2024 has been a busy year so far, and I'm thrilled to announce that a story that's been near and dear to my heart for a while now has finally found its forever home.

, and it couldn't have found better people. 

This quiet little story is a bit different from the genre fiction I usually write and read, but it's not really literary fiction either. So it often fell through the cracks when out on submission. It's really a story about unconditional love, and what we do to keep safe those we care about. The idea for it came after seeing this gorgeous 

Blanche had been taking her dogs to the dog park for as long as she could remember. Her favourite was the one near the East Bridge, beside that new quirky café. It had benches all the way around that often weren’t full, and she could rest her bad knee while the dogs played.

But Albert. What was she to do with Albert?

You can now dive into this whimsical little tale about your favourite cool grandmother and her unconventional Albert, whose love for him is tested when the big city no longer feels big enough. 

Blanche and Albie have lived rent free in my heart for so long, and I'm so happy you get to meet them now, too.

Here's to more love in the world, friends. 

An old woman's love for her unconventional pet is tested when his quality of life is at stake in this whimsical short story about friendship. 

Short story published in Ember: A Journal of Luminous Things

I'm delighted to announce that my short story, 

, has been adapted for audio and published by 

 back in March 2021. It is an absolute delight to see it republished and brought to life by narrator Louise Ratcliffe for a Young Adult audience. 

Hearing your own words read aloud by someone else is a little surreal. I've loved Cast of Wonders for years now, and being published by them is also a pinch-me moment. Thanks to Katherine Inskip and everyone on the Cast of Wonders team who believed in Marya and her crafting (mis)adventure!

You can check out my story alongside another fabulous portal fantasy by Sam Markham 

I'm delighted to announce that my short story, Craft Your Own Adventure, has been published by Cast of Wonders!

Audio adaptation of Craft Your Own Adventure

On this frosty Winter day, when the sun is more a figure of speech, let's talk about the short stories I've published in 2022 or are forthcoming in 2023.

1) 'The Mechanic' - science-fiction short story published in 

The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction

, thinking it would be good to get that sub out of the way since they have a reputation for rejections arriving in less than a day. Then 250 days went by. And quite a few emails.

This story is very near and dear to my heart, with an aging female mechanic who risks it all to complete her last project. What the project is, well... you'll have to read to find out. 

 because it shows an (albeit magically-aged) older woman who still has adventures. I wanted to try to write a character like that, who isn't incapable just because she's old. In fact, everything she's done has led her up to this moment.

 was a "Beautifully written story with a nice ending", and an IG fan said, "This is such a beautiful story! I read it a few days ago, and it still sings in my heart!" 

I happened to use this in an application to the Arts Council of Ireland, who praised 

 for "effective, suspenseful, engaging storytelling, distinctive, dynamic narrative voice and subtle, skillfully drawn world building." I'm so delighted, and still a bit in shock; thanks everybody! 

2) 'Devil's Lace' - dark fantasy short story accepted for publication in 

 meets fiber crafts fantasy story has found a home with 

. Imagine the famous chess scene with the devil, only instead, they're using crochet to decide the fate of Lucie's soul. 

While I've never had to beat the devil at his own game (at least, not yet), this is a very personal one for me. Much of the relationship Lucie has to her Memere is based on my own relationship with my own grandmother. To this day, I call up my Memere and we chat about what our winter crafting projects are. She's doing pretty good at 98 years old.

3) 'Cloud Cover' - science-fiction short story published in 

This is my second story published with the fantastic YA literature team at 

. Jamilla is working at the Cloud Store, where she sells captured clouds to elite clients. When the system breaks down, she finds herself in a race against time to save herself and a stranger from a storm front gone awry.

 Listen to me read the first page of 'Cloud Cover' here!

 Read my first story with Paper Lanterns: 'Craft Your Own Adventure'

4) My story 'All that Glitters' was a semi-finalist in 

Flash fiction is so tough to write, at least for me, and getting an exciting, coherent story into 400 words was a challenge! While I didn't make it to the finals, commenters praised the story for "very vivid" and "original imagery" and "good descriptions of action". I'll take that as a win!

The year isn't over yet, and with a whopping 

stories out on submission, I'm hoping I'll get some yeas or nays back by the new year. That's said, I'm so grateful for all the opportunities I've had in 2022, and can't wait to see what 2023 brings. 

May your season be merry and bright, friend. Stay safe out there. 🕯️

Here's a list of my short stories and other speculative fiction work that are eligible for writing awards! As well as my 2022 writing wins. 

