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July 27, 2006
Reading Right Now: Writing to Change the World
Well, I finished Traveling Mercies and it is definitely on the Recommended Books list! (You can read more about it there if you want.)
Now, I’m on to Writing to Change the World by Mary Pipher. So far, it’s fantastic!
I’ll post more as I get further into the book.
Posted by Selena at 03:33 PM | Comments (0)
July 25, 2006
Today’s Tally
Well, I’m still a slacker but at least I got a writing practice done today. WOO-HOO! That’s a step in the right direction. I think I am going to just focus on writing practice for a little while and not try to make it into anything publishable right away.
I also accomplished a little other work – some author correspondence, some planning for DKA, some research reading. It was not too bad a day, productivity-wise.
In other news, I got a decline today. That’s never fun, but I’m not too upset about it since I still have eleven other submissions pending. Maybe one of them will come back as a yes. Here’s hoping.
Posted by Selena at 09:36 PM | Comments (0)
Too Tired
I am so out of it this morning that everything is taking me twice as long to accomplish as usual. I managed to publish Mir’s poem. (FINALLY! It took me forever.) I sure hope I did it right and there aren’t any typos in my announcement. (If so, please let me know.)
Now I better go check on the diabetic cat ‘cause I was pretty asleep when I gave him his shot this morning. I was totally on auto-pilot. By the time I noticed what I was doing, I had already done it.
Note to self: caffeine first, then meds.
In fact, I think I need a second cup of tea before I tackle anything else.
Edited to add: Kitty is fine. He's alert, responsive, normal. Unlike me. ;)
Posted by Selena at 08:28 AM | Comments (0)
DKA: “MONUMENT” (poem) by Mirta Ana Schultz
To close out July’s issue, we have a speculative poem about Lot’s wife…
“MONUMENT”
by Mirta Ana Schultz
Tease:
"Do you ever wonder why Lot's wife looked back? And what if she's looking back still…"
(As an editor at DKA, Mir can submit her work for consideration but not participate in the discussion or decision about whether or not we accept it for publication. Fortunately for everyone, we loved this poem.)
Mir also recently won first place in Sword Review’s poetry contest. You can look for her winning poem, “Into the Heart” at The Sword Review on July 31st.
Posted by Selena at 08:15 AM | Comments (0)
July 24, 2006
What's Going On
What’s going on? Sadly, not much.
I’ve been a bit under the weather lately, so my productivity has plummeted, especially where writing is concerned. I have managed to get caught up on reading submissions though, in a couple bursts of energy today and Saturday. But that’s pretty much all I’ve accomplished work-wise.
However, I have gotten other stuff done. I took one of my cats to the vet and found that she had conjunctivitis in both eyes like I thought she did. (She’s had it before. I still have no idea how she gets these things since all she does is lay around the house all day.) So, it’s antibiotic goo in both eyes twice a day. Giving cats medication is always a good time. (Not.)
I’ve been avoiding the muse; I’ve hardly written anything in the last few days. Bad, I know.
I’m also eating all kinds of wrong. Lately it’s been anything with caramel in it. And if it has chocolate too, that’s even better.
On the plus side, I’ve started swimming again. That’s partly due to my dad who keeps saying things like, “I sure wish you’d start swimming again. It’s such good exercise.” Yes, I know. It really is; it works the heart without straining the joints. Turns out that there is a YMCA just a fifteen-minute walk from my house, AND it turns out that they have a pool! I am ashamed to tell you how many years I lived here before I figured that out. Despite my slacker slump, I’ve managed to swim everyday since I joined. That’s three days and counting for anyone who’s keeping score.
More on the plus side: I watched the pilot of “Eureka.” It was pretty good. And I’ve been reading a lot of Traveling Mercies, which is just one great moment after another.
Tomorrow I may attempt a writing practice. But I don’t want to rush into anything. ;) And right now, I'm tired. I think it's gotta be bedtime.
Posted by Selena at 09:14 PM | Comments (0)
July 22, 2006
DKA: “Twisted” by Lynda K. Arndt
July’s newest addition is…
“Twisted”
by Lynda K. Arndt
Tease:
"Stuart always dreamed of being a knight, but a wicked king has imprisoned his family and forced him to become an assassin instead."
This dramatic story is a “dragons and knights” tale with some unexpected twists. Don’t miss it!
Posted by Selena at 08:03 AM | Comments (0)
July 20, 2006
New Column: "Staying in Practice"
My latest column is up at The Sword Review. You can check it out here.
