"Gizzard Stones," by Garth Upshaw

[Scott H. Andrews]

This thread is to discuss "Gizzard Stones," by Garth Upshaw, which appears in BCS #35 (http://www.beneath-ceaseless-skies.com/forums/../toc.php?s=35) from Jan. 28, 2010.

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[Chris Montgomery]

A thoroughly enjoying story, Garth, leaving me wondering about the rest of this fantastic world you have created.

Is this your first published short story in an A-list publication? If so, congratulations!

Chris Montgomery

[J.M. Martin]

Garth, I thoroughly enjoyed "Gizzard Stones" and I would most definitely buy a novel set in this world once it's published. I was sad for poor Maggot, but overall you really made goblins exciting and interesting. I enjoyed Nail's journey every step of the way and hope to read more in the future.

Your writing is fast paced and keeps the reader moving along, wanting to know what's going to happen next. I'm intrigued by your setting.

Do you have a Web site where we can learn more about you and your stories?

Congrats on getting into BCS!

Best of luck on future publications. I'll keep an eye out for the name Garth Upshaw.

J.M. Martin
http://www.ranting-and-raven.blogspot.com/

[Garth Upshaw]

Thanks, Chris & J.M.,

Glad you enjoyed "Gizzard Stones".

No, this isn't my first pro-sale. "Birdwatcher" appeared in May '08 Clarkesworld, and "Name Day" came out in April '09 Realms of Fantasy. One story a year is pretty slow, but I hope to pick up the pace this year *grin*. BCS has already bought another story, and "Learning to Fly" will appear sometime in Feb on PseudoPod.

My website is still under construction. Soon... *hangs head*

Thanks, again. Keep reading BCS!

-Garth

[Marc]

I was sad, too, when Maggot died. BUT it upped the stakes for me in a very scary, enjoyable way <shiver>. The whole way through I wondered if Nail was going to bite it as well.

I want more!

[Paul]

Hi Garth

Thanks for the comment on my story and a pleasure to share this edition with you. Loved this one - a real adventure in a brilliantly realised world. Will make sure I check out your other work when the website is up and running.

Paul

[Brita]

Hey, Garth,

Congratulations! I just finished reading Gizzard Stones. Wow, I was pretty riveted! I'm amazed at how well you are able to set up so much information, character, and setting in such a small amount of time and words. Really a good read.

Keep on writing,
Brita

[Daniel]

Hey Garth,
I enjoyed your story, very rich. I look forward to the book.

Peace, Daniel

[Laura]

Well done, Garth.

I loved the magic that turned loaves of bread into carnivorous rat-thingees. Dark and gritty.

-Laura

[Mia]

whoa, dude!
who knew!
crazy cool, goblins as the good guys!
rock on, man.
mia

[mbrennan]

Very interesting story -- the gizzard stones were a nicely alien touch even before their magic became apparent; the biological and cultural aspects there made the goblins more than just short, ugly humanoids with gross habits (their usual role in fantasy). I always enjoy that sort of thing.

I confess to being puzzled, though, by the setting, the juxtaposition of crossbows and muskets with factories and plastic. Not that all worlds would follow the same path of technological development that we have, especially if they've got magic in the mix, but the incongruity did make it hard for me to build an appropriate image in my mind. A minor quibble to an otherwise entertaining story, but I thought I'd mention it.