Yesterday I completed an inventory of my short stories. It was a useful exercise, even though it left me dissatisfied with the result. I noted how many stories I’ve written over the past three years, the date they were completed, and their current status (at market, trunked, etc.). I listed the stories that languish in an unfinished state also, which was handy because it reminded me of several that have potential. This stock-check revealed an unpleasant truth, however: I need to write more new stories (and scripts, etc.). It’s easy to be distracted by the revision and submission process, which is an essential on-going task. Yet, even though it’s an…

I have plans. I’m a relatively organised person. I have a little calendar plug-in for my Thunderbird email client, in which a spectrum of coloured calendars tracks my progress on specific ventures. Rather like a kaleidoscope of confetti strewn around me. A couple of nights ago I succumbed to a fever of organisation and created a document in which I will track from now on, month by month, what work I’ve completed (the media, whether it’s new, a rewrite, etc.), and what has gone out to market. For instance, it might take a number of weeks/months of percolation and redrafting before a story is offered up to the wardens of…