Hi, readers!
I thought I’d try something new. I thought I'd share a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most recent short stories, I’ve written, called Before it Snows (and if you ever read it, you'll know why I chose this title). This story was written in response to a Call for Submission and is set in a future where human and alien civilizations have collided and are trying to build celestial common ground. Sort of.
I'm hoping it will read well enough to be included in an anthology. Actually, that's what a Call for Submission is -- an editor or publisher asking for writers to submit, in this case, genre short stories for their consideration.
A World Locked in Quiet Conflict
The setting of Before it Snows is an aging military pin ship, Thunderhead 1007, orbiting a terrestrial planet named Kall. This world, with its silvery-green broadleaf trees and nearly teal grass, is as beautiful as it is troubled.
There’s tension between the alien races -- the Seraphinx and the Taurax -- on Kall. Trying to get to the truth of what’s really happening on the planet drives the narrative, and so I built in stark contrast between the natural beauty of the world and the violence that threatens it.
Building the Snow Characters
At the heart of Before it Snows are characters shaped by their unique experiences and the harsh realities of the Interstellar environment.
Master Sergeant Erica Pierce is the main here, and is a figure of strength and resilience. But she also embodies the tension between military discipline and her own brand of deep-seated compassion. I’d have to say her journey is a very secretive one, not simply focused on external truths, but on inner convictions. So, Erica's leadership is pivotal in this one. She gets to navigate the rules of inter-species diplomacy, weather political niceties, and know beyond a shadow of a doubt the brutal realities of conflict. The lucky girl!
But at least she's not alone in the struggle.
Also on the Thunderhead
The crew of the pin ship, Thunderhead, is varied, but the story demonstrates the strong connections between women who rise up the ranks of the military. As is the experience of many women in male dominated environments, their path has been harder, and it has brought them together.
Sergeant Garcia, or Prints, is nervy, anxious, and unwaveringly loyal. Her nickname reflects a nervous habit she has and points at the personal struggles a lot of people face beneath their composed exterior. Prints is all about quiet strength and persistence that often goes unnoticed but is vital in any team dynamic.
Specialist Spark, or Sparky, is a gifted technologist. She’s underestimated due to her young appearance, but Sparky’s expertise in cyber warfare and hacking is chef's kiss. Her banter with her colleagues, especially with the translator, Jamal Brooks, may lighten the tone of the story, but her contributions are far from trivial, trust me.
Gunnery Sergeant Noor Bajaj is a blast! Because she has a background in artillery and that gives her a gruff exterior, at the same time she understands the human cost of conflict. Her ability to gather intelligence demonstrates her resourcefulness. She’s a true peer to Erica.
Specialist Eve Drakos is a standout character, and her journey is one of the most dramatic in the story, even if it develops later in the narrative. She's a rule-breaker, and, let's just say, especially adapted for missions in space. Her story is one of physical and psychological transformation. Her fierce loyalty to Erica makes her quite an ally.
Why I think the Story has legs
Because it’s me writing, Before it Snows is more than a tale of military manoeuvres and alien encounters. It’s about sacrifices made in the name of duty, moments of humanity that shine through even in dark situations, and taking a stand. A sneaky stand.
The camaraderie in this story, and the cast’s unwavering commitment to doing what's right, even when faced with insurmountable odds, is what makes this story work for me, and operate on a deeper level. But, in truth it's a military scifi... caper, a sort of Ocean's 8 in outer space.
I hope that strikes them as new and interesting!
Wish me Good Luck!
As I mentioned, I'm trying to get Before it Snows included in an anthology. It may be possible, because the scenes are crisp, the pacing pulls readers along, and the ensemble cast makes story sing. Well, in my opinion! I love how each character brings their separate skills to the table like puzzle pieces. That results in a richly layered narrative that I hope will work for some of the writers judging my submission, and -- if the story is chosen -- with readers.
For now, Before it Snows, is waiting for its time to shine before a panel of judges (one of which has a couple of Hugos -- I joke you not). I hope they find it as compelling to read as it was for me to write. Because there is so much competition, and because my work is a relative unknown to these judges, we'll have to roll the dice and see.
But a girl's just gotta try!
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