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July 30, 2007
Joffrey's
I finished the book and sent off the query. So, naturally I had to go out for breakfast to celebrate. I chose my new favorite dining out (and/or working off-site) spot: Joffrey's café.
I have been there a few times and had a great experience every time. The place was recommended to me by a receptionist in a doctor's office. I had gone in for a cholesterol check. So, of course, I was starving afterwards. (Bleh. I hate fasting, even if it is only overnight.) I asked the lady if she knew of a good place for breakfast. Score one for the medical receptionist! She was so right. I loved Joffrey's so much, I've been meaning to blog about the place ever since.
My favorite breakfast item: ham, egg and cheese on ciabatta roll. Yum. Also, today I had their vanilla chai latte. Also very delicious. If they started serving hash browns with breakfast, I would be in heaven.
In addition to the tastiness of the food and bevs, the service is always great and the atmosphere is lovely, quiet, and comfortable.
Plus they have free wireless internet, which makes it the perfect "I just have to work away from home today!" spot.
Now all I have to do is accomplish some other big goal so that I can justify going back. I'm already craving more of their vanilla chai. Dang, I should have taken them up on their offer of a refill before I left! Ah, well, live and learn.
Posted by Selena at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)
July 29, 2007
Book Done (again) + a fun gif
I finally finished the latest editing pass on my book. I got all eight of the remaining chapters done today.
Tomorrow I plan to send off another query. Here’s hoping.
Also, my husband made this gif for me:
How cool is that?!
Posted by Selena at 11:07 PM | Comments (0)
July 27, 2007
Got A Yes
I just had a story accepted by a new market called Every Day Fiction.
Woo-Hoo!
The story is called "Anonymous." Look for it after Every Day Fiction begins publication in September.
Posted by Selena at 10:46 PM | Comments (0)
July 24, 2007
Today's Tally
Well, after two days of hardly getting anything done, I am finally getting back on track.
I sent off a new submission this morning so I am up to five subs pending. Woo-hoo!
Plus I got eight chapters done today. That’s chapters 13-20. Only another eight chapters to go.
At first I was discouraged by all the problems I was finding as I re-read the book. Now I’m taking them as signs of how much I have grown as a writer. That, I think, is a much more useful explanatory style. ;)
Posted by Selena at 09:58 PM | Comments (0)
DKA: "Moonshot" by Chris Mikesell
To close out this month’s issue, here is the story that took First Place in our recent contest:
"Moonshot"
by Chris Mikesell
First Place, 2007 Fiction Contest
Tease:
Pastor Clayton Bardell wins a childhood dream-vacation to the moon, much to the dismay of his church's elders. On the trip he discovers that while his elders' fears may be overstated, much more awaits him than he anticipated. And the new life he hopes to bring to his flock, will first have to flow through himself.
Get the print edition that includes this story as well as the other contest winners!
Posted by Selena at 07:39 AM | Comments (0)
July 23, 2007
DKA's July Print Edition Now Available!
The print edition for DKA's July issue is now available for sale through Lulu.com.
This print edition includes all four of the winning stories from our recent fiction contest!
Get your copy!
Just $6.49 (+ shipping)
This issue includes:
"Irruption" by John W. Otte
"Snare" by Kendra Sims
plus contest winners:
"Speaking in Arms: A Beast Fable" by C. M. Huard
"The Diary" by John Kuhn
"Immortal" by Daniel I. Weaver
and
"Moonshot" by Chris Mikesell
Enjoy!
Posted by Selena at 01:10 PM | Comments (0)
July 21, 2007
Today's Tally
It has been a long day of baby watching. (Still not done with that.) But I managed to meet my goal of proofing and editing four more chapters.
Man, novel writing is hard! Still, I'm enjoying it because there is so much I love about this story. I enjoy spending time with the characters.
I'm really disturbed by all the proofing errors I keep noticing though. Grrr.
I got a little other work done too, but not much since Baby Lily has needed a lot of my attention today. On the plus side, I am learning to type one-handed. That's a handy skill for moms and grandmas. I just wish I was better at it. Right now, one-handed typing is slow and error-prine.
(Haha. That typo was a joke.)
Posted by Selena at 11:33 PM | Comments (0)
DKA: "Immortal" by Daniel I. Weaver
Today's update is the story that took second place in our recent fiction contest. Enjoy!
"Immortal"
by Daniel I. Weaver
Second Prize, 2007 Fiction Contest
Tease:
Seven times, technology has grown its metropolis around the Hopplesoth residence. Seven times, the fence surrounding the Hopplesoth’s back yard has grown to compensate. A dilapidated old home with a skyscraper fence, the Hopplesoth residence lives in infamy. What sort of dark secret could warrant such drastic measures? Some secrets require sacrifice. In Ethan Hopplesoth’s case, two hundred and seventeen years of sacrifice. In Ethan Hopllesoth’s backyard lies the secret of immortality.
Posted by Selena at 08:40 AM | Comments (0)
July 20, 2007
Today's Tally
Well, I didn't get as much accomplished today as I had hoped. I was tired and headachy, and that's not good for my productivity.
