Well, finally made it home after a 6-hour drive from Dallas. I imagine if I wasn't such a cheap bastard, we would have stayed another night at the hotel. But all's well that ends well.
Although sales didn't build on yesterday as I'd hoped, there were a few folks who stopped by and picked up a copy. Overall, it seemed like this last day of the con was rather empty in terms of visitors. Had I realized this ahead of time, I would have brought out my laptop and finished up the remainder of my short story "Collateral" which has been nagging at me for the entire weekend.
That said, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and hope to return next year. I may try to make a stop at another Dallas con this year, though I think I'm probably going to set my eye on some closer ones in Kansas City (ConQuest) or Oklahoma City (Conestoga). I'll also be trying to get into a writer's conference (as a writer, not a dealer) sometime this year, if finances allow.
So, good night and good writing!
22 February 2009
21 February 2009
ConDFW - Day Two
So, another fine day at ConDFW here in Dallas...excellent response to my book, and doubled sales over yesterday. All in all, I enjoyed it a lot.
Some takeaway thoughts:
- As a married man at a con, one should think twice about bringing their wives. Some of the outfits were a bit risque, including one where a lady was wearing skin-tight leather with a chain mail bra. With the wife manning the camera, little chance of photos. Sorry to all you guys who missed it!
- People are as widely varied as one would think coming to these conventions, but for the most part are a happy bunch. There were a few, however, who would not even respond to a hello as they whizzed by. Not sure what they entered the Dealer Room for if not to browse through tables of merchandise.
- Watching others as they conduct business at their table gives you a good idea of what does work and doesn't work from a promotion standpoint. Sitting behind your table and expecting people to stop and browse doesn't. Free samples do. Samples that cost people money to buy, not so much. Chain mail undergarments definitely garner attention as the model walks around the Dealer Room.
- When figuring out how much swag to bring to the convention, always realize that whatever you have left over can be used for the next convention. It's always better to have a little left over than to run out before the end of the convention.
- Conventions are not going to be a huge money-maker for an author with a small press (with no advertising budget). The amount of money brought in will be lucky to cover the expenses, if that. As such, one should go into a convention with the mindset that it's mostly about the promotion of your name and brand. If you go into it thinking you'll make a lot of money, you're probably going to be sadly mistaken.
Tomorrow is the last day of ConDFW, and I'll be heading out shortly after the closing for the drive home. Hopefully everyone has enjoyed these posts from the con, and remember to check out my regular site if you haven't already. There, you can pick up the same samplers as the con-goers this weekend, including a sample chapter from Heroes Die Young, as well as issues of Ray Gun Revival in which my short stories have been published.
Some takeaway thoughts:
- As a married man at a con, one should think twice about bringing their wives. Some of the outfits were a bit risque, including one where a lady was wearing skin-tight leather with a chain mail bra. With the wife manning the camera, little chance of photos. Sorry to all you guys who missed it!
- People are as widely varied as one would think coming to these conventions, but for the most part are a happy bunch. There were a few, however, who would not even respond to a hello as they whizzed by. Not sure what they entered the Dealer Room for if not to browse through tables of merchandise.
- Watching others as they conduct business at their table gives you a good idea of what does work and doesn't work from a promotion standpoint. Sitting behind your table and expecting people to stop and browse doesn't. Free samples do. Samples that cost people money to buy, not so much. Chain mail undergarments definitely garner attention as the model walks around the Dealer Room.
- When figuring out how much swag to bring to the convention, always realize that whatever you have left over can be used for the next convention. It's always better to have a little left over than to run out before the end of the convention.
- Conventions are not going to be a huge money-maker for an author with a small press (with no advertising budget). The amount of money brought in will be lucky to cover the expenses, if that. As such, one should go into a convention with the mindset that it's mostly about the promotion of your name and brand. If you go into it thinking you'll make a lot of money, you're probably going to be sadly mistaken.
Tomorrow is the last day of ConDFW, and I'll be heading out shortly after the closing for the drive home. Hopefully everyone has enjoyed these posts from the con, and remember to check out my regular site if you haven't already. There, you can pick up the same samplers as the con-goers this weekend, including a sample chapter from Heroes Die Young, as well as issues of Ray Gun Revival in which my short stories have been published.
20 February 2009
ConDFW - Day One
Making this blog post while sitting here in the Dealers Room with a little over an hour before closing for the night.
It's been a great day today, despite some confusion about the registration time. Lots of interest in Heroes Die Young, and a few sales. Hoping all of the interest turns into sales from the repeats customers.
Overall, really enjoying the convention. It was a long drive, and a little much for the hotel stay, but it's been a great time thus far.
More later...
It's been a great day today, despite some confusion about the registration time. Lots of interest in Heroes Die Young, and a few sales. Hoping all of the interest turns into sales from the repeats customers.
Overall, really enjoying the convention. It was a long drive, and a little much for the hotel stay, but it's been a great time thus far.
More later...
19 February 2009
ConDFW - The Drive
So, for the next few days, I'll be blogging from ConDFW, both here and on my MySpace page (duplicated blogs).
Today was the drive down...an interesting experience to say the least. Things were about normal until we hit Dallas itself. Yikes! I've driven in major metropolitan areas like St. Louis before, but people are just plain strange here. Texas really is like a whole other country (as the advertisements claim).
Some notes from the trip:
- People claim Kansas is flat. Oklahoma isn't much better, aside from about a five mile stretch where we went up and down a big hill with "scenic turnoffs" at the top (I'm not sure what you're supposed to see from them, but I'm sure they're quite nice. We didn't stop).
- Oklahoma seems to have a casino at about every 3rd to 5th interstate exit. Meanwhile, Kansas towns battle over having one casino spread out about 20 miles apart.
- On passing the border between Oklahoma and Texas, a really smoky haze covered everything for several miles. I would have figured (growing up in the prairie country) they were burning something, but never saw any fire. It was a bit middle-of-the-day for fog off a body of water, so my only other thought is that there are still people battling the long-standing OU/TX feud with real weapons.
- Coming into the Dallas area, the major interstate remains 4-lane and has several on-ramps with really tiny merge lanes. I think maybe they should spring for some better roadways with some of that stimulus money.
- HOV lanes rock...though merging back into traffic at your exit is rather problematic. I like the way that St. Louis does theirs, where the HOV lanes are completely segregated from the main flow of traffic, including having their own exit ramps.
- MapQuest blows. Although it was useful for the main thrust of the trip, it failed at the very tail end of the trip. Slight lefts and go straights in heavy traffic while trying to discern the street names MapQuest is giving you is not a good way to go. We actually found a better way to get to the actual location by missing the turn MapQuest told us to take.
So, now it's off to find a place to eat around here...and hopefully I'll be back to give some more info (look for pictures later) on the convention.
Today was the drive down...an interesting experience to say the least. Things were about normal until we hit Dallas itself. Yikes! I've driven in major metropolitan areas like St. Louis before, but people are just plain strange here. Texas really is like a whole other country (as the advertisements claim).
Some notes from the trip:
- People claim Kansas is flat. Oklahoma isn't much better, aside from about a five mile stretch where we went up and down a big hill with "scenic turnoffs" at the top (I'm not sure what you're supposed to see from them, but I'm sure they're quite nice. We didn't stop).
- Oklahoma seems to have a casino at about every 3rd to 5th interstate exit. Meanwhile, Kansas towns battle over having one casino spread out about 20 miles apart.
- On passing the border between Oklahoma and Texas, a really smoky haze covered everything for several miles. I would have figured (growing up in the prairie country) they were burning something, but never saw any fire. It was a bit middle-of-the-day for fog off a body of water, so my only other thought is that there are still people battling the long-standing OU/TX feud with real weapons.
- Coming into the Dallas area, the major interstate remains 4-lane and has several on-ramps with really tiny merge lanes. I think maybe they should spring for some better roadways with some of that stimulus money.
- HOV lanes rock...though merging back into traffic at your exit is rather problematic. I like the way that St. Louis does theirs, where the HOV lanes are completely segregated from the main flow of traffic, including having their own exit ramps.
- MapQuest blows. Although it was useful for the main thrust of the trip, it failed at the very tail end of the trip. Slight lefts and go straights in heavy traffic while trying to discern the street names MapQuest is giving you is not a good way to go. We actually found a better way to get to the actual location by missing the turn MapQuest told us to take.
So, now it's off to find a place to eat around here...and hopefully I'll be back to give some more info (look for pictures later) on the convention.
17 February 2009
Weekly Goals - February 16, 2009
Spent a bit too much time on edits, but hopefully it shows with the mags I submitted to. With my upcoming visit to ConDFW, this week's goals will be short and sweet.
Results for this week:
1. Finished just over 1000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Finished only around 400 words on "Collateral"
3. Edited and submitted
4. Edited and submitted
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on "Collateral"
2. Enjoy ConDFW
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since December 24)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (submitted February 10)
"Trust" (submitted February 14)
"Deadly Decisions" (since January 31)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Finished just over 1000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Finished only around 400 words on "Collateral"
3. Edited and submitted
4. Edited and submitted
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on "Collateral"
2. Enjoy ConDFW
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since December 24)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (submitted February 10)
"Trust" (submitted February 14)
"Deadly Decisions" (since January 31)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
11 February 2009
Notice?
Some may have noticed that I've removed the listing of my FID submissions. I wish I could say it was because the book was accepted, but we all know that isn't the case. Although there's always the off chance that one of those remaining submissions will come through with a magical acceptance (sight unseen) or even a partial/full request, those submissions have been out there for quite a while and I'm going to assume the agents in question were not interested.
