Generated by All in One SEO v4.8.9, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # j. ashley-smith dark fiction and other materials ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.spooktapes.net/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Aurealis Awards 2025 shortlist](https://www.spooktapes.net/2025/04/17/aurealis-awards-2025-shortlist/) - Delighted to learn my tragic, magic realist magpie love story – The Beautiful Thing You Once Were – has been shortlisted for an Aurealis Award... - [Ellen Datlow's Best Horror recommendations list](https://www.spooktapes.net/2024/12/07/ellen-datlows-best-horror-recommendations-list/) - A bit chuffed about this... The Family Madness and The Measure of Sorrow made it onto Ellen Datlow's recommended reading list. These are two of my favourite stories from the collection, so it means a lot to see them get a nod. - [Winner Best Collection, Ditmar Awards 2024](https://www.spooktapes.net/2024/10/08/winner-best-collection-ditmar-awards-2024/) - Returned from hols yesterday to learn The Measure of Sorrow won Best Collection in this year's Ditmar Awards! - [ACT Book of the Year Awards 2024](https://www.spooktapes.net/2024/08/07/act-book-of-the-year-awards-2024/) - The Measure of Sorrow was Highly Commended in the 2024 ACT Book of the Year Awards! - [ACT Book of the Year 2024 shortlist](https://www.spooktapes.net/2024/07/19/act-book-of-the-year-2024-shortlist/) - So... this happened. - [The Beautiful Thing You Once Were](https://www.spooktapes.net/2024/07/18/the-beautiful-thing-you-once-were/) - Perhaps I should have been surprised when the magpie first spoke... - [ACT Literary Awards 2024](https://www.spooktapes.net/2024/06/05/act-literary-awards-2024/) - How wonderful! Delighted to learn that The Measure of Sorrow is shortlisted for an ACT Literary Award. Congratulations to all the local authors on the shortlist. - [Aurealis shortlist](https://www.spooktapes.net/2024/03/19/aurealis-shortlist/) - Downright chuffed to learn The Measure Of Sorrow is on the Aurealis Award shortlist for best collection. - [AsylumFest 2023](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/11/01/asylumfest-2023/) - Another year, another road trip to beautiful Beechworth Asylum with notorious Canberra hoodlums Kaaron Warren, Aaron Dries, Robert Hood, Cat Sparks. - [Conflux 17](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/10/04/conflux-17/) - Absolutely knackered after an immense weekend at Conflux 17. Remind me next year not to sign up for so much stuff! - [InCONceivable – horror panel, critters and more...](https://www.spooktapes.net/2020/11/08/inconceivable-horror-panel-critters-and-more/) - Very excited to have joined a host of fantastic Aussie authors at InCONceivable, the new online con. - [Lost in a world of darkness...](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/11/02/lost-in-a-world-of-darkness/) - Really loved this intelligent, considered reflection on The Measure of Sorrow over at Seize The Press. - [Tor.com – Can't miss indie press spec fic](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/05/19/tor-com-cant-miss-indie-press-spec-fic/) - The Measure of Sorrow gets a write up at Tor.com, along with a host of other indie press spec fic that's not to be missed! - [Donderevo on Spotify](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/08/01/donderevo-on-spotify/) - Thanks to the magic of modern technology, the full Donderevo back catalogue is now up on Spotify. - [The Measure of Sorrow – Melbourne launch](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/07/30/the-measure-of-sorrow-melbourne-launch/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Shits and giggles aplenty at the Melbourne launch of The Measure Of Sorrow on Friday night. Great to hang with friends old and new, and talk (loudly, to compete with the background noise) books and dreams and kids and - [The Measure of Sorrow launch party](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/07/14/the-measure-of-sorrow-launch-party/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] Thanks to everyone who made it to Blackbird Bar for the launch last night. Was a proper banger! Special thanks to Kaaron and Aaron, for always having my back. Thanks to Cat Sparks, - [Online launch: The Measure of Sorrow](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/07/05/the-measure-of-sorrow-virtual-launch/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]in conversation with John Langan Big thanks to everyone who rocked up to the virtual launch of The Measure of Sorrow, hosted by Meerkat