This is the longest I've gone without posting something on my blog for a long, long time.
I've been reading. Today is the last day to get your submissions in for Blade Red Press' Dark Pages Volume One Anthology. I've been reading, and weighing up stories like a mad man. Except for the past few days...
I figured I should take a few days break every now and then to refresh the brain, like sipping from a glass of water to refresh the palette during a meal to reinvigorate the taste buds in readiness to truly appreciate the next course, so I wanted a reinvigorated the lump of grey matter to savour what you took the time to submit to us.
I currently have 23 stories in my 'to-be-read' submissions pile. I've been told we've had over 250 submissions for this anthology of which I've read just about all of them over the last two months. I expect a sudden rush of last minute arrivals today, and then I'll have a final push to finalise my choices for the second round of reading. I really want all authors who've submitted to know where they sit in regards to their story being on hold or if they are free to submit to other markets before mid-December. According to Duotrope, I have a 17.5 day average time for responding, with a 40 day max. I think this is pretty good seeing how we have stated 6-8 weeks.
In other news (for those interested) - we maintained our unbeaten run in cricket on Saturday, knocking off the top team. With terrible weather making the ground close to unplayable, the team rallied together and moved a mountain of soil with bare hands, milk crates and a single broom to ensure we had the opportunity to gain a result. Well done to everyone involved! Depending on other results, we are either top or still sit second. If the later, then we have an opportunity to knock off the new top team this coming weekend. Keep your fingers crossed we can keep our run going.
Yesterday, my wife and I took our grandson out for a few hours. It was a good time. I really must post some new photos of the little man so you can all see how big he's grown.
That's enough waffle from me. Congratulations to everyone who took part in NaNo this year. Your efforts have been inspiring and awesome to those of us who have sat on the sidelines with our pom-poms. Remember, it doesn't matter if you got to 50K or not, it was the commitment to writing that was the winner. Now you can either finish that manuscript or polish it to within an inch of its life over the next few months. I am more than sure there will be a few gems out there.
Time for me to get back to reading...
The Time Machine Australia Bound
2 weeks ago
I just finished nano a couple of days ago (Yay!) so I never had the time to write another story to submit to you. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the antho is a little poorer for authors taking part in NaNo and I'm guessing Blade Red will take this into account for Volume Two. Maybe they can look at how much time it takes us this time round and then bring the whole process forward so we look more at a release date around October(ish).
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing NaNo. Keep volume two in mind for future stories and stay tuned for a series of posts from both me and Alan Baxter on how this whole process has gone and tips on having a greater chance of success in the future.
Cricket still baffles me, but I can understand top/second place. Hope you find yourself in the former, but if you have to beat the newcomers, have at 'em.
ReplyDeleteCute new avatar, Aaron. I'm sure I could teach you the basics of the game over a few cold beers in no time...
ReplyDeleteI shudder at the idea of battling through 250 stories. Good luck with the final pick.
ReplyDeleteWell, I must say I love those response numbers. I so appreciate it when an editor achieves a fast turn a round when possible, but I understand the rigors.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the cricket. Go Team!.
I am going to be curious what stories made the cut. good luck getting to the bottom of the reading and the decision making begins, a job that I don't envy.
ReplyDeleteHuzzah for your cricket team : )
ReplyDeleteWell done getting through that many stories. You'll be wanting a vacation when you're done :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of stories to read in such a short time. I'm impressed and deeply grateful that I don't have to do it. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the cricket run!
ReplyDeleteAlso, the idea of the mental sip of water is probably very, very necessary in your position. You're handling it all like a champ-- which you are, but that's not the point. Though it sounds incredibly difficult, your attitude also makes it sound fun :D