This past weekend I realized that one of the things I find challenging (frustrating?) about writing short fiction is the time-to-word-count ratio. I am in no way soothed by the fact that short stories are quick to draft, because it takes forever to then shape and polish the story into something publishable in the brutal short fiction market. I don’t mind spending ages on a novel, because a novel is a couple of orders of magnitude longer and it makes sense that editing and revision should be a herculean task. I expect it. I love seeing my novel become incrementally more awesome. But a thousand-word flash fiction piece? Sigh, and gah. How do you not just give up on the minutiae? No, really, tell me.
In other news, I’m really enjoying interacting on Goodreads, and would love to talk books with you–especially adult and YA science fiction and fantasy! Feel free to friend me and mention you found me through the blog.
Hike report for Deception Pass Headlands:
Jasper, looking particularly handsome
Quotation of the hike: “I used to babysit JJ Grey.” ~Andrew
Highlights: Narrow cliff-side trails, secret coves I want to kayak to, bluebird sky and views of snowy Olympic mountains.
Low points: Mother’s Day might have been a poor choice for this apparently primo picnicking destination. There were people everywhere. I’m not used to dodging badminton birdies mid-hike.
We got a little lost on the headland to the south of Bowman Bay, and spent some time bushwhacking along cliff edges before the trail disappeared. I may have gotten a little crankypants. But, man, was it a gorgeous day. The drive back was spent deconstructing the Beatles’ brilliance, with a deliciously impromptu stop at Brooklyn Bros Pizzeria in Everett on a friend’s recommendation. (Thanks Mac!)
View from Rosario Head towards Olympic Peninsula, Deception Pass State Park
Deception Pass Bridge
Bluffs at Deception Pass State Park
