Samhain just posted a call for a space opera anthology. It's like a dare: So you think you can write science fiction? Yeah, well, if you try it here, we'll tell you if it's worthwhile in just three weeks! (I know; it would just mean that particular editor didn't feel it was right for her, but no dare is phrased rationally.)
Of course an idea popped into my head, and I've calculated how many words I need to write each day to make the deadline. Thankfully my insanely busy schedule will be letting up soon. But do I really want to cast aside all my current works-in-progress to dedicate the next few months to this one new sprout? I could take my time on it and find a home for my leisurely written, tautly honed space opera elsewhere later. Writing for anthologies might be great for inspiration, but it doesn't seem sustainable for a career. (Plus, I'm still waiting to see the editorial fallout for my rush in submitting "Summer-set.")
We'll see how it goes. The siren call of one of my other works might draw me away from the shiny new story seed once it's lost some luster.
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