Lightning Quick Story

I've been working on a fantasy short story, and I typically work on projects one at a time.  Or I at least complete a draft before turning my attention elsewhere.

Two nights ago, however, I had an opening narrative for a new fantasy story that popped into my head.  I've mentioned before that I have a writing journal for just such occasions, so I opened it up and jotted down the words.  But then I kept going.  I scribbled four or five paragraphs, which is highly unusual.

By morning, my mind was still churning with this new idea.  I tried to tell it to stop, to focus on the other story that only had a few hundred words.  My mind, however, refused to comply.  Around lunchtime, I'd come up with an ending to go with my opening, so I scribbled it into my journal.

When I came home from work, my family was out of the house and wouldn't return for about an hour.  I sat down at my computer and typed out the notes from my journal.  And I just kept going.  Soon, I was over 1,000 words, and I still couldn't stop the narrative from forming in my mind, even when I stepped away for dinner and to get the kids ready for bed.

Not long after, I had other things I needed to get done, but I decided I had to finish the narrative, connecting what I had to the ending.  And once I had that, I went into edit mode with what I'd completed, which is simply insane.  I like to let things sit for a couple of weeks before coming back.  But I had the narrator's voice and the story so locked into my thoughts that I felt I needed it all correct immediately.

Anyway, I now have a newly completed story ready for submission.  And I don't know what to think of myself.  I have never done something like this before, and I've been writing for a long time.  I'm not going to complain; I need to rebuild my stock.  It's just really odd. 

Happy March!

Well, it's a happy March in Indiana if you wish for a bit more snow. Winter decided it didn't want to mess around this year, and I've worked from home more often than normal. We're expecting more to come down any moment.

On the writing front, I've started working on a new fantasy short story, something quite a bit different compared to other fantasy stories I've written. I like how it's coming along so far.

Also, I've signed up for the World Fantasy Convention this year. It's been a couple of years since I've made an appearance, so it seemed like time to head back. That won't come up until November, though, so I'll have to see if there are other writer-oriented events that I can hit before then.

Finally, a big congratulations to Ares Magazine for hitting their Kickstarter goal! My short story, "Darklanders," will be in the premiere issue in May.

"Unprofiteers" Available at Perihelion

My first attempt at full-on humor within science fiction, "Unprofiteers," is available for free at Perihelion.  Check it out!