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<\/a><\/p>\nSILENCE: Untold Cases of Algernon Blackwood\u2019s Psychic Doctor<\/h1>\n
An Open Call by Dave Brzeski\/Belanger Books<\/strong><\/p>\n We have some great stories for this forthcoming anthology, but as of early June 2024, we now think we can still squeeze in another couple of tales. So we\u2019re extending the deadline until July 15th. We\u2019re no longer looking for longer stories, so all submissions should be in the 6,000 \u2013 10,000 word range. $150 for accepted works. The Kickstarter for this project, from Belanger Books, will open in July 2024.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n PLEASE NOTE: For this project, it is essential that you read or have already read all six of <\/span><\/span><\/strong>Algernon Blackwood\u2019s John Silence stories from 1908.<\/span> <\/strong>Five of these were published in John Silence, Physician Extraordinary, and are available to read or download free through Project Gutenberg: <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.gutenberg.org\/ebooks\/49222<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n A sixth story from 1914, \u2018A Victim of Higher Space\u2019, is included in the Algernon Blackwood <\/span><\/span>collection, Day and Night Stories, which is also available to read or download free through Project Gutenberg: <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.gutenberg.org\/ebooks\/45964<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n All of them can be found in Dover\u2019s The Complete John Silence, edited by S.T. Joshi (this is the recommended option) and in various other collections \u2014 do try to avoid the assorted sub-standard POD, or Kindle versions that can be be found on Amazon, as they tend to be somewhat typo-ridden. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Dr John Silence did not consider himself, or describe himself as, an occult detective. He was a \u2018psychic doctor\u2019, seeking to alleviate distress, and to free people from unusual and traumatic situations. He operated as an independent consultant, charging no fees, and was helped by various assistants at different times, usually someone who had at least a basic sensitivity to psychic phenomena. Two of these men are mentioned in the original stories, the earliest one \u2014 Hubbard \u2014 being a sort of \u2018Watson\u2019 to his \u2018Holmes\u2019. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n His outlook and his abilities are frequently described by Blackwood, sometimes with specific mentions of his own extensive psychic training (without details), his unusual awareness and abilities, and his view on \u2018Higher Planes\u2019, the nature of Good and Evil, and the condition of human soul. Unlike Holmes, he recognises the existence of malign psychic forces, though he tends to consider these as part of an orderly universe where logic can still be of value. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Stories should have all the following elements: <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 1. John Silence as a key element. In keeping with the original stories, Silence does not have to be the main protagonist throughout. He may, for example, be the authority of last resort, the deus ex machina who saves the day, the instigator of events, etc. Removal of Silence from the story, on the other hand, should significantly detract from it. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 2. Silence as the canonical psychic doctor in the style that Blackwood envisaged, with the <\/span><\/span>same general nature and modus operandi. Writers are welcome to add to aspects of the <\/span><\/span>character (within sensible limits) but should not deduct from his already stated characteristics. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 3. Setting, societal and technological aspects in keeping with the Edwardian period, or any <\/span><\/span>reasonable period up to the late nineteen thirties, remembering that Silence would be getting on a bit by then. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 4. A decided psychic, paranormal, supernatural or occult problem. Unusual psychological <\/span><\/span>problems or issues may also qualify. Stories about general monster hunting and classic <\/span><\/span>monsters are unlikely to be chosen, unless their approach is particularly innovative and <\/span><\/span>relates to Silence\u2019s established range of activities. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n One thing that struck us on rereading the original tales was the sheer diversity in the stories. Smoke, and Flame, Silence\u2019s animal helpers only appear in one story. The narrator isn\u2019t always the same. One story is almost mad science, rather than supernatural, and another has Silence not even turn up until close to the end. So we stress. Do read the Blackwood stories before submitting. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n With the above in mind, we welcome a wide range of submissions, including: <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n We do NOT want time-travel stories, alien Dr Silences, or steampunk. We probably don\u2019t want Lovecraftiana, unless the latter is very clever, subtle and original, in which case we might have a glance. Draw on Blackwood\u2019s general canon and the background work of other period weird fiction authors (Machen, Hope Hodgson, James et al) as required. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Use any standard 12 point font, and general Shunn guidelines*. Indents by style, not by Tab or Space-bar. Submit in .doc, .docx or .odt format, with your submission attached to your email, not pasted in it. No .pdfs, Google Docs links or anything like that. Please include a brief cover note only \u2014 there is no need for bios or achievements at this stage. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Submissions MUST have the subject line Silence-Author\u2019s name-Story title. You can trim your story title down if it\u2019s rather long. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Submissions MUST have the author\u2019s name, email, and the word count of the story ncluded at the top of the document. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n NO REPRINTS; simultaneous submissions are acceptable, but please inform us immediately if your story sells elsewhere. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n *Shunn formatting can be found summarised here: <\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.shunn.net\/format\/story\/all\/<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n A NOTE ON INCLUSIVITY AND DISCRIMINATION<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n We welcome stories from writers in all sections of society and from all parts of the world, and we actively encourage contributors from traditionally less-published backgrounds of any nature. As for the content itself, non-white characters and settings are also welcome, as are stories with LGBTQ+ characters, and those with differing levels of physical ability. No token figures, though, please. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Whilst limited situational discrimination may occasionally be relevant in the context of the period \u2013 in order to reflect characters\u2019 life histories or traumas \u2013 sexism, homophobia, racism etc. in general will not be accepted. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Payment: Authors shall receive a payment of $150, and a paperback copy of the anthology. The Kickstarter for the book will run in July 2024. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nTHE CHARACTER <\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
SUBMISSIONS <\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
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TECHNICAL DETAILS <\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n