Today Herika R. Raymer is back, and talking about all sorts of awesome things! Inspiration, genre writing, editing, and the fabulous cooperative Imagicopter – it’s all here! I’m in awe of all the things Herika is involved in (and does so very well at), and I can add from experience that if you are a writer or artist, you want to check out Imagicopter. It’s a great concept and has been a great experience for me so far.
So join me and let’s see what Herika has to say!
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Greetings and Salutations! Thank you Selah for allowing me this opportunity, truly! Well, I will try to make this Guest Post as interesting as I can.
My name is Herika R Raymer and I write speculative fiction in addition to being an editor for a horror anthology. Writing speculative fiction, from what I understand, means that I write across genres – mostly science fiction, steampunk, horror, and fantasy. I am currently dabbling with microstories (stories under 200 words) and flash fiction (stories under 1000 words), and have found it a rewarding challenge. I can say that most of my stories are horror and fantasy, as that seems to be what I am most comfortable with. Though I find it amazing that most genres cross a lot more than initially anticipated. I have noticed a lot of science fiction is also horror, and that fantasy can be dramatic as well as horrific. I can say that steampunk is definitely my favorite. For me, it is difficult to write, however I do love reading it!
How do I think up a story, or what is my inspiration? Depends on what I am experiencing at the time. I could be reading, watching a movie, listening to music, driving, or just daydreaming and something will click. Unfortunately, I do not always have a pen and notebook handy – yes I write long-hand as well as electronically – and some stories do get lost. The weird thing is that often they recur in my head, so I sometimes get a second chance. It is wonderful when that happens, because sometimes the sequel is better than the original. Writing is difficult because, once the story is done, then comes the proofing and finding a possible venue. I have always found that submitting stories is akin to auditioning for a new job. I am always nervous, pensive, and anticipating the response. It is discouraging when I get rejections, but the elation I feel at an acceptance helps keep my spirits up. One thing I will say for getting rejections, it has lessened my fear of the word ‘no’, and has given me bravery to try new things even in my non-writing life.
To find a selection of anthologies my stories are in, please visit my website at herikarraymer.webs.com
I am also an Editor for a horror anthology known as ‘Cover of Darkness’, available from Sam’s Dot Publishing. Being an editor has helped my own writing, and I do recommend becoming a slush reader for a publishing company – if they will let you. It is grueling work, I will not lie. You will see great stories, good stories, okay stories, and downright stinkers. However, what you glean from the good and greats helps you in the end, I believe. I became an editor after I met with, submitted stories to, and talked with the managing editor of a publishing company at a convention. He first assigned me to be an Assistant Editor to three anthologies and the task was to read the slush, pick out the stories I would recommend to publish, and then provide my reasons as to why. The same went for anything I was not impressed by. Once again, my reasoning must have been satisfactory because I was eventually promoted to Editor of ‘Cover of Darkness’. I make it sound like it happened fast, but this took time, and I still have to prove myself. If I start slipping, then I am sure another will be found to replace me. I also offer critique when and where I can, and simply hope that the writer does not take offense. It is amazing how many ‘thank yous’ I have gotten for taking that extra step. Other editors warn me that I might burn out from doing that, since you cannot help everyone and some people do not want help – not to mention it is time-consuming. They may be right, but I treat each story as I hope to have my own treated. If it is rejected, I would really like to know why and what I might do to improve it. My thinking is that I cannot be the only writer who thinks that way. A list of the ‘Cover of Darkness’ anthologies I edit for is also on my site.
I have more direct experiences with my geekzine ‘Imagyro’, available for free download at http://www.wix.com/imagyro/home. I usually have to put together most of the articles, but thankfully I do have some regular contributors. However, assembling the magazine still takes energy and I have to say that my experience with ‘Cover of Darkness’ has definitely helped.
What is ‘Imagyro’? It is the geekzine for the voluntary cooperative known as Imagicopter, comprised of authors, artists, and hopefully soon musicians. ‘Imagyro’ features interviews with the participants of Imagicopter as well as articles on conventions, book signings, and other possible venues like fairs as well as book and movie reviews. On the whole, Imagicopter’s goal is to raise awareness of local talent by offering lesser known talent a means to get their product in front of a larger crowd by use of networking and helping to promote one another. It is voluntary, free, and participants are free to leave whenever they choose. Unfortunately, it is not a publishing or promotional agency, so it does not guarantee sales or even an increase in presence. However, it does try. You can read more about it at the Imagicopter site just look it up on Google and go to the Wix site!
I have been with Imagicopter since its beginning, and have been amazed and delighted at its growth. I sincerely hope it will continue to grow and continue to help its participants. We are still in the ‘under five year’ stage, so we are still learning. Only, I do not think there will not be a time when we are not learning. Find us on Wix and on Facebook, ask questions, we would be happy to answer!
I hope you found this guest post informative, and thanks again to Selah Janel!
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