Well, Hello There!

Hi! I haven't blogged on a Monday in awhile. I'd apologize, but Gary would mock me. ;)

I was lucky enough to be able to go on two different kinds of writing retreats this month. I never did tell you about them, did I?

At the beginning of the month, I got to go to the Stanley, a lovely historic hotel in Estes Park, Colorado (bordering Rocky Mountain National Park). It's where Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining, one of my favorite novels of his.

I had just completed a big event that I'd been planning for months. It was a success, but I woke up that morning feeling fairly crappy. By the time I left, my throat and chest hurt, and I was exhausted. I thought it was just from the stress and nerves of putting this event on (did I mention I also MC'd it, and I am nervous talking in front of a crowd?) Come the next morning, however, I was full-on sick. I decided not to cancel my reservations, and headed out, anyway.

It's about a 2-hour drive, so my Jeep and I trekked through the snow toward the mountains. I passed through some of the areas damaged by the flooding this past year, sad to still see some destruction. In fact, I was stopped for awhile due to ongoing cleanup and construction.

Construction, better known as: a little driving break

During that drive, a bald eagle swooped down over my car, then floated on the air currents above me. I've never seen one that wasn't in a zoo. It was amazing. Since I was driving, I wasn't able to get a photo (I like to live).

Right as we pulled into town, the person in front of me hydroplaned on a bridge over Lake Estes. We'd just driven through winding canyon roads, covered in snow and gravel, and it was a puddle that nearly took us out. They didn't go into the lake, though, and we continued on, me leaving them a bit of extra space and being very careful on the standing water. Yeesh.

My bed was super comfy, which is good, because I spent most of the time resting and being sick. I'd gone up with a plan, specific things I'd be getting done, and while I still got some done, I didn't get anywhere near the full list finished. I got an anecdote finished for a friend's book on writing, finished a short story, and edited a flash fiction piece, which I've turned into my critique group. That was all I got done in two days. Still, it's more than nothing, and certainly more than I would have gotten done at home.

By Kelly, CLKER.com

I took time to be a tourist, too, which I paid for later. Totally worth it, though. I walked from the hotel into town, then from one end to the other, checking out shops (it's a small mountain tourist town). I grabbed burgers at a joint that proclaimed they were voted Best Burgers! (They were pretty darned good, I must say). I also spent a small fortune at a privately owned bookstore, then bought a new wallet when my wallet decided it was finally kaput (it had been going downhill for awhile). Later, it was a gourmet meal in the restaurant on-site, then a ghost tour on the premises. A couple who was staying in one of the most haunted room invited those of us on the tour up to their room after 11 so we could seek out ghosties, but I opted to lie in bed and be pitiful instead, while watching The Shining and doing logic puzzles. Yeah, I'm a real party-person when I'm dying.

I'd had plans to go into Rocky Mountain National Park, with the hopes of finally seeing a moose in person and photographing it, intending to do this on the last day. I was sick enough at that point that I chose to go home instead. As I headed back out of town, I got stopped at construction. I'd been expecting it, but this time the guy said they were blasting and that I'd have to sit there for possibly over an hour.

I decided to turn around and go the long way home, which took me through Loveland. It also took me past the still highly damaged canyon where the Big Thompson flooded before. The damage there was far worse than that visible to me on the way in. Missing houses, a massive floodplain, the remains of houses hanging over the river. One house was half gone, with a rope stretched across the opening, furniture leaning against the rope. One thin piece of material held it back from falling into the river. It was like pulling open a dollhouse and looking at the guts. It was a wretched sight. There were signs all along the way asking people not to stop on the road side to gawk. I had no desire to do so, as I remembered all the people who swept through after the Waldo Canyon Fire.

Whoops, I talked way more than I intended to. I'll have to tell you about the other writing retreat next week. The other one was with a group of people, so a vastly different experience. Also, I wasn't sick. Shew. I do still feel my trip up to Estes was worthwhile. Heck, as a mom it was nice to be ill somewhere all by myself where I could lay in bed as much as I wanted and go have someone else make food for me when I needed it. Although, I did desperately want soup, but didn't want to pay room service soup prices.

By OCAL, CLKER.com

I will say, in the interest of giving a "progress report," that I left the second retreat with several finished short stories. I submitted three stories to three different magazines a few days ago. I've gotten back one rejection (I love how fast Clarkesworld gets back to you). So until I find a different market to send that one to, I've got three total subs out right now (I had previously sent one out before all this). Fingers crossed! By next week, my goal is to have re-subbed the rejected one.

