Recommended Reading?

For years, I have toyed with the idea of applying for a writing grant. Back when I first thought seriously about writing for a living, I sent away for the application package but never got around to it (partly because I did not meet the minimal requirement of having at least one published novel or 3 published pieces – minor oversight, really 🙂

Anyway, the rules have changed since then and now, one needs to apply to one of that year's list of recommended book and literary magazine publishers, who will then make their recommendations to the Board.

I'm worried.

I've mentioned the lack of horror/dark fiction resources in local classes, programs and such. And when I looked at the list, I see that pretty much all of them are geared toward literary fiction & poetry (with some for graphic novel writers). Not that there's anything wrong with that. I love good lit as much as the next guy or gal. But that is not what I write.

Granted, it seems like when I start thinking novel, my stories go more of the suspense/thriller genre while my short stories are definitely on the horror side of things. But still – I can't help but wonder if there is a place for me, and writers like me.

Will we get a fair shake? Will lit mags want to recommend our style of writing? Genre has nothing to do with how well one writes. We are all skilled. But if it is not their taste, will they be willing to "vouch" for those of us who write about things that go bump in the night?