December 31, 2008
A Few Good Movies
I've had a chance to see several good movies recently. I've already mentioned "Terminator 2," but here are a few more worth seeing:
Mama Mia – so insanely fun! The actors look like they are having such a great time that the joy turns out to be contagious. It's a star-studded cast, too. Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan are especially delightful. One caveat: this movie is not for people who don't like musicals. (You know it's a musical, right?) But for everyone else, it's so fun and hum-able.
Secondhand Lions – You can't go wrong with a pair of heavy-hitters like Robert Duvall and Michael Caine. But even the smaller roles in this movie are peopled with celebrities like Kyra Sedgwick and the now-famous-from-"Heroes" Adrian Pasdar, who plays a really brave and tenacious salesman. Plus the "Sixth Sense" kid, Haley Joel Osment, is great as the shy nephew who gets left with his wacky uncles for the summer.
Juno – Wow. I finally get what all the Oscar fuss was about. The girl who plays Juno is fantastic. (Her name is Ellen Page.) The movie also boasts stellar performances from two of my favorite actresses: Allison Janney and Jennifer Garner. But what really stands out is the writing. Can it really be true that this was Diablo Cody's first screenplay? Talk about being brilliant right out of the gate! Wow. Just...wow. I am completely jealous of her talent.
I even saw a documentary: Expelled. It's a fascinating and disturbing look at the backlash against Intelligent Design.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Posted by Selena at 10:01 AM | Comments (0)
December 13, 2008
Column Reprinted: "Punishments from God"
One of my Everyday Faith columns has been reprinted in Fear and Trembling. Please stop by and check it out if you have a chance. While you're there check out the very cool "Dragon Claus" cover by Hisart. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 07:59 AM | Comments (0)
November 28, 2008
Watching "The West Wing"
Hubby and I have started watching "The West Wing" again from the beginning. (We own the first few seasons on DVD.) It's one of our favorite shows and certainly stands up to repeated viewings. (I've watched my favorite episode, "Two Cathedrals" many, many times. I even blogged about it.)
I enjoy the show, but I've noticed an odd side effect: watching "The West Wing" makes me feel like I need to do better. Seriously, not only does the extremely high quality of Aaron Sorkin's writing remind me what a total hack I am in comparison. But watching President Bartlett and his staff go about their days makes me feel like a stupid slacker who really ought to get off my lazy butt and do something important with my life.
The show inspires me to step up my game and do something worthwhile.
As President Bartlett says in one episode: "Break's over."
Posted by Selena at 11:05 PM | Comments (0)
November 25, 2008
Finally, 50,000!
Well, I got a late start (less than 2000 words before Nov 13th) but I finally made it across the finish line yesterday. YEAH!
Here is my winner's badge:
Pretty cool, huh?
Posted by Selena at 08:04 AM | Comments (0)
November 24, 2008
Today's Dr. Wicked NaNo Stats
I used Dr. Wicked's Write or Die for my morning NaNo session and here are the results:
 | 1417 |
 | |
31  | |
 | |
| lab.drwicked.com | |
Gotta go do some MindFlights stuff now.
Posted by Selena at 09:14 AM | Comments (0)
November 23, 2008
NaNo & Dr. Wicked's Write or Die
I found this cool site via a thread on the NaNo website:
Dr. Wicked's Write or Die Web Application
It allows you to set a writing goal (by words and minutes) and then it gives you consequences if you stop writing for more than a few seconds. Consequences range from flashing red borders to annoying music to having your text start to delete itself. (That last one is part of the Kamikaze Mode. Pretty hardcore, huh?)
Here is the demo from YouTube.
I tested it out and got this:
| 101 |
| |
| 6 | |
| |
| lab.drwicked.com | |
Very cool.
Now, I'm off to work some more on my NaNo project. I got a very late start but I'm finally catching up. Right now, I'm at just over 45,000 words. Only 5,000 to go but most of that will have to wait until tomorrow because I am exhausted and my fingers feel like they are going to fall off.
You can track my progress via this handy widget.
Posted by Selena at 08:59 PM | Comments (0)
November 13, 2008
Failing NaNo
Between being sick and my mother's visit and various family dramas, I am failing miserably at NaNo this year.
The month is almost half over and my word count is a paltry 1816.
That puts me about TWENTY THOUSAND words behind where I should be right now!
It's enough to make a girl want to give up.
Posted by Selena at 07:12 PM | Comments (0)
"The Rival" at ATG
My story "The Rival" is now available at All Things Girl. Please stop by and give it a read. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
November 08, 2008
Surprise Accept and Publication
I just found out that I had a story published back in October. Funny thing is—I didn't even know it had been accepted. Last I heard from the market, the submission had been received and was being considered for their October issue.
Huh. The accept email must have gotten lost in the ether, as emails sometimes do. I don't mind. I'm just glad the story got accepted and published.
You can check out the story over at bending spoons.
Here's the direct link to the story:
Accomplishment Oriented
It's about a society that only values people (and provides for them) if they make "important contributions" in terms of work-related accomplishments. So, really it's not too far away from where we are now.
Posted by Selena at 07:57 AM | Comments (0)
November 03, 2008
Too Sick to NaNo
I’ve been sick for the last few days with a bad cold. Which means it’s day three of NaNo already and I have logged a grand total of 106 words. So sad.
That puts me about 5,000 words behind where I should be right now.
I guess I better quit blogging about it and get to work on closing the gap.
Posted by Selena at 01:35 PM | Comments (0)
October 01, 2008
Two Stories Pub'd Today
Wow, it's a "red letter day!"
I have TWO stories that were published today:
"The Thoughts of Cats" in The Lorelei Signal
and
"To Be King" in Static Movement
Please stop by and check them out if you can. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 06:19 PM | Comments (0)
September 29, 2008
Story Accepted!
I just got a "yes" from Static Movement. They accepted my story "To Be King" for their October issue.
They even managed to respond within two days. That's a very impressive response time! I love that.
Posted by Selena at 09:02 PM | Comments (0)
September 25, 2008
Good News, Bad News
Well, the bad news is that I had to cancel my trip to DC at the last minute. And by "last minute," I mean literally at the airport, suitcase in hand. The reason why is the...
Even badder news: My mother-in-law passed away.
All that makes today's good news seem very pale, but here it is anyway: I just got an acceptance from a new print magazine called Sonar 4. My story “The Power of Suggestion” is scheduled for their April 09 issue. Yeah, good news, but pale indeed compared to the bad.
Posted by Selena at 02:22 PM | Comments (0)
September 20, 2008
"The Cat..." now at EDF
My story "The Cat Won't Stop Playing" is now available at Every Day Fiction. Please stop by and check it out if you can. Thanks.
Wow! There are three nice comments posted about the story already. :D
Posted by Selena at 11:14 AM | Comments (0)
September 17, 2008
To NaNo or Not to NaNo?
It seems that is a common question for this time of year. (For an explanation of my sense of déjà vu, check out this similar post from last year.)
I was thinking of skipping NaNo this year because I feel like I have neither the time nor the energy. (Oh, there's that déjà vu again.) But then I got my NaNo newsletter today and realized this is NaNo's tenth anniversary. There's even a cool commemorative T-shirt. I know, I shouldn't be swayed by that sort of thing.
But then there's this tidbit for the "pro" column: at least two of my recent short story publications grew out of last year's NaNo. Actually I suspect there were more, but I'd have to go back and scan the document to be sure. Anyway, the two I remember are actually two of my favorite stories ("Moon Ransom" and "The Word") and they probably wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been committed to writing every day as part of the NaNo challenge.
For the "con" column though, here's the big problem: I have no idea what to write about this year. I don't even have the slimmest idea for a book! It might be kind of fun to write a romance though. Maybe one in a restaurant since I like that setting so much. But really that's all I got. Not much to build 50,000 words on, is it?
Hmm. Decisions, decisions.
Posted by Selena at 04:58 PM | Comments (0)
September 02, 2008
Story Scheduled for September 20th
The September schedule for Every Day Fiction has been posted and my story is scheduled for September 20th.
