Writer Scott Nicolay wrote the following:

A few months back Mike Davis published my story In the Tank in Issue 16 of the Lovecraft eZine. The presentation was wonderful, more than I could’ve asked for: a spot-on illustration by Nick “The Hat” Gucker and a first rate audio version read by David Banks.

Before I learned of Mike’s intent to run a “Deep Ones” themed issue of Lovecraft eZine, I had begun to think of that story as my ugly duckling. I wrote it at least a year before I conceived of the literary “constraints” within which I have since chosen to operate.

One might argue that In the Tank makes explicit though oblique use of Lovecraft’s tropes, thus violating one plank of my little manifesto, and I will confess that this was my intent in its original conception. Mike liked the story though, bought it, and ran it. Seeing it through his eyes I embraced my ugly duckling once more, and reading it again I can see now that what has since become a conscious aesthetic agenda for me–driving narrative through characterization and atmosphere–is already fully present in In the Tank. I like that very much.

Others seemed to like it, too. It was reasonably well received and garnered a number of positive comments on the Lovecraft eZine website–among them one by the proprietor of a small but very respectable publishing house specializing in weird horror fiction. In my capsule bio following the story I mentioned that I was working toward my first collection of stories. This gentleman expressed interest in that collection. We corresponded, he read more of my work, and several months later here I stand with contract signed, deadline set, book tentatively scheduled for spring 2014 publication by Fedogan & Bremer.

www.fedoganandbremer.com/collections/all

I am very excited that my first collection of stories will be published in a hardcover, sewn-signature, acid-free volume by a publishing house with such a high reputation for quality collectible books. I am just as excited that my book will feature not only cover art but also interior illustrations by David Verba, an artist whose work has become almost an obsession for me:

www.www.davidverbagallery.com/

www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/David-Verba-Gallery/155240717895736

It is no hyperbole–and as my friends know I am on most occasions very fond of hyperbole, especially when coupled with profanity–to say that I probably owe my publishing contract to the Lovecraft eZine. At the very least, my appearance there accelerated the process. I could not be more grateful.

Take note therefore my friends. Mike is doing something that is so vital in the arts: he is creating community. The Lovecraft eZine brings together writers, artists, readers, and publishers. There’s no telling whom you may encounter there, or who might find you. It’s where you want your work to be. It’s a venue worthy of your support. Iä Lovecraft eZine! Iä!