Wednesday, March 3, 2021

I've Got a Lot Going On (#IWSG March 2021)

 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?

For those of you keeping score at home, these publications are in addition to the previously released Mardi Gras Mysteries (also from Mystery & Horror) and the upcoming IWSG Anthology: Dark Matter: Artificial, from our friends at Dancing Lemur Press.


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/.

14 comments:

Steph W. said...

Wow! Congrats on the anthologies, that is super awesome! I said the exact same thing about needing something to escape. If the book does not remove me from this world, I am probably not going to finish it.

Natalie Aguirre said...

That's so awesome that your story got accepted for publication. I hope you don't stress yourself out too much and remember to balance your dream of writing with spending time with your family. They are precious, and you want to spend time with them while they are there. Hopefully they support your dream too.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Congratulations! And here you were worried about no writing - now you have stories popping up everywhere.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi CD - congratulations with your various stories. Keep enjoying doing what you're doing ... all the best - Hilary

Birgit said...

Look at you go! I recall you fretting when no one wanted to publish your writing and now you are having more than one published and getting good notices to boot which is great. The world can be a scary place on a good day and the news loves to accentuate the negative so that’s when you turn off the news and enjoy what you love...plus read a little Farside.

Loni Townsend said...

I'm so excited for all your successes! Major grats! Sorry to hear about the stress though. That can be terrible. Unless you're like my husband who thrives on stress and is invigorated by having too much to handle at once. Either way, I hope you find balance and the excitement continues to remain manageable!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the latest publication! I've made peace with the "writing as a hobby" thing, too. Still, the minor irritations do add up.

I read wide and far, as well. And I'm intrigued by your current read - I've always been fascinated with pirates. Thanks for sending me down another rabbit hole. ;-D

Anne Higa said...

Congrats on the publication creds! Also thanks for making me grin about (high-brow) "literary" fiction. As a recovering English major that gives my wounded heart a much needed down-to-earth literary hug. (You didn't say "high-brow" but I assume that's what you meant.)

Anne from annehiga.com

Fundy Blue said...

Congratulations on your impressive short story successes, C.D.! It's awesome that you're achieving your early dream. It's been my experience that some of the worst stress we experience is what we put on ourselves with our own demands. Keep writing ~ You have a wonderful voice!

J Lenni Dorner said...

Is that someone Instagramming in Hell on that cover? That's hilarious.
Four published stories! That's amazing. Way to go. ๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽˆ✨
Your stress thing reminds me of a passage in a ref book (I *think* it was Big Magic) - it was something about earning money to support writing instead of asking writing to support you. It was better written than that.

I love reading a wide variety of genres. I posted for IWSG day today. My post includes a new book by a friend, a note about a free book next week, a tweet about a query contest (LGBTQ romance this round), and a quick message about April Blogging from A to Z Challenge.

J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author

Rebecca M. Douglass said...

That’s an impressive story count! Ironically, I can see where that kind of success could make you put more pressure on yourself, so don’t forget your #1 job is to have fun writing!

Shannon Lawrence said...

First of all, congratulations on your acceptances! I'm with you on the "literary" thing. Except, of course, if that literary writer doesn't have an issue with genre writing.

Unknown said...

Look at you kicking ass! Publishing all over the place. And even if your stress is self-induced, at least you know it's coming from a good place for a good reason. Sounds like 2021 is going to be a great year for you!

Damyanti Biswas said...

Congratulations! Keep rocking.

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