For latchkey kids everywhere
With the 2013 Short Story Challenge, I had two goals: Write enough stories to participate in Khara House’s Submit-O-Rama in October Learn to write really good short stories As the count sits now, the first objective was met but the second is doubtful. Here’s the box score: Finished – 16 Accepted – 2 (one to... Continue Reading →
Last night in our November Columbia Writers’ Alliance meeting, I presented a workshop on dialogue.I used clips from a favorite novel, Water for Elephants, which had short pieces of dialogue of each type. Here, I’ve used my own work because I wanted to see if I’d been successfully applying what I know about the fundamentals... Continue Reading →
So I’ve done it!Thanks to Khara House for the kick-in-the-pants. I’ve now sent 13 stories out into the literary universe. One has already been accepted, thanks Spry! For taking “Two Trunks.” One has already been rejected, thanks, Lascaux, for giving “Have You Seen” a look. We’ll try to find a home for it elsewhere.So here’s... Continue Reading →
So I’ve done it. With a little help from my friend Jodie Smith over at The Queendom, I’ve gotten three more stories ready for submission and sent them off into the literary universe.Here are the selections and the magazines to which they were sent:Run or BleedWhen the evidence of failure shows up again, Amy does... Continue Reading →
I did it. I sent three stories, "First Time," "Packing," and "Daylight." First Time Winkie and Tommy have come to the hillside overlook to lose their virginity. But a derecho sweeps the mountain and derails their plans. Favorite part: Tommy took a deep breath. When he shoved himself inside of her she gasped. Something broke.... Continue Reading →
I started 2013 with the goal of having enough polished work to really participate in Khara House's October Submit-O-Rama. The rules state three submissions per week, which is 15 pieces (five weeks X three submissions).As you know, the 2013 Short Story Challenge went well and I have 13 stories but only 9 of them are... Continue Reading →
The Just Write Short Story Challenge of 2013 continues with this offering. I broke my own rule and edited one I'd drafted some time ago. I think it's appropriate, though, since my friend who inspired the story has now returned from Liberia. Your comments are appreciated. Please let me know what you think. _________________________________________________________ "Packing"... Continue Reading →
