Five Rules for Commuting to the Underworld

[mer]

My short story is up at Strange Horizons. It contains most of the things I love about the Underworld that I couldn't fit into The Herbalist's Apprentice The Princess Curse the whatever book. And because I couldn't even use the word damn in the book, the short story drops the f-bomb a lot.

Does anyone else do this? Write strange little stories that drain away the dregs of the things you otherwise might not let go of in your books? I only ask because I've done it twice now, for this and the Jane Eyre book. I don't know that it happened with The Bitter Road, but I also confess I didn't really have a process for that book, more a bull-headed determination, and who knows, maybe some other story of mine arose from that (I don't think so). Of course, I've written 3/4ths of a novel I am alternately calling The Perfect Prince(ss) and just Prince(ss) (entirely working titles), and no short stories have arisen. But I haven't gotten into the taking-out stage.

Anyway.

Comments

[mrissa.livejournal.com]

Heh. Um. Yes. I do that.

A lot.

[merriehaskell.livejournal.com]

Yay, not alone!

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

if someone with more godhead than you reneges on the deal, you will have to take it to arbitration sometime later.

Loved that line, loved that whole paragraph. The whole story was most enjoyable!

And yes, I do that too.

[merriehaskell.livejournal.com]

I think you might be my secret perfect reader. You always find stuff to love that surprises and delights me. :)

[hildebabble.livejournal.com]

Great story!

[merriehaskell.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[stephanieburgis.livejournal.com]

I really, really enjoyed "Five Rules"! And knowing that it's in any way related to The Book Whose Name is Unknown (much like Hades) makes me even more impatient for the book!

[merriehaskell.livejournal.com]

OMG, this is all Hades' fault!

LMAO.

Thank you for that!

[cathschaffstump.livejournal.com]

Well, I was amused.

Catherine

[merriehaskell.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[maeve-the-red.livejournal.com]

I must find time to go read your story (actually, I simply must find Time).

Yes, absolutely, my short stories contain the bits that don't fit into novels but need to be let out. I like the term 'pendant stories'. Makes them sound all precious and decorative.

[merriehaskell.livejournal.com]

That's a good term. *coopts it*

[maeve-the-red.livejournal.com]

I can't take credit for phrase 'pendant stories' - I heard it from Liz Holliday who taught me much of what I know - but it is a good one.

[maeve-the-red.livejournal.com]

... and I've now found time to read 'Five rules for Commuting to the Underworld' and enjoyed it very much. You keep on pointing out your stories, and I'll continue to do my best to read them, as they're worth making time for.

[dendrophilous.livejournal.com]

Loved the line about Harriet Tubman.

And no, or at least not yet.

[behindpyramids.livejournal.com]

I laughed so hard while reading your story! This was the bright spot of my week. Thanks for reminding me why I love reading.