PROGRESS REPORT: WEEK ENDING JULY 5, 2025

 Sometimes I wonder if I might be overthinking the situation, but it seems to me like trying to write a SHERLOCK HOLMES story worthy of the title character is like trying to solve a used jigsaw puzzle you bought at a flea market without the cover picture and no idea whether or not you have all the pieces to begin with.

In any event, work is proceeding apace on "The Adventure of the Shakespearean Folly", but every day I have to pause at least once to look up some detail about the Victorian Era or information on another related matter.

That is dedication to the writing craft, making sure I've got everything as correct as humanly possible.

The rest is just a question of time, effort and stubbornness.

I'd say I'm approaching, but haven't actually reached the halfway point yet.

Short stories are roughly 15,000 words on average. I haven't even made 10,000 yet, but every time I do get to write adds a little more to the overall manuscript.

Besides telling me that SOLITAIRE 2: THE AGENDA has been proofread and only lacks interior and cover art at this point before publication, Ron Fortier at Airship 27 has inquired how my Holmes work is going, so I know the story has a home when finished.

But to reach that point I better get back to writing now.

Take care.

STAY SAFE!

And I'll see you around the Internet.

Lee Houston, Junior

6 July, 2025

PROGRESS REPORT: WEEK ENDING MAY 10, 2025

 It has been real busy on the personal front lately, especially today, but I am back to working on SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE ADVENTURE OF THE SHAKESPEAREAN FOLLY.

Ron Fortier of Airship 27 and other endeavors is out of the hospital after his cancer surgery.

I'm sure everyone wishes him a speedy recovery.

And in regards to that OTHER MATTER, all I can say is that I've been told an estimate as to when a formal statement will be posted to the public but still can't take any official action until then.

The only thing left is to wish everyone who can celebrate today a

and I'll see you around the Internet.

Lee Houston, Junior

11 May, 2025

PROGRESS REPORT: WEEK ENDING MAY 3, 2025

 I FINALLY FINISHED PROOFREADING SOLITAIRE 2: THE AGENDA!

The final word count was 59,956. Up 411 words from when I began.

The only delay now is Ron Fortier of Airship 27 wants me to wait on sending it to him until after his Cancer Surgery on May 9.

Considering he's already shared information about this on Facebook, the Airship 27 Flight Log and other places, it's not like I'm revealing some deep dark secret that is supposed to remain private and I'm sure everyone reading these words joins me in wishing Ron good luck and a speedy recovery.

So now to pick up where I left off on the SHERLOCK HOLMES mystery I was working on when I decided trying to bounce back and forth between HOLMES and SOLITAIRE wasn't working and focused just on the lady until that was completed.

The story has gained a (working) title, "The Adventure of the Shakespearean Folly", but I'm only somewhere between a quarter and a third of the way through completing the first draft of that manuscript.

I'm going to have to reread everything I already have and take it from there.

As for that OTHER MATTER I've been eluding to over the last few Progress Reports, until an official public announcement is made by the other party involved I can't go into any greater detail than I already have.

But if you follow the recent Internet comments of a few of my fellow writers carefully, you'll know I'm not alone in the current situation.

In any event, I better get back to writing now.

Take care.

STAY SAFE!

And I'll see you around the Internet.

Lee Houston, Junior

4 May, 2025 (MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU! 😏)

PROGRESS REPORT: WEEK ENDING JANUARY 4, 2025

 LOOKING BACK AND FORWARD

Welcome to the first PROGRESS REPORT of 2025!

Last year was rough.

TWO MAJOR computer crashes, knocking me offline and out of work for a couple of months between them. The loss of a beloved pet was bad enough, but losing my father was another matter. 😢

Looking back over 2024, while I completed the manuscript to SOLITAIRE 2: THE AGENDA, unfortunately the only work that actually got published last year was "Operation Colossus", my short story that appeared within the third volume of the CODE NAME: INTREPID CLASSIFIED anthology series for Robert J. Mendenhall via Blue Planet Press.😊

Even though what you're reading right now covers December 29, 2024 through January 4, 2025; unfortunately nothing got done creatively before New Year's Day and for better or worse, I've only managed to proofread another page of the SOLITAIRE 2: THE AGENDA manuscript since then. 😞

Pending projects for the beginning of this year are:

*Finish proofreading S2 before submitting it to Airship 27.

