Being a Science Fiction Writer Means Writing, Not Waiting

I'm reposting this entry from two years ago, since it's still valid for writers today. I've added some updates too.

Many readers don't realize that I have written over 150 published and paid non-fiction articles. A good 3/4 of those were about annihilating your credit card, before it annihilated your life. The remainder were a miscellany of topics surrounding jewels, green living, and the 2010 Olympics. 

Besides writing some guest blogs and working on my own blog I've switched over to fictional writing.

When I was about 15 I wrote this rivetting story about the end of the universe. I wish I hadn't trashed it but it was the first science fiction story I ever wrote.

I started up again around the early 1990s with Dr. Who fan fiction. Many of my stories appeared in Mythmakers and DWIN's (Doctor Who Information Network) Enlightenment magazine.

Last year I had my short story, "Zombies Against the Confederacy of Steam," published in Marion Margaret's anthology entitled, "Confederacy of Steam Vs Zombies".

This year I've had another short story accepted to AlfieDog.com. It's historical Egyptian fiction centering around a single parent family that lives in the City of the Dead. You can click here to download it. It's around $1 to buy "The Glass Marble". The short story is family-friendly and can be read to younger children. The editor felt that adults may also wish to read the story, hence its genre on the site.

I have about seven other short stories at publishers, hoping they will be accepted. I also am editing a YA novel that needs to go somewhere before spring starts. I am working on a non-fiction fictional book, if that makes sense? I've created a whole new genre! I intend on setting up a fun new website, which will require written content. I also continue to work on this blog, which hasn't generated a lot of income for me, perhaps a hot chocolate or two. So, lots of projects in progress.

What is my main writer's block? It's insomnia! I can't sleep at night, so I lay there, feeling sick and crappy. I finally get to sleep for a few hours, get out of bed and feel horrible the rest of the day. While I've trained myself to be on the computer even when I feel crappy, the time spent in bed, and the time spent sleeping all add up. I'm still trying to work on fixes for this situation so I can double my writing and work time. You can say it's a work in progress.

What it all comes down to is that being a writer is more than merely dreaming, being a writer is actually doing. 

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Confederacy of Steam Vs Zombies Now Available for Purchase!

Earlier this year Marion Margaret Press send out a call for submissions for their new Confederacy of Steam Vs Zombies anthology in the fall. I recalled that I had a Steampunk story in my folder that hadn't found a home yet. Since the guidelines said there had to be zombies, I decided to rewrite my story to fit the theme.

My short story is entitled, "Zombies Against the Confederacy of Steam" and is set in Victorian times with strong female characters. I decided to tell my story from the view of the zombies. I won't say any more than that, so as not to spoil the reading for my fans.

You can buy a digital copy for a mere $2.99 here on Smashwords. Next month the printed version should be available for purchase and I'll post further details on that date.

There will also be second Steampunk Air Ship anthology next year, and I do plan on sending a submission in. I don't have anything ready at the moment, so I'll need to write up something fantastic.

If you're tired of reading Cherie Priest or Gail Carrigar, please give this anthology a go, and thank you in advance for your support.