Seems that it's customary at this time of the year to celebrate one's accomplishments. I for one think it's a good idea. The failures and pitfalls of a year are too easy to focus on. Why not take a moment to see what went right? To that end, below is a list of stories I've been fortunate enough to get published in the last year. Although I have a few tales in the pipeline, scheduled to be released in 2020, some as early as January, this list is more about 2019.
This was a rough year for a lot of reasons. Not just personally but professionally. Every accomplishment kept me going, and none of them ever struck me as minor. There's a joy that comes with an acceptance letter, the proof your effort wasn't a waste of time -- it's difficult to describe. Think of it like this. Imagine that person you were always attracted to, and now you've taken the chance, asked them out. Them saying yes is what getting an acceptance letter is like.
As the year comes to a close and we venture into a new decade, I'd just like to thank you all for reading and being a part of this writer/storyteller adventure I'm on. Readers make it worthwhile and feel more like I'm sharing with someone not just talking to myself. So, please, enjoy!
Anyway, let's get started! In no particular order check out...
THE SIRENS CALL (#45)
This free ezine contains a host of quality horror stories and poetry. Guaranteed to chill your blood just the way you like, it also holds within my flash fiction tale of terror "The Cursed Crave Silence." This is a quick read, but one full of disturbing imagery painting a full portrait of a town cursed to a terrible doom.
http://www.sirenscallpublications.com/pdfs/SirensCallEZine_June2019.pdf
This was a rough year for a lot of reasons. Not just personally but professionally. Every accomplishment kept me going, and none of them ever struck me as minor. There's a joy that comes with an acceptance letter, the proof your effort wasn't a waste of time -- it's difficult to describe. Think of it like this. Imagine that person you were always attracted to, and now you've taken the chance, asked them out. Them saying yes is what getting an acceptance letter is like.
As the year comes to a close and we venture into a new decade, I'd just like to thank you all for reading and being a part of this writer/storyteller adventure I'm on. Readers make it worthwhile and feel more like I'm sharing with someone not just talking to myself. So, please, enjoy!
Anyway, let's get started! In no particular order check out...
THE SIRENS CALL (#45)
This free ezine contains a host of quality horror stories and poetry. Guaranteed to chill your blood just the way you like, it also holds within my flash fiction tale of terror "The Cursed Crave Silence." This is a quick read, but one full of disturbing imagery painting a full portrait of a town cursed to a terrible doom.
http://www.sirenscallpublications.com/pdfs/SirensCallEZine_June2019.pdf
THE EKPHRASTIC REVIEW
This year I became acquainted with a new writing concept. Ekphrastic writing is essentially that which explores an image, painting or picture. This periodical published my story "Saudade" about a woman trapped in a marriage slowly losing her mind. The Bohemian lifestyle that drew her lover to her is nothing but a memory, and she can feel the walls closing in -- her life now a prison not a joy. Inspired by The Woman in the Striped Dress, Jean-Édouard Vuillard (France) 1895, I invite you to read this tale of escape from maddening ennui and banality.
http://www.ekphrastic.net/ekphrastic/saudade-by-j-rohr
MERCURIAL STORIES
Responding to a prompt, a monthly writing challenge, I put together the story "Butterflies" in response to the word red. This tale of growing up in a rough part of the city is an almost surreal story about escaping horror through poetic vision. If you liked The House on Mango Street, this bittersweet grittiness will captivate you.
https://mercurialstories.com/2019/03/17/volume-2-issue-4-red/7/
This year I became acquainted with a new writing concept. Ekphrastic writing is essentially that which explores an image, painting or picture. This periodical published my story "Saudade" about a woman trapped in a marriage slowly losing her mind. The Bohemian lifestyle that drew her lover to her is nothing but a memory, and she can feel the walls closing in -- her life now a prison not a joy. Inspired by The Woman in the Striped Dress, Jean-Édouard Vuillard (France) 1895, I invite you to read this tale of escape from maddening ennui and banality.