*Proofread the Science Fiction novel I finished in 2023 before attempting to find it a publisher.

*Get back to work on the ZEPHYR LILY novel at some point, but that is currently delayed because...

*It has been suggested by my friendly neighborhood beta proofreader Nancy Hansen that I write another SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY before Airship 27 goes into semi retirement.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT HEARD...

At the end of their 96th podcast on YouTube, Ron Fortier and Rob Davis, the co-founders and main employees of Airship 27, announced that they are going to start scaling back production to enjoy their Golden Years more.

They will NOT be closing the Hangar completely, just that by 2027 at the latest, neither them nor the company will be going full tilt releasing titles on a regular/monthly basis.

Both gentlemen have had long and distinguished careers professionally and personally, so I wish them well in all their current and future endeavors. Yet that also leaves me with the unanswered question of

WHAT NEXT?

Airship 27 will definitely take SOLITAIRE 2 once I finish proofreading it and SHERLOCK HOLMES once I finish writing it.

But ZEPHYR LILY, let alone the Science Fiction novel and any future SOLITAIRE adventures?

And there is still the enigma of trying to figure out the future of HUGH MONN, PRIVATE DETECTIVE and ALPHA the Superhero because I haven't heard a word from Pro Se Press in years, hence my concentrating on SOLITAIRE and other works for Airship 27.

Yet while I don't have all the answers at the moment, the one thing I do know is that: no matter what happens, I WILL KEEP WRITING!

So with that in mind, I better try to get back to it.

Take care.

STAY SAFE!

And I'll see you around the Internet.

Lee Houston, Junior

5 January, 2025

PROGRESS REPORT: WEEK ENDING JUNE 24, 2023

 I'm conducting my midpoint review of SOLITAIRE 2: THE AGENDA at the moment.

Just something I do in the middle of every manuscript. Especially the novel size ones.

So far, besides catching either a misspelled word, a missing word or having to change a word outright to something better than what I originally wrote; I've also added about a 1,000 words between three new scenes scattered throughout the story.

I'm on Chapter 12 of the existing 23 at the moment and will resume writing when I reach where I left off.

A friendly reminder that the first SOLITAIRE novel (no subtitle) is available in print and e-book formats from Airship 27 via Amazon. 😀

I'm not usually one to toot my own horn, but I'm very proud of this novel and it opening a brand new series for me.

My personal thanks again to interior artist Chuck Bordell and cover artist Ted Hammond as well as Ron Fortier and Rob Davis of Airship 27 for helping to bring my manuscript into reality.

Seeing this book in print is a dream come true and if I want the dream to continue I better get back to writing now so

Take care.

STAY SAFE!😷

And I'll see you around the Internet.

Lee Houston, Junior

25 June, 2023

PROGRESS REPORT: WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2023

 Obviously I'm still working on SOLITAIRE 2: THE AGENDA.

Haven't quite finished Chapter 19 yet, but am writing when I get the chance between Life, The Universe, and Everything Else going on around me.

As I've said before, it can be tough sometimes to find the time to write.

The dog isn't going to feed and take herself out to the bathroom.

Chores and errands are incapable of doing themselves and I've still got to eat and sleep sometime.

For those wondering, Airship 27 is still preparing the first SOLITAIRE novel for publication!😀

Ron Fortier recently let me know that artist Chuck Bordell is working on the remaining interior illustrations and although I unfortunately cannot share it with anyone at this time, I have seen the front cover art and it is GORGEOUS! 😎

Besides the (sorry I can't name drop yet) artist doing a wonderful job, Airship 27's Art Director Rob Davis has designed a fantastic SOLITAIRE logo for the series!

When their work is finished and ready to go, I'll be getting a PDF to review in case there are any last minute corrections that need to be made. Hey, despite everyone bringing their A Games to this project, we're all still human.

