Tales From Burkeland: Tale Thirteen
As 2026 begins, it’s unseasonably warm in Southern Indiana, but I still can’t help thinking that a new year is like a wooded trail covered in fresh fallen snow. Pristine. White like a blank page. Glittering with opportunities to forge your path. While I am leaving lots of room to roam in 2026, I do have my trail map—er, goals— to guide me.
Last year’s trail weaved through the journey of figuring out my writing processes and routines. This year, I’m wearing that trail deep into the ground. I want more time in my writing chair drafting. Here are my main goals to accomplish that.
- Complete six new microfictions.
- Write four new short stories, or two short stories and one novella.
- Outline the first book of The Heirs Saga and draft to the midpoint.
I’m going to forge a new trail to story submissions. I’ve been playing it small here to avoid the highs and lows that come with sending a story out and receiving a rejection in return. But I can’t build a career that way. Rejection is part of this gig, and it’s time to boldly submit. I’ve got three goals to change that.
- Submit to Writers of the Future twice.
- Submit to two other contests or submission calls.
- Submit a story for reprint.
Of course, author life isn’t all writing and submitting stories (surprised? I was!). This is where I’ve left my room to roam. As they come up, I’ll take classes to improve my craft and attend author signings and book events. Catch me at Life, the Universe, and Everything in Provo, Utah next month! And be on the lookout on my socials and in the Tales from Burkeland newsletter for additional event announcements.
If 2025 taught me anything, it’s that a year’s journey can take you more places than you imagined. Let’s see where the trail of 2026 leads.
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What you missed in this month’s newsletter:
From the Drafts: Work-in-Progress Quote
Quote of the Month
Myths and Magic: New Year Folklore
From My Shelf: Faeries Don’t Hide by T.F. Burke, book three in the Heart of the Worlds series