May is always a light month regarding my writing. The weather is getting better, meaning I am more likely to be spending time outdoors. Also, I am usually back in the UK attending ConFuzzled, which reduces the time I have to write significantly. This year, I have been in the UK for over three weeks and have spent much of my time doing DIY work on my house.
ConFuzzled was a very good con as we increased the number of writing panels from seven to 11. I hosted two of them, while also got the opportunity to attend more. It was also great chatting with fellow authors and helping new writers too. I wrote a blog post about ConFuzzled on Wednesday detailing the con in more detail. I also managed to pick up four new books from The Book Badgers in the Dealers’ Den, which I’m looking forward to reading in due course.
I submitted two stories to anthologies earlier this month, while I am still working on another two to be submitted in June. I haven’t yet heard back from any of the submissions still outstanding, nor has there been any development regarding the other stories that have already been accepted in anthologies. I’m hoping to hear some news soon.
Work “Fur” Hire wasn’t successful in either of the two major furry awards – the Ursa Majors and Cóyotls. While a little disappointed, the competition was stiff, and I was thrilled just to be nominated. The physical copy of the book was also released this month, which I helped post-edit. It’s a fantastic collection of stories, so take a look if you can.
The week before ConFuzzled, I worked with my friend Ry to give the website a facelift. He knows more about website design in WordPress than I do, so he helped me freshen everything up. It certainly looks more professional now, while I have settled on a font and layout which I think works. I would like to express my deep gratitude for his help.
I am keeping an eye on a few Kickstarter projects for potential anthology submissions including a horror collection called The Deer Is Messed Up. They are accepting submissions from furries and there is a clear crossover, so I’ve bunged them a few quid. It would be great to get them over the line before the Kickstarter closes on 4 June.
Finally, I am going to start recommending a few novels and short stories I have read on a month-by-month basis. I tend to focus more on reading than writing in the summer months and there are many good stories to highlight. I encourage you to pick them up.
May’s Reading
Losing My Religion by Kyell Gold
A Different Kind of Make-Believe by Renee Carter Hall
You Look Lost, Pup by Rob MacWolf