Well, which is it?
We’ll see when we get there. I think there’s enough meat in the outline for more than a short story. But as I said, I’m rather rusty at long form. Maybe it’s only 25k words. Maybe it’s 100k. I’m certain it’s not a Stephen King special.
Ask my editor, I’m not sure yet.
Note: find an editor. Well, no, finish a draft and then find an editor.
I’ve begun work on a novel/novella/novette (more on that later). Outline finished, plot established both on paper and in my brain. First couple of chapters are roughed.
And I do mean rough. Two chapters, 1000 words? No no no no no, this isn’t microfiction any more, I need more of everything. More character, more description, more “color”, more action, more jokes, more clever dialog, more brilliant similes and thought provoking metaphors.
It’s been far too long since I wrote anything long-form. :cracks knuckles: Let’s hope I still can.
At any rate, the working title isn’t a “grabber”, but that’s why they call it a working title.
It’s called Serpens Antrum Regina.
What do Mayans in 700 B.C.E. and 21st century scientists have in common? Well, if I can get back in the writing groove after a decade or so, we may find out some day.
Unrelated randomness, just wanted to share.
This stuff is like synthetic skin, really thin, adhesive on one side. It’s intended for use on ulcerated skin, pressure wounds (a.k.a. bedsores), cuts and abrasions, any non-surgical application where a wound needs to be sealed from infection or crud or the elements.
Band-aid plus. But you can get it in big patches (up to 6″x6″ which is a huge patch of “skin.” Cuts easily with scissors to any size, peel off the backing and stick it on.
All I’ve got is a medium-sized blister from the first day in new work shoes. I was a little worried about pressure on a blister = pain, you know?
Nope. This stuff works beautifully for blisters, I was really impressed. No pain, protected my heel from additional rubbing making the blister worse, even peels off again without yowch,
I’ve used it for cuts and scrapes, even some big-ish ones in the past, no sweat there, either. Seeping wounds don’t seep. You can wear it for multiple days while the wound under it closes up. Trims to any size, bends around any “corner”, flexes fairly well (maybe not for knuckles?)
It’s more expensive than your average band-aid, but not ruinously expensive. Still working through the first box of the stuff we’ve ever owned, going on ten years later.
Good stuff. Will use again.
This stuff. You can get it from Amazon or drugstores.
“You’re in the market for a magic sword. For enhanced strength, speed, and durability, this blade is everything you need. Get a feel for the heft and balance. Try it.”
The sword coruscated with each forceful strike at the dummy.
“Totally unsuitable,” the customer responded. “Listen, you dolt, I said Ninja School.”
52 words, for this week’s Shapeshifting 13 (#52).
The Chevy driver wiggled his eyebrows and waved to the women as his car drifted around the curve in an obscuring cloud of red dust.
“Number 38 is your favorite?”
“Yeah, that’s Rapid Roy. He’s the best driver here.”
“Didn’t you say Mercury was in this race?”
“And he’s not the only deity, either. Mercury has mad straightaway speed. He’s just useless on the turns, and dirt tracks are all about drifting and controlling traction.”
“So how does this mortal win against gods?”
“Who said Roy’s mortal? ‘Every Sunday afternoon he is a dirt track demon in a ’57 Chevrolet.’”
100 words, for this week’s Sunday Photo Fiction prompt:
Still confused? This tale is my homage to Jim Croce’s Rapid Roy (the stock car boy):
I fear the song is better than the story. R.I.P. Jim.
Tonight on Criminals At Large: Johnny Appalling.
Carduus sanguinem hunts by surprise, launching neurotoxic needles with astonishing accuracy when it detects ground tremors made by animals, or people, moving nearby. Carcasses often surround the thistles and decompose into fertilizer.
The blood thistles first appeared in the summer of 2027, reported in sixteen American states simultaneously. Seventy Americans have lost their lives to date.
John Aperlo is the molecular geneticist who gene spliced the species in 2025. His exact methods are unknown, but authorities believe he backpacked across the country in 2026, planting thousands of seeds of this invasive predatory plant.
100 words, for this week’s Microcosms (18): Celebrity/TV Show/Sci-fi
Booming, ominous barking echoes through the maze of offices and cubicles. Salvator is back in residence.
He taught me everything I know about ruthlessness and how to get ahead in the corporate world. Earning the trust of everyone you lie to and then choosing the perfect moment to strike. I watched his back during his meteoric rise through the organization.
That was before he demonstrated the insignificant value of my loyalty. I draw my automatic and verify there are silver bullets in the chamber. Now, it’s time for me to turn up the crazy and balance our ledger.
98 words, for this week’s Picture It & Write prompt:
OUTER SYSTEM SENTINEL 210 MESSAGE: PROBABLE DRIVE SIGNATURES DETECTED AT 3E+08KM AND CLOSING.
There are response systems beyond my control. The reactor comes up to full power and the satellite begins broadcasting over a variety of frequencies, radar, lasers, even particle beams.
Nineteen other satellites identical to this one link up an array and begin scanning the outer system for target locks. We’re prepared to aim barrels, open missile hatches, and simulate an orbital defensive position. That’s all ersatz, a sham.
The primary race abandoned this system eons ago. My brothers and I are achingly lonely. Why did they think it necessary to install brains in their scarecrows?
108 words, for this week’s Microcosms (#17). Elements: Scarecrow/Outer space/Sci-fi.
The Transoceanic Carnivorous Seaweed Bloom mutated projective empathic powers that stimulated H. sapiens male pleasure centers. Mankind went out not with a bang but a shiver.
26 words for this week’s Shapeshifting 13 (#50).
Dungeon level fifteen, east wing, subsection 17A&B.
Most people think that we’re down here searching for wealth and fame. While it is true that our dwarven pack mules are staggering under the weight of accumulated gems and gold pieces, they weren’t our primary motivation.
We’ve been down here for months. The beasts we battle aren’t going to make us famous, but they keep us fed. I’ve gotta tell you, dragon steaks aren’t the taste sensation that some believe. Dragons are just honking big lizards, you know. Gamey. Tough.
You see, we lost the section of maps with the dungeon’s entrance.
100 words, for this week’s Friday Fictioneers prompt:
ParkInkSpot 