E.S. Raye

With the new year arriving in less than 12 hours from the time I sit here writing this, I feel it’s a nice time to take a look back at what 2024 has given me, and then look forward to what is yet to come.

2024

This past year was such an exciting time for my career that when I look back I will probably say this was when it started.

“SSID”

It began in February, when I had a short story published for the very first time. Sure, the story had been accepted in November, 2023–a milestone in its own right–but it actually appeared for the world to read this year. You can read my debut, a weird fiction set squarely in the expansive Cthulhu mythos with the inclusion of Miskatonic University, “SSID,” for free here!

“The Stuff Legends are Made of”

Shortly after “SSID” was published by Alex Parker Publishing, they reached out to ask if I wanted to submit another story for their upcoming anthology, RARE.

Flattered and excited at seeing one of my stories in an actual book, I immediately accepted. Lucky for me, I already had a short that fit the anthology’s theme (“unusual secrets”), the first short story I wrote to submit to publishers, my sci-fi/noir “The Stuff Legends are Made of.”

I had learned a lot about writing since it had last been edited, and it was several thousand words too long, so another round of edits was necessary. But after some hard work the story became leaner and more focused. And more importantly, it was accepted immediately!

Perseid Prophecies

On April 1st, the very first issue of my quarterly speculative fiction digital magazine Perseid Prophecies was published! That first issue was 100% public domain stories, but for the two since (and 4th issue dropping tomorrow!), I received some incredible submissions.

Now, I am able to feature four original, submitted stories, and one classic tale from the public domain in every issue. Starting my own magazine is something I’ve been talking about and planning for years, so to see it come to fruition and gain even a little attention this year has been amazing.

Horror Feature Film

Unfortunately, I still can’t really talk about the details of this one. However, what I can say is that in 2024 I got my first producer/director feedback and wrote my first screenplay second draft based on that feedback.

I’m still waiting on new feedback for that second draft, but I feel I got really close to what my producer wants and any further drafts will include far less dramatic changes.

Horror Web Series Adaptation

Back in July, the connection I had made with the producer/director of the horror feature film paid off in another way: an introduction to another director in need of a writing partner. The project (which I also can’t discuss in detail quite yet), is an adaptation of an older horror property that I am a big fan of, so it was a perfect match!

When I joined the project the first three of six episodes were already written. I was given the chance to write the second half of the season. It was an exciting opportunity and I loved every minute of it!

Unfortunately, funding was delayed until early next year, but it still looks like we’re on track for approval.

Gas Giant Gambit: A Tale From Beyond the Cygnus Rift

And finally, in September, I signed a contract to have my debut novel, Gas Giant Gambit, published by Alex Parker Publishing!

There’s still a lot of work to do, like the cover, a couple of maps that need re-doing, developmental edits, copy edits, proofreading, proofreading, proofreading, marketing, and more. But for now, we are aiming for a September 2025 release, so stay tuned for news!

2025

As exciting as 2024 was, I think 2025 has the potential to be an even bigger year for me.

Creative Writing Wizard Podcast

Starting the year off strong, on January 8th I’ll be recording a podcast with the Creative Writing Wizard, Gen Weatherhead! Glen has thrown his effort and talent into supporting indie authors in an incredible way with his Indie Release Radar, and was kind enough to include the upcoming winter issue of Perseid Prophecies on the list.

I’ve never done a podcast before, but I have listened to the two episodes Glen has already posted (episode 1 with Amanda Maddison and episode 2 with Sean M. Tirman), so I think I know what to expect. Honestly, I’m just humbled and honored to be among Glen’s first guests. Watch for announcements on when the podcast will air!

Glen’s podcast can be found on YouTube as well as Spotify.

RARE: An Anthology of Unusual Secrets

There have been some delays on the release of RARE, but it will be coming in mid-2025. Watch this space for announcements, including the cover reveal (I’ve seen it and it’s fantastic!) and official release date info.

Horror Web Series Adaptation

Although funding has been delayed a bit for this project, we are expecting to get a green light for production in April. I’ll likely be able to share more details (specifically which classic property we’re adapting) at that time. After that, we are aiming to film in September.

Despite working on the horror feature film first, this will be my first experience with filmmaking! I can’t wait!

Horror Feature Film

And speaking of the feature film… the timeline on this one is still very much in motion. A lot of what happens in 2025 will depend on the feedback I get for the second draft, and then a lot of things I have no control over, nor even a hand in–like preproduction.

That said, this will be my producer/director’s feature film debut, and I know he is eager to get to work. I know he’d like to film it in the summer/fall, so keep your fingers crossed!

Gas Giant Gambit Release Date

As I said, there is still a lot to be done before Gas Giant Gambit hits store shelves in late September 2025, and it will require a lot of work to get there. But there will be plenty to look forward to between now and September.

Having the cover done is one of the things I’m looking forward to most. And then there are ARC readers and their reviews. And I’m even excited to start marketing it too! I am, after all, a marketer in my day job. Being able to talk about something I made and love will be a wonderful change of pace!

World War I Sci-fi Novel

I’m also planning on finding the time among all these other things to write my next novel. I’ve taken some time away from it over the holidays, but I hope to hit the ground running next week. There’s still a lot of research to be done, and I need to get to know my characters better, but I want to start outlining soon.

I’m sure there will be plenty of progress updates here along the way!

Rejection Goal: 200

And finally, I’m aiming to hit 200 total rejections by December 31, 2025, one year from today.

I didn’t quite hit my goal of 100 rejections this year (finishing off at 92 with 6 submissions still pending). That said, I also didn’t start the year at 0, nor did I set the goal in January.

That means (if I’m diligent with both my writing and submitting) 2025 will be the first year I submit short stories and novel manuscripts more than 100 times. However many more will depend on what gets accepted for publication. Here’s hoping I have to submit 110+ times!

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Wow. When I type it all out like this, it makes me even more excited than I was! 2024 was truly a landmark year for me, and I can’t wait to see what surprises 2025 has in store above and beyond the things I already know about!

If you’ve stuck with me this far, I want to know what things lie ahead for you in the next 360 days. Let me know in the comments, and Happy New Year!