Once I go over that and send it back to Rob, then the novel will be released in both Print and E-book formats.

My personal prediction on the subject is sometime after Memorial Day 2023, but whatever happens, I'll keep everyone updated as I can.

In any event, I better get back to writing SOLITAIRE 2 now.

Take care.

STAY SAFE! 😷

And I'll see you around the Internet.

Lee Houston, Junior

23 April, 2023

GUEST POST: FUND RAISER FOR BEYOND THE STARS ISSUE 2 (of 6)

 Hey Everybody! I've agreed to share some space with Airship 27's Captain Ron Fortier as he tries to schedule issue 2 of his six part comic book mini-series Beyond The Stars from Silverline.

In his own words...

After its spectacular launch last Fall, Silverline Comics is thrilled to announce the release of issue # 2 of

Ron Fortier’s sci-fi epic, Beyond the Stars. The six part series was co-created by Fortier, a fifty year comic veteran, and Italian pro graphic artist Andrea Bormida. Bormida has been drawing comics for the European market for the past thirty years. This is his first project with an American publisher and he is thrilled to be a part of Silverline comics. The team is finalized by popular comics writer/creator Mike Belcher coming on board as the book’s letterer.

Fortier and Bormida hooked up on a social media site and when Fortier saw samples of artist’s work, he immediately suggested they team up. “Andrea is such a wonderful visual storyteller,” Fortier applauds. “He brings the script to life with his great sense of composition and drama.”

“Super excited for # 2,” Bormida relates, offering his thoughts on the book. “This is where we can see how well #1 was received; if we managed to stir up curiosity and involve the readers.” He also hints at this issue’s details. “We have another great cliffhanger ending and a mystery is upon us.”

After wrapping the letters, Belcher had his own comments on the second issue. “Issue two picks up and

draws our heroes closer together to the fight of their lives. Ron and Andrea leave it all on the field for this one. Breathtaking landscapes and artistry with quick witted dialogue had me hanging on to the last page. And let me tell you, that next to last page takes your breath away as it is. Don’t miss it!”

If you love old fashion space operas with a touch of Flash Gordon, Stars Wars and Star Trek, Beyond the Stars will leave you cheering for more. Also note, those who participate in the new Kickstarter Campaign will be able to pick up issue # 1 should they choose to do so.

To keep informed of the launch, go to the link below. And as ever, thanks so much for your continued support.

(https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/silverlinecomics/march23/)

RF.

I sincerely hope that everyone who enjoyed the first issue, or just loves science fiction in general, can help out with issue 2.—lh,jr.

PROGRESS REPORT: WEEK ENDING APRIL 1, 2023

 Well, despite last week ending with April Fools Day, I had a good time writing when the time was available when not tackling life's other priorities.

While I am still on Chapter 18 trying to create that big action scene in SOLITAIRE 2: THE AGENDA, I have broken the 29,000+ word count.

Consider I was still within the 27,000+ neighborhood when creating the previous PROGRES REPORT, that's pretty dang good.

Now that may not seem like much, but considering that as I try to create this action scene, I am going back and forth between Google Maps, Google Earth and other points on the Internet because it's taking place somewhere I have never been...

Have heard from Ron Fortier at Airship 27 that artist Chuck Bordell has just completed the sixth (of nine) interior illustrations for SOLITAIRE'S DEBUT NOVEL.

No word on an exterior cover yet, but there will definitely be one when the book is released later this year by A27.

More news as things develop.

Now I better get back to writing.

Take care.

STAY SAFE! 😷

And I'll see you around the Internet.

Lee Houston, Junior

2 April, 2023

AIRSHIP 27 NEEDS ARTISTS

 Sorry for the delay posting today/tonight. Was without power for awhile which resulted in a technical computer issue when electricity was restored because my system was on when the lights went out. Anyway...

AIRSHIP 27, operated by Ron Fortier and Rob Davis, is a New Pulp Publisher of modern adventures told in the classic style. This includes having dynamic covers and exciting interior illustrations to accompany the stories/novels ala the original pulp publishers of the late 1920s through early 1950s.

