66

I had a short story accepted today. It's my 66th acceptance of the year.

I also had a short story published.

Published Twice...and more

My story "The Greatest Gift" appears in the December True Romance and I wrote the Manspeak column--"Giving Thanks"-- in the December True Confessions.

I also had an article accepted for publication in January.

Published

My story "God Bless Us, Every One" appears in the December issue of True Story, on newsstands now.

Two Sales

I received contracts for two short stories today, making them my 63rd and 64th acceptances of the year.

The Writing Rollercoaster

2006 is turning into a rollercoaster year. While I'm earning more from freelancing than any previous year, and while this is on track to be one of my best years ever for total number of manuscripts accepted for publication, my editors have been playing musical chairs and publications I'd been selling to have either downsized or ceased publication.

As I wrap up 2006 and look forward to 2007, I find that I need to split my attention. I need to find ways to increase the amount of work I do for existing clients and editors. At the same time, I need to spend time seeking new markets to replace those I've lost or am about to lose.

It also means I need to do more writing on spec than I have the past year. I'd been feeling comfortable--too comfortable, as it turns out--with the number of assignments and opportunities that were dropping in my lap. It's time to get back to my roots, in a sense, and see if I can start flooding slush piles with new manuscripts as I explore new markets or make new attempts to break into markets that have previously kept their pages remarkably free of my work.