Making progress, slowly

After a few false starts, I finally found the right starting point for the next character arc I pulled from my main novel outline. Taking out two points of view has helped make a very long outline more manageable. I also had to scrap a section as the character wasn't feeling right. But I think I finally have the story on the right track with the right feel. Now it is a matter of finishing up that arc with a few editing passes. Hopefully I can finish up soon. Computer time has been more limited lately. I might just have to find a way to do some writing on my tablet.

The first character arc I pulled form the novel outline has been sitting for a little more than a month. The goal was to finish the second arc in May before going in and taking another editing pass. It is now looking like I might have to edit while still writing as I really wanted to have the first one edited and out to some beta readers in June so I can submit the story. I'd like to also begin working on the novel soon since I have more ideas for other stories vying for attention.

Speaking of submissions, my incredibly short submission didn't make the cut in the writing contest I submitted it too. I knew it might have trouble mostly because very short stories don't hold up well when compared to longer stories. The work limit is 17K and this story barely hit 1000 words. I also fear that the contest seems to lean more towards spec fic which I definitely don't fall into. I will try a couple more times since I have the shorts but once I get the novel wrapped up, I will likely begin shopping that around or look into self publishing. The short stories fit into the novel and might be good for giving away later. I'm trying to fit everything together like a giant puzzle with only a rough fuzzy, every changing picture in my head. So many story ideas I keep jotting down or adding to existing ideas to expand them.