Christmas Writings

As I’m writing this post, it’s Christmas Eve. The kids are milling in front of the tree, not able to break their gaze from the sight of all their presents. (We won’t open them until tomorrow.) I’m mentally preparing to lead worship at my congregation tonight. Oh, and typing this post.

It’s Christmas. For many, including me, it’s the most insane time of the year. Allthekids have alltheprograms at school. I’m a pastor, so you know, I’m a tad busy. We’re dashing about getting allthegifts.

And you know what else is happening?

Allthewriting. Continue reading “Christmas Writings”

On the Closing of Bookstores

I was there when the Borders fell.

The bookstore chain went belly-up. It was a sad thing; I had enjoyed their stores.

Every day I drove past the store on the way to work. It was closing soon. I had visited many times, and I eyed certain books. If this was here when it got to be 50% off, I’d buy this one. If that one was still there when it got down to 75% off, I’d snap it up.

And then the day came. The last day. The glorious final dawn.

I arrived at Borders. There was no longer a percentage-off.

Today, every book was four for one dollar. Continue reading “On the Closing of Bookstores”

Begin Again

So I had to write a story.

OK, I didn’t have to, but there was a call for submissions I wanted to, um, submit to, which meant I had to write a story to do so.

The story started out one way. And sure, it was a nifty enough story, but it didn’t fit the call for submission. So I scrapped it.

Try #2: I got a good five thousand word story out of it, but it felt weak. And, again, it didn’t fit the call. That meant it would likely get rejected. Try again.

Try #3: Finally! I’ve got a good character, a good plot, it fits the call, looks good.

But it really needs some work. Subplot B needs to get moved over here, and subplot C should probably just get dropped.

About five drafts later I finally send it out. Continue reading “Begin Again”

EEEEEEEEEEEE and Other Professional Statements

So, I just got a proof back of a story that’ll be published in the beginning of the next year. (I’ll be posting when and where to find it once it’s available for order.) The proof of the story was good; I found two typos and had them fixed. The proof included an image of the cover.

My name was on the cover.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

In case the fire alarm scream was unclear, I was quite pleased to see my name there. Now, my name was listed among a bunch of other authors, so it’s not like I was the sole focus. Frankly, if I wasn’t looking for my name, I may have missed it, just because there’s a lot of authors working on this project.

But my name was there. It’ll be in print. On the cover.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEContinue reading “EEEEEEEEEEEE and Other Professional Statements”

Thanksgiving ain’t over!

Yeah yeah yeah it’s not Thanksgiving anymore blah blah blah

Don’t care.

You know what? It’s good to show gratitude any day of the year, not just on a day that many Americans gorge themselves on the flesh of the enemy. (If you don’t take time to remember the Great Turkey War of 1773, you’re a heathen.)

So I want to share some things I’m grateful for in the realm of writing, reading, and publishing. Continue reading “Thanksgiving ain’t over!”