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Hello, Friends!

This newsletter is arriving a little later than expected, but I’m excited to finally share what the past couple of months have been like. So here it is—your July/August update!

Writing Progress

This summer has been all about juggling multiple projects, honing drafts, and pushing stories forward. Here’s a glimpse into what I’ve been up to with my writing:

• “DTD and the Ready, Setty Gang”: After completing the first and second drafts, I brought this story to my writing group to gather feedback. While there’s still work to be done, I’m now gearing up for the third draft, which will involve deeper revisions and polishing. The writing group always provides such valuable insights, and I’m eager to implement their suggestions.
• “A Serpent in Crab Pot 756”: This is another short story that has been slowly evolving. I’ve just finished the second draft and will take it to my writing group as well.
• “The Alan Bigsby Society in the Sisters Phantasm”: I outlined and wrote the first draft of this short story/novelette. I’ve set it aside for now. I’ll revisit it soon enough, but I want to focus on completing the next rounds of revisions for some other projects before diving back into it.

Having multiple works in different stages of development has kept things interesting, but it’s also a balancing act. I’m learning a lot about managing my time and energy across these creative endeavours. Each draft brings its own set of challenges, and there’s something deeply rewarding about watching a story grow from the seed of an idea into something more fully realized.

Rejections: Part of the Process

Ah, rejection—the inevitable companion to every writer’s journey. July and August were filled with a fair share of them, but I’m reminding myself that every rejection is just one step closer to the right home for my stories.

• “Gate of Altan”: This short story faced four rejections over the past couple of months, but it’s still out there in the market, waiting for the right editor to discover it. I’m not giving up on it.
• “Scared Stiff”: This flash story was also rejected once. Flash fiction can be tricky since there’s often less room to showcase voice or world-building, but I’m confident it will land in the right publication soon.
• “Printer Currently Unavailable, Try Again Later” and “The Cul-de-sac Kid”: These two stories are still sitting in their respective queues, awaiting feedback.

Rejections never feel good, but I view them as part of the learning process. Each one brings an opportunity to either revisit a story for revisions or keep sending it out until it finds the right fit. Writing requires resilience, and these rejections are milestones on the path to success.

Life Update: Moving and Milestones

On the life front, July and August have been a whirlwind of activity—primarily because I moved! While I stayed in the same city, this move took me to the opposite end of town. As anyone who’s gone through a move knows, it’s both physically and emotionally draining, and this one was no exception. Packing, unpacking, adjusting to a new space—these tasks can take over your life. The move stretched from late June into early July, and as August began, I settled into a new rhythm.

August brought a wave of birthdays—mine included! In one month, I celebrated seven birthdays between August 2–September 2nd. Birthdays are always a reminder to slow down and connect with loved ones, but they also add a layer of busyness to an already packed schedule.

And, of course, we had the Olympics, which provided an exciting and inspiring backdrop to the summer. Though I didn’t watch every event, it was great to catch some of the highlights and marvel at the athleticism on display.

What I’ve Been Reading

I’ve squeezed in some reading time amidst all the writing, moving, and birthday celebrations. Here are some books I’ve delved into recently:

• Octavia E. Butler’s Kindred: A timeless classic that blends science fiction with historical fiction, Kindred is an emotionally gripping story that delves into themes of slavery, identity, and survival. Butler’s work is always powerful, and this one is no exception.
• F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
• Jack Vance’s Eyes of the Overworld and The Dying Earth
• Danny Santos’ An Overture for the Odyssey: A free novella from a fellow Toronto SFF writer. A mix of Pirates of the Caribbean meets Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn.
  • You can read it by following his newsletter here.
• Erik Larson’s The Demon of Unrest: Larson’s nonfiction always impresses me, and this book is no different. It’s a chilling yet fascinating look at historical events surrounding Lincoln’s inauguration and the beginning of the American civil war with the pacing of a thriller.

Events: Worldcon and Upcoming Plans

Worldcon took place this summer, and while I couldn’t attend, I was following the news and updates closely. It’s always exciting to see the gathering of speculative fiction authors, readers, and industry folks, and I wish I could have been there to meet some of my favourite writers. The good news is that World Fantasy Con is just around the corner in October, and I’m hoping to attend. It will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow authors, network with publishers, and attend some insightful panels.

Looking Ahead to September

As September rolls in, I’ve got plenty to keep me busy. I’m looking forward to getting more words down on the page and pushing forward with my writing goals. Here are a few of the plans I have for the month:

• Attending the festivities of The Word on the Street, a local event celebrating literature and storytelling.
• Continue refining short stories—continue submitting stories.
• Begin preparing for Polar Borealis in October, a speculative fiction publication that I hope to submit to.
• Gear up for the inevitable hecticness that comes with fall—work, writing, events, and more!

That’s it for now, friends! Thank you for sticking with me through this journey of writing, rejections, and life’s constant changes. I’m eager to see what the fall brings and to continue sharing updates with you. Until next time, keep reading, keep writing, and stay inspired!

Warmly,
Tim Windling