After thirteen rejection slips since returning from my writing workshop this September, finally, a positive.

Received an e-mail from an editor (magazine unnamed as I am a superstitious bastard as far as my writing goes) stating the following:

"Joseph,

"I don't like to go too long without updating writers on their stories.

"I like your story the most of all those I've received this reading period. It's on the top of my short list for the February issue. I will contact you with a final answer in the beginning of January."

Now, that's better. A sale would be a great way to start the year. And better yet, this is the story that my old critique group called offensive.

Vindication is sweet.

Joseph Haines, signing off from The Edge of The Abyss