This article was published in the May/June 2002 issue of Working Writer. It was taken from my "Alternative Writing" column at Suite101.com.

Alternative writing (any writing that doesn't fit into one genre) is now being revered generally as up-and-coming. Point blank, it's the weird tales from The Twilight Zone and the Amazing Stories series. It is awe-inspiring and it's here. Specific categories today of the "non-genre" are "Magical Realism" and "Speculative Fiction." Put simply, they can all be lumped into one definition that works: any work of fiction that contains fantastic elements within the context of reality.

The fruits of alternative writing are showing up in Hollywood movies today such as "Unbreakable" and "The Sixth Sense," 'though the writing itself has lurked in the shadows for MANY decades. What follows is my compilation of the latest (and best) alternative publications online and/or off:

Graham Joyce's novel "Indigo" (currently found in major book stores) explores the invisible qualities of unseen-by-the-eye indigo in this riveting work of fiction. Whether it is true or not, the reader will be convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt.

"Margin Exploring Modern Magical Realism" ("http://www.angelfire.com/wa2/margin/inde...") is an evolutionary web site that offers excerpts and full stories from brilliant authors along with their short definitions of Magical Realism. Also includes "recommended readings" and verse. AND, for the writers out there, it is asking for submissions.

"Fluid Ink Press" ("http://users.pipeline.com.au/scottv/flui...") is a web site I am partial to for four reasons: it specifically publishes poets from around the world, it currently has three outstanding poets on it, I'm one of them (ha-ha), and its editor is both professional and thoughtful. When you go there, check out Murzban Schroff's poetry as well as Laura Potter's. Sign the guest book, and tell them I sent you.

"Cemetery Dance Publications" ("http://www.cemetarydance.com/") publish sophisticated dark fiction/horror print books, magazines, and comic books that can boast of extraordinarily artistic covers and clientale such as Stephen King.

And that is the summation of my top picks (for now).