Accidental double publication day!
First up, a day early, The Petals, over at Daily Science Fiction, the latest in the ongoing series of flash fairy tales that I genuinely do hope to finish, with the framing story, at some point. (Glances at the Excel sheet tracking that series.) Whoops! Well, in the meantime, at least this one is out.
Second, issue 7 of Lackington’s is out, with my story, “Sometimes Heron,”
Let’s chat about this one for a bit. “Sometimes Heron” was written in 2008, in bits and pieces in between undergoing various medical tests at the Mayo Clinic. After a few rejections, it sold to a publication which closed down a few months later. A few more rejections, and it sold to a second publication – which also closed down a few months later.
By that time, to put it mildly, I felt a bit discouraged. On the one hand, I figured that the story couldn’t be that awful, if editors were buying it (twice!). And it was a story that meant something to me. On the other hand, it seemed to be killing various publications, which seemed a bit unfair to said publications. I trunked it for a couple of years, and then started shooting it out here and there again.
I mention this mostly as an illustration of what the writing/publishing industry can be like. It’s one reason why this can be a very depressing career – so much of writing/publishing is outside your control. I’m not just talking rejections/acceptances – though that’s also outside your control – but things like this as well.
In any case, I’m very grateful that it’s at last found a home at Lackington’s, and I hope you enjoy both.
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