Writer and Editor C.B. Calsing/ G.G. Royale

Well, spring came in yesterday. It was a lovely day, but today -- Sunday -- it's cold again. With wind chill, it feels like it's in the thirties. So the heater is on, and I'm wearing several layers of polar fleece. So let's have a review of what happened this winter. I had several things published. If you never picked up a copy of The Heavy Metal Horror Anthology , that's okay. Go ahead and pick up a copy now. Of course, An Honest Lie Volume One: Encouraging the Delinquency of Your Inner Child is still out there as well -- and don't you want your copy of that before the next edition comes out? After all, your going to want a complete set of my stories! Two weeks ago, I attended the EPIC convention here in New Orleans. It was a great opportunity to network and find some new outlets for my work. It really seems like the ebook industry is taking off. On one hand, I can't wait to see what's going to happen as the iPad, Nook, and Kindle are more widely used...

I got word yesterday that my story, "Independence," will be included in An Honest Lie Two: Delusions of Insignificance. I am, of course, quite pleased since this will be the second story from my unpublished California collection, All Along the Pacific , to appear in print. Everyone knows that a collection with stories that have already seen publication has a better chance of getting taken. Of course, I have quite a bit of work to do on some of the other stories before they would be ready. Currently, I'm working on a few science fiction stories. Also, I've got my NaNoWriMo novel -- I finished it, but it was only 26,000 words -- with another author. If we can bump it up to 50,000, I'm certain we can find a place to get it published. This is a historical YA novel written specifically for eighth graders in Louisiana, but I think it has a wider appeal.

I had a great first day at the EPIC convention in New Orleans. I've met a lot of industry people, got a great bag of goodies, and ate some awesome food. Particularly, the dessert at lunch was delicious: strawberry mouse dome over sponge cake, topped with berries, coulis, creme anglaise, and whipped cream. The gentleman working our table was a hoot, keeping all the ladies entertained and giving impeccable service. After what I learned today, I could definitely see myself cutting the strings to the day job and working full time. It's a goal.