Have you been on a solo writing retreat? Ever seen a bald eagle? How about a moose? Stop your bragging! Any submissions out? Do tell!

May you find your Muse.

[Mostly] Wordless Wednesday - How Now Brown Gull? & Links

I'm accustomed to seagulls being a very specific set of colors, a set appearance. However, on my last visit to Oregon, I saw this inquisitive little guy.

Anyone know anything about this type of bird/gull? It looks quite gull-like, but its coloration is closer to a skua. Can the two mate? Hmmmm. You can see common Oregon birds at this link and see for yourself.

Now for some links that probably don't include birds.

Note: I pass along these links as I find them online, but I have not personally vetted them. Please do your due diligence and research anyone before you submit to them for a contest or publication.

Accepting Submissions:

I previously posted information about a Kickstarter for Women Destroy Science Fiction. Well, they not only got enough funding for that anthology, but also for Women Destroy Horror and Women Destroy Fantasy special editions. The editors are Ellen Datlow, Cat Rambo, and Terri Windling. They will OPEN for submissions March 15. Women Destroy Horror will be a special edition of Nightmare Magazine, and will pay $.08/word. It will close for submissions March 31. Specifications are the same for Women Destroy Fantasy, but this will be submitted through Fantasy Magazine/Lightspeed. All three of these are for women or those who identify as women only.

Long Count Press will remain open for submissions for their anthology, Songs of the Great Cycle, through March 31. They are looking for Mesoamerican fantasy. Pays $20, plus royalties and an e-book copy. 3000-10,000 words. Deadline March 31.

Rather than their usual short story theme, Crossed Genres is having their Flash Fiction Free-For-All between March 1 and March 31. 300-1000 words. Any subject, as long as it's fantasy and/or science fiction. Pays $.05/word.

Black Tome Books is looking for poetry and short fiction set in Cairo, Egypt in the genre of steampunk/gaslamp for their anthology Cairo by Gaslight. Payment is in contributor copies. Deadline is March 31. 

Exile Editions is putting together an anthology entitled Start a Revolution: Quiltbag Fiction Vying for Change. 2000-10,000 words. They are looking for stories of revolution with a QUILTBAG protagonist (this is defined on their page, but has to do with LGBT, pansexual, and fluid sexual definitions, so please see their specifications). Pays $.05/word. Deadline March 31.

Contests:

Harmony Ink has issued a Young Author Challenge. They are seeking LGBT short stories from authors between 14 and 21 years of age for their anthology. Payment is $25-$55. Deadline is March 15.

Lunch Ticket is hosting the Diana Woods Memorial Award in Creative Non-Fiction. Winner receives $250 and publication in Lunch Ticket. Deadline March 31. Essays up to 5000 words.

Any of these of interest to you? Anything to add? Any publishing news? Have you seen a bird like the one above? What do you think it is?

May you find your Muse.

[Mostly] Wordless Wednesday - Face in the Flag & Links

This week I have another set of photos from the Stanley, but this time it's from the ghost tour. I figured I'd pass this one along just for fun.

The story goes that a soldier who'd stayed at the Stanley before and was a fan of the place brought a flag back from war with him and gifted it to the establishment. They framed it and put it up on the wall. A spot has increasingly discolored, revealing a face that seems to be coming out of the flag. When the flag was gifted to them, only the large brown spots were on the right side of the flag, not the faded discoloration.

I've put the larger image of the flag, and then a blown up image of where the discoloration is. Draw your own conclusions.

The face is in the upper right-hand corner. 2nd red stripe from the top, you can see eyes and part of a nose.

Can you make it out better?

Now for some links.

Accepting Submissions:

One Eye Press is accepting a variety of submissions. OEP Singles close for submissions March 1, and will be a series of novellas and short novels released every 3 months. Both Barrels, an anthology series, is open for submissions March 2 - May 11. Pays $25 and a contributor ecopy. Shotgun Honey is open submissions, no specific deadline, and takes 700 word crime flash fiction stories. The Big Adios is a quarterly fiction digest seeking short stories. Submissions window is January 14 - April 14. Pays $.01/word, up to $25. Blight Digest is a new quarterly fiction magazine seeking short stories. Submissions window is February 17 - May 12. $.01/word, $25 maximum. If I didn't list a pay amount, it is not paying at this time (I assume the novellas/short novels are being run on a royalty basis, but didn't see mention of pay on it.)