But at least I got those four chapters done. That's the main thing. And I walked for one hour. Gotta keep that blood pressure down.
Tomorrow, it's chapters 9-12.
But for now, there is just more baby-watching and then sleep. Gotta sleep.
Posted by Selena at 11:36 PM | Comments (0)
July 19, 2007
Goals, Goals, Goals
I did a lot of goal setting today.
My big goal right now is to send my novel out again. It's been a while.
Problem is: I think it needs another editing pass. I thought it was done, but the last time I took it out (to read it for pleasure, not to work on it) I noticed a few things that could be better. Grrr. Don't you hate that?
My plan is to read through it again and fix those little problems that I can now see. I hope to finish that in a week. At twenty-eight chapters, I'll have to do four chapters a day.
I just finished chapter #4. So, mark today's goal DONE. I'm headed to sleep, but will continue the saga tomorrow.
Posted by Selena at 10:46 PM | Comments (0)
Article on Christian Spec Fic
It's funny how I heard about this article from both Mir and Dad.
Christian Fantasy Genre Builds Niche Without Hogwarts, Muggles or Spells
I noticed it this morning when I was reading Mir's blog.
I'm not sure why Mir in Miami reads The Washington Post, but she must since I've noticed her referring to articles there more than once.
Then my dad called to tell me about it. At least he lives in the Washington area.
It's an interesting article, by the way.
Posted by Selena at 10:16 AM | Comments (0)
July 18, 2007
Lily as Londo
Since my granddaughter Lily was born, she has had tufts of hair on the back of her head. They tend to form two spikes, like horns.
It occurred to me today that she looks like she's been taking hairstyling lessons from Londo Mollari.
Lily:
Londo:
What do you think?
Posted by Selena at 06:33 PM | Comments (0)
July 17, 2007
After The Storm
We had a particularly rough thunderstorm this afternoon. Heavy rain. Thunder and lightning, a bit too close for comfort. There was even hail. It looked like God was making popcorn on the lawn.
But after the storm, there was the most amazing light. It was the purest, brightest sunlight I've ever seen.
I'm sure there is a lesson for me in there somewhere.
Posted by Selena at 09:21 PM | Comments (0)
DKA: "The Diary" by John Kuhn
Next up is the second honorable mention from our recent fiction contest.
Watch out! This one will get you.
"The Diary"
by John Kuhn
Honorable Mention, 2007 Fiction Contest
Tease:
Ally's dad wasn't sure where the diary had come from, but he was sure that strange things started happening soon after it appeared.
Posted by Selena at 07:58 AM | Comments (0)
July 15, 2007
Getting Back to Writing
I only have four submissions pending. That's kind of lame. (At least for me. I'm not judging anyone else here. Honest.)
Sure, I've been busy but I've also been avoiding the muse like crazy. This weekend I spent several hours reading and critiquing another writer's work, providing feedback and suggestions, and I spent exactly no time on my own writing. That's not okay.
But it is so hard to get out of the "not writing" hole once I've fallen into it. Not writing quickly becomes a habit, and the longer I let it go, the harder it is to get started again.
I keep thinking that if one of my pending submissions comes back as a "yes" then I'll be invigorated about writing again. But I can't count on that. I gotta find that "vigor" somewhere on the inside.
So, this is me off to seek my misplaced writing vigor. ;) I keep thinking of that chapter in some writing book about writing as lover. What book was that? A Heather Sellers one, I think. Maybe I'll go look for it on the bookshelf.
NO! WAIT! I am supposed to be writing, not looking through writing books.
See how easily I get sidetracked? Aargh!
Must write now. Seriously.
Posted by Selena at 05:04 PM | Comments (0)
July 14, 2007
DKA: "Speaking in Arms - A Beast Fable" by C. M. Huard
Today's update is the first of the Honorable Mentions from our recent fiction contest.
"Speaking in Arms - A Beast Fable"
by C. M. Huard
Honorable Mention - 2007 Fiction Contest
Tease:
Coming to believe in a Maker of all things has made Duel more concerned for his fellow octopus. But his code of ethics will be put to the ultimate test when he befriends a rare deepsea squid...
Posted by Selena at 07:52 AM | Comments (0)
July 13, 2007
SR + DKA = Great! + Great! = MindFlights
Big news from SR and DKA...
Two of Double-Edged Publishing's award-winning magazines are teaming up! Dragons, Knights, & Angels and The Sword Review are becoming one. MindFlights will combine all that is great about DKA and SR into one high-quality magazine.
We plan to launch in January 2008. Get ready. Soon, we'll be open for submissions.
Come by the new MindFlights website. We're certain you're going to love it. While things are still in flux, we've made sure to make it an eye-pleasing experience. Click main contents and--voila!---find links to current features at SR and DKA, as well as to news and columns from all the DEP publications. After you've had a look around, let us know what you think in the forums. We want your opinions as we work to make the site a great place for you.
