What does it mean? (Sort of a meme, almost)

Yesterday, I had a discussion with a friend in which he mentioned that he had no idea what the title of my blog meant (and hadn't thought it polite to ask.)

So, a meme of sorts, in which I explain the title of my blog: In the Void

I have never worked in a field before that had such a dearth of feedback. As a buyer, I could tell if my decisions worked within a day or two of the merchandise hitting the floor. I had sales figures every day, and summaries every week and month. As a teacher, the students made it clear whether you were successful or not. As a writer? Who knows?

My friend was commenting on the fact that he hadn't received any response for 10 days, either rejection or acceptance. I responded that I hadn't heard anything since December 6--more like 40 days. As I am queen of the long-term sub (487, 449, 173, 120 days), I don't hear anything for....well, sometimes over a year. So I often feel like I'm working in a void, hence the title.

There you go, that's it.

ETA: And my friend's page? The Really Interesting People Self-explanatory.

In other news, I did learn that "Masks of War" was nominated for the WSFA Small Press Award. This story ran in Fantasy Magazine back in July, and I'm extremely pleased that it evoked a response ;o) Also, grayrose76's story "Geddarien" was also nominated. Since the noms are open for a while, I suspect that a lot of excellent stories will end up in the running, but I was honored just to have my baby nominated. ;o)

And I did learn where all the money in publishing goes. It's apparently to editorial assistants and the digital marketing departments.

I smell...

....like wormwood.

Just spent two hours at my first 'spring' cut back, filling up two big blues and a roughneck with garden cuttings. Got all five wormwoords (which is why I smell), one of the Japanese vareigated grasses, the primary patch of TG&S chrysanthemums, the remains of the Glad bed, and various other things than needed cleaning. I still have a long way to go before spring, but the trash cans are full, so I'm done for this week.

Silly plants. I noticed that the daffodils, grape hyacinths, and hyacinths are making a go for it. Also several of the perennials are putting on green, including some of the ornamental grasses. Pansies are blooming. Evidently they all think our winter is over. Silly plants.