trampling virgin soil

Today is a good mail day.

Not only did I get a cheque for my short story “Home” from Tim Deal at Shroud Magazine, but I received the latest edition of Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet, which is always cause for celebration. It contains a new story by Maureen F. McHugh, whose molecules are imbued with awesome, and whose writing always pulses with genuine emotion. I can’t wait to read it, and the other work by an impressive line-up of talented writers.

In the meantime I’m enjoying my stint in research-world, one of my favourite places to explore. Sometimes I discover entire new continents, and stand upon the shore breathless at the novelty of the land. Other times while wandering along a well-trodden path I notice a boreen obscured by tangled undergrowth and draping branches. I pull out my machete and cut through the briars and vines until I stand in a glade of informational treasures I’ve never witnessed before. It’s worth the muck and the insect bites.

Alas, eventually I will have to retreat with my bags stuffed with knowledge, and attempt to apply it to my screenplay. Research is wonderful, but it can be a distraction from the graft of writing.

Tally-ho!