3rd Pro Sale!

*It’s been a long-ass time since my last post. Bear with me!*

Two years after my last pro sale, I’ve made my third to Little Blue Marble.

“The Cats of Kruger” was an interesting story to write and develop. The idea itself happened while I was watching TV. I’m a big fan of the Terminator series–yes, even T3–and an even bigger fan of nature shows. So… Terminator 2 was on AMC(I think it was AMC) and NatGeo had a show about big cats. Combine that with my strong views against poaching, and you have synthetic leopards that combat poaching in Kruger National Park.

I had a feeling this piece would do well early on. It’s second time out got a hold, followed by a personal rejection at one publication. Next, it was simsubbed with a hold at both markets I submitted to. Ultimately I went with LBM and withdrew from the other market. LBM’s editor, Kat Archer, is great to work with and I’m happy this story ended up in her hands.

SFWA(Science Fiction Writer’s of America) membership has been a goal of mine for a number of years. With this sale being at current pro rates and 1300+ words, I can merrily send SFWA my application for an associate membership. I love the sense of belonging the spec fiction community offers. The large writer’s group I belong to has already proven that much to me. While SFWA membership doesn’t guarantee any subsequent sales of fiction, it can only help in supporting my career as a writer.

WOTF Results and Other News

An honorable mention from Writers of The Future contest is a mixed bag. It says “You’re doing great, Ryan, but you need to do better.” I’m honored to received the award among the hundreds of people that submitted their work.

Aside from WOTF news, I’ve had rejections from Asimov’s, Apex, and Daily Science Fiction for a story I’m very excited about. A bit disheartening since it means a lot to me, but I’m no stranger to rejection. If I can sell to one pro market, it shouldn’t be too long before I land the next one….right?

Waiting on responses from Escape Pod, SNAFU: Resurrection (anthology), and Diabolical Plots among others. Fingers are crossed.

Updates on Contracts/Sales

My rewrite was accepted by The Centropic Oracle last week. Both sides have signed the contract and now I’m awaiting publication.

Also, I sold a drabble to Martian. Contract is sent out. It was a fun bit to write and hopefully the readers enjoy it.

Why I Chose Science Fiction

Science Fiction has awed the masses since Mary Shelley introduced the world to “Frankenstein” (“The Modern Prometheus”) in 1818. Since then, from H.G. Wells and Jules Verne to Robert Heinlein and Octavia Butler, we’ve all been enthralled by what could happen in the future.

For some people, it’s the possibilities science gives humanity that draws them in. Others, it may be the pitfalls of technology that keeps them reading and watching. It’s safe to say that it brings about topics for conversation.

My fascination with sci-fi was always optimistic. Whether it was someone overcoming the odds (“Gattaca”) or exploring new worlds (“Star Trek: The Next Generation), I could find the good in all of it. Granted, the situation could be less than ideal for a character, but the science fiction always brought out traits in them that inspired me. Commander Riker inspired me to go into the military so I joined the Marine Corps at 23 and stayed in for six years. Vincent Freeman became an astronaut even though inferior genetics tried to bar him from his dream. That character inspired me in my plight to be a professional science fiction writer.

I  began reading heavily at the age of 25 (2010). With few exceptions, other genres bored me aside from science fiction and fantasy. The more I read, the more I felt the urge to create worlds as real as those. Thus, my journey began.

Progress on Accepted/Submitted Pieces

I’ve made it beyond the token-paying level. This isn’t to demean those magazines or say I am going to abstain from token-paying markets in the future. It’s simply…progress.

Had my first pro-market sale last Sunday. Sent my contract to Galaxy’s Edge for a flash piece.

Another story accepted, in March, by a podcast e-zine (semi-pro rates) was stalled by a website overhaul. Sent in a rewrite after acceptance and I hope to be receiving a contract by week’s end.

Lastly, I made the second round of reading for an anthology paying semi-pro rates.

Patience instilled, fingers crossed.