http://www.ekphrastic.net/ekphrastic/saudade-by-j-rohr
MERCURIAL STORIES
Responding to a prompt, a monthly writing challenge, I put together the story "Butterflies" in response to the word red. This tale of growing up in a rough part of the city is an almost surreal story about escaping horror through poetic vision. If you liked The House on Mango Street, this bittersweet grittiness will captivate you.
https://mercurialstories.com/2019/03/17/volume-2-issue-4-red/7/
GAME OVER
This anthology from Lycan Valley Press is described by the publisher as follows: "The Lycan Valley Reaper loves to play games — everything from board games to outdoor games to mind games. He hates to lose and doesn’t always play fair. Sometimes things get a little… messy. And, in the end, it’s Game Over." Inside is my story "Offerings" that features a very sinister take on world peace. It almost isn't worth the blood it costs. Or is it? The story will leave you unsure.
https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1490642504?fbclid=IwAR3eAwgLryvbmv-KgR45mnHA_LjRj4OQOlyr9wyO4WkkR-4e2q3AMwtXDbM
This anthology from Lycan Valley Press is described by the publisher as follows: "The Lycan Valley Reaper loves to play games — everything from board games to outdoor games to mind games. He hates to lose and doesn’t always play fair. Sometimes things get a little… messy. And, in the end, it’s Game Over." Inside is my story "Offerings" that features a very sinister take on world peace. It almost isn't worth the blood it costs. Or is it? The story will leave you unsure.
https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1490642504?fbclid=IwAR3eAwgLryvbmv-KgR45mnHA_LjRj4OQOlyr9wyO4WkkR-4e2q3AMwtXDbM
HALLOWEEN (from Aphotic Realm)
"Beware the Láir Bhán" was just a joy to write, a classic horror story for lovers of atmospheric pieces inspired by black and white cinema treasures. This is sure to keep you up at night wondering if the Láir Bhán is coming for you.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1704153662/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_vqjVDb9CY816R?fbclid=IwAR1PHu51DQYsm0wtLSm4O-t9jieKj9Vmkus3LYRvwQ6dTXvwzSDodNqiQ5Q
"Beware the Láir Bhán" was just a joy to write, a classic horror story for lovers of atmospheric pieces inspired by black and white cinema treasures. This is sure to keep you up at night wondering if the Láir Bhán is coming for you.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1704153662/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_vqjVDb9CY816R?fbclid=IwAR1PHu51DQYsm0wtLSm4O-t9jieKj9Vmkus3LYRvwQ6dTXvwzSDodNqiQ5Q
MONSTERS (DARK DRABBLES #3)
From Black Hare Press comes an anthology of what I'd call tapas horror. Bite-sized stories no more than a 100 words long yet each containing everything necessary to get a quality taste of terror. Inside is my tale "Swallow" and I think the title says a lot on its own. It will make you squirm.
https://www.amazon.com/MONSTERS-Horror-Microfiction-Anthology-Drabbles-ebook/dp/B07SGWSQVY/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1577803510&refinements=p_27%3AJ+Rohr&s=digital-text&sr=1-2&text=J+Rohr
From Black Hare Press comes an anthology of what I'd call tapas horror. Bite-sized stories no more than a 100 words long yet each containing everything necessary to get a quality taste of terror. Inside is my tale "Swallow" and I think the title says a lot on its own. It will make you squirm.
https://www.amazon.com/MONSTERS-Horror-Microfiction-Anthology-Drabbles-ebook/dp/B07SGWSQVY/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1577803510&refinements=p_27%3AJ+Rohr&s=digital-text&sr=1-2&text=J+Rohr
This is the second time I've gotten the pleasure of being included in The Mad Scientist Journal. "Regarding Julian" is an interesting piece about the psychology of cybernetics as well as the possible birth of a villain, though maybe that last one is just your prejudice showing.
https://www.amazon.com/Mad-Scientist-Journal-Winter-2020-ebook/dp/B082JRFJQM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=mad+scientist+journal&qid=1577809214&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/Mad-Scientist-Journal-Winter-2020-ebook/dp/B082JRFJQM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=mad+scientist+journal&qid=1577809214&sr=8-1
SWITCHBLADE: ISSUE #9
Switchblade is outlaw noir at its best. It was a pleasure writing them a story as well as a real joy getting published by them. They kindly released my story "Unanswered Prayers" in a collection with so many other fantastic writers. This is mystery, heartbreak, blood, and noir to satisfy your craving. My story is about a priest with a dark secret trying to find peace of mind by solving a murder no one wants to.
