Posted by Jenny
https://arghink.com/2025/07/argh-author-jean-marie-wards-brigid-and-the-snakes/
https://arghink.com/?p=32060

Our own Jean Marie Ward has a story, “Brigid and the Snakes,” in the anthology Intergalactic Rejects, out now (Calendar of Fools, June 20, 2025).
For readers: A collection of exciting, powerful science fiction and fantasy stories. For writers: a reminder that rejection isn’t the end and to never give up on stories you believe in.
A man who lost his son finds family again piloting a lab-grown dolphin and helping it navigate loss while, hopefully, preventing more; an Irish goddess must contend with the magic of a saint to save her people; and a bullied boy finds common cause with the ghosts of dead horses in the basement of the Hermitage Museum.
These stories and many more await in this anthology of stories. Each one powerfully demonstrates the point of this anthology: that great stories are rejected every day. From Science Fiction Grand Masters and New York Times bestsellers to writers just starting their career, this anthology is packed full of strong stories that waited a long time to find a home. Every story is accompanied by a rejection history from the author themselves, each with different lessons on the nature and meaning of rejection as well as words of encouragement for their fellow authors on those days when the rejections roll in too many at a time.
Along with the seven stories from our anchor authors Samuel R. Delany, Robert J. Sawyer, Kevin J. Anderson & Rebecca Moesta, Gregory Norman Bossert, Jean Marie Ward, William Joseph Roberts, and David Boop, we also have an original essay from Robert Silverberg, and a foreword by Neil Clarke, the editor and publisher of Clarkesworld Magazine.
Finally, there are also thirteen original stories slushed from our open call by Christopher Blake, Laurence Raphael Brothers, Marie Croke, Sam Harris, Andrew Jackson, Stephen Kotowych, Rich Larson, Sam Loiaconi, Amelia Dee Mueller, Sam W. Pisciotta, Erica Ruppert, Paul Dale Smith, and Catherine Wells.
• The website(s) that has the book info on it: Calendar of Fools https://calendaroffools.com/intergalactic-rejects/
• Buy links:
Print on Amazon <https://www.amazon.com/intergalactic-rejects-calendar-fools-anthology/dp/b0f79rf23r/> and Barnes & Noble <https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/intergalactic-rejects-storm-humbert/1147397219>
Ebook
Amazon < https://www.amazon.com/Intergalactic-Rejects-Calendar-Fools-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0F79V2DNN/>
Barnes & Noble < https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/intergalactic-rejects-kevin-j-anderson/1147532343>
Kobo < https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/intergalactic-rejects-a-calendar-of-fools-anthology?sId=30c2fa62-d21a-4aa1-8bf3-254c1f14f538>
Jean adds: “I’m really excited about being on the cover of a book with all those big names in the science fiction and fantasy field—and for being the only woman on the cover until Kevin J. Anderson got around to adding his wife. It’s also gratifying to be one of three stories specifically referenced in the jacket copy. Better yet, it’s the only story I’ve ever submitted that sailed from submission through proofing with no changes. I still don’t quite believe it.
“On a more productive note, for folks who would like to learn more about the anthology as a whole, Tangent Online recently published a review and recap of all 17 of the previously unpublished stories. <https://tangentonline.com/print-other/intergalactic-rejects-edited-by-storm-humbert/>”
https://arghink.com/2025/07/argh-author-jean-marie-wards-brigid-and-the-snakes/
https://arghink.com/?p=32060
Comment on Villains and Antagonists, but Mostly Villains by Kevin Wade Johnson
Sunday, July 6th, 2025 12:38 pmPosted by Kevin Wade Johnson
https://pcwrede.com/pcw-wp/villains-and-antagonists-but-mostly-villains/#comment-57069
https://pcwrede.com/pcw-wp/?p=12721#comment-57069
In reply to Mary Kuhner.
I’ve read Hellstrom’s Hive, many years ago, and for what it’s worth, I like the work of yours I read much more.
I can’t say that I remember Hive that well, just the shocking death you mentioned, and an overall memory that it just wasn’t very pleasant… (That’s a legitimate authorial choice, but it diminished my personal enjoyment.)
https://pcwrede.com/pcw-wp/villains-and-antagonists-but-mostly-villains/#comment-57069
https://pcwrede.com/pcw-wp/?p=12721#comment-57069