now. What about SCIFICTION? Do you write sf or fantasy that might fit there? Check our guidelines or some of the stories to see if you might write fiction that would work for the website.
Ellen
USA - Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at 15:57:39 (CDT)

When at the bookstore the other day, "Sirens and Other Daemon Lovers" leapt out at me and followed me home. I am loving it. Are you accepting submissions for any future anthologies at this time?
Marina Stern
Marina Stern
North Hills, CA USA - Tuesday, May 13, 2003 at 19:59:40 (CDT)

Thank you Sarah, but I have to disappoint you--I do have a webmaster who does all the updating for me. His name is Marshall. At some point in the future I would love to be able to update it on my own but not for now. I hope the photographs from the Nebula awards will be up soon, plus some new cat photos and doll photos.

Ellen
USA - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 15:25:10 (CDT)

Cheers Ellen,

Well the whole the universe tells me I should have been a brick layer, a labotimized one at that, so, hey, never mind... Will 'The King & Kaya' bedazzle you and assert itself, implicity, to the point of publication nonetheless? God knows. Look, I quit. I have money and now alcohol. Happy editing and 'ce sera sera'. You'd have to be feeling a tad dissatisfied and existential (perhaps a little cursed) to like the story anyway. Here's to new worlds and kinder paradigms. I raise my glass in benign indifference.

Here's to the brighter and the better.

Robbie.
Robbie Wood
Ballarat, Vic Australia - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 05:04:56 (CDT)

Excellent website! It's very easy to use and has a pleasing, simple layout! It's nice to see that you do your website yourself(and actually update it!) Far too many authors and editors leave their official websites up to someone else or never update, which is often disapointing(at least, to me).
I think you should branch out in "For Sale" section. Maybe sell official Ellen Datlow teddy bears with Alien Sex t-shirts or something ^-^
Sarah Holding
Newark, Ca USA - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 01:52:23 (CDT)

Robbie,
Looking forward to it, although I don't have room for many (if any) more novellas in 2003. I've got two in the pipeline: one coming out over June by Lucius Shepard and one by Terry Bisson in the fall.
Ellen
USA - Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at 16:46:08 (CDT)

Ian, Thank you. That's what I like to hear :-) that the stories in YBFH (my half anyway), scare you--they're supposed to. Don't supposed you remember the title; I'm curious.
Alien Sex still sells really well in Italy--probably because of the illustration with each story.
Ellen
USA - Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at 16:37:57 (CDT)

Hi Ellen,

Just to forewarn you, I've sent you a novella titled 'The King & Kaya'. A descent into dismemberment and spiritutal renewal. It's my most ambitious and challenging brainchild yet - a real ache in the very marrow of my bones while writing it. It's dear to me. So I felt like holding its hand a little while it teeters out into the world. I hope you will receive it warmly, Ellen.

All the best,

Robbie Wood
(aka 'Robbie Delmore')
Robbie wood
Ballarat, Vic Australia - Tuesday, April 29, 2003 at 19:36:14 (CDT)

Hi Ellen,

Just to forewarn you, I've sent you a novella titled 'The King & Kaya'. A descent into dismemberment and spiritutal renewal. It's my most ambitious and challenging brainchild yet - a real ache in the very marrow of my bones while writing it. It's dear to me. So I felt like holding its hand a little while it teeters out into the world. I hope you will receive it warmly, Ellen.

All the best,

Robbie Wood
(aka 'Robbie Delmore')
Robbie wood
Ballarat, Vic Australia - Tuesday, April 29, 2003 at 19:13:20 (CDT)

Ever since someone handed me a copy of Alien Sex (which I believe I still own) I have been reading through your anthologies. I remember there being a story in one of your Year's Best anthologies that was the first story to really scare me since I turned eighteen and anyone who was instrumental in the career of Pat Cadigan is practically my hero.

And Koja's novel Skin scared me too.
Ian Hawkins
Colorado Springs, CO USA - Monday, April 28, 2003 at 14:08:47 (CDT)

Hi Carlos
If you emailed Gavin at the address I gave you, you should be getting an email reminder closer to the reading. So see you in May.

Ellen
USA - Thursday, April 24, 2003 at 16:12:22 (CDT)

Hi! Ellen, Maybe I get it this time. I'm glad I went to your reading at KGB. Expect me for your next reading on may so save me a seat.
Carlos
USA - Thursday, April 24, 2003 at 00:39:30 (CDT)

What a wonderful site! Cool stuff!
Marshall Moseley
Eugene, OR USA - Monday, April 21, 2003 at 18:21:04 (CDT)

Sorry, this is the more recent speech from the Senate floor that I'd intended to point to.
http://www.commondreams.org/views03/0212-07.htm#
Ellen
USA - Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 04:35:58 (CST)

I recommend this speech by Senator Robert Byrd:

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2002/11/21/byrdremarks/
Ellen
USA - Friday, February 14, 2003 at 18:29:48 (CST)

Hi Ivan,
No. Terri and I are still working on the anthology. It won't be out for quite awhile.
I'd be happy to do another interview. I'm out of town now until the 18th but email me around then and we can figure something out.

