I got a big batch of mail from the U.S. today. I got my copies of Apex Digest, which was a lot of fun. The folks in the green room are reading it and making various horrified faces. It’s fun.
At the opposite end of the writing spectrum, I also got my official acceptance letter from Cicada.
Some excerpts which particuarly made me smile.
Thank you for sending ‘This Little Pig’ for our consideration. It’s a refreshing departure from the usual dark, futuristic fiction we see and we are delighted to accept your story for CICADA. A Danish pig farm may not smell great, but in terms of setting, it’s a breath of fresh air!
She went into some technical stuff and then closed with:
I’ll look forward to hearing from you! And when you reply, would you answer a burning question: have you personally worked on a Danish pig farm? We are so curious.”
Nope. My grandfather was a hog farmer, but the rest was all research.
Anyway, the combination of the two pieces of mail had me grinning like an idiot. I guess it’s the actor in me that needs some form of external validation to believe that I’m really any good at a thing. Although I’ve sold stories before, I somehow forget that until the next acceptance letter comes or I get to see the story in print. Know what I mean?
Cheesy, I suspect, but there it is.
Now, I’m off to read the rest of the stories in Apex.
Haha, how did your coworkers take “Cerbo en Vitra ujo”?
So far I’ve been told that it is, “appalling. A good story, but appalling.”
Someone else said, “Gah! You sold something to Cicada? For children?”
Is it a problem that I’m pleased because I’ve upset them?
LOL! Those are great remarks from Cicada. I hope you have something else prepping to send them. (I know, I know, hardly any time to write — work, work, work. Still.) That’s awesome. Congrats.
Hey that’s what a brain in a jar will do to people!
I love the juxtaposition of Cicada and Cerbo… just class.
And this isn’t your brother – just so you know 😉
That’s definitely a good day. Validation is always nice, and contrib copies even more so 😉
I forgot to mention that my contributor copies had a check with them. Getting paid to write, will wonders never cease.
Steve, “just class” gives it away that you aren’t my brother, but thanks for the confirmation.