Sometimes, no matter how hard one tries to deny something, the universe conspires to beat them over the head with an undeniable message. I'm a writer. No matter how hard I try not to be, I keep getting told that I am--damned it all to hell--a writer.

Over the last couple of weeks I read the blog entry by David De Beer (scroll to the bottom) about my story, "The Man Behind the Curtain."

Then, today, I found out my story, "Ten With a Flag," was voted as the fourth favorite story of the year by Interzone readers.

So, I guess it's like I've always thought but never really believed: It's about the readers, not the reviews. I've gotten more joy out of these two shout-outs than I have any rave review.

It's time to pick up my pen again.

Because I'm a writer that readers seem to enjoy.

Shit.

Joseph Haines, signing off from The Edge of the Abyss.