Write Away

I've just submitted a short story to On the Premises. (Thanks to agilebrit for info on the contest.) I had a really hard time deciding what I wanted to write about, which is ironic given that the premise was difficult decisions. :) I rushed my entry too much to do the best job I could and submitted it literally at the last minute, but just completing the process gives me a huge sense of accomplishment--and trepidation.

It's scary because submitting original fiction is new ground for me; I have quite a bit of experience with writing fanfic and getting reviewed, but never showed original fiction to anyone beyond a few acquaintances. I had almost forgotten how much effort can go into creating original characters and building a world. It's sobering how much heavy lifting there is to do when I start from scratch. This is new ground for me, both scary and exhilarating.

Meanwhile, short story submissions also look like a good way to develop and maybe get the word out about my planned novel. As I get the research done and flesh out the characters and story, I plan to write shorter stories in the setting and try sending them out. I'm also considering doing NaNoWriMo in August or so to bang out the first draft of the novel. No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty, recommended by sarillia, is doing a good job of selling the idea to me.