Pagpag released in Apex Magazine #89

Pagpag was the third, though far from last, story I wrote inspired by Filipino folklore and urban legends. The antagonists in this are based on the aswang, though unlike my previous story "Servant of the Aswang," I've taken some liberties with the folklore to give readers a little something new. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Apex #89

The issue features original fiction by Kristi DeMeester and me, as well as a reprint by Adam Roberts. You can purchase a Kindle version of the issue at Amazon.

Sales and releases from January to March, 2016

I've been a bit slow on the update, but I plan to fix that now. First, sales:

Pseudopod Podcast accepted a second story from me, this one a slighter piece entitled, "A Thing in All My Things." It originally appeared in Urban Fantasy Magazine. Really looking forward to hearing this one read, but we'll have to wait until at least 2017 for that.

Apex Magazine picked up my story, "Pagpag." This is the third of three stories I wrote that were inspired by Filipino folklore and urban legend and I couldn't be more pleased! The first, "Servant of the Aswang," originally appeared in Penumbra eMag and was recently released on audio by Pseudopod. The second, "Multo, originally appeared in Apex Magazine, was reprinted in The Best of Apex Magazine Vol. 1, was voted Apex Story of the Year for 2015, and was released on audio by The Overcast. No word, yet, when "Pagpag" will be released, but the contract has been signed. Can't wait to see what people think!

Guardbridge Books has accepted my story "The Last Great Failing of the Light," a dark second world fantasy, for their Myriad Lands anthology. Contract signed and already working on edits!

Releases:

The Best of Apex Magazine Vol. 1, including my story "Multo."

Pseudopod #480, featuring my story "Servant of the Aswang."

Shock Totem #10, including my story, "Winter Fever."

The Audio Version of "Multo" is Now Live!

The Overcast and J. S. Arquin just released an audio version of my story "Multo" on mp3, iTunes and Stitcher. Check it out at The Overcast's website!

("Multo" first appeared in Apex Magazine #68, January 2015).

Reprint Sale: Multo

The Overcast Podcast just accepted my story, "Multo," a Filipino ghost story. If everything goes as expected, they plan to release it in time for Halloween! I'm always excited to sell a story, but reprint podcasts hold a special place in my heart. Really looking forward to this one!

"Multo" released in Apex Magazine #68

Issue #68 of Apex Magazine just dropped and it includes my Filipino ghost story, "Multo." I'm absolutely thrilled to have it find a home as prestigious as Apex. Hope you love it!

Special thanks to Aunt Joy for providing new Tagalog translations and for correcting and/or verifying my own sad attempts. This story wouldn't even be half as good without her!

Sale: "Multo"

A while back I posted about a huge sale to an SFWA qualified market. Well, I finally signed the contract and had it counter-signed, and I'm ready to open up. That market was Apex Magazine! Yesterday and today I've been working with the staff (Lesley and Jason) to get the story ready for publication. The copy edits have been approved, my bio and pic are subbed, my payment preference noted. All things a go for January, 2015.

"Multo" was the first story I wrote that incorporated aspects of Filipino folklore and superstition. It may surprise some to know that, despite the Italian last name, I'm half Filipino and it means a lot that this story found a home at a great place like Apex!

"Servant of the Aswang" Tangent review!

Tangent reviewed my story "Servant of the Aswang" today. Click here to read the entire review, including their take on four other stories written in this, “A Night at the Villa Diodati” themed issue of Penumbra. (Spoiler: "I really liked it!")

"Servant of the Aswang" released today by Penumbra eMag

My story, "Servant of the Aswang," was released yesterday in Penumbra's A Night at the Villa Diodati themed issue. I haven't gotten my contributor copy yet, but I'm under the impression this will be an awesome set of creature stories, from the rare and unheard up, to the absolutely fabricated. My story is a dark fantasy set in modern-day Philippines. It's available for purchase for $3.99 in PDF here.

The cover for Penumbra's March 2014 issue

The Penumbra eMag cover for March has been posted online. This "A Night at the Villa Diodati" themed issue will include my story "Servant of the Aswang." Hat tip to Michael Haynes who will be sharing the TOC with me!

Sale: Servant of the Aswang

I'm pleased to announce the sale of "Servant of the Aswang" to Penumbra eMag. I'm particularly proud of this story because it incorporates what is called the lower mythology of the Philippines. Being half Filipino, it's a subject I've been interested in for quite some time and I'm proud to be able to present a unique aspect of Filipino culture to the English speaking world. The fact that it's through Penumbra, one of the finest genre mags out there, only makes it that much more thrilling.

This marks my second sale of the year, and my fourth overall to Penumbra. Time to celebrate by writing a new story!