“The longest journey begins with a single step.” No, that’s not a Jane Austen quote.  But it came to mind when I thought about announcing a small triumph on my road to writing success.  *trumpet fanfare* Both the stories I submitted to the “Bad Austen” short story contest (for parodies related to Jane Austen’s work) have been accepted for publication!  *more trumpet fanfare*  It’s not the most prestigious honor in the writing world, but it’s a baby step in the right direction – maybe two baby steps, since there are two stories.

So by November, if not before, Shannon Winslow will have her name in print at last!  The world will read how Miss Dashwood Gets Down and Dirty to tackle her rival in the arena of romance, and discover the secret origins of a super hero in Woman of Wonder.

I’m sure Jane Austen was a quicker study, but it’s supposed to take most authors something like 500,000 words (the length of 5 average novels) before they really get a handle on how to write.  If that counts all the stuff you edit out and throw away, I past that point long ago.  Even if it means finished work, I’m well on my way – 3 completed novels plus a growing collection of short stories.

The quote below (from chapter 28 of Pride and Prejudice) speaks of a carriage trip to Hunsford Elizabeth Bennet undertook to visit her friend Charlotte Collins, and another she planned to make later with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. 

Every object in the next day’s journey was new and interesting to Elizabeth; and her spirits were in a state for enjoyment; for she had seen her sister looking so well as to banish all fear for her health, and the prospect of her northern tour was a constant source of delight. 

I chose this quote for today because it reminds me that half the pleasure is in the journey.  I don’t have to wait until I get where I’m going (or even to 500,000 words) to enjoy the adventure of writing.  That started with word one.