Every Airship 27 book has up to nine interior illustrations plus the cover.

But to have illustrations you need artists.

If interested, you can contact Ron Fortier through either Facebook or the company's website to find out page rates and other specifics.

Regular Progress Reports will return next week. Right now it's late and I need my sleep. Night!

PROGRESS REPORT: WEEK ENDING MAY 21, 2022

Last I heard on the subject, Ron Fortier and company were less than $200 American to achieving their Kickstarter target to publish BEYOND THE STARS, with today being the final day for contributions.

I'm hard at work on what will eventually be SOLITAIRE 2.

I even have a subtitle now. THE AGENDA.

Not going to say who's agenda toward what, but I really think everyone who reads action/thrillers will enjoy the novel when they eventually get to read it.

Truthfully, I'm guessing 2023 at the earliest but good things come to those who wait. 😉

Speaking of which, I'm still waiting for an opening in My Friendly Neighborhood Beta-Proofreader's schedule so she can go over my SCIENCE FICTION NOVEL.

Then again, between writing, other responsibilities and currently attending heart rehab three days a week until I've completed 36 sessions, I've yet to finish my second pass on the manuscript so it's ready whenever MFNBP is ready to review it. 😒

But ♫Ob-la-di Ob-la-dah.♫

At least I'm still here to begin with! 😁

In any event, I better get back to writing now.

Take care.

STAY SAFE! 😷

And I'll see you around the Internet.

Lee Houston, Junior

22 May, 2022

BEYOND THE STARS BY RON FORTIER

Normally I post a PROGRESS REPORT but there really isn't much to say this week so I'm devoting the space to help a friend...

Art by Andrea Bormida

Fan favorite comic writer Ron Fortier (Green Hornet, Terminator, The Boston Bombers, Mr. Jigsaw) brings epic science fiction story to Silverline Comics. Fortier teams up with Italian artist Andrea Bormida for Beyond The Stars, a six-issue mini-series.

“The concept originated with Andrea,” says Fortier, who saw pages on a social media board where Bormida was seeking feedback from industry professionals. “They were completely penciled, inked, colored and incredibly beautiful.” 

Fortier reached out to Bormida and working together, crafted an outline for the six-part cosmic adventure. Shortly thereafter, Fortier reached out to Silverline editor Roland Mann. 

“I’m a big science fiction fan anyway,” says Mann, “but when I read Ron’s pitch and saw Andrea’s art…well, we jumped on it right away! Even more impressive was that Ron had assembled his entire team so quickly. I’m a big fan of Mike W. Belcher’s work, and Ron already had him lined up to do lettering and design.”

“I love good comics,” says Belcher, “From top to bottom this is what I look for in a good read. Imaginative art by someone who puts their heart and soul into it. As well as a story that pulls me in and gives me characters I can care about.”

Variant cover above by Dean Zachary,
Thomas Florimonte & Mickey Clausen.

“It’s my first crowd-funded project,” adds Bormida. “Will it work? Shall I be able to reach out to new fans? Such a new adventure.”

Beyond the Stars is the primal good versus evil tale. At its core is a group of unique Science-Warriors called upon to save all of mankind from an unimaginable horror. Beyond the Stars #1 will be 1/3 of a Silverline Sci-fi Extravaganza for the initial crowdfund campaign. The other comics are Obsoletes #1 by Wes Locher, Aaron Humphres, Jose Fuentes, and Haley Martin, and with Krey #1: RemiX by Roland Mann, Steven Butler, Ken Branch, and Jeremy Kahn. The giant-sized comic will come in at almost 70 pages of story and art.

A Kickstarter campaign is slated to run from May 5 through May 22. Original art and retailer bundles are available as part of the campaign!

Link to the kickstarter: https://tinyurl.com/SilPRbts

 

Beyond the Stars is trademarked and copyright 2022 Ron Fortier. The Obsoletes is trademarked and copyright 2022 Wes Locher. Krey is trademarked and copyright 2022 Roland Mann. All rights reserved.

