I didn't accomplish everything I set out to do this summer, but I did make progress on a number of fronts so I'm counting the season as a win.
Back in June, I posted about wanting to get the following done –
* Do some cleaning up, de-cluttering and organizing inside and outside the house.
Eh. A little bit here and there.
* Finish the 202.2 miles challenge. Maybe start one of the 100 miles challenges.
Nope. I really wanted to get the 202.2 miles challenge done by the end of the summer, but for a number of reasons – not all of them my lazy butt's fault! - that didn't happen. I did keep slogging along so miles were made!
Stats as of 8/31/2022 =
163.2/202.2 miles (walking only)
0/100 miles
0/100 miles
* Get at least one draft of my novella done.
Nope. But I got organized, have a loose outline, wrote a chunk of chapters. I believe, think, hope, pray I've got a better handle on it than I did before.
* Write and submit at least two stories to markets.
Yes! I revised one for a contest where it made the finals but didn't rank in the top three. And I wrote a story for a flash fiction contest on literary agent, Janet Reid's, blog. It didn't make the finals, but it received a couple of nice comments from fellow readers. Some of the rules included a word count of 100 words or fewer, and it must contain five words: Depth, Froth, Phase, Showy, Atoll.
Maybe the story will give you a chill despite the summer heat . . .
*****
Dearest Uncle,
My terror has no depth.
With the moon's every phase, this land's black soul takes root, spreads. I curse myself for bringing my family here!
You recall the elusive beasts, tearing nightly through the fields, strewing shredded entrails as if for show. You suggested I hunt. I found no tracks.
Until now.
They led to the house. Inside, three beasts, blood frothing their mouths, fed on my wife's body.
I pray these words find you, Uncle. Before accepting the legal responsibility that befalls you after my death, know the truth.
Be afraid of my children.
Yours,
A. Tolliver
*****
How was your summer? Accomplish any goals? Make progress on some projects? Have fun?
You did great for the summer! I got a summer job. It was doing something I've never done before but I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patricia! :)
DeleteAnd excellent on the new, enjoyable job!
I think we all wish we got more done. It's great you submitted two stories.
ReplyDeleteI think we all need to not be so hard on ourselves. :)
DeleteThat was chilling. Hey, a couple short stories is a win and you walked a lot of miles.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Alex!
DeleteHi Madeline, I have started plotting my second adult novel.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with it, Rachna!
DeleteGrats on getting some stuff done! Gotta celebrate the small victories. I enjoyed your story! Very cool.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Loni! Those small victories do add up.
DeleteSo glad you enjoyed the story!
Hooray for progress!!
ReplyDeleteAnd that story did give me a chill. Nicely done!!
Thanks, MJ!
DeleteAnd I know you could use a chill here in the FL summer heat. :)
Very cool and chilling story. That is still a lot of miles.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Susan!
DeleteOoh. That was a seriously creepy story, but well done!
ReplyDeleteI applaud you on your progress in writing and walking!
Thanks, Tyrean!
DeleteThat's what I'm trying to focus on - progress, not perfection. :)
Love the story. You're right, it gave me a chill. hehehe
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Thanks, Anna! I'm glad. :)
Delete