Been taking a break...

...from blogging. That doesn't mean I have stopped writing, though. Currently I'm working with my brother adapting one of my short stories into a short film :-) I know I have to be more aggressive if I want to publish some of my stories but it's just not my style - well not yet anyway. I've been thinking of setting myself time goals. Perhaps that's the only way to get something done ;-)

I can only hope...

http://www.imdb.com/news/ni4222010/

Knightrunner

I'm knee deep in writing the short story Knightrunner. It's really taken on a life of its own and I can't wait to have it finished. I'm thinking of publishing it here on my blog when it's done :-)

Working on Knightrunner

I'm currently working on the short story Knightrunner. It's incredibly fun to write, as putting myself into the shoes of a complete nerd is awesome. I work with a bunch of guys that could easily be the blueprint for my hero, and I guess that the main character is a combination of a lot of nerds I've come to know (and love) through the years. Funny thing is that I listen to the Swedish metal kings in Opeth as I write this story. Somehow it seems fitting :)

Still waiting...

I'm still waiting for the editor to give feedback on my script. At first I was kind of drained after finally sending it to the editor, but now I'm getting an itch to start writing some more. I have another mystery in my native language brewing, but I'm also developing Knightrunner in my head.

I have a plan B if the editor rejects my script. When he agreed to take my script, he told me that about 1% of the scripts they receive each year actually get's published. Fortunately I know another publisher and I am going to contact him if this doesn't pan out.

Until then, I will keep on writing. I guess I will never stop writing, even though my stories will not be published anywhere. It's in my blood :-)

The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction

I would love to submit a short story to The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. However, paper publishing seems to be dying so I've looked at some online substitutes. With the addition of the online version of Fantasy & Science Fiction, there is Strange Horizons, Locus Online, SciFiDimensions, and Analog Science Fiction & Fact. All these look very good and I would be lucky to get published on any of these websites. So, how to proceed?

The first thing is to write the short story. The story I have in mind isn't really sci fi, but it certainly falls into a similar category. The story is called Knightrunner, and the plot-line is as follows:

A middle aged software programmer is miserable in his role as a mediocre code monkey at a company that doesn't recognize him or his work. His personal life is no better. He is stuck in a loveless marriage, with three kids that take more that they give. Depressed and actually thinking of suicide, he stumbles out one night and upon an elderly woman being robbed. He manages to chase away the robber and receives a thrill he has never experienced before. Consequently he starts to dress up in a home made uniform and go out at night to perform heroic deeds. He calls himself Knightrunner, but realizes the being a hero is easier said than done.

I know it's not very original but I find this plot fascinating and really want to explore it. Additionally I do think a story like this belongs in a sci fi / fantasy environment. And if no website will publish it, I will simply post it here :-)

Time of truth...

Well, I've sent off my first manuscript to an editor at a publishing company (a true publishing house, not these dubious ones so easily found online). After discussing my situation with him, he suggested I write a novel in my native language and I did. It's my first full novel mystery and in English it's called Magma.

I've been debating whether to translate it to English or not, but I guess I'll just wait and see for now. The editor I sent it too said that about 1% of the manuscripts they received each year got published. That's not good odds but at least I've tried :-)