Excitement! Fame! Fortune!

OK, well, mostly just excitement. And “fame” if you don’t mind it in quotation marks. And fortune … well, if $15 counts.

But I’ll take it!

A couple quick updates I wanted to share with y’all, so no one can say they are not in the loop.

I’m No. 2! I’m No. 2!
My story, “Can’t Keep a Dead Man Down” was one of the first stories Astounding Outpost published in early October, and as per their rules, at the end of the month they a) compiled all the stories (the theme was zombies) into a book that’s now on sale on Amazon; and b) held a contest to see which story was the favorite of their readers. I sent out a “please vote” blast that was so loud it probably is still reverberating in space, and landed a second place finish. Which is totally respectable! I love everyone who voted! My reward? I now get to say the story is prize-winning, and I get $15. Eventually.

But still, you guys! It counts. And while you can read “Can’t Keep” online, you can also get your own hardcover version either via the Zombie Tales collection, or in my own short story collection, Home for the Holidays. If you do buy and enjoy, please leave a review!

Yes, You May Have My Autograph
I recently appeared in a short film that’s part of the Indifferent Voyeur series directed by Lisa Stock. I’m far from the star, but I’m on camera the whole time as a writer who’s stymied by her story — and then finds inspiration by looking at someone through her window. I think it’s award-worthy! Maybe even $15-dollar good!

World of Good
I attended the 2017 World Fantasy Convention in San Antonio, TX in early November, and just had a total blast. Not only did I get to hear two of my favorite authors read (David Mitchell and Frederic Durbin) I also got to room with another favorite author (Sarah Pinsker) and hang out with amazing members of Broad Universe (including Sally Wiener Grotta and Elaine Isaak). I even had dinner with Durbin and his lovely wife Julie. Plus, I had two readings: a well-attended (for me, anyway) solo during which I read excerpts from Leave No Trace and the BU Rapid Fire Reading in which I had four minutes to share something good. So I jumped in and read from my latest work-in-progress, which I hope will be funny and witty — and people laughed! Plus I got approached in the hallways later on from people who said they looked forward to reading it later, which is always good for the heart and soul.

That said, I am writing that work-in-progress, Tune in Tomorrow, as fast as I can so I can show it around. Then I’ll know if it’s actually funny … or only in my head. Wish me luck, and feel free to send $15 at any time!

xo,