I also notice some familiar names on the list. It’s always cool to share a Table of Contents with friends. :)
Posted by Selena at 08:53 PM | Comments (0)
August 25, 2008
"The Cat Won't Stop Playing" accepted at EDF
My story "The Cat Won't Stop Playing" has just been accepted at Every Day Fiction. I don't know yet when it will be published, but I'll let you know.
I have to thank the EDF editors for their help with this one. They responded to the original version of the story with a rewrite request and helpful feedback, which greatly improved the story.
Posted by Selena at 06:01 PM | Comments (0)
July 06, 2008
"Text Messages" now at LSS
"Text Messages" is now available at Long Story Short. (Click on "Fiction" in the menu on the left.)
Oddly, neither this nor my other recent acceptance ("The Rival") are scifi or fantasy. That's rare for me. How'd that happen? ;)
Posted by Selena at 06:08 PM | Comments (0)
June 27, 2008
What's the Tally?
Well, the tally is pretty good. Here are my current writing numbers:
Subs pending = 10
Subs sent this month = 4
Total publications = 24
(22 stories, 1 essay, 1 poem)
# of stories accepted but not yet published = 3
Total submissions (cumulative, since I started tracking in 1996) = 199
Interestingly, my first yes was submission #25 back in 2003.
Duotrope says my accept rate is currently 22% and happily notes that my rate is greater than the average rate of their users. That's cool. :)
Good luck to all my fellow writers out there. I hope everyone has a good weekend.
Posted by Selena at 08:12 PM | Comments (0)
June 25, 2008
"The Rival" Accepted by All Things Girl
The e-zine All Things Girl just accepted my flash story "The Rival." Look for it in their November issue.
Yeah, I love a "yes!"
Posted by Selena at 07:48 PM | Comments (0)
June 22, 2008
Tough Week (but Two Good Books)
It's been a tough week. First, Lily was sick. (Who knew so much vomit could come out of such a small child?!) Then Sharon was sick. Then yesterday I was sick, although not as badly. In truth, I think my "illness" wasn't a stomach virus so much as it was my stomach throwing a tantrum over all the junk food I've been feeding it lately. "Okay, Grumpy Tummy, message received."
One of the downsides to all the sickness going around this week is that I hardly got anything on my to-do list done. But there was an upside: I did a lot of non-work reading, i.e. not submissions or critiques but actual books that I have been meaning to read.
Yesterday I finally finished Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman. Such a great book. So enlightening, so vital, so helpful. The weird thing is that the book is ten years old. The copy I have is a "tenth anniversary edition." So, what I want to know is: why didn't anyone in all my years of education make me read this sooner?
I have two more books on Emotional Intelligence sitting on my to-read stack. It's such a fascinating topic.
Instead of reading one of those, I chose to go with The Writing Diet by Julia Cameron. I like the idea of turning to writing instead of food when in distress. It's a skill I need to learn. Hopefully it will help with two of my problems: my seriously lacking productivity in regards to my writing, and my tendency to eat too much and all the wrong things. So far, the book has been very interesting and helpful. I think I am going to have to get that other book of hers, The Artist's Way. I've been coveting it for a while now. Maybe someone will give it to me for my birthday. ;)
Posted by Selena at 06:59 AM | Comments (0)
June 13, 2008
Column Reprinted: "Tithing My Time"
One of my columns has been reprinted at Haruah. Please stop by and check it out if you can. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 09:53 AM | Comments (0)
June 05, 2008
"Moon Ransom" Pub'd @ Alien Skin
My story "Moon Ransom" is now available at Alien Skin. Please stop by and check it out if you can. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 07:59 AM | Comments (0)
June 01, 2008
Story Accepted!
My story "The Thoughts of Cats" was just accepted by The Lorelei Signal. Look for it in their Oct-Dec 2008 issue.
Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 06:18 PM | Comments (0)
May 22, 2008
New Column Pub'd: "God Day"
I just had a new column published at Haruah. Please stop by and check it out if you can. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 09:25 AM | Comments (0)
May 21, 2008
Fridge Art?
I finally got one of those cool magnetic poetry kits. I always wanted one.
I’m not a poet; I have no talent whatsoever at it. (That one poem I had published years ago was a fluke. Trust me.) But I do like the idea of playing with words in this way.
Here’s what’s on my fridge right now:
Here's the text if you can't make it out in the graphic:
question weight
sustain health
inspire transformation
nourish spirit
encourage challenge
Not so much fridge art as fridge affirmations. But that’s what I need right now.
Posted by Selena at 08:49 PM | Comments (0)
May 19, 2008
Got a Yes
My story "Text Messages" was just accepted by Long Story Short. Look for it in their July issue.
Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 08:57 AM | Comments (0)
May 02, 2008
Column Reprinted: "The Source"
One of my columns has been reprinted in Fear and Trembling. Stop by and check it out if you can. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 03:16 PM | Comments (0)
April 25, 2008
Column Reprinted: "Letting God Drive"
One of my columns has been reprinted in Haruah:
Stop by and check it out. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 07:17 AM | Comments (0)
April 24, 2008
Good Day
It's been a good day. I worked on, finalized, and sent two stories. That's always a good feeling. I've got a third story that is almost ready; I'm just waiting to hear back from one crit partner.
Plus I finally bought the mass of songs in my iTunes shopping cart—a full 31 songs, nearly two hours of music. Yeah! I'm having a great time listening to them. It's an eclectic collection, everything from old school favorites like "Rapper's Delight" and "Boogie Shoes" to more recent offerings like Marc Cohn's "Live Out the String" and Sugarland's "Stay." There's even the Jerry Lee Lewis classic "Great Balls of Fire." That's fun music!
To cap things off, I made beer cheese soup and it turned out perfect. Yum.
It didn't turn out so great last time because I tried to simplify the steps. In my defense the recipe is ridiculously complicated (cook these ingredients, then blend them, then add this, then whisk these two, etc., etc.). Don't believe me? Check out the recipe for yourself. I'm much more of a "throw all the ingredients in the pot and simmer" kind of cook. But on this one, the effort is worth it.
I did change the recipe a little: tortilla chips instead of croutons, red pepper instead of garlic, a little less flour. But all those wacky cooking, blending steps—trust me, you gotta stick to the recipe.
Now, if I can just manage to not eat the whole batch in one sitting... ;)
Posted by Selena at 01:42 PM | Comments (0)
March 26, 2008
The Big Two-Oh
I just realized that I’ve had TWENTY stories published!
I had to count them twice to be sure, but yep, there are twenty listed there on my main page.
So cool.
That's a big milestone for me. I guess the next big one is thirty stories. Or maybe one novel, just one. That would be huge.
But for today I'm just enjoying the accomplishment of twenty. :)
Posted by Selena at 08:08 AM | Comments (0)
March 24, 2008
Story Published: "The Word"
I just had a story published. It's called "The Word" and is at Anathema, an online anthology that publishes stories written sympathetically from a contrary point of view. Being a Christian, I chose to write from a non-Christian point of view. I hope Christians won't find the story offensive; it's not meant to be.
This story is science fiction and short (under 2000 words). I think it's a humorous story about misunderstandings.
I'll hope you'll stop by and give it a read. I'd be interested to hear your reaction.
Here is the link to the story:
"The Word"
Here is the link to the magazine:
Anathema
A bit of trivia: I originally called the story "Visitors." The editor changed the title, with my consent.
Posted by Selena at 07:58 AM | Comments (0)
March 01, 2008
A Good Day
I have already spent over four hours on writing today. (I've been working on fixing the un-fixable novel, the one I've been avoiding for a year or more.) It feels great to be writing and getting things done.
You know what I realized? That when I am really engaged in a task, I don't get tired as easily. Or resort to stress-induced snacking as much.
I breezed through the day with no nap at all, not even feeling like I needed a nap. That's a rare thing for me. Plus I managed to eat healthy all day, which is really rare, and walk 45 minutes on the treadmill.
