Reading Submissions

This week I have been working on reading submissions for Supernatural Colorado. I managed to read ten, do a one line synopsis of what the story was about, word count and a quick first impression editing note. After Christmas I will be re-reading everything, making more in depth edits and then returning them to the authors for approval or further revision.

There many wonderful stories in this anthology from both Colorado and out of state authors, even one from a writer in Sweden. Of course, they all have to be placed somewhere in the state, and the writers did a great job of blending in locations in their tales.

Also, received an email from publisher, WolfSinger, that my next book, God's Gift is on the list to be published next year. Yeah!

Over the weekend...

Last Saturday I attended a reading of six fellow authors. They met at a local bookstore and read either Steampunk, Christmas or a combination of the two themes. The stories were entertaining and diverse, just like the writers themselves.

One author brought her dog who would put in whines and yips and loved to bark when the audience clapped. The canine also modeled goggles and a fetching cloak.

All in all, it was a wonderful way to spend a blustery weekend afternoon. 

Submissions, Reading, and just enough

This week's project has been to read submissions for Supernatural Colorado. Five stories later I was amazed at the talent and diversity of the writers and can't wait to read the last eight. There are seventeen in all and I've read four others previously. Though some need revision, I haven't read one I would reject - which is good since this was an invite only anthology and it looks like I'll have just enough stories to fill it.

I also submitted a story to Vampires Don't Sparkle. An anthology were there are rumors there might be a number two because the editor has received over fifty submissions - and the deadline isn't until March, 2014!

All in all - a good week. Now, if I could just come up with a zombie story...

My journey

My journey as an editor has evolved and I've gotten past the concept of the stories being what I think they should be to appreciating the talents and creativity of the writers who submit. Not to mention an angle I hadn't considered on the theme. I've also watched their writing talents improve and many are on their way to bigger houses and contracts.

Supernatural Colorado, my latest project, will be filled with stories from many of Colorado's up and coming authors, and some out of state guests as well. Though I've only read a few so far, I'm looking forward to compiling this anthology. I think it will be one of the best yet.

After that, I will be working on Different Dragons 2, which will have an interesting mix of authors as well. I received so many good stories for the first anthology and many writers expressed an interest in contributing a story. I am looking forward to reading these as well.

Of course, I have two novels and a collaboration to finish as well. Whew! The end of 2013 is promising.

I wonder what 2014 will bring?