Sky Warrior Books is interested in your vampire stories for an anthology. No sparkly vampires! Deadline March 15. Pays royalties.

Whitefish Review is seeking submissions for Issue #15 - The Fire Issue. They accept short stories, poetry, photography, or art. Pays $10/printed page, $25 minimum, $50 maximum. Deadline for this issue is March 15.

Southword Journal Online is looking for poems and prose in English and Irish. Deadline March 15th. Pays €30 per poem and €120 per short story.

Contests:

Mslexia is hosting their 2014 Women's Short Story Competition. Deadline March 17. Short stories on any topic. 1st prize is £2,000. Winning stories will be published in the summer issue.

Kazka Press holds a monthly flash fiction contest, 713 Flash. 500-1000 words. Pays $15/story. March 20 deadline for the theme "The Writing Life."

Blog Stuff:

In an effort to support a fellow blogger who has just undergone cancer surgery, bloggers across the globe are participating in a bookathon of sorts, in which we purchase one (or more) of Roland Yeoman's books. You can find his books from his Amazon Page.

Alex J. Cavanaugh, Stephen Tremp, and L. Diane Wolf are hosting Wormfest March 10-16. They ask you to name one thing that advances mankind, and one thing that will go too far.

Any of these catch your eye? Any news to share? Publication news? Do you see the face in the flag?

May you find your Muse.

[Mostly] Wordless Wednesday - The Snowy Stanley & Links

Okay, I finally re-installed Picasa, so here are some photos from my two night trip to Estes Park:

The Historic Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, CO

Some cool clouds saying goodbye to me as I packed up the Jeep

Now for some links.

Accepting Submissions:

Slice Magazine is open for submissions of short fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Reading period closes March 1. The current them is "Hope." Maximum 5000 words. Pays $100 for fiction and essays, $25 for poems.

Circlet Press has several calls for submissions. Hard as Stone: Dwarven Erotica closes for submissions March 1. $25 for the ebook anthology ($25 more if it goes to print). Like a Haunted Trail: Erotic Tales of the Weird Wild West closes March 15. Like a Circlet Editor: Erotic Fantasies of Circlet Press closes March 22. Physics Need Not Apply closes March 31. Pay is the same for all, and all are intended as ebook anthologies first, with a possible print book to follow.

DarkFuse is looking for horror flash fiction for their Horror d'oevres website. 99-999 words. Pays $.05/word. Dark fiction only. They're also taking submissions of short dark fiction for their magazine, which pays $50 per story. 2,000-5,000 words. They publish four anthologies per year with short dark fiction. Pay is $50, plus royalties. They also publish novels and novellas. All guidelines can be found at the initial link.

The Sun publishes essays, interviews, fiction, and poetry. They pay between $100 and $2000, depending upon the format you send in.

The Chicago Review is seeking poetry, fiction, and book reviews. Pays in contributor copies. Submissions by snail mail.

Contests:

February Furs is holding a monthly short story contest. I may be mistaken, but it looks like a new site. Free to enter. 750-1000 words. Requirements will be posted each month, with a deadline of the 25th of each month. This month, the highlights are a fur, dignity, and a confession. Them is dignity. Deadline is February 25.

Hektoen International is holding an essay contest. Must be related to medicine and culture. Deadline March 1. 1500-2000 words. Grand prize $1500, plus publication in their Summer 2014 issue. No entry fee.

Any of these interest you? Anything to add? Any publishing news to share? Have you seen clouds like these?

May you find your Muse.

Wanna' Go Further or Farther?

I have this ongoing problem with two words: further and farther. 

For the most part, they can be self-explanatory. But in some instances I over-think it all. And now that I've become aware of my little issue, I've noticed it in tons of books, by writers who are NYT bestselling authors with decades of writing experience under their belts. Every misuse of these words blazes out to me from the pages now, as I've noticed with other things that I recognize as issues in my own writing. I find it causing a hiccup in my reading, because I have to analyze whether they used it correctly or not so I can push the lesson more deeply into my brain. 