https://www.amazon.com/Switchblade-Issue-Paul-D-Marks-ebook/dp/B07QW5GVZF/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=switchblade+magazine&qid=1577803495&sr=8-4
Switchblade is outlaw noir at its best. It was a pleasure writing them a story as well as a real joy getting published by them. They kindly released my story "Unanswered Prayers" in a collection with so many other fantastic writers. This is mystery, heartbreak, blood, and noir to satisfy your craving. My story is about a priest with a dark secret trying to find peace of mind by solving a murder no one wants to.
https://www.amazon.com/Switchblade-Issue-Paul-D-Marks-ebook/dp/B07QW5GVZF/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=switchblade+magazine&qid=1577803495&sr=8-4
DRAGON BIKE: Fantastical Stories of Bicycling, Feminism, and Dragons
Getting to be in this anthology meant a lot. Not only did I thoroughly enjoying writing the story "Slow Burn, Steady Flame" but working with the excellent editors on this project made my story so much better. This is a story about a young woman dealing with generational scars, abuse, and finding her inner strength in a dragon graveyard. Fantastical and unreal, it's bound to burn your heart a bit.
https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Bike-Fantastical-Bicycling-Feminism/dp/1621060470/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=dragon+bike+elly+blue&qid=1577803871&sr=8-1
PULP APPEAL
The publication Broadswords and Blasters features an online blog entitled Pulp Appeal. It's an excellent source for pulp content. This year I got the privilege of guest writing two pieces for them. One is about a classic radio drama called "I Love a Mystery: The Thing that Cries in the Night" and the other is about the cosmic horror novel "The House on the Borderland." Both are tales to inspire nightmares, but these articles are about more than mere plot summary. They also touch on what makes them dread filling stories as well as how they link to modern fiction.
https://broadswordsandblasters.com/2019/02/11/pulp-appeal-i-love-a-mystery/
https://broadswordsandblasters.com/2019/10/28/pulp-consumption-the-house-on-the-borderland-guest-post-by-j-rohr/
Getting to be in this anthology meant a lot. Not only did I thoroughly enjoying writing the story "Slow Burn, Steady Flame" but working with the excellent editors on this project made my story so much better. This is a story about a young woman dealing with generational scars, abuse, and finding her inner strength in a dragon graveyard. Fantastical and unreal, it's bound to burn your heart a bit.
https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Bike-Fantastical-Bicycling-Feminism/dp/1621060470/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=dragon+bike+elly+blue&qid=1577803871&sr=8-1
PULP APPEAL
The publication Broadswords and Blasters features an online blog entitled Pulp Appeal. It's an excellent source for pulp content. This year I got the privilege of guest writing two pieces for them. One is about a classic radio drama called "I Love a Mystery: The Thing that Cries in the Night" and the other is about the cosmic horror novel "The House on the Borderland." Both are tales to inspire nightmares, but these articles are about more than mere plot summary. They also touch on what makes them dread filling stories as well as how they link to modern fiction.
https://broadswordsandblasters.com/2019/02/11/pulp-appeal-i-love-a-mystery/
https://broadswordsandblasters.com/2019/10/28/pulp-consumption-the-house-on-the-borderland-guest-post-by-j-rohr/
Last but not least, I put out the second album for my music project BEERFINGER. Okay, technically these are songs not stories, but excuse a little shameless self promotion. Entitled Bushido Bovine this one went in a more metal direction than the first album. However, there's still plenty of weird lyrics and sweet riffs to keep you grooving. Stay tuned as I plan a third album to drop in 2020 as soon as I can. So keep you ears open for the sounds of Heart of the Machine, though until then, enjoy Bushido Bovine!
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/beerfinger/1338955989
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6qykcIgyqaOweK7kTx5WNg
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/beerfinger/1338955989
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6qykcIgyqaOweK7kTx5WNg
RSS Feed
