Thread by @molo_writes

As @thedreadmachine's Kickstarter campaign for Mixtape: 1986 progresses, I thought it might be fun to provide some insight into why I voted for each of the 16 stories that made it into the final table of contents.

#editing #publishing #amediting #anthology

(Before I continue this thread, the campaign: kickstarter.com/projects/thedr…)

1. @Joduckwo's story "One of Those Nice Guys" subverted my expectations by the end of page 1, packing in detail and immediate intrigue that kept me guessing. The ending is tight, which I appreciate after reading so many promising stories that fall apart by the last page.

2. "Working the Graveyard Shift" (by Eli Jones) opens like an 80s era action movie and maintains tension as you learn more about the protagonist and his mission. I'm not usually a fan of plot twist Jones used, but he executes it quite well (did I mention the tension?!).

3. @AliSeay11's "Just Elaine" is fast-paced and riveting, with a heavy dose of nostalgia that brought me back to summers wandering the boardwalk at night. The clincher for this one (for me) was the exploration of sisterhood, loss, acceptance, and... damn, what an ending!

(Note: I am a *huge* sucker for stories where authors write locations they know well. When people say 'write what you know', *places* you know are a key component that often gets overlooked. Take me on adventures! Show me your corner of the world, even if it's mundane to you!)

(Please know that every time someone writes well a place I frequented at some point, I squee while reading, even if the story doesn't get accepted. I own an anthology because one story mentions an unremarkable part of my old commute, because AHHH SOMEONE ELSE NOTICED IT, TOO!)

4. Edith Lockwood's "Derailed" hits you in the feels and kicks you while you're down, and it was an instant YES from me. The ending made me cry. 'nuf said.

(Have to stop here for now, planning to continue or finish the thread sometime tomorrow!)

I'm baaack!

5. Andrew Punzo's "The Neon Knight" features a distinct, fairy tale-like narrative voice that blends the magic of discovering a new machine in your favorite arcade with creeping dread. I enjoyed how well the slow transition from whimsical to horror made me forget the page count.

6. Amanda Cecelia Lang's story "Latchkey" visits the frantic fear and anxiety of a latchkey kid fending off unseen monsters every night. This story tugged my heartstrings while taking me on a trip to visit my own childhood monsters and rituals/superstitions.

Short fiction writers: your story has high odds of publication in many markets if it can connect on a visceral level with the editors reading it. Short fiction doesn't give you a lot of space to work with; let vivid emotions be your shorthand and guide your characters ( + plots).

7. "Dots and Dashes" by @ShenoaSays stood out to me because of how well she used 2nd person perspective, which is hard to do! Most 2nd person submissions I see are way too long for their own good. This story starts with a universally terrifying situation and explores from there.

8. @keily_blair's "The Day Caroline Bloomed" features rich, poetic prose that somehow manages to stay concise. This story has a glorious, bittersweet vibe with vivid imagery. I adored the protagonist & knew from the first line it was almost a certainly a "yes" vote from me.

Out of time again, I'll be back later if I can, otherwise look for more tomorrow!

Sorry, fell into a void. I'm back!

9. "Designs on Redemption" by @chrisdestefano was (I think) the only story we received that featured a ridiculous 80s party on a yacht. Think Narcos + the Flammable Fabrics Act + dread. I couldn't predict what would happen next. Such a fun, suspenseful read! #mixtape1986 #horror

10. In "Welcome to Camp Klehani", @cstephensauthor captured the tone my thoughts used when my parents forced Teenage Monica to go somewhere she didn't like. That instant connection on Page 1 + Caleb's vivid setting and plot made me want to keep reading. #horror #mixtape1986

@cstephensauthor 11. Brent Larson's "The Angler" introduces the reader to a pair of young friends & (vividly) to an abandoned Florida resort on the water. Themes of identity, friendship, and betrayal punctuate the suspense of the plot. #mixtape1986 #horror

12. "Jaws" by @BurgleInfernal was an instant ACCEPT from me because it was so polished and concise. Luisa just had jaw surgery (😱), and I needed to know how that + the title tied into our submission call's dreadful theme. Excellent ending! #horror #mixtape1986

@BurgleInfernal 13. @MarkTowsey12's "Brian" is classic '80s-style horror. The writing is vivid & I found it quite an unsettling read. Evaluating this story forced me to separate my gut reaction of OH GOD NO from my objective assessment whether it was well-written (and yes, well-written it is!)

(Editing horror challenges me to set my knee-jerk reactions aside. I try to unpack that OH GOD NO feeling of dread & assess what *specifically* an author did to elicit it & how frequently the same methods/techniques surface in our submission pool.)

14. "And the Universe Went On" by @JasonPBurnhamMD was the strongest submission we read regarding the global spread of HIV/AIDS & corresponding stigmas. A dreadful, yet beautiful, story. Thinking about the ending now is making me tear up again. #horror #loveislove #mixtape1986

@JasonPBurnhamMD 15. When we received @ChristiNogle's "Every Day's a Party (With You)", I thought it was a manuscript mix-up; I didn't expect a Christmas-y story to fit our submission call. Turns out I was the mixed-up one! You're in for a treat if you've been craving a dreadful-yet-cozy tale!

Last (but not least)!:

16. "When the Streetlights Go Off" by @PACornellWriter = great example of using key phrases in a submission call to catch the editor's attention! I identified w/ being the reluctant friend talked into something + liked the themes (friendship, loyalty).

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