2008 In Review: Blah, blah, blah

I'm starting to think about goals for next year, but I can't properly move forward without giving a nod to the past.

My first published story (not the first acceptance, but that's the way of publishing) saw the light of the interweb last February. "Rock Gods and Concrete Altars" is a vignette of small town life, dreams, and tragedy. Any regular reader will notice a similarity between that title and the title of my NaNo effort this year. That's not all they have in common...

My favorite published story to date is a two-way tie between "Reciprocity" in the September issue of The Battered Suitcase, and "Catalog Sales" in Necrotic Tissue #4. "Reciprocity" received unexpected but highly appreciated praise from the blogosphere; "Catalog Sales" features my favorite character to date, a hobo-bookseller from the great depression. I have several forthcoming pieces I'm stoked about, but that's another post.

With an old buddy of mine, I started a small publishing company, Strange Publications. We launched our flagship 'zine, Sand: A Journal of Strange Tales, last Spring. Ed agreed to be the editor because, at the time we started accepting submissions, I had yet to be published. I guess I was afraid of having my name out there, I don't know, but Ed's having a hell of a time and won't give up the reins...yet(and that's good, I guess). Since the 'zine's inception, we've also published Tainted: Tales of Terror and the Supernatural and are currently working on Fifty-Two Stitches.

We started Strange when I was feeling the blues about my writing. I've learned too much to quantify/qualify, and Ed has learned more than he probably wanted to. Hopefully we've helped some good stories find some good readers.

That's about it for the writing/publishing front...I've had other adventures this year: Owen is in kindergarten, Max is chatting up a storm, Aimee started a new job, my high school students achieved "Standard of Excellence" on their state reading assessments. Writing has made me a better teacher of writing (and reading).

As far as what genre I write? Looking back at the four stories I mentioned, one is literary, one is more magical realism, one is dark fantasy, and one is just plain goofy (clockwork rabbits who don't know they aren't real?). I like Cate's comment on my previous post. I like odd. Sometimes the lights go out (spooky); sometimes they don't.

Peace all.

On Resilience, Batman Costumes, Other Things

Consider this first bit a self-pep talk.

I would like to thank everyone who read and/or commented on "Reciprocity". As a fledgling writer, I receive no greater boost than knowing that someone reads my stuff. The positive nods are just a bonus. Thank you.

There is a lesson in that story that I need to remember as a fledgling writer. I'd received five rejections before landing it with The Battered Suitcase. What if I gave up? Sometimes, being resilient is the most difficult of all choices, but it is the only choice that matters.

Part two: the Halloween Costumes.

I may need to consult Carrie Harris on this (if we have any Batman eyebrow issues): the whole fam is dressing as characters from Batman. Yep. Owen (5) will be the caped crusader, Max (2) will be Robin, Aimee will be Bat-Woman, and me...Alfred, the butler.

Yes, Alfred, Bruce Wayne's butler. You should see the bow tie...in fact, I'll make sure to post some pictures.

Finally, a movie rec:

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is go. I remember all those cheese ball John Hughes movies from the 80s, and will admit, under interrogation, that I enjoyed most. Michael Cera is this generation's John Cusak (remember Say Anything?). Now, if I could just go to the movies without seeing my students...hurm.

A Pocketknife and a Really Big Fish

September Publication Updates:

My short story, "Reciprocity", is up at The Battered Suitcase. It's a strange little jaunt about a boy finding himself and then finding himself underwater, drowning in a car. I played around with the chronology of events a bit in this one. I guess I'd have to call it magical realism...I guess.

In addition, "Scott Sullivan's Pocketknife", definitely my most realistic (and semi-autobiographical) story, is out in the inaugural issue of Soundings Review. Copies can be ordered via their website.

Enough shameless self-promotion...