September 20, 2026

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I guess my recent rash of grinding out submissions like crazy has paid off. Three poems and two stories accepted for publication… I'm happy and encouraged. But lately I think I've given up on writing fiction. Writing fiction is difficult, and I feel my fiction is not polished enough. But I need to focus on the acceptance letters. So nice amidst all the searing rejection! This morning I wrote a poem for the first time in a long while. For a long time now, I haven't let myself write out of fear of failure and the need for perfectionism. But I permitted myself to ramble on the page, and something cohesive emerged from the fragments. I really struggled with the ending, though. I think when I finally gave up, the ending came. A lazy Saturday. I have the romance channel on perpetually in my room. I'm not a big TV watcher because I can't focus on it. But I can focus on romance. I like the cheesy romance movies they play. They comfort, somehow. The country boy falls in love with the city girl... A few days ago it rained, and the skies were gray, and it was blessed. The apartment was cold for once in the relentless Texas heat. I burrowed under blankets and was warm and cozy and happy. I can't wait for autumn and Halloween to arrive. I really want to dress up. And watch my granddaughter eat candy. And I really, really want to dye my hair pink. It's been simmering in my brain for a while.