I worked all weekend, and have been working nights for a while, in addition to working on the course. See, around the same time that I was getting ready to take How To Think Sideways live, I got this request for a short story from an editor who was putting together an anthology. That’s basically the only way I do short stories, and the timing on this one was terrible, because I knew I’d be working on the course.
But. I loved the subject matter, I got an idea for the story very quickly, and even though the money and rights were not great, well, I loved my idea. So I decided I’d use the writing of the story, from pre-idea through final edits, as part of the course. Which I’ve been doing.
And over the weekend, I finished the story, titled Light Through Fog, did my revision, and at 6:30ish this morning sent it off to my editor. Have already heard from her that she’s received it. It was due today. 
I work very hard not to miss deadlines, but I do sometimes hit them right on the very, very edge.
Anyway, the story is done, and I’m very happy with the way it turned out.
And writing fiction again was wonderful, and made me hungry to do more.
I’m working on Lesson 12 now, which means this week marks the halfway point on the official course. I’m seriously considering doing a couple of student-requested lessons at the end as a nice bonus, but I’m going to work hard not to extend beyond that.
The next Moon & Sun book is calling me, and so is “C.”
I simply cannot wait for the third book of the moon and sun series to be published! I simply adore the ruby key and the silver door. Please let me read the third book as soon as possible!
Serious. There doesn’t seem to be much discussion as to the end of the series. Eagerly awaiting and end.
The end of the series is up in the air. I’d planned seven books, the publisher might want the third one but definitely no more, and I’m not sure I can tell the story in three.
That’s where I need to be, but I’m not there yet.
The anthology is The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance. The story is Light Through Fog. And it’s under my name.
C, The Secret Project is starting to really drive me nuts. I’m doing all this writing about writing, and I’m starting to get really hungry to write.
James–When I was still running FM, I was and active encourager of NaNoWriMo. Doing a NaNo at the recommended speed is about 2/3rds of my preferred working speed, so it’s actually pretty good practice for folks who want to do this for a living. (My comfortable pace is about 2500 words per day right now.) Very nice to know folks remember me.
When an associate recommened your site, I couldn’t remember where I’d heard your name before. I mean obviously it’s all over the place – 30+ books.
But then it began to dawn on me. Your name often comes up in connection with NaNoWriMo. I’ve served as the Midland / Odessa, TX ML for sevsral years. I recently used YUDU (another great site) to compile an e-book promoting NaNo.
Congratulations on meeting your deadline. It sounds like things are going well for you.
“I’m seriously considering doing a couple of student-requested lessons at the end as a nice bonus, but I’m going to work hard not to extend beyond that.”
Do you ever stop giving? You are truly an amazing person!
What info are you permitted to declassify about the anthology?
-Brian, the Midnight Rain addict
Yeah, I can hear them calling you too.
That’s great news about the anthology. Is it under your name? Something we’ll be able to know about so we can run out and buy it?