Some people have already posted comments about it, which is nice.
Posted by Selena at 07:34 AM | Comments (0)
July 18, 2006
DKA: “The Teeth of the Matter” by TW Williams
July’s next offering is a funny and clever story by TW Williams.
“The Teeth of the Matter”
by TW Williams
Tease:
"Sir Orryfess learns a thing or two about stereotypes and judging others when he comes face to face with a dragon."
Posted by Selena at 07:16 AM | Comments (0)
July 15, 2006
DKA: “The Man Who Kept a Dragon in the Basement”
Now published as part of DKA’s July issue, this is a fun story about a man and his pet dragon, Cedric. See what happens when someone new arrives on the scene.
“The Man Who Kept a Dragon in the Basement”
by Linda Gilmore
Tease:
"Troy's life has been turned upside-down by a marvelous gift -- he can see dragons. Specifically, he has a dragon named Cedric living in his basement. But how can Troy explain a dragon no one else can see to the woman he loves?"
Posted by Selena at 07:50 AM | Comments (0)
July 14, 2006
Podcast Interview
I did my first podcast interview last night. It was so much fun! We talked mostly about DKA, and a little bit about Sword Review, Ray Gun Revival, and my own writing.
You can give it a listen at Interview by Snarky Avenger.
Hope you enjoy it.
Posted by Selena at 08:48 AM | Comments (1)
July 11, 2006
"Questing Without Caution" at Flashshots
I have a new story up at Flashshots. It’s called “Questing Without Caution.” For the next few days you can see it here. But don’t put it off too long, the website only lists the 10 most recent Flashshots.
This is the story that features a dragon, a knight, and an angel. Wonder where I got that idea, don’t ya? ;) Believe me, it was tough to get all three of them in a 100-word story.
Posted by Selena at 11:11 AM | Comments (0)
DKA: “Marian's Test” by Scott M. Sandridge
Next up at DKA is another tale with a dragon, a knight, and an angel. But not necessarily in the way you expect to see them.
“Marian's Test”
by Scott M. Sandridge
Tease:
"Marian Silverblade is the last of her family line. While preparing for battle against the Vangaardians, she is visited and tested by her family's fallen progenitor, Lord Calahan Darkblade, while a dragon is sent to destroy her. Will she remain true to her faith and defeat the dragon, or will she fall to Calahan's trickery?"
Posted by Selena at 07:54 AM | Comments (0)
July 10, 2006
RRN: Traveling Mercies
Today I read more of Traveling Mercies and it’s wonderful. I got to the part at the end of the first section where she finally lets Jesus into her life.
I was waiting for the bus when I read it. I just stood there at the bus stop, reading this conversion story, and trying to keep the tears from overflowing my eyes and running down my cheeks.
I would quote the section for you, but I’d have to quote at least a page and a half.
Suffice it to say that if you are turned off by all the talk of drugs, drinking, etc. in the beginning of this book, I encourage you to stick with it anyway. It’s true what they say, that the light shines brightest in the darkness. Wow. That moment is unforgettable. Jesus crouched at the edge of despair, waiting to be let in so he can change everything.
It’s beautiful, powerful prose. I was so overwhelmed I had to put the book away and just think about it for a while.
Posted by Selena at 05:53 PM | Comments (0)
July 09, 2006
Today’s Lessons
Today brought forth such an odd confluence of events that I can’t help but see a divine hand in it.
First the pastor preached on the dangers of being led by our egos. I don’t think of myself as an attention hound, but over the years I have come to face the fact that I, like everyone, have a strong need to be approved of–to be thought intelligent, talented, and good. While I don’t enjoy being the center of attention, I do long for positive feedback and sometimes feel hurt when it doesn’t unfold as I imagine.
The pastor acknowledged our human desire to feel special and valued but reminded us that we are already children of God and as such are already special and valued beyond measure. We truly have no need to reach for attention or strive for personal glory. Instead we can be secure and confident in our honored place as one of God’s chosen.
It was a powerful reminder to me.
But school wasn’t out for the day.
At lunch, a friend of my mother’s talked about “The Purpose Driven Life,” and about how instead of looking for our purpose in life we should seek God’s purpose for our life.
