How Not to Write a Novel
Changing my creative expectations, a surprising solicitation, and impatiently waiting on my first fiction pub
I am finally coming to terms with something. Even though I have an idea (and full outline) for a novel, it feels like a chore to write it every time. It got me thinking that maybe maybe maybe I just prefer to write in brief. Snapshots, vignettes, that kind of thing. I’m a visually creative person so that would make sense. Anyway, I guess I’ve always felt that writing a book is the apex of being a writer, so it’s a little disappointing, and freeing, to come to this understanding.
Last week, I received a personal email from The Palisades Review soliciting a submission from me. It was surprising to say the least. I was excited and flattered, though also curious. I usually like to get to know a publication a bit - their look and feel and quality of work - before I submit and It’s hard to do that when there haven’t been any issues yet. I didn’t commit to anything but, hey, they’re on my radar now.
Finally, my first published short story, “The House Always Wins,” should be published this month by Cutleaf Journal. Can’t wait to share my small story about a girl about Toano, Virginia, with y’all soon.
This song works so well with it and I’m obsessed.
Thanks for your support. More later.