Wait, what day is it? I missed February's IWSG? It's been a hell of a week month year.
Y'all know what I'm talking about.
March Question
Everyone has a favourite genre or genres to write. But what about your reading preferences? Do you read widely or only within the genre(s) you create stories for? What motivates your reading choice?
I read quite a variety of different stuff. I tend more toward fiction than non-, but I like a good biography or history book from time to time (currently reading - Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates, by David Cordingly). In fiction, I'm also all over the place - fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, westerns, "literary" (which I treat more disdainfully than "literary" types treat genre fiction), comic books, I'll try anything. Much like my writing, I especially gravitate to humour and satire, in any genre or category. There is enough blackness and misery in the world - if you're going to escape into another world, might as well make it fun. Especially if you can skewer or satirize the real world in the process.
Speaking of writing and comedy...
Smooth transition, right?
I am pleased to announce that I have had another story accepted into the
Strangely Funny anthology series, from Mystery & Horror, LLC! The picture above is from last year's volume, but volume VIII will be published this Spring, and will include my brand new story, "Exorcist to the Stars!" This is my FIFTH time appearing in
Strangely Funny, so I really feel like I've found an outlet for my brand of humour and horror there.
Also, I just approved the edits for my story in the upcoming issue of
The Weird and Whatnot. My story was accepted there about a year ago, so it's been a long time coming. The new issue should be out within the next couple of weeks.
Pictured: Last issue. Who doesn't love Death playing a pipe organ?
Look, ma, I'm a writer!
That's FOUR new stories published in just the first half of this year. And not to jinx it, but I'm still
really hoping that I will have
Gale Harbour Book 2 out before the end of the year as well. Either way, it's going to be a big year for me, writing-wise.
So why would I be insecure? Because I'm really frigging stressed out, that's why. Life is crazy enough right now without trying to write and publish. I should be keeping a low profile, taking it easy, focussing on my family and my real job. But when I get on a roll it's hard to stop, you know? I've wanted to be a writer since I was five. The fact that I'm actually doing it, and having fun and a small modicum of success with it, is hard to step away from. The only thing saving me is that I don't have any real deadlines or pressure except for what I put on myself. I don't have a contract saying that I have to have a manuscript in by July 1st. My children won't starve if my next book doesn't sell 5000 copies. This is supposed to be a hobby, so the only stress involved is what I put into it.
That doesn't mean it's not real stress, of course. It's just that lovely self-imposed kind that we all seem to be so good at creating for ourselves.
So how's your month going?
Hugs & Kisses,
-CDGK
The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Writers post their thoughts on their blogs, talking about their doubts and the fears they have conquered. It's a chance for writers to commiserate and offer a word of encouragement to each other. Check out the group at http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/.
