|
Nothing I can say here will be as interesting as my books. I have lived virtually everything described in them, except for the spirit rituals in Brazil. Those are kind of hairy, and while my husband and I lived there we never once considered attending one session. They are usually set in dangerous locations and perilous to blatant newcomers. I researched those rituals in Portuguese. Although I know a lot of spells to cast, I haven't dared use any of them to persuade an editor to buy.
Newsletter Dated: 12/9/2003 10:42:48 AMSubject: First Place!!! This December, 2003, my short story "Cicadas" took first place in the Louise T. Reynolds Memorial Fiction Awards. The large check--not so much the money as the proof of worth--was a happy change from the rejection letters that make up three out of every five communications from editors. It's nice to be shown appreciation once in a while. Let us be honest: a sum of money is still better than praise unaccompanied by a check. Humanity still measures itself by that standard.
Goes without saying we are not talking about Mother Teresa or so many other selfless workers for the good of others.
The many kudos quoted in the letter from the editor were further affirmation that I'm not so bad a writer. Actually, that is false modesty: I know I am good. I paid my dues and worked my apprenticesip for 23 years. That practice, practice, practice, had to show somewhere.
I have posted "Cicadas" under Stories on this site. The issue of the new renaissance (literary journal, lower case intentional) #33 carried "Cicadas." The Small Magazine Review selected tnr#33 as a January/February Pick in 2000.
Thanks for your interest, everyone!
|
|
