A Long Shot / Happenings In The Outhouse 26-Jan-2024

Publishing, in the more traditional sense, is a long shot.

And publishing short stories is no exception.

I have been submitting short stories for the past 5-6 months to a certain publication, whose doors were opened to only those who contributed to their Kickstarter campaign.  For me, I knew it was a long shot but wanted both the feedback as well as the opportunity to push myself to write something that fit the guidelines.

So far, I have gotten feedback on a few.  No, none of my stories have been selected, but what's just as valuable is the feedback.

It's a long shot, and frankly that's okay.  I'm still going to keep writing and keep submitting.  This year I am setting goals of doing a lot more short stories.  I'll let you know what progress I'm making.

Four Years And Four Days

Four years and four days ago, I lost my first wife after a long debilitating illness.  It took me a year and a half to get the courage to try my hand at dating again (the pandemic certainly didn't help).  I didn't know if that's what God's plan was--and I was prepared either way.

I prayed long and hard, and wouldn't you know it, God gave me another chance at love.

Today, after a very short engagement, I will once again marry my best friend, my most trusted confidante, my true love.

I love you, Melissa!  Thank you for making my life great again, as we build a life together!

Big News / Happenings In The Outhouse 19-Jan-2024

Keeping this one short today.

I have a big announcement coming up tomorrow.  It's a personal announcement, not a writing one.

Stay tuned . . .

The Time For Your Craft / Happenings In The Outhouse 12-Jan-2024

I set my alarm at 6am every morning.  Well, not on the weekends, but during the week I do.

But I still write, no matter the day of the week.

We all feel like we're running a rat race these days, not knowing which way is up.  But if you are serious about your craft--whatever that craft is; in my case it's writing so that's what I'll use--you will make the time for it.  Even if you don't feel like it, carve out the time.  Even a few minutes here and there is good, although if you're serious, you'll want to set aside the time.

Lessons Learned From Hell's Kitchen / Happenings In The Outhouse 05-Jan-2024

My girlfriend and I have been watching the Gordon Ramsey show Hell's Kitchen for the past few months.  We started with the latest two seasons, 19 and 20, then went back to the beginning.  It is interesting to see how the show has evolved over the years, season after season.

Now, full disclosure, my girlfriend has already seen most seasons of the show, and loves to see my reaction to who eventually wins each season when she knew typically about halfway through the season.  We are currently on season 10, and there are things I notice that each contestant of the show should learn.

Keep in mind, it's a reality TV show, which means it's not real.  Not reality.  Many things are set up for entertainment purposes, so a lot of the drama and back-stabbing I get is not real.

I wrote a blog post almost twelve years ago that delved into this very topic, about learning by watching TV.

Now, what we have learned so far is this:

First: never talk back to Gordon Ramsey.  Never.  No matter what.  Trust me, you'll regret it if you do.

Second: learn to take criticism.  He will call you every name in the book, but you should never take it personally.  He is testing you, to see how well you can take criticism.

Third: work hard and communicate.

Fourth: if you lost a certain challenge and need to do some awful task, do it with dignity and stop complaining.  All you're doing is making yourself look like a whiny prick if you do.  Also, when someone wins a challenge, be happy for them and keep working.

Fifth: if you win a challenge, it doesn't mean you are the absolute best.  And do not gloat over you winning the challenge.

Sixth: tell the truth.  Ramsey wants to hear the truth, short and sweet.

Seventh: stop victim blaming.  The reason a dish or dinner service didn't go as planned is just as much your fault as others.  Take it in the chin and move on.

Eighth: if something isn't the best, do not send it up to Ramsey.  Meaning, if you know something is under or overcooked, tell him immediately.  Communicate!

I'm sure there will be others that come up, but these are the top eight I can think of at the moment.  Now take these lessons into the rest of your life.

P.S.: Rest In Peace Petrozza.