Oh yes, and did I mention that I applied for a week-long short story workshop with the two best editors in the business? I'm still waiting to hear back, but it's a full week of nothing but working on your short-story writing skills with Gardner Dozois and Kristine Katherine Rusch.

And did I mention that I'm absolutely terrified that they're going to take me? The way I've been writing lately does not fill me with joy that my writing is about to be scrutinized by two of the best in the business. I know I should relish the opportunity to go, and since I've already met and workshopped with Gardner at Clarion I shouldn't be so damned worried.

But when you're writing well, it seems like nothing can stop you. When you're writing like shit, it seems that nothing can help you.

(Sigh.)

Nothing quite like self-doubt, eh? And for those of you who know me, humility is not my strong suit.

Well, I'm going to keep on plugging away at they keyboard. I guess that it's silly to expect that my skills are going to be sharp after a five year hiatus, but you like to think that they never go away.

Time to auger down. And wish me luck on getting into the workshop. Then wish me luck again if I get in.

Joseph Haines, signing off from The Edge of The Abyss.