Writing stories is extremely fun. Getting people to read them? Well… it’s fun of a different sort, a peculiar type that involves sending dozens of emails, obsessively checking your email inbox, proofreading your emails, and then sending more emails.

But then… when all the stars align and somebody picks up your story… wow.

It’s nice.

I was, very recently, published in the excellent Chicago-based literary magazine, Four Tulips. If you haven’t read it yet, make sure to check out the story – Hooray for Hurley!

I’m about to reveal some insider info, and it’s a mark of how much I like you (yes, you, the one reading this right now) that I’m willing to share it… but that was actually something like my 20th submission for that particular story. It had been rejected several times prior, much to my shock – after all, when you send a story in, you’re immediately mentally transported to the blissful future where it’s featured on the front page and adored by trillions.

I’m reminded of the first time I ever bought a lottery ticket. I think I spent about $5, which seemed reasonable at the time, as I was sure I’d get at least a few hundred thousand out of the deal. But when the draw time came… well, it was a bust. Nothing, nada, zero.

I never bought another lottery ticket.

But I have gotten two stories published so far – so maybe I should buy another few lottery tickets.

Anyway, please read my new story, Hooray for Hurley! – soon to be available in an anthology from Four Tulips. (When that releases, I’ll stick a link in here and in the Stories tab at the top of this page.)

And stay tuned for more. I’m sitting on a shocking number of stories awaiting their particular lottery-winning moment. I’m also working on a novel, which contains an excessive amount of animals and cigarettes. (That’s all I’ll tell you for now.)

Cheers!