Twenty Years from Now…

Career goal: contribute to the writing community

The literary journal I relaunched at the college where I once taught continues publication. Under my editorialship, it earned high prestige and became one of the up-and-coming hot, must-read journals. Pieces I accepted won the Pushcart Prize, the O. Henry Award, and others. The over-all quality of the journal was so stellar, the publication too won awards.  Too many to list here. Currently, the journal continues its award-winning tradition and practice of accepting a variety of pieces, including ones from new authors whose writing, although not yet perfect, shows unique promise. Publication in the WSR, for new authors, is a career-changer. 

My connection to the journal is as a consultant and occasional editor. I help with the tough decisions, when needed, and attend promotional events. Everyone wants to meet the brilliant, funny, and charming woman who brought the journal up out of the dust.

Career goal: contribute to the reading community

I have written notable novels. 

Three of the novels were released to glowing reviews and followed up with fancy awards. I’m occasionally asked to speak on the books, and I’m happy to do so. I prefer large venues so that my agent, editor, publisher, and publicist are happy. Many press outlets attend, many promo photos are taken. Everyone leaves feeling as though something big and important has taken place.

Two of the novels are perennial women’s book club favorites. These novels speak for and to women who’ve had to redirect their lives and ‘get over some gnarly shit.’ I’m occasionally asked to speak on these books, and I’m happy to do so. I prefer smaller venues so that the Q & A is intimate; every question is answered, and every comment is heard. All proceeds go to my scholarship fund for women seeking educational opportunities that will aid in their individual journeys to ‘get over some gnarly shit.’

One of the novels received a prestigious award and yet, readers are divided on its merit. The novel is so strange and cryptic it creates division. Half of the readers love it and praise said novel for its subtle genius. The other half despise the novel, declaring it convoluted and without meaning. The book is banned from some book clubs and even a few MFA programs because the disagreement is so intense, drunken fights break out and cause attendance problems. I’m occasionally asked to speak on the book and I’m happy to do so. I prefer smaller venues so that the Q & A is intimate; every question is cryptically answered, and every comment/grievance is heard/aired.

Career goals: make money & have fun

The film adaptation of my Hallmark Christmas-in-reverse novella, Not Home for the Holidays, long ago included in the cannon of favorite, feel-good holiday films, continues to be shown and thus generate substantial royalties as well as a smattering of festive holiday invitations. 

Thanks to my Tribe of the Undead series franchise, all educational debts, mine, my sons, their wives, are long paid off. Housing is secure. There are no worries of electrical shut-offs or repossessions.  The wine cellar and whiskey cabinet are always stocked with unique brands and, since the fans are awaiting The Final Episode (think George RR Martin style hold out), party invitations continue to arrive. Money is made. Fun is had.