You see that there? Yes, up there. 👆🏻 That’s a BOOK! And I’m an AUTHOR IN IT! 😃 Read on to find out more!
So far, this spring has been a whirlwind of writerly things. In between writing the bigs, I write smalls. Namely micro and flash fiction stories in various genres that I then submit for either regular publication in various online literary mags, or in competitions.
Doing so ups the amount of rejections that an author would typically receive on novels alone, but I thoroughly enjoy the challenge that micro and flash fiction give, and it’s exciting to enter them into contests or even for regular publication.
In March, I had two pieces accepted by two different online publications. One being HUMMINGBIRD on Paragraph Planet, a website that’s been publishing 75-word stories every day since the fall of 2008. The other is CRIMSON MEMORIES on Eucalyptus and Rose Literary Magazine, a (now defunct) online publication that seeks heartwarming stories. Both of these were accepted within a day or two of each other, and I was THRILLED. There are also links to both on my Short Stories section in the menu above.
A third story of mine has been awarded second place in a competition run by Glittery Literary, a literary organization (also now defunct) dedicated to reduce child poverty in the UK, where they’re based, by donating proceeds to various children’s charities. Who doesn’t want to help with that, right? I was absolutely floored to learn that I made it to the shortlist, and a couple days later, I found out my “shimmering short story” had been awarded second place!
This means that my wee story about a little boy and his frog is published online AND in e-book and paperback! It will also soon be recorded it @GlittLitt’s state-of-the-art recording studio and made available for streaming from anywhere! You can read LOST AND FOUND in the book here and since their blog is now defunct, you can read the story below.
In the novel side of things, I’m wrapping up some final editor-advised revisions to THE LIES HE TOLD ME. I have an agent waiting to read it already! I’m also participating in some upcoming pitch events on Twitter. If you see my pitches for #PitDark on May 20 or #PitMad on June 4, I would love a retweet if you could! 🙏🏻
Research for my upcoming pirate/poet/Portugal action/adventure trilogy has stalled because I’ve been so busy prepping my LIES manuscript for querying, but it still simmers there on the back burner of my mind. I’ve done some outlining and continue to study Portuguese (I’m on a 94 day streak now). I can’t wait to get started on it.
I have a couple of ideas for new thrillers/suspense novels as well. So much to look forward to!
This has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride so far this year, and it’s not even half over yet. I’m working so hard to improve my craft, taking courses and workshops and attending conferences. Participating in contests. Reading craft books. Getting critiques from agents and other professionals. Taking my writing to the next level. I’ve found editing to be a most enjoyable task, and I especially love editing/critiquing others’ work. (Have I maybe missed a calling?) I have a wonderful new writing group, amazing critique partners, and have made some awesome friends in the writing community, especially on Twitter. I wouldn’t be where I am today without everyone’s support and advice. It’s also a place where I can connect with others and offer the same in return. Look for my daily questions/prompts with the hashtag #kfoxxdaily where I encourage engagement with other writers.
I also really appreciate you for stopping by to read my blog! 💜
LOST AND FOUND (© Kathleen Foxx)
“Found it!” Gabe’s blue eyes light up like stars as he happily struts toward me, arms outstretched protectively. “Where was it?” I ask. “Over there.” His blonde head tilts toward a giant boulder in the shallow stream, mossy and damp with age. We are surrounded by mighty giants, their deep green canopy a shelter from the overcast sky. The air is teeming with humidity as clouds prepare for release. Gabe presents his clasped hands, a small green nose protruding between his thumb and index finger. My brows furrow as I study the markings. “You’re sure that’s the one?” “I’m sure,” he says. He leans into me and looks up with innocence, whispering, “I asked him if his name was George. He croaked and told me it was.” Turning away, Gabe’s yellow boots splash toward the shore, grinding pebbles in his wake. His pin-straight hair bounces with each step, and there’s an electricity running through the atmosphere, making some strands stick straight out. Sometimes I think it’s him who is electrifying, and not the world around him. Children seem to have this secret knowledge that adults are not privy to. He accepts the most logical truth as he sees it, simple as that. My heart bursts with wonder and pride. Although I’m not certain my son recovered the same frog he lost, he is entirely certain, and that’s good enough for me.
More updates to come… stay tuned!
Kathleen Foxx || Author || Editor || Podcast Host 