One of the funny things about publishing is that nearly everyone involved—from writers themselves, to editors, sales people, service providers, web designers, readers—has an interest in words. (I promise you, this statement is not reductive.)

For example, I use an internet service that helps me keep track of where and when I send stories into the world. The service, duotrope.com, also tells me about sketchy markets to avoid, contests that might appeal to me, and publications that might match my story.   It's a nifty tool, especially if you are submitting a lot of stories to a lot of publications.

But to my wordy point: let me share this little gem from Duotrope:

This is a partial screen grab from a story submitted somewhere in 2020, and which I just recently updated as "Never Responded."  This is a LOT less uncommon than you'd think. A roaming black hole in the publishing universe swallows many a hope, dream, and story. 

But note, if you will, how the designer of the page labels that date when I say the publication "Never Responded."

​It's not the date Accepted or Rejected. It's the Capitulation date. I have capitulated, which means "to cease resisting" or "to give in." 

Someone behind the scenes at Duotrope is absolutely slaying it. 

Modern book clubs are a wonderful worldwide phenomenon: a social occasion to maybe enjoy a bit of food and beverage for the purpose —ostensibly—of discussing a book.

Clubs vary widely: some are focused on the wine and the company. Others look into the origin of the book or what affect the book has had on our world. Still others are all about the feels. 

So when I was invited to attend my first book club as an author, I wasn't sure how it would be:  would I get a grilling for my choices of plot or writing style? What if they hated it? What would readers want to know?

And what did I want to tell them?

As it turns out, so far, I am most moved to say "Thank you!"  It continues to surprise me how wonderful it feels to have someone else read the words I typed out. To have people commit to the time (let alone money) is an honor. 

Here's my giddy reaction video after the first club meeting, which I did via phone:

I've got another four club appearances lined up (half in person, half by phone), in the next couple of weeks and I can't express how lucky I feel. 

Got a book club? If She Taught Me Everything might be a good fit for your group, I'll come by and chat!

I've even got discussion questions... 

There were a gratifying lot of photos -- some people included pets, others snapped the picture unlikely settings, many included libations and snacks. It was heartwarming.

I put those images into a montage -- with music! oooh! It was so much fun I did it twice.

Truth be told, I'd like to have done the one and be done, but the cool music track didn't track across social media gaps, so we have us a TikTok edition and an Instagram one too. 

My favorite skipper picked a name from a hat (my actual hat) to chose the lucky random winner of the Face in the Place contest. 

And the lucky winner was...Kathy Lacey.  We did a handoff of the loot (a gas card) in a grocery store parking lot.  Not sketchy at all!

And because of his bold choice of photo shoot, Mr. Mark Taylor earned himself a viewer's choice award. A gas card! 

It was great fun for me, and I hope my shutterbug readers enjoyed it as well. 

I'd like to do another contest. I'm a fan of fabulous prizes from way back –– any suggestions for ways to award such  things?