Short Stories

So, while I am in the process of writing my book, I feel that it is a good idea to start writing some short stories to be published in various magazines, so that when the time comes for me to submit my book to publishers, I will have previously published works in the market for them to not only read, but so that I will be taken more seriously as an author. I also would like to become part of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, which is a group for published writers of the science fiction and fantasy genres. To be eligible for their Associate Membership, you must have at least one published work, novel or short story. To be eligible for their full membership, what they call Active Membership, you must have a published book or three published short stories (equaling a certain amount of money, with a certain amount of words and be paid at a certain amount per word). So, I'm hoping that during my writing process I can become an active member as well, so that I will have as much reference available for when I send my book for publishing.

Research...

So, I knew this day would come, but that doesn't mean I have to like it! Here comes the research stage for my book... I will have to research historical times of various countries to be able to create a complete world that is believable. I need to learn how structures were built, various trade crafts, the ways of life, the ways of the political and religious system of the time, and all that jazz. I'm not saying it is not necessary, but that doesn't mean I have to like it... blah... that's what it is. As soon as I know I have to do something, I inevitably shy away from it. I need to just buckle down and do it... humph...