I apologize for being such a lame blogger lately. The newish job is settling in pretty well, but it's also keeping me on my toes right now. I feel like I'm close to back to normal.
I also apologize for being one of those bloggers who apologizes for being a lame blogger.
Seems like a good time to update you all on my writing, at least.
If you haven't already, please be sure to pick up a copy of the Notes from Underground anthology in print or for Kindle. You can read a bunch of good stories, including my "Terminal Instar," and the proceeds all benefit charity. If you're even further behind the curve, then be sure to pick up Genre Wars, which includes two of my stories and which also benefits charity.
Speaking of charity, I'm thinking about submitting a story for possible inclusion in the upcoming Stories for Sendai anthology, which will raise funds to help support efforts in Japan. The editors are JC Martin and Michelle Davidson Argyle. We have several friends in Japan and my wife and I are long-time consumers of Japanese culture in many different ways. It's amazing how, even apart from our friends, simply followings bands closely and things like that really inspires us to feel like we have ties to place that neither of us has ever been. The way connections form in our new world is amazing. While I am still undecided because of time, if you have any interest in submitting a story about the triumph of the human spirit, please do follow up. It's a tremendous cause.
(And I already sort of have a story in mind that I would be writing specially for submission, if the deadline permits.)
Then there's my short story about a forensic anthropologist in the old west. The nearly complete draft is written out long-hand, and the pages had been missing for ages, so I want to type that up and see how close it is to submission. Then I have the big debate about whether to submit as CN Nevets or under another pen name. While it's a crime piece and has a pretty strong Nevets feel, I hope someday to do more with the Western genre (America's wu xia), and I know the genre remains something of a scarlet letter among much of the publishing world.
Of course, the big project remains Sublimation. I feel terrible that it's not finished yet, because it's been so close for so long. I really need to find a way to bullet proof my writing time. My other commitments are too variable for me to be able to just say, "Okay, this time on this day is always writing time and nothing else may intrude." Theoretically, there is vacation time and requesting to be unavailable to the ambulance on certain days, but as a manager my vacation days are never totally my own, and when the ambulance needs you, even if you said you were unavailable, it's hard to justify saying no. One way or another, though, I need to claim some time and then shelter it so I can get that book wrapped up. Once I've finished fleshing out the pieces that need it, there will be one last read-through revision and then it will go to three readers and an editor, and then finally be on submission.
Alrighty, speaking of the day job, I need to get back to it.
.Nevets.
I am very glad the job is settling well- and it sounds like you are ever present in your writing! Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the anthology links!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your writing projects.
I've started reading the rest of the stories in Genre Wars. They're amazing. I'm going to post some reviews from it on Friday.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering where you were, Nevets, but it seems you've been pretty busy. I'm surprised you have any time to write at all!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you fired up about so many things, Nevets! Looking forward to seeing what you decide on the pen name.
ReplyDeleteI have a second one all picked out and ready to go and was going to use it on my current WIP but since decided to save it in case I do something that feels 'less me' in the future because even with the genre switch the current work is definitely me.
I had no idea that western fiction was the scarlet letter- I thought that distinction went to chick-lit *laugh*. :~D (and you know I only feel qualified to say that because my first two novel manuscripts are women's fiction...)
~bru
PS finally got something mailed! :~)
Busy man! Don't apologize for not being around... life often gets in the way of blogging, and really, that's how it should be. :)
ReplyDeleteBusy bee now?!?
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear about your books..
Nevets, like you say, it is hard to bullet proof writing time. You've set your priorities, and I think you should feel good about that. The writing will happen in its order of importance too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. It's hard to juggle! I'm playing hookey this morning, so I can write! I am also so close to finishing this rewrite, I am itching to write to the end. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to commit when there's no real schedule, at least for me. Which doesn't help my wishy-washy discipline, either, so I understand. But at least you're doing it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the anthology info, I'll check those out. And good luck with the new story idea :)
Hello, Nevets! I just stopped by because I just now finished reading your story in N from U, Terminal Instar, and it is my favorite story in the book so far. I loved the suspense, energy, and imagination of it. You sure know how to tell a story.
ReplyDelete@Summer - I am ever-present in my writing in more ways than one, when I think about it!
ReplyDelete@G'Eagle - Sure! I hope you check out the anthologies. They are seriously high quality. I don't endorse things just because I'm in them in, honestly.
@Clarissa - I will have to check out your reviews. Also, I think I finally have the time to write the blog post you asked for, so look for it this week.
@France - Yah, the new job is keeping me on my toes still. But that's okay. And writing time is hard to come by, but I take when I can get!
@Bru - I'm still undecided on the pen name. The story is almost done, so I need to decide soon. Look for a post from me this week on the poor, beleaguered Western. And I got your card!!! I love it!!! I will message you tonight!! :-D
@Jennifer - Y'know, you're right. That is the way it should be. :) Thanks for the candid reminder!
@RB-ji - Busy bee for sure!
@Domey - Thanks, you're write. I need to remind myself of that and be comfortable with it.
@Roberta - I hope your re-write is well in hand!
@TWC - hahaha I'm a deadline person myself.
@Genie - You're making me blush! But thank you so much. It's a good time for me to hear that kind of encouragement.