I've had this convo multiple times with people, but I am always fascinated by the answers - what is something beyond the obvious that is on your bucket list?
Answers I've had that have surprised me:
1. Have a story translated
2. Have a story narrated/issued in audio
3. Have a story inspire the magazines cover art
4. Qualify for SFWA
5. Be asked to sign a book
6. Be recognized out of the blue
7. Have someone write fanfic based on my fiction
8. Movie Deal
9. Publish non-fiction
10. See your book in your local library
11. Have a launch party
12. Have husband actually read something I wrote (ouch!)
13. Receive Fan mail
14. Co-author a novel
For me it's fairly low-level. I would love to be specifically in Beneath Ceaseless Skies one day, just because I like their aesthetic. And sure there's all the regular ones like actually publish a novel etc, but I always think it's more interesting what people's more quirky versions of "this would be special" or "this would mean I've really made it" are.
Anyone else?
"...your motivations for wanting to write are probably complex. You may have a few great passions, you may want to be rich and famous, and you may need therapy."
- Dave Farland, Million Dollar Outlines
"...I also miss almost 100% of the shots I do take."
- Gideon Smith
Writers of the Future:
2026 Q1: R Q2: HM Q3: P Q4: P
2025 Q1: HM Q2: SHM Q3: HM Q4: HM (resub of 2024 HM)
2024 Q1: F Q2: HM Q3:SHM Q4: SHM
2023 Q1: RWC Q2: SHM Q3: SHM Q4: R
2022 Q4: R
Submissions to other markets:
2026: 37 submitted 2 acceptances
2025: 163 submitted 10 acceptances
2024: 53 submitted 8 acceptances
2023: 74 submitted 13 acceptances
2022: 22 submitted 1 acceptance
2026 goals: a. 2025 Novel submitted to agents/publishers b. Draft 0 of a new novel c. Speak at a con on panels d. Write 3 serious shorts NOT for WOTF e. Submit something, somewhere, every month
- Win WoF
- Publish an anthology of my own short stories
- Publish a novel
- Have a short story narrated by Ray Porter
- Transition to writing full-time
- Have a reader be so engrossed in one of my stories that they ask me a question so niche that I'm finally able to share all the applicable but untold lore and worldbuilding details just to provide them with a satisfactory answer
Writers of the Future stats:
2026 V43: Q1 - HM, Q2 - RWC, Q3 - In-Progress
Stories published in:
Raconteur Press Anthology - Pogue, Too
Raconteur Press Anthology - Crashed Landings
1. Have a novel published (even if I do it myself).
Because the true #1 coolest thing ever would be to spot a stranger reading my book. I've imagined this scenario, so to have it happen would be the absolute best. I'm sure I would be more thrilled to meet them than they I, but whatever, I would absolutely interrupt them to introduce myself.
Suppose that's more of a dream list than bucket list, because I can't make that happen. Ish. Well, I could get my freekin' book(s) published, right? Make my own luck, etc.
2. Have a novel traditionally published (still holding out hope for this one).
That's it for now because I want to fill either of those buckets before putting down new ones. Or some such image...
Career: 1x Win -- 2x NW-F -- 2x S-F -- 9x S-HM -- 11x HM -- 7x R
Like me: facebook/Dustinite
- Non writing - watch an Olympic game in person.
- Write and publish a novel.
Small steps add up to miles.
5 R, 5 RWC, 11 HM, 1 SHM
"Amore For Life" in After the Gold Rush Third Flatiron Anthology
"Freedom’s Song” in Troubadour and Space Princesses LTUE Anthology
”Through the Eyes of a Canine” in 1632 & Beyond Issue 18 to be released July 1, 2026
"Raise readers' standards."
There is too much demand for their attention. And anytime demand is up, so too does its price tag rise. As such, I think readers are being far too generous with their attention. I think they should demand more for it. Because if they did, AI wouldn't be making such a fuss.
So, that's my goal: Get readers to demand more for their attention.
Hey, when it comes to shooting for the moon, I've upped the caliber of round that I'm sending it's direction. Hopefully, assuming that I hit my mark, I don't convert an otherwise full moon into a crescent. 🤣
