Wish me luck: I'm submitting a short story to three publications.  They buy first time serial rights, they accept multiple submissions, and they seem amenable to the kind of absurdist fiction I like to write.

Never done this before.  I researched four Web sites on how to compose a cover letter for short fiction--they didn't agree with each other, so I assimilated the core information and estimated a reasonable margin for personal interpretation.  One congratulatory lunch (pasta and a large glass of wine) later, I'm geared up for the frigid weather and am about to bus to the Loop Station post office, which is unparalleled for speed and efficacy in delivering material.  I'm sure this will be the first of many such trips, but it's my first so I'm making a Thing about it.

In other news: I highly recommend Carlo Rossi sangria, for writers.  It comes in a huge jug with a handle (that's responsible) and it has a sterner, thicker taste--real sangria reminds me of anti-freeze.  Plus... the dog bites, if you know what I mean.