Some said it couldn't be done, that we'd sacrifice quality for quantity.
52 short stories written and submitted in 52 weeks? Were we insane?
Ray Bradbury once said, "If you can write one short story a week – doesn't matter what the quality is to start, but at least you're practicing. At the end of the year, you have 52 short stories, and I defy you to write 52 bad ones. Can't be done."
But going into last year's Write1Sub1 challenge, I knew I was no Bradbury. I had only 5 short stories published and a growing mound of rejection letters. Following Bradbury's example was something I'd hoped to try at some point in the distant future—maybe once I'd retired. But teaching full-time AND writing, editing, and submitting a new short story every week? It wouldn't be easy.
It wasn't. At times, I questioned whether I'd ever be able to reach the finish line. Some stories wrote themselves, but others were like pulling out my own teeth. Regardless, I DID IT, and I can honestly say I wrote some of my best work last year.
Of the 157,000 words written and submitted in 2011, 15 of my 52 stories have already been sold to paying markets, and I hold high hopes for the rest. In addition, I wrote a lot of haiku and microfiction, and 83 pieces were accepted/published.
Write1Sub1 RELOADED starts today, and my New Year's resolution is to write and submit at least one new short story every month. Stepping down from the weekly challenge should provide more time for my novel-length projects, and I'm looking forward to moderating the site with W1S1 veterans Simon Kewin, Steve Ramey, and Stephanie Loree.
It's never too late to join. What have you got to lose?
H A P P Y N E W Y E A R !
27 comments:
You are the master of the short stories, Milo!
I'm looking forward to another great year, Milo. And I still haven't decided if I'm doing the skinny or full fat version.
I hope to have a similar success story this time next year. I'm both excited and intimidated, but isn't that how all young adventurers start their quests?
I am in the same boat that you were. I've sent out stories but only have 3 published tales. A few that were accepted in 2011 came back to me after markets folded. And I have a few still out there.
So, I hope I can enjoy your success and complete a lot more stories this year - and add more published works to my portfolio! WOO!
Alex: I'm no Jedi -- still learning a lot from the masters!
Deborah: I'm sure you could do the fat version again, without a doubt. I may have to turn the monthly challenge into bi-weekly, but only if my novels are lagging.
Devin: You know it, dude. Harness those jitters!
Mary: Don't you hate it when markets go the way of the dodo bird without warning? Here's to a VERY successful 2012 for all of us.
Congrats, Milo! Thanks for always being so supportive. I'll probably stick to the monthly version for this year, but I'm pleased that I wrote more in the last half of 2011 than I have in my entire life. :)
Happy New Year, Milo!
And 52 stories written -- wow! Quite the accomplishment, I bet you're proud. :)
Brenda: I enjoyed your "Little Brother" in the latest Bards and Sages -- nice & creepy.
Defcon: I'm pleased with the body of work that came out of last year -- some of my best stories, I think. Now if only more editors would agree...
Congratulations on all of your successes, Milo. I expect you to win some short story awards this year and to hear your name bandied about by the pinnacles of the publishing industry.
2011: OWNED.
Beautifully done, Milo. And on a selfish note, I must say I'm glad RPP could benefit :D
Really cool! Great stats...I mean, REALLY great! :-D
Congratulations, Milo, on your W1S1 success, but more importantly on your continued ascendance as a writer.
I'm psyched for 2012. May we meet in Asimov's :-)
Happy new year, Milo! Congratulations on such an amazing 2011. Wishing you even more success in 2012!
Happy New Year, man! What a great accomplishment. I cannot even imagine doing that for a year. Don't look now but you may be one of the masters! Have a great 2012!
now this definitely sounds like something I could get into. I'll go read the other blog, but one probably moronic question but here goes anyways "where do you submit to?"
Michael: That would be nice -- but I'd settle for 2 more SFWA pro sales!
Katey: I'm so glad The Red Penny Papers is going to give Mercer a new home. He's been suffering from cabin fever lately.
Anthony: Thank you, sir; onward and upward this year.
Steve: Asimov's or bust!
Jennifer: Gracias. One can hope, right?
Chuck: You too, sir; thanks.
Dafeenah: One word - Duotrope. Starting out in 2009, I would have been lost without that site. Here's a direct link.
Wow. Congratulations and happy new year! That's awesome you did the challenge. I wish I had the time for the big challenge, but one of my goals is similar. I'm writing one new short story a month and submitting it this year too. Alex suggested I come by your blog and say hello. Hiya! Good luck.
Was bored online last weekend, thought I'd read some MJF. Found "Tomorrow's Dawn"--interesting how you took a real encounter and turned it into a very believable and potent sci-fi story. Nice work!
I'm going for the full weekly challenge this year. Let's rock, Milo.
Christine: And good luck to you, as well! It's sure to be another awesome year of writing and subbing.
Devin: I'm glad you were bored -- and thanks for reading! That story being my only pro-sale so far, I must say I'm fairly pleased with it.
Stephanie: Way to go -- it won't be easy, but you'll be glad you did.
Such a wonderful year, Milo. But, for the record, yes, we were insane. And, I'm glad to see, still are ...
Wow! What a rad idea. I've got to try this:) Big congrats on your success and stamina:)
Way to go, Milo. What a great year it was for you. Persistence pays off.
Looking forward to hearing more about your bigger projects!
Simon: It's a productive insanity, at least.
Mark: Never too late to sign up, sir. Go for it!
Jay: Four novels to revise, one to finish, and at least two new ones to write -- not to mention finding homes for them all. I've got my work cut out for me this year, mos def.
Yep, great stuff all right, Milo. You really encapsulate what W1S1 is all about. Go hard in 2012!
thanks for the duotrope link I've bookmarked it to be sure I don't lose it ..it looks like it'll be very helpful..
Sam: You're too kind. I'll do my best!
Dafeenah: The slogan should be Don't submit without it.
Post a Comment