On Perseverance and Moving Forward
I’m sure almost everyone would agree that we cannot put 2020 behind us quickly enough. However, if there were any lessons learned from this distressing year—at least for me—it was perseverance.
Despite the tribulations, fears, and social adjustments resulting from the pandemic, and…
Despite the political and racial tensions that vehemently divided our country, and…
Despite the brutal demands of my day job, including many 12-17 hour days, and one or two 20-hour marathons (the stress of which landed me in the ER twice this summer)…
Somehow, I managed to keep writing. To be sure, my typical productivity plummeted in comparison to previous years, but four short stories and finishing the second draft of a SF novel ain’t too shabby.
Although I’m not participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) this year, I have two writing projects in play including a short story for an open call with a late December deadline and tweaking the second draft of that SF novel. So perhaps it’s NaShoSto&NoWriMo.
Sounds like Judoon speak from Doctor Who.
As of this blog post, I’m 1,800 words into the short story and nearly finished with all of the edits to the SF novel, which will undoubtedly go into a third draft before I’m satisfied with it.
In September, I entered four published short stories and one of my published novels into the Screencraft Cinematic Short Story and Cinematic Book Contest , respectively. Last month, I submitted two short stories to a horror anthology slated for late 2021 release. I won’t hear a verdict on any of these until well after the new year, of course.
In October, I launched an Indiegogo campaign in conjunction with Firebringer Press to finance the publication of the third and final anthology in the Middle of Etenrity speculative fiction series. We’re not seeing the support that we have in past campaigns. I don’t expect that we’ll reach our goal, but we might make enough to cover publishing expenses and pay the writers and artists for their incredible work.
In Q1 2021, I’ll have five short stories coming out in three anthologies and I’m lining up a few more open calls and contests to which I’d like to submit including the Bethlehem Writers Roundtable annual short story contest (theme: mystery), a science fiction horror anthology, possibly a western, and the annual Rehoboth Beach short story contest (if the theme appeals to me).
Of course, much of that depends on my schedule, demands of my day job, and any unforeseen circumstances (which describes almost everything that happened in 2020).
My ambitions are always greater than my availability. This is why prioritizing is critical. The SF-horror and mystery opportunities pique my interest far more than a western, primarily because most of what I write is speculative fiction (SF, fantasy, paranormal) and two of my novels are paranormal mysteries. I also wrote a detective story set in Rehoboth Beach (yes, the Delaware coast is a favorite of mine). On the other hand, I never wrote a western before and I always enjoy expanding into new genres.
As I conclude this blog post on November 3rd, I’m monitoring the results of a close and combative presidential election. There is enormous concern over potentially violent backlash from supporters on the losing side, whoever that might be. I can only urge hope and perseverance. If it brings comfort, focus on those people and activities that bring you the most joy. Write, read, ride your bike, take walks, revel in nature’s beauty, video chat with friends, binge watch a new show, or enjoy your favorite movies.
We will get through this together.
Stay safe and healthy!
Despite the tribulations, fears, and social adjustments resulting from the pandemic, and…
Despite the political and racial tensions that vehemently divided our country, and…
Despite the brutal demands of my day job, including many 12-17 hour days, and one or two 20-hour marathons (the stress of which landed me in the ER twice this summer)…
Somehow, I managed to keep writing. To be sure, my typical productivity plummeted in comparison to previous years, but four short stories and finishing the second draft of a SF novel ain’t too shabby.
Although I’m not participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) this year, I have two writing projects in play including a short story for an open call with a late December deadline and tweaking the second draft of that SF novel. So perhaps it’s NaShoSto&NoWriMo.
Sounds like Judoon speak from Doctor Who.
As of this blog post, I’m 1,800 words into the short story and nearly finished with all of the edits to the SF novel, which will undoubtedly go into a third draft before I’m satisfied with it.
In September, I entered four published short stories and one of my published novels into the Screencraft Cinematic Short Story and Cinematic Book Contest , respectively. Last month, I submitted two short stories to a horror anthology slated for late 2021 release. I won’t hear a verdict on any of these until well after the new year, of course.
In October, I launched an Indiegogo campaign in conjunction with Firebringer Press to finance the publication of the third and final anthology in the Middle of Etenrity speculative fiction series. We’re not seeing the support that we have in past campaigns. I don’t expect that we’ll reach our goal, but we might make enough to cover publishing expenses and pay the writers and artists for their incredible work.
In Q1 2021, I’ll have five short stories coming out in three anthologies and I’m lining up a few more open calls and contests to which I’d like to submit including the Bethlehem Writers Roundtable annual short story contest (theme: mystery), a science fiction horror anthology, possibly a western, and the annual Rehoboth Beach short story contest (if the theme appeals to me).
Of course, much of that depends on my schedule, demands of my day job, and any unforeseen circumstances (which describes almost everything that happened in 2020).
My ambitions are always greater than my availability. This is why prioritizing is critical. The SF-horror and mystery opportunities pique my interest far more than a western, primarily because most of what I write is speculative fiction (SF, fantasy, paranormal) and two of my novels are paranormal mysteries. I also wrote a detective story set in Rehoboth Beach (yes, the Delaware coast is a favorite of mine). On the other hand, I never wrote a western before and I always enjoy expanding into new genres.
As I conclude this blog post on November 3rd, I’m monitoring the results of a close and combative presidential election. There is enormous concern over potentially violent backlash from supporters on the losing side, whoever that might be. I can only urge hope and perseverance. If it brings comfort, focus on those people and activities that bring you the most joy. Write, read, ride your bike, take walks, revel in nature’s beauty, video chat with friends, binge watch a new show, or enjoy your favorite movies.
We will get through this together.
Stay safe and healthy!
No comments have been added yet.