That's a good day. That's being "in the zone." That's where I hope to spend more time.
Posted by Selena at 06:12 PM | Comments (0)
February 29, 2008
Got a Yes from AlienSkin
I just got an acceptance from AlienSkin on my story "Moon Ransom." Look for it in their June/July issue.
Woo-Hoo! There is nothing quite like the rush of a "Yes."
Posted by Selena at 10:12 AM | Comments (0)
February 23, 2008
Column Reprinted: "Writing as Calling"
One of my Everyday Faith columns has been reprinted in Fear & Trembling. Stop by and check it out:
Posted by Selena at 05:52 PM | Comments (0)
MindFlights Interview with Bill and Me
Bill Snodgrass and I were recently interviewed by Ivy Reisner at The WritingCast. In addition to chatting about MindFlights and writing in general, we reveal some of our editorial pet peeves, plus offer advice on cover letters and talk about the types of submissions we want more of.
So, if you want some inside information and an editor's eye view, now's your chance. Just stop by and give it a listen. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 05:04 PM | Comments (0)
February 03, 2008
Column Reprinted: "The Source"
One of my Everyday Faith columns has been reprinted at TeenAge. Plus it now has a very cool illustration accompanying it.
Please stop by and check it out:
"The Source"
Posted by Selena at 09:11 PM | Comments (0)
January 23, 2008
Miscellaneous
I haven't been blogging much lately. It's not that I don't have anything to say. It's more like I don't have much to say that is suitable for a public forum and/or of interest to others.
Winter has always been a quiet, introspective time for me. So, please bear with me.
Here is a miscellany of what's been going on:
Mom came to visit, which was great. As usual, the sand hill cranes refused to come by the house while she was here. (I honestly can't fathom what that is about, except maybe it's just bad luck.) We did see the birds in the mall parking lot though. (Go figure.) True to form, the birds stopped by the backyard just a couple days after Mom had gone home.
We did get a visitor of another sort while Mom was here. We were in the living room one afternoon when we heard a scratching, banging noise at the front door. I opened it to find a big turtle (about a foot wide) knocking on the door like he was on his way to the lake and wanted to take a short cut through the house. We reoriented him and shortly after saw him making his way along the side of the house, down to the lake.
With the writers strike lingering on, there isn't much to watch on TV. So, I've been watching movies instead. Here are a few I watched recently and liked: The Illusionist, The Lake House (which I'd seen before and loved), Mission Impossible III, and Stranger Than Fiction.
I have been keeping up with my "one submission a week" goal, but otherwise not doing much writing. This is the reward I am motivating myself with: a mad genius T-shirt. (You know you want one.) Now if I could just stick to my diet and exercise goals, I'd be set.
I started watching the new Terminator series, which is okay so far. It's cool to see Summer Glau get more work. (I thought she was great in Firefly and Serenity.) She makes a good Terminator. I just wish her character had more personality, but I guess Terminators don't generally have a lot of personality. Favorite moment so far: Cameron (played by Summer Glau) saying "please remain calm" to the people in the car whose windshield her head is smashed through. LOL. I loved that.
Posted by Selena at 09:08 PM | Comments (0)
January 14, 2008
Good Day
It was a good day. I managed to spend several hours writing, in spite of a full day of baby-watching. Plus I took a short walk and did a little DEP work. I even finished and sent off the submission I've been working on.
It wasn't all good though. I didn't stick to my diet. I had more chocolate than good health would dictate. I didn't exercise nearly enough. But no day is perfect.
All in all, it was a very good day.
I hope yours was good too.
Posted by Selena at 09:43 PM | Comments (0)
Podcast Interview and Story
My story "Young Ones" is part of the latest episode of Ray Gun Radio. (The story was originally published in Ray Gun Revival as part of their Issue #3.) The story is book-ended by an interview with yours truly.
You can give it a listen here.
It's such a kick to hear one of my stories read out loud! That hardly ever happens.
Posted by Selena at 10:37 AM | Comments (0)
January 13, 2008
Failing Already
I had such high hopes for today, yet I am failing already.
I worked for a couple hours. It was going so well. But then my plans got hijacked, as so often happens.
I guess by now I should have learned how to take that in stride. But I haven't. It sets me back. Even once my time is (mostly) my own again, it's hard to get back into the groove of getting things done.
I need a reset button, a way to get back in the zone after I have been sidetracked.
I am going to try a cup of tea. Maybe the caffeine will help. Maybe then I can get back to the to-do list that has been taunting me: the 30+ submissions I have yet to read, the submission I promised myself I would finish and send off this week, the novel chapters I am supposed to be critiquing, etc., etc.
This is me pressing “Restart Game.” Wish me luck. ;)
Posted by Selena at 05:11 PM | Comments (0)
December 31, 2007
2007 Year End Tally
As 2007 draws to a close, here is my year by the numbers.
# of deaths among my friends and family = 2
# of births = 1
# of engagements = 2
# of people added to my household = 2
# of square feet added to my house = 0
# subs sent = 36
# subs accepted = 6
(That a 16% accept rate, which isn’t bad.)
# stories published = 7
(compared with 5 in 2006, 4 in 2005, 3 in 2004, and 1 poem in 2003)
# of novels drafted = 1
# of novels edited, revised, proofed and sent to crit partners for critique = 1
# of novels almost completely neglected = 2
# of days at Disney World = 2
# of new jobs = 1
# of resignation letters = 1
# of blood pressure medications tried before finally getting one that works for me = 3
# of trips to my beloved hometown Washington, DC = 4
Happy New Year!
Posted by Selena at 04:15 PM | Comments (0)
December 07, 2007
A "Yes" from The Courier
I just got an acceptance from a new market called The Courier.
They publish "mundane science fiction." (I admit it, I had to look up the term.) If you write such stuff, you might want to check them out.
The magazine's first issue is due in February, but the guidelines are available on their website now.
Posted by Selena at 10:24 PM | Comments (0)
A Tale of Three Stories
I've been working on three short stories, two of which came out of the NaNo experience. Today I finished all three and sent them off.
That's when I realized that all three stories have protagonists who are unlikable men. I've read that writers should occasionally try to write from a perspective different than their own. I just hadn't realized I was doing so much of that lately.
What do you think that is about?!
Posted by Selena at 04:38 PM | Comments (0)
December 04, 2007
Post-NaNo Writing
Now that NaNo is done, I am getting back to other writing projects. I've been working on two short stories that came out of this year's NaNo. I think they are both very promising. I hope to finish editing and proofing them in the next few days, and send them off by the end of the week.
I am also continuing work on my first novel. My crit partners have been very helpful and provided great feedback, but I have to put all that to use by actually revising the book. Novel writing is a long process, but the more I work on this book the more I love it and the more I believe it will ultimately be successful.
One thing I learned doing NaNo is that if I write a lot and write everyday, then eventually the words and ideas will flow. Sometimes I am even surprised by what comes out on the page. It's a great feeling when I'm in the zone, really interested in a story, and just typing as fast as I can in an effort to keep up with the story as it unfolds. You can't buy that high. Seeking that feeling is one of the things that keeps me writing.
Posted by Selena at 10:45 PM | Comments (0)
November 30, 2007
The Writers' Strike Blues
While I am completely on the side of the writers, I just have this to say to both sides:
"Y'all better get this settled soon because I am on the verge of giving up on TV for good."
Seriously. And I can't be the only one.
There is so little good stuff on TV that I was on the edge of quitting even before the writers' strike. Now, episodes of my favorite shows are being rationed out. I turned on the TV to watch last night's "Grey's Anatomy" and it was a REPEAT! (A repeat during November sweeps! And when just last week they were promo-ing a "3-part Grey's event!" And last week's cliffhanger! Aargh!! Such frustration can't be good for my blood pressure.)
I recently started watching "Pushing Daisies" based on Mir's glowing recommendation, and it is every bit as wonderful as Mir says. But a lot of the joy is taken out when I know I've only got one episode left before the show disappears for who knows how long.