10 February 2009
Weekly Goals - February 9, 2009
A little better this week, but still a bit short on some goals.
Results for this week:
1. Finished almost 1900 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Finished over 1100 words on "Collateral" this evening
3. Not started
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. 1000 words on "Collateral"
3. Edit "Profit and Loss" for submission
4. Edit "Trust" for re-submission
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since December 24)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (back in edits)
"Trust" (rejected, back in edits)
"Deadly Decisions" (since January 31)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Finished almost 1900 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Finished over 1100 words on "Collateral" this evening
3. Not started
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. 1000 words on "Collateral"
3. Edit "Profit and Loss" for submission
4. Edit "Trust" for re-submission
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since December 24)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (back in edits)
"Trust" (rejected, back in edits)
"Deadly Decisions" (since January 31)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
02 February 2009
Weekly Goals - February 2, 2009
Didn't quite meet all of my goals this week. Not sure why, either, which is the odd part.
Results for this week:
1. Finished 1000 words on "Collateral" this evening
2. Edited and submitted
3. Not started
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. 1000 words on "Collateral"
3. Edit "Profit and Loss" for submission
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since December 24)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (back in edits)
"Trust" (submitted February 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (submitted January 31)
FRIENDS IN DEED:
(Out of 18 submissions)
5 queries remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
1 full REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Finished 1000 words on "Collateral" this evening
2. Edited and submitted
3. Not started
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. 1000 words on "Collateral"
3. Edit "Profit and Loss" for submission
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since December 24)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (back in edits)
"Trust" (submitted February 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (submitted January 31)
FRIENDS IN DEED:
(Out of 18 submissions)
5 queries remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
1 full REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
27 January 2009
Weekly Goals - January 27, 2009
Set the goals, and met them for the most part. Still not feeling confident in building up the goals.
Results for this week:
1. Just over 1900 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submitted (and then rejected)
3. Just over 1000 words
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on new short story
2. Edit "Trust" for submission
3. 1000 words on Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since December 24)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (back in edits)
"Trust" (back in edits)
"Deadly Decisions" (rejected, needs re-submitted)
FRIENDS IN DEED:
(Out of 18 submissions)
5 queries remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
1 full REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Just over 1900 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submitted (and then rejected)
3. Just over 1000 words
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on new short story
2. Edit "Trust" for submission
3. 1000 words on Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since December 24)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (back in edits)
"Trust" (back in edits)
"Deadly Decisions" (rejected, needs re-submitted)
FRIENDS IN DEED:
(Out of 18 submissions)
5 queries remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
1 full REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
20 January 2009
Weekly Goals - January 20, 2009
Unfortunately, I expected a little more out of myself this week, and couldn't deliver. So, backing off the expectations a bit.
Results for this week:
1. Just over 1900 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submitted for beta feedback, preparing to edit
3. Not started
4. Not started
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit "Deadly Decisions" for anthology consideration
3. 1000 words on new short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (re-submitted December 24)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (back in edits)
"Trust" (back in edits)
FRIENDS IN DEED:
(Out of 18 submissions)
5 queries remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
1 full REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Just over 1900 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submitted for beta feedback, preparing to edit
3. Not started
4. Not started
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit "Deadly Decisions" for anthology consideration
3. 1000 words on new short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (re-submitted December 24)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (back in edits)
"Trust" (back in edits)
FRIENDS IN DEED:
(Out of 18 submissions)
5 queries remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
1 full REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
13 January 2009
Weekly Goals - January 13, 2009
A little better week. Helps to have taken small breaks from the internet...this week, expecting a little more out of myself.
Results for this week:
1. Around 2000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Completed initial edits, now time for some beta feedback
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit "Deadly Decisions" for beta feedback
3. Edit "Trust" for submission
4. 1500 words on new short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (re-submitted December 24)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (back in edits)
"Trust" (back in edits)
"Lifeline" (ACCEPTED)
FRIENDS IN DEED:
(Out of 18 submissions)
5 queries remaining
1 full remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Around 2000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Completed initial edits, now time for some beta feedback
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit "Deadly Decisions" for beta feedback
3. Edit "Trust" for submission
4. 1500 words on new short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (re-submitted December 24)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (back in edits)
"Trust" (back in edits)
"Lifeline" (ACCEPTED)
FRIENDS IN DEED:
(Out of 18 submissions)
5 queries remaining
1 full remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
06 January 2009
Weekly Goals - January 6, 2009
Slowly getting into the swing of things...almost.
Results for this week:
1. Only 350 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Completed the full short story, with around 850 words
3. Completed the first draft of an anthology submission, ~3100 words (extra goal)
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Edit the anthology submission
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (re-submitted December 24)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (back in edits)
"A Time for Trust" (back in edits)
"Lifeline" (submitted December 18)
FRIENDS IN DEED:
(Out of 18 submissions)
5 queries remaining
1 full remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Only 350 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Completed the full short story, with around 850 words
3. Completed the first draft of an anthology submission, ~3100 words (extra goal)
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Edit the anthology submission
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (re-submitted December 24)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (back in edits)
"A Time for Trust" (back in edits)
"Lifeline" (submitted December 18)
FRIENDS IN DEED:
(Out of 18 submissions)
5 queries remaining
1 full remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
02 January 2009
Be Sure To Vote!
Both my novella Heroes Die Young and my short story "Obedience" have been nominated for Best of 2008 SF awards. Be sure to run over and vote!
You can vote for Heroes Die Young here.
You can vote for "Obedience" here.
For those who haven't yet read "Obedience" it's still up over at Ray Gun Revival. And you can check out Heroes Die Young here.
On Setting Goals
Something I've pointed to in the past, but something to remember when setting goals for yourself. Be sure to make them things you can accomplish on your own. If you want to get an agent, set the goal of getting your query and synopsis written, and then set goals for submitting them to fifty agents (or however many). Don't set your goal as "Get an agent this year."
See, even Joe agrees!
Hope everyone had a Happy New Year! Back to work next week...
See, even Joe agrees!
Hope everyone had a Happy New Year! Back to work next week...
30 December 2008
Weekly Goals - December 30, 2008
Hope every had a Merry Christmas, and that you have a Happy New Year this coming week!
Results for this week:
1. Had a Merry Christmas
In addition, I also accomplished the following:
2. Completed rewrites on Entrapment, and re-submitted
3. 1000 words on Death Brings the Victory
4. 1700 words on my current short story in work
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. 1000 words on my current short story in work
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (re-submitted December 24)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (back in edits)
"A Time for Trust" (back in edits)
"Lifeline" (submitted December 18)
"A Thankful Heart" (back in edits)
FRIENDS IN DEED:
(Out of 18 submissions)
5 queries remaining
1 full remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Had a Merry Christmas
In addition, I also accomplished the following:
2. Completed rewrites on Entrapment, and re-submitted
3. 1000 words on Death Brings the Victory
4. 1700 words on my current short story in work
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. 1000 words on my current short story in work
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (re-submitted December 24)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (back in edits)
"A Time for Trust" (back in edits)
"Lifeline" (submitted December 18)
"A Thankful Heart" (back in edits)
FRIENDS IN DEED:
(Out of 18 submissions)
5 queries remaining
1 full remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
23 December 2008
Weekly Goals - December 23, 2008
Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!
Hope all is well with you and yours...looking forward to a brand new year soon?
Results for this week:
1. around 1300 words (though I may be back later to update this)
2. Still not completed - the book is really dragging
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Have a Merry Christmas!
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (back in edits)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (rejected, back in edits)
"A Time for Trust" (on hold)
"Lifeline" (submitted December 18)
"A Thankful Heart" (back in edits)
FRIENDS IN DEED:
(Out of 18 submissions)
5 queries remaining
1 full remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Hope all is well with you and yours...looking forward to a brand new year soon?
Results for this week:
1. around 1300 words (though I may be back later to update this)
2. Still not completed - the book is really dragging
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Have a Merry Christmas!
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (back in edits)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (rejected, back in edits)
"A Time for Trust" (on hold)
"Lifeline" (submitted December 18)
"A Thankful Heart" (back in edits)
FRIENDS IN DEED:
(Out of 18 submissions)
5 queries remaining
1 full remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
16 December 2008
Weekly Goals - December 16, 2008
Whew...burnout (and shoulder pain) easing up...
Results for this week:
1. Finally finished this evening
2. Not even started
3. Still not completed
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 2000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Finish reading a book
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (back in edits)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (on hold)
"Lifeline" (rejected December 12)
"A Thankful Heart" (back in edits)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 17 submissions)
5 queries remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Finally finished this evening
2. Not even started
3. Still not completed
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 2000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Finish reading a book
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (back in edits)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (on hold)
"Lifeline" (rejected December 12)
"A Thankful Heart" (back in edits)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 17 submissions)
5 queries remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
09 December 2008
Weekly Goals - December 9, 2008
Long week (especially in terms of the number of rejections), still suffering from shoulder pain...but time to increase the goals for the week
Results for this week:
1. Still trying to finish
2. Submitted (and promptly kicked back for no apparent reason)
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 2000 words on "Some Assembly Required"
2. 2000 words on Death Brings the Victory
3. Finish reading a book
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (rejected December 1)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (on hold)
"Lifeline" (submitted December 3)
"A Thankful Heart" (rejected December 1)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 17 submissions)
5 queries remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Still trying to finish
2. Submitted (and promptly kicked back for no apparent reason)
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 2000 words on "Some Assembly Required"
2. 2000 words on Death Brings the Victory
3. Finish reading a book
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (rejected December 1)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (on hold)
"Lifeline" (submitted December 3)
"A Thankful Heart" (rejected December 1)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 17 submissions)
5 queries remaining
11 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
02 December 2008
Weekly Goals - December 2, 2008
Hope all of you (all 2-3 of you) had a Happy Thanksgiving!