Courtesy of OCAL, clker.com

Here's how they're defined by dictionary.com:

Farther:

adverb

1. At or to a greater distance: He went farther down the road.

2. At or to a more advanced point: They are going no farther in their studies.

3. At or to a greater degree or extent: The application of the law was extended farther.

adjective

1. More distant or remote than something or some place nearer: The farther side of the mountain.

2. Extending or tending to a greater distance: He made a still farther trip.

Further:

adverb

1. At or to a greater distance; farther: I'm too tired to go further.

2. At or to a more advanced point; to a greater extent: Let's not discuss it further.

3. In addition; moreover: Further, he should be here any minute.

adjective

1. More distant or remote; farther: The map shows it to be further than I thought.

2. More extended: Does this mean a further delay?

3. Additional; more: Further meetings seem pointless.

verb

1. To help forward; promote; advance: You can always count on him to further his own interests.

Reading those definitions, can you see where the confusion comes in? Even dictionary.com has included the mixed up meanings. Given, they also have this little note/disclaimer:

Usage note

Although some usage guides insist that only farther should be used for physical distance ( We walked farther than we planned ), farther and further have been used interchangeably throughout much of their histories. However, only further is used in the adverbial sense “moreover” ( Further, you hurt my feelings ) and in the adjectival senses “more extended” ( no further comment ) and “additional” ( Further bulletins came in ).

What it boils down to is that FARther really should refer to physical distance, while FURther should be referring to the non-physical. But because the words have been used incorrectly through history, we should just keep right on doing so. No wonder I've had such trouble figuring out the correct word at times!

Everyone else can do what they want--I'll be using farther to refer to the physical, not further. And furthermore, I shall continue to be confused by the use of farther when it isn't of physical distance (see definition number 2 under farther, adverb above).

Do you have further vs. farther down pat? Do you care? Does it matter? Do you use them interchangeably? What is your big grammar issue in your writing?

May you find your Muse.

Sharing my Workspace & Links

Hi guys! After you check out the links, please visit me at Nutschell's! I've been interviewed for her Wednesday Writer's Workspace this week. (Though be aware, I had just gotten my office organized, so my workspace is nowhere near that tidy these days.)

As a sneak peek, here's a photo looking OUT of my office. To see my office, you'll have to visit Nutschell. (That's my Cleo kitty sunning herself on the floor. And notice the sign over the doorway? It has bearing this week since I just got back from the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. Friends fans will recognize the saying and what it refers to.)

Now for some links.

Accepting Submissions:

Myth Ink Books has a call for submissions for Boroughs of the Dead, Volume II: An Anthology of New York City Ghost Stories. Short stories preferred, though they'll consider poetry and flash fiction. Pays $25 and 2 contributor copies. Deadline February 28.

Wolf Willow Journal is seeking submissions for their Spring 2014 Issue. The theme is "sanctuary." Submission window closes February 28. They're accepting short fiction, creative non-fiction, flash fiction, poetry, art, and photography. Pay varies per submission type, but is $10 to $20.

Upstreet Literary Journal is taking submissions of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction for their 10th issue. Deadline is March 1. Payment varies from $50 to $250.

Martinus Publishing is seeking submissions for Life of the Dead, an anthology of science fiction horror. Open until filled, but it has been open since April 2013. Pays in 2% royalty. They're also seeking submissions for an anthology about aging superheroes, We Were Heroes. Same specification as Life of the Dead, but it only opened in December. Also seeking submissions for To Hell With Dante, a cynical after-life anthology. Finally, they will be opening submissions for a fourth anthology, Yarr, a space pirate anthology. Opens March 1 to submissions.

Inpatient Press seeks stories of varying lengths, poetry, an artwork that challenge conventions. Payment is not mentioned. Submissions close March 1. They are putting out their first print anthology of these items soon (versus solely online). I can find no mention of payment.

Neon Literary Magazine is seeking 75 word flash stories for a palm-sized anthology entitled Battery Pack. Authors will be paid 2.50 UK or ten contributor copies. Deadline March 1. The editor is partial to horror, but will look at other genres. They are also open to submissions for their regular magazine, in flash fiction, short fiction, and poetry. It pays contributor copies and royalties.

Contests:

Ginosko Literary Journal is holding a flash fiction contest. $5 entry fee. $250 award. Deadline March 1.

The Carriage House Poetry Prize, held by The Carriage House Poetry Series and The Fanwood Shadetree Commission, closes for submissions March 1. First prize $250 and publication. No entry fee.

Blog News:

Three of our fabulous bloggy buddies have started a business, or more a service,. Tammy Theriault, Mark Koopmans, and Elizabeth Seckman have opened up Charlie's Scribes. Need a blog break for any reason? They'll provide you with a guest post and manage your comments the day of your scheduled post.