I enjoyed the recent "Battlestar Galatica: Razor" but—AGAIN, knowing that it will be MONTHS before I see a new BG episode (if then), I almost don't want to bother getting back into the show.
Plus, honestly, I still haven't forgiven NBC for canceling "Studio 60."
I keep thinking of all the time that will reappear in my schedule if I just stop watching TV. Hmmm. More time for reading, writing, and editing. Maybe it's for the best.
I just hope TV writers can easily turn their talents to other media.
Posted by Selena at 10:21 PM | Comments (0)
November 17, 2007
NaNo Day 17
Added some more today. I love that this novel let's me go in whatever crazy direction my muse takes me. I'm not sure that it will work as a novel in the end, but there are several promising short stories in there.
Today's Tally = 2093
Cumulative = 54,216
Posted by Selena at 09:43 PM | Comments (0)
November 16, 2007
NaNo Day 16
I hadn't intended to write anymore for NaNo. When I got to 50K on Wednesday night, I was so DONE! I didn't want to do any more NaNo; it had stopped being fun days ago. But then I found myself writing new scenes for the novel, and adding to my word count again.
I still think the book is 95% junk, but 95% junk is 5% not junk. And that's something.
Plus, it's good to stay in practice.
Today's Tally = 2051
Cumulative = 52,123
Today's scenes are actually very promising, so maybe this draft is only 90% junk. :)
Posted by Selena at 09:37 PM | Comments (0)
November 14, 2007
NaNo Day 14 - DONE
It started as another tough NaNo day, but a writing prompt (about overheard conversations) got me to my daily goal in the morning.
And then in the evening, I had an extended writing session that took me from 40K to the finish line.
Man, I am exhausted!
I feel like I have to post this quickly before my fingers seize up and cease to function. ;)
Today's Tally = 11,794
Cumulative = 50,072
% done = 100%
Posted by Selena at 11:03 PM | Comments (0)
November 13, 2007
NaNo Day 13
It was a really tough NaNo day. I was so busy with baby-watching and work that I didn't even start writing until the evening. And by then I was too exhausted to do much of anything.
So I just barely made my daily goal.
Today's Tally = 1682
Cumulative = 38,278
% done = 76.6%
Posted by Selena at 06:42 PM | Comments (0)
November 12, 2007
NaNo Day 12
Well, I am back to not knowing what to write about. (Grrr.) It seems my muse is exhausted from the last few days and has taken the day off. So I made my daily goal plus a little extra, but it was a struggle.
Today's Tally = 3039
Cumulative = 36,596
% done = 73.2%
I really need to do some pre-NaNo planning next year. Maybe that will help.
Posted by Selena at 09:54 PM | Comments (0)
Story Published: "Designed Development"
My story "Designed Development" is now available at Chaos Theory: Tales Askew."
I love the tease they put at the top of the story:
"In the future your child may never leave their room…"
The story is about virtual childhoods and an AI caretaker who befriends one of her charges. I hope you enjoy it.
Posted by Selena at 09:08 PM | Comments (0)
November 11, 2007
NaNo Day 11
I had the day off, so I got a lot done. Yeah!
Today's Tally = 3085
Cumulative = 33,557
% done = 67.1%
Posted by Selena at 10:13 PM | Comments (0)
November 10, 2007
NaNo Day 10
I had a really great writing session this morning—2439 words. I made my daily goal before 10 a.m. That is a very good sign.
Then I had another good writing session this evening. Finally the book is starting to flow a little. Yeah!
Today's Tally = 5407
Cumulative = 30,472
% done = 60.9%
Posted by Selena at 09:58 PM | Comments (0)
November 09, 2007
NaNo Day 9
Maybe a good scene or two in today's writing. I'm not sure. But it feels like maybe the writing is improving a little. Only time will tell.
I was feeling so hopeful that I even posted a brief excerpt of today's work in my author profile at NaNo. Stop by and check it out, if you want. Just remember that it is only a first draft; it is by no means a finished product.
Today's Tally = 2109
Cumulative = 25,065
% done = 50.1%
And I'm halfway done. That's cool!
Posted by Selena at 09:33 PM | Comments (0)
My Column "Failure and Faith" Reprinted
My Everyday Faith column entitled "Failure and Faith" has been reprinted at Haruah. Please stop by and have a look. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 06:23 PM | Comments (0)
Trying out some NaNo widgets..
I'm testing out some NaNo widgets...
participant icon with current words so far:
This looks really cool, click the link to
Check out my progress report!
My month:
"My Month is a simple display showing overall progress and how you did on any given day. Light green and red show where you were above or below the goal for the day, bold green and red are reserved for days where you did exceptionally well or monumentally badly."
So cool! Plus they update automatically!
Now I better get back to adding to my word count. Gotta go.
edited to add: actually I guess they don't update automatically. Bummer.
Posted by Selena at 11:58 AM | Comments (0)
November 08, 2007
NaNo Day 8
The writing flowed a little easier today but I was so busy with other things that I only got the bare minimum done:
Today's Tally = 1722
Cumulative = 22,956
% done = 45.9%
Posted by Selena at 06:55 PM | Comments (0)
November 07, 2007
NaNo Day 7
I just barely managed to get in the requisite 1667 words today. Uggh.
Today's Tally = 1759
Cumulative = 21,234
% done = 42.5%
This time last year I was nearly finished with the 50,000 word goal. What a difference a year makes.
Posted by Selena at 06:00 PM | Comments (0)
November 06, 2007
NaNo Day 6
Another tough NaNo day. I'm thinking about giving up. The book isn't any good. It's a rambling, mundane mess. And I feel like there are so many other things that I should be doing, things that are more important.
But I managed to meet my daily goal at least. And hopefully I'll feel more inspired tomorrow.
Today's Tally = 1722
Cumulative = 19,475
% done = 39.0%
Posted by Selena at 09:21 PM | Comments (0)
November 05, 2007
NaNo Day 5
A tough NaNo day. Too much other stuff going on. Too much fatigue.
The time change has me messed up. By 7pm, I can hardly stay awake.
Still, I managed to make my daily goal of 1667, plus a little extra.
Today's Tally = 2057
Cumulative = 17,753
% done = 35.5%
Hopefully I can do better tomorrow.
Posted by Selena at 08:21 PM | Comments (0)
November 04, 2007
NaNo Day 4 + a Quote from Psalms
I had the day off from both baby-watching and editing, so I was able to get a lot of NaNo done.
The servers have been down on all the Double-Edged Publishing sites so I literally couldn't get any DEP work done today. I took it as a sign to spend more time on NaNo instead.
Today's Tally = 5428
Cumulative = 15,696
% done = 31.4%
Not bad at all.
Plus, I managed to work part of Psalms 31 into the story today. Here's a snippet from the psalm:
"Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress.
Tears blur my eyes.
My body and soul are withering away.
I am dying from grief;
My years are shortened by sadness.
…
But I am trusting you, O Lord,
Saying 'You are my God!'
My future is in your hands.
Rescue me…
Let your favor shine on your servant.
In your unfailing love, rescue me."
It worked perfectly because my main character is going through a difficult time at this particular part of the book. Things are going to get better though. Don't you worry. I am all about the happy ending. Don't know what it will be yet, but it will be happy.
Posted by Selena at 06:34 PM | Comments (0)
November 03, 2007
NaNo Day 3
I had forgotten how much fun NaNo is! Once I get going, it's hard to stop. It’s addictive like that.
At some point today, I got it into my head that it would be cool to break the ten thousand mark by the end of the day. So I wrote 344 words, then 1434, then 721, and then after another 770 I was so close (over the 9000 mark) that I just couldn't stop until I was there. (It was also a race with my dying laptop battery since I didn't want to stop to plug in and recharge.)
Today's Tally = 4439
Cumulative = 10,268 (!!!!)
% done = 20.5%
They say "write what you know," and that you should use your personal experiences and daily life in your writing. And I do, sometimes. But mostly in random, not-too-terribly-personal ways.
Every now and then I surprise myself with the little bits of my life that end up in a story. Like this line from today's NaNo:
"Mabel's cell phone made the sound of a ray gun firing. She picked it up."
