I haven't been around as much lately...

because I've been really focused on getting finished with what I started three years ago.

Next week, Wilderness House Literary Review is publishing one of my flash fiction pieces. It's coming out in their October volume, so I'm guessing it will be 'there' on October 1st or so. I was surprised last weekend to receive an email from another lit mag, very well-known in the flash fiction world (they hadn't seen the email I sent them, withdrawing this story from their consideration) - telling me they'd be honored to publish the story, telling me I could pick the art that went with it, and a couple of other things. I couldn't accept, of course, but it was damn gratifying.

Then, Tuesday, I heard from the Potomac Journal, and they accepted the last of the three stories I had out there. Their next issue doesn't come out until early 2010, but I don't care. I'm happy as hell that I'm gonna be in it.

Whittling down my words to flash stories is hugely helpful - helps me see what can 'go' as I'm editing down my novel. I wanted to mention that to you all in case you might wanna think about doing the same thing, if you think it might help you, too. I can honestly feel a difference as I read through - I can pick out the extraneous, and that's a good feeling. If you're at all interested, I bet you'll feel it as well! Good luck with your writing, you all!