4 rejections, which means 4 pieces went right back out again. in the meantime, 2200 words of that new story for the call “julie” was too long for (say that 5 times fast), and i’m about halfway through the arc as outlined. writing to spec, and didn’t i just say i wasn’t going to do that anymore? the needle of my compass wobbles and spins. but i feel strangely, grimly compelled to meet this submission deadline. i can write something under 7000 words. i will write this story. i will. i will.