Story stuff and Moonah trees

Oh hey, friends! Hope you're all doing okay. I'm quietly emerging from my cave for a quick catch-up and some new publication announcements (woo hoo!). We moved from inner Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula last week and, since then, I've had an anthology acceptance and a story produced for audio. I reckon it's the magic of the Moonah trees.

Nikko frothing over all those big sticks.

How good is nature? For me, it really is the ultimate grounder. I'm a stress-head at the best of times; I worry about being a good person, I worry about the world, I worry about my loved ones, my health...about how much I worry about worrying. Enter the Moonah trees. Our new house is absolutely shrouded by these native Aussies, and just standing under them brings me a sense of peace that I haven't felt in a long time. The way they sway in the wind—calm, lazy, unbothered—I feel blessed to share space with these divine coastal evergreens. And apparently they bloom with white flowers in summer. Stoppppppp!

Moonah trees. The perfect inkblot.

Trees aside, I'm so grateful to be living back at the beach. It's definitely not as warm as Queensland, but there is something hauntingly beautiful about Victorian coastlines—and it feels like providence when it comes to finishing the elusive novel. It has also inspired me to put together a collection of "Coastal Chills" in the coming year.

But let's focus on the now! I have some exciting stuff to share...

Samhain Screams - Black Beacon Books

I'm stoked to announce that my Halloween story "Candy Train" has found a home in Samhain Screams, edited by Greg Chapman and Cameron Trost. Check out that TOC! Stacked! This All-Hallow's antho will be released around October, just in time for the spooky season. Stay tuned for pre-order details.

Season 23, Episode 1 - The NoSleep Podcast

How cool is this? The audio production of my short story "Moulder" just kicked off the 23rd season of The NoSleep Podcast...and it even has Aussie accents! I am beyond thrilled! Moulder was originally published in 2023 in Midnight Echo 18: Cursed.

Check out the NoSleep version here:

In submission news, I still have seven short stories pending rejection/acceptance, and I recently sold a bizarro horror for a forthcoming anthology...details to come.

Talk soon, legends. Stay safe out there.

I'll be underneath the Moonahs, breathing and dreaming.

Em