Okay, so it’s been a while since I last posted, and I’ll just go with “because I’ve been busy.”

In truth, I did accomplish a lot over the last year, advancing my writing career as much or more than any previous year.

So let’s recap…

I started working with professinal editors, using such fine services as Writer’s Digest’s 2nd Draft critique service and TypeRight editing. Both of those services more than lived up to their reviews, providing me with excellent analysis of my writing, boosting my skills and confidence by acknowledging my strengths and showing me where I could improve. Their help has been invaluable in my growth as a writer.

Thanks to the aforementioned services, I reached a new milestone in my continued participation in the Writers of the Future contest, earning a Semi Finalist ranking for the first time. It’s pretty much the best I’ve done so far in any writing forum, so I’m proud of it. I’ve also gotten a couple more Honorable Mention nods, which is always much appreciated. I must say that Writers of the Future is the reason I’m still writing today. If not for their recognition and encouragement early in my endeavours, I wouldn’t have continued.

I also took other active steps to improve my skills this year. My interest and modest achievements in writing flash fiction led me to take a course in it, from the online publication Flash Fiction Magazine. The pricing was attractive, and the course proved to be easy to follow, concise and informative, and well taught, with plenty of engaging writing exercises and prompt instructor feedback. I enjoyed it, and learned from it.

As a result of that course, I reached a new publishing venue, when Flash Fiction Magazine agreed to publish my original work, “Last Steps,” in their weekly newsletter. It’s always gratifying to find a new home for my work, and the more places I can get published, the better. I’m very grateful for their acceptance. Read the story here: https://flashfictionmagazine.com/blog/2019/11/29/last-steps/

I’d also like to thank the wonderful people at Reedsy, who continue to provide excellent education and opportunities for emerging writers. Their free email course, articles, and weekly writing prompt contest are such amazing resources for anyone interest in learning about writing or getting their work on display. I was fortunate enough to win the contest a couple times this year, giving me the occasional, much-needed boost to my confidence. I can’t thank them enough.

And that’s about it. Until my next big achievement, I wish you all good reading, good writing, and don’t forget to love what you do.