Nearly a year ago I promised I would put more short stories on here. I didn’t. The truth is I do not have very many, and only one really fits the kind of writing I do now. I published that one (The Farnen) on my website in July, and I have been struggling to follow up with more ever since.

Then last week I wrote a post about how hard it is to write while you’re querying, and it seemed to shake something loose. I went on to produce two short stories in as many weeks—one body horror and one dark fantasy. It felt so good to write, to find that flow and ride it from beginning to end.

Now comes the beta-reading and revising part, which is less exciting but no less important. I’m looking forward to it.

Last week I felt lost, like I had no stepping stones toward a successful career as a novelist. These short stories are offering me hope. They may only be first drafts, but I have full stories to work with, which is much better than the partially-started stories that have spent the last few months taunting me.

As I did with The Farnen, I will probably query these new ones, and if they do not find a home in the paying market, I will publish them here and build out my portfolio of short, digestible, free material.

I wish you the best in your creative endeavors.

Until next time,

PRM