I want this to be the year I complete two short stories (instead of just one) and start submitting. I have only submitted one story to one magazine and have received zero rejection/acception letters to date. I want those numbers to change.

I’m off to a good start, came up with a decent story idea the other day and started writing it. The idea involves a man who knows exactly how many times he’s going to do something, such as going to the bathroom, eating at a restaurant, visiting his parents, etc. At first it was a kind of life insurance, and he’s used that gift to his advantage over the years by becoming a speculative investor. But, as the numbers are nearing zero, he starts becoming paranoid about when and how he’s going to die.

A friend of mine started writing a novel, too. I’ve been watching him blaze away at the pages and I’m inspired. I asked him if he’d mind if I joined him, not as a collaboration effort, but just as two writers tapping away at their keyboards. He agreed. I believe we’ll be getting together at some point this weekend. Should be interesting because I’ve never sat down to write around other writers before. This could be just the drug I need.