Today was a very busy day. The training for my job has kicked in for real and I've been doing training modules with online tests, and my first field tests. It takes a lot of time, but I also got my first paycheck yesterday, too. There's a lot to be said for that! I was able to pay a bill without gnashing my teeth and trying to figure out how to juggle $20 here or $50 there. I like it!
In the evening, I went to a local event of the Ludington Arts Council called Story on Stage. Local writers whose stories were selected had their short stories read by local actors. Ellen urged me to go (she was there too), so I did. My reactions are mixed. Part of the problem is that audio input is my weakest sensory pathway. I have to work really hard to take in stories being read out loud. I also have to confess that I didn't care for three of the stories. They were all well-written... it wasn't that it was a low-quality "hick" production. They just weren't the kind of thing that appeals to me. One was a bleak tale of a failing marriage, one was about a guy who wants to kill himself, and one was the moment-by-moment angst of a mother waiting for the birth of her second baby- and her first one had died at birth.
I've agreed to start going with Ellen to the local writer's support group and see how I like it. We'll see... I don't think I write the visceral kinds of stories that are considered sophisticated. Tonight didn't really encourage me. But, it's good to stretch.
In other writing news, Accentuate Writers has finally announced the winners of the last three contests of 2010. Contests are being temporarily suspended in 2011 so they can get caught up with getting the books published. The three themes were Hope, Faith, and Gratitude. For the first time in the history of my entering these contests one of my stories didn't even make a "Digital Download." I can't complain... my overall track record is too good to be a sourpuss about that. Just for the record, the story that didn't win anything is on the Hope theme, and is called "Doru's Birthday Prayer."
My Faith story is called "Ebeneezer," and it will be offered as a Digital Download. It takes a pretty traditional development of the Faith theme, but I kind of like it. My Gratitude story is called "Thank You," and it won a place in the anthology book "Expressions of Grace." This publishing all takes a LOT of time. The first of my stories that won anything was in November 2009, and that book may be actually available in February... at the earliest.
So, now I have one "leftover" story. It probably needs a couple of friends, and to be made into an ebook. If you want to see the list of all my published and "accepted for publication" works go to Books Leaving Footprints
7 comments:
It is good to hear that you were able to pay a bill without gnashing your teeth.
Have a nice day.
Being able to pay bills without having to gnash teeth is a good feeling. I've always found paying bills to be one of the most stressful things to do.
The story on stage event sounds interesting although I don't always hear well so having a story read to me wouldn't work well. I would miss too much. Doesn't sound like they were very uplifting stories either.
It's always nice to have some money come in to pay those bills. Hope there's plenty left over for fun too!
I'm very happy to have won a copy of your book from Lin! I'm looking forward to reading it! Hope you have a great weekend!
rainfield- it's been a while. It feels REALLY good.
Ann- they are going to do the story readings every 3 months, so I might go again. Hopefully, not all the stories will be this kind.
Sharla- Glad someone won that I "know." Congrats, and thanks for entering.
So glad the job front has worked out for you!
I would have been depressed if I had listened to those stories. You are not alone. :)
I hope I can join you, before too long, in earning some kind of a pay check! I can't even answer the telephone anymore,I am so behind in paying some of my bills! I need to get moved, settled somewhere less expensive, then I'll try to find some kind of part time work.
I am so impressed at all the writing you've done!
Glynis- I'm glad it's not just me. I'll see what kind of writing the group on Tuesday is doing.
Carmen- I've been there, on the bills. Hang in there, and someone will see your talents.
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