Musing Aloud

OMG!  I've had THREE!!!! -- yes, count them, THREE!!!! -- pieces of awesome news since Friday that have me on top of the world.  One would have been just awesome by itself, but all three put together have me absolutely walking on air.  Pardon my exuberance, I feel like a fangirl squeeful of giggly.

On Friday I had another CT scan and my diverticulitis infection appears to be settled.  I thought I was going to have to go through another course of those antibiotics that end up only making me sicker.  That was awesome in itself, especially given the headaches and hassles I went through that day waiting for insurance approval because the Dr. wanted it done before 5 pm.  

Then last night (after a busy day of tamale making!) I returned home to find an email from Jeanne Cavalos of Odyssey Writing Workshop.  No, I didn't apply for the 6 wk course, I just can't do that.  But for what I believe is the first time ever, they are running some online classes during January and Febuary.  I applied for the 3-Act Structure in Fantastic Fiction course.  I was ACCEPTED!  I am so excited about this opportunity to learn more skills.  *dancing on air* over this one.  More info on those classes can be found at the Odyssey site.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank once again the most awesome editor EVER!!! -- K. Allen Wood of Shock Totem fame.  He has been so supportive and caring.  And he's just a fun guy, too.  He was one of the references I used in the Odyssey Online Class application, and he has enthusiastically supported and encouraged me.  Please support his fine magazine, he certainly deserves accolades himself for all the hard work and enthusiasm.

This morning came my 3rd bit of goodness.  It seems I may end up published at long last in ASIM!!!!  I've had about 3 stories held to final round, but never taken.  It appears they are considering one.  I've had a conditional acceptance.  The editor still needs to go over the story and may ask for rewrites, etc, which could affect the acceptance of the final story.  So I'll keep my fingers crossed on this one until the contract is in the mail.  But to say I'm excited would be an understatement of the first magnitude.

I think I'll just float off into space now.  I'm pretty sure my feet won't be touching the ground all day.

Still haven't purchased the premiere, #1 Issue of Shock Totem (Curious Tales of the Macabre and Twisted)?  Well, don't despair!  Issue #1 is on sale through Halloween!  This is your chance to read stories by T L Morganfield, Jennifer Pelland, Mercedes M Yardley, Les Berkley, Don D'Ammassa, Pam L Wallace, David Niall Wilson, Brian Rappatta, Kurt Newton, K Allen Wood, Michelle Howarth and conversations with William Ollie, Alan Robert (Life of Agony, Spoiler NYC), and the legendary John Skipp.

From the mouth of Ken Wood himself:  A few times recently we've offered issue #1 at a 40% discount and it's done well. Usually we've only done the sale for a few hours, but we're extending it through Halloween this time (likely longer, too, perhaps through Sunday or Monday). It's an excellent deal ($3.59 per issue).

Those of you who have anxiously awaited the launch of the new magazine, Shock Totem, await no more!  The website is live -- and gorgeous!  Go take a look!  Go on, you know you want to. 

Shock Totem

And issue #1 is available for purchase, for only the measly amount of $5.99, you can own your very own copy! 

And yes, I *do* happen to have a story appearing within those very pages. "Below the Surface" is a dark fantasy story with a tinge of horrorful happenings.  And my fellow flister tlmorganfield 
has the lead story, "The Music Box."

I think this is going to be an awesome magazine.  Ken has been more than pleasant to work with as an editor.  He's kept us informed with regular updates all through the process of launch.  I'm really pleased and can't wait for my contributor's copy.  For those of you going to NECON, free issues will be handed out. 

Seriously, I hope you support Shock Totem.  I know Ken is dedicated to its success.  I think they're still closed to submissions, but trust me, you definitely want to be part of this.