Release!

The day has finally come. Book Release Day! Well, I don’t know the exact day, but any day now my collection of short stories will be out! And that is good enough for me.

WSC Press is publishing and it goes to the printer this week. The collection will be available through some local bookstores, Amazon, or me, or if you wait a month or two, probably Half Priced Books or Goodwill; maybe even a trash bin or two if you keep your eye open.

But the point is— it’s out. Finally. My god.

I was once at a fundraiser in Los Angeles where I was fortunate to sit with Ron Carlson, the great short story writer and teacher. He asked how my writing was going. I told him I was frustrated with agents and publishers and interns reading submissions blah blah. His response has stayed with me ever since. He said, “Dave. Always focus on your new work. You’ll go crazy worrying about all that. The new work is where the excitement is.”

I didn’t totally believe him. I know he has had anxiety with agents and publishers and editors and whatever comes with getting something published. But his advice was spot on. No matter how much you stress and worry, you can’t make the process go any faster. Trust me. If this press counted how many times I slipped in the question, How’s the book? I’d have to throw on a robe and a wig from sounding like my mother asking about my sinus infection. Mom. I’m fine. I love you too.

Yes, I will be announcing the exact moment it is available, don’t worry mom, and providing the link.

Special thanks to Chad and Elijah the Prophet over at WSC Press, Kate Gale from Red Hen Press, and Tom Paine- my short story mentor.

Talk soon,

dM