I really enjoyed the anthology workshop this year. I worked as one of the editors. One of the reasons why I love doing the anthology workshop is because I always learn so much by going through all the stories. I learn technique as well as honing in on what I read for in X genre. For example, reading through the anthology that was mostly mystery, I found that I read for voice more than anything else, which explains why I write really voicey mysteries, and generally from first person.

I also enjoyed meeting up with my old friends, as well as making new ones. (Waves!) I make it a point to meet with new people, talk with them during the class, ask them if they’re doing okay. I remember all too vividly being the really awkward one in the room and wondering if I’ll fit in, if I’m doing it all wrong, etc.

Unfortunately, I came down with a cold mid-way through the workshop, so I had to cut short some of my social time. I’m really unhappy about that. This was the first year that I’ve been *so healthy* and well. I thought I’d be able to be so much more social than usual. (Imagine being an editor for Fiction River, and having a non-stop migraine through the entire thing. Yeah, that was my first experience as an editor.)

The cold is more of an irritation than anything else. I haven’t been really sick the whole time. I’m hoping that in a couple of days I’m well enough to start writing because I have deadlines.

But today I get to fly home to my sweetie. I’m looking forward to that. I always have a touch of anxiety when I fly. It isn’t bad, just kind of low grade worry, will I have problems in security, will my flight be canceled, will there be a screw up and the airlines has sold my seat already so I have to board a different plane, etc. However, I paid for a better seat and so will board the plane sooner than most. That relieved more anxiety than I’d expected. I may just have to do that on a regular basis, as while it makes flying more expensive, the peace of mind may end up being worth it. Something to consider.

I honestly don’t have a lot of words this morning – partly due to being tired from the workshop, partly due to the cold. But I thought I’d pop up and say, “Hi” and that I’m excited on working on all the wonderful stories I received!

Also – I get to announce that I sold an already written story to one of the anthologies. The title of the story is, “Sometimes, Grandma’s Gotta Cut A Bitch.” The basic description could be thus: The Grandmother Mafia meets Aliens. Hijinks ensue.

And one other thing. A huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who came up and told me that they enjoy this blog. That really meant a lot to me. I wouldn’t be here without my readers. So thank you.

I hope that your day is going well!