Melody Bowles
FANTASY SHORT STORY WRITER
Modern Mythical Creatures out now!
About
I write short stories about mythical creatures, romantic meetings and hidden places.My first short story collection Modern Mythical Creatures was published in 2023. I have adapted old British myths to take place in the modern world.Modern Mythical CreaturesIncludes stories featuring:- the Lantern Men of Wicken Fen
- the Mermaid of Zennor
-the Loch Ness Monster
- Jack Frost
- the gremlins living inside your printerI cohosted The Short Story Workshop podcast from 2021-2022.I have been mentored on the National Centre For Writing's Escalator Development Programme in 2022 and my work has been featured in Noctivagant Press..One of my stories is featured in Chrysalis, an anthology produced by Comma Press.My story Love & Lies is featured in the Mermaidens anthology from Knight Writing Press and The Wrong Captain is featured in Pirate Gold from Dragon Soul Press.
Read
Modern Mythical Creatures is now availableSign up to my mailing list below to read a FREE short story from the collection.
Extract from 'The Star' at the Escalator Showcase 2022Readings and discussion of my stories on The Short Story Workshop podcastCursed WordsThe protagonist carries a curse - everyone on her daily train journey is compelled to talk to her.The Lonely FishermanThe result of a challenge to write a sequel to a story I love in the same style. I chose Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid.
Contact
What do you think of my work? Let me know!
Submissions
A starting point - I advise searching online for competitions and magazines specific to your genre.Try and read something from the publisher before submitting to give you an idea of if your work fits.ElegantMSlexiaBridport PrizeIndie BitesGranta MagazineBritish Fantasy Society
Find Writer Friends
Check local libraries, bookshops, Meetup.com and Eventbrite to see if there is anything local going onDragon Hall SocialsYoung Adult Literature ConventionFantasycon
Recommendations
ClassicsThe Telltale Heart - Edgar Allan PoeLuella Miller - Mary E Wilkins FreemanThe Adventure of the Speckled Band - Arthur Conan DoyleThe Garden Party - Katherine MansfieldThe Flowering of the Strange Orchid - HG WellsPodcastsThe Other StoriesPodcastleThe New YorkerFantasy collectionsFifty Beasts To Break Your Heart - Genna Rose NethercottThe Tangleroot Palace - Marjorie LiuKissing The Witch - Emma DonaghueSalt Slow - Julia ArmstrongEven Greater Mistakes - Charlie Jane Anders