2022 Writing Wins & Awards Eligibility

Advent has long been my favourite season. When I was a kid, my parents would light the little purple and pink candles, one every Sunday, leading up to Christmas. It just heightened the anticipation I felt for the big day! And as the nights grow longer, and the days colder, those little flickering candle flames do a lot to warm my heart.

In the spirit of anticipation, and in no particular order, here's my 

. Unsettling, ingenious, and lovely, this story will have you looking at the life around you in a whole new way.

“Take Me To the Water” by Sarah Macklin

. A teenager searches for answers, and finds them in the water. I loved this one.

. I'm not even sure what to say about this one, lest I ruin the story. Pour yourself a cup of tea and treat yourself to this.

“The Many Taste Grooves of the Chang Family” by Allison King

 is a stunning story about family and the connections we make with one another with food. This will pull at your heart strings in the best way.

“Mochi, With Teeth” by Sara S. Messenger

 brought tears to my eyes in a way that a short story never has before. Read it, and then maybe call someone you love.

"The Book of the Blacksmiths" by Martin Cahill

 is a beautiful exploration of purpose and our place in the wider world. Just wonderful.

 is exactly the kind of disturbing I like in horror. It'll have you looking over your shoulder for the rest of the day, in the best of ways.

 was hauntingly beautiful. The way it's formatted and broken up with poetry... I don't have words.

“Coffee, Doughnuts, and Timeline Reverberations” by Cory Swanson

 This was utterly delightful. Grab yourself a cup of joe and a boston creme and get ready for a seriously timey wimey tale.

"Knitting in English" by Brit E. B. Hvide

. This story ticked all the boxes for me: compelling characters, fantasy, and fiber crafts. Definitely worth a read, or a listen!

 really knocked it out of the park this year, in my opinion. There are some stories there that will stay with me a long time. 

Which ones did you love? Which ones did I miss? Tag me on 

That's all from me! If you'd like to see what I published myself this year, you can 

As we wind down the year, here are my top ten favourite short stories of 2022.

Top Ten Best Short Fiction of 2022

How do I submit fiction for publication? Where do I even begin? Will I get paid for my story stories? Which science-fiction, fantasy, and horror magazines are even receiving manuscripts right now, or should I just send a cold email?

I remember when I first started submitting back in pre-Covid 2020 (hereafter referred to as “the yonder times”) and feeling at a complete loss. But it’s been a hot minute since then, and I’ve learned a thing or two about, at the very least, how I go about submitting. Let’s go through it, step-by-step.

Ask yourself, before you even write your story: what kind of stories do I enjoy reading? Narrow down what you enjoy and take a few weeks just reading through some publications that meet the payment guidelines of 

SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association)

, which at the time of writing is 8 cents/word. Is there a style or sub-genre that really speaks to you? Check out the list of SFWA pubs by genre at the bottom of this post.

Create a dream publication list from the outlets that you read of your favourites: whether because of the type of stories they publish, the type of prose they seem to like, or the kinds of characters, situations, and issues these publications explore. Again, this should dovetail with the kinds of things you like to read and write, yourself.

Maybe you already have some stories that are ready to submit, but if you don’t, this is the next step. Once you’ve got a draft you’re happy with, ask a friend to read it over. If that thought alone makes the bottom fall out of your stomach, leave your story to ruminate for 

 one or two weeks. Then read it over yourself, preferably out loud. This is a good way to spot plot holes or even just typos that you missed before.


Most SFWA-level publications ask for some version of 

, specifically as demonstrated by William Shunn. Each pub has their own personalized asks, though: some require manuscripts to be anonymous, some ask for specific fonts and spacing, and some allow multiple or even simultaneous submissions. 

. The last thing you want is to have worked so hard on your story only to have it rejected because you didn’t follow the submission guidelines.


 is the preferred submission system for many SFWA-level pubs, but some have their own proprietary submissions portals or even ask for submissions via email. Again, 

Regardless of whether you’ll be submitting via a portal or through email, you’ll be asked (most times) for the following:

Most of these are self-explanatory: give them an email that you check regularly, for example, and double check that your story’s word count does not exceed the publication’s limit.

The Cover Letter can give folks trouble. I certainly fell into this trap when I started, and the important thing to remember is: 

 have a phenomenal point-for-point guide for writing your fiction cover letter, but the 

 version is to include only what’s necessary. I have at times, merely written, “Thank you for your time and consideration”, and called it a day. Didn’t even write my name. Most of the time, though, I follow this formula:

Thank you for taking the time to look at my story, [title] (XXX words, genre).

[Here’s some relevant information in one sentence that ties me to the story aka this is a space story and I work for the European Space Agency, not mandatory]

[Maybe here’s 1-3 places I’ve been published, not mandatory]

Thank you for your time and consideration,

, though. They really set me straight when I was starting.

