I finished a short story and submitted it to an anthology. It was accepted and I am rejoicing in that fact, even while I wonder if they took every story that came in. It’s a charming romance with a villain who must be Dealt With. Lots of roses, barnstorming, plane crashes, Rice Institute library, and old cars are all part of the package. When the anthology is published, perhaps in November, I will put it up on the blog.

I’ve had encounters with writer friends all week. Absolutely delightful. The first result of these encounters is that I have another short story in the works ~~ which I will submit to another anthology ~~ if I get it done in time. This story involves looking up pictures of the ocean during a hurricane so I’ve been haunting Youtube.

It’s inspired by Ship of Gold in a Deep Blue Sea by Gary Kinder, so I’m rereading parts of that amazing book. Oddly, the whole treasure ship that Ship of Gold is about, is back in the news for several reasons, not least of which is, the guy who found the SS Central America in 1987, Tommy Thompkins, eventually went to jail for eleven years for a contempt of court charge, and just got out this August. Eleven years for such a charge is an incredible anomaly.

The second result of discussions is that I will be spending time removing typos from previously published works. We had a long discourse (meaning I asked questions of my more experienced friends) about doing this, and what the effects are. Typos used to be the mark of the Indie writer but I guarantee that traditional publishing is now also full of them! That’s no excuse for not fixing them when I can.

I have given away all my copies of Death Comes to the Science Fair so I need to take steps. because I need to reread it myself. I’ve had my head in different stories for so long that I need to deliberately return to that world in order to continue with the sequel. However, it’s best for me to do that with a paperback in my hand, so I’m not in editing mode. Also, I changed to a smaller print size from my previous book, thinking to save on paper. That was a terrible mistake. People open it and comment immediately on the small size of the print. That bodes poorly for their willingness to read it.

I’m getting ready to start on a purple vestment so I need all my other ducks to line up and quack properly for a month or so. Lots of things to think about! Have a picture that evokes the season to refresh your mind.

Still Life by Henry Fantin-Latour, 1866. NGA, DC. Public Domain.

Nota Bene: When I went looking for the artist for the above picture I found this one also. Interesting contrast but too charming to skip. The painter is an unknown 19th century American. Still NGA, DC. Public domain.