Press last weekend. For those who couldn’t make it (or you hardcore types committed to - [Trip The Dark Fantastic (BigIndieBooks)](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/06/17/trip-the-dark-fantastic-bigindiebooks/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] The Measure of Sorrow – Blog Tour I love a good listicle – the only trouble being having to keep it so short! Seriously, I could have kept going and going with this one, - [Your Mind On Writing (Writing Forums)](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/06/17/your-mind-on-writing-writing-forums/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] The Measure of Sorrow – Blog Tour I had mixed feelings writing this and even more mixed feelings about sharing it, anxious that it was maybe just a bit too personal. For anyone who’s - [Call of the wild and weird (T Kent Writes)](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/06/15/call-of-the-wild-and-weird-t-kent-writes/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] The Measure of Sorrow – Blog Tour Big thanks, as always, to T Kent Writes for hosting me on this leg of the blog tour – this time with a short article on the - [Sounds of an Old House: A Haunting Memoir (Vol.1 Brooklyn)](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/06/06/sounds-of-an-old-house/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]The Measure of Sorrow – Blog Tour It’s a pleasure and a thrill to write an essay for the exceptional Volume 1 Brooklyn, especially a (brief) memoir of growing up in a house that may - [Time and the deep, black lake (Horror Tree)](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/06/08/time-and-the-deep-black-lake/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] The Measure of Sorrow – Blog Tour The title novella from #TheMeasureOfSorrow almost didn’t exist, but is now one of my favourite stories, both in the collection and that I’ve ever written. Really grateful - [Page 69 Test (TNBBC)](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/06/08/page-69-test-tnbbc/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]The Measure of Sorrow – Blog Tour Want to know what’s on page 69 (dude) of The Measure of Sorrow, and whether it’s representative of the rest of the book? Look no further than this - [Fresh Blood interview](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/05/22/fresh-blood-interview/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] ICYMI (and aren’t yet sick of my relentless pre-launch pimping), Greg Chapman invited me over to his website for a wee interview. Inside you will find: assumptions, inspiration, impostor syndrome, Enid Blyton, lists - [Panel: dark fiction for dark times](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/05/11/panel-dark-fiction-for-dark-times/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] Looking forward to chairing this panel the 2023 Speculative Fiction Festival at @writingNSW next month! Can’t wait to get stuck in to the knotty subject of horror’s great renaissance in these strange, dark - [Shadows shortlist for The Tub](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/05/09/shadows-shortlist-for-the-tub/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] Excited to learn my short story The Tub has been shortlisted in this year’s Australian Shadows Awards. This is an oddly personal story that was a lot of fun to write, so I’m - [Pre-order The Measure of Sorrow](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/05/08/pre-order-the-measure-of-sorrow/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] Pre-orders are live for #TheMeasureOfSorrow and include this freaking amazing SWAG! Order now to get this gorgeous bookmark, moth sticker, and flyer for an eldritch rave that previously existed only in my - [Duplicity](https://www.spooktapes.net/2017/07/17/duplicity/) - Tad was lying. Again. - [Sign up for my newsletter – get a free story!](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/05/04/sign-up-for-my-newsletter-get-a-free-story/) - I'm excited to share that I've set up a newsletter over on Substack. If you want to receive a steady(ish) stream of insights, inspirations, obsessions, updates, recommendations and fascinations, as well as the occasional giveaway or free story, right into your inbox, then I'd love you to subscribe! - [Men Without Faces](https://www.spooktapes.net/2022/12/01/men-without-faces/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Daz was munted. Right off his tits. So much whizz ripped through his system he hadn’t slept in three days—now