So much for a short story-free month

It lasted 12 days.  And then I caved.  I ventured back into short story territory even though I promised myself I would stay focused on bigger stuff for the month of May.  But, in my defense, I had already started the story last month.  I just finished it (about 6 pages worth of writing) and edited it (about an hour’s worth of work) today.

The story is called “Tricks of Shadow and Light” and was written in the hopes of getting into the It Came From Mars anthology.  The first 3 pages of the story have been in my head for about 2 years and I could never fit it into anything.  This anthology seemed perfect for it.  I won’t spoil the fun and give the plot away just yet.  I’ll just say that one of the Mars rovers comes across something that we would NEVER expect to see on Mars.  The set up is almost comical in a way, but no one’s laughing by the end of the story.

Anyway, just wanted to post something other than the fact that I was dealt my sixth rejection letter of the year this morning.  This one came from Necrology Magazine for a short story called “Facing Fear”.

Now, back to the bigger projects.  I have pretty much thrown the bloody, sweat soaked towel in on the story I was working on for Return to Luna so that’s one less distraction…

4 Responses to “So much for a short story-free month”

  1. Good luck with your submission to ‘It Came From Mars’ – I tried to write something for that antho. but it all went horribly wrong.

    I’ve had 20 rejections so far this year (I just counted them). According to Duotrope at 20 rejections and 4 acceptances for 2008 I’m (so far) batting above average in the yes vs no department. I like Duotrope :) LOL!

  2. I haven’t even submitted 20 pieces this year…geez Cate.

    Run with the ball, Barry! I tried to take a month-long break not too long ago, and it didn’t work out too well. I ended up writing more, not less, than I normally do. As for rejections…well, my philosophy is read them, take the advice, print them out, and file them away so I can remember who I’ve submitted to.

  3. barrynapier Says:

    Cate – so you’ve sent out 24 queries this year? Damn, I don’t think I even sent out that many ALL year in ‘07. And yes, Duotrope is a godsend.

    J.C. – With two new anthologies announced, I think it’s safe to say that I’ll be returning to short stories within a few days. I DID manage to edit/revise a 50 page chunk of Hell On Earth Books 2 in those 12 days I was short story free, so at least I got something done…

  4. Somehow i missed the point. Probably lost in translation :) Anyway … nice blog to visit.

    cheers, Athenaeum

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