“Classic, ripping stuff that's rich in ideas and concepts but doesn't forget to bring us a cast we can relate to."   

Chuck Dixon: Batman, Nightwing, Punisher 

"Mind-blowing space adventure with brilliant art.” 

Mike Baron: Nexus, Badger, Punisher

For more information, contact Roland Mann

1305 Andes Drive,
Winter Springs, Florida, USA 32708
roland@silverlinecomics.com

NOW AVAILABLE: SHERLOCK HOLMES, CONSULTING DETECTIVE VOLUME 11

I'm proud to announce that the eleventh volume in Airship 27's long running Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective series has just been released!
Under a beautiful cover by Laura Givens, I have been privileged to join a trio of talented authors to help Doctor John Watson chronicle the latest cases of the Victorian Era's greatest sleuth.

In "The Scotland Yard Murder" by I. A. Watson, a woman's remains are discovered at the construction site for the Yard's new headquarters.
In "The Adventure of the Manhunting Marshal", Peter Basile teams Holmes and Watson with a lawman from America after a wanted criminal.
Holmes' fabled intellect is challenged by Greg Hatcher's "The Adventure of the Conundrum King" as a sadistic killer leaves baffling clues before committing his crimes.

And in my story (and I'm honored to find it second in the volume), "The Adventure of the Artful Forger" finds Holmes and Watson discovering that the theft of a painting leads to a devious conspiracy.

Each tale is accompanied with beautiful interior illustrations by Rob Davis.

After all the hard work and long hours I put into creating "The Artful Forger", I will be the first to admit that it is difficult to craft an adventure worthy of one–if not the most important–of history's greatest detectives.
Even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself took a lengthy sabbatical from the character when everyone believed Holmes to have perished during a final showdown against Professor James Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls in "The Final Problem".
But like Doyle I will return, for working with Holmes and Watson, along with Airship 27 founders Ron Fortier and Rob Davis, is a whole lot of fun too!

Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective Volume 11 is currently available in print, with other formats pending, via Amazon.

PROGRESS REPORT: WEEK ENDING JULY 22, 2017

IT'S STILL A QUESTION OF QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

Once again I spent the past writing week in the 1970s, working on my story for Jim Beard's project; when I wasn't trying to flesh out a new idea that has been running through my mind for some time now and wouldn't leave me alone until I did.

There are times when I wish I was a more proficient writer, at least from a quantity perspective, because there is so much I want to do just within the immediate future.

*Finish my 1970s story.
*Proofread the other contributor's 1970s stories as they are submitted.
*Finish what will become HUGH MONN, PRIVATE DETECTIVE, BOOK 3 for Pro Se Press.
*Finish the short story I promised Nancy Hansen so long ago.
*Create another Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective story for Ron Fortier at Airship 27. The first one I wrote is (tentatively) scheduled for Volume 11 of that series, with Volume 9 being the latest release as I post this progress report.
*At least begin what will become PROJECT ALPHA, BOOK 3 before the end of this year.
*Eventually start work on the book that will feature the new idea mentioned above.
*And so much more.

Thankfully, only the 1970s project has any true deadline(s), which is why I'm concentrating on that first. While it might goeth before a fall, I take great pride in the fact that I have never missed a deadline, and I don't intend to start now.

I know that there are only so many hours in a day.
One must rest, eat, do household chores, honor other life commitments, keep doctor's appointments, and so much more.
Just this coming week, there are errands Monday and Friday, with Tuesday probably a lost cause on the writing front.

I do try to write every day, and when I'm "in the zone", it's a marvelous feeling.
The words and thoughts are coming faster than my hands can type, and I have never been a great typist to begin with.😉
But how many words are recorded at the end of a writing session, let alone how many stay after I proofread any specific passage varies.

It's the age old battle. "Quantity versus Quality".
Do you want it done fast or do you want it done right?
In the end, I will always choose quality over quantity, because I want my creative endeavors to be the best I can make them.
It may sound selfish, but in the long run, I not only want my writing to be enjoyed and loved by its readers and fans, but I also would like to see my stories live on long after I have shuffled off this mortal coil to whatever lies hidden beyond the veil.