Now that I'm thoroughly doped up on muscle relaxers to help with my shoulder pain (likely due to pushing myself to meet my NaNo goal), it's time to put in my weekly goals for this next week.
Results for this week:
1. Completed (finished the first draft at 50,047 words)
And now the (greatly-relaxed) goals for this coming week:
1. Read a book.
2. Submit Friends in Deed to one publisher
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (on hold)
"Lifeline" (submitted November 4)
"A Thankful Heart" (since October 14)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 17 submissions)
6 queries remaining
10 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Now that I'm thoroughly doped up on muscle relaxers to help with my shoulder pain (likely due to pushing myself to meet my NaNo goal), it's time to put in my weekly goals for this next week.
Results for this week:
1. Completed (finished the first draft at 50,047 words)
And now the (greatly-relaxed) goals for this coming week:
1. Read a book.
2. Submit Friends in Deed to one publisher
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (on hold)
"Lifeline" (submitted November 4)
"A Thankful Heart" (since October 14)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 17 submissions)
6 queries remaining
10 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
25 November 2008
Weekly Goals - November 25, 2008
With Thanksgiving nearly upon us, it's time to get things moving for the end of the month. With a pinched nerve or something, it's going to be all I can do to keep driving for the goal line, but here goes...
Results for this week:
1. Completed (currently at 40,398 words)
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Reach the 50K mark on The Cure (for NaNo)
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (on hold)
"Lifeline" (submitted November 4)
"A Thankful Heart" (since October 14)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 17 submissions)
6 queries remaining
10 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Completed (currently at 40,398 words)
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Reach the 50K mark on The Cure (for NaNo)
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (on hold)
"Lifeline" (submitted November 4)
"A Thankful Heart" (since October 14)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 17 submissions)
6 queries remaining
10 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
19 November 2008
Weekly Goals - November 18, 2008
Still on track for NaNo...but running out of steam quickly.
Results for this week:
1. Completed (currently at 30,007 words)
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. 10000 words on The Cure (for NaNo)
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (on hold)
"Lifeline" (submitted November 4)
"A Thankful Heart" (since October 14)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 17 submissions)
6 queries remaining
10 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Completed (currently at 30,007 words)
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. 10000 words on The Cure (for NaNo)
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (on hold)
"Lifeline" (submitted November 4)
"A Thankful Heart" (since October 14)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 17 submissions)
6 queries remaining
10 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
16 November 2008
Early Morning Thoughts
So, for reasons unknown to me, I'm sitting here at the computer, having awoken from a fitful night of sleep. Heading back to try again shortly, but figured I'd empty out my mind here first.
So, of course, the big thing this month is NaNoWriMo...sitting at just shy of 26K words. Right on track for where I should be at halfway through the month. My only worry now is running out of story before I hit the final 50K mark. Granted, that's always been my big issue, so I'm not really surprised. I imagine if I get to that point in the next few weeks, I'll need to go back to the beginning and start adding things which got left out in the initial drafting.
First round of layoffs are coming at work, probably this coming week (just after the deadline ends for those who want to leave voluntarily via a buyout). Have been through this before (back in 2002 or 2003-ish timeframe) and figure this first round won't affect me, but have this nagging feeling inside...
My wife goes in this week to visit with a surgeon regarding a biopsy procedure. Sure it's probably nothing, but those nagging feelings tend to throw parties and invite all their friends over to join them...
Still have a bunch of stories out on submission...not sure why RGR seems to be the only outlet that's open to my writing. Even RGR seems to be taking their sweet time on my most recent submissions...
But then, maybe there's really a good reason out of 3 reviews on Fictionwise, I've ended up with 2 "Poor" rankings...nagging feelings, anyone? I'd like to think that the reason is it's promotion via romance organizations (such as Coffee Time Romance), when it has no romance in it. That, or the old standard of having to be labeled science fiction when it's truly space opera (and trust me, not every SF fan enjoys space opera). Still, there's that nagging suspicion that people really think it's a stinker.
But even so, Heroes Die Young seems to be doing well, compared to its other stablemates from Champagne. It hits spurts compared to everyone else, but has slumped for the past few weeks.
Desperately want to get it in to local stores for stocking and signing...keep trying, but rules have changed since my really-want-to-forget-that-mistake past with a certain publisher, and finding it impossible to break in so far.
Not certain what to do with Friends in Deed...another friend of the nagging feelings is hanging around, convincing me that it's not going to find an agent or major publisher. Don't want to shelve it, but still not sure what my plans should be for it otherwise...all things considered.
My wife is still at odds with her sister from incidents that happened at the end of July. Neither one will apologize to the other, so neither one wants to speak or see each other. Win-win for me, though...
Reminds me, I should call my brother sometime Sunday.
Well, I think my brain is sufficiently empty now...so off to do the same to other parts of my body, and then it's time to try sleeping.
Night, all...
So, of course, the big thing this month is NaNoWriMo...sitting at just shy of 26K words. Right on track for where I should be at halfway through the month. My only worry now is running out of story before I hit the final 50K mark. Granted, that's always been my big issue, so I'm not really surprised. I imagine if I get to that point in the next few weeks, I'll need to go back to the beginning and start adding things which got left out in the initial drafting.
First round of layoffs are coming at work, probably this coming week (just after the deadline ends for those who want to leave voluntarily via a buyout). Have been through this before (back in 2002 or 2003-ish timeframe) and figure this first round won't affect me, but have this nagging feeling inside...
My wife goes in this week to visit with a surgeon regarding a biopsy procedure. Sure it's probably nothing, but those nagging feelings tend to throw parties and invite all their friends over to join them...
Still have a bunch of stories out on submission...not sure why RGR seems to be the only outlet that's open to my writing. Even RGR seems to be taking their sweet time on my most recent submissions...
But then, maybe there's really a good reason out of 3 reviews on Fictionwise, I've ended up with 2 "Poor" rankings...nagging feelings, anyone? I'd like to think that the reason is it's promotion via romance organizations (such as Coffee Time Romance), when it has no romance in it. That, or the old standard of having to be labeled science fiction when it's truly space opera (and trust me, not every SF fan enjoys space opera). Still, there's that nagging suspicion that people really think it's a stinker.
But even so, Heroes Die Young seems to be doing well, compared to its other stablemates from Champagne. It hits spurts compared to everyone else, but has slumped for the past few weeks.
Desperately want to get it in to local stores for stocking and signing...keep trying, but rules have changed since my really-want-to-forget-that-mistake past with a certain publisher, and finding it impossible to break in so far.
Not certain what to do with Friends in Deed...another friend of the nagging feelings is hanging around, convincing me that it's not going to find an agent or major publisher. Don't want to shelve it, but still not sure what my plans should be for it otherwise...all things considered.
My wife is still at odds with her sister from incidents that happened at the end of July. Neither one will apologize to the other, so neither one wants to speak or see each other. Win-win for me, though...
Reminds me, I should call my brother sometime Sunday.
Well, I think my brain is sufficiently empty now...so off to do the same to other parts of my body, and then it's time to try sleeping.
Night, all...
13 November 2008
Weekly Goals - November 11, 2008
Busy this week with all things NaNo...which is probably why I missed my regular Tuesday night updates...
Results for this week:
1. Completed (currently, as of 11/11, at 19140)
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. 10000 words on The Cure (for NaNo)
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (back in edits)
"Lifeline" (submitted November 4)
"A Thankful Heart" (since October 14)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 17 submissions)
6 queries remaining
10 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Completed (currently, as of 11/11, at 19140)
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. 10000 words on The Cure (for NaNo)
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (back in edits)
"Lifeline" (submitted November 4)
"A Thankful Heart" (since October 14)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 17 submissions)
6 queries remaining
10 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
04 November 2008
Weekly Goals - November 4, 2008
Had a vacation this week, which isn't much of an excuse (in fact, I should have met all of my goals with ease)...and now, we're into NaNo mode full time...so the lists should get much shorter, but more brutal, for the coming weeks.
Results for this week:
1. Not started
2. Not started
3. Completed this evening (currently at 6697)
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. 10000 words on The Cure (for NaNo)
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (back in edits)
"Lifeline" (rejected, looking for a spot to submit)
"A Thankful Heart" (submitted October 14)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 17 submissions)
6 queries remaining
10 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Not started
2. Not started
3. Completed this evening (currently at 6697)
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. 10000 words on The Cure (for NaNo)
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (back in edits)
"Lifeline" (rejected, looking for a spot to submit)
"A Thankful Heart" (submitted October 14)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 17 submissions)
6 queries remaining
10 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
New Story Published
Be sure to check out The Writer's Vineyard, where my brand new, never-before-seen story "Dirty Old Man" is now up.
31 October 2008
Holiday Stories
During the months of November and December, a new (free) daily holiday story will be posted up at The Writer's Vineyard for your enjoyment. Be sure to check them out starting November 1 (a few hours from now)...
In addition, I'll be running a weekly contest...more details to come.
Mine comes out this coming week, and I'll remind everyone when it does. Should be a fun one!
In addition, I'll be running a weekly contest...more details to come.
Mine comes out this coming week, and I'll remind everyone when it does. Should be a fun one!
28 October 2008
Roasting a Few Heroes
Be sure to stop by Book Roast where I'll be answering questions about my book HEROES DIE YOUNG and giving away free copies!
