Hello everyone,

I hope you’re all well, and your writing is moving along at whatever pace suits you.

Since my last post, I’ve progressed concerning potential markets that I could target for publication. Just a small amount, but it’s something. I have found a number of different websites that look like possibilities. The two I have looked into are https://moonflowerbooks.co.uk/ and Fantasy Magazine – From Modern Mythcraft to Magical Surrealism (http://www.fantasy-magazine.com)

Moonflowerbooks.

Fantasy-Magazine.

I’ve conducted some initial research into the types of stories they publish. Both publish short stories and novels. At present, Fantasy Magazine appears to be a better option. But, even if I don’t use either of them, I have enjoyed the research. I’ve been reading the stories available on their websites and getting to grips with their identity and how to submit to them.

I have found it interesting that they both have a different level of detail within their submission pages. Fantasy Magazine provides a lengthy description of what they want to see. It’s very honest, and I knew what they were after straight away. Moonflower, however, is simple and half the length but gets its message across. I’ll more than likely review both again to make sure they are still possible options.

After doing the research above, I have moved along with a goal of mine for 2022. To edit the stories I have written for my Short Story Course assignments and post them on this here blog for your kind eyes to read and review. I have seven stories in total, with each in a different genre. As they are short, the edits aren’t taking as long, which I’m grateful for. Although I know and embrace the editing part of the writing process, the shorter the story, the happier I am. I have many a novel that needs editing. I’m not looking forward to them. Well, I am just not as much. That’ll change when I actually get round to it. It always does.

However, editing these stories will give me a decent warm-up for the bigger challenges. Well, in theory anyway.

And with all this going on, I have managed to finish reading my current book and the third in the Embers of Wars Trilogy by Gareth L. Powell, Light of Impossible Stars.

Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Sci-Fi and, in particular, Space Opera. My favourite is ‘Fleet of Knives. I always enjoy the second in any trilogy, or film for that matter, because I can get stuck in. No need for introductions. The first book took care of that. I can just get right into the story.

Before I started reading these fine books (Embers of War Trilogy- Books | Gareth L. Powell (garethlpowell.com)), I’d never heard of a space opera. Or knew what one was, really. Following this trilogy, I am definitely a fan. I’m on the lookout for more of the same.

With this in mind, I have a double-barrelled question for you.

If you were to recommend a space opera novel, what would it be and why?

Thanks for your time and happy writing!