Update and Kittens!

From Kevin Dooley

I’ve been a very busy writer bee these days. I recently sent of Struck by Chocolate to a critique group, and will be hearing feedback from them in a couple weeks. I sent in a contract to Daily Science Fiction for my story “If You Want the Rainbow”; not sure when that will be out but I’ll post the link here when it happens. I’ve finished two short stories this year–one which sucks and one which [I think] is pretty cool. I’m in the middle of a third, which I’m enjoying immensely. And now I’m outlining a new novel! (Time traveling, hackers, human trafficking and tons of romance.)

From Brian Costelloe

It helps to see all those things laid out, because here it is the end of February and–as always–it doesn’t feel like I’ve been doing much. Which isn’t true at all. I set these really lofty goals for myself, and because the goals are so damn high, I don’t always reach them. Then, on not reaching them, I feel like I should have tried harder. But if I’d tried harder, sacrificed the time I spend doing other, non writing things, I think I’d go a little crazy. So, balance is good. Cause I like not being crazy.

I’m really falling behind in my book reading goals, having only finished 8 books this year. Goodreads says I am one book behind schedule in my 60 book year reading goal. I have to mention the book I’m reading right now, though. First to Burn, by Anna Richland (whom I work with on ECWC, and is part of the GSRWA) is a romantic paranormal suspense. An immortal viking stationed in Afghanistan, an army doctor, and drug smuggling. It’s a fun plot, but even more than that I just love her writing, and the way she uses the setting and these character’s backgrounds to really flesh out the internal monologue. Everything these characters think feels really appropriate and genuine for who they are. I like it so much I’ve inadvertently been reading it really slow, to savor it.

From Mohammed Al-Jawi

On Thursday nights I’ve been attending the Citizen’s Academy, which is a thirteen week course put on by a nearby police department. Once a week, for three hours, I sit in the courtroom and learn about the different facets of the police department. From the traffic division, to a tour of jail cells, to a K9 demonstration. It’s been super informative, and I already have a ton of notes and inspiration. There’s a good chance a PD near you offers a similar program, if that sounds as awesome to you as it did to me.

Along with minor house stuff, some directed journalling and spending more time with the supercool people I’m lucky enough to have in my life, (and working and commuting) my time seems to evaporate quicker than ever. But I take comfort in knowing I have something (albeit mostly Scrivener documents) to show for it.

The Progress of Things

Just a quick update. Today my story “A Song for the Season” went live on the Cast of Wonders site. They’re a YA SF/F podcast based out of the UK. This is the first time I’ve heard one of my stories read by someone other than me. A cool, if a little weird, experience. The narrator, Kate Baker, did an excellent job. I’m very happy with the results.

On the other hand, Struck By Chocolate came back from Avon Impulse with a big fat rejection letter. Or, rather, a very tiny form rejection letter. Which is pretty much what I expected, but hope does spring eternal. Now the new and improved edition will go back to the trunk.

I’m working on re-imagining Blood Berries into a modern setting, and feel better about the whole project already. Things are definitely changing in the plot arena, and the characters. Well, a lot of things, actually. We’ll see. I’m torn between starting it up, or doing revisions on Toulouse.

Other than tinkering with a new outline, and some short story revisions, I’ve been very lax in the writing department for the last week or so. House things have taken precedence. Cleaning out a couple closets, starting a crochet rag rug with Caleb, getting our office at least partially set up. I’m writing this from a freshly painted turquoise room, atop a big, shiny black table, looking out a window to the tops of neighborhood trees. A marked improvement from my previous desk, which was tucked in the corner of the dining room, with a window that looked at a fence.

Well, I think that covers it. Go out and enjoy spring, if you’re that kind of person. Otherwise, hunker down with the internets next to me, and we’ll share some tea and biscuits.

Photo used under creative commons license from Brandon Christopher Warren