Yesterday, while working at the theater, I ran to an internet cafe so I could check on the status of a prop I’d ordered. Two things popped up in my email.
1. Your account has been suspended.
2. An IM from Neil Clarke asking if I’d like to sell him “Clockwork Chickadee.”
So, while I’m on the phone with technical support, I’m also having a conversation with Neil about the story. See, the funny thing is, that I didn’t submit “Chickadee” to Clarkesworld. I sent it to Fantasy Magazine. Yeah… A week or so back, I had a conversation with Cat Rambo, editor, about how she liked the story but had reservations about anything clockwork, because she’s expecting a deluge of them due to the Shimmer Clockwork Junglebook issue.1 But she liked the story, so she showed it to Sean Wallace, who then showed it to Neil and they decided to move the story to that venue.
This is, I think, the most roundabout way that I’ve ever seen a story of mine take, but I couldn’t be more delighted. It’s due out in June.
- To which, I’m not allowed to submit anything because I’m on the staff [↩]
Congrats! It is an adorable story, who wouldn’t want it?
Thanks!
Congratulations! Clearly all involved liked it a lot for it to make the rounds so widely.
Thank you! But, I think it’s the first time I’ve had clear evidence of the dangers of writing something for a themed anthology. The nice thing, and this is where going to cons comes in handy, is that I know all the editors so we were able to talk about timing of this in relation to the Shimmer issue.
Congrats!
Many thanks!
It must be really nice to be “in the loop” editorially at the same time as you’re firing on all cylinders at home — when you’re creating — too.
It is, I’ll tell you. And surprising, too. This is really the first time this has happened. They’ve all rejected other stories of mine, even knowing me. Story first, but knowing an editor can help if there are any reservations.
Congratulations!!
(OK, only 1 extra click. I guess I’ll stop whining!)
Thank you!
(No, no, you are cute when you whine.)
Mary! Congrats. That is way awesome. Glad you ended up writing a story
I’m glad you asked me to write one.
Oh neat! Congratulations.
Thanks, Melissa!
go you! that’s marvelous! you deserve it.
Stina! Good to see you, here. Thank you! I am very pleased.
Congrats!
Well, editors/publishers scouting you is better than you scouting them! Less effort, same profitability/exposure. (And they can’t reject you for something you didn’t submit!) =)
Oh, I don’t think they were scouting me. Those magazines just happen to have an editor in common so their slushpiles see some overlap.
Congrat! Very cool sale!
Thanks, Marshall!
Congratulations!
Thanks, Dan!
Oh, I’m so very fond of this story (knowing some of the characters as I do). I’m glad it will be reaching a wider audience. Congratulations.
Thank you! You have a namesake appearance in the one I’m working on now.
Ooh, how thrilling! I hope she uses her powers for good, not evil. Actually, who am I kidding… I don’t really care how she uses them! Thanks.
congrats, Mary:)
Thanks, David!
Coolness!
Thanks, Nancy! I think it’s darn cool, too.
Excellent! And Congratulations! Nice to hit that tipping point where editors come to you.
(And sorry to hear about the suspended account thing; are computer problems being some sort of Karmic Balance?)
Thanks, Evan! Getting the news of both at once did feel a little like paying the price of magic.
Congrats. Interesting way to get a sale I’d say. I’ll look for it in June.
I thought it was fascinating, myself. I’ll post a link when the story is up.
Wow! What news! No pressure now — it only seems like you are taking over the world.
Feh.
When I’ve taken over the world, I’ll be sure to send out a press release.
Hurray for the sale, and for the story being able to find alternate home!
I’m delighted, though I still hope to place a story with Fantasy someday. There are markets, you know, that you just hope to break into.
>> When I’ve taken over the world, I’ll be sure to send out a press release.
Ummm . . . won’t we already realize it by then?
No, because I’ll be a subtle overlord.