Musical Pencil

I'm rather excited. I just received a note from Mikael Covey that a story I submitted to Lit Up Magazine is posted. The story was written based on a prompt on a writer's site. The image was a watercolor of a man in a suit holding the hand of a lady in a long red dress, but she was floating in the air like a kite, they were standing on a lawn. My story is: Warm Spot on the Frosty Lawn . The link is to the left under published stories. Hope you enjoy it. The site has stories from several writers I admire - one I noticed in particular is Brent Powers- he always writes very well. Check it out.

A Handful of Stones has posted one of the small stones I sent them. A stone is a brief poem or literary snapshot. I enjoyed writing a few of them and may do some more

Recently I joined a website where I viewed some pastel drawings by elimae's editor, Cooper Renner. One picture, in particular, inspired me to write a story. I think it happens to look like a transvestite Marilyn Monroe impersonator and the story I wrote based on that picture - reflects that thought. It was a fun little piece and DOGZPLOT snagged it rather quickly. It is now live for your viewing and reading pleasure. I have a warped sense of humor at times, hope no one is offended by it. The link is to the left, under published stories. It is titled, "Hippos in Stilettos". Thanks, Barry Graham and Cooper Renner! OH! Before you click the story link, I insist you click on the link to see Coop's pic. You won't be disappointed.

Good news - Heroin Love Songs took three poems today. This was helpful -- as I am sifting through my bundle of work, attempting to compile a collection, which needs to be postmarked by the 13th of Feb for a contest. I've not entered a chapter book contest before, but I want to print one desperately, so - I think I'm overthinking my choices spread on the floor of my office. The acceptances today were like nudges - send these in, send these in. We'll see how it goes - nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Flashshot took a small 100 word flash called Gator Bait . I'll post the link when it's live. It was inspired by my father - who threatened to feed me to the gators by tying me to the dock - he was joking, but I thought he was serious - so, when he had gallbladder surgery - and I visited him in the hospital - I told him God was getting even with him for saying things like that to me. Kids take things so literally sometimes :)

Two poems are now up at Strangeroad. They are: Sax Lessons & Devil's Horn Sounds Sweet. There are also other poems posted by others you will most likely enjoy reading. So, give it a look-see. I'm not sure if I had an acceptance today or not - I know that sounds funny, but I submitted six sentences to "Six Sentences" (yeah, yeah - I know - pretty obvious) and the editor said, "glad you found us - feel free to post this on the 6S social network". Now, that sounds good, but I don't think setting up your own blog post is what one calls "accepted 0r published". So, I was happy with the invitation - set-up a 6S page and have received several kind comments - I like the site and the people seem to be wonderful. However, as far as duotrope is concerned - I simply removed that one and didn't say anything in reference to accepted or rejected. My Mema always said - when in doubt - don't. All I know is, it didn't feel like rejection - I'...

After several rejections lately, I have an acceptance. Static Movement picked up Cotton Candy Sky, which is a bizarre little sci-fi story I wrote based on a pic prompt on a writing site. It is scheduled to go live tonight. I'll post the link when it's up. Yay, now having that glass of wine. Thanks, Chris - static's editor.