James Beamon's Blog, page 12

Intelligence Report: The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest

Most rejections are a matter of business rather than story quality, but that’s logic.  Logic don’t satisfy the warrior-poet in you.  Warrior-poet want the truth!  And in your mind, the truth invariably sounds like “I suck as a writer.” I … Continue reading →

War Journal 39: The Royal Treatment

Recently, I reported my suspicion that the editors of the world were colluding to drive me crazy.  After another week of waiting and a query letter (who knew those things worked?!) I got a response from the editors of Nine.  … Continue reading →

War Journal 38: Torture Musing

They say while you’re waiting for editors to respond to your story submissions, you should take the opportunity to write more.  I agree with that because it’s not like sitting around doing nothing is going to make the slushpile move … Continue reading →

Trench Gristle 04: A Matter of Life and Death

A Matter of Life and Death by James Beamon When Death asked Life to lunch, she should have known something grim was behind it. But the call of enjoying stolen moments with her husband was too strong to resist. And … Continue reading →

Creative Combat Arms: The War on Was

The problem with universally agreeable advice is the lack of dissent against it. Since there is no dissent, there is no analysis on possible negatives, no connotation that the advice, if followed rigorously, systemically and completely, could cause a problem. … Continue reading →

War Journal 37: A Man of Your Considerable Talent…

If you guys following my adventures through the world of written stories think that updates are far and few between, you’d be right. There are long stretches between updates, even counting rejection letters, dry times where no news is no … Continue reading →

Intelligence Report: SFWA

Since the inception of this blog I’ve been talking about my quest for pro writer status. I know at least one of you is saying “But James, your stories rock! You’re already pro in my book!!” And to that assessment … Continue reading →

War Journal 36: The Land of Bags

I had to fight the urge to call this post Bag End. While the stylistic charm and nod to Tolkien would've been clever, I didn't want the association with The Shire to prevail with its imagery. You will find no … Continue reading →

War Journal 35: No Dolce Vita

This is the season where time seems to pass like its falling through molasses.  Last year it was Balad, Iraq, now it's Helmand Province, Afghanistan… the feeling is the same.  In spring communications slow to a crawl, as listless as … Continue reading →

Rant Grenade 10: Publisher Beef

This rant has been building for some time now.  And for their part, I have seen editors post and publish thorough guides to the story publishing process which have eliminated some of the madness. It hasn't eliminated all the madness, … Continue reading →