When I hunted for a job during one of Denver’s frequent recessions, I complained to my mother that most employers didn’t even want to interview me. She told me something I’ve never forgotten: “You don’t need everyone. You can’t work a hundred full time jobs for everyone. You just need one; the right one.” I think she may have been repurposing dating advice, but it is good for many things.

Today I’m telling myself each story only needs one acceptance from the right editor after “The Dead Can’t Feel This Pose” came back with a long encouraging rejection.

This must be NaSluPiRejMo (National Slush Pile Rejection Month) for editors because rejections have been flying in fast, most on stories that editors held for months until now. My submission game score is dropping like a rock since I don’t submit during the month of NaNo. I’m getting a lot of personal letters filled with encouragement. Definitely a good thing. But not the thing. I need someone to put a ring on it.

In January I will re-edit the short stories and send a bunch out again. They probably just need to find the right someone who wants their First North American Serial Rights. What can I say, I’m a romantic.

I had a great weekend writing and I remain ahead in NaNoWriMo with more than 30,000 words. Also I finished one of my better stories for Dean yesterday. It barely deserves the monicker “short” story since it clocked in at over 10,000 words, but it is a great read, full of excitement, adventure, and love.

I hope you’re feeling the story love this day!

30,100 words