Darkly Delicious YA and Book Nerd Tours are holding the Pot of Gold Giveaway from March 1-17th. Right now, they're searching for authors of YA and NA to submit books for the giveaway (no graphic sex scenes involved, please). To contribute, fill out the form at the link above.

Anything of interest to you? Any experience with these publications? Anything to share? Have you stopped by to see and hear about my workspace yet? 

May you find your Muse.

Beyond the Binding - Cover Reveal, IWSG, & Links

Here it is! The companion anthology to Composers for Relief, which includes a story from moi!

Embark on an exciting journey “Beyond the Binding” of the imagination with 29 authors from across the globe, in a groundbreaking collaboration where music meets fiction. Surrender to soaring compositions as they surge through the veins of every story, capturing the triumphant pulse of the notes in heart pounding sci fi, enchanting fantasy and gripping slices of realism.

All proceeds of the Composers for Relief  album and Companion Collection ebook will go to Gawad Kalinga (“give care”) and GVSP (Gualandi Volunteer Service Programme), to support the relief efforts for victims of the deadliest natural disaster in Philippines’ history, Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Ebook available from Amazon, Amazon UK, iTunes, B&N, Kobo, Sony, Diesel & Smashwords.

Composers for Relief album available on ITunes, Amazon, CDBaby & Spotify

(I'll add links to the e-books when I get those!)

Today is also the Insecure Writer's Support Group, created by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Ninja, himself.

I don't know, I'm feeling a bit less insecure than usual, seeing as how I have a cover reveal for something I'm in!!! Squee! I've been so busy with non-writing that I haven't had a lot of time to write, BUT my hubster got me an awesome Christmas present, which I get to redeem this weekend: 2 nights at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO! For those who are unaware, that's the hotel Stephen King was inspired by to write The Shining, and the hotel he began writing it in. I already have a game plan for what I will get done while there, AND I get to go on a writing retreat at the end of the month with a group of fellow writers. I think these two things will help me get that old energy and inspiration back. I'm incredibly excited about both, and hoping for okay weather, considering the weather we've been getting.

I hope everyone can find a means of inspiration and energy this month, whatever that may be!

Now for some links.

Accepting Submissions:

Houston Writer's Guild has opened an anthology call for Tides of Possibility, a sci-fi anthology. Deadline is February 15. Short fiction of up to 8000 words; flash fiction and poetry are okay. Pays half a cent per word, plus one person will be chosen by internal contest to receive a $50 bonus. 

Interfictions is taking submissions of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction through February 16 for their 3rd issue. Pays $.05/word for fiction. Other pay varies. They seek work that blurs the lines between literary genres.

Villainous Press is seeking fiction for their anthology, Steampunk: The Worlds Beyond. Deadline is February 28. They have specific guidelines, so please review carefully. Pays $15-$25, depending upon length of story.

Ninth Letter is accepting fiction, poetry, and essay through February 28. Pays $25 per printed page, plus 2 complimentary issues. 

Sybaritic Press is open for submissions from poetry to novel-length. They like horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and erotica. Pays royalties quarterly. 

Blog Hops (Also known as No Gary's Land):

The Last Krystallos is hosting the Love Bites Anti-Valentine Blog Hop. You can post anytime between now and the 11th. Post a flash piece on the theme. There are prizes!

Ali Cross is co-hosting IndieReCon2014 February 25-27. This is a free online conference for writers. JA Konrath and Barry Eisler will be taking part.

Kyra Lennon is hosting the WIP: The Movie Blog Hop with Rachel Schieffelbein. Cast your WIP and post the pictures/descriptions on February 28.

Of Interest:

Delve Writing is holding an online workshop entitled Say it Like a Pro: How to Talk About Your Book Articulately and Enticingly at PPWC or Anywhere. Chris Mandeville will be teaching this course (she's a friend of mine and a great presenter!) Price is $20 if you register before February 8. This is a 2-session camp, to be held Saturday, April 5 and Saturday, April 12, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM MT. It is online only and live.

Kirkus Reviews has several job openings right now. You can't go wrong working for the place that will be reviewing your books someday! Book Reviewer is one of the job openings.

Pikes Peak Library District is holding A Novel Evening: The Great Gatsby at Briarhurst Manor, Friday, February 28, 6 PM, to benefit the Manitou Library. 3-course dinner, silent auction, dancing, period costumes welcome.

Anything of interest above? Anything to share? What do you think of the cover for Beyond the Binding? What are your insecurities?

May you find your Muse.