Lots of revising today, on two different projects. The first was cutting my novella version of "The Last Sorcerer" down to 15,000 words so I can send it out to a couple markets. Nothing more sobering than chopping out almost 4,000 words from a story. But it actually makes the story work better, I think. A good exercise. There is no fat left on that tale.

And I just finished fixing up the last major overhaul of the screenplay version of "Unplugged," which I think is one more revision from being done. Whew. Look for quotes from both projects below as an extra added bonus.

And now, armed with some great scuba details from fellow writer Jenn and her friends, I'm ready to "dive into" (ha ha) the Blackbeard novel again. Just had a little side trip with the screenplay idea and novella chopping.

Man, and that's really all that's happening here. Pretty boring entry, I know. More exciting stuff is coming. I can feel it. Later!

Now Playing:
"Fumbling Towards Ecstasy," Sarah MacLachlan

Now Reading:
Neuromancer, William Gibson

Stories out to Publishers:
21

Today's Words:
800

Words for '03:
45,000

Today's Quotes -- Two Endings:

1.
Kelley had given him a weak smile. “But the choice is yours. What would you be happiest doing for the rest of your days?”

Archie the bum walked into sunny downtown Chicago with a wise smile on his face and a blue light glowing in his eyes. He dropped the coins he had accumulated in his pouch into the cup of a homeless woman and bowed low in response to her words of gratitude.

Archie hadn’t had to think about his choice for a second.

2.
The lights go out, and everything fades to black except for the gray static of the tiny monitor next to Johnny. Finally, there’s a faint pair of soft clicks.

After five long seconds, there is the sound of footsteps.