A mere few weeks behind on posting this (me, procrastinate?  Never!).  So, for those waiting on pins and needles… I recommend a less ‘pokey’ seating apparatus.

2011 started off a little slow, publication wise.  I did put the finishing touches on a new story or two, which topped me out at about ten stories in submission, but acceptances were notably lacking.

May brought me my first publication of the year, that being “The Pale Farmer” in Every Day Fiction.  It was a favorite flash piece of mine, and one that seemed to enjoy gathering ‘so close’ responses from would be publishers.

Then August happened, and my oh my did things pick up.  Four publications in a three month time span, kick started by “Stranded (with Pork Chop)” in the August issue of Electric Spec.  From there it was “From Alexandra to Amberglow” in Ray Gun Revival, then “Prophecy Negotiations” in Space Squid, and finally “Other Sister” in Stupefying Stories.  Stranded, Prophecy Negotiations, and Other Sister all began life as flash fiction entries in the monthly SFFWorld contests.  And Amberglow?  Me and her go way back.

I consider Amberglow the first ‘real’ (ie, readable) short story I’ve ever written.  It was originally submitted to a PARSEC anthology with the theme ‘Dark Glass’ (2009?).  And, although it ultimately didn’t make the final cut, I received a lovely personalized letter for making the top 20 (out of 300ish submissions), with some valuable feedback.  Feedback that I took, and I reworked, and reworked, and… and then the story finally just, worked.

All and all a solid year, full of talking nonperishable goods, jackass farmboys, mustachioed men, advances in optometrics, and, of course, floating pork chops.  Although neither of my pro-sales saw print in 2011, that just means I have a great head start on 2012 (with the goal for this coming year to pick up that all important third pro sale).

So, you’ re a busy guy (or gal) you say?  Only have the time (or willpower) to experience ‘Rich Matrunick 2011′ once?  Tough to choose between my children, but, I’ll always have a soft spot for “From Alexandra to Amberglow.” Hop on over and check it out.  Hope you like it.

Rich