It depends on the publication, but sometimes you’ll receive a queue number so you’ll easily be able to check in on your story as it goes through the editors’ TBR pile. You’ll need to sit tight, though, because there’ll be no contacting the publication until, usually, 90 days pass. Each magazine should give you an estimate of how long you should wait before contacting them about a submission, and the waits vary wildly. So make yourself a cup of tea, watch 

 one more time, and prepare for the final part of the process.

I’m sure some folks have their own systems, and I admit that I do have my own spreadsheet that I use to keep myself on track for different submission windows, but I rely a lot on 

 is a genre zine edited by David Steffen, and these are the folks behind the Grinder. It’s such a useful tool; you can monitor when certain magazines open or close, the average response time over the last 12 months, and even find new publications to submit to. It’s got to be one of my favourite corners of the internet, and it’ll help you keep information on your submissions from going missing.

It should go without saying but don’t harass the publication if they deliver you a rejection. We’ve all been there, rejections hurt, but that’s a real person on the other side of that email, and you’re being a fartbag. Even if you’d like to respond kindly and thank them again, please don’t. Every editor I’ve ever seen tweeting online has said they appreciate the gesture, but there are so many emails, you’ll just be adding to their workload if you do.

Rejections have been some of the most useful emails I’ve ever received, truth be told. No editor is beholden to you for feedback on your story, but sometimes you might get it, and that’s 

. A complete stranger has taken time out of their busy day to offer you guidance! Maybe you don’t agree, but even that is useful. Think of it like you’d think of a scientific experiment: even if you don’t get back what you expected, you still got back useful data. 

If you want to submit your short stories and aren’t sure where to begin, I hope this guide helps! Be prepared for rejections, but try to embrace them as learning opportunities. I’ve heard some folks even set themselves rejection goals, like 100/year, to turn them into a positive metric. You’ll find your way to deal with them, and when you get that email acceptance...

Well. I can’t wait to read your story. 🚀

Here’s a quick list of some of my favourite speculative fiction publications online to both submit to and read, broken up by genre. This is honestly just the tip of the iceberg, and skews towards the types of publications whose demographics I fit (white, cis/het, alo, female). I've tried to add more, though! What’s your favourite? What did I miss? Let me know in the comments!

SFWA-Qualifying Publications (pay at least 8 cents/word)

(the name suggests otherwise, but they take Fantasy too!)

 (permanently closed to submissions, but still phenomenal to read!)

Non-SFWA but still awesome publications (pay less than 8 cents/word)

How to submit your short stories, novellas, novelettes, and flash for publication in the speculative fiction, science-fiction, fantasy, and horror genres.

How to Submit Short Stories for Publication

I couldn't contain my excitement when my author copies of 

The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction 

arrived last month! It is positively surreal to get to hold my published story in my hands. I've also heard from a few readers with their kind responses, which is more than I could have ever asked for.

 was a "Beautifully written story with a nice ending", while a private fan on Instagram said, "This is such a beautiful story! I read it a few days ago, and it still sings in my heart!" 💕

Debbie Moerlins, another fan from Instagram, commented, "Loved this story. I hope to see a full sci-fi novel from you soon." 😭 From your mouth to God's ears, Debbie!

I've also received feedback on my recent funding application to the Arts Council of Ireland. While I was unsuccessful in securing funding this round, I was blown away by the extremely kind remarks from the Council in my application review.

• “Sample well set and staged with effective, suspenseful, engaging storytelling, distinctive, dynamic narrative voice and subtle, skillfully drawn world building.”
• “demonstrating ambition and vision for work”
• “Motivated writer”
• “This is a good application from a talented emerging author of promise” 😭

This feedback stokes the fire in me to continue to work on my writing and work to improve. With all that's going on in the world that's so scary these days, writing (and reading) bring me such joy. 

I hope that if you're reading this, you're surrounding yourself with the things that bring you joy, too. 

I've begun to receive feedback on my writing! It is exciting and terrifying.

"A talented emerging author of promise"

I was not going to submit my story, "The Mechanic", to 

The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction

. It's one of, if not the most, prestigious publications in speculative fiction. It gave us the word "fantasy" as a publishing category, for goodness sake. And my story had already been rejected by FOUR publications that I adore, so how on earth would 

's May/June issue, and I'm still pinching myself. I came so close to just not even submitting it, and now it’s printed in the magazine for people to read. Actual people! Ahh! I keep thinking about that night over a year ago, and thinking... man. I’m so glad I took a chance on myself and this story. ✨

So it goes without saying – if you’re sitting on a story that you’ve convinced yourself no one will want, 

. Yesterday, even. What are you waiting for? You never know what could happen.

