Desire

You can read one of my stories for free!

I do actually still write. I know I am not nearly as prolific as many (most) of the other writers I know, but it is still something I do.

This past Wednesday the folks that came to the Watch the Skies meeting in person got a physical copy of the fanzine. I bring that up because my story Desire is published there.

IF you’re looking for a short story to read head on over to the website and check it out!

New Story!

Just in time for that perennial Summer launching Memorial Day weekend – Fortress Publishing presents : TV Gods – Summer Programming! 18 stories taking your favorite pantheons and mashing them up with memorable TV shows to allow hilarity to ensue. Only $16 and available from Fortress Publishing after 5-27-17.

I’m really looking forward to the book launch at this year’s Balticon!

My story “Somebody’s Got Talent” will be one of the stories in there! IF you want a little teaser – here’s the cover art:

Persuasive

One of the things I’m working toward understanding better is how persuasive a really well written piece can be. I’ve been struggling with some of my writing lately and have thankfully had good readers and editors that have helped me get through the work.

I almost always get caught up in the idea of people reading what I write. That sounds silly since I write and publish stories and articles. Every single time I want to put anything on line, on my web site or even on my Facebook feed where it’s only family and friends I have anxiety over my word choice, my punctuation, my lack of grammatical knowledge and my own imposter syndrome issues (not that I’ve really achieved anything to have that issue, but it’s there).

I know some really excellent writers. I am frequently moved by their descriptions of their travels, words written about the works they’re doing or even something as simple as a book review. I have put more than one thing up on my “to read” list because I read a review written by somebody I know – even if it’s a book about something I have no real interest in reading about.

Letting the truth and passion behind the typing is something I’ll be working hard at. I want to be that good – and that takes practice. Maybe I’ll even get persuade people to pick up a book with one of my stories in it…

Man And Machine!

Man and MachineMan and Machine by Mike McPhail
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Right up front – one of my stories is in here. I *might* be biased in my rating.

I really did enjoy the stories in this book. There are some really good stories and very talented writers in there and I’m very happy to have the chance to share the pages with them.

I won’t give any spoilers, but there is a punch to the feelings at the end.

Go, get a copy!

View all my reviews

Man and Machine

I mentioned in my previous post that I was really looking to get back into my writing and laying down some words. Well, some of that is with particular goals in mind. I’ve been invited to be part of the Man and Machine project!

There is a Kickstarter campaign. I’m behind (as previously noted) BUT still want to recommend that you go to the page and check out the stretch goals. I would love to have a new mission patch!

I’m working on my story for this collection and I’m really excited about it. Take a couple of minutes and check it out.

Check out the Kickstarter!

Check out the Kickstarter!

Still Writing

I know it’s been awfully quiet here lately. I’m working my way back to getting more stuff up here I really am. I’ve got a couple of things lined up. I’ve also received TWO invitations to anthologies! I’m very excited about this and have started cranking away on those ideas already.

More soon!

Still Getting Stuff Out There!

So I totally vague-booked a while back about a story I had high hopes for when I submitted it. I try to stay away from some of the more annoying habits of social media, but I didn’t want to jinx anything. I send the story and had that sliver of hope, that teeny part that thought, “I’m so right on target for this…”

As it turned out the editors that put out the call departed the scene and the theme that I thought my story was perfect for wasn’t actually going to happen.

The folks that picked up the editor process there have sounded like they’re really decent. They went through all the stuff that was submitted for the theme even if they weren’t going to run it. They took the time, even when the clearly didn’t have to.

And that’s when I got my latest rejection letter. Crap.

Kickstarting

I’m happy to say that my short story “Desire” will be part of an anthology project! The story collection will be connected to a strategy board game – and both are based on an alternate history where Japan came out the winner of WWII. It’s a shared world project where my story will actually be braided together with a couple of the other authors’ stories. I’m excited about this project. I’ve been able to read one of the stories mine is braided with and I enjoyed it. I can’t wait to see what the other author comes up with.

So – first things first – here is a link to the Kickstart for the anthology: Tokyo Yakuza

Here is the cool part – I’ve got art that goes with my story. No, it doesn’t match what’s on the Kickstarter but I suspect that’s because I was slow to repsond. My story isn’t available yet – they’re being released piecemeal as the project moves along. I will let everyone know for sure when my story becomes available. Until then, go ahead and check out the first one! It’s up on Amazon: The Things We Try To Forget.

Tokyo Yakuza 31 (Desire)

I will keep everyone up to speed as we move along through the project!