Just got the check for my first sci-fi sale! :-D
Writing guides for "By the Will of the Gods"
There are three guides I found invaluable for writing my sci-fi murder mystery:
1) Hallie Ephron and Sara Paretsky’s “Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel.” Really just gangbusters when it comes to investigating every aspect of writing a mystery.
2) Cory Doctorow and Karl Schroeder’s “The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Science Fiction.” It’s a real shame this book is out of print. Somewhat behind the times when it comes to the sci-fi market because it was published in 2000, but mostly everything in it having to do with writing science fiction holds up extraordinarily well.
3) Writer's Digest’s “Crafting Novels & Short Stories.” I much prefer it when writing guides offer concrete tips on how to approach the craft. This book is well-organized and lovingly devoted to making you a better writer of fiction.
The contract makes it real
Just got the contract for my novelette to appear in Analog! Just like a marriage, it's the paperwork that makes it real. ;-)
Success!
The first story I’ve ever submitted for publication has now been accepted by renowned Analog Science Fiction and Fact. I’m very much looking forward to my novelette “By The Will Of The Gods” seeing the light of day!