Every time I see that on the screen I laugh a little. "Am I reading too much Ray Gun Revival?" I ask myself. "No, of course not. It's cool. If anything, I'm not reading enough Ray Gun Revival."
Hahahaha. Sometimes I crack myself up. (Could be the sleep deprivation getting to me, who knows?) ;)
Posted by Selena at 09:47 PM | Comments (0)
November 02, 2007
NaNo Day 2
A pretty good NaNo day:
Today's Tally = 2787
Cumulative = 5829
% done = 11.7%
You can track my progress at my NaNo Author Profile.
Posted by Selena at 09:39 PM | Comments (0)
November 01, 2007
NaNo Day 1 - Part 2
Actually, I did get a little more NaNo done. Another 1267 words, in fact.
New Today's Tally = 3042
Cumulative = 3042
% done = 6.1%
Now, I've got to try to get some sleep. Maybe I'll even dream up something to write about tomorrow.
Posted by Selena at 10:03 PM | Comments (0)
NaNo Day 1
With all that's going on in my life right now, I can't believe I'm even attempting this. But here goes.
I have begun NaNo with only the barest idea of what to write about.
Here are today's stats so far: (They are probably also today's final stats since I doubt I'll be able to get back to this until tomorrow.)
Today's Tally = 1775
Cumulative = 1775
% done = 3.6%
I'm just trying to meet the necessary daily goal of 1667 words per day. And I'm trying to do that each day before I do anything else. We'll see how it goes.
Good luck to all my fellow NaNo-ers out there.
Posted by Selena at 09:48 AM | Comments (0)
October 31, 2007
A Cautionary Tale for Writers
I came across this in my morning surfing, and it was so great I had to blog about it. It's a forum post at Ray Gun Revival that contains a cautionary tale for writers. Seriously, if you're a writer (or an editor), stop by and give it a read. It’s funny yet so true.
While you're at RGR, you might also want to check out their interview with Firefly's Kaylee, Jewel Staite. Very cool.
Posted by Selena at 08:22 AM | Comments (0)
October 26, 2007
"Gifted" Published
My story "Gifted" is now available at Residential Aliens.
Stop by and check it out.
Posted by Selena at 05:04 PM | Comments (0)
October 24, 2007
Another Yes
I just had another story accepted. This one is called "Gifted" and is scheduled to appear in Residential Aliens in November.
Residential Aliens is a market that I recommend submitting to. The response time is quick. (I love that!) And the editor has been great to work with. He requested revision, gave great feedback, and even made helpful suggestions. His feedback and editing definitely improved the story. (Thanks, Lyn!)
Stop by Residential Aliens and check it out. They've also got a new anthology out. I already added to my "buy" list. You should too.
Posted by Selena at 05:18 PM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2007
Good Writing Day
It's been a good writing day. I worked on two stories and sent them out. That brings my total subs pending to an improved, but still lame, three. I even worked on revising a chapter of "Vatral" before forwarding it to my crit group to see what they say.
That's a good day.
Posted by Selena at 02:46 PM | Comments (0)
October 18, 2007
NaNo or Not
I had been going back and forth about whether to sign up for this year's NaNo, and in a moment of hopefulness I signed up. I regretted it almost immediately.
Don't get me wrong, I loved participating in National Novel Writing Month both times I've done it (2005 and 2006) and I think it is great writing practice. All things being equal, I would do it again. But all things aren't equal. The irony is that my schedule is more crowded with responsibilities now than when I was working a full-time, paid job.
I just don't think I have the time and energy to complete NaNo this year, which is why I had been thinking of not participating. But then I went and signed up anyway. I'm such a dope.
So, now I have to decide whether to attempt it or just accept my failure now.
If only I could learn to function without sleep…
Posted by Selena at 09:23 AM | Comments (0)
October 16, 2007
"Diversity" Reprinted at Haruah
My Everyday Faith column entitled "Diversity" has been reprinted at Haruah.
Posted by Selena at 04:58 PM | Comments (0)
October 15, 2007
Story Accepted
Yesterday I got a "yes" in my email. That's always a great moment. ;)
Look for my story "Designed Development" in the next issue of "Chaos Theory: Tales Askew."
It should be available in a couple weeks or so.
Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
October 09, 2007
Rejection Arrives with Muse In Tow
A funny thing happened today: I had a submission declined but I am thrilled because the rejection notice arrived with my long-absent muse in tow. Huh. Go figure.
The rejection included some feedback. (It's always nice when that happens. A big "Thank you" to all the editors who take the time to provide comments with their declines.) One editor noted the info-dump at the beginning on the story. I agreed with his criticisms. In fact, I had struggled with the opening before submitting. I had improved it, but I kind of knew it still wasn't right. I just couldn't figure out how to fix it. But then today's decline showed up in my mail and within minutes I knew what to do.
I can't remember the last time I raced to my laptop to work on a story. It's been a while. It feels great to be back in the zone.
Posted by Selena at 07:57 PM | Comments (0)
September 22, 2007
New Story Published: "Anonymous"
My latest story is now available at Every Day Fiction:
Please check it out. You can even leave a comment, if you want.
Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 08:54 AM | Comments (0)
September 14, 2007
New Music, a Writing Revelation, plus Quote of the Day: "Hold On…"
Yesterday I got my birthday present to myself: several CDs I had ordered. I actually let out a whoop of joy as I took it from the mailbox. (I hope none of the neighbors saw that crazy display. Oops.)
The first CD I listened to was kind of a bust. I only liked one song and it was one I already had via iTunes. Bummer.
But it gave me a weird sense of hope. You see, the CD is an early one from a group whose later work I enjoy a lot. And that one song is a true gem. I don't know if it was popular back when this CD was released, but it's wildly popular now. Finding this stroke of genius in an otherwise lame album gave me hope for the sad state of my early work. Maybe, just maybe, years from now people will read the stuff I've published up to this point and think: "Yeah, it's mostly lame, but this one piece – WOW, that's brilliant." And maybe, just maybe, the fact that most of my early work isn't great doesn't preclude my later work from being fantastic. Here's hoping.
Thankfully, the second CD doesn't suffer from any lameness at all! It’s John Mayer's "Continuum" and it's just one great song after another.
My current favorite is "I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You)."
Here's a sample lyric:
"Hold on to whatever you find, baby
Hold on to whatever will get you through
Hold on to whatever you find, baby
I don't trust myself with loving you"
That's some really good stuff.
Posted by Selena at 01:01 PM | Comments (0)
September 03, 2007
Every Day Fiction
September snuck up on me. I completely forgot to blog about a new online/email magazine called "Every Day Fiction."
I subscribed. You should too. It's free.
Every day I get a shot of flash fiction in my email. How cool is that?!
Also, they have accepted one of my stories. It's scheduled for September 22. You can check out the full list of September's offerings here.
Enjoy!
Posted by Selena at 09:50 AM | Comments (0)
August 29, 2007
Caught Up!
Can it be? Yes, it seems that I really am caught up on reading submissions. Woo-Hoo!
Of course, I know that as soon as I post this, another sub will appear in my inbox. And that's okay. I just like to be able to read them as they come in.
Until then I guess I should deal with some of those writing projects I've been avoiding. ;)
Posted by Selena at 11:33 AM | Comments (0)
August 23, 2007
Column Reprinted: "Wrestling with Envy"
One of my "Everyday Faith" columns has been reprinted at Haruah.
Please stop by and check it out. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 05:11 PM | Comments (0)
August 19, 2007
"The Colors Story" Reprinted
One of my Flashshots, "The Colors Story," has been reprinted at Residential Aliens as a sample for their current micro-fiction contest.
Stop by and check it out.
Thanks.
Maybe you'll even want to enter a micro-fic of your own.
Posted by Selena at 05:26 PM | Comments (0)
August 04, 2007
Today's Tally = Life is Good
Well, it's my birthday month so things can't be all bad. In fact, things are actually pretty good. I had a long talk with an old friend, which was easily the highlight of my day. Plus, I think I actually have a handle now on how to fix my novel query. That's good, because clearly that query needed work.