it felt like he’d never slept, would never sleep again. Things moved in the - [Damnation Games in the house...](https://www.spooktapes.net/2022/12/11/damnation-games-in-the-house/) - Look what the postie brought, just in time for Christmas! Chuffed to have my story Men Without Faces in this anthology of crime and supernatural horror, alongside some of my favourite authors in the genre... - [Cover reveal: The Measure of Sorrow](https://www.spooktapes.net/2022/10/07/cover-reveal-the-measure-of-sorrow/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]The magnificent Meerkat Press are releasing my first collection of short stories in June next year. The cover is just blowing my mind! Meerkat have more details about the collection over on their site, as well as a gorgeous video - [Publishers Weekly starred review](https://www.spooktapes.net/2023/04/08/publishers-weekly-starred-review/) - Holy fricken moley! The Measure of Sorrow just got a Publishers Weekly starred review! - [Scary stories discussion panel](https://www.spooktapes.net/2022/11/01/scary-stories-discussion-panel/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] ICYMI: Aaron Dries, Dan O’Malley and I had the great pleasure of spending a dark and very stormy Halloween night talking horror and all things scary at the Woden library. And even if the rain kept you at - [AsylumFest 2022](https://www.spooktapes.net/2022/10/31/asylumfest-2022/) - So we went on a road trip—Kaaron Warren, Aaron Dries, Robert Hood, Cat Sparks and I—to Beechworth Asylum and the inaugural AsylumFest... - [Unnerving Podcast interview](https://www.spooktapes.net/2020/07/14/unnerving-podcast-interview/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Had a blast chatting with @GenerousEd on the UnnervingMag podcast. We talked about dreams, burning your darlings, and how a kid reading Herbert, Hutson and King grew up to write The Attic Tragedy. Check it out below. Then go follow - [Old Growth](https://www.spooktapes.net/2017/06/01/old-growth/) - “Look, Dad,” says Mika from the back. “Look at the faces!” - [On The Line](https://www.spooktapes.net/2017/12/17/on-the-line/) - The toy phone shrilled and shrilled. Mike watched his daughter from behind the Sunday paper. He’d started on the crossword, but the sound of the phone hacked at his concentration like jagged glass. - [The Further Shore](https://www.spooktapes.net/2018/03/17/the-further-shore/) - Renault was out beyond the littoral when the fear bloomed. Drifting with the currents, he bobbed above the reef. The sun warmed his back, cast a spangled net of iridescent white on the ocean floor. - [Our Last Meal](https://www.spooktapes.net/2018/04/01/our-last-meal/) - It used to be our favourite lookout. Our hangover lookout, Sallie called it... - [The Moth Tapes](https://www.spooktapes.net/2019/02/17/the-moth-tapes/) - So here we are, little one. Our new home sweet home. - [The Face God Gave](https://www.spooktapes.net/2019/02/18/the-face-god-gave/) - They were somewhere between LAX and Sydney, way out over the Pacific Ocean, when the plane hit rough air. - [B for Bookreview interview](https://www.spooktapes.net/2020/06/09/b-for-bookreview-interview/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] The Attic Tragedy – Blog Tour I had a lot of fun doing this interview with B for Bookreview. Check it out here. Then go follow them on Twitter at @BookreviewB! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section] - [Magic of Wor(l)ds interview](https://www.spooktapes.net/2020/06/10/magic-of-worlds-interview/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] The Attic Tragedy – Blog Tour This interview with Magic of Wor(l)ds was a blast! We talked about Roald Dahl, the seething terror of existence, and why I’d invite Merrikat Blackwood over for tea… Check it out here. - [Dark short stories cast a long shadow (T. Kent Writes)](https://www.spooktapes.net/2020/06/12/dark-short-stories-cast-a-long-shadow-t-kent-writes/) - From the briefest burst of flash fiction to the stately novella, there is something about the short (and not so short) story that is perfectly suited to the dark and the weird. The best of them are incandescent, flaring brightly within our darkest spaces, burning shadows onto our vision that change how we see the world, see ourselves. - [Writing Forums interview](https://www.spooktapes.net/2020/06/16/writing-forums-interview/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] The Attic Tragedy – Blog Tour Next stop on the blog tour – with thanks to Writing Forums. Loved this conversation about drafting (**shudders**), axolotls, and recent reads that have blown my mind. Check it out here. Then - [In Memoriam](https://www.spooktapes.net/2020/06/17/in-memoriam/) - All that is left are memories. Like that time on the shingle beach at Aldeburgh. The ocean grey as slate, crests ruffled like white frosting. The thump of waves and rasp of small stones and, everywhere, the seashell roar like an endless breath. - [The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea (TNBBC)](https://www.spooktapes.net/2020/06/17/the-sailor-who-fell-from-grace-with-the-sea-tnbbc/) - As a student, way back in nineties Sheffield, I had an obsession with thrift store book finds. I was studying film and creative writing and had a voracious, directionless reading habit, fuelled almost entirely by random discoveries on the shelves of this or that charity shop between my house and the campus. - [Seven Attic Tragedies](https://www.spooktapes.net/2020/06/17/seven-attic-tragedies/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]The Attic Tragedy – Blog Tour Long before Shakespeare littered the stage of the Globe with stabbed and poisoned corpses, and filled the hearts of his audience with a rampant black despair, the Ancient Greeks - [She's Alive! Or... Can a character really take over your story? (Horror Tree)](https://www.spooktapes.net/2020/06/19/shes-alive-or-can-a-character-really-take-over-your-story-horror-tree/) - I once read an interview with crime writer James Ellroy, who spoke bluntly when asked if his characters were flesh and blood. He said it was disingenuous for writers to say they had no control over their creations. The choices about their behaviour, their actions and reactions, did not arise independently – each was an artistic decision, made by him. - [Australian SF Snapshot project interview](https://www.spooktapes.net/2020/06/25/australian-sf-snapshot-project-interview/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Stoked to be included in this year’s Australian SF Snapshot. This is a fantastic, long-running archival project and it’s an honour to be involved. Check out the interview here. Then go read all the rest of their awesome interviews - [Suzy Turner interview](https://www.spooktapes.net/2020/06/26/suzy-turner-interview/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] The Attic Tragedy – Blog Tour Had a great time being grilled by Suzy Turner over at her blog. This turned out to be a much more personal interview than I was expecting (or, frankly, intending), and is - [Online launch: The Attic Tragedy](https://www.spooktapes.net/2020/06/28/online-launch-attic/) - Join J. Ashley-Smith in conversation with Kaaron Warren and Aaron Dries as they discuss his debut novelette, The Attic Tragedy. - [Angela Slatter interview](https://www.spooktapes.net/2020/07/14/angela-slatter-interview/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Honoured to be invited over to Angela Slatter’s blog for a virtual cup of tea and a (slightly one-sided) natter. We talked The Attic Tragedy, literary heroes, and my mortal terror of General Woundwort. Good times! Check out the interview - [The Black Massive](https://www.spooktapes.net/2020/10/17/the-black-massive/) - It was a banging scene, back in the day. Before Cadman came out of the shadows, touting his weird black shit. - [Free stories](https://www.spooktapes.net/2020/12/17/free-stories/) - Click here for links to short stories and novelettes that are available online to read or listen to for free. - [StokerCon 2021](https://www.spooktapes.net/2021/05/24/stokercon-2021/) - I had a blast at StokerCon 2021, read a (freakishly beardless) extract from Ariadne, I Love You, and Kaaron Warren, Aaron Dries. and I launched the pilot of our new podcast, Let The Cat In. Check out the videos here. - [Speculative Fiction Showcase interview](https://www.spooktapes.net/2021/07/07/speculative-fiction-showcase-interview/) - Excellent to kick off the Ariadne, I Love You blog tour with this interview. Childhood imaginary friends, expatriation, ghosts, horror... - [Paul Semel interview](https://www.spooktapes.net/2021/07/21/paul-semel-interview/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]Ariadne, I Love You – Blog Tour This interview with Paul Semel was a great opportunity to dig into what Ariadne, I Love You is all about. Music, ghosts, channeling the supernatural. Check it out.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section] - [Ambiguity is the essence of the supernatural (Vol.1 Brooklyn)](https://www.spooktapes.net/2021/07/22/vol-1-brooklyn-guest-post/) - Have you ever seen a ghost? Or heard one? Maybe not. But perhaps you’ve had some experience or other you couldn’t easily explain, some weird occurrence which you mull on even now. Did it happen the way you remember? Or did you imagine it? That ambiguity, unfocused and inconclusive, is the essence of what we think of as the supernatural. - [Sadie's Spotlight interview](https://www.spooktapes.net/2021/07/23/sadies-spotlight-interview/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Ariadne, I Love You – Blog Tour Trusting your instincts, inspiration, and the moral of the story – or not. Loved being a part of this interview. Check it out here. Then go follow on - [Online launch: Ariadne, I Love You and The Bridge](https://www.spooktapes.net/2021/07/25/online-launch-ariadne/) - Join J.S. Breukelaar and J. Ashley-Smith in conversation as they discuss their latest releases: The Bridge; and Ariadne, I Love You. - [Horror Tree interview](https://www.spooktapes.net/2021/07/27/horror-tree-interview/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Ariadne, I Love You – Blog Tour This interview was so much fun! Moth dust, Raudive, and literary gaffer tape. What more could you want? Check it out here. Then go follow Ruschelle and the - [The road to publication (Writing Forums)](https://www.spooktapes.net/2021/07/27/the-road-to-publication-writing-forums/) - The most important lesson I have learned, on what turned out to be a thirty-year journey to becoming a published author, is best summed up by Chuck Wendig’s crude aphorism: finish your shit. It doesn’t matter how good that story is in your head, or for how many weeks, months or years you polish those first few chapters – if you don’t finish the damn thing it doesn’t exist and that’s the end of it. - [Tomes and Tales interview](https://www.spooktapes.net/2021/07/28/tomes-and-tales-interview/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Ariadne, I Love You – Blog Tour It’s a joy and a privilege to answer thoughtful and intelligent questions by someone who’s read your book. This interview was a pleasure from beginning to end. Thank - [B for Bookreview interview](https://www.spooktapes.net/2021/07/28/b-for-bookreview-interview-2/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Ariadne, I Love You – Blog Tour Silence, Pripyat, Margot, and some favourites from the just-read pile. This was a very enjoyable interview. Check it out here. Then go follow B for Bookreview on Twitter - [Shirley Jackson Award winner!](https://www.spooktapes.net/2021/08/16/shirley-jackson-award-winner/) - Sooooo... aw jeez. I've been hiding out all day in a state of shock and bewilderment because The Attic Tragedy won a frickin' Shirley Jackson Award! - [Ariadne, I Love You – audiobook](https://www.spooktapes.net/2021/12/07/ariadne-i-love-you-audiobook/) - Huzzah! The top secret project is revealed! I’m a great devourer of audiobooks, so loved every moment of making this. Thrilled it’s now out in the world. If you like creepiness injected directly into your ears, then check out this audio extract. - [Book launch party!](https://www.spooktapes.net/2021/12/16/book-launch-party/) - Ariadne, I Love You and The Attic Tragedy double book launch: In both 2020 and 2021, I released books into the wilderness of social distancing and lockdowns. Though we held some excellent online events to celebrate at the time, nothing compares to the vibe of a reading in a room full of people... - [Ariadne, I Love You wins a Ditmar!](https://www.spooktapes.net/2022/10/01/ariadne-i-love-you-wins-a-ditmar/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]So Ariadne, I Love You won best novella at the Ditmar Awards on Saturday. Absolutely bonkers when you look at the books it was up against. I managed to pull it together enough to give a semi-coherent acceptance speech – this time not - [Australian Shadows Award winner!](https://www.spooktapes.net/2022/04/13/australian-shadows-award-winner/) - Surprised and delighted at the news ARIADNE, I LOVE YOU won a Shadows Award. - [Conflux 16, 2022](https://www.spooktapes.net/2022/10/03/conflux-16-2022/) - Goodbye, #conflux16! Thanks for an outstanding weekend. Had the best time hanging with my peeps, making new friends and talking myself hoarse. This community is absolutely the best. ❤️ - [Reading: The Tub](https://www.spooktapes.net/2022/10/11/reading-the-tub/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]I was lucky enough to join a group at Conflux this year giving readings from recent stories. I read from The Tub and maybe got a little too into it… (photos by Cat Sparks.)