Tuesday 9 April 2013

TKnC is Dead...Long live TKnC!

** AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM Ye OLDE EDITOR MATT HILTON **


"It ain't over 'til it's over."

When the idea for Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers first came to me back in late 2008, it sounded like a great one to me. My brainchild was to offer a platform where authors could share their work with like-minded individuals, to have their work showcased, to read the work of others and to offer constructive feedback and support. In short it was a way for authors to form a network of friends and colleagues, build their platform and make industry contacts, all while enjoying reading some terrific short fiction in the various genres of crime, thriller and horror.

Well, I was wrong. It wasn't a good idea.

It was a f****ing AMAZING idea.

Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers gained huge accolades and kudos over the next few years, won awards, and helped springboard some of its authors' careers. It put some authors in touch with agents. It helped establish credibility for authors when setting out on their own careers. Not only did it attract aspiring or fledgling authors, but some established names also submitted and showcased their work in TKnCs hallowed halls.

But with its amazing success it brought with it an unwieldiness I was unable to control. Luckily I was able to call on the help of some incredibly talented and enthusiastic individuals who not only helped but grew TKnC to even greater heights. Col Bury, our resident crime editor, came onboard very early on, and I must share credit for TKnCs early success with Col - without his input TKnC would have floundered a long time ago. Under our dual efforts TKnC only got bigger and better. To a point that we had to call on horror-supremo Lee Hughes to join our editorial team. TKnC grew again. The call for assistance was this time heard loud and clear by Mistress of the Macabre, Lily Childs, who added new dimensions to TKnC, and latterly by David Barber, whose enthusiasm for the site knows no bounds. I want to take this opportunity to personally thank Col, Lee, Lily and David, for their friendship, support and enthusiasm - I couldn't have done it on my own and am indebted to you all.

TKnC had become a byword for quality, edgy fiction, and was attracting readers in its multiple-thousands. It was attracting numerous submissions weekly.

But therein lay the rub.

It had grown too big to be contained.

We'd created a monster and it was consuming us.

That's the literal way of explaining that TKnC had grown so large that it was beginning to impact on our personal commitments, our day jobs and our own writing careers. We couldn't devote the attention to the site as we'd have wished or that it deserved, and that wasn't ideal. It was a sad decision, but after much hand wringing and regret we all understood it was time to call it a day.

Yes, you just read that right.

Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers is closing its doors.

But there's always a light at the end of the tunnel.

In the capable hands of editor David Barber, Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers' little brother has just been born and is about to come of age. It will be the new home of quality, edgy fiction.

So please say hello to 'THRILLS, KILLS 'N' CHAOS' by following this link: http://tknc.wordpress.com 

Submission details are up now, and the site will go live within a very short time. 

In the meantime, the stories that appear here at the original site will remain in situ, so maybe now would be a good time to take a trip back through the archives to read some terrific fiction you might have missed, or to reacquaint yourself with some old favourites. 

To all those of you who have supported us all these years, I thank you heartily and wish you great things and continued success. Now nip on over and support the new TKnC why don't ya? I'll see you there.

TKnC is Dead...Long Live TKnC!

Matt Hilton
Editor
9th April 2013




41 comments:

  1. TKnC was the best. Thanks for all your hard work and effort. Looking forward to the version!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sean. The new TKnC is going to be great under David's guidance.

      Delete
  2. Sad to see TKnC go and glad to be part of it as a contributor and reader..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Paul. Your contributions certainly helped cement TKnCs good reputation for great writing.

      Delete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Matt,

    It's been an absolute joy to grow as a writer via these inspiring pages.

    I can't thank you enough for your friendship and support, especially in those earlier days when I needed a confidence boost, one that TKnC (and you) provided.

    I've been bowled over by the talent out there and am proud to have been able, to not only read numerous crackin' stories, but also work with my brilliant fellow editors in helping writers find an audience.

    But, like you so adeptly said, TKnC lives on. And that's where you'll find me, supporting Dave as our 'Little Brother' grows...

    Regards,
    Col

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I couldn't have put it better myself. Cheers Col.

      Delete
  5. Change is the only constant; glad to see that everyone's careers are going so well that they need more of your focus. Hail to the old, welcome the new.

    ReplyDelete
  6. TKnC gave me my first break into the 'published' world and for that I am more than grateful.

    I will (hopefully) do you proud, guys, and carry the legacy on.

    Long live TKnC!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is a wonderful place, and you guys are great. Glad David is carrying on the legacy!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sad to see it close, but glad to hear about 'Little Brother.' Best wishes to all of you.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sad to see it close, but glad to hear about 'Little Brother.' Best wishes to all of you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. Hope to see you over at the little brother's place.

      Delete
  10. Sad to see TKnC go. I had my first short published here as well. All the best with the new site.

