Weekly Goals - November 29, 2011

Well, as expected, the holiday weekend tended to get in the way of the writing production. So, hopefully this week will allow me to near completion of my short story so I can stick with work on the novel during December.

Results for this week:

1. 0 words (vs. goal of 1000) on Resurrection
2. 1100 words (vs. goal of 1000) on "Temptation"

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. 1000 words on Resurrection
2. 1000 words on my new short story "Temptation"

Aston West
novels
short stories
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SFFS: An Excerpt from "Shadow World"

After taking a week off, I'm back again with another excerpt for this week's Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday. I'm once again digging into the first draft barrel, with a little short story I'm hoping to sneak into a future installment of the Triple-Shots (and if you don't know what that is, head on over and check out the first one). All of the warnings about first draft material aside, hope you enjoy this excerpt from my Aston West short story (tentatively titled) "Shadow World":

The central figure of the three stepped forward and called out, “You brought the goods?”

“Sure did.”

“Show us."

Salty sweat covered my lips as I responded, “Show me the money first.”

He grimaced, which made me think things were about to go south. I glanced back at my ship, doubtful that even sprinting, I’d make it without getting shot.

His voice caught my attention once more. “We figured you might be a bit more distrusting, once we got word about your dealings with Angelika.”

I froze at the name of a blue-skinned black marketer, the same profession these three presumably were. Her double-crosses had been countered by my own, more than a few times.

So, if you enjoyed it (or not), leave a comment...I like interacting with folks.

Weekly Goals - November 22, 2011

Well, it took all the time to get it done, but met all the goals this week...have a feeling that there will be little work done over this coming holiday weekend, though I'll still shoot for a big end to the month.

Results for this week:

1. 1000 words (vs. goal of 1000) on Resurrection
2. 1000 words (vs. goal of 1000) on "Temptation"
3. Plotted a new story, "Demons Within"

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. 1000 words on Resurrection
2. 1000 words on my new short story "Temptation"

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

Weekly Goals - November 15, 2011

Sadly, didn't hit my swing until just yesterday, and was unable to meet all the goals this past week. So, hopefully things will continue to push along toward the end.

Results for this week:

1. 0 words (vs. goal of 1500) on Resurrection
2. 1000 words (vs. goal of 1000) on "Temptation"
3. Have a title, but couldn't come up with one aspect of the plot that didn't seem like a rip-off of something else...

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. 1000 words on Resurrection
2. 1000 words on my new short story "Temptation"
3. Develop a plot for one new short story

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

SFFS - An Excerpt from "Samaritan"http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Well, since I've given excerpts from the other two stories in my latest Triple-Shot of Aston West, I figure it's time to put of the third for this week's Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday installment. So, hopefully everyone will enjoy this sampling from my brand new story "Samaritan":

Gut feeling is something you should never dismiss. This is something I’d come to realize through life. Whether or not I trusted my own instincts, they were always right in the end.

When I stumbled upon the craft I saw before me, my gut was telling me to run. And I, like a fool, didn’t trust the direction it gave me.

My ship’s computer Jeanie attempted to join forces with my instinct, her voice carrying over the internal speakers. “This situation does not compute.”

If you liked this excerpt, be sure to head over and pick up my new Triple-Shot (a three-story e-book for under a buck) over at Amazon or Smashwords.

Weekly Goals - November 8, 2011

Well, I was finally able to break the slump, thanks to a well-timed visit to one of my previously-mentioned sanctuary spots (and a well-flavored Jamocha shake). So, the goals were met this week, and now that I've pushed myself over the edge on putting out Aston West Triple-Shots, it's time to pump up some goals on the short story front again.

Results for this week:

1. 1500 words (vs. goal of 1500) on Resurrection
2. Completed (and have you seen it?)

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. 1000 words on Resurrection
2. 1000 words on my new short story "Temptation"
3. Develop a plot for one new short story

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

Triple-Shots of Aston West

So, if you've checked out the last two SFFS excerpts here on the blog, you have a leg up on everyone else. And if you haven't, get on over and read excerpts from "Dead Man's Forge" and "Ever Dark".

So, now that everyone's up to speed, I'd like to introduce a brand new series we're kicking off with the Aston West universe: Triple-Shots of Aston West, a trio of short stories, all in one e-book for under a buck. The first Triple-Shot is now out, including "Ever Dark", "Samaritan" and the feature story "Dead Man's Forge".

And big thanks to the wonderful cover artist TK Toppin for the great work on the Triple-Shots cover art:


So, get out there and buy a copy (currently up at Smashwords, with the Amazon edition and others coming shortly). Check out three great stories for under a buck, and be sure to check back often for new stories.

SFFS - An Excerpt from "Dead Man's Forge"

Whew! Had a busy week around the house this week, and almost forgot (again) to get signed up in time for Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday, but just got in under the wire. I posted an excerpt from "Ever Dark" last week, and this week I'm going to put out a snippet from my upcoming short story "Dead Man's Forge":

His body convulsed and jerked around, while workers attempted to stabilize him. He didn’t look much older than me and I wasn’t sure if he was even conscious.

The girl, on the other hand, didn’t have any of the same symptoms. She screamed at the top of her lungs, then reached back toward the other pod occupant. “Daddy, I want Mommy!” The young thing sank into a coughing fit, bringing her to silence.

My heart sank as I watched the mob race across to another clay building. The girl had been sent with her dying father, and her mother had been left inside the mountain. My temporary companion sighed and started back for his bar. “Shame for the kid the pods only carry two.”

If you liked this excerpt, be sure to keep an eye out for my upcoming triple-shot short story collection, which I'll be announcing on this blog as well as my main site. And of course, for those who can't wait, check out all sorts of free stories under the Shorts section of AstonWest.com.

Weekly Goals - November 1, 2011

Well, unfortunately between hospital visits and other excitement, nothing at all was completed this past week on my own writing. Did get some reading done, and some editing for a friend (and some re-formatting for another), so not a complete loss I suppose.

Results for this week:

1. 0 words (vs. goal of 1500) on Resurrection

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. 1500 words on Resurrection
2. Put together my first triple-shot short story collection.

Submission status for the week:

Short stories:
"Collateral" (since May 23)

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals