[The] folks at Subterranean Press aproached me to see if I’d be interested in putting together a fantasy anthology featuring some of my favorite SFF authors. I replied that I was interested, that goes without saying, but only if part of the proceeds would be used to raise funds for breast cancer research. Bill at Subpress agreed that this was within the realm of possibilities. I will also be donating a sizable chunk of my own advance to support this great cause.

It’s going to be a small anthology, so we were forced to be methodical in terms of contacting authors. It took longer than anticipated, but it would have been bad form to invite many SFF authors, only to let them know that we couldn’t accept their submissions because the lineup was complete.

Though everyone loved the idea and would have liked to contribute a short story, scheduling and prior commitments prevented them from participating. Still, their encouragements and kind words meant a lot to me.

I “borrowed” the title Speculative Horizons from James Long’s blog of the same name (http://www.speculativehorizons.blogspot.com/) with his blessing, and the guy will get a nod in the acknowledgements. As far as I know, our anthology will likely be in the same format as Subpress’ A Fantasy Medley, from which the excerpt from Robin Hobb short story was taken a few weeks back.

Our lineup:

– New York Times bestselling author, L. E. Modesitt, jr.
– World Fantasy Award nominee, Hal Duncan
– New York Times notable author, C. S. Friedman
– Tobias S. Buckell
– Brian Ruckley

These authors bring various things to the dance, and they should offer an interesting mix of styles and stories. I’m eager to see what they’ll come up with!

I have no idea exactly when Speculative Horizons will be published, though I have a feeling it might be in late 2009. Check out http://www.subterraneanpress.com/ from time to time, or keep your eyes peeled for additional info on the Hotlist every time there’s something to report!

The Raven have fought together for years, six men carving out a living as swords for hire in the war that have torn Balaia apart, loyal only to themselves and their code. But when they agree to escort a Xesteskian mage on a secret mission they are pulled into a world of politics and ancients secrets. For the first time the Raven cannot even trust their own strength and prowess, for the first time their code is in doubt. How is it that they are fighting for one of the most evil colleges of magic known? Searching for the secret location of Dawnthief; a spell that could end the world? Aiming not to destroy it but to cast it.

Dawnthief is a fast paced epic about a band of all too human heroes.