NaNoWriMo 2017: Achieved

Somehow, i managed to complete the challenge. Last night around 10:30, I checked the word count on the official website, and it came to 50,017. I think I will try to sleep tonight.

Future plan: I have a list of To Do items, that need to be completed before I will be willing to call what I have a draft. When those are fine, I will set the manuscript aside for a month or 2 before trying to turn it into something that's not painful to read, then get it to some better readers for comment.

A new science fiction short story

Those who know me know that my regular gig is traditional mysteries. I love to read them and enjoy writing them. However, once in a while …

I have posted (and will leave in place for a short time) a new science fiction short story, “The Janitor.”

It’s quite short — less than 2,800 words. How did I come to write it?

The idea came from an episode of the wonderful Writing Excuses podcast, the April 7, 2013 episode called “Brainstorming with Brandon.” One of the regulars, Brandon Sanderson, brought a short story idea to the table for discussion with the rest of the crew, and together they threw ideas about,  searching for a good story. Listening to the show on my way to work (my iPod connects to my car stereo), I found myself pounding my steering wheel and saying, “That’s not the story! I know what this story is!” Outlining it took about 20 minutes, and the bulk of the story was written in a couple of evenings.

If you read it, please leave a comment on this post with comments, suggestions, whatever.

The story won’t be available here forever, so read it now by clicking on the link in the second paragraph or in the menu bar at the top.