I had a very odd thing happen to me earlier today. I was working on a story that has a character I used in a previously written story. That is not odd. I have several serial characters. When I am working on a story with one of these characters I try to keep the character consistent, often referring to the text files of that character’s other stories. What is odd is that today I could not remember the exact name of a philanthropic effort of McKaleb Yazzie. I spun in my chair, pulled a magazine off my shelf, and looked it up. How odd it felt to be looking up information about one of my creations in a magazine sitting on my shelf. McKaleb is the protagonist in “Language Barrier” published in Abandoned Towers #2. I wonder if other writers have had similar experiences… I got goosebumps!
I have been taking a break from making myself write every day. I was thinking about doing it, when on April 1st I just didn’t squeeze in the time to tap out 100 words. I haven’t written everyday, but I have written. I have also been editing stories that I finished the first draft on. When I start back to working on “writing” everyday on May 1st, I am going to either write at least 100 first draft words, or edit for at least a full thirty minutes. I have five or so first draft stories waiting for polishing. I need to get those out to slush piles.
And speaking of slush piles, I have two stories that have passed inital slush readings and are being considered for publication. Each is at a venue I really like and want to break into. Fingers crossed.
Filed under: Written Word
