My short story was actually an experimental piece that I wrote. I usually write SF but instead was inspired to write five slice-of-life vignettes about women thoughout history and the themes that they shared in common. It starts in primal South America, goes through Medieval Europe, the Englightenment, the American Frontier and then Modern day. I was working on integrating symbolism and thematic elements and it realy just was an experiment, but I have gotten a lot of positive feedback about it and several people have told me I should expand it to include more vignettes.

Nice to see your writing group thread. I should post there next.

Yes do, Im sure we'd all love to see you there.

Your post reminds me of Emmeline (with her slavery missives!) and an Anne Enright one about a Victorian scientist - fascinating to try to get inside a personality and write with their voice/circumstances. An author has just tried this with Byrons lady love, strong stuff though! Interesting idea seeing as this author is male! Your stories sound intriguing.

I have just sold a short story to Cemetery Dance, which is probably the biggest professional horror magazine available, so I'm very pleased. I now do believe in Santa:)

Congratulations Shaun ! Did you ever try self-publishing? We were having a bit of debate on the Writing Group thread about whether it damages our chances? I have even emailed a publisher to ask!

Thanks.

No, I've never self-published. My thoughts are that if it's good enough, someone will want to publish it. I don't know what you mean by damage your chances, but I don't feel it's something that can be put on your CV that would make anyone perk up and take more of an interest in whoever did it. But then horses for courses, as the saying goes, and lots of people walk that path, some with a measure of success. But I prefer to be paid for my work, rather than pay someone else. As another saying goes, money should flow to the writer, not away.