From the lovely Tehani at FableCroft Publishing:
In the past two years, I’ve read a number of works that made me decide to put together a collection of very Australian flavoured stories. The collection is titled Australis Imaginarium, and will be produced by my new press, FableCroft Publishing, which will also be printing my original anthology for kids, Worlds Next Door.
I’m looking for short story reprints by Australian authors that are strongly Australian, particularly those that “feel” like alternative Australian folklore or mythology. Please note, this does not mean they have to be Aboriginal or Dreaming in origin, although of course this type of story will be included. I am not looking for “ocker” stories that don’t contain a strong speculative element.
As a guide to what I’m seeking, the stories that inspired the project are Thoraiya Dyer’s “Night Heron’s Curse” (ASIM 37), “The Jacaranda Wife” by Angela Slatter (Dreaming Again), and “Once a month, on a Sunday” by Ian McHugh (ASIM 40). While these stories were the start of the project, they are not wholly representative of the type of stories I will consider, so don’t be afraid to suggest stories that don’t exactly feel like these.
I would love to hear from authors, publishers and fans who can suggest any stories that might fit this collection, which will be available for Worldcon in September. I know there’s been a rich history of speculative fiction in Australian settings published over the last few decades – I’m looking forward to discovering more of it!
Please comment below if you have recommendations, or email me (with e-text of stories attached if possible!) at fablecroft [at] gmail [dot] com if you prefer! Publications will be paid.
I will also be seeking artwork for the anthology – reprint or original – not necessarily related to particular stories. Please email if you would like to submit any work (also paid publication).
Feel free to spread the word 🙂