Now that the copyediting for Deep Blood is done, and I’m awaiting proofs, I’ve had a little time to regroup and think about what’s next, as far as writing goes. I do have a short fiction piece out now, under consideration by a crime noir journal, and I’m working on another.
And in the process of doing so, I’ve come across some really good noir journals and zines of late. It’s good to see a revival of the noir/pulp fiction genre, updated for our time, of course. It never really went away, but for a time Sam Spade got replaced by Thomas Magnum, Columbo and McGarrett. But now pulp fiction, noir, hard-boiled, whatever you want to call the genre, it’s back with a vengeance. The journals I’ve checked out are true to the source: they’re saucy and clever, action-packed guns-n-dames tales. True, it’s a genre not for everyone, but for die-hard pulp fans (and a new generation of fans), there are still plenty of writers following the paths of Raymond Chandler, James Cain, Mickey Spillane and John D. MacDonald.
For your reading pleasure, here’s a quick roundup of some of my recent favorites:
Thug Lit: Writing about Wrongs. The title pretty much says it all. It’s available at Amazon, where the description reads: “Like a shotgun blast of harsh words and mean intentions right to the eyeballs, THUGLIT is back once again to fill your face with white-hot pellets of today’s best crime fiction.” http://www.thuglit.com/
Plots With Guns: “An online literary journal for noir and transgressive fiction, as long as it has a gun in it, somehow, some way.” The website looks like poster for a ’70s drive-in movie (not that there’s anything wrong with that). http://www.plotswithguns.com/
Beat to a Pulp: This one comes with a warning, right off the bat: “This site contains mature themes and adult language.” Like all the newsrooms I worked in. Features a “Pulp of the Week” and publishes one new story a week online. http://www.beattoapulp.com/
Darkest Before Dawn: An online journal, with free downloadable e-book versions, — for mystery and crime fiction. Also features a long list of good links to other noir sites. http://www.darkestbeforedawn.net/
Crimefactory: an Australian noir/pulp fiction site for its print publications. According to the site, “Now, in 2013, Crime Factory are attempting their most ambitious year yet. The start of March sees to simultaneous launch of two books. LEE, an anthology of fiction based on the life of legendary Hollywood actor Lee Marvin, that features stories by internationally acclaimed writers such as Scott Phillips, Johnny Shaw, Jake Hinkson, Heath Lowrance, Roger Smith and many more.” http://www.thecrimefactory.com/
Now, go get your pulp on and enjoy.
Phillip Thompson 