Almost The Weekend

I received a rejection from Asimov's on "Starry Night" this afternoon. This is the third rejection of this story, but hey, out the door it will go next week. Maybe off to the recently revived Amazing Stories, which has a 5000-word limit ("Starry Night" comes in at 3800). I'm not too terribly bummed about the rejection (well, okay, I'm a little bummed). Sure, I would love to make a sale to Asimov's, but I also realize that it is a super competitive market. My only bit of grumble, and it is a tiny grumble, is the bland blanket form letter they use for rejection, which gives me no clue about what I could have done different.

Now, before someone accuses me of complaining, before someone accuses me of being insensitive to the stress these poor editors deal with, I'd like to point out that I've been around this business long enough to know all about overworked editors. I know that most editors, and by extensive editorial staffs, at the magazines I submit to are busy people who receive hundred, sometimes thousands, of stories every month. I realize that if they are going to get through the giant slushpile they must use form rejections. I know that they owe me nothing but a yes or no.

I just wish things could be different, that's all. I'm sure the editors do to.

In other news, we seem to be the favorite waddling through area for a pair of ducks. They drift into our yard every evening and waddle to the back, eating stuff in the grass the whole way. Yesterday the McQuackersons spent almost all night in the backyard, eating and sleeping. I love it. Squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, raccoons, and now ducks. I just love it.

The wonderful careswen is working hard on her LARP. I miss my wife and will be happy to have her back when the LARP is done. I also look forward to playing in this game she is setting up. I know it will be her usual top-notch effort.

At school today one of the clients graduated. L has been there for about a year, and is one of the people who inspires me so much. I'm going to miss her.

And of course, the Reverend Selena, Feline of Doom, remains Very Fuzzy.

I guess that's all for right now.

In Peace
Michael

Almost The Weekend

I received a rejection from Asimov's on "Starry Night" this afternoon. This is the third rejection of this story, but hey, out the door it will go next week. Maybe off to the recently revived Amazing Stories, which has a 5000-word limit ("Starry Night" comes in at 3800). I'm not too terribly bummed about the rejection (well, okay, I'm a little bummed). Sure, I would love to make a sale to Asimov's, but I also realize that it is a super competitive market. My only bit of grumble, and it is a tiny grumble, is the bland blanket form letter they use for rejection, which gives me no clue about what I could have done different.

Now, before someone accuses me of complaining, before someone accuses me of being insensitive to the stress these poor editors deal with, I'd like to point out that I've been around this business long enough to know all about overworked editors. I know that most editors, and by extensive editorial staffs, at the magazines I submit to are busy people who receive hundred, sometimes thousands, of stories every month. I realize that if they are going to get through the giant slushpile they must use form rejections. I know that they owe me nothing but a yes or no.

I just wish things could be different, that's all. I'm sure the editors do to.

In other news, we seem to be the favorite waddling through area for a pair of ducks. They drift into our yard every evening and waddle to the back, eating stuff in the grass the whole way. Yesterday the McQuackersons spent almost all night in the backyard, eating and sleeping. I love it. Squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, raccoons, and now ducks. I just love it.

The wonderful careswen is working hard on her LARP. I miss my wife and will be happy to have her back when the LARP is done. I also look forward to playing in this game she is setting up. I know it will be her usual top-notch effort.

At school today one of the clients graduated. L has been there for about a year, and is one of the people who inspires me so much. I'm going to miss her.

And of course, the Reverend Selena, Feline of Doom, remains Very Fuzzy.

I guess that's all for right now.

In Peace
Michael