Today is one of those days when I'm not quite sure what I want to say, but feel compelled to post anyway. It's been a crazy week. Our camper suffered damage due to high winds--now fixed. Our older dog had a stroke--she's doing way, way better now though. My rejection list topped 55--a number that makes me cringe.

I know it shouldn't. I know if God plans for my book to be published it will be. Regardless of publishing trends. Regardless of gate-keepers that only look for particular types of books and base their acceptances and rejections on a one-page letter, having never laid eyes on any of my actual writing.

I am doing the only thing I can--I'm writing. Working on my second book. Writing short stories as they come to me. Sending queries and researching markets. Trying my best to act on faith.

Oh, I didn't mean for this post to be a bummer. I'm still bustin' over the news that I made Editor's Choice in The Absent Willow Review (they make the official announcement tomorrow!). And one of my bestest writer friends is getting a contract with an epublisher for her first novel--I'm SO excited for her! Once I get the official OK from her, I'll post all about it. And follow that by nagging everyone to order the book! :)

OK, so I'll finish up with a video...a seriously old one. This is a song I grew up listening to on my Dad's records--yep, actual vinyl. Magic and Dragons...how can ya not love this song!

Editor's Choice!!!

I was going to wait until the official announcement on Sept 1st--it is only a few days away, after all. But then, I never proclaimed to be patient!

My short story--"Willing Blood"--that is in The Absent Willow Review right now has just been selected as "Editor's Choice."

I am SO excited about this. You know how happy I was to get accepted by this mag. To be chosen from two issues' worth of stories...well, needless to say, I'm totally honored!!

Woo-hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception, by Maggie Stiefvater

First of all, what a cool last name--Steifvater--I love finding people with last names that are harder to spell than mine :).

This book grabbed me from the beginning, and I could NOT put it down. I read the whole thing in one day, while camping this weekend. Sorry, hubby, you and the kids go have fun--I'm reading!

Lament has all the same elements that Twilight has (or at least, the first chapters of Twilight that I dragged myself through): A quirky girl with self-esteem issues, a dangerous and totally hot guy, a "should I or shouldn't I" kind of relationship, bizarre happenings...Oh, but THIS book is incredibly well-written!

Deirdre is an immensely talented harpist with a real future at becoming a professional musician, despite her...unusual...pre-show ritual. On the day of a huge competition, Luke walks into Deirdre's life. Dreamy Luke. Mysterious Luke...

Now, you all know I'm not into romance novels. But when they involve such engaging characters (take a note here, Stephenie, "engaging"--not whiney or mean) I can't help but get sucked into the story. And there is a real story here--not just the romance! Deirdre's relationship with Luke is just the door that opens her to a whole new world right in her own town...one of faerie and deception.

I can't wait to read more by this author. Her voice is unique--contemporary, but not rude. Really strong characterization skills. And perfect pacing. From what I understand, there is a sequal to this, but it's not out yet. I'll be looking for it, for sure!

Here it is!

My short story "Willing Blood" is officially published in The Absent Willow Review!

A bit nervous, I admit...this was the first short story I ever wrote. It's listed as a horror, and I've stated in previous posts that this is a dark story. So, if ya don't like that sorta thing, ya been warned.

They picked a cool piece of art to go with it, I must say. I've been so curious to see what would be selected. I've mentioned before how impressed I am with the writing in this magazine, but I've neglected (shame on me!) the incredible artwork on there as well!

OK, now get ta readin'!


*Update*

I posted a pdf of my description of the allegory/symbolism in "Willing Blood." This is for those who didn't quite see the allegory or who don't want to read the story but are interested in how someone can call "horror" Christian. (I suppose if you saw all the allegory, you can simply read it and nod in agreement :).

Be warned--there are plot spoilers in the description!

Here's the link: Allegory of Willing Blood

My hippie side...

So, no real post today, just a video. Taking cues from my friend KM Wilsher and featuring a video of a special song. I saw these guys about a million years ago on "Late Night With David Letterman." Holy garage band, Batman, I found the video from that night. I fell in love with this sound.

Drivin' and Cryin'.

Peace.

The Absent Willow Review, and my tangential ramblings

It's your last chance to read the current stories in The Absent Willow Review (an online magazine of fantasy, sci-fi, and horror) before they're moved to the archives. The next issue is published on August 16th, when my story "Willing Blood" will appear!

I've found that this zine publishes some stories with a spiritual edge. Last month "In The Valley of Dry Bones" grabbed my attention. This month, it was "Between the Toes."

This has made me think about the strict labelling of Christian and secular work. I've found that a lot of secular writing, even books and stories by horror writers, have underlying and brilliantly woven Christian messages. But Christian writing has these set parameters, requiring messages to be obvious. Despite the claims of Christian publishers that they do not want "preachy" writing, I've found that much Christian writing lacks subtlety. Big time.

One of the things that got me writing in the first place was my fascination with the skill with which J.K. Rowling imbued Christian symbolism into the Harry Potter books. Not once was there a direct reference. Working her beliefs into the structure of the story impressed me more than any writing that spells out its message in bright, bold letters. I love to solve puzzles, and I revelled in the uncovering of Rowling's symbolism. I also love explaining it to people--so many feel her books are anti-Christian because of the magic.

Those same people are probably going to think me blasphemous for my story that is forthcoming in The Absent Willow Review . But "Willing Blood" is allegorical. It's dark (my best friend called it "disturbing, but in a good way"), probably borderline horror, but I know I wrote this story with my heart in the right place.

I can't write sunshine-and-daisies Christian fiction because I'm not a sunshine-and-daisies Christian. I'm a caught-in-the-battle Christian. I came from a Christian home, but strayed away during my teen years. I've seen the dark side. It's a very real place. And I feel closest to God when I think about those times. It was He who pulled me out, and it wasn't an easy process. But He fought for me. Died for me. A bloody, painful, and gruesome death. It's not all rainbows and pretty gold crosses on sparkly necklaces.

There is a place for that kind of writing. So please don't run off and think I'm bashing Christian books for having positive and uplifting messages! I just don't want to be made to feel ashamed for writing outside of that label.

Anyway, three more days until "Willing Blood" comes out in The Absent Willow Review. And I'm so proud to have been accepted by them!

For the good of Goblinkind

The Scholastic Book Warehouse Sale comes to our neck of the woods once or twice a year. I normally leave with a few easy readers for my kids and a couple of YA fantasy titles for myself. More often than not, the YA fantasy books are mediocre, but I'm only paying a dollar or two for each of them. It's a gamble.

Once in a while, though, I grab a book that makes me feel like I got a true bargain--a great book that I enjoy from cover to cover. That's happened on my last trip, when I picked up The Goblin Wood, by Hilari Bell.

The main character, Makenna, is a hedgewitch, as was her mother, whom the townspeople put to death for practicing magic. Makenna exacts her revenge, and then flees for the forest, where she forms an alliance with the misunderstood goblins.

Soon she has become leader of a goblin army that must defend themselves against the ruling Hierarchy that is leading the humans into goblin territory. The only way the Hierarchy can fight back is to send in a spy--a knight who needs to reclaim his honor. But will Sir Tobin follow through with his orders after meeting Mackenna and the goblins?

The world Hilary Bell has created is vivid and fascinating. Nothing on the cover indicated that the book was the first in a series, but the ending left a wide door open (still a satisfying ending, but one that obviously shows there's more to come). I was SO happy to know I could continue the adventure because I didn't want to leave!

The next book in the series is called The Prophecy, and I can't wait to get my hands on it!