Two stories Shortlisted–“Citizen X” and “Silence Will Fall”
Shortlisted Applicants, Image Source: Shiksha.com
I just wanted to let everyone know that I currently have two short stories on the “Short List” at two different publishers. I should learn of their fate later this month.
Citizen X
Citizen X was a bit of a surprise. I wrote it around the time of Here Be Monsters, but much like HBM it wasn’t highly regarded as I submitted it. The ending was also something that seemed a bit controversial, so I pulled it from, intending to rewrite it. However, I began to feel that I was too harsh towards the story and began submitting it again. I was fairly surprised that it made it to the “short list” round for a publication–I mean, I wrote it, so of course I liked it, but I didn’t publishers would. Here’s keeping my fingers crossed for it. Even if it doesn’t make it for publication, I have to count it as a small victory that it made it to the “short list.”
Silence Will Fall
Silence Will Fall is a story that I’ve chronicled many times on the blog–it even has its own Author’s Note where I talk about the genesis and writing of the story. It also is a triumph of the MTSU Writing Center, as my Consultant graciously helped with a revision of the piece to make sure that the ending that I “re-wrote” made sense and matched the rest of the tone of the piece. While I have no control of the process anymore–it is strictly in the editors’ hands–I’d love for this one to get published, if only to give my Writing Center Consultant praise for a job well done!
The Short List
In case there are any who may not know what a “Short List” is: it simply means that the story has passed the first round of initial rejections. The editors will then make a decision for the stories included in their publication from these stories. Essentially, stories from this “short list” will make it in. Making it to the short list is similar to making it to a 2nd interview to get a job, or getting nominated in a category for a prestigious award, like the Oscars. There’s no guarantee of getting the job, or winning the award, but your chances are better–you haven’t been rejected altogether. That’s the way it works in publishing as well. No guarantees–they both could come back with a rejection, but at least those two stories haven’t been rejected outright.
Have a good weekend!
Sidney
Read Skin Deep for Free at Aurora Wolf
Read Childe Roland for Free at Electric Spec