I'll be there all day on October 29! Come by and say hi!
(Note: The post is already up, and the contest is open...so be sure to get over there!)
I'll be there all day on October 29! Come by and say hi!
(Note: The post is already up, and the contest is open...so be sure to get over there!)
Weekly Goals - October 28, 2008
A little better this week, but still not quite there...
Results for this week:
1. Not started
2. Completed
3. Completed (just in time)
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. 2000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. 1000 words on "Some Assembly Required"
3. 6000 words on The Cure (for NaNo)
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (back in edits)
"Lifeline" (submitted October 8)
"A Thankful Heart" (submitted October 14)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 17 submissions (was 16))
6 queries remaining
10 queries REJECTED (was 9)
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Not started
2. Completed
3. Completed (just in time)
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. 2000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. 1000 words on "Some Assembly Required"
3. 6000 words on The Cure (for NaNo)
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (back in edits)
"Lifeline" (submitted October 8)
"A Thankful Heart" (submitted October 14)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 17 submissions (was 16))
6 queries remaining
10 queries REJECTED (was 9)
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
21 October 2008
Weekly Goals - October 21, 2008
Terrible results this week, not sure what the issue is. Need to get myself back in the swing of things...
Results for this week:
1. Not even started
2. In work, about 2/3 completed
3. Submitted "A Thankful Heart" to Ray Gun Revival
4. Still in work
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. 2000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete plot line for The Cure
3. 1000 words on "Some Assembly Required"
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (rejected, back in edits)
"Lifeline" (submitted October 8)
"A Thankful Heart" (submitted October 14)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 16 submissions)
6 queries remaining
9 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Not even started
2. In work, about 2/3 completed
3. Submitted "A Thankful Heart" to Ray Gun Revival
4. Still in work
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. 2000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete plot line for The Cure
3. 1000 words on "Some Assembly Required"
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (rejected, back in edits)
"Lifeline" (submitted October 8)
"A Thankful Heart" (submitted October 14)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 16 submissions)
6 queries remaining
9 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
14 October 2008
Weekly Goals - October 14, 2008
Results for this week:
1. Revised three chapters of Death Brings the Victory (and finished all revisions on existing chapters)
2. Completed preliminary plot points, but not finished
3. Submitted "Lifeline" to Asimov's.
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Finish first draft for two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete plot line for The Cure
3. Submit a short story to an outlet
4. Finish first draft of "Some Assembly Required"
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
"Lifeline" (submitted October 8)
"A Thankful Heart" (ready to submit)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 16 submissions)
6 queries remaining
9 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
1. Revised three chapters of Death Brings the Victory (and finished all revisions on existing chapters)
2. Completed preliminary plot points, but not finished
3. Submitted "Lifeline" to Asimov's.
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Finish first draft for two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete plot line for The Cure
3. Submit a short story to an outlet
4. Finish first draft of "Some Assembly Required"
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
"Lifeline" (submitted October 8)
"A Thankful Heart" (ready to submit)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 16 submissions)
6 queries remaining
9 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
07 October 2008
Weekly Goals - October 7, 2008
Results for this week:
1. Revised three chapters of Death Brings the Victory
2. Completed
3. Waiting on one final beta...
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete plot line for The Cure
3. Submit a short story to an outlet
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
"Lifeline" (back in edits)
"Dirty Old Man" (ACCEPTED)
"A Thankful Heart" (back in edits)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 16 submissions)
6 queries remaining
9 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
1. Revised three chapters of Death Brings the Victory
2. Completed
3. Waiting on one final beta...
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete plot line for The Cure
3. Submit a short story to an outlet
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
"Lifeline" (back in edits)
"Dirty Old Man" (ACCEPTED)
"A Thankful Heart" (back in edits)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 16 submissions)
6 queries remaining
9 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
01 October 2008
Weekly Goals - September 30, 2008
Results for this week:
1. Revised two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
2. Story in work, not finished
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete character profiles for The Cure
3. Submit a short story to an outlet
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (rejected, re-submitted September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
"Lifeline" (back in edits)
"Dirty Old Man" (ACCEPTED)
"A Thankful Heart" (back in edits)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 16 submissions)
6 queries remaining
9 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
1. Revised two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
2. Story in work, not finished
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete character profiles for The Cure
3. Submit a short story to an outlet
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (rejected, re-submitted September 26)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (since September 21)
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
"Lifeline" (back in edits)
"Dirty Old Man" (ACCEPTED)
"A Thankful Heart" (back in edits)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 16 submissions)
6 queries remaining
9 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
29 September 2008
Playing Tag!
Joyce Scarbrough tagged me in the Meme Game, so here are the rules, my answers, and the next six people who get to take on the challenge.
The rules:
If you’ve been tagged with the Meme Game from Twitter, you must post 6 things no one knows about you on your BLOG. Then you have to tag 6 more people. (Don’t forget to let them know they’ve been tagged.) Leave me a comment letting me know you’ve accepted the tag.
My answers:
1. I have webbed skin between the second and third largest toe on either foot.
2. My first kiss didn't happen until I was in college.
3. I have a severe weakness for blackjack.
4. I am anal-retentive about saving money (which coincidentally doesn't go well with #3).
Tag, You're It:
Laurel Johnson -- LAUREL JOHNSON BLOGS -- http://laureljohnsonblogs.blogspot.com/
Dawno -- NVNC ID VIDES, NVNC NE VIDES -- http://dawnonowyouseeit.blogspot.com/
Nancy Mehl -- NANCY'S NOTES -- http://nancymehl.blogspot.com/
Alphabeter -- GAFFS OF TRUTH -- http://alphabeter.blogspot.com/
Sorry, those are all the ones I can think of who actually still maintain their blogs...so to make up for it, I only posted 4 items about myself.
But in my defense, I didn't get this tag from Twitter. :-)
The rules:
If you’ve been tagged with the Meme Game from Twitter, you must post 6 things no one knows about you on your BLOG. Then you have to tag 6 more people. (Don’t forget to let them know they’ve been tagged.) Leave me a comment letting me know you’ve accepted the tag.
My answers:
1. I have webbed skin between the second and third largest toe on either foot.
2. My first kiss didn't happen until I was in college.
3. I have a severe weakness for blackjack.
4. I am anal-retentive about saving money (which coincidentally doesn't go well with #3).
Tag, You're It:
Laurel Johnson -- LAUREL JOHNSON BLOGS -- http://laureljohnsonblogs.blogspot.com/
Dawno -- NVNC ID VIDES, NVNC NE VIDES -- http://dawnonowyouseeit.blogspot.com/
Nancy Mehl -- NANCY'S NOTES -- http://nancymehl.blogspot.com/
Alphabeter -- GAFFS OF TRUTH -- http://alphabeter.blogspot.com/
Sorry, those are all the ones I can think of who actually still maintain their blogs...so to make up for it, I only posted 4 items about myself.
But in my defense, I didn't get this tag from Twitter. :-)
27 September 2008
Guest Blogging
Be sure to check out my guest blogs over at The Writer's Vineyard and Wild on Books. Two blog commenters over at Wild on Books will be winning free copies of HEROES DIE YOUNG, so be sure to stop by!
23 September 2008
Weekly Goals - September 23, 2008
Results for this week:
1. Revised one chapter of Death Brings the Victory
2. Completed the final draft of "Dirty Old Man" and submitted
3. First draft of "Some Assembly Required" in work
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise one chapter of Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete a final draft for a contest short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (market closed, re-submitted September 21)
(was "Greed")
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
"Lifeline" (rejected, back in edits)
"Dirty Old Man" (submitted September 22)
"A Thankful Heart" (back in edits)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 16 submissions)
6 queries remaining (was 7)
9 queries REJECTED (was 8)
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
1. Revised one chapter of Death Brings the Victory
2. Completed the final draft of "Dirty Old Man" and submitted
3. First draft of "Some Assembly Required" in work
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise one chapter of Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete a final draft for a contest short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Profit and Loss" (market closed, re-submitted September 21)
(was "Greed")
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
"Lifeline" (rejected, back in edits)
"Dirty Old Man" (submitted September 22)
"A Thankful Heart" (back in edits)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 16 submissions)
6 queries remaining (was 7)
9 queries REJECTED (was 8)
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
18 September 2008
Le Sigh
As if it wasn't bad enough having to wait around for rejections to queries and stories, you also have to watch out for the outlets which close down without notice. I'd submitted a story back in May to a particular outlet, then decided to check on my submission this evening...only to find out that they'd closed down just a week ago. Oops!
Guess I'd better run through the story one more time (probably re-title it as well) and find a new home for it.
Guess I'd better run through the story one more time (probably re-title it as well) and find a new home for it.
16 September 2008
Weekly Goals - September 16, 2008
Doesn't seem like I got much done this past week, but apparently I met most of my goals. Time to increase the number of goals yet? No......
Results for this week:
1. Revised three chapters of Death Brings the Victory
2. Completed the final draft of "A Thankful Heart"
3. Not started
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete a first draft for another holiday blog story
3. Complete a first draft for a contest
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Greed" (since May 15)
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
"Lifeline" (since August 28)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 16 submissions)
7 queries remaining (was 8)
8 queries REJECTED (was 7)
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Revised three chapters of Death Brings the Victory
2. Completed the final draft of "A Thankful Heart"
3. Not started
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete a first draft for another holiday blog story
3. Complete a first draft for a contest
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Greed" (since May 15)
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
"Lifeline" (since August 28)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 16 submissions)
7 queries remaining (was 8)
8 queries REJECTED (was 7)
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
09 September 2008
Weekly Goals - September 9, 2008
It seems like only yesterday I was in here posting up my goals. But, it's been a full week and here the new ones...