Hope everyone is having a good weekend.
Posted by Selena at 03:40 PM | Comments (0)
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)
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)
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)
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 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)
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)
June 22, 2007
Testing, Testing...is this thing on?
I have finally been able to get into this blog interface. Just had to go through the comments management page. Whatever works, I always say. ;)
But I'm not sure why it isn't showing any entries on the main page. Maybe because I haven't posted in a while. ?? (edited to add: fixed that, BTW.)
To quote a "Farscape" episode: "Why so difficult?!?"
Anyway, to see what you missed while I couldn't post here, visit one of my other blogs:
DKA Blog
SR Blog
ShoutLife Profile and Blog
Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 07:35 PM | Comments (0)
June 01, 2007
Latest Column Now at TeenAge
My latest column ("Letting God Drive") is now also available at the brand new TeenAge magazine.
How cool is that?!!!
It's got me feeling all young and hip. And it's been awhile since I felt that way. Because, let's face it, I'm kinda old.
Check me out, I'm hanging with the young folk!
At least until they kick me out. ;)
Thanks TeenAge!
Posted by Selena at 04:25 PM | Comments (2)
May 27, 2007
New Column: "Letting God Drive"
My latest column was published today, so pop on over to The Sword Review and check it out:
Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 05:17 PM | Comments (0)
May 21, 2007
Distant Passages 2 Now Available!
The "best of" anthology I edited is now available. Yippee!
You can buy it at the DEP store or at Amazon.com.
I'm still trying to get over the fact that if you go to Amazon.com and search on my name, it actually brings up a book I had a hand in. Not one I wrote. But still, it's wild!
Posted by Selena at 07:52 PM | Comments (0)
Sword Review on Blog Tour
The Sword Review is being featured on this week's Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour. For May 21, 22, and 23 blogs on the tour will be blogging about The Sword Review.
I'm not an official member of the tour, but I figured I would join in the fun anyway since I love The Sword Review.
SR was one of the first venues to publish my work. (This was before I joined their editorial team, just in case you were wondering.) The first story I sent them ("Verid") wasn't accepted its first time around. Truth is the original version of the story had a lot of problems. But one of the editors saw something in it and was very enthusiastic about the story. I think that's why SR opted to give me the chance to revise. I am very grateful they gave me that opportunity. I'm also grateful for all the valuable feedback they gave me. Their feedback greatly improved the story.
SR eventually accepted and published "Verid" along with a companion story ("The Choosing"). Shortly after, I was asked to join the Sword Review team and I jumped at the chance. It's been a blast ever since.
Stay tuned tomorrow when I will reveal some of my favorite stories to appear in The Sword Review.
Posted by Selena at 05:48 PM | Comments (0)
May 20, 2007
Call for Submissions: TeenAge Magazine
Double-Edged Publishing's newest magazine is now open for submissions:
This is a magazine for teens, by teens.
Which means you won't be seeing any of my work there. 'Cause I'm…you know… old. ;)
If you're a teen writer, check out the guidelines. Maybe your work will end up in the inaugural issue.
Posted by Selena at 06:48 PM | Comments (0)
April 28, 2007
My ShoutLife Page
I just started my own ShoutLife page. Pop over and check it out.
Bill also recently started one for DKA. I'm trying to administer the DKA page, but I'm still learning how ShoutLife works.
If you have a page over at ShoutLife, send me a friend request. I'd love to add you as a friend. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 08:27 AM | Comments (0)
April 09, 2007
Writing: My Will or God's?
Yesterday in Sunday School we listened to a sermon about Gethsemane. Several things struck me, but the one that I have been thinking about most this morning is the part about how our will has to be set aside in favor of God's will. The sermon put it even more strongly: our will must be torn out like a cancer, that it won't go quietly. At one point the preacher even used the term "dreams," that our dreams for ourselves have to die in order for God's dreams for us to become manifest in our lives.
That hit me hard. My mind immediately went to my one remaining dream: seeing myself as a successful, professional, published author. I have given up on and set aside all of my other big dreams. It is only this one that I am still clinging to. I'm holding onto it with desperation and passion. Does God really want me to let this dream go too? It seems like such a cruel thing for a loving God to ask.
Of course, there is also the parable of the talents. Maybe God wants me to use the meager writing talent He has given me in ways that glorify Him. I have tried to do that for the most part, but not everything I've written can be said to glorify God. Maybe that's the problem.
Anyway, it's a quandary, and bears thinking and praying about. At this point I have no answers, only questions.
Posted by Selena at 11:16 AM | Comments (0)
April 07, 2007
April Challenge Week #1
Well, I made the 20-hour goal on editing this week, but not the 20-hour-on-writing goal. I've only gotten 10 hours of writing done this week. I may include tomorrow as part of week 1 since it's Sunday. Even then I don't think I'll make it.
But maybe I can make goal 3 out of 4 weeks.
Posted by Selena at 08:05 PM | Comments (0)
Sword Review: a new cover and a couple articles
Oops, I'm behind on my Sword Review updates. (And a lot else. But I'm trying to get caught up today.)
So, here's the latest from SR: a new cover, an article about SR and DEP's other ventures, and an article on getting out of the slush pile.
Enjoy!
-----------------
The Sword Review: Apr. 04 Update
A long-time supporter shares her talent for this month's new cover. With this, we begin Issue 25, marking the end of two full years of publication and beginning our third.
"Black Sheep Dragon - The dragon who wanted to be a knight" by Melinda S Reynolds
To begin this issue, we start off with an interview of Bill Snodgrass, co-founder of Double-Edged Publishing. Bill shares his views of where DEP has been and where it's heading.
"Third Year Begins - What's in store for DEP?" by Staff
Find out what's in the works for Double-Edged Publishing.
The Sword Review: Apr. 05 Update
Writers often ask and fans often wonder what it takes to get a story or novel published. Nancy Fulda, writer and editor, shares her insight into what happens on the editor's desk.
"Beyond the First Two Pages - A Three-Step Guide to Getting Out of the Slush Pile" by Nancy Fulda
“Hook your reader in the first paragraph,” the advice goes. And it’s good advice. The logistics of slush piles demand ruthlessness, and stories that don’t intrigue the reader early on won’t get a second chance later.
So, you’ve got your hook. It’s dramatic, it’s ingenious, and it’s free of typos. Your first two pages have been polished to near oblivion. Now what?
Now you must face an agonizing truth.
Getting the slusher to read your story is not the same thing as getting your story out of the slush pile.
Posted by Selena at 07:54 AM | Comments (0)
April 03, 2007
April Challenge Update
I am failing miserably at my April Challenge. I just can't seem to get much of anything done this week. There is always something getting in the way – the cold I woke up with Monday morning, the unplanned errands that keep popping up, the new phone service that still doesn't work….And I was going to work on writing at least 20 hours a week? What was I thinking?!
Posted by Selena at 08:17 PM | Comments (0)
Artist Attitude
A few times lately I've caught myself displaying a stereotypical "artist" attitude: the crazy idea that as a creative person I shouldn't have to concern myself with mundane things like making money and holding down a job. That I actually had these thoughts simultaneously amuses and frightens me. After all, who do I think I am? Seriously.
Sure, sometimes I feel like my minimum wage job is a waste of my time, that I've got more important things to do. But that's so arrogant, a quality I don't like to see in myself.
Most people have to work a full-time job. Most people have to make a living. Who am I to complain about a measly 20 hours a week?
Besides it's all really about the writing anyway. Even the job. Everything I do is fodder for writing.
Posted by Selena at 07:53 PM | Comments (0)
April 01, 2007
April Challenge: 20/20/20
This month I decided to challenge myself to devote as much time to writing and editing as I do to my new "day job." It seems only fair since writing and editing are the tasks closest to my heart.
So, that's 20 hours a week on the J-O-B, 20 hours on writing, and 20 hours on DKA and SR editorial duties. A total of 60 hours a week.
