Shortest Neil Gaiman Story Ever? and Blogfests!

inda trying something nuts this weekend...

NaNo validations start tomorrow, so I've gotten it into my head to try to finish NaNo early.

The sooner I get the last few thousand words, the sooner I can tweak the opening pages of Out of the Water, based on feedback, and return to querying. Which was the other half of my ROW80 goal...

Is anyone else finding all sorts of unexpected twists in their stories as they barrel through NaNo? So far I've had a rival love interest, a merchant with busy hands, a ball and a moonlit boat ride, a duel, and a raid by soldiers, all on the path to trying to get my hero and heroine to the altar. I'm that close. If Santiago wins the duel, everything might be okay for him and Mawdlen...

By the way, if you care about libraries, help support the Save Newcastle Libraries campaign.

Hey, look at this! I stumbled on a super short Neil Gaiman story.

I have to confess, I can't quite follow the plot:

"Untitled by Neil Gaiman

It's lonely where I live, an old house a long way from anywhere. That's why I got a dog. He keeps me company.

Last night the moon was full, and it cast shadows. We took a short-cut through the woods, into the meadow beyond. I let him off-leash to run. He came back holding something.

"Drop it," I ordered, and he did. I felt sick.

Somebody behind me said, "That's mine. Don't turn around."

Then the shadow beside mine was gone, and my dog whimpered in the moonlight."

Listen to the story here, along with an interview, and stories by other authors.

Some fun events coming up!

First, on 2 and 3 December there's Trisha's Baby Faces Blogfest:

Post a photo of yourself as a baby; and/or

Tell us a story about when you were a baby (even if you can't remember it yourself, you've probably heard one or two from your family).

There's also the very exciting Cheers, Cavanaugh Blogfest from 10 to 12 December. Already raising a glass in a toast!

And then, of course, on 14 December there's Hobbitfest! Hosted by M. Pax and Tyrean Martinson:

Here're the questions I have to answer:

What is your favourite hobbit characteristic or the one that you think closely resembles you?

If you could choose between a scrumptious second breakfast and a perilous unexpected journey – which would you prefer?

Have you ever left behind something on a journey (expected or unexpected) and wished you could have it over and over again? (a pocket handkerchief?)

What is your favourite part or quote from the book that you hope will be in the movie?

I've already gotten my tickets to see the movie in the middle of the day on the Monday after the release. Assigned seats, thankfully!

Don't forget to sign up on the linky links! Anyone have other events they're participating in?