I heard back from the first contest in which had two short stories entered. And guess what??? I received my first rejection slips! Yep, both stories were passed over, but getting my first rejections kind of makes me feel like a real writer. I know it probably sounds a bit strange, but that’s how I feel. Both of these stories are still entered into other contests, the last of which announces in October. As always, I’ll keep you updated.
More story updates: I had my new editor look over “Wild Portal Child” and got some great feedback. Based on her notes, I made some changes that really make the story better overall. But now it’s almost 16k words! (oops!) Still the publisher is planning on putting it in the anthology that comes out in August. I can’t wait to share the first Vargen story with you. I don’t know if there will be online sales, (it’s a niche market) but I’ll let you know where to find the anthology if you want to pick it up.
I’m also planning a giveaway for one or two copies. More on that later.
As for other stuff, I’ve been traveling in Texas this week. I miss the cats and pups though, so I brought along my little bush baby friend. We’re documenting his travels. Here he is on the 8th floor, with the fountain below.
Hotel life is mostly conducive to writing. I finished a new short story today and I like the way it’s shaping up. I’ll let it sit a bit than do a rewrite. It’s a story of survival, and the bonds that form in the midst of crisis. If I don’t submit it to a contest, I’ll be sharing it soon.
In other news, I’ll soon be able to share even more stories with you. If all goes well, I’ll be announcing that information mid to late July.
As always, thanks for reading and sharing this journey with me.
-RZ
