Summer and Such

We're deep into summer now. The Fourth has passed with the usual fanfare, and I got to have both a productive work day and some hot dogs. Although I didn't plan on going anywhere or doing anything typical of the holiday, I still dressed the part--I live in a small town. It's kind of a requirement. And I did end up at the store, so it wasn't a wasted fashion choice.

In terms of my work, I'm getting ready to send more out. I have a flash fiction and a regular short story that I keep peddling instead of writing more, which is really what I should be doing. I have to make a decision with the short story before I send it out again, because I think that the ending is what is killing its chances. I need to either change the last sentence because it's one of those "no duh, this is what the whole thing is about" sentences,  or I need to dump it altogether. I only have until the 12th to get it in, so I'm going to spend today looking at all different possibilities to give it a better chance at publication this time.

The flash fiction is very meta and is what it is. It's definitely not for everyone, so I just keep sending it out to see where it's going to stick.

I realized that I accidentally forgot about NaNoWriMo summer session, so I guess I won't be participating in that, but I will be over here just writing away.

Summer Is Upon Us

Summer is (un)officially here, which makes it a great time to start something new or to put plans into action. That's exactly what I'm doing with In Another Life. June has a full marketing schedule where primary publicity for the novel is the main focus. Then, in July it will be a writing marathon. I plan to write during all of my waking hours so that the novel can be completed and sent off to an editor on time. I'll probably sign up for camp Nanowrimo just to keep myself accountable. It's going to be a roller coaster, but I'm looking forward to every minute of it.

Inspiring Summer

I'm still processing things I observed over the weekend. I know there's a story in there somewhere, I just have to find the right character and follow their journey. So instead of complaining about writing or my other work, I decided to take the time to blog some of the best things that can inspire me during the summer. Feel free to add any of your own ideas.

A bright orange sunset

Lying in the grass, staring up at the clouds

Actually finding a shape in the clouds (this one has always been difficult for me)

The smell of grilled food (even though I hate the taste)

Children laughing

One of those quick summer rains that leave the air smelling nice

Hmmm... that's all I can of at the moment. I'll add to the list if I think of any more.