2016. Huh. Started well. Went downhill really quickly. Then it gathered speed. At this rate it’ll bust its way into 2017 and beyond.

Similarly, first half of the year started well for me, writing wise. Second half of the year…not so much. Here’s the obligatory wrap-up. Excuse me whilst I warm myself beside some scraped together reader comments. Every little helps.

1. “The Osteomancer’s Husband” – January, Diabolical Plots.

“We are left with curiosity and wonder of what may have been and what things will come. I hope that a follow on comes at some point because I really would like to know what happens next. I was captured by the story and in such a short time I give the author a great deal of credit. Well done.”

– Eric Kimminau, Tangent Online

(Also on the Tangent Online Recommended Reading List 2016.)

“This story had me reading faster and faster, eating up the words. Good read.”

– Becky, DP comments

“Brilliant and so bewitching! I ripped through this. The imagery at the end of the bone flower is awesome.”

– Julia, DP comments

“Yes, beautiful prose. A soaring imagination. Enjoyed it. And feel any story that touches on intolerance is worthwhile.”

– Lisa, DP comments

2. “In the Belly of the Angel” – January, Metaphorosis.

“A rich tale and disturbing. Beautifully told.”

– Gerald Warfield, Metaphorosis comments

“Mind-blowingly imaginative!!”

– Julia, Metaphorosis comments

3. “The Velna Valsis” – February, Fantasy Scroll Magazine.

“Well okay then. You know, as far as Nazi stories go, this one isn’t bad… it is a nicely balanced and flowing story. There is a sweep and flow to it, and a slow reveal. So yeah, go check it out.”

– Charles Payseur, Quick Sip Reviews

“…sometimes a short jab to the gut is all you need to make your point, and this one hits the reader hard.”

– John O’Neill, Black Gate

4. “Against the Venom Tide” – June, Mirror Dance.

“Nice, unique idea for the reed islands. Bravo.”

 

– Matencera, MD comments

…And so.

What will 2017 bring?

I predict a riot.