I didn’t think a lot about it until later when it reminded me of my favorite episode of “West Wing.” “Two Cathedrals” is the episode where President Bartlett holds a press conference and is expected to announce that he is not going to run for reelection. However, in the end he just puts his hands in his pockets, looks away and smiles – and we know it means he is going to run again. Moreover, it always seems to me that Bartlett changes his mind and decides to run because he realizes God wants him to. He doesn’t run for reelection out of ego; he does it because he realizes that he still has good work to do in the White House, work that God has called him to do.
The whole episode is great, but the last part of it stands out as some of the best television I’ve ever seen. An out-of-season tropical storm has made its way up to Washington, the portico door of the Oval Office keeps swinging open of its own accord, and President Bartlett has an imaginary conversation with his recently deceased secretary who tells him:
“You know, if you don’t want to run again, I respect that. But if you don’t run because you think it’s gonna be too hard or you think you’re gonna lose--well, God, Jed, I don’t even want to know you.”
That quote always reminds me that “because it’s difficult” and “because I might fail” are not valid reasons for setting aside a task, especially not if it’s something God has called me to do.
Today held so many lessons for me. And I am grateful. It was a very good day.
Posted by Selena at 08:12 PM | Comments (0)
July 08, 2006
Novel now at 80K! Yippee!
Well, I finally got the novel I’ve been working on up to the 80,000 words it needs to be.
YEAH!
I sat down for a writing practice today and with a prompt as simple as “Write about a gate,” a nearly 2,000-word scene unfolded that is not only pivotal to the story but actually turned out pretty well. Looking back, the scene is inevitable. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before.
Also, the scene gave me an idea for another scene. Which is good because I really need the draft to be over 80,000 words since I’m sure they will be a good bit of cutting involved in the “making it good” phase of this project.
But for now I’m reveling in the accomplishment on this one goal that has seemed so insurmountable for so long. It gives me hope that I may be able to accomplish other things I don’t feel capable of.
Posted by Selena at 02:24 PM | Comments (0)
Noted on Today’s Walk: Starbuck’s
On this morning’s walk, I passed one of the SEVERAL Starbuck’s in the neighborhood. As I approached, I noticed about six people waiting out in front of the doors.
That’s weird, I thought, it’s late, surely the Starbuck’s is open by now. Then I noticed the mob of people waiting inside and realized—the line at Starbuck’s was so long it had spilled out onto the sidewalk.
Wow.
Posted by Selena at 10:34 AM | Comments (0)
DKA: “The Tiniest Dragonslayer” by Robert J. Santa
For DKA’s July issue, we have a few more of our favorite contest entries for you to enjoy.
The first is…
“The Tiniest Dragonslayer”
by Robert J. Santa
Tease:
"The town of Dewbury has lived in the shadow of the dragon for years, victims of a nasty arrangement with the monster. Many have tried to rescue them to no avail. Despite his obvious limitations, is Bryon the one to finally free them?"
Posted by Selena at 07:57 AM | Comments (0)
July 07, 2006
Today’s Tally
I’ve had a very productive day so far, which is good because I haven’t had many of those lately. (I’m such a slacker!)
I spent several hours this morning proofing the next print edition of The Sword Review. It was fun, especially because I missed most of the submissions while they were under consideration. (Guess I was really busy or something.)
I also managed to get in a writing practice that thankfully turned into something for the book I’ve been struggling with. My goal for the week is to FINALLY get that stupid novel up to 80,000 words. I’ve only got a couple thousand to go, so it’s technically do-able. (Then of course the next, much harder, goal is to make it good.)
Now, if only I could get caught up on reading DKA subs. I should read one today but after all that proofing I don’t think my eyes can take any more reading.
I’m been doing really well with the whole diet and exercise thing lately. I hope that when I have my cholesterol checked next week, the numbers will be especially good and Doc will say “Wow, you’re doing great. Have you been doing anything different?” Well, yes, actually I have.
All that eating right must be getting to me though because today all I really want out of life is a bag of Pepper Jack Doritoes. Ah, the yummy badness. The spicy kick. The delightful crunch. It’s so clear in my memory.
I keep telling myself that I can’t have any Doritoes because I don’t have the cash and there is no store in the area that sells them anyway. Of course the truth is I have a couple bucks and there’s a 7-11 just up the street. But no! Doritoes are extinct! I am sure of it! They don’t even make them anymore!
Clearly, I need help.
In the meantime, I am trying to focus on the spaghetti with peas and parmesan that I am planning to have for dinner. It’s also quite delicious. And not nearly as bad for me.