Results for this week:
1. Completed final draft of "Borne Leadership"
2. Revised two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
3. Completed plotting of "A Thankful Heart" and a story to be named
4. Added an additional scene to Death Brings the Victory [added]
5. Completed the first draft of "A Thankful Heart" [added]
6. Submitted a query for Friends in Deed to two literary agents [added]
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise three chapters of Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete final draft of "A Thankful Heart"
3. Begin character profiles for The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Greed" (since May 15)
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
"Lifeline" (since August 28)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 16 submissions)
8 queries remaining (was 7)
7 queries REJECTED (was 6)
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Completed final draft of "Borne Leadership"
2. Revised two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
3. Completed plotting of "A Thankful Heart" and a story to be named
4. Added an additional scene to Death Brings the Victory [added]
5. Completed the first draft of "A Thankful Heart" [added]
6. Submitted a query for Friends in Deed to two literary agents [added]
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise three chapters of Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete final draft of "A Thankful Heart"
3. Begin character profiles for The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Greed" (since May 15)
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
"Lifeline" (since August 28)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 16 submissions)
8 queries remaining (was 7)
7 queries REJECTED (was 6)
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
06 September 2008
A New Trend in Bookstores?
[cross-posted from my MySpace blog]
Just visited a local independent bookstore this morning, and couldn't find the science fiction section. When I asked, they said it was all part of the "fiction" area.
(I'll forego a discussion of why they had mystery segregated out)
How is a person supposed to find new books in a genre they like, when (almost) all types of fiction are lumped into one area of the store? How is someone supposed to know whether a book is romance, science fiction, horror, thriller, or suspense (among others) based on the spine title?
Is this a new trend for the future of bookstores, or simply one store's lackluster attempt to conserve floor space?
Just visited a local independent bookstore this morning, and couldn't find the science fiction section. When I asked, they said it was all part of the "fiction" area.
(I'll forego a discussion of why they had mystery segregated out)
How is a person supposed to find new books in a genre they like, when (almost) all types of fiction are lumped into one area of the store? How is someone supposed to know whether a book is romance, science fiction, horror, thriller, or suspense (among others) based on the spine title?
Is this a new trend for the future of bookstores, or simply one store's lackluster attempt to conserve floor space?
03 September 2008
Weekly Goals - September 2, 2008
With all of the excitement yesterday, what with my story "Obedience" being up on RGR, then not really being up, and now up again (whew!), I'd completely forgotten to update my weekly goals. So, here they are
Results for this week:
1. Completed initial revisions on "Borne Leadership" and completed final draft of "Lifeline"
2. Revised one of two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
3. Not started
4. Finished reading In the Dead of Winter
5. Began plotting a new story for an October 1 holiday blog deadline [added]
6. Began plotting a new story for a September 30 contest deadline [added]
7. Submitted "Lifeline" for an anthology contest [added]
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Complete final draft of "Borne Leadership"
2. Revise two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
3. Complete plotting of two new stories (see above).
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Greed" (since May 15)
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
"Lifeline" (since August 28)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 14 submissions)
7 queries remaining
6 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Completed initial revisions on "Borne Leadership" and completed final draft of "Lifeline"
2. Revised one of two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
3. Not started
4. Finished reading In the Dead of Winter
5. Began plotting a new story for an October 1 holiday blog deadline [added]
6. Began plotting a new story for a September 30 contest deadline [added]
7. Submitted "Lifeline" for an anthology contest [added]
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Complete final draft of "Borne Leadership"
2. Revise two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
3. Complete plotting of two new stories (see above).
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Greed" (since May 15)
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
"Lifeline" (since August 28)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 14 submissions)
7 queries remaining
6 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
02 September 2008
"Obedience" Now Published in Ray Gun Revival!
Fresh on the heels of my novella's release from Champagne Books, I've just found out that my short story "Obedience" has been published in the September issue of Ray Gun Revival. Enjoy!
01 September 2008
Heroes Die Young Now Available!
Check it out! My novella Heroes Die Young is now available from the fine folks over at Champagne Books, in both print and e-book formats!!! Check out the details over at AstonWest.com
30 August 2008
Guest Blog
Hey, everyone! Be sure to check out my guest blog over at The Writer's Vineyard. Those who frequent my Myspace blog may find it a bit familiar, but tips on goal-setting never run out of style.
29 August 2008
Contest Winners - Final Week
Congratulations to Laurel, Gloria, Michelle and Lisa - the final batch of contest winners! I thank everyone for entering and hope those who didn't win will check out AstonWest.com and purchase a copy of Heroes Die Young when it comes out in a few days.
Thanks everyone!
Thanks everyone!
26 August 2008
Weekly Goals - August 26, 2008
Results for this week:
1. Completed first draft query, but only started the synopsis for Resurrection
2. Completed first draft query and synopsis for The Cure
3. Completed revisions on two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
4. Sent out two queries for Friends in Deed to agents
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Begin revisions on "Borne Leadership" and "Lifeline" for September submission
2. Revise two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
3. Send out two queries for Friends in Deed to agents
(yes, I've changed the name back)
4. Finish reading In the Dead of Winter by Nancy Mehl
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Greed" (since May 15)
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 14 submissions)
7 queries remaining
6 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
1. Completed first draft query, but only started the synopsis for Resurrection
2. Completed first draft query and synopsis for The Cure
3. Completed revisions on two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
4. Sent out two queries for Friends in Deed to agents
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Begin revisions on "Borne Leadership" and "Lifeline" for September submission
2. Revise two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
3. Send out two queries for Friends in Deed to agents
(yes, I've changed the name back)
4. Finish reading In the Dead of Winter by Nancy Mehl
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Greed" (since May 15)
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
FRIENDS IN DEED/HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 14 submissions)
7 queries remaining
6 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
22 August 2008
Contest Winners - Week 3
Congratulations to Laurel, Janet and Cassie, the big winners of a FREE print copy of Heroes Die Young in week 3 of my contest. Be looking tomorrow for the fourth (and final) set of questions at a website near you.
19 August 2008
Weekly Goals - August 19, 2008
A much better week...helps to take a week of vacation from work.
Results for this week:
1. Completed
2. Decided to go ahead and submit instead - waiting on another story to sell first
3. Completed
4. Completed
5. Submitted "A Time for Trust" to an outlet [added]
6. Developed hooks for Resurrection and The Cure [added]
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Develop first draft query and synopsis for Resurrection (new novel)
2. Develop first draft query and synopsis for The Cure (new novel)
3. Revise two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
4. Send out two queries for Heroes Laugh Last to agents
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Greed" (since May 15)
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 12 submissions)
6 queries remaining
5 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Completed
2. Decided to go ahead and submit instead - waiting on another story to sell first
3. Completed
4. Completed
5. Submitted "A Time for Trust" to an outlet [added]
6. Developed hooks for Resurrection and The Cure [added]
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Develop first draft query and synopsis for Resurrection (new novel)
2. Develop first draft query and synopsis for The Cure (new novel)
3. Revise two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
4. Send out two queries for Heroes Laugh Last to agents
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Greed" (since May 15)
"A Time for Trust" (since August 16)
HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 12 submissions)
6 queries remaining
5 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
18 August 2008
An Obnoxious B**** of a Muse
[cross-posted from my MySpace blog]
This was going to just be a single-topic post, but I'm feeling generous today.
Okay, I just had a small tidbit for the extra post: Those who've read my blog on goal-setting, I just wanted to get a little vindication. If setting goals, working toward them, and making yourself accountable for them will win you 8 gold medals in the Olympics, I have to say it can have the same effect on your writing.
From the link:
Okay, now back to your regularly scheduled (writing) blog post...
Sometimes my muse can be an obnoxious b****. I'm just getting into the groove on my third novel, after an extended hiatus to both go through rewrites on HEROES DIE YOUNG and to go through edits and the query/synopsis/puke-my-guts-out/query/snyopsis/submit train for my second novel. In between all that, I've also been trying hard to get into a short-story-a-month mindset, and seem to be doing well toward my goals.
So, as I was saying, just getting into the groove on book three. Things are clicking, I'm doing a lot of "oh hell, that should have gone up in Chapter 1" and "where did this guy come from all of the sudden?" Then, the muse decides to play with my brain a bit, and introduces a brand new plot for a brand new novel...or short story...or novel in an entirely different vein from the Aston West story...or novel that's dependent on the second novel getting out there (I told you, that muse of mine can be obnoxious). I won't go into full details here, but I already have the title, which can probably give a small bit of insight...RESURRECTION.
Of course, my muse doesn't care that I need to get the third Aston West novel written, the second one published, or that I need to keep track of 4 short story submissions currently out (and 2 sold stories which should be coming out any day, not to mention the various pieces in work). She's got her own little warped agenda....which is basically to send me off the deep end, so she can laugh maniacally while they cart me off to the psych ward.
Good thing I'm off work all this week on a writing vacation (in my basement)...shhhh, don't tell her a thing. She'll probably stick a few more story ideas in, and ask me why I haven't done a thing with those screenplay plots she sent over several years ago.
This was going to just be a single-topic post, but I'm feeling generous today.
Okay, I just had a small tidbit for the extra post: Those who've read my blog on goal-setting, I just wanted to get a little vindication. If setting goals, working toward them, and making yourself accountable for them will win you 8 gold medals in the Olympics, I have to say it can have the same effect on your writing.