So, if I'm going to accomplish that goal, I better get back to writing now.
Take care.
Lee Houston, Junior
23 July, 2017

PROGRESS REPORT: WEEK ENDING JULY 2, 2016

For all intents and purposes, the first draft of my Sherlock Holmes story for Airship 27 is complete!

I want to reread it from start to finish before sending it on to my friendly neighborhood beta/proofreader Nancy Hansen for her comments and opinions first.

While she has it, I will resume work on my other short story commitment for 2016 until she sends it back to me.

Once I have gone over her annotated version and finalized the manuscript, then I will be submitting it to Ron Fortier at A27.

Meanwhile, for those of my readership celebrating, I hope you have a safe and HAPPY 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND!

Lee Houston, Junior
3 July, 2016

PROGRESS REPORT: WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2016

ALMOST finished with the first draft of my Sherlock Holmes story for Airship 27.

Holmes has just proven to Lestrade that the person the Inspector suspects is guilty can't be, and is now about to explain who is.
At the 12,000+ word mark on "The Adventure of..."
Sorry to keep you in suspense, but I'm still uncertain whether or not to actually reveal the title right now.

In any event, once I finish the first draft, will be sending it to my friendly neighborhood beta/proofreader Nancy Hansen for her opinion(s).
Then, when I get that back, will go over the manuscript one last

time before submitting it to Ron Fortier at Airship 27.

While I'm waiting for her input, and once I can completely cross Holmes off my To Do List (for now?), I will be working on my other known short story commitment for 2016.

I say known because there are a couple of other potential short story assignments on the horizon, but none of them have become a reality.
Yet.

After that, will start creating whatever is destined to become the third volume of HUGH MONN, PRIVATE DETECTIVE.

Better get back to writing now.
See you around the Internet.
Lee Houston, Junior
26 June, 2016

PROGRESS REPORT: WEEK ENDING APRIL 23, 2016

THE GAME'S AFOOT!

Holmes statue in Edinburgh

Given the basic 15,000 word minimum for a short story at Airship 27, I am roughly a third of the way through my Sherlock Holmes tale for Ron Fortier and Rob Davis. Still don't have a title for my work yet, but it will more than likely be "The Adventure of..." something.

I know not how long it took Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to craft a Holmes tale, let alone the length of time writers of more recent adventures featuring the Victorian Era's famous consulting detective required, but I can tell you that I am proceeding apace while being careful to craft a tale worthy of Sherlock Holmes.

It's not just a question of research, although I can assure you there is a lot of that involved along the way. But there is a perception concerning Holmes that any conundrum he faces must be a(n eventually solvable) challenge that both entertains and baffles everyone except Sherlock.

In all the Holmes mysteries I have read, never once did I solve the case before Sherlock. My "batting average" against him is ZERO, as good as it is against another famous detective I love: Ellery Queen. I get bits and pieces along the way, but never the entire solution.

Which is why it's more fun to be in the "driver's seat" so to speak, guiding Holmes and Watson through the mystery since I already know the answers.


In any event, since I'll probably still be working on "The Adventure of...???" by the time I post my next Progress Report, I'll discuss my feelings concerning some of the more famous portrayals of Sherlock Holmes then.

See you around the Internet.
Lee Houston, Junior
24 April, 2016

PROGRESS REPORT: WEEK ENDING MARCH 5, 2016

Well, yesterday was my birthday, but I gave myself a present.
I finally finished going over the manuscript for PROJECT ALPHA, BOOK 2: WAYWARD SON!
I trimmed it from 71,041 words down to 68,996 words, not counting the 243 words on the Acknowledgements page.
At the moment, my friendly neighborhood beta/proofreader Nancy Hansen has it to go start her final pass.
After I get it back and make THE final review, then I'll be submitting it to Pro Se Press.
Then you folks can start asking Pro Se's Editor-In-Chief Tommy Hancock when the book will be released.

I have to return the favor and go over Nancy's latest anthology project, at least to make sure the four short stories are assembled properly without any formatting errors.