Pretty ambitious, I think. I may have to give up watching TV in order to make time. ;)
For the writing part, I've decided to focus on improving my craft. 'Cause it seriously needs improving if I hope to ever be able to make a living at this writing thing. Or even minimum wage, or even "McDonald's money." (By "McDonald's money," I mean enough cash to keep me in French fries and cheeseburgers, i.e. little more than pocket change.)
I'm not doing so great on my goal though. I've only logged a couple hours of writing and a couple of editing so far today. I better get to it.
I guess it's time to crack open that "Portable MFA in Creative Writing" again.
Posted by Selena at 05:51 PM | Comments (0)
March 31, 2007
What People Think-Part 2, Some Answers
Okay, here is what Google had to say on the topic of how not to care about what people think of you.
WikiHow
Some good advice in there.
My agapic life
This blog post is great for its Dairy Queen story.
But my favorite so far is this quote from steelhamster at answerbag:
If people think of me, Im flattered, wether it be for good or ill... although lets face it, how could anyone say a bad word about me, I'm so wonderful ;-) Oscar Wilde said it best, "there is only one thing worse than people talking about you, its people not talking about you.
Steelhamster clearly has a handle on this thing! ;)
Posted by Selena at 09:38 PM | Comments (0)
What People Think
There is so much on my mind today that I don't know where to start or which one to blog about first. So, I guess I'll just pick one at random and go from there.
Topic #1: I have been thinking that I am entirely too concerned with what other people think of me.
Seriously, for the last week or so I have been noticing how much "what will people think" comes into play as I go about my daily life. A case in point: One of my cats has to take antibiotics twice a day for a little while. He is not keen on the idea and struggles like the dickens when I try to give him the medicine. I have to (try to) wrap him in a towel, pin him down with both of my legs while I pry open his mouth with one hand and squirt in the meds with the other. It's a real drama. Before I realized that I should throw on a heavy second layer of clothes before attempting the med-giving, the process resulted in a good many scratches on my legs and arms.
No big deal, right? Except that the next day I had an appointment with the dermatologist for a much overdue skin check. So, instead of being worried that one of my many moles, bumps, etc. may be skin cancer, what I obsessed about was what the doctor would think about all my scratches. How dumb is that? What? Am I afraid he's not going to believe the cat story? Why do I care? Looking back I hate to think of all the energy I spent worrying about a stranger's first impression of me.
As I thought about the topic I remembered how sometimes I won't tell certain people about a story I've had published because I am afraid something in the story will offend them. I'm afraid they will see me differently and not want to be around me anymore.
Occassionaly the censorship begins even before a story is published. Sometimes it prevents me from submitting it at all. Some stories never leave my hands because I am afraid of how people will react, afraid that someone somewhere will be offended or think badly of me.
It even comes into play on my blog. Recently I got a comment from someone at a business I had blogged about. They said they loved my comments about their business, but I was suspicious. After all, I didn't consider my musings about their business to be complimentary. So, I figured they were being sarcastic, that they were really angry and would demand I remove the post. It was a weird conversation because they were actually sincere in their interest and approval of my comments, while I just kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I don’t know why or how I ended up so obsessed with other people's opinions of me, but I'm starting to think it is hampering my growth as a writer and person, and perhaps even damaging my health. (Don't get me started on the most recent tests of my blood pressure! That's a whole 'nother topic.)
Perhaps the most frustrating part is that I don't know how to fix it. How do you stop caring what people think of you? I don't know. (Well, maybe actually posting this is a step in the right direction.) I'm open to ideas and suggestions. Anyone know a good "cure" for my "condition?"
It's not that I want to be completely uncaring. I still agree with the value of reputation. I still want to keep my "good name." I just want to be a little less driven by what other people think of me.
I guess I need to start researching potential "cures." I'm off to Google for internet wisdom on this topic. (Love the Google.)
Posted by Selena at 08:23 PM | Comments (0)
March 27, 2007
Worn Keys
I use my laptop so much that several of the keys are noticeably worn. A couple are worn beyond recognition. If my fingers didn't know what letters were in those places, it would be a real problem.
Yesterday I was looking at the worn keys and realized that they are all letters in my name. I thought, "I don't write my own name that much do I?" Well, I guess the bylines add up. Plus "Selena Thomason" has a lot of commonly used letters in it. For instance, I don't think the same thing would happen if my name was "Xavier Zelvig." ;)
Posted by Selena at 09:20 AM | Comments (0)
March 25, 2007
New story: "Robbie's Repair"
My latest story to be published is now available at 365 tomorrows.
It's a very short piece of science fiction called "Robbie's Repair."
Posted by Selena at 12:53 PM | Comments (0)
March 19, 2007
New Column Up: "Diversity"
My latest column is now available at The Sword Review. Pop on by and check it out.
Posted by Selena at 08:57 AM | Comments (0)
Another Acceptance!
I just got another acceptance from 365 tomorrows.
YEAH!
This time they have accepted my story "Robbie's Repair."
Last time they published the story within days, so look for it soon.
I'd highly recommend this market for anyone who writes flash fiction under 500 words. It's tough to write fiction that short, and 365 tomorrows isn't a paying market. But they respond fast and publish fast, which is really nice since as writers we are used to waiting a while for that sort of thing.
Posted by Selena at 08:33 AM | Comments (0)
March 18, 2007
New Story Published - "Ian Gets Involved"
My most recent acceptance is already my most recent publication. Wow, those people at 365 tomorrows work fast!
Stop by and check it out:
"Ian Gets Involved"
Right now it's on the main page, but I think tomorrow it will move into the archives.
Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 12:36 PM | Comments (0)
March 17, 2007
Quote of the Day
"To whom much is given, much is expected."
That's the quote that's been hovering in my head all afternoon. It's from the Bible, right? I don't remember the exact quote. Guess I should look it up. I've also been thinking a lot about the parable of the talents.
I recently realized that I have been neglecting a lot of my editing responsibilities and writing projects in favor of my new part-time job. It wasn't a conscious choice I made. It's just that time devoted to a new thing means less time and energy available for the old things. In keeping up with the one, I've fallen behind on the others. And I don't think that's a good thing for me to do. I don’t want to neglect my DEP duties or my writing. They are important to me.
Maybe I just don't have the amount of energy I used to. I'm certainly not as young as I once was. It seems I can't accomplish as much in a day as I did when I was younger.
So, I've been thinking about what I should do, what I am willing to scale back on and what I'm not willing to let go of.
Posted by Selena at 08:25 PM | Comments (0)
March 16, 2007
Twenty in March: Done
Well, I did it. I worked on and sent out twenty submissions in March.
Actually, I did twenty subs in ten days.
Woo-HOO!
But now, I'm really tired. So, I'm taking a little break to celebrate. Maybe watch some Spike. Er, sorry, I mean Buffy. Well, Buffy and Spike highlights, if you must know.
:)
Posted by Selena at 10:32 PM | Comments (0)
Three To Go
I managed to get another couple submissions out today, despite still feeling under the weather.
I only have three to go to reach my goal of twenty for the month.
Woo-Hoo!
More numbers from my March challenge:
So far the month has yielded one YES and four NOs. Current number of subs pending is twelve.
Not too shabby.
:)
Posted by Selena at 11:43 AM | Comments (0)
Accept from 365 tomorrows
This morning I got an acceptance from 365 tomorrows. Yeah!
I had to read it several times before it really sank in that they had accepted my story for publication. This was all before my first cup of tea, you see. I wasn't completely awake at the time.
I don’t know when the story will be published, but I'll let you know.
Posted by Selena at 07:40 AM | Comments (0)
March 15, 2007
Twenty is Tough
I was doing so well with my March challenge (of twenty submissions sent in March.) I worked on and sent out fifteen submissions between March 7th and 13th. But the last five are proving to be a lot tougher.
I'm now at the point where I'm writing new stories from scratch. That always takes longer than revising something I've already drafted.
But I did start a new story today. I think it's got promise but it’s really too soon to tell.
