If you’ve been reading my blog (see right) you’ll know that, all fired up by a pep-talk that Marianne gave me at the retreat, I have started sending short stories off to publications around the globe. Well today I heard back from the first of those and they have accepted my story!
It’s called ‘Skyball’ and it is going to appear in a spec fic e-zine called Bewildering Stories – possibly in January ‘09.
Now, Bewildering Stories doesn’t pay for fiction, so I’m a little conflicted about this. I had always thought that being published in a mag that doesn’t actually pay you is tantamount to saying, ‘My stuff is worthless, I’m only in it for the ego trip.’ However, the guys at the retreat beat me around the head most soundly when I suggested this, telling me about ‘kudos’ and ‘writing credits’ and such like. They also said real, paying customers tend to read the free mags to pick up stories for their anthologies. So that’s why I submitted. I must also say I was very relieved and impressed by the thorough editorial going-over that I got from the mag before they’d let me in.
On the whole, then, I’m counting this as a win.
And, since I am, it is officially my first win. Yes, this is the very first story of mine that has ever been accepted for publication.
At last, I am a published fiction author!
Graham.
Maaaaaate! Way to go! Big huge congrats!
And nothing wrong with Bewildering Stories
*coughs*
http://bewilderingstories.com/issue230/index.html
*coughs*
Thanks Jo.
I followed the link and read your story by the way. I think you should pitch it to a TV network. I can see it as a cult TV series, no trouble! I used to be a big Dr Strange fan in my youth – same kind of moody, tortured witch/hero. I can’t wait for Hollywood to discover the comics and put a film together.
Nice one!!!!! (raises virtual glass of bubbly – clink – and downs in one swift gulp)
I notice everyone is leaving the “let’s all tell each other what we’re doing” well alone. Hmmm. Well, here goes. I’ve done bugger all. Lots of the prescribed reading, which has been useful, and Marianne suggested not working on my ms until I’d got that under my belt. But I could have been writing other stuff and I haven’t.
Every excuse under the sun (well, Ballarat leaden skies… but you get my drift) – moving house, work, blah blah…
But yesterday I spent another five hours unpacking and have pretty much run out of excuses. So chocks away, Graham has inspired me to get stuck in again!
I’ve already said it on Graham’s site – but WOOHOOO! So proud of you. And Janette, so pleased to hear you are reading those books. It will give you a whole fresh look at your story.
Go gang!
eek! Don’t give me anymore ideas! I have too much on my plate as it is…