My dad is the one who got me into fantasy and sci-fi when I was small, with movies like 

. I wish that I could have shared this story with him.

Dad, thanks for making me into the nerd I am today. This one’s for you. ❤️

Also, thank you from the bottom of my heart to Sheree Renée Thomas and Gordon Van Gelder. Thank you for believing in me, a little writer who hadn’t ever published a SFWA-level story before, and for being so kind throughout the whole process. I’m honoured to be included in 

And if anyone reading my lil blog is a reader of 

*opens up Scrivener* Let’s see what the rest of 2022 holds.

"The Mechanic" has been published in the May/June 2022 issure of F&SF.

Short story published in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction

On this, the 5,721st day of March 2020, here is my list for favourite reads this year! Some were published earlier, some later, but all were read in 2021. Let’s start with short fiction:

. As both a language teacher and a language student, this has to be one of the most beautiful depictions of connecting with linguistic cultural heritage I’ve ever read. Actually, I might just go re-read it now. You should, too.

https://firesidefiction.com/diamonds-and-pearls

. This is a story I read early in 2021, and it’s one I keep thinking about. The relationship between the main characters is so powerful, and if you haven’t read it, congrats! You now have plans. ;)

https://uncannymagazine.com/article/metal-like-blood-in-the-dark/

. This story exists right at the intersection of my love for Halloween and my love for my dad. Seeing how much the characters, House included, care about each other... well, I’m not crying, you’re crying...

https://www.diabolicalplots.com/dp-fiction-64a-open-house-on-haunted-hill-by-john-wiswell/

. Bluebeard was a story I’d heard often enough from Grimm collections as a kid, and it always scared me. Seeing this exploration of the human capacity to love was really compelling, and I’m still turning it over in my head.

https://firesidefiction.com/bluebeards-wife

. This was another story I read early in 2021 and holy smokes! The worldbuilding, the tension, the characters. Yes. Just promise me you’ll read it.

https://www.beneath-ceaseless-skies.com/stories/do-not-look-back-my-lion/

. So usually I tread more on the spoopy side of scary, but this story was too good to pass up! Driving roads after dark will never feel the same way again...

. Again, if you haven’t seen the pattern, I’m a sucker for character-driven stories, and this one is no exception. Ask yourself: what would you do, and how far would you go, to protect your family?

https://uncannymagazine.com/article/you-perfect-broken-thing/


8. And now, long-form fiction! Hands down, my favourite book I read this year has to be 

. My husband and I still talk about it, the poetry, the names, the world-building. My birthday’s coming up and you better believe 

. I know I’m late to this party, but have you seen my Halloween photos? This was an incredible book – I loved how it straddled sci-fi and fantasy, I loved Gideon and Harrow, I loved how gosh darn spooky this book was. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42036538-gideon-the-ninth

. Yes, it has taken me 20 years to read this, and I’m so glad I did! Cazaril is such a compelling and loveable character, and the tension of the Curse wreaks such havoc on my poor nerves (as Mrs. Bennett would say). Definitely worth a read.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61886.The_Curse_of_Chalion


Stay safe out there everyone, and here’s to a better 2022.

A short list of my favourite short- and long-form fiction read during 2021.

Best Reads of 2021

While this year has been, not exactly, what I’d expected, I’m excited to say there have definitely been some wins I’d like to share!

I started writing short fiction as a daily practice in January 2020, and looking back on two full years, it really feels like my writing has started to grow and change. Stories that I look back on from those early months now show fissures and miss-steps that I didn’t see at the time – places where I’d change them now, or where I can see something wasn’t quite working. This is not to say my recent stuff is perfect, but it’s like I’m starting to see the Matrix of my own process, and that’s really exciting.

I truly think a lot of this can be chalked up to reading a whole bunch of short stories, as much as putting pen to paper. I mean, talk about the world’s greatest homework assignment! It has been so much fun reading short fiction from publications like Diabolical Plots, Uncanny Magazine, Lightspeed Magazine, and Beneath Ceaseless Skies. Experiencing these stories, written by others, has been a whole lesson in itself.

While my wins are modest this year, I am just so delighted about them!

1) ‘Craft Your Own Adventure’ - Short Story published in 

Paper Lanterns Literary Journal, Issue 4 (Mar 2021)

“While Marya was usually excellent at imagining the worst, opening a portal to another world while crocheting had never really crossed her mind.”

2) 'They Took the Trees’ - Penny Fiction published in Haunted Waters Press (Dec 2021)

This is definitely the shortest piece of fiction I’ve ever written in prose – just 21 words! It came from genuine frustration and sorrow at my apartment complex bulldozing every tree on our block. From 16 different bird species visiting my quarantine window – to 6.

