Today, I took my first step to becoming a writer.
Did I write a story?
No.
Did I write a novel?
No.
Did I write a simple poem?
No.
I didn't write anything at all. Well, I did, but that's not what today is all about. Today, I started down the long, hard journey to publication. I sent out two of my stories, The Lunatic, and The Board to professional, paying journals. The first I sent to Weird Tales, and the second to a journal called Shock Totem.
Here is my plan:
1) Write lots of stories. I'm already on the way, there.
2) Publish in a professional market. This is what separates the men from the boys, the women from the girls.
3) Join a professional organization. Most likely, the HWA.
4) Publish some more. Build up a platform.
5) Publish a novel.
6) Relish in the rewards of... Well, whatever.
My wife noticed that I have a box on the computer dedicated to collecting rejection slips. Pessimism? No. Realism. Last time I did this, fifteen years ago, that's all I got.
