Just a reminder today is the last day for kudos on stories in the reader retention contest.

No matter where my story places, my thanks to all the people who kudoed it, all the authors who contributed, Melanie for creating the contest, and Erin for this fantastic site.

Just giving you guys a quick update on my writing:

I've almost got one story finished, its called "sympathetic magic", and I'm shooting for having it published by next weekend. I also have a mystery story underway, so stay tuned on that one.

Other than those two, I've been mulling over some ideas for my upcoming anniversary, not making a lot of progress.

Sorry, but a bout of PTSD plus being tired from Real Life (TM) has eaten away most of my writing spoons, so that I've had any writing done at all is a bit of a miracle, honestly.

Huggles to all who want one.

I wanted to share the story of my name change.

It all began not long after I began my transition, and discovered that if I wanted surgery, I would have to change my name. Which would have been difficult, because I was deep in debt, and didnt have the money it would take.

That changed when Walmart outsourced my department, and paid me out, giving me a about four thousand dollars.

With the money issue solved, I sent away to New Brunswick for a copy of my birth certificate, which I would need to start the ball rolling.

Well, I FINALLY got my modified birth certificate.
still says Male
but at least the name is right

I was looking at my account info the other day, and realized that in about 3 months, I will be celebrating my 10th anniversary of being a member here.

And so I've been thinking about how I might knowledge this milestone with a story.

Right now, I'm not sure what I might do. I've got one small piece almost finished that might help me avoid not having anything to share for the next three months, but beyond that ...

I could do something like Randalynn's "Convergence: when stories collide", but I'm not sure what stories would make the cut.

Since I finished my pathfinder story, I've rally been missing Tiffany, aka crazypagangurl, who was a big help in the making of the tale.

Rest in peace, my friend.

I have always suffered from Deja Vu. I don't know why, but I often feel like I'm repeating something that has already happened. I've even made a story about it: https://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/fiction/19220/falling

I wonder if its related to PTSD?

Life is so fragile, and so brief.

In late November Tiffany (aka crazypagangurl) passed away suddenly. Then, about a week ago, I got a phone call from a friend saying her wife had barely survived a health scare, and she was shaken to the core. Then one of my cousins tripped and fell and broke her shoulder, and was told a few inches difference she might have broken her neck instead. Now, Drea's wife has been taken from her.

What I'm saying is, tell the people you love that you love them. You never know when it will be the last time you speak to somebody.

I would like to talk about writing for a moment, if you guys dont mind.

See, I have a theory about my stories.

I dont think that writing is like a carpenter making a table, but rather like a woman giving birth.

For I believe my stories have a life of their own.

And my latest story is a good example of what I mean.

Because when I first conceived the idea, it was going to be a horror story.

Not sure if the problem is on my end or not, but I've notice that the cute picture that used to accompany my comments and replies seems to have gone. help, anybody?

The final part of "Solomon's Test" is up:

https://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/fiction/77420/solomons-test-p...

part 3 is up: https://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/fiction/77372/solomons-test-p...

I hope I'm not screwing myself by posting daily ...

part 1 of my contest entry is up! My plan is to publish every two days, and I hope you all like it!

Here it is!

https://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/fiction/77316/solomons-test

I fight a lot of nasties.

Today's nasty is called "Dorothy, you're a burden - when you aren't an outright hazard - to those who care about you. Best thing you could do for them would be go away or lock yourself up"

So if you got anything nice to say to me, today might be a good day to say it.

It is possibly ironic that on Christmas day I am sitting here writing a story about a gift - and a sacrifice.

Merry Christmas, everybody