Ellen
USA - Friday, February 14, 2003 at 17:37:26 (CST)

Hi Ellen!
I just dropped by to see what's new ... Is Fairy Reel ready for publishing? That fairy story that you reviewed brought me some unexpected attention in my country... Other then that our magazine is still alive and kicking(we survived the first five issues)... If you are not too busy maybe you could give us one more online interview?
Hope I will see you on one of the conventions this year
Best,Ivan
Ivan Zoric
Portland, OR USA - Saturday, February 08, 2003 at 14:45:20 (CST)

Cassandra,
Yes and no. It won't be another Green Man book but Terri and I are working on THE FAERY REEL, a YA antho about faeries. So far we've bought stories by Tanith Lee, Katherine Vaz, Holly Black, Patricia McKillip, Bruce Glassco, and Delia Sherman. The book should be coming out in 2004.

Ellen
USA - Thursday, January 23, 2003 at 12:20:45 (CST)

Hi Ellen,
I was wondering if their were any plans for a sequel to the "The Green Man: Tales from the Mythic Forest" I really loved the book.
Cassandra Simi Valley, CA USA - Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at 15:58:28 (CST)

Hey Gary,
Thanks. Yes, both Clarion West and Clarion East are both very active-they have their respective website...just google for them (although I MAY have them in my links--I don't recall).
Good luck with your writing--do try to take one of the workshops if you can.

Ellen
USA - Monday, January 20, 2003 at 09:15:58 (CST)

Hi Ellen!
I've been following you for over a decade, (not literally) and the fiction you published in Omni has shaped me into the writer I am now. Just wanna say thanks for all the years of reading pleasure you gave me. By the way, is Clarion West still active? It's a small dream of mine to enroll there, whenever I get off my lazy duff and pump out a few stories. ~Gary
Gary
Cannon Beach, OR USA - Monday, January 20, 2003 at 09:01:09 (CST)

Hey Joshua,
Thanks for the kudos.
Check out Literary Market Place (in a library) for agents. Each agent usually gives an idea as to what kind of books they rep. Then query them. As many as it takes.
Good luck!
Ellen
USA - Thursday, January 16, 2003 at 23:00:49 (CST)

Hi! I'm a writer who's written one autobiographical confessional Henry-Millerish yet Beat-influenced book entitled "Insanity Factory". I've been working on another tome for years and years. I'm looking for an agent to help me give it saleable direction and motivate me. Check out my website, contact me, buy me dinner. If you're ever in Baltimore I can take you to the building in which a magazine editor decided to publish "Manuscript Found in a Bottle", Edgar Allen Poe's first sale. I wish I remembered the name of the magazine editor; it's on a brass plaque affixed to the front of the building. Editors are literature's unsung heroes. Kudos to Ellen Datlow!
Joshua Berlow
Baltimore, MD USA - Thursday, January 16, 2003 at 22:06:15 (CST)

Ellen:
I do plan to make it to KGB tonight, and really look forward to seeing you again. I checked out the place with my girlfriend the other night when we went to a play two doors down, and it looks pretty cool. Good selection of events, too; in addition to yours, I really want to see Mary Gaitskill read.

See you tonight!
Chris Hall
New York, NY USA - Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 13:12:52 (CST)

Paul,
Thank YOU for your very nice words.

Chris, of COURSE I remember you. So are you coming to KGB tonight? If you do and I don't recognize you...buttonhole me and say hi.:-)
Welcome to NY!
Ellen
USA - Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 10:38:45 (CST)

Ellen:
Very nice site, both here and the scifi site. If my name doesn't immediately click, I was in your 1991 Clarion West class. My writing career has shifted somewhat since then (doing a lot of nonfiction), but still going. I'm especially glad to see the bit about your reading series at the KGB; I just moved to New York from San Franciso to shack up with my girlfriend (nice Jewish girl from the Berkeley hills who came to NYC to direct theater), and am really working to make New York my home, rather than the place I live. Part of this is definitely finding my way into the intellectual and cultural life of the city. I look forward to checking out the KGB readings as part of that.
Chris Hall
New York, NY USA - Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 14:28:09 (CST)

Hi Ellen.
Wow thank you very much indeed. I thought my friends were joking with me. Thanks also for all your hard work over the years with helping writers and keeping good fiction alive and well. Pity there aren't more people like you. Best wishes. Paul.
Paul
UK - Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 14:12:59 (CST)

Hi Paul,
Yes it's true. The Honorable Mention of your story is in the YBFH #15.
Ellen
USA - Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 09:46:35 (CST)

Hi Ellen, great site. I have a question. I wrote a story a few years ago called 'Burning Angels Down.' Someone told me it got a mention in the latest Best Fantasy and Horror. I've not had the chance to see the book yet. Is this true? If so thank you. Best wishes. Paul.
Paul Joyce
UK - Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 07:30:57 (CST)

Lisa,
Glad to help :-)
Ellen
USA - Tuesday, January 07, 2003 at 15:23:47 (CST)

Thank you!! You are the greatest! And ya know...I couldnt think of the phrase "Proof reader"-thanks for that too..was having a brain glitch. Thanks again for your time!
Lisa
USA - Tuesday, January 07, 2003 at 08:48:43 (CST)

Hi Lisa,
An editor isn't a proofreader. If all you want is someone to proofread your stories for typos before you submit them, ask another writer friend and offer to do the same for her. For editorial advice you might want to try joining a writers' workshop where you can critique each other.
Ellen
USA - Monday, January 06, 2003 at 10:21:17 (CST)

Hi Ellen-
have a question for you...I am a beginning professional writer.*a moment of shameless self promotion* my first publication will be in the October issue of Dark Angel Rising magazine in the UK..*clears throat* um ok..and I am looking for an editor..someone to proof my stories before I submit? Any leads on how to find a good editor? Thanks..
Lisa
USA - Monday, January 06, 2003 at 08:46:44 (CST)

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