Successful Convention

It's funny to think that my measure on whether or not a convention was successful, is measured in how many pitches did I make, how many new projects did I pick up, and what other writing opportunities landed in my lap. Or even, did I find a new talent for something I'm working on?

This was the realization I came to at the end of Denver Comic Con this year. Did I accomplish the above? Absolutely! Am I going to talk about them? Not right now.

Instead, I'm concentrating on finishing this year's projects, even while I start planning years. Mind you, this is all in between working a full-time job, taking care of the house & the cats, and still having time to enjoy life. The latter very important to keeping me physically, emotionally and mentally healthy.

So, Denver Comic Con was very successful for me. Besides, the children loved the pipe cleaner dragons I gave away. More than one parent said 'Thank you.' That would have been success enough.

Denver Comic Con and other news

Different Dragons 2 update. Two stories edited and returned to the authors. Contracts sent out. Will be meeting with an artist who would like to do the cover with in the next couple of weeks.

Received news that my story, Failure, was accepted for Zombified II. My little tale is certainly an odd take on zombies.

Have the edits for my next book God's Gift. That'll be my next project after I finish the edits for DD2.

I'll be at the Denver Comic Con on Saturday only. I normally hang out at the WolfSinger Publications booth. Will be giving hand made pipe cleaner dragons away. Hoping to talk to fellow writers who I know will be attending. Drop by and say 'Hi!'

Vampires Don't Sparkle update

Got the official Table of Contents for Vampires don't Sparkle from editor Carol Hightshoe. The publisher will be Sky Warrior Books with a release somewhere around Halloween.

Vampiric Fluff – Rhonda Parrish
The Hall of the Cavern King – Alexis Glynn Latner
Customer Service – Katherine Tomlinson
Luftgeist – David Lee Summers
A Novel Love – Steve Alguire
Pixie Dust – James Pratt
To Catch a Glimpse – Margaret McGaffey Fisk
Two Fangs – Jonathan D. Nichols
Charlie Makes His Way – Peggy McFarland
Saving Grace – Lillian Csernica
The Longest Night – Cynthia Ward
Crosses – David B Riley
Night Work if You Can Get It – Jeff Baker
Solutions – Bear Weiter
Origins – Rie Sheridan Rose
Little Brother – Evan Purcell
And Thus Returning – Lyn McConchie
Truck Driving Women – Trudy Myers
Drac’s Diet – John Lance
Outcast – Chris Barili
Desperate Sparkles – Guy Anthony De Marco
From Family Blood is Born – Dana Bell
Avalon Knocking – Vic Kerry
Safe Haven – Jonathan Shipley
Den’s Used Caskets – William RD Wood
Kids These Days – Mac Jones
Mountains of Hope and Dreaming – Chris Wong Sick Hong

 

Different Dragons Tentative Story Order

Different Dragons 2 - Accepted thirteen stories, one of which is a novella, for the anthology. Will be working on edits during the next couple of weeks, collecting bios, and then sending it off to the publisher.

Tentative story order

The Dragon’s Keeper – David Lee Summers

The Stalker – Lynn Donovan

Such is the Jungle – Quincy Allen

Changling – Rebecca McFarland Kyle

Suntosun Shipping – G.L. Francis

Of the Generation – Therese Arkenberg

Dot’s Lunch – The Watchers along the Line  - Dave Withe

His Lucky Color is Gold – Rebecca Leo

Hargmir, Ghost of Dragons – David Turnbull

Space Wings – H.A. Titus

Aism’s Gift – Kathryn S. Renta

Mr. Long’s School for Girls – Rob S. Rice

Bessie Returns – Christine Hardy

I'm very pleased at the variety & unique stories told in this collection.

Also, I presented 'How to do a Reading' to my writer's group, Words for the Journey, Tuesday morning. It went very well. 

New Release and more updates

Have read six more stories for Different Dragons 2. Four are accepted and two are iffy. Now have eight left to read, one of which is a novella. In fact, reading the pieces tonight, I've already picked my number one spot story. Nope, no spoilers until I finish reading and inform the authors.

Out this week, Dynamite and Diamonds 3, a gen fanzine. In it is my story Plan's Change. I'm already working on my third and final piece to finish out the series. If you like Stargate Atlantis, the film Change of Plans and Terra Nova, you'll have fun with this little tale. Best compliment I got was that I took the story in an unexpected direction. My readers thought I would go one route, and I went another.

Also this week, I presented 'How to do a Reading' to my writer's group, Words for the Journey. Everyone thought it informative. It even got several mentions on Facebook. 

A Good Start

I've started reading for Different Dragons 2. I have a total of twenty stories and have, so far, read six. Outcome was three will be accepted, one rejected, one iffy and one that may have potential with some revision. A good start for the new anthology.

I also received edits for Vampires Don't Sparkle 1. I changed a few things in my story and returned it to the editor. Must admit, I've never written an alternate history vampyre tale before. Funny thing is, most of it is based on actual events. Be interesting to see what people think of it.

Oh, and I just got an announcement about another dragon anthology being edited by Carol Hightshoe. Of course, I have to write a story for that one and have already come up with a great idea.

Different Dragons 2 update

My writing goal for this week was to organize my next anthology. I got it done!

Different Dragons 2 is now ready for me to start reading the stories and making my selections.

I also emailed the authors so they know what is going on. It's been a few months since they submitted, and for a few over a year. This will give them a chance to either cheer or tell me they're no longer interested.

Looks like my job will be difficult given the caliber of authors and the type of stories I know they can write.

Stay tuned for updates....