From the link:
Of course, I'm assuming that Phelps works hard toward those goals... *eye roll*"Eight medals, one more than Mark Spitz won in Munich in 1972. This was, of course, the plan that he and his coach, Bob Bowman, had in mind all along. Every year, Phelps lays out his goals on a piece of paper and gives it to Bowman. Traditionally, Phelps has never said a word about what's on that paper. But now the 2008 version can be revealed:"
Okay, now back to your regularly scheduled (writing) blog post...
Sometimes my muse can be an obnoxious b****. I'm just getting into the groove on my third novel, after an extended hiatus to both go through rewrites on HEROES DIE YOUNG and to go through edits and the query/synopsis/puke-my-guts-out/query/snyopsis/submit train for my second novel. In between all that, I've also been trying hard to get into a short-story-a-month mindset, and seem to be doing well toward my goals.
So, as I was saying, just getting into the groove on book three. Things are clicking, I'm doing a lot of "oh hell, that should have gone up in Chapter 1" and "where did this guy come from all of the sudden?" Then, the muse decides to play with my brain a bit, and introduces a brand new plot for a brand new novel...or short story...or novel in an entirely different vein from the Aston West story...or novel that's dependent on the second novel getting out there (I told you, that muse of mine can be obnoxious). I won't go into full details here, but I already have the title, which can probably give a small bit of insight...RESURRECTION.
Of course, my muse doesn't care that I need to get the third Aston West novel written, the second one published, or that I need to keep track of 4 short story submissions currently out (and 2 sold stories which should be coming out any day, not to mention the various pieces in work). She's got her own little warped agenda....which is basically to send me off the deep end, so she can laugh maniacally while they cart me off to the psych ward.
Good thing I'm off work all this week on a writing vacation (in my basement)...shhhh, don't tell her a thing. She'll probably stick a few more story ideas in, and ask me why I haven't done a thing with those screenplay plots she sent over several years ago.
16 August 2008
Contest Winners - Week 2
Congratulations to Laurel (for the second week in a row) and Anissa, who were the big winners this week!!! Be looking for additional questions soon.
12 August 2008
The Agent Form
[Cross-posted with my blog over at MySpace]
There's nothing more frustrating to me than agents who can't take a sentence to give the author an indication of why their work was rejected. I understand why they don't want to, considering the looney tunes out there who rip an e-mail off blasting them for their obvious lack of literary skills (which would include finding their book the best thing since sliced bread).
But there has to be something more than "Not right for me" or "Sorry, not interested."
Heck, one of them told me "Not enthusiastic about the premise." That at least is something to work with...
Maybe I should include a small checkbox postcard with the following options, to make it easier on the agents in question to reject my work:
[ ] I know my requirements include science fiction, but space opera? Puh-leeeze! Everyone knows that's not REAL science fiction.
[ ] Space pirates? Puh-shaw!
[ ] Isn't this like Battlestar Galactica, when Luke Skywalker saves Captain Picard from falling into a Reaver ambush?
[ ] 57,000 words? Look us up when you break the 80,000 mark.
[ ] Oh, darn it...maybe we should update our submission guidelines. Science fiction just isn't where it's at anymore.
[ ] Mostly dialogue and action, very little description? Don't you know that's against the rules?
[ ] You start off with a dream sequence? Don't you know that's against the rules?
[ ] A male protagonist trying to save the female lead? Don't you know that's against the rules?
[ ] Did we mention how droll space pirates are?
So, hopefully, this will help...now to figure out a way to pop it into the e-queries I send out...
There's nothing more frustrating to me than agents who can't take a sentence to give the author an indication of why their work was rejected. I understand why they don't want to, considering the looney tunes out there who rip an e-mail off blasting them for their obvious lack of literary skills (which would include finding their book the best thing since sliced bread).
But there has to be something more than "Not right for me" or "Sorry, not interested."
Heck, one of them told me "Not enthusiastic about the premise." That at least is something to work with...
Maybe I should include a small checkbox postcard with the following options, to make it easier on the agents in question to reject my work:
[ ] I know my requirements include science fiction, but space opera? Puh-leeeze! Everyone knows that's not REAL science fiction.
[ ] Space pirates? Puh-shaw!
[ ] Isn't this like Battlestar Galactica, when Luke Skywalker saves Captain Picard from falling into a Reaver ambush?
[ ] 57,000 words? Look us up when you break the 80,000 mark.
[ ] Oh, darn it...maybe we should update our submission guidelines. Science fiction just isn't where it's at anymore.
[ ] Mostly dialogue and action, very little description? Don't you know that's against the rules?
[ ] You start off with a dream sequence? Don't you know that's against the rules?
[ ] A male protagonist trying to save the female lead? Don't you know that's against the rules?
[ ] Did we mention how droll space pirates are?
So, hopefully, this will help...now to figure out a way to pop it into the e-queries I send out...
Weekly Goals - August 12, 2008
This week, for whatever reason, was rather disheartening...so not much done toward the goals.
Results for this week:
1. Completed - story currently with some readers
2. Not started
3. Completed
4. No farther than last week
5. Rained out this weekend - no contacts
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Complete first draft of "Borne Leadership"
2. Re-start edits of "Double Trouble"
3. Revise two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
4. Send out two queries for Heroes Laugh Last to agents
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Greed" (since May 15)
HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 10 submissions)
4 queries remaining
5 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Completed - story currently with some readers
2. Not started
3. Completed
4. No farther than last week
5. Rained out this weekend - no contacts
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Complete first draft of "Borne Leadership"
2. Re-start edits of "Double Trouble"
3. Revise two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
4. Send out two queries for Heroes Laugh Last to agents
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Greed" (since May 15)
HEROES LAUGH LAST:
(Out of 10 submissions)
4 queries remaining
5 queries REJECTED
1 partial REJECTED
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
08 August 2008
August Contest Winners - Week One
Congratulations to Laurel, Gloria, and Wendy...first week winners of a FREE PRINT COPY of my book Heroes Die Young! You'll be receiving an e-mail shortly to coordinate delivery.
It was a bit interesting to see the lack of response last week. I would have thought more people would want to have a FREE PRINT COPY of a book, no strings attached. Hopefully there will be more response in the second week. Posted notices with new questions will be out tomorrow, so stay tuned...
It was a bit interesting to see the lack of response last week. I would have thought more people would want to have a FREE PRINT COPY of a book, no strings attached. Hopefully there will be more response in the second week. Posted notices with new questions will be out tomorrow, so stay tuned...
05 August 2008
Weekly Goals - August 5, 2008
Results for this week:
1. Not Completed - need to return a story back to editing
2. Not Completed - working edits
3. Completed - actually finished all of them
4. Completed - have reached the end of available e-mail queries
5. Revised one chapter of Death Brings the Victory [added]
6. Contacted three bookstores for Heroes Die Young signings [added]
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Complete final draft of "A Time for Truth"
2. Re-start edits of "Double Trouble"
3. Revise two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
4. Complete first draft of "Borne Leadership"
5. Contact three bookstores for Heroes Die Young signings
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Greed" (since May 15)
HEROES LAUGH LAST:
4 queries remaining
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
1. Not Completed - need to return a story back to editing
2. Not Completed - working edits
3. Completed - actually finished all of them
4. Completed - have reached the end of available e-mail queries
5. Revised one chapter of Death Brings the Victory [added]
6. Contacted three bookstores for Heroes Die Young signings [added]
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Complete final draft of "A Time for Truth"
2. Re-start edits of "Double Trouble"
3. Revise two chapters of Death Brings the Victory
4. Complete first draft of "Borne Leadership"
5. Contact three bookstores for Heroes Die Young signings
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Greed" (since May 15)
HEROES LAUGH LAST:
4 queries remaining
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
02 August 2008
Weekly Contest
Be sure to check out AstonWest.com for your chance to win a free print copy of HEROES DIE YOUNG!!! Winners will be posted here each Friday during the remainder of August...stay tuned.
30 July 2008
9 days
When an agent requests a partial, says it may take 2 months to review, and then rejects it in 9 days, is it safe to assume they thought it sucked?
29 July 2008
Weekly Goals - July 29, 2008
Results for this week:
1. Completed
2. Not started
3. Completed
4. Completed
5. Completed
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Submit short story to an outlet
2. Complete final draft of a short story
3. Review five chapters of Death Brings the Victory
4. Submit queries to three more agents for Heroes Laugh Last
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Greed" (since May 15)
HEROES LAUGH LAST:
1 partial (since July 21)
4 queries remaining
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
1. Completed
2. Not started
3. Completed
4. Completed
5. Completed
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Submit short story to an outlet
2. Complete final draft of a short story
3. Review five chapters of Death Brings the Victory
4. Submit queries to three more agents for Heroes Laugh Last
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Greed" (since May 15)
HEROES LAUGH LAST:
1 partial (since July 21)
4 queries remaining
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
22 July 2008
Weekly Goals - July 22, 2008
Been a rather successful week...and as you can see, I'm in full swing on promotional items for Heroes Die Young. The book comes out in September, so the next 6 weeks are going to be a busy time.
