Hate it or love it, the 1990s were a very interesting time! We had Tamagotchis, “Be kind. Rewind.”, cassette tapes, skip-it, slap bracelets, and all kinds of wonderful things. Skating rinks, malls, and movie rental stores (RIP Blockbuster, I miss you) were popular. We had gnarly slang, questionable fashion, and great music, if I'm expressing my own opinions here. If you disagree- Whatever!

I am looking for fellow horror authors (established or aspiring) to join me and submit short stories for an *indie* anthology that shall be titled “Oh Snap!: A Horror Anthology” and released August 1, 2023.

I am open (as everyone should be, dammit!) to all races, genders, sexualities and so forth. While I am mostly looking for stories from those that actually lived *and remember* the 90s, I will not turn away younger writers if you do proper research so that your story properly reflects the decade. This is for writers.

So, from that, you can probably infer the theme: the 1990s. I want unique horror stories set in the 1990s. I'm looking for all subgenres of horror! With that said, if you so choose splatterpunk, do not neglect your actual plot.

Automatic Rejections:
•Rape
•Any Child Sexualization

While I want accurate 1990 stories, be mindful of social issues. If it's not your story to tell, don't tell it. If it is your story to tell, please submit it! Just use common sense and good judgment. Also, please do avoid tokenism in your stories.

Now, for the guidelines:
•Story must not be previously published
•Times New Roman, 12, Double Space
•Cover page should include your story title, your pen name, and word count.
•5k-7k words
•Doc or Docx
•Save your file as LASTNAME_TITLE
•Email to hello@vanessamichelperry.com with subject “Oh Snap!”
•Important: In the body of your email, please include social media and website links if you have them and a short 3-5 sentence bio.
•Spellcheck and proofread to the best of your ability

Timeline:
•Submissions close March 6, 2023 at 12 PM EST
•Acceptance/Rejection Emails sent no later than March 15, though possibly sooner.
•Release in paperback and ebook August 1, 2023 (there will be no preorder period)
•USD payment (more below) sent no later than April 1, 2023
​•Physical copy sent no later than July 1, 2023.

Payment and Rights
•Authors of accepted stories will receive $20, an eBook copy, and a paperback copy once edits are finalized, in accordance to the timeline above.
•While stories should not be previously published, you will retain ALL rights to your story.

If you have any questions, do reach out by messaging me on Instagram @HorrorAuthorVMP or by email at hello@vanessamichelperry.com.

​MOST IMPORTANT: HAVE FUN RELIVING THE 90s!

When I wrote my debut novel, Wildflowers, one of my most frequently tasked questions was rather there was some personal experience behind my writing.

I have been rather open about it- many of the dark scenes were inspired by a rather tough childhood. Ultimately, my life has led me where I am as a writer today, and it all began when I was just a young girl.

Like plenty of folks, I read A LOT as a child to escape the reality of my life. I especially loved horror because I found comfort in knowing that things could indeed be worst.

By the time I was a teen, I found love in writing, not just reading. Practically, I wrote notes to my parents when I couldn't find the spoken words to say. Creatively, I dove headfirst into poetry. I wrote poetry about myfeelings sometimes and calming or fantastical places other times.

My sophomore high school English teacher, Mrs. Crone of Jeffersonville High School, was a light in the dark. She praised my work and I hung on to every word of her criticism. I wrote for a while- until I grew up and just didn't anymore.

At that point in my life (my 20s), I thought writing was a pipe dream. But I knew all along that I had a story brewing inside me.

So, a couple of years ago (2020) I decided to pour the pain that I've been carrying over the years into writing a book. Initially, I thought I might write a memoir. However, that idea was far too intimate. So, I chose the route of a fictional horror story instead. While most don't know which scenes were a script from my childhood and which are from my imagination, it was damn liberating!

Now, I write because written word is what brings me absolute joy. I like the excitement I feel when I get new ideas. I like the exhilaration of putting thoughts on paper. And I simply love the peace I feel once a project, whether poem or short story or book, is complete.

If you're here because you are a fellow writer, maybe you can relate. If you're reading this as someone who dreams of writing- just do it. Honestly, the the only reason you NEED to have to write it because you feel it in your bones.