In mid-2017, I started submitting and tracking my fiction writing, and have since posted updates in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. How did it go with my short stories in 2023? Meh.

• In 2023, I submitted versions and revisions of 32 stories 108 times to 54 different outlets. This included one contest.
• Between January 1 and December 31, 2023, I received 88 rejections (including one for a story submitted in 2021 and five for stories submitted in 2022) and five acceptances (5.4%, which includes two acceptances for stories submitted in 2022).
• Select comments from editors included:
  • “…The writing and stylistic choices in this piece are very strong.”
  • “The story is well developed for the length, but…”
  • “If the premise is to point out that odd mindset, maybe having the narrator realize how weird it is might help.” 
  • “…brimming with comedic potential…but…”

Stories Published in 2023

Five stories were published by five different venues in 2023.

On February 3^rd, 365tomorrows published “Use for the Humans” (324 words, 2 minute read). A video of chainsaw-wielding robots working in forests sparked the idea for this dystopian flash.

On February 5^th, The RavensPerch published “No Big Thing” (601 words, 3 minute read). Life can be tough. At times, this means owning our situation and choosing to move on. The title came from a story told to me by a taxidermist friend of mine, while the rest of it took a while to work out as the story was rejected and revised 19 times before finding a home. 

On April 26^th, 101 Words published “Smell Sweet Dreams” (191 words, 1 minute read). Inspired by an AirBNB stay in Miami after my daughter asked, “hey, Dad, what’s that smell?”

On June 20^th, Apple in the Dark published “Aliens Want Space, Too” (386 words, 2 minute read). I credit my Mom for teaching me about the importance of space and the power of chocolate chips cookies.

On July 3^rd, Aphelion published “Aliens Making Plans” (401 words, 2 minute read). My third story published by Aphelion includes actual aliens and a nod to Earth, Wind, and Fire.

Happy New Year and thank you for reading!