    ReplyDelete
  11. One of the things I'm proudest of was my story being published in TK'nC. It will be missed sorely. But you're right Matt, as the creator you gotta know when to fold 'em. It's way better to go out a champ instead of just fading away. And David, I'm looking forward to TK'n Chaos. I know you'll do a great job. Thanks, Matt, Col, David and the rest of the legendary folks on staff. It was one helluva ride.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks AJ. Better to go out in a blaze of glory as you say. I'd hate for TKnC to have ground to a halt because it wasn't getting the attention it deserved. It needed the fresh breath of air little brother 'Chaos' can deliver.

      Delete
  12. Heartfelt thanks to the guys behind TKnC. Like so many others it was the place where I got my first break. Sorry to see it go but fully understand why it has to close down.

    ReplyDelete
  13. My second story ever written was publish by TK&C and Matt, Col and Dave have always supported me in my writing. I owe them plenty. Torn, though: on the one hand I hate to see it go. On the other, it's great to see the editors finding success in their careers.

    And Big Dave Barber running 'Chaos'...should be the balls, especially if everyone remembers the fantastic job he did at The Flash Fiction Offensive.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yeah, I was remiss in not mentioning David's credentials, having done a sterling job over at TFFF.

    Thanks for some great fiction, Mike. And for your support.

    ReplyDelete
  15. These haunted halls will be missed. Much success to all you rockin’ writers who ran this mental ward with passion and elegance. I look forward to the next incarnation of TKnC.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many thanks Angel, another writer who raised the bar here at TKnC.

      Delete
  16. Thanks to you all at TKnC for publishing several of my efforts. And a special thanks to Matt for including my story in his great 'Pulse Pounding' anthology!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ta, Keith. Do you know I'm currently taking submissions for APPT 2?

      Delete
  17. Thanks guys (and Lily!!) for creating and running TKN'C. This site was one of the first places to publish me, and the only place where I would've felt comfortable (or been given the opportunity) to run my first serial, "At the Normal Cafe".

    So to you, Matt, Col, Lee, Lily, and David. Thank you all very much. You've all been the very definition of "class."

    See you at David's place!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Chris. The opportunity to publish 'At the Normal Cafe' was one of the highlights for me. Terrific series, and I hope people will dip back into the archives to check it out..

      Delete
  18. Echo the earlier sentiments. And a personal thank you as well. My first short story was published here, and the encouragement from the community of readers and writers that frequent the site influenced me immensely.

    Incredibly proud to have been involved in the site. Looking forward to the Little Brother site, and wish Dave all the best with it.

    Special thanks to Matt, for taking the time to set this whole thing in motion. And Col Bury, for publishing that first story, and giving me the confidence to keep on going!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheers Luca. (wipes tear from the corner of my eye)

      Delete
    2. Luca, cheers. It was a crackin' story!

      Delete
  19. Sad to see this drawing to a close but the extent this site has grown is testament to its success - AND the committment of the 'hosts'!
    'Thankyou' seems a small tribute but as one who had the opportunity to try out a few stories here (with much encouragement and arm-twisting from Matt!) that is my heartfelt response - a really big THANKYOU to all you guys (& gal!)

    I wish you all success in your various onward endeavours - and to Mr Barber, here's to a tremendous future for the new T, K 'n' C ! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sue - the arm twisting may continue for the new TKnC mind you.

      Delete
  20. Well, well, well ~ I've finished the bottle of scotch (single malt, natch) it took to highly raise my glass to my hero, that Matt Hilton fella and the authorly publisher companions I've grown to know and love, jive and strive with ~ cool Col, leering Lee, lovely Lily and dashing, daring David. Wow. What a production provided for publishing so many authors' voices worthy of the TK'n'C venue. Yep. You let me in too!

    Echoing Kate Laity, up above there in the mighty high-rise of the usual suspects we now see on book covers (and theatre marquees?) - Change from Growth - the damn best kind. I'll hug you all when I see you, but rather than sorrow, I salute your unbridled success drives, and promise to pizzazz all of David's new potentials to give a little brother his due.

    I love you guys,
    and thank you with the world you've reached.

    ~ Absolutely*Kate, author/promoter
    and today named Developmental Editor over at Noir Nation and VegaWire Media -- "Let's talk. Let's publish you the more -- as Matt Hilton set out to do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kate, hugs coming up in Albany. Yeh!

      Delete
  21. so sorry to see this go but do understand how things take over and get in the way of writing, I have done far more work this past year since leaving the writing forum than I ever did before, and that's just a forum! How much time this consumed I hate to think. Many thanks for featuring the Dorothy Davies stories, I hope to find a home for a few pieces over at the new home, and send every good wish to every contributor, to Col, Matt, Lee, Lily and David for all that is to come. Fame fortune and wealth I trust!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thanks Antonia. I'm sure that Dorothy will find her place at TKnCs little bro. Thanks for all your support.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Matt,

    Everybody has already said it many ways and much more eloquently than this but I'll still say a simple heartfelt thanks. Thanks for bringing great stories and treating other authors so well. All you guys did a great, great job here. Wish you the very best. - Jim (and I'll definitely check out 'Chaos')
    thanks ya will WILL

    ReplyDelete