For the first time in a while, I have three new stories out for submission. I have been on a tear these last couple of months and it has been productive, and I felt that now would be a good time to send them out.

I think my chances on two of them are 50/50. They are both good stories in my opinion so I will have to wait and see what happens with them.

The third story is the best thing I ever wrote. Ever. And it is the one story that I am positive will be rejected. I sent it to an anthology that is so upscale that I don't have a chance in hell that it will be accepted. In fact, I swore that I would never send anything to it because I didn't want to embarrass myself. But this story is so unique for me, and caused so much controversy in my writers group that I decided to take a chance and send it.

So now, I wait.

Tony: don't wait. Just note the dates you sent the stories out, and to who, then FORGET about them and go on to something new. And good luck!

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Keith Minnion

Very good advice Keith! Thanks!

Jeez Tony, I'm a little insulted you don't send me these stories for feedback. Me want read.

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Mike Styczen: As far as I can tell, all of Toronto is on the lookout for some sort of demented leprechaun. If Toronto didn't exist, we'd have to invent it

Don't be insulted, I have asked you guys to read my stuff in the past and I really worry about doing it too much. It feels very awkward to ask someone to read your stuff if they've already done so in the past, and it's a pain to read someones work when you know they are awaiting an answer. Believe me when I say I've thought about asking some of you guys more than once to read something I've wrote, but I usually back off worrying that I've pushed it too much.

This goes for everyone here, I am always happy to read/critique your work. I actually find it valuable for my own writing and editing. Plus, I want to see you guys succeed and if I can be a small part of that all the better.

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Mike Styczen: As far as I can tell, all of Toronto is on the lookout for some sort of demented leprechaun. If Toronto didn't exist, we'd have to invent it

Never think you're asking too much, Tony. Always glad to help.

Thanks guys. I'll send you a story if you like. I don't mind getting feedback at all.

All the very best with the stories, Tony! And although I understand how you feel regarding asking people to look over your stuff (I always feel guilty/awkward, especially when I drop an entire novel in someone's lap), it doesn't do any harm to ask. I think we're all rooting for one another, and are willing to help.

Be happy to rip you a new one Tony, anytime!

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Keith Minnion

You guys are the best!

Thanks to Keith for giving the story a look and making some interesting comments and editing suggestions. Keith's last email to me had me smiling all day. Maybe I should bring two bottles of single malt to Necon. : )

Well, I received the first rejection of the three stories I submitted. It was a story that I wrote called The Scum Bar that was kin to my story, The Old Man, that was published last year. It is a noir influenced tale set in my hometown. Out of all the stories I've written, for some reason The Old Man seems to be the one most people comment on so I thought I would follow it up.

The funny thing is that the guidelines for this submission called for a Noir/Romance story, and while The Scum Bar does have a little bit of romance in it I wasn't sure if it would fit, but I sent it anyway. This is the email I just received from the editor:


<<<<Thank you for submitting "The Scum Bar" for consideration. It was a good read and an entertaining story. However, it's really not suitable for this anthology as the relationship is a relatively minor aspect of the plot (the two characters involved don't have any interaction except to kill each other). I'm sure this story will find a home elsewhere.>>>>

I love the fact that the editor gave me some feedback and that it was positive, however I had to laugh at her summation of the romance aspect of the plot. She was right of course but I had to give it a shot.

And you know, from the comments, that it was actually read. Sometimes you can never tell.

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C. Dennis Moore on your Kindle:

Yeah, I was happy that she did read it and provided the positive feedback.

Feedback is good, and I'm sure you'll be able to find another home for it, Tony!