Results for this week:
1. Completed (just tonight)
2. Completed
3. Completed
4. Submitted queries to three agents for Heroes Laugh Last [added]
[Already received one request for partial and one rejection, waiting on the third response]
5. Completed sell sheet and press release for Heroes Die Young [added]
6. Submitted partial to agent for Heroes Laugh Last [added]
7. Developed bookmarks for Heroes Die Young [added]
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Develop business cards for Heroes Die Young
2. Develop giveaway button designs for Heroes Die Young
3. Develop t-shirt designs for Heroes Die Young
4. Review first three chapters of Death Brings the Victory
5. Submit queries to three more agents for Heroes Laugh Last
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Obedience" (Rejected, re-submitted July 17, ACCEPTED July 21)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Completed (just tonight)
2. Completed
3. Completed
4. Submitted queries to three agents for Heroes Laugh Last [added]
[Already received one request for partial and one rejection, waiting on the third response]
5. Completed sell sheet and press release for Heroes Die Young [added]
6. Submitted partial to agent for Heroes Laugh Last [added]
7. Developed bookmarks for Heroes Die Young [added]
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Develop business cards for Heroes Die Young
2. Develop giveaway button designs for Heroes Die Young
3. Develop t-shirt designs for Heroes Die Young
4. Review first three chapters of Death Brings the Victory
5. Submit queries to three more agents for Heroes Laugh Last
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Obedience" (Rejected, re-submitted July 17, ACCEPTED July 21)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
21 July 2008
Getting Honest With Yourself
Have been pondering this post lately...and figured now is as good a time as any to put it together.
As a fiction writer, honesty is something that has to be used carefully. Honesty is good, but when it gets in the way, the story has to take precedence. The good guy doesn't win, the leading lady doesn't pick the guy she needs to in the end, and all the best laid plans in the world end up failing miserably. That's honest reality (most of the time).
But to be honest, that has nothing at all to do with this post...
As a writer, I have to be honest with myself on my shortcomings as said writer. If I don't, I'll never succeed as a writer because without improving my skills, those offers for representation and/or publication will never come.
So, what is my biggest issue in my writing?
I'd have to say that's using an appropriate level of description. I suffer this while writing and reading both. When I read a book, I tend to skip over the parts I don't feel add anything. That in itself would be okay (one doesn't need to be overly descriptive or it's going to be just as bad), but in my case, I tend to omit A LOT of detail in my writing. I see things in my head, but translating them onto the written page often baffles me. Why should it matter (so I ask myself) what types of furniture are in the room? You can relay character traits through this information (as an example), but in my head, I see it as useless excess and skip over it.
So, they say the first step in solving a problem is to admit you have it...so hopefully this will lead to my full and total recovery.
And I recommend writers everywhere take up this challenge: What is your biggest issue in your writing? Be honest with yourself, and see if it helps you improve.
As a fiction writer, honesty is something that has to be used carefully. Honesty is good, but when it gets in the way, the story has to take precedence. The good guy doesn't win, the leading lady doesn't pick the guy she needs to in the end, and all the best laid plans in the world end up failing miserably. That's honest reality (most of the time).
But to be honest, that has nothing at all to do with this post...
As a writer, I have to be honest with myself on my shortcomings as said writer. If I don't, I'll never succeed as a writer because without improving my skills, those offers for representation and/or publication will never come.
So, what is my biggest issue in my writing?
I'd have to say that's using an appropriate level of description. I suffer this while writing and reading both. When I read a book, I tend to skip over the parts I don't feel add anything. That in itself would be okay (one doesn't need to be overly descriptive or it's going to be just as bad), but in my case, I tend to omit A LOT of detail in my writing. I see things in my head, but translating them onto the written page often baffles me. Why should it matter (so I ask myself) what types of furniture are in the room? You can relay character traits through this information (as an example), but in my head, I see it as useless excess and skip over it.
So, they say the first step in solving a problem is to admit you have it...so hopefully this will lead to my full and total recovery.
And I recommend writers everywhere take up this challenge: What is your biggest issue in your writing? Be honest with yourself, and see if it helps you improve.
15 July 2008
Take Cover!!!
Lo and behold, what did I find in my e-mail inbox this morning, but the final cover for Heroes Die Young. Fun times!
And here it is, for all (two) of you to enjoy.
And here it is, for all (two) of you to enjoy.
Weekly Goals - July 15, 2008
Been a busy boy this week, but unfortunately not toward my posted goals. Instead, I've been hashing out final proofs and cover art (post coming) with my publisher.
Results for this week:
1. No farther than last week
2. Completed, now with some betas
3. Not started
4. Completed proof corrections and forwarded to publisher [added]
5. Completed cover suggestions and forwarded to publisher [added]
6. Finished reading Bloody Mary by J.A. Konrath [added]
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Complete the first draft for a new short story
2. Complete short synopsis for Friends in Deed
3. Review plot notes for Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Obedience" (since May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. No farther than last week
2. Completed, now with some betas
3. Not started
4. Completed proof corrections and forwarded to publisher [added]
5. Completed cover suggestions and forwarded to publisher [added]
6. Finished reading Bloody Mary by J.A. Konrath [added]
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Complete the first draft for a new short story
2. Complete short synopsis for Friends in Deed
3. Review plot notes for Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Obedience" (since May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
08 July 2008
Weekly Goals - July 8, 2008
Results for this week:
1. Completed.
2. No farther than last week
3. First draft completed, working revisions
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Complete the first draft for a new short story
2. Complete final draft of the synopsis for Friends in Deed
3. Review plot notes for Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Obedience" (since May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
1. Completed.
2. No farther than last week
3. First draft completed, working revisions
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Complete the first draft for a new short story
2. Complete final draft of the synopsis for Friends in Deed
3. Review plot notes for Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Obedience" (since May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
02 July 2008
Maybe Someone Should Invent a Time Machine
Why is it that spacecraft built decades ago perform better than those built today? We could send a spacecraft to the edge of this solar system, but we can't get half of the ones we send (today) to Mars to function properly?
01 July 2008
The Waiting Game
It seems as though things have been changing with my submissions. It used to be I'd receive a fairly quick response from outlets (usually rejections). Now, it seems like the time-to-respond is more in the realm of months (according to the listing I put down every week). I imagine it's because these outlets are getting swamped with submissions and have no time to read...but a writer wannabe as myself can always dream, and think my material has improved to the point where people are giving it more thought before rejecting it.
Who knows?
Who knows?
Weekly Goals - July 1, 2008
Results for this week:
1. Completed, and started on final revisions.
2. Not much farther, still about halfway through
3. Worked some revisions to the synopsis, but still not completed
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Complete the final draft of Friends in Deed
2. Complete the first draft for a new short story
3. Complete final draft of the synopsis for Friends in Deed
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Obedience" (since May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
1. Completed, and started on final revisions.
2. Not much farther, still about halfway through
3. Worked some revisions to the synopsis, but still not completed
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Complete the final draft of Friends in Deed
2. Complete the first draft for a new short story
3. Complete final draft of the synopsis for Friends in Deed
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Obedience" (since May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
25 June 2008
...and a Dollar Short
(Or Weekly Goals - June 24, 2008)
Results for this week:
1. Started revisions on one chapter of Friends in Deed, not completed
2. Halfway through the first draft of a new short story
3. Query completed, first draft of synopsis completed
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise three chapters of Friends in Deed (and complete the current set of revisions)
2. Complete the first draft for a new short story
3. Complete final draft of the synopsis for Friends in Deed
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Obedience" (since May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Started revisions on one chapter of Friends in Deed, not completed
2. Halfway through the first draft of a new short story
3. Query completed, first draft of synopsis completed
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise three chapters of Friends in Deed (and complete the current set of revisions)
2. Complete the first draft for a new short story
3. Complete final draft of the synopsis for Friends in Deed
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since June 14)
"Obedience" (since May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
17 June 2008
Weekly Goals - June 17, 2008
Results for this week:
1. Revised two chapters of Friends in Deed
2. Completed the final draft of "Double Trouble"
3. In work, not completed
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise three chapters of Friends in Deed (and complete the current set of revisions)
2. Complete first draft for new short story
3. Complete the query and synopsis for Friends in Deed
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (rejected, re-submitted June 14)
"Obedience" (since May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
1. Revised two chapters of Friends in Deed
2. Completed the final draft of "Double Trouble"
3. In work, not completed
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise three chapters of Friends in Deed (and complete the current set of revisions)
2. Complete first draft for new short story
3. Complete the query and synopsis for Friends in Deed
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (rejected, re-submitted June 14)
"Obedience" (since May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
15 June 2008
Rejection
I finally received a rejection for my short story "Redemption" after a three-month wait. I'm attempting to decipher the rejection.
But I try to take this all in stride. Ray Gun Revival rejected my first story with feedback. I worked their concerns into my next piece and the publication of "Little White Truths" was the result. So, hopefully this particular magazine will be a future home for Aston and his stories. At least they read the whole thing...
Good story but not great. Read all the way through. There's a Fine line between classic, Golden Age SF and predictable writing. This one straddled the fence, so have to pass.I'm assuming that the writing was "predictable" but without more feedback, I have no idea how.
But I try to take this all in stride. Ray Gun Revival rejected my first story with feedback. I worked their concerns into my next piece and the publication of "Little White Truths" was the result. So, hopefully this particular magazine will be a future home for Aston and his stories. At least they read the whole thing...
10 June 2008
Writing Goals - June 10, 2008
Results for this week:
1. Revised two chapters of Friends in Deed
2. Completed a revision of "Double Trouble"
3. Started, not completed
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise two chapters of Friends in Deed
2. Complete final draft for "Double Trouble"
3. Complete first draft for new short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since February 29)
"Obedience" (since May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
1. Revised two chapters of Friends in Deed
2. Completed a revision of "Double Trouble"
3. Started, not completed
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise two chapters of Friends in Deed
2. Complete final draft for "Double Trouble"
3. Complete first draft for new short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since February 29)
"Obedience" (since May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
08 June 2008
A Prescription for Trouble
It's been a while since I've ranted about anything...so here goes.