Complicating things is the fact that I've felt really tired and run-down the last couple days. It's been a struggle to get much of anything done. Maybe I'm fighting a cold or something.
Posted by Selena at 11:28 AM | Comments (0)
March 12, 2007
Distant Passages #1 Reissued
The Distant Passages "best of" anthology that has my story in it has been reissued with a fancy new cover. (Author bios included this time around too.)
Also, it's now available from Amazon!
This book has tons of good stuff. Here are the works (fiction and poetry) you will find in its pages:
"And on the Seventh Day" by Marsheila Rockwell
"Beautiful Dreamer" by Edward McKeown
"The Last Hurrah" by L. S. King
"The Traveler's Tale" by Marcie Lynn Tentchoff
"All That Glitters" by Pam L. Wallace
"Captain Jack Bowie and the Steel Wolf Renegades" by Sean T. M. Stiennon
"Rosemary" by Jaime Lee Moyer
"The Choosing" by Selena Thomason
"Moonstone" by Joseph Thomas Mahoney
"City of Deliverance" by Robert Barlow
"Treecutter" by Scott M. Sandridge
"Welcoming Armageddon With Open Arms" by Mikal Trimm
"Old Soul" by Mike Wever
"Presence" Domyelle Rhyse
"Racing the Gap," by Byron Leavitt
"A Picture's Worth" by Wade Ogletree
"The Anointed" by Rosemary McMillen
"No Greater Love" by Wesley Lambert
"Dark Angel, Benigno" by Rochita Loenen-Ruiz
"The Ship" by Terry Weide
Go and buy one now! You know you want to. ;)
Posted by Selena at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)
March 11, 2007
Good Day and Studio 60
It's been a good day. I worked on and sent out four more subs, which brings me to a total of 12 so far for the month. (I'm shooting for 20 in March.) Plus I got in a one-hour walk. Exercise is important.
So, what am I doing? I'm celebrating by watching Studio 60 highlights on TiVo. (By which I mean I am using the remote control to watch all my favorite scenes. Most of them involve Jordan and Danny, but not all. Like that scene where Matt explains to a beautiful but not so bright girl what he does as head writer on the show. "I write the show." LOL. )
I just wish I had all the episodes. I'd love to see the pilot again.
I can't believe they removed this great show from the schedule. I just hope they don't cancel it outright. The last episode that aired was good but it was no series finale.
Why is it that good TV can't make it on TV?
Posted by Selena at 09:04 PM | Comments (0)
Today
It's been a good day. I managed to get up in time for church despite the time change, which always messes me up a little. Really, I can't be expected to get out of bed when it's still dark outside, right? It's not natural.
Plus, between working on and subbing a couple more stories I had a truly great nap. Man, I haven't slept that well in ages! (See, I even have trouble getting out of bed when it's light outside.)
The bad news is that I haven't been exercising at all except for the light standing, pacing, reaching, etc. of my new part-time job. That's not good. I'm going to try to go for a walk after this next story sub. It's important to exercise your heart on a regular basis. I got an all too dramatic reminder of that this weekend.
That's it for now. I gotta get back to work on submission #10 for March. (I'm trying for 20 subs sent by the end of the month.) Wish me luck. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 03:29 PM | Comments (0)
March 10, 2007
150th Submission Sent!
I've just reached a milestone as a writer. Today I sent off my 150th submission.
Woo-HOO!
Of course, it sounds less impressive when I tell you that I sent my first submission on July 1st of 1996. So, that's 150 submissions in about 11 years, an average of 13 submissions per year.
Still, 150 total is something to be excited about.
A fun fact from my total submission spreadsheet: My first acceptance was on submission #25. It was "The Sea," my one and only poem to be sold & published (excluding a couple in my high school's literary magazine). I submitted it in July of 2003 but I wrote it ages before, somewhere in the 1988-1990 timeframe.
Reading Keesa's blog inspired me to try to write and sub more. She's trying to write (and, I think, sub) 100 stories in 100 days. That's awfully ambitious. Go, Keesa!
I'm just trying for 20 submissions in March. That's a little less than one a day. So far, I'm at 6 subs for March. That's pretty good. Hopefully, I can keep it going.
Posted by Selena at 10:14 AM | Comments (0)
March 08, 2007
What's Going On: Headache, Writing, and "Shrew"
Ugh! I have such a headache today. It's really impairing my ability to get things done.
The good news though is that I've been very productive the last few days. I've worked on and sent out two submissions so far this week. I had hoped to send out another one tonight, but right now I can hardly do laundry so I think polishing and submitting a story is out of the question.
Also in the good news column – I found out yesterday that a theatre back home is doing "The Taming of the Shrew" in the fall. It is my favorite Shakespeare play! Hard to believe, I know. Sure, "Shrew" is strongly patriarchal and misogynist. George Bernard Shaw even had these harsh words for the play:
"No man with any decency of feeling can sit it out in the company of a woman without being extremely ashamed of the lord-of-creation moral implied in the wager and the speech put into the woman's own mouth."
(I found that in the Cambridge University Press 1984 edition of "The Taming of the Shrew.")
But I learned to love the play when I was doing a project on it in college. I came to believe that it is possible to produce a feminist, even romantic, "Shrew." I haven't seen it done yet, but I'll still hoping.
That trip to DC that I was planning for August may have to be moved to September in order to make room for "The Taming of the Shrew."
:)
Posted by Selena at 11:09 AM | Comments (0)
March 02, 2007
Too Busy to Blog
I've been too busy to blog. Sorry about that.
Here's what's been going on.
I took a part-time job, which is proving to be both fun and challenging. It's always good to learn new skills, as well as stay in practice with the ones you've got. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my editing jobs at DKA and SR, as well as my writing work. But all of that is very solitary and sedentary. I just wanted to add something more active and social back into the mix. It's actually been quite energizing. Plus, it's gotten me writing again. So, already this new job is a very good thing.
I've also gotten involved in a couple writing projects at church. Writing devotionals and that kind of thing. It’s been a lot of fun. I've met some great people. It's nice to hang out "live and in person" with fellow writers and editors.
Plus, there's finishing up the anthology, along with the usual DKA and SR duties.
I've only got one submission out right now. I better do something about that.
Posted by Selena at 09:51 AM | Comments (0)
February 19, 2007
Winners All Around!
Many of the results from the Preditors and Editors poll have been announced. DKA did VERY well. So did other Double-Edged publications like The Sword Review and Ray Gun Revival.
Here are the winners from the DEP family:
Fiction Publication
1. The Sword Review
9. Ray Gun Revival
13. Dragons, Knights & Angels
Best Artwork
3. 'Repairman!' - A man wailed in panic and pain, E.J. Mickels, II
13. Gwyndowr, Rachel A. Marks
Publication Cover Art
1. The Sword Review, Rachel A. Marks
Short Story - Science Fiction
3. Tethered in Purgatory, Terry W. Ervin II, The Sword Review
4. Damage, Jane Lebak, Dragons, Knights and Angels
5. Servant of the Manthycore, Michael Ehart, The Sword Review
9. The Smoking Man, S.T. Forstner, Dragons, Knights & Angels
14. Voices from the Void, Mirta Ana Schultz, The Sword Review
17. Justice, L. S. King, The Sword Review
21. Shan’tir’ri, Scott M. Sandridge, Ray Gun Revival
23. '. . .in the waste howling wildenness...', John M. Whalen, Ray Gun Revival
24. Chariots, Matt Mikalatos, The Sword Review
24. The Short Bus, Marsheila Rockwell, The Sword Review
26. A Song of the Aelves, David R. Downing, The Sword Review
Poems
9. Into the Heart, Mirta Ana Schultz, The Sword Review
10. The Wishing Star, Marsheila Rockwell, The Sword Review
11. Monument, Mirta Ana Schultz, Dragons, Knights, & Angels
Magazine Editors
2. Bill Snodgrass, http://www.theswordreview.com/
19. The RGR Overlords, http://raygunrevival.com
20. Selena Thomason, http://www.dkamagazine.com