After that, I'll get back to that Sherlock Holmes short story I started and owe Ron Fortier at Airship 27.

Then...?
It will be time to start coming up with a mystery/adventure worthy of being the third book in the HUGH MONN, PRIVATE DETECTIVE series!

So, it looks like I've got a busy (and hopefully warmer) Spring ahead of me, so I better get back to "work" now.
See you around the Internet.
Lee Houston, Junior
6 March, 2016

BACK STORY: "THE UNFAIR FARE" FROM LEGENDS OF NEW PULP FICTION

Originally "rally cry" poster

When I first heard the news, I honestly didn't know what to think.

Tommy Hancock of Pro Se Productions was seriously ill (which I would later learn involved his heart), so Jamie Ramos had presented an idea to Ron Fortier and Rob Davis of Airship 27 (yes, the friendly competition!) to do a benefit anthology on Tommy's behalf, with Hancock getting all the proceeds to help his family out with medical expenses and other bills.

Of course, I volunteered to contribute a story immediately.

For those of you who don't know Tommy Hancock, you would be hard pressed to find a nicer or more knowledgeable man in this crazy creative field that we call "New Pulp". There would be less talent out there now if Tommy hadn't given them (and me) their first big break, so it's only natural that when the need arose, we'd rally to return the favor somehow.

Now, this is far from the first time that a group of people in one specific field united in a common cause and "paid it forward", so it didn't surprise me at all that our small little creative community of writers and artists got together to help out one of our own. The fact that we were able to do so in such a spectacular manner is what flabbergasted me!

Cover painting by Doug Klauba

Back cover creator list

The end result of everyone's hard work is LEGENDS OF NEW PULP FICTION!
At first, the projected totals were (as expressed by the black and white "in-house" poster that was circulated) that the anthology would obtain a tad over fifty contributions, but the project wound up with 64 writers (including Tommy) and 37 artists helping to provide an illustration to each tale under a gorgeous cover by Doug Klauba!

At 776 pages, this is the biggest volume Airship 27 has ever published (to date) and Ron and Rob, along with Jamie and associate editor Todd Jones, deserve a hearty round of applause and time off to rest and recuperate from all their hard work.

As you can see by the back cover list, there is a plethora of creators representing a wide variety of pulp genres within this anthology.

As for my humble contribution...
Everyone had a small word count (4,000 minimum/8,000 maximum) and a short deadline. At first, I seriously considered writing a short story featuring one of my "signature" creations, but there was no way I could do an ALPHA the superhero story without tipping my hand in regards to plot points that will be revealed within his forthcoming second novel, and I honestly didn't know the legalities that might be involved if I did a short HUGH MONN, PRIVATE DETECTIVE mystery.
But that left me with the quandary of what to write?

One thing you must know about New Pulp is its definition. We are telling brand new stories in the classic pulp style of the past with modern sensibilities. Being pressed for time, I intentionally set my tale in the present day to avoid any potential research snares that might arise from doing a period piece, and therefore, a couple of days later, the result was "The Unfair Fare", which came in at a modest 4,677 words.

The story, complete with such modern references as GPS and flash drives, was then sent to Airship 27 for consideration.
Now, no writer expects to hit a home run every time they submit a manuscript; but I was truly happy when I got Fortier's e-mail response to my tale about a cab driver who winds up in an even bigger mess when a passenger tries to skip out on paying the fare...

Damn, Lee, that was a fun little gem.  I really liked that a lot. Great story...authentic pulp feel throughout.
Thanks so much,
Ron

THAT certainly made my day!
The stories are presented in order, alphabetically based upon author's last names, so I am in-between "Señor Tijras" by Joe Hillard and "The Gentleman Thief and the Artist" by Emily Janhke, with an illustration by Joe Arnold.

The one thing I could never decide upon was WHO the cab driver should be, so I'll leave it up to your opinion dear reader as to who the driver is.

Otherwise, on behalf of myself and everyone else involved with this anthology, we really hope you like LEGENDS OF NEW PULP FICTION.
It's a great read for a worthy cause and is now available in both print AND Kindle e-book editions at Amazon.com