While 2016 may have been a year fraught with celebrity deaths, civil unrest, oddball politics, and other countless issues, it has also been my most successful literary year.
Not since 2005 have I had even a glimmer of hope that one of my novels would find a place in the printed world, but since September, I have had one novel chosen, and two short stories signed into anthologies. I have been welcomed into the furry writers’ guild, and have found several friends and people who have been willing to offer advice and/or critiques.
Granted, I have also had many rejections, but I consider it part of the learning process.
Regardless, what I want to do it take a moment to thank a few special people.
My Wife, who has tolerated my oft-distracted mind.
Scott, who still edits some of my greater errors.
Kyle, whose encouragement convinced me not to surrender my originals to the shredder.
Rivercritic, for helping me adjust Genmos into a book, not just a story.
Thurston Howl, who has taken a chance, and signed Genmos to his company, as well as accepting my short, a voice not spoken, for his seven deadly sins anthology. He has endured many emails from me, and still answers my telegrams without hesitation.
Fred Patten, the well-known grey-muzzle, who has shown nothing short of miraculous understanding and guidance for my works, offering advice, edits, and redirecting stories to other anthologies when possible.
Dorothy Davies, who has rejected my submissions with honest and constructive criticism, and whose handbook on writing is a pleasure to read, as well as being incredibly useful.
To all those who I have forgot to mention.
Thank you all so very much.
Farewell 2016. We part with such mixed feelings.
Onward, 2017.