The Publishing Adventures

I have submitted one of my short stories for publication in an online magazine.  I probably will not hear from them for a couple months, if at all, but I will keep everyone updated on the progress of this.  I am working on polishing some other stories to then submit to other publications.  The main goals are to build up some publishing credits and earn a few extra dollars along the way.  By obtaining publishing credits, I stand a better chance of getting some of my other works published by traditional publishers.  That of course is if my stories are accepted for publication.

I have a few stories that are finished and I have sent them off to a few friends to read and offer opinions.  They will likely notice mistakes or issues that I have not because I have been staring at these stories so much.  They are all avid readers and a couple of them are writers as well so they should offer valuable information.  Once they finally read them and get back to me…  I am confident in their abilities.  Honestly, I appreciate that they even offered to read them which is more than most people would do so I really cannot complain.  I am in their debt.  The writing process just seems to go by a lot faster now than when I first started writing.

Once I have enough stories finished up, I can finish work on my dystopian novel.  This one will take a lot more time to polish as well as to write.  There are more words to write and then I have to make sure there is continuity throughout to avoid mistakes and plot holes.  It is a very time consuming process but I hope this will not take as long as I am expecting.  We shall see how things turn out.  I am looking forward to having so many stories finished.  I do not care if they never get published.  I have achieved more than most and that is all that matters.

Job Hunting

I have been searching for new employment since before I completed my Master Degree and I finally and having some luck.  I have an interview with an advertising firm.  I am not sure about pay or benefits or even most of the job duties but I will learn all of that at the interview.  What does this mean for me?  I do not know yet.  I may decide the job is not for me or the employer may decide I am not right for the firm.  Everything happens for a reason and whatever the outcome, it will be for the best.  I know it!

I am still looking for a venue to meet with local entertainers but that has become low on priorities with the job search.  Getting caught up with bills is more important.  I am not giving up but I need to take a step back and reevaluate everything.  I will continue offers entertainment consultation part-time until I can build up a client base.  This could take a couple of years but as long as I can pay my bills I will manage and continue to move forward.  Stability is key while I build my brand’s awareness.

I am also working towards completing a couple new stories as well as starting a novel.  I have five stories finished that I have a few friends looking over and a couple more that are nearly finished.  The novel has a long way to go but I do have three chapters completed and a plan for the next chapter.  I like having projects to keep me busy and it is nice that I have time to work on them and make some progress.  This does not always happen.  Naturally, I will post excerpts of my stories on this blog once I feel they are ready for the general public.

Until next time.  Perhaps I will have something to add to my resume the next time I post.  We shall see.  Until then, stay creative.

~ James