I was out and about yesterday afternoon, taking a small road trip (don't worry, not going to be a ran about gas prices). Unfortunately, I also suffer from allergies and with the recent storms and incessant winds around here, they were going nuts. Alas, I hadn't thought to bring along my last remaining pill from my prescription bottle.
Now, a few months ago, I received a notice in the mail (from my insurance company) that the particular brand I use was no longer going to be offered as a prescription, but over-the-counter (which makes them happy, because they no longer cover it on our plan). A while back, I noticed a large stand at Wal-Mart with this particular medicine, so didn't think too much about it.
Well, as I mentioned, I was on a road trip, so wasn't around my home-base Wal-Mart. I went in to pick up the new OTC version. Lo and behold, there wasn't any on the shelves, but instead I find a piece of plastic telling me to take it to the pharmacy counter. I thought that was odd, since I'd seen a big pile of them at the other store.
I take the placard up to the counter, and they immediately ask for my driver's license.
Alas, what I'd failed to realize was that my prescription was for the "D" version of this medicine (for "decongestant"), which contained pseudoephedrine. Thus, my name must go on a federal watchlist, because with all the free time I have between writing and my day job (and foster care, from time to time), I obviously have this wild urge to cook chemicals into drugs.
But not so fast, this is also not my standard Wal-Mart, so they don't have me in their system. It takes somewhere close to ten minutes for the cashier to punch all of my data into the computer, complete with a variety of corrections she had to make while the line built up behind me.
When we finally finished, I asked the cashier if it was going to be such a hassle, why didn't the company just keep it as a prescription? I don't think she understood, based on her vague response to the question.
But I now figure it's only a matter of time before I have the DEA busting down my door. And now, since you've read this post, they have you in their sights as well.
You're welcome.
(Check back soon...I intend to rant about their new packaging scheme, and figure out what the cost difference is)
I was out and about yesterday afternoon, taking a small road trip (don't worry, not going to be a ran about gas prices). Unfortunately, I also suffer from allergies and with the recent storms and incessant winds around here, they were going nuts. Alas, I hadn't thought to bring along my last remaining pill from my prescription bottle.
Now, a few months ago, I received a notice in the mail (from my insurance company) that the particular brand I use was no longer going to be offered as a prescription, but over-the-counter (which makes them happy, because they no longer cover it on our plan). A while back, I noticed a large stand at Wal-Mart with this particular medicine, so didn't think too much about it.
Well, as I mentioned, I was on a road trip, so wasn't around my home-base Wal-Mart. I went in to pick up the new OTC version. Lo and behold, there wasn't any on the shelves, but instead I find a piece of plastic telling me to take it to the pharmacy counter. I thought that was odd, since I'd seen a big pile of them at the other store.
I take the placard up to the counter, and they immediately ask for my driver's license.
Alas, what I'd failed to realize was that my prescription was for the "D" version of this medicine (for "decongestant"), which contained pseudoephedrine. Thus, my name must go on a federal watchlist, because with all the free time I have between writing and my day job (and foster care, from time to time), I obviously have this wild urge to cook chemicals into drugs.
But not so fast, this is also not my standard Wal-Mart, so they don't have me in their system. It takes somewhere close to ten minutes for the cashier to punch all of my data into the computer, complete with a variety of corrections she had to make while the line built up behind me.
When we finally finished, I asked the cashier if it was going to be such a hassle, why didn't the company just keep it as a prescription? I don't think she understood, based on her vague response to the question.
But I now figure it's only a matter of time before I have the DEA busting down my door. And now, since you've read this post, they have you in their sights as well.
You're welcome.
(Check back soon...I intend to rant about their new packaging scheme, and figure out what the cost difference is)
03 June 2008
Weekly Goals - June 3, 2008
Results for this week:
1. Revised two chapters.
2. Not started
3. Finished
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise two chapter of Friends in Deed
2. Revise "Double Trouble"
3. Complete first draft for new short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since February 29)
"Obedience" (since May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
1. Revised two chapters.
2. Not started
3. Finished
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise two chapter of Friends in Deed
2. Revise "Double Trouble"
3. Complete first draft for new short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since February 29)
"Obedience" (since May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
27 May 2008
Weekly Goals - May 27, 2008
Unfortunately, the Memorial Day weekend wasn't as productive as I had hoped.
Results for this week:
1. Not started
2. Completed
3. In work
4. (Not on my original goals) Began reading a new book
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise one chapter of Friends in Deed
2. Revise "Double Trouble"
3. Finish reading The Atlantis Prophecy
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since February 29 - still under review, according to the mag)
"Obedience" (since May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Not started
2. Completed
3. In work
4. (Not on my original goals) Began reading a new book
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise one chapter of Friends in Deed
2. Revise "Double Trouble"
3. Finish reading The Atlantis Prophecy
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since February 29 - still under review, according to the mag)
"Obedience" (since May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
20 May 2008
Weekly Goals - May 20, 2008
Results for this week:
1. Completed
2. Submitted (under the title "Greed")
3. Started, not completed
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise one chapter of Friends in Deed
2. Plot out a new short story
3. Revise "Double Trouble"
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since February 29)
"Obedience" (rejected, re-submitted May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
1. Completed
2. Submitted (under the title "Greed")
3. Started, not completed
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise one chapter of Friends in Deed
2. Plot out a new short story
3. Revise "Double Trouble"
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since February 29)
"Obedience" (rejected, re-submitted May 15)
"Greed" (since May 15)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
13 May 2008
Weekly Goals - May 13, 2008
Results for this week:
1. Completed
2. Not yet submitted
3. Started, not completed
And now the goals (again) for the coming week:
1. Revise one chapter of Friends in Deed
2. Submit "Tough Luck" to an outlet
3. Plot out a new short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since February 29)
"Obedience" (since May 3)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
1. Completed
2. Not yet submitted
3. Started, not completed
And now the goals (again) for the coming week:
1. Revise one chapter of Friends in Deed
2. Submit "Tough Luck" to an outlet
3. Plot out a new short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since February 29)
"Obedience" (since May 3)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
10 May 2008
Maybe I'm a Sociopath
Mother's Day is in a few hours...my mother has been deceased for over 15 years now, and Mother's Day doesn't much faze me anymore. I guess a normal person is supposed to be sad, upset, and depressed.
I'd like to think it's because I have faith in an afterlife, and believe I'll see my mother again one day. But then, maybe I really am just a sociopath.
I'd like to think it's because I have faith in an afterlife, and believe I'll see my mother again one day. But then, maybe I really am just a sociopath.
07 May 2008
For My Spanish-Speaking Visitors
Discovered an interesting website which apparently reviews short stories...but in Spanish.
Their take on Little White Truths
Their take on Ever Dark
And for those who can't read Spanish (like me), the translated version from Google:
Little White Truths
Ever Dark
Their take on Little White Truths
Their take on Ever Dark
And for those who can't read Spanish (like me), the translated version from Google:
Little White Truths
Ever Dark
06 May 2008
Weekly Goals - May 6, 2008
Results for this week:
1. Revised two chapters of Friends in Deed (Just finished #2 tonight)
2. Submitted "Obedience" to a pro magazine
3. Not submitted
4. Finished Twelve Sharp
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise one chapter of Friends in Deed
2. Submit "Tough Luck" to an outlet
3. Plot out a new short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since February 29...waiting to hear back on my follow-up)
"Obedience" (since May 3)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
1. Revised two chapters of Friends in Deed (Just finished #2 tonight)
2. Submitted "Obedience" to a pro magazine
3. Not submitted
4. Finished Twelve Sharp
And now the goals for the coming week:
1. Revise one chapter of Friends in Deed
2. Submit "Tough Luck" to an outlet
3. Plot out a new short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Entrapment" (since April 25)
"Redemption" (since February 29...waiting to hear back on my follow-up)
"Obedience" (since May 3)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
03 May 2008
Subjectivity
I believe this is the biggest beef I have with the publishing business. Being an engineer, subjectivity doesn't always figure into things (though you'd be surprised how heated it gets when it does...engineers can be a brutal bunch).
In publishing, everything is subjective. Certainly, there are some guidelines (appropriate usage of the English language, submittal of the appropriate genre to the correct outlet, etc.), but all in all, everything comes down to whether a specific person likes your material at a particular point in time.
How ludicrous.
Take for example, a recent short story of mine. I worked it up, polished it, polished it some more, revised it and polished it even more. Then, I sent it to some readers for their feedback.
90% of the readers loved it...and not just friends of mine. There were only a few that didn't, and I even worked a few of their issues into the final product.
So, I've submitted it to a pro outlet (just mailed it out this morning). I have no delusions of grandeur, it's likely going to get rejected. And (if so) it will be because one person didn't care for the story at the very moment they received and read it.
Publishing is weird.
In publishing, everything is subjective. Certainly, there are some guidelines (appropriate usage of the English language, submittal of the appropriate genre to the correct outlet, etc.), but all in all, everything comes down to whether a specific person likes your material at a particular point in time.
How ludicrous.
Take for example, a recent short story of mine. I worked it up, polished it, polished it some more, revised it and polished it even more. Then, I sent it to some readers for their feedback.
90% of the readers loved it...and not just friends of mine. There were only a few that didn't, and I even worked a few of their issues into the final product.
So, I've submitted it to a pro outlet (just mailed it out this morning). I have no delusions of grandeur, it's likely going to get rejected. And (if so) it will be because one person didn't care for the story at the very moment they received and read it.
Publishing is weird.
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