[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” - [Five dark inspirations (Big Indie Books)](https://www.spooktapes.net/2021/07/30/five-dark-inspirations-big-indie-books/) - I was in a very particular headspace when I wrote Ariadne, I Love You. Keen to explore a very particular kind of supernatural occurrence: one that could be easily justified in rational terms, without being entirely explained away. At the same time, I was obsessed with the idea of inheritance, of the scars the past leaves on the present, and a particular kind of gothic sensibility that arises when a character worries over the same fixation for decades. - [TNBBC Reads: Ariadne, I Love You](https://www.spooktapes.net/2021/07/29/tnbbc-reads-ariadne-i-love-you/) - So grateful to The Next Best Book Club blog for letting me hang out and read an extract from Ariadne, I Love You. - [The Tub](https://www.spooktapes.net/2022/08/09/1931/) - We found the tub in the wastes out back of the Kwik Fit tyre place. A dark overgrown no-man's-land of dirt and weeds between the back gardens and spiked fences of Richmond Road, and the mountains of bare, burst or burnt-out tyres in the Kwik Fit yard... ## Pages - [dark fiction and other materials](https://www.spooktapes.net/) - [et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" admin_label="Section" _builder_version="4.16" background_image="http://www.spooktapes.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_4020-scaled.jpg" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="j. ashley-smith" subhead="dark fiction and other materials" text_orientation="right" header_fullscreen="on" header_scroll_down="on" scroll_down_icon="%%1%%" content_max_width="none" title_font_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_color="#ffffff" admin_label="Fullwidth Header" _builder_version="4.20.2" title_font="Special Elite||||" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="36px" subhead_font="Special Elite||||" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="22px" background_color="RGBA(255,255,255,0)" background_enable_image="off" parallax="on" parallax_method="on" button_one_letter_spacing_hover="0" button_two_letter_spacing_hover="0" background_url="http://www.spooktapes.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Curtain-Call.jpg" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="on" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="0" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="on" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="0" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" - [the measure of sorrow: stories](https://www.spooktapes.net/the-measure-of-sorrow-stories/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] the measure of sorrow: stories [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] WINNER BEST COLLECTION DITMAR AWARDS 2024, HIGHLY COMMENDED 2024 ACT BOOK OF THE - [the attic tragedy](https://www.spooktapes.net/the-attic-tragedy/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] the attic tragedy [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] WINNER OF THE SHIRLEY JACKSON AWARD! Sylvie never called them ghosts, but that’s what they were—not that George - [ariadne, i love you](https://www.spooktapes.net/ariadne-i-love-you-2/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] ariadne, i love you [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] WINNER OF THE DITMAR &AUSTRALIAN SHADOWS AWARDS! Jude is dragged out of Alt Country obscurity, out of - [Welcome!](https://www.spooktapes.net/welcome/) - [other stories](https://www.spooktapes.net/other-stories/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”] stories [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”100″ include_categories=”53″ show_author=”off” show_date=”off” show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_blog][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”] audio [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” - 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[Launch Party](https://www.spooktapes.net/tag/launch-party/) - [Dan O'Malley](https://www.spooktapes.net/tag/dan-omalley/) - [Nicole Murphy](https://www.spooktapes.net/tag/nicole-murphy/) - [Rebecca Fraser](https://www.spooktapes.net/tag/rebecca-fraser/) - [Donderevo](https://www.spooktapes.net/tag/donderevo/) - [Digital Bird God](https://www.spooktapes.net/tag/digital-bird-god/) - [Tor.com](https://www.spooktapes.net/tag/tor-com/) - [Ellen Datlow](https://www.spooktapes.net/tag/ellen-datlow/) - [Recommended reading](https://www.spooktapes.net/tag/recommended-reading/)