September Goal

Yes. I will have my next book of short stories completely transcribed, the equivalent of a second draft, this month. A couple of those stories will be further along than others. I will then seek out some professional feedback; October at the latest. Perhaps I will include some of my longer works if I get them into the word processor.

As I have mentioned before, committing to a platform for writers, such as Reedsy, can enable one to push on. It is like a tiny little ‘voice in the ear support group’ when there is no one else to support you.

Finding good writing, very finely written sentences, is also enlightening. It is why a writer will read. On our limited budget I have been suffering through some not so great books.

I found one book with exquisite sentences that was a joy and an inspiration to read. I found this book through Bookplex. I write many reviews. I hope my input is appreciated. (see my book reviews tab) For a few reviews I have been paid, not only in some token dollars but in the opportunity to read a higher quality of writing. I choose only the books from Bookplex that interest me and they in turn just want the straight truth, your honest opinion. I am looking forward to the day when I can find a book I can really tear apart and then …get paid for doing it.

The pay isn’t much but if you are reading anyway it is a good way to get a few bucks here and there.

Big decision. The short story “Beyond the Pale” will be completed for my next volume of short stories. Because of the dark and controversial nature of the story, complete in my head before I began to write anything, I was contemplating not finishing it at all. What change my mind? A news broadcast, which covered certain recent events in Turkey, sealed the deal. I was overwhelmed with the conviction that I must complete this story.

The opening to “Beyond the Pale” is a few posts back on this blog. (it is a first draft so excuse the errors) Does revealing why I will now complete this story give you any clues as to the crime of Captain John Orr. Does the fact that his wife’s name is Dorothy and his lawyer's name Alice give you any clues as to the nature of the tale?