When I decided to take crack at writing short stories I focused on writing literary fiction. It seemed like the thing to do. I still like writing those types of stories. But last year I was turned on to Transgressive fiction. You know – sex, violence, crime, the good stuff!
I just wrote my first transgressive short story: “My first time, or, that crazy Jamaican whore.” It was fun! I plan to start sending it around to see if someone is interested in publishing it. Unfortunately, I’m not that familiar with websites or journals that publish this type of fiction. Following is a list I’ve developed, but if you know of other outlets please let me know.
- Shots
- Demolition
- Spinetingler
- Thrilling Detective
- Plots with Guns
- Thuglit
- Beat to A Pulp
- Pulp Pusher
- Crimespree Magazine
- Thieves Jargon
- Storyglossia
I’m also reading more Transgressive fiction. The other day I was in the library and checked out a book re-published by Hard Case called The Vengeful Virgin. I did a double take when I saw the cover, as I’m sure you can see why. So far it’s pretty entertaining.
Sounds like you and I are on the same wavelength! (Check out my post – It’s a Crime”. http://cathryngrant.wordpress.com/2010/03/16/its-a-crime/ (Not a shameless plug, I really want to know your thoughts.)
You’ve captured the online pubs I know about, and then some. There’s also a flash fiction site: Powder Burn Flash. You might also enjoy crimewav.com (already published shorts, and I think some novel excerpts, via podcast) and A Twist of Noir.
And finally, regarding literary vs crime, this is well worth reading: http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/419459-Crime_Fiction_Breaking_the_Wall.php
Since you are checking out the pulps, try Seth Harwood’s Jack Wakes Up.
http://sethharwood.com/jack-wakes-up
Mark, my own writing has turned more toward transgressive from standard crime fiction over the last several years. I will tell you right now that it’s a hard sell to literary agents and traditional publishers because too many people think Bret Easton Ellis (“Oh my God, he wrote American Psycho!”) or Chuck Palahniuk (“He’s too weird; I don’t get him.”) Naturally both are great writers and both have a specific audience.
The thing is to keep writing what works for you and find someone with the balls to publish it, either electronically or print wise, or self publish it.
I often write about my works on my wordpress blog and I invite your feedback as well as your discussion.
We’ll get there.
But you’ve got to put a twist on the transgressive, like Palahniuk did (his examples: the support groups/remaining men together, the spin he put on the romance when the narrator met the love interest at one of the support groups). Palahniuk REALLY put a spin on the transgressive! But if you’re just going to talk about sex and stuff in a regular way, going for shock value, then no. That’s not interesting, really. IMO.