National Novel Writing Month is over, but your writing journey has hopefully just begun! I know mine has. I will be slowing down on the Far-Reaching Thread and moving back into my other novels that are in early draft stages. This NaNoWriMo was a fun, creative break for me to try something not connected to a larger series or even a singular book idea.

However, in my attempt to make a collection of short stories, I may have inadvertently created another new novel idea I may pursue in the future. I have other more pressing stories I want to complete. Last month, I promised to get a short story out for everyone to read. It wasn’t when I wanted it out for all of you, but I did get it out this month and can be found under the free story section the website.

It was one of my early attempts at a lighthearted flash fiction for the year and it was sadly rejected by the magazine’s I had in mind that may have taken it. It wasn’t surprising through. I learned that the likelihood of getting published in a professional sci-fi/fantasy magazine was in the realm of 1%. It’s difficult.

There are strict guidelines to follow, manuscript formatting requirements, and ultimately, at the end of the day, the editor that reads the work hasn’t to want it more than the hundreds of other submissions they may receive in a day. It’s a crowded, competitive space and one worth pursuing (at least I feel that way about it).

There is still one month remaining and even if I don’t get any of my other stories published in any magazine this year, I will simply try again next year. Hard work is rewarded to those who continue to work hard…or if they get lucky.

Anyways, my writing journey is not just short stories. I’m working on finishing a science fiction novel, which I would like to make into a series. The first draft (or draft zero as I like to call it) is done and I will be going through a comprehensive review of the work this month.

I’ll be looking at a myriad of items, but the most important will be revolving around characterization consistency and coherent plot. There are a lot of moving pieces and technicalities that I want to get right without stripping away the style and voice of the story and its characters. Once I complete a few rounds of editing, I will at some point have to decide if traditional publication is an option or if I should pursue self-publishing.

They each have their advantages and disadvantages, but finding the right option is going to be the difficult choice. I’ll keep you updated on the progress.

Until next time, Read, Write, Edit, Repeat.

- J.J.