Down to a chapter and a half to go, more or less, plus some backfilling here and there, and this novel will be done! Wahoo! It's up to almost 65,000 words, only 10k short of my month's goal, so I'm quite happy.

It's nice being able to sit down at the computer and just bang out a thousand words here and there, now that I'm so familiar with the story and know how it's all going to end. I did that today, between a good bit of web-surfing, a trip to Borders (to celebrate Elizabeth finishing her last paper!), and reading Intracities subs and the Donald Maahs book I got at Borders.

I had some nice moments flipping through the submissions for the anthology today, especially when I found another story that nailed the guidelines and easily made the first cut.

I understand now why people are editors -- it's a nice rush, finding those gems in the slush pile! It's a different feeling from writing a story or novel and getting it accepted. It's more a sense of discovery and even pride, maybe? Whatever it is, it's a lot of fun. The submission stories are getting better and better. Always fun.

And I also read the first 30 pages or so of Donald Maass book, Writing the Breakout Novel, which I'm finding quite good so far. The secret to writing a kick-ass book and becoming a breakout author? Write a great story that people are dying to read and tell all their friends about. Simple. I've got it now! Seriously, it's good stuff. Looking forward to reading more, when I'm done writing my own novel. See ya later!

Now Playing:
"Scarlet's Walk," Tori Amos

Now Reading:
Intracities subs. Writing the Breakout Novel, Donald Maass

Stories out to Publishers:
17

Today's Words:
2,200

Words for '03:
82,200

Today's Quote:
Ella! Mitch wanted to scream out, even as the thud of the cannons filled his ears, accompanied by mad laughter.

In despair, aching for breath, Mitch rose to the surface.

He was greeted not by Ella, but by Stede Bonnet, floating above him. Behind Bonnet were over a dozen glowing, nearly transparent apparitions, glaring at Mitch as they raised their ancient muskets and swords.

Captain Bonnet, Mitch realized, had been busy recruiting.