Congratulations to a Fellow Writer

A writer "friend" of mine has received the distinguished honor of having his short story nominated for the Million Writers Award Notable Stories of 2004. I, along with a few others on my writers' forum had the pleasure of reading this story last year and the award is well deserved.

Congratulations Mark Vender!

Here is the link to his work:

http://www.summersetreview.org/04fall/antipodes.htm

Also, congratulations to all the other artists who made the list.

My story, A Soldier's Story, was nominated by me and a few other people with now twisted arms but alas, it didn't make the list. There's always next year.

My poem, Elsewhere, will be published in issue 35 of Zygote In My Coffee. It is funny how the truly scathing pieces of my poetry that are neglected by the mainstream are picked up and loved by these fine folks in the UK.

I submitted four poems to Eclectica Magazine and four poems to Failbetter Magazine. I also sent a note to Solander Magazine regarding a short story I sent them last October. I hate to be a pest but if they didn't like it, then just let me know.

I didn't get any writing done yesterday but today I must finish issue 66 of the serial. I plan to get through issue 68 by Sunday.

On the book review front, I have requested In The Land Of Second Chances, by George Schaffner and Waterbourne by Bruce Murkoff from the library to review for Midwest Book Review in April. I'll also be reviewing The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty and The Gnostic Gospels of Jesus: The Definitive Collection of Mystical Gospels & Secret Books About Jesus of Nazareth by Marvin Meyer. Whew, it's a good thing I love to read!

I sometimes wonder if I'm attempting to be something I'm not. I'm a loner and not gregarious in the least. I despise the part of Mass on Sunday where the congregation has to shake one another's hand and say "Peace Be With You." I don't mind wishing a stranger peace, but must I shake their hand? I also prefer to sit at ball practices with my nose in a book or with my pencil and notebook. My husband made the comment that I look like a snob. So just so I'm clear with myself, here is what I am:

1. I am 5'3" tall with dirty blonde hair streaked with gray which is artistically hidden by the best hairdresser in the city.
2. I am a wife of one husband and a mother of four children, one cat and one dog.
3. I am a part time employee for a fulfillment / distribution center.
4. I am a pickup-truck-driving-rough-around-the-edges gal who can clean up right nice.
5. I love New Age, Classical and Celtic music and many Soundtrack arrangments. I also like a bit of Alternative and a pinch of Country
6. I believe in Heaven Hell and all points in-between.
7. I don't take kindly to bullshit, liars, cheaters or thieves, and I'll let you know when I hear it or see one.
8. I'm an average cook and house cleaner, but I can make a mean Bourbon Slushy.
9. I'm a germ phobe, who washes her hands at least 20 times a day.
10. There are times when need my mouth washed out with soap.
11. I'm guilty of doing one or more stupid thing a day.
12. I'm devoted, caring and loyal to those I love and a hell of an actress to those I don't.
13. I'm a LONER who is a WRITER - now get off my back.

All right, I feel much better now that I have that off my chest.

BK