Seriously. I'm now the only unpublished (in crime) member of LadyKillers. Sure, I have a short story coming out in a Sisters in Crime anthology, but that's nothing like the achievements of my fellow LadyKillers!
So, don't listen to a word I say.
Go read a book, enjoy the waning days of summer. I'm here behind my desk, still finishing up edits that should have been done a month ago. Once the book is really done, I'll have plenty of advice to share!
I can't resist two things:
1. Every. Word. Counts.
2. Do what you have to, to get to the page every day. Hire a shrink, divorce your spouse, whatever is getting in your way--get rid of it or fix it.
Posted by: Mysti | August 04, 2012 at 11:16 AM
I remember a great talk you gave on the craft of writing . It was excellent. You're a writer, published yet or not, you're a writer.
Posted by: Camille Minichino | August 04, 2012 at 11:40 AM
Thanks Camille! You're so sweet!!!!!
Posted by: Mysti | August 04, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Ditto from Rita. Don't be so modest. Here's advice. Don't be modest at all
rita
Posted by: rita lakin | August 04, 2012 at 11:45 AM
I'll work on it Rita!!!!
Posted by: Mysti | August 04, 2012 at 11:45 AM
Good advice from Rita and Camille! :-D And now, a question from me: What's the short story and what's the anthology and when will it be published? Inquiring minds want to know! :-)
Posted by: Ann | August 04, 2012 at 03:18 PM
. .. And great advice from you too, Mysti!
Eeesh. I pushed the POST button without reading first. My advice: Always re-read before pushing POST (or SEND).
Posted by: Ann | August 04, 2012 at 03:20 PM
Mysti - Hey, don't put yourself in a different box from the rest of us - you have a story coming out! And remember that term we use for the colleagues who haven't got something to stack on the coffee table: "pre-published." Just make sure you tell us the pub date so we can celebrate with you!
Posted by: Susan Shea | August 04, 2012 at 11:41 PM
Don't knock the short story, Mysti! I am jealous because I can't write them!
Posted by: Priscilla | August 05, 2012 at 03:31 PM
I'd like to add that Mysti did a great job moderating the panel on short stories at the PSWA confernce last month. The short story is an art form unto itself and they're hard to do. If you've got one coming out a novel shouldn't be far behind. Congratulations.
Posted by: Michael A. Black | August 06, 2012 at 09:02 AM