Posted on Scarlet Ferret 29 Dec 2021
Weird is a promise of interesting. It promises things other people haven't thought of yet, with the possibility of discomforting ideas ...
In a discussion on Twitter, a few of us were decrying the attitude of many publishers to Weird Fiction.
Much of weird fiction could perhaps be categorised as Slipstream (not Mainstream), but it's more than that. The larger publishers have been slow to get a grip, and have concentrated on aspects like the New Weird. Many actively avoid and dismiss the amazing work readers love to get their teeth into.
In our Twitter thread, author Ros Jackson provided a great description of how they saw weird fiction, and what it means to them.
"For me, weird is a promise of interesting. It promises things other people haven't thought of yet, with the possibility of discomforting ideas - and there are times when that hits the mark. I understand why the familiar appeals and is popular. But weird is why I like SFF." Ros Jackson (28/12/2021 11:55pm)
Here are some of our promises and possibilities...
Happy Reading
Outermen
by B.P. Gregory
An oppressed world locked inside a shell, without a single star to wish on. Now the void beyond has spat back Michael Formir, splintered in mind and body. And he may have brought something terrible with him.
Why you'll love Outermen
Amazingly-written, weird, claustrophobic, space, alternate Earth, horror story from a brilliant author who consistently nails it!
A tale of the Outside, what's beyond and, ultimately, fear of what may or may not be there. If there is something, stay hidden! If there isn't anything but a vast void, then stay home, be nice, don't explore, we're alone...
A story about society, and more.
The Devil's Revolver
by V. S. McGrath
She is Hettie Alabama — unlikely, scarred, single-minded, and blood bound to a revolver inhabited by a demon!
Why you'll love The Devil's Revolver
What a fantastic 'Weird West', magic, action, adventure tale!
This carefully constructed alternative Western story is populated with interesting, but not always likeable, characters. The magic is strange and unpredictable, and is very much part of the world, not added on top.
While a YA fantasy, the book never shies away from addressing the very real violence and horror of genocide and colonisation.
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