Big plans are in place to grow MindFlights into a magazine that is second to none. We can't spill all our ideas yet, but we believe the future will be thrilling for both the readers and the contributors. Come! Join us on this new journey.
Posted by Selena at 04:18 PM | Comments (0)
July 11, 2007
Missing Posts Added
I added in the posts from when this blog interface was down. It's June 9 - 16, if you want to have a look in the June archives.
Posted by Selena at 10:20 AM | Comments (0)
Studio 60 Available on Amazon
Hot dog!
I don't have to wait for the Studio 60 DVD set to come out. The full series is now available for purchase and download at Amazon.
We've already purchased all the episodes and downloaded them into our TiVo. Yesterday, I watched the pilot again.
This show is brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. I am going to miss it. But at least now I can watch the episodes over and over again on my TiVo.
I can hardly wait for Aaron Sorkin's next project.
P.S. I'll still be buying the DVD set when it comes out. Gotta support the good stuff.
Posted by Selena at 09:44 AM | Comments (0)
July 10, 2007
DKA: "Snare" by Kendra Sims
It's New Poetry Tuesday. Check this one out!
"Snare"
by Kendra Sims
Tease:
What a hunter seeks to snare may have a plan of its own...
Posted by Selena at 09:03 AM | Comments (0)
July 09, 2007
Today's Tally
It's been a good day. I got a lot done, which always makes me feel good.
I read a couple submissions, walked one hour, and did a few other things on my to-do list. I'm especially excited that I finished and submitted a new column for Everyday Faith. (Don't know when it will appear though.)
That's progress. I've been getting so little writing done lately that accomplishing any writing at all is worthy of celebration.
It's not been my usual avoiding of the muse. Honest. It's just that my new granddaughter has been keeping me hopping. Seriously, anyone who tells you that taking care of an infant isn't a full-time job is either lying or clueless.
Here's wishing everyone a productive and happy week!
Posted by Selena at 04:54 PM | Comments (0)
July 07, 2007
DKA: "Irruption" by John W. Otte
To start off July's issue, and for your weekend reading, we have…
"Irruption"
by John W. Otte
Tease:
Charles Tucker, a member of the First Response Alpha Squad, is sent out to deal with an outbreak of magick in a local park. Little does he realize that he'll soon be in mortal combat. Even worse, he'll have to come to grips with the one secret he's been hiding for his whole life.
Posted by Selena at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
July 06, 2007
DKA announces poetry contest
DKA has just announced our poetry contest for 2007.
A few tidbits...
THEME:
inferno or paradiso
Your poem may relate to the idea of "paradiso", or to the idea of "inferno," or to a conjoined elaboration on the concept of "inferno or paradiso."
PRIZES:
All winning poems and honorable mentions (if any) will be published in DKA magazine and receive the following prizes:
First. . . . . . $50.00
Second. . . . $20.00
Honorable Mentions. . . . . .$10.00
NO ENTRY FEE
GUIDELINES:
Entries must be original, unpublished works: no reprints.
Poems may be in any form and up to 30 lines.
DEADLINE:
All entries must be received before midnight August 10th (Eastern US Time).
For complete info, click here.
Posted by Selena at 09:22 PM | Comments (0)
July 02, 2007
Caught Up
I am finally caught up on reading submissions for DKA and SR.
YEAH!
It only took reading 4+ subs everyday for the last three days. Whew. (Some good stuff in there though.)
To be honest, this is about the only thing I am caught up on right now. Plus, I know it won't last.
Still, it's a good feeling.
Posted by Selena at 10:03 PM | Comments (0)
Ray Gun Revival Issue #25
The anniversary issue of Ray Gun Revival just arrived.
I have only had time to read one story so far, "Traveling with the Archetypes," but I enjoyed it. I'd especially recommend it for all my theatre-loving friends.
--------
A new format, a new contest, a classic genre - it's the one year anniversary of Ray Gun Revival! Find it here in Ray Gun Revival Issue #25.
37 Pages
Traveling with the Archetypes by Calie Voorhis
Fiction
Bob presents his biggest show ever. But what happens when his characters rebel?
The Exile of Joseph Reed by Colleen Drippe’
Fiction
Exile. It means you are no longer a part of the human race, rejected and cast out—plummeting through space at some unthinkable speed alone with yourself. Or are you?
Hot Off the Press by Ty Johnston
Fiction
Roger Madock is a typical newspaper reporter, until he discovers his published words can alter reality.
Deuces Wild: "Full Circle" by L. S. King
Serial Fiction
Slap, Tristan, and Carter escape the planet Eridani, but can Slap escape the nightmare of his captivity?
Plus, our Ray Gun Revival Space Monkey Flash Fiction challenge!
Posted by Selena at 07:54 AM | Comments (0)
July 01, 2007
Forty!
Man, I can't believe I'm going to be forty next month!
That's just wrong.
:(
I feel so old. But mostly I feel like I should have accomplished more with my life by now.
Guess I better get to work.
Well, maybe a little nap first.
After all, I'm getting old and I need my rest. ;)
Posted by Selena at 02:22 PM | Comments (0)