Our next author spotlight is Rey Revelli.
Rey’s lyrical writing style is magically addictive. We are thrilled to have him as one of our anthology authors. So let’s learn more about him, his chosen fable, and dive into some questions about this amazing author.
About Rey:
Rey Revelli is a speculative fiction writer, illustrator, and licensed massage therapist based in Pennsylvania. When he’s not gaming with his husband or arguing with their opinionated cats, he can be found fortune-telling, cooking, and reading too much manga.
Aesop Fable/Moral:
The Old Man and Death #60
You should be careful what you ask for because your wish just might come true.
Story Title/Genre:
A Song for Goodbyes
Queer Magical Realism Fantasy
The Old Man and Death
An Old Man, bent double with age and toil, was gathering sticks in a forest. At last he grew so tired and hopeless that he threw down the bundle of sticks, and cried out: “I cannot bear this life any longer. Death come and take me!” As he spoke, Death appeared and said to him: “What do you want Old Man? I heard you call me.” “Please, sir,” replied the Old Man, “would you kindly help me lift this load of sticks on to my shoulder?”
Author Q&A
1. When was the moment you knew you wanted to become an author?
When I realized the regret of not trying would feel worse than the disappointment of trying and possibly failing.
2. What is the first thing you've ever written?
The first thing was a dark fantasy about a bipedal cat who hunts inter-dimensional demons with the mostly-voluntary help of two human companions. One of them is a distrustful healer with anger issues, and the other is an affable himbo of a bodyguard. It’s still a WIP, but I love it and can’t wait to see it through
3. Do you write strictly fantasy or other genres as well?
Most of what I’ve written blends fantasy with supernatural horror in one way or another. Ever since reading Lynn Flewelling, Kylie Lee Baker, and even some chilling moments from Robert Jordan, I don’t know, fantasy horror’s just become my happy place, both as a reader and a writer.
4. What is your biggest struggle and most amazing success so far in your author career?
Honestly, the biggest struggle might have been finding a reliable critique partner. I read 16 chapters of someone’s work once, only to have them ghost my 3 chapters. Thankfully, I’ve since found an amazing critique partner, and a wonderful writing community. As for success, I’ve gone from doubting my work to having 3 short stories accepted for anthologies this year, and it’s not even June. Thrilled doesn’t begin to cover it!
5. Aside from having your story in the anthology, what are you currently working on?
My main focus right now is a magical girl, urban fantasy with horror elements. Think Sailor Moon meets Broad City, but make it scary and kinda gross. It’s about a woman in her 30s, named Stevie, who hates her job, has no local friends, and hasn’t had a girlfriend in ages. Dissatisfied with her life, Stevie decides to put herself out there and affect change. Well, she succeeds; so much so that she accidentally becomes a magical girl, sworn to serve some mysterious “Queen Below.” And did I mention she gets a ‘possum familiar?
6. Two truths and a lie!
1. I sing Legend of Zelda tunes when I yawn.
2. My first movie crush was Karl Urban as Éomer in Lord of The Rings.
I’ve fostered a ‘possum on two separate occasions.
Welcome Rey! We can’t wait to share your story with the world!
