Then, it politely hands us a napkin.

Such is the fare of Black Rose, a handsomely illustrated full size digest of supernatural/ghost and horror/dark fantasy literature from both established and emerging writers. The magazine is just one of many creative projects juggled by editor and publisher David Dunning. As is the case with those who refuse to rigidly conform to the trite standards so rampant in the mega-circulation arena of "The Glossies", Mr Dunning is unlikely to grow rich from his efforts. His readers, on the other hand, are sure to be enriched by a job well done.

My shamefully delayed review is gleaned from reading issue #6 (January 2001). It would be impossible to choose a favorite story. All were well written and seductive in their own ways. But as a writer and reader of the ever widening genre of Horror, I'm haunted, as usual, by a select few that managed to crawl into my psyche's dusty attic...and linger.

I was struck by the immense depth in a rather brief piece by Michael Bracken, titled "The Season of their Lives". It spoke to me on numerous levels-- just plain curdled my insides. (Note: Heavy-duty rumination curdles this reviewer's insides. This is nearly always a good thing.)

Tim Curran. Keep a wary eye out for this guy. He gives me the creeps. (This is also a good thing.) His tale, "The Cadaver", wove a mesmerizing web around me. His atmospheric style paints images so vivid, it leaves one looking like a newly plucked goose.

Black Rose is both reader friendly and author/artist friendly. By this I mean that submissions by email are welcomed. This raises a monumental point I feel compelled to present, since the very subject has thrown me into a surly snit, and I make no apology for the following rant:

I have tried and failed to find logical and fair reasoning behind the "hard copy ONLY" submission procedure mandated by the majority of professional pay-rate, high circulation magazines. I doubt if a person would run out of fingers and toes counting the publications in this category which accept esubs. I will now attempt to coherently list my thoughts on this matter.

#1 Don't they make enough profits to buy computers? Huh?

#2 Don't they realize they're excluding a ton of talent due to the fact that the cost of postage to mail "dead tree subs" can mean choosing between a trip to the grocery store and the possibility of of seeing one's creations published? Authors/artists thrive on being able to stir and inspire others. And yes, we deserve compensation for our labors. The "hard copy ONLY" restriction too often limits widespread exposure and ample monetary compensation to those who need it least.

#3 SHAME SHAME!!!

*whew*...OK, now that I've blown my chances for fame and fortune, I'll return to my regularly scheduled mantra: Long live "small press" horror!

Show your support by subscribing to as many of these struggling, excellent publications as possible. And send 'em some of your best work, too...

BLACK ROSE PUBLICATIONS
10 saint malachy's drive, greenhills, dublin 12, ireland
E-Mail address dunningd@gofree.indigo.ie

GUIDELINES for Writers and Artists as from 1st January 2001. BLACK ROSE.

WRITERS We welcome short stories of no specific length. Traditional ghost stories/ supernatural tales/ dark fantasy/ horror fiction stories are wanted. No blood/gore, monsters from space with chainsaws going mad type stories please. We especially welcome fiction from new writers. We do now accept vampire/werewolf stories, but please, stories of originality only.

Payment is £5 - * ($15 -*) per story with a complimentary copy of BLACK ROSE. There is a £5 ($10) prize for the best voted story in each issue.

ARTISTS We are looking for illustrations on A4 paper with a ghost/horror theme. What we would like are everyday situations with an hidden supernatural/evil theme. The chosen illustrations will then be provided with fiction from the magazine and asked to provide illustrations to suit. If illustrations are suitable they will be included in the magazine. We pay £5 ($10) for a full page illustration, £2.50 ($5) for a 1/2 page and so on, with a complimentary copy of BLACK ROSE. We are also always looking for arcane symbols/ drawings/ artwork suitable to use in the magazine/promotion/logo. Payment from £2.50 ($5) - **. Please note that it's not guaranteed that the same illustrators will be used every issue.

ALL All work must be submitted on one side of an A4 (U.S.A. equivalent) paper. Lines must be double-spaced. Titles of stories must be on a separate sheet of paper with a word count. All submissions must be accompanied by an adequate size s.a.e. or sufficient IRC's/postage for return of work. Alternatively, please clearly state that submissions is returnable, if not clearly stated it will be treated as disposable. Always send an adequate size envelope for reply. No s.a.e., no reply. All correspondences to publishers must include an s.a.e. for reply. A reply time of six weeks is guaranteed, if not sooner, with a constructive criticism. Please note that only Irish stamps can be used in Ireland.

BLACK ROSE PUBLICATIONS is a labour of love, so please be patient. All writers/artists are asked to send a biography of themselves in 50 words. All monies will be paid in cheque/International Money Order. (* depending on fiction length) (** to be decided)

SUBMISSIONS NOW ACCEPTED THROUGH E-MAIL.
E-MAIL dunningd@gofree.indigo.ie