Posted by Selena at 05:38 PM | Comments (0)
July 06, 2006
Noted on Today’s Walk: School of Fame
I walk past the School of Fame sign almost every day. And each time, I think, “What? Fame is its own vocation now?”
Seriously when did fame itself become something people aspire to? How did it become something you can go to school for, a skill to be taught and learned?
I can understand wanting to be an actor, maybe even a famous actor. But to just want to be famous?
Further down the sign it does list acting, singing, dancing, and modeling. But it seems that they are secondary, that the real goal is fame, that acting, singing, etc., are just ways to get there.
Clearly, I just don’t get it.
Posted by Selena at 04:19 PM | Comments (0)
July 05, 2006
RRN: Traveling Mercies
One of the books I am “reading right now” is Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott.
I am a huge fan of her book Bird by Bird, which is about writing.
I’m only a little bit into Traveling Mercies but so far it’s pretty good. (Although there are a lot of drug references in the first section. I guess Ms. Lamott had a very colorful adolescence.)
This is my favorite quote from the book so far: (She is talking about why she preferred to spend time at her friend’s house instead of her own.)
“In a way life was easier there than over at my house, because at least it was consistent: Mary was always a drunken mess, Pammy’s father was always in prison. Over at my house, things could go any number of ways. I have read since that this is how you induce psychosis in rats: you behave inconsistently with them, you keep changing the rules. One day when they press down the right lever, expecting a serving of grain like they’ve always gotten before, they instead get a shock. And eventually the switching back and forth drives them mad, while the rats who get shocked every time they press the lever figure it out right away and work around it.” (page 19)
It spoke to me because one of the most stressful times in my life involved dealing with people who were particularly inconsistent. I could never be sure what they wanted or how they would react at any given moment. It seemed that the rules were constantly changing without notice. And that is a very stressful place to be.
It’s a delicate balance between predictability and boredom, I realize. Life thrives in that thin zone between chaos and stagnation. Too far in either direction, and it all goes wrong.
Posted by Selena at 04:04 PM | Comments (0)
DKA: “The Smoking Man” by S.T. Forstner
Next up at DKA is a humorous and imaginative story by S.T. Forstner…
“The Smoking Man”
by S.T. Forstner
Tease:
"Sometimes it takes ages to solve a riddle. Even if you cheat."
Enjoy.
Posted by Selena at 07:45 AM | Comments (0)
July 04, 2006
Recommended Books
If you have a chance, check out my recently updated Recommended Books page!
Posted by Selena at 08:12 PM | Comments (0)
Osmosis – Now in Print Edition
The print edition of Haruah’s first issue is now available at Lulu.com.
That issue includes my essay “Osmosis.”
Click here to order your copy.
Posted by Selena at 05:45 PM | Comments (0)
July the Fourth
Maybe it’s un-American of me, but it’s July the Fourth and I have no plans to go to the beach, attend a picnic or cookout, or watch fireworks.
It’s not that I am opposed to the July 4th holiday. It’s just that I’m not really big on holidays to begin with. The only one I celebrate with any consistency is Christmas.
Maybe it comes from spending most of my adult life working in places that were open on holidays. Maybe that’s why most holidays feel like just another day to me. Sure, a lot of people who would normally be working aren’t, but other than that a holiday is pretty much business as usual in my world.
So, my only real celebration of today’s holiday is to wish you all a happy July 4th, however you intend to spend it.
Posted by Selena at 05:37 PM | Comments (0)
July 03, 2006
Ray Gun Revival – now available!
I can’t believe I haven’t blogged about this yet!
The first issue of Ray Gun Revival came out this past weekend, and it looks great.
You should go over and check it out.
If you are a fan of Firefly, classic science fiction, and/or space opera, this is the magazine you’ve been waiting for.
Trust me.
Posted by Selena at 07:48 PM | Comments (0)
July 02, 2006
Latest Column: "Calm Mind"
My latest column, “Calm Mind,” is up at Sword Review.
Pop on over and check it out.
Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 07:41 AM | Comments (0)
July 01, 2006
DKA: “Hope and Erosion” by Michael J. DeLuca
DKA is beginning its July issue with a perfect story for summer.
“Hope and Erosion”
by Michael J. DeLuca
Tease:
"The hermit hero of a crumbling island kingdom leaves fresh air and sun behind to seek the Light Beneath the Sea."
For me, this story brought back lovely memories of vacationing at the beach when I was a kid. I hope you will enjoy it as well.
Posted by Selena at 07:56 AM | Comments (0)