So I just got done reading the proofs for my upcoming Asimov's story, "Coal Ash and Sparrows," which arrived on my doorstep today. Neat-o.

It's weird, reading a story after so much time away from it, especially seeing it all typeset and set up for magazine readers. It's a damn fine story! I did a lot of cool shit in there, stuff I'd forgotten about. It makes me want to retract all 25 of my current stories out there and revise the doody out of them. That's how surprisingly good my story is.

I guess what I'm saying is that revising, for me, is the key. I've been told to "write, spell-check, and mail it." I can't DO that. For me, at least, the real art comes in adding layers and themes and imagery during the revising part of the story.

That's why I plan on revising all my novels in December (and probably for the next few months afterwards). I want them all to have the same depth as "Coal Ash and Sparrows."

In other neat news, my zombie story is part of a "sampler platter" available at the publisher's web site here -- you'll need Adobe Acrobat to view it. Check it out -- I'm in some great company! What a thrill to get selected as one of the best stories in the antho!

I also re-established my Author Page at Publisher's Marketplace, so check that out too if you're in the surfin' mood. I'm looking to get an agent one of these months, and I'm hoping that'll help. We'll see.

All these goodies make up for the fact that it's been a hella busy week and I have yet to get some good news back in the mail as far as story acceptances go. But my interview at the pharma company went well today, and I may have that contract, which would help ease our financial situation (since those durn fiction editors don't want to give me money for my stories out there...).

No writing to report. Just doing some crits for my writing buds, and gearing up to do a ton of drafting this weeking with the Wannoshay novel. Later!

Now Playing:
Stories by Jim H and David M

Now Playing:
Rock Steady," No Doubt

Today's Quote:
The book was proving to her something that she'd always thought - always wished - was true. There was something more to a life than cooking for a hungry, weary husband, more than cleaning and scrubbing floors, clothes, and dirty children's faces. More than a hardscrabble life focused on working the land and scraping through another season. The book told her what she had always longed to know.

Magic existed.