It's been a long time coming, but two days ago I hit another milestone—two hundred placements. Australian e-mag Etherea will be featuring a reprint of my “Middle Stars” outing “The One that is All,” and I look forward to their always-spectacular layouts.
When I began this adventure, just over seven years ago, ten placements seemed a long way off, and I remember my elation to hit a hundred. Two hundred leaves me feeling more professional, or at least more accomplished, yet if I consider my income-potential in proportion to the volume and effort, I would be kidding myself to think that.
Instead, I'll see it as a punctuation pointing a long journey. At my current rate of placement, I would expect to see the three hundred mark in about three years, but it's clear that simple volume of acceptance does not open doors at the top end of the market. I have fewer pro placements now than I did five years ago. Instead of trying to find that magical portal, I would sooner go sideways into novels, and of course that's what's happening with a release due later in the year—more about that when we go to contract!
For now I'm going to enjoy this personal milestone, take a moment to reflect, and recharge the batteries for the next challenge—more stories, ongoing marketing, and watching carefully for the main chance to go long-form whenever it comes along.
Cheers,
Mike Adamson
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