I decided work on the Big Pulp short stories and The Enemy Within was going well enough I could take time to read over a couple of other short stories in hard copy (which is essential: When the words are there, printed out, and can’t be changed at the flick of a key, I find I think about them much more seriously).
Kernel of Truth looks really good. Some of the exposition needs trimming, but overall, it’s in good shape. I think maybe one more rewrite and I’ll be ready to brave editorial feedback.
Knell of Parting Day definitely has the structure, plot and characters in place—and believe me, it took a long time to get them there—but it needs more work. The horror scenes and action scenes feel too clunky; they need more flow and a lot more detail to work. But it’s on its way to completion.