Get your copy of From the Depths, No. 19 here.

Uncharted Magazine’s Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Short Story Award

I’m over the moon to say that one of my stories has made this list, which will be judged by Ken Liu! I loved his collection 

 is sitting on my desk in my TBR pile. I’m not able to say which of my stories is on the list, since everything will be judged blind, but needless to say it’s an honour to be considered!

I’m dying a little bit every time I think about this one. No contract signed yet, so I can’t say much, but 7-year-old Julie who loved Luke Skywalker and Jurassic Park would be jumping all around the couch right now. Stay tuned for the new year!

 and completed a draft of my first non-fiction book

Writing a PhD on the Irish war-goddess, the Morrígain, is one thing – turning it into a readable book instead of a jumble of academic flimflam is another. This has been a WIP since 2019, and I am 

 to say that draft 1 is done! It’ll be another year, most likely, before I feel ready to shop it around to academic publishers, but it feels good to have gotten this far.

It’s also been a wonderful journey getting rejections, though that might sound strange to hear. Most are polite no-thank-yous, but occasionally someone took valuable time out of their busy day to give me feedback, and they didn’t need to, and it meant the world to me. Thank you to all the slush readers and editors out there – you’ve helped make me a better writer, one submission at a time.

Finally, to all those nominated for the Hugo Awards this year, break a leg! There are some absolutely incredible nominations; I honestly have no idea who will win. But I can say with absolute certainty, you all deserve it! :)

And finally, here’s to a (hopeful) new year. Happy 2022!

Writing Wins 2021

“Julie Le Blanc reads an extract from her story 

 which appears in Paper Lanterns issue four. Rhode Islander Julie made Ireland her home in 2018. She writes speculative fiction about moon-ships, crafting, and cozy machines.

Hello and welcome to the launch of Paper Lanterns Issue Four!

Paper Lanterns is the new teen and YA literary journal that publishes in print four times a year. We accept submissions of poetry, short stories, flash fiction, and essays from anyone over the age of 13.“

Thank you so much, Paper Lanterns, for publishing my story! If you’d like to get a copy of any of their beautiful issues, check them out here at 

Listen to me read the beginning of 'Craft Your Own Adventure' for Paper Lanterns.

Paper Lanterns, Issue 4 Launch

I am over the moon to announce that my short story, “Craft Your Own Adventure”, will be appearing in Issue 4 of 

“The fourth issue of Paper Lanterns is jam-packed with work from our teenage and over 18 contributors. This issue, you can expect wonderful creative YA work; poems ranging from a tribute to Eavan Boland to a contemplation on oneself, short stories and flash fiction ranging from Irish mythology to crochet, and art and photography."

Thank you so much, Paper Lanterns! If anyone would like to get a copy of their own, do 

 to check out this issue and all their back issues too.

I am over the moon to announce that my short story, “Craft Your Own Adventure”, will be appearing in Issue 4 of Paper Lanterns Literary Journal!

New Short Story Published

Tonight, the second issue of Channel Magazine had their launch! Since we couldn’t do an event in person, we have this beautiful online launch instead. Thank you, Channel Magazine, Irish Writers Centre, and The National Botanic Gardens for including me. 

Listen to me read my flash fiction, 'Tended' for Channel Magazine's launch of Issue 2.

Channel Magazine, Issue 2 Launch

I thought I’d just post a bit more good news on here that I’ve been meaning to share. Two articles that I wrote have been published!

My article ‘Heroic traditions in dialogue: the Imtheachta Aeniasa’ was published in 

Crossing Borders in the Insular Middle Ages. Medieval Texts and Cultures of Northern Europe

 (Victoria Flood and Aisling Byrne, eds. Turnhout: Brepols, 2019)

And my examination of the Cattle Raid of Cooley in relation to Vernacularization, titled simply ‘The Táin Bó Cúailnge’, appeared in the 

Wiley-Blackwell Companion to World Literature

, Vol. 2 (Ken Seigneurie and Wen-chin Ouyang, eds. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons. 2020)

I’m so grateful to be a part of these incredible academic publications. Stay safe out there, everyone.

Two new academic articles in Celtic Studies published by Brepols and Wiley-Blackwell.

New Non-Fiction Published

Well, amidst the instability of 2020, I have one small piece of nice news to share.

I recently learned that my short story ‘

’ has been chosen as one of the winners of the Irish Writers Centre’s 

My story "Tended" has been chosen as one of the four winners to the IWC's "Writing for a Change" Competition.

Blog