Short Stuff

[Alex Sweeney]

Just started a short story to send off for hopeful inclusion in an anthology. They sent the last one back so the hopeful isn't very hopeful. I think the reason was probably that I had (IMO) great characters, interesting dialog and background and NO PLOT AT ALL....

When I thought about it later, it seemed to me that nothing much actually happened. So I think I would have sent it back too :D That's what you get for writing something at the last minute in a big rush.

Coffee is good. But the skin that forms on top - not good. In fact, gross. And then when you try and remove it to the edge of the cup it gets all over your finger.

[Kerry J Donovan]

I know exaclty what you mean - I'm semi-retired, now living in Brittany. Time on my hands, not much spare cash, a PC and an internet connection. I've been writing forever, but decided to put my stuff 'out there'...

Modest success, but I'm having a blast. 

[Alex Sweeney]

Just poetry and small press magazine stuff - reviews and articles. Decided to get on with writing seriously after some life changes left me with more time than money! :)

How about you?

[Kerry J Donovan]

Absolutely - my fault for making the assumption. QL is a widely use term in the US but less well known in the UK. I'm learning all the time, despite my advanced years. :)

Whoever thought I'd be using this new-fangled Interweb thing?

Have you had any work published yet?

[Alex Sweeney]

Thanks, np, nothing to forgive. Years ago I was really embarrassed if I didn't know something and had to ask but I decided if I was going to be a writer I'd better get over it! :)

[Kerry J Donovan]

Sorry Alex,

My mistake, ST = 'Short Stuff' - I thought it was your pseudonym but it's the title of your post. Doh - it was late last night when I posted this.

A QL is a query letter - the thing you send to agents when pitching a book or story for publication. 

Forgive my shorthand. 

[Alex Sweeney]

Thanks very much Kerry. What are ST and QL?

[Kerry J Donovan]

Hi ST - I'm new here and wanted to wish you well for the story. I hate the QL and waiting process - always seems to take so damned long - and the rejections are piling up.

BTW - plotting is everything, so's the characters, the writing, the emoting, the background colour...