September Updates

Just as the grass is coming into fruition, so are my writing projects! I am proud to say that I have unofficially completed the 1st draft of "The Sorcerer's Paragon"! WOO HOO! I say unofficial because I know there are a few chapters that need to be added. The 2nd draft phase, unfortunately, won't simply consist of spelling corrections and word-choice revisions like I thought, but chapter additions/rewrites, character additions/coloring, etc. There is still a lot of work to be done, but it is moving along at a reasonable pace.

I haven't started the 2nd draft of "A Taste", my second short story, like I promised I would. My intention was to start the 2nd draft after completing the 1st draft of my novel. The reality is is that I'm having way too much fun working on the novel. I like the direction "A Taste" is going, and I'm sure I'll pick it up again soon...just not yet.

"The Death Bump" is no longer available on the online version of Allegory Magazine (sad face), since their Fall issue is now available. If you want to get "The Death Bump" from there, it still can be retrieved in print form via their archives. I think there's a small charge for it. Now I am wondering what to do with that short story. I guess my options are to display it freely for all to see (like it was on Allegory's site) or try to shop it around some more. For now, I think I'm going to keep it to myself until I get more accomplished with my other projects. But if anyone would like to read it again or for the first time, please let me know, and I will gladly ship it your way!

Thanks for reading!

-- Tim

Updates...it has been awhile!

I apologize for my two-month-long disappearing act, but be assured that I have been dutifully chipping away at my novel, page by page, since my last update. I'm happy if I get a page written per morning during the week; on the weekends I aim for two or three. In between those thin slices of writing times, there's the day job, other obligations, etc., etc., etc.

I am glad to say that since my last update (the one about my scorched lawn), not only has my grass revitalized significantly, but the pages of my novel have, just as slowly, piled into chapters. I am about two chapters from completing the secondary character's POV...which means I'm two chapters from completing the first draft of "The Sorcerer's Paragon"! Then it's on to the tons of necessary revisions...but hey...one small victory at a time.

I have been pouring my "writing" time into the novel; so I have no updates to report for my next short story, "A Taste", or the research I was doing for my next longer writing project. I have a few ideas for more short stories too. I've jotted them down for safe-keeping but refuse to do more with them until I make headway with my current projects. "The Death Bump" is still online, available in the Spring/Summer issue of Allegory E-zine. Please check it out and let me know what you think if you haven't already. Also, please become a member of my blog. I plan on plastering some of my work here soon, but I want to make it available to those who would actually want to read it. I think I can limit those snippets to members in that regard.

As far as my reading goes, I am nearing the end of "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin. It has a great central story line that is told through the eyes of the various members of the Stark family. Each character not only does his/her duty to add vivid color to the overall plot line but spins deep, interesting side-stories of their own as well. I have the next book in Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, "A Clash of Kings", but I may switch back to something a little lighter before I take that one on. I am a big Stephen King fan. "Roadwork" is one of his older novels that I haven't read yet. I may pick that up next.

Thanks for reading!

-- Tim

Presenting...The Death Bump

I'm proud to say that my first short story has been published! Please check it out at Allegory Ezine and while you're there, please check out the other exceptional stories as well.

I have another short story in the works as well. Currently it is completed as a first draft, but needs a lot of polish before I submit it anywhere. Once I complete the first draft of my novel, I will give the short story the focus it needs.

Drop me an email with what you think of The Death Bump. I love any and all comments. They all do their part to help me hone my craft and are much appreciated. 

With this post, I'm breaking the champagne bottle over the bow of my new blog. I never had a blog, but I am looking for an easy way to get word out to anyone willing to read my stories. This looks like it will fit the bill nicely.

Let me start by saying "Welcome" and "I'm glad you're here!"

This blog came into being one day after my first-ever acceptance letter. It was for my short story entitled "The Death Bump", which will appear in Allegory's May issue. I'm absolutely thrilled! My goal is to get a few short stories published while I work on finishing my first novel. I'm hoping that by the time I'm done with all the revisions and ready to look for a literary agent, I'll have my name out there...at least a little.

I have a handful of ideas for more stories, and I'm excited to get them written down..and to share them with you. A first draft of my next short story, "A Taste" is complete. I am really trying to finish the first draft of my novel before I put more time into the short stories. Another five chapters and I should be there.

The novel is in the fantasy genre, and my short stories have been dark fiction so far. I have some lighter ideas in mind, but the darker ones are definitely a lot of fun.

I think that's all for now. Thanks again for visiting!